Spring 2024 Sophomore Seminars
The Sophomore Success Initiative is happy to share its three sophomore seminar offerings for the Spring 2024 semester.
REL 3044: Domestic Violent Extremism
Damon Berry; T/Th, 12:40-2:10 PM
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) define a Domestic Violent Extremist as “an individual based and operating primarily within the United States or its territories without direction or inspiration from a foreign terrorist group or other foreign power who seeks to further political or social goals wholly or in part through unlawful acts of force or violence.” According to DHS, “Domestic violent extremism [DVE] poses one of the most significant terrorism-related threats to the United States.” To that end, in 2021, in recognition of the enormity of the threat, DHS Secretary Mayorkas “designated for the first time domestic violent extremism as a ‘National Priority Area’ in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs,” while also increasing training for “law enforcement partners through domestic violent extremism threat assessment and management programs.” In this seminar, we explore this topic in a historical analysis of specific examples of DVE identified by American agencies as leading domestic extremism threats, the ways in which law enforcement and advocacy groups try to counter extremism through “off-ramping” individuals who are likely to commit acts of extremist violence, subvert the spread of extremism, and protect targeted populations and institutions. Moreover, we will think deeply about the word “extremism” and explore how it has been used in various political contexts.
DMF 3700: Digital Storytelling
Nicole Roche; T/Th, 2:20 PM - 3:50 PM
Participants in this sophomore seminar will develop a variety of digital storytelling and production skills. Topics to be covered include digital photography, web design, graphic design, audio recording and editing, and more. Classes will include hands-on instruction and practice with digital tools and platforms, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Students will have regular access to the Digital Scholarship Studio and editing suite in ODY Library for producing audio- and video-based projects. All participants will create a digital portfolio that showcases their work for the course, including a final project that brings together the skills they have acquired throughout the semester.
SSES 3026: Exploring Effective Management and Leadership
Franco Bari; M/W, 8:50-10:20 AM
Whether it is in business, politics, sports or education, leadership and management have played an integral part in the success and failures of many functioning organizations. But what exactly is a manager? Who is a leader? What are the differences? Leadership and management are often viewed synonymously; however, there are distinct differences in styles, objectives, goals and visions. Within the past 20 years, the term leadership has evolved into an everyday buzzword, while management has at times taken on a negative connotation. There has recently been a shift from identifying how one manages an organization, to how one leads the people within the organization. Although both leadership and managerial traits may differ, we will explore the differences between the two approaches and determine what traits have been found to be successful. We will also determine how one can utilize both traits in order to find success. This course will also provide students with an opportunity to learn more about their personal leadership and managerial traits. We will meet with individuals who are in current management and leadership positions on and off campus in areas such as business, politics, religion, sport, etc. All students will engage in a research project on an issue relevant to management and leadership styles and will present their findings.
