First-Year Experience

Oh to be in England!

Dr. Mary Hadley (Writing and Linguistics)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00-11:50  

CRN: 16928

Section: A

In this course students will examine the myth and the reality that is the country of Great Britain in the 21st century. Is it still great? How has its history affected the life of its citizens today? Why does it continue to have such strong ties with the United States? The teacher, who was born in Britain, still has family living there. Through reading, writing, class discussion and research, student groups will create interactive presentations which will reinforce information literacy skills required for this two-credit course.

Elements of Fundraising

Dr. Dena Hale (Management, Marketing and Logistics)

Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:00-2:50  

CRN: 16929

Section: B

Many organizations are reaching out to raise money for causes they identify with. In college, fundraising is essential student organizations and Greek Life. In this class, we will review the elements of good fundraising, develop important skills to enable successful fundraising, and participate in a fundraising activity to test the information learned.

Contemporary Spanish Film

Dr. Leticia McGrath (Foreign Languages)

Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00-1:50    

CRN: 16931

Section: C

This course will provide the opportunity to view and analyze the main trends and issues in Spanish film since the death of Franco in 1975. Topics include reconstructing the past, genre-specific studies (comedy, thriller, musical, fantasy, science fiction, action adventure), gender and sexuality, and nationalist identities. Directors to be studied are Carlos Saura, Víctor Erice, Pedro Almodóvar, Pilar Miró, Bigas Lina and Josefina Molina as well as exciting new talents such as Julio Medem, Juanma Bajo Ulloa, Alex de la Iglesia, Icíar Bollan, Isabel Coixet and Marta Balletbò-Coll.

Perspectives in World Art

Dr. Julie McGuire (Art)

Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00-9:50    

CRN: 16934

Section: D

This First-Year Seminar introduces students to an interdisciplinary study of visual art while addressing contemporary concerns about representation, globalization, history, and identity. We will investigate issues pertaining to the dramatic and often deeply symbolic arts from around the world through themes of place, memory, consumption, spirituality, identity, and power. Monumental paintings, must-see sculpture, avant-garde and traditional art will all be considered along with some of the most spectacular architecture in the world.

Why Do I Need Science?

Dr. Gustavo Molina (Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Technology)  

Mondays and Wednesday, 12:00 to 12:50      

CRN: 16935

Section: E

We all have heard that no matter what major one chooses, one needs to take science classes and to learn science. But, why would science be useful for your mayor? This seminar will prompt students to do research-based inquiry on the need for science knowledge in their majors. Students in this class will realize the sciences and other skills required in their majors to develop the solutions that society requires. This class will discuss key elements that the sciences bring into college education: science content, science inquiry and scientific proof, as well as the multiple languages of science and the ability to critically evaluate information on the basis of reasoning. Another purpose of this seminar is to investigate science methods and the need to develop the scientific habit of mind.

The Psychology of Success

Dr. Daniel Czech (Health & Kinesiology)  

Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:00 to 12:50      

CRN: 16936

Section: F

The theme for this course will be based on personal mindsets. A fixed mindset is one in which you view your talents and abilities as . . . well, fixed. In other words, you are who you are, your intelligence and talents are fixed, and your fate is to go through life avoiding challenge and failure. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is one in which you see yourself as fluid, a work in progress. Your mindset is one of growth and opportunity. Which mindset will students possess? This course provides a checklist for students to assess themselves and shows how a particular mindset can affect all areas of their lives, from academics to sports to social and family interaction. Specific topical mindsets that will be covered: goals and obstacles, self discipline, self esteem, resource management, communication relationships, leadership development and positive thinking.

Leading through Service

Dr. Brent Wolfe (Hospitality, Tourism, Family & Consumer Sciences)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00-2:50  

CRN: 16937

Section: G

Leadership is a topic that many of us know about and understand, but few of us may have really explored or even heard of the term “servant leadership.” In this section of FYE 1220 we will examine the concept of servant leadership. This class will rely heavily on experiential learning; each class period will have a specific topic and there will be activities designed to promote learning of that topic. Sitting quietly in your seat, listening to a professor drone on and on is not an option in this course! You will also have opportunity to hone your newly developed leadership skills in settings including the GSU challenge course and climbing wall. The class will also be participating various service projects where you will be able to get to know yourself and your classmates on a deeper level and serve people in the local community.

Fitness is a Lifestyle

Dr. Bridget Melton (Health & Kinesiology)  

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00-10:50    

CRN: 16938

Section: H

The class will focus on the exercise and nutritional outlets in the college environment that promote a healthy lifestyle. Critical inquiry methods will be employed to analyze the cultural influence on fitness.

Winning at Math

Lisa Yocco (Mathematical Sciences)   

Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:50       

CRN: 16939

Section: I

For many students math is one of the most difficult subjects in college. Every student must pass at least one math course to graduate. Many students are intimidated by math due to a variety of reasons. However, math is the "critical filter" for education. The more math you have had, the more job opportunities you will have. Math anxiety is an emotional and sometimes physical response to taking math courses or any math-related situation. Math anxiety is a learned behavior and can be unlearned! A student who is anxious about a test or about math in general is focusing attention on him- or herself and his or her uncomfortable feelings instead of directing attention on learning the concept or completing the course. Methods to overcome math-anxious feelings will be critically evaluated.

The Art of Travel

Dr. Kathy Albertson (Writing and Linguistics) and Kerry Greenstein (Assistant Dean of Students)

Thursdays, 12:30-1:45 and Tuesdays, 12:30-1:20 through 3/2   

CRN: 16942

Section: L

Most of us have traveled or would like to in order to explore the world. This semester we'll investigate the variety of ways to travel and which would suit us as individuals. Sometimes it's about cost; sometimes purpose; and sometimes it's just about the sense of adventure.

American Fiction and Change

Dr. Olivia Edenfield (Associate Dean, CLASS) & Mandie Thacker (Student Leadership & Civic Engagement)

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45 and Thursdays, 9:30-10:20 through 3/4    

CRN: 16943

Section: M

Fiction is a mirror reflecting the rapidly changing face of American culture. This course will explore the many societal changes that America has undergone and how those shifting scenes are brought to life in creative writing, from the myriad views of war and economic change to those regional and cultural differences celebrated by our unique blend of people. Like the railroad, fiction, popularized in affordable magazines, helped link together America’s vast and various regions. In addition to the focus on cultural revolutions, this course will also consider the impact of change on those who undergo both subtle and sudden shifts as characters attempt to deal with a variety of crises. Most importantly, such transformations and their impact can be particularly helpful in coming to terms with the forces of change in our own lives.

Free Speech

Dr. Alan Downs (History) & Ennis Koonce (University Housing)

Tuesdays, 12:30-1:20 and Thursdays, 12:30-1:20 through 3/4

CRN: 16944

Section: N

In 1964, Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. wrote in New York Times v. Sullivan that the First Amendment provides that "debate on public issues ... [should be] ... uninhibited, robust, and wide-open."  In practice, however, Americans have vigorously disputed the application of the First Amendment. Most people believe in the right to free speech, but debate whether it should cover flag-burning, music lyrics, advertising, hate speech, pornography, and other forms of symbolic speech. Many would agree to limiting some forms of free expression.  We will tackle this issue by first placing free speech in a global perspective. Next, we will look at some classic challenges to the freedom of expression in American history. Finally, we will try to project what the future holds for this basic human right.

Making Connections:  Facebook and Beyond

Barbara Nixon (Communication Arts)

Tuesdays, 5:00-6:40 (note:  some, but not all, class meetings will take place online)    

CRN: 17575

Section: NET

From Facebook to text messages to blogs, we are an intimately connected society. In this highly interactive FYE course, you will create your own blog, contribute to a social network, learn how corporations are using the Internet to connect with consumers, and become an expert in at least one type of social media. Additionally, we will discuss how to create and protect your online reputation.

Web Skills for Work and Play

Dr. Art Gowan (Information Technology) and Jana Briley (Audit and Advisory Services)

Mondays, 2-3:15 and Wednesdays, 2-2:50 through 3/3

CRN: 16945

Section: O

Solid web computing skills are no longer an option; they are essential to college success. The purpose of this course is to prepare students to use the web more effectively, for work and play. Topics covered in this course include ecommerce, search and research, internet security, social networking, virtual collaboration, and communication tools.

Graphic Novels

Dr. Joe Pellegrino (Literature and Philosophy) and Col. Warren Riles (Career Services)

Wednesdays, 3:30-4:45 and Mondays, 3:30-4:20 through 3/8  

CRN:  16946

Section: P

We'll read several graphic novels while discussing, researching, and writing about the history and development of the genre. We'll look at film adaptations and assess their success, finally attempting to articulate an aesthetic for graphic novels which sets them apart from manga, comic strips, and novels.

The Music of Bruce Springsteen

Dr. Lorne Wolfe (Biology) and Keith Roughton (Athletics)

Thursdays, 2:00-3:15 and Tuesdays, 2:00-2:50 through 3/2

CRN: 16947

Section: Q

Over the past 35 years Bruce Springsteen has created an important body of music that provides a vivid portrait of life in America. His lyrics have chronicled the details of everyday, ordinary American life. Using an ever-changing cast of characters he weaves storylines that take us from hopes and dreams to sadness and tragedy, cars to politics, love to war, and seduction to murder. Along with his powerful words, Springsteen is perhaps best known for his explosive live performances with the E Street Band which take the audience along for a wild ride leaving it exhausted at the end. Using texts, videos, and albums, this course will explore Springsteen’s America as it is reflected in his music.

Strategy and Backgammon

Don Berecz (School of Accountancy)

Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00-1:50

CRN: 17572

Section: R

Experienced successful business professionals develop a winning game plan. This doesn’t happen suddenly, and is the result of short term and long term decision making based on the current environment, predictions, and changing strategies. If you enjoy board games, bring your own backgammon board to class (no book requirement) and prepare to be exposed to the disciplines of probability, risk assessment, trend analysis, creativity, psychology, and a little bit of luck. All students will learn to win playing backgammon through computer simulation, internet site competitors, and face to face competition with fellow students, faculty, and citizens in the community.

School and College Education Around the World

Dr. Grigory Dmitriyev (Curriculum, Foundations and Reading)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:20

CRN: 17573

Section: S

The seminar “School and College Education Around the World” will introduce students to classrooms in educational institutions in various countries of the globe. They will have many opportunities to get involved in the discovery process about diverse teaching practices, students’ academic and social life, and other aspects of schooling and higher education learning through reading books and articles, searching materials on internet, live conversations with international students and faculty at Georgia Southern University. Students will enrich their knowledge and develop their skills vital for living in the culturally inter-related world.

American Entrepreneur

Dr. Kevin Elder (Information Systems)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:20    

CRN: 17574

Section: T

So you want to run your own business one day? In this course we’ll look at what it takes to gain a competitive advantage in the business world today, what do you need to be successful in today’s business world and we’ll look at the landscape of the American business world and discover what makes companies successful. We will look at all angles of business from Accounting to Finance to Management to Marketing, Logistics, Information Technology and of course Information Systems. We’ll explore leadership, teamwork and creativity. Several local business people will come into the classroom and share their experience. The class will culminate with students having the opportunity to try their hand at a simple business plan for their idea.