Molecules, Cells & Systems

Students in this course investigate the structure, function and physiology of cells; the properties of biological molecules; information transfer from the level of DNA to cell-cell communication; and cellular energy generation and transfer. The development of multicellular organisms and the physiology of selected organ systems is also explored. In addition to attending lectures, each student participates in discussion sections that focus on data analysis and interpretation while integrating mechanisms across scales. Concurrent registration in BIO 133 recommended but not required.

Fascism, Gender and Sexuality

This course explores the use of gender in historical and contemporary fascist movements, examining the ways in which fascist movements construct images of "masculine" and "feminine" to shape ideology. We will look at the rhetoric of gender equity to enforce regression and oppression systems, and how these rhetorics are used as tools to enforce xenophobic and racist narratives against immigrants to the U.S. and Europe.

The Marriage of Figaro

In conjunction with the Five College Opera's Spring 2026 production of Mozart's 1786 opera Le Nozze di Figaro, this course will give students a thorough grounding in the adaptation of plays into operas, and the analysis of opera. We will undertake a close reading of Beaumarchais' play (in translation), da Ponte's libretto, Mozart's settings, and a number of historic and contemporary productions, in order to explore how operas work with and against their source texts, and also how opera analysis and dramaturgy can inform creative choices about music and staging.

Playwriting Studio

This playwriting course is designed for students with prior writing experience who are ready to dive more deeply into the art and craft of writing full-length plays across multiple genres in an advanced workshop setting.

Intro to Playwriting

What is a play and how do you write it?  In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of writing for the stage (voice, craft, and process), and study short plays. Students will gain an understanding of foundational aspects such as conflict, character, objectives, obstacles, and stakes. In parallel to learning elements of playwriting, students will read plays reflecting various periods, cultures and narratives, as well as critical theories around the craft of playwriting and theatrical forms.

LGBTQ Rights 1945-2020

(Offered as HIST 424 and SWAG 424) The LGBTQ Rights Movement in the U.S. has revolutionized the lives, rights, and representations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in modern life. Despite its transformative impact, few people know much of anything about the people, organizations, or legal issues involved in the struggle.

Reading the Romance

(Offered as  SWAG 365 and ENGL 372) Do people the world over love in the same way, or does romance mean different things in different cultures? What happens when love violates social norms? Is the “romance” genre an escape from real-world conflicts or a resolution of them? This course analyzes romantic narratives from across the world through the lens of feminist theories of sexuality, marriage, and romance.

Hist Asian Amer. Women

(Offered as HIST 348 and SWAG 348) This seminar will explore the intersections of gender, migration, and labor, with a particular focus on Asian American women in the United States (broadly defined to include the U.S.’s territories and military bases), from 1870 to the present. Through transnational and woman-of color feminist lenses, we will investigate U.S.

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