First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Rev. 4/14/14 Morehead Campus Science Fiction: Turning Fiction into Fact FYS 101 – 001 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Bert Combs Building 105 Dr. Robert Royar Science Fiction (or sf) is a guilty pleasure, from grade-B movies to pulp novels and serials, sf rarely gets the respect it deserves despite its great popularity. This course offers the opportunity to explore short sf spanning over three centuries. We will see how ideas develop in fiction before the come about in reality. We will explore how sf creates worlds that cause us to question our day-today perceptions. Some sf creates a real stretch for our ability to “suspend disbelief” while other sf only shifts reality a bit to the side. As the great sf author Philip K. Dick wrote “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” Technology’s Impact: From Railroads on Earth to Rovers on Mars FYS 101 – 002 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Lloyd Cassity 305 Dr. William Grise This seminar uses the ubiquitous impact of technology and the systems that depend on technology to lead students to an understanding of the role that technology plays in our civilization. Students will engage with that role largely through projects, both individual and group-based, that encourage the integration of ideas from the various branches of technology, as well as the integration of ideas from their peers. The nature of the projects will require the application of critical, even creative, thinking in a specific technical context in order to assess both best solutions and the real underlying questions that will govern the choice of solutions. Building Green Homes: Improving Economy and Environment FYS 101 – 003 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Reed Hall 105 Dr. Sanjeev Adhikari Carbon footprints and low environmental impact are more than just buzz words. They reflect a more thoughtful approach to life on the planet. This seminar provides an introduction to green construction within the global context of sustainability. Green construction minimizes environmental impact and has changed the construction industry. It is part of the growing trend to recycle, reuse, and make the most of what you have with minimum impact on the future ecology of the planet. Students will examine the social, economic, and environmental impacts of green construction and analyze their impact on the industry and on the planet. By examining green building and its results, they will better understand renewable energy and the need for matching green projects with sustainable locations. Global Sustainability: Switching to a Greener Future FYS 101 – 004 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Lloyd Cassity Bldg. 104 Dr. Hans Chapman Sustainability is a hot topic, and this seminar provides an interdisciplinary exploratory view of global sustainable development and the underlying ethics and values. Students will examine the ecological, social, philosophical, and economic realities within the context of existing technical expertise and analyze the social, financial and environmental impacts of sustainable products. An Assistant Professor, Dr. Chapman joined the Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology in 2009. He holds the PhD in Materials Science & Engineering. His research area is Alternative Renewable Energy. He has been involved in the design and testing of renewable energy systems such as photovoltaics and hydrogen fuel cells. 1 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University Technology: The New Double Edged Sword FYS 101 - 005 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Lloyd Cassity Building 104 Dr. Ni Wang Is technology our master or a servant? This seminar develops an appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between technology and democratic values in our society. It helps prepare students for a fast changing world where often democracy, technology and values are at loggerheads. It takes a realistic view of global technological development as it proceeds at an astonishingly fast rate and examines how human dimensions and values: individual, social and cultural, are redefined. Students will ask whether technology has a dark side to it, whether it is their friend or a task master that runs their lives, and whether it has religious and cultural implications. They will examine whether scientific knowledge can enhance or destroy democracy and even make us less healthy. This course takes an interdisciplinary network approach that provides complementary but non-intrusive interactions to merge ecological, social, philosophical, and economic realities with existing technology, democracy and values. The Portrayal of Crime & Justice in Superhero Movies and Comics FYS 101 – 006 FYS 101 - 007 TTHF2, 10:20a – 11:20a, Rader Hall 223 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Rader Hall 223 Dr. Elizabeth Perkins Dr. Elizabeth Perkins “With great power comes great responsibility.” This philosophy associated with Spiderman encourages us to always be conscious of how our actions affect others and what our responsibility is to others. This course will make similar rhetorical connections between superheroes in comic books, TV, and films. We will explore variances in how crime and justice are portrayed with regards to specific superheros and villians. We will also explore larger questions of life through the lens of the superhero trope, such as revenge, power, and self. What Politicians Do Not Know About Science Could Hurt You FYS 101 - 008 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Lappin Hall 227 Dr. Michael Dobranski Do lawmakers know enough about some of the topics of their legislation? This seminar examines the facts, opinions, misconceptions and behind-the-scenes politics surrounding the creation of public policy related to scientific ideas and technology. Approximately 70% of the laws under consideration by legislators involve science and technology, yet most politicians do not have a science background. Science topics such as terrorism, energy, nuclear arms, space exploration, global warming, population growth, food availability, pollution, ethics, and environmental philosophy will be explored. Students will watch the films, carry out investigations, analyze the data, interpret the results, and sort out the fact from the fiction in public policy! Chocolate and Other Survival Tools FYS 101 – 009 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Bert Combs Building 201 Dr. Beverly McCormick Chocolate! Undeniably delicious! It is also big business! This seminar actively engages students in entrepreneurship by allowing them to explore the companies that make delightful sweets. Life lessons will include: creative and critical thinking; consumerism; personal finance; leadership and team-building; etiquette and business protocol; and time management. Students will participate in a service learning project involving chocolate economics. Big Bang Theory and More: Higher Education on TV FYS 101 – 010 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Ginger Hall 208B Lora Pace FYS 101 - 033 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Ginger Hall 209B Yvette Kell FYS 101 – 035 (Restricted) FYS 101 – 036 (Restricted) MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Allie Young Hall 209 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 222 Craig Dennis Michelle Barber Do you believe that colleges and universities are accurately portrayed in TV programming? By viewing excerpts from Friends, Undeclared, The Big Bang Theory, Greek and other programs, we will explore the structure of universities and common misconceptions of university life. 2 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University Reality TV: Fact or Fiction FYS 101 – 011 FYS 101 - 048 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Breckinridge Hall 334 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Breckinridge Hall 302 Dr. Ann Andaloro Dr. Ann Andaloro This course is designed to explore media’s influence on everyday life and to acquaint the student with the ways in which media shapes aspects of modern society. The course focuses on the role of Reality Television on popular culture and society in the past, present, and future. Most people either love or hate Reality TV. Some viewers see it as real life while others believe it is fiction. This course explores what defines “reality” television –not just for the USA, but around the globe. By looking into the production processes, shooting and editing, students will reflect on the facts or fictional aspects of the programming. Most importantly, students will investigate the lessons learned from Reality TV. Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Games FYS 101 – 012 MWF1, 10:20a – 11:20a, Rader Hall 225 Dr. Christina Conroy This section of First Year Seminar will focus on thinking carefully, logically and clearly to learn how to solve or avoid paradoxes of logic, ethics, and philosophy. Through the contemplation of paradoxes, logic puzzles and logic games, students will have their minds turned inside out (figuratively) and will learn to think both deductively and indirectly in order to reason carefully about solutions to moral dilemmas and other philosophical problems. Personal Money Management FYS 101 – 013 FYS 101 - 014 MWF1, 9:10a - 10:10a, Lappin Hall 227 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Lappin Hall 227 Troy Meadows Troy Meadows This course will examine how personal finances can be managed successfully. We will look at questions such as: Is debt okay? How long should I be in debt? Is buying or renting better? How can I plan for the future? Is it too early to plan for retirement? Can I survive on $40,000 per year? Are some products worthless at any price? Is it possible to get rich quick? How does a spending plan work? This course will examine these questions as well as others as we discuss best practices in personal money management. Winnie the Pooh and Buddha Too: Taoism and Buddism as Ways of Life FYS 101 – 015 TTHF2, 11:30a – 12:30p, Rader Hall 201 Dr. Wendell O’Brien The theme of this seminar, like all the others, is “fact or fiction,” but students will give the theme some odd twists as they think about Buddhism and Taoism as philosophies of life. Focusing on the ancient teachings of the original Indian Buddhist (the Buddha himself) and the two great Chinese Taoists ( Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu), as well as recent popular expositions of these teachings, students will read both factual and fictional stuff. They will examine such questions as: Was Winnie the Pooh really a Taoist, or is that just fiction? Is the common western conception of Buddhism and Taoism at odds with the facts? What is the difference between fact and fiction anyway? Is there one? Along the way students will consider the Buddhist idea that what we think of as the world of fact is really just another fiction of our own. Geography of Global Events FYS 101 – 016 FYS 101 - 017 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 301 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 301 Dr. Jason Holcomb Dr. Jason Holcomb We will follow news from U.S. and non-U.S. media outlets and examine the geographic contexts of current events. In addition to the textbook common to all sections of this course, students will read and watch the news daily and keep a news journal. Students will complete a short paper and oral presentation about a current issue from a global perspective. Freedom Fries: Fact or Fiction 3 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University FYS 101 – 018 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Breckinridge Hall 204 Dr. John Secor This seminar examines the bases of the love/hate relationship between the United States and France. Four centuries after establishing a colony in Québec, which led to exploration of much of North America, including parts of Kentucky in the 18th century, the French are still held at arm’s length by North Americans, who envy the luxuries and the lifestyle of the French while still harboring distrust and incomprehension at certain French behaviors and attitudes. Taking stereotypes of the French as a starting point, this course will study other pieces of disinformation, such as French stereotypes of us, and stereotypes from other nationalities. Students will look for historical perspectives to explain why stereotypes exist, what basis they may have in fact [or not], and ask whether these received ideas can be changed over time, as indeed the French are attempting to do today, by a conscious effort to cater to foreign tourists. Love, War, Power and Faith FYS 101 – 019 FYS 101 - 020 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 103 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 104 Dr. Ric Caric Dr. Ric Caric People have been writing about love almost from the time human beings began to write at all. This seminar examines the facts and fictions surrounding love from the poetry of Sappho through Lancelot and Guinevere to “Love Hurts” by the rock bank Incubus and other sources in contemporary popular culture. The problem of distinguishing “fact” from “fiction” is particularly important in discussing love because so many of the “fictions” associated for love are not only taken as “fact” but as “fundamental truth.” The course will focus mostly on romantic love between men and women but will also address love of country, love of nature, religious concepts of God’s love, and the role of love in the conception of society and government. According to another popular song, “Love is All Around,” and this seminar will be addressing a wide variety of the questions surrounding love. May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor: Learning from the Hunger Games FYS 101Z – 021 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 105 Dr. Scott Davison FYS 101Z - 022 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 103 Dr. Kris DuRocher FYS 101Z – 023 TTH2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Rader Hall 112 Kelly Collinsworth Let the Games Begin: The Hunger Games Deconstructed. An exploration of the historical, philosophical, and legal aspects of the Hunger Games novels. Each student will participate in three different course modules involving three different professors, one from History, one from Philosophy, and one from Legal Studies. (Familiarity with all three Hunger Games novels is assumed.) This is a service learning enhanced course. Wasting the Best Years of Our Lives FYS 101 – 024 MWF1, 1:50p – 2:50p, Ginger Hall 206 Dr. Timothy Simpson Why are you here at Morehead State? What are you supposed to be doing with your time? This course will help you explore both questions. To your parent’s, your state’s and our nation’s surprise (and perhaps Morehead State), this course will encourage you to waste the best years of your life at the university. Come explore why and how you should waste your time at Morehead State to learn how to live well. “Serious” leisure will be required. Rock Music: Enduring Art or Ephemeral Entertainment? FYS 101 – 025 FYS 101 - 026 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Bert Combs Building 401 MWF1, 10:20a – 11:20a, Bert Combs Building 401 Dr. Layne Neeper Dr. Layne Neeper Students in this seminar will explore the artistic qualities of contemporary rock and roll through an examination of its lyrics and music. They will apply the study of poetic elements to the language of rock songs in order to distinguish important values and ideas found in some rock music from the popular perception that it is a mere throw-away commodity produced in the service of a consumer culture. Class discussion, writing assignments, and oral presentations will be informed by an emphasis on critical listening 4 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University and thinking. A Professor of English, Dr. Neeper has been a serious listener to rock music since he, at age 10, explained to his sister why the B-side of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” was better than the single. Since then, he has presented scholarly papers and published on rock music and has taught classes in its appreciation. Online Culture: More than Facebook FYS 101 – 027 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Bert Combs Building 302 Robert Brown FYS 101 - 028 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Bert Combs Building 302 Lola Smith FYS 101 – 029 FYS 101 - 030 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Bert Comb Building 301 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Bert Combs Building 301 Lola Smith Connie Grimes This seminar focuses on technology, particularly internet-based, and how it influences society and culture. Students will explore a number of controversial topics and develop a fuller understanding of how the technologies we use and experience shape our society and our lives. Topics will include social technologies and how they build cultures, technology and information privacy, information ownership and sharing, and ethics and behavior in a connected world. The course will use active learning and discussion-focused formats, with a significant portion of the content details driven by student interest. Students will research, formulate, present and argue multiple points of view and become adept at evaluating online information sources and integrating technology into their learning experiences. Plagues and Peoples FYS 101 – 032 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Lappin Hall 311 Dr. Janelle Hare Although infectious disease has always accompanied human civilizations, changes in human society continually result in new pathogens, continuing the cycle of human-microbe interaction. This seminar will examine the intersection of social practices or behavior and disease emergence. Students will consider both how emerging microbes have affected the course of human history, as well as how changing human behaviors affect the emergence of new strains of microbes. Understanding these interactions is important, not only because of past effects on human society, but because new factors, such as rapid travel and an abundance of immunocompromised hosts, are accelerating the pace of pathogen emergence. Evaluation of popular and scientific literature will be used to assess the validity of frequent claims of “new” diseases, and understand the effects of past pandemics on societies. Appalachia: Myth, Stereotype, and Reality FYS 101 – 034 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Bert Combs Building 411 Dr. Steven Parkansky There is a flood of information in our world - much of which is better characterized as misinformation or disinformation. This is especially true of Appalachia, which has been subject to a long history of stereotype and myth. The ability to discern verifiable fact will enable our students to make informed decisions about the region. The first part of this course will use the book UnSpun, which provides tools to differentiate fact from fiction. From this section, students will learn how to acquire information, assess its validity, critically explore and analyze information, communicate clearly and concisely, engage in public discussion and debate, and make decisions based on an evidentiary foundation. The next part of the seminar utilizes the skills learned above to allow the student to analyze complex problems that require a multidisciplinary approach which will include the dynamic interplay of the environment, economy, culture, society, and politics of the region. In essence, students will be encouraged to distinguish real facts from those that are part of the local and nation imagination. Finally, this seminar will encourage students to examine Appalachia as a real place with real and documentable problems and needs. 5 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University Race, Aggression, and Sex FYS 101 - 037 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Bert Combs Building 409 Dr. Timothy Hare Fact or fiction? Humans are divided into biological races; Humans are naturally aggressive; women and men are truly different in behavior, desires, and ways of thinking. These ideas pervade American culture and are used to justify actions, beliefs, and policies that lead to discrimination and explotation. This course explains myths about race, aggression, and sex using evidence from anthropology, biology and psychology to provide the knowledge and understanding of culture, genetics and evolution required to dispose of superficial notions of “nature or nurture”. Human-Animal Bond: The Emotion and Science FYS 101 – 044 FYS 101 - 050 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Lloyd Cassity Building 303 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Reed Hall 329 Dr. Duane Chappell Dr. Philip Prater and Dr. Kim Peterson From cave paintings to medical research, the human to animal bond is centuries old. This seminar offers a multidisciplinary exploration of the interactions between humans and animals from the beginning of recorded time through current scientific discoveries. The misconceptions and realities of the human-animal bond will be examined through its effects on human emotion, behavior, socialization, and intellect. Students will examine the relationship from the perspectives of science, ethics, therapy, and entertainment and learn why animals are such a large part of our everyday lives. The Climate and the Economy FYS 101 – 045 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Bert Combs Building 410 Dr. Thomas Creahan This seminar examines the science of climate change, the role of the economy in determining our response to it, and the flood of information, misinformation, and disinformation about both. We will focus on understanding the physics and chemistry of climate change, exploring the scientific consensus and the range of uncertainties. Markets are the principle mechanism of society to decide how to use our resources efficiently. We’ll explore the ways that markets can solve the climate dilemma, if only we can get the prices right. And throughout, we’ll try to understand why so many people are confused or don’t seem to care about these important issues. Medical Dramas: Fact or Fiction – Is There A Doctor in the “House”? FYS 101 - 046 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, CHER 415 Cyndi Gibbs Medical dramas are not new to television, as they have been a staple for TV viewers since the 1960’s. Shows such as Dr. Kildare and Marcus Welby, MD, brought medicine into the homes of thousands of Americans. Medical drams have evolved over the years. The excitement sparked by the show ER in the early 1990’s and help to shape the future of many medical series, setting the standard for shows which viewers watch today. In this course, students will view real examples from medical TV shows such as, “ER”, “House”, and Grey’s Anatomy”. The students will examine the impact of these shows and their coloring of the public’s perception of medicine and the individuals who deliver healthcare. In addition, they will evaluate the accuracy of medical situations and examine the relationships between physicians and patients, and other members of the healthcare team. From the Walking Dead to Superheroes: Exploring Human Challenges Through Comics FYS 101 – 047 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Deanna Mascle An archetype is a universal pattern or model. All cultures use archetypal characters and stories to explain the nature of the world and life. True to their universal nature, archetypal characters and stories appear again and again in myths across many diverse cultures. These archetypal myths are the answers to questions that humans have grappled with for a long time. Our [human] struggles to understand these issues and find answers to these questions have inspired literature, art, music, and more recent cultural explorations through comic books and graphic novels. This seminar will explore these questions using the archtypes found in comic books and graphic novels such as The Walking Dead and Batman. 6 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University The Modern Olympics FYS 101 – 049 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Breckinridge Hall 309 Dr. Bruce Engle While the modern Olympic Games are ostensibly about athletic competition, history has shown that the Games are, in fact, a telling indicator and gauge of twentieth and twenty-first century social and political developments and conflicts. Everything from issues of race, class and gender, to drugs and new technologies, to Cold War and emerging political identities has played out on the Olympic stage, and will figure in class research, discussions and writing. Behind the historical record-book statistics of fastest or strongest humans lie revelations of true achievement--as well as of manipulation and falsehoods. Students will explore the ever-changing nature of the modern Olympic Games, the largest peace-time gatherings of our time. Dispelling the Myths about College ROTC: How Leadership Development Can Help You Succeed in College FYS 101 – 051 MWF1, 9:10a – 10:10a, Button Hall 301 FYS 101 – 052 MWF1, 10:20a – 11:20a, Button Hall 301 FYS 101 – 053 FYS 101 – 054 TTHF2, 9:10a – 10:10a, Button Hall 301 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Button Hall 301 Improve your personal development, while exploring the facts and misconceptions regarding college ROTC, in this engaging and interactive course. Develop life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness and stress management. Whether you have an interest in the U.S. Army, or not, you can explore your own personal development with help from one of the most trusted institution in the U.S. – the Army. Learn about the Army culture – the attitudes, values, goals, beliefs, and behaviors rooted in traditions, customs, and courtesies. Although influenced by leadership, it is our culture that shapes how the Army views the environment and adapts to meet current and future challenges – even in the classroom or your chosen occupation. Dispelling the first myth: This course does not require you to join the Army! Animal Rights: Human Responsibilities FYS 101 – 055 TTH, 3:00p – 4:15p, Ginger Hall 606B Dr. Jodi Fernandez Animal Rights: Human Responsibilities explores issues of fact and fiction regarding our relationships with the other animals sharing the planet earth. Students will question and clarify their personal beliefs about the symbiotic relationship on many levels and through various lenses, including philanthropy, religion, economics, law, environmental science, animal husbandry and health and nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on research and professional discourse. Becoming a Wikian FYS 101 - 056 MW, 3:00p – 4:15p, Rader Hall 223 Ray Bailey In our modern society, we virtually swim in deception. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to distinguish facts from lies in our “fiction-haunted world.” Therefore, we need information superheroes (“Wikians”) to guide the way. In this course, a “Wikian” is defined as “an individual capable of intelligently gathering, evaluating, and sharing information using modern tools and techniques, including wikis.” To attain “Wikian” awareness, the class will investigate facts and fictions in multiple areas of daily life, including advertising, politics, and mass media. To demonstrate their “Wikian” powers, students will work in groups to research a subject of interest on which to create their own wiki. 7 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University Mt. Sterling Campus Advertising: The Product is You! FYS 101 – 095 Th, 6:00p – 8:40p, MTST 108 Donell Murray In this seminar students will examine the history of advertising, analyze methodology for ad pricing and placement, look at the use of demographics and psychographics in advertising, and critically reflect upon the current mix of media advertising. Students will choose one of the designated topic areas: political advertising; advertising and alcohol or tobacco products; advertising and body image; advertising and prescription drugs for in-depth study. Can You Really Google Good Health Practices? FYS 101 – 097 TH, 1:50p – 4:05p, MTST 108 Teresa Ferguson This seminar explores information literacy, which is defined as the ability to know when there is a need for information and to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information for the issue or problem at hand. Students will specifically investigate how both consumers of health care and health care professionals can effectively use information literacy skills. Students will examine the general application of information literacy, and this will provide the new university student with tools for use in their own academic pursuits. Online Becoming the Jedi in the Information Age (By permission only – for regional campus and online students) FYS 101 – 301 Dr. Yuqui You The seminar offers techniques for success in the digital information age. This hands-on, individual and group project oriented course helps students learn how to purchase and build a computer system, how to upgrade an existing system, how to evaluate the power of their computers, and how to manage personal information on a computer. They will examine cutting edge technologies, practice building home wireless networks to protect their privacy, establish personal web pages, create personal web servers, share information on the Web, work and play with Web 2.0 tools such as Facebook and Twitter, and use and upgrade their applications on their iPod Touch/iPod. They will explore the facts and fictions of technology and communication as they relate to college life. From the Walking Dead to Superheroes: Exploring Human Challenges Through Comics (By permission only – for regional campus and online students) FYS 101 – 302 Deanna Mascle An archetype is a universal pattern or model. All cultures use archetypal characters and stories to explain the nature of the world and life. True to their universal nature, archetypal characters and stories appear again and again in myths across many diverse cultures. These archetypal myths are the answers to questions that humans have grappled with for a long time. Our [human] struggles to understand these issues and find answers to these questions have inspired literature, art, music, and more recent cultural explorations through comic books and graphic novels. This seminar will explore these questions using the archtypes found in comic books and graphic novels such as The Walking Dead and Batman. Rev. 04.14.14 8 First Year Seminar Course Descriptions Fall 2014 Morehead State University
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