Section Choices: Fresh Focus Fall 2007

Section 01: The Atlanta Media Scene
Professor Shrikhande
Atlanta is home to a variety of media organizations, best known among them being CNN and TBS. This section will introduce students to a range of media organizations—newspapers, radio and television – in the city. We will consider their history, content and competitive strategy. Class will consist of a discussion of readings and exercises, and a field trip to a media organization.
(Student Mentors: Laura Braddick and Victoria Ruth)

Section 02: Live Theatre Appreciation
Professor Merola
In this active exploration of different approaches to thinking, viewing and writing about live theatre, we will access the thriving Atlanta theatre scene. Every Tuesday will be focused on the college experience, while Thursdays will be devoted to the experience and appreciation of live theatre with group excursions to professional and university productions. We also will visit the famous Center for Puppetry Arts, participate in workshops with guest artists, and welcome theatre scholars and artists into our on-going discussion.

Section 03: Sí Amigo!: Getting to Know the Spanish-Speaking World
Professor Chandler
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. Students will also have opportunities to interact directly with Atlanta’s Hispanic community through local visits and organized trips.
(Student Mentors: Nekisha Charles, Alfonzo Mantilla, and Stephanie Kerner)

Section 04: Creative Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
Professor Rulison
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 creative problem solving skill valuable no matter the area of application. Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. Both of these abilities transcend disciplinary boundaries and will be useful throughout your college career and your life.

Section 05: Music, Television, Films, and their Impact on Culture and Society
Professor Bohart
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 WWW and the Internet will be assigned.

Section 06: Biology, Medicine, and yOU
Professor Schadler
Are you planning to attend medical school? Are you seeking a career in healthcare? Are you looking forward to working in the biological sciences? If the answer is “yes” to any of these, you want this section of Fresh Focus. We will target strategies for gaining admission to medical school, graduate school, professional training programs, and employment opportunities. Career exploration, support and ideas from upper-class students and experts in the field, and plenty of discussions on achieving success will be featured.
(Student Mentors: Fauzia Amlani, Sunny Rodgers, and Cara Tillotson)

Section 07: Getting the Most out of Oglethorpe (For Transfer Students Only)
Professor Weiss
This section, designed for transfer students, seeks to acquaint them with the opportunities and services available to them as students at Oglethorpe. Among these are (1) learning how to take advantage of the many curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities at OU; (2) learning about the various offices on campus (where they are, what they do, where to go for assistance); (3) networking with alumni for career/graduate school exploration; and (4) exploring the skills transfer students will learn in and outside Oglethorpe’s classrooms that will become the foundation for choices after graduation. Students will explore their strengths and how they can intentionally apply them to succeeding at Oglethorpe and beyond.

Section 08: The Future of Humankind: Culture, Technology and Exploration
Professor Collins
This section will explore the future of humankind, based in futurist studies, not science fiction. Based in readings and discussions from generalist texts dealing with AI, ecology, space exploration, robotics, virtual reality, nanoscience, and genetics, this course examines the coming revolutions that will ultimately transform humankind. These discussions will focus on the role these technologies will play in global, cultural, and biological transformations of what it means to be human. No previous course work in any of these fields is required. Laptops are preferred but not required.

Section 09: Now that I’m here what do I do? OU and the Atlanta Business Community
Professor Benton
The section is designed to introduce the student to the business opportunities in the Atlanta area and to help the student adjust to the Oglethorpe community.

Section 10: Mr. Wizard
Professor Cramer
Physical principles are often best explained through demonstrations. Many simple toys operate on and further illustrate these same physical principles. We look at a large range of demonstrations and toys, noting how they illustrate and illuminate physics while they entertain.

Section 11: Crimes, Criminals and Forensic Science
Professor Aufderheide
A not-too-technical introduction to forensic science, including how crime scenes are processed, types of evidence (with a special emphasis on collection and analysis of physical evidence), crime scene reconstruction, search-and-seizure laws, and expert witness testimony. Many of the concepts will be illustrated by examination of some famous crimes (such as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the murders of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson) and criminals (including Charles Manson and Wayne Williams). We’ll also have some fun with fingerprinting, and take a field trip to the main Georgia Bureau of Investigation forensic science lab in Decatur, GA.

Section 12: Political Leadership in Atlanta
Professor Knippenberg
In this section, we will examine the various dimensions of political leadership in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Our goal is to begin to be able, as citizens, to assess and exercise leadership in any major metropolitan area. To that end, we will both meet with several community leaders “up close and personal” and begin to acquaint ourselves with the range of communities and institutions in which they operate.

Section 13: Spread Your Wings: Little and Big Things Around Campus
Professor Saulson
In this (hopefully) entertaining course, we will examine and share different approaches to thinking, viewing, and writing. We will explore what Oglethorpe University and the Atlanta area have to offer culturally and experientially through readings, art, song, dance, theatre, science, and cuisine. Tuesday may focus on Oglethorpe and the college experience. Thursday may center on Atlanta and life experience.

Section 14: Getting the Most out of Oglethorpe (For Transfer Students Only)
Professor Littlefield
This section, designed for transfer students, seeks to acquaint them with the opportunities and services available to them as students at Oglethorpe. Among these are (1) learning how to take advantage of the many curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities at OU; (2) learning about the various offices on campus (where they are, what they do, where to go for assistance); (3) networking with alumni for career/graduate school exploration; and (4) exploring the skills transfer students will learn in and outside Oglethorpe’s classrooms that will become the foundation for choices after graduation. Students will explore their strengths and how they can intentionally apply them to succeeding at Oglethorpe and beyond.

Section 15: The Human Voice in Speech and Song
(Meets TTh at 11:30 am especially for University Singers, all students are welcome)
Professor Ray
This section will be 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.