SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS

 

 Introduction to Global Studies                                                                      Claire Keith

GBST103L111 - POSC103L111                                                    Fall 09

Wednesday :     2:00PM – 3:15PM

Friday :             3:30PM - 4:45PM                                                                     

 

LOCATION: Marist Language Center (LB 304)

 

OFFICE HOURS:         Monday:         3:00 – 6:00pm

       (Fontaine 229 )       Wednesday:      4:00 – 5:00 pm

                                    Thursday:       1:00 – 2:00 pm                     

                                                                            and by appointment 

TELEPHONE:          Office: ext. 2267

                                 Home: (845) 679 7140

E-MAIL:                   claire.keith@marist.edu

 

 COURSE WEBPAGE:   :http://mlc.la.marist.edu (In “Learning resources” select GBST 103.  

Note:  Our Workplan with updated assignments is on the course webpage and should be consulted for every session.

 

COMMUNICATIONS: Students must use their Marist Foxmail account (http://www.marist.edu/it/resnet/foxmail.html) for exchanges with the instructor, and check it once a day.  Personalized email addresses cannot be accommodated, given their poor identification.  Please do not forget always to write a precise title for your messages.

 

Required texts:

-          Allen, John & Leppman. Student Atlas of World Politics.latest ed.

-          One or the other  of:

-                                            Theroux, Paul.  Dark Star Safari. Trade paperback

-                                             Mahfouz, Naguib  Arabian Nights & Days . trade paperback

-          Course links and resources as posted on the course Webpage.

-          Daily review of two UD news sources and and another, non US online news source of your choice, from  http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/

-          A good paperback English Thesaurus, or MS Word’s Thesaurus.

Students will also be required to screen two feature films (see Workplan online).

Additional reading list:

-     see bibliography list in RESOURCES section, with instructions.

 

 

Course Description and Objectives:

This course is intended as an introduction to world issues and to the reality that the various parts of the globe are today inextricably linked through changing economic, ecological, technological cultural, linguistic, and political systems.

 On the premises that global literacy is, like technological literacy, an indispensable skill in today’s world, it will outline the vocabulary, perspectives and methods of analysis necessary to understand the evolution of our global community and the challenges that we face in the 21^st century.

 It takes a historical perspective, on the assumption that we cannot understand this current wave of globalization without an understanding of the ones that preceded it. 

 

Our specific objectives, over which we will measure and grade your progress, are for you to demonstrate:

 

(1)    A basic understanding of the physical and political geography of the contemporary world;

(2)    A familiarity with, and regular use of a broad and diverse choice of news sources.

(2)  A familiarity with the theoretical frameworks and terms used today to explore global issues.

(4) The habit of seeking a historical background to current situations and facts, necessary for a proper assessment.

(5)    The ability to contrast the theoretical perspective and the human dimension of various issues.

(6)    An understanding of how our personal lives and chosen fields of work are dependent on global trends and relationships.

(7)    the understanding that in fluid global issues, many concepts and references change fast  and will need  to be periodically re-defined and possibly discarded. 

 

Assessment

1.       Participation and class Preparation   You are expected to be an active and thoughtful participant in class discussions.  Lively general opinions on global issues are welcome, but not sufficient if you cannot also demonstrate a precise familiarity with the readings assigned for a given session and the ones that preceded it.

2.       Homework.  Will include facts searches, responses to the assigned films, a bibliographic research, and, if needed, short paragraphs related to our discussions topic. These assignments will be updated on our Workplan as we progress and will help you formulate your thoughts and prepare for class discussions.  They will be returned to you as a combined portfolio  with a Pass/Fail grade at the end of the term.

3.        Exams and Quizzes .You will have two written long examinations and one final examination in the final week.  These will combine different exercises, such as  identifications, short essay questions, and specific short-answer questions.  Be prepared as well for occasional unannounced quizzes in case the instructor has concerns about the preparation for class sessions.

4.       Cultural Analysis Paper.  A 750-1000 word analysis of the cultures and cultural interaction depicted in Mahfouz’s novel.  Pleas consult “BOOK REPORT Guidelines” in our online Resources.

5.       A final examination. with synthetic questions.

 

Deadline extensions must be requested in advance, and will be granted only in exceptional cases. 

 

  

Grading

 The final grade will be calculated according to the following distribution.  You must pass ALL categories to get a passing grade.

-          Reading preparation & participation ……………………..   15 %

-          Portfolio (Fact Searches, homework,  & bibliography)…...  15 % (Pass/Fail)

-          exams and quizzes ………………………..… …………..    25 %

-          Cultural analysis paper……………………………………   20  %

-          final exam ……………………………………..……… …  25  %

 

Attendance:

Attendance is expected at every class unless you are seriously ill or have a documented emergency.   The instructor must be notified by E.mail or phonemail before the class in question.  More than three absences in the semester, unless supported by a statement of special circumstances from the Academic Vice President’s office, will automatically affect the final grade.  Students who have missed a class for any reason are responsible for all missed notes and work.

 

Writing: All assignments should be edited at least to the point of readability. Work that is difficult to read because of unverified spelling, basic grammar or syntax errors or poor handwriting will have to be rewritten within 24 hours after being returned by the instructor. Plagiarism: Please see the Marist College Handbook for the College’s policy on plagiarism, which this instructor takes very seriously.  

 

Extra points: An extra half letter point can be earned by exceptional class participation (depth of comments, evidence of close analysis of our readings.)

 

Snow Policy/Class Cancellation Procedure: The college’s decision to cancel day classes because of inclement weather will be made by 7 AM. In addition to calling Marist’s “weather hot-line” at 575-5500 for class cancellations, please consult your email and our course Webpage, where I will inform you of any delay that I may personally have encountered, as I live far away from campus.  

 

 

BON SEMESTRE!