DOCUMENT by: Bob Hassenger Subject: What We're Doing
Module Overview
As was suggested earlier, the sub-title of the course, "Individual and Society," should perhaps more accurately read, "Individual in Community." The Lost City explores the modern--post-World War II--community, that per some of the older students may recall--as does the course developer, who attended college near Chicago, and went to graduate school in the City.
We want to explore in the first two weeks of the course some of the dimensions of community, and why Chicago--the second largest city in the United States at the time--was really a collection of communities. We also want to begin to think seriously about what it means to be an individual in a community. This will be a recurring theme of the course.
Module Learning Objectives:
We're reading three books, beginning with this one, rather than a textbook, which gives students the "add-water-and-mix" or "just memorize these terms" approach to learning. We want to give the brain more of a workout, to think about some questions of permanent significance, to jump start some processes that will continue after this course is over. Some of you think critically already; perhaps all of you do. But I can only say that, after forty years in this racket, I do not think critically all the time. Probably, not even most of the time. It's like working out: one has to get geared up, both literally and psychologically. Everyone is a couch potato some of the time. We have to dedicate times to being active, either physically or mentally. (Ideally, of course, both--if not at the same time.)
So, begin reading Ehrenhalt, and at least some of the links provided, with a view to thinking about what are the dimensions of community, and of being an individual in community. Chapter One, for example, is entitled, "The Limited Life." It is clear that the author finds at least at much positive as negative about the limited choices available to individuals, then. Think about what your reactions are to the world he describes in these first five chapters. What seem to be his criteria for a "good life"? Are they the same as yours? Why or why not? Begin to post your thoughts about such questions in the Discussion Area.
Readings:
Parts I-II ( Chapters 1-5) of Ehrenhalt and 2-3 Web links.
Due Date: September 28th, 2003
Assignments:
Your only assignment during these first two weeks is to be an active participant in the Discussion Area, including a response to the "ice-breaker". I will be in there 2-3 times a week, and expect each student to do the same. Remember, the only way I know that you are there is if you enter the discussion.
Discussions:
Start Date: September 15, 2003
End Date: September 28, 2003
If you have any questions about the assignments or activities for this module, please click on the ASK A QUESTION link below. Now go to the next document to begin this module.
