Course Syllabus
INTELLECTUAL HERITAGE II: THE COMMON GOOD
Spring 2025
IH 852-007
Tues/Thurs, 12:30-1:50pm
Ritter Hall 110
Instructor: Melissa DeGezelle
Email: melissa.degezelle@temple.edu
Office: 2nd floor of Mazur Hall (213 C, D, or 215) and Ritter Hall
Instructor’s Office Hours: T/H 11:30am-12:15pm and by appt
Course Description
Students will read important works of social, political, and scientific thought, with a focus on well-being for societies. We will ask questions like: Where does society come from? How do we balance individual liberty and the public good? What behaviors and practices perpetuate injustice? Can we create a better society? How do power and privilege define our capacity to make change? How do we find truth? Can facts be detached from cultural contexts?
More specifically, the course is about reading books and will focus on a politics of care. We will be paying attention to the way we as individuals and communities interact with art, media, history, and our and each other’s social, emotional, physical, environmental, political, and economic conditions. We will deeply examine power, oppression, solidarity, revolution, and liberation. We will reflect on how the texts interconnect and encourage us in imagining a true common good.
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Course Learning Goals |
Aligned course assignments |
|
Students will investigate fundamental questions of human experience from a variety of perspectives. |
Reading Responses Creative Project #1 Creative Project #2 |
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Students will evaluate the historical, social, and cultural bases of prevailing beliefs. |
Reading Responses Creative Project #2 |
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Students will make connections between historical texts about human existence and current moral, social, and political issues. |
Reading Responses Creative Project #2 |
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Students will sharpen analysis and argumentation skills through a variety of expressive modes. |
Reading Responses Creative Project #2 |
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Students will share ideas, ask questions, and actively listen to peers in a free and honest exchange of multiple viewpoints. |
Creative Project #1 Reading Responses |
Required Texts
The required course materials for this course are open educational resources and are available at no cost to students. I will provide PDFs of all texts on Canvas. If you prefer a hardcopy, texts are available through the main campus bookstore and elsewhere. You must bring the texts (on a device if a PDF version) with you to class.
Freire, Paolo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed
de Pizan, Christine. The Book of the City of Ladies
Boyer, Anne. The Undying
Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass
Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth
Spade, Dean. Mutual Aid
The Analects of Confucius. Translated by Roger Ames and Henry Rosemont
Course Technology Requirements
This course requires the use of Canvas, including access to materials and assignment
submission. Some videos posted via Canvas will require the use of speakers. The
instructor may utilize web-conferencing tools to deliver synchronous material. In order to
participate in synchronous sessions (should they exist), you should have a computer, a
webcam, headphones, and a microphone.
This course requires the use of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). To access
these materials, please login to TUportal and look for the Microsoft Download link under
TUapplications within the My Portal tab.
Students should check their Temple email daily for course updates.
All students are required to comply with Temple University’s Computer and Network
Security Policy.
Instructional Methods
This course is in-person, with occasional asynchronous activities.
Course Communications
To facilitate communication, the university requires you to have an e-mail account ending
in @temple.edu.
During the semester, I will generally respond to emails within 24 hours of receiving them
during the week and within 48 hours on weekends. I use Canvas Inbox to communicate
with students. Please make sure you receive Inbox notifications to your Temple email
account and that you are checking this daily.
CLASS POLICIES
Grades
Your final grade will be determined by the scores you receive on coursework, according to the following weighting:
|
|
Percentage |
Points |
|
Creative Project #1 (Group) Presentation + Activity + Reflection |
20% |
20 |
|
Creative Project #2 (Individual) Project + Artist’s Statement |
25% |
25 |
|
Reading Response Discussion Posts (5 x 5pts) |
25% |
25 |
|
Midterm Self-Assessment (written reflection + 1-10 scale grade) |
10% |
10 |
|
Final Self-Assessment (written reflection + 1-10 scale grade) |
10% |
10 |
|
Active Class Participation (including in-class individual and group work, class discussion, etc.) |
10% |
10 |
|
Total |
100% |
100 |
Course Minimum Grade
Although D- is a passing grade, a minimum grade of C- is required in General Education courses.
Grading Scale
Letter grades for the entire course will be assigned as follows:
|
A |
92.5% and higher |
|
C+ |
77.5% - 79.99% |
|
A- |
90.0 – 92.49% |
|
C |
72.5% - 77.49% |
|
B+ |
87.5% - 89.99% |
|
C- |
70% - 72.49% |
|
B |
82.5% - 87.49% |
|
D+ |
67.5% - 69.99% |
|
B- |
80% - 82.49% |
|
D |
62.5% - 67.49% |
|
|
|
|
F |
59.99% and lower |
It is my responsibility to explain how your grades will be calculated for all assignments; however, it is your responsibility to ask me to clarify grading policies if you do not clearly understand them or have a question about your grades.
Note: if you need any accommodations, we need to meet as soon as possible so that you can show me what you need and how I can assist your learning experience. Please email me as soon as possible.
Assignments and Grading Explained
Creative Projects: (45%)
There will be two major creative projects for the semester. You will choose from various prompts and have creative freedom with these projects. These projects will be scaffolded and include proposals and scheduled conferences, as well as artist’s statements/reflections. The purpose of the creative projects is to have an alternative to traditional written essays and exams, and to connect with the course texts and each other in meaningful ways.
Creative Project #1 is a group project that will be presented (20%)
Creative Project #2 is an individual project (25%)
Discussions Posts: (25%)
There will be FIVE Discussion posts assigned as reading responses.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION and ATTENDANCE: (30%)
Self-Assessments (20%)
Over the past several years I have struggled to find the value of grades to the learning process in a humanities course. While I would not dismiss the value of this form of assessment for all instructors, I choose to redirect the some of the effort I spend in “grading,” and you spend in attempting to “earn” an ‘A’ to other aspects of the class. As stated above, there will still be coursework and participation evaluated by me, but you will also be responsible for assessing yourself at midterm (10%) and at the end of the semester (10%). Each self-assessment will include a written portion + a scale (1-10) for you to assess your coursework and engagement. Assuming you evaluate your work in good faith, I will honor the numbers you assign yourself. Your assessments will be reflective. You will look back at the work you have done and think carefully about your approach to it and what you have gained from doing it. These self-assessments create space for an important and often overlooked aspect of the learning process, which is the reflection on what you have learned and how you have learned it. Because you are self-assessing, you will need to keep a log of what you do each week to participate so that you can give evidence for your assessments.
Overall Participation Grade (10%)
The remaining 10% of your participation grade will be assessed by me. It will incorporate a holistic review of your engagement in and outside of class, as well as your attendance.
Attendance
A thriving classroom community is engaged, relational, and should model the common good philosophies we are exploring in this course. A common good involves showing up together and working toward meeting everyone’s needs, in spite of all the ways it might feel difficult. Though some of our reading, production, and reflection is often done in solitary spaces, most of the discussion, feedback, continuity, trust-building, and praxis happens in community with each other.
I understand the ways in which our society privileges presence over absence. Which is to say, individuals who “show up” usually land in a more favorable situation (more recognition, status, money, credit in abstract and concrete ways) than those who are not able to be present for any reason. This can be unfair and there are truly practical and significant reasons you need to miss class. All the same, you are expected to respect each other, arrive prepared, arrive on time, and attend class and participate actively as part of upholding your responsibility and accountability to yourself and our group.
During class, we will be regularly focused in whole-class and small-group activities and discussions. These activities constitute important learning experiences in this course; therefore, it is important for you to attend class, be respectful, and arrive prepared to contribute. Again, you are also expected to be on time: the beginning of class is when I make announcements, discuss coursework, and clarify course information.
For our course, missing more than FIVE classes during the semester and/or excessive lateness will result in the lowering of your final course grade and may also affect the quality of your coursework. If you are unable to attend class, please contact me as soon as possible to let me know. Please, also, contact your classmates to determine what work was missed.
Course Policies
All Temple University Academic Policies will be upheld. The General Education Policies and Requirements details program expectations.
Statement on Academic Rights & Responsibilities
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy #03.70.02).
Academic Freedom
The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities that can be found at http://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp?policy_no=03.70.02. This is an important policy about the right of faculty members to teach with academic freedom; their responsibility to avoid controversial or other matters that are unrelated to the subject; the expectation for students to engage in critical judgement and an independent search for truth; the right of students to form their own ideas about how the content of the course should be applied to real-world issues; the expectation that students have access to grievance procedures to dispute unfair grading; and the expectation for students to comply with the academic expectations of the course. I encourage you to read the policy closely and come to me with any questions or concerns that you have.
Academic Honesty
According to the University Student Code of Conduct, students must not commit, attempt to commit, aid, encourage, facilitate, or solicit the commission of academic dishonesty and impropriety including plagiarism, academic cheating, and selling lecture notes or other information provided by an instructor without the instructor’s authorization. Violations may result in failing the assignment and/or failing the course, and/or other sanctions as enumerated in the University Code of Conduct.
Class Cancellations
This class will only be cancelled for bad weather when Temple University elects to close. On rare occasions, it may also be cancelled if the professor is ill. You will be notified promptly where permitting.
Continuity of Instruction in Event of Emergency
Students are to register for the TUAlert System to be made aware of University closures due to weather or other emergency situations and follow all additional university-wide emergency instruction. Students can register for this system on the Campus Safety Services website. Students registered for the class will be alerted to any alternate testing procedures and submission of assignment requirements from the instructor via email. Please note that online classes are generally not affected by campus closures.
Course Minimum Grade
Although D- is a passing grade, a minimum grade of C- is required in General Education courses.
Grievances
Students should feel free to discuss grades or any other class-related concern with the instructor. If a student feels it would be inappropriate to discuss a specific concern with the instructor, the student may contact the Senior Associate Director of the Intellectual Heritage Program, Professor Douglas Greenfield, at dmg33@temple.edu. Also, see the College of Liberal Arts grievance procedure at https://liberalarts.temple.edu/aboutus/resources/undergraduates/undergraduate-grievance-procedure.
Incompletes
A student will be eligible for a grade of “Incomplete” only if the student: 1) has completed at least 51% of the work at a passing level, 2) is unable to complete the work for a serious reason beyond their control, and 3) files a signed agreement with the instructor outlining the work to be completed and the time frame in which that work will be completed. The student is responsible for initiating this process and all incomplete forms must be sent to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs prior to the start of study days in that semester. Please refer to the following for further details: Temple University’s Incomplete Policy. (Policy #02.10.13).
Netiquette
Your instructor and fellow students wish to foster a safe online learning environment. All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack an individual. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Please consider that sarcasm and humor can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course atmosphere.
Preparation Time
This class meets 3 hours per week. Students can expect about 6 hours of preparation (reading, studying, and assignments) per week.
Privacy Policies
Please consult the privacy policy for Temple University and for Canvas Instructure.
Recording
Please notify me if you plan to record class for educational purposes, such as a disability accommodation. Recordings should be destroyed after you no longer need them for class purposes. Any recordings permitted in this class can only be used for the student’s personal educational use. Students are not permitted to copy, publish, or redistribute audio or video recordings of any portion of the class session to individuals who are not students in the course or academic program without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission may be a violation of educational privacy law, known as FERPA as well as certain copyright laws. Any recordings made by the instructor or university of this course are the property of Temple University.
Withdrawal from the Course
If a student wishes to withdraw from a course, it is the student’s responsibility to meet the deadline for the last day to withdraw from the current semester. See Temple University's Academic Calendar for withdrawing deadlines and consult the University policy on withdrawals (Policy # 02.10.14).
Resources for Students
Disability Disclosure Statement
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a documented
disability should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS), Ritter Annex 100, (215)
204-1280 or 215-204-1786 (TTY) or drs@temple.edu, to make arrangements. Students
requesting accommodations should meet with the instructor as soon as possible after the
start of classes to discuss their needs and to provide documentation from DRS.
Accommodations are not retroactive.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Temple has resources to help students with anxiety, depression, trauma, and all kinds of emotional or mental health worries, big and small. Most of them can be found at:
- Tuttleman Counseling Services: http://counseling.temple.edu/.
Sexual Misconduct
Temple University is committed to fostering a campus community based on respect and nonviolence. In accordance with Title IX, Temple is legally obligated to investigate incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault that occur on our campus. Faculty who become aware of any incident of sexual violence, including harassment, rape, sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, are required by law to notify Temple’s Title IX Coordinator. For more information about your rights and reporting options at Temple, including confidential and anonymous reporting options, please visit https://sexualmisconduct.temple.edu/.
Numbers to call:
- Confidential support for victims of harassment or assault at Tuttleman Counseling Services, 215-204-7276.
- Report alleged violations to the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance at 215-204-3283.
- Reports to law enforcement can be made to the Temple University Police Department at
215-204-1234 (1-1234 from a campus phone).
Basic Needs
Your safety and security is an important factor in your learning experience. Many college students confront housing and/or food insecurity at some point during college. If you have concerns about these issues and would like me to connect you with support, I can share your name with the Temple CareTeam, a division of the Dean of Students office that can help you find the resources you need. The Cherry Pantry is an on-campus food pantry for students. The Student Emergency Aid Fund helps students with financial hardship.
Writing Support
Tutoring services are offered to all students who are working on papers for classes, as well as cover letters, resumes, scholarship essays, creative writing, and more. The Student Success Center provides writing tutoring on a walk-in basis, by appointment, online, and via email. Learn more here: https://studentsuccess.temple.edu/programs/writing/tutoring.html. Additionally, the Intellectual Heritage Program provides drop-in tutoring throughout the week.
Course Schedule:
All information on this syllabus is correct as of the beginning of the semester. Some things may change throughout the semester. The only way to make certain of any changes is to regularly attend class meetings and to check your weekly Canvas Modules.
Week 1 Module:
Tuesday 1/14 Course introduction
Syllabus
Thursday 1/16 Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Ch. 1)
Group work
Week 2 Module:
Tuesday 1/21 Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Ch. 1)
Introduce Project 1
Self-Assessment Intake due
Thursday 1/23 Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Ch.2)
Icebreakers
Choose groups for Project 1
Last day to add/drop Full Term Courses (Monday 1/27)
Week 3 Module:
Tuesday 1/28 The Book of the City of Ladies
Discussion Post #1 due
Thursday 1/30 The Book of the City of Ladies
Week 4 Module
Tuesday 2/4 The Undying
Thursday 2/6 The Undying
Week 5 Module:
Tuesday 2/11 TBA
Thursday 2/13 In-service day for faculty – Asynchronous
Discussion Post #2 due
Midterm Progress Ratings due (Monday 2/17)
Week 6 Module:
Tuesday 2/18 The Undying
Group 1 presentation
Thursday 2/20 The Undying
Week 7 Module:
Tuesday 2/25 Braiding Sweetgrass
Group 2 presentation
Thursday 2/27 Braiding Sweetgrass
Introduce Project 2
Midterm Reflection/Self-Assessment due
Week 8 Module:
Tuesday 3/4 SPRING BREAK
Thursday 3/6 SPRING BREAK
Week 9 Module:
Tuesday 3/11 Braiding Sweetgrass
Discussion Post #3 due
Introduce Project 2
Thursday 3/13 Braiding Sweetgrass
Week 10 Module:
Tuesday 3/18 Film TBD
Thursday 3/20 Film TBD
Week 11 Module:
Tuesday 3/25 The Wretched of the Earth
Group 3 presentation
Thursday 3/27 The Wretched of the Earth
Discussion Post #4 due
Week 12 Module:
Tuesday 4/1 The Wretched of the Earth
Thursday 4/3 The Wretched of the Earth
Week 13 Module:
Tuesday 4/8 TBA
Conferences for Project 2
Project 2 Proposal Due
Thursday 4/10 Mutual Aid
Group 4 presentation
Week 14 Module:
Tuesday 4/15 Mutual Aid
Discussion Post #5 due
Thursday 4/17 Mutual Aid
Week 15 Module
Tuesday 4/22 The Analects of Confucius
Group 5 presentation
Thursday 4/24 The Analects of Confucius
Final Reflection/Self-Assessment due
Monday 4/28 Last day to Withdraw from Full Term Courses
Friday 5/2 Creative Project #2 due
Final Deadline for all coursework