Adv. Sem. in Ethnomusicology

Designed for music and non-music majors, this advanced seminar examines core theoretical and methodological issues in ethnomusicology and the debates that have shaped its practice since its origins in the early twentieth century as comparative musicology. Drawing on musical traditions from different parts of the world and supplemented by workshops conducted by visiting professional musicians, the course explores the interdisciplinary approaches that inform how ethnomusicologists study the significance of music "in" and "as" culture.

Ethnographies of Law

This seminar focuses on the anthropological study of the legal field. The class will begin with a survey of some classical texts that underpin the legal thought in the modern era. We will then see how anthropologists contributed to the study of law by conceptualizing it as part of larger socio-political processes and as a field that includes social relations, processes, and practices.

Violence and the State

The definition of terrorism within international law remains contested. Coined in the late 18th century, the term was initially used to refer to government by intimidation as directed and implemented by the party in power during the French Revolution. In current usage, the term is used to refer to unofficial or unauthorized use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims by non-state actors. We will examine the ways in which these contestations of definition derive from conceptions of the state as that entity which alone has monopoly over the legitimate use of violence.

The Social Life of Images

How do images shape how we see the world, and how does society shape the images we create? This course explores the dynamic relationship between images and social life, examining how factors such as cultural norms, structural boundaries, and new technologies influence visual media. Through readings, class discussions, and other assignments, students will analyze images within social contexts such as collective identity, digital culture, and advertising. Enriching their visual literacy skills will give students new insights about today's image-saturated world.

Introduction to Sociology

This course uses a sociological framework to examine the nature and structure of modern industrial societies. To identify central trends in society and culture, this course covers several basic themes, such as social inequality and social interaction, that have appeared repeatedly in the works of major social thinkers.

Introduction to Sociology

This course uses a sociological framework to examine the nature and structure of modern industrial societies. To identify central trends in society and culture, this course covers several basic themes, such as social inequality and social interaction, that have appeared repeatedly in the works of major social thinkers.

Teach: Sec & Middle School

Students participate in full-time student teaching in middle or secondary classrooms for 12 weeks. During this semester-long field-based placement, students hone classroom management skills, design and implement curriculum, and develop a wide range of assessment skills. Students work with classroom teachers and college supervisors to address Professional Teaching Standards as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Candidate Assessment of Performance.

Teach: Sec/Mid Sch (Amherst)

Students participate in full-time student teaching in middle or secondary classrooms for 12 weeks. During this semester-long field-based placement, students hone classroom management skills, design and implement curriculum, and develop a wide range of assessment skills. Students work with classroom teachers and college supervisors to address Professional Teaching Standards as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Candidate Assessment of Performance.

Practicum Seminar Middle/Sec

This weekly seminar provides students with opportunities to design and discuss case studies involving adolescents in middle and secondary school settings, review researched-based models of instruction, and classroom management, and engage in dialogue with professionals regarding numerous aspects of teaching and student learning. Additional topics covered include reviewing the legal obligations of teachers, addressing the needs of students with disabilities, English language learners, and developing effective communication between home and school.

Practicum Seminar (Amherst)

This weekly seminar provides students with opportunities to design and discuss case studies involving adolescents in middle and secondary school settings, review researched-based models of instruction, and classroom management, and engage in dialogue with professionals regarding numerous aspects of teaching and student learning. Additional topics covered include reviewing the legal obligations of teachers, addressing the needs of students with disabilities, English language learners, and developing effective communication between home and school.
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