Academics

Senior Colloquium - Fall 2009

"The Family in Modern Society"
4 sections
TTH 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
SRC 399 G
Owen Duncan
Professor Emeritus of History

TTH 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
SRC 399 F
Bill Friedricks
Professor of History

Monday evenings 6-9 p.m.
SRC 399 EE
Bruce Haddox
Former Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs
Professor Emeritus of Religion

MWF 2 - 2:50 p.m.
SRC 399 H
John Epperson
Professor of Political Science
Many have claimed that the modern American family is in crisis.  Is this the case or is the family more stable and resilient than critics charge?  What is the definition of the family and has its meaning changed since World War II?  How have social forces such as prosperity and recession, the cold war, the civil rights movement, and the women’s movement affected the family?  How has technology impacted the family?  What structures and resources can be employed to strengthen and support families?  What does the future hold for the American family?  Through the use of memoir, fiction, film, and academic essays, we will consider these questions as we examine the evolution of the American family from the late 1940s to the present. 

"Sex for Sale"
Wednesday evenings 6-9 p.m.
SRC 399 E
Lora Friedrich
Associate Professor of Sociology
As societies around the globe change sexuality and sexual behavior has become more overt.  This course will examine the contemporary social issue of human sex trafficking and its impact on women and children around the world.  The lives of mail-order brides, sex trade workers and sexual slaves will be explored.  In addition we will also look at how sexuality is used in advertising.  Lastly we wil take up the issue of what it might mean to buy a new gender or sex.  Using critical thinking skills the class will work to discern the important sociological, economic and ethical issues related to these practices.

"Lives of Commitment"
TTH 2 - 3:15 p.m.
SRC 399 D
Jim Hayes
Associate Dean; Director of the Center for Vocation and Integrative Learning
The course explores the nature of leadership and how each of us is called to marshal our individual gifts, as well as to call forth those of others, in order to serve the common good as committed global citizens. Using cornerstone perspectives as a foundation, we shall study inspirational life stories and then discern our own gifts in order to explore how they might best be used to serve the common good in order to live a committed, meaningful life. 

"Women in Society"
TTH 2 - 3:15 p.m.
SRC 399 J
Mark Freyberg
Associate Professor of Sociology
This course examines how biology, culture, history and politics shape the identity of women.  We'll also look at how identity shapes women's behavior and experience, and how new identity leads to personal and social change.  Students are asked to provide initiative in a variety of ways throughout the term.  Among the issues we'll explore are gender socialization, adolescence, sexuality, motherhood, race and class influences, feminism, and the true meaning of freedom.

"Making Sense of the Culture Wars"
TH evenings 6-9 p.m.
SRC 399 E3
Brian Steffen, Professor of Communication Studies
Historical and social struggles of the 20th Century are connected to American cultural clashes, with an emphasis on using critical thinking and writing to analyze whether there is a culture war in America and, if so, how to make sense of the claims of culture warriors from a variety of disciplines and perspectives.  Note:  First registrations are reserved for those juniors who participated in Dr. Steffen's Honors LAS Fall 2006.  After those seats filled, available seats remaining will be open to others.

"Mental Health and American Society"
2 sections
TTH 9:30 -10:45 a.m.
SRC 399 B
Don Evans
Associate Professor of Psychology

TTH 9:30 -10:45 a.m.
SRC 399 C
John Pauley
Professor of Philosophy
This course is focused on the connection between mental health issues and broader social/cultural currents. Topics include how the nature of American society influences mental health/illness and how mental health/illness influences the nature of American society. These larger issues will be explored through some examination of the nature of mental illness, public health policy, public awareness of mental health problems, the treatment of mental illness and autobiographical accounts of living with mental illness.

"Computer Gaming as an Educational Tool"
MWF 10 - 10:50 a.m.
SRC 399 A
Paul Craven
Instructor of Computer Science
Computer gaming has had a significant impact on modern society. While a movie may capture a player's attention for a couple hours, games like World of Warcraft can be compulsively addictive. With more people spending time playing computer games, it is important to find a way to use this trend in a constructive manner.  This class seeks to engage students of multiple disciplines in the creation of computer game(s) that can have a positive impact on the player. Students taking this class should bring skills related to one of the following: music, art, project management, computer programming, education, voice acting, and English.  Even in a recession, computer gaming is a growing industry with many people spending untold amounts of time playing computer games. Rather than philosophize about whether all this time is wasted, this class will create a computer game that is both engaging and educational.
This class will be project-based, with students working in interdisciplinary teams. Students will be presenting their final work, and making the result available to the public.

"Race and Identity in the United States of America"
MWF 1 - 1:50 p.m.
SRC 399 I
Allison Wolf
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
One of the most difficult and highly contentious subjects in the United States today is race. Our racial history is disturbing and deep and it has shaped the United States into the country it is today. In this class, we will examine how race has developed in the United States, how it has shaped the nation and individual members of our country, the problems that remain with us that are rooted in race and racism in the U.S. today, and ways to address these issues.

"Cultural Identity Development"
T 6 - 9p.m.
SRC 399 E1
Walter Lain
Assistant Dean for Multicultural and International Affairs
In this course, students will explore recent racial and cultural development theories and other theories related to diversity issues. Students will learn about the Multiple Dimensions of Identity model, and discuss concepts related to privilege and oppression. Students will learn to apply these theories through images and interactions in the popular culture. Students will examine contemporary issues surrounding the protected bases under national civil rights laws.

 

Last Updated: 2/3/09