Course Syllabus
HUMN 501: Humanities in the Age of Technology
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Instructor:
Dr. Burgess Smith
Contact Info: stonect@pivot.net (after the course begins please use Blackboard private Messages)
This course explores the relationship between the humanities and technology. In terms of human endeavor and achievement, the humanities have traditionally asked "why," whereas science and technology have asked "how." Keeping this fundamental difference in mind, students in this course are asked to examine how the two approaches to human understanding may lead to competing visions of the world, how they may both contribute to intellectual growth, and how each affects social ethics and cultural values. This examination requires learners to engage in a verbal and written dialogue with the works of scholars, artists, and critics that attempt to understand the cognitive, ethical, psychological, and social impact of technological change.
ENG 500: The Writing Process
As a result of the learning activities, it is anticipated that the learner will:
Textbook(s):
Textbooks are available via GSC's online bookstore, MBS Direct at: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/gsc.htm (The course-CRN number for ordering this textbook is: HUMN501-10187). Textbooks can also be purchased from MBS via phone, mail or fax. For additional information, visit the Online Bookstore section of the college web site.
Films: (you are responsible for acquiring the films on your own)
Selected online readings (from the GSC Library EBSCOhost database or other sources)
PLEASE NOTE: It is the learner's responsibility to have purchased all required course materials before the start of the course. Learners are expected to meet all course expectations even if the shipment of a required textbook or other learning resource is delayed. Be sure to choose the shipping option that will get your text/resource delivered in a timely manner.
There are no face-to-face sessions for this course. If you have never taken an Online Interactive Course (OIC) at the college, we highly recommend that you attend one of the 2-hour Blackboard Orientation sessions available throughout the state. If you choose not to attend a face-to-face session, you are encouraged to complete the Online Orientation with audio at your own convenience.
Learners will demonstrate their learning through the following activities and assignments:
Participation & Group Discussions
Most modules of the course will involve small group discussion on two different types of subjects: 1) readings of literature and film that represent the humanities, 2) articles by scholars and scientists that deal with the social and environmental impact of technology. Participation in these dialogs will constitute 25% of your grade. A participation evaluation rubric (a set of standards by which your participation will be measured) will be posted in the introduction section of the course.
Quizzes
There will be short quizzes for each of the first four modules. Their purpose will be to help you clarify your understanding of the short articles in each module, and you will be able to retake them. (This means you can look over the quizzes in advance, and take them when you are ready. They are intended to be a risk-free way to help you focus on important issues and themes in the module.) The quizzes will comprise 10% of your grade.
Reaction Papers
Reaction papers will be required in modules two through four. These will be one or two-page assessments of the major literary works and films covered in the module that discusses the overall meaning of the works with particular attention to the impact of technology on human societies. You should give particular attention to the works of literature in at least two of these papers, while commenting on the film more briefly. You may opt to concentrate more on a film for one of the papers, if you wish. Your three reaction papers will comprise 20% of your grade.
Issue Journals
You will compose two, informal issue journals during the course for the first four modules of the course in which you summarize the major issues that we have addressed with respect to technology. One journal will cover the first two modules, the other will cover the third and fourth. The purpose of the journals is to reflect on and summarize the content of the modules (including our discussions thereof) so that you have arrived at a good overview of the important themes and issues. You also should offer some conclusions of your own on the issues you found most significant. Journal entries will be due at the end of modules two and four. Your two journals will comprise 20% of your grade.
Class Presentation & Policy Paper
You first will work in small groups for this assignment, which will comprise the fifth and the last module of the course. Your job will be to identify and research a potential issue of consequence that soon could arise from technological innovations. Your group then will facilitate a discussion of the issue with the entire class, seeking the thoughtful responses of your peers.
Details of this assignment will be provided during Module One, and the groups will select their issues no later than October 31st. The presentation will comprise 10% of your grade.
You then will compose a policy proposal based on your research and discussions, the purpose of which will be to deal effectively with this issue before its consequences are upon us. You may write this proposal as a group, or you may opt to write individual proposals.
In a case study such as this there are no right or wrong policies; it will be the quality of the analysis, reflection, and explanation that matters. It also must draw upon humanistic perspectives. The policy proposal will comprise 15% of your grade. Of this total, 5% will reflect your teammates' assessment of your contribution to the group's effort.
Due dates for all assignments will be posted within the modules.
| Activity | % of Final Grade |
| Participation | 25% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Average of Three Reaction Papers | 20% |
| Average of Two Issue Journals | 20% |
| Class Presentation | 15% |
| Policy Paper | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Grades in this class will follow the scale of Granite State College, where A/4.0 is awarded for Excellent work and F/0.0 is awarded for Failure/ No credit.
| Grade |
Percent |
Grade
Points |
Level
of Achievement |
| A | 95-100 | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A - | 90-94 | 3.67 | |
| B + | 87-89 | 3.33 | Good |
| B | 84-86 | 3.0 | |
| B - | 80-83 | 2.67 | |
| C + | 77-79 | 2.33 | |
| C | 74-76 | 2.0 | *Acceptable |
| C - | 70-73 | 1.67 | † |
| D + | 67-69 | 1.33 | Poor |
| D | 64-66 | 1.00 | |
| D - | 60-63 | 0.67 | |
| F | ≤59 | 0 | Failure, no credit |
| * A grade of C or better is required to fulfill requirements in the major, minor, or general education core at GSC. Please consult the GSC catalog for details. † A grade of C - or below generally does not transfer to other academic institutions. |
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This course consists of five modules which are outlined in detail below. Consider the information below as a guide to the flow of work for this course. Complete details of assignments are available in the course modules. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
Module |
Assignments/Activities |
Module 1: Orientation September 13-26 (2 weeks) |
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Module 2: Noble Savages September 27-October 10 (2 weeks) |
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Module 3: Technocratic Man October 11-31 (3 weeks) |
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Module 4: Future Man November 1-21 (3 weeks) Veterans Day: November 11 |
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Module 5: Your Turn: Formulating Technology Policy November 29-December 10 (2 weeks) |
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Note: The syllabus and schedule are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
Granite State College has a Virtual Library ( http://www.granite.edu/current-students/virtual-library/) available 24/7 with access to the full-text of thousands of journals and professional periodicals, an online Reference Room, selected Internet resources, writer's resources, research and citation help, and a collection of tutorials. The databases are password protected.
See GSC Library tab in MyGranite for username and password. In addition, the Library Info link in the course menu provides direct links to research databases, Research FAQs and more.
Academic
assistance to students is available at GSC Centers at no additional charge in
such areas as basic skills preparation in reading, writing and math; study skills
and research and citation help. Academic Resources staff members work closely
with faculty and students toward academic success. A whole range of help is
available at the centers and in the online Academic Toolkit, including study
and time management tips, APA and MLA citation assistance, access to learning
resources online, and feedback on course writing projects. To contact an Academic
Resource and Information Coordinator, see the Academic Resource Link on the
Resources page in the course menu or go directly to http://bbresources.granite.edu/course_docs/acad_resources.htm.
To access the online Academic Toolkit sign into Blackboard and click on "Academic
Toolkit" under GSC Organizations.
For assistance with issues related to accessing the MyGranite portal, GSC email, Webrock, online courses or other technical issues related to any of the Blackboard tools, please visit the GSC Technical Assistance Center ( http://bbresources.granite.edu/techassist/help.htm) for answers to the most frequently asked questions or to submit an online help request form. Or call 1-888-372-4270 (Hours: M-F, 8:30-5:00, messages checked twice daily on weekends. Extended hours for the week before start of the term and first week of the term: M-Th, 8:00-7:00.)
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An academic community is based on honesty and integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable at Granite State College. Faculty and students have a joint responsibility to ensure the integrity of learning.
All work that you submit must be your own except in those instances when your instructor gives specific permission to collaborate. When quoting, summarizing or explaining ideas that are based on another's work, whether in print or online, make sure to cite references appropriately. Plagiarism is using another's words or even paraphrasing another's work without giving proper credit through the use of citations.
For Granite State College's complete academic honesty policy, see the current college catalog.
Membership in society implies minimal norms for civil behavior towards one another. It is Granite State College's expectation that all members of our college community treat faculty, staff, and fellow learners with respect. Learners need to be knowledgeable of and comply with college policies. Each individual is accountable for his/her actions and for the consequences of any behavior that is inconsistent with these values and expectations.
Assessment is an ongoing process that enables the College to improve its programs, courses, and teaching methods. Institutional evaluation may be embedded in tests, exams, and other measurements of student learning. As members of a learning community, students, faculty, and staff will be expected to participate in the important process of assessment on occasion. Confidentiality of any data that identify participants is maintained.
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