Winthrop University
University College, Spring 2018
HMXP 102 – The Human Experience: Who Am I?
Section 005, TR 12:30-1:45 PM, Bancroft 270
Three credit hours
Dr. John Holder, Instructor in Political Science
Office: Bancroft 340
Mailing address: Bancroft 346
(803) 323-4665
http://faculty.winthrop.edu/holderj/hmxp102005.html
Office hours: MW 3:30-4:45, TR 2:00-3:15, or by appointment.
Turnitin.com class ID number 17008934, enrollment key HMXP102.
Course prerequisite: WRIT 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Course goals and description: This class considers the essential question of
what it means to be a human being, and encourages you to consider the nature of
your own being and individual identity. We will consider “the human experience”
from a variety of perspectives: The Self and Education; The Autonomous Self; The
Self and Community; The Self and Nature; and The Self and the Sacred. How do we
think of ourselves? How does education affect this thinking? How do we relate to
each other, our world, and our perceptions of a greater power than ourselves? By
the end of the semester, I hope that your reading, writing and discussion in
this class will have given you a better and more intellectually-informed idea of
“who you are.”
This is the second class in Winthrop University’s General Education sequence.
Most students take this class after completing WRIT 101 and before taking CRTW
(Critical Reading, Thinking and Writing) 201. You will build on the writing
skills you bring to the class, and you will prepare yourselves for the critical
and analytical thinking you will perform in the next step of your college
career.
This class contributes to the fulfillment of University Level Competency 1:
Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems; Competency 2: Winthrop
graduates are personally and socially responsible; Competency 3: Winthrop
graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in
which they live; and Competency 4: Winthrop graduates communicate effectively.
Global Learning Initiative: This course participates in Winthrop University’s
Global Learning Initiative by including readings by authors from a variety of
nationalities, cultures, and socioeconomic perspectives.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students who successfully complete HMXP 102 will be
able to: (1) Read and demonstrate a basic understanding of the central ideas of
a variety of texts; (2) Compare, contrast, and link ideas from a variety of
textual sources; (3) Use information from multiple viewpoints to form
well-reasoned arguments and conclusions; (4) Demonstrate the impact of the
perspectives of others on their own experience; (5) Create texts that
demonstrate an appropriate sense of audience and occasion; (6) Demonstrate
personal integrity by properly incorporating and citing borrowed material in
written and oral expression.
Note that C- is the minimum passing grade in this class, and passing this class
is a prerequisite for both taking CRTW 201 and for graduating from Winthrop
University. (If you are taking the class S/U, a C- is an S in HMXP.) Also note
that failure to hand in any one of the writing assignments automatically results
in a failing grade for the class, even if you are passing otherwise. These
policies apply to all sections of HMXP 102 across the University. (The first two
assignments will be due prior to the drop date. If you do not complete either of
these assignments, you must drop the class in order to avoid failing.)
Grading scale: This class uses Winthrop University’s +/- grading system, as
follows:
93-100=A; 90-93=A-; 87-89=B+; 83-86=B; 80-82=B-; 77-79=C+; 73-76=C; 70-72= C-; <
69= F.
Grading factors: Three writing assignments (each 15% of the semester grade),
class participation (15%), leadership of class discussion of one reading (10%),
take-home final exam essay and in-class discussion of it (30%). The final exam
discussion meeting is from 11:30-2:00 on Thursday, April 26.
Writing assignments:
You will write three essays of a minimum of 1000 words each, answering specific
questions on some of the assigned readings. Each of these will require you to
apply critical reading, thinking, and writing skills to your consideration of
what we have read. The grading rubric for these essays can be found on the class
Website, and we will discuss it early in the semester. In addition, you will
have a fourth essay, a take-home final exam, which will be a minimum of 1500
words. Failure to meet the minimum word length will result in an automatic
deduction of one letter grade on the first three assignments, and two letter
grades on the fourth assignment.
First assignment, due Thurs., Feb. 8:
In “The Allegory of the Cave,” Plato claims, “education is not what some people
declare it to be, namely, putting knowledge into souls that lack it, like
putting sight into blind eyes” (5).Instead, Plato defines the quest for
knowledge and understanding as a turning process—breaking free from chains that
bind us and turning towards new ideas. How does our society’s approach to
education align with Plato’s ideas, or are we lazy thinkers? How often have you
found yourself stating, “I wish my professor/teacher, would just tell me what is
going to be on the test so that I can memorize it and get an A”?
In a well-argued and coherent essay define the key element(s) that combine to
create a good learner. Elaborate on your own definition of an educated person.
If what Plato says is true, and the “pouring in of knowledge” is NOT education,
what is? What, specifically, defines an individual as a good thinker? What
qualities of “education,” “thinking,” and “learning” are displayed by the
students in Spare Parts?
Contemplate the ideas of Plato and any two of the other authors from the first
section of the course (Lakoff/Johnson, Frost, Bohm, Hughes, Winter, Newman,
Crawford) as you defend your response. Failure to cite
Spare Parts and two authors in
addition to Plato will automatically result in the deduction of one letter
grade. Co-authors (e.g., Lakoff and Johnson) count as a single author.
Second assignment, due Tues., Mar. 6:
Sojourner Truth (being Black, a former slave, poor, and a woman) makes an
impassioned case about the way that her identity was formed at the intersection
of various ascribed group identities. How would you describe your own identity
in relation to the groups with which you are associated and/or with which you
associate? How are these different facets of your identity related? How does the
way you are located at their intersection lead other people to treat you? How
does this intersectional identity inform your self-understanding? How do you and
others fit these identities together? Is the intersectional nature of your
identity a positive or negative reality?
In a clear, compelling, thesis-driven essay, make an argument responding to this
cluster of questions with reference to at least two essays from the “Self and
Community” section of the HMXP Reader (you may choose to include an essay from
this section which was not assigned in class). Failure to cite at least two
authors in addition to Truth will automatically result in the deduction of one
letter grade.
Third assignment, due Tues., Apr. 3:
Matt Ridley, in an excerpt from The
Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters, emphasizes that, genetically, “we
are, to a ninety-eight percent approximation, chimpanzees” (207), and claims,
“the differences between human beings and chimpanzees are genetic differences
and virtually nothing else” (211).Ridley offers an “autobiography” of the human
species, a narrative of the life of our species, that accounts for our traits,
motives, and behaviors. In both The Autobiography of a Species and in “Human
Nature,” his story of our species centers on sexual selection, the development
of our physical bodies, and the cultivation of behavioral traits which will
assure our physical survival.
In a well-argued and coherent essay, answer the following questions: Do you
agree with Ridley that all of our choices, behaviors, and motivations are
explained by this narrative? What accounts for our astonishing creativity,
ambition, capacity for abstract thought, capacity for altruism, greed,
intellectual sophistication, moral conscience, spirituality, etc.? How does
Ridley’s narrative account for other aspects of our personalities that seem to
drive our interactions with people on a daily basis? Is human behavior fully and
adequately explained by Ridley’s account of sexual selection? If not, what does
explain it?
Fourth assignment (take-home final exam), due at 11:30 AM Thurs., Apr. 26:
Answer the following questions in a well-argued, well-reasoned essay (minimum
1500 words). This must be submitted to turnitin.com by the beginning of the
final exam period. Late papers will not be accepted without a documented excuse,
and failure to meet the minimum word count will result in an automatic deduction
of two letter grades from your paper grade.
During the final exam period, we will meet as a class to discuss your papers.
Bring a hard copy of your paper to the exam. You can each expect to be called on
several times to respond to specific questions. You may not miss the scheduled
final exam discussion without a documented excuse. The paper, and your
participation in the final exam discussion, will count for 30% of your semester
grade.
Choose one author from each of the five sections of the class (The Self and
Education, The Autonomous Self, The Self and Community, The Self and Nature, The
Self and the Sacred). You may choose readings which were not assigned in class.
Summarize each author’s argument. How has each author, individually and
collectively, contributed to your understanding of “the human experience,” and
how has each helped you develop an answer to the question of “who you are”?
Writing assignments are due to be submitted to turnitin.com by the
beginning of the class period when
they are due. You must also provide me with a hard copy in class. Late papers
must be submitted to me electronically (you will not be able to submit them
directly to turnitin.com after the deadline) and will receive a late penalty of
one letter grade for each day (or portion thereof) late. If your paper is late
or you must reschedule the final exam due to extenuating circumstances such as
illness or a death in the family, I will ask you to provide appropriate
documentation, e.g., a doctor’s note.
I will be happy to read rough drafts of writing assignments and suggest
revisions if time permits.
Class participation
means coming to class, paying attention, and engaging in intelligent, informed
discussion of the assigned materials which shows that you have read and
carefully thought about them beforehand, and are willing to respectfully listen
and respond to a variety of viewpoints about them. You are required to bring the
HMXP Reader to each class. Your
reader should be appropriately annotated with your thoughts and comments on each
reading. I may ask you to do in-class writing exercises reflecting on the
reading assignments, or otherwise demonstrate that you have completed the
requirements for the class meeting.
Each of you will lead discussion on
one of the reading selections beginning on Thurs., Feb. 1. You should spend
about 20 minutes presenting the important points of the reading assignment, and
then ask questions of the class in a way that contributes to the group’s
understanding of the work being considered.
Attendance
is necessary but not sufficient for class participation. In accordance with
Winthrop’s attendance policies, if you are absent from one-quarter of the class
meetings or more (in this case, seven), you will not receive credit for the
class. You will receive an N if you withdraw before the deadline, Wed., Mar. 7,
or an F otherwise.
Administrative Announcements: Class cancellations, changes in schedule, guest
speakers, etc., will be announced via the class listserv, to which you will be
automatically subscribed through your winthrop.edu e-mail address if you
register for the class before the beginning of the semester. If you register
after the beginning of classes, you will need to manually subscribe to the class
listserv following the instructions at:
http://www.winthrop.edu/technology/default.aspx?id=7081
The class number is HMXP102005. Check your WU e-mail frequently. You may use the
listserv for discussion, to share information with classmates, or ask questions
about course material. Note that anything you post to the listserv will be seen
by everyone in the class.
Technology: You are welcome to use a computer to take notes in class. However,
this class follows the College of Arts and Sciences policy on use of technology
in the classroom. Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic
communication devices during class meetings. If you need to leave your phone on
during a particular class for emergency reasons, please let me know in advance.
Academic Honesty and Integrity: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in
this class. Any act of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of F for the
class. This class follows the Winthrop University policy on academic misconduct
and plagiarism, which is linked below. Please be aware of this policy and abide
by it. In addition to the failing grade imposed by the instructor, academic
misconduct of any kind will result in referral to the Dean of Students for
possible additional sanctions.
There are two problems I have encountered in the recent past which students may
not realize constitute academic dishonesty: (1) Signing in an absent classmate;
since class presence and participation are part of your grade, getting credit
for being present when you are actually absent is attempting to get credit for
work you didn’t do, i.e., coming to class that day. (2) Using the same writing
for your own papers in more than one class without the explicit permission of
all of the professors involved. (See Section V of the Winthrop University
Student Conduct Code.) If you want to re-use material from a previous paper in a
writing assignment for this class, you will need to let me know that you are
doing so; have the other professor contact me to give his or her permission; and
give me a copy of the previous paper.
Office of Academic Affairs policy statement:
http://www2.winthrop.edu/public/policy/fullpolicy.aspx?pid=252
Required texts, available at the Winthrop University Bookstore:
Winthrop University, The Human
Experience: Who Am I? HMXP 102, Ninth Edition, Tapestry Press, Ltd., 2015.
(The numbered readings in the syllabus are from this collection.) You will need
to bring this book to every class meeting.
Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers, Rules for
Writers, Winthrop University Edition, Eighth Edition with 2016 MLA Updates,
Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016. (This is a reference work which you will not need to
bring to class.)
Joshua Davis, Spare Parts, Farrar
Straus & Giroux 2014. (This is the Common Book, which you should have read
already. It will be referred to in our class discussions and will be discussed
in one writing assignment, so you will be expected to show familiarity with it.)
There will be several Cultural Events related to
Spare Parts which are scheduled for
this semester. Be sure to scan your ID both entering and leaving the event to
get CE credit for it.
Schedule of Assignments
This schedule is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Changes will
be announced in class and on the listserv, and the syllabus will be updated on
the Webpage.
Introduction to the Course
Tues., Jan. 9: Discussion of syllabus, class requirements, goals and
expectations; introduce ourselves to each other.
Review the following: Billy Collins, "Marginalia,"
The Human Experience: Who Am I? pp.
iv-v.
Dr. John Bird, "How to Read Critically,”
The Human Experience: Who Am I? pp. vi-vii.
University College,
HMXP Writing Rubric,
Rules for Writers.
“The
Correct Use of Borrowed Information,”
Rules for Writers.
Begin to browse the assigned portions of the reader and think about which
reading you will choose to lead discussion. Discussion assignments will be made
first-come, first-served.
The Self and Education
Thurs., Jan. 11: Reading 1. Plato, “The Allegory of the Cave”
A drawing of the Cave:
https://faculty.washington.edu/smcohen/320/cave.htm
Tues., Jan. 16: Reading 2. Lakoff and Johnson, excerpt from “Metaphors We Live By,” Reading 3. Frost, "Birches"
Thurs., Jan. 18: Class cancelled due to weather.
Tues., Jan. 23: Reading 4. Bohm, “On
Communication”
Thurs., Jan. 25: Reading 6. Winter,
"But This I Can Believe"
Tues., Jan. 30: Reading 7. Newman, "The Idea of a University"
Thurs., Feb. 1: Reading 8. Plato, “Apology”
The Autonomous Self
Tues., Feb. 6: Reading 9. Crawford, "The Case for Working With Your Hands"
and Reading 10. Mill, “Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion”
Thurs., Feb. 8: First writing assignment
due. Be prepared to discuss your paper in class.
Tues., Feb. 13: Reading 12. Jefferson, “The Declaration of Independence," and
Reading 14, The Bill of Rights.
The Self and Community
Thurs., Feb. 15: Reading 18. Myers, “Ingroup and Outgroup”
Tues., Feb. 20: Reading 19. Jie, "Love Must Not Be Forgotten"
Thurs., Feb. 22: Reading 23. Bellah, "Why Do We Need a Public Affairs Mission? -
The Moral Crisis in American Public Life"
Tues., Feb. 27: Reading 25. Loury, “Free at Last?”
Thurs., Mar. 1: Reading 27. Truth, “Ain’t I a Woman?” and Reading 28. hooks,
“Feminism Is for Everybody”
Tues., Mar. 6: Second writing assignment
due. Be prepared to discuss your paper in class.
Wed. Mar. 7:
Last day to withdraw from a spring
semester class without extenuating circumstances.
Thurs., Mar. 8: Reading 31. Swimme, “How Do Our Kids Get So Caught Up in
Consumerism?” and Reading 32. LeGuin, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”
Tues., Mar. 13/Thurs., Mar. 15: No Class
– Spring Break.
The Self and Nature
Tues., Mar. 20: Reading 35. Popper, “Science as Falsification”
Thurs., Mar. 22: Reading 36. Ridley, from "Genome: The Autobiography of a
Species in 23 Chapters"
Tues., Mar. 27: Reading 38. Hiner, "Critical Thinking and the Techno Brain"
Thurs., Mar. 29: Reading 39. Ridley, “Human Nature”
Tues., Apr. 3: Third writing assignment
due. Be prepared to discuss your paper in class.
The Self and the Sacred
Thurs., Apr. 5: Reading 44. Tillich, “What Faith Is”
Tues., Apr. 10: Reading 45. Peterson et al, “Religious Diversity”
Thurs., Apr. 12: Reading 46. Lewis, excerpt from “Mere Christianity”
Tues., Apr. 17: Reading 50. Moore, “The Sacred Arts of Life”
Thurs., Apr. 19: Catch up and discuss final exam question. Class evaluations
will be administered; please bring an Internet-capable device to class.
Thurs., Apr. 26, 11:30-2:00: Final Exam
Discussion.
Winthrop University Resources
Writing Center: The Writing Center, located in 242 Bancroft Hall, provides a
free writing, consulting service to all members of the University community:
students, staff, administrators, and faculty. The Writing Center's purpose is to
help writers at all levels learn more about their writing through tutoring
sessions. Tutors help writers analyze assignments, address audiences
appropriately, improve their composing processes, strengthen the focus and
organization of their writing, and improve their control of the language. The
Writing Center cannot provide a proofreading/editing service or guarantee better
grades; its primary purpose is to improve writing in the long term. Although
operating hours may vary from semester to semester, the Writing Center is open
at least five days a week. Scheduling an appointment ensures that a tutor will
be available. To make an appointment, telephone 803/323-2138.
Students with Disabilities/Need of Accommodations for Access:
Winthrop University is committed to providing access to education.
If you have a condition which may adversely impact your ability to access
academics and/or campus life, and you require specific accommodations to
complete this course, contact the Office of Accessibility (OA) at 803-323-3290,
or, accessibility@winthrop.edu. Please inform me as early as possible, once you
have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Accessibility.
OA Staff:
•
Tina Vires – Program Director, extension 6174; virest@winthrop.edu
•
Shardae Nelson– Assistant Coordinator, extension 6188;
nelsons@winthrop.edu
•
Hope Williams – Administrative Specialist, extension 3290;
accessibility@winthrop.edu
•
Susan Sistar – Coordinator for Testing Program and the Test Center,
extension 6173; sistars@winthrop.edu or testcenter@winthrop.edu
•
From off campus – 803/323-3290
Winthrop’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA) identifies and assists
highly motivated and talented students to apply for nationally and
internationally competitive awards, scholarships, fellowships, and unique
opportunities both at home and abroad. ONCA gathers and disseminates award
information and deadlines across the campus community, and serves as a resource
for students, faculty, and staff throughout the nationally competitive award
nomination and application process. ONCA is located in Dinkins 222A. Please fill
out an online information form at the bottom of the ONCA
webpagewww.winthrop.edu/onca and email onca@winthrop.edu for more information.
Winthrop’s Academic Success Center (ASC) is a free resource for all
undergraduate students seeking to perform their best academically. The ASC
offers a variety of personalized and structured resources that help students
achieve academic excellence, such as tutoring, academic skill development (test
taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), group and
individual study spaces, and academic coaching. The ASC is located on the first
floor of Dinkins, Suite 106. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or
success@winthrop.edu or www.winthrop.edu/success.
Winthrop’s Office of Victims Assistance (OVA) provides services to survivors of
sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking as well as educational
programming to prevent these crimes from occurring. The staff assists all
survivors, regardless of when they were victimized, in obtaining counseling,
medical care, housing options, legal prosecution, and more. In addition, the OVA
helps students access support services for academic problems resulting from
victimization. The OVA is located in 204 Crawford and can be reached at (803)
323-2206. In the case of an after-hours emergency, please call Campus Police at
(803)323-3333, or the local rape crisis center, Safe Passage, at their 24-hour
hot-line, (803) 329-2800.For more information please visit
http://www.winthrop.edu/victimsassistance/