First-Year Seminar Themes in Spring 2010
See below for First-Year Seminar themes by section (this is the order
generated by a search in WINGS).
| A |
Oh to be in England |
|
B |
Elements of Fundraising |
|
C |
Contemporary Spanish Film |
|
D |
Perspectives in World Art |
| E |
Why do I Need Science? |
|
F |
The Psychology of Success |
| G |
Leading through Service |
|
H |
Fitness is a Lifestyle |
| I |
Winning at Math |
| L |
The Art of Travel |
|
M |
American Fiction and Change |
| N |
Free Speech |
|
NET |
Making Connections: Facebook and Beyond |
|
O |
Web Skills for Work and Play |
| P |
Graphic Novels |
|
Q |
The Music of Bruce Springsteen |
|
R |
Strategy and Backgammon |
|
S |
School and College Education around the World |
| T |
American Entrepreneur |
|
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.
|
For a listing of sections offered in Fall 2009, click
here.
[Return to First-Year Students]
|