Self, Society, and the Modern World

Description

The courses in this domain focus on the mutual impact of society and culture on individuals and of individuals on society and culture. Particular attention is given to human relationships and behavior as they are influenced by social, economic and political institutions, spatial and geographical factors, and the events and social and cultural forces of modernity. How these impact leaders, moral exemplars, decision-makers, and ordinary citizens is especially of interest. This learning domain is concerned with such issues as the role of power and the bases of inequality in society and in international relations. It examines individual cognition, feelings, and behavior as they affect the well being of members of society, relationships, and collective life. Courses in the domain explore such particular issues as poverty and economic opportunity, the environment, nationalism, racism, individual alienation, gender differences, and the bases of conflict and consensus in complex, urban societies and in global relations. The domain examines the processes of human development and learning and the importance of culture in everyday life. It emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge on such matters through the development of theory and the application of methods of inquiry that draw on the empirical investigation of the modern world.

Meeting Liberal Studies Program Goals

The Four Emphases:

Courses in this domain should allow students to reflect upon the social, economic, political, psychological and cultural phenomena that surround them, to facilitate the development of a consciousness of the modern world. These courses should enhance the student’s critical thinking skills through the development of theory and/or methodological investigation that draw on empirical observations. These courses should foster respect and understanding for diversity of social, economic, political, psychological and cultural experiences.

The Nine Pedagogical Characteristics:

Courses in this domain should satisfy one or more of these characteristics which the Liberal Studies Council has singled out for encouragement:

1. writing intensive experiences;
   
2. the use of quantitative methods in courses not usually associated with such approached;
   
3. the use of active learning pedagogies;
   
4. the use of group projects;
   
5. an original research requirement;
   
6. an emphasis on original rather than secondary works;
   
7. a course structure designed to utilize the resources of the urban area;
   
8. courses with a service learning component;
   
9. courses that offer an interdisciplinary perspective.

Criteria for Inclusion

SSMW courses should demonstrate at least one learning outcome in each category.

Substantive Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will use the constructs of power, diversity, and/or culture to describe examples of where, why and how inequities exist in modern society.
   
   
2. Students will be able to frame a theory about the relationship between individuals and modern society.
   
   
3. Students will be able to analyze central institutions and/ or underlying social structures and their impact on the larger society.

Methodological & Critical Thinking Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to articulate an argument based on theory and empirical evidence regarding the modern world.
   
   
2. Students will be able to analyze critically research and arguments about the modern world.

Personal/Reflective Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to reflect, in writing, upon their role in the modern world, including their relationship to their own and/or other communities.
   
   
2. Students will be able to analyze social problems and public policies on the basis of ethics and values.