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This course examines the legal status of women in the United States, focusing specifically on the 20th and 21st centuries. How has the law used gender, sex, sexuality, and race to legally enforce inequality between women and men (and among women)? We will examine the legal arguments feminists have used to advocate for legal change and how these arguments have changed over time, paying specific attention to debates about whether to make legal arguments based on formal equality, substantive equality, liberty, or privacy.

Who are America?s undocumented immigrants? Why do they come to America? Why do they leave their home countries? What?s it like being an undocumented immigrant in America? How do they interact with American institutions (e.g., police, schools, hospitals, churches, neighborhood organizations, social clubs, the labor market, etc.)? What are the laws constricting the life of an undocumented immigrant? What are their expectations, values, beliefs, assumptions and dreams? How do other American groups (other immigrants, natives) perceive undocumented immigrants?

Poetry can be a ?highly communicative, informed, visceral way of connecting with people while also keeping them entertained,? says award-winning slam poet Anthony Anaxagorou. Today?s young adult poets are creating a variety of boundary-pushing forms of poetry (insta-, slam- and digital) to express and share their lived experiences, and young adult readers are engaging with this poetry in unprecedented ways. This seminar considers contemporary poetry thematically, and as it relates to the experiences of people transitioning to college life.

What does it mean to be happy and successful in college? This course will explore concepts of happiness and focus on techniques that support our well-being. As we discuss what makes us happy, we will also consider how this can set the stage for resilience and success in college. Students will also learn about campus resources in this interactive class. There will be regular reflection assignments and discussions centered on self-care, growth mindset, goal-setting, balance and personal success.

Americans are spending significantly less time with friends than even a decade ago. What might explain this phenomenon, and what does it mean for us as members of a democracy? What exactly do we mean by ?friendship? and what role does it play in civic life? This one-credit course will explore friendship through a number of approaches including political theory, social and behavioral studies, and personal reflection. As a First-Year Seminar, this course will also consider what friendship and community means to us as members of the university.

Have you always wanted to learn to play the ukulele? Do you love to sing by yourself and with others? This seminar will help students explore their musical side in a fun and supportive environment. Students will: (1) learn ukulele basics, including tuning, chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking, as well as a variety of songs they can play and sing by themselves or with others; (2) learn about the history of the ukulele and its iconic performers and ensembles; (3) create and perform their own ukulele and vocal cover song arrangements.