MALA 6010-Spring 2025

MALA students: this is the site I've created to support my Intro to Philosophy courses. Feel free to browse here, and comment on anything you find of interest. jpo

UPDATE, April 16: Go to the new post titled Engaging American Philosophy to post your comments and questions about the assigned readings, and to indicate a presentation topic preference.     

*My Block 6 April 17 and 24

Engaging the Liberal Arts MALA course (my block Apr 17, 24)--

Block Title: Engaging American Philosophy

Block Description: This block introduces the classical American philosophical tradition of William James, John  Dewey, Richard Rorty and others. It is a broadly pragmatic, humanistic, melioristic, and interdisciplinary tradition, oriented to action (not merely contemplation) in the public arena. It insists that thought without action is vacuous, while action without thought is reckless. It demands relevance from philosophy and the other liberal arts disciplines, and is unwilling to sacrifice meaning or happiness in the fight for a better world. We'll investigate the philosophers' views and how they might apply to our present situation and circumstances.

Week 1 Read the following selections and post (in the comments section on my CoPhi site, below) at least one discussion question and one comment pertaining to each: William James, Pragmatism Lecture 1 (FYI-a $6 paperback edition of this classic is available online, or a $.99 kindle version)... John Dewey, Take your pick... and my favorite passage in Dewey, from A Common Faith... Richard Rorty, Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature preface/introduction/ch1. GET YOUR PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT. 

Week 2 Read the following selections and post (in the comments section on my CoPhi site, below) at least one discussion question and one comment pertaining to each: Selections from contemporary sources like Martha Nussbaum, Take your pick; Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark; Louis Menand, The Metaphysical Club; Doug Anderson, Philosophy Americana: Making Philosophy at Home in American Culture; Oliver, William James's "Springs of Delight: The Return to Life-preface and introduction. PRESENTATION (tell us what you've learned about your topic, what questions you have about it, and what question(s) you'd like the class to discuss)

Grade Distribution: 75 points participation (attendance, blog posts), 75 points report (classroom presentation on an assigned topic)

MALA 6010 Syllabus – Spring 2025

CRN: 14049

MALA 6010: Foundations of Liberal Arts II 

Day/Time/Location: Thursdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm, BAS S 338

Course Coordinator: Dr. Janet McCormick

Office Hours: virtual – email me any time (janet.mccormick@mtsu.edu)

Office: Jones Hall 202

Course Theme and Overview

Engagement in the Liberal Arts

The Engaged Liberal Arts mindset is boundless as we continually uncover new methods to integrate a deep, humanity-driven focus into the pursuit of learning and discovery. It is about embracing the interdisciplinary nature of liberal arts to achieve a deeper understanding and address global needs. This approach highlights the core strengths of liberal-arts education: flexibility, creativity, problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and analysis. It fosters a unique culture of learning, with a holistic vision of education designed to inspire a passion for lifelong learning. By immersing students in the arts, humanities, natural, and social sciences, it cultivates a comprehensive understanding of knowledge and emphasizes "higher-order thinking skills" such as intellectual independence, imagination, creative problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking, superior communication skills, and knowledge creation. Liberal Arts faculty are visionaries, advocates, scientists, artists, and innovators who produce knowledge, spark curiosity, drive economic growth, and promote social change. We encourage students to explore themselves and the world around them as global citizens dedicated to discovering their passions and talents and leading lives of engagement. This course provides diverse perspectives on “engagement” through the various disciplines within the Liberal Arts.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the foundation of Liberal Arts disciplines

• Increase content knowledge of the Liberal Arts disciplines

• Develop a greater appreciation of the interdisciplinary approach to learning

• Improve the ability to read and write critically and at an advanced level

• Recognize the methods of knowing in various disciplines

This course is an experiential learning course.  The course includes a hands-on learning project (applied learning, service-learning, creative activity, teacher education, laboratory, co-op, or internship).  The course will count toward the requirements of the EXL Scholars Program that formally began on campus in fall 2006.  MTSU wants to provide relevant real-world learning opportunities for students.  Research shows that students are more engaged in learning when they can learn “by doing” and that these types of learning opportunities will provide experiences students can include on their resumes that will assist them in gaining employment and/or gaining acceptance into graduate programs.  For more information about the EXL Scholars Program, check the website: http://www.mtsu.edu/~exl.

MT Engage Designated Course

This is an MT Engage course. The MT Engage program promotes active engagement in learning across educational experiences. In this course, you will participate in a beyond-the-classroom activity and submit at least one assignment to the D2L ePortfolio. You will receive important informational emails from MT Engage about ePortfolio training and how you can qualify for scholarships and cash awards. For more information, go to www.mtsu.edu/MTEngage.  

ePORTFOLIO STATEMENT

As part of MALA and the MT Engage program, students will build an ePortfolio presentation showcasing their integrative learning. MT Engage offers ePortfolio training; see http://mtsu.edu/mtengage/student_resources.php for details. Students should be aware that ePortfolios are not to contain confidential personal information, and that a student’s unauthorized storage or use of copyrighted works or proprietary information in an ePortfolio is prohibited.

ePortfolio Privacy: ePortfolios are private until the box is checked to allow public access. This access continues until the box is unchecked. ePortfolios are not internet searchable until they are posted to a host webpage.  Please upload a photo and a bio for your ePortfolio home page as soon as possible as a reference for your block instructors.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course will begin with an introduction to the Liberal Arts and the M.A. in Liberal Arts program. The next 12 weeks will feature inspiring professors from six different departments or programs who will discuss their approaches to the topic of “the education of a good citizen” through their disciplines. Each individual professor will lead the class for two weeks and will assign readings and give assignments. Through these exercises and discussions, you will have the opportunity to learn fascinating subject matter while using approaches from different disciplines. You will also work on your reading, oral, and written communication skills. At the end of the course, professors and students will engage in a round table session in which you will work to bring together what you have learned about “the education of a good citizen” and different methods used to approach this topic during the semester. 

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential, especially since this course only meets one day a week, and professors rotate every two weeks. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to contact the coordinator and the professor to request the opportunity to make up your work (this may involve extra readings and assignments). Work may be made up only at the discretion of the block instructor. Please be aware that absences will negatively impact your attainment in the course as well as your grade. Make every effort to attend every class.

GRADING

The grading for the course will be based upon a weighted percentage system with a minimum of 0% and a maximum of 100% as indicated below:

Each professor will give you assignments and participation grades which will make up 15% of your grade. With six professors, this will make up 90% of your final grade.

Further, toward the end of the semester, you will write a 5-page essay reflecting on the ways your understanding of the notion of “knowledge” has been informed by the various Liberal Arts disciplines presented to you this semester. Your essay should draw on concrete examples from lectures and readings from the course, which will serve as your sources. This essay will be due at the roundtable and will be 5% of your grade.

Participation in the round table, including a brief presentation of your essay, will make up 3% of your grade.

You will also begin (or continue) the process of composing an e-portfolio. This will be 2% of your grade.

The following grading scale will be used:

A 940-1000

A- 900-930

B+ 870-890

B 840-860

B- 800-830

C+ 770-790

C 740-760

C- 700-730

D+ 670-690

D 640-660

D- 600-630

F 0-590

ETHICAL SCHOLARLY CONDUCT 

Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and facilitation are unacceptable and will result in a grade of “0” for the assignment. For the purposes of this course, these terms are defined as follows:

• Cheating - turning in work composed for other courses, copying the work of other students, using others’ work

• Plagiarism - copying the words of an author without proper notation and acknowledgement

• Fabrication - making up content and or sources

• Facilitation - getting unauthorized assistance from others to complete your work

Violators may also be reported to the Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs, without exception. Remember to start your papers early to avoid the temptation to resort to any of these offenses. If you have any difficulty with the material, please ask for help.

Please complete the Plagiarism Tutorial at the following site: http://lib.usm.edu/plagiarism_tutorial.html

ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Middle Tennessee State University is committed to campus access in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any student interested in reasonable accommodations can consult the Disability & Access Center (DAC) website www.mtsu.edu/dac and/or contact the DAC for assistance at 615-898-2783 or dacemail@mtsu.edu.

RESPECT AND ELECTRONICS

Please abide by a policy of mutual respect for your instructor and your fellow students. Cell phones or any other electronic devices should be silenced, and texting or e-mailing should not be done during class. Students are expected to focus on the course material and contribute in a positive manner.

1st Day of Class – January 23

Course Overview w/MALA Program Director Dr. Janet McCormick 

**reminder to attend at least one out of class Liberal Arts event to see some examples of how others present their research

Bio: Dr. Janet K. McCormick | Faculty | Middle Tennessee State University (mtsu.edu)

Block 1 January 30 and February 6

Title

Dr. Will Perkins, Assistant Professor

School of Music – Voice and Opera

 Will Perkins is a diverse performer who has enjoyed singing lead roles in opera, operetta, and musical theater. He is equally at home singing Mozart as he is performing barbershop or contemporary musicals.  His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Utah, and graduate work at Indiana University.  During his time at IU, Dr. Perkins created a performing group for students from many disciplines to be able to take part in all aspects of the production process, including acting, singing, costume, set, and lighting design.  In addition to being on the stage, Dr. Perkins is also a director, and his talents have been sought by Indiana University Opera Theater and Brigham Young University.  In the School of Music at MTSU, he teaches private voice lessons, directs the Opera Theater, and teaches field-specific academic courses.

Block Description:

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Block 2 February 13 and 20

Title

Darren E. Levin, Associate Professor

Department of Theatre and Dance

Darren E. Levin joined the Department of Theatre and Dance in 2013. He earned his BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from Missouri State University (2007), and MFA in Theatrical Design (Lighting Design) from The University of Texas at Austin (2010).

Darren is an Associate Artist with Nashville Repertory Theatre where his lighting design credits include Avenue Q, Pipeline (First Night Nominee), Every Brilliant Thing Topdog/Underdog, Smart People, Posterity (Regional Premiere), Good Monsters (World Premiere), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Darren also designs extensively with Black Hills Playhouse, Green Mountain Opera Festival, Theatre West Summer Repertory, and Mountain Rep Theatre with credits including Side Show, Footloose, 9 to 5, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Rape of Lucretia, La Cenerentola, and She Loves Me.

Prior to joining the MTSU faculty, Darren served as the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Supervisor for McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University. He has also worked with and designed for Cedar Point Live Entertainment/Cedar Fair Entertainment Corporation, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, and he toured with Feld Entertainment’s Disney on Ice.

Darren is a member of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) where he serves as the Vice Commissioner for Communications of the Lighting Design and Technology Commission and as a council member for the Essential Skills for the Entertainment Technician (eSET) program. Darren is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829 (USA829) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 205-Austin, TX.

Block Description:

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Assignments Week 2:

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Block 3 February 22 and 29

Title

Dr. Francis Koti, Professor

Department of Political and Global Affairs

Francis T. Koti is a Professor of Political and Global Affairs. An urban geographer, Koti holds a Ph.D. in Geography from West Virginia University. Koti’s research revolves around the use of geographic information systems (GIS) within participatory methodological frameworks to understand urbanization processes. His regional focus is Africa. His work has been published in the field, particularly related to participatory GIS, African peri-urban development, urban and regional planning, local community resource use and access, and social and spatial exclusion in African cities. Dr. Koti has taught graduate courses in for over ten years with a focus on Geographic Thought and also Societal Implications of the use of geospatial information technologies (GITs). In addition to teaching Dr. Koti has over 8 years of academic leadership experience having previously held administrative positions as interim associate dean and department chair at the University of North Alabama and as department chair here at Middle Tennessee State University. He has previously served as co-founder and secretary of the US-based Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA), Secretary of the Southeast Division of the American Association of Geographers (SEDAAG), and guest editor of a special edition of Africa Today journal.

Block Description:

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Block 4 March 20 and 27

Title

Dr. Janet McCormick, Professor

Department of Communication Studies

Dr. McCormick earned her BA, MA and PhD in Communication and has been teaching courses in higher education and conducting workshops globally for 35+ years.  She spent 15 years teaching in Illinois, Kentucky, London, Buenos Aires and Singapore before joining MTSU in 2002. Her repertoire of expertise includes but is not limited to:  public speaking, interpersonal communication, communication theory, leadership communication, intercultural communication, gender communication, small group communication, listening, organizational communication, communication consulting and auditing, communication training, communicating organizational change, conflict negotiation, persuasion, and interview communication.  Her approach has been to creatively and enthusiastically incorporate EXL pedagogy (theory, skills, application, and reflection opportunities) into each section ensuring a quality course that diverse students will enjoy! She is the recipient of numerous teaching, advising and service awards for her dedication to the Communication profession and her ability to better prepare students for the global workforce. Since 2019, she has been serving as Director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (MALA) program.

Block Description:

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Block 5 April 3 and April 10

Title

Dr. Angela Mertig, Professor

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

BIO 

Block Description:

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*Block 6 April 17 and 24

Title

Dr. Phil Oliver, Professor

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

The author of William James's Springs of Delight: The Return to Life, Phil Oliver specializes in the American philosophical tradition with supporting interests in applied ethics (particularly Bioethics and Environmental Ethics), Anglo-American literature, history, humanism, naturalism, science and exploration, peripatetic ("walking & talking") philosophy, baseball, cycling, swimming, the pursuit of happiness, and the perpetual dawn of day. One of his favorite MTSU courses is The Philosophy of Happiness. He is academic advisor for minors in American Culture (American Studies). You can follow him on Threads (@OSOPHER) and on his blogsite Up@dawn but of course, as Immaneul Kant and Monty Python's Brian Cohen agreed: You don't have to follow anybody. "Sapere aude," have the courage to think for yourself. But not by yourself. Good philosophy collaborates and converses.

Block Description: 

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Roundtable, May 8th

w/MALA Program Director Dr. Janet McCormick 

For your final unit, you are required to write a 5-page essay reflecting on the ways your understanding of “Engagement in the Liberal Arts” has been informed by the various Liberal Arts disciplines presented to you this semester. Your essay should draw on concrete examples from lectures, readings and out of class experiences from the course, which will serve as your sources. Put in the dropbox when complete. This essay will be 5% of your grade (50 points).

Participate in the roundtable discussion (using d2l discussion board) – provide a brief presentation (powerpoint/prezi/worddoc all fine) of your essay and respond to each of your peers. This will make up 3% of your grade (30 points).

Submit a one-page reflection on an out of class Liberal Arts event you attended to see some examples of how others present their research.  This will make up 1% of your grade (10 points). 

Show progress on your e-portfolio. This will be 1% of your grade (10 points).

Sami Pihlstrom, Toward a Pragmatic Philosophy of the Humanities ebook Walker Liby

ChatGPT’s suggestions… Apr7... Handout...