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IAH 211c Section 004: 1960s and 1970s America in Culture and Politics

Syllabus for Fall 2008

Jason Friedman, email: jason.friedman@matrix.msu.edu

class times:
Mondays and Wednesdays
10:20am-12:10pm, 114 Berkey Hall

office hours:
Morill Hall 323
Mondays and Wednesdays
9:00am-10:00am or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This particular section of IAH 211c focuses on some of the major social and political reforms of the 1960s and 1970s. These two decades marked a period of significant change in the United States; change that still effects the nation today. In order to understand the current debates over race, gender, conscription, and presidential power, it is important to study the reforms made a generation ago.

This course is presented thematically by subject. Each unit focuses on a major cultural or political issue of the time period. Where did these issues come from? How did they play out? How did they affect Americans? Chronologically the subjects overlap as do some of the issues at hand. Some days have readings available online; others will need to be purchased. You are expected to come to class having read and prepared to discuss the readings assigned for that day.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course approaches issues of culture and politics from perspectives that begin with history and politics but move beyond traditional discussions, incorperating literature, poetry, music, film, and other integrative elements. The goal is to enhance student understanding of the 1960s and 1970s as well as today by presenting a multidisciplinary view of culture and politics.

GOALS OF INTEGRATIVE STUDIES IN ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities at MSU seeks to assist students to become more familiar with ways of knowing in the arts and humanities and to be more knowledgeable and capable in a range of intellectual and expressive abilities. IAH courses encourage students to engage critically with their own society, history, and culture(s); they also encourage students to learn more about the history and culture of other societies. They focus on key ideas and issues in human experience; encourage appreciation of the roles of knowledge and values in shaping and understanding human behavior; emphasize the responsibilities and opportunities of democratic citizenship; highlight the value of the creative arts of literature, theater, music, and arts; and alert us to important issues that occur among peoples in an increasingly interconnected, interdependent world.

REQUIRED TEXTS (purchase from bookstore or online)

  • Smith, Tommie and David Steele. Silent Gesture: The Autobiography of Tommie Smith. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2007. ISBN: 1592136400
  • Mailer, Norman. Armies of the Night. New York: Plume, 1995. (Originally published in 1968.) ISBN: 0452272793
  • Vonnegut, Kurt. Jailbird. New York: Dial Press Trade Paperback, 1999. (Originally published in 1979.) ISBN: 9780385333900

ASSESSMENTS

Unit I - Exam, 20 points [link]

Unit II - MediaMatrix Assignment, 30 points [link]

Unit III - Vonnegut Essay, 30 points [link]

Unit IV - Exam, 20 points [link]

GRADING

Each successfully completed assignment will receive a grade based on the total number of points available. Your overall grade for the course will be determined by the sum of all points received in the course. At any time you may check ANGEL to see all recorded scores and determine your current aggregate total.

  • 95 to 100 points translates to a 4.0
  • 90 to 94 points translates to a 3.5
  • 85 to 89 points translates to a 3.0
  • 80 to 84 points translates to a 2.5
  • 75 to 79 points translates to a 2.0
  • 70 to 74 points translates to a 1.5
  • 65 to 69 points translates to a 1.0
  • 0 to 64 points translates to a 0.0

Note: All work must be turned in to receive a grade above zero in this class. Additionally, all work is due at the time specified in the assignment. Lateness will be penalized at the rate of 5% per 24 hour period. This means that being late by 1 hour carries the same penalty as being late 23 hours. For example, if a 10 point assignment is turned in 40 hours late, the maximum grade possible for that assignment would then be 9 points.

Note: All work must be turned in to receive a grade above zero in this class. Additionally, all work is due at the time specified in the assignment. Lateness will be penalized at the rate of 1 point per 24 hour period. This means that being late by 1 hour carries the same penalty as being late 23 hours. For example, if a 30 point assignment is turned in 40 hours late, the maximum grade possible for that assignment would then be 28 points.

STYLE GUIDE

Proper formatting and style are important compentents of strong course work. Sloppy writing and poor presentaiton deminish the quality of student work. For further information click here to link to a guide to formatting and style.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

In accordance with Michigan State University’s policies on “Protection of Scholarship and Grades” and “Integrity of Scholarship and Grades,” students are expected to honor principles of truth and honesty in their academic work. Academic integrity means, amongst other things, not plagiarizing. Plagiarism includes submitting someone else’s work (words, ideas, etc.) as their own now will the knowingly permit another student to copy and submit their work. Additional discussion of academic integrity is available on the Ombudsman´s website.

PARTICIPATION

Participation includes assessments and lecture. All work must be turned in on time and demonstrate a cogent analysis of the assignment and mastery of course materials. In the classroom, participation is is mental attendance; simply showing up is not enough. You are expected to present your informed ideas as well as listen to and show respect for the others in the classroom. Any behavior that disrespects or hinders the learning process in the class will be penalized. Additional discussion of disruptive behavior is available on the Ombudsman’s website: http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/disruptquestions.html. Repeated tardiness or absence will negatively affect your grade. You cannot fully participate in the class if you are not present during class sessions. Repeated absences will not be tolerated. For each unexcused absence over four, one point will be decuded from the student's final grade. Excused absences or other university sanctioned reasons must be supported by written documentation.