Syllabus

HUMAN 150 – Multicultural Studies

Instructor: Mr. David Bucci Email: dbucci@cascadia.edu
Phone: 352-8329 Office: CC1-329 Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Class Meetings: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 am – 1:05 pm Rm: CC3-103
Class blog: http://buccihum150.blogspot.com/
Class e-texts: https://eres.bothell.washington.edu/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=1980 (you must use UW NetID to access)

Course Description:
This course introduces students to the dynamics of inequality and cultural difference in the United States by examining issues such as race, class, and gender through the lens of the humanities. Students examine the multicultural nature of the United States through its literary and artistic productions, which may include fictions, historical documents, music, philosophical and religious texts, art, performance, and film. This course may include a community-based service learning project.

NOTE: There will be very little review of sentence level grammar and syntax in this class. If grammar and syntax are not of a college level, it is the student's responsibility to seek outside help from Cascadia’s Math and Writing Center or online through SMARTHINKING.

Online Tutoring and Writing Assistance: Cascadia provides online access to live professional tutors in a variety of subjects, powered by SMARTHINKING. Many subjects have tutors available late into the evening hours and some subjects have tutors available 24x7. To get started, please visit the following address: https://smarthinking.cascadia.edu/
Course Content, Topics and Themes:
• Core Concepts of the Expression of Power, Social Status and Identity
• Communication through the Arts, e.g., fiction, historical documents, music, film, etc.
• Ethnicity, Race, Class, Gender Inequality, Sexual Orientation
• Discrimination
• Assimilation, Pluralism and Multiculturalism
• Cultural and Historical Narratives
• Modalities of Social Change

Required Materials:
• all readings for this class will be e-Reserve texts, found at https://eres.bothell.washington.edu/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=1980
(you must have a UW NetID to access the e-reserves)
• stapler, binder, loose leaf paper, Rules for Writers by Diana Hacker (optional grammar handbook)


Papers:
Eight Seminar Papers: 1-2 page response to questions on the reading(s)
Creative Project/Reflection: 3-5 page (or equivalent) creative project, 2-3 page process reflection Pop Culture Text Analysis Paper: 3-6 page analysis of a pop culture text through a specific cultural lens
Pop Culture Analysis Outline

All out-of-class writing must be typed. All papers are due at the beginning of class, and papers handed in after the first ten minutes of class will be marked late and penalized. No other late papers will be accepted, including Seminar Papers. If you think you are not going to be able to make a paper deadline, please speak with me before the paper is due. Absolutely, no emailed papers will be accepted. All papers MUST be stapled.

Attendance, Participation, In-Class Work:
You are required to attend class on time, and expected to have completed all reading and assignments before coming to class. Our course only has 22 class meetings. If you attend at least 19 classes on time, you will earn 10 points of extra credit. Important: You are responsible for all assignments given in class whether you were present or not. “I wasn’t here that day” is not an excuse. I will keep the class web page updated with assignments and changes to the schedule, but I suggest you trade contact information with several of your classmates just in case.

Grades:
Eight Seminar Papers -- 160 points
Creative Project/Reflection -- 100 points
Pop Culture Text Analysis -- 100 points
Pop Culture Analysis Outline -- 40 Points
Total Possible Points: 400 points

4.0 = 380-400 points (A) 2.5 = 320 points (B-) 1.0 = 260 points (D)
3.5 = 360 points (A-) 2.0 = 300 points (C) 0.0 = 240 points or less
3.0 = 340 points (B) 1.5 = 280 points (C-) Complete grade conversion table available upon request.

Course Outcomes:
I. Learn Actively - Learning is a personal, interactive process that results in greater expertise and a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
• Apply the lens of humanities to analyze social relationships, social inequalities, and multicultural
communication
• Examine related information to deepen understanding of systems of social inequality
• Identify movements for producing political and social change aimed at reducing inequalities
• Study related information to deepen learning about specific cultural groups or cultural processes in
general
• Acknowledge one’s place as an active citizen/change agent in the local and national community.
• Approach learning tasks with the willingness to take risks and to change attitudes and behavior toward
self and others

II. Think Critically, Creatively and Reflectively - Reason and imagination are fundamental to problem solving and critical examination of ideas.
• Apply principles or theories from the Humanities to multiple forms of expression, e.g., literature, music
painting, film, etc.
• Analyze and critique broader contexts and forms of personal expression (e.g., personal narrative, song,
etc.) relating to social relationships, social inequalities, and multicultural communication
• Develop skills in reflection and analysis by constructing critical questions from discussion, readings,
guest lecturers, and out of class experiences

III. Communicate with Clarity and Originality - The ability to exchange ideas and information is essential to personal growth, productive work, and societal vitality.
• Create formal written, oral, performed, or technological products
• Practice communication and inquiry skills through team activities as well as verbal and written work
• Clearly articulate opinions and support ideas with evidence
• Use technology to gather, process, and communicate information

IV. Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments - Successful negotiation through our increasingly complex, interdependent and global society requires knowledge and awareness of self and others, as well as enhanced interaction skills.
• Share ideas, experiences, self-assessment processes, and listen to those of others with openness and
respect
• Tolerate conflict and use resolution strategies when working in teams
• Use empathy and thoughtful analysis to improve communication with others
• Improve team skills through in-class activities and team assignments
• Apply new knowledge to personal experiences and surrounding communities

Cascadia Community College Syllabus Learning Agreement
● Academic Honesty: The College regards acts of academic dishonesty, including such activities as plagiarism, cheating and/or/violations of integrity in information technology, as very serious offenses. In the event that cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty are discovered, each incident will be handled as deemed appropriate. Care will be taken that students’ rights are not violated and that disciplinary procedures are instituted only in cases where documentation or other evidence of the offense(s) exists. A description of all such incidents shall be forwarded to the Vice President for Student Success, where a file of such occurrences will be maintained. The vice president may institute action against a student according to the college’s disciplinary policies and procedures as described in the Student Handbook. In this class, any work found to involve academic dishonesty will be (e.g., given a grade of 0.)

● Acceptable Use Policy on Information Technology: In general, the same ethical conduct that applies to the use of all college resources and facilities applies to the use of Cascadia’s systems and technology. These systems may only be used for authorized purposes, using only legal versions of copyrighted software, and with consideration and respect for the conservations of resources and the rights of other users. For additional information, go to the Open Learning Center for a complete copy of the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures.

● Disability Support Services: Cascadia provides services to help students with disabilities successfully adapt to college life. Students who meet specific criteria may also qualify for academic accommodations. If you have or suspect you have a disability and need an accommodation please contact the front office in Kodiak Corner at 352-8383 to make an appointment with the Disability Support Services. Services and Accommodations through DSS are not retroactive.

● Diversity: Cascadia Community College affirms a commitment to freedom from discrimination for all members of the College community. Celebration of diversity and cultural differences is a hallmark of a true learning community. Pluralism, diversity and equity are therefore at the core of Cascadia’s mission. Individual difference is affirmed and celebrated in our community of learning.

● Emergency Procedures: Emergency procedures are posted in each classroom. To reach campus security personnel, dial 425-352-5222. Fire and police may be reached by dialing 9-911.

● Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Cascadia Community College complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 concerning the information that becomes a part of a student’s permanent educational record and governing the condition of its disclosure. Under FERPA, students are protected against improper disclosure of their records.

● Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather affecting morning classes, there will be notification on the local media by 5:30 a.m. You may also call the main campus number: 425-352-8000 to hear a message that will be updated with the latest Cascadia closure information. You may also go online to www.schoolreport.org and click on Cascadia Community College to get the latest report. Should the weather deteriorate during the day, you may check online, listen to the main campus message, check email or the media to hear news about closures or class schedule changes.

● Learning Assistance Options: To support student success, Cascadia offers a variety of support services. The Open Learning Center provides a place for students to receive assistance with class assignments, the e-portfolio and technology needs. It contains a computer lab and tutoring center that houses both the Writing Center and the Math Center, where students can seek individualized tutoring on a walk-in basis. The Open Learning Center is located in CC060.

Schedule of Assignments (subject to change)

T 1/11: Watch “Sleep Dealer”

TH 1/13: Read: “The World Is a Text” 3rd Ed p. 3-30

T 1/18: Read: “Sacco and Vanzetti” (World is a Text 3rd ed.) and “The Outsiders ”(Texas Monthly), Seminar Paper #1 due

TH 1/20: Read “The Howl” and “Diving in the Wreck” and “Power” (Norton Ant. of American Lit.)

T 1/25: Read: “The Toilet” (Other Side of the Century II) and “Going to Meet the Man” (Norton Ant. of American Lit.), Seminar Paper #2 due

TH 1/27: “River of Names” (Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories)

T 2/1: Read “Woman Hollering Creek” and “Tripmaster Monkey ”(Norton Ant. of American Lit.), Seminar Paper #3 due

TH 2/3: “Sexy” (Norton Ant. of American Lit.) and “Mother Tongue” (World is a Text 3rd ed)

T 2/8: “The Masses are Asses” (Other Side of the Century II), Seminar Paper #4 due

TH 2/10: TBA

T 2/15: Creative Project Due

TH 2/17: “Cinema of the In-Crowd” (Branded), “Mock Feminism: Waiting to Exhale” (World is a Text 3rd ed.)

T 2/22: “Construction of the Female Self: Feminist Readings of the Disney Heroine” (World is a Text 2nd ed.), Seminar Paper #5 due

TH 2/24: TBA

T 3/1: “Life According to TV” by Harry Waters and “‘Reality’ Television: American Myths and Racial Ideology” by Stephanie Greco Larson (World is a Text 3rd ed.) Seminar Paper #6 due

TH 3/3: TBA

T 3/8: TBA, Seminar Paper #7 due

TH 3/10: TBA

T 3/15: “Kicking Ass Is Comfort Food: Buffy as a Third Wave Feminist Icon” by Patricia Pender (World is a Text 3rd ed.), Seminar Paper #8 due

TH 3/17: Final Analysis Outline due (20 points)

T 3/22:“Where Do You Want to Go Today? Cybernetic Tourism, The Internet, and Transnationality” (World is a Text 2nd ed.)

TH 3/24: Pop Culture Analysis paper due