This course examines various strategies of literary representation through a variety of genres, including such traditional literary forms as the novel, lyric poetry, drama, and autobiography, as well as other cultural forms, such as film. Particular attention is given to student writing; students will write a variety of short essays on selected topics. Though the themes of specific sections may vary, all sections seek to introduce students to the terminology of literary and cultural discourse.

This course examines various strategies of literary representation through a variety of genres, including such traditional literary forms as the novel, lyric poetry, drama, and autobiography, as well as other cultural forms, such as film. Particular attention is given to student writing; students will write a variety of short essays on selected topics. Though the themes of specific sections may vary, all sections seek to introduce students to the terminology of literary and cultural discourse.

Affect theory offers a varied and rich critical language to explore how emotion circulates within and among human bodies-and nonhuman ones as well. If emotions operate through bodily changes and chemical exchanges, then animals and nonhumans might similarly be seen as bodies replete with affective materials in motion and at rest. In this course we will read through an array of affect theory from cognitive science, animal studies, and posthumanist debates on the affect of objects.

Educators bring our whole selves when entering educational spaces. With us, we bring lived experiences and social identities as well as expectations, ideals, and emotional reactions to oppression (Adams et al., 2007). Whether implementing a curriculum or policy, this course will assist future educators and policy makers in exploring social identities within their intended roles in education. Frameworks and theories around oppression and liberation will be used for reflection and action related to racism, classism, gender, and adultism.

A history of the Jews from the 16th century to the present. Jews--a small group, lacking a stable geographical or political center--played a remarkably central role in world events. Jewish history exemplifies questions of tolerance, intolerance, and diversity in the Modern Age. From Europe to the Americas to the Middle East, Jewish history witnessed constant interchange between the non-Jewish world and its Jewish subcultures. We will examine a variety of Jewish encounters with the modern world: integration, assimilation, anti-Semitism, and Jewish nationalism.

A history of the Jews from the 16th century to the present. Jews--a small group, lacking a stable geographical or political center--played a remarkably central role in world events. Jewish history exemplifies questions of tolerance, intolerance, and diversity in the Modern Age. From Europe to the Americas to the Middle East, Jewish history witnessed constant interchange between the non-Jewish world and its Jewish subcultures. We will examine a variety of Jewish encounters with the modern world: integration, assimilation, anti-Semitism, and Jewish nationalism.

There's a low buzz; we feel nervous. Is this capitalism's end? Have zombie silhouettes hit the horizon yet? Keep checking. Anthropology narrates collective feelings, gives form to the ambience. But what's the ambience of late industrialism; what's it feel like to collapse? As we watch factory buildings crumble, we wonder whether the tap water's clean. The question of how to write the world (anthropologically-speaking) must also be a question of how to survive, thrive, and even flourish. Archaeologists have long explored decadence, collapse, and ruins.

This seminar develops skills in the use of primary materials for musicological, ethnomusicological, and/or theoretical research; in critical engagement with published scholarship; and in the communication of original research to a wider community. Collaborative inquiry on a specific interdisciplinary topic provides the context from which each student fashions a substantial independent project, often with a practical or public component. This year, the topic is musical settings and adaptations of Shakespeare from 1590-1800.

This seminar will explore same-sex politics in Africa. Drawing on seven recently published books, we will discuss morality, politics, social justice, transnational social movements, and political homophobia. We will also explore policy documents, public opinion data, and media coverage (both international and local). Students will write original case studies about the situation for same-sex practicing people in an African country of their choice.