Illustrations surround us, occurring in picture books, scientific texts, fine art editions of books, magazines, and in the pockets of airline seats. Yet there is little philosophical reflection about illustrations and their functions. In this seminar, we will investigate the topic of illustration theoretically and practically. There will be readings, viewings, and studio sessions. Participants will be expected to take part in this approach, producing both written and studio work. Our approach will be eclectic, hoping to educate our eyes, minds, and bodies about this important use of images.

This is a survey course designed to introduce students to new directions within media studies. We will pay particular attention to what constitutes 'new media,' focusing on how scholars have worked to understand developments such as social media, YouTube, gaming, surveillance, apps and 'smart' technology, interactivity, celebrity culture, convergence, and the rise of biometrics.

This course is designed to introduce students to the economics of food and farming systems in the U.S. We will consider the dominant trends in United States agriculture, analyze the history and effects of the U.S. Farm Bill, and discuss the economics and policy behind sustainable alternatives in food system. Although the focus will be on the U.S. we will also discuss the international implications of the U.S. farming system as we look at the intersection of agriculture, climate change, and development.

This course explores a set of recently discovered documents that substantially changes our understanding of Christian/Muslim relations. We will read texts such as a Christian/Muslim debate, a bishop's letter on how to bribe Muslim rulers, and an exorcism account concerning demon-possessed monks. Students will be among the first in a thousand years to read these works providing them with a strong knowledge of the history of Christianity, of Islam, and of their first interactions with each other.

We will examine the feasibility of converting the entire energy infrastructure of the US from one that is dependent on fossil fuels to one that utilizes mostly renewable sources of energy. We will examine the potential scale of energy production and the associated costs, natural resource requirements and land usage needs for both renewables, such as solar, wind and biofuel, and non-renewables, such as coal, natural gas, petroleum and nuclear.

This course examines the landscape of American theater and its relationship to the politics of diversity in the US. We will study the theater work of Latina/os in the US to broaden our understanding of multicultural theater. In addition to studying dramatic texts, we will also consider the political implications of the work and its relationship to social activism. We will also look at theater companies whose primary missions are to produce Latino/a theater and the history of the representation of Latinos on stage in this country.

This course examines the landscape of American theater and its relationship to the politics of diversity in the US. We will study the theater work of Latina/os in the US to broaden our understanding of multicultural theater. In addition to studying dramatic texts, we will also consider the political implications of the work and its relationship to social activism. We will also look at theater companies whose primary missions are to produce Latino/a theater and the history of the representation of Latinos on stage in this country.

Yue Opera, an all-female art that flourished in Shanghai in 1923, resulted from China's social changes and the women's movement. Combining traditional with modern forms and Chinese with Western cultures, Yue Opera today attracts loyal and enthusiastic audiences despite pop arts crazes. We will focus on how audiences, particularly women, are fascinated by gender renegotiations as well as by the all-female cast. The class will read and watch classics of this theater, including Dream of the Red Chamber, Story of the Western Chamber, Peony Pavilion, and Butterfly Lovers.

This interdisciplinary seminar takes a close look at the connection between German literature and medicine. We will explore what it is to be an embodied being: a body that ails, a body that heals, a body confronted with finitude. We will examine the ways in which technological advances have forced us to rethink our definition of mental health, disability, and even death itself. In our age of transplantation, gene technology and dreams of immortality, what are the benefits and ethical pitfalls addressed by German literature and film?