A study of Western philosophy from Bacon through the 18th century, with emphasis on Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and especially Kant. Maximum number of students per section 15.

The course will provide an introduction to the organization and function of the mammalian nervous system along with an exploration of the brain using multiple levels of analysis ranging from molecular to cognitive and behavioral approaches. The course will develop an appreciation of how brain cells interact to orchestrate responses and experiences. Emphasis will be placed on the cellular and molecular physiology of the nervous system with a focus on retinal phototransduction and mechanisms governing motor control. The material will be presented at a level accessible for life science majors.

Topics course.: This seminar will highlight ethical and controversial issues that have arisen as a result of advances in the fields of behavioral, clinical, and cognitive neuroscience. Topics might include neuroscience and the law, the application of neurotechnology, brain enhancement, the nature of consciousness, the use of brain imaging, invasive brain treatment, and other issues of interest to the class. The seminar will include reading primary and secondary literature outside of class and oral presentations, group discussions, and debates in class.

Same as PSY 125. An introduction to how the sense organs of animals and people signal characteristics of the surrounding physical world, and how the nervous system sends this information to the brain for interpretation. Topics: touch, the most basic of senses; audition and balance, an elaboration of touch reception; olfaction and taste, detecting the chemical world; and vision, our most sophisticated sensory system, allowing us to build a model of the world around us.

Topics course.: This seminar approaches studying the nervous system by examining the mechanisms that have evolved to solve problems encountered by animals in their natural environment. Topics covered include behaviors related to orientation and migration, social communication, feeding and reproduction. Prerequisites: NSC 230 or BIO 363 and either BIO 200, NSC 210, or permission of the instructor. BIO 362 is recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 12.

A laboratory course exploring anatomical research methods, neurochemical techniques, behavioral testing, design of experiments and data analysis. Prerequisites: CHM 111 or 118, and PSY 130 or NSC 125 or NSC 210 (can be taken concurrently) or permission of the instructor. Not open to seniors. Enrollment limited to 16.

A laboratory course exploring anatomical research methods, neurochemical techniques, behavioral testing, design of experiments and data analysis. Prerequisites: CHM 111 or 118, and PSY 130 or NSC 125 or NSC 210 (can be taken concurrently) or permission of the instructor. Not open to seniors. Enrollment limited to 16.

This lecture class provides an introduction to the comparative politics of the Middle East. Readings, lectures, and discussions will examine political environments in the Middle East, with a focus on states as units of analysis, and on the general processes and conditions that have shaped state formation, the formation of national markets, and state-society relations in the region.

Explores the social, economic and political causes and effects of the mass protest movements that came to be known as the Arab Spring or the Arab Uprisings. Through a wide range of readings, documentaries, media accounts, social media content, and other materials we dissect the most significant, and still unresolved, political transformations in the Middle East in the last 100 years. A previous course in Middle Eastern politics, history or culture recommended, but not required.

This course helps students reach advanced proficiency in Arabic through language study and content work focused on Arab history, literature and current events. We continue to focus on developing truly active control of a large vocabulary through communicative activities. Grammatical work focuses on complex grammatical constructions and demands increased accuracy in understanding and producing complex structures in extended discourse. Preparation for class and active, cooperative participation in group activities are essential to students’ progress in this course.