Roman Art and Archaeology

This course provides an introduction to the art, architecture, and archaeology of the ancient Romans. At its height, the Roman Empire controlled much of the ancient Mediterranean. As Roman power spread, so too did Rome's art and architecture. This course examines the major developments in Roman archaeology from the foundation of Rome through the growing Republic of Pompey and Caesar, the Rome of the emperors, and the rise of Christianity.

Ancient Near Eastern Mythology

Environmental crises like global warming, deforestation, and pollution are pushing ecosystems to the brink of collapse and endangering populations around the globe. Our present, though challenging to an unprecedented degree, is not the first time humans have faced crises related to climate, depletion of natural resources, and mass migration.

The Prophetic Voice

Is speech primarily a vehicle for ideas or is it an action that shapes societies and catalyzes power relations? In this course, we'll examine kinds of speech that have always pushed the boundaries. Students explore depictions of prophets and prophetic speech in the Hebrew Bible and in early Jewish literature, and will analyze how this ancient mode of harnessing the power of words has been given new life in modern American society, from the Civil Rights movement to viral video content.

Renaissance: Writers, Artists

What is the role of writers, artists, and intellectuals in society? Why are they called to actively participate in their communities' social and political life? Should they turn their works into instruments of propaganda, or should they instead lead public opinion and influence policymakers? In this course, we will investigate the intersections between political power and some of the most important works of medieval and Renaissance Italian literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Intermediate Tap

Intermediate Tap expands the movement vocabulary and technical skills of the beginner. Students increase rhythmic accuracy, coordination, and speed by practicing tap rudiments and double-time patterns. The class also includes satisfying time steps and breaks, traveling combinations, and some creative improvisation to deepen the dancer's connection to music. Students will learn at least one complete dance from the traditional tap dance repertory. Video performances by tap masters, past and present will be shown in class or assigned for out-of-class viewing.

Anthropology and Human Rights

This course explores anthropological approaches to human rights -- a key theme of transnational politics and international law. Anthropologists have contributed to discussions on human rights since the UN Declaration and the field has provided a vibrant platform to analyze ideologies, politics, and practices surrounding human rights. We will survey an array of anthropological studies that approach human rights from the perspective of cultural relativism, contextualization, advocacy, and practice.

Fascism

This course explores aspects of twentieth and twenty-first century culture in relation to Benito Mussolini's Fascist dictatorship. From Italian Futurism and imperialism, to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's historic political victory, we will follow the development of fascism and neo-fascism and discuss literary trends, architecture, activism and visual arts with some of the authors who lived through it.

Pompeii&Archaeol./Roman World

In 79 CE, the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving them for future rediscovery. This course examines the unparalleled evidence for Roman daily life that archaeologists have uncovered at these sites since the start of excavation in the 1700s -- including everything from public art and architecture to domestic spaces, farms, tombs, shops, graffiti, and even sewers.
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