|
 |
Fall 2001 Social and Historical Studies Seminar (S104)
S104 Escape from Disaster (Chertkoff, J.)(0220) 11:15a - 12:30p TR PY 230
This is a seminar with relevance to psychology, sociology, history, journalism, law, government, fire engineering,
pedestrian traffic flow, crowd control, and maybe a few other areas, such as folklore. We will cover theories by
psychologists and sociologists on reactions to a disaster and emergency escape.
Return to top
S104 Ethical Issues in Science Research (Koertge, N.)(0219) 9:30a - 10:45a TR WH 114
Working scientists frequently face ethical issues as they conduct their research: Is it ever legitimate to deceive the
human beings who are the subjects of psychological research? How should laboratory animals be protected? Do some
research questions have such profound implications for the way we live that they should never even be raised? Should
the government forbid research on cloning, stem cells or Kenniwick Man?
This course will explore the ethical dimensions of scientific research using case materials from a variety of scientific
disciplines - ranging from anthropology through history and physics to zoology. At the beginning of the semester we will
discuss a different episode each week. Each student will then choose an individual topics of special interest to them and
make written and oral presentations.
Return to top
S104 Understanding a Local Economy (Tilton, T.)(0221) 1:00p - 2:15p TR WH 112
Using Jane Jacobs' recent book The Nature of Economies as our primary guide, we will conduct an investigation of the
Bloomington/Monroe county regional economy. We will study private firms, not-for-profits, and the public sector,
learning as much as we can about each organization's missions, management, budgets, circumstances, and success. We will
consider the effect of globalization on the local economy and study local economic development strategies. The emphasis
will be on first-hand experience with these organizations, their leaders, and employees. In addition to trying to grasp
the structure of the local economy, its interconnections with the larger world, and its prospects, we shall focus on how
well it provides economic well-being for its citizens. Students should gain a deeper appreciation for the larger
university community and a "real world" look at many of the subjects they will study while in residence.
Return to top
S104 Perspectives on Gender in Latin America (Diaz, A.)(0223) 10:10a - 12:05p W BH 241
The purpose of this course is to examine the concept of gender as a category of social analysis in Latin American
history. This class will explore how gender has been socially constructed and how it has served to establish unequal
power relations at specific times and in specific places. Through various theoretical explanations and perspectives,
the course will analyze ways in which the study of gender has enriched our understanding of law, politics, economy,
ideology, sexuality, gender relations, colonialism, mobilization, and resistance at macro levels within our society,
as well as at the micro level of the individual. These abstractions will be made more tangible through analysis of the
concrete experiences of men and women as revealed in testimonies, pictures, political caricatures, films, documentaries,
and scholarly essays. We will address how women and men deal with conflict and negotiate the contradictions in their
daily lives created by gender-based social norms, and how little by little, through their actions, they transform
society and themselves. We will study both women and men as agents of history.
As a First Year Intensive Seminar, this course not only will expose students to different scholarly perspectives used
in the historical study of gender, but more importantly will help students to develop the core academic skills necessary
for successful college-level work. While the course focuses on history as a discipline, the instructor will emphasize
the basic skills of close and careful reading, thorough and meticulous research, and clear and persuasive academic
writing. Most of this training will be centered on the production of an interpretive paper in which students will apply
one theoretical approach to the analysis of an English-language primary source. Throughout every step of the research
and writing process, students will have frequent one-on-on interaction with the instructor. In addition, students will
hand-in five well-organized essays discussing the main argument(s) for a number of readings during the semester.
Return to top
|
