Syllabus for GENL 299A and X Gen Ed Capstone: Man s Search for Meaning through Films Term: Fall 2014 (20141), Sep. 2-Dec. 12 Instructor Information: Instructor Walter Skiba Name Office Room 524 Number: Phone 219-473-4270, Number: (Illinois) 773-721-0202, ext. 270 Email: Other Contact : Hours Available: wskiba@ccsj.edu MW 9:30-10 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. T--10 a.m.-3 p.m., 6:30-7 p.m. R---10 a.m.-3 p.m. F 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Instructor Background:: Education: Bachelor of Arts
in speech and theater, St. Joseph s College Calumet Campus; Master of Arts in Theater, University of Connecticut; Master of Music, Roosevelt University. Positions at CCSJ: instructor in the Arts program. Community activities: contributor to the NWI Times feature articles on arts events. Activities: vegetable gardening, walking. Course Information: Course Time: Section A MW 1:45-3:15 p.m. Section X--T 7-10 p.m. Classroom: A Room 271, X Room 264 Prerequisites: junior or senior status Textbooks: Man s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl, Simon & Schuster, 1984 Handouts and additional readings will be posted in Blackboard. Go to www.ccsj.edu/blackboard and follow login procedures. Learning Outcomes/ Competencies: Students in this course will: 1. Appreciate the importance of meaning as an intellectual construct and lived experience
2. Demonstrate the ability to engage in critical self-reflection 3. Demonstrate the ability to assess and appropriate insights into the experience of meaning through films that connect with themes from Frankl 4. Identify strengths and weaknesses revealed in their academic performance to date as well as results from several assessment tests and synthesize these findings into a coherent individual learning strategy. 5. Speak and write effectively about films as films and in relation to sources of meaning from Frankl and their connection with you. Course Description: The General Education Capstone at Calumet College of St. Joseph is designed to serve two purposes: 1. To provide an integrative learning experience that draws on two or more academic disciplines in this instance, humanities and cinematic arts while focusing on at least four of the foundational knowledge and skill sets associated with the College s General Education Program (e.g., reading, writing, critical thinking, mathematics, science, and technology) 2. To provide an opportunity during which the student s academic performance to date together with the results of several assessment tests can be used for academic counseling, selfreflection and planning. Assessments: Formative Assessments: 4 quizzes on designated pages from Frankl text, 2-page papers and smallgroup reports addressing critical thinking topics for 10 search-formeaning films screened in class, self- 68 % of grade
Summative Assessments: assessment exercise, class participation/collaboration/attendance Self-assessment essay, oral presentation on selected film, final test 32 % of grade Competencies and Assessments: Competency Appreciate the importance of meaning as an intellectual construct and lived experience, and discuss its application in selected films Demonstrate the ability to engage in critical selfreflection. Design and deliver an effective PowerPoint presentation in terms of Foundational Knowledge or Skill Reading, writing and critical thinking. Writing and critical thinking. Speaking, critical thinking, technology Assessment Method Reflective papers and class discussions on searchfor-meaning films, oral presentation, final examination Methods listed above plus selfassessment essay Oral presentation on selected
content, organization and delivery, search-formeaning film Identify strengths and weaknesses revealed in your academic performance to date as well as results from several assessment tests and synthesize these findings into a coherent individual learning strategy. CAAP test results, grades, instructor and peer comments Selfassessment essay Assessment Details and Points --Frankl quizzes (4) 4 points each, 16 total --10 film reports--4 points each, 40 total --2-3 pages each, addressing discussion topics in handouts, due the class immediately following the screening. These and other written assignments will be accepted up to one week past the due date with instructor approval. Let me know the reason the assignment s late and when to expect it. Points will be lost for assignments not made up. Some reports will be completed individually or via small group in class. --Self-Assessment worksheet 3 points --Class Participation 9 points --includes arriving on time, staying for the entire period, following classroom decorum expectations, listening, taking notes, engaging in viewing activities, asking questions, joining in small and large group discussions, completing in-class assignments
-- Point deductions: 1 for arriving late or leaving early, 2 for each class missed beyond 2, 2 if asked to leave class for decorum violation (instructor makes final decision). --Self-Assessment essay 8 points --reflective discussion of work, creative acts, important relationships and responses to challenges/crises in this and the next period in your life --Oral Presentation 11 points --discussion of film chosen from instructor-supplied list --Final Examination 11 points --essay questions on Frankl text and films studied in class Total: 100 points Grading Scale: Grade Points A 100-92 A- 91-90 B+ 89-88 B 87-82 B- 81-80 C+ 79-78 C 77-72 C- 71-70 D+ 69-68 D 67-62 D- 61-60 F 59 and below Note: Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) tests are an integral component of CCSJ s assessment of its General Education program. Students are expected to complete all six tests.
Any test not taken will result in a minus deduction in one s final grade; for example, B will be lowered to B-. CAAP scores will not affect final grades in this capstone course. Class Policy for Assignments: Written assignments must be typed and double-spaced, 12 or 14 pt. font preferred. The following items should appear in the upper right-hand corner of the first page: student s name, title of film or assignment, date. An attention-getting title in the upper center of the page may be used to demonstrate creativity and increase reader interest. You ll be able to submit some assignments to specified folders in Blackboard. Details will be given in class. Class Policy on Attendance: 2 class sessions may be missed for personal reasons without penalty. Documentation must be provided for CCSJ athletic events, jury duty, court appearances, etc. All other absences incur a deduction of 2 points each in the class participation component of one s final grade. One (1) point deduction for arriving late or leaving early. Points lost for assignments not made up. Class Policy on Electronic Devices: All cell phones, pagers, etc. should be kept out of sight and mind during class. Students are expected to notify the instructor regarding any exceptions that may be required due to family responsibilities, job requirements, special needs, and use of laptop or tablet computers must be cleared with me in advance. Class Meetings, Topics, Assignments GENL 299X
Sep. 2 How to Graduate from College TED Talk, viewing and discussion; course introduction and overview; historical background, in-class reading and discussion of introductory and opening pages of Man s Search for Meaning (Frankl text), reading assignment of pages 3-39 Sep. 9 Quiz on introductory sections and pages 3-39, follow-up discussion; film As Seen Through These Eyes (2007), in-class activity addressing critical thinking questions in handout; reading assignment of Frankl text, pp. 39-69 Sep. 16 CAAP tests in essay writing and writing skills; quiz and follow-up discussion on reading assignment; assignment of pp. 69-93 Sep. 23--CAAP tests in mathematics and reading; quiz and follow-up discussion on reading assignment; assignment of Logotherapy part 1, pp. 97-116 Sep. 30--CAAP tests in science and critical thinking; quiz on Logotherapy part 1; assignment of self-assessment exercise Oct. 7--The Diary of Ann Frank (2009), discussion and 2-3 page report assignment Oct. 14 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008), discussion and report assignment Oct. 21 Modern Times (1936) Oct. 28--The Grapes of Wrath (1940), discussion and report assignment Nov. 4 The Bicycle Thief (1948), discussion and report assignment Nov. 11 Wadjda (2012), in-class discussion and writing assignment, preparation for oral presentations
Nov. 18 Paradise Road (1997), Beyond the Gates (2007, Up in the Air (2009), The Pianist (2003), or The Book Thief (2013), discussion and report assignment, preparation for oral presentations Nov. 25--Departures (2008), discussion and small group reports, preparation for oral presentations Dec. 2 Oral presentations Dec. 9 final exam (self-assessment essay and questions on Frankl and films) GENL 299A Sep. 3-How to Graduate College TED Talk, viewing and discussionintroduction and overview; historical background, in-class reading and discussion of introductory and opening pages of Man s Search for Meaning (Frankl text) Sep. 8-10 quiz on pp. 3-39; film As Seen through These Eyes (2007), in-class activity addressing critical thinking questions in handout Sep. 15-17 CAAP tests in essay writing and writing skills; quiz on Frankl text, pp. 39-69 (Sep. 17) Sep. 22-24--CAAP tests in mathematics and reading; quiz on Frankl text, pp. 69-93 (Sep. 24) Sep. 29-Oct. 1--CAAP tests in science and critical thinking; quiz on Frankl text, Logotherapy part 1, pp. 97-116 (Sep. 29); selfassessment activity, due Oct. 6 Oct. 6-8--The Diary of Ann Frank (2009), discussion and 2-3 page report assignment Oct. 13-15- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008), discussion and report assignment
Oct. 20-22 Modern Times (1936), discussion and report assignment Oct. 27-29--The Grapes of Wrath (1940), discussion and report assignment Nov. 3-5 The Bicycle Thief (1948), discussion and report assignment, distribution of oral presentation assignment Nov. 10-12 Wadjda (2013) or Paradise Road (1997), discussion and in-class activity, preparation for oral presentations Nov. 17-19 Beyond the Gates (2007), Up in the Air (2009) or The Pianist (2003), discussion and in-class activity, preparation for oral presentations Nov. 24-26--Departures (2008), small group discussions and reports, preparation for oral presentations Dec. 1-3 Oral presentations Dec. 8 or 10 final exam (self-assessment essay and questions on Frankl and films viewed in class) Note: The above schedule is subject to change, with notification given in class and on Blackboard. Other films may be substituted for titles listed. Classroom decorum and respect: In our class: 1) everyone is allowed to feel they can work and learn in a safe and caring environment; 2) everyone learns about, understands, appreciates, and respects varied races, ethnicities, classes, genders, physical and mental abilities; 3) everyone matters; 4) all individuals are to be respected and treated with dignity and civility; and 5) everyone shares the responsibility for making our class, and CCSJ, a positive and better place to work and learn. Comments and questions are encouraged, but only one person talks at a time. Sidebar conversations are not allowed. Students are
expected to arrive in class on time. Leaving and re-entering the room during class is not allowed except in unusual circumstances. (A 10-15 minute break will be given midway through the evening period; a 5-minute break may be given during the day sessions.) Food and beverages may be allowed with restrictions. Socializing or sleeping is out of place during class. Students are required to bring the textbook and other needed materials to class and use them as directed. The instructor will give a student who engages in any disruptive behavior a verbal warning. (Disruptive behavior interferes with normal operation of the class.) If the offending behavior persists, the instructor will ask the student to leave the class for the rest of the period. Before returning to class, the student must first meet with the instructor, acknowledge the inappropriateness of the behavior, and agree not to engage in it again. If disruptive behavior continues, the instructor will request that the student withdraw voluntarily or be withdrawn administratively from the class. The instructor determines what is considered unacceptable behavior. Student Success Center: Resources The Student Success Center supports Calumet College of St. Joseph students through an interactive learning experience. Students work with faculty tutors to develop course competencies and study skills such as time management, test preparation, and note taking. In addition, students are provided with tutoring support to help pass courses, to improve grade point average, and to promote continuing education and career advancement. Tutors have a specific charge: to help students learn how to master specific subject matter and to develop effective learning skills. The Student Success Center is open to all students at Calumet College of St. Joseph at no charge and is available to support academic courses at the introductory and
advanced levels. For assistance, please contact the Student Success Center at 219 473-4287 or stop by the Library. Disability Services: Disability Services strives to meet the needs of all students by providing academic services in accordance with Americans Disability Act (ADA) guidelines. Students must meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services to complete an intake form in order to request an accommodation and/or an auxiliary aid (e.g., additional time for tests, note taking assistance, special testing arrangements, etc.). It is the student s responsibility to contact the Academic Support Programs Office to request an accommodation at least one month prior to enrollment for each academic term. Students who are requesting an accommodation and/or an auxiliary aid must submit documentation from a professional health care provider to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The cost of obtaining the professional verification is the responsibility of the student. If a student believes that he or she needs a reasonable accommodation of some kind because of a physical, psychological, or mental condition, he or she should contact Disabilities Services. The Coordinator will secure documentation pertinent to the disability and work with faculty and staff, if necessary, to address the matter. All questions and inquiries pertaining to disability services should be directed to the Disability Services Coordinator at 219-473-4349. CCSJ Alert: Calumet College of St. Joseph utilizes an emergency communications system that transmits
messages via text, email, and voice platforms. In the event of an emergency, of weather related closings, or of other incidents, those students who are registered for the system shall receive incident specific message(s) notifying them of the situation. Please sign-up for this important service at any time on the College s website. Alternatively, you can register at the time you register for classes. This service requires each user to register once per academic year. Therefore, at the beginning of each academic year, please remember to re-register for the system. This can be done at: http://www.ccsj.edu/alerts/index.html. Internet: http://www.ccsj.edu School Closing Information: http://www.emergencyclosings.com Facility: Calumet College of St. Joseph Phone: 219.473.4770 Radio: TV Channels: WAKE 1500 AM WGN - 720 AM WIJE 105.5 FM WLS 890 AM WZVN 107.1 FM WBBM NEWS RADIO 78 2, 5, 7, 9, 32