INTD 101

Handshakes, Passwords, & Ritual: The Evolution of Secret Societies.

Time: Th 4:15-5:05 in Sturges 112

Instructor: Wendi Kinney, Coordinator of Greek Affairs/Off-Campus Living

Macvittie College Union 344

Phone: 245-5968

E-mail:

Office Hours:11:00am-12:00pm T & F and by appointment

Course Description:

Students will explore the history of Greek letter organizations and the differences, similarities, and purposes of literary, honorary, professional, service, and social organizations. Students will discuss how American and world events; such as the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the McCarthy era, and student activism have shaped the development of these organizations. We will look at the emergence and recent proliferation of African American, multicultural, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender Greek organizations, their role, and the challenges they have faced on campuses. Finally we will take a critical look at the risky behaviors and criminal acts – hazing, alcohol and substance abuse, sexual assault, and violence – that have plagued and threatened the existence of today’s fraternities and sororities.

Required Texts:

Nuwer, H. (2001). Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.

Ross, L.C., Jr. (2001) The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. New York: Kensington Publishing Corporation.

Additional Texts Used:

Anson, J. & Marchesani, R.F., Jr. (Eds.). (1991) Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities 20th Edition. Indianapolis, IN: Baird’s Manual Foundation, Inc.

Land, B. (2004) Goat: A Memoir. New York: Random House.

Robbins, A. (2004) Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities. New York: Hyperion.

Windemeyer, S.L., & Freeman, P.W. (Eds.). (1998) Out On Fraternity Row: Personal Accounts of Being Gay in a College Fraternity. Los Angeles: Alyson Brooks.

Windemeyer, S.L., & Freeman, P.W. (Eds.). (2001) Secret Sisters: Stories of Being Lesbian and Bisexual in a College Sorority. Los Angeles: Alyson Brooks.

Assignments:

  1. Writing assignments:
  2. Students will be asked to read weekly assignments and write a journal reflection (2 pages minimum) about the reading or class discussion. Unlike a summary, reflections are a synthesis of your thoughts, feelings, or opinions about a particular topic. For tips on journal writing go to
  3. There will also be two short papers (5 pages) due mid-semester and end of semester. The first will require students (in groups) to select a type of organization, research one of such type group on campus (by attending a meeting, interviewing the faculty advisor and student officers, and/or participating in an activity), and report their findings. Each group will then present a summary of their organization in class. Each member of the group will receive the same grade. Equal effort and participation are expected. For the second paper students will be asked to write a summary reflection piece that explores what was learned in the course. For tips on writing visit the Geneseo Writing Guide at
  4. All journals and papers are to be type written, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, and 11 or 12 pt Times/Times New Roman font. All work is to be handed in at the start of class on the date due.
  5. Presentation:
  6. Each group will present a summary of their organization research to the class. The assignment will be peer graded based on the quality of the content, presentation skills, depth of research, and equal participation of the group members.
  7. Participation:
  8. Participation in class is critical to the success of this course. Your contribution to the shared learning experiences of the class will factor in your final grade.

Grading:

Class participation20%

Journal writings20%

Papers40% (20% each)

Presentation20%

Accommodations:

SUNY Geneseo will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented physical, emotional or learning disabilities. Students should contact the Director in the Office of Disability Services (Tabitha Buggie-Hunt (Erwin 105D)) and their faculty to discuss needed accommodations as early as possible in the semester.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the representation of someone else’s words or ideas as one’s own, or the arrangement of someone else’s material(s) as one’s own. Any act of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment and the notification of the Dean of Students. If you have questions about plagiarism please speak to me or refer to the library’s helpful website at

Class Schedule:

Class date / Topic / Assignment
September 1 / Introduction and syllabus
September 8
Meet in Milne 208 / History-types of organizations / Bairds (online course reserve)
Visit: (resources)
Choose groups, organization and presentation date
September 15Meet in Milne 208 / History-national and local / Wrongs: ch 1-2
September 22 / Hazing / Wrongs: ch 3-4
September 29 / Hazing / Wrongs: ch 5-7
Attend presentation on 9/27 in Wads Aud
October 6 / Alcohol/hazing / Wrongs: ch 8-9
1st paper due
October 13 / Presentations / Groups 1-4
October 20 / Presentation / Groups 5-7
October 27 / Emerging groups-NPHC / Divine Nine: ch. 11, 1-5 (choose 2)
November 3 / Emerging groups-NPHC / Divine Nine: ch. 6-9 (choose 2)
November 10 / Emerging groups-MGC
November 17 / Emerging groups-GLBT / Secret Sisters & Out on Frat Row handouts
November 24 / No class/Thanksgiving
December 1 / Guest presentation / TBD
December 8 / Future of Greek life / 2nd paper due

*schedule subject to change