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 Home < Academics < Undergraduate < Fresh Focus < Previous Sections < Fall 2004


 

Hands-on Biology (Section 1) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
This Fresh Focus course is all about "doing" science- in the lab and in the field. The emphasis will be on hands-on discovery and fun. Join Dr. Baube and the mentors as we perform a number of experiments designed to explore some of the many areas of Biology. Experiments will include DNA "fingerprinting", creek chemistry and water quality assessment, developmental biology, honey bee behavior, human physiology and as many more as time permits. We will also spend time on strategies for success in the science classroom and science career exploration. Expect to have fun, learn alot and maybe even get muddy.

Dr. Charlie Baube – Mentors: Jessica Lewis, Sean Raleigh and Josh McIntyre
G-219

Music, Television, Films and their Impact on Culture and Society (Section 2) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Students will study and discuss the impact of music, television, and films on culture and society. A variety of music, television programs, and films representing contrasting viewpoints will be presented. Readings and research using the WW and the Internet will be assigned.

Jim Bohart - Mentors: Josh Burr, Stephanie Jo Janssen, Charity Pirkle, Emily Jill Sharitt, Sean Schroeder
H-114

Modern Short Stories (Section 3) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
We will read and discuss modern and contemporary short stories. The stories will be selected from American, English, Russian, and Italian literature. Sometimes we read stories recommended by the students in the class.

Bill Brightman – Mentor: Leah Sanders
H-201

Looking Latino: Hispanic Worlds and Peoples (Section 4) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
This fresh focus course will provide students with a thorough introduction to the diverse communities of Spanish-speaking peoples as well as the unique worlds that they occupy around the globe. From Spain, to Africa, to the Americas (North and South) there are more than 400 million people that claim Spanish as a native language. Students will learn about many Hispanic or "Latino" communities and their connections to our society and to the world.

Dr. Mario Chandler – Mentors: Lauren Bundy, Luis Dominquez, R.G. Lamar
H-206

Mr. Wizard: Physics Toys and Demos (Section 5) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Description:  "What toys and simple demonstrations reveal about the world around us. Balls that bounce too high, lollypop light pipes, come-back-cans, giant slingshots, and many other demonstrations and toys will be, hm, examined and analyzed."

John Cramer – Mentors: Adonis Bovell, Alden Curtis, Piercen Oliver, Rebekah Schiller
G-100

Asia in Atlanta Section 6) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
This section explores the Asian-American experience through reference to Atlanta's sprawling Asian community just minutes from Oglethorpe. We examine a broad variety of topics, including culture, history, politics, economics, religion, and identity. Class will consist of discussing assigned readings, meeting a diverse array of people active in the Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, South Asian, and Japanese communities, and the occasional fieldtrip to experience firsthand Asia in Atlanta.

Stephen Herschler – Mentors: Rizwan Barkatullah, Mu-Hung Fang, Mayur Nayee, Connie Yip
H-101

The Siege of Atlanta (Section 7) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Focus on Gen. William T. Sherman’s 1864 invasion of Georgia and ultimate capture of Atlanta from both a Northern and Southern perspective, the events that made invasion into Georgia possible, and the economics of the Confederacy. Field trips to local battlefields, such as Kennesaw Mountain and Pickett’s Mill, and local attractions such as the Cyclorama will be included in the course requirements.

Bruce Hetherington – Mentors: Jon Gabriel, Geoffrey Hetherington, Sarah Letson, Amanda Nichols, Valerie Schicho
L-200

Taking The Lord of the Rings Seriously (Section 8) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
We've all seen the movies. Many of us have read the books, perhaps as early as middle school. What we may not have known was that J.R.R. Tolkien sought not only to entertain but also to enlighten, edify, and instruct by means of his great novels. In this section of Fresh Focus, we'll begin to uncover the great depths of Tolkien's tale, while also raising the question of how faithful Peter Jackson' cinematic adaptation is to the books.

Joseph Knippenberg – Mentors: Eli Arnold, Jennifer Hofstetter, and Cat Lawler
H-112

Major Decisions: (Section 9) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Choosing a major is not the same as deciding on a career. We'll use this first semester in college to explore the available options for majors at Oglethorpe. We'll use a variety of techniques to help you narrow your focus and find a major that is a good fit.

Caroline R. Noyes – Mentors: Rachel Bailey
H-203

The Human Voice in Speech and Song (for University Singers) (Section 10)TTH 11:30 -12:15 pm
An introduction to the basic anatomy of the human larynx and its use in the craft of speech and the art of singing. Elements will include posture, breath pressure, phonation, diction and tone which will be applied in dramatic readings and simple vocal solos. The class will include both observation of professional and amateur performers and personal application.

Dr. W. Irwin Ray – Mentors: Travis Griffin, Abigail Kurland, Mary Seagrave
Emerson

Creative Problem Solving (Section 11) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Most of us are linear thinkers when it comes to solving problems, whether they are math problems, logic problems, social problems, decision-making situations…….you name it. Often, this linear problem solving approach is appropriate. But, enlarging your toolbox of thinking strategies enables you to approach problems in unique, creative, and fruitful ways. You will find this skill valuable no matter the area of application.

Mike Rulison – Mentors:
R-104

Biology, Medicine and You (Section 12) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Are you a pre-med student? Do you plan to work in healthcare? Are you looking forward to a career in one of the biological sciences? If you say “yes” to any of these, this section is for you! We will target strategies for gaining admission to medical school, graduate school, professional training programs and initial employment opportunities. Career planning, advice from experts active in the field, support and ideas from upper-class students preparing to enter these programs and plenty of discussions on strategies for survival and success will be featured.

Dan Schadler - Mentors: Jennifer Iddings, Judith Taylor
G-108

Understanding and Combating Prejudice (Section 13) MW 12:30 – 1:15 pm
This session asks some challenging and fascinating questions: why does prejudice continue to flourish, when individuals readily concede there are no rational arguments to support biased behaviors? Is it possible to unlearn prejudice? How does one work to recognize the effects of racism on the self? How do we begin to see invisible privilege and work against it? We will discuss readings that engage these difficult questions, and we will practice techniques to unlearn the language and behaviors of oppression.

Rebecca Hyman and Beth Johnson – Mentors:
H-100

Studying Abroad: Global Adventures for the Mind (Section 14) TTH 12:30 – 1:15 pm
Students will explore and discuss the various options for studying at universities around the world. This course will demonstrate the importance of studying abroad, how to manage your study abroad experience, and in what ways students can use study abroad for resume and career purposes. Internet research, guest speakers, off-campus visits, and readings will be part of this course. Wireless laptops strongly encouraged in class, but not required.

Jeffery Collins – Mentors:
R-117

 

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