(L to R) The last 3 Congressmen from Nebraska's 2d District: General Don Bacon, Brad Ashford, Esq, and Lee Terry Esq, with Dr. Rick Galusha

Before this course I was not one for paying attention to politics, I just saw it as red or blue. Now I try to understand why politicians believe their views are correct or why they make certain decisions and I believe that comes from the Jonathan Haidt lectures we watched throughout the course.

I have already started practicing listening and thinking before I react or speak. When we started this course I had no interest in government or injustices in society but slowly I have learned that all these topics taught in this course relay into the business world, like companies volunteering time and money into foundations that improve the quality of life for people in poverty or how much a change in government affects the utility costs for companies. Little things like that I never thought of before.

This course has opened my eyes to how being an engaged citizen isn't just used as a resumé builder but a character builder as well. Thank you Rick."

Signature Series Welcome Video

Students often ask me...

Notes & Votes, PS 152 Welcome Video

We're gonna listen to music for 12 weeks...

Learning should be fun. It should also be fulfilling and informative.

Do the work and the grades will take care of themselves.

Be honest, be focused, have a positive attitude, and show up prepared to discuss the assigned course materials.

What to expect from me

  1. Learning should be fun, fulfilling, and challenging. Your attitude towards learning will heavily influence your experience.

  2. I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course objectives in a meaningful manner.

  3. Group feedback will be provided on the Announcement Boards. Individual feedback will be provided in the grade book.

  4. I will be actively present in your learning process.

  5. I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.

  6. I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.

  7. I will treat you with dignity, respect, and when necessary, flexibility.

  8. I won't be perfect. To err is human. To make amends is necessary.

What I will expect from you

  1. A good attitude and an openness to learning.

  2. You strive to be an active participant and to meet due dates.

  3. You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.

  4. You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting due dates.

  5. You will regularly contribute to discussion boards to ensure other members of the class have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.

  6. You will treat everyone with dignity and respect.

  7. You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through this together.

  8. Review the feedback and comments from myself and others. Feedback should be constructive and appropriate.

Contact me: Rick.Galusha@bellevue.edu Office: 402-557-7592 I reply to students w/i approximately 48 hours.

"I tested positive for Covid-19 last Thursday and have gotten my taste and smell back but my voice is still an issue.

Thank you for everything you have taught us. I have a new viewpoint and understanding of what our society is today, how it evolved, and how to make it better."

How to sign in

Blackboard Cyber-Active is the hub for all of your online courses. Select the button to sign in to Blackboard using your University credentials.

How to get help with Blackboard

If you are new to Blackboard and would like to view some tutorials to help you get started in blackboard, select the Blackboard Support button.

Above is a Spotify jukebox. It includes all the songs referenced in Notes & Votes. To play the songs in their entirety, you will need to go to Spotify. There is a link at the bottom of this page.

Meeting the Music Makers

I've been involved in some sector of the music industry since 1978 including radio, retail, as a columnist, and producing shows. Over that span of time, I've met many of the musicians we'll examine in Notes & Votes...

You'll probably recognize a few.

Notes & Votes (PS 152)

"Why didn't they teach me that in school?" Wonder no more! This 100-level, three-credit hour course examines the nexus between popular music, historical events, and social movements of the 20th Century. This class is a, "gas, gas, gas."