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Course Goals Students will achieve an understanding of what culture is and discuss its operations. Students will learn where culture can be observed and described: its operations in language and speech, in the daily life of groups and communities, in art and popular culture, in its laws and practices concerning crime and deviance, in the treatment of strangers and outsiders, in a group’s or community expressed beliefs and its religious practices, and so forth. Is it and was it ever univocal, agreed upon by everyone? Is culture always and inevitably imposed on some groups and classes?
Is culture a principal source of conflict and violence be;en and among groups? Is culture what binds and unites people and communities? Is unity always at a social and political cost to some groups and individuals? These are some of the questions that the study of culture raises. In this course, the emphasis will be on “American culture”: Is there an identifiable American culture? If so, what are its key concerns and values, its history? What are the things that some identify as typically “American”? The course will involve a comprehensive study of the “American Dream” and how t has influenced thoughts, values, and cultural practices.
The goals of the course will be assessed principally by the course assignments, exams and class participation. Course Materials and Readings The central idea and topic of the course is “culture” but with particular application to American culture. The course opens with a discussion of the meaning of culture and its study by sociologists and anthropologists and others. The professor will draw from his own fields of study to introduce this idea to the students, addressing the various ways of defining and studying what culture is and how it operates. This opening section of the course covers 1-2 classes.
The remainder of the class uses readings to understand culture and its operations. Required Texts Models for Writers by Alfred Rosa & Paul School, 1 lath edition, Boston and NY: Bedford/SST. Martins, 2012. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking & Writing by Gary Colombo, Robert Culled & Bonnie Lisle. 8th edition, Boston and NY: Bedford/ SST. Martins, 2010. Course Requirements Students will receive a course letter grade according to the following criteria: In-class participation, including active participation in all class activities and insistent attendance (please refer to the LILAC attendance policy below) 15% 2.
Consistent completion of all assignments, including vocabulary reviews, writing exercises, readings and presentations – 25% 3. The successful completion of the first and revised drafts of two formal essays – 30% 4. Midterm and final written examinations – 30% Final letter grades for students taking the course for credit will be calculated according to the percentages indicated above. Scores on examinations and class assignments are determined by the quality of the work and demonstrated mastery Of concepts discussed in class. Ease note that consistent attendance and active class participation are included in the final evaluation. A Note on Participation While it is not assumed that all students have yet to master English as a second language, participation is essential in a class such as this one, and it will comprise of the students final grade. The following chart outlines how participation will be assessed: A – The student makes a significant effort and regularly contributes to a lively and positive classroom environment, frequently asks engaging questions, and takes a leadership role in classroom discussions
B – The student is motivated and demonstrates an interest in the course, often asking questions and participating in discussion C – the student demonstrates an interest in the course but rarely engages in classroom discussion D – The student demonstrates very little interest in the course and only engages when called on by the professor – The student gives the professor a blank stare when called upon, couldn’t care less about a “lively classroom environment,” and may have enrolled in the wrong course. Course Materials Students are reminded to bring a binder or folder in order to keep track of rockroses and handouts distributed in class.
Attendance Policy For 3 credit class (Sociology) Students are expected to attend all of their classes. (According to U. S. Law, 1-20/F-1 visa students are required to attend all classes. ) Students may not miss more than two classes per course. Weekday students who have more than 2 unexcused absences per course will not pass the course. If a student is more than 15 minutes late to class, the lateness is recorded. Two count as one absence. If you are more than 15 minutes late without a valid excuse, you are asked not to enter class, as lateness can be disruptive to he teacher, students, and classroom activities.
Lilac’s Information Technology (IT) Policy for Fordham University’s SSL program, the Institute Of American Language and Culture (LILAC) is as follows: The use of cell phones, smart phones or phones is prohibited in the classroom. This includes testing, making calls, and/or searching the internet If students use these items in the classroom, the instructor reserves the right to confiscate and withhold the item until the end of class. Laptop computers in the classroom are used solely for note taking or writing, with the permission of the instructor.
If students engage in activities other than class- related work (including, but not limited to, internet surfing, social networking, tweeting, and Backbone) during class, the laptop will be confiscated and students will be barred in the future from bringing their laptop to class. Policy on Plagiarism Plagiarism occurs when individuals attempt to present as their own what has come from another source. Plagiarism takes place whether such theft is accidental or deliberate. It is no defense to claim that one has “forgotten” to document ideas or material taken from another source.