University of North Texas
College of Education
Department of Counseling, Development and Higher Education
EDHE 6850
Student Cultures in Higher Education
Summer 2002
Dr. Gwenn Pasco
Mathews Hall 105D
565-2736
Course Description
This course will provide an opportunity for a critical analysis and
synthesis of research on student cultures and an overview of the application of
these research findings to higher education in general, and student affairs in
particular.
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are for students to:
A.
Gain knowledge, insight and understanding of student
cultures and the role of student cultures in higher education,
and the relationship between student, faculty, and
administrative cultures through an analysis of research
studies on student cultures and class discussions focusing
on a critical analysis of this research and related literature.
B.
Understand the basic research designs and varied
approaches to the study of student cultures.
C.
Identify specific components of each study in this course,
considering the strengths and weaknesses, limitations,
assumptions, purpose, methodology, questions, findings
and recommendations. ( See outline)
D.
Develop skills for exploring the validity and application of
research studies/findings specific to student cultures and
applicability of findings to higher education in the twentyfirst century.
E.
Facilitate class discussions on specific studies of student
culture, providing direction, raising pertinent questions for
discussion, and sharing relevant related literature within the
context of the study.
** Required Text
** Helen Horowitz,(1987) Campus Life. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Press.
There are a number of research studies that will be used for this course.
These studies should be available through a library and it is not necessary to
purchase them, but if you so choose this option may be available through the
publisher.
Becker, H., Geer, B., Hughes,E., and Strauss, A. (1961) Boys in White.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Holland, D., and Eisenhart, M. (1990) Educated in Romance, Women and
Achievement and College Culture. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press
Moffat, M., (1987) Coming of Age in New Jersey. New Brunswick:
Rutgers University Press.
Newcomb, T. Personality and Social Change (1943) New York: Holt,
Rinehart, Winston
Newcomb,T., Koenig, K., Warwick, D., and Flack, R. (1967) Persistence
and Change: Bennington College and It’s Students After Twenty-five Years. New
York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Wallace, W.L. (1966) Student Culture: Social Structure and Continuity in
a Liberal Arts College. Chicago: Aldine Publishing
Additional Reading:
When Dreams and Heroes Died by Arthur Levine
Rites of Passage in a Student Culture by Thomas Leemon
Course Requirements
A.
Each student is expected to attend classes prepared to
contribute to class discussion on each study.
B.
Each student is expected to prepare and submit two copies
of a written analysis of a current issue in a student culture
in higher education and each student is expected to submit
two copies of a research study listed as required for the
course.
C.
Each student will facilitate or co-facilitate at least one class
discussion on one of the studies. (see outline for class
presentation)
D.
Each student will submit a final outline which synthesizes
and analyzes the collective findings of a research study and
the implications of these findings for the future of higher
education and student affairs. Students will participate in a
class discussion specific to this assignment.
E.
Each student will spend 15 hours working and observing a
particular student culture and will present their findings to
the class.
F.
The final for this course will require each student to
participate in a simulation of student cultures to further
explore the characteristics, role and influence of student
cultures in the year 2002 and beyond.
Grades
Grades will be based on presentations, class participation,
written research study analysis, and the final examination simulation.
Students should follow the outlines provided to complete all assignments.
Issue Presentations:
20%
Analysis Presentations:
50%
Participation
20%
Simulation
10%
EDHE 685000
Student Cultures in Higher Education
Summer 2002
Research Analysis Outline
Please follow this outline format for each analysis submitted.
1.A. Bibliographical Data:
Author/Researcher
 Education
 Career Path/Experience
 Other Publications/writings/research
1.B. Setting of the Study
 Institution
 Climate of Higher Education
 Climate of the Country
 Global Considerations
2. Purpose of the Study
3. Theories or Concepts of the Study
4. Definition of Terms
5. Assumptions of the Study
6. Questions of the Study
7. Sources of Data Collection
8. Methods of Data Collection
9. Limitations of the Study
10. Findings and Conclusions
11. Definition of Student Cultures
12. Recommendations for Further Study
EDHE 685000
Student Cultures in Higher Education
Summer 2002
Class Presentation Outline
Each presentation should follow the analysis outline on the previous page.
Please be cognizant that evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
1. Clear understanding of the researcher(s) and the study
2. Ability to lead the class through a discussion of the study based on the
outline provided
3. Ability to explain and present the salient concepts and findings of the
study
4. Incorporation of related literature, information, and other material that
may assist in a clearer understanding and mastery of the subject
5. Creativity and professionalism in presentation style
6. Use of audiovisual or other supportive media
Ability to engage the class in discussion and promote dialogue