RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
First-Year Seminar
Seeing Ourselves
Fall 2016
Course Information
Class Meeting Day(s), Time and Room Location:MR 2:00-3:40
B Building 227
Instructor Information
Professor Samuel Julio Rosenberg, PhD201 684-7641
Office: G205
Office Hours: Monday and Thursday, 100- 2:00 pm.
E-mail:
Mailbox Location: SSHS Office, Anisfield School of Business, 4th floor
School Office Location: SSHS, Anisfield School of Business, 4th floor
School Office Phone No. 201 684-7625
Common FYS Description
Designed for first-time, full-time, first-year students, First-Year Seminar (FYS) provides a comprehensive introduction to college-level learning. Seminar courses are developed around an academic theme or topic that is based on one of Ramapo College’s academic pillars. First-Year students will have the opportunity to select a seminar that best suits their interests while learning about Ramapo’s academic foundation. The First-Year Seminar course helps students in their transition from high school to college life both in and out of the classroom. The common learning outcomes of FYS are: critical and creative thinking, college-level writing, oral communication, and information literacy. FYS classes are small to emphasize open discussion and experiential learning within the context of the theme of the seminar course. Peer facilitators play an essential role in each FYS class ensuring that first-year students have guidance from a more experienced student. FYS is also the home of the Ramapo Summer Reading Program; all first-year students read the same book and discuss and write about it in their seminars. FYS encourages new students to participate in a community of learners, to strengthen their critical thinking skills, and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Course Description: Seeing Ourselves
This course engages students in a critical exploration of the complexity of identity in a global world. Our journey will incorporate readings, films, and field research based on sociology, political science, history and philosophy. Along the path, students will be challenged to examine taken for granted assumptions about the meaning of identity. Some of the questions raised by this course include: What sociological constructs inform identify? How does the intersection of race, class, and gender shape an individual's interpersonal relations? What role does class, status and power play in shaping life's chances and outcomes? The course will employ diverse teaching modalities, including class discussions, role play, activities, music, and virtual field trips. Beginning with an examination of C.W. Mills' classic work, The Sociological Imagination, students will learn to distinguish private troubles from public issues. Within this context, students will reflect upon their present juncture as they move into their college career.
Thematic Course Goals
Students will explore the fundamental aspects of culture and identity within a sociological context. Special attention will be given to issues of race, gender, class, and consumerism. In the process, students will discover aspects of the self and the other by reading classic essays and analysis of a film that examines these topics.
Measurable Student Learning Outcomes
Students will: / Research Paper / Class discussions and essays / Final Projectdemonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively / x / x
demonstrate proficiency in written communication / x / x
demonstrate proficiency in oral communication / x
demonstrate information literacy / x / x
Peer Facilitators
As an added resource for first-year students, each section of First-Year Seminar (FYS) will have a peer facilitator. These upper-level students will attend FYS classes and assist the instructor with the academic topics covered in this seminar. They will serve as discussion leaders on issues that pertain to your personal and social development and they will facilitate weekly discussions on the class readings. Your peer facilitator will be your mentor and will be available to you to provide guidance on navigating the different personal and social hurdles that you may encounter in your first year at Ramapo.
First-Year Academic Advising
Each First-Year Seminar course is assigned a professional Academic Advisor from the Center for Student Success who serves as your Academic Advisor during your first year. This advisor will attend your First-Year Seminar class for a group advisement session to review general academic advising policies and procedures. They will also be available to answer any general questions regarding college policies/practices. Students are encouraged to schedule individual appointments with their Student Success Advisor for assistance with course selection and the development of a personal academic plan. If you have any questions regarding Academic Advisement please call CAAFYE at (201) 684-7441 or via email at:
Texts, Readings, Materials
1. Almodóvar, A. & Almodóvar, P. (Producers). Szifron, D. (Director). (2014). Wild tales. (Motion Picture). Argentina. Argentine Kramer & Sigman Films, Telefe Productions, Corner Contenidos and El Deseo, co-producers.
2. Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers . Rules for Writers. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-312-64795-7.
3. Giroux, H. A., & Pollock, G. (2011). How Disney magic and the corporate media shape youth identity in the digital age. Truthout.
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/2808:how-disney-magic-and-the-corporate-media-shape-youth-identity-in-the-digital-age
4. Hill, J. A. (2011). Endangered childhoods: how consumerism is impacting child and youth identity. Media, Culture & Society, 33(3), 347-362.
http://mcs.sagepub.com/content/33/3/347.abstract
available in Ramapo Library database
5. Mills, C. W. (2000). The sociological imagination. Oxford University Press.
http://www.sociology101.net/readings/Sociological-Imagination.pdf
6. Miner, H. (1956). Body ritual among the Nacirema. American Anthropologist, 58(3), 503-507.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1525/aa.1956.58.3.02a00080/pdf
7. Rankine, Claudia. Citizen: An American Lyric. Graywolf Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-55597-690-3.
8. Reeves, R., Rodrigue, E., & Kneebone, E. (2016). Five Evils: Multidimensional Poverty and Race in America. Economic Studies at Brookings Report.
https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ReevesKneeboneRodrigue_MultidimensionalPoverty_FullPaper.pdf
Course Requirements
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required. A great deal of important information – both in terms of content and practical matters – is communicated during class periods and you are responsible for all of it. You may be absent three times without excuse or without penalty. Each absence after can result in your grade being lowered by 1/3 (e.g., from a B to B-). If you cannot attend class due to an emergency, you must inform me.
Participation
Participation is central in this class and I expect you to actively participate. This means that students are responsible for being prepared to discuss the readings and related current events. Discussion of the issues will open up the readings and lectures, and highlight issues and ideas that otherwise might not arise. As this is a writing intensive course, you must complete the readings and writing assignments prior to the class meeting.</span>
Writing Assignments
Guidelines for the Research Paper.
Final Paper
This semester you will write a research paper that you will work on in several stages: developing a thesis statement, outline, first and final draft. The research paper will explore an aspect of identity, which will be of your choosing. Possible topics include identity and culture, identity and gender, identity formation and race, sociological frameworks of identity. Your topic has to be approved by me.
You will be writing a college level research paper in this class. Length: It must be 10 pages. References: At least 6 references must be provided. APA format is required.
The sources that you use must include the following:
· one (1) newspaper or magazine article
· one (1) scholarly journal article or book
· three (3) class readings.
· the film Wild Tales
You will write this paper in several stages: identifying a research topic, writing an outline, first draft, revisions and final draft.
In addition, you will write one essay (500 – 750 words) on the summer reading. Due 9/15. Guidelines will be provided.
General Education Program Course
This course fulfills the First-Year Seminar category of the general education curriculum at Ramapo College. Common to all First-Year Seminar (FYS) courses, you will develop critical thinking skills that are basic to college level study, regardless of your area of interest. You will be reading, writing, and participating in thoughtful group discussions with the aim of developing the skills of a scholar. You will learn to support your arguments using a foundation of knowledge and facts rather than simply using personal opinions and experiences.
Interdisciplinary Focus
This is an interdisciplinary course that draws from several social science frameworks. It employs the use of film analysis to further explore issues of culture and identity. Several readings from classical sociology to policy to media studies are used to engage the students in interdisciplinary exploration.
Writing Intensive (WI) Course
Writing will be integrated into the life of this course. You will receive comments, direction, and support as you work on strengthening your writing skills. Your writing will be evaluated and returned in a timely fashion, allowing you to incorporate my comments into your future work. For help outside the classroom, please see me during my office hours and/or work with a writing tutor in the Center for Reading and Writing(CRW), Room: L-211, x7557, .
Weekly Class ScheduleFor each class meeting, indicate date, topic and required readings and assignments. Indicate due dates for papers, assignments, quizzes, and exams where possible. With as much detail as possible, a syllabus will provide students with a sense of the course's structure and sequence so that they can perceive a relationship between the goals of the course and the topics of materials to be covered. The calendar should include notice of when exams are to be given, or are due, or conferences to be held. The calendar should also include important deadlines such as add/drop, withdrawal, and incomplete requests. The ARC reminds faculty that tests/quizzes may not be scheduled on days of religious observances, as posted on the Academic Calendar. Web for Faculty is updated prior to the start of semester to show the Final Exam schedule for the upcoming semester.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Date / Class Topic and Reading Assignment / Assignment Due DateSeptember 6th / Opening Convocation, Claudia Rankine, author of Citizen: An American Lyric
Week 1: 9/8 / Discussion on the summer read
Week 2: 9/12 & 9/15 / Public Issues, Private Troubles. CW Mills, The Promise / Summer read essay due on 9/15
Week 3: 9/19 & 9/22 / Public Issues, Private Troubles. CW Mills, The Promise - continued.
Class discussion on research topic selection.
Week 4: 9/26 & 9/29 / Culture. Body ritual among the Nacirema, Wild Tales
Film viewing #1 / Submit one paragraph detailing your proposed topic on 9/29
Week 5: 10/3 & 10/6 / Research Topic Discussion/Academic Advisement, Library Session. / Bring research topic to the library session on 10/6
Week 6: 10/10 & 10/13 / Poverty & Race. Five Evils: Multidimensional Poverty and Race in America.: Wild Tales #2
Week 7: 10/17 & 10/20 / Poverty & Race. Five Evils: Multidimensional Poverty and Race in America / Outline for research paper due on 10/20
Week 8: 10/24 & 10/27 / Wild Tales #3 & # 4 / Film Response Due (10/27)
Week 9: 10/31 & 11/3 / Consumerism & Identity. How Disney magic and the corporate media shape youth identity in the digital age.
Peer Facilitators
Week 10: 11/7 & 11/10 / Consumerism & Identity. How Disney magic and the corporate media shape youth identity in the digital age.
Week 11: 11/14& 11/17 / Endangered childhoods: how consumerism is impacting child and youth identity
Wild Tales #5 / First Draft Due on 11/17. The draft must incorporate at least three class readings.
Week 12: 11/21 / Endangered childhoods: how consumerism is impacting child and youth identity
Note: Thanksgiving recess. No Class 11/24
Week 13: 11/28 & 12/1 / Endangered childhoods: how consumerism is impacting child and youth identity
Week 14: 12/4 & 12/8 / Wild Tales #6 / Small Group Presentations on Wild Tales
Week 15: 12/11 & 12/15 / Integration of Course Themes / Small Group Presentations
Final Exam / Final Research Paper Due
Grading Policy
40% Final Research Paper
20% Group Presentations (10% for each presentation)
20% Summer read essay
10% Attendance and class participation
10% Film Response
Grading Scale
A 93-100 / B+ 87-89 / C+ 77-79 / D+ 67-69A- 90-92 / B 83-86 / C 73-76 / D 60-66
F below 60 / B- 80-82 / C- 70-72
Late Assignments
Assignments are to be handed in on or prior to the designated due date. Late assignments will result in a final grade reduction of one increment (ex: fromA to A-) for each class the assignment is late. Any individual issues related to assignment or due date can be discussed with me in advance. Incompletes will be given in accordance with stated policy of Ramapo College. College policy states that students must notify faculty within the first three weeks of the semester if they anticipate missing any classes due to religious observance.
Electronic Forms of Communication
In accordance with College policy, I will use your Ramapo College email address (@ramapo.edu) to communicate with you about all course-related matters.
Technology Policy
No text messaging or instant messaging in class. Each instance will result in a drop of one increment in your final grade. Phones must be off during the class. If an important call is expected during the class time, advise the professor before class begins and answer call in the hallway. Laptops are for note taking only and must be approved by the professor prior to use. If a laptop is approved, any internet searches (IM, face book, etc.) during the class, will impact your final grade.
Students with Disabilities
If you need course adaptation or accommodations because of a disability that has been documented with the Office of Specialized Services, please make an appointment with me.
Please note: Students must be registered with the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) to receive accommodations. As you develop or revise your course syllabus, consider ways to make your course material accessible to students with disabilities. For additional information, contact the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) at x7514 or email at . Please do not place a time limit on when students may request accommodation, as they may not be aware of their need until later in the semester.
Academic Integrity Policy
All members of the community are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Since violations of academic integrity erode community confidence and undermine the pursuit of truth and knowledge at the College, academic dishonesty must be avoided.