Because there is no required textbook, a well-constructed workbook is essential for successful completion of this class. Required readings are either linked to this website or distributed in class, and should be included in your workbook. I have also provided extensive supplementary materials in these pages, all of which you may consult for various topics discussed in class. Include copies of these materials, or notes taken on them, sketches or ideas inspired by them, etc. As you progress through the class, add relevant materials of your own choosing to your workbook.

You will essentially be building your own textbook, as well as constructing a potentially useful compendium of knowledge and information for future use and inspiration. The more organized and complete your workbook, the better, because you can use it to help you take exams and quizzes--all of which are open-book.

The basic workbook should be well-organized, tidy, and contain the following.

A large three-ring binder with a set of tab dividers (you may create dividers of your own). Download the essays and other assigned readings from the schedule each week, and read them carefully; keep anything handed out in class in the workbook as well, along with class notes.

Divide the workbook into weekly sections; add a section or two devoted to bureaucracy (syllabus and schedule, assignment information, writing and bibliography guidelines, etc.) and final project preparation. Keep a copy of your group's bibliography, project description, and calendar, your workbook as well, so you will be able to keep the project organized and on track.

In order to get the most out of this course, consult some of the resources linked on the side-bars each week. This will not only broaden your understanding of the material, but will introduce you to potentially inspirational work--websites, images, literature, music, etc. When you find this material interesting and/or useful, download the relevant sections, or copy the information (with source citations) into a Word document to save space and paper.

An even more comprehensive workbook will include at least some of the following:

In addition to the assigned and linked material, take advantage of films in the Library, books and periodical articles, advertisements that use images and/or ideas related to what we discuss in class, newspaper articles, museum announcements, comments on television programs, movies, etc. Take notes on these materials, or include copies in your workbook. This will add a creative dimension that can enhance your understanding of how this material fits into a twenty-first century Western cultural context.

If at all possible, visit local museums with collections relevant to the course material. The Dallas/Ft. Worth area is rich with natural history and art museums that hold artifacts and artworks that can help you better understand the nature of creativity in human cultures, and the roles history and memory play in the humanities. Check the "Guide" section of the Dallas Morning News (or the equivalent in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram) for exhibits, showings, and operating times. Keep the information you obtain in the appropriate section of your workbook. There are two extra-credit assignments that can be completed at the Dallas Museum of Art, and these should be included in your Workbook along with evidence of your museum visit.

If you attend films or plays or watch television shows, or even listen to music that's in any way connected to this course, do a bit of background research and include that in your workbook. For example, if you watch a television program on a related topic, go to the program's website and find out more about it. Find out more about a band's musical roots--especially if it performs ethnic music. If you see a play, try to discover its origins, find out about the set and costume design (and those who did the designing). If you go to a museum, check into the artists whose work you find interesting. Make it a habit to pursue your interests so that you can find more stuff to put in The Box.

Use your workbook as a resource; include material relevant to your own field as you come across it during the course. Check out topic links and other sources for information on how your field relates to what we discuss. For example, keep track of what people wore, eat, lived in, how they expressed themselves, what kind of music they played, what kinds of stories they told--anything that might be of use in the future to chefs, animators, filmmakers, fashion, graphic, or interior designers, etc.

Organization is essential to the successful use of this assignment. Sloppy, haphazardly-constructed workbooks will probably prove useless for any future purpose, so spend some time each week in preparation. Keep up with the readings and other assignments in order to keep discussions lively, and to keep me from having to lecture until I get cranky. People who do a good job will earn my undying gratitude and open up the possibility for bonus points (up to 5, and available only upon presentation in person during class week 10.

syllabus l schedule l workbook checklist
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