This course examines the scientific basis of human memory function in the context of traditional and contemporary American and Continental literature. Topics include memory acquisition and reconstruction, trauma and collective memory. Possible authors include Joyce, Nabakov, Sebold and Orwell. Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology or the equivalent; or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit of 25.

Topics Course.: This seminar examines the Yogācāra school of Buddhist philosophy, often represented as idealist, but also sometimes read as phenomenological. We read some classic Indian Yogācāra texts, some Tibetan discussion of Yogācāra, and examine the way Yogācāra ideas entered Chinese and Japanese Buddhist philosophy. We also read some contemporary studies of Yogācāra philosophy and recent Western and Indian idealistic and phenomenological work that resonates with Yogācāra ideas.

This course is an introduction to central topics in the philosophy of language. What is the relation between thought, language and reality? What kinds of things do we do with words? Is there anything significant about the definite article “the”? How does meaning accrue to proper names? Is speaker meaning the same as the public, conventional (semantic) meaning of words? Is there a distinction between metaphorical and literal language?

Of late there has been talk of philosophy’s being at an end or at least in need of transformation. In order to provide a measure of renewal, people are considering whether approaches taken and insights expressed in literature might enrich the study of philosophy. We explore this issue through an examination of philosophical and literary treatments of friendship from different periods in the Western tradition, and of literary and philosophical reflections on human flourishing in the 20th century.

This course offers a survey of European and American classical music from tumultuous 20th century to the present day. We examine music’s participation in aesthetic movements such as modernism, expressionism, neo-classicism and postmodernism as well as its direct engagement with history. Our methods include both analysis and reading recent scholarly work. Composers studied included Debussy, Schoenberg, Shostakovich, Copland, Cage, Boulez and Glass. Prerequisites: MUS 110 or permission of instructor.

Laboratory sessions in this course complement the material in NSC 314 by exploring the neuroanatomy of the endocrine system, methods of detecting and assessing hormone action, and correlations between hormone levels and experiences of daily life. Enrollment limited to 16. Prerequisite: NSC 314 (must be taken concurrently).

This course investigates how the brain regulates the production and release of hormones, as well as how hormones act on the brain to affect behaviors such as aggression, affiliation, parenting, sexual behavior, feeding and learning. Concurrent enrollment in NSC 315 is recommended but not required. Prerequisites: NSC/PSY 110 and one of BIO 200, 202 or 230, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.

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/PSY 110 (can be taken concurrently) or permission of the instructor. Not open to seniors. Enrollment limited to 16.

The choir rehearses and performs throughout the academic year at various events, including Montage (Family Weekend), Advent Dinner for the Roman Catholic community, Christmas Vespers and Spring Ring. In addition, the choir occasionally performs in off-campus community concerts. The choir meets to practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. in John M. Greene Hall.

One rehearsal per week; at least one concert per semester. Open by audition or permission of the director to Smith and Five College students, faculty and staff, and members of the community.