THE ORIGIN OF IDEAS OF IDEA OF ORIGINS

The Honors College at FIU

Fall 2008 & Spring 2009 - IDH 1001 & 1002 Sections 5, 6, & 7

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 – 12:15

Faculty

THC Course Description

Using the lens of ontology, this course is designed to examine questions surrounding the nature of being and existing. The fundamental nature of truth and reality as it is constructed in our lives is questioned as students examine knowledge that has been created and accepted as truth.

Honors class with Martin Z. Margulies at the Margulies Collection at Warehouse. Photo courtesy of Tomas Loewy, www.coolpoolevents.com

Specific 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 affect our perception of both ourselves and the world around us. 
 

Class Objectives

1. To leave the course with more questions than when entering.
2. To question and re-examine “knowledge” and what we perceive as “truth”
3. To realize that there are pluralities of reality.
4. To appreciate that knowledge, debate, pleasure and fun are mutually compatible phenomena.
5. To explore the nature of the individual in relation to others.

Required Readings

Fall 2008

Michalko, Michael. Cracking Creativity: the Secrets of Creative Genius. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 2001.
ISBN: 9781580083119

Stevenson, Leslie and David Haberman. Ten Theories of Human Nature. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, 2004.
ISBN: 9780195169744

Swiller, Josh. The Unheard. New York City: Holt Paperbacks, 2007.
ISBN: 9780805082104

Turnbull, Colin. The Forest People. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1961.
ISBN: 9780671640996

supplemental reading as directed 

Spring 2009

Buford, Bill. Among the Thugs. New York: Vintage Departures, 1993.
ISBN 9780679745358

Clancy, Susan. Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2007.
ISBN 9780674024014

Plato. The Trial and Death of Socrates. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub, 2000.
ISBN 9780872205543

Shlain, Leonard. Art & Physics. New York: Quill/W. Morrow, 1993.
ISBN 9780688123055

Stevenson, Leslie and David Haberman. Ten Theories of Human Nature. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, 2004.
ISBN: 9780195169744

supplemental reading as directed 
 

Class Assignments

1. Be prepared in each class session by having completed assigned readings.
2. 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.
3. Regularly monitor My Blackboard and your personal FIU email account for assignments, announcements, discussion, etc. 
4. All assignments must be submitted to TURNITIN.COM.  Instructions will be given later.  In addition, you will provide a paper copy to your professor.

Grading Legend  

Fall 2007
4 quizzes of 5 pts each: 20 pts
3 projects of 15 pts each: 45 pts
Class participation: 10 pts
Honors Citizenship: 5 pts
GAD Proposal & Elevator Pitch: 5 pts
Final project: 15 pts (10 pts for individual paper & 5 pts for group presentation)

Note: Extra Credit opportunities will be offered during the course of the semester. A maximum of 6 points can be earned.

Spring 2008
4 quizzes of 5 pts each: 20 pts
3 projects of 15 pts each: 45 pts
Class participation: 10 pts
Honors Citizenship: 5 pts
GAD Status Report & Action Plan: 5 pts
Final project: 15 pts (10 pts for individual paper & 5 pts for group presentation)

Note: Extra Credit opportunities will be offered during the course of the semester. A maximum of 6 points can be earned.

Letter grades correspond to the following point scale:

Participation policy

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

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

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

FALL 2008
 

Week 1 - Introduction

T 26 Aug: Thematic Overview and Trajectory of Semester & Introduction: Ideas of Professors

Th 28 Aug: Ideas of Students

Week 2- Comparing World Views

T 2 Sep: Ten Theories, Introduction & Chapter 3
QUIZ: Ten Theories, Introduction & Chapter 3

Th 4 Sep: Discussion

Week 3 - Nature of Reality

T 9 Sep: Dean Northup Lecture

Th 11 Sep: Discussion 

Week 4 - Outside Ourselves

T 16 Sep: The Forest People (Bailly Lecture)
QUIZ: The Forest People
INTRODUCTION: The Forest People Project

Th 18 Sep: Discussion

Week 5 - Outside Ourselves

T 23 Sep: Baka Film
(Bailly at Texas State)

Th 25 Sep: Discussion
(Bailly at Texas State & Ritzi out: all sections meet with Schwartz)

Week 6 - Reaching Outside Ourselves

T 30 Sep: Introduction of Give a Damn Semester Project (Rick Siclari Guest Lecturer)

Th 2 Oct: Form groups and start Give a Damn Semester Project (2007-2008 Student Presentations: meet in large group)
INTRODUCTION: Give a Damn Project
DUE: The Forest People Project

Week 7 - Inside Ourselves

T 7 Oct: Unheard (Schwartz Lecture)
QUIZ: Unheard
INTRODUCTION: Unheard Project

Th 9 Oct: Discussion

Week 8 - Inside Ourselves

T 14 Oct: Unheard (Schwartz Lecture)

Th 16 Oct:  Discussion                                                                                                                                                       

Week 9 - Reaching Others as Ourselves

T 21 Oct: Elevator Pitch Presentation for Give a Damn Project
DUE: Proposals for Give a Damn Project

Th 23 Oct: Give a Damn Problems, Pitfalls, & Perils Lecture (Ritzi Lecture: meet in large group)
(Bailly at NCHC)

Week 10 - Visual Thinking and Expression

T 28 Oct: Cracking Creativity (Ritzi Lecture)
QUIZ: Cracking Creativity
INTRODUCTION: Cracking Creativity Project

Th 30 Oct: Discussion
DUE: Unheard Project

Week 11 - Visual Thinking and Expression

T 4 Nov: Cracking Creativity (Ritzi Lecture)

Th 6 Nov: Discussion
(Ritzi out: Ritzi section meet with Bailly)

Week 12 - Expressing Ourselves: Student Visions

T 11 Nov:  Veterans' Day Holiday (No class)

Th 13 Nov: Visual Thinking Project & Presentations (Ritzi lecture)
DUE: Cracking Creativity Project
(Schwartz at Conference: all sections meet together)

Week 13 - Analyzing and Presenting Information

T 18 Nov: Statistics (Schwartz Lecture)

Th 20 Nov: Discussion

Week 14 - Give a Damn Presentation - Research

T 25 Nov: Student Presentations (Attendance Mandatory)

Th 27 Nov: No Class: Thanksgiving

Week 15 - Give a Damn Presentation - Research

T 2 Dec: Student Presentations (Attendance Mandatory)

Th 4 Dec: Student Presentations (Attendance Mandatory)
DUE: Semester Project Papers

Final Exam Week

T 9 Dec: Student Presentations & Summary
 

SPRING 2009

Week 1 - Individual in Society

T 6 Jan: Thematic Overview and Trajectory of Semester & Ten Theories, Plato (Schwartz Lecture)

Th 8 Jan: Discussion 

Week 2 - Individual in Society

T 13 Jan: Trial & Death of Socrates, Plato (Group Lecture)
QUIZ: Plato

Th 15 Jan: Discussion

Week 3 - Zeitgeist: Creating within Society

T 20 Jan:  Art and Physics (Ritzi Lecture - Bailly at University of Maine)

Th 22 Jan: Give a Damn Project Status Report & Action Plan (Bailly at University of Maine)

Week 4 - Zeitgeist: Creating within Society

T 27 Jan: Art and Physics (Ritzi Lecture)
QUIZ: Art and Physics

Th 29 Jan: Discussion

Week 5 - A Powerful Statement

T 3 Feb: Art & Physics Project Exhibition

Th 5 Feb: Give a Damn Workday

Week 6 - Human Nature: "We've all got it in us."

T 10 Feb: Among the Thugs (Bailly Lecture)
QUIZ: Among the Thugs

Thugs Project due on 3/24 & 3/26:  Among the Thugs Project.  Must be done in slide show or movie format.

Th 12 Feb: Discussion                                                                                                                                                 

Week 7 - Human Nature: "We've all got it in us."

T 17 Feb:  Among the Thugs (Bailly Lecture)

Th 19 Feb: Discussion

Week 8 - Human Nature: "We've all got it in us."

T 24 Feb: INTRODUCTION: Among the Thugs Project.  Must be done in slide show or movie format.

Th 26 Feb: Discusion                                                                                 

Week 9 - The Fun House Mirror: Reflections of Self

T 3 Mar: Abducted (Schwartz Lecture)
QUIZ: Abducted & Memento

Th 5 Mar: Discussion

Week 10 - The Fun House Mirror: Reflections of Self

T 10 Mar: Abducted (Schwartz Lecture)

Th 12 Mar: Work on Give a Damn or Films (meet in large group)

Week 11 - Dream and Have Fun

T 17 Mar: No Class: Spring Break

Th 19 Mar: No Class: Spring Break

Week 12 - Film Festival

T 24 Mar: Watch student films (All films due in Bailly's THC mailbox on Monday, March 23th by 17:00)

Th 26 Mar: Watch student films (meet in large group)

Th 26 Mar: SRAI Conference (attendance mandatory)

Week 13 - Humans in Nature

T 31 Mar: Ten Theories, Chapter 10 (Pete Markowitz)
DUE: Abducted Project

Th 2 Apr: Discussion

Week 14 - Give a Damn Presentation - Passion

T 7 Apr: Student presentations (attendance mandatory)

Th 9 Apr: Student presentations (attendance mandatory)

Week 15 - Give a Damn Presentation - Passion

T 14 Apr: Student presentations (attendance mandatory)

Th 16 Apr: Student presentations (attendance mandatory)/Celebration

Final Exam Week

T 21 Apr: Student Presentations & Summary

FIU Academic Misconduct Statement

Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Misconduct includes: Cheating – The unauthorized use of books, notes, aids, electronic sources; or assistance from another person with respect to examinations, course assignments, field service reports, class recitations; or the unauthorized possession of examination papers or course materials, whether originally authorized or not. Plagiarism – The use and appropriation of another’s work without any indication of the source and the representation of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas, expressions or materials taken from another source, including internet sources, is responsible for plagiarism.

Academic Integrity

Please read all information on the following link. Registration in this course requires an acceptance of The Honors College Policies for students

http://honors.fiu.edu/current_policy_standing.html.

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.

The Honors College at FIU Plagiarism Policy

Honor in Honors

In The Honors College, the term “honor” refers both to academic accomplishment and character. Students in Honors should therefore adhere to and be held to the highest standards of personal academic accountability. Academic dishonesty in any form, including plagiarism, is antithetical to the very definition of being an Honors student at FIU. Consequently, an Honors College student found responsible for academic misconduct will be dismissed from the College.

The faculty member will decide whether to pursue informal resolution, file formal resolution charges, or take no further action, and will follow the procedures outlined in the Academic Misconduct Procedures, available at http://www.fiu.edu/~oabp/misconductweb/1acmisconductproc.htm.

The student will have the right to appeal the outcome of the meeting with the instructor within one week of the faculty’s decision, when the decision is to pursue informal resolution or file formal resolution charges. The appeal will take the form of a letter to the Dean outlining the circumstances of the case and the reason for the objection to the professor’s recommendation. The Dean or his designee will examine the case and make a final determination about the pursuit of Informal Resolution or the filing of formal resolution charges.

Penalties
An Honors College student found responsible for plagiarism or other academic misconduct by informal resolution or formal resolution will receive an F in the relevant Honors course, and will be dismissed from Honors by the Dean, effective from the end of the semester in which the infraction occurs. Dismissal will be in writing and will entail the loss of all privileges and benefits of being in The Honors College, and the student will not be readmitted to The Honors College. The decision of the Dean will be final. This decision relates solely to the student’s status in The Honors College and does not affect the student’s right to appeal the original faculty decision.

The penalty of dismissal from The Honors College may apply to academic misconduct in any course within Florida International University and not only to courses offered by The Honors College. In the case of courses outside The Honors College, the Dean of The Honors College will rely on the Office of the Provost for notification about the infraction(s). More stringent penalties, such as dismissal from the university, may be pursued through the university’s established academic misconduct process.

This Policy follows the University Academic Misconduct Procedures of the Code of Academic Integrity, with modification to provide for appeal within The Honors College.

Religious observances
Every effort, where feasible and practical, will be made to accommodate students whose religious practices coincide with class requirements or scheduling. Please make sure to notify your instructor at the beginning of the semester of which dates you will be out.

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.

The Honors College at FIU          john bailly dot com