The course explores the ideas that influence environmental thought, examines various environmental problems and suggested solutions, and critically evaluates the role that political institutions play in creating and enforcing environmental policy. Specific topics include environmental justice, environmental federalism, environmental health, and regulatory behavior. Not open for credit to students who have completed ENST 334.
Trade, migration, and widespread travel have transformed population health from a domestic to an international issue, one in which state cooperation is increasingly necessary. Investigating the role of international organizations, the media, advocacy groups, and individuals, this course questions how international cooperation can facilitate the promotion and protection of health. To do so, it considers a variety of theoretical approaches including the securitization of health and health as a human right. It also examines such issues as smallpox eradication, tobacco control, AIDS treatment, and bioterrorism agreements.
This course examines Supreme Court cases related to the Bill of Rights by situating cases within varying theories of constitutional interpretation, and by assessing the socio-political implications of those decisions. Civil liberties are protections of individual liberties against governmental intrusion and include First Amendment freedoms of speech, press, religion, and association; Second Amendment liberty of arms; Fourth and Ninth Amendment protections of privacy; and Eighth Amendment protections against "cruel and unusual punishment." The course emphasizes, above all, the political role of the judiciary. This course may not be taken by students who have taken POLS 332.
This course introduces the essential concepts, methods, and politics of archival research in academia and applies them to the critical understanding of Black and Indigenous voices from Sewanee’s domain. Course content will feature readings on Black and Indigenous archival research practices, the role of digital archival practices, and Black and Indigenous life in the Southeastern United States. Ultimately, students will examine the dominant narratives that exist about Sewanee while utilizing the numerous archives on campus to uncover how we can tell multiple stories about Sewanee’s past and present.
Students in this course participate in the legal representation of immigrants seeking benefits from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and complete readings and written assignments providing related academic content and context. Through direct case work and class seminars, students are prepared to think critically about the immigration system’s structures and procedures and the immigration attorney’s relationship to the system; they gain substantive knowledge of immigration laws and policies; and they develop basic lawyering skills.
This course exposes students to essential theories on American voting behavior developed by leading political scientists. At the end of the course, students will be equipped to contribute competently to academic discussions on the topic.
Study of a variable topic of special interest pertaining to politics. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
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 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 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.
This introductory-level course explores how drugs impact the human brain, behavior, and society. Students will learn and apply major principles of pharmacology to understand biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to various patterns of drug use and misuse, including substance use disorders. Students will also learn about current and emerging approaches to addiction treatment and evaluate how drug-related research informs healthcare policy, legalization, mental health services, and approaches to human flourishing. This course is intended for students who do not plan to pursue degrees in psychology and/or neuroscience and does not satisfy requirements for those majors or minors.
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.
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.
A study of clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness are presented and discussed.
This course explores how social dynamics shape individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within various social contexts. Students will explore key theories and empirical research on topics, such as interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, and altruism. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ways in which social influences impact decision making, perception, and interactions, and applying social psychological principles to real world situations. The course also provides a critical examination of the research methods used in social psychology, helping students evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
As an introduction to the field of industrial-organizational psychology, this course examines the application of psychological theories and research to workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations. Both industrial and organizational psychology will be explored to reveal the value that psychological principles and methods bring to individuals, businesses, and society. Major topics include performance appraisal, employee selection, training, motivation, stress, and leadership.
An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives.
A survey and critical evaluation of research investigating individual, social, psychological, and cultural factors in sexual behavior, with some attention to the biological underpinnings of sexuality, along with comparison and contrast across individuals, cultures, and species. Common topics include sex research methodology, gender, sexual orientation, changes across the lifespan, paraphilias, and non-human sexual behavior. Readings include selections from works that have changed understanding of sexual behavior.
This course provides an overview of major concepts, theories, and research related to human development from prenatal to end of life. Significant factors influencing individual functioning and empirical findings related to cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan will be explored.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.