Spring 2010 Schedule
Learning Communities | Senior Requirements | Experiential Learning
Learning Communities
NCLC 204 Creative Leadership Development (3)
Examines the leadership phenomenon that is within each person and the strategies for learning, interpreting, creating, and developing leadership that is reflective and active. Explores historical and contemporary leadership theories, analyzes various methods and styles of leadership while providing students with an opportunity to better understand their own leadership strengths and challenges.
001 R 4:30 am - 7:10 pm CRN 13279 R. Holder T 138
NCLC 249 The Internet: Literacy, HTML Tools, and Virtual Community (4)
This course is and introduction to cyberspace, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. Students learn basic HTML to create individual and collaborative web pages. In addition to using e-mail, students explore use of listserve, online discussion forums, and virtual communities. Assignments include collaborative and individual web pages, analytical and creative papers, and online research. [Includes 1 credit of experiential learning].
001 R 1:30-4:15 pm CRN 13280 D. Cambridge IN 327
NCLC 275 A Profession in Elementary Education (3)
This course will examine the Elementary Education teaching profession, classroom issues, state regulations, routes to becoming a licensed teacher, and mentorship by current Elementary Educators. After completing this course, students will have received preparatory knowledge about the profession, an accurate view of the educational and experiential path toward becoming a licensed teacher, as well as the opportunity to observe and connect with a mentor teacher.
001 F 10:30 am – 1:20 pm CRN 16540 J. Bosik R A210
NCLC 301 Science in the News (3)
In this class we will follow and discuss the current trends in science as reported in the popular media. We will learn how to evaluate the science that is reported to us in order to become informed consumers. We will discuss how scientific advancement might shape society by looking at how science and society have changed together over time. Finally, using examples from the past, we will discuss future trends.
001 M 1:30 - 4:20 pm CRN 14513 C. Grymes IN 208
NCLC 310 Violence & Gender (6)
This course examines the dynamics of violence through different cultural lenses through the use of non-fiction, research documentaries, oral histories, case studies, literature, feature films, music dance and the visual arts. Students have the opportunity to work in university and community settings to integrate their academic experience with practice. [Includes 2 experiential learning credits]
001 MW 10:30 am – 1:15 pm CRN 19630 K. Eby R A210
NCLC 311 Mysteries of Migration: Consequences for Conservation (6)
Investigates the biology of migration and its implications for science policy. Students consider the phenomenon of migration in the context of natural history, conservation, and cultural issues. The course includes several weekend trips for field study. [Includes 2 credits of experiential learning].
001 WF 10:30 am – 1:20 pm CRN 19030 T. Wood IN 215G
NCLC 312 Images & Experiences of Childhood (4)
Using cross-cultural and historical examples, this multidisciplinary course considers childhood from a number of different perspectives, with the goal of realizing the various global images and experiences of childhood. Using the humanities and social sciences, as well as contemporary media and popular culture, students will examine the cultural beliefs and values which define this crucial stage in human development. We will consider the status of children in society and the significance of children's rights. We will investigate the effects of poverty, ill-health, and violence on children's mental and physical well-being. The commercialization of childhood as a factor in today’s popular culture will also be addressed. Finally, we will discuss the ways in which children and young people become engaged with social issues, including issues surrounding their status as children. [Includes 1 credit of Experiential Learning].
001 R 10:30 am – 1:15 pm CRN 19031 K. Dunne R A101
NCLC 315 Spirituality & Conflict Transformation (6)
Spiritual traditions have been very influential in the resolution and transformation of international, intergroup, and interpersonal conflict. In this course we will examine dimensions of spirituality as they relate to a range of activities including peacemaking efforts in large-scale conflicts, conflicts within faith communities, and interpersonal disputes. Experiential learning will be emphasized as we explore approaches for spiritually-informed resolution. [Includes 2 experiential learning credits].
001 MW 7:20-10:00 pm CRN 19032 A. Fuertes R B203
NCLC 347 Gender Representations in Popular Culture (4)
Explores the way in which masculinity and femininity have been represented across the decades in television, movies, music videos, pop art, and print media. Provides a review of the scholarship on the historical and contemporary roles of women and men in society, and examines the contradictions and expectations associated with gender roles. Incorporates active group learning through creative, insight-oriented exercises, critical thinking and discussions, and group presentations and media research activities. [Includes 1 credit of Experiential Learning]
001 W 4:30-7:10 pm CRN 19033 S. Scott R B224
NCLC 375 Special Topics: People, Plants & Culture (6)
Examines the direct relationships between people and plants by integrating perspectives from both ethnobotany and economic botany. Provides students with an appreciation of the fundamental role of plants and plant-derived products in all aspects of human life in both industrialized and non-industrialized societies. Topics include medicinal plants, food plants, psychoactive plants, and the future uses of plants, among many others. Students will also gain an understanding of how plants and their uses have shaped both past and present cultures around the world. This course includes field trips and student projects. [Includes 2 credits of experiential learning].
001 TR 10:30 am - 1:15 pm CRN 13289 M. Gilmore R A249
NCLC 375 Special Topics: Social Justice & Education (6)
Using cultural studies, critical pedagogy, multicultural education, and a variety of other theoretical frameworks, this learning community will investigate ways in which socioeconomic status, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, (dis)ability, language, and other factors influence one’s access (broadly defined) to high-quality schooling. In doing so, we will consider current trends in educational policy and practice, from curricular and pedagogical models to assessment methods, analyzing their potentials for creating more (or less) equitable educational environments. Drawing on these investigations and analyses, as well as current scholarship on equitable practice in education, we will identify curricular and pedagogical strategies for creating an equitable and just learning environment for all students. [Includes 2 credits of experiential learning].
002 MW 10:30 am – 1:20 pm CRN 16415 P. Gorski R A249
NCLC 375 Special Topics: Argumentation & Advocacy (6)
Contemporary civil society challenges us daily as we face controversial issues and situations. The Iraq war, economic downturn, immigration, and same-sex marriages, to name a few, dominate newspaper, television, and internet news headlines. In this complex democratic society—of the people, by the people, and for the people—it is imperative that we develop the theoretical background and skills necessary for effective civic engagement and deliberative discourse. This course aims to do just that; prepare students for civic responsibilities by equipping them with techniques for effective public argument and advocacy. [Includes 2 credits of experiential learning].
003 MW 10:30 am – 1:20 pm CRN 16416 L. Gring-Pemble ENGR 1107
NCLC 375 Special Topics: Cultural Leadership (3)
Students will wrestle with the influence of culture on one's leadership proxy. A third of the semester is spent developing a personal understanding of one's culture, cultural history, family and community history, etc.; the next third is spent studying leaders of color and their various leadership approaches, while examining servant leadership, and community leadership among the hip hop generation; and the last third is spent engaging students in developing community transformation projects for their home communities in order to connect their home experience with their college experience.
004 W 10:30 am – 1:20 pm CRN 19034 T. Jenkins STI 224
NCLC 375 Special Topics: Meditation & Mysteries of the Mind (3)
A growing body of research literature points to the efficacy of mindfulness and meditation for mental and physical health. In this course we will examine theories and traditions of meditation and the scientific evidence for its value. In addition, we will explore other frontiers of the mind and consciousness including the placebo effect, imagery and visualization for performance enhancement, hypnosis, psychotropic states of consciousness, and intuitive-based decision-making. We will also explore the mind-body connection with direct experiences of physical movement and its impact on our state of consciousness.
*Mark Thurston, Ph.D. is senior fellow at George Mason's new Center for Consciousness and Transformation.
005 T 1:30 – 4:15 pm CRN 13292 M. Thurston T 110
NCLC 375 Special Topics: Teaching Ocean Sciences (3)
How does a teacher or conservation biologist effectively engage an audience in a topic? This course provides students (future teachers and conservation biologists) the opportunity to explore and apply current learning theory and instructional strategies geared toward informal learning environments. Students will teach real audiences about ocean sciences at the National Museum of Natural History during a series of guided practicums. Working with a NCC professor and an educator from the Museum, students will also have the opportunity to design a new learning activity that they will implement at the Museum. [Includes 1 credit of experiential learning].
006 T 10:30 am – 1:15 pm CRN 13295 S. Vitazkova R A101
NCLC 375-007 Introduction to Childhood Studies (4)
This learning community focuses on the study of childhood from birth to adolescence. It approaches childhood from the perspective of several disciplines and areas of study, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, english, education, and history. The reading and assignments have been chosen to foster thinking about theory, policy, research and practical applications of this knowledge to decisions regarding children and youth. [Includes 1 credit of experiential learning].
007 T 10:30 am – 1:15 pm CRN 20902 P. Garner KH 253
NCLC 381 Special Topics: When Cultural Worlds Collide (6)
This course will examine cultural texts (museums, films, comic books, and novels) surrounding issues of colonization (when one civilization imposes its culture upon another civilization) and its aftermath. The
course will not look at colonization as unilateral; instead it is a complex process where the colonizer affects and is affected by their colonizing practices and how colonized people are not passively indoctrinated, but at times, active resisters. The course will be segmented into thirds covering colonial and neocolonial influence in Africa, Asia, and Native America utilizing theory, produced texts, and history. [Includes 2 credits of experiential learning].
001 TR 1:30 – 4:15 pm CRN 19035 M. Lecker R B203
002 TR 1:30 – 4:15 pm CRN 19036 P. Malaiwong R B203
NCLC 391 Introduction to Integrative Studies (3)
Required for students who transferred into NCC. Students may not enroll in this simultaneously with or after completing NCLC 491 Senior Capstone. This course is designed for students who recently transferred into the Integrative Studies program of New Century College. Students will receive an introduction to key components of the New Century College curriculum, including the learning community pedagogy, experiential learning, the nine competency areas, group work and collaborative scholarship, portfolio writing, learning style awareness, and career planning. Students will also receive an introduction to college administrators and university offices.
001 R 10:30 am - 1:15 pm CRN 13319 K. Misencik R A123
002 F 10:30 am – 1:20 pm CRN 19039 Z. Petersen STI 126
NCLC 404 Ethics & Leadership (4)
This learning community will explore the relationships between the concepts of ethics and leadership from a wide range of disciplines, fields, and professions. Students and instructors together will explore questions such as: What is the responsibility of leaders to establish ethical climates in their organizations and communities? What are the tensions between ethics and leadership? Are their universal values and ethical principles in leadership?
[Includes 1 credit of experiential learning].
001 T 4:30 – 7:10 pm CRN 19054 N. Lucas R A208
NCLC 431 Principles of Fundraising (4)
Examines history of philanthropy and public policy, and the economic and legal frameworks that shape it. Combining theory and practice, students study human behavior, communications, and management systems that are hallmarks of successful fund raising, and begin to develop skills to generate donations, foundation grants, and other unearned revenue for a nonprofit organization. [Includes 1 credit of experiential learning].
001 T 7:20 – 10:00 pm CRN 19055 T. Johnson T 110
NCLC 445 Multimedia Design (5)
Prerequisite: NCLC 345, or permission of instructor. Technological, aesthetic, and educational issues of using interactive multimedia. Topics include theory and practice, integration of digital media, interface and navigation studies, and technical constraints on design. [Earns 2 credits of Experiential Learning]
001 R 4:30 - 7:10 pm CRN 13324 D. Tillman IN 336
NCLC 475 Special Topics: Peace Studies (3)
This course explores philosophy strategy and methods of nonviolent action and its relationship to conflict and peace studies. Special attention is paid to geographic, historical and cultural variations of non-violent action and conflict mechanisms, with an eye towards better understanding the intersection of organizing for change and finding peaceful resolutions.
001 M 4:30 – 7:10 pm CRN 13327 D. Sweetman T 110
NCLC 475 Forgiveness & Reconciliation in Divided Communities (3)
What is the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation? Is reconciliation possible without forgiveness and vice versa? What does reconciliation require? What about forgiveness? These are some of the questions students will address as they explore the nature and the processes involved in forgiveness and reconciliation, particularly within the context of divided communities. This course will also address the root causes of conflict creating hostilities, affecting human relationships and tearing communities apart in the process. Students will explore the psycho-emotional, religio-cultural, philosophical and political aspects of forgiveness and reconciliation, ranging from personal, interpersonal, national and international levels, respectively.
002 M 1:30-4:20 pm CRN 16780 A. Fuertes IN 209
NCLC 475 Special Topics: New Media & Society (3)
Much has been said about how new communication technologies, such as laptops, the Internet, mobile phones, iPods, Facebook, and the like, have ‘revolutionized’ our world. This course explores the various technologies and the impact they have made on our society. We will survey the social, cultural, and political issues raised by the deployment and adoption of these digital media. While we will have some discussion of some technical issues surrounding the media, this is not a technical, design or programming course. Rather, we will engage the implications of new media technologies on society, and the way we behave and conduct everyday life.
003 W 1:30-4:20 pm CRN 19056 C. Uy-Tioco IN 207
Senior Requirements
NCLC 491 Senior Capstone Experience (3)
Students must have completed a minimum of 85 credits in order to register for this class.
This course is designed to aid students in completion of their final NCC portfolio and senior exposition, and should be taken the semester before graduation. Therefore, students intending to graduate in August ‘10 or January ’11 should enroll. This course fulfills the university’s synthesis general education requirement.
001 T 1:30 – 4:20 pm CRN 13329 D. Cambridge STI 126
002 R 7:20 – 10:00 pm CRN 13330 A. Fuertes R B124
NCLC 492 Graduation Portfolio (0)
This course is a 0 credit registration (with no meeting dates/times) through which the college records successful completion of the NCC Graduation Portfolio requirement. Students enroll in NCLC 492 during their final semester at the university. Students must earn a satisfactory grade for the portfolio to meet this requirement and be cleared for graduation. Graduation Portfolios are due March 31, 2011.
001 CRN 13332 K. Dunne
Experiential Learning
NCLC 194 Service Learning Experience: Alternative Break (1)
Meets off-campus during Spring break, March 6-14. Learn about critical community issues through travel and direct service. Coursework includes journal writing, group work, and a portfolio project. Dates for pre-trip orientation and post-trip reflection sessions TBA. Applications are now being accepted. For an application and more information visit the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, 442 Enterprise Hall or online at www.clce.gmu.edu
NCLC 195 Communication & Leadership Skills (1)
Meets January 11-15. This Experiential Learning course highlights the importance of leadership skills such as critical thinking, verbal and non-verbal communication, diversity awareness, conflict management/resolution, ethics and collaborative decision-making. Students discuss various leadership issues with faculty facilitators, plus they work in small groups to solve problems. Through various case studies and simulations, students learn how to more effectively communicate in their present and/or future roles as campus and community leaders.
001 MTWRF 10:00am-5:00pm CRN 19028 H. Hare RSCHI 201
NCLC 290, 390 and 490 Internship (1-6)
Sophomore standing and permission of instructor. Internship credit may be applied toward the 12 credit hours required in experiential learning. Applications must be submitted by 3:00 pm on January 22, 2010 to be eligible for Spring credit. An internship is a structured and supervised professional experience, within an approved agency, for which the student earns academic credit. The primary purpose of an internship is to connect the student’s academic course work to experiences and challenges outside the university classroom. The faculty also expect that students will enhance their competencies and skills and explore career options. Those interested in internships should contact the Director of Experiential Learning, Karen Misencik (kmisenci@gmu.edu).
NCLC 295 Special Topics: Events Management (2)
Learn leadership and management skills needed to plan special events including delegating tasks, developing publicity, coordinating a team, managing group dynamics, leading meetings, handling emergencies and evaluating an event.
001 R 1:30-4:15 pm CRN 19029 H. Hare R B224
NCLC 394 Service Learning Experience: Facilitating Literacy within the Schools & Community (3)
Cross-listed with EDRD 301-001. This course provides background knowledge, teaching strategies, and support for students who wish to work with developing readers and writers in school or community settings. An emphasis is placed on implementing strategies that foster and enrich literacy development, incorporating trade books and technology resources into individual and small group work, and reflecting on work as a literacy facilitator. Requirements include 45 hours of school-based field experience and 30 hours of class participation.
001 TR 3:00-4:15pm CRN 11237 K. Zenkov STII 120
NCLC 395 Kindergarten to College: Educating about Education (2)
While conversations about college and college preparation are standard in high schools, many educators believe the conversations should start much earlier to give students the best chance to succeed. In this course we'll put that knowledge into action. Together we will plan and implement an educational program, to be provided in collaboration with Masons Office of Admissions, to teach elementary and middle school students about the importance of learning and the possibilities that exist for them in higher education. Class sessions will focus on reading current information on talking to young children about college, examining best practices used at other universities, and planning the activities and lessons needed for various ages. Additional time will be spent out-of-class doing the activities and lessons we've planned with school groups visiting campus.
001 T 10:30 am – 1:15 pm CRN 18720 S. Sweetman R A105
NCLC 395 Communication, Conflict & the Mediation Process (3)
This is a practice-oriented, introductory course exploring conflict, conflict resolution theory and mediation practice. The course work focuses on the development of practical communication skills in the practice of mediation and connecting the experience to conflict resolution theory through the emphasis on and use of self-reflective tools and role-play opportunities. Students who successfully complete this course will also meet the 20-hour basic education requirements for mediation certification under guidelines promulgated by the Judicial Council of Virginia and the Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia.
002 M 10:30 am – 1:15 pm CRN 16420 M. West IN 316
NCLC 395 95 South: Cultural Heritage & Community Sustainability (3)
This course will explore the ancestry and contemporary cultural and community experiences of African Americans in South Carolina from the Sea Islands to the Capitol. The course name, “95 South”, reflects the mobile nature of the program and its inclusion of three critical communities in South Carolina: the Sea Islands, Charleston and Columbia.
***Additional course fees apply. Meets off-campus January 4 – 15. Dates for pre-trip orientation and post-trip reflection sessions TBA. Applications are now being accepted. For an application and more information contact Greg Justice (gjustice@gmu.edu) in the Center for Field Studies or visit http://cfs.gmu.edu/courses/past_courses/us_based/95_South_2010.html
NCLC 398 Special Topics: Art Transgressions (2)
Meets January 4 – 15. This course explores the ways in which art confronts or breaks one or more social taboos, insults or challenges traditional values, and creates scandal and shock, sometimes inadvertently, as in the recent case of "The Dust Cries Out" by sculptor Karen Swenholt of Falls Church, and other times in a deliberate attempt to subvert conventional mores. Additionally, we will explore how Transgressive art often re-appropriates conventional images in an effort to re-imagine or reinvent social experiences. Our investigation will necessarily examine a variety of controversial work, and students will engage in experiential learning outside classroom as part of course requirement.
001 MWF 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CRN 19359 K. Scott STI 126
NCLC 494 Community Service Through Language & Literacy Instruction (3)
This course will focus on three major themes: (1) adult learning, (2) language and literacy, and (3) diversity and social justice. These areas will be explored through readings; full class, small group, and Web CT discussions; reflective journals; and issue papers. Students will also be trained in tutoring techniques for teaching English as a Second Language, and each will spend 45 hours in tutoring an adult English language learner (30 contact hours plus 15 preparation hours).
001 M 9:30 am – 12:20 pm CRN 16985 TBA E 134