Course Offerings (Fall Term)
This course seeks to introduce students to Latin America's experience of war and peace in the second half of the 20th century and the 21st century. It focuses on the causes of war, how political violence manifests, the effects of war on society, and how people make peace and move on from war. Instead of studying only war or only peace, the course questions the division between these two categories, and considers how conflicts can transition from peace to violence. Relevant to interests in politics, sociology, history, international studies, Latin America, law, and peace studies.
This is a hands-on seminar and laboratory experience about the engineering design of motorcycles. Students will restore or repair a vintage Triumph motorcycle and will compare it to previous restorations of the same make and model of motorcycle from other years (1955, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, and 1964). No previous shop or laboratory experience is necessary, and we welcome liberal arts students as well as engineering students. The class meets twice each week, starting with a discussion session followed by laboratory work.
This course explores the linguistic and extralinguistic aspects of intercultural communication, including pragmalinguistics, politeness, and cross-cultural communication. It aims to develop an understanding of the culture-language relationship and an interest in the multifaceted nature of language and the way its components are shaped by sociocultural practices. The course does not require any background in linguistics; it is meant to be an accessible introduction for undergraduates who are new to intercultural communication and are interested in international relations and global cultures. Classes are highly participatory.
Have you ever wanted to "get even" with someone? Each of us has likely been or felt we have been wronge--and has pondered how that wrong is to be recompensed. Together, we'll sample that dish "best served cold" by investigating great reads that puts revenge at the center of the story, showing how it relates to the principle of "evenness" in justice, to theories of punishment, and to philosophies of honor and of forgiveness. Though literature will be our focus, visual depictions of revenge and the discourses of law and philosophy will deepen our conversation about the ethics and outcomes of "getting even."
An introduction to religious studies and history of philosophy using classic works produced by imprisoned authors. Readings span the world's major religious and philosophical traditions and include works by Plato, Boethius, Marguerite Porete, Gandhi, Levinas, Martin Luther King, Jr., JP Sartre, and detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Works will be exegeted according to their contexts of origination while also asking what they have to teach us in an era of rising nationalism and mass incarceration.
Glass is so ubiquitous that we barely notice it. Yet, glass has far-reaching applications in global communications, biomedical, and energy industries! Glass has also been a versatile medium for creating visually stunning artworks. Few materials so brilliantly connect the artists and the scientists among us. The seminar introduces the material science, physical and chemical properties of glass that result in applications that impact culture, scientific discoveries, and technology. Through museum and artisan studio visits in Venice, and hands-on activities, we highlight how material properties connect to artistic characteristics.
When, where, why and how did human language originate? There are no definite answers, but findings from many different areas of investigation (including paleontology, archeology, linguistics, animal communication, neurobiology, genetics, statistics), when considered in conjunction, shed light on these old and fascinating questions. Current research often gives rise to contrasting interpretations and hypotheses; the seminar will attempt to present a balanced picture and invite students to weigh all evidence.
This course examines the nature, causes, and consequences of inequalities of income, wealth, happiness, and life expectancy within the US and across countries. US economic inequality has surged since 1980. Women earn less than men, Black Americans earn less than Whites, the bottom 50% earns less than the top 1%, and the global middle class earns less than the poor in rich countries. Why? And what can policy do to reduce economic inequality? How does inequality affect justice? Is poverty or inequality the more serious problem? Do moral obligations to reduce inequality extend beyond national borders?
This course explores the representation of the Middle East in Western media, challenging misconceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes. It analyzes how the media perpetuates these perceptions. It examines various mediums, including the video game Call of Duty, to understand how the Middle East is constructed and its individuals are depicted as villains. It provides an analytical framework to help students develop critical analysis skills to challenge prevailing narratives that shape popular perceptions. It fosters critical thinking to discern accurate and unbiased depictions of the "other" and promotes empathy, respect, and appreciation.
Documentary filmmakers forge complex relationships with the real people who appear in their films. Even in the most empathic works, that process can be fraught. So, what happens when filmmakers portray people with whom they have an adversarial relationship? Through analysis, conversations with directors, and their own original creative work, students will learn the artistic, practical and ethical approaches that filmmakers take with tough subjects. We will look at both historical and new forms of non-fiction cinema and explore parallels to other artistic and academic disciplines.