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Semester: Winter Term,

January 3-23, 2017

Office Hours: By appointment or via Skype or Facetime

Classroom and Time:

ONLINE (ELMS) Phone: 301-226-8898

Instructor: Dr. Wendy Chambers, Ph.D.

Email: Email me through the CANVAS PORTAL.

Required Texts and Technology

Vanessa M. Gezari (2013). The tender soldier: A true story of war and sacrifice (Simon & Schuster). ISBN-10: 1439177392; ISBN-13: 978-1439177396

Anthony Shadid (2006). Night draws near: Iraq’s people in the shadow of America’s war (Picador). ISBN-10: 031246038; ISBN-13: 978-0312426033

These books have many available formats (used, new, hardback, soft, Kindle) at amazon.com

See weekly articles/reports/book excerpts on the ELMS website (detailed under Course Schedule).

You must purchase these books, obtain access to Canvas (ELMS), and check it regularly.

Pre- or co-requisites: Junior or Senior standing

Course Description: This online course offers a window into the concept of culture, cultural skills, and the varying perceptions of those skills in the context of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). We will explore a combination of academic literature and reports from the military services as well as books and documentaries that explore these wars with an emphasis on the role culture played. While the articles and reports broadly address culture and cultural skills that informed various services, the books and documentaries are focused on either a particular effort (i.e., The Human Terrain System) or a particular time (i.e., early years of the Iraq War) and do not represent a comprehensive review of cultural efforts in either war. The intent is to introduce how culture is variously defined, applied in the field by civilians and service members, and how the civilians and service members are perceived by locals during critical events. Note: Some of the content will reflect the violent, personal nature of war, and naturally can evoke strong emotions – please don’t hesitate to contact your instructor with any concerns. Some of the content will also reflect opinions about the wars themselves, which is not the focus of this course. Tentat

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Course Requirements: This course serves as an introduction to the various perspectives of the cultural knowledge and skills that shaped the recent U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Students are responsible for learning material covered in the modules, including the readings, videos, any online lectures/overviews/announcements, and all assignments. The assignments for the class include: 1) Orientation quiz and assignment 2) four literature quizzes available on Canvas and to be completed per the course schedule 3) 10 discussion posts & 10 response posts (readings and videos, excluding extra credit opportunity); 4) one paper (a position paper) 5) A final assignment. Students are expected to complete the assignments (quizzes, readings, papers, etc.) by MIDNIGHT on the dates for which they have been assigned. The assignments are detailed as follows: Orientation (6 points):

Orientation Quiz (2 points): Brief quiz on Course Overview and Syllabus. Orientation Assignment (4 points): Post picture and introduce yourself in the

“Introductions” Discussion board by saying what name you prefer to go by and why you wanted to take this course. Literature Quizzes - (4 literature quizzes, 5 points each, 20 points total) – brief, timed, over assigned course content. Discussion Board Posts (points vary per assignment) To minimize the lack of face-to-face contact, we will rely heavily on interactive discussions for the assigned books and videos. You will be responsible for both original posts and response posts to others. They must demonstrate meaningful thought not only to your instructor but to your classmates. Your posts should demonstrate your knowledge and analysis of the material covered for that discussion (i.e., when two chapters are assigned, your post must address both chapters) with a particular focus on the cultural aspects of the content. You will be graded for content and grammar. Please see online guidance for expectations of quality, content, and suggestions for posts. You will need to demonstrate that you have covered the assigned reading(s) or video and this guidance will help you to do that.

- Video: The War Tapes (required): 12 total points possible o at least 300 words minimum per original post, at least 50 per response

post o 1 original (8 points) and 1 response post (4 points).

- Video: My Country, My Country (extra credit): 12 points possible o at least 300 words minimum per original post, at least 50 per response

post o 1 original (8 points) and 1 response post (4 points) for this video only.

- Books: o 130 word minimum per original post(5 points), at least 35 words per

response post (3 points) o Night Draws near: 4 original posts, 4 response posts

32 total points possible

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o The Tender Soldier: 5 original posts, 5 response posts

40 total points possible Position Paper (45 points): You will be asked to take a position on a book and use other past reading assignments in your arguments. See online grading sheet for further details. Final Assignment: Cultural Exploration (45 points) Choose one of the main cultural groups we have been exposed to in this course who you knew little or nothing about prior to this course: military members who served in the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars, civilians who have deployed to these wars, Afghan natives, or Iraqi natives (if you are interested in another group that I have not mentioned here, please engage me before choosing this group for this final assignment). Certain roles such as deployed interpreters can cross multiple groups (e.g., Afghan-Americans supporting U.S. military as civilians). You will be required to answer questions pertaining to why you chose this group or group member (you are welcome to focus on a single person), identify other online resources by or about this cultural group or group member, and answer questions about the resources you chose. See online grading sheet for details.

Course Goals: This course is offered as a complement to the cross-cultural competence thrust at the University of Maryland, the sociological courses focusing on war and the military, and the analytic and diversity objectives of the General Education program. Upon completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the efforts of several services in developing cultural knowledge and skills for OIF and OEF.

2. Appreciate key elements of the academic background that informed cultural knowledge and skills in the services.

3. Analyze the challenges faced by service members and civilians supporting a war, as well as the locals experiencing the war, with respect to understanding their respective cultures.

4. Demonstrate the multiple roles and influences of culture in a context of war.

General Course Procedures and Policies 1. Follow the syllabus and keep up to date on the readings for this short-term, intensive course. 2. You will be expected to regularly check CANVAS for updates regarding the course. If you have any questions, please email the instructor through CANVAS or utilize office hours. Emails should receive a response within 48 hours. 3. Work will not be accepted after the deadlines. The only exception to this is a documented medical emergency (see university course-related policies and procedures). Incomplete grades cannot be granted given the short-term nature of this course except under extreme circumstances. 4. Assignments should be proofread for spelling and grammar! Dew naught re-lie own spell cheek uh loan! (Above sentence spellchecked.) Quality of writing will affect your grade (see online grading sheets for each assignment).

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5. In all online posts, it is expected that students will be respectful of their fellow students, their instructors, and respectful of cultures and traditions which are not their own. 6. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation because of a disability should contact the professor to discuss their specific needs. 7. The university policy on student academic integrity regarding plagiarism and cheating will be strictly honored. The University has a nationally recognized Honor Code, administered by the Student Honor Council. The Student Honor Council proposed and the University Senate approved an Honor Pledge. The University of Maryland Honor Pledge reads: I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination. 8. There is only one opportunity for extra credit (discussion on video, “My Country, My Country”– see schedule). 9. This syllabus is subject to modification, according to the needs of the class. 10. The policies on inclement weather do not apply to this class as it is entirely online.

University Course-Related Policies and Procedures You are responsible for reviewing these policies as you are expected to understand and abide by them: http://www.ugst.umd.edu/courserelatedpolicies.html Topics that are addressed in these various policies include academic integrity, student and instructor conduct, accessibility and accommodations, attendance and excused absences, grades and appeals, copyright and intellectual property. For example, excused absences pertain to medical necessity (see details online) or events such as religious holidays. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in advance regarding any religious observance absence(s) for the entire semester. The calendar of religious holidays can be found at: http://faculty.umd.edu/teach/attend_student.html#religious The University of Maryland values the diversity of its student body. Along with the University, I am committed to providing a classroom atmosphere, online or live, that encourages the equitable participation of all students regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Potential devaluation of students in the class that can occur by reference to demeaning stereotypes of any group and/or overlooking the contributions of a particular group to the topic under discussion is inappropriate. Available Support Services: If you are experiencing difficulties in keeping up with the academic demands of this course, contact the Learning Assistance Service, 2202 Shoemaker Building, 301-314-7693. Their educational counselors can help with time management, reading, math learning skills, note-taking and exam preparation skills. All of their services are free to UM students. Tentat

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We are studying culture in the context of war, a topic that is inherently violent and can understandably evoke strong emotions. The Counseling Center provides free and confidential services by professional counselors to all UM students. Many students take advantage of these services when encountering a variety of personal, social, career, and academic issues that call for assistance beyond advice provided by friends and family. You may schedule an appointment in person or by phone at 301-314-7651 (and see http://counseling.umd.edu/ for more information). The Center for Healthy Families provides free and confidential services by professional therapists to all UM students (individuals, couples, and families). Many students take advantage of these services when encountering personal, social, career, and academic issues that call for assistance beyond advice provided by friends and family. You may schedule an appointment by phone at (301) 405-2273 (and see http://www.thecenterforhealthyfamilies.com/ for more information). Grading Procedures: Grades are NOT NEGOTIABLE, though you are welcome to contact me throughout the term to clarify feedback, check on progress, or discuss ways of improving grades.

Orientation Assignment 4 points Orientation Quiz 2 points Literature Quizzes 20 points Discussion Posts (books, video) 84 points Position Paper 45 points Cultural Exploration Assignment 45 points Total Points Possible** 200 **extra credit excluded

Grade Scale: *I do NOT calculate percentages or round up. Your grade will be based on your overall point total.

193+ points A+ (4.0 GPA Points) 186-192.999 A (4.0 GPA Points) 180-185.999 A- (3.7 GPA Points) 173-179.999 B+ (3.3 GPA Points) 166-172.999 B (3.0 GPA Points) 160-165.999 B- (2.7 GPA Points) 153-159.999 C+ (2.3 GPA Points) 146-152.999 C (2.0 GPA Points) 140-145.999 C- (1.7 GPA Points) 133-139.999 D+ (1.3 GPA Points) 126-132.999 D (1.0 GPA Points) 120-125.999 D- (0.7 GPA Points) <120 F (0 GPA Points)

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Incomplete Grades: Unless a student can demonstrate that near catastrophic events have led to a case of extreme hardship, grades of “Incomplete” will not be given. If such events do occur, a grade of “Incomplete” must be negotiated with the instructor before the final assignment and may only be possible if the student has completed the majority of assignments. Course Schedule:

Date Topic Reading/Media - Assignments Due by midnight

Module 1

Tues, Jan 3

Review of syllabus and course requirements Module 1: Course Overview, Orientation Quiz, Orientation Discussion Board

Read Module 1 Overview: Introduction to course

Orientation Assignment/Discussion Board & Orientation Quiz

Module 2

Wed, Jan 4

Module 2: What is culture? Psychological approaches

Reading Module 2: Chao, G.T., & Mon, H. (2005).

The cultural mosaic: A metatheory for

understanding the complexity of culture. Journal

of Applied Psychology, 90, 1128-1140.

Reading Module 2: Van Dyne, L., Ang, S., Ng, K.-Y.,

Rockstuhl, T., Tan, M. L., & Koh, C. (2012).

Subdimensions of the four-factor model of cultural

intelligence: Expanding the conceptualization and

measurement of cultural intelligence. Social and

Personal Psychology Compass, 6, 295-313.

Module 2 Quiz

Module 3

Thurs, Jan 5

Module 3: How did the Marines approach culture?

Reading Module 3: Salmoni, B.A. & Holmes-Eber,

P. (2011). Operational culture for the warfighter:

Principles and applications. (Marine Corps

University Press). Pp 53- 216** [don’t be intimated

– this is highly accessible and there are pages of

questions and examples that you won’t be directly

tested on, but the examples will likely help you

understand the concepts]

Module 3 Quiz

Module 4

Fri, Jan 6

Module 4: What are types of cultural skills?

Reading Module 4: Bhawuk, D. P., & Brislin, R. W.

(2000). Cross-cultural training: A review. Applied

Psychology: An International Review, 49, 162-191.

Reading Module 4: Packer, G. (April 10, 2006). The

lesson of Tal Afar. The New Yorker. Retrieved from

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/04/1

Module 4 Quiz Tentative

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0/the-lesson-of-tal-afar

Module 5

Sat, Jan 7

Module 5: How did the Army approach culture?

Reading Module 5: Aube, A. (2011). What is cross-

cultural competency? Evolution of 3C in the U.S.

Army. Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin,

37(1), 14-16.

Reading Module 5: McCloskey, M.J., Grandjean, A., Behymer, K., Ross, K. (2010). Assessing the development of cross-cultural competence in soldiers. Army Research Institute: Technical Report 1277.

Module 5 Quiz

Module 6

Sun, Jan 8

Module 6: Why was it necessary to think about culture in the Iraq War?

Module 6: Read introduction to this video Module 6: Watch THE WAR TAPES

War Tapes Discussion board: Post original and reaction post to The War Tapes

Module 7

Mon, Jan 9

Module 7: The local view early in the Iraq War

Module 7: Read instructor’s introduction to this book – it will help you navigate it since we will not read the whole book. Module 7: Anthony Shadid (2006). Night draws near: Iraq’s people in the shadow of America’s war (Picador). Prologue & Chapters 1-2

Night Draws Near Discussion Board: Post original and reaction post about the introduction, chapters 1-2

Module 8

Tues, Jan 10

Module 8: The local view early in the Iraq War

Module 8: Anthony Shadid (2006). Night draws near: Iraq’s people in the shadow of America’s war (Picador). Chapters 5, 8 [skip chapters 6, 7]

Night Draws Near Discussion Board: Post original and reaction post about chapters 3-4

Module 9

Wed, Jan 11

Module 9: The local view early in the Iraq War

Module 9: Anthony Shadid (2006). Night draws near: Iraq’s people in the shadow of America’s war (Picador). Chapter 9

Night Draws Near Discussion Board: Post original and reaction post about chapters 5-6

Module 10

Thurs, Jan 12

Module 10: The local view early in the Iraq War

Module 10: Anthony Shadid (2006). Night draws near: Iraq’s people in the shadow of America’s war (Picador). Chapters 10, 11

Night Draws Near Discussion Board: Post original and reaction post about chapters 7 plus Afterward

Module 11

Fri, Jan 13

Module 11: The local view early in the Iraq War

Module 11: Watch video, ONLY IF YOU WANT EXTRA CREDIT (not required!)

VIDEO – My Country, My Country - Discussion Board (Extra Credit): Post original and reaction post

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Module 12

Sun, Jan 15

Module 12: The local view early in the Iraq War

Module 12: Consult guidelines for position paper before submitting

Submit position paper before midnight

Module 13

Mon, Jan 16

Module 13: The Human Terrain System **Please note the reading assignments are lighter this week to give you time to work on your final assignment**

Module 13: Please read the introduction to this book

Vanessa M. Gezari (2013). The tender soldier: A true story of war and sacrifice (Simon & Schuster). Prologue, chapters 1-2

*You are welcome to post as early as you want (e.g., the day before) so you can enjoy Martin Luther King Day*

Tender Soldier Discussion Board Post original and reaction post about prologue, chapters 1-2

Module 14

Tues, Jan 17

Module 14: The Human Terrain System

Module 14: Vanessa M. Gezari (2013). The tender soldier: A true story of war and sacrifice (Simon & Schuster). Chapters 3-4

Tender Soldier Discussion Board Post original and reaction post about chapters 3-4

Module 15

Wed, Jan 18

Module 15: The Human Terrain System

Module 15: Vanessa M. Gezari (2013). The tender soldier: A true story of war and sacrifice (Simon & Schuster). Chapters 5-6

Tender Soldier Discussion Board Post original and reaction post about chapters 5-6

Module 16

Thurs, Jan 19

Module 16: The Human Terrain System

Module 16: Vanessa M. Gezari (2013). The tender soldier: A true story of war and sacrifice (Simon & Schuster). Chapters 7-8

Tender Soldier Discussion Board Post original and reaction post about chapters 7-8

Module 17

Fri, Jan 20

Module 17: The Human Terrain System

Module 17: Vanessa M. Gezari (2013). The tender soldier: A true story of war and sacrifice (Simon & Schuster). Chapters 9, Epilogue

Tender Soldier Discussion Board Post original and reaction post about chapters 9, Epilogue

Modules 18

Sun, Jan 22

Module 18: Please review assignment details online before submitting Final Assignment Cultural Exploration

Final assignment due by midnight

Mon, Jan 23

Be sure to complete course evaluation

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