FS 102 Descriptions (Spring, 2016)

Specific descriptions of sections of FS 102, Academic Discourse II, offered in Spring, 2016:

Section 1 French Literature of the Occupation
Professor P. Wolfe, MW 03:00PM – 04:15PM

Since democratic forms in legality vanished as a result of the fall of France in 1940, the French had to adjust to an entirely new way of life and to decide, under the circumstances, how to adjust to the occupying power and the new vision of France offered by the Vichy puppet government. Amidst the chaos, French writers were forced to come to grips with the catastrophe that had befallen their country and its long-term effects. We read texts by Camus, Sartre, DeGaulle, Vercors, and a selection press articles. Emphasis is placed on student writing and oral presentations. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication.

Section 2 Globalization: from the “Global Village” to the “Junk Yard”
Professor Dantan, MW 3:00 -4:15PM

The rapid integration of economic markets throughout the world together with technological advances that have ‘shrunk’ the planet are two of the most notable characteristics of what is known as globalization. However, the effects of such changes are innumerable and open to consideration from various fields of study and ideological positions. We examine the effects of globalization on different societies through readings from multiple disciplines- from cultural studies through economics and environmental studies. Students analyze the rhetoric different governmental and non-governmental U.S. and foreign organizations have employed in support of and against globalization. Through the analysis of specific case studies, and oral presentations students develop written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 3 South Asian Politics on Film
Professor Wood, MF 09:00AM – 09:50AM and W 07:00PM – 10:00PM

An introduction to political and social issues in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh through popular and documentary film. We discuss themes including independence movements, ethno-religious conflict, Islamism, gender, caste, and class through films that deal with these issues. Students lead class discussions on the political and social themes of these works and write several short papers on selected themes. An evening film screening is held approximately once every two weeks. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 4 South Asian Politics on Film
Professor Wood, MF 10:00AM – 10:50AM and W 07:00PM – 10:00PM

Section 5 Contemporary Entrepreneurial Leadership
Professor Allison, TTH 11:00AM – 12:15PM

A critical examination of the personal philosophies, leadership styles, and economic and social impacts of entrepreneurs in the personal computer, internet, and web-portal industries. Each entrepreneur is studied using several models of entrepreneurial leadership, with special emphasis on the framework of Joseph Schumpeter. The individuals studied include Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Andy Grove, Jim Clark, Michael Dell, and Mark Zuckerberg. Seminar assignments include presentations, discussions based on readings, and written assignments. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 6 Music and the Mind: Making Sense of “Serious Music”
Professor L. Hepler, TTH 09:30AM – 10:45AM

An examination of the relationships among music, philosophy, and psychology, focusing on the philosophies in Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century Music. Today we apply “Apollonian” to music that appeals to the intellect and “Dionysian” to music that arouses strong emotions. We follow the musical pendulum as it swings between the two philosophical tendencies and study the landmark composers of the last 400 years, exploring their philosophies and placements within the pendulum’s swing. Students read and discuss modern research into the psychology of musical learning and response and develop their own philosophies about music’s role in society and education. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 7 How to be Disruptive: John Cage and the birth of the American Avant Garde
Professor Jurs, MWF 10:00AM – 10:50AM

An investigation of creative disruption with a particular focus on American composer John Cage and other figures from the mid-century avant garde movement. From Cage, students will learn how to tackle big questions by being mischievous and subverting generally accepted modes of expression in attempts to arrive at a deeper truth. No musical background is necessary. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 8 Virtual Pen, Virtual Paper
Professor Roos, MWF 01:30PM – 02:20PM

An exploration of writing and reading with digital tools and media. We use Web design tools and related technologies to develop a professional-quality blog, compare and critique examples of online and print writing, and examine the effects of tools on form and content. Students lead discussions on these and other topics, write about their experiences in their blogs and in more traditional formal papers, and deliver several talks on issues related to digital texts and tools. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 10 Black Women in American Culture
Professor Gilbert, TTH 03:00PM – 04:15PM

An exploration of the significance of black women in the American cultural landscape. We examine how black women are represented in American literature, in both academic and popular culture texts, and why black women’s intellectual thought remains marginalized despite the increase in texts about and by black women. Drawing from black feminist understandings of black womanhood, we interrogate black women’s writing from various genres and time periods to understand “when and where black women enter” American cultural discourse. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 11 Mysticism, Messianism, and Political Action
Professor Bernstein-Goff, WF 11:00AM – 12:15PM

A consideration of the reemergence of mysticism as a major component of contemporary Judaism. We explore the history and development of the Jewish mystical tradition, Kabbalah, and its messianic traditions culminating in the episode of the false messiah, Shabbatai Tzvi. We examine how Hasidism arose out of the Kabbalistic tradition to fill a spiritual vacuum in Jewish life and why contemporary forms of that tradition continue to reshape and revitalize Judaism and the non-Jewish world. Finally, we study the reemergence of Jewish Messianism as a political force in the Middle East and its key role in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 12 The Human Animal
Professor K. Wolfe, MWF 11:00AM – 11:50AM

An exploration of human life as a form of animal existence. We read works of philosophy, literature, and primatology that explore what it means to be human and contemplate what makes human beings different from other animals. We also explore the complex moral and intellectual lives of other animals, and consider questions concerning the ethical treatment of non-human animals. Additionally, we discuss how certain social groups are dehumanized through association with the animal and the ethical problems this poses. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 13 Religious Themes in Rock Music
Professor Olson, TTH 03:00PM – 04:15PM

An examination of religious themes in rock lyrics in historical perspective. We consider such topics as the human situation, the self and the other, God, faith and love, Jesus as clown and superstar, time and death, eschatological themes, and prophetic voices. Students examine the ways in which rock music resembles religion. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 15 Scrap Arts, Stories & Social Change
Professor Ozorak, MW 11:00AM – 12:15PM

An exploration of fabric scrap arts such as quilts, rag dolls, and repurposed clothing as an artistic medium for story-telling, meaning-making, and social change. We discuss how these objects reflect both the history of their time and the psychology of their makers. Students get hands-on practice with fabric art as well as make site visits in the community. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 16 Whose Schools? Policy, Power, and Rhetoric in American P-12 Education
Professor Foreman, TTH 11:00AM – 12:15PM

A foray into historical and current policies shaping pre-collegiate education in the United States. We investigate how federal, state, and local policies impact how students are educated in U. S. schools. We debate ongoing controversies regarding privatization of education and accountability systems. We explore promising reforms and discuss what the future of pre-collegiate education should be. Students gain confidence and rhetorical skills through individual and collaborative assignments. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 20 The Expressive and Persuasive Power of Videogames
Professor Wiebel, MWF 09:00AM – 09:50AM

An exploration of videogames as an expressive and persuasive medium. We examine how video games influence our values, understanding of the world, and our place within it by analyzing games, game playing experiences, and by designing our own games. Particular attention is paid to studying how videogames teach us about how things in the world are supposed work and how we are supposed to interact with them. Discussions of how to design games are used to enrich our understanding of the production and presentation of oral and written communication.

Section 21 You are Here: The Power of Place
Professor Crozier, TTH 09:30AM – 10:45AM

An examination of place and how it influences our lives. Readings are drawn from cultural studies, fiction, history and geography. We use students’ hometowns and the city of Meadville as sites for interactive investigation. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. This section places a special emphasis on oral communication and offers specialized instruction to improve speaking skills.

Section 22 Interpreting Popular Culture
Professor Sinha Roy, TTH 09:30AM – 10:45AM

A study of how consumer culture reflects and shapes our “popular” imagination. Examine various ways of ‘looking’ and how they construct cultural meaning. The course explores the use of media artifacts to preserve cultural memory, the creation of new ideological myths through media industries, the fetishization of personal/social identities, and forms of cultural resistance. Assignments contribute to communication debates on local and global media topics and draw from popular ethnography, film, photojournalism, advertising, music, reality TV shows, fan fiction, and high/low art. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 23 Celebrity
Professor Wilson, TTH 01:30PM – 02:45PM

A critical examination of celebrity. From popular culture to global politics to social media, celebrity figures as a predominant force in contemporary society. In this seminar, students wrestle with key questions raised by the celebrity phenomenon. Why are celebrities so prevalent in our media culture? Why do celebrities matter to audiences and fans? How do celebrities shape our ideas of self and society, as well as gender, sexuality, race, class, and nation? This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 25 The Art of Protest: Post 1950
Professor S. Prince, TTH 09:30AM – 10:45AM

An exploration of the multivalent ways in which the arts have been utilized in protest and political activism from 1950 to the present. Students will investigate the visual, musical, and conceptual aesthetics constructed by activists to promote ideas, challenge power structures, and champion freedom. As a culminating event of the seminar, students will formulate and perform original multisensory artistic protests on the campus. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 29 No Pain, No Gain?
Professor L. Jackson, TTH 11:00AM – 12:15PM

An exploration of the benefits of positive thinking along with its limitations. The powers of positive thinking are often extolled, and the search for happiness has given birth to an entire industry of self-help books, tapes, retreats, and coaches. And yet the relentless search for happiness and the avoidance of discomfort, failure, and setbacks can make us more miserable. We explore why the “secret” to a state of contentment may lie in embracing discomfort. Readings are drawn from the popular press, but also from psychology, philosophy, biology, and religion. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 30 Music of the Great Migration
Professor Christie-Searles, TTH 11:00AM – 12:15PM

A study of the social and cultural history of the movement of African-Americans from Mississippi, and other southern states, to the north, mainly Chicago, and the impact the movement had on the evolution of music. Musicians of the state’s Delta region were historically significant to the development of the blues. Low prices for cotton and national financial pressures resulted in African-Americans losing their land. Many Mississippi musicians migrated to Chicago and created new forms of jazz and other genres there. Students investigate the conditions that made the migration necessary and the implications for both the north and the south. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context.

Section 31 Music of the Great Migration
Professor Christie-Searles, TTH 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Section W1 Inventing Appalachia CANCELLED

Section W2 Words, Words, Words
Professor Bulman, MWF 09:00AM – 09:50AM

An exploration of the power of the English language, its uses and abuses. Topics include the history and development of English; how language shapes our reality; the function of jargon, euphemism, prejudicial language, and political propaganda; the ethics of rhetorical persuasion; and the importance of audience and occasion. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. Designated “W,” this section places particular emphasis on the practice of writing and offers specialized instruction to improve writing skills.

Section W3 College at the Crossroads
Professor S. Slote, MWF 11:00AM – 11:50AM

An investigation into current issues facing colleges and universities and the people living and working there. College is “at the crossroads” in two ways: for individual students, it is a transitional and transformative site as they move into full adulthood; as an institution, it is at the crux of national debates over issues as diverse as social inequality, free speech, and student behavior. Readings include contemporary news sources, policy analysis, and literary depictions of “college life.” Students explore topics such as student debt, campus “climate,” the role of college sports, and the phenomena of on-line education and for-profit institutions. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. Designated “W,” this section places particular emphasis on the practice of writing and offers specialized instruction to improve writing skills.

Section W4 College at the Crossroads (open to transfer students ONLY)
Professor S. Slote, MWF 01:30PM – 02:20PM

Section W5 Composing a Digital Life CANCELLED

Professor J. Miller, TTH 01:30PM – 02:45PM

An exploration of what it means to treat other creatures fairly. We focus on cases where the interests or needs of human beings conflict with the interests of animals. After examining several theoretical approaches to animal ethics, we consider how they might apply to current controversies ranging from the common practice of neutering pets to the sensational killing of Cecil the Lion. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. Designated “W,” this section places particular emphasis on the practice of writing and offers specialized instruction to improve writing skills.

Section W7 Medicine and Literature: Narratives of Illness and Disease
Professor Votava, MWF 10:00AM – 10:50AM

An investigation of links between medical and literary approaches to the study of living and dying. Students examine the narrative patterns through which biological processes of disease and human experiences of illness are recognized and understood, in genres from case study to epic quest, and from the perspectives of scientists, doctors and nurses, and patients and families. A service learning option is included. This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. Designated “W,” this section places particular emphasis on the practice of writing and offers specialized instruction to improve writing skills.

Section W8 Capitalism, Democracy and American Education
Professor David Miller, TTH 11:00AM – 12:15PM

An exploration of America’s dual commitment to freedom and equality (the “American Dream”) and its relation to education. What tensions arise between these cardinal values of democracy? What is education’s role in inculcating them? How do we distinguish rhetoric from reality? Writing assignments and two oral presentations are based on essays, films, and electronic materials. Engagement with the Year of Meadville is integral and may involve working with local children and students. This seminar develops written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. Designated “W,” this section places particular emphasis on the practice of writing and offers specialized instruction to improve writing skills.

Section W9 Still Relevant Today?
Professor Briggeman, 09:30AM – 10:45AM

An examination of three major literary works, two of which—Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God—have been considered central to western culture. We investigate what the two “classics” have to offer to determine if they remain relevant today. How does their historical context help to explain their initial impact? Are there “universals” that explain a book’s longevity? We then turn to a more recent work, Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle, as a “test case”—will it too become a “classic”? This seminar develops oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on persuasive communication in an academic context. Designated “W,” this section places particular emphasis on the practice of writing and offers specialized instruction to improve writing skills.