Inside America:
Syllabus, Spring 2001

Course Description

Inside America brings you into the states and regions of the U.S.A. to examine current trends and their significance. The main goal of Inside America is that the student’s mental map of the USA should become more vibrant, informed, and insightful: The student should be able to identify and articulate major trends, themes, problems, challenges, and movements which characterize the changing social, economic, and political landscape "inside America."

A schedule of events, class-by-class, has been prepared and loaded in the web site. The important dates, assignments, and events will be displayed there. Workshops in computer labs will be conducted to support your research and writing. An on-line Bulletin Board will be maintained. Religous holidays will be respected and special needs cheerfully accommodated. Adhere to the Ramapo College policy on academic integrity, pages 47-48 in the College Catalog. Enjoy the ride!

Curricular Role

Inside America directly supports the Mission Statement of Ramapo College through our exploration of diversity within America and by our understanding of the USA within a global context. The challenge to the student is to grasp this moving target --- an extraordinarily dynamic society in a singularly turbulent world.

Inside America performs several curricular functions:

• Inside America is required of American Studies majors.
• It fulfills the Values, Ethics, Aesthetics and Society category of General Education.
• It counts toward the Environmental Studies major as an upper-level elective.
• With the approval of the convener, Inside America counts toward the Political Science major.

Goals

The three main goals of the course are:

1. The map of the USA must come to life for you. You should be able to explain and integrate current political, economic, social, and ecological dynamics.
2. You should come to identify the political values and character of the states and regions.
3. You should be able to discern how each state confronts the challenges of sustainable development and globalization, vital contemporary themes.

Assigned Books, Articles, and Web Site

The course uses a variety of resources: two books, several articles (handouts), and the Inside America Web Site: http://www.oocities.org/~profwork/ia/.

Please obtain these books, which are available in the campus store:

1. Joel Garreau, The Nine Nations of North America
2. Daniel Kemmis, Community and the Politics of Place

Grading and Attendance Policies

The following grading instruments will determine your final grade:

1. Three essays counting a total of 40 points
2. A term project, 30 points, preceded by a proposal and an interim report, 5 points each
3. Class participation, 20 points

Perfect attendance carries two bonus points. Each unexcused absence results in a deduction of two points thereafter. You will receive a loss of a point for an excused absence, which is up to the discretion of the professor. Your grade for an assignment will drop by about 2.5% per class period tardy. Since your participation counts 20%, you must stay current in the reading and come to class prepared. Further, at the top of most classes I will discuss recent events that point to the material Inside America. Stay current and informed.

Access to Your Professor

I maintain office hours in G-231: on Monday, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. and from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.; and from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. on Thursday. I am generally available late Wednesday morning and early Wednesday afternoon, but only by appointment. My Ramapo College phone, (201) 684-7751, has voice-mail. My E-mail, the best way to contact me, is profwork@yahoo.com.

Inside America Web Site

I maintain a web site for the course, complementing our survey of states and regions and presenting themes which reinforce the goals of the course. I will explain in class the web site, its construction, and its proper use, but you should grasp its organization and structure easily. Use it. Pay special attention to the Bulletin Board, which I try to update once or twice per week. The Inside America Web Site will evolve during the semester. Return here often!

I look forward to an exciting and rewarding experience with you, Inside America.