Honors Seminars
FALL, 2008
NOTE:
- You can only sign up for ONE honors seminar per semester.
- You are NOT charged extra tuition for HON 100 if it takes you over 16 hours.
- Registration dates: April 10th (Sr- Jr) - April 14th (Soph) - April 15th (Fresh)
HON 100
40—“PSYCHOLOGY OF DREAMING” – TH 3:00-4:15 – Dr. Bob Fuller (Phil. & Rel. St.)
This seminar will explore several theories of dream interpretation (Freud, Jung, ego psychology, recent psychological studies). Readings will be on reserve in the library.
41— “PSYCHOLOGY OF DREAMING” – TU 3:00-4:15. – Dr. Bob Fuller (Phil. & Rel. St.)
This seminar will explore several theories of dream interpretation (Freud, Jung, ego psychology, recent psychological studies). Readings will be on reserve in the library.
42—“GLOBAL WARMING” – W 4:15-5:30 — Dr. Janet Gehring (Biology)
Global warming is the increase in Earth’s surface temperatures in recent decades and its projected continuation. In this seminar, we will explore the evidence for human activities being the major cause of global warming, other possible causes for global warming, and the effects of global warming. We will also discuss what we, individually and globally, can do to slow global warming. In-class discussions will be based on recent print and web articles as well as recent films and documentaries.
43—“FLANNERY O’CONNOR”—W 4:00-5:00 – Dr. Derek Montgomery (Psychology)
The short stories of Flannery O’Connor have been described as “violent, grotesque, and horribly funny”. We will examine her short stories in this 7 week seminar. The religious and psychological themes found in the stories will be focal points of discussion. Requirements: writing weekly ½ page summaries, participating in class discussion, completing a brief (approximately 3-page) final paper.
44—“INTELLECTUAL DISCUSSION” — MW 3:00-3:50 — Dr. Philip Jones (History)
As the title indicates, the purpose of the seminar is to investigate the nature of intellectual discussion -- what is it; how is it conducted? There will be fourteen topics that the class will discuss. Grade will be determined by short comments via email.
45—MEDIA CRITICISM -- W 1:00-2:00 -- Dr. Chris Kasch (Communications)
This course is designed to help you develop a critical awareness of mass media through reading, viewing, and discussion. Although the primary emphasis of the course is on the influence of television, we will also examine other forms of media that contribute to popular culture. As consumers of media, knowledgeable critical analysis helps us to better understand and interpret our viewing experiences and the experiences and responses of those around us. As member of a society in which media are used, knowledgeable critical analysis helps us to better understand and evaluate both the overt and subtle ways in which the media can shape aesthetic, social, and cultural values. We will use a number of videos produced by the Media Education Foundation as a point of departure for understanding the perspectives of Jean Kilbourne, Naomi Green, Robert McChesney, Neil Postman and others.
46—“PSYCHOLOGY OF DREAMING” – W 3:00-4:15. – Dr. Bob Fuller (Phil. & Rel. St.)
This seminar will explore several theories of dream interpretation (Freud, Jung, ego psychology, recent psychological studies). Readings will be on reserve in the library.
47--"A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE " -- T 3:00-4:20 -- Dr. William Toel (formerly professor of international business at Arizona State University---now volunteering to provide special learning opportunities for Bradley students)
Open to all students who want to explore opportunities across the world (and define themselves, their potentials in the process). Especially relevant to Business and International Studies students. T his seminar explores the complexities of doing business across many cultures. The seminar will begin with an historical perspective, bringing it into clear understanding of the current international financial/credit crisis, and anticipates the future changes necessary that will be relevant for students today. One aspect will be the freedom demanded by rapid globalization coming into increasing conflict with both nationalism and a wide variety of regulations and standards. The seminar uses a variety of examples to demonstrate the contradictions that business people will increasingly face over the next twenty years. This seminar is applicable to all honors students with an insatiable curiosity about how the world works: No finance prerequisites.
20-Mar-08
Spring 2008
Honors Program Seminars
Registration for classes and seminars is by seniority — Seniors and Juniors can begin registering for Honors courses on Thursday, Nov. 1; Sophomores on Monday, Nov. 5; and Freshman on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Starting Thursday, Nov. 8, registration will be open on a first come—first serve basis. All Honors classes and seminars are on reserve and you need to register in person in Bradley Hall, Room 295.
HON 101—
Sec. 40. “The Other Gospels” Dr. Fuller. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45
This seminar will explore the debate over what we actually know about the historical Jesus. Readings will introduce students to the history and politics leading to the selection of just 4 gospels of the approximately 30 gospels then circulating among Christians. Why were these 4 chosen? Why were the others excluded? What is in the other gospels and how do they portray the nature of Jesus and his message?
This seminar invites students to reflect on how they go about deciding what to believe in. The seminar will probably not be of interest to students who currently have strong beliefs about Jesus since readings and discussion will raise serious questions about all efforts to understand the historical Jesus.
The class will probably meet 8 weeks. Students will be required to write a paper analyzing the historical background and message of one of the “gnostic gospels.” Required reading: Elaine Pagels, The Gnostic Gospels plus hand-out readings.
Sec. 41. “American Mass Media” Dr. Gullifor Mondays 4:00-5:00
Issues in American Mass Media: The media today reflect the evolution of a nation that has come to expect the delivery of information and entertainment at the push of a button. Technological developments have increased both our range of choices as consumers, and the speed with which they are delivered. This widespread and immediate access to media content comes with costs, as well as benefits, to American society. In short, because of our increase capacity to consume media content, the study of mass media is central to understanding the society in which they operate. Accordingly, this seminar explores some of the major contemporary issues in mass media and how they both shape, and reflect American culture.
Text: Alexander and Hanson: Taking Sides: Mass Media and Society.
Sec. 42. “Mind Altering Music” Dr. Zarvell Wednesdays 2:00-2:50.
This seminar, “MIND ALTERING MUSIC,” can begin to help us understand why we enjoy certain music and “cringe” at the sound of other music. With more people listening to music than ever before (likely because of the invention of the “Ipod” and MP3 players) we have a greater range of musical genres than ever before. Along with this increased access, people are seeking non-invasive and “natural” cures for their illnesses and pains. As a result, how music affects us emotionally and physically, and the application of such knowledge, is the primary focus of this seminar. Our niche’ is somewhere between music appreciation and the psychology of music. This seminar meets once a week for a semester.
Our optimum enrollment is 20-25 students because of the time required to present mini-symposia toward the end of the semester. The instructor will entertain requests over that limit if there is an extraordinary or compelling reason.
The seminar information and appropriate supporting materials are provided to each student in a binder. Those binders will be checked out and then returned at the end of the semester. The purchase of additional materials is likely not necessary
Sec. 43. “Election 2008” Mr. Frank Mackaman of the Dirksen Congressional Research Center. Thursdays, 1:30-3:00.
Who will be the next president of the United States? This course will address three primary subjects, all timely in 2008: campaigning for the President, predicting the outcome of the election, and accounting for success in a presidency. Will meet for the first 8 weeks of the spring semester.
Sec. 44. “Harry Potter: Children’s Literature or Cultural Phenomenon?”
Professor Cara Swafford. Thursday, 12:30-1:45.
In his essay “The Phenomenon of Harry Potter, or Why All the Talk?” literary scholar and critic Jack Zipes argues that the success of the Harry Potter series lies in its phenomenal aspects rather than in its literary merit or any significant contribution to children’s literature as a genre. In this seminar we will investigate Zipes’ claim through a close examination of both the popular seven book series, the industry that has developed around the series, and the public’s varying responses to both. While we will certainly conduct textual analysis to consider a number of issues emerging within the texts themselves, our emphasis will be focused upon Harry Potter as a cultural phenomenon. Therefore, our analysis will necessarily include film, products, reviews, criticism, marketing, events, audiences, and other related cultural topics and texts. Ultimately, we will arrive at some personal conclusions about this series and determine whether it is possible to consider Harry Potter as merely “children’s literature.”
The course will be divided into eight meetings—an introductory discussion and one for each of the installments in the series. However, I would like for you to have read the entire series (or at least be familiar with all of the plots and their outcomes) by the first class meeting. The nature of our analysis will require us to reference many topics and issues that emerge throughout the development of the series, which may include “giving away” the endings, so I’d like to avoid any disappointment a new Harry Potter investigator might feel as a result of comments made by “veteran” readers.
Participation in class discussions will make up ¼ of your course grade. You will also prepare and lead a semi-formal discussion, keep a response journal, and write a short final essay on a topic of your choice.
Required Texts:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling
Various handouts, TBA
Sec. 45. “Engineering Ethics” Dr. Dennis Kroll. ARR (online seminar).
This seminar will explore the use of codes of ethics in various engineering disciplines using a series of case studies and games. Besides considering risks, safety, liability, and the environment, engineers are considered both as employees and as autonomous professionals. Introduction to methods of moral thinking and moral problem solving.
Sec. 46. “Understanding Cancer” Dr. Alan Galsky. Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00.
This honors seminar will explore the origins and various types of cancer. It will also examine the latest research, theories, and treatments. The seminar will also discuss the various early cancer detections and screening methods. Other areas that will be explored include carcinogens as well as the cost of cancer treatment.
The seminar will consist of a lecture-discussion format and various guests who are experts in the cancer field.
Each student will be required to write a topic paper and present an oral report on some aspect of cancer.
Required text: Dennis Ross, Introduction to Oncogenes and Molecular Cancer Medicine.
Sec. 47. “Mass Communication Social/Economic Development” Dr. Gregory Pitts-Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 (occasionally until 5:00)
"More than just for entertainment: Mass communication's role in social and economic development in transitional nations."
This course will identify and examine social and economic development issues in transitional countries/emerging democracies and examine the use of mass communication (radio, television, newspapers) to address development needs.
Attention will be given to the role of non-governmental organizations to promote change through promoting press freedom and community radio stations.
The purpose of the class is to create knowledge not only about societal needs in other parts of the world but to also demonstrate ways in which mass media empower the citizens to change their own circumstances.
Meets for 8 sessions, some sessions will only be one hour long, some will be two hours long.
Sec. 48. “Science Reflected in the Mythbusters TV Show---What Constitutes Science?” Drs. Craig and Leah Curtis. Mondays, 6-7 pm.
Students in this course will learn how science is really done by watching TV’s popular Discovery Channel show, Mythbusters. This course will examine the basic concepts of the scientific method and experimental design through critical analysis of the techniques used by Jamie and Adam, and their interns, on this entertaining and educational show. The course will begin with an introduction to the scientific method using a text directed at the lay audience. We will then use what we learned in the text to evaluate how well the Mythbusters design and carry out their research. Each student will be responsible for critical analysis of their own episode.
Sec. 49. “What the Buddha Taught” Dr. Jones. Monday and Wednesday, 3:00-3:50.
This seminar consists of class discussion of the central concepts of the Buddhist philosophy/religion. Discussions will focus on two small paperback books: What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula and Zen Action, Zen Person by T. P. Kasulis. Class times will be on Monday and Wednesday at 3-3:50 for the first half of the semester. Course grade will be determined by brief quizzes over each day's reading.
LAS 101- Sec. 02 "Behind the Scenes at Museums" Dr. Susan Smith, Wed. 3:00-4:00 pm.; Sat. April 12 Field Trip
What do museums do and how? How are museums created and why? While each museum is a unique institution, each is also an institution based on the collection and interpretation of material culture. Through common readings and discussion, and a required Saturday group museum visit, we will work to identify museum practices, and how the history of a museum shapes the stories it can tell.
The seminar will meet for 3-4 sessions, but a key part of the seminar is a Saturday, April 12 trip to the Lincoln Museum for a tour of the museum and a behind-the-scenes tour with a member of the curatorial staff.
Oct. 4, 2007
Honors Seminars
FALL, 2007
Registration for classes and seminars is by seniority — Seniors and Juniors can begin registering for Honors courses on Thursday, April 12th; Sophomores on Monday, April 16th; and Freshman on Tuesday, April 17th. Starting Thursday, April 19th, registration will be open on a first come—first serve basis. All Honors classes and seminars are on reserve and you need to register in person in Bradley Hall, Room 295.
NOTE:
- You can only sign up for ONE honors seminar per semester.
- You are NOT charged extra tuition for HON 100 if it takes you over 16 hours.
HON 100~
40—PSYCHOLOGY OF DREAMING – TH 3:00-4:15 – Dr. Bob Fuller (Phil. & Rel. St.)
This seminar will explore several theories of dream interpretation (Freud, Jung, ego psychology, recent psychological studies). Readings will be on reserve in the library.
41— PSYCHOLOGY OF DREAMING – TU 3:00-4:15. – Dr. Bob Fuller (Phil. & Rel. St.)
This seminar will explore several theories of dream interpretation (Freud, Jung, ego psychology, recent psychological studies). Readings will be on reserve in the library.
42—PLANTS AND PEOPLE – W 4:00-5:15 — Dr. Janet Gehring (Biology)
In this seminar, we will study the interaction of people with plants. We will explore crop domestication, genetic engineering, flower evolution, and environmental issues while reading The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean and excerpts from other books and anthologies. Students will learn more about their favorite plant while preparing a presentation on a plant of their choice.
43—FILMS OF KUROSAWA — W 7:00-9:00E — Dr. Dan Getz (Religious Studies) and Dr. Peter Dusenbery (English)
“Seven drifters save beleaguered village.”
“Dying bureaucrat makes life worth living.”
“Murder-rape trial testimony clashes.”
Join us exploring how Akira Kurosawa, one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century, developed these and other storylines into critically acclaimed films that are consistently cited among the best in the history of cinema. Class periods will include viewing of films, short lectures, and discussions. Our approach will be wide-ranging, examining thematic content, cultural issues (global and Japanese), and cinematic technique. Students will be expected to do preparatory reading and a weekly written response for each class and to submit a final paper at the course’s end. For those wishing to know more about Kurosawa, materials on some of his greatest films are available in the Honors Office.
44—CHALLENGE TO THE CITY — MW 3:00-3:50 — Dr. Philip Jones (History)
The text for this seminar consists of one book - The Geography of Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler. It is 275 pages long and is divided into 13 chapters. Each class session will be a discussion of one of the chapters. Kunstler's book is a critique of modern suburban life and America's destruction of its cities. Almost every page contains provoking and stimulating points about the nature of American society, how it has diverged from its roots, how it differs from European society, and how it is unsustainable. He ranges from discussions of bad taste in suburbia to what a satisfactory social environment should be. During the discussions, I will introduce commentary on the subjects he addresses by other social and architectural critics, such as Witold Rybczynski, Andres Duany and others.
45—CORPORATE FRAUD—MW 1:00-2:00 – Dr. Simon Petravick and Dr. Shondra Johnson (Accounting)
Few people begin their careers with the goal of committing fraud. Unfortunately, hardly a day goes by without some report of an organization being cheated by its management, employees, vendors, or customers. This seminar will help you understand why and how fraud is committed. It will also explain ways to detect fraud and prevent its occurrence. The final product will be student-directed videos depicting a fictional fraud scenario.
NOTE: First class begins October 24, 2007. No previous accounting or video editing experience required.
46—ECONOMIC ISSUES
COURSE: |
Economics and Contemporary Issues HON 100, Sect. 46 |
PREREQUISITES |
Enrollment in HON 100, Sect. 46, is limited to students in Bradley University’s Honors Program. |
WHEN & WHERE |
Wednesday, 1-1:50, Baker 457. We will meet once a week for the first nine weeks of the semester. |
INSTRUCTOR: |
Dr. Joseph Felder, Assoc. Prof. of Economics |
CONTACT INFO: |
Office: Baker 211 Phone: (309) 677-2302 felder@bradley.edu. In subject line put “HONORS STUDENT” |
OFFICE HOURS: |
Tues. and Thurs. 3-4 except no office hour on the third Thursday of each month. |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Debate and discuss the economics behind controversial public policy issues such as Social Security and Medicare reform, No Child Left Behind, medical malpractice, credit cards, WALMART, global warming, NAFTA, immigration, sweat shops, job discrimination, and the minimum wage.
Text: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Economic Issues, 2008, Thirteenth Edition, McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, ISBN 978-0-07-352725-3
The book is mainly a collection of pro and con readings on contemporary economic issues, with some short essays by the editors.
Class format: Debate and discuss. At least one week in advance we will pick the issue for the next class meeting. At least one week in advance we will also select two teams of two students each to lead the debate and get the discussion started.
Every student must read the pro and con articles, prepare notes on same (instructions below), come to class prepared to debate and discuss both sides of the issue, and hand in A TYPED COPY of their notes.
Notes should have 3 parts:
Part 1: For each reading identify:
- The main economic and legal issue addressed.
- Who has a stake in the issue?
- The underlying value judgments and interests of the authors and the people they cite.
Part 2: Prepare “pro” notes, as if you were a member of the “pro” debating team:
- Make the case for the “pro” position.
- Rebut the negative points raised by the “con” position.
- Go beyond the readings and make an even stronger case than the author(s) did.
Part 3: Prepare “con” notes, as if you were a member of the “con” debating team:
- Make the case for the “con” position.
- Rebut the positive points raised in the “pro” position.
- Go beyond the readings and make an even stronger case than the author(s) did.
Your notes should be two to three pages. Bring a copy of your notes to use in class and hand them in at the end of class. Keep a copy for your own records.
Each designated team should meet BEFORE CLASS AND OUTSIDE OF CLASS to strategize. In class I may take 5 minutes or so for introductory remarks. Then the pro team will have 10 to 15 minutes to present its case, followed by 10 to 15 minutes for the “con” team. Then the topic will be thrown open to all members of the class for discussion.
I expect you to assume the burden of class discussions and participate fully, certainly as a debater, but also as a member of the lively audience. The only constraint is that you be courteous and attentive to others.
Typically, there is no one correct answer to the issues raised. I trust that your reading, preparation, and class participation will make you better informed and more thoughtful as you reach and modify your own conclusions.
There are no tests. The class is small and its effectiveness depends on the active participation of every student. Attendance at every class meeting is required.
If you have to miss a class, get my permission in advance, and hand in your notes for that class as soon as possible (certainly before the next class meeting).
Absences, lack of preparation, and lack of participation will result in a lower grade.
47—MEDIA CRITICISM -- W 1:00-2:00 -- Dr. Chris Kasch (Communications)
This course is designed to help you develop a critical awareness of mass media through reading, viewing, and discussion. Although the primary emphasis of the course is on the influence of television, we will also examine other forms of media that contribute to popular culture. As consumers of media, knowledgeable critical analysis helps us to better understand and interpret our viewing experiences and the experiences and responses of those around us. As member of a society in which media are used, knowledgeable critical analysis helps us to better understand and evaluate both the overt and subtle ways in which the media can shape aesthetic, social, and cultural values. We will use a number of videos produced by the Media Education Foundation as a point of departure for understanding the perspectives of Jean Kilbourne, Naomi Green, Robert McChesney, Neil Postman and others.
48—ROBERT ALTMAN FILMS – M 7:00-10:00E – Dr. John Williams (History)
One of the true mavericks of American filmmaking, Robert Altman (1925-2006) was famous for his unmistakable style and his creative collaboration with actors. His great subject was the search for honor and identity within a social milieu (of the mobile army hospital, the frontier town, the English manor, Las Vegas, Nashville, Hollywood, etc.). We will watch and talk about ten of Altman’s most interesting movies.
12-Mar-2007
Honors Seminars
