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IG Theatre on the first and last days in large group. Otherwise, in small groups: Group 1 (AD 209); Group 2 (HC 113); Group 3 (HC 114) | ||||||||
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This version of HWC 55 charts what happens when one set of "hybrid" cultures suddenly comes into contact with another and the two vie with one another over a period of time for political and cultural authority. We, of course, have in mind the encounter between European and indigenous or enslaved cultures in the so-called New World. The story becomes more complex once simple questions of power and oppression get replaced by what recent scholars call "cultural hybridity": the processes of assimilation, cross-fertilization, and cultural identity that mark the historical development of initial contact.
We have tried to keep textbook purchase to a minimum. One consequence of this places a number of texts on electronic reserve, some of which are backed up by on-line URLS. The texts you must plan to purchase are the following:
Alexie, Sherman. Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
Appiah, Anthony, ed. Early African American Classics (contains the autobiography of Frederick Douglass)
Carpentier, Alejo. The Lost Steps
Fuentes, Carlos. The Buried Mirror
Larsen, Nella. Passing
More, Thomas. Utopia
This course has an interdisciplinary format: each student will take 4, three-week-long units or "mini-courses" taught by the four faculty covering various aspects of the phenomena of cultural hybridity. Students will be divided into three groups on the first day of class, and each group will take the series of units or mini-courses in a slightly different order, e.g.,
Group 1 will do the series [Duffey, Stewart, Gray, Hoops];
Group 2 will do the series [Stewart, Gray, Hoops, Duffey];
Group 3 will do the series [Gray, Hoops, Duffey, Stewart].
Each group will meet in the same classroom every day of the semester, with the faculty rotating between classrooms after each unit is complete. Each group will also receive its own syllabus showing the order of units or mini-courses it will take. All students, then, will have basically the same educational experience, only in different orders, so that we can preserve the small discussion group principle and not subject us all to large lectures. Finally, for each unit or mini-course, students will be provided with a separate handout that explains that instructor's specific mini-course requirements and policies.
Each instructor will be responsible for the grade assigned in that particular section, registered by a number grade based on a 100 point scale. The basis for that grade could well vary from unit to unit (or instructor to instructor), but it will be defined for you at the start of each new cycle or unit on a separate handout that also includes issues of attendance and late penalties. There is no final exam.
Your final course grade will be the total of those four units or mini-courses, based on a 400 point scale as follows: A+ = 400-387; A = 386-373; A- = 372-360; B+ = 359-346; B = 345-332; B- = 331-320; C+ = 319-306; C = 305-292; C- = 291-280; D+ = 279-266; D = 265-252; D- = 251-240; F = below 240.
Note on S/D/U option: Each instructor of each unit or mini-course will define for you what number of points are necessary for these grades, should you choose this grading option.
Because this course is made up of a series of four, discussion-based mini-courses or units, attendance and quality participation are absolutely crucial ingredients. Hence, there are no "free cuts." Students are expected to follow the specific attendance/participation policies for each instructor's mini-course or unit, as described in a separate handout for that mini-course.
Make-ups will be granted only if the instructor in question accepts a promptly presented, written excuse explaining those conditions beyond the student's control that made timely completion of work impossible.
Students with special learning or test-taking needs are encouraged to meet outside of class with their instructors and the staff of the Academic Skills Center to discuss what accommodations can be made for a successful performance in this course.
By enrolling in this course, each student agrees to abide by the College Principle of Integrity: "It is the responsibility of each individual to act with honesty and integrity in personal, social, and academic relationships, and with consideration and concern for the entire community and its members. Individuals and groups should not engage in conduct which causes harm to other individuals or the community as a whole." (Austin College Bulletin 2002-2003/2003-2004, p. 18; or click http://www.austincollege.edu/academics/bulletin/campuslife.htm) Consistent with this college-wide Principle, all work in this course is expected to be the student's own unless otherwise notified by your instructor(s). If you have questions about what you should do here, you are encouraged to discuss this matter with your instructor(s).