american studies 507
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course objectives

  • This course will familiarize students with the literature pertaining to diverse sets of cultural theories grouped around the intersection of globalization, postcolonial structures and digital technologies in relation to cultural, legal and ethical formations, structures, and practices.
  • Students will become conversant in the general theories relating to cultural studies and specifically relate them to the legal and cultural battles that have been and continue to be waged in the name of technology and culture.
  • Students will become familiar with the dominant discourses that frame these debates and will be able to critically analyze their limits and possibilities in seminar as well as in written assignments.
  • To achieve an overview of the complex relationships between global structures and histories, diverse sets of digital technologies, local cultures protocols and histories and current digital divides/uses.
  • Students will articulate themselves in both oral and written discourse that will require them to become familiar with, and employ, various theoretical analyses through class discussion and facilitation, formal presentations, and academic written discourse through graduate seminar papers and presentations.

course requirements

Participation
    Come to class with the readings done prepared to actively participate in class discussions. Class will be run in a seminar-style with the    
    expectation that students will actively engage in and drive the discussions.

Blogging
    Actively participate in online blogging, which includes adding your own posts and commenting on other student’s posts. Each student will be     given specific dates and topics for discussion.

Short Papers
    Papers should be about 1-2 pages. First summarize the readings in 1-2 paragraphs, providing insight into what you learned from the
    reading,then move on to critically analyzing at least one main point made by the author. Here you can unpack a significant point, sentence or     example. Conclude by listing at least two follow up questions for seminar discussion.

Reading Facilitation

    Come to class prepared to discuss what you read and have questions prepared to facilitate discussions with the class. Each student will be    
    responsible for two facilitations during the semester during which they will be expected to lead the class in engaged    
    discussion of the readings. Do not summarize or present. This is a discussion.

Project Proposals
    Students will also produce a final research project proposal that engages the themes of the class, presents a literature review and develops
    research questions, a methodological framework and a schedule for completion. Proposals should include:
  • Statement of guiding research questions
  • Literature review
  • Methodology statement
  • Trajectory of main research questions
  • Specific links to class readings, discussions and themes

Project Presentations
    Students will give a 20-25 min presentation at the end of the semester based on their project proposals. Presentations will be professional
    and give a full sense of the project as well as its relation to the class themes and discussions.

miscellaneous and must do...

Student evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their critical engagement with the reading assignments, the sophistication and rigor of their written assignments and the professional quality of their oral presentations. Final grades will be assigned accordingly:

Facilitations                                15%
Participation/Blogging                  15%   
Lightening Presentation                 5%
Project Presentation                      5%
Weekly papers                            35%
Project Proposal                          25%


Assignments
No late assignments are accepted except in the case of a documented emergency, a documented university sponsored event or a documented observance of a religious holiday.  

Plagiarism and academic dishonesty 

Students who violate the University’s policies on plagiarism and academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action including: failure of the specific assignment and/or failure of the class.  Plagiarism includes not providing proper citation for ANY work including information found on any website, book, pamphlet, etc. Or copying in full or part someone else’s work (including fellow students). If you do not understand the seriousness of plagiarism and academic dishonesty, and the importance of avoiding those behaviors, I recommend that you read WSU's Academic Integrity Policy (WSU Student Handbook, WAC 504-26-202—Acts of Dishonesty and WAC 504-26-010--Definitions).
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