Sociology 4461-002:
Critical Thinking in Society
Autumn 2006
Revolution
is a drama of passion. You do not win the People over by appealing to
reason.
Telephone: (303) 239-8482; e-mail: jaywatterworth@comcast.net or watterwo@sobek.colorado.edu
Office: 214 Ketchum
Office Hours: 12:15 – 2:00 or by appointment
Course Description: This course will develop your ability to think critically using a specific topic that we will examine during the semester. We will be examining one means that is employed to examine society, the documentary film.
Sociologists study social or symbolic interaction as one of the three paradigms used to exam society (along with functionalism and conflict theory). We are interested in the presentation of ourselves and others not only for the information imparted, but the means by which we do so. What do documentaries, as a looking glass, tell us about ourselves? How do they go about doing this? Who is saying this, what is their motivation, are they successful?
This semester we will be examining these questions from a variety of perspectives. The rich catalog of documentary films offers a unique variety of insights into our social world and the filmmakers each speak to us in their individual voices in offering their interpretations of that world. Our goal is to use this exercise as a means to understand the dynamics of critical thinking. The readings you will be subjected to will give you a framework for this understanding, but the real learning will be in our joint effort to digest these presentations.
One issue that was discussed in the last presidential election was whether the films being released at that time such as Fahrenheit 911 were documentaries or propaganda. What about films dealing with the Iraqi War such as Gunners’ Palace? This is an old discussion that goes back to the beginning of the historical roots of these films which have always been looked at as a completely different genre than popular films. Is it possible for a documentary not to be propaganda or at least biased in its presentation? Can biased thinking be critical?
Documentary films address a variety of issues and topics. We will be going beyond the National Geographic explorations of odd cultures or Nature’s displays of odd animals (not that they are not valuable and interesting) and look at films that are trying to make a point, introduce a new take on an old subject, promote a message, or have an axe to grind. Theoretically, they are an example of critical thinking.
Interpretation
is the revenge of the intellect upon art.
-Susan Sontag, author and critic
(1933-2004)
We will spend the balance of the semester viewing and
discussing a variety of documentary films.
Obviously, we will be using and refining the techniques we will have
discussed. We will be interested in the
topic of the film as well as the film itself.
What about Fahrenheit 911 and the brouhaha that it has stirred
up? What was the impact of Triumph
des Willen (Triumph of the Will), Leni Riefenstahl’s 1934 opus some
feel is the most successful documentary film of all time? And who was that woman, perhaps that era’s
Michael Moore (if
Assignments: To keep our class interesting and on track, I will provide resources for discussion. (And, yes, it will be on the exam. You are responsible for what goes on in class – everything. You are also responsible for knowing all the information that is assigned to you including readings – whether we discuss them in class or not.) If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. Get to know someone in this room; they might be able to provide you with notes should you need them. Do not depend on me! Your first assignment is to read your text over the next three weeks.
When we get underway, I expect a paper turned in every other week on the material we have discussed and/or documentary films we’ve just seen. These will be somewhat informal. I expect two or three pages applying critical thinking to both the films and the content of the films. You’ve received the readings and heard lectures that should provide you with the background you will need to do so. Make it interesting. Be imaginative. Think out of the box.
Exam: There will be one exam in four weeks (September 26th) on the book and readings.
Final Exam Paper: The final is a take home. You will be give three topics from which you can choose two to answer by writing an essay or essays. This may ask you to watch a film on your own, so the assignment will be given so you will have time to do this.
Grades: The grade you earn will be determined by averaging the scores of your papers, the exam, and the grade you receive for your final exam paper.
If they can get you asking the wrong
questions, they don't have to worry about the answers. Thomas Pynchon,
writer (1937- )
Attendance: Attendance is required. In order to have a class that works to everyone’s advantage, we all have to be there. We will be watching movies in class and discussing them in class, something that should/will be included in your essays. Participation is expected behavior. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from one of your classmates. Do not even think about asking me for my notes. You are also responsible for any announcements that are made in class whether you are there or not.
Anyone can look for fashion in a
boutique or history in a museum. The creative explorer looks for history in a
hardware store and fashion in an airport. - Robert S. Wieder, journalist
Add/Drops
Class-size limits are set according to departmental
guidelines and the fire code, both of which specify the number of students that
can be enrolled in each course. Therefore, please do not ask the professor/TA
if you can be added to the course. Use the PLUS system to verify if you
have been dropped or added. The address is: http://plus.colorado.edu.
Disability Accommodations
If you qualify for accommodations because of a
disability, please submit to the instructor a letter from Disability Services
so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines
accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671,
Willard 322, or www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices.
Religious Holidays
Campus policy regarding religious observances
requires that faculty make every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all
students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled
exams, assignments, or required attendance. If you need to miss class for a
religious holiday please submit a letter to the instructor before the end of
January. For a copy of CU’s policy regarding religious holidays, visit: http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html.
Classroom Behavior
Students and faculty each have the
responsibility to maintain an appropriate learning environment. Students
who do not adhere to behavioral expectations will be asked to leave the class
and will forfeit their attendance points for that day. Severe or repeated
infractions of behavioral expectations will be subject to further discipline. Instructors have the professional responsibility to treat
students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion
and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions.
See CU’s behavioral polices at www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html
and at
www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student
Academic Integrity
All students of the
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The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus at
any time as needed.