May 16, 2024

2010-2011

2010-2011 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

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Political Science
	POL 345 - Evolution and Practice of U.S. Policy in the Americas Instructor Crandall This course traces the evolution of United States involvement in Latin America beginning with the War of 1898 and continuing through the present day. It focuses on recent US-Latin American issues such as the war on drugs, undocumented immigration, and intermittent U.S. interventions in the hemisphere.
	POL 346 - American Foreign Policy Instructor Ortmayer Analysis of the foreign policy process, bureaucratic politics, executive-congressional relations and selected foreign policy problems in a discussion–intensive approach using case studies (e.g. interventions in Haiti and Somalia, South African sanctions, Cuba Missile Crisis).
	POL 347 - International Organization Instructor Menkhaus Survey of theories of international cooperation, conflict, and organization; the historical evolution, functions, and current politics of key international organizations, especially the United Nations; U.S. foreign policy toward the U.N.; and selected issues and case studies with a focus on the politics of intervention and international peacekeeping.
	POL 348 - Contemporary National Security Instructors Menkhaus, Ortmayer Analysis of global security threats, the nature of contemporary warfare, and debates over U.S. national security policies. Emphasis will be on case studies from the post-Cold War era.
	POL 349 - The International Relations of the Asia Pacific Instructor Rigger Considers the foreign policies of and relationships among nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Prerequisites & Notes Counts towards the Asian Studies concentration.
	POL 360 - The Latin American Political Novel Instructor Crandall This course analyzes the political messages and discussions within some of Latin America’s most widely read works of fiction. The course also examines the broader political, economic, and social context in which these stories take place. The novels will be read in English translation. Prerequisites & Notes Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement, Ethnic Studies Concentration, and International Studies Concentration.
	POL 380-382 - Topics in International Relations Instructor Staff An upper division course dealing with a topic in international relations. Past courses have included Causes of War, International Law, and Terrorism in the 20th century.
	POL 390 - Tutorial Instructor Staff Individual programs of supervised study conducted through the preparation and discussion of a series of essays under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of the tutorial. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. (Offered every semester.)
	POL 393 - Symposium: Davidson in Washington Instructor Staff A symposium on topics of contemporary politics conducted in Washington as part of the summer program of Davidson in Washington. Possible topics include: National Security, Citizenship in the 21st Century, Justice and the Family.
	POL 450-459 - Political Theory Instructors Ahrensdorf, Shaw Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Past seminars include “Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy,” “The City and Justice,” “Kant,” and “Politics and Heroism.” Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year.
	POL 460–469 - American Politics Instructors Roberts, Sellers, Thornberry Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Past seminars include “Politics of Reproduction,” “Southern Politics,” and “Political Manipulation of the News.” Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year.
	POL 462 - Politics and the Novel: Africa Instructor Thornberry Prerequisites & Notes Satisfies cultural diversity requirement.
	POL 470-479 - Comparative Politics Instructors Crandall, Menkhaus, Mossige, Padhy, Rigger Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Past seminars include “Conflict in the Andes,” “European Integration,” and “US-Taiwan-China Triangle.” Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year. POL 471, 475, and 479 satisfy the cultural diversity requirement.
	POL 480-489 - International Politics Instructors Ortmayer, Rigger Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Past seminars include: “International Political Economy,” “U.S. National Security Policy,” “Conflict Resolution,” and “Humanitarianism and War.” Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year. POL 482 satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.
	POL 495 - Advanced Independent Study Instructor Staff Research leading to the submission of a major paper under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of the independent study. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor required.
	POL 498 - Honors Thesis Instructor Staff Required of and limited to seniors in the Honors Program. Thesis is written under supervision of an appropriate instructor and is defended orally before at least two members of the political science faculty.
Psychology
	PSY 101 - General Psychology Instructor Staff Survey of the current psychology of learning, perception, motivation, intelligence, thinking, social and abnormal behaviors, with emphasis on the application of scientific methods to psychological investigation and on the biological bases of behavior and experience. Students may be required to participate in experiments or in alternative research experiences. Prerequisites & Notes (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 195 - Independent Study Instructor Staff Study in an area of psychology not covered by other catalog offerings under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of the independent study. Students submit a written plan of study to the faculty member prior to the close of Drop/Add in the semester of registration. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101 and permission of supervising instructor. Does not count toward fulfillment of major or distribution requirements. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 231 - Abnormal Psychology Instructor Barton Characteristics, etiology, and treatment of major patterns of maladaptive behavior (anxiety disorders, depression, antisocial behavior, schizophrenia, etc.). Theoretical and empirical evidence for understanding causality and treatment. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 232 - Social Psychology Instructor Palmer Social influence upon individual behavior. Attitude formation and change; attitude measurement; conformity; communication processes and persuasion; prejudice; violence and helping behavior; cooperation-competition; group dimensions; person perception; and attribution theory. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 234 - Child Psychopathology Instructor Staff An overview of the psychological disorders of childhood, including their description, classification, etiology, assessment and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical and empirical bases of these disorders, focusing on relevant research methods and findings as well as case history material. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2010-11.)
	PSY 236 - Family Psychology Instructor Staff This course explores family processes and relationships from a developmental prospective. Psychological theory and research methods that pertain to the study of marriage and parenting are critically examined. Ecological systems theory and family diversity are emphasized. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2010-11.)
	PSY 241 - Child Development (=EDU241) Instructor Ault (Cross-listed as Education 241). Individual development of normal children with emphasis on learning, social and emotional development, cognitive and language development. Special study of behavioral, social learning, and cognitive theories of development. Includes observations at local day-care centers or equivalent projects. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 243 - Adolescent Development (= EDU 243) Instructor C. Martin (Cross-listed as Education 243) An in-depth examination of specific theories, concepts, and methods related to the period of adolescence. Students will explore a wide range of topics including: cognitive development, moral development, identity formation, gender role, social relationships, and the effects of culture on adolescent development. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2010-11.)
	PSY 245 - Psychology of Aging Instructor Multhaup Introduction to human aging from a psychological perspective. Adult age-related changes in memory, intelligence, wisdom, personality, etc. Attitudes toward aging and adjustment to aging. Emphasis on the application of scientific methods to the study of aging. Students with credit in Psychology 319 may not enroll in Psychology 245. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 254 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology Instructors Boyd, Kello, Tonidandel Current theory, research, and practice in the selection, training, and evaluation of employees; management and development of employees as resources for the organization; design and development of the organization as a whole. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 260 - Organizational Development Instructor Kello Organizational Development (OD) is a multi-disciplinary area of research and practice that deals with the understanding and application of the principles of behavioral science to planned organizational change. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101, 254 is desirable but not required. (Not offered 2010-11.)
	PSY 276 - Cognitive Psychology Instructors Multhaup, Munger Introduction to cognitive psychology. Structure and processes underlying cognition including perception, memory, attention, language, problem solving, imagery, etc. Emphasis on theories and empirical evidence for understanding cognition. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 282 - Learning Instructors Ramirez, Smith Overview of major topics in learning: elicitation, classical conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, problem solving, behavioral economics, and verbal behavior. Focus on empirical data, research methodology, and technologies generated from learning research. Students with credit in Psychology 305 may not enroll in Psychology 282. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 284 - Drugs and Behavior Instructor Smith The course examines the effects of drugs on human and animal behavior. Consideration is also given to the physiological effects of drugs on the central nervous system. Methods for preventing and treating drug abuse are also addressed. Students with credit in Psychology 302 may not enroll in Psychology 284. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 290 - Practicum in Psychology Instructor Staff Field work and/or data collection in an applied area of psychology. Before the close of Drop/Add in the semester of registration, the student submits a written plan of study to the supervising faculty sponsor and negotiates a placement with a field supervisor. The student makes regular visits to the field setting (e.g., a school, clinic, business) for the work and reports regularly to the faculty sponsor. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of faculty sponsor. Grading is pass-fail. This course may be taken only once. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 301 - Psychological Research-Perception and Attention Instructor Munger Research methods, concepts, and empirical findings in perception and attention are examined in lecture and extensive laboratory experience. Course explores how a physical stimulus impinges on sense organs and is subsequently processed and understood by perceptual systems (e.g., how do we “see” things?). Participation in research as subjects and experimenters is required. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Spring)
	PSY 302 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Pharmacology Instructor Smith Students conduct experiments on the effects of drugs on human and animal behavior. Scientific writing is a strong focus in this course, with students writing research reports on each experiment. Students are required to propose a novel line of research in the form of a research proposal. Studies conducted in other behavioral pharmacology laboratories are discussed and critiqued. Some work with animals is required. Students with credit in Psychology 284 may not enroll in Psychology 302. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Spring)
	PSY 303 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Neuroscience (= BIO 331) Instructor Ramirez (Cross-listed as Biology 331). Role of the nervous system; sensory and motor mechanism; physiological bases of motivation and emotion; sleep and arousal; and physiological bases of learning, memory, and language. Extensive laboratory training. Work with animals is required. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101 or Biology 111 or Biology 112 and permission of the instructor. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Fall)
	PSY 304 - Psychological Research-Memory Instructor Multhaup Research methods, concepts, and empirical findings in the field of memory are explored in lecture and extensive laboratory experience. Emphasis is on human memory. Participation in research as subjects and experimenters is required. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Fall)
	PSY 305 - Psychological Research-Learning Instructors Ramirez, Smith The major learning theories of the 20th century will be explored. Particular attention will be paid to the theories of Thorndike, Pavlov, Skinner, Tolman, Hull, Hebb, and Bolles. The empirical data supporting these theoretical frameworks will be assessed. This is a laboratory intensive course involving animals. Students with credit in Psychology 282 may not enroll in Psychology 305. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Not offered 2010-11.)
	PSY 310 - Psychological Research-Design and Analysis Instructors Barton, Tonidandel Introduction to psychological research. Descriptive, correlational, and experimental methods of research will be examined. Primary focus on data analysis including descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with emphasis on analysis of variance. Mandatory weekly computer lab. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. Recommended in the sophomore, or no later than junior, year for majors. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 314 - Psychological Research-Clinical Instructor Barton Research methodologies and statistical techniques used in clinical research. Ethical and practical constraints to the empirical study of clinical problems. Students critique empirical articles in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Medicine in lecture/discussion and develop skills with multivariate statistics. Required participation in research experiences as subjects and investigators. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 231 (or permission of the instructor) and 310. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Fall)
	PSY 315 - Psychological Research-Child Development Instructor Ault Research methods for studying child development are examined in lecture, laboratory and field settings. Methods include observations, interviews, and experiments with emphasis on ethical implications of research with children and research designs commonly used by developmental psychologists. Course requirements include participation in research as investigators. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 310. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Spring)
	PSY 316 - Psychological Research-Industrial/Organizational Instructor Tonidandel Research methods and statistical techniques used in industrial/organizational psychology examined through lectures, laboratories, and field studies. Students gain knowledge and experience in research methods used in these fields. Students will be expected to apply these techniques and methods to complete individual research projects. Ethical and practical issues in organizational research discussed. Course requirements include participation in research as investigators. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 310 required, Psychology 254 and/or 260 recommended but not required. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Spring)
	PSY 318 - Psychological Research-Social Instructor Palmer Research methods and statistical techniques used in social psychology are examined through lecture, laboratory, and field research. Students will gain knowledge in formulating research questions, translating them into research methodologies, data collecting, and analysis. Comparative strengths of different methodologies, ethical issues, and scientific writing will be emphasized. Course requirements include participation in research as investigators. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 310. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Fall)
	PSY 319 - Psychological Research-Adult Development Instructor Multhaup Research methods, concepts, empirical findings, and ethics for studying adult development (focus on younger and older adulthood) are explored in lecture and laboratory settings. Course requirements include participation in research as investigators. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. Students with credit in Psychology 245 may not enroll in Psychology 319. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. (Spring)
	PSY 323 - Animal Behavior (= BIO 323) Instructor Stanback (Cross-listed as Biology 323). An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior, concentrating on the adaptive nature of social systems. Laboratories include research projects on the behavior of animals in captivity and in the natural environment. Prerequisites & Notes Biology 111 and 112, or Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 324 - Functional Neuroanatomy (= BIO 332) Instructor Ramirez (Cross-listed as Biology 332). Intensive readings in molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and/or behavior. Students: 1) make classroom presentations of critical analyses of the course readings; 2) conduct laboratory research or hospital rounds; and 3) submit an annotated bibliography and a write-up of the laboratory project or term paper. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 303 (Biology 331) and the permission of the instructor. (Spring)
	PSY 330-349 - Tutorial Instructor Staff Intensive readings in a specific area of study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of research. Students submit a written plan of study to the supervising faculty member prior to the close of Drop/Add in the semester of registration. Open ordinarily only to advanced majors in psychology. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 350-380 - Advanced Seminars in Psychology Instructor Staff Topics announced in advance of registration. Recent seminars include: Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology, Clinical Psychopharmacology, Selection and Training in Organizations, Motivation and Attitudes in Work Organizations, Gender Identity, Reminiscence, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Cognition and the Arts, Psychology of Teamwork; Children and Televisual Media. Prerequisites & Notes Consent of instructor usually required. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 400 - Senior Thesis Instructor Staff Research, designed and conducted by the student, supervised by a faculty member, and reported in writing according to the form approved in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor and consent of an additional faculty member who serves on the student’s thesis committee. For further details, see the department web page. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 401 - Issues in Psychology Instructors Ault, Multhaup, Tonidandel Central issues in psychology which cut across previous course boundaries. Specific topics vary year by year. The course begins with a review of major approaches to psychology (e.g., Behaviorist, Biological, Cognitive, Evolutionary, Humanist, Psychoanalytic) and ethical principles that apply to a variety of situations that psychologists face. Prerequisites & Notes Limited to seniors except by permission of the department. (Spring)
	PSY 402 - History and Systems in Psychology Instructor Munger Development of psychological thought in the Western world and emergence of psychology as a scientific discipline. Course begins with ancient Greek philosophers and works through philosophical writings that led to psychology, explores the founding of psychology as a scientific discipline in the late 19th century, and follows its development in the 20th century. Readings include primary sources. Prerequisites & Notes Limited to seniors except by permission of the department. (Spring)
Religion
	REL 125 - Prophecy: Trajectories of Divine Concern Instructor Plank A study of prophetic literature in ancient Israel, early Christianity, and modern American culture that seeks to correlate prophetic experience of God and the expression of social critique in ancient and modern contexts.
	REL 130 - Introduction to the New Testament Instructor Snyder Critical and interpretive study of the history, literature, and beliefs of the early Christian movement. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add or to students who have taken Religion 230 or 231.
	REL 140 - Sin and Redemption in Christian Thought Instructor Foley An examination of how selected Christian authors from the ancient, medieval, Reformation and modern periods viewed the human dilemma and its divine resolution. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 141 - Introduction to Theology Instructor Poland Reflection on fundamental concepts and issues such as creation, God, human nature, faith, evil, salvation. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 142 - Autobiography and Religion Instructor Poland Introduction to the study of religion through close readings of selected religious autobiographies and investigations of their historical and cultural contexts. Readings may change from year to year. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 143 - Being Human Instructor Ottati This course explores the questions: What does it mean to be a human being? What does it mean to be a good one? Typical sources for study and discussion include the Book of Genesis, Darwin’s The Descent of Man, Reinhold Niebuhr’s The Nature and Destiny of Man, novels and films. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 150 - Introduction to Theological Ethics Instructor Staff An introduction to fundamental questions and methods of ethical inquiry and theological thinking on the moral life. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 155 - Issues in Religion and Science Instructor Lustig An examination of several proposed models of the relations between religion and science (conflict, contrast, convergence, confirmation). Analysis of challenges that modern physical and biological science pose to traditional understandings of creation, redemption, and divine purpose. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 170 - The Sacred Quest in Comparative Perspective Instructor Mahony Introductory considerations of the human search for meaning as reflected in religious expressions from Eastern and Western cultures. Particular attention is given to the role of the mythological imagination, sacred narrative, ritual, theological reflection, and philosophical inquiry in the realization of personal and communal identity. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add.
	REL 222 - Tragedy and Comedy in Biblical Narrative Instructor Plank A study of the tragic and comic dimensions of biblical literature. Special attention will be given to the Saul and David narrative and to the books of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther.
	REL 223 - Wisdom Literature Instructor Plank Israelite, Jewish, and early Christian wisdom writings. Particular attention to the sage’s search for meaning, the problem of unjust suffering, the purpose of work, the contours of blessing, and the significance of creation.
	REL 224 - The Psalms and the Self Instructor Plank A study of selected biblical psalms and their exploration of the fabric of human selfhood. Particular attention will be given to the psalms’ poetic construction of what it means to be a self and how they, in turn, offer transformative means for the self’s expression. Study will involve a close analysis of psalms as literary texts and intertexts as well as analysis of their function in given liturgical contexts. Major credit in Religion and satisfies a distribution requirement in Philosphy/Religion.
	REL 230 - Jesus and His Interpreters Instructor Snyder Representations of Jesus in the New Testament literature and in selected non-canonical works, with an emphasis on the diverse views of Jesus held by early Christians. The course concludes with selected forays into representations of Jesus in the visual arts and film.
	REL 231 - The Letters and Thought of the Apostle Paul Instructor Snyder Paul and his letters set in their Greco-Roman context with special attention to the social, historical, and religious environment in which Paul worked. Reflection on themes such as grace and law as they appear in later literature and culture.
	REL 232 - Parables in the Jewish and Christian Traditions Instructor Plank Selected parables in the Jewish and Christian traditions, including parables of Jesus, the Rabbis, the Hasidim, Kierkegaard, and Kafka. Emphasis on the religious significance of narrative.
	REL 242 - The Rise of Christianity (= CLA 272) Instructor Foley (Cross-listed as Classics 272). The theological and historical development of the early church from the New Testament period to the Council of Chalcedon (451 C.E.) with a focus on early controversies as revealed through primary sources.
	REL 244 - Modern Jewish Literature Instructor Plank Modern Jewish fiction, poetry, and literary theory with particular focus on modern Midrash and the significance of writing as a religious act. Selected texts from Yiddish, Euro-American, and Israeli literature include writings of I.L. Peretz, Sholem Aleichem, S. An-ski, I.B. Singer, Cynthia Ozick, David Grossman, and Amos Oz.
	REL 245 - Modern Christian Thought Instructor Poland Challenges to Christian belief and theological responses to them from the Enlightenment to the early twentieth century.
	REL 247 - Food in Religious Perspective Instructor Poland Examines food practices in various religious traditions; explores contemporary ethical dilemmas concerning what we eat.
	REL 248 - Christianity and Nature Instructor Poland Examines food practices in various religious traditions as displayed in scripture, tradition, and contemporary culture.
	REL 250 - Issues in Theological Ethics: Anti-Judaism, Anti-Semitism, and Zenophobia Instructors Garrone and Naso This course will combine historical, sociological, and theological perspectives on Christian attitudes toward Jews in Europe and the US, as well as recent prejudices against Muslim immigrants. Prerequisites & Notes Spring
	REL 252 - Prophetic Christianity in America Instructor Ottati A study of the theological ethics that contributed to the Social Gospel, Christian Realism, and the Civil Rights Movement in America. Resources include works by Walter Rauschenbusch, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as some secondary texts, recordings, and films.
	REL 256 - Religion, Ethics, and Medicine Instructor Lustig An introduction of basic themes, methods, and issues in religious bioethics. Exploration of ways that religious perspectives differ from, complement, or converge with secular approaches.
	REL 257 - Death, Dying, and the Afterlife Instructor Lustig This course explores religious, ethical, psychological, and cultural dimensions of dying, death, and the afterlife. It considers a range of topics, including scientific and religious perspectives on embodiment within the context of dying and death, varying definitions of death, and the ritual meanings associated with death.
	REL 258 - Vocation of Citizen and Soldier Instructor Ottati Theological and philosophical perspectives on civil government, war, and military service with readings from biblical and classical sources. Emphasis on recent essays on specific moral questions and issues.
	REL 260 - Religion in America Instructor Wills Historical survey of the American religious experience from colonial times to the present.
	REL 261 - African American Religious Traditions Instructor Wills The varied religious experiences of African Americans from pre-slavery through the Civil Rights movement.
	REL 262 - Imagining American Religion Instructor Wills A study of how people have portrayed the religious dimension of life through works of narrative fiction. Examines the various motives — religious, political, aesthetic, or otherwise — that guide American imaginings about religion.
	REL 263 - English Religion, 1500-1829 Instructor Foley Survey of English religion from the English Reformation to Catholic Emancipation, drawing on primary sources to examine such religious developments as Puritanism, the dissenting traditions, Anglicanism, Latitudinarianism, and Methodism.
	REL 266 - The Bible in America Instructor Snyder Examines the role the Bible has played in American cultural and religious life, including debates about gender, race, and creationism. Satisfies a major requirement in Religion and a core requirement in Philosophy and Religion.
	REL 270 - Classical Hinduism Instructor Mahony Historical, thematic, and theological consideration of selected aspects of classical Hinduism. Topics include concepts of divinity, the place in religious life of sacred narrative and ritual, the religious significance of the intellect and emotions, devotional sensibilities, the value and role of meditation, and ethical views.
	REL 271 - Classical Buddhism Instructor Mahony Historical and thematic study of Buddhist thought and practice in representative Asian cultures. Topics include the nature of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment, sectarian and philosophical developments, cultural values, psychological insights, contemplative practices, and ethical views.
	REL 272 - Introduction to Islam Instructor Zamir Theological and cultural study of Islamic history and religious expressions. Topics include the life of Muhammad, teachings of the Qur’an, developments in Islamic sectarianism, religious law and ethics, contemplative and ritual practices, and aesthetic values and expressions. Emphasis is on Islam before the rise of European colonialism, yet considerable attention is also given to Islam in the contemporary world.
	REL 275 - Jewish Religious Life Instructor Plank Historical, thematic, and semiotic study of Jewish religious practice. Special attention given to liturgy, prayer, ritual, and domestic piety.
	REL 280 - Chinese Religions Instructor Lye An introduction to Chinese religions with a focus on classical Chinese ideas and popular religious practices. The course introduces students to key teachings of Confucius, Mencius, Laozi and others and examines conceptions of what constitutes a good life, the individual’s place within the larger universe and the inter-related spheres of family, religion, medicine and politics.
	REL 282 - Tibetan Religions Instructor Lye Religion in the Tibetan and cultural historical spheres, with emphasis on the relationship between the Buddhist religion, with its historical roots in India, and the indigenous Tibetan religious and cultural traditions. Topics include historical and doctrinal foundations of Tibetan religions, sacred geography, holy persons institutions and contemporary issues.
	REL 301 - Perspectives in the Study of Religion Instructor Staff This course critically examines various methods, disciplines, and theories employed in the academic study of religion, focusing particularly on those approaches that locate religion in its social, cultural, and political contexts. Prerequisites & Notes Pre/Corequisites: Any two Religion courses OR permission of the instructor. Required of all Religion majors by the end of the junior year.
	REL 320 - The Genesis Narrative Instructor Plank A literary study of the book of Genesis, appropriating midrashic, intertextual, and post-modern strategies of interpretation.
	REL 321 - The Exodus Tradition Instructor Plank A literary study of the book of Exodus and its appropriations in biblical literature, midrash, Jewish and Christian ritual, and Holocaust iconography. Use of literary, midrashic, intertextual, and post-modern strategies of interpretation.
	REL 333 - Revelation and the Apocalyptic Imagination Instructor Snyder The ancient near eastern context for apocalyptic literature in canonical and non-canonical literature such as Enoch and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Close attention to the Book of Revelation and its modern (mis)interpretations.
	REL 335 - The Other Gospels: Lost Literature of Early Christianity Instructor Snyder Treats the gospel literature that did not make it into the New Testament: the Gospel According to Thomas, Gnostic gospels such as the Gospel According to Phillip, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene and the Gospel of Judas, infancy gospels, and lost Jewish-Christian gospels. It also considers the development of the categories “heresy” and “orthodoxy,” as well as the process of canonization.
	REL 341 - Religions of the Roman Empire (= CLA 378) Instructor Snyder (Cross-listed as Classics 378). Treats gospel literature that does not appear in the New Testament: the Gospel According to Thomas; Gnostic gospels such as the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, the Gospel of Judas, and the Gospel of Truth; infancy gospels. Includes treatment of the concepts of “heresy” and “orthodoxy,” as well as the process of canonization.
	REL 343 - Modern and Postmodern Theologies Instructor Poland A multidisciplinary examination of a contemporary theological issue; topics change each time the course is offered. Past topics include: feminist theologies, postmodern theologies, humans and other animals. Prerequisites & Notes Recommended preparation: either REL 141 or REL 245.
	REL 344 - Modern Critics of Religion Instructor Poland Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century critiques of religion. Figures studied may vary from year to year, but may include Nietzsche, Freud, and Marx among others. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to freshmen and sophomores until Drop/Add.
	REL 346 - Modern Jewish Thought Instructor Plank Selected Jewish thinkers and their negotiation of the issues of tradition and modernity from the Enlightenment to the post-holocaust period. Attention to figures such as Mendelssohn, Buber, Rosenzweig, Heschel, Fackenheim and Levinas.
	REL 347 - Christian Latin Writers (= LAT 277/377) Instructor Foley (Cross-listed as Latin 277/377). Reading and studying in Latin selected Christian authors from 200 to 600, including Tertullian, Cyprian, Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory the Great. Prerequisites & Notes Latin 201.
	REL 348 - Theories of Religion Instructor Staff Critical examination of the methods, disciplines, and theories employed in the academic study of religion, ranging from seminal works in the field to studies currently at the center of several ideological debates.
	REL 350 - Reformed Theology and Ethics Instructor Ottati A study of the signal and dynamic ideas, themes, and issues of the Reformed tradition in theology and ethics, with emphasis on the sovereignty of God, predestination, sin, grace, law, faithfulness, and political participation.
	REL 352 - Protestant and Roman Catholic Ethics Instructor Ottati Compares and contrasts Protestant and Roman Catholic approaches to theological ethics. Analyzes the historical, conceptual, and methodological similarities and differences in the two traditions, applying their distinctive perspectives to several contemporary issues.
	REL 353 - Theological Perspectives on Christian Faith Instructor Ottati Christian beliefs and moral norms as they are expressed by the Apostles’ Creed, The Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition to critical studies of the history and composition of these texts, this course also includes classical and contemporary interpretations of what they mean from Augustine, Martin Luther, and Thomas Aquinas to Rosemary Radford Ruether and Leonardo Boff.
	REL 354 - Major Figures in Theology and Ethics Instructor Ottati Each time it is offered this course explores the theology and ethics of a major figure, e.g., Jonathan Edwards, Karl Barth, H. Richard Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and James M. Gustafson. Resources come from primary texts, secondary texts, and some sound recordings.

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Course Descriptions

POL 345 - Evolution and Practice of U.S. Policy in the Americas

POL 346 - American Foreign Policy

POL 347 - International Organization

POL 348 - Contemporary National Security

POL 349 - The International Relations of the Asia Pacific

POL 360 - The Latin American Political Novel

POL 380-382 - Topics in International Relations

POL 390 - Tutorial

POL 393 - Symposium: Davidson in Washington

POL 450-459 - Political Theory

POL 460–469 - American Politics

POL 462 - Politics and the Novel: Africa

POL 470-479 - Comparative Politics

POL 480-489 - International Politics

POL 495 - Advanced Independent Study

POL 498 - Honors Thesis

PSY 101 - General Psychology

PSY 195 - Independent Study

PSY 231 - Abnormal Psychology

PSY 232 - Social Psychology

PSY 234 - Child Psychopathology

PSY 236 - Family Psychology

PSY 241 - Child Development (=EDU241)

PSY 243 - Adolescent Development (= EDU 243)

PSY 245 - Psychology of Aging

PSY 254 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology

PSY 260 - Organizational Development

PSY 276 - Cognitive Psychology

PSY 282 - Learning

PSY 284 - Drugs and Behavior

PSY 290 - Practicum in Psychology

PSY 301 - Psychological Research-Perception and Attention

PSY 302 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Pharmacology

PSY 303 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Neuroscience (= BIO 331)

PSY 304 - Psychological Research-Memory

PSY 305 - Psychological Research-Learning

PSY 310 - Psychological Research-Design and Analysis

PSY 314 - Psychological Research-Clinical

PSY 315 - Psychological Research-Child Development

PSY 316 - Psychological Research-Industrial/Organizational

PSY 318 - Psychological Research-Social

PSY 319 - Psychological Research-Adult Development

PSY 323 - Animal Behavior (= BIO 323)

PSY 324 - Functional Neuroanatomy (= BIO 332)

PSY 330-349 - Tutorial

PSY 350-380 - Advanced Seminars in Psychology

PSY 400 - Senior Thesis

PSY 401 - Issues in Psychology

PSY 402 - History and Systems in Psychology

REL 125 - Prophecy: Trajectories of Divine Concern

REL 130 - Introduction to the New Testament

REL 140 - Sin and Redemption in Christian Thought

REL 141 - Introduction to Theology

REL 142 - Autobiography and Religion

REL 143 - Being Human

REL 150 - Introduction to Theological Ethics

REL 155 - Issues in Religion and Science

REL 170 - The Sacred Quest in Comparative Perspective

REL 222 - Tragedy and Comedy in Biblical Narrative

REL 223 - Wisdom Literature

REL 224 - The Psalms and the Self

REL 230 - Jesus and His Interpreters

REL 231 - The Letters and Thought of the Apostle Paul

REL 232 - Parables in the Jewish and Christian Traditions

REL 242 - The Rise of Christianity (= CLA 272)

REL 244 - Modern Jewish Literature

REL 245 - Modern Christian Thought

REL 247 - Food in Religious Perspective

REL 248 - Christianity and Nature

REL 250 - Issues in Theological Ethics: Anti-Judaism, Anti-Semitism, and Zenophobia

REL 252 - Prophetic Christianity in America

REL 256 - Religion, Ethics, and Medicine

REL 257 - Death, Dying, and the Afterlife

REL 258 - Vocation of Citizen and Soldier

REL 260 - Religion in America

REL 261 - African American Religious Traditions

REL 262 - Imagining American Religion

REL 263 - English Religion, 1500-1829

REL 266 - The Bible in America