Cool Topics. Hot Issues. Great Minds

UGS 101 Freshman Seminars on Campus
Course Descriptions
Spring 2008

Spring 2008

UGS 102 Freshman Seminar Abroad

 

SPRING 2008

Free Speech & Freedom of the Press in the United States
Section 001, 1 credit

While the U.S. 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, Journalism

Wednesday, 1:50-2:40 pm
161 Communication Arts Building
Note: Class meets entire semester

Engaging the World:  The Theatrical Experience II
Section 002, 1 credit

As part of MSU's "Year of the Arts and Culture", this seminar offers students an in-depth exploration of three shows to be performed by the Department of Theatre during spring semester: 6 Characters in Search of an Author, by Luigi Pirandello; DanceFest, the MSU Repertory Dance Concert; and the Spring Musical (to be announced). During pre-show class meetings, students will read, analyze, and discuss each work; students are required to attend the production (including pre-show director's talk and post-show symposium). In the follow-up class meetings students will discuss the theatrical experience and critique the performance. A 3-page page critical paper will be required for each of the productions.

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

Engaging the World:  Films about Growing Up
Section 003, 1 credit

This seminar features some of the best films made worldwide dealing with childhood and adolescence. Short reaction papers will be mixed with in-class discussions on the films and global cinema. Film screenings will be held immediately after class from 7-9pm.

William Vincent, English
Wednesday, 6:10-7:00 pm

311 Bessey Hall
NOTE: Class meets the entire semester

Google Goes to College: Scholarly Communication, Information, and Libraries
Section 004, 1 credit

What is scholarly communication, why is it important, how does it work? This seminar explores how new ideas research have traditionally been generated, published and distributed and how this has changed in the digital age. We'll explore the latest internet and electronic technologies and their impact on the role of libraries and you. We'll consider who "owns" knowledge. What is the 'crisis' in scholarly communication? How do your professors share their research and knowledge? How do publishers and libraries make decisions? What is quality information? This interactive, discussion-based seminar will assist students with their research and information gathering efforts. Class will meet for 10 sessions as specified in the instructor syllabus.

Clifford Haka, Libraries
Colleen Hyslop, Libraries
Steven Sowards, Libraries

Monday, 4:10-5:30 pm
W452 Main Library
NOTE:  Class meets entire semester

People Skills, Human Relations and Leadership for Success
Section 301, 1 credit

This seminar focuses on vital people skills related to everyday interactions and the dynamic professional world. Students will participate in case studies, class discussions, role playing and group problem solving; applying their human relations skills in a variety of active situations. Recommended for all majors.  Final class project due February 28.

Donald Ricks, Agricultural Economics

Tuesday & Thursday, 10:20-11:40 am
041 Kresge Art Center
NOTE: Class meets January 8 –February 28

Public Health Investigation & Critical Reasoning
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
E109 Fee Hall
NOTE: Class meets February 21 –April 10

Engaging the World:  How to Explain Human Languages to a Martian
Section 303, 1 credit

If a Martian landed on earth and wanted to learn/understand how human languages work, it would quickly discover that in spite of the apparent variety, all human languages are fundamentally the same because they are constructed from the same set of basic elements. In this course we will look at elements which form the structure of any language and how they are used. We will also examine how languages are acquired and change. This course is particularly useful for students interested in languages in general, psychology, and linguistics. Seminar meets weekly through 2/26/08 with a final project/presentation on 3/18/2008.

Christina Schmitt, Linguistics and Languages

Tuesday, 5:00-6:20 pm
C112 Wells Hall
NOTE: Class meets January 15 –March 18

Life’s Values & Ventures: An Introduction to Leadership, Power and Responsibility
Section 304, 1 credit

Gain insights into effective leadership as we examine elements of both individual and societal decision making; discuss and cultivate a greater awareness of performance expectations and lessons learned to effectively contribute and lead in tomorrow's worlds of business, medicine and politics. Probe the conventions you accept or reject, and understand how to reach conclusions.

Arlene Sierra, Radiology

Tuesday & Thursday, 3:00-4:20 pm
162 Radiology Building
NOTE: Class meets January 8 –March 18