LSO419 - Utopianism: Social Dreaming in Popular Culture

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2016-11-29 13:41:03.646
Last review date 2016-11-29 13:41:03.649


Subject Title
Utopianism: Social Dreaming in Popular Culture

Subject Description
Utopianism is an exercise in ?social dreaming,? the imagining of a society vastly different from our own that provides both an imaginative exercise to inspire social change and a self-reflective tool to critically engage our own society. This kind of thought experiment is therefore not about implementing a social blueprint or achieving an unattainable human perfectibility; instead, utopianism is a vehicle for careful reflection upon contemporary social, political, and ethical issues that govern our lives in the 21st century. LSO419: Utopianism: Social Dreaming in Popular Culture will therefore help students navigate the complicated waters of utopian thinking by focusing mainly on literary utopias and, where relevant, the utopian longings in other facets of popular culture. Students will learn not only about the socio-political critique informing both classic and contemporary literary utopias, but also the critical terminology necessary for a deeper understanding of utopianism in popular culture that befits an upper-level degree-calibre course.

Credit Status
One Liberal Studies elective credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Define and explain key terms and critical concepts related to Utopianism to further develop critical thinking and language skills.
2. Explore Utopianism in popular culture to classify and compare different articulations of utopian desire in popular culture.
3. Assess and delve into Utopianism as a thought experiment that simultaneously entertains and speaks to contemporary socio-political issues.
4. Evaluate the articulations of Utopianism to discuss and assess key socio-political systems in Western culture.
5. Apprise the intersections of ‘thought experiment' and ‘reality' that make meaningful connections between social dreaming and real-world conditions.
6. Apply stylistic and research conventions that enhance organizational and communication skills, particularly in written and/or oral assignments.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
ENG106 or its academic equivalent.

Topic Outline
1. A Brief History of Utopia: Major Movements
2. Utopianism: Diverse Categories
3. Thinking Outside the Box: communism and anti-capitalism
4. Reading and analyzing literary utopias
5. Utopianism: social and/or cultural issues
6. Feminist Utopianism: gender roles and restrictions
7. Utopianism Abroad: colonialism and post-Colonialism

Mode of Instruction
LSO419: Utopianism: Social Dreaming in Popular Culture is an online course; therefore, nearly all the content takes place online through Blackboard (except for the in-person final examination). You will have a certain degree of freedom to access the weekly online content, although keep a close eye on the various deadlines for online assignments as they are generally non-negotiable. Students must exhibit effective time management, computer literacy (accessing content; uploading assignments; completing online tasks), and commit themselves to the online environment to succeed in this course.

Prescribed Texts
Please see professor's addendum for specific texts.

Reference Material
All students are required to use the following Research Guide for their assignments: Seneca Libraries. Guide to Research & Citation MLA Style. 8th ed. [Toronto]: Seneca Libraries. 2014.  It can be found at the following.  seneca.libguides.com/mla

Required Supplies
None.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

To be successful in this course you must achieve a final grade of 50% or higher.
 
Promotion Policy: Online Courses
Students must earn a cumulative passing grade (minimum 50%) for the term work in order to write the final examination.  Students who fail the term work will automatically fail the course, although the professor can allow you to write the exam for practice purposes. 
Students who have passed the term work and write the final examination must pass the final examination (minimum 50%) in order to pass the course.  Students who fail the examination will automatically fail the course.
 
Exams for Online Courses
The final exam for this course will be held at Newnham campus. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make the necessary arrangements to write the final exam at Newnham. Should you happen to have another final exam that conflicts with your exam for this course, please inform your professor as soon as possible.

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices.(https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation
Term Work: 70%
Final Exam: 30%*
*30% for the final examination conforms to Seneca College’s Academic Policy 8.10 “Evaluation”

Evaluation of Work
Evaluation is based on correct language usage, organization, and mastery of the subject at a post-secondary level.  Students are expected to learn professional standards of performance in the subject areas, and tests and assignments may be graded on that basis.  In recognition of the significance of exceptional communication skills in the work place, marks could be deducted for language errors on all tests and exams

Academic Support and Expectations
Missed Tests / Presentations / In-Class Assignments
Students who miss scheduled tests, presentations, or in-class or online assignments will receive a grade of zero.  If there are valid reasons for missing the test, presentation, or in-class assignment, the student MUST:
a)         Contact the professor or student advisor by email prior to the start time of the test, presentation, or in-class or online assignment, and
b)         Provide documentation where appropriate.
At the professor’s discretion, a make-up test/in-class assignment or new date for the presentation may be granted or the value of the test may be added to a subsequent test or final exam. 
 
Late Assignments
Students who hand in late assignments will receive a penalty of 5% per day to a maximum of five consecutive days (weekends included).  Assignments will not be accepted after five consecutive days or as otherwise indicated by your professor.  If there are valid reasons for the late assignment the student MUST:
a)         Contact the professor by email no later than the date the assignment is due to indicate the assignment will be late, and
b)         Provide documentation where appropriate.  If the reasons are deemed to be valid by the professor, there will be no penalty.
 
Attendance and Participation
Consistent attendance is important for success in this subject.  If you are absent from class, please notify your professor by e-mail. You are still responsible for the material and assignments missed and may be required to provide documentation.  For extensions or special considerations, speak with your professor well in advance of any due dates. Any extensions will not be automatically granted.
Considerate classroom conduct, adequate class preparation, and constructive participation will enhance your academic experience and that of your colleagues.  In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible, and collaborative. 
 
Participation in Online Courses
Consistent online access is important for success in this subject. You are responsible for all online material and assignments; in addition, you need to be checking your Seneca e-mail on a daily basis for updates and other related information. While weekly updates and related e-mails will be provided, it is your responsibility to keep up with the content and maintain an active online presence.
Considerate online conduct, adequate preparation, and constructive online participation will be expected from each student and will enhance your academic experience and that of your fellow students. In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible, and collaborative, where relevant.
 
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre offers academic support to all Seneca students in the form of one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and workshops and can be located at either the Newnham, Markham, York, or King campus.  Students can visit The Learning Centre in person to book an appointment or watch a tutorial on booking a tutoring appointment online at www.senecapolytechnic.ca/learningcentres.  
 
Dropping a Subject
There are two deadlines for dropping this subject.  If you drop by Day 10 of the semester, the subject will not appear on your transcript.  If you drop by the last drop date, the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of DNC.  To drop, please notify your professor, complete a “Timetable Change Form,” and return it to Registration by the deadline.  Discuss any possible negative consequences of dropping the subject with your academic coordinator or student advisor.

Approved by: Kiley Bolton