Classes

Anthropology 101. Anthropology is the scientific and humanistic study of people and their differences over time and space. We’re doing cultural anthropology, which is the study of how history and environment shapes the way that people act and interact with each other. We’ll specifically apply the principles of anthropological study to the peoples and culture of MesoAmerica through observation and readings. (Tentative Syllabus)

Anthropology 290. In this class, students study the basics of the cultures and sites we visit. Each of you will receive a tour manual which gives a daily description of what you'll be visiting and seeing. This manual will serve as the text for the course. Class requirements include an oral report, participation and a final exam. (Tentative Syllabus)

Biology 118. This class studies the natural world of MesoAmerica. We visit 3 main ecosystems--the desert, the rain forest, and the coral reef--and study various aspects and components of these. We'll also cover the basics of biology. If you take this class, plan on bringing small binoculars to help you identify various species of flora and fauna. Requirements include exams, papers, species list, quizzes, group projects, etc. (Writing Assignments) (Tentative Syllabus)

English 250. This is an introductory literature appreciation course. Students read selections from and about the countries we visit. Requirements include a reading journal, exams, readings, and an oral report. (Tentative Syllabus)

International Studies 350. You'll study more in-depth both the modern and the ancient cultures. Class requirements include a research paper (completed before leaving for MesoAmerica), a book report, an oral report, readings, a field journal, and a final exam. (Tentative Syllabus)

Sociology 112. Students become acquainted with current social problems and learn to suggest possible means of prevention and/or solution. (Tentative Syllabus)

Spanish 490 is for students who are fluent speakers (not just pretty good). You will serve as tutors for students who want to learn more Spanish. You'll lead discussion groups, serve as Spanish consultants, and may even create lesson plans and teach lessons. (Tentative Syllabus)

FA 100. You can complete all the requirements for this class on the trip. At the end, you must record at least 10 artistic things you saw. You must attend the performance of Mexico's Ballet Folklorico. (Tentative Syllabus)

Anthropology is the scientific and humanistic study of people and their differences over time and space. We’re doing cultural anthropology, which is the study of how history and environment shapes the way that people act and interact with each other. We’ll specifically apply the principles of anthropological study to the peoples and culture of MesoAmerica through observation and readings.

Books/Materials:
Readings (photocopies) Tour manual writing utensils
Anthropology journal (in the bookstore) 1 of 4-5 books. You will need to buy this book.

Books/Materials:
∙ Readings Packet–at Quick’s Copies. Tour manual (provided), observation journal (in the bookstore)
∙ 1 small text to be determined.

Assignments will include:
Everything that Anthropology 290 does
Tests (vocabulary and final exam)
Quizzes
Oral reports
Book report.
Participation
Field Journal. Contains Field observations, Reading summaries/ responses, Record of teaching moments, Record/reflection of cultural moments, Responses to class discussion, Ethnographic study.

Purpose: The purpose of this class is to study, through observation and readings, the peoples and culture of MesoAmerica.

Anthropology is the scientific and humanistic study of people and their differences over time and space. We’re doing cultural anthropology, which is the study of how history and environment shapes the way that people act and interact with each other. There are 4 basic subdisciplines of this field: sociocultural, archaeological, biological, and linguistic anthropology. We focus mostly on the sociocultural and archaeological subdisciplines, but we’ll do a little biological and linguistic anthropology as well.

50% Final exam. This is the objective part of the test the International Studies 350 people take. You’ll need to be able to identify people, places, names, events, dates, etc. You'll get a study sheet and take the test near the end of the tour. If needed, we'll have an optional review session.

30% Participation. This mostly includes helping John the TA, getting breakfast or lunch for the groups, participating in tour activities, going to the archaeological sites, being a part of the learning experience, being a good group member, etc.

We will have 2 class meetings the week before we leave on Monday, April 25 and maybe Tuesday, April 26. We’ll have a few formal class sessions on tour as well, but most will be on-site.

Benson 294A • 496-2026 • GriffithJo@byui.edu • http://www.byui.edu/ricks/employee/griffithjo/

Text: Recommended only: Tropical Mexico: The ecotravellers’ wildlife guide. Les Beletsky

The MesoAmerica Field Biology course is an introductory ecology course which incorporates plant and animal identification. Our study will focus on three different types of ecosystems with which we spend most of our time while in Central America; the desert, the rain forest and coral reefs. Within these three vastly different ecosystems are representatives of most flora and fauna types of the world. Their examination will provide opportunities to observe organisms adapting and solving problems of survival in truly unique ways, each befitting its environment. Close attention to various species interaction within a community, especially human’s, will be stressed. Discussions and lectures will be experienced first hand as we travel, walk, or swim through many of Central America’s most diverse and beautiful ecosystems.

Course Objectives:
To expose the student to the study of ecology, zoology, and field identification, including the various tools and methods used in these fields. In applying these concepts, the student will be able to better see and understand the beauties and the complexities of the natural world around them.

Course Requirements:
Attendance: Class attendance is expected and is essential for your survival in this class. The course requires no textbooks; information comes solely from lectures and experiences in the field. You must be in attendance to get this information, and you will be held accountable for it on exams.

Notebook: Everyone will need a notebook that can be carried easily in the field. For each field trip you will need to keep notes of things discussed as well as a record of new plants and animals that were observed. You should note any unique information about them including location and behavior. Also, some general information on the ecosystem that we visit during each field trip should be recorded. You will need to turn in a short summary of each field trip and a list of plants and animal that you saw.

Snorkel, mask, and fins: We will be studying one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. You will need snorkel, mask, and fins. You may want to bring your own tried and true equipment.

Study groups:
Groups: For some parts of this class you will be required to work and be graded in groups. Each group will consist of 3 or 4 individuals which will be required to present an oral presentation, take quizzes, run water sample test and teach and inform the class about particular species assigned to them before hand.

Writing Assignments: The two class writing assignments are outlined on this link as well as in the syllabus. These Assignments must be turned in on the days indicated on the schedule. These must be typed, double spaced, at least three pages in length and follow the format as outlined. These assignments are designed to assess your critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Each paper will be judged for its clarity, relevance, logic, depth, and fairness found in the assigned subject.

Oral presentation: As a group, choose an organism commonly observed throughout our trip and profile it in an oral presentation using key concepts and ideas discussed in class. Your grade will be determined by two different factors. First 80 percent of your grade will be determined by the evaluation that your audience gives you. Following your presentation your audience will meet in their respective groups and discuss your presentation and evaluate it on the basis of the handout labeled “Oral presentation” given at the back of this packet. Your instructors critique will of course weigh in heavily on this portion of your grade. Finally, the other 20 percent of your grade will be based on how will you critiqued the other groups oral reports.

Bird species list:
(Group) The bird species list in this packet will be divided to give each group a number of birds to be responsible for. Each member in the group should be familiar with basic information found in the field guides concerning these species as well as the families they belong to. Be prepared to answer questions concerning these birds.
(Individual) To receive credit you must find at least 75 percent of the birds on the list.

Quizzes:
(Group) Group quizes will be given orally while out in the field. Your group can be stopped and quized at any time over things that have been pointed out and discussed in the past. Quizzes will cover identification of organisms as well biological concepts.

Exams
Two unit exams and a final exam will be given during the course of the semester. All exams are comprehensive over material covered up to that point in class. Exams are not to be taken by groups but by each individual separately. The material covered will be from information covered in lectures. The final will include all information covered through the entire class.

By Wednesday, May 3, read A Place Where the Sea Remembers. We’ll have an introduction to literature and Latin American literature, then discuss the book. You’ll get a full schedule later.

Course Description: The BYUI catalog designates this as a literature appreciation course. In this particular course, you’ll specifically learn to appreciate literature from and about Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and perhaps Honduras. In addition, we will read a few select works by authors from other Latin American countries, and by authors from the United States who are of Latino descent.

These 7-10 minute reports will usually be directed to the whole tour. This means that you may have to summarize, and/or describe the piece of literature you’re discussing . Your job is to significantly teach the group about some aspect of the literature and/or culture of the MesoAmerican and/or Latino world.

This class requires your active, thoughtful participation during class discussions. If no one talks, quizzes will follow.

Test on Literary Elements (10%). You will have to apply your knowledge of the critical literary terms.

Final Exam (25%): Will include both an objective section and an essay section.

These are approximately 200-word mini essays concerning your personal reactions to readings centered on such topics as theme, characters, setting, point of view, and other elements of fiction, drama, and poetry. Your writing responses will be explorations of your ideas and will enhance your understanding of what you read. Although informal, your response must exhibit one of the following purposes for reading and writing about literature: to reflect, to compare, to explicate, and to analyze.

At least 5 of your entries must include some discussion of your "teaching moments." Make sure to mark these in some way.

At least 5 of your entries must be analysis and/or explication of the literary text(s)

Prerequisites: This class DOES NOT count for GE letters. Only English majors or others with a basic understanding of literature should be in the class.

C Read 2 extra books of your choice from Latin American or Chicano literature (preferably Mexican or Guatemalan)

For FA 100, there are two different credit options: the zero-credit option and the one-credit option . On the tour we offer ONLY the 0-credit choice.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE (or during second summer term):
1. Attend a Gospel Values in Art lecture. They are held on campus every semester. During winter semester, these lectures will be
∙ Tuesday, January 31, 5:30p.m.,
∙ Thursday, February 16, 5:30 p.m.
∙ Thursday, February 23, 5:30p.m.
∙ Friday, April 7, 5:00p.m. (Requires an additional 750 summary)
∙ All in the Taylor chapel. There will be more lectures during second summer term

2. Attend a Live Stage Play. Plays winter semester include
∙ The School for Scandal. Feb. 22-25, Feb 28-Mar 4
∙ Opera Iphigenie en Tauride. March 21-22, 24-25
∙ Medea. April 5-8, 11-15
∙ Savior of the World April 18-19, 21-22 (remember this sold out in about 2 minutes last semester)
∙ If you won’t be here winter semester, you can attend the lecture and play second summer term.
∙ When you go to the lecture or play, fill out the scantron sheet to show that you've been there. Write MESOAMERICA 2006 at the top of the scantron sheet and turn it in at the lecture or play so they know to give you credit.

ON TOUR:
∙ Keep a list of at least 10 fine arts that you see during the trip. Try to give as much variety to your list as possible. You’ll give me this list before the end of the trip.
∙ You MUST attend the Ballet Folklorico and the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City

Office: 224 Taylor • 496-2236 • PalmerG@byui.edu • http://emp.byui.edu/PALMERG/

The purpose of this class is to study, through observation and readings, the peoples and culture of MesoAmerica.

International Studies looks at the history, governments, culture, religion, society, and current events of countries or a region.

CONTENT AND TOPICS:
This course looks at the history, governments, culture, religion, society, and current events of Latin American; including but not limited to Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, and Colombia.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
1. Examine the government structure, politics, economics, and history of the countries of Latin America.
2. Examine and compare the cultural characteristics of the countries of Latin America.
3. Examine and discuss the current issues in the countries of Latin America.
4. Appreciate, understand, and be open to cultural differences and varying worldviews of different peoples, through study and discussions of this region.

Office: 224 Taylor • 496-2236 • PalmerG@byui.edu • http://emp.byui.edu/PALMERG/

GRADING

YOUR GRADE WILL BE DETERMINED BY:

ATTENDANCE– 40%

TESTS/SCHOLARLY PROJECT AND QUIZZES– 25%

INSIGHT, APPLICATION, AND RESERVE– 25%

READING– 10%

ATTENDANCE:

This makes up the most part of your grade. More importantly, you will have a much better experience if you attend each class. The attendance grade is in two parts, BEING THERE (75% of the attendance grade) and, EXEGESIS (25% of the attendance grade):

BEING THERE portion of the grade is broken down as follows:

MISS NO MORE THAN 90% OF CLASS DAYS—A

MISS NO MORE THAN 80% OF CLASS DAYS—B

MISS NO MORE THAN 70% OF CLASS DAYS—-C

MISS NO MORE THAN 60% OF CLASS DAYS—Woe!

EXEGESIS portion is to help you get more out of the experience once you’re there.

In the spirit of Elder Nelson’s insight, “The Lord can only teach an inquiring mind,” you will come prepared each day with three-to-five questions in mind, things you have thoughtfully, prayerfully sought (see Blackboard posting under “Course Documents” titled “Exegesis” for examples of questions). We may or may not answer your questions, but you will find that the process will enhance your ability to receive inspiration and revelation.

READING:

PERHAPS READING SHOULD CONSTITUTE A LARGER PORTION OF YOUR GRADE, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT TO GIVE YOU MORE CREDIT FOR SOMETHING A PROPHET HAS TOLD YOU TO DO ANYWAY! IF YOU READ XX PAGES DAILY THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER YOU WILL HAVE READ ALMA 29 THROUGH MORONI 10—PIECE OF CAKE. SO FEAST ON IT!

READ 227 OR MORE PAGES—A

READ 201 OR MORE PAGES—-B

READ 176 OR MORE PAGES—-C

IT IS ALSO CONSIDERED "A" WORK IF YOU READ A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON DAILY (which means without missing a day at all for any reason from the first day of class to the last).

THE BOOK OF MORMON STUDENT MANUAL IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Also in the spirit of exegesis and Elder Nelson’s insight, I suggest that as you study the Book of Mormon reading that you have three to five questions in mind.

QUIZZES AND TESTS:

THERE WILL BE A MID-TERM AND A FINAL EXAM (ALTHOUGH I SUGGEST YOU TAKE THE SCHOLARLY PROJECT OPTION). THERE WILL ALSO BE PERIODIC QUIZZES:

[Quiz policy: Do not use notes or your scriptures for quizzes, use what you’ve learned; they are open heart, not open book. Quizzes cannot be made up. But, a quiz can be accepted for grading anytime up to the time it is corrected in class (they can be e-mailed or given to Bro Palmer prior to class to receive full credit)]

OPTION: YOU MAY CHOOSE TO DO THE SCHOLARLY PROJECT IN PLACE OF TAKING THE FINAL. SEE THE PROJECT HANDOUTS FOR DETAILS ON THE PROJECT.

PROJECTS:

A PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED (SEE CLASS CALENDAR FOR DATE), A SIMPLE STATEMENT TELLING ME WHAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO DO FOR YOUR PROJECT. THIS WILL HELP YOU GET STARTED AND HELP ME DIRECT YOUR EFFORTS.

PAPER: TOWARD THE END OF THE SEMESTER YOU WILL SUBMIT TO ME A PARAGRAPH STATING WHAT YOU DID FOR YOUR PROJECT AND WHAT YOU GOT OUT OF IT.

RESERVE:

THERE ARE FIVE ARTICLES ON RESERVE IN THE LIBRARY. YOU SHOULD READ THEM BY THE DATE INDICATED ON THE SEMESTER CALENDAR. A PASS/FAIL GRADE WILL BE GIVEN.

INSIGHT JOURNAL:

“. . . those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives.” President Spencer W. Kimball. “What you write down from the impressions you feel will be the most valuable help you can receive. . . .” Elder Richard G. Scott

FOR EACH DAY OF CLASS, YOU SHOULD KEEP A JOURNAL. THE ENTRY FOR THE DAY SHOULD ADDRESS: WHAT DID THE HOLY GHOST CONFIRM FOR ME TODAY? A PASS/FAIL GRADE IS GIVEN FOR THE INSIGHT JOURNAL. (THE JOURNAL IS NOT JUST NOTES FROM CLASS; IT IS A SUMMARY, A STATEMENT OF THE INSIGHTS THE SPIRIT TAUGHT YOU THAT DAY.)

APPLICATION PROJECT:

“TRUE DOCTRINE, UNDERSTOOD, CHANGES ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR. THE STUDY OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL WILL IMPROVE BEHAVIOR QUICKER THAN A STUDY OF BEHAVIOR WILL IMPROVE BEHAVIOR.” PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER

WE FAIL WHEN THE BOOK OF MORMON DOESN’T GET INSIDE US AND CHANGE US. THE PURPOSE OF THE APPLICATION PROJECT IS TO THAT END. THIS PROJECT IS A PERSONAL MATTER. PRAYERFULLY SELECT AN AREA IN YOUR LIFE YOU WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE—SOME WEAKNESS, AN AREA WHERE YOU DON’T HAVE UNDERSTANDING, OR PERHAPS A PREVALENT TEMPTATION. THEN DURING THE COURSE OF THE SEMESTER IDENTIFY DOCTRINES LEARNED FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON THAT HELP YOU OVERCOME THE WEAKNESS OR ISSUE YOU ARE ADDRESSING AND WRITE, TO YOURSELF, HOW APPLYING THE DOCTRINE IS AND WILL HELP YOU. THE FORMAT IS BASICALLY: IDENTIFY THE CONCERN, IDENTIFY THE DOCTRINE OR DOCTRINES, AND APPLY THE DOCTRINE TO HELP IN OVERCOMING.

IF THE NATURE OF YOUR PROJECT IS VERY PERSONAL YOU NEED NOT SHARE THIS WITH THE INSTRUCTOR; JUST REPORT YOU COMPLETED THE PROJECT. AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER YOU WILL HELP ME DETERMINE THE EFFORT YOU PUT INTO THE APPLICATION PROJECT AND WHAT YOU GOT OUT OF IT.

IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE YOU IN THIS CLASS. WELCOME TO ONE OF THE GREATEST ADVENTURES OF YOUR LIFE.

IMPORTANT NOTE: AS A UNIVERSITY STUDENT YOU ARE TO ACT AND NOT TO BE ACTED UPON. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO BE COMPLETELY FAMILIAR WITH THE SYLLABUS AND ALL ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES AND TEST DATES AS POSTED ON BLACKBOARD. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO REGULARLY CHECK BLACKBOARD AND/OR CAMPUS E-MAIL FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES, AND CHANGES.

SOCIOLOGY 112–SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3 CREDITS)
Instructor: Stephen C. Smith • Ricks 132H • 496-1361 • SmithS@byui.edu

Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint the student with current social problems and suggests possible means of prevention and/or solution. Examples of possible study areas are population, poverty, crime, family breakup, inequality, environment, racial problems, etc.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course the student can be expected to:

1.Define sociology and explain the three major theoretical paradigms: structural-functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist.
2.Define social problems by social theories.
3.Identify relevant issues to specific social problems.
4.Analyze social problems and provide possible solutions.

Texts: No textbooks. All readings will be online. They will be updated throughout the semester, so check for updates if you read ahead.

Spanish 490 is a tutoring class. You must have completed THROUGH 202 or 302 AND must have excellent proficiency in Spanish to take this class. Spanish 321 is preferable.

Your grade will be based on tutoring by doing the following:
∙ Holding about 4-5 small group session totaling at least 2 hours. Plan and prepare the lessons ahead of time.
∙ At least 10 hours individual conversations/tutoring
∙ You need at least 12 hours of tutoring (not including preparation time) for each credit hour
∙ Keep a log of your hours and activities; you will give me the log at the end of the trip.
∙ You’ll also be on call for Spanish expertise to anyone on the trip.

Anthropology 101	Cultural Anthropology	GE social science credit	3 credits
Anthropology 290	Travel Anthropology	GE elective credit	1-2 credits
Biology 118	Field Biology	GE biological science credit	4 credits
English 250	Introduction to Literature	GE letters credit	3 credits
English 362	World Literature	English major or elective credit	3 credits
International Studies 350	Latin American Culture	GE elective credit	3 credits
Religion 122	Book of Mormon	GE religion credit	2 credits
Sociology 112	Social Problems	GE social science credit	3 credits
Spanish 490	Tutoring Spanish conversation	GE elective credit	1-2 credits
FA 100	Fine Arts Attendance	GE credit	0 credit