Time Schedule:
Sharleen Mondal
B CUSP 118
Bothell Campus
Evaluates progress at the conclusion of the first year through the construction of a portfolio and offers an experiential learning opportunity, either on- or off-campus. Prerequisite: either B CUSP 115, B CUSP 116, or B CUSP 117; may not be repeated. Offered: Sp.
Class description
Course Title: "Heroes and Villains: The Writing and Rewriting of History"
What makes a hero a hero? We know that everyone has flaws, yet narratives of national heroes often downplay a person's mistakes or socially unjust politics. Similarly, our understanding of which people are national enemies is also impacted by a plethora of media imagery and stereotypes. In this course we will explore the construction of heroes and its counterpart--the construction of villains--as a means of exploring how historical narratives and media sources (including national monuments, movies, and news media) play a role in our perception of these figures. We will engage several scholarly critiques of heroification and vilification in order to think through the problems that arise in these processes. For the experiential learning component of the course, you will have the opportunity to research a public figure ("hero" or "villain") of your choice and to construct an alternative historical narrative or media account of that person's life. You will compile your first-year portfolio in this course, as well, providing you with the chance to reflect on how your scholarship on heroes and villains contributes to your overall body of work from your first year at UW Bothell in light of both the first year learning goals as well as your own goals for yourself at the university.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
I will lecture occasionally as necessary. More frequently, we will employ class discussion of course material and workshopping of student writing.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
For work relating to the course theme, students can expect short writing assignments and interactive classroom activities that build a longer paper and/or project. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to compile their first-year portfolio to showcase how their work from the academic year engages the First Year Learning Goals.
