Cool Topics. Hot Issues. Great Minds

UGS 101 Freshman Seminars on Campus
Course Descriptions

Fall 2008

Spring 2009

 

Fall 2008

Engaging the World: The Theatrical Experience I
Section 001, 1 credit

This seminar is designed to offer students an in-depth exploration of three plays being performed by the Department of Theatre during Fall semester 2008. Team-taught by instructors with expertise in the major aspects of theatre production-acting and directing, design, movement and dance, and dramatic literature-the seminar will allow participants to gain first-hand acquaintance with the collaborative process of producing a play, from study of the script to the conception of the production developed by the director and designers, the actors’ approach to learning their roles, the work of crew and stage managers in mounting the production, and critical appreciation of the final product, the performance itself. Class meetings are supplemented by attendance at rehearsals and performances. Students will have the opportunity to engage individually with directors, designers, cast and crew.

George Peters, Theatre
Sherrie Barr, Theatre
Kirk Domer, Theatre
Robert Roznowski, Theatre
Tuesday, 4:10-5:00 pm
144 Auditorium
NOTE: Class meets entire semester

History of Engineering and Science
Section 002, 1 credit

The objective of this seminar will be to examine the evolution and development of technology, engineering and science in the period prior to the Industrial Revolution in Europe. It is widely taught in most science courses that persons such as Copernicus, Galileo, Leibniz, Hooke, Newton appeared, like Minerva, wholly formed. However, this is not the case and before Copernicus, Galileo, Leibniz, Hooke, Newton and the other famous scientists there toiled many now-forgotten scientists, mathematicians, and other “enablers” upon whose shoulders these giants later stood. My goal is to place this rich history in its proper civilizational context.

Indrek Wichman, Mechanical Engineering
 Tuesday, 3:00-3:50
1235 Anthony Hall
NOTE: Class meets entire semester

From Beanies to Body Piercings: Student Life at MSU
Section 003, 1 credit

What is the student experience at MSU? Explore the history and culture of MSU students from the early structured years through the underground culture of the 1960s and 1970s. Learn how campus regulations evolved through the eyes of the students who attended college here. Using primary source materials available in the MSU Archives, this class will explore student life through 150 years of MSU history.

Portia Vescio, University Archives & Historical Collections
Monday, 5:30-6:20 pm
University Archives, 101 Conrad Hall
NOTE: Class meets entire semester


Networking and Netwriting @MSU
Section 004, 1 credit

The twofold focus of this seminar is: 1) the ways in which we create, compose, design, network and write in digital spaces, and 2) the digital tools available for success in our academic, personal, and professional lives. The course will cover topics including digital creativity, histories of networked spaces, online resources, and more. All of the course activities and discussions will integrate computer-based tools available to support your experience @ MSU. The final course project will have you building an online resource for other MSU freshmen.

Dànielle DeVoss, Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures
Thursday,4:10-5:00 pm
See online Schedule of Courses for location
NOTE: Class meets entire semester


Family Ties: Will College Make Them or Break Them?
Section 005, 1 credit

How are family dynamics affected by transitions? This seminar will examine the psychological and sociological transition issues young people and their families encounter. Students will be given an opportunity to explore current family issues, such as the societal and cultural implications of going to college and the significant changes that occur within the family. This seminar will conclude with a group project that will focus on the relationships between young people, the community and their families. This seminar is recommended for Spartan Shadows Mentor Program participants.

Joy Jacobs, Family and Child Ecology
Tuesday, 4:10-5:00
Lake Ontario Room- MSU Student Union
NOTE: Class meets entire semester

Public Opinion vs. Public Knowledge
Section 301, 1 credit

Many students come to MSU with ideas about various topics ranging from typical student behaviors to nanotechnology and global systems. This class is meant to offer students an opportunity to research and discuss topics which they have heard of, but they realize they do not know much about. Topics discussed in past years have included Voodoo, the presentation of self online, art movements, supernatural phenomena, and election issues. Topics are provided by both the instructor and students.

Toby A. Ten Eyck, Sociology
Wednesday, 12:40-2:30 pm
105A Berkey Hall
NOTE: Class meets August 27 – October 8

Global Warming: An Inconvenient Truth
Section 302, 1 credit

The debate about whether global warming is real has waned, but the discussion about what to do about the problem has barely begun. In this class, we will first explore the problem and what scientists are learning. We will also look at solutions, ranging from what each person can do, to policy changes required at the local, state, federal, and international levels. The class will also explore how people mobilize to make positive change. The impetus for the course was the work done by former Vice President Al Gore; however, we will examine a wide range of models for change.

Bonnie Bucqueroux, School of Journalism
Wednesday, 10:20-11:40 am
165 Communication Arts and Sciences
NOTE: Class meets September 3 – November 5

Critical Reasoning and Public Health
Section 303, 1 credit

Using the cholera epidemics in London, England as the central case study, we will examine how the cause of the epidemics was determined via critical reasoning long before the development of the germ theory. This seminar will explore ‘critical reasoning’- what it is and is not, how a critical reasoning strategy was (and is) applied within the discipline of public health.

Michael Rip, Epidemiology
Wednesday, 3:00–4:50 pm
G029 Hubbard Hall
NOTE: Class meets October 1 – November 12

Decision Making in Medicine, Law & Business: An Introduction to Leadership, Power & Responsibility
Section 304, 1 credit

Overview of factors that play a role in the art of decision making which provide a route to leadership and power and an understanding of responsibility. Issues such as cost v. benefit; individual v. society; power, value and ethics; measurement of decision analysis; differential diagnosis; and how to reach conclusions, will be discussed.

E.James Potchen, Radiology
W. Donald Weston, Radiology
Thomas G. Cooper, Radiology
Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 pm
162 Radiology
NOTE: Class meets August 27 – October 29

Power, Privilege and Intimate Violence
Section 306, 1 credit

This course will closely examine aspects of power and privilege as they play out in particular forms of personal and intimate violence, specifically sexual and relationship violence. Power realized through privilege based on gender, racial/ethnic identity, sexual identity, etc. significantly shapes how such violence is experienced. Particular emphasis will be placed on violence within campus communities.

Shari Murgittroyd, Sexual Assault Program
Holly Rosen, Department of Residence Life
Tuesday, 3:00-4:50 pm
107 Old Horticulture
NOTE: Class meets October 7 – November 18

Designing and Testing Serious Games
Section 307, 1 credit

This seminar will focus on INK, an educational (or ‘serious’) game being developed at MSU. As a multiplayer online game, INK allows players to create social spaces- like neighborhoods, skating parks, dance clubs, and cafés- for interacting with other players. Students will join the INK design team, will help playtest the game, and will contribute to future development. We’ll explore questions like: What makes games fun? What methods can we use to test and improve games? Can games be fun and educational at the same time? What kind of social relationships form inside games?

David Sheridan, Residential College in the Arts and Humanities
William Hart-Davidson, Writing, Rhetoric & American Culture
Tuesday/Thursday, 3:00-3:50 pm
317 Ernst Bessey Hall
NOTE: Class meets August 26– October 9

Civil Rights in the Workplace
Section 308, 1 credit

This seminar will explore the legal protections for the civil rights of employees in the United States. We will begin with the notion of employment at will, and the historical discrimination against employees who are members of an underrepresented group, such as African-American and Hispanic employees, women, and employees with disabilities. Then we will cover various federal statutes that protect the interests of employees, particularly members of underrepresented groups. We will also touch on constitutional protections for public employees, such as the freedom of speech. In addition to overviewing the scope of these protections, we will discuss the history and the public policies underlying them.

Stacy Hickox, School of Labor & Industrial Relations
Thursday, 12:40-2:30 pm
12C Berkey Hall
NOTE: Class meets October 2 – November 13

Working for a Living: The Power and Politics of Race, Class and Gender
Section 310, 1 credit

Work is a central focus of adult life. We will examine work from a number of perspectives, including how work experiences vary by race, class and gender. We will look at power relationships between workers and managers, including discussions about the role of labor unions in today’s society. Finally, we will also look at how people develop as leaders in organizations, what makes leaders effective, and discuss a case study of moral decision making on the part of organizational leaders. This class will be a useful foundation for any student in the social sciences and for those who aspire to leadership roles.

Michelle Kaminski, Labor & Industrial Relations
Wednesday, 12:40-2:30 pm
108 Berkey Hall
NOTE: Class meets August 27 – October 8


So, Do You Want to be a Physician?
Section 312, 1 credit

You’re planning on medical school. How much do you know about the service aspect of medicine? How are patients cared for across Michigan, the nation and the world? What are some of the issues in medical education facing future medical students? What are some of the predicted physician workforce issues? In this seminar, you will hear from physicians, current medical school students, researcher, community health professional and advocates, and others as we explore current issues in medicine. You will also gain insight in developing a flexible plan of action for undergraduate academic preparation; ways to secure research, medical and clinical experiences; as well as leadership development and community service. Final paper is due 10/29/2008.

Letitia V Fowler, College of Human Medicine
Wednesday, 3:00-4:50 pm
B-105 Life Sciences
NOTE: Class meets September 10 – October 29


New Immigrants: From Persecution to Freedom
Section 313, 1 credit

What is a refugee? Where do they come from? This seminar explores the experiences of new immigrant-refugees with particular focus on Michigan’s Muslim, the Lost Boys of Sudan, Cuban, Kosovar, and Hmong communities. We will take an interactive approach to enhance students’ understanding of lives of refugees and other immigrants through their own lives. The seminar will incorporate many voices including guest speakers from academia, community organizations, the refugees themselves, films, and internet sources, as well as, possible visits to the local Islamic Center and Refugee Development Center.

Khalida Zaki, College of Social Science
Terrence Walsh, Student Affairs & Services
Tom Rios, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs & Services
Wednesday, 10:20-12:10 pm
119B Bessey Hall
NOTE: Class meets August 27 – October 8


Ethics in Cyberspace: Policy, Practice and Privacy in the Knowledge Age
Section 314, 1 credit

Information is potential power. The access to information and communication via the Internet has created exciting opportunities and many new challenges for our society and how we live our lives. The ethical considerations and responsibilities associated with information have created a complex and often muddled understanding of what is ethical, especially in regards to policy, and what is acceptable practice. This seminar will give students an opportunity to explore hot topics in ethics and privacy involving Facebook, MySpace, credit reports, medical records identity theft, and also learn ways to protect their own ideas and intellectual property rights and those of others.

Mark Rinella, Department of Residence Life
Monday, 4:10-5:30 pm
144B Brody
NOTE: Class meets September 8- November 10


Eating Green: Sustainable Food Systems and You
Section 315, 1 credit

This seminar will include a ‘field to fork’ view of how your meals are produced, from different perspectives; you will hear from farmers, marketers, processors, activists and chefs. You will explore innovative food systems through field trips and experiential learning. A sustainable and local food ethic is evolving in Michigan, and this seminar is an opportunity to be part of it. Come learn about the wide range of approaches to ‘eating green’. This seminar will meet 8 sessions per the instructor’s syllabus and 4 site visits as arranged.

Sieglinde Snapp, Crop and Soil Sciences
Monday, 3:00-4:20 pm
A155 Plant & Soil Science Building
NOTE: Class meets September 8- December 8


What Research Says About Me! Academic Success the First Year in College
Section 319, 1 credit

Some researchers study how students learn and transition into college. In this interactive seminar you will read, discuss and debate what researchers and experts say about making a successful college transition and test it against your own experience. Seminar participants will design a plan that can enhance the first year college experience based on their analysis of discoveries made in the seminar. Open to all students and recommended for Spartan Shadows Mentor Program participants.

Bonita Curry, Undergraduate University Division
Deandre Carter, Undergraduate University Division
Thursday, 10:20-11:40 am
140 Akers Hall
NOTE: Class meets September 11 - November 10

Connecting Academics, Majors and Careers
Section 320, 1 credit

Explore the process of making discoveries about personal interests, majors and careers. Participants will be introduced to theories, tools and strategies needed for identifying strengths, values and skills needed in making effective academic decisions and to develop an academic portfolio which highlights research and analysis of your discoveries in the seminar.

Bonita Curry, Undergraduate University Division
Ronald Gibbs, Undergraduate University Division
Ashley Hawkins, Undergraduate University Division
Tuesday, 10:20 am-12:10 pm
321 Baker Hall
NOTE: Class meets September 16 - November 4

SPRING 2009

Engaging the World: The Theatrical Experience II
Section 001, 1 credit

This seminar is designed to offer students an in-depth exploration of three plays being performed by the Department of Theatre during spring semester 2009. Team-taught by instructors with expertise in the major aspects of theatre production-acting and directing, design, movement and dance, and dramatic literature-the seminar will allow participants to gain first-hand acquaintance with the collaborative process of producing a play, from study of the script to the conception of the production developed by the director and designers, the actors’ approach to learning their roles, the work of crew and stage managers in mounting the production, and critical appreciation of the final product, the performance itself. Class meetings are supplemented by attendance at rehearsals and performances. Students will have the opportunity to engage individually with directors, designers, cast and crew.

George Peters, Theatre
Sherrie Barr, Theatre
Kirk Domer, Theatre
Robert Roznowski, Theatre
Tuesday, 4:10-5:00 pm
144 Auditorium
Note: Class meets entire semester

PURL’S of Wisdom: An Introduction to Undergraduate Research and MSU and Beyond
Section 002, 1 credit

The seminar is an introduction to PURL, the Program for Undergraduate Research in the Life Sciences. Students will be introduced to the realities of scientific research, interact with faculty researchers from a range of disciplines and visit various academic and industrial research facilities around Michigan. Participating undergraduates will be eligible to apply for the second stage of PURL: short research internships. Open to students from all majors with an interest in life sciences research. Seminar will meet for 8 Wednesday class sessions throughout the semester as specified in the instructor’s syllabus and three site visits with hours arranged.

Alexander Shingleton, Zoology
Wednesday, 6:30-7:20 pm
145 Natural Science Building
Note: Class meets entire semester

Exploring the History of Childhood
Section 003, 1 credit

The history of childhood draws on many disciplines such as folklore, popular culture, education, psychology, labor and economics, sociology, arts, literature, law, health, medicine, and women's studies. In this seminar, you will make real contributions to an ongoing research project focused on the History of Childhood in English-speaking places. You'll help to build a webliography on this topic by learning to write short annotations of books, anthologies, reference works, biographies, articles, documents, websites, and primary sources. A great by-product of participating in this seminar will be learning how to use our Library like a pro, a very valuable skill applicable to most liberal arts majors. Course will be held in the Main Library South Conference Room.

Agnes Widder, Libraries
Wednesday, 4:10-5:00 pm
 South Conference Room, Main Library
 NOTE: Class meets entire semester

Freedom of Speech & Freedom of the Press in the United States
Section 301, 1 credit

While the United States Constitution guarantees us the right to free expression, the interpretation of and limits on the right to free speech and a free press continue to evolve. This course offers students the chance to explore how our history has shaped today, including what these freedoms mean in an increasingly diverse society. The course will assess the impact that contemporary challenges such as terrorism have had on free speech, as well as the impact that changing economics and new technologies are posing to a free press. There will be discussion of current events as they emerge during the semester.

Bonnie Bucqueroux
Wednesday, 3:00-4:20 am
173 Communication Arts and Science
NOTE: Class meets January 14 – March 25

Critical Reasoning and Public Health
Section 302, 1 credit

Using the cholera epidemics in London, England as the central case study, we will examine how the cause of the epidemics was determined via critical reasoning, long before the development of germ theory. This seminar will explore 'critical reasoning'-what it is and is not, how a critical reasoning strategy was (and is) applied within the discipline of public health.

Michael Rip, Epidemiology
Wednesday, 3:00-4:50 pm
165 Communication Arts and Sciences
NOTE: Class meets February 18 – April 8

Jewish-American Life at the Movies
Section 303, 1 credit

Explore Jewish-American family and professional life, the meanings of Jewish history in Europe and Israel, religious beliefs and practices, relations with other American groups, and other subjects through dramatic and documentary films of the past two decades. Class discussions will consider: What role is there for traditional Jewish belief and practice in contemporary life? Are there distinctively Jewish values that influence the lives of Jews in America? In what ways does Jewish history, including the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel as a nation, influence the lives of Jewish-Americans today?

Steven Weiland, Educational Administration
Tuesday, 3:00-4:20 pm
314 Ernst Bessey Hall
 NOTE: Class meets January 13 – March 24