Introduction to the Humanities HUM 298A Fall 2015 Master s in Humanities Mount Saint Mary s University

Transcription

1 Introduction to the Humanities HUM 298A Fall 2015 Master s in Humanities Mount Saint Mary s University 8:00am 4:30pm Bldg. 4, Room TBD Dr. Ana V. Thorne Contact via athorne@msmu.edu Available before/after class, via /skype/appointment Class Meeting Dates (Sundays) September 13 September 27 October 11 November 1 November 15 December 6 REQUIRED TEXTS: Conde, Maryse. Segu. Penguin Books, ISBN: X. Paperback: 493 pages Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers, eds. The Bedford Handbook, 9 th edition. Bedford St. Martin s Press. ISBN: Part I, The Writing Process; Part II, Academic Reading and Writing. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet (Folger Library). Simon & Schuster, NY, ISBN: X. 342 pgs. Downloads Book VII, Allegory of the Cave. Accessible online at Plato s Apology. Accessible online at Logical Fallacies Handlist Accessible online at Available on Angel Course Site Twain, Mark. Corn-pone Opinions, Plummer, Thomas G. Diagnosing and Treating the Ophelia Syndrome. BYU Magazine, Handouts (distributed on first weekend) Global Scapes Close Reading Page 1

2 OVERVIEW Through an aesthetic and literary lens, this required course takes a trans-disciplinary approach to the theme of identity/search for identity that serves as a broad framework for reading and written assignments. This course develops a students understanding of the connection between current issues and those of other times, places, and cultures. The study of the disciplines that make up the Humanities help students discover and give meaning to culture and the shadow architecture that scaffolds modern world views. In addition, this class imparts the skills students need to organize and execute a major research project, from proposal to final thesis. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of the course, students will: Understand how the Humanities disciplines combine to create a unified perspective from which to view the continuous, dynamic and evolutionary human condition Develop critical and analytical thinking skills in preparation for entry into the larger Humanities dialogue Understand how to express ideas in a compelling way through a written, oral, or visual medium Understand how to prepare for the Capstone and thesis project Understand the components of academic professionalism FYI: Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes: Student learning is at the core of the MSMU mission. MSMU faculty developed a plan to the student-learning outcomes that represent the knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected of a Mount Saint Mary s University student. In this class, one or more student learning outcomes may be assessed. Some of our class assignments may be used to evaluate overall student learning and to improve teaching and learning in this class, this department, and throughout the University. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Read all assigned works and be prepared to discuss and write about each one. Please come to the first class having read the required reading for Weekend One. 200-word assignment due Weekend 2 (Humanities/Contemporary/Past) 200-word assignment due Weekend 3 (Ideas/Opinions/Authority Thesis Question & Research Bibliography due Weekend 4 Book Annotations & Thesis Abstract due Weekend word Close Reading; Testimonio/Testimonial Oral Presentation in class due Weekend 6 CLASS GUIDELINES Late assignments not accepted Assignments not accepted via All assignments turned in at the beginning of class on Sunday Assignments must follow format(s) and directions as given in class Page 2

3 METHOD OF EVALUATION: 200-word assignments (15 points each) Total 30 points Thesis Question (5 points) & Bibliography (10 points) Total 15 points Annotations (10 points) & Abstract (10 points) Total 20 points Close Reading Total 10 points Testimonio/Testimonial Total 10 points TOTAL: 100 POINTS WEEKEND ONE September 13, 2015 Book VII, Allegory of the Cave. Accessible online at Plato s Apology. Accessible online at In Class: Introductions Review Course Syllabus Academic Professionalism Defining the Humanities Documentary Film: Journey of Man: The Story of the Human Species Dr. Spencer Wells, 2003, 120 minutes 200-word assignment (Humanities/Past/Contemporary) DUE September 27 WEEKEND TWO September 27, 2015 Thomas Plummer Diagnosing and Treating the Ophelia Syndrome (accessible via Angel course site/lessons) Shakespeare s Hamlet, excerpts TBD Corn-Pone Opinions Mark Twain (accessible via Angel course site/lessons) Film excerpts from Hamlet, YouTube Documentary Film The World of Ideas, Howard Zinn with Bill Moyers 33 min (MSMU Films on Demand Library) 200-word Assignment (Ideas/Opinions/Authority) DUE October 11, 2015 Page 3

4 WEEKEND THREE October 11, 2015 Logical Fallacies Handlist Accessible online at Hacker, Diana. Part I, The Writing Process; Part II, Academic Reading and Writing. Master s Thesis Project: Question; Academic Argument Research Library/Databases Primary/Secondary Sources Research Bibliography Thesis Question & Bibliography DUE November 1, 2015 WEEKEND FOUR November 1, 2015 Global Scapes handout Documentary Film Los Angeles: The Making of a City: Native Californians & Mexican Settlers, 1:59 (MSMU Film Library) Annotations Research Bibliography Thesis Abstract Research Book Annotations DUE November 15, word Abstract DUE November 15, 2015 WEEKEND FIVE November 15, 2015 Conde, Maryse. Segu. Close Reading handout Documentary Film A Great & Mighty Walk, Dr. John Henrik Clarke 250-word Close Reading DUE December 6, 2015 Page 4

5 WEEKEND SIX December 6, 2015 The Seven Basic Plots Documentary Film The Mythology of Star Wars, George Lucas & Bill Moyers, 57 min (MSMU Films on Demand Library) In Class: Testimonio: Interpretation, Reflection, Opinion Other Resources INSTRUCTOR/DEPARTMENT POLICIES: Absences: Due to the condensed nature of the weekend program, the University requires that you be present at every class meeting (every session). If you miss one class due to an extreme emergency, we will discuss your case and consider whether you should remain in the course. This does not mean you are allowed one absence. If you are absent for more than one class, you will be asked to drop; missing one third of a semester of instruction is not academically sound. Your grade may be affected due to absence, lateness, and/or leaving class early. Missing a session will affect your success in this course. If you have an emergency, please notify me as soon as possible by , athorne@msmu.edu. University guidelines may be found on page 40 of the MSMU Catalog. Participation: Be on time for class; be prepared and ready to participate in discussion. Participation may also include oral reports. Late Papers: Late papers pose a problem for both instructor and student. As a rule, I do not accept late papers. If you know in advance, you will be unable to turn in the assignment on time, please contact me as soon as possible to let me know the circumstances for the lateness. While I am not obligated to accept late papers, I will consider each case individually. (Sometimes students have trouble getting started I might be able to help you with that.) You may expect late penalties on work turned in and accepted after the due date. Mistakes: Failure to follow directions for a particular assignment or any part of an assignment may result in a lower grade or no credit at all for that assignment. If you have questions regarding an assignment, you may me, and I will gladly clarify. My address is athorne@msmu.edu. Page 5

6 UNIVERSITY POLICIES: Attendance: Please plan to attend the entire scheduled Sunday class. Be on time for each session. If you are going to be absent, please notify me in advance via at Academic Integrity/Plagiarism Statement: See Student Handbook, pages 42 and 43. Any student found guilty of plagiarism in this class will receive a failing grade for that assignment and possibly for the entire course depending upon the seriousness of the offense. If you are worried about unintentional plagiarism (still an offense), please speak to me, and I will show you how to credit your sources properly. Academic Freedom: Students and faculty s freedom of speech is constitutionally protected, so they are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion and allow the same freedom for others. See Student Handbook(s) for further discussion. Accommodation Policy: MSMU, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on disability. If you are a student with a documented disability or special need, please see the Director of Learning Assistance Programs at the campus in question to arrange for classroom accommodations. Additional disability related information and policies are stated in the Student Handbook. Campus Resources: Please consult the catalog for information about student resources such as libraries, learning center, tutoring, etc. E Learning: Course information will be posted on Angel. If you are unfamiliar with this software, please let me know. Page 6