APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
FCS 4450 Contemporary Issues
Instructor: Dr. Sammie G. Garner
Office:
104A LS Dougherty
Phone:
828-262-2663
E-mail: garnersg@appstate.edu
111
11:00 – 11:50 AM, MW
Office hours: 9:30-10:30 AM W, R
2:00- 3:00 PM T, R
2:00- 3:00 PM M, W
Text: Loeb, P. (2010) Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in Challenging Times. New
York: St. Martin’s Griffin.
New and Revised edition.
Service Learning information:
http://www.act.appstate.edu/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAG
E_id=6&MMN_position=17:14
Required supplementary Readings: see topical outline for additional required readings
particularly the websites listed for your review and the text chapter reading assignments.
Ethics article: Roubanis, J., Garner, S. and Purcel, R. (2006) An ethical perspectives model for
FCS, Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 98, 4, 30-21.
Course Description: An integrative study of contemporary issues in relation to individuals and
families: child development, family relations, parenting, resource management, housing, apparel
and textiles, food and nutrition. Quality of living, civic engagement and volunteerism, capacity
building, team building and problem solving skills using interdisciplinary group assignments will
be incorporated into presentations and discussion. Prerequisites: FCS 1400, FCS 2103, junior or
senior standing. Core writing designator. Service Learning project required.
Course Objectives:
1. Analyze the meaning of “quality of living.”
2. Examine selected social issues impacting individuals and families and their quality of
life/living.
3. Analyze these selected issues from professional and ethical perspectives.
4. Complete an 18-hour service learning project in which individual interests and skills are
applied in providing services related to helping individuals and families improve their
quality of living.
5. Develop an awareness and recognition of the interdisciplinary roles Family and
Consumer Science professionals play in enhancing quality of living and resolving
contemporary issues and concerns affecting individuals and families.
6. Develop writing skills which demonstrate critical and reflective thinking.
7. Analyze the process by which communities engage in capacity building.
Requirements:
Class participation. Students are required to attend all class periods, to take notes, to be
prepared to ask questions and to interact with each other concerning the subject matter and
related assignments. The point is BE ON TIME AND ON TASK. Class participation
accounts for 10 percent of the final grade and is based on in-class activities (writing, forms
completion, discussion, peer presentations, evaluations, and pop tests. There is no make-up
option for pop tests or other in-class work missed.
(10 %)
Tests A midterm and a final comprehensive exam will be given. Refer to study questions for
review. Test format includes both multiple choice, true/false and discussion questions. Students
should focus their preparation on reviewing class notes, textbook material and assigned
supplementary readings.
(20% ea.)
Assignments Assignments are intended to integrate learning from a variety of sources
including print sources, the Internet, and direct observation and experience. Written assignments
must be typed/word processed. No pencil. Most assignments are to be submitted through
ASULearn. Refer to topic listing for due dates. Recall that this course is designated a writing
intensive course and that it has a required service learning component of 18 service hours. Refer
to “Assignments” descriptions on ASULearn for other details
1. Read text and prepare to discuss Soul of a Citizen. Prepare for class discussions as
specified on the topical outline including in-class writing. Analyze content of the book for
application and inclusions in other assignments: weekly journaling through ASULearn, service
learning participation, midterm and exam, group oral presentation and written paper.
2. Project - Community Service Learning Experience Students will work
individually (min. 18 hrs.) to learn about how community agencies function and will enhance
their respective learning within the major through assisting families in areas of study related to
child and family advocacy, apparel needs, income insufficiency, housing/homelessness, food
insecurity, health services, family well-being, education deficits, etc. Work is documented by a
Time Log which is signed weekly by your SL supervisor and also at the end of the 18 hour work
period. This log is a required component of assignment #5, the individual written report of the
service learning experience and is due with the individual SL paper.
3. Weekly journal submission (2/wk., n=10 total) Students will submit via ASULearn
(Forum) a weekly reflective journal summarizing that week’s learning experience (n=5) in the
service site and will respond to at least one other student’s report (n=5) within the FORUM
group. Refer to: http://www.fiu.edu/~time4chg/Library/reflect.html for journaling guidance. Refer to
journal prompts for each of the 5 journal reports to be submitted. Students will be assigned to small
journaling/discussion groups of about 4-5 members with a designated team captain. Instructions
for submitting journaling and responses are available on ASULearn. Students must submit this
work on time and as assigned in order to earn credit. Late submissions earn no credit.
(20 %)
4. Group oral presentation Each journal discussion group will present an oral group
report of their service learning experiences and the learning outcomes. Use of PowerPoint,
photos, websites, and/or other artifacts are recommended. The assigned FORUM weekly
journaling and group responses (5 + 5 = 10 total) are useful bases for the group report. Refer
to “Assignments” descriptions on ASULearn for other required components and other related
details.
(10%)
5. Individual written report of service learning experience. Each student will write
and submit a 3-4 page report of the student’s service learning experience and related learning
outcomes using APA writing style and including a bibliography with at least 4 major references.
Refer to “Assignments” descriptions on ASULearn for required assignment components and
other related details. (20%)
Grading The final grade is affected as follows:
Midterm
Exam
Assignment #3, ASULearn journaling/discussion
Assignment #4, Group oral presentation
Assignment #5, written report of SL project
Class participation
20%
20%
20 %
10%
20 %
10%
Content, grammar, punctuation, neatness, organization and creative problem analysis are major
grading criteria. All assignments must be typed/word processed. Follow APA (American
Psychological Association Publication Manual) writing style. Also refer to and follow the
Appalachian Student Integrity Code.
http://www.studentconduct.appstate.edu/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_
page&PAGE_id=2&MMN_position=3:3
Note that work handed in late will be penalized a letter grade for each day late. Assignments to
be submitted electronically may not be submitted in paper copy. Other assignments are due at the
beginning of class. Work submitted at the end of class and work submitted later in the day or
later in the semester is judged to be late. Under no circumstances will late work be accepted
later than the last class period prior to reading day. Do not submit any work by E-mail or
leave work on the instructor’s office door or mailbox unless you have special permission
from your instructor. All work is to be submitted by the syllabus deadline. Significant focus is
placed on showcasing scholarship, application of course content, an exemplary work ethic, and
ethical thought and behavior. Integrity violations including plagiarizing are handled according to
the Appalachian Academic Integrity code.
Grade scale: 93 and above=A
90-92=A87-89=B+
83-86=B
80-82=B77-79=C+
73-76=C
70-72=C-
67-69=D+
63-66=D
60-62=D-
Methods of teaching and learning: service agency participation, lecture/discussion, case study
analysis, website review, audiovisual presentations, self-testing, computer assignments, large and
small group activities, and electronic journaling.
Projects must be done for this course exclusively (refer to Appalachian Integrity Code) and
should not overlap or repeat any work or project done at any time for another course or
assignment. “Recycling” work from done by another student is a violation of the ASU Integrity
Code. Consultation with your instructor regarding assignments is encouraged.
Special needs: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an
accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Office of Disability
Services, 222 D.D. Dougherty, 262-3053/262-3056 (TTY) as early as possible in the term.
"Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for
individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking
accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The
Office of Disability Services (ODS) at http://www.ods.appstate.edu/ or 828-262-3056. Once
registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility
and appropriate accommodations."
Religious observances: Students who plan to miss class for religious observances must follow
the University policy for such events.Refer to
http://www.academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources-forms
Students must be allowed a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious
observances. Students are responsible for requesting excused absences for religious observances
required by the faith of a student. Instructors are responsible for complying with this requirement. In
classes in which attendance is taken and/or penalties are applied for student absences, instructors
must document their compliance with the religious observance policy by tracking student excused
absences for religious observances.
Syllabus: Note that this syllabus is a planning document and is subject to change and revision
during the course of the semester.
Academic Integrity: As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an
atmosphere of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of
each other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an
Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and will
oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the Academic
Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site:
www.studentconduct.appstate.edu.
Class time Class time is restricted to class discussion, presentations, and related activities.
Students are expected to attend and participate in all class sessions. Class is canceled only if the
University has canceled classes (refer to ASU web site or the ASU snow number). In other
cases, I will send you an E-mail message regarding any change in class meeting time or location.
Please model scholarship, consideration and courtesy:
1. Talk when it is “your turn.” Avoid side conversations that distract others and inhibit learning.
2. Water bottles are fine. Avoid bringing other beverages and/or food to class unless you are
treating the whole class.
3. Be alert, focused on the class material, and prepared to participate.
4. You will not need a computer in class. Do not bring one without first checking with your
instructor.
5. Shut off electronic devices (iPhones, Blackberries, cell phones, etc.) or set them on
mute/vibrate.
Weater related information:
http://stormready.appstate.edu/winter-storm-ready
Class Topical Outline and Assignment Schedule:
Date
Class Topic
Course introduction
Ethics and SL forms
1/10
What is quality of living?
How does it related to the FCS
mission?
What are quality of living
indicators?
What is capacity building?
1/12
SL protocol/ethics and SL interest
forms (ACT) – due in 1 week
(January 17 MLK holiday)
1/19
1/24
1/26
An overview of service learning
Shari Galiardi – register on-line.
3:00 - 4:00 PM
PSU, Table Rock Room
Please plan to stay the entire time
(50 min.). Sign in under FCS
4450 at end of presentation.
Viewing “quality of life” through
Different viewpoints.
“Making our Lives Count.”
Why civic engagement?
Assignments/preparation for Today’s class
Review: http://www.cetconnect.org/loeb/#
Choose date and register for SL orientation session.
http://act.appstate.edu/signup/sheet_id/5
- SL options and overview
- Read about quality of life and take adult quality of life Profile.
Bring copy of your QOL profile to class/hand in. (Be sure to print your
profile at your first option to avoid “losing” it. Do NOT give your instructor a
hand written profile.)
http://www.utoronto.ca/qol
http://www.utoronto.ca/qol/profile/adultVersion.html
Review ACT webpage: www.act.appstate.edu
Review “information for students,” “Poverty Introduction, “
“The Condition of the Poor is Worsening,” &
“Hunger and Food Insecurity.”
You must register on-line for this date. (If this is a conflict time for you,
choose one of the 14 alternate times. Be sure to register for it online.)
http://act.appstate.edu/signup/sheet_id/5
Read and prepare to discuss Intro. and Ch. 1, Soul of a Citizen.
Due 1/24 - Project agreement and Ethics forms due for SL (ACT forms –
on pink and blue paper).
Read the article: “appreciating Differences” by Rick Brenner
Appreciating Differences in Others
http://www.chacocanyon.com/pointlookout/010314.shtml
Susan King, Equity Office
Discussion of SL plans
1/31
Read and prepare to discuss Ch. 2 & 3, Soul of a Citizen.
Review: http://www.volunteernc.org/.
SOC, ch.. 2 “We Don’t Have to be
SL agency/project selection information form due: Feb.1. (Form available
Saints: the perfect Standard”
on ASULearn.) Submit through ASULearn.
SOC, ch. 3 “The working poor”
Refer to (blue) ethics form signed earlier, to the JFCS ethics article, and
to the Ethics PPT on ASULearn.
2/2
Ethical considerations in SL
2/7
Begin: Service learning @
agency
Read and prepare to apply the ethics article: Roubanis, J., Garner, S. and
Purcel, R. (2006) An ethical perspectives model for FCS, Journal of Family
and Consumer Sciences, 98, 4, 30-21.
Review: http://www.fiu.edu/~time4chg/Library/reflect.html for guidance in
writing your reflective journal reflecting your service and your learning.
Report your SL activity beginning this week through “Forum” in ASULearn,
FCS 4450. Report only through your assigned group.
Read and prepare to discuss Ch. 4, Soul of a Citizen
2/9
The working poor
SOC, ch. 4 “The Cynical Smirk”
2/14
Service Learning @ agency
2/16
The working poor
SOC, ch. 5 “Unforeseen Fruits”
Review:
http://www.aecf.org/upload/PublicationFiles/Working%20Hard.pdf
Forum journaling (report and response) – report through ASULearn.
Read and prepare to discuss Ch. 5, Soul of a Citizen
Review also
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_22/b3885001_mz001.htm
In class follow-up: journaling process
2/21
Service Learning @ agency
“Forum ” journaling (report and response).
SOC, ch. 6 The Call of Stories”
Read and prepare to discuss Ch. 6, Soul of a Citizen
Review also - http://www.thenation.com/doc/20040209/shulman
Service Learning @ agency
“Forum ” journaling (report and response).
Midterm
(March 7-11 Spring Break)
Note that review questions for both the midterm and the final exam are
available to you on ASULearn. So are all PPTs used by instructor in
class.
3/14
Service Learning @ agency
“Forum ” journaling and responses
3/16
Values, Work and Family
Read and prepare to discuss Ch. 7, Soul of a Citizen
3/21
Finish: Service Learning @
agency
2/23
2/28
3/2
“Forum ” journaling and responses. (Deadline: finish all Forum submissions
by the last day of March)
3/23
Village Politics”
“Widening the Circle”
Read and prepare to discuss Ch.8, Soul of a Citizen
Review also - http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2004-06-08-lowwage-working-poor_x.htm
Read and prepare to discuss Ch .9, & 10 Soul of a Citizen
Review also - http://familiesandwork.org
3/28
“Coping with Burnout”
Finish: “Forum journaling ” by Mar. 31
Review and apply multi-perspectives ethics model to SL experiences.
SL Ethics case study analysis
3/30
4/4
4/6
4/11,
13,18,
20
Quality of life revisited
FORUM Overview
Pieces of a Vision & The Fullness
of Time
In class FORUM evaluation
Refer to ethics article: Roubanis, J., Garner, S. and Purcel, R. (2006) An
ethical perspectives model for FCS, Journal of Family and Consumer
Sciences, 98, 4, 30-21.
Read and prepare to discuss Ch.11 & 12, Soul of a Citizen
Due 4/4: SL individual paper incl. references (Submit through
ASULearn.)
Due 4/6: SL group report outline including references (Submit through
ASULearn.)
Oral reports plans and expectations Review: http://totalcommunicator.com/vol3_1/expert2.html
Student service learning oral
group presentations
(April 22 - Easter Holiday)
4/25
Service learning and course
evaluations
4/27
Final class - Course overview &
reflection
(Reading day – Apr. 28)
4/29
Final comprehensive exam 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Note these University exam policies: http://www
.registrar.appstate.edu/calendar/springexampolicy.html