CORE TWO:  Modern World                                                         Winter 2010 (102)

Instructor:  Dr. Ilicia Sprey                                            
E-mail:  ilicias@saintjoe.edu
Office:  Core 258
Office Phone 219-866-6387
Office Hours:  MWF:  11-11:50 and 2-2:50 and by appointment; Saint Elizabeth’s School of Nursing TR 5-6pm and after class as needed
Homepage:  http://www.saintjoe.edu/~ilicias/

Course Description:  Core 2 is where students and faculty continue the serious examination of the development of the modern world in which we live (including, science, religion, philosophy, literature, history, etc.) and how, where, and why the development of these particular new ideas and approaches had such a major impact on Western Civilization and, in particular, American social and cultural development.  The point of this course is not for you to memorize how these developments and influences took place, but to read, listen, discuss, evaluate, and learn about these various key ideas in this formative period.   In this Core we hope you will take the skills you’ve developed in your first semester of the Core Program and begin to build a broader and deeper sense of the historical and cultural development of those who, like you, were a product of Western Civilization and also contributors to it.  Remember, the Core Curriculum is designed to provide you with exposure to a solid Liberal Arts education and encourages you to investigate your relationship with and role in the larger world, and this investigation into how those living in the past dealt with these issues is a vital step in that process.  It also provides you with the opportunity to put into use both the intellectual and communication skills you have developed so far.  Because of this, there is a significant amount of reading and writing this term. 

In addition to offering you the opportunity to examine and develop your own concepts concerning your relationships to and with others in society, we will be working on important communication skills, both written and oral, that will help you be successful in your college career, but more important, in the real world at whatever jobs you hold in the future and in personal relationships, as well.

Required Reading:  The books required for this class are listed in the Core 2 syllabus and are available in the College Bookstore.  Additional readings will be found in the later section of the syllabus. Reading assignments are listed in the official Core 2 syllabus and on-line at http://www.saintjoe.edu/academics/core/core02/  Readings are to be completed in time for the assigned day’s discussion so it is important for you to keep up with the reading!

Class Meetings:  There are two major lectures every week and will take place in the Shen Auditorium from 9-9:50am Tuesday and Thursday by the faculty from various disciplines within the SJC community.  You are expected to attend these lectures, listen carefully, take notes, and to think about them so that you can participate thoughtfully in the smaller discussion sections.   Core 2 also has 3 class meetings in which we will discuss the readings that are due, the content and ideas of the lectures for that week, and work on developing further your writing skills and analytical abilities.

What you can expect from me:  You can expect that I:

·         will be available during office hours and by appointment to discuss any issues you might have in class. 

·         will be prepared for our sections and on time

·         will clearly state the criteria on which your work will be evaluated

·         will be interested in helping you improve as students and becoming more analytical in your thinking, and in getting as much out of this class as possible

What I expect from you:  The following paragraphs explain what I expect of you in terms of work and behavior.

Attendance:  It is important that students attend both lecture and section meetings on a regular basis in order to fully participate in discussions and lectures and to get the most out of the course.  Roll will be taken periodically throughout the semester.  If you are unable to attend class and need to reach me leave a leave a message on either my e-mail or voice mail if I am out of the office.  Treat attendance in Core lectures and discussions like a job, because it is.

            In our section meetings we will be discussing the lectures and reading materials. In these meetings we will explore and evaluate the different perspectives of the authors we are reading, as well as ways of interpreting the texts.  You must keep up with the reading in order to contribute to the discussion and everyone’s contributions to the discussions are valuable and necessary in order to make the section a success.

Appropriate classroom behavior is required and expected of all students at all times.

Assignments:  Readings and class assignments will be based on the readings listed in the Core 2 syllabus and it is imperative that students read these assignments prior to the lecture and section meetings.

Assignments not handed in on time will have 5 points deducted for each weekday they are late, not for each class session.  For example, a paper due on Tuesday but handed in on Thursday will have 10 points deducted from the original grade it would have received otherwise.  All papers are to be typed or produced on a computer.

It is the responsibility of student athletes to inform the instructor of any class absences due to competitions.  In accordance with College policy athletes will be excused a reasonable number of absences due to competitions and reason accommodations made but all work must be turned in on a schedule set by the teacher.  Student athletes will not be excused absences due to practices.

            You are expected to attend all discussion section meetings, to participate in the discussions, incorporating what was discussed in the larger lecture, and to complete all the assignments given.  In order to do this you have to keep up with the reading schedule listed in the Core 2 syllabus. 

Evaluation:  There is a good amount of work expected from you in Core 2 and the following should help you understand the importance and opportunity presented by each kind of assignment.  Each assignment is meant to keep you focused on the readings and ideas discussed, while allowing you to develop your own opinions and ideas and, most importantly of all, to improve your communication skills.

Participation in Section:  The quantity and quality of your contribution in discussion in section will be worth 15% of your grade. 

Papers:  There are 3 writing assignments in Core 2.   Specifics on paper topics will be given in class. All work that is turned in late will lose 5 points for each day it is late.

Exams:  There will be three exams given over the course of this semester. These exams will be primarily essays but may contain some short answers, etc., and will cover lecture and reading materials and anything else we go over in our section.  Each exam is worth 100 points.  Dates for the exams are listed at the end of this syllabus.  There is also a final exam which will be worth 100 points.

            Make-up exams will only be offered in cases of documented hospitalization or sever illness, which means a doctor’s note is required.  Other excuses as outlined in the College’s handbook (2010-11) will be accepted under the following conditions: 1) you notify the instructor at least 24 hours prior to the exam, and 2) the excuse specifically relates to when the exam was scheduled.  If these conditions are met, the make-up must be taken within three calendar days of when it was originally scheduled.

Quizzes:  Over the course of the semester there will be ten brief pop quizzes on lecture and/or readings assigned.  If you do the assigned readings, attend and listen to lectures, and come to discussion sections, taking good notes along the way, you should have no problems on the quizzes. Missed quizzes cannot be made up.

Academic Honesty:  Neither cheating nor plagiarism (using someone else's work or words without citing the source from which they came) will be tolerated in this or any other class.  The purpose of this course is to have you do your best work not to submit someone else's efforts, therefore anyone found cheating or plagiarizing the work of another will receive an automatic F for the course and the case will be referred to the appropriate academic officer.  For more on this issue see the College Catalog (2010-11).

Writing Clinic:  Each student is encouraged to use the resources of the Writing Clinic as they feel the need.  However, if deemed necessary by the teacher, students will be required to go to the Clinic for assistance. 

Students with Special needs:  If you have special needs in relation to taking notes, exams, etc. you need to contact me within the first two weeks of class.  If a problem arises later in the semester, talk to me as soon as possible.

Grading:  Core 2 is a six-credit course (2 3-credit grades are given).  Your grade will be based on the tables below.

Students who have between 3 and 6 unexcused absences will lose one full letter grade from their final class grade.  Students who have between 6 and 9 unexcused absences will have their grade dropped two letter grades, and those who miss more than 9 classes will automatically receive an F for the course.