IDSC 151: Athens To New York

Lies, Dern Lies and Journalism

Syllabus and Study Guide

Summer, 1999
Professor Kim Pearson
104 Bray Hall
phone: 771-2692
fax: 637-5112
E-mail
Office Hours: Tues., 2-5 pm

Purpose

Four central questions are thought to be at the center of the interdisciplinary core courses you are required to take at the College:

One can learn a great deal about how members of a given society would answer these questions by paying attention to the stories they tell about themselves, the people whose stories they see as representative of themselves, and the way those people's stories are presented. We will focus on a few stories of both historic and contemporary relevance in this regard. We will pay particular attention to the story-tellers -- the media. Finally, you will become creators of media -- you will produce essays for the online newsmagazine, UNBOUND.

Course Requirements

Description of major class assignments

1. The e-mail assignment: The class will have a listserv. We will distribute, by e-mail, discussion questions for the upcoming class session, based on the assigned readings. You will each be responsible for generating discussion questions for a specific class session. At least two questions are expected for each session. During the second class, you will be asked to sign up for your session as discussion moderator.

After each session, you will each be expected to be prepared to respond in class, to the discussion question for that class. (these questions can come from discussions in your study groups.) You are ALSO required to post responses to at least five of the listserv questions during the course of the semester. These responses must be thoughtful, with references to readings and class discussions as appropriate This will be part of your class participation grade. You are also encouraged to add your own questions and observations to the discussion. If, for some reason, you cannot attend class, you may respond by e-mail.

The questions posted to the listserv should relate to at least two of the following themes:

2. Essay Topic Choices (Due June 3, 8 and 15)

Grading Criteria

A Logic and facts are in order. Writing and reporting are clear, effective, and interesting. No substantial spelling, grammar or mechanical errors. Presentations are delivered in the appropriate style and format, within the established time frame.

B Logic and facts are in order. The writing is clear and competent. Errors are minimal.

C The writing is thoughtful and produced with care. Some errors.

D An effort has been made to meet the requirements of the assignment, but substantial work is needed.

F The requirements have not been addressed.

0 The work has not been handed in, and no extensions have been given.

Grading criteria for essays

Þ
    Clear thesis statement: 10 points
  1. Þ Logically developed argument including support for your thesis, consideration of opposing or contradictory views, refutation of opposing views and a conclusion : 30 points
  2. Þ Well-developed paragraphs, with topic sentences and appropriate supporting sentences :30 points
  3. Þ Grammar, punctuation, spelling : 15 points
  4. Þ Citations including class notes, e-mails, class readings and any outside readings that you choose. Make sure that you are acquainted with the format for citing electronic sources. Other sources should be cited in AP Style. Value: 15 points

Class topics, readings and schedule

May 17 /19
COVENANT

We will:

In class exercise -- exploring our worldviews; "The Culture of Shiftlessness"