I've taught a number of classes over the years. Most of what I have taught has been oral traditions and literatures from non-English-speaking cultures, ranging from Classical Greece to the Modern Middle East and from ancient Tibet to modern Guatemala. For Eastern's English Department I have taught Myth and Culture, Backgrounds of Western Literature, Mythology, Literary Masterworks, Middle Eastern Literature, Oral Tradition, and other composition and literature courses. I've also taught EIU Senior Seminars in Orientalism and Folklore. I've taught University Foundations, a course for first-year students. Most recently, I have designed and taught an honors senior seminar in leadership and a honors first-year seminar.
Fall 2004 Classes
Leadership: Theory and Practice (EIU 4194)
Course Description
An interdisciplinary approach to the definitions, theories, rhetoric, and styles of leadership practices in contemporary cultures. The short- and long-term effectiveness of global, national, and local leaders will be studied and evaluated as we develop our own leadership goals.
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, I expect students to know . . .
• How to synthesize and analyze information from scholarly sources of various disciplines and cultures
• How to communicate research findings in oral and written form
• Various definitions and theories of leadership
• The importance of communication skills for leaders
• The difference between effective and ineffective leadership and why leadership may be effective or ineffective
• The importance and responsibility inherent in choosing leaders
With this knowledge I expect students to be able to. . .
• Think critically about what you read
• Conduct interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research on leaders and leadership
• To articulate your thoughts to a variety of audiences in a variety of easy
• Recognize what makes a leader
• Recognize and develop your own leadership potential
• Lead!
• Enjoy!
Texts:
Burns, Leadership
Gergen, Eyewitness to Power
Menchu, I, Rigoberta Menchu
Lipman-Blumen, Connective Leadership
Rogat Loeb, Soul of a Citizen
Whitney, Nine and Counting
Honors First-Year Seminar (HON 1191)
Course Description
An inquiry into the expectations, resources, policies, and traditions of university life and the Honors College. Students are challenged to enhance their intellectual and leadership potential through study of disciplinary perspectives on international and local issues while planning how they will make their own contributions to society.
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, we expect students to know . . .
• How to synthesize and analyze information from scholarly sources of various disciplines
• How to communicate research findings in oral and written form
• How to think independently and reflectively
• The importance of service and citizenship
• The importance and responsibility inherent in being an educated citizen
With this knowledge we expect students to be able to. . .
• Think critically about what you read
• Explore issues from the perspective of multiple academic disciplines
• To articulate your thoughts to a variety of audiences in a variety of ways
• Recognize and develop your own academic and leadership potential
• Create a personal "Statement of Purpose" outlining individual goals to be accomplished over your undergraduate experience and beyond
• Make informed decisions based on knowledge, logic, and evidence
• Communicate effectively and confidently with faculty members and other professionals
• Enjoy!
2004 Texts:
Steingraber, Living Downstream
Rogat Loeb, Soul of a Citizen New York Times Washington Post Chicago Tribune
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