General Studies (GNST) 500 - Lecture 02
Heritage II - Integration
Fall 2006
MWF 11:00 - 12:45  

Instructor:	Dr. Marcia J. Epstein
Office Location:	SS 332
Office Phone:	220-4848
E-Mail:	epstein@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:
Office Hours:	By appointment

Additional Information

This is an intensive version of GNST 500, compressed into one term. This means that you will need to prepare a lot of material each week.

Course Description

In Heritage I - Perspective, you were presented with an overview of how Western civilization got to where it is. In Heritage II you will pick up the thread at the 19th century and follow it into the 21st. The first part of the course (the 19th Century) will examine new principles of social organization that followed the decline of the European monarchies. The second half (the 20th Century) will focus on the results of these new principles and on crises resulting from the fundamental assumptions of the past.

This course is subtitled "Integration" for a good reason. Since it deals with concepts and issues of the present time, you will have the opportunity to integrate your own experience with the course content. This can be done through discussion, reflection, and a firm grasp on current world events. It must be done because we are now in the 21st century, in which a global society is evolving. The networks for global communication are already in place, and if they serve to illuminate crisis and suffering in all parts of the world, perhaps they can serve thereby as part of the process for relieving suffering. Awareness, however imperfectly conveyed, is the first step. International systems of health care, of trade, of justice, and of approaches to environmental crisis are developing; they are likely to become powerful forces in the culture of the 21st century.

Note: The skills you will develop in this course are not designed simply to help you pass the course and get that prize job in the ad agency or the law firm. They are survival skills for your future. The degree to which you can weigh evidence, recognize specious arguments, analyze fundamental assumptions, decode cultural signs, defuse hostile confrontations, AND recognize historical patterns, may ultimately determine your society's health, as well as your individual success.

Format:

Lectures will be a significant part of the course, but not its entire content. At times, the class will divide into small groups for discussion purposes. As well, occasional guest speakers from outside the academic community will be sharing their experience in the front lines.

You are encouraged at all times to exercise the following skills:

1) Recognition of fundamental assumptions: What is the cultural background of the writer or speaker? What conscious beliefs does s/he hold? What unconscious assumptions underlie those beliefs?

2) "Zooming out" (objective stance): Taking a wide comprehensive view of history, where does the writer/ speaker fit? What objective criteria can be used to evaluate his/her words? What historical patterns are being activated? What prejudices are shown?

3) "Zooming in" (subjective stance): Place yourself in the mindset of the writer and her/his cultural background. What subjective impressions help you to understand the viewpoint being expressed? (This technique is especially useful if you don't agree with the person.)

NB: You are not likely to agree with everything you read or hear in this course. That's fine, so long as your methods of evaluation are clearly defined (e.g., "I disagree with X because his/her assumptions about certain ethnic groups are inaccurate" is a more clearly-defined response than "X is a rotten racist".). This doesn't mean that you can't have gut-level opinions. You will simply be encouraged to sharpen your analytical skills so that the head can explain what the gut is feeling, which will make your arguments more persuasive.

It is likely that each of you, presented with the same evidence as the next person, will come to a different conclusion. That's fine. Each member brings to the group a unique set of beliefs, opinions, and experiences. Consensus is not the final goal. Awareness is.

Objectives of the Course

Participants in GNST 500 will be expected to complete the course with a demonstrable knowledge of the following:

-Major socio-political developments in Western society of the 19th and 20th centuries, including the theoretical frameworks and evolution of political and economic systems;

-The influence of scientific discoveries and technological inventions on cultural change;

-The interactions of Western culture with global cultures;

-The interconnectedness of society, science, the arts, religion, and popular culture;

- Evolution and potential resolutions of current issues concerning social justice, economics, health, the environment, and the future.

(NB: If all of these branches of knowledge can grow from a central trunk of curiosity and compassion, so much the better.)

Textbooks and Readings:

Assigned Texts (see lecture schedule for specific Readings)

From GNST 300:

·Edgar E. Knoebel, ed., Classics Of Western Thought, Vol. III, The Modern World, Most recent edition

For GNST 500:

- Classics Of Western Thought, Vol. IV, most recent edition

·Reading Package at Bookstore.

Books recommended (not required) for additional perspectives:

Fritjof Capra, The Turning Point;

James Carroll, Constantine's Sword;

Jared Diamond, Guns,Germs & Steel and The Third Champanzee

Marilyn French, Beyond Power;

Sam Harris, The End of Faith;

Naomi Klein, No Logo;

Jerry Mander, In the Absence of the Sacred;

John Raulston Saul, Voltaire's Bastards and other works;

Ronald Wright, Stolen Continents and other works.

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Essay (topic TBA) (20%): Due in class OCTOBER 6

Midterm Exam (20%): OCTOBER 23

Group Project (25%): Due by arrangement NOVEMBER 20-27

Final Exam (25%) Schedule TBA: December

Participation (10%)Class discussion groups and/or Blackboard online.

(In normal circumstances, all assignments must be completed in order to pass the course. If your circumstances are starting to look abnormal, you will need to tell me.)

Group Projects : You are encouraged to form groups of 2-4 members. These groups will act as taskforces for solving current problems in contemporary society. Think of yourselves as members of a committee with a mandate to improve conditions NOW. The taskforce projects will include a written presentation, and may involve a multimedia presentation to the class, which can take place on designated days in November.



Examples:

a) If you do volunteer work in a community organization, you may be able to base your project on it. (NB - political parties are not admissible, nor are religious groups whose aim is to attract converts. Religious charities that are not restricted by faith are fine.

b) Solutions for a problem in a particular community. NB - At least one member of the group must have experience with the community chosen, or be able to interview someone who does.

c) Research on a sociological theme with reference to course readings.

NB: ALL projects must be discussed with me before they are completed. The methodology and requirements will vary according to your group size and your topic. Research Sources must include library and/or live sources as well as Internet! More information about the mechanics of the actual projects will be given to you later.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: Yes

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Extensions may be granted for sufficient reason. PLEASE TELL ME if you are experiencing difficulties.

Non-emergency extension requests must be discussed with me at least one week before the assignment is due. Computer malfunction is not usually sufficient reason for an extension.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. (Please see the Writing Across the Curriculum Statement in the University of Calgary 2003-04 Calendar, p. 40, http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/How/HOW_GB.htm). Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented. If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS 110, 220-7255.

Participants in GNST 500 will be expected to demonstrate the following academic skills during the course:

-Ability to comprehend, evaluate, retain, and comment meaningfully upon assigned readings;

-Ability to write clearly, coherently and grammatically in English. Those whose writing does not meet a reasonable standard for senior undergraduate courses will be expected to attend some Effective Writing Service tutorials.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see the University of Calgary 2003-04 Calendar p. 51, http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/How/HOW_LB.htm. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS 110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

NB - The schedule may be subject to occasional changes to accommodate guest speakers and the annual flu epidemic. All such changes will be announced in class. Attendance (or a reliable system of espionage)is therefore advisable, since changes will not necessarily be posted in writing.

Abbreviations:

CWT 3 and 4 = Classics of Western Thought, Vol. III and Vol. IV

RP = Reading Package

UNIT 1: The Western Obsession: Liberty, Equality, Individuality (and Individualism?).

Sept.11---Introduction I: Where we are and how we got here. Review John Locke, Adam Smith (CWT 3); .

Sept. 13 The Concept of Social Revolution: CWT 3 De Tocqueville ("Democracy in America").

Sept. 15 The Concept of Social Evolution; CWT 3, pp. 338–349 –– Hegel ('Reason In History').

Sept. 18: Introduction to Romanticism. CWT 3, pp. 260–273 - 19th c. poetry.

Sept. 20: Romanticism and the Hero; CWT 3, pp.221–259-– Goethe (' Faust').

UNIT 2: The Question of Social Order.

Sept. 22: Realism as a Response to Social Crisis . RP - Engels.

Sept. 25: Conservatism --The New Old Order: CWT 3, pp.202–220 –– Burke.

Sept.27: The Liberal Solution: CWT 3, pp.323–332 –– J.S.Mill ('On Liberty' and 'Utilitarianism').

Sept. 29: The Communist Solution: CWT 3, pp. 367–389 –– Marx and Engels ('Communist Manifesto').

Oct.2: The Anarchist Alternative: CWT 3, pp. 390–404–– Bakunin

Oct. 4: Radical Individualism: CWT 3, pp. 299–322 –– Thoreau ('Walden' and 'Civil Disobedience'). Review.

UNIT 3: The Shattering of Certainty.

Oct. 6: The Politics of Nationalism & the Darwinian Paradigm: CWT 3, pp. 350–366 ––Darwin (' Origin of Species' and 'Descent of Man'). RP --Pearson, Treitschke, Chamberlain; RP--"Wounded Knee". Essays Due (Oct.6)

Oct 11: The Critique of Democracy: CWT III, pp. 443–457 ––Nietzsche. The Critique of Gender Roles: CWT 3, pp. 635-649---V. Woolf.

Oct. 13:The Critique of Religious Establishments: CWT 3, pp. 421–442 –– Dostoevsky.

Oct. 16: World War I and its Cultural Significance; CWT 4 -- 20th c. poetry.

Oct. 18 : Exploring Inner Space: The rise of psychology. RP -- Freud and Jung passages. CWT3, pp. 546–559 ––Freud, (Why War?);CWT 3, pp.560-576 –– Jung, (Approaching the Unconscious).

Oct. 20: Review and Preview. RP---Saul, RP -- Capra 1.

Oct. 23: Midterm Exam .

UNIT 4: The Culture of Alienation.

Oct. 25, 27: World War II, Fascism and Genocide. CWT 3, pp. 597–615 –– Hitler. RP -- Rocco. RP––Bettelheim.

Oct. 30: -- Reflections on the Question of Evil. CWT 4-- Peck. CWT 4 –– Arendt. RP - Harris

UNIT 5: The Culture of Liberation and Diversification.

Nov.1: Responses to Alienation -- Existentialism: CWT 3, pp. 616–634 –– Sartre.

Nov. 3: Racial, Ethnic and Gender Liberation : CWT 4 –– Fanon . CWT4 –– de Beauvoir.

Nov.6: The Subjective in Science, Literature, and Education: CWT 4 ––Heisenberg. CWT 4 -- Maslow.

Nov. 8: Identity in Mass Society and the Crisis of Public Morality: CWT4–– Ellul, ('The Technological Society'); CWT4 --Galbraith, ('The New Industrial State'). RP--Mander

Nov. 10: Flex Day

UNIT 6 : Shaping a Future.

Nov. 15,17: A Re-evaluation of the Western Heritage. RP-- French ('Beyond Power') ... its Economic Structures: RP-- Adams (2 short articles) ; Film: "Who's Counting?: Sex, Lies, and Economics".

Nov. 20 - 27: Project Reports

Nov. 29: Social Health for the Future: RP - Wilber. RP-- Capra Ch.12.

Dec. 1, 4: TBA

Dec. 6: Review.

Final Exam: Scheduled by Registrar.