This course explores short fiction as brilliantly crafted exemplars of "teaching stories", stories that use the resources of short narrative fiction to probe life's deepest questions, such as: what is the meaning of our lives? how do we face our inevitable death? why is there evil and suffering? what does it mean to be human? how should we live? We'll read modern works in the larger tradition of Wisdom Literature, with readings drawn from biblical, Hassidic, classical, folk, and Asian traditions, as well as from notable practitioners of the genre (Chekhov, Tolstoy, Borges, Poe, Chopin).

This course invites students to think about their place in this historic institution. Given Mount Holyoke's unique place as a learning space for women, students will have the opportunity to explore the institution's history. Students will also reflect on how they are a part of the institution's history and the multiple histories they live through and create as individuals who are part of a broader community.

Cinema is a form of art that uniquely captures and portrays the human mind. In this course we will explore how mental experience is encoded in the brain, using film as our object of study. Students will, through movies, analyze major topics in psychology and neuroscience such as memory, mental time travel, addiction, and empathy. Course readings and class discussion will further offer students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills in order to better understand the multiple layers of cognitive processes and behaviors depicted in movies.

What is the impact of what is included and excluded in formal sex education programs? What does it mean to maintain good sexual health? How does sexual identity relate to behavior and attraction? As a class, we will explore sexuality at an individual, interpersonal, community, and societal level. Primary topics will include sex education, sexual identity, health, consent, relationships, and media portrayals of sexuality.

This course provides a foundation in the principles, techniques, and equipment involved in video production. Students will make several short videos over the course of the term as well as one final piece. We will develop our own voices while learning the vocabulary of moving images and gaining production and post-production skills. In addition to technical training, classes will include critiques, screenings, readings, and discussion.