What You Will Learn

This page describes the course goals and specific learning outcomes for this class.

XCOR 3010 (3 hours) challenges students to think more deeply about ideas, practices, and values that align with Xavier’s mission and reinforces critical thinking, as well as oral and written communication skills. Students learn to integrate diverse perspectives with a breadth and depth of knowledge, while also utilizing different methodologies to find solutions to complex problems. Students choose from a variety of unique seminar topics developed by faculty and organized around different “big ideas.”

Prerequisites:  Students must have passed XCOR 1011/XCOR 1012 and have completed at least 60 hours of undergraduate study.

In Dystopias, Real & Imagined we will explore the intersection between science fiction and reality by considering how the imaginary dystopias of literature and film are more realistic and more probable than we might want to realize. Over the course of the semester, we will attempt to identify the defining characteristics of a dystopia, to consider how those defining characteristics are able to develop in a “free society”, and to use those defining characteristics as acid tests against the real world. Ultimately, we will ask how the fictional trope of the dystopia can enable us to prevent the imaginary from becoming real.

What You Will Learn in This Class

This course will help you work towards the following learning outcomes and objectives:

  1. Identify the defining characteristics of dystopia & analyze real & imagery contexts against that definition.
    • Critically analyze fictional & cinematic dystopias against a definition of dystopia.
    • Critically analyze contemporary events against a definition of dystopia.
  2. Communicate effectively through writing & speaking.
    • Articulate thoughts & ideas clearly & effectively in written & oral forms to persons in & out of an organization.
    • Articulate using oral & written communication multiple, competing perspectives on one or more “big ideas” pertaining to the mission. 
  3. Use quantitative, empirical, and critical reasoning skills to solve problems.
    • Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, & overcome problems.
    • Analyze & comprehensively describe the underlying assumptions of each view.
    • Evaluate these assumptions & using oral & written communication clearly state their conclusions.
  4. Apply socially responsible & ethical principles to promote equity & sustainability in ways that align with our mission as a historically Black and Catholic Institution.
    • Build collaborative relationships with colleagues & customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, & viewpoints.
    • Challenge theories of social justice against various dystopian examples.
  5. Demonstrate personal accountability & effective work habits.
    • Leverage existing digital technologies ethically & efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, & accomplish goals.
    • Develop proficiency as a self-regulated learner.

Comments are closed.