Schedule of Classes

Latin

This course examines Caesar's presentation of the Civil Wars, including famous events such as the crossing of the Rubicon, the Battles of Dyrrhacium and Pharsalus, and the death of Pompey. Attention is also given to how these events are depicted in passages from Suetonius' Life of Julius Caesar and Lucan's epic poem, Pharsalia. The course aims not only to improve reading comprehension of Latin literature, but also to evaluate major sources for this critical period of Roman—indeed, all Western—history. It concludes with study of how Caesar's assassination is variously depicted. Not open for credit to students who have completed LATN 409.

Music

A general introduction to the language of music, using the piano as toolkit. Students with little or no experience in piano acquire the ability to read music, play simple piano pieces, and improvise. They learn the essentials of chord progressions and how to accompany melodies with harmony. Students also engage fundamental theoretical concepts (melodic and rhythmic notation, intervals, major and minor key signatures, major and minor scales, and simple and compound meters). The fourth hour will be devoted to ear training and practical musicianship. This course covers the combined material of MUSC 102 and MUSC 103 and is not open for credit to students who have received credit for either.

Philosophy

An examination of the moral dimensions of business activity, especially within the context of a democratic society. Topics may include social and economic justice, the nature of corporations, corporate accountability, social responsibility, the morality of hiring and firing, employee rights and duties, advertising, product safety, obligations to the environment, and international business.

Politics

A study of the United States federal government.

Psychology

An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in psychology. This non-laboratory course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students intending to major or minor in psychology.

An introductory course focusing on a topic or issue in psychology, designed for students who do not plan to pursue psychology as a major/minor. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.

Psychology has traditionally been concerned with people's responses and reactions to difficulties, deficits, and disorders. Taking the opposing viewpoint, positive psychology is a course that aims to understand and implement behaviors and mental processes that foster optimal functioning and the pursuit of the good life. Both individual level and interpersonal level functioning are examined. Students in this primarily discussion-based course must be prepared to speak in class multiple times per class period. The course also involves a significant major project.

Religious Studies

A critical exploration of the gospel of Matthew as a prompt to moral self-reflection and possible guide to a meaningful life. Primary focus on the Sermon on Mount throughout the course. Historical, literary, and philosophical methods facilitate close reading and engagement with key interpretive issues and debates. Practical experiments in moral thinking and acting based on the biblical text and biblical reception history facilitate reflection on the place of virtue in a meaningful life. No prior knowledge of the Bible or commitment to a religious tradition assumed.

An examination of the origins, nature, and content of representative literature from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and cognate literature. Attention is paid to issues of critical reading and theological interpretation of Jewish scriptures. Not open for credit to students who have completed RELG 141.

Spanish

This course examines the development of Latin American cinema within a chronological framework. Students become familiar with major cinematic themes, movements, and works from Latin America. The course fosters an analysis of cinema through film language and theory, and in conjunction with Latin America's cultural and historical context. Taught in English.

Women's and Gender Studies

An examination of the origins, nature, and content of representative literature from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and cognate literature. Attention is paid to issues of critical reading and theological interpretation of Jewish scriptures. Not open for credit to students who have completed RELG 141.