First-Year
and Intermediate Seminars
The
courses listed here are part of the general education curriculum for students
in the Colleges of Liberal Arts, Management, Nursing and Health Sciences, and
Science and Mathematics. They are offered through a number of CLA, CNHS, and
CSM programs and departments. “G” courses are seminars satisfying the Critical
Analysis Requirement, and are designed for students in their first two years at
the university (with 60 credits or less) and for advanced transfer students in their
first semester. Enrollment is therefore limited to students in these two
categories. The seminars are taught at two levels:
1) First-year
Seminars, required of all students entering with fewer than 30 credits in Fall
2000 and thereafter; and
2) Intermediate
Seminars, also required of those students, and required of transfer students
entering with 30-89 credits in Fall 2001 and thereafter.
Courses
satisfying the Critical Analysis requirement examine a topic or problem in some
depth while addressing such academic capabilities as
• critical
reading,
• critical
thinking,
• clear
writing,
• academic
self-assessment,
• collaborative
learning,
• information
technology, and
• oral
presentation.
First-year
Seminars
Unless
otherwise noted, first-year seminars carry 4 credits and meet for 4 hours a
week.
More
information on these seminars is available from the University Advising Center.
Academic
Skills
SEM
G114
Investigations
Across the Curriculum
Working
in teams and individually, students conduct library research; analyze and
orally present arguments; and write and revise essays. Students ultimately
evaluate the effectiveness of their own and others’ arguments. Topics vary by
section.
Section
I: Reality and the Americas
This
section examines how reality and fantasy are understood and constructed by,
across, and in the Americas. Materials drawn from across the curriculum (e.g.,
from history, psychology, media, and communication studies) are used to
question definitions of reality, fact, truth, fiction, fantasy, magical
realism, myth, virtual space, reality TV, and corporeality. Students gain the
ability to defend their positions about how categories such as reality and
fantasy differ and overlap.
Section
II: Court Cases
This
section is about arguments, particularly legal and related arguments that are
used in the courtroom. Students follow court cases in the news, undertake
library research, and write about the issues and arguments in Supreme Court
transcripts.
Prerequisite: CRW Z111.
SEM
G120
Mind-Body
Connections
The
course examines traditional and modern views of the mind and body, for example
the interaction between physical awareness and mental functions, and connects
these views to study strategies. Physical exercises–adaptable for students with
disabilities integrated into most class sessions.
SEM
G122
Communication
Technology
This
course explores historical and contemporary issues in communication technology.
How have social, economic, and political interests influenced the development
and use of communication technology? How has communication technology been used
as a tool for education? What impact does the new communication technology have
on the accessibility of information? Assignments include the use of the
computer as a tool for critical analysis.
Ms
Jahn
SEM
G123
Cuba
Today and Yesterday
Why
do we have neither trade, tourism, nor political relationships with a country
forty minutes away? Why fight over a six-year-old boy? Why has Fidel Castro
been in power for forty years? To raise and answer such questions, this course
makes use of material from literature, history, journalism, film, economics,
and even comic strips.
SEM
G125
Defining
Freedom
By
examining issues of race, class, and gender, participants look at what freedom
has meant to different people in the United States. They are also asked to
reflect on and write about their personal definitions of freedom, and to
broaden and deepen the understanding they bring to their own historical
situations.
Ms
Welsh
Africana Studies
AFRSTY
G115
Black
Consciousness
This
course examines the social, economic, cultural and political implications of
the development of Black consciousness in twentieth-century United States. It
considers the role played in these developments by Ida B Wells, WEB DuBois,
Marcus Garvey, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights/Black Power movement,
the Nation of Islam, and the Black Arts Movement. This course may count toward
the Africana studies major.
American Studies
AMST
G110
US
Society and Culture since 1945
The
course focuses on three broad themes: work, family, and (im)migration, using
all three to explore the diversity of American experience with regard to race,
class, gender, and ethnicity (culture). This course may count toward the
American studies major. Please note: Students may receive credit either for
this course or for AMST 100 (American Identities), but not for both.
Diversity Area: United States.
Ms
Rubin
Anthropology
ANTH
G112
Understanding
Human Behavior
The
course addresses issues of diversity through the use of cross-cultural/US-based
readings and lectures. This material provides students with a backdrop against
which they can begin to understand how culture (including their own) creates
and sustains belief systems, including but not limited to constructions of
race, class, and gendered systems of knowledge. Please note: Students may
receive credit either for this course or for ANTH C100 (Culture and Human
Behavior), but not for both.
Diversity Area: International.
ANTH
G113
Food
and Society
This
course explores how food is related to culture. Discussion topics include the
origins of agriculture, food taboos, the social organization of eating,
festivals, and feasting.
Art
ART
G165
Art,
Image, and the Media
Our
exposure to visual imagery is unprecedented and images created by means of
camera-based media–photographs, digital images, film, television and video–have
a profound influence on our lives. Through lecture/discussion, readings,
critical viewing, and projects, this seminar examines these media while providing
students with skills to critically assess them and their impact on society.
Mr
Polito
Classics
CLSICS
G175
Athenian
Democracy
The
Athenians of the fifth century BC were the first to develop a form of
government that allowed all citizens to participate in decision-making. This
course examines the historical developments that led to this democracy and its
fruitful consequences in art, comedy, and philosophy. Please note: Students may
receive credit either for this course or for CORE C110 (Cultural History), but
not for both.
Mr
Rothwell
Communication Studies
COMSTU
G102
Personal
Information and Privacy: Others Gathering Personal Information About You
This
course explores ways companies and the government gather personal information
about you. It examines definitions and issues of personal rights and privacy.
Topics may include compilation/building demographic databases; coding/grading
customers; routing/using codes; sharing/selling customer data;
surveillance/monitoring transactions; protection/your choices and your legal
rights.
Ms
Nelson
Economics
ECON
G110
Economic
Ideas
This
course introduces students to fundamental economic concepts used by economists
and other social scientists to analyze social problems. It addresses
controversies in modern economics, including views of income distribution, and
focuses on the market: how it functions to allocate scarce resources; its role
in the distribution of income; and markets in social context. This course may
count toward the major in economics. Please note: Students may receive credit
either for this course or for ECON 100 (Introduction to Economic Issues), but
not for both.
Mr
Millman
English
ENGL
G180
Women
Between Cultures
This
course examines issues facing women balancing more than one cultural tradition as
they navigate family expectations, gender roles, and schooling in the US.
Participants read and write about literature and autobiographical accounts by
multicultural women as well as research by educators, social scientists, and
historians in order to explore their own paths between cultures.
Ms
Auerbach
ENGL
G181
Literature
and Visual Arts
This
is a course about the artistic aspects of literature. Students consider the
nature of art-what it is, what it does, why it matters. The course analyzes a
variety of works drawn from three genres-the short story, poetry, and drama.
Topics include censorship, public funding for the arts, and contemporary
critical theory.
Ms
Shaner, Ms Smith
ENGL
G182
“Race”
and “Ethnicity” in 20th Century US Literature
Students
read 20th century literature by writers from diverse cultural backgrounds to
(a) explore authors’ views of community insiders and outsiders, and (b)
investigate representations of “race” and “ethnicity” as depicted in this
literature.
ENGL
G183
Literature
and Society
Introduction
to the ways in which literary works represent a particular aspect of society,
such as work, education, aging, or war. Close analytical reading of literary
works with special attention to a writer’s social milieu and choices of form (including
figurative language and representations of speech), and how readers in varying
social contexts have read and used the work.
ENGL
G184
Technology
and the Soul
A
contemporary focus on the pervasive effects and influence of electronic
technology on our lives. This course looks briefly at the past and ponders the
future through fiction and non-fiction, group projects, and guest speakers with
diverse views on this subject.
ENGL
G187
Examining
Consciousness
Participants
study the representation of the brain by reading scientific writings, popular
essays, personal narratives, fiction, and poetry. Discussions explore the
history of the study of consciousness, current scientific research, mental
illness, and the sociopolitical issues and cultural attitudes surrounding
these. This is not a traditional science or psychology course.
Ms
Brown
French
FRENCH
G150
Self
and Other in French Literature
A
study of individual identity within communities of other selves, through close
reading and analysis of literary works by major modern French writers (Gide,
Mauriac, Camus, Sartre). These works represent a broad range of viewpoints,
from atheist to agnostic to believer. The essential human questions they pose
challenge students to re-examine their own education, beliefs, and actions. All
readings are in English.
Mr
Thompson
History
HIST
G190
Modes
of Inquiry
This
course focuses on the central activity of all academic fields: inquiry.
Participants investigate the major approaches to understanding employed in the
natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. The course should be
of particular interest to students undecided about their major.
Mr
Smith
Honors
HONORS
101
Honors
First Year Seminar
This
course addresses directly, in an introductory fashion, questions of how
knowledge is created and communicated in a variety of situations: within
academic disciplines, in different cultures, and under changing social and
technological conditions. Concrete exercises allow students to explore their
own creativity in relation to the opportunities and constraints posed by such
situations. Individual instructors may introduce a central topic or theme as
well. All sections provide focused instruction in active reading, convincing
writing, critical thinking, and oral performance. This course may be used to
satisfy the University’s First-year Seminar requirement.
Prerequisite: Honors standing or
permission of the program director.
3
Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr
Cluster, Ms Jahn
Music
MUSIC
G103
Music
as Experience
An
introduction to the art of music including musical elements and the creative
process, historical styles, forms and composers. Participants study the
cultural significance of representative works, as well as music’s relationship
to the other arts. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this
course or for MUSIC C110 (Listening Experience), but not for both.
Mr
Mitchell, Mr Walters
MUSIC
G105
Music
of the World
This
course examines the power and function of music in pan-human context. Drawing
on a wide variety of sounds and texts, students investigate the relationship
between music and intellect, spirit, community, and environment. Special
attention is given to how terms, concepts and values from various world musics
illuminate and amplify our essential understanding of this human phenomenon.
Please note: Students may receive credit either for this course or for MUSIC
C110 (World Music), but not for both.
Mr
Stubbs
Nursing
NURSNG
G107
Understanding
HIV Disease
This
course provides a comprehensive overview of HIV disease. Scientific
perspectives from virology, immunology, medical and epidemiological literature
are presented. Selected works from the humanities describing the lived
experiences of persons with HIV are also examined. The relationship between HIV
disease and society is studied, including social, cultural, economic, policy,
and moral/ethical issues. A comprehensive understanding of HIV is attained
through the integration of multiple perspectives of this disease.
3
Lect Hrs, 1 Sem Hr/Wk, 4 Credits
Ms Smith
Philosophy
PHIL
G104
Justice,
Punishment and Reparation
This
course explores three topics: (1) Crime, Punishment, and Responsibility; (2)
Truth, Historical Injustice, and Reparations, and how they converge; and (3)
Transitional Justice. Topics include moral justifications of punishment,
criminal responsibility and blame, the memory of historical injustice,
reparations to historically wronged groups, affirmative action, and truth and
reconciliation commissions.
PHIL
G105
Contemporary
Moral and Social Problems
This
course explores a number of important moral and social issues in the second
half of the 20th century, including the bombing of Hiroshima to end World War
II, and such issues as abortion, gun control, capital punishment, and mercy
killing. This course may count toward the philosophy major with the permission
of the Department.
Mr
Swartz
PHIL
G106
Justice
and Money
Does
money buy justice? If it seems to, then is this really justice? The course
begins with the question of distributive justice: How should the resources of
society be allocated if that society seeks to be morally just? Participants
study three major theories of justice, and also investigate who has what, and
why, and how they got it. This course may count toward the philosophy major
with the permission of the Department.
Ms
Tirrell
PHIL
G107
Self
and Society
This
course studies moral reasoning and the moral dilemmas we face as individuals
and members of society. It examines philosophical theories of moral reasoning,
and applies them to actual and literary situations. Studies focus first on
moral problems associated with lying and deception, then on the development of
moral character and its role in decision-making. This course may count toward
the philosophy major with the permission of the Department.
Ms
Rivera
PHIL
G109
Moral
Debate in Society
This
course studies some contemporary problems of social ethics, particularly
abortion, the death penalty, affirmative action, and world hunger and global
justice. It introduces various positions on these issues, and the
justifications that have been offered to support them. This course develops
each student’s ability to articulate a position clearly and defend it
persuasively. This course may count toward the philosophy major with the permission
of the Department.
Mr
Wingo
PHIL
G110
Equality
and Justice
This
course examines several forms of inequality: oppression and exclusion based on
race and gender; the differences between born and unborn humans, and between
humans and non human animals; and inequality in access to social goods such as
health care. Participants examine issues of moral inclusion, justice and rights
that underlie these inequalities.
PHIL
G121
Mind
and Reality
This
course introduces a number of the “big” questions that philosophers grapple
with: Do the objects that we seem to see and touch really exist? Does each of
us possess a non-physical mind that is distinct from our brain, or is
consciousness nothing more than a brain process? Are all things that happen,
including all of our behaviors, causally determined? Do we have free will?
PHIL
G130
Privacy
This
course examines several of the current threats to privacy in the computer age
related to drug testing, the assembling of personal information dossiers,
genetic screening, privacy on the Internet, medical records, and workplace
concerns. It makes use of philosophical, legal, and privacy rights. This course
may count toward the major in philosophy.
Political Science
POLSCI
G110
Controversial
Political Issues
This
course uses case studies of conflict to build reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills. The course aims to increase political literacy-the ability to
analyze political problems. Participants study US and foreign controversies
about the rights of citizens, minorities and immigrants; about the division of
wealth and power; and about how legislatures, courts, and citizens resolve
conflicts. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this course or
for CORE C120 (Controversy), but not for both.
Mr
Spence
POLSCI
G113
Issues
of Political Identity at the Turn of the Century
This
course addresses the question of how and to what ends people choose a political
identity, what it means to them, and what kinds of political commitments follow
from it. Drawing on readings from across the disciplines, from fiction and the
press, it examines political identity and some of the conflicts it can produce.
Ms
Fine
Psychology
PSYCH
G140
Measuring
Intelligence
This
course focuses on the broad topic of the measurement of intelligence. It looks
at where the field of psychology has been in the past as well as how
intelligence is quantified now. Participants discuss what measuring
intelligence means for us personally and culturally, considering both the
potentially positive and negative effects that this type of assessment can
have. This course may not be counted toward the psychology major.
Ms
Wainwright
Study of Religion
RELSTY
G112
Religion,
Politics, Sex, and Violence
This
course covers three themes-religion and public life, violence and non-violence,
sexes and sexualities. Students become familiar with a range of major religious
thinkers and formulate their own constructive positions. This course may count
toward completion of the Study of Religion Program.
Ms
Sands
Sociology
SOCIOL
G110
Insiders/Outsiders
This
course examines issues of identity that prevent people from being part of
communities and that interfere with those communities’ abilities to embrace all
of their potential members. Issues of class, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and
sexuality are examined in the context of power and inequality. Readings include
autobiographical materials, scholarly articles in sociology and other fields,
and analytical essays.
Diversity Area: United States.
Ms
Disch, Ms Struzziery
Spanish
SPAN
G125
Understanding
Language
This
course explores the workings of human language, addressing such questions as
how do we learn our native language, how do we use it? What is good language?
Why is it so hard to learn a second language? Who makes the rules of a
language? Social and scientific language issues are discussed, making this
course a tool for general learning.
Ms
Torrego
SPAN
G150
Travel
Narratives: Latin America
This
course examines the ways in which travelers to Latin America have described
their impressions of the region. Participants analyze a series of readings
beginning with Columbus’ account of his first voyage to America, looking at
both the information they convey about the continent and its people, and the
ideology they promote.
Ms
Estow, Ms Blum
SPAN
G160
Exile:
The Latin American Experience
Written
from afar, Latin American literatures of exile offer alternative representation
of home and nation. This course examines the impact of exile on literary
writing and personal and collective identities. Topics include: exile in
literature/film, the imagined communities abroad, and exile and its impact on
the global community.
Ms
Sierra
SPAN
G165
Marvelous
Fictions: The Latin American Novel
This
course examines such concepts as cultural production, identity development, and
politics as portrayed in the Latin American novel. We will study different
regions of Latin America as well as some representative works.
Mr
Cortes
Theatre Arts
THRART
G102
Contemporary
Issues in Theatre
This
course introduces students to the world of the theatre from a practical
perspective, including script and scene study, elements of theatrical design,
writing about theatre, and developing an appreciation of plays from a
performance perspective. Performance is required. This course may count toward
the theatre arts major as a course in dramatic literature.
Mr
Conlon
THRART
G105
Multicultural
Drama in the U.S.: 1956-Present
In
this course we will read and discuss some of the most exciting and challenging
plays written in the U.S. in the last 40 years. We will pay particular
attention to how play writers assert their sense of identity, exploring various
notions of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr
Lublin
THRART
G108
Plays
from Page to Stage
Playwrights
create works that get produced. How? By whom? Participants study how directors
develop concepts; how collaboration with designers, actors, and technicians
bears fruit; and how productions are promoted. The course also examines the
rehearsal process, and looks behind the scenes to where sets and costumes get
built, lights are hung, and tech rehearsals begin and build to opening night.
THRART
G110
Opera
as Drama
Designed
for students with little or no experience with opera. Participants explore the
nature of drama; tragedy; melodrama; comedy; tragicomedy. Discussions also
include the presentation of opera in terms of costume, spectacle, “acting”
style, and other elements.
Women’s Studies
WOST
G120
Women
and Men in Families
Has
feminism destroyed the traditional family? Would marriages last longer if women
and men shared family responsibilities equally? Does society still need to make
major changes if we want both women’s rights and stable families? Participants
read, discuss, debate, and make up their own minds on these issues. This course
may count toward the major and the minor in women’s studies.
Ms
Humez
Intermediate
Seminars
Prerequisites
for all Intermediate Seminars include ENGL 101-102, a First-year Seminar
(except for transfer students not required to take a First-year Seminar), and
30 or more credits. Unless otherwise noted, Intermediate Seminars carry 3
credits and meet for 3 hours a week.
Africana Studies
AFRSTY
G292
African
Caribbean Literature
This
course examines the development and significance of Afro-Caribbean literature
in the 20th century. Texts are examined both individually and in relation to
each other. Emphasis is given to the development of post-colonial themes and
techniques in Caribbean sociocultural contexts, asking what “post-colonial”
means to writers of different Caribbean nations. This course may count toward
the major or minor in Africana studies.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self assessment,
collaborative learning, information technology, oral presentation.
Mr
Prou
American Studies
AMST
G212
The US
in the Eighties
This
course examines the politics and experiences of President Reagan’s “morning in
America,” including family life, work, and organized labor; changes in the
pattern of wealth and poverty; the enlargement of the role of the media in
culture and politics; and US interventions in Central America and elsewhere.
The course may be counted toward the American studies major or minor.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self assessment,
collaborative learning, information technology.
AMST
G240
War in
American Culture
The
course examines American cultural productions (essays, novels, poems, films)
centered on the nation’s wars, focusing on the “American Way of War” images of
the soldier/veteran; and images of the enemy. Material is analyzed through the
perspective of the Idealist, the Jingoist and the Dissenting–perspectives found
in cultural artifacts dealing with America’s wars. Counts toward the major in
American studies.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Mr
Atwood
Anthropology
ANTH
G220
Indigenous
Peoples and Cultural Change in Amazonia
This
course focuses on indigenous peoples of South America’s Amazon region, and
persistence and change in their cultures and histories, from 1500 to the
present – especially in response to European colonizers, missionaries, modern
states, and contemporary rain forest development. Participants consider the
human rights issues involved, and critique conventional European
representations of Amazonians, in ethnography, literature and film.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self assessment,
collaborative learning, information technology.
Mr
Sieber
ANTH
G221
Controversies
in Anthropology
This
course focuses on two current controversies in anthropology in order to
understand how controversies develop, how to evaluate various positions in a
controversy, and the grounds for taking a stand in a controversy. It also
introduces some basic concepts and methods of anthropological research. The
course may be counted toward the anthropology major.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, information
technology, oral presentation.
Mr
Harwood and Staff
ANTH
G222
Aztecs
and Spaniards in the Conquest of Mexico
The
defeat of the Aztec Empire by a small band of Spanish soldiers led by Hernan Cortes
permanently changed the way Europeans understood the world, at the same time
that it subjugated Mexico’s indigenous population to the institutions of
colonial rule. Both sides of this important cultural encounter are studied
through a close examination of narratives about the conquest written a few days
or a few decades from the events themselves. The course may be counted toward
the anthropology major and completion of the Latin American studies program.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self assessment,
collaborative learning, information technology, oral presentation.
Ms
Zeitlin
ANTH
G223
Afro-Caribbean
Religions
The
purpose of this course is to examine several of the better known Afro–Caribbean
religious movements that have played a major role in the modern history of the
Caribbean region. Historical influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas
will be addressed. The course provides an introduction to the anthropological
study of religion and to the field of Caribbean studies.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology.
Mr
Waters
ANTH
G224
The
Rise and Fall of the Maya
This
course focuses on the rise and fall of the Maya civilization in Central
America. It considers their origins; political, economic, and social
organization; religion and ideology; their eventual collapse; and the
contemporary Maya. Discussions include the latest theories and controversies in
Maya studies. This course may be counted toward the anthropology major.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, information
technology, oral presentation, academic self assessment.
Ms
Sullivan
ANTH
G230
Archaeological
Myth and Mystery
This
course focuses on critically exploring the myths, mysteries, frauds, and
fantasies surrounding archaeology. Topics include sunken continents, aliens,
early visits to the Americas, archaeo–astronomy, psychic methods, and New Age
religion. The goal is to examine diverse claims about the past, good and bad
uses of archaeological evidence, and the persistence of popular misconceptions
about archaeology and history. This course may be counted towards the
anthropology major.
NOTE:
Students who received credit for ANTH 230 (Archaeological Facts and Fantasies)
may not receive credit for this course.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, information
technology, oral presentation.
Mr
Silliman, Ms Sullivan
Art
ART
G220
Images
of the Body
This
course explores images of the body in a variety of media, including painting,
sculpture, photography, film, video, and dance. Students will gain a critical
awareness of how these images are constructed, by whom and for whom they are
created, and the various ways they produce meaning. Topics will include: gender
androgyny, sexual orientation, and the depiction of children
Capabilities addressed:
ART
G268
Photography
and Society
Photographs
have been used to record identity, document events, sell products, commemorate
family milestones, and classify the material world. This course introduces
students to the ways that everyday photographs shape our images of the past and
present and examines where they came from, how we use them, and what values
they encode. The course includes frequent writing assignments and group
projects. It may be counted toward the art major.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, oral
presentation, academic self assessment.
Ms
McCauley
Classics
CLSICS
G210
The
Greeks
Many
of today’s debates–the role of women in society, how to share political power,
our role in a seemingly chaotic world–were formulated by the Greeks 2500 years
ago. In this course participants analyze and discuss literary, philosophical,
historical, and artistic works in order to see what solutions the Greeks
arrived at.
Capabilities
addressed: Critical reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Mr
Rothwell and Staff
CLSICS
G212
Women
in Ancient Greece
This
course will introduce students to depictions of women in visual, literary, and
documentary sources from Ancient Greece. We examine the roles women played in
religion, medicine, society, and the family. We also consider philosophical
inquiries into the role of men and women and look at the influences of slavery
and war in Greek society.
Ms
LeBlanc
CLSICS
G215
Women
of Rome
This
course introduces students to the world of women in ancient Rome. Through a
close, interdisciplinary analysis of the evidence–including depictions of women
in visual, literary, and documentary sources, in addition to the growing body
of secondary literature–participants become acquainted with the basics of
feminist theory and some of the most important works of Roman art and
literature. This course may count toward the major in classics.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology.
CLSICS
G220
Myth
in Literature and Drama: Orestes
The
course studies ancient and modern versions of the myth of Orestes, who killed
his mother to avenge his father, along with discussion of its religious,
psychological, social, and political meanings. Homer, Pindar, Aeschylus,
Sophocles, Euripides, Seneca, TS Eliot, Eugene O’Neill, and Jean–Paul Sartre
are among the authors read. The role of myth in culture is discussed. This
course may count toward the major or minor in classics.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, oral presentation.
Mr
Nisetich
Economics
ECON
G212
Economics
of the Metropolitan Area
Why
do some metropolitan areas prosper while others fall on hard times? This course
examines the underlying economic forces that shape the development of
metropolitan areas, paying special attention to policy issues regarding land
use, housing, transportation, and poverty. The course may count toward the
major in economics.
Prerequisite:
(in addition to the prerequisites listed above for all Intermediate Seminars)
ECON 101.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology.
Mr
Marcelli, Ms Stevenson
English
ENGL
G262
The
Art of Literature
This
course explores and imagines the world of literature–the imagination as it finds
creative expression in language. Why do we call some writing “literature”? What
makes us label something “art”? Through fiction, poetry, and drama,
participants learn about literary devices and terminology and develop an
appreciation for the writer’s craft.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Ms
Srikanth and Staff
ENGL
G263
The
Art of Shakespeare
An
introduction to Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies, and historical plays, with
attention to his poetry, images, and themes. Attention is given to the nature
of drama, issues of performance and interpretation, and the reading of
Renaissance English. Students may receive credit either for this course or for
ENGL C225 (Introduction to Shakespeare), but not for both. This course may
count toward the major or minor in English.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, oral presentation.
Ms
Shaner
ENGL
G272
The
Art of Poetry
“If I
feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off I know that it’s
poetry” (Emily Dickinson). Participants in this course read poetry, discuss
poetry, write about poetry, and possibly write poetry in this introduction to
the art and craft of poetry. Discussions cover such topics as slant rhyme,
syllabics, synesthesia, free verse, the Elizabethan sonnet. This course may be
counted towards the English major.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, oral presentation.
Ms
Annas
ENGL
G273
The
Art of Fiction
Introduction
to themes and forms of fiction. Close analytical reading of stories and novels
with special attention to an artist’s historical and cultural milieu, and to an
artist’s choices of form (including thematic repetition and variation,
narrative point of view, setting, characterization, plot and action, imagery,
figurative language, and representations of speech). Emphasis on writing
critical and interpretive papers. Please note: Students may receive credit
either for this course or for ENGL C204 (The Nature of Literature: Fiction),
but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Reading,
writing, critical thinking, information technology, oral presentation.
Ms
Smith
ENGL
G274
The
Art of Drama
Introduction
to themes in drama. Close analytical reading of plays with special attention to
context. Focus on character development, figurative language, setting, imagery
and action. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this course or
for ENGL C203 (The Nature of Literature: Drama), but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Ms
King
ENGL
G276
The
Art of Life Writing
Introduction
to life writing. Close analytical reading of memoirs, personal essays,
biographies and autobiographies with special attention to a writer’s historical
and cultural milieu, and to a writer’s choices of form (including narrative
points of view, setting, characterization, scene and summary, figurative
language, and representations of speech). Please note: Students may receive
credit either for this course or for CORE C120 (Controversy), but not for both.
This course may count toward the major or minor in English.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self-assessment,
collaborative learning, information technology, oral presentation.
Ms
Smith
ENGL
G278
Traits
of the Irish Peasantry: Community and Culture in Pre-Famine Ireland
This
course investigates how imaginative literature contributes to an understanding
of the political and social history of Ireland in the decades preceding the
great national disasters of famine and emigration in the middle of the 19th
century. The course may be applied toward completion of both the English major
and the Irish Studies Program requirements.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology, oral
presentation.
Mr
O’Grady
German
GERMAN
G225
History
of Witch Hunts in Europe
How
could over 100,000 persons have been executed for the crime of witchcraft in
Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries? Using approaches from anthropology,
women’s studies, history, and folklore, the course investigates this complex
phenomenon. Texts to be read also include primary documents (theological and
scientific treatises, trial records, letters). This course may count toward the
German studies major or minor.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, information technology.
Ms
Horsley
History
HIST
G203
Leaders
in History
This
course studies six great world leaders, in order to understand political power
and the role of the individual in influencing the course of history. Each
example studied serves as an introduction to historical problems and periods,
from ancient to modern. In the process, key concepts for understanding history
are introduced and discussed. This course may count toward the major or minor
in history. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this course or
for HIST C202 (The Individual in History), but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Critical reading,
critical thinking, clear writing, oral presentation.
Mr
Foss
HIST
G224
Revolutionaries
In
the centuries since it exploded on the scene, capitalism has continued to
remake the world. This course examines the capitalist revolution and the
revolutions that followed–the French, the Russian, and others–as seen “from the
bottom up,” through the eyes of artisans, peasants, and wage workers. This
course may count toward the major or minor in history. Please note: Students
may receive credit either for this course or for HIST C223 (Revolutions in
Modern History), but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Mr
Hunt
HIST
G290
Globalization
in Historical Perspective
The
development of the world economy since 1750 and its relationship to other
global phenomena: industrialization, social and cultural modernization,
imperialism, and the worldwide adoption of the political model of the
nation-state. The course provides a foundation in history for the discussion of
contemporary issues.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self-assessment,
collaborative learning, information technology, oral presentation.
Mr
Smith
Italian
ITAL
G266
Women
in the Renaissance
In
the Italian Renaissance (c. 1300-1600) women were visible not only as subjects
of male writers, philosophers, and artists but as writers, philosophers, and
artists in their own right. By exploring their depiction in literature and the
arts, this course considers women both as the object of works by males and as
active contributors to culture. This course may count toward the major in
Italian. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this course or for
CORE C110, but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, information
technology, oral presentation.
Ms
Bassanese
Latin American Studies
LatAm
G210
Food,
Culture, and Society in Latin America
This
course explores the history and cultural significance of food in Latin America.
Topics include indigenous agriculture; ritual uses of food; how European
colonization changed food habits; the development and social impact of export
crops; food and national identities; and problems of food self sufficiency.
Assignments, including some field work, also examine food and cultural
stereotyping.
Counts
toward the concentration in Latin American studies.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, academic
self-assessment.
Ms
Blum
Modern Languages
MDNLNG
G210
Great
Books
This
course provides instruction and practice in the careful reading, analysis, and
enhanced understanding of a limited number of great or classic works of
literature, ancient and modern, from various national literary cultures. The
readings acquaint students with culturally and/or aesthetically significant
literature and heighten their awareness of the centrality of great literature
to human experience. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this
course or for CORE C150, but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Ms
Burgin
Music
MUSIC
G205
Introduction
to Ethnomusicology
This
course provides an introduction to ethnomusicology, the study of music across
culture. The class will sample readings from the field’s major figures together
with sounds and images from the places they studied. Field methods and topical
issues raised in ethnomusicology are discussed in class, then applied to the
student’s own research through several structured projects.
Mr
Stubbs
MUSIC
G253
Black
American Music
A
study of musical activity of Black Americans and the vital role it has played
in the development of musical performance in the United States. The study
includes an examination of the genres and styles that characterized the music
from its earliest manifestations among a people in slavery to the rap beat of
the late twentieth century.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, information
technology, oral presentation.
Mr
Walters
Philosophy
PHIL
G201
Morals
and Law
This
course examines moral dilemmas within the law and the moral foundations of law
in a democratic society. Current cases focus on moral foundations of justice,
and include property rights, personal moral and political philosophy, and
selected Supreme Court cases. This course may count toward the philosophy
major.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Ms
Smith
PHIL
G206
The
Idea of God
This
course is intended to sharpen students’ reading, writing, speaking, and
thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of “God” and related
concepts, such as “ultimate reality,” “spirit,” “supreme being, and source for
life.” The course emphasizes critical thinking and requires a good deal of
writing.
Mr
Silver
PHIL
G207
The
Meaning of Life
Reading
in this course centers around this question: Does life have meaning? If so,
what is it? The course considers whether the question is coherent and whether
religion, morality or the search for knowledge are possible answers to it. It
also considers arguments that life is meaningless. Finally, discussions focus
on what the rational attitude toward death should be. This course may count
toward the major in philosophy.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing.
Ms
Rivera
PHIL
G214
The
Idea of a Nation
This
course examines concepts for designating groups of people such as “nation,”
“people,” and “ethnic group.” It inquires into the proper relationship between
nation and state; the possibility and scope of a right to realize that
relationship; the relation of class divisions to national identity; the
specific features of American nationality; and the roots and means of resolving
national and ethnic conflicts.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self-assessment,
collaborative learning, oral presentation.
Mr
Silver
Political Science
POLSCI
G230
Globalization
and Its Discontents
Today,
the explicitly ideological term “globalization” is used to suggest convergences
and to persuade diverse publics that one or another global policy is to the
benefit of all. Both the advocates of political and economic globalization and
their opponents sometimes use similar aspects of globalization to advance quite
different platforms. This course explores contending points of view concerning
diverse aspects of the “globalization debate.”
This
course may count toward the major in political science.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology.
Ms
Fine
POLSCI
G240
Politics,
Probability, and Human Health
We
are bombarded with competing claims about risks to human health and how best to
reduce them. Is cancer increasing or decreasing? Does cholesterol screening
save lives or waste money? Are pesticide residues dangerous or harmless? How
can ordinary citizens assess which claims are well–founded? What role does
politics play in shaping what we know and do not know about disease trends,
causes, and methods of prevention? Please note: Students may receive credit
either for this course or for CORE C140, but not for both. This course may
count toward the major or minor in political science.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology, oral
presentation.
Ms
Paul
POLSCI
G 245
Reading
the Newspaper
The
newspaper is the most familiar and widely used of all complex printed texts. It
plays a critical role in a democratic society by supplying information citizens
need in order to understand and make competent judgments about the world. By
examining how a world–class newspaper goes about its business, the course seeks
to help participants become more skillful, rigorous, efficient, and critically
self-aware readers.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, information technology.
Mr
Simonds
Russian
RUSS
G268
Russian
Short Masterpieces
An
introduction to Russian literature through close readings of short works by
Russia’s greatest writers. The course explores the writers’ artistic worlds,
examines the profound moral and social questions they raise, and provides
insights into Russian culture and society. Particular attention is given to
interpreting and writing about literature. This course may count toward the
Russian Studies major. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this
course or for RUSS 269 (Short Masterpieces of Russian Literature), but not for
both. The course is taught in English.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, oral
presentation.
Ms
Haber
Study of Religion
RELSTY
G204
Buddha,
Jesus, and Plato
This
course addresses the world views expressed in the earliest writings associated
with Plato, Jesus, and Buddha, focusing on their different answers to the
question, “What finally matters?” Participants acquire skills in gaining an
appreciative understanding of challenging views different from their own;
thinking critically about religion and morality; and developing their own views
about what finally matters. This course may count toward the concentration in
the Study of Religion. Please note: Students may receive credit either for this
course or for RELSTY C104 (Socrates, Jesus, Buddha), but not for both.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, academic self-assessment.
Mr
Lafargue
Sociology
SOCIOL
G211
Race
and Power in the US
The
focus of this course is a comparative look at three reparations movements:
Japanese–American, African–American, and Native American. It addresses such
issues as legislative and judicial strategies; and the historical and
contemporary situations of these racial/ethnic groups in the context of race
and power in US society. The course may be counted toward the major or minor in
sociology.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning, information
technology.
Diversity Area: United States.
Mr
Schaefer
Spanish
SPAN
G200
Boston
Speaks
What
languages do Bostonians speak? How do they work? What do our languages tell us
about ourselves? This course investigates the underlying structure of Boston
languages and how our perception of them–in terms of status, legitimacy, and
complexity–are shaped by power relationships and human psychology. The course
is taught in English.
Capabilities addressed: Critical
reading, critical thinking, clear writing, collaborative learning.
Mr
Minkoff
Women’s Studies
WOST
G205
Women
and Adventure
We
will read and analyze the life stories of unconventional women from a variety
of different backgrounds and historical periods, in order to explore what
“adventure” has meant to women. Readings will include biography, memoirs,
letters, travel narratives, spiritual transformation stories, and other “true”
narratives. We will ask how adventurous women have defined their quests and
justified their violation of womanly norms of their day. This course may count
toward the Women’s Studies major or minor.
Ms
Humez
WOST
G210
Gendered
Bodies
This
critical look at human bodies in social context begins with the premise that
embodiment itself is a socially constructed phenomenon rather than a fixed
biological reality. Topics such as the beauty ideal, physical disabilities, and
intersexuality will illustrate how perceptions of our bodies are shaped by
social processes and how, in turn, these perceptions shape human experience.
Mr
Bobel