This course sets canonical Jewish American literature in creative dialogue with contemporary Jewish American writers, filmmakers, and performance artists to explore how early twentieth-century figures (Abraham Cahan, Anzia Yezierska, and Henry Roth) continue to influence --inspire--a rising generation of authors. The key mediating figure in this generational dialogue is Philip Roth, whose work we will examine as well.

Since the 1990s Latin America has witnessed increasing societal and political debates over sexual and reproductive rights. Issues such as abortion, gay marriage, transgender rights, sexual education and assisted reproductive technology have risen to the top of some countries' agendas after decades of silence, taboos, and restrictive or non-existent legislation. The course aims to provide a survey of sexual and reproductive rights in the region as a whole while at the same time highlighting the disparities that exist within it.

This course examines the development of Western philosophy from the 17th through the 19th centuries by examining selected writings of Descartes, Elizabeth of Bohemia, Hobbes, Margaret Cavendish, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, Mary Wollstonecraft, Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche.

Continuation of the elementary German course; practice in speaking, reading, and writing German. Cultural and literary readings together with frequent use of online resources dealing with everyday situations and experiences in the German-speaking countries sensitize students to the cultural context in which the language is used. Weekly conversation sessions with a German language assistant supplement class work.

During the 1960s and 1970s military coups brought authoritarian regimes to power in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay). Human rights movements emerged demanding information about victims of torture, executions and disappearances which became the way military regimes attempted to eliminate dissent. What accounts for the different role these movements in the transition and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law? Did they take part to the same extent in the design and implementation of accountability mechanisms to prosecute those responsible for the abuses?

When thoughtfully and responsibly employed, the photographic craft affords practitioners a passport to the world; an excuse to closely explore issues and spaces of interest. This course uses photography to examine relationships between conflict, masculine gender, and broader social order. By drawing on the extensive body of work of the instructor, a photojournalist who has contributed to National Geographic Magazine and other leading outlets, as well as fiction and non-fiction readings, it aims to illustrate the connection between academic concepts and modern storytelling.

This course explores the role of lies and practical jokes in Italian literary culture and the way the concept of humor has changed over time. We will investigate the intimate connection between power, religion, and laughter by reading some of the funniest and politically charged works. Our authors (Machiavelli, Goldoni, Pirandello, De Filippo, Fo) will take us through the streets of Renaissance Florence, eighteenth-century Venetian canals, as well as the improvised "factory theaters" of the 1970s.

This course is designed for students with a strong grasp of acting, directing, or both. Any student interested in acting will be expected to perform weekly, drawing on styles ranging from Classical Greek to Experimental, including both scene work and audition pieces. Directing students will have the chance to work in a similar variety of styles, starting with a few short scenes and concluding with a major project between 45-60 minutes in length. Those students interested in both areas will have the chance to pursue both areas.

What and whom is theatre for? How might viewing a performance be dangerous? What rules govern theatre, and who makes them? Who should play what role? In this course we analyze major theoretical and performance texts, explore censorship, and investigate theatrical controversies. Readings (supplemented by video materials) to include both theory and drama, with a particular focus on disputes over what can be said and seen and on the politics of representation.

Students will study and compare the work of significant designers, and use this research to inspire and inform the growth of their own work. They will familiarize themselves with the best contemporary practices through reading current articles, reviews and critiques. They will develop a design project for inclusion in a portfolio and will gain a working knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign, and Vectorworks. They will assistant design for the department's spring musical Cabaret.