Social Norms, Social Change

How might we understand ecosystems as kinship networks in which we are embedded? Both
eastern coyotes and beavers have been described as “keystone species.” What happens when we
think about them in relationship, not as separate species but as keystone kin? In this research
seminar, we will pay close attention to eastern coyotes, usually described as newcomers, and to
beavers, who were “exterminated” from New England then returned. We will track coyotes in
wetlands created by beavers, from the Wildlife Sanctuary to Quabbin Reservoir. We will watch

Just like other primates, humans fight most wars to control territory. But humans seem to be the only primates that intentionally destroy their enemy’s territory as a war strategy. So what brings humans to destroy the very territory over which they started a war? To answer this question, this research seminar will leverage insights from a diverse set of disciplines across several fields of study.

(Offered as COLQ 234 and LJST 334, Research Seminar) The United States, almost alone among constitutional democracies, retains death as a criminal punishment. It does so in the face of growing international pressure for abolition and of evidence that the system for deciding who lives and who dies is fraught with error. This seminar is designed to expose students to America's death penalty as a researchable subject.

Spring semester. The Department.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Intensive reading, writing

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Intensive reading, writing

Independent reading course.

Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Intensive reading, writing

An introduction to the Ancient Greek world through the lens (or funhouse mirror) of comedy and free expression. Humorous writing is unusually suited to give us access to otherwise underlit areas of Greek history and culture. Through its transgressions of norms and taboos, comedy makes the contours of these often unspoken rules visible to us. In its rejection of literary decorum, comedy revels in the grittiness of everyday life and explores marginalized identities: of women, the enslaved, foreigners, prostitutes, and so on.

An introduction to Roman civilization covering the culture of the Republic with a particular emphasis on the Augustan Age. Historical, biographical, artistic, literary, and philosophical aspects of this period of political and social upheaval will all receive attention. The readings will introduce students to some of the classics of ancient literature in translation. Three class hours per week.

Limited to 50 students. Spring semester. Professor Zanker.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference given to Classics majors.

Independent Reading Course.

Fall and spring semester. Members of the Department.

How to handle overenrollment: null