Perspectives on Community and Knowledge
Tuesday &
Thursday, 11:00am - 12:15pm, 102 Black Culture Center
Dr. Daryl Hobbs
630 Clark Hall
(573) 882-7396
hobbsd@umsystem.edu
Office Hours by Appointment
**Required readings are available to be copied from Chi Collins (collinscl@missouri.edu) in 625 Clark Hall
Copy machine available in Clark Hall lobby.
This seminar focuses on the reciprocal relationship between systems of knowledge and forms of social organization. Key, overarching questions that will be considered over the course of the semester include:
Objectives for what participants will gain through this seminar include, but are not limited to, the following:
Graduate seminars such as this one offer a unique learning opportunity by providing a setting for extended discussion and interaction among participants who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to bear on a common set of issues and topics. The discussion generated by this diversity of viewpoints produces unique knowledge that could not be generated by all of the participants covering the same material individually. Because of the centrality of class discussion to the learning experience, reading of materials prior to class is essential and in-class presentations and participation in class discussions will account for 50 percent of the course grade. For each session there will be a set of core readings that will provide the basis for class discussion. For certain topics there will be additional readings and other resources (web sites, etc.) that 2 or 3 persons will review and report on to the rest of the class. The additional readings will complement and help contextualize the core readings.
Practical application of the theories of knowledge discussed and firsthand experience with how individuals and communities are grappling with these issues will also be central to this seminar. This will occur primarily through the completion and presentation of a semester-long project which will account for the other 50 percent of the course grade and which is discussed below.
Seminar participants will be expected to complete a project over the course of the semester, either individually or in groups of two or three persons. The specific topic of the project will vary for each individual or group, but the project should deal in some way with how a particular community (of the individual or group’s choosing) produces, defines, is impacted by, etc., knowledge and information. Research methods and presentation format for the final project (written report, audio-visual presentation, etc.) are open to negotiation. Major assignments in relation to the project are the following:
1. A short (one- to two-page) description of your project idea will be due around the fourth week of class. We will spend some time in class discussing proposed projects and getting feedback on our ideas.
2. A more detailed proposal, with some discussion of research methods and expected outcomes/products will be due around mid-semester and will once again be presented to the class for discussion.
3. The final project will be due at the end of the semester and we will spend the last couple of class sessions on project presentations.
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