STAND ALONE FORUMS
The stand-alones for Fall 2009 include:HON 221/421: Tolkien—Fantasy Realized J.R.R. Tolkien is widely recognized for his books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. While these texts are major accomplishments and world renowned, Tolkien is also known for his academic work in Anglo-Saxon studies, Norse mythologies, commentaries on the epic poem Beowulf, his coverage of World War II, and his friendships with the likes of C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia). Many believe that all of these events and people had some impact on his fantasy works; Tolkien vehemently denies any external influences upon his work. Working from both premises, students will need to examine what is it that Tolkien has taught us (as “teacher and learner” as he writes in the introduction to The Lord of the Rings)? And how much fantasy and how much reality are truly extant? Throughout the course students will examine how, in cooperative and separate manners, popular and academic culture shaped, and have been shaped by, Tolkien’s many works. HON 221/421: Obama’s Writings Often we study great thinkers in history from a distance and examine the impacts of their lives and work on generations of people. In light of Barack Obama’s historic election as president, students will get to examine a living innovative thinker, his works pre-election, as well as present innovations as they develop. This course will not only examine the writings of President Barack Obama but also those historical individuals who have influenced his philosophies, approaches and programs. Throughout this course, students will examine the ways in which our culture has been shaped by this innovative thinker prior to his election as President, but also since then and how the world might be shaped through his works. HON 223/423: Art as Propaganda Propaganda is created, through a myriad of means, to influence the minds and actions of people (for good or bad), in order to generate a response that achieves the goal(s) of the propagandist. This goal is achieved through combining many disciplines’ meanings and needs into a unique message and form which creates a multitude of messages within many audiences. Throughout history, politicians and governments often use propaganda to obtain support/compliance for their policies. Propaganda is similar to marketing/advertising in many ways, particularly in the way messages are selectively formulated to emotionally engage the recipient. This course allows students the opportunity to reflect on their cultural assessment of propaganda art. Students will gain knowledge in history, socio-economic policies and politics, in order to understand better the importance as well as influences of propaganda art. HON 222/422: Corporation Nation This course will critically analyze the foundations, and continued presence, of corporation as a national social institution. Through independent research and interdependent discussion, students will comprehend the corporate form, study its history, and consider the benefits and obligations it entails, to individuals, businesses, and societies. Case studies of actual corporations will exemplify corporate process and outcome. The course will culminate with student projections, individual and collective, about the form and role of corporations in the future. |
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Stand Alone Honors Forums are not tied to clusters. They are great little two credit deals that can fill out a schedule in an interesting way and help students meet like-minded peers. The Forums are interdisciplinary.