WELCOME TO STS 258-002 Spring 2011
Meetings:
Tuesdays at 1:00 and in Moodle: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE.
Instructor:
Rob Friedman, 431 Cullimore Hall.
Phone: 973 596 5765. Email: friedman@njit.edu
Hours:
Monday, by appointment; Tuesday, 11:00; Wednesday, by appointment.
Description
This course is about
technology and globalization, with a special emphasis this semester on food and
culture. We begin by defining
globalization from a cultural perspective (Wise, SantaÕs Workshop, and Manufactured
Landscapes), move on to theories, definitions and roles of food (production
and consumption) as global technologies (Inglis and Gimlin, Food, Inc. and DarwinÕs Nightmare), continue with the application of some of the
theories discussed to soda as global product (Foster and The Cost of a Coke), and finish out with two films
that synthesize some of the main themes of the semester (Life Running Out of Control and Wal-Mart:
The High Cost of Low Prices). The last two weeks consist of presentations
of student group projects that track the relationships among a specific food
product or company and global systems of transportation, politics, economics,
the environment and culture.
Methodology
As a hybrid course, we will
work through Moodle to promote the exchange of ideas, the management of
documents and other online resources, and as the forum of assessments such as
quizzes and essays. Those of you
who do not wish to engage in communication and content management activities
through technologies such as Moodle should reconsider taking this course. The flexibility hybrid courses
provide presents other kinds of demands and constraints, such as the need for
you to be prompt with your online activities, clear in all your written communication,
and active as a participant in conversations and group work. Moodle activity
comprises 60% of your grade.
Required Texts (available from the bookstore or your favorite online retailer)
J. MacGregor Wise. Cultural Globalization: A User's Guide ISBN
978-0631235392
David Inglis and Debra
Gimlin (Editors). The Globalization of
Food ISBN 978-1845208202
Robert J. Foster. Coca-Globalization: Following Soft Drinks from New York to New Guinea ISBN 978-0230603868
Required Videos
DarwinÕs Nightmare http://freedocumentaries.org/teatro.php?filmID=253&lan=en&size=big
SantaÕs Workshop
The Cost of a Coke
Food Inc.
Life Running Out of Control
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices
Responsibilities
There will be two papers,
one team presentation, ongoing discussions through Moodle, as well as five
reading and viewing quizzes via Moodle.
Attendance on Tuesday is expected; three absences are allowed; each absences thereafter, for whatever reason, results in a full letter grade reduction on your semester grade.
The dates of anticipated absences for student athletes and for those who follow religious observances must be submitted, in writing, by February 1, 2011.
Enrollment is premised onf
your responsibility to adhere to NJITÕs code of academic integrity:
http://www.njit.edu/academics/integrity.php
Penalties for plagiarism, other
forms of cheating and disruptive behavior will be enforced.
GRADING
Two short response papers: 10% each
Group presentation: 20%
Class participation and Moodle forums: 35%
Five reading quizzes: 5%
each
COURSE CALENDAR
|
Tuesday Topic/Required Reading and/or Viewing
|
Assignment Due |
|
1/18 Introduction |
|
|
1/25 Wise chapters 1 and 2 SantaÕs Workshop |
Quiz |
|
2/01 Wise chapters 3, 4 and 5 |
|
|
2/08 I&G 1, 2&3 Food Inc. |
Quiz |
|
2/15 I&G 4&6 DarwinÕs Nightmare |
Paper 1 |
|
2/22 I&G 8&9 |
|
|
3/01 I&G 10&11 |
|
|
3/08 I&G 12, 13,14 & 15
|
Quiz |
|
3/15 Spring Break |
|
|
3/22 Foster Part 1 The Cost of a Coke |
|
|
3/29 Foster Part 2 |
Paper 2 |
|
4/05 Team project development Life Running Out of Control |
|
|
4/12 Team project development Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3836296181471292925# |
Quiz |
|
4/19 Presentations |
|
|
4/26 Presentations |
|
Semester Calendar
Jan
18 First
Day of Classes
Jan
24 Last
Day to Add a Class
Jan
25 W
Grades Posted
Feb
1 Last
day for a Refund Based on a Partial Withdrawal
Mar
8 Last
Day for a Refund Based on a Complete Withdrawal
Mar
13 - 19 Spring
Recess - No Classes Scheduled - University Open
Mar
28 Last
Day to Withdraw from a Course
Apr
22 Good
Friday - No Classes Scheduled
Apr
23 Saturday
Classes Meet
Apr
24 Easter
Sunday - No Classes Scheduled
May
3 Last
Day of Classes - Classes Follow a Friday Schedule
May
4 Reading
Day
May
5 - 11 Final
Exam Period
May
12 Grades
Due in Registrar's Office