2003 Teaching

Ohio University Southern Psychology 190 F Journey to Wholeness Spring Quarter 2003  Instructor:   Charles W. Jarrett, Ph. D. Office 251 Riffe Building E-mail                 jarrett@ohio.edu Phone (740) 533-4613 Toll Free (800) 626-0513 ex. 4613

Queen Quet, Cheiftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, participated in Dr. Jarrett's Journey to Wholeness class during Spring Quarter, 2003. Queen Quet travels throughout the United States lecturing on the history and cultural legacy of her people.  Land development in the Sea Islands and along coastal South Carolina poses a threat to the future existence of Gullah culture and language.

---

Purpose of the Course

This course examines the impact of technological progress and material influences on the human psyche in postmodern society.  Course objectives include defining traditional and modern social norms and lifestyles, understanding the impact of technological progress on human behavior, and examining the impact of the “new means of consumption” on the order of social activity in contemporary society.  Students will examine the accuracy of defining modern society/postmodern society and discuss the realities of life in America today.   Students will integrate theory and research on Gullah culture as a method of learning diversity and the value of cultural enrichment.  Gullah culture presents a valuable critique of the material and technological influences of postmodern American culture.   

Objectives of the Course

·  discuss the impact of technology and material influences on the individual

·  examine traditional and modern social norms and lifestyles

·  discuss a dichotomy of collectivist versus individual goals  

·  introduce the ‘interactionist perspective’ and the process of reality construction

·  define postmodern society and offer a critique of the technological and material influences

·  to provide opportunities for undergraduates to engage in field research

·  to provide opportunities for students to learn about diversity and cultural enrichment

Queen Quet and Dr. Jarrett participated in a regional African American Studies Symposium in Athens, Ohio one day after her appearance on the OUS campus.