LE300R Integrative & Interdisciplinary Learning

Capstone:Ethic & Psych of Humor in Popular Culture

for F2A 2017

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Mission Statement
Park University provides access to a quality higher education experience that prepares a diverse community of
learners to think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate a global perspective and engage in lifelong
learning and service to others.

Vision Statement
Park University, a pioneering institution of higher learning since 1875, will provide leadership in quality, innovative
education for a diversity of learners who will excel in their professional and personal service to the global
community.

Course LE300R Integrative & Interdisciplinary Learning Capstone:Ethic & Psych of Humor in Popular
Title Culture

Bookstore Textbooks can be purchased through the official bookstore of accelerated classes, MBS bookstore

Semester F2A 2017

Semester Oct 16, 2017 to Dec 10, 2017

Dates

Drop Date Oct 23, 2017

Withdrawa Dec 10, 2017

l Date
see
catalog for
current
policy

Class Online
Days

Class Time 0 to 0

Classroom Online
Location

Credit 3
Hours

Course Description
LE300R Integrative and Interdisciplinary Learning Capstone: Ethics & Psychology of Humor in Popular Culture - A
seminar for the Liberal Education program, LE300 requires students to integrate the Park University Literacies,
synthesizing diverse perspectives to achieve interdisciplinary understanding and exploring the relationships among
academic knowledge, professional pursuits, and the responsibilities of local and global citizenship. 3:0:3

Faculty Kevin Webster

Name
 Email [email protected]

Faculty Kevin Webster

Title

Earned Degrees/Certification
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Doctorate of Behavioral Health, Currently enrolled
Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
Masters of International Relations

Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT

Certificate in Special Education, Aug. 2015

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV

Masters of Social Work, Aug. 2013

University of Nevada, Reno, NV

Advanced Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services, May, 2009

Vermont College, The Union Institute & Union, Brattleboro, VT

Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Nov. 2006

Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell, CT

Post Master’s Degree in Theology, Church History May 2004

Connecticut College, New London, CT

Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary Social Studies/History, May 2003

Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Bachelor's of Arts in Mathematical Economics, May 2000
Bachelor's of Arts in Public Policy and Government, May 2000

Charter Oak State College, New Britain, CT

Bachelor's of Science in Business, Nov.1999

Office Information

Licenses

Nevada State Social Work License: 6893-S

Nevada State Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor: 01724-L

Arizona State Master Social Work License: LMSW—15719

Nevada State Teaching and School Counseling License: 66795. Endorsements: (7-
12) Social Studies, Alternative Education (K-A), School Social Worker, K-12 School
Counselor, TSEL, Middle Grades Mathematics & Science.
Florida State Professional Teaching License: 990669, 6-9 & 7-12 Social Studies,
School Social Work and K-12 School Counselor.

Arizona Professional Teaching License: 3925339, Middle Grades Social Studies 6-8,
6-12 Economics, Government, Political Science, and Structured English Immersion.

Additional Contact Information

Affiliations

Nevada StateNotary Public, FCC Amateur Radio License KE7LCS, National

Association of SocialWorkers, National Education Administration, Knights of
Columbus, and A.F. &A.M.

Educational Philosophy
Through enhanced technology, I hope to engage all students and encourage them to explore
the material skeptically and honestly. I also hope that students will gain a better understanding
and appreciation of the subject matter as well as discipline in general. As an educator, I want
to create an atmosphere in which students will engage with each other in order for them to
build relationships and understanding of their diverse backgrounds. I also feel that it is vital
for students to feel comfortable interacting with each other in the virtual classroom, exploring
ideas, discussing principals, and writing about the academic material through written
discussions. The course goals are made possible by creating and facilitating a curriculum that
is both engaging and enjoyable with feedback being provided in a timely manner.

Textbooks

Textbooks

Title: Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor

Author: John Morreall
ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-9612
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Title: The Psychology of Humor: AnIntegrative Approach (2007)

Author: Rod A. Martin
ISBN-10: 0-12-372564-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-12-372564-6
Publisher: Elsevier Academic Press

Additional Resources
Recommended Text (also available in MBS Bookstore):

Title: A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations: Chicago Style for
Students and Researchers, 8th edition.
Author: Kate L. Turabian
ISBN-10: 0-226-81638-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-226-81638-8
Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Comedy Taste: Highbrow/Lowbrow Comedy and Cultural Capital, by Claessens &

Dhoest. Participations. University of Antwerp, Belgium 2010 (study of humor in various
international cultures; available for free online & also available in course website).

Link for the online version:http://www.participations.org/Volume%207/Issue%201/claessens.pdf

Materials may also include appropriate readings from academic journals and other sources.
Students will be asked to view analyze and make presentations on portions of various films
or television programs in modern culture that depict ethnic, gender and other stereotypes in
formats or contexts that are intended to be 'humorous.' The purpose of this course is to
analyze the interdisciplinary elements of humor through the study of traditional theories of
humor and the psychology of humor, using examples from popular culture as platforms for
integrative critical thinking.

Some stereotypical depictions are considered very 'politically incorrect' in today's culture
and are indeed offensive. However, as pieces of our collective cultural fabric, and as a part
of the history of humor and comedy in popular culture, they will be analyzed and
discussed academically and in a manner respectful to all.

Students may be asked to share or post political cartoons, comics and other pop culture
examples of humor from outside sources for class discussion and presentations. The course
will utilize the class website and will include some outside assignments, such as postings to
the discussion board.

Additional Resources Online

Online Classroom Technical Support- For technical assistance with the Online classroom, refer to the Canvas
Guides found here. OR click on the help link on the Canvas login page or in the classroom. You call the Canvas
helpdesk at 844-470-5727. To see the browser requirements for Online courses, click here.

FAQ's for Online Students – You can find most answers to your questions here. If you cannot remember your Park
University ID number or have forgotten your password, please visit https://accounts.park.edu. If you continue to
have problems, please call Enrollment Services at 1-877-505-1059 or the IT Help Desk at 1-800-927-3024.

Library Resources

McAfee Memorial Library Mission

The McAfee Memorial Library provides access to quality information resources that enables a diverse community
of learners to think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate a global perspective and engage in lifelong
learning and service to others.

Collections

 Pirate Search – Search many of Park’s library databases, ebooks, and print book holdings from one
search box!
 Our collections include more than a quarter million books, ebooks, videos and periodical and research
databases. Online resources are available 24/7 to any Park student or employee.
 Additional materials can be obtained via interlibrary loan and/or reciprocal borrowing agreements with
local and regional libraries.

Research Assistance

 Librarians are available to help with research and the use of electronic resources on-site or via telephone,
email or online chat.
 Research guides can also be found on the library's website and by clicking the “Library Resources” menu
link in all Park University online courses.

Contact Information
Norrington Learning Commons
8700 N.W. River Park Drive
Box 61
Parkville, MO 64152
Phone: (816) 584-6285 (800) 270-4347
[email protected]
www.park.edu/library

Core Learning Outcomes

1. Ask meaningful questions about complex issues.
2. Gather reputable, important, and relevant information from multiple disciplinary
sources.
3. Analyze insights from multiple disciplines for patterns, conflicts, and connections.
4. Apply knowledge and skills from his or her general education program (at Park, the
Liberal Education Program) in novel situations.
5. Synthesize multiple disciplinary perspectives to solve problems or create holistic
understandings.
6. Collaborate effectively with students studying other disciplines.

Faculty Additional Learning Outcomes

 Students will demonstrate critical thinking, academic research skills and the ability
to integrate multiple disciplines in analytical and original ways.

Core Assessment
The Core Assessment in this course will be a major critical paper of no fewer than 5
pages, which will include research and appropriate documentation. The paper must
address a significant contemporary issue of a global nature relevant to the course, the
student’s major, and the Liberal Education program. The paper should synthesize
multiple disciplinary perspectives and propose critical and creative responses. Individual
instructors will specify assignment details.

Schedule

Schedule
Week One "Rules of Conversation and Highbrow/Lowbrow Humor"

• Lecture Week One

• Chapter One in Morreall; Chapter One in Martin

• Read Claessens & Dhoest article (in course website)

• Introductory Post

• Discussion Post

Week Two "Theories of Humor"

• Finish Chapter 1 in Morreall; Read Chapter 2 in Martin

• Discussion Post

Week Three: Humor and Socialization

• Lecture for Week 3

• Chapter 2 & first half of chapter 3 in Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor
(by Morreall)

• Chapters 4 & first half of chapter 5 in The Psychology of Humor (by Martin).

• Discussion thread

• Week 3 Paper – due this week (100 points)

Week Four "Humor and Socialization"

• Lecture for Week 4

• Chapters 5 & 6 in Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor (by Morreall)

• Finish Chapter 5 in The Psychology of Humor (by Martin)

• Discussion thread

• Midterm Exam (online)

Week Five "Humor and Stereotypes"

• Lecture for Week 5

• Review chapters 5 & 6 and start reading chapter 7 in Comic Relief: A Comprehensive
Philosophy of Humor (by Morreall).

• Review chapter 5 and start reading chapter 11 in The Psychology of Humor (by Martin)

• Discussion thread

Week Six: "Humor in the Workplace"

• Lecture for Week 6

• Finish reading chapter 7 and start chapter 8 in Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of
Humor (by Morreall)

• Finish chapter 11 and start reading chapter 10 in The Psychology of Humor (by Martin)

• Discussion thread

• Week 6 Paper

Week Seven "Comedy and Entertainment Versus Ethics and Aesthetics"

• Lecture for Week 7

• Review chapter 7 and read chapter 8 in Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor
(by Morreall)

• Review chapter 11 and finish reading chapter 10 in The Psychology of Humor (by Martin)

• Discussion Thread

• Core Assessment Due at end of week

Week Eight "Humor, Ethics and Responsibility"

• No additional readings or lecture - relax and study for the final exam!

• Post answers to questions in Lessons Learned (final discussion thread for the course)

• Final Exam must be taken by Friday night of this week! Exam is NOT proctored, but is online
and timed.
Assignments
Weekly Discussion Posts (includes responses totwo other classmates)
Paper in Week 3
Midterm Test in Week 4
Paper in Week 6
Core Assessment Paper (due week 7)
"Lessons Learned" Discussion in Week 8
Final Exam (online, not proctored - Week 8)

Grading Plan
Discussion Posts: 7 @ 40 pts each: 280 points
Week 3 Paper: 95 points
Midterm Online Quiz 100 points
Week 6 Paper 95 points
Core Assessment Paper Week 7 200 points
Lessons Learned Discussion Week 8 30 points
Final Exam (online) Week 8 200 points
TOTAL POINTS 1000 points

Course .
Topic/Dates/Assignments

Late Submission of Course Material

Late submissions of any course assignment, including online discussion posts, may lower the
points received for that assignment. Non-penalized (excused)extensions or make-up work will
only be given for extenuating circumstances that are documented and approved. Unexcused
late submission of course materials may result in a grade of zero (0%) for that assignment.

Classroom rules of conduct

Just as in live classrooms, it is important to recognize and respect the contributions and
diversity of your classmates in online discussion boards and other interactive assignments.
Observe the rules of Good Netiquette!
Students are expected to show courtesy and respect to each other in online discussion and
interactions. Discussions, even in the virtual classroom, will be lively. We may at times have a
disagreement on various points, but at all times, we will respect the rights of others to express
their thoughts and opinions.
Your learning experience will be enriched from the diversity of the classmates you will meet
here. The more active you are in our discussions, and the more you contribute to the group
dynamics, the greater your benefit will be from this learning experience.
Students who do not honor the Rules of Conduct stated above may be at risk of discipline or
expulsion.
For more information about netiquette, visit http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html.