Syllabus IDH1001

Fall 2006

IDH 1001(sections 9-12)

The Origin of Ideas and the Idea of Origins
Monday (CP151) 15:30--16:45

Wednesday (various) 15:30--16:45

Faculty

Name	Email	Office	Office Hours	Phone	Section	Wednesday Section
Prof. Suman Kakar	kakars@fiu.edu	PCA 352b	M 17.00-18.00; W12.30-15.15	305 348 5992	10	GC 272
Prof. John Bailly	baillyj@fiu.edu	GL422	MW 9:45 - 10:45	305 348 0297	09	GL 166
Prof. Grenville Draper	draper@fiu.edu	PC 316	1400-15:00 daily	305 348 3087	11	OE 222
Prof. Gwyn Davies	daviesg@fiu.edu	DM 388a	MW 13.30-14.30	305 348 2974	12	CP 115

Course Description
This course is the first of a series of four, two-semester Honors College courses. These courses are very different from most other courses in the University, in that we will explore not only the what, but also the how and why of knowing. The present course is less about content, and more about discussions of the context of, and connections between, ideas. The very broad (and not particularly comprehensive) theme of the course is origins, and how ideas of origins affect our perception of both ourselves and the world around us.

Class Objectives

- To, exit with many, many more questions than entering.

- To question and re-examine “knowledge” and what we perceive as “reality”; to realize that there are pluralities of knowledge and reality.

- To appreciate that knowledge, debate, pleasure and fun are mutually compatible phenomena.

Required Readings

Frankfurt, H.G. On Bullshit

Moorehead, A. Darwin and the Beagle (available at THC)

Turnbull, C. The Forest People

Roy, A. The God of Small Things (a novel)

Runciman, S. The Fall of Constantinople, 1453

Class Assignments

- Be prepared in each class session with having completed assigned readings.

- Written assignments are expected to have correct grammar and punctuation, unless the assignment calls for something else. You may contact the FIU Writing Lab for assistance or guidance on what this means.

- All assignments must be submitted to TURNITIN.COM. Instructions will be given later. In addition, you will provide a paper copy to your professor.

Web CT

We will use Web CT to communicate deadlines, schedule changes and even your scores on quizzes and assignments. You can also have blogs about topics that come up in class and continue the discussions. Thus you should consult WEB CT frequently (at least twice a week).

Grade calculation

Your grade will be determined based on points earned as follows:

25 pts – 5 Quizzes – 5 pts each

30 pts – 5 Assignments – 6 pts each

20 pts - Class Participation (both attendance and quality of participation)

25 pts – Final Paper\Project

Total:100 pts

Letter grades correspond to the following point scale:

A	94-100
A-	90-93
B+	87-89
B	84-86
B-	80-83
C+	77-79
C	73-76
C-	70-73
D+	67-69
D	64-66
D-	60-63
F	< 60

Participation policy

As this class involves discussion, attendance and class participation is essential. Unexcused absences will result in a lowering of your grade as follows:

# of Unexcused

Absences

ESTIMATED GRADE

A-

B+

B-

C+

C-

D+

D-

0-2

A-

B+

B-

C+

C-

D+

D-

A-

B+

B-

C+

C-

D+

D-

B+

B-

C+

C-

D+

D-

B-

C+

C-

D+

D-

6 or More

Participation also means no distractions. THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS PROHIBITED. All cell phones, iPods, Blackberries and laptops should be turned off.

Other Class Policies

Academic Integrity

In this learning community, we are expected to act as moral beings governed by a sense of ethics. These ethics are outlined in the University Code of Academic Integrity.(www.fiu.edu/~dwyere/academicintegrity.html) and the Honors College policy on plagiarism (http://honors.fiu.edu/current_policy_plagiarism.html). In simple language, in this course you will not cheat, misrepresent others' work as your own (plagiarism), or lie to the instructor or others in this learning community. One act crossing that boundary and you will be recommended for expulsion from the Honors College.

Physical, mental and sensory challenges

Every effort, where feasible and practical will be made to accommodate students who are so challenged. Should you require accommodations contact your instructor or the Disability Resource Center if not done so already.

Religious observances

Every effort, where feasible and practical, will be made to accommodate students whose religious practices clash with class requirements or scheduling; i.e you practice a religion whose holidays do not coincide with the University closing or an exam is scheduled during a day of high spirituality. Contact your instructor if such a situation arises.

Class Schedule
Please note that the class schedule is subject to change. In addition, all four sections faculty leaders are likely to be away for small portions of the Fall Term as their other assignments so dictate. All such changes, will be announced in class.

Week Description/notes Reading/Project

1	28 Aug	Monday: Origins of Instructors Wednesday: Origins of Students	On Bullshit; Darwin and the Beagle
2	04 Sep	Monday: University closed Wednesday: Origins of the University; academic integrity	On Bullshit; Darwin and the Beagle
3	11 Sep	M: OBS QUIZ: Group Lecture W: Discussion	Darwin and the Beagle
4	18 Sep	M: D&B QUIZ; Draper Lecture W: Discussion	DUE on M: OBS Project Science & Religion Readings
5	25 Sep	M: Class Discussion on Evolution W: Discussion	Science & Religion Readings
6	02 Oct	M: Science & Education in US W: Discussion	The Forest People
7	9 Oct	M: Honors College Convocation W: Project discussion (large room)	The Forest People
8	16 Oct	M: TFP QUIZ; Bailly Lecture W: Discussion	DUE on M: D&B Project Fall of Constantinople
9	23 Oct	M: Open Lecture W: Discussion	Fall of Constantinople
10	30 Oct	M: FOC QUIZ; Davies Lecture W: Discussion	DUE on M: TFP Project The God of Small Things
11	06 Nov