Do You Have a TPS Report? (a course on Workplace Films, “Hairballs,” & How to Succeed as a Professional)

a Discovery Core Experience

BCORE 117 (Arts & Humanities)

About This Course

Even before the movie Office Space—which is where the TPS report line comes from—entertainment, arts, and humanities have frequently interpreted what life is in the professional workplace.

Most interpretations are critical and cautious, yet those most analyses are oddly accurate, as professionals who worked in large corporations have written about similar experiences. For example, Gordon MacKenzie (who we’ll read in class) worked at Hallmark for over 20 years, and discovered that all places of work, regardless of what they make or do, are “hairballs”: a collection of policies, red tape, office politics, bureaucracy, etc. that impede the joy we want from a career we love (and helps us survive and thrive in life).

This class will build off previous experiences within the STARS program, and help you think critically-creatively while also having you reflect on the past year and project yourself into the future. In addition to analytical, creative, and reflective assignments, students will participate in a quarter long in-class simulation to experience and discuss what we see in the movies/shows we’ll watch. While not a formal writing class, expect to do a fair amount of writing as well as be ready for high participation.

Professor Peter Brooks (he/him/his)

About Professor Brooks

  • Currently an Assistant Teaching Professor in FYPP and IAS.
  • Is a first generation college student!
  • As an undergrad, knew he was going to major in Film yet later discovered he liked English and Philosophy from just trying out those classes.
  • Was also on his campus radio station for two and a half years and loved it! College radio is the best!
  • His undergraduate, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, is kinda like UW Bothell in many ways.
  • Has also attended Arizona State University, New Mexico State University, and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
  • In addition to his BA in Radio/TV/Film he has an MFA, M.Ed., and PhD.
  • Has academic interests/backgrounds in Film, Media Studies, Game Studies, Creative Writing, Professional/Technical Writing, College Student Counseling & Development, and Composition (which he teaches here at UWB!!!).
  • Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin but has lived in four other states!
  • Loves all kinds of dogs, and video games, and word games (like Scrabble).
  • Has worked at Bothell for five plus years and enjoys working here because of the small class sizes and small community! He also advises the club HerCampus and works closely with the Writing and Communication Center.

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