College Writing

Nate Eastman - Assistant Professor of English

What if we took popular culture seriously? In this intensive writing course, you explore a variety of theoretical perspectives (such as feminism, Marxism and postmoderninsm) on cultural practices. By using a "debate" model in class, you explore such topics as food and sustainability, women in advertising, and race in the media. This course requires daily writing, and is beneficial to confident writers and to those seeking extra practice and support. Through drafts and a variety of written assignments, you learn the basics of researching, arguing, and supporting an idea - indeed, the basics of college writing. See syllabus

Diversity: I Can Make a Difference

Shenita Piper - Associate Dean of Admissions; Director of Multicultural Recruitment

You hear about diversity all the time, but what is it, really?  How does it shape who you are and what you do?  In this course you engage in critical thought and discussion about social justice, respect for persons, race, ethnicity, cultural heritage, nationality, socioeconomic status, family structure, age, gender, sexual orientation, and religious and spiritual beliefs.  You also examine issues of equity such as oppression, power and privilege, and their intersections. Experimental exercises and discussion of readings, movies, and case studies help you understand the positive role cultural and physical diversity can have in your life. You then will be equipped to make a difference! See syllabus

Economics of Personal Finances

Rajaram Krishnan - Associate Professor of Economics and International Studies

Most teenagers think that they are too young to care about issues of long-term personal finance. That can be a costly premise. So, here is your opportunity to get a head start! In this course you deal with the economics of wealth accumulation, home ownership, and retirement planning. The couse explains the theoretical foundations of personal finance and provides you with practical strategies. By the end of the course you should be well prepared to embark on your own long range financial planning.

Environmental Geology

Meg Streepey Smith - Associate Professor of Geology

This course focuses on basic concepts in geology with an emphasis on the environment. You do field-related exercises that involve analysis of water, minerals, and a survey of local geology and its relationship to the environment. Laboratory and classroom assignments that use a variety of materials give you a better understanding of the relationship between earth processes, human activity, and environmental issues. The course culminates in a small group or independent research project on a topic that interrelates geologic processes, social, and environmental factors.

Exploring Human Behavior

Nelson Bingham - Professor of Psychology

Have you ever wondered why people act as they do? Psychologists offer four kinds of answers to this question: people influence each other through social processes; the physical environment affects us psychologically; one’s own personality has important effects on behavior; and, at the physiological level, the brain and nervous system determine our actions. In this course, you examine all four explanations through lectures, readings, films, hands-on activities, and discussion. Classical studies and contemporary research introduce you to the theories and methods of the field of psychology. A library project fosters skills in using psychological literature. See syllabus

Japanese

Akiko Kakutani - Professor of Japanese Language

Learning a language other than yours is an eye-opening experience. Learning a language very different from yours, such as Japanese, is challenging and exciting. You learn Japanese language and culture through interactive activities, and through group and individual projects with the help of reading and writing exercises. By examining films, animation, video programs and other resources, you find out about the lives of Japanese young people, their interests, their plans for the future, and ideas and attitudes they have in common with American young people.  Plus, you experience dining at a fine Japanese restaurant. No previous study required.

Philosophy and Film: Existentialism and the Western

Kevin Miles - Associate Professor of Philosophy

Dede Gardner, one of the producers of the film, The Assassination of Jesse James, makes the observation that "We're besieged by technology, iPhone this and robot that. We're figuring out how to exist without even talking to one another. Well, you can't do that in [westerns]. It's all about person-to-person confrontation" (Richard Corliss, “Too Tough to Die,” Time 20 September 2007).  People really do want their iPhones and their Skype precisely so they can talk to one another, but what these modern technologies sometimes replace is the in-person, existential confrontation of the face-to-face that we do see as a central theme in westerns. This course you explores Gardner’s thesis that the western is “all about person-to-person confrontation” by viewing both classic and contemporary westerns, as well as western motifs in films like The Matrix, paying particular attention to how emerging technologies influence and inform the storyline.  You also perform readings in existential philosophy highlighting how the western expresses a tension between freedom and developing technology in an effort to say something about how it is to be a human being.

Photography: Introduction to Black and White Photography

Walt Bistline - Artist in Residence in Photography

In this intensive introduction to black and white darkroom photography you explore the creative use of photography as a means of personal expression through a variety of projects. You learn how to use your camera’s controls to achieve the technical and creative results you want. You shoot and develop your own black and white film, and print your own enlargements in the college’s darkrooms. You are introduced to the fundamentals of art criticism as you talk about your photographs with the class and join in lively group discussions of your classmates’ work.  You also review the history of photography through a presentation of works by famous photographers. Film, photo paper and all necessary chemicals are provided for you. Please bring your own camera, one that allows you to manually change the shutter speed and aperture. (No digital cameras, please.) See syllabus

Spanish: Conversational

Rodolfo Guzmán - Associate Professor of Spanish

Spanish is not only a tool for communication but also a window into a fascinating culture. In this class, you improve vocabulary and conversational skills through discussions of various topics ranging from everyday interactions to political and cultural issues. You consider the cultural aspects of formal and informal greetings, culinary traditions, origins and meanings of holidays in the Hispanic world, and current political topics in Latin America. In addition to classroom discussions, you use library, film, and online resources to further your study.  You also interact with the local Latino community. You must have completed at least one year of high school Spanish.