Syllabus

Syllabus US Institute for Student Leaders

Seven Faces of United States

The goal of the U.S. Institute is to provide participants with an immersion into the political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural aspects of American society, while providing leadership enrichment opportunities in a unique blend of in-class and experiential learning modules that integrate theoretical and practical knowledge. The institute will show the seven faces of U.S. culture: (1) foundation of American democracy, (2) American elections and campaigns, (3) ethnic diversity and religion plurality in American society, (4) economics in the U.S., (5) mass communication, (6) popular culture in America, and (7) America in a changing world. These ideas will be integrated through a discussion of "Democracy in America." Student leaders, like the intellectual Alexis de Tocqueville, whose short visit to the U.S. in 1831 led to profound insights on the culture of democracy, will develop an interpretation of the United States filtered through the lens of their own experience and institute insights.

 

Locations: To be announced. All classes will be held in the same room unless otherwise noted on the schedule and/or syllabus. The meeting location for all events requiring travel off-campus will be outside the Center for International Education (CIE) offices at the far end of the Golisano Academic Center on the first floor.

Texts (provided by the Institute):

• Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
• David Bornstein, How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas

Additional readings as assigned.

Assignments:

Readings: It is expected that each and every participant will read all the material provided. There should be ample free or down time for participants to do the readings.

DISCUSSION

There will be discussion of the material both in the classroom and through electronic bulletin board (Blackboard: http://nazareth.blackboard.com/). Students will be required to post their insights into the classroom material/discussion, field experience and the cultural/entertainment aspects at least once a week. These will assist you in developing your final presentation/portfolio.

PORTFOLIO

Students will prepare a portfolio that will include photos, assignments, discussions, or other artifacts that provide evidence and insight into their commentaries on the U.S.

FINAL PRESENTATION

At the end of the Institute, each participant is required to present a final summation of their insights on United States democracy, leadership, or business in a twenty-minute slideshow presentation to the community.

*Click here to access the Schedule of Academic Content.

 

Overview: the Program Components

Business & Economics (Professor Al Cabral)

These lectures, seminars, and experiences offer an understanding of the United States economy and the role U.S. business plays in the global marketplace. We will focus on how you can apply this information as you pursue your degree and consider your career options after graduation. Your guides on this journey are experts from the Nazareth College faculty and the local business community. You will also have the opportunity to tour two very different Rochester companies, spend time with Nazareth students who are completing internships this summer, and meet one-to-one with Professor Cabral to discuss your personal career plans.

Community Engagement (Adam Lewandowski)

These lectures, seminars and experiences offer information and insights about the social issues that affect the U.S. and the global community. You will gain a greater understanding of the causes of social issues and learn about organizational approaches to finding solutions. Focusing on the concept of the social entrepreneur, you will learn the personal and organizational qualities necessary to lead a community toward positive solutions to social issues.

Leadership (Joe Kenney)

These lectures and seminars will help you develop knowledge and skills for effective leadership. You will gain a greater understanding of their personal leadership strengths and styles. Through interactive exercises, you will learn skills for leading teams and for leading through change. Additional content will focus on establishing and communicating mission, ensuring accountability and achievement, and celebrating success. 

Interfaith (Dr. Muhammad Shafiq)

Through lectures, dialogues, and panel discussions, you will examine the role of inter- and intra-faith dialogue in the U.S. today, with special emphasis on Qur’anic perspectives. During field experiences, you will visit a Jewish synagogue, Christian church, and the Islamic Center of Rochester to gain a better understanding of various aspects of the beliefs, rituals, and history of the Abrahamic faiths as practiced in Rochester.