Nearly 70% of Americans are obese or overweight. The distribution of the epidemic correlates strongly with poverty and access to high quality food. Students in this class will engage in directed literature research and discussion. Topics will start by examining risks factors for obesity including genetic, macro genetic/microbiome, societal (commercial, race, poverty). The goal of this course is to examine the obesity pandemic using a multidisciplinary approach with the aim of identifying any evidence for effective approaches to changing obesity rates.

The field of Hydrology has long separated the study of surface water (streams, lakes, etc.) from groundwater, despite the clear connection of these systems. Over the last two decades, surface water and groundwater have increasingly been viewed as a single resource, producing a myriad of new and exciting scientific work on the subject. The quantity and quality of surface water can affect the volume and chemistry of groundwater, and vice versa.

A thinker's guide to the Japanese script system (kana, kanji, and more). Covers history, orthography, analysis, and practical use, including tailored kanji-learning strategies for intermediate and advanced readers writers.

A thinker's guide to the Japanese script system (kana, kanji, and more). Covers history, orthography, analysis, and practical use, including tailored kanji-learning strategies for beginners and beyond.

Critical analysis is highly esteemed in Tibetan Buddhism; as the Buddha said: "Monks and wise men, just as a goldsmith would test his gold by burning, cutting and rubbing it, so must you examine my words and accept them, not merely out of reverence for me." Debate is a traditional technique in Tibetan monastic education for investigating philosophical concepts and sharpening analytical capacities. Taught by a Tibetan Lharampa Geshe, this is an experientially-based class presenting a challenging, interactive, and energetic approach to metaphysical and cosmic questions.