Paleoclimatology -- the study of past climates -- is a multidisciplinary field that integrates geological, geochemical, geophysical, and biological tools to interpret Earth's climate history and the processes that have shaped it. This course examines how climate-related events are recorded in the floodplain sediments of the Connecticut River and how surrounding tree populations have responded to local and regional climate change. Using data from local weather stations and historical archives, students will analyze climate trends over the past century.

In this course, we will examine the role of molecular genetic analysis in the study of phenomena such as human disease (e.g., cancer), animal development, and gene regulation. We will also discuss new techniques for genomic analysis, including the science as well as the health, legal, ethical and moral issues involved. There will be group discussions of original research articles and review articles.

Film critics Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott contend that "movies may be male dominated, but images of men are surprisingly narrow." This course both explores various constructs of postmodern American masculinity as they are portrayed and disseminated through contemporary film, and seeks to understand some of what is at stake (culturally, ideologically, economically) in perpetuating certain cinematic archetypes. Of particular relevance to our investigation are the ways in which film yokes masculinity to race, gender, and class.

How do we know how the art music of Europe was performed 400 years ago? What does it mean to sing and play in a historically informed manner in the modern era? How do we improvise and ornament? How do we shape this music, expressing its style and drama? This course introduces a practical application of early music performance practice, and examines the historical, editorial, and theatrical aspects of masterworks such as Monteverdi's Orfeo, Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Jacquet de la Guerre's Judith, and more.

Physical computing requires the design of systems that integrate hardware and software components. By exploring sensors, such as a photoresistor to detect ambient light or an ultrasonic distance sensor to detect objects, and reactive elements, such as LEDs or motors, students will learn core principles of underlying physical computing design. Hands-on labs and design projects will provide students with the opportunity to make their own prototypes, supported by the resources of the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab.

The practice of a weekly day of rest dates back millennia. Today, the Sabbath beckons as an antidote to the relentless demand to be productive. This seminar explores the ideas, actions, and communal dimensions of the sacred day that anchors the seven-day calendar, focusing on Jewish texts and practices. Key themes include sacred time, cultural identity, and the transformation of religious life over time. Students explore the development of the Sabbath using narrative, folk, and legal primary sources and in experiential learning. Students will pursue an extended research project.

The practice of a weekly day of rest dates back millennia. Today, the Sabbath beckons as an antidote to the relentless demand to be productive. This seminar explores the ideas, actions, and communal dimensions of the sacred day that anchors the seven-day calendar, focusing on Jewish texts and practices. Key themes include sacred time, cultural identity, and the transformation of religious life over time. Students explore the development of the Sabbath using narrative, folk, and legal primary sources and in experiential learning. Students will pursue an extended research project.

The purpose of this class is to provide training for students to work with their peers on quantitative reasoning/methods across the curriculum. This training could result in participation as a formal peer mentor or course teaching assistant, or this training may support a student's own quantitative exploration. Explore different factors that impact persistence when working within a quantitative setting. How can interactions with peers support learning and build resilience? This course will bring together students from different majors to practice peer mentoring across disciplinary boundaries.

This introductory laboratory-intensive course will explore the process of doing scientific research in a molecular biology lab (which is relevant to many fields of science including neuroscience and other types of biomedical research). Students will learn numerous techniques in the lab, including DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digests, cloning, and basic microscopy. Students will engage in a semester-long laboratory research project within a cancer biology gene cloning context.