An examination of typical igneous and metamorphic rocks in the laboratory and in the field in search of clues to their formation. Lab work emphasizes the microscopic study of rocks in thin section. Weekend field trips to Cape Ann and Vermont are an important part of the course. Prerequisite: 221.

Thermodynamics and kinetics: will the contents of this flask react, and if so, how fast? Explores the properties that govern the chemical and physical behavior of macroscopic collections of atoms and molecules (gases, liquids, solids and mixtures thereof). Prerequisites: CHM 118 or 224, and MTH 112 or 114.

Synthetic techniques and experimental design in the context of multistep synthesis. The literature of chemistry, methods of purification and characterization with a focus on NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 15.

An examination of modern methods of organic synthesis and approaches to the synthesis of complex organic compounds with a focus on the current literature. Prerequisite: 223.

This final course in the chemistry core sequence provides a foundation in the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry that are central to the study of all chemical phenomena. Topics include quantitative treatment of thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. Prerequisites: CHM 111 or equivalent and MTH 111 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 16 per lab section.

This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of archaeological research, the variety of methods available to analyze material culture, the interpretation of results, and ethical considerations of practicing archaeology in the United States and abroad. The course provides students with a solid foundation for evaluating and contextualizing current methodological and theoretical trends within archaeology.

Topics course.: In this seminar, we examine how popular French comedies have recently relied on stereotypes to promote a national conversation about social, racial, sexual and religious identities. Among the issues considered: Why are these comedies popular? What are the cultural and national boundaries of comedy? Who is laughing (or not) and why? Are all stereotypes equal? Can laughter promote social progress? Is it possible to identify larger political or cultural concerns hidden behind the use of stereotypes in these films? Weekly or biweekly film showings.

What genres did women practice in the Middle Ages and in what way did they transform those genres for their own purposes?  What access did women have to education and to the works of other writers, male and female? To what extent did women writers question the traditional gender roles of their society? How did they represent female characters in their works and what do their statements about authorship reveal about their understanding of themselves as writing women? What do we make of anonymous works written in the feminine voice?

Why can some writers be called intellectuals? What is an intellectual? Why are French intellectuals unique? This course studies the emergence of political activism and the figure of the French “intellectual engagé” through readings from key social and historical moments and from a variety of genres. We trace how public debates on highly controversial topics such as intolerance, fanaticism, the death penalty, feminism, racism and the role of media have influenced intellectuals to become committed to transforming French politics and society.

Topics course.