Fall 2024 EXCO 301 Course Descriptions
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EXCO 301.01 - Gender, Politics and Giant Robots: Analyzing Mobile Suit Gundam
Teacher: Josh Crosby, Joshcrosby74@gmail.com
Thursdays 4:00-5:40 in HUM 583
From its origins in 1978 the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series has been an intensely political work of science fiction created by Yoshiyuki Tomino. From the 1978 series discussions of the effects of war on youth to Zeta Gundam’s discussions of gender and Turn A Gundam’s discussions of self and identity the series has never been just about the titular giant robot war machines known as Gundams.
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EXCO 301.03 - Drones in Action: Learning to pilot drones and how to get licensed
Teacher: Oskar Kenyatta Garcia, ogarcia2@mail.sfsu.edu
Friday 10:00-11:40 in HUM 583
In this course students will take to the skies and learn about flying quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters. They will learn how these tools can be used in crucial real life applications such as construction, geography, marketing and entertainment. They will learn the Federal and State regulations on drone usage. Using simulated and real environments students will learn the ethical, legal, and practical handling of drones.
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EXCO 301.06 - Fashion and Feminism
Teacher: Eva Palma, epalma@sfsu.edu
Tuesdays 2:00-3:40 in HSS 305
In comments of photos of well-groomed people in the past, there are usually detractors who long for the days when “women were women”, before “dyed hair and pronouns”. This course explores these cues that are supposedly seen as modern, from tattoos to cross-dressing and learn about their connections to resistance against colonialism and the patriarchy throughout history. We’ll also examine absurd beauty standards from varying eras.
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EXCO 301.07 - Terrors Unleashed: Non/Fictional Serial Killer Horror Icons
Teacher: Yovana Marina Valdivia-Anaya, yvaldiviaanaya@sfsu.edu
Thursdays 10:00-11:40 in HSS 152
This in-person course delves into the realm of non/fictional serial killers and horror icons, exploring the enduring fascination with these characters in literature, film, and popular culture. Through critical analysis and interdisciplinary study, students will examine the origins, motivations, and cultural significance of some of the most iconic and terrifying figures in horror fiction.
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EXCO 301.08 - Asian Student Union Internship Program
Teacher: Jazmine Finuliar, jfinuliar@sfsu.edu and Eric Hong, ehong5@sfsu.edu
Tuesdays 3:00-3:50 in HUM 131
The Asian Student Union (ASU) Internship Program is a semester-long course that allows students to learn about social, historical, political, and cultural aspects in Asian American communities. This program gives students a chance to delve deeper into the meaning of the AAPI experience, a space to learn about and discuss issues within the AAPI community, and a way to connect their personal experiences to history and other cultures, allowing them to have the opportunity to advocate for and give back to their communities.
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EXCO 301.12 - Let’s Go! The Worlds of Superhero Tokusatsu - A Special Effects Fantasy
Teacher: Rehnzo Nocon, rnocon@mail.sfsu.edu
Wednesdays 2:00-3:40 in HSS 104
Rejoice! Tokusatsu is a prominent form of Japanese entertainment where film and television heavily rely on practical special effects, often basking in the genres of science fiction, war, fantasy, or horror. One of the earliest and most well- known examples are the Godzilla and Gamera films, effectively kickstarting the kaiju boom. Due to the undeniable grasp superheroes have had on pop culture for many years now, this course in particular will prominently cover the impact and significance of the big 3 Toku franchises in the superhero/mecha subgenre: Ultraman, Super Sentai, and most importantly Kamen Rider. We will analyze common writing tropes prominent in the big 3, the storytelling process, their production histories, and also take a deep dive into their fandoms. We will come to understand why they’ve come to be endured in the hearts of many and how they’ve become immortalized in the corners of pop culture worldwide. So let’s ride! And together we will pass through the worlds of heroes you may or may not know!
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EXCO 301.13 - West African Dance
Teacher: Kamesha Agyei, kagyei@sfsu.edu
Saturdays 12:00-1:40 in Gym 123
Connect your mind and body and discover the rhythms and energetic moves of Guinea, West African Dance. In this class, led by a passionate instructor, you'll explore traditional dance styles of Malinke, Susu, Baga, Soussou, and Fulani. Learn basic steps, fancy footwork, and expressive movements while diving into the history and culture behind these dances. Through joyful exploration and collaborative learning, students will gain physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, while also gaining a deep appreciation for Guinea's music, dance, and cultural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to the world of West African dance, this class offers an inspiring environment to connect with the rhythms of Guinea and unleash your creativity on the dance floor.
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EXCO 301.14 - First-Generation College Integration
Teacher: Joseph Escobedo, jescobedo@sfsu.edu
Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00-2:50 in HUM 218
This class is an introduction to navigating San Francisco State's resources, student organizations, and methods for students to ease into college life.
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EXCO 301.15 - Restorative Practices/Restorative Justice
Teacher: Gabe Singer, gsinger@larkinstreetyouth.org
Tuesdays 5:00-6:40 in HUM 472
Learning how to implement rp/rj into the work you do. It is based on theory and actual circle practices.
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EXCO 301.18 - The History of Native Americans and Rural Georgia
Teacher: Emily Stoklosa, emilyestoklosa@gmail.com
Monday/Wednesday 11:00-11:50 online
This course will discuss the history of Native American tribes and their settlements in Georgia, and how their land was taken during the 1800-1900s time period. Focusing on small towns in Georgia like Carrollton, Villa Rica and some Alabama towns.
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EXCO 301.20 - Entrepreneurial Ventures: From Concept to Market
Teacher: David Flin, dflin@sfsu.edu
Wednesdays 4:00-5:40 in HUM 374
This course offers students a hands-on opportunity to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship. Teams will ideate, develop, and launch a business, understanding the mechanics of creating a business plan, marketing strategies, and the operational challenges of running a startup. The course culminates in the actual launch of the business, with assessments based on the business plan, operational launch, and preliminary results.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop and articulate a comprehensive business plan.
- Understand market analysis and marketing strategies.
- Experience the process of starting a business, from concept through operation.
- Learn financial planning and fundraising for startups.
- Foster teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
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EXCO 301.21 - Intro to Black Love
Teacher: Starr Washington, swashington4@sfsu.edu
Monday/Wednesday 2:00-2:50 online
This EXCO course will dive into the concept of love within the context of Black culture, exploring its historical, social, and personal dimensions. Students will engage in discussions, light readings, and activities that examine various forms of love, including self-love, romantic love, familial love, and love for the community. Through this exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of how love has shaped and continues to shape the experiences of Black individuals and communities.
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EXCO 301.22 - Building Bridges: Cultivating Leadership, Academic Achievement, and Community Engagement
Teacher: Alfred Ceballos, aceballos4@sfsu.edu
Thursdays 3:00-4:40 in BH 331
"Building Bridges: Cultivating Leadership, Academic Achievement, and Community Engagement" is specifically designed for undergraduate students seeking a dynamic learning experience aimed at empowering them to excel academically, develop leadership skills, and engage meaningfully with their communities. //This course stands out for its unique blend of interactive activities, real-world engagement, and introspective projects, ensuring a transformative journey of self-discovery and skill development for participants. Throughout the course, students will explore a wide range of topics including interpersonal communication, metacognition, growth mindset, stress management, emotional intelligence, networking, resilience, job seeking, and mentorship. Drawing from over two years of extensive experience as an EOP peer mentor, academic tutor, summer bridge coordinator, and transition coordinator’s assistant, I will provide mentorship training, sharing insights and strategies for effective mentoring and leadership. //A key highlight of the course is the opportunity for students to organize and facilitate an on-campus event in collaboration with the EOP's Transition Coordinator, providing hands-on experience in event planning and community engagement. Reflective writing assignments will connect classroom concepts with daily life applications, fostering deeper understanding and personal growth. //Moreover, students will engage in a Narrative Identity project, guided by McAdams' (1993) framework. This project encourages reflection on significant life experiences, relationships, challenges, values, beliefs, and future aspirations, offering students an opportunity for profound self-discovery and personal growth. //Guest speaker sessions with campus leaders offer valuable insights and real-life examples of resilience and leadership, while group activities promote collaboration and peer learning. By the end of the course, students will emerge as confident leaders equipped with practical skills to create positive change within their campus community and beyond. Join us in this transformative journey to unleash your potential and make a meaningful impact. Enroll now to embark on a journey towards personal and academic excellence.
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EXCO 301.23 - Undergrad to PhD: Mastering Research, Publication, and Graduate Preparation
Teacher: Christopher Roberts, croberts@sfsu.edu
Mondays 4:00-5:40 in HSS 104
This 12-week course is meticulously designed for undergraduates from any major who aspire to pursue Masters and PhD degrees. It focuses on equipping students with advanced research methodologies, guiding them through the process of dissertation planning, facilitating connections with mentors, and navigating the journey to getting their work published. Additionally, the course provides comprehensive preparation for graduate school entrance exams and maximizes the utilization of undergraduate years towards achieving academic excellence. Through guest lectures from accomplished academics and practical sessions, students will gain invaluable insights into the expectations and challenges of postgraduate studies. The course will feature guest lectures from accomplished academics, editors of academic journals, and current PhD candidates. These sessions aim to provide students with real-world insights and practical advice on succeeding in postgraduate studies and beyond.
By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the expectations and challenges of graduate-level research and study. They will be well-prepared to embark on their journey to Masters and PhD programs, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their academic and professional careers.
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EXCO 301.24 - Introduction to Cannabis, Cybersecurity, and Culinary Arts: A Diverse Learning Experience
Teacher: Christopher Roberts, croberts@sfsu.edu
Tuesdays 4:00-5:40 in BH 344
This innovative 12-week course offers an introductory exploration into three distinct but increasingly popular fields: Cannabis Cultivation & Business, Ethical Hacking, and Culinary Arts. Designed for beginners, the course alternates weekly between subjects, providing a foundational understanding, practical insights, and a taste of what each discipline entails. Whether you're interested in the burgeoning cannabis industry, the critical field of cybersecurity, or the creative world of cooking, this course lays the groundwork for further exploration or the start of a new hobby or career path.
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EXCO 301.25: Black Science Fiction and Fantasy
Teacher: Marcus Tappan, mtappan@sfsu.edu
Fridays 2:00-3:40 in BH 344
This course is about exploring the world of Black speculative fiction, a domain where creativity merges with the cultures of the African diaspora to imagine different realities, futures, and pasts. By critically analyzing movies, music, comics, and short stories, students will interact with works that disrupt traditional narratives, presenting fresh viewpoints and deeper understanding of the intricacies of race, identity, technology, and societal frameworks. The goal of this course is to offer an in-depth exploration of the genre's origins, its significant contribution to cultural expression, and its impact on social justice and transformation.
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