UHC 110 SYLLABUS

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UHC 110 - 999
Fall 2009
2:00-2:50 TR
STRO 409

Power: Its Sources and Uses

Missouri State University

Dr. Victor H. Matthews

Office: Strong Hall 207

Office Hours: 9:00-9:50 MF & 1:00-1:50 TR

Phone: 417-836-5529

Email: VictorMatthews@missouristate.edu

My.Missouristate Portal

Important Dates and Deadlines Fall 2009 (http://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/acad_cal.html)

1.Text Required: George Orwell, 1984

I encourage students to click on the various web links that I have created throughout this syllabus to obtain additional information.

2. Course Description: This course is a part of the General Education curriculum and is a requirement for all Honors College students. The goals of the General Education program are found at: http://www.missouristate.edu/GeneralEducation/Goals%20_GenEd.htm. The Honors Orientation course is designed to provide basic information on college life as well as to explore a select topic. It also functions as an assessment tool for the General Education Program. This particular section of UHC 110 will examine the sources and uses of power and authority and, where possible, relate them to the Public Affairs Mission of the University. This will include (1) religion, (2) forms of communication, (3) forms of government, and (4) forms of behavior modification. Each of these areas dovetails into each other and allows for easy transitions and for the identification of connections. The primary focus will be to analyze forms of, and means to, power and then discuss ways in which these have been harmful as well as beneficial to individual freedoms. In every instance, it will be the task of the instructor to help students identify, analyze, and process their understanding of these forms and symbols of power.

3. Classroom routine: This will be structured primarily as a discussion course. It is expected that students will take the initiative to raise questions and to seek additional information from the instructor and fellow students during each class period. I welcome student questions and expect that the number of these questions will increase as the semester progresses.

4. Course Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: To help students become better informed about MSU and its services

Specific Objectives:

--increase student proficiency with the MSU library system and its resources

--allow students to gain practical experience with academic computer use

--increase student understanding of MSU policies and procedures

--increase student awareness (location and purpose) of university services and student opportunities

Goal 2: To help students understand the Missouri State mission in Public Affairs

Specific Objectives:

--students can identify “Public Affairs” as the state-wide Missouri State mission

--students can write a meaningful definition of “Public Affairs”

--students can demonstrate (by word or deed) an appreciation of cultural competence, community
engagement, and ethical leadership

Goal 3: To increase student understanding of a topic of intellectual significance

Specific Objective:

--students can articulate (orally and in writing) information about topics related to the theme of their UHC 110 section

--students can articulate (orally and in writing) constructive and insightful opinions about topics related to the theme of their UHC 110 section

CONNECTION WITH GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS

GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL Part One: Intellectual Abilities and Dispositions

C. Reflective, Creative, and Critical Dispositions

#1 Striving to be well-informed and open-minded. Through tours, guest presentations, scavenger hunts, etc., students become better informed concerning the availability and use of a variety of university services including such services as the library, computer services, career services, student services, the writing center, the testing and counseling center and the honors office.

Through the required 4-year plan assignment, scavenger hunts, etc., students become familiar with various sources of information pertaining to MSU policies and procedures including the university catalog, the schedule of classes, the MSU web page, etc.

In addition to an orientation component, each section of UHC 110 also focuses on an academic topic. Through reading and writing assignments, class activities, and class discussions, students become well-informed and open-minded about this topic.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL Part One Intellectual Abilities and Dispositions

C. Reflective, Creative, and Critical Dispositions

#4 Willingness to make choices and to evaluate those choices.

Each student creates a 4 year academic plan in which they will choose the classes they will need to take in order to satisfy their honors, general education, major, and minor requirements.

Through the study of an academic theme, students will be better able to make informed decisions about significant issues affecting society.

Through a variety of writing assignments, students will be asked to make and evaluate choices.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL Part One Intellectual Abilities and Dispositions

D. Communication Skills

#1 Writing and speaking with clarity and precision.

Each section of UHC 110 incorporates a variety of writing assignments.

Class discussions are a common component of UHC 110 class time.

Many sections of UHC 110 require the students to make oral presentations.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL Part Two Knowledge and Understanding

B. Understanding of Culture and Society

#4 Understanding the ways human choices affect communities, from local to global, and responsibilities of individuals to assume the duties of citizenship.

Discussions of the university’s public affairs mission are incorporated into each class.

Depending on its “topic,” specific sections of UHC 110 may center on this goal.

This section of UHC 110 will:

a. Encourage the student to formulate questions, evaluate evidence, and make deductive inferences about sources and uses of power in various cultures and time periods.

b. Help the student become better informed and more open-minded about cultural differences and how these are the basis of powerful and powerless conditions.

c. Show the student that there may be many paths to the same ultimate goal.

d. Increase the student's awareness of his/her own thinking processes and possible cultural biases, and the degree to which we are creatures of our society.

e. Teach the student to communicate more effectively in written and oral forms, and to critically analyze the ideas of others. Demonstrate how leaders employ both ethical and unethical methods to obtain and maintain power.

f. Help the students become more visually-literate so they can recognize and evaluate cultural symbols, body language, slogans, and other tools of government and business in the struggle for power.

5. Assessment Methods:

a. There will be two essay exams in this course: a mid-term and a final. A study guide will be provided prior to the test to aid in preparation and to help focus on major ideas. On the first day of class, a standardized questionnaire will be administered to determine initial familiarity with the university mission.

b. There will be two class writing assignments to assess student awareness of issues being raised in class discussion (50 points each).

First Writing Assignment (Due October 6, 2009)

During the course of this semester you will have many opportunities to witness and/or hear candidates, public officials, and university officials make speeches. You will analyze one of these speeches and the person giving the speech, demonstrating your understanding of Bruce Lincoln’s elements of discursive authority and John K. Galbraith's three aspects of power and authority. I would particularly encourage you to attend the event where the speech is to be given if at all possible. (3 pages minimum)

Analysis of Political Speech: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_public_speaking_2/0,9651,1593302-content,00.html

Images created by Politicians: http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article22.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f9R9MtkpqM – George Lakoff on Political Speech

Second Writing Assignment (Due December 3, 2009)

Choose an advertisement from a newspaper or magazine or on-line (Do not tear pages out of library items). Provide a graphic description of your chosen advertisement and analyze its use of color symbolism, the item or items that your eye is immediately drawn toward, and its various uses archetypal branding and propagandistic methods. Note any unusual qualities it possesses and whether you would be convinced to purchase this product. In what ways would you improve this ad? Be specific. Your paper should also demonstrate your understanding of the use of Lincoln’s discursive authority (in this case through graphic portrayal), and the Seven Basic Propaganda Devices found on the IPA web site: http://www.propagandacritic.com. Include a copy of your ad and a list of sources with your paper (3 pages minimum).

Color symbolism: http://webdesign.about.com/library/weekly/aa070400b.htm

http://desktoppub.about.com/library/weekly/aa103000a.htm

Archetypes: http://www.iloveulove.com/psychology/jung/jungarchetypes.htm

http://www.herowithin.com/arch101.html

http://www.friesian.com/gender.htm

Analysis of Advertising: http://www.42explore.com/advertis.htm

http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article227.html

c. Each student will create a 4-year curricular plan to complete a major and a minor. This will require careful use of the University Bulletin, an audit of transfer, AP, and Dual credits, and the listing of specific courses (25 points). This assignment is due November 5, 2009.

6. Attendance: Since this is a discussion class, it is essential that you make every effort to attend each class. A significant proportion (25%) of your final grade will be based on your participation in class discussion.

7. Class Participation: A significant proportion of your grade (100 points) is dependent upon class participation. I will assign this grade at the end of the course. It will be based on attendance, ability to answer questions during regular and scheduled class discussions, in-class assignments, willingness to ask questions and seek help (both in and out of class), and general improvement in class discussion over the course of the semester.

I encourage each student to send me e-mails (VictorMatthews@missouristate.edu) with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have about the course or university issues.

8. Cheating: Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, which can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/acintegrity.html. I also direct students to the university's statement of community principles. Students who have committed academic dishonesty are subject to the reduction of a letter grade and/or the repetition of the assignment.

9. Grading:

The final grade will be based on the following:

Mid-term exam = 75 points

Short Papers = 100 points (50 points each)

Four-semester Course Schedule = 25 points

Final Exam = 100 points

Class Participation = 100 points

Plus/minus grades: In order to give students appropriate credit for their work, grades will be reported with plusses and minuses at the end of the semester. Your overall numerical score in the class will be converted to a letter grade on the basis of the following chart:

90-92 = A-            93-100 = A
80-82 = B-            83-86 = B            87-89 = B+
70-72 = C-           73-76 = C            77-79 = C+
                              60-66 = D            67-69 = D+

Note that the university does not allow the reporting of D- or of A+ grades.

Borderline grades will be determined by such factors as attendance, completion of work on time, evidence of hard work, and a willingness to seek help as well as general contribution to class discussions.

10. Office Hours: Students should feel free to consult with me about the course and their work. My office is in the Dean's Suite in STRO 207. I will be there 9-9:50 am MWF and 1:00-1:50 TR. If you cannot meet with me during posted office hours, make an appointment to see me at a mutually agreeable time. The Associate Dean’s office phone is 836-5529 and the secretary can make an appointment for me. I can also be contacted by e-mail: VictorMatthews@missouristate.edu.

15. Disability Accommodation: To request accommodations for disability, students must contact Disability Services (http://www.missouristate.edu/disability), Plaster Student Union Suite 405, (417) 836-4192; TTY (417) 836-6792. Students must provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. DS refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic testing, for which a fee is charged.

16. Discrimination Policy: Missouri State is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries and concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Estergard, Equity and Diversity Officer (417-836-4252). Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor's attention, and to the attention of your instructor's department head. The Missouri State statement of non-discrimination can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/eoaa.htm.

17. Cell Phone Use: As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances. Sanctions for violation of this policy are determined by the instructor and may include dismissal from the class – see Class Disruption (http://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/classdis.html). Use of cell phones, similar communication devices, or any unauthorized electronic data storage device in testing situations, other than to receive University emergency notifications, may constitute a violation of the Academic integrity policy and lead to sanctions under the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/acintegrity.html). There are two appeal processes available to students. A sanction for class disruption may be appealed using the appeal process stated in the Class Disruption policy; however, a violation that involves a charge of academic dishonesty must be appealed using the process described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. Students have the right to continue attending class while an appeal is in progress.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE -- UHC 110-999

Tentative Schedule
In addition to the reading assignments listed below, all students will be expected to stay current on breaking and developing news in our region, the nation and the world. It is crucial for our discussion to have real world examples to draw upon. Therefore every student should devote time to reading newspapers, watching television newscasts and C-SPAN, and listening to in depth reporting on National Public Radio. I will begin every class by asking about what students have learned from the news that is an expression of power in our global society.

Advertising is another important medium of power. Students should familiarize themselves with the forms, methods, and styles of advertising found on radio, television, in print, and on billboards.

Each of the following sections is designed to elicit discussion based on both the readings and on the personal observations of the students. It is expected that reading will be completed prior to class in order to facilitate discussion. It is also quite likely that additional resources will be drawn on during the course of the semester.

1. University Orientation Topics

University Community Principles http://www.missouristate.edu/declaration/

Goals and Objectives of the General Education Program http://www.missouristate.edu/GeneralEducation/Goals%20_GenEd.htm

The Public Affairs Mission of the University http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/41685.htm

Undergraduate Catalog http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/undercat.html

Colleges, Departments, and Faculty http://www.missouristate.edu/academics.asp

Degrees, Majors, and Minors http://www.missouristate.edu/majors/

Library Resources http://library.missouristate.edu/

Advisement, Advisors http://www.missouristate.edu/advising/

Student Rights and Responsibilities http://www.missouristate.edu/judicial/

Student Services:

My.Missouristate.edu Portal https://my.missouristate.edu/cp/home/loginf

Multicultural Student Services http://multicultural.missouristate.edu/

Disability Support Services http://www.missouristate.edu/disability/

International Student Services http://international.missouristate.edu/students/

Academic Support Services http://www.missouristate.edu/stuacad/

Taylor Health Center http://health.missouristate.edu/

Student Employment and Volunteer Services http://www.missouristate.edu/studentemp/cvc/3629.htm

Registration Services: http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/reg_info.html

The following link, http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/bannerregistrationinstructions.htm, provides a demo on the new Banner registration system, including a video on YouTube.

Complete details regarding change of schedule and regarding section changes can be found at: http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/chnsched.html

Choosing a Career http://careercenter.missouristate.edu/

The web Master Calendar can be found at: http://calendar.missouristate.edu/

The Important Dates and Deadlines Calendar can be found at: http://calendar.missouristate.edu/home/academic

2. Discussion of Public Affairs Mission.

a. Read statements made on the Public Affairs Mission at: http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/41685.htm

b. Examine the quotations found at: http://courses.missouristate.edu/VictorMatthews/courses/Quotes.gep.html

3. Sources of Power and Authority

a. Read and discuss A. Lincoln, "Constructing Authority," pp. 1-13

b. Read and discuss John K. Galbraith, "Anatomy of Power," pp. 1-37

c. Privilege and Power: read "Addressing White Privilege," by Greg Blackburn and Tim Wise

d. Visual Images of Power: read Keith Whitelam, "The Symbols of Power" (Biblical Archaeologist 49 [1986]
     :166-73)

   http://etext.virginia.edu/users/morford/

http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/arth200/politics/roman_architecture.html

http://www.support4change.com/change/imagery/power.html

e. Space and Power: http://www.hypergeo.eu/article.php3?id_article=181

   ***MID-TERM EXAM: October 8, 2009***

4. Ideas of Power

a. Examine the principles of propaganda as outlined in IPA web site:

    http://www.propagandacritic.com/

    http://www.prwatch.org/ -- Media Watch

    List of lobbyist web sites: http://courses.missouristate.edu/VictorMatthews/courses/lobbyists.doc

    Media Giants: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/giants

b. Brands and archetypes: advertising

Web Links on archetypes: http://www.stcwdc.org/PDF/levin_PersonalBrandingArchetypes.pdf

http://www.livingbrands.co.uk/Assests/Articles/Brand%20Archetyping%20(Admap%20article%201).pdf

http://www.alexanderdunlop.ie/a2arch.html

http://members.tripod.com/~Ramon_K_Jusino/littlemermaid.html

c. Political Cartoons: http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/political_cartoon/resources.html;
     http://www.politicalcartoons.com/ and http://www.cagle.com/politicalcartoons/

d. Read and discuss Orwell’s 1984

**Pertinent web site for Orwell's 1984:

http://www.k-1.com/Orwell/index.cgi/work/summaries/1984.html

http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/1984/

Final Exam: 1:15-3:15 on Tuesday, December 15th in STRO 409

Return to Victor Matthews Home Page

This site was last updated on August 10, 2009.

Student Services:

Registration Services: http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/reg_info.html