Self-Identity and Society

Introduction

Societies provide the ground in which we grow and develop into the selves and identities that we are.As a result, it is impossible to understand our self-identity and those around us without an understanding of the societ(ies) that have and are shaping us. This understanding of the social world in which we think, work, and live allows us to be more than just the passive recipients of this "shaping".Furthermore,societies are also shaped by the beliefs, values, and activities of human beings. 

It is impossible to consciously shape one's own society for the better without an understanding of its current structure and how it got that way.In particular,we need to be aware that what seems "natural" are,actually,socially created ways of thinking and doing which have evolved over considerable periods of time. Thus, the ultimate goal and benefit of a course on self and society is a deeper understanding of both the self-identity and society, and, thus, an ability to transform both.

This course critically examines 'self' and Society by exploring self-identity in society and culture:It does so by looking at identity crises,identity politics,national identities,diasporic identities,health and sexual identities in the late modern period.Also,by examining key debates about concepts in the context of a new global and local perspective,we will examine the importance of the present moment in which we live,how there are ways of looking at identity;how previously fixed notions (essentialist ideas) are at odds with more presently fluid ideas (non-essentialist notions).A key theme in this course,besides that of self-identity,will also be the connected notion of difference.

We explore the relationships between Self-Identity and Society through the following four themes:

1)Through examining Origin Myths by looking back across history andexamining the multitude of ways in which we have come to know certain identities about race,mental health,sexuality and gender.

2)By way of exploring the Self and notions of Socialization,we look at how we have come to know particular aspects of the society and through the different ways in which we as individuals could have become influenced through the social world in which we live.

3)The themes of Difference and Inequalities look at the culminations of Origin Myths and the Socialization of Self,about what the implications have been from discourses of myths and socialization for communities.

4)Global Connections will explore issues of past and current forms of globalization.

General Information 

Attendance:

The exchange of information through interaction and discussions are an essential part of this course;discussing and debating ideas and opinions key to learning. Therefore, class attendance - and punctuality,participation in and out of class is expected and evaluated. Students are responsible for all material presented in class. 

Learning and Teaching Methods:
Much of this course will be student-centred with you,managing your own learning in relation to set tasks,research exercises and presentations.These will be central to your own learning.Students are expected to be active participants in all class and web activities. There will be a variety of teaching methods employed during lectures includingclass,individual and small group work.

Course Requirements

Class Participation:

Students are expected to attend all classes and to make frequent contact through available media.Absence requires a documented excuse.You may be allowed to submit work for classes during which you were absent but only through prior approval with the Professor.

Individual Presentation Assignments:
Four presentations are required in this course in connection with course content.All students must try to apply theoretical frameworks for each planned presentation.There are many links to be made between self-identity and representations,so see what you can find!You may want to consider looking at examples from media texts:These can include,television or radio programmes,a film,a photograph,a printed or electronic mediation,a museum piece or exhibition or broadly,any communicative artefact.

Course-work Writing Assignments: Two Individual Research Papers

1.Obtain a favorite photograph of your 'self' and,in the light of the first week's readings,critically examine your own self-identity,using social qualities to explain what makes you,who you are:This should of course,include concepts of difference as well as commonalities with others.(1500 words).Deadline:30^th January,2003.

2. Exploring a film or television programme of your choice,analyze how it mythologizes identity by illustrating your ideas with the use of theory.(1500 words) Deadline:27^thFebruary,2003.

Other Assignments:

First Two Weeks:

• The Internet: Most of the information for class will be available from the books (see next section below) which you are expected to buy. You will also be expected to explore the web and for this entire programme of study, the following web-sites will be useful:

http://www.theory.org.uk/main.htm

http://www.popcultures.com/

http://www.culturalstudies.net/#intro

These contain information about self-identity and society and you are expected to explore these right from the beginning of the course.There may also be discussions via e-mail,starting later into the semester.But first,you are expected to access,print out,and read the on-line syllabus and to sign-up for the e-mail discussion lists. You must have an active e-mail account and be familiar with how to access the on-line syllabus and assignments.You will be expected to check your e-mail regularly,check the syllabus for updates,and access any on-line assignments. If you need assistance, come and see me,contact the Computer Help Desk, or call the Computer Help Desk at 662-5276.

·The books for this course are Identity and Difference Kathryn Woodward (ed.), Sage,(1997) and Cultural StudiesChris Barker,Sage (2000);both are available from the College bookstore and you are expected to bring them to every session.There will be other readings made available,either through the web or in print form but the two books contain most of the readings for the course and these resources will be the main focus for study.Readings will start off small in size but grow progressively larger taking in chapters of these books.Forewarned is forearmed:Be ready to extend your reading as the course develops.

·On a regular basis,students will make presentations related to class readings.This will not just be a case of relating the material from the book but applying theoretical frameworks to student presentation ideas;this should include your own experience as much as possible. 

·Finally there will be a project presentation and a related folder assessment which integrates all themes learnt across the whole of this programme of study.

·Buy a large 3 ring binder and also purchase a hole punch. You are expected to keep all reading and writing assignments (in order) in the binder.You will also need a smaller folder for the above mentioned Project assessment.

Written Assignments and Handing-In:
Written assignments are due at the beginning of class for which they are assigned.

Syllabus Changes:
Students are responsible for any announced change in syllabus.Your faculty strive for continuous improvement and the Professor reserves the right to change any part of this programme at any time.Therefore,please consult on-line syllabus frequently for any additions or changes.

Office Hours

Office Hours: 9-10am Monday and Wednesday,Tuesday9.30-10.30am - and also by appointment.

Murdock Hall Rm. 209

Phone: 413 662 5375

E-mail: mbirch@mcla.edu

Course Objectives:

At the end of the course you should be able to:

• understand how myths and theories shape your own and other's understandings of human beings and their place in the world
• understand the ways that societies create identities
• understand the complex interplay between power and knowledge
• understand the implications of our global connectedness
• read texts carefully and critically
• articulate your ideas both in discussion and in writing in an organized manner, supporting your statements with arguments and examples
• question your assumptions
• listen carefully to other's points of view
• think critically
• apply theories to concrete cases
• use e-mail as a mode of intellectual discussion
• access, evaluate, and use information that you find on the web
• present your independent research to a group in a formal presentation

Policies 

Implementation of the course policies will be easier if we all are aware of what they are and agree to abide by them.

Expectations:

Certain standards are expected of all students.You are expected to:

§Come to class prepared to discuss the reading. This means that you must have done the reading,make notes,and any associated writing assignment.

§Come to class on time and turn work in on time.

§Engage actively in discussion (both in class and on-line).Learning is not a spectator sport.

§Listen respectfully to the instructor and your fellow students. This includes raising your hand when you wish to speak and refraining from speaking while others are speaking.

§Stick to the assigned discussion topic when in discussion groups.

§Express disagreement with other's points of view respectfully.Criticism of ideas with which you disagree is welcomed; criticism of people who express these ideas is not.

§Treat everyone with the utmost respect and courtesy.

§Seek help from the professor when you are having difficulty with the course material or assignments.

Academic Honesty: Make yourself familiar with the college standards, including the policy on academic dishonesty and plagiarism.Any behavior that fails to follow the below guidelines is plagiarism:

Synopses and Reading: For each reading you will be required to turn in a synopsis.The synopsis is due the first class meeting of every week unless otherwise stated.I will ask students to share their synopses and their answers to the discussion questions with the class. 

Participation: You are expected to complete the readings before class,attend class regularly and punctually,and actively participate in class discussion.Frequent absences,failure to complete the reading,or failure to participate may result in a failing grade across presentation and research paper work. 

Papers: You will write two papers. Each writing assignment asks you to explain some social phenomena in terms of the theories and perspectives we have read about and discussed in class. Papers should be free of spelling and grammatical errors. 

Grading and Evaluation

Two Research Papers 15% each= 30%

Presentations 30% (First Three Presentations = 10% each)

Synopses of Readings and Classroom Contributions= 10% Total

Project Presentation and Project Folder -15% each = 30%

Citation Policies:As stated in the above policy, you must always cite the precise source of the material you use in your papers. The citation standard for the course is APA.APA standards for citation can be found here.APA standards for bibliographies can be found here.

Important Dates:

Last day to add: January 23^rd.

Last day to drop: January21^st.

Holidays: January 20^th , February 17^th ,April 21^st .

Last Day of Classes:May 13^th .

Reading Day May 14^th.

Final Exam:Final Exam for CCSS 105 (8am Group) at 8amMay 15^th 2003.

Final Exam:Final Exam for CCSS 106 (11am Group) at 10.30amMay 20^th 2003.

This syllabus has been organised with help from Professor B. Kahn, Dr. V. Bakir and Professor D.Langston.