PPE CAPSTONE 

ECON/PHIL/POLS 407/410

Discrimination

Professors  Jeff Johnson, Rebecca Hartman, & Colleen Johnson

Discrimination is a sad part of this history of the United States.  Although we would like to believe that is a moral and cultural problem that belongs only to the past, the fact is that it remains very much a part of contemporary society.  Our Capstone course is designed to explore both the historical origins of discrimination, as well as the contemporary academic debates regarding its control, and perhaps, solution.

Since this course is the PPE Capstone, we will utilize the academic perspectives of (moral and legal) philosophy, economics, and political science.  But since this is an issue that can only be appreciated in its historical context, we will also utilize perspective of American cultural history.

NEW WITHDRAW POLICY

A student may drop from a course for any reason with no record on the student's transcript before the end of the 4th week of the term. Thereafter, a student must withdraw from the course (see withdrawal policy).

Drop fees will be assessed in accordance with the fee policies stated in the Schedule of Classes.

Withdrawal Policy (effective Winter, 2010):

There are two types of withdrawal - withdrawal from a course and withdrawal from the University.

From a course:

A student may withdraw from the 5th week of the term through the 7th week with a grade of "W" indicated on the transcript.

No withdrawals will be issued after the 7th week of the term. Instructors will issue a letter grade (A-F, or I) for all students enrolled after the 7th week. A student making adequate academic progress during the term and needing to withdraw after the 7th week may request an incomplete from the instructor.

Withdrawal forms [for on campus courses] are available in the Registrar's Office.

This quarter we will focus on five issues in American society that illustrate the difficulty in attaining social justice in a culture where individual differences engender suspicion, fear, prejudice, discrimination, and even hatred.  After a quick survey of the disciplinary perspectives that your professors bring to the course, we will begin our investigation with a three week focus on race.  This will lead to another three week focus on gender.  The course will conclude with a one week discussion of socio-economic class, a week's discussion of sexuality and sexual orientation, and week on immigration.  There is a sense in which this topic oriented structure is artificial.  We shall discover, for example, that socio-economic class is an important component in all forms of discrimination, and that principles of Equal Protection jurisprudence apply with differing force across these issues.

There will be a number of "texts" for this course.  We will be reading original documents, academic articles and chapters, Supreme Court cases, and some more popular prose.  All of the reading will be available in Blackboard.  In addition, cinema will constitute an important part of the course.  We will be watching a movie almost every week.

PPE Outcomes:

1. Assess different theories, concepts, methods, and analytical approaches employed by the disciplines of Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics.

2. Evaluate problems of normative inquiry as well as those of empirical analysis, and synthesize the two approaches in the analysis of the ideas, values, and assumptions underlying public policy and ethical issues.

3. Apply contextual knowledge and skills to the public policy process and ‘real-life’ political situations via the opportunity to observe and participate as an informed citizen in a variety of on and off-campus settings.

4. Produce effective interdisciplinary policy analysis via the ability to recognize arguments, test hypotheses and support via appropriate oral and written communications targeted for specific audiences.

Additional Outcomes:

Understand the issues of difference, power, and discrimination from the interdisciplinary perspectives of history, economics, philosophy, feminism, public policy, and constitutional law.

5. Read theoretical texts critically and with understanding.

6. Write effectively about social and legal controversies.

7. Critically view cinema dealing with social issues.

8. Write effectively about social issues in contemporary cinema

Means of Assessment and Grading:

• A "take-home" mid-term essay exam -- 10% of course grade. (outcomes 1&2 and 4-6)

• A second "take-home" mid-term essay exam -- 10% of course grade. (outcomes 1&2 and 4-6)

• A "take-home" final essay exam -- 10% of course grade. (outcomes 1&2 and 4-6)

• Seven short (300 to 400 words) papers on assigned movies -- 10% of course grade. (outcomes 7 & 8)

• Active and regular participation in the Monday "seminar" session within the course -- 10% of course grade (outcomes 1-8)

• Independent research project on a specific area of discrimination -- 40% of course grade (outcomes 1&2 and 4-6)

• Public presentation of independent research project -- 10% of course grade (outcomes 1&2 and 4-6)

ACADEMIC HONESTY

We are including below Eastern's Academic Honesty Code.  It is vitally important that you carefully read it, and that you understand that it is our intention to follow this code to the letter.  We really can't think of a better way to ruin your experience with this course, than to disregard this code.  Obviously, if you have any questions, we can't urge you too strongly to ask us.

ACADEMIC HONESTY CODE

All members of the Eastern Oregon University academic community are responsible for compliance with its Academic Honesty Code. Students are required to report violations to the respective faculty member of a course. Provisions of the Academic Honesty Code are:

1. Collaboration while taking any quizzes, in-class examinations, or take home examinations without the instructor's written approval is forbidden. The faculty member is responsible for defining limits for other collaborative learning activities for each course.

2. Plagiarism or representation of the work of others as one's own is forbidden. The faculty member will make clear the format for properly citing sources of information not original by the student.

3. Explicit approval by all instructors is required if the same work is to be submitted to more than one course, even if is not within the same term.

Violations of the Academic Honesty Code may result in both academic and behavioral penalties including possible suspension or expulsion from the University.

An automatic grade of zero for any work which is a violation of the Academic Honesty Code will be assigned by the instructor. The instructor may also assign a grade of F for the course after discussion with the respective School Dean. Students may appeal the course grade to the respective School Dean, who is the final level of appeal on the matter of course grade penalties for academic dishonesty.

The faculty member is also required to file a disciplinary complaint to the Vice President for Student Affairs about any student believed to have violated the Academic Honesty Code. If deemed appropriate, hearing procedures will be implemented by a University Hearing Officer as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Possible sanctions considered by the Student Conduct Committee include probation, suspension, and expulsion.

TENTATIVE CALENDAR

Lecture and reading topics are are this color

Assigned readings in Blackboard are in this color

Weekly movies are in this color