HDCS 1300: Human Ecosystems and Technological Change

College of Technology- Department of Human Development and Consumer Science

Cameron Building, Room 101
Section: #16689
Spring 2010

Instructor: Class Meets:

Lori M. Selzer, M.Ed. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Email: LMSelzer@uh.edu 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Office Hours:
By appointment

Course Description:
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in or completion of ENGL 1303 or equivalent.
This course is an introduction to the study of human and consumer needs, values, and goals in
relationship to natural, man-made, and behavioral systems (Course Catalog).
This is a writing intensive course. You will be required to participate in the examinations of
the topics presented and write several papers for this course.

Required Text Books:

Ezell et al. (2008). Human Ecosystems and Technological Change (5th edition).
Boston, Massachusetts: McGraw Hill Custom Publishers.
Aaron, Jane E. (2009). The Little, Brown Compact Handbook (7th edition).
Washington D.C.:Pearson.

Course Objectives:
Students will be able to recognize the issues that impact the relationships and interactions
between the human being and essential social interfaces such as the family, the workplace, the
education system and the global economy.
Students will recognize and understand the issues that challenge the individual through the
content areas of the social sciences, such as Sociology, Political Science, Psychology,
Anthropology, and Economics.
Students will be able to differentiate these social science fields and recognize their bodies of
knowledge and contribution to the human condition.
Through social science issues, students will be able to analyze opposing views of theoretical
and practical solutions.
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Through skills of analysis and critique, students will be able to examine social science issues
from positions of neutrality and speak to the soundness of the positions.
Through research and resource identification, students will be able to support and defend their
positions regarding social science issues.
Students will demonstrate sound research, exposition, and persuasive skills through written
papers while focusing on social science issues

Course Requirements:
Written Assignments:
There will be three (3) five to seven hundred word (500-700) assignments.
These must be turned in, via WebCT/Blackboard, by the beginning of class, on the day
that the assignment is due, as indicated on your course syllabus calendar.
American Psychological Association (APA) style will be required. All papers must be typed
and double spaced with one inch margins. Papers must be completed using Arial or Times
New Roman, size twelve (12), font.
The lowest grade earned on the three (3) papers will be dropped; therefore, only two (2)
papers will count towards your final grade.

Class Leadership Panel:

There will be one (1) Class Leadership Panel, in a group format, required.
The Class Leadership Panel will be based on the material in the required textbook, Human
Ecosystems and Technological Change (5th edition).
Use of additional resources and the ability to synthesize and apply the information associated
with your topic must be demonstrated in your Class Leadership Panel.
Further details and requirements will be presented/discussed in class.

Mid-Term In Class Writing Assignment:

There will be one (1) Mid-Term In Class Writing Assignment required.
The Mid-Term In Class Writing Assignment will require the student to analytically address a
variety of the issues presented in the course prior to the Mid-Term In Class Writing
Assignment. Additionally, the student will exhibit a precisely defined, grammatically correct,
and well thought-out argument; thus offering an example of the ongoing development of the
student’s writing ability gained by participation in HDCS 1300: Human Development and
Technological Change.
Further details and requirements will be presented/discussed in class.

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Final In Class Writing Assignment:

There will be one (1) Final In Class Writing Assignment required.
The Final In Class Writing Assignment will also require the student to analytically address a
variety of the issues presented throughout the course. Additionally, the student will exhibit a
precisely defined, grammatically correct, and well thought-out argument; thus offering an
example of the development of the student’s writing ability gained by participation in HDCS
1300: Human Development and Technological Change throughout the semester.
Further details and requirements will be presented/discussed in class.

Attendance/Class Participation:
Attendance and class participation are required elements of HDCS 1300: Human Ecosystems
and Technological Change.
Your attendance and participation grades will be composed of course material addressed in
your In Class Writing Assignments and your active participation in class.
In Class Writing Assignments:
These assignments will occur during randomly chosen class periods throughout the semester
and will determine your attendance grade for HDCS 1300.
In Class Writing Assignments must be completed on the required form. A copy of the
required form can be located on WebCT/Blackboard. As a student, you are responsible for
generating enough copies of this form to have them readily available for your use when they
are called upon in class.
The In Class Writing Assignment is due when the instructor calls for it in class. After the final
call for papers, the assignment will be considered as late and will not be accepted. You may
not turn in the In Class Writing Assignment at any other time.
NO MAKE-UP OF THESE IN CLASS WRITING ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ALLOWED.
Class participation:
Class participation includes daily participation in discussion and in Class Leadership Panels. It
also includes the generation of one (1) critical thinking question prior to your arrival for class
each day. The required critical thinking question must be written on your In Class Writing
Assignment Form and it must pertain to the information that will be covered in class (please
refer to the class calendar for the current day’s topic). Your critical thinking question may be
called for at any time.
When evaluating class participation, both, the number and quality of your contributions will
be assessed.

For Your Information:

Please keep a copy of any paper that you submit for grading. We have never lost any papers,
but, if for some reason, your assignment cannot be located, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
TO PROVIDE A SECOND COPY OF THE PAPER TO THE INSTRUCTOR UPON
REQUEST.

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WebCT/Blackboard Information:
WebCT/Blackboard is an online course shell that helps instructors put course material online. As
of fall 2009, all classes using this online tool are scheduled to utilize Blackboard and discontinue
the use of WebCT.

As a student enrolled in HDCS 1300: Human Ecosystems and Technological Change, you are
required to access WebCT/Blackboard for your syllabus, assignments, announcements, etc…

Registered students are loaded into WebCT/Blackboard courses from the registration system.
Starting a day or two before classes start, students are loaded automatically into courses based
on section numbers provided by instructors. Students who register late should allow at least
three (3) working days for their access to be enabled.

First time users of Blackboard:

1. Your PeopleSoft number that has been assigned to you by the University of Houston
serves as your “user name” for WebCT/Blackboard.
2. The web address for WebCT/Blackboard access is: www.uh.edu/WebCT.

3. Click on the “Blackboard” “hot button” (highlighted in aqua blue) on the right side of your
computer’s window.

4. Your initial password will be… mmddyyx!

a. your birthdate

b. x is first initial of your last name

c. exclamation point is required at end

5. When you log in for the first time, you will be required to change your password and then
log in again, using your new password.

Support for students using WebCT is available in four ways:

1. Online at http://www.uh.edu/webct and clicking on “student help”
2. In person in room 116 PGH, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
3. By phone, (713)743.1411 (twenty- four hours a day, seven days a week- except
University of Houston holidays)
4. By accessing the online support form for questions/issues that are not otherwise addressed
by the online resources: http://www.uh.edu/webct/help/form.html.

Other Policies:
Academic Dishonesty:
Copying, cheating, and plagiarism…

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The University’s Honesty Code states, “We will be honest in all our academic activities and
will not tolerate dishonesty.” Students are always expected to do original work. For lack of
adherence to this policy, penalties include failure of the entire assignment (zero points) and
referral to the Department Chair for consideration of additional action.

Electronic Devices:
Electronic devices, such as cell phones and pagers, must be silenced or turned off during class
periods. They are disruptive to the class and to the instructor.
You may tape record class lectures AFTER obtaining permission from the instructor.
Laptop computers may be used to take class notes if the volume is muted.

Students with Disabilities:

Students who require individualized accommodations for this course must inform the
instructor. Specific arrangements will be made to accommodate student’s needs.
For information about services provided by the Center for Students with DisABILITIES, call
(713) 743-5400.

Learning Support Services:

Learning Support Services, a division of the University Counseling and Testing Service,
provides small group and individualized peer-tutorial instruction.
This service is designed to assist students in their academic work and to help bring the courses
in which they are enrolled in to a successful conclusion.
These services, supported by your student service fees, are located on the third floor of the
Social Work Building. For specific information, call (713) 743-5411.

University Sanctioned Activities and Other Excused Absences:

Students who participate in University sanctioned activities such as athletics, band, orchestra,
conferences, etc., must provide the professor with written documentation from the professor or
department that sponsors the activity. The travel letter associated with the event must be
presented prior to the planned absence. With official documentation that is turned in before
the missed class day, you will be allowed an excused absence if you miss an In Class Writing
Assignment.
Students who miss a class due to illness or a family emergency, must provide appropriate
documentation upon request in order to receive credit for a missed In Class Writing
Assignment.
Excuses are considered on a case by case basis by the instructor. For further information,
please contact your instructor.

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Grade Configuration:
22% Written Assignments
(The lowest written assignment will be dropped)
(Each of the two highest grades will count 11%)
20% Class Leadership Panel
20% In Class Writing Assignments
(Includes Attendance and Class Participation)
10% Writer’s Workshop
(Each Workshop will count 3.33%)
13% Mid-Term In Class Writing Assignment
15% Final In Class Writing Assignment
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100% TOTAL

For your information…

Please be advised that this is a tentative course syllabus/calendar. It may be revised at any time. It
is your responsibility, as a student, to make sure that you are informed about any changes.
Students may be informed about changes through either verbal or written means.
Also, additional information or reading material may be assigned, either verbally or in written
form, throughout the course of the semester. You, as the student, are responsible for making sure
that you have this information or material. Please be sure that you diligently log on to
WebCT/Blackboard on a regular basis.

HDCS 1300: Human Ecosystems and Technological Change

Spring 2010 Class Agenda/Calendar
Week Day Date Lecture Topic Course Assignments
#1 Mon. 18 January MLK Holiday
NO CLASS…
Wed. 20 January Introduction to Course… Access/create Blackboard
“Thinking Outside Your Box” account
Fri. 22 January Social/Behavioral Perspectives and the
Social Sciences

#2 Mon. 25 January Syllabus/Course Policies Review Course Syllabus

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Wed. 27 January Perception Article:

Presenting Effective Arguments “Text of President Barack
Obama’s Inaugural
Address”
Fri. 29 January Perspectives on Social and Behavioral Module II: Social and
Sciences Behavioral Sciences
Perspectives
Pgs. 53-56

#3 Mon. 01 February Individuals and Families Module I: Human

Ecosystems: Individuals
and Families
Pgs. 1-3
Wed. 03 February Class Leadership Panel Selection Day MANDATORY
ATTENDANCE
Fri. 05 February Class Leadership Panel Meeting Day #1 Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001
Mandatory for Groups 1-7

#4 Mon. 08 February Ecological Systems Theory In Class Writing

In Class Writing Day Assignment Forms
Article:
“Urie Bronfenbrenner:
Ecological Systems
Theory: An Overview”
Wed. 10 February Values Analysis Lecture
Fri. 12 February Class Leadership Panel Meeting Day #2 Location to be announced

#5 Mon. 15 February Class Leadership Panel Meeting Day #3 Location to be announced

Wed. 17 February Class Leadership Panel Meeting Day #4 Location to be announced
Mandatory for Groups 8-
14
Fri. 19 February Class Leadership Panel Meeting Day #5 Location to be announced

#6 Mon. 22 February Class Leadership Panel #1: Issue 1.1:

Are Boys and Men Disadvantaged Relative “Are Boys and Men
to Girls and Women? Disadvantaged Relative to
Girls and Women?”
Pgs. 4-17
Wed. 24 February Class Leadership Panel #2: Issue 1.2:
Can Lesbian and Gay Couples be “Can Lesbian and Gay
Appropriate Parents for Children? Couples be Appropriate
Parents for Children?”
Pgs. 18-30
Fri. 26 February Writer’s Workshop #1- Group “A” Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001

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#7 Mon. 01 March Class Leadership Panel #3: Issue 1.3:

Should “Abstinence-Until-Marriage” be “Should Abstinence-Until-
the Only Message for Teens? Marriage be the only message
for teens?”
Pgs. 31-44
Wed. 03 March Class Presentation Panel #4 : Issue 1.4:
Is it Ever Appropriate to Spank a Child? “Is it Ever Appropriate to
Spank a Child?”
Pgs. 45-52
Fri. 05 March Writer’s Workshop #1- Group “B” Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001

#8 Mon. 08 March Writing Day Prepare work for Writing

NO CLASS… Assignment #1
Outside Research and Writing Assignment
Wed. 10 March Class Leadership Panel #5: Writing Assignment #1
Should Race be Included Among the Many Due
Factors Considered for Admission to Issue 2.2:
Selective Colleges? “Should Race be Included
Among the Many Factors
Considered for Admission to
Selective Colleges?”
Pgs. 69-88
Fri. 12 March Writer’s Workshop #2- Group “A” Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001
#9 Mon. 15 March Spring Break Enjoy the break!
NO CLASS…
Wed. 17 March Spring Break Enjoy the break!
NO CLASS…
Fri. 19 March Spring Break Enjoy the break!
NO CLASS…
#10 Mon. 22 March Class Leadership Panel #6: Issue 2.3:
Should Drug Use be Decriminalized? “Should Drug Use be
Decriminalized?
Pgs. 89-104
Wed. 24 March Mid-Term In Class Writing Assignment
Fri. 26 March Writer’s Workshop #2- Group “B” Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001

#11 Mon. 29 March Writing Day Prepare work for Writing

NO CLASS… Assignment #2
Outside Research and Writing Assignment
Wed. 31 March Class Leadership Panel #7: Writing Assignment #2
Should Promoting Democracy Abroad be a Due
Top US Priority? Issue 3.1:
“Should Promoting
Democracy Abroad be a Top

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US Priority?”
Pgs. 123-140
Fri. 02 April Class Cancelled
NO CLASS…

#12 Mon. 05 April Class Leadership Panel #8: Issue 3.2:

Would World Affairs be More Peaceful if “Would World Affairs be
Women Dominated Politics? More Peaceful if Women
Dominated Politics?”
Pgs. 141-160
Wed. 07 April Class Leadership Panel #9: Issue 4.1:
Should Corporations Adopt Policies of “Should Corporations Adopt
Corporate Social Responsibility? Policies of Corporate Social
Responsibility?”
Pgs. 198-215
Fri. 09 April Writer’s Workshop #3- Group “A” Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001

#13 Mon. 12 April Writing Day Prepare work for Writing

NO CLASS… Assignment #3
Outside Research and Writing Assignment
Wed. 14 April Class Leadership Panel #10: Writing Assignment #3
Is Increasing Economic Inequality a Due
Serious Problem? Issue 4.2:
“Is Increasing Economic
Inequality a Serious
Problem?”
Pgs. 216-231
Fri. 16 April Writer’s Workshop #3- Group “B” Athletic/Alumni Facility
Room #2001

#14 Mon. 19 April Class Leadership Panel #11: Issue 4.4:

Are American Values Shaped by Mass “Are American Values
Media? Shaped by Mass Media?”
Pgs. 253-276
Wed. 21 April Class Leadership Panel #12: Issue 5.4:
Should Genetically Modified Foods be “Should Genetically
Banned? Modified Foods be Banned?”
Pgs. 333-351
Fri. 23 April Class Cancelled Enjoy the break!
NO CLASS…

#15 Mon. 26 April Class Leadership Panel #13: Issue 6.3:

Is Mankind Dangerously Harming the “Is Mankind Dangerously
Environment? Harming the Environment?”
Pgs. 397-414

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Wed. 28 April Class Leadership Panel #14: Issue 7.4:

Are Peers More Important than Parents
During the Process of Development?
Fri. 30 April Final In Class Writing Assignment
“Are Peers More Important
than Parents During the
Process of Development?”
Pgs. 507-530

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