Spring 2006 Liberal Arts 102 Course Descriptions

Sections 1-9 : Sections 10-19 : Sections 20-29
Sections 30-39 : Sections 40-49 : Sections 50-51

Please direct all questions regarding course content to the Department of English at (662) 915-7439. Content last revised on June 7, 2006.

LIBA 102, Section 01 — Religion and Redemption in Modern Irish Novel
MWF 8:00-8:50
Patricia O'Sullivan (Philosophy and Religion)
posulliv@olemiss.edu, 915-7020

Religious symbolism and conflict permeate modern Irish novel. In this section of LIBA 102, we will explore the religious experiences of ordinary people in such Irish novels as Amongst Women, Angela’s Ashes, and The Mammy. In particular we will explore the theme of redemption in these stories. Students will be expected to read between 150-200 pages each week, compose and complete discussion questions, and participate in class discussions.

LIBA 102, Section 02 – The Influence of the Internet on Society
MWF 8:00-8:50
Steven Davis (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
davis@chemistry.olemiss.edu, 915-5981

The advent of the internet has unleashed a tidal wave of information freely available for perusal in the home, school, and workplace. This section of LIBA 102 will discuss the impact the internet has on society including businesses, academic institutions, and individuals, as well as how these segments of society are evolving to take advantage of this recent phenomenon. It is expected that students will have varied opinions on these topics and each opinion will be equally respected and discussed. The purpose of this class is not to try to reach a consensus, but have the students develop their own opinions and be able to express them through writing. Weekly reading assignments will be required from sources including the internet, news organizations, periodicals, and books. Eight writing assignments will be required (1-5 page range) with the last being a research paper ten pages in length. Our discussions will include the impact of the internet on news organizations, privacy and security, commerce, academics, and entertainment.

LIBA 102, Section 03 — Global Politics and their effect on American Society
MWF 1:00-1:50
Bill DeJournett (Music)
dejou@olemiss.edu, 915-7390

Through study and discussion of contemporary current events and the last hundred years of world history and development, this seminar will explore aspects of American history and culture as it is continually shaped by world events and vice-versa. Topics of discussion will include the past hundred years of world history, IE how we came to this point, the definition of culture, encountering and studying varied cultures, learning about and from other cultures, the impact of globalization, the impact of colonialism and imperialism, relationship of humans to the natural world, the plight of disempowered groups, the impact of religion on world politics and culture, the impact of economic forces on politics and social structure in America and the world, and the impact of terrorism as a global political and social force. We will encourage debate and will employ loosely-structured debate, at times forcing students to take a position and construct arguments to support that position that they themselves may or may not personally agree with.

Texts (books and excerpts) will be selected from the following:
Annual Editions: Global Issues ‘05/’06, Twenty-First ed.
Annual Editions: Taking Sides ‘05/’06
Annual Editions: World Politics ‘05/’06
Orwell: 1984
Diamond: Guns, Germs and Steel
Annual Editions are collections of articles by various authors.

LIBA 102, Section 04 — “Monster Narratives in Literature and Film”
MWF 10:00-10:50
Allison Burkette (English)
burkette@olemiss.edu, 915-6642

This section of LIBA 102 has as its texts literature, film, and non-fiction writings that deal with the topic of monsters. The underlying idea is that monster narratives, whether we experience them on the page or on the screen, represent much more than a simplistic idea of good versus evil; instead, the monster is a being through which we confront (and, to an extent, deal with) human nature. We will read Shelley’s Frankenstein, Stoker’s Dracula, and Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde as well as various literary interpretations of each work. Secondary readings come from a variety of sources, from Stephen King to Sigmund Freud. We will also discuss another form of ‘interpretation’ as we examine how these monsters are brought to life by Hollywood. To that end, we will view a number of monster movies, both 1930s black and white films as well as more recent interpretations of these three classic tales. Our writing for the course will revolve around the idea of a monster – depicted on the page or on the screen - as a complex being that gives us access to modern society’s underlying anxieties.

LIBA 102, Section 05 — Feast and Famine: The Culture and Politics of Food
MWF 9:00-9:50
Melissa Booth Hall (Instructor of Paralegal Studies)
mgbhall@olemiss.edu, 238-7823

Are you a good eater or a picky eater? Are you a budding gourmet cook or can you barely boil water? Do you ever wonder why you eat what you eat and what your food choices say about you? Come to class prepared to see food as more than just what is on the table in front of you. We will read about food, talk about food, think about food, eat a little food, and ultimately, write about food. In the process, we will explore how food shapes regional and cultural identities – especially that of Southerners. We will delve into food’s complicated relationship with race and class – exploring how who sits around the table is as telling as what food is on the table. Finally, we will examine the politics of food – looking at food production, distribution, the fast food industry and the law suits being filed against the food industry. John T. Edge, food writer and Director of the Southern Foodways Alliance, will be the guest writer and lecturer for this course.

LIBA 102, Section 06 — Dance & Culture
MWF 10:00-10:50
Jennifer Mizneko (Theatre Arts)
jmizenko@olemiss.edu, 915-5969

This seminar will focus on the relationship between social dance and theatrical dance through the ages. We will examine how dance evolved from the spiritual to the secular to the stage, and the historical and cultural influences surrounding this evolution. "Why do we dance?" Class discussions will include defining culture, society's relationship to art, the significance of personal expression and aesthetic, and the function of dance in society in the new millennium. Readings will include historical dance texts, articles and essays published concerning the above topics.

LIBA 102, Section 07 — Statistical Thinking: How to make interpretations from the data?
MW 11:00-11:50
Dr. Sunil Mathur (Mathematics)
skmathur@olemiss.edu, 915-7398

It is amazing to note that we all are constantly measuring, estimating, and experimenting with figures (data/numbers). Some times comparing prices at the Mall, reading nutritional information at the grocery store etc. This informal, essentially subconscious, statistical thinking begins from the start of the day when we wake up in the morning, and consider how much time we need to reach to the office or school, and how to mange day’s work starting with shower temperature, amount of coffee in the pot, gas needed in the car, weather of the day if driving on a highway, reading an opinion poll result in a newspaper etc. In this course we will learn some of the statistical techniques which will make foundations for the formal statistical thinking. We will learn statistical methods for collecting information, how to make questionnaires for collecting information in survey, and how to critically examine any study reported in the newspaper or magazine. Classroom discussions will help to understand the statistical aspect behind the case studies. Students will choose a topic to make a project to be chosen from an assigned list and present the project at the end of semester before the class. Students will be allowed to pick a topic for the project from an assigned list or from outside the list. Working with statistical software will be demonstrated in the classroom. A student must demonstrate mastery of the material covered in the class through quizzes, class discussions, class participation, reading and examining critically studies reported in newspapers and magazines, writing a project, and successfully presenting a project in the class.

LIBA 102, Section 08 — What's Language Got to Do with Anything?
MWF 10:00-10:50
Felice Coles (Modern Languages)
fcoles@olemiss.edu, 915-7702

This seminar will explore language use around the world and the power that language exerts in every aspect of our lives. Topics include multilingualism and the global spread of English and other powerful languages, language death and the shrinking vitality of smaller communities, how writing changes language, alternate systems of communication (such as electronic messages and sign language), and how language reveals one's identity. The plan is to think about what we do with words and why.

LIBA 102, Section 9 – Understanding Today’s Science News
MWF 10:00 – 10:50
Gary Gaston (Biology)
bygaston@olemiss.edu, 915-7162

What should a college-educated person know about science? This semester we will discuss current events and science news. Students will read assignments in the news media, participate in class discussions about relevance of the articles in today’s world, and pen their interpretations and feelings in writing assignments. The current articles will span physical and life sciences, with emphasis on topics of greatest concern today. Students will be expected to discuss intelligently “topics in science” and put that knowledge to pen with effective writing. Text required: The Cooper Hill Stylebook: A Guide to Writing and Revision, Second Edition.

LIBA 102, Section 10 — Ganging up in America
MWF 10:00-10:50
William Mark Franks (Sociology and Anthropology)
wmfranks@olemiss.edu, 234-4671

American street gangs have arguably never been more “mainstream,” influencing consumer tastes and habits involving film, music, videogames, apparel and transportation. Even questions of free speech often hinge today on issues stemming from or impacted by the modern American street gang. The goal of this course is to help students improve their skills in researching, organizing, reasoning and editing, producing a more confident, competent, and curious student writer who has been exposed to some basic sociological concepts, and who understands the fundamentals involved in informing and/or persuading an audience. Our texts will be the 2nd edition of THE MODERN GANG READER, and the 3rd edition of THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE. Students will also conduct independent research from a variety of source material including the University Library System’s extensive holdings and databases.

LIBA 102, Section 11 — Indie Rock 101: Music from the underground to mainstream
MW 2:00-3:15
Elizabeth Stephan (JD Williams Library)
estephan@olemiss.edu, 915-6628

Music is often a huge part of people’s lives. They use it as a way to identify themselves as a person as well as aligning themselves with a group. Punk, indie, emo, college rock, these are all strains of music strongly associated with the underground, fashion, and college-aged kids. This course will look at the evolution of indie and other forms of underground music from the 1980s DIY network of punk bands and 80s college rock to the money-making, mainstream business that it is today. The conglomeration of record companies has made some indie labels part of what many consider “corporate rock.” Yet, this same conglomeration and “Clear Channel-ization” of popular music has made people turn to traditionally indie labels for music. Popular shows like Fox’s The OC often use bands from labels like SubPop and Merge Records exposing bands normally relegated to college and independently-owned radio stations to a wider audience. Internet radio stations, like KEXP (www.kexp.org) have also exposed indie bands to a wider audience. Some subjects we will discuss: What were the most influential bands? How did they define the people who listened to them? What is indie rock today? Is it really “indie” anymore?

LIBA 102, Section 12 — Ganging up in America
MWF 1:00-1:50
William Mark Franks (Sociology and Anthropology)
wmfranks@olemiss.edu, 234-4671

LIBA 102, Section 13 — Wellness: Facts, Fads and Fallacies
TTH 11:00-12:15
Dr. Michael A. Dupper (HESRM)
mad@olemiss.edu, 915-5564

The seminar will explore the facts, fiction and fads related to health and wellness in our society, from a consumer’s perspective. The areas of exercise, nutrition and dietary supplements, surgical enhancement and self-responsibility and informed decision making will be investigated from a pro-active and highly selective and critical approach. Class members will research and review both print and media-produced materials pertaining to the areas of health promotion and lifestyle management in our society.

LIBA 102, Section 14 — Greek Mythology
MWF 11:00-11:50
Ted Capps (Emeritus Professor of Classics)
ecapps@olemiss.edu, 915-7679

The main goal of this section will be to explore what some Greek (and a few Roman) myths, being among the first stories recorded, have to say about human relationships. The reading will be translations of three ancient sources of these myths, Hesiod (most of his Teogony and a couple of selections from his Works and Days), many of the Homeric Hymns (the five full-length hymns and four shorter ones), and the Metamorphoses of Ovid.

LIBA 102, Section 15 — Early American Drama, 1665-1911
MWF 12:00-12:50
D. A. Mitchell, (English)
dmitchel@olemiss.edu, 915-7679

This course examines the development of the theatre and drama in the United States from its beginnings in colonial Virginia in the seventeenth century to the first decade of the twentieth century. We will treat that history as an interdisciplinary case study on how American drama reflects the dynamics of social change. We will place particular emphasis on the various styles of American performance, from Shakespeare on showboats to melodrama to vaudeville, as well as all points in between.

The course will be driven by a concern for understanding the development of a sense of American identity, but also the problematic nature of that identity. We will examine the slowly changing gender and class roles of the times, as well as the extensive bigotry of Americans that was reflected on the stage of those times. Through close examination and in-class staged readings of plays, discussion will focus on the performance and literary quality of the plays themselves, as well as their ability to teach modern Americans something about the America of the past. Throughout the course, we will consistently contextualize early American drama into the history and events that were shaping early America. We will also make a special attempt to discern the relevancy of these plays and their history to the audiences of today.

Student Obligations

To complete the readings by the day they are due and to participate in class discussions.
To make one comprehensive presentation to the class on a play or genre discussed in the class.
To produce 10 weekly response papers of at least 1-2 pages in length to each week's class content.
To produce one research project of at least 7-10 double-spaced pages.

Selected Readings

Early American Drama Jeffrey Richards
Best Plays of The Early American Theatre: 1787-1911 John and Mollie Gassner

LIBA 102, Section 16 — Current Theories of Foreign/Second Language Acquisition
MW 2:30-3:45
Susan Major (Linguistics)
smajor@olemiss.edu, 915-6655

This seminar will address some persistent questions of college students in foreign language classrooms: Why do adults have to work so hard to learn a new language while children just seem to “pick it up” easily? What are some of the extra-linguistic factors operating in adult language learning? Is the Critical Period Hypothesis relevant for second language learning? Readings for the seminar will include topics such as foreign language teaching methods, and their comparative efficacy; language attitudes, motivation, and standards; intercultural communication; societal multilingualism; language planning and policy; and World Englishes. Students will first write short analytical papers on articles of their choice from the class readings. Then each student will focus on one topic and write a research paper.

LIBA 102, Section 17 — Moby-Dick and American Documentary History
MWF 1:00-1:50
Joseph Urgo, Department of English
jurgo@olemiss.edu, 915-7439

Herman Melville’s epic novel of 19th-century whale-hunting has been acclaimed as a summation of United States society and culture, as well as a prescient foretelling of America’s future. We’ll test this hypothesis by reading Moby-Dick alongside classic American documents, from Puritan writings through George W. Bush’s inaugural address. All readings will be from primary texts. Research projects exploring the impact of documents on U.S. history and frequent short writing assignments exploring links between historical documents and fictional representation comprise the bulk of the course requirements.

LIBA 102, Section 18 — Your Money, My Money, Our Money, Their Money: Developing Economic and Financial Reasoning and a Personal Financial Plan
MWF 1:00-1:50
James Carden (Economics)
jmcarden@olemiss.edu, 662-915-1388

This seminar will examine the process of how we deal with money. We will examine questions of what is money, who has it, how do we get it, how do we keep it, how do we use it, etc. In the course of our discovery, we will develop the elements of and draft personal financial plans and we will learn how to think about economic and financial issues from a personal perspective. We will look at the life cycle and various life goals such as buying a home, paying for children’s education, saving for retirement, etc. We will investigate the impact on those goals of various life decisions such as where we work, where we live, how we live. Students will look at how decisions in one area impact decisions in other areas and develop the economic and financial reasoning to pursue their personal economic and financial goals. The student will develop critical thinking, oral argument, and writing skills. Students will read a series of articles, essays, etc., watch videos, do internet research and respond with compositions and oral class presentations. Students will also participate in cooperative activities and small group discussions.

LIBA 102, Section 19 — Basic Philosophical Issues Involved in the Study
and Criticism of Literature
MWF 1:00-1:50
Tim Flake (Speech)
thflake@olemiss.edu, 915-1377

The purpose of this class is to help students become aware of basic, important philosophical assumptions informing academic literary criticism. Students will gain an overview of the broad range of philosophical issues underlying important literary movements and the critical responses that they have inspired, and they will develop four long essays on each of four topics having to do with a philosophical issue as it relates to a literary movement or school of criticism.

LIBA 102, Section 20 — American Essays
MWF 9:00-9:50
Cliff Ochs (Biology)
byochs@olemiss.edu, 915-7562

This section of LIBA 102 will be based on the series The Best American Essays, collections of essays published each year by Houghton Mifflin. We will focus on essays that address issues of self-realization and self-fulfillment within a diverse, complex society. Questions we will address include: How is self-fulfillment possible where there are competing interests? What makes a good society? What are the responsibilities of society to the individual? Is American society a "good society"? In class we will discuss at least one essay every week. Weekly writing assignments will be based on the essays. You will also be asked to write original essays.

LIBA 102, Section 21 — The relationship of leadership and ethics in Business, Politics and the Military.
T-TH 8:00-9:15
Joseph Blackburn (Military Science)
blackbrn@olemiss.edu, 915-7085

Is a leader’s character important to an organization? This seminar will examine the relationship of Leadership and Ethics in the business, political, and military fields. Students will explore the importance of ethics in the workplace and develop an understanding of how leaders shape their organization’s culture through the development and nurturing of collective values. We will discuss the values of several successful leaders as well as recent examples of ethical violations by prominent figures and explore their affects on the culture and climate of their organizations. Students will expand their awareness of why ethics matter, develop an understanding of their own personal ethical code and explore the importance of an organization’s collective values. We will explore this topic through a broad variety of media, including internet-based video in the classroom, and through selected readings from the text IN SEARCH OF ETHICS, CONVERSATIONS WITH MEN AND WOMEN OF CHARACTER by Len Marrella.

LIBA 102, Section 22 — Understanding Evolution
TTH 8:00-9:15
Gail E. Stratton (Biology)
byges@olemiss.edu, 915-5578

Evolution defines biology and is the bedrock of all modern biology. However, because it is often not taught in high school, many students come to campus unclear about what evolution really is. In this section of LIBA 102, we will explore examples of evolution and ideas about evolution. We will address some of the myths and misunderstandings of evolution. Readings will include Darwin's Origin of Species and essays about human evolution. Formal writing requirements will include weekly responses to readings, a book review and a research paper. The class will also provide opportunities for cooperative activities leading to better understanding of evolution. Class discussions will be augmented by lectures.

LIBA 102, Section 23 — Psychological Theory and Literature
TTH 8:00-9:15
Scotty Hargrove (Department of Psychology)
pydsh@olemiss.edu, 915-1213

The fiction of Anne Tyler presents an excellent opportunity to understand one's own family and a particular psychological theory. Using Bowen Family Systems Theory, students will read Tyler's work, analyze it, and make comparisons with their own experience. This writing-intensive course provides opportunities to write, edit and revise one's own work, and make oral presentations relating psychological theory to the literature of Tyler.

LIBA 102, Section 24 — Diversity and Socio-ethnic Issues in Contemporary Dramatic Literature
TTH 9:30-10:45
Joe Turner Cantú (Theatre Arts)
jtcantu@olemiss.edu, 915-5745

This course is an exploration of cultural, ethnic and gender diversity in contemporary dramatic literature. The course explores the contributions to contemporary American drama of women, African Americans, Latinos and Gay Americans. A significant portion of the course of study is devoted to the perspectives of contemporary ethnic/cultural groups and individuals. Students will consider the playwright’s use of dramatic action in communicating themes and stimulating emotional and thoughtful responses from an audience. The plays contain mature themes and mature language.

LIBA 102, Section 25 — Developing the Leader Within You
TTH 9:30-10:45
Neil C. Reinwald, Jr. (Military Science)
reinwald@olemiss.edu, 915-7086

To a culture confused over the difference between management and leadership, this seminar will focus on what sets “leader-managers” apart from “run-of-the-mill managers.” Few of us are natural-born leaders, though fortunately the traits that are the raw material of leadership can be acquired. By focusing on a definition of leadership and exploring leadership defined by five levels of leadership, the student will participate in self-assessments and group interactions to develop and expand their own leadership skills. Throughout the course, students will develop reading, writing, and oral communication skills through the study of individual leadership profiles, organizational case studies, video presentations, group practical exercises and readings from the required text.

LIBA 102, Section 26 – “Civil War in Virginia: The Road to Appomattox”
TTH 9:30 – 10:15
Donald Trott (Music)
dtrott@olemiss.edu, 915-6963

First Year Seminar is designed to provide an educational environment of a small class setting to enable the students to have direct interaction between instructor and student. This particular section of LIBA 102 will focus on Civil War history in Virginia, presenting the rise and fall of the Confederacy through examination of various strategic battles fought in Virginia. Emphasis will be given to the following battles; First Manassas, Ball’s Bluff, The Peninsula Campaign of 1862 including The Seven Days’ Battles, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania and Wilderness, Cold Harbor and the entire retreat route from Petersburg to Appomattox Court House.

LIBA 102, Section 27 — Leadership and Values in Film
MWF 8:00-8:50
Thomas A. "Andy" Field (Military Science)
afield@olemiss.edu, 915-7085

This seminar will focus on fundamental leadership dimensions through the study of historical figures and events as they appear in historically accurate films such as Glory, Blackhawk Down, We Were Soldiers, Apollo 13, and many others. Students will explore how the relationship of leadership, ethics and values contributed to the success or failure of leaders throughout history. Students will examine how to correlate the lessons of the past with contemporary activities, to include the growth of their own leadership skills. Students will expand their awareness of their own personal values, our national values, and the values of our military, and how these values correlate to success as leaders in any endeavor. Throughout the course, students will develop reading, writing, and oral communication skills through the study of individual leadership profiles and organizational case studies.

LIBA 102, Section 28 — Environmental Thinking
TTH 11:00-12:15
Neil Manson (Department of Philosophy and Religion)
namanson@olemiss.edu, 915-6713

In addition to satisfying half of the university’s composition requirement, Liberal Arts 102 aims to improve the ability of students to write for an academic audience, conduct scholarly research, think critically, and speak publicly. These skills will be developed in the course of addressing the topic of contemporary environmentalism. The relationship between humanity and the natural world will be explored from various scientific, philosophical, and economic perspectives. Here are some questions we will address.

Does anything in the natural world have value in itself, or do all things in the natural world derive their value from their relationship to us?

Do we have a moral obligation not to harm animals? plants? ecosystems?

Can humans live good lives without harming the environment? What is the current impact of humans on the environment?

In the course of tackling such questions, students will write short response papers, compose a research paper, and complete a final essay exam. Also, each student will give one oral presentation on one of the topics.

LIBA 102, Section 29 – Celts, National Identity, and Cultural Constructions
TTH 11:00-12:15
Matthew Murray (Sociology and Anthropology)
mlmurray@olemiss.edu, 915-3995

Celtic identity has recently become a subject of contention as the European Union seeks ways to foster a pan-European political, social, and economic integration. Before the incursion of the Romans into what is now central France, southern Germany, and Britain, much of central and western Europe was occupied by peoples with Celtic cultural traditions. Students will examine the nature of ethnicity as a cultural construction, and use the archaeological, historical, and ethnographic record of Celtic identity to explore how groups of people actively create and continuously negotiate their identities.

LIBA 102, Section 30 — Reading and Writing the Southern Environment
TTH 11:00-12:15
Andy Harper (Media Production)
acharper@olemiss.edu, 915-1503

This course will look at the ways the Southern Environment has been depicted in literature. We will spend a good bit of time discussing place and space. I will expect that you to elaborate on your sense of place both in classroom discussion and in your writing assignments. We will also put the Southern Environment into context by looking at comparative pieces. Our broad reading list includes fiction, non-fiction, historical documents, poetry--perhaps even film and song. Students will have short writing assignments most every week based on the reading and will be expected to write two larger papers requiring them to elaborate on themes discussed in the course.

LIBA 102, Section 31 — Law and Ogre: An Examination of The Law and Lawyers in Popular Culture
TTH 1:00-2:15
Jason Derrick (Law)
wjderric@olemiss.edu, 915-6879

The rule of law is the foundation of our society, yet lawyers–the parents and defenders of the rule itself–are often maligned in contemporary American life. This course will examine popular narratives, including films, television programs, music, poetry, fiction and non-fiction, to uncover how they help us to understand the troubling paradox between the law and lawyers. As legal texts, these works of popular culture will assist in exploring current dilemmas involving public policy, ethics and morality. The course will also address popular culture’s influence on perceptions of the law, and how those perceptions may differ from reality. The course will use Lewis Nordan’s Wolf Whistle as a text. Other selected readings will be provided.

LIBA 102, Section 32 — Literature and the Civil Rights Movement
TTH 1:00-2:15
Julie Buckner Armstrong
William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation
jarmstro@olemiss.edu, 915-1644

Movement courses are usually taught through primary materials such as government documents, speeches, and oral histories, with resources such as literature, visual arts, and music taking a secondary role. However, this course operates under the premise that the arts are an integral part of Movement history and therefore offer an excellent opportunity for learning more about it. Through literature specifically, students will see the Movement not only as a struggle to secure Constitutional rights but also as a means of making necessary, fundamental improvements to American society. Conversely, the Civil Rights Movement makes clear how literature functions on multiple levels: aesthetically, politically, and philosophically. Questions that the course considers include: How have writers created works of beauty amidst often horrific oppression? How has literature operated as a form of social protest? And how have writers and readers used literature to make sense of a changing world? In addition to learning about the Movement, students in this course will help create a Civil Rights Movement literature anthology. The anthology, currently in development through the University’s William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, targets high school and college students. LIBA 102 students, positioned directly in the middle of that demographic, have a unique opportunity: by helping to select materials, they will also help determine what students in the future, and across the nation, learn about literature and civil rights.

LIBA 102, Section 33 — Understanding Diversity Through Literature, Writing, and Film
TTH 1:00-2:15
Sonja Burnham (Leadership & Counselor Education)
sburnham@olemiss.edu, 915-7198

This course will explore a variety of diversity issues; ageism, gender, religion and disability as seen in popular literature, film and daily life. Students will participate in class activities which bring diversity to life. Students will be required to write 2 page essays reflecting on each of issues presented. A text will be used to introduce students to culture and diversity. Individuals will explore diversity to become more culturally, racially, socially, and politically astute. Readings will come from journals, popular publications and selected film sequences will be used to dramatize some issues

LIBA 102, Section 34 — The Century of Innovation: An Examination of World
Developments as Reflected in the Theatre from 1860-1960
TTH 2:30-3:45
Dex Edwards (Theatre Arts)
dewards@olemiss.edu,915-5816

This is a Theatre History and Literature course. It focuses primarily on the dominant influences of that time-period and as such is rather Euro-centric. Researching and collecting pertinent historical information is emphasized; just as important is the manipulation of that information through lively group discussion and writing assignments. Students will arrive at a new understanding of the impact these historical facts have had on our present day culture, specifically our theatre.

LIBA 102, Section 35 — Somethin’s Happening Here: The History of Student Protest
TTH 2:30-3:45
Sparky Reardon (Leadership & Counselor Education)
sparky@olemiss.edu, 9125-7248

On April 23, 1968, students at Columbia University seized an academic building and one of the deans inside. A member of the Columbia Students for Democratic Society quipped, “We’ve got something going on here and now we’ve just got to find out what it is.” What is student protest and how has it shaped higher education and, thus, the United States and the world? What do Thoreau, Ginsburg, Ghandi, and Mad Magazine have to do with the student protest movement? Do panty raids, pep rallies, and streaking count as student protest? This seminar will examine the history of student protest from Colonial times to the present. Literary influences, political influences, and social situations will all be studied. Particular emphasis will be given to The Sixties and the integration of higher education. Selected readings will come from a variety of texts including American Insurrection (Doyle), Student Protest: The Sixties and After (DeGroot), From Camelot to Kent State: The Sixties Experience in the Words of Those Who Lived It (Morrison), Student Resistance: A History of the Unruly Subject (Boren), Takin’ It to the Streets: A Sixties Reader (Bloom and Breines), and others. In addition, selected video clips, as well as guest lecturers and class discussions, will be utilized. Students will be encouraged to conduct independent research involving student protest, maintain a journal, and make a presentation on their research.

LIBA 102, Section 36 — Existential Ecology
TTH 2:30-3:45
James Anderson (Center for Wetland and Water Resources)
jandersn@olemiss.edu, 915-5804

In this course, we will consider the contemporary human condition from the perspective of ecology/environmental science. We will read and discuss the book, "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed", by Pulitzer prize winning author Jared Diamond (Guns, Germs, and Steel), as well as one chapter (#2, The Bottleneck) from "The Future of Life", by E.O. Wilson. In the first book, Diamond compares past and pending ecological/societal crises, and analyzes why some end in disastrous 'collapse' while others survive the bottleneck relatively unscathed. Students will choose subjects for 4 short papers, and be expected to dig into the scientific and humanistic literature (as well as their own personal feelings) for answers. We will touch on such topics as environmental ethics, demography, comparative ecology, the evolutionary basis of human nature, the tragedy of the commons, the evolution of cooperation, exponential population growth, and bio-complexity. Some class meetings will be at the UM Field Station, an off-campus ecological preserve for scientific research.

LIBA 102, Section 37 — It’s News to Me: The Role of the Writer in the Media
TTH 4:00-5:15
Robin Street (Journalism)
rbstreet@olemiss.edu, 915-5081

Explore the world of newspapers, magazines, broadcast news, public relations and advertising. These forms of media share one skill in common: good writing. Media writers educate, entertain and influence us, using a style and format unlike any other writing.

This class will examine the role of the media in our lives and the role of the writers in those media. We’ll learn the “who, what, why, where and how” of writing for the various forms of media, practicing each form of writing. We’ll look at behind-the-scenes decisions such as how reporters decide something is newsworthy, how advertising and public relations writers influence public opinion, and how magazine writers develop articles.

No journalism skills or experience are needed for this class.

LIBA 102, Section 38 — Evolutionary Psychology
TTH 11:00-12:15
Matthew Reysen (Psychology)
reysen@olemiss.edu, 915-3461

There has recently been a large increase in interest in the application of evolutionary theory to the study of human behavior. Evolutionary psychology is based on the hypothesis that people think, feel, and act in ways that increased the likelihood of their ancestors' reproductive success. The goal of this course is to introduce you to topics such as human mate choice, altruistic behavior, and patterns of violence in families, among others. Throughout the semester, you will receive training in research and academic writing based on current studies in the area of evolutionary psychology.

LIBA 102, Section 39 — Contemporary Topics in Multiculturalism on College Campuses
MW 2:30 - 3:45
Donald R. Cole (Mathematics)
dcole@olemiss.edu, 915-1712

The course will consist of library research, style book assignments and writings on many diverse topics that are of current interest and debate on college campuses. Students will be able to select from a number of topics on which to write (weekly) papers. In addition, a cumulating "Term Paper" will serve as a final project. The course will follow a standard English Stylebook Handbook and the student must demonstrate mastery of material covered in this text from quizzes and in the writing of short papers on various topics relating to multiculturalism. The papers will increase in length and complexity as the course progresses. Students will be allowed to choose topics from an assigned list

LIBA 102, Section 40 – Banned and Challenged Books
MW 4:00-5:15pm
Michelle Emanuel (Library)
memanuel@olemiss.edu, 915-7953

Books are usually challenged with the best intentions: to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information, with parents challenging materials more often than any other group. Sexual content and offensive language remain the most frequent reasons for seeking removal of books from schools and public libraries. This course will examine books from the “100 Most Frequently Challenged Books” list, maintained by the American Library Association, considering why and where the books have been challenged or banned, the danger to intellectual freedom that such censorship presents, and what might be missed by the absence of such titles in libraries and school curricula.

LIBA 102, Section 41 — "Westerns Through a Historical Lens."
TTH 2:30-3:45
Whitney Hubbard (English)
wahubbar@olemiss.edu, 915-7439

This seminar will focus on the evolution of the Western and how social and political elements have led to changes within this particular film genre. During the course we will watch and analyze such iconic Westerns as Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, One-Eyed Jacks, The Wild Bunch, McCabe and Mrs. Miller and Blazing Saddles. Students will be responsible for assigned readings and sufficient analytical responses to each film. One major paper will be written.

LIBA 102, Section 42 — American Novels of the 1920's
MWF 8:00-9:15
Peter Wirth (English)
phwirth@olemiss.edu, 915-5035

We will read the following works:

Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1962)
Malcolm X and Alex Haley, The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965)
Tom Wolfe, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (1968)
Joan Didion, Slouching Towards Bethlehem (1968)
Norman Mailer, The Armies of the Night (1968)
Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971)
Bob Dylan, selected songs (1962-1975)

We will focus on the works themselves, but with an eye to cultural and political history and to the changes occurring in American life.

The grade will be based on four four-to-five-page papers, the midterm and final examinations, and frequent quizzes on the reading.

LIBA 102, Section 43 — Developing Communication Strategies
TTH 9:30-10:45
Jeré Littlejohn (Management)
jlittlejohn@bus.olemiss.edu, 915-5728

Everyday we face situations in which communication choices produce a wide spectrum of results. From satisfying exchanges with friends or family to a total impasse in workplace politics, we can take the communication process for granted, or we can actively pursue a plan destined for effective outcomes. Students in this seminar will examine the process of communicating one-on-one, in groups, and in public to discover the possible strategies that will produce what they would like to achieve. Through the reading of selected books, current periodicals, and public speeches, they will view the most recognized approaches to a variety of circumstances, analyze the effectiveness of those styles, and develop their own strategies.

LIBA 102, Section 44 – Spells, Curses, and Exorcisms
MWF 2:00-2:50
Kori Forrest (NCNPR)
forrest@olemiss.edu, 915-7152

This course will examine religious responses to evil, with special attention to the power of magic. We will study private and public rituals which relate society to the supernatural; magical beliefs and practices. By the investigation of textual sources and anthropological studies, we will examine the interrelationships of certain cultural manifestations, such as death rituals, rites, and myths as vehicles of magical expressions. We will examine how religion interacts with other cultural phenomenon in society such as sorcery, witchcraft, and demon worship. A wide range of world religious traditions will be represented. This will be a reading and writing intensive course; however, the format of this class is that of a seminar. Your presence and active participation in the class will be the basis of a significant percentage of your grade.

LIBA 102, Section 45 — On Becoming an Educated Person
MWF 2:00-2:50
Billy Barrios (Counseling Center)
babarrio@olemiss.edu, 915-3784

In an age in which seemingly endless amounts of information are available at our fingertips, what does it mean to be an “educated person”? And how pray tell does one become such a person? With three small classics as our guides (i.e., On Becoming an Educated Person by Virginia Voeks, Elements of Style by Strunk and White, and Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Marid Rilke), we will read and write, listen and speak, and think and feel our way toward a clearer and deeper understanding of the “educated person” in our modern age. And who knows, we may even find ourselves becoming this person.

LIBA 102, Section 46 — Catholic Social Doctrine and Justice
TTH 2:00-3:15
John Czarnetzky (Law)
johnmc@olemiss.edu, 915-6807

In the past one hundred years, the Roman Catholic Church has been especially active in formulating a philosophy of society and social relations based upon orthodox religious philosophy. This social doctrine has at times supplemented, and at times conflicted with, modern social philosophy as understood in the West, and as evidenced by the laws of countries such as the United States. The purpose of this seminar will be to become familiar with the Catholic Church's modern social doctrine and critically to apply it to selected legal issues of particular concern in modern times. Topics to be discussed might include: what is a just war?; the role of international organizations in keeping peace; the regulation of the economy; the role of women in modern societies; etc.

LIBA 102, Section 47 — Latin American literature in Translation: Understanding KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.
TTH 11:00-12:15
Diane Marting (Modern Languages, Spanish)
December 6, 2006 10:52 AMworld’s best writers in the twentieth century came from the Spanish– and Portuguese-speaking countries of Latin America. Those available in English are among the most popular: writers like Pablo Neruda from Chile, Gabriel Garcia Marquez from Colombia, and Isabel Allende from Chile. We will read and analyze a series of short works and study one entire novel, Manuel Puig’s KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, which formed the basis of the highly acclaimed movie (and a play). This focus will allow us to discover aspects of Latin American history and culture that survive the translation process, as well as the innovative literary strategies that have made these works so popular.

LIBA 102, Section 48 — The Female Gothic Novel and Film
TTH 1:00-2:15
Natalie Schroeder (Department of English)
nschroed@olemiss.edu, 915-7668

This course will examine the female Gothic novel and film, which uses narrative strategies to express fantasies, fears, anxieties, and paranoia that are associated with the female experience. The following motifs are often found in this literary mode: woman in distress or imprisoned, castles or haunted houses, the absent or dead mother, demonic male victimizers, etc. We will start with a late eighteenth-century novel to illustrate the origins of Gothic fiction and then move into the twentieth/twenty-first centuries The texts I am considering are short stories by Daphne DuMaurier and Joyce Carol Oates, Margaret Atwood’s Lady Oracle, JoAnne Harris’s Chocolat, Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House. The films I am considering are Rebecca, The Haunting, The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby and The Silence of the Lambs.

LIBA 102, Section 49 — Digital Archives, Cultural Memory, and the Information Age
TTH 4:00-5:15
Chatham Ewing (JD Library)
cewing@olemiss.edu, 915- 2024

We now live in a world where individuals, companies, and government retain huge archives of information in digital formats. It is a world where crucial information can be deleted at a keystroke, where digital signatures are now legal, and where much of the country votes on digital machines. Only a few years ago, this was not so. We will read, discuss, and write about specific cases that highlight legal, ethical, managerial, and custodial consequences of this sea-change.

LIBA 102, Section 50 — Political Speeches and Persuasion
MW 4:30-5:45
Robert Albritton (Political Science)
ralbritt@olemiss.edu, 915-7403

This course will consist of reading one speech each week and writing a brief essay analyzing it from a variety of perspectives. Speeches will come from Pericles' speech to the Athenian people, Marc Anthony's speech at the funeral of Caesar (ala Shakespeare), Booker T. Washington's "Let Down Your Bucket Speech," W.E.B. Dubois' attack on Booker T. Washington, M.L. King's "I Have a Dream Speech," speeches by Stokeley Carmichael and Malcolm X, J.F. Kennedy's Inaugural address, Abraham Lincln's Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, Eugene Debs' "Cross of Gold" speech, and others. The course will cover ten speeches. During the last 3-4 weeks, students will prepare a research paper on a topic of their choice. They will write the introduction, conclusion, bibliography, and develop an outline of the body of the paper.

LIBA 102, Section 51 – Writing for the Mass Media: AP Style, Meet the Bloggers
TTH 11:00-12:15
Deidra Jackson (Journalism)
djackson@olemiss.edu, 915-1547

The latest report on the state of American Journalism is clear: the Internet is key to its future. How are traditional media keeping pace with technology and using the World Wide Web to attempt to compensate for declining newspaper readers and sluggish network TV viewership? This seminar will introduce students to the distinct forms of writing for the mass media including print, the Web, broadcast and advertising. Particular emphasis will be given to the growing popularity of online web logs or “blogs,” and their influences on traditional media and news consumers. Students will learn language skills and style conventions unique to the mass media. They also will write analyses of popular and obscure blogs and critique blogs and their content, with relevance to how current events and politics shapes their content and vice versa. Weekly reading and writing assignments will be taken from the Internet, news organizations and periodicals. In addition, guest lecturers and class discussions will be utilized. Class members will be encouraged to keep a reader’s journal and/or keep their own online blogs.