UNIV 4000-Contemporary International Cultures
Course Syllabus – Spring I Term 2015
COURSE INFORMATION
UNIV 4000, Contemporary International Cultures, 3 hours credit, CRN 2664
INSTRUCTORS
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Dr. Tzvetelin Iordanov Office: Roney Bldg 314 Phone: 931-2333
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Dr. Tom Weiland Office: Roney Bldg 212 Phone: 931-2327
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OFFICE HOURS: By appointment only
REQUIRED TEXTS: Readings to be supplied by instructor.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the student to the contemporary culture of Nicaragua through a combination of traditional lectures on selected topics and a service project with the people of the country. Areas of contemporary culture to be explored include language, music, religion, science, education, art, politics, history, healthcare, and business. Learning activities include immersion into the selected culture, lecture, small group discussion, individual research projects, assigned readings, and participation in the service project.
COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
1. Describe the contemporary culture of Nicaragua.
2. Compare and contrast the culture of Nicaragua with their cultures.
3. Demonstrate the ability to interact and work with individuals from another culture.
4. Demonstrate flexibility in working in another culture.
5. Demonstrate an appreciation of international studies in a global environment.
COURSE CONTENT
1. Political and Economic Conditions
2. Natural History
3. Environmental Science Issues
4. Basic Spanish
5. History and Mission of the Fuller Center
6. Selected Research Topics
COURSE CONTENT
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Date |
Topic |
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Wednesday, Jan. 14th |
Nicaragua - The Country and Its People |
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Wednesday, Jan. 21th |
Nicaragua - Environmental Issues (+ Registration) |
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Wednesday, Jan. 28th |
Nicaragua –Geology and Geography |
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Wednesday, Feb. 4th |
Fuller Center Presentation |
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Wednesday, Feb. 11th |
Nicaragua -Rainforests and Mangroves |
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Wednesday, Feb. 18th |
Nicaragua - Economy |
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Wednesday, Feb. 25th |
Student Presentations |
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Wednesday, March 4th |
Student Presentations |
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Wednesday, March 11th |
Spanish -101 and Last Minute Trip Preparation |
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March 14th - 22nd |
Travel to Nicaragua |
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete all class reading assignments.
2. Attend and participate in class presentations/lectures.
3. Complete class presentation and writing assignment.
4. Actively participate in all field experiences.
5. Complete and participate in group W2W campus presentation after trip.
EVALUATION / GRADING
1. Class Participation and Project/Presentation 60%
2. Participation in the Field Experience 40%
ASSIGNMENTS
Paper and Presentation: You should select and research one topic of interest concerning Nicaragua. The topic must be approved by the instructors before the research project is started. Research topics should focus on national issues and features such as economic development, religion, archeology, land use, government, political history, foreign aid or agriculture. Information must be obtained from at least three documented sources and presented in a typed, double-spaced paper that is at least three pages long (excluding figures, cover page and references). Each student will also deliver a short Power Point presentation on their research.
GRADING SCALE
90-100% A
80-89% B Note: A grade of "I - Incomplete " will be issued to all
70-79% C students until the final paper/ project and
60-69% D presentations are completed and verified.
59% or less F
DEFINITION OF GRADES
Grades are distributed according to the following criteria:
F - You either fail to do the assignment your work is too far below acceptable standards to merit any consideration. You either completely miss the point of the assignment or disregard critical elements of it.
D -You demonstrate understanding of the assignment, but constructed and presented the material in a less than satisfactory way. Your performance was sub-standard relative to normal expectations.
C -You complete an assignment that the average student, working the average amount of time should be expected to prepare. Your work is complete but in no way exceptional or deserving of extra attention.
B -You exceed expectations. Your preparation and delivery serve as examples of the proper concepts and practices. All of the required material is plainly in evidence, and your work is fluid and smooth.
A - Your work obviously stands out from that of the normal body of students. You serve as a role model for how the assignment should be carried out. You are creative and energetic, expanding the boundaries of the assignment.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The student is expected to attend all regularly scheduled lectures and activities. Unexcused absences will result in a grade penalty (See Excused Absences below). Attendance and participation are required. There are no points for attendance, however missing classes or being late for class will result in grade penalty.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
a) Involved in an official university activity if a statement verifying participation is provided
b) Due to illness or accident if a physician's statement is provided
c) Other valid emergency, such as a death in the immediate family with documentation.
Valid emergencies must be brought to the instructor's attention within two school days. Remember, your GSW email account is the official method of communication between you and the university. You must check your email account frequently.
STUDENT DISABILITY STATEMENT:
A student requesting classroom accommodations or modifications due to a documented disability must notify me within the first two weeks of the semester. If the student has not already done so, he or she must contact the Office of Disability Services in order to receive these accommodations and modifications. The Office of Disability Services is located in Sanford Hall, room 101, and the phone number is 229-931-2661. Failure to do so will result in grade penalty or medical withdraw. The disability must be documented by the University approved institutions.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
All dishonest academic behavior will be prosecuted. (See the GSW Bulletin.) Cheating on an assignment will result in a grade of zero or possibly an F for the course. The homework may involve group work, but plagiarism is not acceptable. All work that you turn in must be your own work. It’s possible that this course will involve the use of plagiarism-prevention technology. You may, for example, be required to submit written assignments on-line through a plagiarism-prevention service or to allow me to submit copies of your writing to such a service. The written assignments may then be retained by the service for the sole purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student submissions. If a violation occurs before the last day to withdraw without penalty for the term, you will receive as the final grade a grade of F for the class regardless of whether you attempt to withdraw.
STUDENT CONDUCT
1. Students are expected to be on time. While many students may have the occasional experience of being delayed to class, habitual tardiness is distracting and disrespectful. If any student makes a habit of arriving late, they may, after being warned, be administratively withdrawn from class.
2. Cell phones are a fact of life. If you bring one to class, make sure it is turned off. ‘Off’ does not mean on ‘vibrate’. Under no circumstances should any student ever answer a cell phone in class or check a phone for messages or numbers. Phones should be kept off of your desk. The only time students are allowed to check their phones is in the event of the campus emergency warning sirens going off. Texting in class will not be tolerated. If you are found to be texting in class you will be required to speak with the departmental chair. If it happens again, you may be administratively withdrawn from class. If any serious circumstance (i.e. - law enforcement, critical medical condition of a relative) should require you to be on call, you should notify me before class.
3. Courtesy is expected of all students. You will be treated courteously and you are expected to treat others in the same manner. One of the hallmarks of adult discourse is to be able to disagree without being offensive. Professional behavior is expected of all students. Inappropriate conduct (cursing, disruption, etc.) may result in a reduced final grade or failure of the course.
4. Anytime you have any concern about any issue in or out of class, please come by our offices and we can discuss it.
UNIV 4000 - Contemporary International Cultures
Syllabus Acknowledgment Form
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