Course Syllabus
HIST 328: Modern Mythology & Geek Culture | Spring 2014
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor
- Travis Thurston
- travis.thurston@usu.edu
Course Description
Superheroes were born in the United States in a time of great anxiety. Japan invaded China the year prior to Superman's debut in Action Comics #1 and Germany invaded Poland one year after his debut, placing the birth of the superhero right in the middle of the earliest stages of World War II. Created by two young Jewish men living in the United States, it is posited that Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster developed Superman's story based on their own experiences as outsiders living in a land that was not entirely accepting of their culture. Amidst a chaotic, unpredictable world stood an outsider who demanded attention and respect: the superhero.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- identify significant artifacts associated with superheroes and the impact they have on society. (State Standard 1)
- classify superhero characters into the Marvel universe or DC universe. (State Standard 2)
- compare and contrast the different cultural influences of superheroes and geek culture characters. (State Standard 3)
- design a new character to represent the challenges of a new generation of Americans. (State Standard 4)
- evaluate the role of superheroes in geek culture. (State Standard 5)
LEARNING RESOURCES
Canvas
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.
- http://canvas.usu.edu
- Your username is your A#, and your password is your global password (the same one you use for Banner or Aggiemail).
- For Canvas, Passwords, or any other computer-related technical support contact the IT Service Desk.
Textbook & Reading Materials
The text for this class will be Superheroes in the Modern World by Travis Thurston.
Videos
This course will utilize a variety of youtube videos as supplementary learning material.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Assignments
Important information about the assignments...
Quizzes
Important information about the quizzes...
COURSE POLICIES
Electronic Devices
I support and will adhere to the school wide Electronics policy as stated in the student handbook. Any device taken will be given to the principal or his designee, and a parent or guardian will be expected to retrieve the electronic device in person.
Classroom Rules
1. Respect yourself.
2. Respect you teacher.
3. Respect your classmates.
Syllabus Changes
This syllabus is subject to change. I will notify the class regarding all changes.In the event of any discrepancy between this syllabus and content found in Canvas, the information in CANVAS WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE.
Submitting Electronic Files
All electronic files must be submitted in word(.doc, .docx) or rich text file (.rtf) format, unless otherwise stated. Please name your file in the using the following convention: Assignmentname_Yourname.doc.
Course Fees
There are no course fees associated with this course.
Late Work
Late work due to procrastination will not be accepted. Late work due to legitimate emergency may be accepted. The due date and time associated with each quiz, discussion, exam and assignment are stated clearly in Canvas.
GRADES
Your grade is based on the following:
Grading Scheme
| A | 100% | to 94% |
| A- | < 94% | to 90% |
| B+ | < 90% | to 87% |
| B | < 87% | to 84% |
| B- | < 84% | to 80% |
| C+ | < 80% | to 77% |
| C | < 77% | to 74% |
| C- | < 74% | to 70% |
| D+ | < 70% | to 67% |
| D | < 67% | to 64% |
| D- | < 64% | to 61% |
| F | < 61% | to 0% |
UNIVERSITY POLICIES & PROCEDURES
[For the purposes of this course demo, this section has been deleted. Feel free to add information about policies and procedures relevant to your institution or organization.]
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|