Greetings EDU 270ers!
Welcome to class, and say hello to your course syllabus. Or, as we like to call it, your Blogabus. Now don't be frightened at the crazy thought of all the chaos thats going to consume your life without the rigid conformities of pages and pages of reading assignments, due dates, learning outcomes, and policies which confine you to minimal potential. As scary as something as out there as a "Blogabus" may sound, we ask you to jump on board and get ready for a crazy, crazy journey towards our greatest leadership potential.
Lets face it people: its 2011. A lot has changed since the beginning of this institution we call "university." But we don't need to explain how things have changed, do we? Lets have YouTube explain it instead:
So, on that note, we believe that with the new year and the new decade ahead of us, a lot needs to change - not just within our classrooms, but also within our society. Our collective generation is evolving. Every day:
The world is changing. Every day. Whether you like it. We know change can be scary, but our beloved friend President Gee says it best on a huge sign he has in his office that reads "If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance much less..."
And well, just as the world needs to change in order to conquer irrelevancy, so must Fraternity change. The only thing older then the outdated course syllabus, is the concept of Fraternity. Do you know that Fraternity is as old as our country? Do you know that Fraternity has been around for 234 years, with very, very little change. We'll save the history lesson for class, but, people, listen here: whether we like to admit or not, we are all members of ancient, rigid, old-fashioned, un-2011ish organizations. And, well, just as phonebooks, emails, and flashbulbs are facing extinction, so are we.
Now before we go all debbie-downer on you before our first class period, let place our disclaimer bold and clear right up front for all to see: while many may argue that Fraternity faces the brink of irrelevancy if things don't change, we argue, that as long as we change and adapt to fit the needs of our global, technological, and advanced society, we have the potential to make Fraternity THE (thats right "the") most relevant organization not only on the college campus, but within our collective society.
So, who wants to join us on this journey to showing our nation and our world that our Fraternities and Sororities know how to adapt with the times and are able to become the greatest assets to our global society? Not like any of you have a choice in how you answer that question because you all are stuck in this course, but consider that question to be the the 2011 Blogabus version of a Course Purpose. But because we're crazy and trying new things here, we're going to call this our Reason for Leading: showing the world the extreme relevance of our organizations, is the value that guides our intent behind this course and is the reason that gives us a purpose to lead.
{Reason for Leading (our fancy way of saying "Course Purpose")}
This focus section of EDU 270 exists to provide generla members of all 4 councils the opportunity to realize that you all have not only enormous and magnificent potential to change the future of the Fraternal Movement, but also the awesome responsibility to act upon that potential. But we realize that such a daunting task can be, well, just that: daunting. Therefore, this class also exists to provide an overview of the theory related to, and skills necessary for the practice of effective leadership in the Fraternal Movement setting (we'll talk more about what we mean by the "Fraternal Movement" in class). So, in laymen's term, for the next 10 weeks we all are going to give each other a reason to lead our Fraternal Community to heights never seen before, and give you the resources, skills, and confidence necessary to achieve those heights. In essence, this course will - hopefully - give you a reason to go above "managing" your councils to actually "leading" your councils to become the exemplary collegiate fraternal councils.
{Well, whats in it for me?} Thanks for asking. We usually call this section of the syllabus the "course outcomes" or the specific things you way take away from your 10 weeks. But in our relevant Blogabus, we are going to call these your "developmental turning points." In other words, here is how you, as individuals, will develop as a result of our 10 weeks together:
- You'll demonstrate an understanding of the remarkable process of leadership, specifically, a theory known as the Social Change Model of Leadership Development.
- You'll demonstrate an increased awareness of the personal qualities, skills, and values that you bring to your Fraternity/Sorority, your council, and your leadership potential.
- You'll demonstrate increase confidence and skill in practicing leadership within not only your councils, but also your organization, community, and society.
- You'll demonstrate an understanding of the current trends and issues that define the Fraternal Movement and an ability to argue the relevance of fraternity.
- You'll be ready to change the world.
Now for all of you who thinks that last developmental turning point is a bit out there, its not. We promise. More on this at the end of our Blogabus.
{Do I have to read?} Yes. Don't think your getting out of that one. Don't forget that in the process of changing the world, you still need to do the work necessary to receive 3 academic credits. And plus, changing the world isn't easy, silly. You'll need a wealth of knowledge and resources to learn how to. So here's what we'll read:
- This book. In pretty much its entirely. Its available from the bookstore, or from your favorite local on-line book distributor. Buy it. Now. Thanks.
- A bunch of articles/chapters from a bunch of different magazines, books, publications, blogs etc that you can find electronic links to below.
{And what type of reading schedule to I have?} Again, thanks for asking. Here's what we ask you to read:
- For class 1 (April 5) we will be doing an opening group activity, will be reviewing the class, and will give you your 2nd Blog prompt...see below for what we mean by "Blog Prompt" ;) There is no reading due for this class.
- For class 2 (April 12), we will be talking about a new world thought of Leadership, and will give an introduction to the Social Change Model. We will also be talking about the concepts of Consciousness of Self and who we are in relationship to our Sorority/Fraternity identity by looking at the history of the American Fraternity. We ask you to read two chapters from a book which will be posted online within the next few days, this article about the history of the American Fraternity and Chapters 1 and 2 in your text.
- For class 3 (April 19), we will be talking about the Social Change value of Congruence and Commitment as well as the fraternal topics of values congruence and Ritual. We ask you to read Chapter 10 and 11 in your text and this article called "Values & Action Congruence," this article called "A Call for Values Congruence," this article called "Branding + Values," and this article about Ritual.
- For class 4 (April 26), we will be talking about the Social Change value of Collaboration and our Common Purpose and will apply those topics to the shared values that facilitate our Sorority/Fraternity community. We ask you to read Chapter 6 and 7 in your text, and this article called "Individual vs. Community" and this chapter from a book about the American Fraternity.
- For class 5 (May 3), we will be talking about the Social Change value of Controversy with Civility and Citizenship in relationship to our campus-based sorority/fraternity community. We ask you to read Chapter 8 and 5 in your text and this article about the diversity within sororities and fraternities.
- For class 6 (May 10), we will continue to talk about the Social Change value of Citizenship. However this time we will talk about it in relationship to the International Fraternal Movement. We ask you to read chapter 12 in your text and this article called "The Dilemma Facing Fraternity Organizations at the Millennium" and this article called "The Questionable Value of Fraternities."
- For class 7 (May 17), we will be talking about some specific issues facing the Fraternal Movement and you are asked to read 4 out of 8 articles that will be given to you in a later blog posting. Each article will have to do with a different topic facing the Fraternal Movement (ie: GLBT students in sororities/fraternities, recruitment, alcohol, hazing, bystander behavior... to name a few). You'll get to pick which 4 you want to read :)
- For class 8 (May 24), you will have no reading due because you will be spending the entire class period working on your Secretive Final Project that you don't know about yet (see below). Get excited :)
- For class 9 (May 31), we will be talking about Global Social Change and the role Fraternities and Sororities can and/or should play in the process of achieving Global Social Change. We ask that you read a couple chapters from a book called Social Change 2.0. We'll post these chapters at a later date.
{Awesome Assigments} Get excited for some awesomely exciting assignments. And we truly say that with all sincerity (don't laugh). In developing these assignments we have done our best to consider multiple learning styles, the vast opportunities that our incredible internet provides us, and the fact that our ultimate goal is, well, changing the world. Therefore, all of our assignments will pretty much focus on producing some pretty cool change. And whats not exciting about that?
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Assignment 1: Your Fraternal Change Blog (30 points) - [Due Date: ongoing/weekly]
Notice how my blog that your reading right now is called "Tyler's Fraternal Change Blog." Guess what I'm doing right now. I'm modeling the way. For your Assignment #1. But really its more like Assignment 1 to 200 or so, because this is an ongoing assignment.
Here's the deal: Giving that we live in 2011, that our society has become ever dependent on the wonder of our multi-media and technological advantages, and that all of you (who are we kidding - all of "us") spend more time on the internet than you (we) spend anywhere else, we thought blogging about our shared experiences of changing the Fraternal Movement to impact the world, would be very appropriate.
Now before all of you non-bloggers stress out about your non-blogging experiences, take a deep breath, and instead of thinking of how difficult keeping a blog may be, begin thinking about how much potential and creativity you have in keeping a blog. And watch this:
Oh the potential!
Who's excited?
Good.
Each of you will be asked to, for at least the 10 week duration of our class, keep a Blog entitled "(insert name here - that would be your name)'s Fraternal Change Blog. That means, if your name is Bob, Bobs blog would be called "Bob's Fraternal Change Blog." But we probably all figured that out already. Now for those of you who already have your own blog, awesome! You should then link it to your NEW fraternal change blog ;) (read: you must create a seperate new blog for the sake of this course). Furthermore, we ask that you all create your blog through Google Blogger. (Yes, there are many other types of Blogs out there, but for the sake of sanity, we ask that we all use Google Blogger).
So, before we go into explaining what we're going to use the Blog for, go ahead and make your super new cool Blog right now. Never made one before? Here is some help:
Made yours? Awesome. Now here is your first official assigment for this course (that you will be graded on): After you make your very creative profile, create an introductory Blog that addresses this topic: who am I, why am I in my Fraternity/Sorority, and how do I feel after reading this Blogabus in its entirely? (note: you'll have to actually finish reading this blog entry before you can complete said assignment). And yes, if you think your first Blog prompt is vague, your correct. The sky is the limit my friends. And get used to hearing that - you'll be hearing it a lot from us.
Complete your first introductory Blog by Tuesday, April 5th.
Then, at the end of each of our 10 classes together, we will give you a Blog prompt that you must complete prior to the next class meeting. Each of your 10 prompts will be graded, and each prompt is worth a total of 3 points. (aka: all 10 assigned Blogs are worth 30% of your grade). Prompts will be graded on the completeness and thoughtfullness of the answer, clarity, and creativity - 1 point possible per criteria. There is no minimum or maxium length requirement - as long as you answer the prompt completly and thoughtfully, you will recieve your full point for that criteria.
Any questions? Because if you do have questions, guess what you can do? You can submit your questions as a comment to this Blog :)
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Assignment #2: Blogersation participation (5 points) [Due Date: ongoing/weekly]
In addition to managing your own Blog, you (and by "you" we really mean "us" because the two of us are also along for this ride and will be completing our own Blogs as well), are asked to be active followers of your classmates (and instructors) Blogs. Within the first week or two of class, we will all link our Blogs together (we'll show you how to do this later), and ask that in addition to writing your own Blogs, that you frequent other Blogs and engage in active Blogersation (our version of Blog conversations) with one another. The 2 of us will be frequent visitors to everyones Blog and will be able to see who is actively engaging with each other, and who is not. 5 points will go to those who are being authentic Blogersation starters. Less then 5 points will go to those who are not :(
Moreover, included in this "Blogersation" assignment, is the disclaimer that while you all are only assigned 10 specific Blog prompts throughout the duration of the course - and will only be specifically graded on those 10 -that is only the minimum expectation. Please by all means, don't let our prompts hold you back ;) For those of you who feel so inclined, Blog away! Don't wait for us to give you a prompt. In fact, the best Blogs out there are ones that are updated regularly (read: 3-4 times a week at the minimum). So while we will not be grading you on your supplemental Blogs, we will be grading you on your level of commitment to Blogging more than the minimum. So in reality, we lied when we said 5 points will go to those who are being authentic Blogersation Starters. What we really meant is that 5 points will go to those who are awesome Blogersation Starters AND who are making entires beyond the bear minimum.
So, don't be a Blog hater, and start Blogging. Let your Blog be a free flow of your thoughts. Have a thought about anything? Fraternity or not Fraternity related? Class or not class related? Have a thought about how you have achieved a developmental turning point? Saw a really good YouTube video related to what we're talking about in class? Have a really good idea for your council to implement? Have a thought on how you are going to change the world? Have a good (appropriate) joke? Blog it.
Still feeling overwhelmed at the thought of Blogging? We promise that within the next week we will post one entry dedicated solely to Good Blogging Habits/Hints. We're here to help :)
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Assignment #3: Individual Leadership Commitment (20 points) [Due Date: April 19, in class]
At the completion of Part I of the course, you all will be asked to write a 5-7 page reflection paper discussing what you see your personal leadership style being. Expect a blog post from the two of us in the near future that gives specific instructions and expectations for this paper. We'll also discuss this more in class, but prepared to utilize Social Change Theory and concepts from the text within your response.
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Assignment #4: Leadership Commitment (15 points) [Due Date: May 10, in class]
You will be asked to to develop a comprehensive action plan for change in our community. More to come...
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Assignment #5: Community Leadership Commitment (25 points) [Due Date: May 31]
This one is a surprise. Sorry! We know you hate surprises, but we hate keeping them. But we think it will be more exciting if we keep it that way :) But expect this project to serve as your "Final Exam" - Get excited to change the world.
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Assignment #6: Class Participation (5 points) [ongoing/weekly]
Aw, like you didn't know this one was coming. We're 5 points away from 100, and where do you think those last 5 points come from? You know it. Attendance. Be in class. All of them. Any unexcused absences will automatically result in a drop of one letter grade. Participate. Be an active learner. Raise your hand. Ask questions. Challenge us. Challenge your peers. Teach us. Teach your peers. Change your council. Change your community. Change the world.
{Course Disclaimers}
We dedicate this section of our Blogabus to those parts of your syllabi that tells you that you'll be asked to complete the University Student Evaluation of Instruction at the end of the quarter and that you can privately ask your instructors (us) if you require any accommodations to account for specific learning needs. But, oh look, we just did that, so we're done with this part. But... we'll still put it anyways:
"Students requiring modified versions of written materials (large print, Braille, tape, etc.), class modifications (e.g. American Sign Language), or an alternate format for submission of written materials, please privately contact one of the instructors. Every effort will be made to work with you to accommodate your specific learning needs."
This is where we should also talk about how you can reach the two of us, but you see all that already in our profile - and you already know that you can email, stop by, or Blog us any time if you need anything. And while we don't have technical office hours, please stop by our offices, any time. We mean it. {Hints and Notes}
- This course is a real, true, academic course where you will be graded, where you will be expected to put much work into, and where your 110% participation and effort is expected. That all being said, expect this course to be unlike any other course you have ever had.
- We strongly believe that the answer to showing the world just in fact how relevant our organizations are will require a great deal of creativity and outside of the box thinking. Therefore, we value - greatly - the value of creativity. We want you to challenge yourselves to think creatively and think outside the box like you never have before. Nothing is too crazy for this course. Be crazy. Say those things that you always thought were impossible. Because we'll let you in on a little secret right from the start: nothing is impossible. So there we said: we greatly, greatly, greatly value creativity and and crazy thinking. So theres your hint: be creative and don't let anything in this Blogabus constrain you. And just to show you how much we value creativity, heres a little creativity PSA:
- Expect to be challenged. And expect to challenge others. In order for us to achieve the Reason for Leading that this course was developed for, all of us are going to have to commit ourselves to think in bigger, stronger, crazier ways than we're used to. And we are all going to have to think collectively and collaboratively. Not one of us alone has the answer. But all of us combined...well, we can't wait to see what type of answers that can get us. But only if we all commit to challenging each other, and challenging the process (see note about creativity).
{Lets get started} So who's ready to embark on this journey of unleashing our greatest leadership potential and show the world just how conducive Fraternities and Sororities are to our 21st Century? Who is ready to learn about the Social Change Model and how we can use it to change ourselves, our groups, our communities, and our world? Who is ready to explore our personal and collective values? Who is ready to explore the history of our Fraternities and Sororities, and the future of our Fraternities and Sororities? Who is ready to challenge the process, be creative, and think harder and bigger than ever before? Who is ready to change the world for the better, by using our Fraternities and Sororities - organizations that were founded in 1776 as a means to collect high aspiring young men and women who espoused commitment to the values of scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and who took a life-long vow to hold themselves and their peers accountable to using those values to make themselves and their peers into the best versions of themselves - as the foundation for creating such change?
Ok, so you like the idea of all of this, but think its all a lot of fluff and fancy words?
Your entitled to that opinion, but over the next 10 weeks we hope that opinion will change. While we may not all see ourselves as "entrepreneurs" (yet) take a look at the following,
and think back to when you were a kid, and when everything was possible. Because it still is. Lets get started.
Fraternally,
Your 270 Instructors, Kristen and Tyler
PS: Once you have made your Blog and completed your first prompt assigment (due this coming Friday), please post a comment below in the comment box with the address to your Blog.
