This course examines the social construction of the family unit in the United States across a range of historical periods and cultural texts. Students will dismantle universalist notions of what constitutes a family (particularly the nuclear family), understanding it instead as a social unit articulated by issues of race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality and (re)produced with spatial and temporal specificities.

This course demystifies college by focusing on three areas: 1) benefits of undergraduate research, 2) how to capitalize on the college experience, and 3) how to prepare for post-baccalaureate opportunities. Specifically, this course will teach students the elements of a research proposal by guiding them with original research. Moreover, students will learn strategies to thrive as undergraduates by exploring interests as means to finding their passion. In addition, this course will decipher the graduate/professional school application process.

We will explore a number of readings across different genres (the novel, play, poem, short story, graphic novel). Students will endeavor to understand how each author defines Latinidad. What characterizes Latina/os for each of these writers and how do their works articulate the historical conditions out of which they emerge? How is Latina/o literature marked by notions of language, nationality, gender, sexuality, class, race, politics, form, and genre?

We will explore a number of readings across different genres (the novel, play, poem, short story, graphic novel). Students will endeavor to understand how each author defines Latinidad. What characterizes Latina/os for each of these writers and how do their works articulate the historical conditions out of which they emerge? How is Latina/o literature marked by notions of language, nationality, gender, sexuality, class, race, politics, form, and genre?

We will explore a number of readings across different genres (the novel, play, poem, short story, graphic novel). Students will endeavor to understand how each author defines Latinidad. What characterizes Latina/os for each of these writers and how do their works articulate the historical conditions out of which they emerge? How is Latina/o literature marked by notions of language, nationality, gender, sexuality, class, race, politics, form, and genre?

Italian designers from il bel paese (the beautiful country) have been at the center of the fashion industry for a long time. More than a business for Italians, fashion is intrinsic to their national identity. The notion of bella figura--appearing elegant and appropriate in any situation--is often considered a crucial aspect of being Italian. We explore cultural and literary trends that brought bella figura into national debate.

This seminar traces the evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through autobiography, novels, and film. It focuses on the birth of Israel and the creation of a Palestinian diaspora, Israel's war in Lebanon, and the mental and physical barriers that separate Israelis and Palestinians today.

We discuss selected film comedies in German from GRMST-231WC taught in English, Haunted Utopia? Weimar Cinema, as well additional films and TV-clips from contemporary German public media. The role of language in comedy should be particularly critical for us because of the issue of (un)translatability. Furthermore, our focus is on in-depth discussion and diverse readings of the films. All students will create a critique as an oral presentation in the form of a brief (1-2 page) position paper.