"Who do you say that I am"? This question, which Jesus reportedly posed to his disciples, has remained compelling to generations of his followers as well as their detractors, and continues to challenge views of Christianity’s Christ to this day. This course examines some of the most prominent texts, images and films that have informed understandings of Jesus over the past two millennia and have contributed to making Jesus one of the most well-known yet enigmatic and controversial figures in history. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 25.

Offered as REL 140 and RES 140. Vladimir Putin and the Russia he rules remain poorly understood despite extensive media coverage. Moving beyond the headlines, this course examines the people, events, and trends that have shaped Russia from the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Particular attention is given to the resurgence of religion in public life and efforts to forge a new national identity in a post-communist, post-atheist state.

Offered as BKX 202 and PYX 202. This course focuses on various professional practice aspects of publishing, including manuscript submissions, selection, poetry craft and literary citizenship, through Nine Syllables Press, in partnership with the Boutelle-Day Poetry Center. Students learn about the publishing industry and contemporary US poetry landscape. Students have the opportunity to directly participate in reading and selecting manuscripts for a chapbook to be published by Nine Syllables Press. Preference given to Poetry and Book Studies concentrators. Cannot be taken S/U.

Offered as ENG 112 and PYX 112. This course offers the opportunity to read contemporary poetry and meet the poets who write it. The course consists of class meetings alternating with public poetry readings by visiting poets. This course does not count toward the English major. S/U only. Course may be repeated.

An introduction to research methods in political psychology. Includes discussion of current research as well as design and execution of original research in selected areas such as right wing authoritarianism, group consciousness and political activism. Prerequisite: PSY 202. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

This course examines both the psychological processes driving social change and prevention, and intervention strategies to promote social change. The course approaches social issues and social change from a psychological lens and explores strategies for intervention. Students engage with examples of interventions in areas of education, intergroup relations, and youth development. Previous coursework in education, developmental psychology, or social psychology is recommended. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12.

An introduction to research methods in clinical psychology and psychopathology. Includes discussion of current research as well as design and execution of original research in selected areas such as anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 201, PSY 202 and a relevant PSY intermediate colloquium course. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

This seminar focuses on a comprehensive understanding of the science, study and treatment of high-risk behaviors in severe psychopathology. Discussions include: alcohol/substance use, disordered eating, impulsivity, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Readings involve empirical studies and theoretical papers that have shaped the study of these behaviors and their relationship/presence in DSM-5.

This course examines scientific perspectives on how psychological and social factors influence the development and progression of physical health and illness. Discussions include psychosocial origins of health disparities, relationships and health, emotion and disease, and placebo effects. The course critically evaluates current empirical research and designs appropriate future studies. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Preference to those who have completed a health psychology course. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.