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GEN*E299*51
Where Underpants Come From
Guangjun Qu
Prerequisites:
None
Open To:
All Students
Grading System: S/U
Max. Enrollment: 15
Meeting Times:
Tu W 10:00am-12:00pm
Have you even thought about where and how your underpants are made?
Do you believe that an exploration of the underwear industry can help you
better understand the rising manufacturing power of China, the bilateral
relation between the U.S. and China, and even the effects of globalization
upon people’s lives? In this project, we will join Joe Bennet, author of
Where
Underpants Come From
, to embark on an odyssey to the other end of the
Pacific and seek the answers to the above questions in his book. We will also
discuss Peter Hessler’s award-winning, best-selling trilogy on the human
side of economic reforms in China. Students are required to read assigned
book chapters before class, maintain a journal of the comments they have
during their reading, and make a reasonable contribution to our class
discussion. In addition, each student will select a topic to research and make
a 10-15-minute presentation to the class. e research should be closely
related to the books we read and take an economic, political, historical, or
cultural approach to look at the effects of globalization.
Estimated Student Fees: $50 (field trip and food expenses)
GEN*E299*52
Women from Venus? An Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies
Victoria Ott
Prerequisites:
None
Open To:
All Students
Grading System: Letter
Max. Enrollment: 20
Meeting Times:
Tu W 10:00am-12:30pm
e phrase “men are fromMars, women are fromVenus” is one that most
people living in American society today have heard, and one that they often
believe. It is based on the assumption that men and women are vastly
different creatures (so different, they hail from different planets!), and comes
from a long-standing tradition of viewing women as separate from, and alien
to, men. ese assumptions have historically led to women leading separate,
and unequal, lives frommen. is project will introduce students to the study
of gender and women through time by exploring topics such as feminist
philosophy, gender roles and stereotypes, gender development, sexuality and
relationships, workplace issues, legal challenges, women in media, violence
against women, and global feminism. is project will feature discussion,
films, and guest speakers. Assessment is based on participation, a series of
short reaction papers, and outside class assignments. is project will also
count toward fulfilling the introductory requirement for the GWS minor.
GEN*E299*49
Star Wars: You’ve never heard of the Millennium Falcon?
Kevin Shook and John Lytle Wilson
Prerequisites:
None
Open To:
All Students
Grading System: Letter
Max. Enrollment: 20
Meeting Times:
M Tu W9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Explore the mythology and cultural impact of
Star Wars
, you will. Students
will explore films, design, and narrative sources that influenced Lucas’ vision
as well as the cultural and commercial impact of the films. e philosophical
and mythological basis of the films will be explored through the Joseph
Campbell interviews in
e Power of Myth
. A local businessman will reveal the
economic and marketing effects of Star Wars merchandise through multiple
generations. e project will include screenings of the films, readings of
articles, short weekly writings, and a final project. Students’ participation in
class discussions, group work, and individual research will be evaluated daily.
A final project proposal will be submitted for approval. Finals are based on an
individual’s interest and may include research presentation, visual portfolio,
replica costumes and props, or other research.
Estimated Student Fees: $50
GEN*E299*50
e U.S. National Security System: A Historical and Contemporary Overview
Ed Rowe
Prerequisites:
None
Open To:
All Students
Grading System: Letter
Max. Enrollment: 16
Meeting Times:
Tu 2:00pm-4:00pm, W F 10:00am-12:30pm (meeting
time may vary on availability of guest speakers)
e U.S. National Security System is a conglomeration of structures,
processes, persons, and organizations that assist the president in formulating,
deciding, implementing, and overseeing national security policies and actions.
e systemwas designed for a world environment that no longer exists and
cannot now effectively and quickly address current threats. reats today are
diffuse and ambiguous and express themselves in a multitude of forms – we
no longer have the luxury of a singular, unambiguous threat as in World War
II and the Cold War. Project will include: the study of government strategy,
policy, legal, and doctrine documents; analysis of case studies; examination
of select current threats; examination of the approach to the War on
Terrorism; and the decision process utilized in the National Security Council.
Methods used: lectures, guest speakers, extensive source readings, and
discussions. Evaluation will be based on attendance, daily participation, team
presentations, summaries of select reading assignments, and two papers
(3-5 pages each).