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HONORS SEMINARS - SPRING SEMESTER 2008
SEMINAR REGISTRATION FOR SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS
November 13th at Noon
WARNING!!!!!
IF YOU TRY TO REGISTER FOR SEMINARS BEFORE THAT DAY
AND TIME, YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO ADD THE CLASS. ALSO THE SYSTEM WILL EXCLUDE YOU FROM THE WAIT LIST AFTER THE CLASS IS FULL.
Make sure you plan ahead and take the number of required Honors courses and seminars as prescribed by your college Honors committee. Don't wait until your last year to meet the requirements because you may find that you will have some scheduling conflicts.
Important note: Attendance at Honors seminars is expected. Be sure to read the entire seminar description and requirements. Be courteous and notify your instructor in advance if you are unable to attend class.
HON 322A, The Literature Of The Vikings, Monday, 1st Half, 2:10-3:30 p.m., 1 credit, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4651005
Instructor: Jeanine Aune
Description:
This course will give the students an overview of the Old Icelandic saga literature, as well as the complications inherent in understanding and interpreting medieval texts. This course will begin with a lecture on a history survey of Iceland from its discovery to the end of the Icelandic Commonwealth. This will be followed by the critical reading and discussion of several sagas. These readings will familiarize students with the type of society that created them and the contemporary argument on saga origins. Saga discussions will also include the heroic ideal, Viking codes of honor, their concepts of fate, importance of law, and the role of women.
Texts:
Thorsson, Örnólfur, ed. The Sagas of the Icelanders. New York: Viking Press, 1997.
Instructor:
Jeanine Elise Aune is an award-winning Lecturer in the Department of English. She holds an MA in Scandianavian Studies specializing in Old Icelandic and Old English literature from the University of Wisconsin—Madision, where she is also ABD.
HON 322B, The Three Musketeers From Page To Screen, Thursday, 7:00-8:50 p.m., 2 credits, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4652005 CANCELLED
Instructor: Gloria Betcher
Description:
This discussion-oriented seminar will focus on Alexandre Dumas’s great work The Three Musketeers and on some of the films that it inspired. Students will spend most of their class time discussing the novel and the films, occasionally preparing brief, written responses to study questions on the novel and the films. During the second half of the semester, a group of students (3 or 4 to a group) will adopt each film, taking responsibility for introducing it orally to the viewers and producing a set of program notes to hand out at the screening that will explain key details about the film and its presentation of Dumas’s legend and other fun facts about production. Students will be expected to engage critically with the text and films, while learning to be thoughtful film viewers.
Texts:
Dumas, Alexandre. The Three Musketeers. Trans.Jacques Le Clercq. Modern Library Classics, 2001.
Instructor:
Gloria Betcher is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English who has taught early world literature courses. She has appreciated the swashbuckling skills, the valiant efforts to protect queen and country, and the jocular camaraderie of the Three Musketeers (plus D’Artagnan) since first encountering them in an Illustrated Classics edition as a child. There’s nothing like seeing this thrilling swashbuckler brought to life on the screen.
HON 322C, Introduction To Islam, Tuesday/Thursday, 1:10-2:00 p.m.., 2 credits, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4653005
Instructor: Jennifer Clair-Toy
Description:
Seminar will explore Islam in its cultural, socio-political, and historical context. Particular attention will be paid to myths associated with Islam, and will deal with important current issues such as women in Islam. Students will learn and discuss historical beginning of Islam, central tenants and dogma, modern conflicts with and within Islam, and Islamic philosophy. Various sects of Islam will also be analyzed. Class time will be spent discussing reading material and watching short films as well as lecturing.
Texts:
An Introduction to Islam by Thomas Lippman. Al-Quran, translated version (any).
Instructor:
Jennifer Clair-Toy was born in the U.S. but raised in Marseille, France and Saida, Lebanon from 1984 until 1996. She attended high school in Ohio and graduated from Cleveland State University in with a B.S. in Biology. Clair-Toy was raised in a Lebanese Christian-Shiite family, and is married to a Turkish Ph.D. Student.
HON 322D, Professional Improvement For Biology Undergraduates, Wednesday, 10:00-11:50 a.m., 2 credits, Enrollment limit:10, Ref# 4654005
Instructor: Jennifer Deitloff
Description:
This course will help to prepare undergraduate students to apply, enter, and succeed in graduate school. We will discuss key concepts regarding graduate school. Topics will include applying to graduate school, successfully designing a thesis project, reading and writing scientific papers, and successfully completing graduate school.
Texts:
Barker, Kathy. 2005. At the Bench: A laboratory Navigation. Chapter: Getting along in the lab p102-105. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York. 465 p.
Chandler, C. Ray, Lorne M. Wolfe, and Daniel E. L. Promislow. 2007. The Chicago Guide to Landing a Job in Academic Biology. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA. 150 p.
Strauss, Sharon. 2002. Tips on Increasing Your Funding Success Rate, from an Ex-National Science Foundation Program Director. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America: 267-269.
Selected readings by Dinklemann, Andrea, and Anne Bronikowski..
Instructor:
Jennifer Deitloff is a graduate student in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. She has previous teaching experience as an instructor for Biology 109, Teaching Assistance for Biology 211, Biology 212, Ecology 312.
HON 322E, Healthy Campus 2010, Tuesday, 10:00-10:50 a.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4655005
Instructor: Lauri Dusselier
Description:
Healthy Campus 2010 is a document that establishes national health objectives and serves as a basis for developing plans to create programs to improve the health of college students. It is a companion document to Healthy People 2010, which was released by Donna Shalala, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and David Satcher, MD, PhD, U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health, in January, 2000. The two overarching goals of the document are to increase the quality and years of healthy life, and to eliminate health disparities. This seminar will review each of the Leading Health Indicators and discuss how they relate to college students nationally, at ISU, and within the seminar.
Texts:
Current articles regarding the topics will be used.
Instructor:
Lauri Dusselier has an M.S. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies/Higher Education and 15 years of experience in health promotion. She is currently the Health Promotion Supervisor at the Thielen Student Health Center.
HON 322F, Innovation And Entrepreneurship – Turning An Idea Into A Profitable Business Opportunity, Wednesday, 2nd Half, 1:10-3:00 p.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 15, Ref# 4661005
Instructor: Judi Eyles
Description:
This seminar will give students the opportunity to learn how ideas become business plans that help entrepreneurs launch new companies. Students will interact with ISU's experts in new business creation and learn how to write and evaluate a business plan. Class time includes a combination of education and guest speakers. Students will frame out their own business concept and receive expert and peer feedback in a round table format. The seminar concludes with a tour of an entrepreneurial business or a visit to the ISU Research Park. Course content is applicable to all majors.
Texts:
Chapters from Peter Drucker’s “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” will be assigned. Other reading materials provided during class.
Instructor:
Primary instructors are staff from the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Center who have a combined 30+ year’s experience counseling new and existing companies. Staff members provide business assistance and services to technology companies located at the ISU Research Park and also assist non-technology companies. Clients include ISU students, faculty, and entrepreneurs throughout the state.
HON 322G, It’s Not Easy Being Green (Oh Wait, It Is!!), Thursday, 2:10-4:00 p.m., 2 credits, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4664005
Instructor: Mickey Fitch
Description:
Eco-friendly. Sustainability. Environmentalism. Green living. These are all words and phrases ISU students hear when they turn on the news, read the paper, or watch TV. This course will help bring a personal focus to sustainability and the idea of “being green.” The course is designed with three topic areas: 1) eco/green building on the college campus today (exploring green policies/building practices and incorporating sustainable living options); 2) student-environment interaction theories and practices on campus; and 3) living a “green lifestyle” as a college student (which involves practical application and journaling). The course will be interactive in and out of the classroom and reflection-based. Students will have the opportunity to talk with guest speakers, as well as with one another about online readings, class topics, and current events. The course is very flexible, and the instructor desires to adapt the course to students needs and interests as appropriate.
Texts:
Websites
William J. Barratt (campus ecologist)*: http://wbarratt.indstate.edu/
The Campus Ecologist*: http://www.campusecologist.org/default.htm
Midwest Renewable Energy Association*: www.the-mrea.org
Iowa Renewable Energy Association (IRENEW)*: www.irenew.org
Energy Star*: http://www.energystar.gov./index.cfm?c=higher_ed.bus_highereducation
Chronicle Architecture: http://chronicle.com/indepth/architecture/architecture.htm
ISU Leopold Center: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/index.htm
Climate Crisis: http://www.climatecrisis.net/
ISU Student Organic Farm: http://www.agron.iastate.edu/studentfarm/index.html
Book Excerpts**
Bornstein, D. (2004). How to change the world: Social entrepreneurs and the power of new ideas.
Iowa Energy Center. (2005). Annual Report.
Instructor:
Mickey Fitch is in her second year of being the Oak-Elm Hall Director for the Department of Residence where she helps create a safe, academically focused community of 400+ women. Previous to Iowa State, Mickey completed her Master’s in Counseling and Student Personnel focusing in College Student Affairs at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005. Her Bachelor’s was obtained from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Psychology and Human Services in 2003. Mickey credits going to college in north-central Wisconsin and the “hippie” school of the UW system as what sparked her initial interest (both academically and personally) in sustainability, organic living, and the eco-friendly campus. In her spare time, Mickey hangs out with her partner Kris, their cat Betty, and spends plenty of days and nights out fishing on their new boat.
HON 322H, The Billion At The Bottom: How To Help The World’s Poorest, Tuesday, 2nd Half, 2:10-4:00 p.m., 1 credit, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4668005
Instructor: Lehman Fletcher
Description:
Achieving economic growth in the low-income countries is both an intractable economic policy problem and the essential key to alleviating world poverty. The 20th Century brought a major per capita income divergence between leading high-growth countries and lagging low-growth countries. The relative per capita income gap between the richest and poorest countries rose from around 10 times at the beginning of the century to 100 or more times at the century’s end. Absolute mean income differences increased from about $2,000 at the end of the 19th Century to well over $30,000 at the beginning of the 21st Century. Today’s poor countries need 5-7 percent annual growth rates over several decades to alleviate poverty and begin to converge with the rich countries. The importance of growth for poverty alleviation is well illustrated in the case of China where rapid growth has pulled millions of people above the poverty line. The strong linkage of overall economic growth to poverty alleviation requires a pro-poor strategy in the context of rapid and sustained economic growth. This seminar will focus on the role, potential and limitations of foreign aid as a means to encourage today’s poor countries both to raise their growth rates and to alleviate the mass poverty of their populations. Attention will be given to the low-income countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of the billion people living in extreme poverty reside.
Texts:
Sachs, J. The End of Poverty: How we can make it happen in our lifetime. Penguin, 2005.(use the latest edition)
Easterly, W. The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s efforts to aid the rest have done so much ill and so little good. Penguin, 2006.
Collier, P. The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It. Oxford University Press, 2007.
Instructor:
Lehman Fletcher is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Economics. He has taught economic development and comparative economic systems. He has done research in many developing countries and worked for several international development agencies.
HON 322J, Star Trek: Reflections On Philosophy And Society, Monday, 1st Half, 10:00-11:50 a.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4678005
Instructor: Adam Foley
Description:
In 1966, Gene Roddenberry created not only an innovative science fiction television show, but a science fiction empire that would serve as a sounding board for the current social, political, and philosophical debates of the day. Covering the television series and the series of movies, this seminar will seek to explore several key philosophical and societal issues addressed by this collection of bold programming. Students will be challenged to view these programs in a new light, and with a critical eye as we analyze the deeper meaning behind one of the most successful science fiction empires of all time!
Class time will be split between viewing of episodes and the deconstruction of those episodes from a critical philosophical perspective. Additional readings will supplement the issues/topics being discussed during that class period, and students will be encouraged to seek out additional viewing material on their own. Students will be expected to fully participate in the discussions taking place, as well as identify topics not outlined in class for further exploration and presentation. Students need not have any prior knowledge of Star Trek in order to take and enjoy the course!
Texts:
Barad, J. (2000). The Ethics of Star Trek. New York: Harper Collins.
Hanley, R. (1998). Is Data Human?: Or, the Metaphysics of Star Trek. New York: Basic Books.
Snyder, J. W. (1995). Star Trek: A Phenomenon and Social Statement on the 1960s. Retrieved on September 9, 2007 from http://www.ibiblio.org/jwsnyder/wisdom/trek.html.
The Fascist Ideology of Star Trek: Militarism, Collectivism, & Atheism- http://www.friesian.com/trek.htm
The Philosophy of Star Trek- http://stardestroyer.net/Empire/Essays/Philosophy.html
The Prime Directive- http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Prime_Directive
Lessons From Star Trek- http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/06/lessons-from-star-trek/
Star Trek and the New Myth of the Machine-http://www.transparencynow.com/startrek/startrek1.htm
Religion in Star Trek- http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/inconsistencies/religion.htm
Instructor:
Adam Foley received a B.S. in Residence Life Studies & Sexual Health Education, with a minor in Leadership, from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, in 2003 and an M.A. E.d. in Educational Leadership and Policy studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2005. He had taught numerous courses, including Psychology 131 and Gender Justice at Iowa State University.
HON 322K, Christianity And Science, Thursday, 1st Half, 11:00 a.m.-12:50 p.m., 1 credit, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4679005
Instructor: Thomas Ingebritsen
Description:
Religion and science are two of the greatest forces that influence mankind. They are generally interested in different aspects of reality. Science addresses “how” questions while religion answers “why” questions. However an area of common interest is the origin and history of life.
This seminar will explore the interaction and boundaries between science and theology in this area of common interest. Topics and questions to be addressed include:
- Are Christianity and science at war?
- Introduction to the nature and philosophy of science and the interaction with theology.
- History of life on earth, the view from science.
- What does science have to say about the existence of God?
- Does God have a place in science? The case of intelligent design.
- Discussion of Christian views of the relationship between the biblical account of creation and evolution.
We will explore these topics through the writings of well known scientists and theologians with expertise in these areas. Class time will generally be spent discussing weekly reading assignments.
Texts:
Miller, K. R., Finding Darwin’s God: A Scientist’s Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution, HarperCollins, New York, 1999.
McGrath, A. E., Science and Religion: An Introduction, Blackwell, Malden, MA, 1999.
Instructor:
Thomas S. Ingebritsen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology. He received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 1979. He did bench type research for over 20 years primarily in the area of signal transduction. He is currently Director of the LAS Center for On-Line Learning. His current research/creative area is Internet-based instruction. As a scientist and a Christian, Dr. Ingebritsen has a strong interest in this seminar topic.
HON 322L, Ekphrasis Explored: Reinventing Meaning By Combining Creative Writing and Visual Art, Wednesday, 11:00-11:50 a.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref. # 4680005
Instructor: Christiana Langenberg
Description:
With the explosion of text and picture messaging and online literary and visual journals, students have access to highly individualized opportunities for creative expression. Expressions of the written word are constantly being accompanied by photographs, music, paintings, graphic illustrations and other arts, creating whole new forms of communication and fascinating combinations of literary and visual arts. Students will explore essays combined with photos of the subjects, ekphrastic poetry, graphic novels, poetry and flash fiction combined with textiles, paintings, or ceramics. We will also visit electronic journals that showcase sound and web artists along with traditional literary arts that redefine meaning and methods of communication. We will “cross-pollinate” written and other forms of expression to explore and evaluate the connections between various mediums of creativity. Students will ultimately construct their own project that melds text and another visual/found/sound art form.
Texts:
Web readings:
Drunken Boat - www.drunkenboat.com
Brevity www.creativenonfiction.org/brevity
Billy Collins action poetry - www.bcactionpoet.org
And other sites generated by student research.
Required:
Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock
Hard copy texts – to be shared in class – students need not purchase copies unless they want their own personal copy:
Maura Takes the Multiple Choice Test of Her Life So Far, by Christiana Langenberg
The Pop-up Book of Nightmares,
The Pop-up book of Phobias by Gary Greenberg
Captain Underpants (Books 1-8) by Dav Pilkey
Instructor:
Christiana Langenberg is an academic advisor in the Department of English and has been teaching creative writing in the English and Women’s Studies departments for 20 years at ISU. Christiana has published numerous short stories in 2nd person pov and presented conference programs regarding the use of this technique at Purdue, San Diego State University and others.
HON 322M, Evolution As Computation, Tuesday, 2:10-4:00 p.m., 2 credits, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4681005
Instructors: John Mayfield
Description:
I have come to believe that a powerful and illuminating way to understand evolution is to see it as a computation. With this perspective, evolution is not a concept limited to biology but can be seen operating in a variety of situations outside of biology. Two of these are social evolution and evolutionary computer algorithms. Some of the predictions resulting from this viewpoint are that human thoughts are the product of evolutionary computations going on in the brain, that all true complexity arises only by means of an evolutionary process, and that all true creativity originates in randomness.
The seminar will explore these and other issues through selected readings and discussions. I am writing a book on this subject, so some of the readings will be from materials that I have written. I hope students can provide helpful criticisms of this material. I expect students at the end of the seminar to have a sophisticated understanding of evolution and the general concept of computation. Students will be expected to participate in discussions and to make a presentation to the class that is motivated by the discussion topics.
Texts:
The Engine of Complexity, (unpublished) John Mayfield. Selected chapters
Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Daniel C. Dennet. Selected chapters
Without Miracles, Gary Cziko. Selected chapters
Of Clouds and Clocks, essay by Carl Popper
Instructor:
John Mayfield has a PhD in Biophysics and is currently a Professor of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology at Iowa State University. His professional interest are in the areas of evolution and the philosophy of science.
HON 322N, Tolkien’s Mythology, Friday, 2:10-4:00 p.m., 2 credits, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 4687005
Instructors: Alan Myers
Description:
This seminar offers a thorough exploration of the mythology developed in the imagination of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. Like all mythologies, Tolkien’s is a collection of stories in which listeners might find for themselves explanations of concepts difficult to understand in a scientific, rational, or empirical manner. Major themes of the mythology include the nature of good and evil, and the meaning and nature of human mortality. Tolkien is best known for his epic romance The Lord of the Rings, widely recognized as one of the greatest works of fiction written in English. This novel describes the conclusion of a 10,000-year history that constitutes Tolkien’s Mythology, offering a transition from the imaginary world into the reality of our present day. The seminar will concentrate for the most part on Tolkien’s other writings including The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and some of the extensive background writings presented to the public after the author’s death. The class will also examine The Lord of the Rings in the context of how it contributes to the structure of the mythology. Outside of the conceptual theme of the seminar, students will be guided through an entertaining body of literature that casual readers often find challenging owing to its great complexity. Specific readings will be assigned for each class period. A short term paper will be required, intended to be a creative writing piece set within Tolkien’s mythological structure. These student contributions will be discussed in the class during the closing weeks of the semester.
Texts:
The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien (complete text)
Unfinished Tales, by J.R.R. Tolkien (selected readings assigned in class)
The History of Middle Earth, by J.R.R. Tolkien (selected readings assigned in class)
The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien (selected readings assigned in class)
Instructor:
Alan Myers is Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB), and has extensive teaching experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics courses. The College of LAS has recognized Dr. Myers with its award for outstanding teaching at the introductory level. Dr. Myers is the director of an active biochemistry research program focused on molecular mechanisms in plant metabolism. His qualification to teach a course in Tolkien’s Mythology is a long-standing personal interest in the subject, broad study of all of Tolkien’s published work, and the experience and insights gained, especially from former students, in numerous previous offerings of this seminar.
HON 322P, The Russian Film Comedy, Monday, 3:10-4:00 p.m., 1 credit, International Perspectives Credit,Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 5111005
Instructor: Olga Mesropova
Description:
Laughter and comedy have been staple ingredients of cinema since its birth. If a film is
funny, it will bring in the crowds. This seminar examines Russian and Soviet film comedies from early comedies of socialist realism to the emergence of satire in the 1970’s and to recent post-Soviet comedy blockbusters. Students will discuss how Soviet comedy film-makers treaded a fine line between making people laugh and being ideologically acceptable to Soviet censorship. Students will also investigate why Soviet comedies of the 1990s failed to bring in audiences while more recent comedies (especially those produced under Vladimir Putin) have gained national and international recognition. Among films to be viewed are “Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. West in the Land of Bolsheviks,” “Ivan Vasil’evich Changes His Occupation,” “Peculiarities of National Hunt,” and “Adam’s Rib.” Students will also look at some Hollywood comedies and discuss their role in American society.
Texts:
Beumers, Birgit, ed. Russia on Reels: The Russian Idea in Post-Soviet Cinema. London: I.B. Tauris, 1999
Dobrenko, Evgeny. "Soviet Comedy Film: or, the Carnival of Authority." Trans. Jesse M. Savage. Discourse 17.3 (Spring 1995): 49-57.
Horton, Andrew, ed. Inside Soviet Film Satire: Laughter With a Lash. NY: Cambridge UP, 1993.
Gillespie, David C. "The Sounds of Music: Soundtrack and Song in Soviet Film." Slavic Review 62.3 (Fall 2003): 473-490, among others.
MacFadyen, David. The Sad Comedy of El'dar Riazanov: An Introduction to Russia's Most Popular Filmmaker. Montreal and London: McGill-Queen's UP, 2003.
Prokhorov, Alexander. "Cinema of Attractions versus Narrative Cinema: Leonid Gaidai's Comedies and El'dar Riazanov's Satires of the 1960s." Slavic Review 62.3 (Fall 2003): 455-472.
Stites, Richard. "Soviet Movies for the Masses and for Historians." Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television 11.2 (1991): 243-252.
Taylor, Richard. "A 'Cinema for the Millions': Soviet Socialist Realism and the Problem of Film Comedy." Journal of Contemporary History 18 (1983): 439-61.
Instructor:
Olga Mesropova is an assistant professor of Russian at ISU. Her research interests include post-Soviet film, gender and culture studies. She has published articles on various aspects of Russian culture, film, television, and performance in journals such as Russian Review, Slavic and East European Journal, and Canadian Slavonic Papers. She is also the author of KINOTALK (a cinema-based conversation textbook, forthcoming, Slavica 2006). She is currently co-editing a collection of essays entitled Uncensored? Reinventing Humor and Satire in Post-Soviet Russia (forthcoming in 2008).
HON 322R, Leadership In Action: Servant Leadership Training, Monday, 10:00-11:50 a.m., 2 credits, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 5117005
Instructor: Vanessa Preast
Description:
The class is intended to guide students through an exploration of leadership principles. They will find these principles within their own lives, in shared experiences with classmates, and in observations of local and global communities. This class uses a framework of Servant Leadership to discuss leadership principles.
Texts:
Exploring leadership: for college students who want to make a difference by Komives
“A Place of Responsibility: Where It Worked Both Ways” by Lloyd Peterman
Instructor:
Vanessa Preast’s background is veterinary medicine. She practiced small animal medicine for a short time and then went back to graduate school to pursue an interest in teaching and learning. She currently works for the School of Veterinary Medicine in the department of Curriculum and Instruction and has been studying leadership informally for about 3 years.
HON 322T, The Psychology Of The Holocaust, Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m., 2 credits, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 2968005
Instructors: Elizabeth Schabel
Description:
Students will learn about and discuss the conditions which led to the Holocaust, among them the following: deeply entrenched German anti-semitism; hidden cruelty in German childrearing practices - the roots of violence; Nazi propaganda; political and economic climate of Germany; the world's apathy. We will research/discuss each thoroughly. We will also discuss the philosophical and religious implications of the Holocaust, pondering such questions as the following: Is there still a God for victims of the Holocaust? Did victims of the Holocaust resist and in what ways? Can we apply our moral and ethical standards to the behavior of victims of the Holocaust? Did lines between perpetrators and victims become blurred in the concentration camps? Is forgiveness possible without remorse? Students will be expected to participate in discussions; in addition, each student will be assigned a book to read and subsequently give an oral report on the book's main points and main philosophical message.
Texts:
Required Books for Oral Reports: to be assigned on first day of class
Instructor:
Elizabeth Schabel has taught Honors sections of English 105H and 302 for several years. She has taught numerous Honors seminars over the past 15 years, with theatre, family dynamics, Black American literature, Ayn Rand focuses. She also was the recipient of the first "Excellence in Teaching" award presented by the University Honors Program.
HON 322U, Universality In A Diverse World: Principles And Challenges Of International Human Rights, Monday, 3:10-5:00 p.m., 2 credits, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 2977005
Instructor: Nathan Swanson
Description:
“Human rights” is a popular topic today among social scientists and international lawyers. The mass media outlets bombard us daily with references to alleged human rights abuses, and indeed we all base our core political values in fundamental rights that we believe transcend the reach of governments. This seminar will explore international human rights in the context of these issues and provide students with a better understanding of the role human rights play in world affairs and in our daily lives. We will begin the course by exploring the history of the international human rights movement and discussing its transformation since the end of World War II. Our second unit will focus on human rights in practice in our world today as we examine the treaties that outline specific human rights and discuss how those definitions are viewed through various cultural lenses. This unit will also explore the role of human rights in the international political and legal system, the ways that private organizations and the media affect international human rights, and how economic interests interact with human rights principles. The course will conclude with a continent-by-continent look at human rights conflicts, applying the principles discussed in previous class meetings.
Texts:
Michael Freeman, Human Rights: An Interdisciplinary Approach (2002).
International legal documents (treaties and declarations) from the U.N.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (un.org/Overview/rights.html)
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ohchr.org/english/law/ccpr.htm)
Covenant on Economic, Social, & Cultural Rights (ohchr.org/english/law/cescr.htm)
Nongovernmental organization websites:
Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org
Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org
Freedom House: http://www.freedomhouse.org
Articles available through the ISU Library online databases:
Philip Alston, The UN’s Human Rights Record: From San Francisco to Vienna and Beyond, 16 Human Rights Quarterly 375–90 (1994).
Jay S. Ovsiovitch, News Coverage of Human Rights, 46 Political Science Research Quarterly 671–89 (1993). (JSTOR)
Peter Viggo Jakobsen, Focus on the CNN Effect Misses the Point: The Real Media Impact on Conflict Management is Invisible and Indirect, 37 Journal of Peace Research 131–43 (2000). (JSTOR)
Ellen L. Lutz & Kathryn Sikkink, International Human Rights Law and Practice in Latin America, 54 International Organization 633–59 (2000). (JSTOR)
Fred Dallmayr, “Asian Values” and Global Human Rights, 52 Philosophy East and West 173–89 (2002). (JSTOR)
Jean Allain & Andreas O’Shea, African Disunity: Comparing Human Rights Law and Practice of North and South African States, 24 Human Rights Quarterly 86–125 (2002). (Project MUSE)
Tabet Koraytem, Arab Islamic Developments on Human Rights, 16 Arab Law Quarterly 255–62 (2001). (JSTOR)
Liz Fekete, The Deportation Machine: Europe, Asylum, and Human Rights, 47 Race & Class 64–78 (2005). (Sage Premier 2007)
Instructor:
Nathan Swanson is graduate student in Political Science at Iowa Student and concurrently completing a Juris Doctor at Drake University Law School. He is the Research Editor for the Drake Law Review, President of the Drake International Law Society, and an avid traveler. His research areas include international human rights, public international law, and comparative constitutional law.
HON 322V, Through Another’s Eyes: A Literary Look At People/Cultures/Societies Different From Our Own, Tuesday, 4:10-6:00 p.m., 2 credits, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 3552005
Instructor: Michelle Tremmel
Description:
This seminar will ask students to get out of their own “selves” in order to explore, through imaginative literature, what the world may be like for people living in different times, places, and circumstances than they. The objectives are to cultivate an understanding and tolerance of differences in culture, religion, society, personal circumstances, to consider the impact of “othering” on quality of life, to recognize how imaginative literature can act as a window on “real-life” issues and to hone critical thinking skills through reading, writing, and discussing
Texts:
Three of the following novels will be selected.
Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. New York:
Doubleday, 2003.
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003.
Ishiguro, Kazuo. Never Let Me Go. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Otsuka, Julie. When the Emperor Was Divine. New York: Anchor
Books/Random House, Inc., 2002
Potok, Chaim. The Chosen. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1967.
Instructor:
Michelle Tremmel has taught courses in the Department of English for nine years at Iowa State University, including five years of honors sections of English 105, and holds a Ph.D. in English from Michigan State University.
HON 322W, Autism In Literature And Culture, Thursday, 3:10-4:00 p.m., 1 credit, International Perspectives Credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 3675005
Instructors: Susan Yager
Description:
This will be a discussion-intensive class, with readings from contemporary fiction, film, and nonfiction (mainly memoir) about autism. It will include some background readings from newsmagazines and readings from psychology, specifically from Bruno Bettelheim's The Empty Fortress, which gave a sadly mistaken view of autism and motherhood. Experts from Disability Resources and/or Psychology will be guests, but the bulk of the course will be treatments of autism in works of art, mainly for adults though we would take a quick look at the growing library of such books for children.
Texts:
Leimbach, Marti. Daniel Isn't Talking.
Moon, Elizabeth. The Speed of Dark.
Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Claiborne Park, Clara Exiting Nirvana: A Daughter's Life with Autism, .
At least a selection from a writer or artist with autism.
Instructor:
Susan Yager isan Associate Professor in English and has taught Honors seminars in the past on Harry Potter and (with Carol Fuhler) on banned and challenged books.
HON 322Y, Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Bilogical And Ethical Considerations, Tuesday, 11:00-11:50 a.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 3725005
Instructor: C. R. Youngs
Description:
The objective of this seminar is to provide students with a scientific basis for understanding reproductive biology in animals and humans. The first part of the semester will largely be lecture and discussion, whereas the last part of the semester will focus on student presentation of topics such as embryonic stem cells, in vitro fertilization, embryo freezing and nuclear transfer (cloning).
Lectures will include a discussion of reproductive anatomy and physiology, regulation of reproductive cycles, and an overview of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Students will be given assigned readings throughout the semester. In addition, students will work in teams of 2 or 3 to develop and deliver a presentation to their classmates.
Texts:
Required readings will be announced on the first day of class.
Instructor:
Curtis Youngs, Associate Professor of Animal Science, has taught reproductive biology courses for 19 years and has been actively involved with research on embryo transfer and embryo manipulation in domestic mammalian livestock. Some of his former students are actively employed at human infertility clinics throughout the United States.
HON 324A, Lessons From The Twilight Zone, Monday & Wednesday, 1st Half, 4:10-5:00 p.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 8865005
Instructor: Stephanie Zywicki
Description:
The increased popularity of television brought a new dimension of social commentary into the homes of Americans. The Twilight Zone, one of America’s most popular television series, offered a unique perspective on the issues and challenges experienced from the 1930’s to early 1960’s. By addressing themes such as group think, individualization, malevolence, space travel, and good versus evil, The Twilight Zone offered viewers a barometer to judge their own thoughts and opinions.
Texts:
Bertonneau, T & Paffenroth, K. (2006) “Introduction: Science, religion, and storytelling.” In The truth is out there. Brazos: Grand Rapids. Pages 9-31.
Bertonneau, T & Paffenroth, K. (2006) “Sin and grace: The Twilight Zone.” In The truth is out there. Brazos: Grand Rapids. Pages 131-161.
Bertonneau, T & Paffenroth, K. (2006) “Toward a conclusion: Science fiction, contemporary popular culture, and gospel theology.” In The truth is out there. Brazos: Grand Rapids. Pages 225-253.
Brenner, M. (2004). Thirty minute reality check: How the Twilight Zone reflected American society in the 1950’s.
McKee, G. (2007). “Dark stars: Sin and evil.” In The gospel according to science fiction. Knox: Louisville. Pages 97-127.
Stanyard, S. (2007). “Themes from the Twilight Zone.” In Dimensions behind the Twilight Zone. ECW Press: Toronto. Pages 33-57.
Books (chapters will be selected from these books):
Engel, J. (1989). Rod Sterling: The dreams and nightmares of life in the Twilight Zone. Chicago: Contemporary Books.
Lembo, R. (2000). Thinking through television. Cambridge: Cambridge Press.
Sander, G. (1992). The rise and twilight of television’s last angry man. New York: The Penguin Group
Taylor, E. (1991). Television culture in postwar America. University of California Press: Berkeley.
Instructor:
Stephanie Masta Zywicki is in her second year as a hall director with the Department of Residence. Before coming to Iowa State University she was Residence Life Coordinator and Career Counselor at Grinnell College. She received her M.Ed from Arizona State University and her B.A from the University of Michigan. She is currently working on her Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction.
HON 324B, Storytelling: Our Life Testimonials, Tuesday, 9:00-9:50 a.m., 1 credit, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 8871005
Instructor: Craig Zywicki
Description:
Stories motivate and guide us. They fuel laughter or drive us to tears. Everyone has a story to tell—are you willing to listen and are you ready to share?
Within this seminar, students will explore how stories shape our reality. We will use film and literature to explore the role of fictitious stories in our lives. The use of true biographies will shape our understanding of cultural storytelling. The greatest biographies—our own personal testimonials—will help us understand the influence of the people directly around us. Reflective writing will guide our journey through stories of our lives.
Note: This seminar purpose is not to discuss stories of fantasy or surrealism. We will modestly use fiction and rhetoric to help understand how our lives are shaped by creativity. By using the theory of multiple dimensions of identity, this seminar may qualify for the US Diversity credit. We will use understanding ourselves to prepare us to best understand people and culture in the community around us.
Texts:
Palmer, P. J. (1999). Let your life speak: Listening for the voice of vocation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Wallace, D. (2004). Big fish. Pocket Books.
For the biography assignment, students must purchase or borrow a book that fits their interests.
Keen, S. (1988). The stories we live by. Psychology Today, 22(12), 36-39.
Jones, S., & McEwen, M.K. (2000). A conceptual model of multiple dimensions of identity. Journal of College Student Development, 41(4), 405-414.
Instructor:
Craig Zywicki is currently the Program Coordinator for the Supplemental Instruction Program, which includes additional responsibilities in the Academic Success Center and Dean of Students Office. He is currently working on coursework towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University. Craig’s M.Ed. is in Higher and Postsecondary Education Administration. His interest in storytelling comes from numerous people who both inspire and tolerate his stories.
HON 324C, This American Life, As Lived Narratives, Wednesday, 2:10-4:00 p.m., 2 credits, Enrollment limit:15, Ref# 8872005
Instructor: Carrie Kortegast
Description:
This class will explore what we can learn about ourselves, others and our world through the format of lived stories/narratives. The National Public Radio show “This American Life” will be the format for the exploration into a variety of themes with the intention of discussing concepts such as identity, democracy, diversity and human experience through the power of conversation. “This American Life” is a 1-hour radio show that each week discusses a new theme. Typically the show starts off with a prologue that introduces the theme followed by 2-4 segments that explores the show’s theme from different angles. Often the themes are |
