An introduction to spoken and written German, and to the culture and history of German-speaking people and countries. Emphasis on grammar and practical vocabulary for use in conversational practice, written exercises, and listening and reading comprehension. By the end of the year, students are able to read short, edited literary and journalistic texts as a basis for classroom discussion and to compose short written assignments. Yearlong courses cannot be divided at midyear with credit for the first semester.

Independent coaching and the study of advanced coaching tactics and strategy in a specific sport. Prerequisite: 505d. This is a full-year course.

An introduction to the science of human nutrition. We study digestion, absorption and transportation of nutrients in the body, and the way nutrients are used to support growth and development and maintain health. We also examine how personal dietary choices affect nutritive quality of the diet and the health of an individual. The relationship between diet and health is explored throughout the course. Special topics include diet and physical fitness, weight control, vegetarianism and women’s nutrition concerns. High school chemistry recommended but not required.

An examination of current sport psychology models and theories through a critical examination and analysis of popular sport film. Topics include motivation, team cohesion, leadership, peak performance, anxiety, attention, confidence and psychological skills training. Cultural differences and disability are also addressed. Student performance is evaluated primarily through scholarly writing, oral presentations and a collaborative writing project. PSY 100 is recommended but is not a prerequisite.

Students learn to use literary techniques to write factual, engaging narratives that read like fiction. Based on research, interviews and personal experience, creative nonfiction encompasses a wide range of genres, including memoir, travel writing, nature writing, science writing, food writing and biography. Prerequisites: one WI course. Enrollment in each section limited to 16. Course may be repeated once on a different topic. (E): Students write true stories about art, music, theater, film and dance that read like a novel.

Students hone their writing skills (defined broadly to include critical thinking, research and documentation, argument development and mastery of written English) as they enhance their understanding of an issue of current import and consequence. They read and write in a variety of genres (ranging from experience narratives to academic essays) and supplement their required reading with excursions to scholarly and cultural venues at Smith. Prerequisite: One WI course or permission of the instructor.

Continued study of selected contemporary texts including fiction and short essays from print and electronic media. This course further develops advanced reading, writing and discussion skills in Japanese and enhances students’ understanding of various aspects of contemporary Japanese society. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take EAL 244, which deals with related materials in English. Prerequisite: JPN 302 or permission of the instructor. With the instructor’s permission, advanced language courses may be repeated when the content changes.

This course explores a specific idea, concept, period, person or event important in the history and/or aesthetics of dance. Topics vary depending on the instructor’s research and expertise.: This course is an in-depth exploration of salsa from theoretical and practical perspectives. Dance lessons familiarize the students with beginner to intermediate level salsa steps, targeting skills in bodily coordination, musicality, expressivity and improvisation, as well as in memorization of choreography and communication between partners.

For students who have taken Contemporary Dance I or the equivalent.  L.  {A}  2 credits

An immersive research experience in observational astrophysics for students who have completed AST 337. Students design an independent scientific observing program and carry it out at the WIYN 0.9m telescope on Kitt Peak, AZ in January. The rest of the semester is spent reducing and analyzing the data obtained and preparing scientific results for presentation. Professional techniques of CCD imaging, photometry, astrometry and statistical image analysis are applied using research-grade software. Weekly class seminar meetings are supplemented by individual and team-based tutorial sessions.