Henry, Harry, and Rock and Roll
What do these three have in common? They're topics of new special-interest courses at Southeastern
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Dr. Joe Burns shows off his extensive collection of rock and roll memorabilia. He is teaching the new special-interest course "History of Rock and Roll" for the first time this semester.
Southeastern's course catalog is full of robust and rigorous traditional offerings such as business calculus, economics and biology. But take a closer look, and you'll find several special-interest courses that go far beyond your typical subjects.
Special Topics in History, Special Studies in English and Special Topics in Communication are just a few courses featuring new, interesting topics this semester.
Tudors on TV
This semester's theme for Special Topics in History (HIST 498/598) is "Tudors on Showtime and in Real Life." Taught by Dr. William Robison, head of the Department of History and Political Science, the course examines Showtime's "The Tudors" in terms of how accurately it portrays Henry VIII's reign, how it reflects the culture of the early twenty-first century during which the series was made and how it stands up to analysis as a work of art.
Seasons one and two are included in the fall 2014 course, while seasons three and four are covered in the course offered during spring 2015. All episodes are available to students – and rumor has it, Henry VII makes an appearance during the semester.
Harry Potter
This fall, Special Studies in English (ENGL 315) is based on the Harry Potter book series and taught by Rebecca Rushing. True to the story line, Rushing separates each class into Houses that receive points based on class discussion and test scores. The Houses work on group projects mirroring the book series, and scores count toward a prize at the end of the semester – including custom-made House Crest ornaments and mugs – rather than bonus points.
During the course, students delve into the concepts and characters of the seven Harry Potter novels and debate their value and contributions to the series in class. They also participate in online discussion boards and quizzes, as well as essay exams on each book and the series as a whole.
History of Rock and Roll
KSLU radio show "Rock School" producer and communication professor Dr. Joe Burns is teaching Special Topics in Communication (COMM 400) focused on the History of Rock and Roll for the first time this semester, thanks to his receipt of the Fay Warren Reimers Professorship in the Humanities. The course covers the higher points of rock music from its inception through its growth, diversification and constant impact on the world around it.
The course features guest lectures from members of the faculty band "Impaired Faculties," including Dr. Bill Robison from the Department of History and Political Science, Dr. Ralph Wood from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. Dan McCarthy from the College of Science and Technology, Dr. Randy Settoon from the College of Business and Todd Delaney, general manager for KSLU. In addition to class discussions and research papers, students will work in groups to create an original, one-hour "Rock School" radio show that will air on KSLU.
