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Freshman Seminars (UCOL 1022)

Freshman students often find it reassuring to have assistance in making transition from high school to college. Experiences with new intellectual standards, new social relationships, and new responsibilities are challenging. Perhaps the biggest challenge is finding the necessary support to successfully make these adjustments.

Through a series of FRESHMAN SEMINARS, students have an opportunity to discover a unique support system while making a successful transition to college learning. Each seminar features exploration of a specific topic with an outstanding instructor and a mentor group.

FRESHMAN SEMINARS offer the following advantages:

1. study of a topic of special interest to an outstanding professor who has a unique perspective on the subject and is enthusiastic about sharing knowledge with freshmen
2. a small class (maximum enrollment is 25 students)
3. personal interaction with an experienced and carefully selected professor
4. an opportunity to learn how to succeed as a college student by "learning how to learn" about a particular field

Below is a list, followed by brief descriptions within topic area, of FRESHMAN SEMINARS. All FRESHMAN SEMINARS are 2-credit-hour, letter-graded electives. Your academic advisor can answer questions about seminars during enrollment, or you may call Dr. Alice Lanning, Director of Freshman Programs, University College, 405.325.3967 or email her at alanning@ou.edu.

Seminars for Spring 2009, UCOL 1022

Section 001

Music in Film: From Beethoven to Star Wars

Instructor: Brian Nossaman, Tuesday/Thursday, 1:30-2:45 pm, Wagner 235

The Empire Strikes Back, Forrest Gump and The Incredibles: Do you ever wonder why there is something more to movies than just acting, directing, or the visual aspect? Do you enjoy the music or soundtrack from the movies almost as much as the movie itself? Music has been linked with film since the beginning of the motion picture, and this type of music has developed into a serious and significant genre. The Seminar will present an overview of the different genres of music and film and how music affects the overall quality and importance of a film. Also, we will sample music that demonstrates how it can shape the involvement and influence the aesthetic experience for the viewer. No previous music experience is required.

Section 002

The 9-11 Trigger: Military Operations in Afghanistan

Professor: Shad Satterthwaite, Tuesday/Thursday, 3:00-3:50 pm, Wagner 235

On September 11, 2001, a group of hijackers carried out the most sophisticated and devastating terrorist attacks in history. The operation included four high value and symbolic targets carefully selected in the United States. Thousands were killed and a nation was stunned. Prior to that time, the United States was considered one of safest and most open countries in the world. Could this outcome have been avoided? How did such a complex and deadly event come to fruition? The key to answering these questions comes from an understanding of the context from which the planning and carrying out of these attacks evolved. This course examines the very roots of the 9-11 attacks tracing them to the rise of a terrorist network operating inside Afghanistan. The course includes a look at Afghanistan’s history and its volatile governments that eventually gave way to Soviet domination and civil war. Covert operations by the CIA had an impact on the Soviets who withdrew their forces, leaving a power vacuum and a host of war lords vying to fill it. We will chart the emergence of the Taliban and their convenient alliance with the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. We will look at hijacking operations including details of the 9-11 attacks and will also examine the 9-11 aftermath as well as the U.S. response. A great deal of attention will be given to U.S. military and coalition operations currently taking place in Afghanistan as well as ongoing efforts to rebuild this war torn country. Finally, we will consider global security implications touching briefly on the war in Iraq and other components of American foreign policy.

Section 003

Introduction to Rehabilitative Services: Finding Your Future in Helping People

Instructors: Susan Tucker and Cyndy Robinson, Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30-10:20 am, Wagner 135

Introduction to Rehabilitative Services is designed to provide information to undergraduate students regarding the role of Rehabilitative Services in quality of life and health. The course will guide students in discovering the professional competencies, shared theoretical models, historical foundations, and service delivery systems of Rehabilitative Services. Through exploration of careers in rehabilitation sciences, the course is also intended to recruit highly qualified students from diverse backgrounds into the occupational therapy and physical therapy professions. As a Freshman Seminar, this course thoroughly explores the impact of Rehabilitative Services on quality of life and health. The course specifically compares and contrasts the professions of occupational therapy and physical therapy over the 16-seek semester and involves students in observation experiences of the two professions.

Section 004

The CIA and Congress: Can a democracy control its intelligence agencies, while at the same time ensuring their effectiveness?

Professor: David Ray, Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00-9:50 am, Wagner 140

This course will examine : (1) Can a democracy control its intelligence agencies? (2) How can the U.S. increase the effectiveness of its current intelligence agencies? Most people would agree that, in the post 9/11 world, the United States needs intelligence agencies like the CIA, with the capacity to acquire information and conduct secret operations. But how can such clandestine organizations be monitored and controlled by a democratic and open institution like the U.S. Congress? We will attempt to answer that question by studying
congressional oversight of U.S. intelligence agencies from 1947 to the present. We will give consideration to CIA covert operations at specific times in Iran, Cuba, Vietnam, and Nicaragua among others; we will also give detailed consideration to U.S. covert operations in Afghanistan from 1979-1990, in central Asia and Iraq during the 1990s, and in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Finally, the course examines two major recent intelligence failures: (a) the failure to predict and prevent the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, and (b) the incorrect assessment of Iraq’s access to weapons of mass destruction prior to the 2003 war. Each of these failures was the subject of two major investigations. The course will briefly consider the findings of these investigations and ask whether or not their concerns were fully addressed by the intelligence reorganization Congress enacted in December, 2004, and the appointment of the first National Intelligence Director in mid-2005.

Section 005

Comics

Instructor: Jeff Provine, Tuesday/Thursday, 2:00-2:50 pm, Wagner 135

This course will look at the medium of comics and how they can be used for humor, storytelling, and even social change. First, the class will look into the historical development of comics from Revolutionary era political cartoons to the newspaper strips of the early 1900s, to comic books and their heyday in the mid-twentieth century. The first project, a research paper, will be focused on looking in-depth at a particular historical cartoonist. From there, the class will begin an analysis of what comics are today in newspapers, in graphic novels, and as the new phenomenon of web comics. The second project will be a group research project and presentation about a contemporary cartoonist, studying especially how he/she goes about creating works. Then with an idea of how the process works, students will begin to create their own comics as devices for themes and storytelling, providing a firsthand look at what it takes to generate knowledge, meet deadlines, and combine creativity and structure for productivity.

Section 006

Abnormal Psychology in Film

Instructor: Dustin Adamo, Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00-11:50 am, Wagner 140

From Psycho to Fight Club, the fascinating aspects of abnormal psychology have been a popular topic of exciting, funny, and frightening Hollywood movies for decades. How are these movies beneficial for learning about abnormal psychology? How might they be harmful? Learn about abnormal psychology while exploring and analyzing how Hollywood movies have depicted the field and those who are affected by these disorders. Assignments will include viewing and critically analyzing films which feature characters affected by abnormal psychological disorders, as well as creating an “on-screen” character of your own.

Text: Abnormal Psychology, Susan Nolen-Hoeksema

Section 007

American Politics through the Director's Lens

Professor: Margaret Ellis, Tuesday/Thursday, 2:00-2:50 pm, Wagner 140

This course will review the powerful influence of movies and television on American politics. While most people view these as simply forms of entertainment, the study of films and television shows can deepen our understanding of politics and culture in the United States. We will consider political ambition, electoral politics, the nature of political leadership, and the role of the media in America to deepen our understanding of the political process and political culture in this nation.

Section 008

Food for Thought

Professor: Dana Cesar, Monday/Wednesday 3:30-4:20 pm, Wagner 135

Oklahoma is one of the “hungriest states in the nation.” As fuel prices rise, so does the cost of planting, harvesting and transporting food. You can help solve the climate and energy crisis while affecting child hunger in Oklahoma. In this service-learning course, students will be introduced to a variety of professions while cultivating community gardens or edible schoolyards. Students will explore the cultural, historical, political, economic and scientific aspects of food while providing rich, sensorial, hands-on experiences to schoolchildren. Through the class we will think about majors and career opportunities while practicing earth stewardship, good nutrition and self-sufficiency in local food production.

Section 009

 Freshman-15: Weighty Issues of Self-esteem & Body Image

Professor: Yaisa Mann, Monday/Wednesday, 1:30-2:20 pm, Wagner 145

This foundation course will explore body image, a hot topic for both men and women in college. We will use an interdisciplinary approach to look at different cultural experiences relating to body image. We will address questions such as: 1. Why is there so much focus on body image in our society? 2. Where does the notion of an “ideal” body come from? 3. How does the ideal image of a female’s body differ among cultures? 4. How does this compare to the ideal image of a man’s body? 5. Who controls the images that we see? 6. What does self-esteem mean for females from different racial/ethic groups in different social settings? 7. What defines beauty? 8. Is there any relationship between beauty and popularity, or beauty and self-esteem? To answer these questions, the class will use media, cultural traditions, and fashion trends. Through guest lectures/speakers, film, music, and homework assignments that include reading responses and small groups, we will focus on various ways females deal with these external pressures, which can lead to plastic surgery, eating disorders, and damaged self esteem. Our class meetings will be devoted to discussions of the reading that we do together and of the films that we will watch.

Section 010

Personal Finance

Instructor: Brad Burnett, Tuesday/Thursday 12:30-1:20 pm, Wagner 145

This course is designed to give students a basic knowledge of personal finance and money management, covering topics such as tax planning, consumer credit, investing, and other monetary issues that directly affect college students. Students will take an active role in the course by applying lessons and assignments to their own personal situations. Skills learned in this course will apply to every student from every walk of life and will be useful for them throughout their entire lives.

Section 011

Getting Down to Business

Instructor: Charlene Streller, Monday/Wednesday, 11:30am-12:20pm, Wagner 145

The primary goals of “Taking Care of Business!” are to inform students about specific business majors, to provide students with specific life skills necessary for success in a business environment, and to become familiar with and utilize campus academic support resources. This is accomplished by investigation of business practices in various academic areas, exploration of specific academic skills and tools, and practical application of business etiquette. Students will gain the tools necessary to successfully navigate through OU and Price Business College. They will be able to present an outstanding resume for internships, scholarships, and their first career position.

Section 012

Do What You Are

Instructor: Sue Marshall, Tuesday/Thursday, 1:30-2:45 pm, Wagner 240

With so much information at our fingertips and so many choices to make, it can be difficult to decide on a major field of study and how to choose a career. This class will guide you through a step-by-step process that will help make these important decisions with confidence. We will use tools designed to assist you to understand yourself and your preferences, complete assignments that involve exploring options, look for opportunities to “try out” a career, and develop a plan that you can use to reach graduation with a planned and timely program.

Section 013

Meaning of Sex

Instructor: Joe Marshall, Tuesday/Thursday, 12:00-1:15 pm, Wagner 240

Each individual has a personal definition of the meaning of sex and that is as it should be. Often through reading, discussions with others, and introspections, however, new facets are added. Families, groups, and the culture in general influence the views of the individual. Society’s ideas of the meaning of sex tend to change over time, and different societies at the same time have different ideas. The importance of the “meaning of sex” is played out in many situations such as the first sexual experience; sex before, during, and after marriage; the way we look at the sexual practices of our parents, our children and other family members; and our views of the sexual practices of public figures. There will be independent research, group activities, guest speakers, a cultural activity to attend, a final, and a term paper. The expectation is that the course will be academically challenging, yet fun and exciting.



Archive of Fall 2008 courses