This course will focus on the writings of Black political thinkers in the Americas, Africa and Europe. Through critical examination of the conditions against, and contexts within, which the discourses of these thinkers are situated, this course hopes to arrive at some understanding of the principles, goals and strategies developed to contest and redefine the notions of citizenship (vis-à-vis the imperatives of race/racism and the global colonial formation), humanity, development, democracy, and freedom.

What is freedom? What makes freedom political? How has political freedom been understood over time? What are the obstacles on the way to freedom? Is freedom something we even desire? This course will introduce students to the concept of political freedom through diverse readings that include Greek tragedy, modern political thought, the Book of Exodus, Dostoyevsky's Grand Inquistor, and social science research.

Is engaging in business a moral activity? Is virtuous business activity that which is inherently virtuous or that which benefits society? Are there moral obligations surrounding how workers are treated? Is the ability of business to elevate our material standard of living a good thing?

Over the last two decades, the globalization of production and labor markets has made jobs and working conditions increasingly more precarious around the world. Against this backdrop we are now at the dawn of a technological revolution with potentially systemic impact on production, jobs, and livelihoods. Through analysis and hands-on activities, we study the impact of globalization and robotization on the future of jobs in the Global North and South. Where will the jobs of the future be?

Bread and circuses (panem et circenses) was a catchphrase in the Roman empire that described the political strategy of controlling an unruly populace through free bread and public entertainment.

This course investigates new methods of design intelligence specifically associated with digital design and fabrication technologies. The computer is used in its capacity as a design tool, encompassing both digital skills and design thinking. Skills with 3D modeling and 2D visualization softwares are developed through a series of cumulative design exercises. Prototypes are generated using plotters, laser cutters, and 3D printers to confront the reality of virtual constructions. Design discourse is introduced through complementary lectures, readings, and discussions.

Religion counts among anthropology's most central and enduring areas of interest. This course traces a history of anthropological attention to belief and ritual from the nineteenth century to the present. We will read classic and contemporary ethnographic studies of religious systems, covering topics that include spirits and animism, totemism, magic, witchcraft, mythology, taboo, sacrilege, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, religion and modernity, and secularism.

Recent controversies over climate change, genetically modified organisms, and cloning raise questions about how scientific knowledge shapes governance and political life. Historical research into controversies over evolution and race remind us that these questions are not new. The political status of scientific claims presents a basic problem for Western democracies. Through attention to a series of controversies, this course examines the often-fraught relationship between modern science and politics. Are science and politics intrinsically at odds?

This class challenges assumptions about death and dying as we examine its meanings and related practices in various cultural contexts. We will ask: what is universal about death and dying, and what is socially constructed? What can the social sciences, bio medicine, literature, the arts, and our own qualitative research tell us about the processes of dying, of grieving, and of providing care? In essence, what does it take to approach death?

Fall 2015 THEAT-282-01: Rehearsal and performance of a new adaptation and World Premiere production of Washington Irving's classic tale of horror, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, directed by Noah Tuleja. October 22-25, 2015Fall 2015 THEAT-282-02: Rehearsal and performance of No Exit December 3-6, 2015 Spring 2016 THEAT-282-01: Rehearsal and performance of Fefu and Her Friends--Feb. 25-28, 2016 Spring 2016 THEAT-282-02: Rehearsal and performance of Hereafter--April 14-17, 2016