Class Time
Friday, 1-5pm
Friday, 1-5pm
Instructors
Dr. Michael Santaniello
Dr. Michael S. Russo
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will examine the social and political realities of life on Long Island, examining issues such as working poverty, access to quality education, excessive consumption and consumerism, and the effects of sprawl on suburban community life. In addition, we will discuss key issues about which students have concerns. Because the instructors are hoping for an open exchange of ideas during class, students are highly encouraged to share their own unique perspectives about living on Long Island and to be active collaborators in the learning process.
COURSE TEXTS
- The Long Island Index. Rausch Foundation, 2009
- Instructors' selection of on-line readings and handouts.
- Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Rich Dad, Poor Dad. New York: Warner Books, 1997.
- Michael Santaniello. College Bound and Moving Up. New York: SophiaOmni Press, 2010.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Research Paper #1:
RULES:
1. Length: Approximately five pages typed, double spaced. 2. Be clear, concise, and thorough. 3. Think before you write. 4. Be original and creative. 5. Refer to required readings and course materials. 6. Cite any references used. 7 . Be sure to focus on answering the question. 8. Support your arguments and opinions. Leave out unsupported opinions.
LATE Essays: One full letter grade penalty. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2012.
ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTION, IN ESSAY FORM.
A young man you know and care about is not currently in college, and is not planning to attend college in the future. Write an essay directed to this young man. Discuss:
- Why he should attend college;
- How will his long term future be affected by his education level;
- How does a person’s social class background affect
- her or his life chances; and
- Discuss some of your own experiences as a college student, some of the difficulties and fears you have overcome, and how you expect your life will improve, after you graduate.
Be sure to refer to and discuss relevant threads from: Rich Dad, Poor Dad; College Bound; and any other relevant course materials.
Clarify and Elaborate. Develop your essay.
Express your informed opinions, and support your opinions with data and evidence.
Cover all bases required in this question.
LIVE LONG, AND PROSPER!
Research Paper #2: Alternative Paradigms.
Possible topics: distributivist economics, voluntary simplicity, sustainable households, sustainable transportation, sustainable cities/smart growth, or any other issue that interests you from the second part of this class.
Each paper should be between 8-10 pages in length, written in proper MLA or APA style, and well documented. A minimum of 8 sources (including at least three books and three scholarly articles) is required.
EXTRA CREDIT OPTION
On Wednesday, March 7th, the Philosophy Department will hosting a lecture by Dr. Brad Gregory of Notre Dame University on Consumerism in the Madison Theater. Students who attend may write a 1 page reaction to the ideas presented for extra credit (2-4 pts).
ATTENDANCE POLICY
In an intensive course like this one, it is extremely important that students attend every class faithfully and arrive to class on time. In the case of a legitimate emergency, students may miss one class without any penalty with one of the instructors' permission. For each unexcused absence, 4 points will be deduced from the student's final grade for the class. Students who leave class early will have 1 point deducted for each hour of class that they miss. No exceptions will be made to this policy. If you think that you are likely to miss more than one class, you are strongly advised either NOT to take this course or accept the grade penalty graciously (i.e., without grousing, griping, or lamenting your fate).
