Class Descriptions '05-06

DIGNITAS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS-2007-08

All Dignitas sections will read Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell. Other texts will be specific to the individual sections.

Tuesdays, Noon-1:40

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Dignity and Work
Instructor: Lynn Kalnbach
Peer Mentor:
Section 002 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

The question often comes up, "Do you work to live or live to work?" This section of Dignitas will focus on the the questions of how work relates to all of the other aspects of our lives.

The requirements for this course will include reading short texts and articles, writing brief papers, and participation in class discussion and other relevant out-of-class experiences.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Jazz Music, Musicians, and Human Dignity
Instructor: Marianne Connelly
Peer Mentor: Teresa Martin
Section 004 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

"Jazz is a celebration of the American spirit and a reflection of our changing culture." Want to learn more? What is jazz and why did it originate in America? Who are Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Wynton Marsailis and what impact did they have on jazz history? Come and join us for a year of discovering the variety of styles of jazz and the lives of those who made the music happen.
Description: This course is an exploration of the only truly American art form; class discussions will concern cultures, racial discrimination and history of early jazz music from New Orleans to Harlem. Stories of important people and events that shaped the development of jazz and its influence on popular culture will be studied.
Expectations: Students will listen to jazz music, read assigned text, view videos/DVDs, write short reflections and actively participate in class discussions about music and prejudice. Students will also be required to attend one jazz concert and write a report.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Creativity, Simplicity and the Human Spirit
Instructor: Nancy Gabres
Peer Mentor
Section 006 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

"Creativity is the ability to recognize in the complexity of life the infinite opportunities for new ideas and interactions, and the power of small changes to bring about larger ones" (Cohen,).

The growing complexity of life and the world calls for a more sustainable way of living. This course will explore the connection between creativity, simplicity and living a balanced life. Topics will include personal choices, creativity, consumerism, ecological awareness and spiritual growth.

This is a hands-on, discussion based class that includes service learning. Class assignments will be determined in part by the students and will include class participation, weekly reading, short written reflections and two summary papers. Students must posses the willingness and open mindedness to learn new skills and then to use those skills in service-learning with individuals in the community. All students will need to be able to work together as a group and be comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings and personal journey.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Islam and Dignity
Instructor: Sabah Alwan
Peer Mentor:
Section 007 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

What is Islam? What do Muslims believe? What is the role of women in Islam? How are the ideas of Islam communicated through calligraphy, art, and architecture? What does Islam say about how we define ourselves as individuals? In this class we will explore the way Islam connects human beings' inner thoughts, perceptions and behavior into a universal bond that unites mankind though an emphasis on dignity. Through this class, students will learn about the basic philosophy, practices, culture, and art of Islam through readings, guest speakers, and class discussion.

Expectations: Students will actively participate in class discussion, be active readers of the assigned readings, view assigned video(s), write reports, give presentations to the class, and take 2 short exams.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Happiness
Instructor: Luther Qson
Peer Mentor:
Section 009 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

We explore the concepts of human happiness and social justice through the lenses of mythology, literature, popular culture, contemporary and historical non-fiction, spirituality, and personal experience. Classes will be largely based on discussion of readings and activities, with some writing assignments and presentations.

DGN 1101 DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Violence and Human Dignity*
*Students enrolling in this section must also enroll in ENG 1110, section 007, fall semester
Instructor: Lezlie Oachs
Peer Mentor
Section 010 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

Jacob Wetterling. Katie Poirier. Dru Sjodin. Why are so many young people victims of violence in the United States and what can we do about it? This course studies the aftermath of rape, domestic abuse and war in people living in contemporary U.S. culture. It asks how violence affects our lives and what role human dignity has in the recovery process. We will use classic texts in literature, psychology and women's studies to explore the issues surrounding violence in its many forms and the ways people recover from it. We will reflect on how we can transform the violent culture around us into a new world of justice, peace and hope. Assignments will include 50 pages of weekly reading, weekly reflection papers, a mid-term essay (750 words) and a final essay (750 words).

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Freedom, Rights, Responsibilities, Respect
Instructor: Larry Birnbaum
Peer Mentor:
Section 011 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Are certain freedoms and rights innate or are they determined by governments? What is the relationship between freedom and responsibility, between rights and responsibility? Is respect for self, others, organizations, and/or governments intertwined with these issues? This course will explore many issues associated with individual freedoms, rights, and responsibilities.

COURSE EXPERIENCES:
This course is largely discussion based and will include some group work, which may include skits. Students are expected to read assigned texts and come to class prepared to discuss those readings. They will also write 2-3 page reflection papers and respond in writing to questions that arise in class.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Coming-of-Age Stories
Instructor: Patricia Young
Peer Mentor:
Section 012 Control size: 23
T noon-1:40

Coming of age. Milestones. Peer pressure. Decisions. Mistakes. We all go through challenges in growing up and transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. We all learn lessons along the way. This course explores coming of age and human dignity, as reflected in our own lives and in literature from various genres and cultures. In fall semester, we start with a focus on the "self," as we study mostly American literature and explore what it means to come of age with dignity in America. In spring semester, we move beyond the borders of what is familiar and look at these concepts in other cultures within our own country and around the world. The class emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, reflecting on issues from diverse perspectives, and working in community with others. The course requirements include reading and discussing a variety of texts (fiction, films, and essays), writing (two formal essays each semester), speaking (one formal individual or group presentation each semester), group interaction, personal reflection, and out-of-classroom learning experiences.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Collaborative Learning: Communicating and Functioning More Effectively in Groups
Instructor: Monica Butche
Peer Mentor:
Section 015 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T noon-1:40

In our college years and well beyond, we must be able to communicate successfully with groups of people. Group projects and assignments have become a standard in the college classroom. When students are actively involved in a process, they learn the most. Researchers show that, regardless of the subject matter, students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats. Furthermore, students who work in collaborative groups also appear more satisfied with their classes. Although the benefits of collaborative learning are enormous, students are often filled with dread when they are assigned group work. The primary purpose of this course is to improve students' understanding of the principles of small group communication so that they may function more effectively in groups. This course is designed to allow students to learn how to actively engage in groups and improve their group communication skills through actual weekly group participation. The knowledge gained about groups, along with experiences participating in groups, will help students to become more comfortable, and more competent participants in the group communication process. This class will include learning through group work, interactive lectures, reading required text, weekly reflections and or quizzes on lectures and the textbook, and written assignments. Students final project will be to work in a semester long group where they create a community based learning project. Their projects will be displayed to educate the campus on their experiences and findings. Assessment: 50% on class participation, 25% on final project, 25% on quizzes, exams, papers and co-curricular assignments.

Thursday, Noon-1:40

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: I Can't Believe They Actually Believe That!
Instructor: Darryl Dietrich
Peer Mentor:
Section 001 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R noon-1:40

DESCRIPTION: Through exploration of topics such as extrasensory perception, near-death experiences, alien abductions, creationism, and holocaust denial, students will learn about skepticism as an approach to claims and beliefs. Students will also learn about the psychology of belief systems and how the science of psychology attempts to answer questions such as: Why do people believe weird things, and do smart people also believe weird things? Even when beliefs are not necessarily weird, why do people have such different beliefs about religion, politics, life-styles, etc.? What psychological needs do beliefs satisfy, and why do people differ in the ways they express and satisfy these needs? What is it about the certainty of our beliefs that leads us to argue with, proselytize, ridicule, be afraid of, or even persecute those with different beliefs? How can we live together with dignity at this college, in our communities, and in the world despite the diversity of our beliefs?

CLASS REQUIREMENTS: A one-page paper on the reading assignment for each class meeting. Regular, thoughtful participation in class discussions. One "go-fer" assignment, i.e., a search for answers to questions that come up in class. A five-page paper on an article from Skeptical Inquirer magazine (fall semester). One debate as part of a team (spring semester). Reflection essays on the outside-of-class activities required of all DGN sections. Mid-term and final exams.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Insights for Living in the Universe
Richard Townsend
Peer Mentor:
Section 005 Control size 23
R Noon-1:40pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an invitation to fall in love with life in all its depth, beauty, chaos, and creativity. To know ourselves more deeply and to experience our interconnectedness with all of the Universe are key parts of the journey. Through meditation practices, wandering outdoors, art and play, and the more traditional methods of reading, videos, lecture, and discussion, we will explore the endless possibilities of a love affair with all of Creation.

There is a very real sense of urgency in the material of this course, as human survival depends on a major shift in consciousness regarding our relationship with the natural world. The damage already done to other creatures and ecosystems and our relationships with them is nearly impossible to fully comprehend. The good news is that the very things we must do to turn things around involve rediscovering a childlike sense of awe and wonder, creativity and imagination, acknowledgment and honoring of all forms of life, and living in a way that celebrates and continues the 13.7 billion years of cosmic creativity that brought us here.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES: Body prayer in class (simple movement and breathing exercises); reading and discussing required texts; shared activities with other Dignitas classes; keeping a written journal; writing several short paper assignments; ritual of the Cosmic Story and Our Stories; creating safe, sacred space-classroom altars; going outdoors with the class; art and play (drumming, clay sculpture, drawing . . .).

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: What's Wrong with Bowling Alone? Does Community Engagement Make Things Better?
Instructor: George Killough
Peer Mentor: Margaret Marso
Section 008 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R Noon 1:40pm

Observers claim that Americans became less and less engaged in community life during the last third of the twentieth century. The trend is described and lamented in a book called Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam. How true is this claim? How serious is the problem? Are there any good causes or healthy consequences? What should be done?

The course will consider these questions, along with themes such as conformism, teamwork, Benedictinism, on-line communities, and individual freedom. Readings will include one novel and various stories and articles. There will be two short papers, some scratch essays, and much discussion.

Warning: The course is not about bowling.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Hip Hop and Human Dignity
Instructor: Chris Godsey
Section 014 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R Noon-1:40pm

The history, culture, and myriad social issues within and around hip hop music will be used as tools to illustrate and explore how some people seek, assert, interpret, and rob others of dignity. Quite a bit of emphasis will be placed on the history of African American musical creations the blues, country, jazz, rock & roll, hip hop, etc. in the United States, how that music often has been used to assert power and dignity unavailable in a culture that subtly and overtly denies it, and the consistent cycle of other cultures co opting, imitating, diluting, re interpreting, and furthering those genres. Discussion and concepts will frequently be applied to students' lives, interaction, own senses of dignity, perceptions of others' dignity, and ideas about human dignity as a broad concept.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Financial Health
Instructor: Rick Revoir
Peer Mentor:
Section 017 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R Noon-1:40pm

This course explores aspects of personal finance and how financial decisions affect your life and the lives of people around you. Students are expected to participate during class discussions. Weekly assignments combined with a few short papers make up the majority of the student's grade.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: I'll Have a Burger and Fries with Dignity on the Side
Instructor: Dana Moore
Peer Mentor: Rebecca Udermann
Section 018 Control size: 23
2 credits
R Noon-1:40pm

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the counter at McDonald's and other fast food restaurants? Have you ever thought about the origination of recipes in the family cookbook? Dignity and Food will explore the many facets of food, including, but not limited to the fast food industry, organic farming, diet fads, restaurant franchises and obesity.

Students in this section will read Fast Food Nation/Do You Want Lies With That? By Eric Schlosser and watch the film Super Size Me-a film of epic portions. This course is largely discussion based, with many oral presentations. There will be group work and reflection papers. Students will participate in field work and food preparation each semester.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Gods and Monsters: Religion, the Supernatural, and Youth Culture
Instructor: Neal Keye
Peer Mentor:
Section 019 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R Noon-1:40pm

This course will explore the turn to religion, fantasy, and the supernatural in American popular culture from the late 1980s onward. Whether one takes a critical look at the hit TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or films such as "The Lost Boys" and "The Matrix" trilogy, there has been a virtual explosion of angels, aliens, monsters and vampires in American film and TV. Beginning with a critical and historical look at the birth of the "gothic" in 19th century novels such as Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN, we will learn about what religion has to do with monsters, and vice versa. Along the way, we will also raise questions about the changing face of religion in American culture and society today, focusing on the question of why so many young Americans are turning to the supernatural and fantasy as supplements to "organized" religion. Students will write three short papers (4-5 pages) on the readings and films as well as keep a weekly journal (non-navel-gazing kind) on the films we view in class in order to help prep for class discussions.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Group Culture
Instructor: Steve Lyons
Peer Mentor:
Section 020 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R Noon-1:40pm

Human beings live and work with others. All during our lives we belong to different groups, some formal, some informal, some visible, some invisible. This class will examine the role of group membership in our lives, and its connection to our sense of identity and dignity as a person. We will examine some aspects of groups, and learn about group culture. Through this examination students will be asked to spend time with a group and report on their experiences. Students will also learn some principles of basic interviewing and counseling skills in order to research different aspects of the group experience. (Groups will be widely defined; some examples are people with lots of body piercing; skate boarders; bands, polar bear club members; etc.) The class will include learning through guest speakers, film, community contacts, group work, etc. Assessment: 50% on class participation, 25% on final project, 25% on papers and co-curricular assignments.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Exploring Life's Persistent Questions
Instructor: Meridel Kahl
Peer Mentor: Rachel Schmeltzer
Section 021 Control size: 23
2 Credits
R Noon-1:40pm

In this course we will read books (and view a film or two) that ask some of the persistent questions of human existence: What does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to love? What is the nature of true friendship? What does it mean to be an educated person? What should be our response to the ongoing reality of war? How do we balance commitments to ourselves with commitments to our families and our society? How can we--in the aftermath of huge losses--find our way out of despair? How can our experiences--no matter what they are--offer us opportunities for wonder and hope? If we, as a classroom community of readers, can accept the challenge of exploring answers to these questions, we can experience together the potential power of literature--literally the power to change our lives.

As a prerequisite for this course, students should enjoy reading novels since we will be reading seven or eight of them throughout the year. Students will be expected to take an active part in class discussions, write several reflection essays, and participate in out-of-class learning experiences. In addition, during spring semester students will learn how to write a readers theater script using passages from the literature we study together.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Voices in the Wilderness
Instructor: Steve Backus
Peer Mentor:
Section 003 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T/R Noon-12:50

Voices in the Wilderness: An exploration of things natural, wild and free as envisioned by civilization's discontents. Expect group work, class discussion, oral reports and at least one field trip. Evaluation is based upon several essays, an oral presentation and class participation. Readings may include Shakespeare's As You Like It, Krakauer's Into the Wild, Olson's Reflections from the North Country and Atwood's Surfacing.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Globalization and Health
Instructor: Mary Tanner
Peer Mentor:
Section 013 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T/R 1:00-1:50

The process of globalization has dramatically affected the health of all people. Global health, viewed as a human right, involves personal and population health issues, community problems and concerns that transcend national boundaries. This is a discussion oriented class; students will also write several short papers.

DGN 1101 The Responsible Self: Children, Poverty and Affluence
Instructor: Jay Newcomb
Peer Mentor:
Section 016 Control size: 23
2 Credits
T/R Noon-12:50

In this section of Dignitas, we will evaluate the state of childhood in Duluth, in the US, and in the world. We will visit with people who work with children living in poverty and with people concerned about marketing to children of affluence and the effects of consumerism on children. Students will write five short reflection papers (2-4 pages) on how to create dignity for all children through personal responsibility and social justice. Each student will be required to do a service learning project with a child one afternoon a week from 3:30-5:30 at Grant Elementary School.

Honors Sections of Dignitas

Students must have successfully interviewed for the Honors Program at CSS prior to enrolling in these sections.

HON 1111 The Responsible Self: Sports and Human Dignity
Instructor: Tom Zelman
Peer Mentor:
Section 02 Control size: 20
2 Credits
T Noon-1:40pm

What is human dignity and how is it reflected in the world of competitive sports? We have all seen examples of undignified behavior in sports--it's headline material. But what is dignified behavior and does it have a place in a win-at-all-costs profession?

Students in this section will read essays and articles (and perhaps a couple of novels) that comment on the intersection of sports and dignity. Required will be two essays, two speeches, and lots of class discussion.

HON 1111 The Responsible Self: Brave New Words - Dark Visions of the Human Condition
Instructor: Tom Morgan
Peer Mentor:
Section 001 Control size: 20
2 Credits
R Noon-1:40pm

In this course we will read classic and contemporary novels that describe ugly possibilities for our future. We will read these novels critically and perhaps compare them to recent non-fiction social and political commentary. We will read three novels/semester and watch a couple of films. The course sequence includes considerable class discussion, regular short reflection papers and two short text-based papers.