Current Classes
SUMMER 2009
MAIS 5231: Stereotyping and Prejudice
Four (4) Credit Hours – Summer 2009
Dates: Saturdays, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, and 15; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Faculty: Michelle Reyna Nario-Redmond, Assistant Professor. B.A., University of Tulsa; M.A., Ph.D., University of Kansas
Course description: This course is an analysis of social psychological theory and empirical research on stereotyping and prejudice. In this course, we will explore the development and causes of intergroup perceptions and antagonism; reasons for the persistence and prevalence of stereotypes and prejudice; ways in which feelings and beliefs about groups influence social perception and interaction; and possible ways to change group stereotypes or reduce prejudice. In examining these issues, the class will consider both the ways that individuals perceive themselves as members of groups and the ways that they perceive other groups.
This course begins with historical perspectives on stereotyping and prejudice and their impact on research approaches, definitions, and scientific values. Research on the origins, functions, judgment and behavioral consequences of stereotyping and prejudice will then be examined along with measurement strategies. We will review studies that focus on how stereotypes and prejudice influence the social perceiver, and those that focus on the targets of prejudice, their reactions to stigma, stereotype threat, and discrimination. The course culminates with mechanisms for reducing prejudice including theories that have led to recent interventions, criticisms of alternative approaches, and current directions in the field.
Several themes will be highlighted throughout the course, which are designed to support an integrative framework uniting the material that overviews of one the most expansive literatures in the discipline of social psychology. These themes include: (1) a critical analysis of research assumptions and methodologies, (2) the central role of self in the perception of and behavior toward others as a function of shared group memberships; (3) the distinct influences exerted by automatic and controlled processes in the maintenance and reduction of stereotypical thinking; (4) the impact of group identity, perceived threat, and status quo justification strategies on intergroup phenomena; and (5) the functions/goals served by stereotypes /prejudice for both the individual and the social system in which individuals operate.
MAIS 5241: Tragedy, Morality and National Identity
Four (4) Credit Hours – Summer 2009
Dates: Monday and Thursday June 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, and 29; 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Faculty: Willard Greenwood, Assistant Professor of English. B.A., University of Maine; M.A., Georgia State University; Ph.D., Purdue University.
Course description: By looking at selected novels, we will look at the ways in which Cormac McCarthy, one of our greatest living novelists, re-considers and considers America’s past, present and future. Reading Pagels, Nietzsche, and Slotkin will give depth to our McCarthy’s portrayal of violence, godlessness, godliness, and tragic destiny of humanity.
In particular, this course will look at the ways in which McCarthy mixes religion and philosophy with the genres of the bildungsroman, the western, the crime novel, and the apocalyptic novel.
McCarthy’s main genre is the fictional novel, yet many of his novels are thoroughly researched, so an examination of some secondary sources will be appropriate in order to give the reading of his works a full context. While McCarthy is a contemporary novelist, he eschews, the novel’s current, dominant mode, social realism. McCarthy’s characters tend to be symbolic and his plots reflect classic and universal themes, yet he is clearly writing for a popular audience. By writing in this mode, McCarthy addresses our ongoing national and literary history with God, Violence, and Morality. The course will examine how these three classical notions are uniquely American.
Consideration will be given to the author’s improbable rise to national prominence after living in relative obscurity and poverty for most of his life. Consideration will also be given to novels that have been adapted into film.
MAIS 5262: Pursuit of Happiness
Four (4) Credit Hours – Summer 2009
Dates: Monday, June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, and 20; 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Faculty: James L. Laux, Adjunct Faculty. B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Course description: What is happiness? Is it something which can actually be "pursued"? If so, how? What are the factors which contribute to human happiness? Inhibit it? What can we do, as a practical matter, to increase happiness (both our own and others')? Isn't the topic just trendy and frivolous? An increasing cadre of scholars from a variety of disciplines, not to mention the "founding fathers" of the United States don't/didn't think so. (e.g. "We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (italics added).
Possible topics:
1. "What's in a name?": Perspectives on the nature of happiness.
2. "An age old question": The history of the notion of happiness.
3. "Happy here, happy there”: Cross-cultural views of happiness.
4. "Born happy": The genetic/biological basis of happiness.
5. "Can't buy happiness": The economics/politics of happiness.
6. "Happy is as happy does": The behavioral/psychological basis of happiness.
7. "Learn to be happy": Developing happiness in oneself and others.
MAIS 5381: Independent Study
One to four (1-4) Credit Hours
MAIS 5580: Capstone
One to four (1-4) Credit Hours – Summer 2009
Pass/No Credit
Dates: Tuesday, May 19, June 2, 16 and 30. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Faculty: Vivien Sandlund, Assistant Professor of History. B.A., M.A., M.Ed., University of Massachusetts; Ph.D., Emory University.
"The capstone is the highest rock or mount of a structure. In doorways the capstone locks or wedges the rest of the rocks tightly together."
Course description: The Capstone Project creates opportunities for reflection, demonstration of competence in meeting self imposed milestones for completing the Capstone Project, integration of the individual’s experience of doing interdisciplinary work, and peer editing of the Capstone Project. Individuals must have the Proposal for the Capstone Project approved by the Graduate Studies Council prior to enrolling in the Capstone Project.
FALL 2009
Interdisciplinary Seminar (6 credits): These courses introduce methods of interdisciplinary study and skills for critical reading, research, writing, and discussion needed for successful completion of the MAIS program.
MAIS 5175: What is Tradition?
Six (6) semester hours - Fall 2009
August 29, September 12, 26, October 10, 24, November 7, 21 and December 5
Faculty:
Kara Ellis Skora, Visiting Professor of Religious Studies. B.A., Harvard; Ph.D., University of Virginia.
Jeffrey Wanser, Coordinator of Government Documents & Collection Development, Hiram College Library. B.A. Adelphi University; M.A. SUNY-Binghamton; M.L.S. University of Pittsburgh
(330) 559-5358 (office)
Course Description
Remarking on the seemingly ironic response of many peoples in recent times who consciously return to the cultural patterns of their forebears, John and Jean Comaroff surmise, "'Modernity' seems to have bred a heightened concern with 'tradition'." This phenomenon challenges us to examine the development of this much-used term, "tradition," as well as its components (ritual, cultural identity, religion, experience, heritage, values, etc.) and the current issues affecting it (globalization, modernization). In this course, we will approach the core concept of "tradition" from two disciplinary standpoints, anthropology and religious studies, both of which contribute to a critical understanding of exactly what "tradition" is. How is it constructed, contested, changed, and transmitted? How does it work within a society? And, what can it mean to a people?
Elective Course (4 credits):
MAIS 5258: Depression Economics
Four (4) semester hours – Fall 2009
August 29, September 12, 26, October 10, 24, November 7, 21
Faculty:
Ugur Aker, Professor of Economics and Management. B.A., Robert College, Istanbul, Turkey;
M.A., Wayne State University; Ph.D. Wayne State University.
(330) 569-5142 akerus@hiram.edu
Course Description
2008 was a financially shocking year. Many iconic banks and investment banks disappeared almost overnight, their hallowed names being swept into the dustbin of history. For most of the year, people from Main Street watched these unfoldings in amazement without realizing the impact these events will have on their own lives. The tsunami of bankruptcies and layoffs has started to affect Main Street. The course is planned to provide a framework to understand the inconceivable happenings in the financial realm and to evaluate the proposals using basic economic principles.
Subjects to be covered
Discussion of the Great Depression; explanation of Keynesian economics; objections to Keynesian economics; measurement and analysis of the recent crisis; recommendations and evaluations of policies undertaken.
MAIS 5381: Independent Study
One to four (1-4) Credit Hours
MAIS 5579: Proposal Development & MAIS 5580: Capstone
One to four (1-4) Credit Hours
Pass/No Credit
“The capstone is the highest rock or mount of a structure. In doorways the capstone locks or wedges the rest of the rocks tightly together.”
Course description: Just as in the definition of a capstone as an architectural element unifying and supporting a physical structure, these courses create opportunities for reflection, assessment, integration and demonstration of competence to unify and support the individual’s experience in the MAIS Program. Students choose a topic of personal and/or professional interest and work with individual faculty to develop their capstone proposals and complete their projects. The Capstone finale is a public presentation of the projects.