Foundational Interdisciplinary Sequence
Fall 2012–Winter 2013
The following courses are taken over two semesters, with six credits each semester:
Islamic Middle East
Making of Europe
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NOTE: The course syllabi are representative syllabi based upon prior iterations of the courses. Courses vary in design from year to year and from instructor to instructor. The syllabi for the sections in which students enroll may differ in significant respects from the syllabi posted here.
Fall Semester: HNR 209 and 210, section 01: Islamic Middle East I
Winter Semester: HNR 219 and 220, section 01: Islamic Middle East II
Schedule: MW 12:00 – 2:45
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 211, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS (**Please also note that this class will apply 6 credits to the Middle East Studies minor, it will waive MES 201 and an addiitonal 3 credits.)
Coeli Fitzpatrick, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Sebastian Maisel, Professor of Modern Languages
Fall: This course looks at the rise of Islam from the hot desert of the Arabian Peninsula and traces its development and expansion through the region and beyond until the decline of the last Islamic Caliphate, the Ottoman Empire. Students will learn about the world that was Muhammad’s birthplace, and answers to questions about him and the new religion of Islam. What was the world of Mecca and Medina like before Muhammad? What did this new religion change? How did was the message of the Qur’an revealed and received? What does the Qur’an really say? How did the Muslims conquer the Middle East so quickly—did they ride through the region with swords in one hand and Qur’ans in the other? How did Muslims and Middle Eastern Christians and Jews experience the Crusades? What is it like to view these historical events through their eyes? In answering these and many other questions, we will explore the rich cultural, literary, philosophical and artistic legacy created by the Muslims in this period called the Classical period of Islam.
Winter: The decline of the last Islamic Caliphate, the Ottoman Empire, used to be described by historians as a history of “the sick man of Europe.” The final demise of the sick man happens after WW I, and it is a period of immense change in the Middle East—indeed it is the period where the “Middle East” and many of its countries are invented—with the border lines of some countries literally drawn up by European politicians. These massive changes leave their marks everywhere in the society: Islam undergoes a major reform, socially and politically and comes to be a vehicle of resistance towards outside interference; Muslim modernizers and revivalists struggles over the influence of Islam within society; Allah’s gift of oil to the Arabs and Muslims is discovered; new literary genres are developed and we see the rise of the Arabic novel; the state of Israel is created; the feminist movement begins and women demand more rights; all citizens demand representation. But most of the Middle East today is still governed by monarchies and dictators—why? And what about terrorists from the Middle East? The Western world views the Middle East as a hotbed of fanatical Muslims. What truth is there to this view? What do average Muslims think about the West? This sequel to HNR 209/210 explores the modern Middle East in all its fascinating aspects: religion, culture, society, literature, history. This makes reading the news much more relevant and interesting!
Fall Semester: HNR 211 and 212, section 01: Classical World I
Winter Semester: HNR 221 and 222, section 01: Classical World II
NOTE: You must take section 01 for both semesters
Schedule: MWF 1:00-2:50
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 203, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Peter Anderson, Associate Professor of Classics
Barbara Flaschenriem, Associate Professor of Classics
This course takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the history, literature, intellectual history, philosophy, and arts of the Classical period with emphasis on Greeks and Romans. This approach includes close and extensive reading of primary sources (such as literary texts and artifacts) and secondary sources (including history and art history textbooks).
Click here for 211/212 sample syllabus
Click here for 221/222 sample syllabus
Fall Semester: HNR 211 and 212, section 02: Classical World I
Winter Semester: HNR 221 and 222, section 02: Classical World II
NOTE: You must take section 02 for both semesters.
Schedule: MWF 1:00-2:50
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 203, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Charles Pazdernik, Associate Professor of Classics
Diane Rayor, Professor of Classics
This course takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the history, literature, intellectual history, philosophy, and arts of the Classical period with emphasis on Greeks and Romans. This approach includes close and extensive reading of primary sources (such as literary texts and artifacts) and secondary sources (including history and art history textbooks).
American Civilization, section 01
**AS OF MAY 22, 2012 THIS CLASS IS FULL FOR FALL/WINTER 2012-2013**
Fall Semester: HNR 213 and 214, section 01: American Civilization I
Winter Semester: HNR 223 and 224, section 01: American Civilization II
NOTE: You must take section 01 for both semesters.
Schedule: MWF 9:00-10:50
Fulfill: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, U.S. Diversity, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Kelly Ross, Associate Professor of English
Douglas Montagna, Associate Professor of History
NOTE: This sequence fulfills certain requirements for students who plan to major in History, English, or Social Studies (and/or with Secondary Education Certification); namely HST 205, HST 206, ENG 225 and ENG 226.
This course provides a survey of American history, literature, and intellectual progress from European Colonization through Reconstruction.
European Civilization, section 01
Fall Semester: HNR 215/216, section 01: European Civilization I
Winter Semester: HNR 225/226, section 01: European Civilization II
Note: You must take section 01 for both semesters.
Schedule: TR 10:00-12:45
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 204, ENG 221, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Gretchen Galbraith, Associate Professor of History
David Eick, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures
This course examines the sweeping political and cultural changes taking place in Europe from the 1630s through the 1790s, from the laying of the groundwork of absolute monarchy through its downfall at the end of the eighteenth century. Studying history and literature in tandem will yield insights into the ways in which governments attempted to maintain their prerogatives while writers challenged dominant ideologies and promoted new values like tolerance of difference, freedom of thought and expression, equality and human rights. While we examine these sweeping changes, we will also delve deeply into the period of the French Revolution. Working with materials from the “Reacting to the Past” (RTTP) consortium, we will plunge into the intellectual, political, and ideological currents that surged through revolutionary Paris in 1791. Students will lead major factions within the National Assembly (and in the streets outside) as it struggles to create a constitution amidst internal chaos and threats of foreign invasion. Will the king retain power? Will the priests of the Catholic Church obey the “general will” of the National Assembly or the dictates of the pope? Do traditional institutions and values constitute restraints on freedom and individual dignity or are they its essential bulwarks? Is violence a legitimate means of changing society or of purging it of dangerous enemies? As we wrestle with these questions, students will hone skills —speaking, writing, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork—in order to prevail in difficult and complicated situations. Throughout the semester, we will explore the how the lives and work of ordinary people, writers, artists and musicians both reflected and shaped these historical events.
European Civilization, section 02
Fall Semester: HNR 215/216, section 03: European Civilization I
Winter Semester: HNR 225/226, section 03 European Civilization II
NOTE: You must take section 02 for both semesters.
Schedule: TR 1:00-3:45
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 204, ENG 221, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Grace Coolidge, Associate Professor of History
Diane Wright, Professor of Modern Languages
This course will examine the development of European Civilization from the Medieval period through 1800 through the reading and discussion of representative literary works and historical documents. We will take special consideration of the perspective of the Iberian Peninsula , given its unique historical and geographical position as the cultural crossroad of East and West, where the three “peoples of the book” coexisted in complex patterns of harmony and tension. In addition to becoming familiar with the main literary genres and currents (early lyric poetry, development of narrative fiction, courtly love, picaresque fiction, drama) in their historical contexts (the Black Plague, the Reformation and Counter Reformation, the Inquisition, Scientific Revolution, etc.) we will also listen to the voices of individual Christians, Muslims and Jews in order to address such issues as: the creation of the other, the marginal status (of minorities and women) and the formation of identity (social, cultural, and religious). We will compare and contrast Spain to the rest of Europe, learning about its uniqueness as well as about the common ties that bind it to the mainland. We will begin by examining the forms of interaction among the three groups in Medieval Europe that will then lead us to examine the marginalization and portrayal of Jews and Muslims. The ultimate objective is to gain an understanding of early Europe both historically and culturally as well as confront the often conflictive and complex nature and cultural transformations that were experienced through the Early Modern period.
Fall Semester: HNR 280, section 05 and 06: Focus on Asia I
Winter Semester: HNR 280, section 05 and 06: Focus on Asia II
NOTE: You must take sections one and two for both semesters.
Schedule: MW 3:00-5:45
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 203, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Craig Benjamin, Associate Professor of History
Yan Liang, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures
This course explores the history and culture of China, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia between c. 50,000 BCE and today. For a long time East Asian history and culture was neglected in mainstream Western education systems, but over recent decades we have come to realize the fundamental significance of this region to global history. China has the longest continuous history of any civilization, and for millennia was the wealthiest and most powerful empire on Earth. Today one-fifth of the world’s population lives in China, a nation undergoing rapid economic growth and social and political transformation. China now has the second largest economy on the world, and Japan the third. This course explores the extraordinary technological and philosophical contributions the eastern regions of Eurasia have made to world culture through a detailed consideration of the political, military, economic and cultural history of China and the other major eastern hemisphere nations.
During the first semester, Professor Benjamin explores the rich history of China from the Paleolithic Era to the Tang Dynasty, including China’s engagement with ancient Central Asia. At the same time, Professor Liang will offer a comprehensive overview of the literature of China from ancient times through to the twenty-first century. In the second semester, Professor Benjamin follows Chinese history from the Tang Dynasty through to today, and also investigates the long and fascinating history of Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. At the same time, Professor Robinson will offer a comprehensive overview of the literature and culture of Korea and Japan. By the end of this two-semester course students will have gained a deep understanding and appreciation of the fascinating 50,000 year-long history of this dynamic region, and the extraordinary contributions its peoples have made to global culture. This course fulfills the General Education Program's Foundations (Philosophy and Literature Emphasis) and World Perspective (Culture Emphasis), and WRT 150 designations. You will also learn how to research and write extensive and rigorous research essays.
Winter Semester: HNR 274/275, section 01
Schedule: MW 3:00-5:45
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, HST 204, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Corinna McLeod, Associate Professor of English
Steeve Buckridge, Associate Professor of History
This course surveys the history of African civilizations to the nineteenth century. It will concentrate on the political, economic, cultural, and social development of specific African societies before European conquest of the continent. The course will be more thematic than chronological. The course will open with a discussion of the myths associated with African people and will explore a wide range of topics such as migration, languages, religious concepts, dress, art, social organization, and the process of state formation particularly in East and West Africa. The class will also examine the spread of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in Africa. Other topics will include the Atlantic Slave trade, slavery in Africa, gender and the division of labor. The course format will include lectures, papers, group discussions as well as audio-visuals and music. This course is the first part of the two-part survey of African History specifically designed for Honors.
Fall Semester: HNR 280 11 and 12 History of Science I
Winter Semester: HNR 280 11 and 12 History of Science II
NOTE: You must take sections 11 and 12 for both semesters.
Schedule: TR 8:30-11:15
Fulfills: Arts, History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS
Sheldon Kopperl, Professor of Biomedical Sciences
Andrew D. Spear, Assistant Professor of Philosophy
This first semester of a two semester sequence will explore the history, philosophy, literature, and the arts of Europe in an integrated set of two courses that will focus on the history and philosophy of science and technology as its emphasis. However, we shall be looking at other aspects of the history of the period as well. These will include but by no means be limited to: the response to the Black Death of the mid-fourteenth century, the Renaissance, the impact of the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the impact of the Protestant Reformation and its destabilizing effect on European history for the next 150 years.
Click here for the HNR 280 sections 07/08 fall syllabus.
Click here for the HNR 280 sections 07/08 winter syllabus.
Fall Semester: HNR 280 Sections 07, 08
Winter Semester: HNR 280 Sections 07, 08
Fulfills: History, Philosophy & Literature, World Perspectives, WRT 150 (with B or better), SWS, Physical Science
Schedule: TR 2:30-5:15
Craig Benjamin, Associate Professor of History
Everything that exists has a history: each person, plant, animal and object, our planet, and the entire universe. Each of these histories offers valuable insights; but collectively they reveal even more. Big history weaves evidence and perspectives from many scientific and historical disciplines into a single, accessible origin story – one that explores who we are, how we got here, how we are connected to everything around us, and where we may be heading. Big History examines these connected histories on very large scales across long time frames through a multidisciplinary approach focused on both the history of the non-human world, and on the major adaptations and alterations in the human experience.
This Big History course will examine the past on the largest possible time scale: it begins with the origins of the universe, and goes on to tell a series of linked stories about the origins of stars and planets, of life on earth, the emergence of human beings, and the various types of human societies that have existed up to the present day. History on this sort of scale encourages each of us to consider our place in the global world of the twenty-first century, and to think of how we might contribute to the future of that world. Both semesters of the course will be taught by Professor Benjamin, who is a leading big historian and a member of the Executive of the International Big History Association. He will be joined throughout the course by ten different professors from various academic disciplines who will bring their expertise to the course through a series of guest lectures. This course fulfills the General Education Program's Foundations (Historical Perspectives and Social Science Emphasis) and World Perspective (Culture Emphasis), and WRT 150 and one SWS designations. You will also learn how to research and write extensive and rigorous research essays in a range of scientific and historical subjects.
Fall Semester: HNR 280 section 04 (Must also enroll in a section of Live, Learn, Lead)
Winter Semester: HNR 280 sections 03 and 04
Schedule (First Semester): MWF 12-12:50
Schedule (Second Semester): MWF 11-11:50 and 12-12:50
Fulfills: Arts, History, SWS, World Perspectives, Social Science (or Philosophy & Literature if needed)
Jeremiah Cataldo, Assistant Professor of History and Meijer Honors College
This sequence will be taught from a social-scientific approach, introducing students to different types of critical theories. Drawing upon select religious and cultural contexts, areas of focus will include: religious and cultural “normatives,” texts, art, philosophy, theology, linguistics, and politics. The first semester of this sequence will focus both on an introduction to different critical theories and select religions and societies before and during the so-called “Axial Age” (800-300 BCE). The second semester will pursue a relative mastery of critical theory and focus on post-“Axial Age” religions and societies. By the end of the sequence, students will have an understanding of how religion and society are mutually constructive through relations of alliance and conflict. In addition, the theories and analytical procedures used throughout the sequence will provide helpful tools for critical analysis in other courses in the humanities and the social- and political-sciences.
Fall Semester: HNR 280 section 09
Winter Semester: HNR 280 sections 09 and 10
Schedule (First semester): MW 3:00-4:15
Schedule (Second semester): MW 3:00-4:15; MW 4:30-5:45
Fulfills: Philosophy & Literature, U.S. Diversity, SWS, World Perspectives, Social Science (or History if needed)
Karen Zivi, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Meijer Honors College
If the 1960s marked a “rights revolution” in the United States, the 21st century has been witness to that revolution’s expansion around the globe. But what are rights? Where do they come from? What do they do? And how do they work? This 3-course sequence takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of rights theory and practice. In the first semester, students will examine the philosophical meanings of and justifications for using rights to challenge political authority. The focus will be on 18th and 19th century European and American debates and conflicts, and particular attention will be given to questions of gender and race. In the second semester, students will examine rights philosophy and practice from a more contemporary and broader cross-cultural perspective with emphasis placed on assessing the benefits and limits of using rights language to address inequality and injustice in realms such as gender, sexuality, and health.
Fall Semester: HNR 280 02 (Must also enroll in a section of Live, Learn, Lead)
Winter Semester: HNR 280 01 & 02
Schedule (Fall): MWF 12:00-12:50
Schedule (Winter): MWF 11:00-11:50, 12:00-12:50
Fulfills: History, SWS, US Diversity, Social Science, World Perspectives
Kirsten Bartels, Faculty Fellow in Meijer Honors College
If we are what we eat, why are we so removed from ourselves? This course examines food - from seed to waste and beyond - and its impact on our bodies, our wallets and our planet. Beginning with where our food comes from, this class will explore the cultural, scientific, and economic 'evolution' of our food systems - from the birth of modern agriculture to the patenting of genes and genetic modifications - we will investigate the causes and consequences of producing food for the ever-growing modern world. The course then will examine the choices we make, the true costs of food - - locally, regionally, nationally, and globally - - will be uncovered with special attention being paid to the social class inequality of those choices and their consequences. The final phase of the investigation delves into waste and excess and the hidden environmental, economic and social costs of excess. We will turn these lenses on our community and using what we discover, explore pathways to positive change.
Fall Semester: HNR 280 14 (Must also enroll in a section of Live, Learn, Lead)
Winter Semester: HNR 280 14 & 15
Schedule (Fall): W 3:00-5:50
Schedule (Winter): TR 11:30-12:45 & 1:00-2:15
Fulfills: History, Arts, Social Science, SWS, World Perspectives
Paul Lane, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovations
John Farris, Professor of Engineering
Come on an adventure with students and faculty on a quest to learn and do innovation. Have you ever wanted to create a product or service? Did you know that all majors contribute to the innovation process? You will have one course in the fall semester where you search for opportunities. In the winter semester you have two more courses in which you create and develop an idea into a prototype. You will analyze and develop an operational plan to accomplish goals. All disciplines are encouraged and sought the more the better as innovation is best done when there are lots of different minds in the room. For example, premed students often have great ideas for products to help others. Student interested in sustainability have conceptualized solutions for problems around the globe. Should you want more and the excitement of sharing your ability to solve problems come to Nicaragua in May 2013 for the annual Innovation project which can be course four.
Fall Semester: HNR 217 01 Making of Europe I
Winter Semester: HNR 218 01 Making of Europe II
Schedule: TR 10:00-11:15
Fulfills: WRT 150, History, Philosophy & Literature
Benjamin Lockerd, Professor of English
This is the first course in a 4-course sequence that will address the development of European culture from the end of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the modern era. This first course seeks to give students some knowledge of the Roman Empire and then to enter into a study of the early Middle Ages, from about 450 A.D. to about 1100 A.D. The approach of the course will be interdisciplinary, with professors from all the major disciplines within the Humanities. In this way, we hope to achieve a comprehensive view of the development of European civilization during this period. Each semester of the Making of Europe sequence involves all four disciplines, but each of the four semesters also focuses particularly on one of the four disciplines, as follows: HNR 217: History, HNR 218: Philosophy, HNR 227: Art, HNR 228: Literature.
This second course will examine the late Middle Ages (sometimes called the High Middle Ages) in Europe, from approximately 900 to approximately 1300 A.D. We will study and discuss the cultural, artistic, religious, intellectual, and political developments that took place at this time. The course will be interdisciplinary, involving discussion of history, philosophy, art, architecture, music, and literature of the period. The course emphasizes the great philosophical works of the era, especially the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Sophomore Year Making of Europe
Fall Semester : HNR 227 01 Making of Europe III
Winter Semester : HNR 228 01 Making of Europe IV
Schedule: TR 11:30-12:45
Fulfills: Art, World Perspectives, SWS, HST 203, ENG 220
Benjamin Lockerd, Professor of English
This course (Making of Europe III) will examine the transition from the late Middle Ages to the early Renaissance period in Europe. The Renaissance begins at different times in different regions: around 1300 in Italy, but not until the late 1400s in England. Historically, we will look at roughly that period, but in literature we will move forward into the late 1500s. We will study the various cultural, artistic, religious, intellectual, and political developments of the period, with an emphasis on the romance epic, the development of polyphony, and Renaissance painting. The course is interdisciplinary, involving history, art, architecture, music, philosophy, and literature. There will be a pronounced emphasis on the great artistic accomplishments of this period.
The last course (Making of Europe IV) will examine the late Renaissance (also called the early Modern) period in Europe, from approximately 1500 to approximately 1700. Major topics in the course will be the Protestant Reformation, the consolidation of the modern European nation states, and Humanism. We will study the cultural, artistic, intellectual, and political developments of the era. The course is interdisciplinary, involving history, art, architecture, music, philosophy, and literature. There will be an emphasis on literature.
Click here for HNR 217 sample syllabus
Click here for HNR 218 sample syllabus
Click here for HNR 227 sample syllabus
Click here for HNR 228 sample syllabus
**AS OF MAY 25, 2012 THIS CLASS IS FULL FOR FALL/WINTER 2012-2013**
Fall Semester: HNR 280 Section 13
Winter Semester: HNR 280 Section 14
Schedule: TR 10:00-11:15
Fulfills: Arts, Philosopy & Literature, History, WRT 150 (With B or Better), SWS, World Perspectives, US Diversity
Patricia Clark, Professor of Writing
This is an interdisciplinary course that examines the art forms of painting and poetry as a means for inquiry into how we can live in the world as critical thinkers and active makers, with an abiding and deep connection with the earth and all its creatures, human and otherwise. This course will use a multifaceted approach to its subject matter that will include reading, discussion, writing, painting, and class trips.
The premise of this course is that if we look closely at some artists (poets and painters) who profess to love the world--and we study the intimate details of their work--how they think, act, and create, as well as how they and others talk about their work-- we will learn something about ourselves, and how we can engage meaningfully with 'the world'--our lives; the beings, human and otherwise, around us; our professions. --as well as learn about some poets and painters, and the social and historical contexts in which they work(ed). This course is not just about art and writing, but about history, spirituality, psychology, and philosophy.
Phone 616-331-3219 • honors@gvsu.edu
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