The definition of lyric in the Chinese tradition is the natural, direct expression and reflection of one's inner spirit as a result of a unique encounter with the external world. Through close, careful readings of folk songs, lyric poems, prose, and excerpts from a novel and a drama, students will inquire into how the spiritual, philosophical and political concerns dominating the poets' milieu shaped the lyric language through the ages.

A study of language, culture, and politics in the German-language media; supplemental texts and films reflecting the interests and academic disciplines of students in the seminar. Practice of written and spoken German through compositions, linguistic exercises, and oral reports. Conducted in German.

Various spatial and pictorial concepts are investigated through the oil medium. Prerequisite: 163 or permission of the instructor. A required fee of $25 to cover group supplied materials will be charged at the time of registration. Enrollment limited to 15.

A study of the current relationship between France and its former African colonies, with special emphasis on social, economic, political, and cultural issues. Through daily readings of French and Francophone African newspapers and magazines online, students will explore topics such as democracy, human rights, immigration, corruption, religion, sports, youth employment, the status of women, child labor, cooperation and new partnerships.

A gateway to more advanced courses. These colloquia develop skills in expository writing and critical thinking in French. Materials include novels, films, essays, and cultural documents. Students may receive credit for only one section of FRN 230. Enrollment limited to 16. Basis for the major. Prerequisite: FRN 220, or permission of the instructor. An introduction to works by contemporary women writers from Francophone Africa and the Caribbean. Topics to be studied include colonialism, exile, motherhood, and intersections between class and gender.

The Connecticut Valley region is rich with geologic features that can be reached by a short van ride from Smith. This is a field-based course that explores that geology through weekly trips and associated assignments during which we will examine evidence for volcanoes, dinosaurs, glaciers, rifting continents, and Himalayan-size mountains in Western Massachusetts. Students who have taken FYS 103 Geology in the Field are not eligible to take GEO 102. This class, when taken in conjunction with any other 100-level course, can serve as a pathway to the Geoscience major.

An exploration of the concepts that provide a unifying explanation for the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the formation of mountains, continents, and oceans. A discussion of the origin of life on earth, the patterns of evolution and extinction in plants and animals, and the rise of humans. Students planning to major in geosciences should also take GEO 102 concurrently.

This course is designed for seniors who have spent a semester or year in a Spanish-speaking country. We will introduce the methodology of digital storytelling, in which images and recorded narrative are combined to create short video stories based on students' study abroad experience. As a group, students will listen, watch, and read compelling personal stories and then write their own stories. A few of the classes will be technology workshops and presentations.

By permission of the director. Variable credit.

Admission by permission of the Program in Middle East Studies, normally for junior and senior minors in Middle East Studies, and for qualified juniors and seniors from other departments. Offered both semesters each year.