'The Oxford English Dictionary lists as its primary definition for 'adaptation': 'the bringing of two things together so as to effect a change in the nature of the objects.' This course considers the complex relationship between a source and its retellings, including the way in which such retellings permanently alter the source material and how each incarnation of a given narrative offers us a window of insight into a particular historical moment. Readings/films will include Macbeth, Frankenstein, The Silence of the Lambs, and No Country for Old Men.'

'This course will examine form and theme in the graphic narrative. Focusing on a small group of contemporary memoirs and novels, we will also analyze some antecedents, such as the early twentieth-century 'wordless novel'; relevant works in other media, such as documentary film; and selected secondary criticism. Topics will include: relations between word and image; constructions of time, space, and sequence; representations of gender and sexuality; depictions of memory, archive, and history.

'How does the body 'shape' who we are and does our identity shape our body? This course will explore the interacting relationship between the image of the body and body image with identity and sense of self. Drawing on personality theories, social constructivist thought, and feminist principles, this course will examine the intersections of self-image with a focus on gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, social class, size, age, and physical ability.'

'How can societies build lasting peace when they emerge from violent internal conflicts facing widespread trauma and loss of life, a disintegration of the social fabric, weakened state institutions, and broken economic structures? From Syria to Guatemala, countries around the world wrestle with this question. We explore the interaction and impact of key factors on the effectiveness of peace building in post-conflict environments: processes of transitional justice (e.g. amnesty, tribunals), forms of reconciliation and memory (e.g.

'The Middle East is a region full of diverse and beautiful styles of dance. Among these is bellydance, or Raqs Sharqi, derived from a wide variety of folkloric influences, and known primarily for hip and torso isolations and fast-paced shimmies. This class focuses predominately on American Cabaret and Egyptian Style methods of movement. Students will become familiar with famous classic Middle Eastern songs, modern pop music, and basic Arabic rhythms.

'This course will focus on learning by ear and playing the polyrhythmic traditional music of the peoples of southern Ghana, Togo and Benin, including sections of Adjogbo and Agbekor. All students will learn drum, rattle and bell parts, some songs, and some dance steps. Non-musicians are welcome; practice between classes is required. The group will perform in a workshop at the end of the semester.'

'Study and perform music for early strings, recorder, shawm, and other early music instruments from the medieval, renaissance and Baroque periods.'