• Course Descriptions

SOC 329 - White Collar Crime

Analysis of social, ethical, and legal aspects of white-collar crime, perspectives and theories on causation, and consequences of variable social reactions. Ways in which societies attempt to investigate, adjudicate, and regulate this evolving phenomenon.

Prerequisites & Notes
Provides a distribution credit in the social sciences and major credit in Sociology.

SOC 330 - Sociology of Education (=EDU 330)

An introduction to the sociological study of education in the United States, including an examination of the school as an organization within a larger environment. Explores the link between schools and social stratification by analyzing the mutually generative functions of schools and considers how processes within schools can lead to different outcomes for stakeholders.

Prerequisites & Notes
Provides a distribution credit in the social sciences. Counts toward the Education Concentration.

SOC 340 - Education in African American Society (=EDU 340)

This seminar explores the social and historical forces shaping the education of people of African descent in the United States from slavery to the 21st century. We will examine values, beliefs, and perspectives on education across gender and class lines, individual and group efforts toward building educational institutions and organizations, hidden or forgotten educational initiatives and programming, and cross-cultural projects to promote literacy and achievement in African-American society.

Prerequisites & Notes
Provides a distribution credit in the social sciences.   Counts toward thecultural diversity requirement, Education Concentration and Ethnic Studies Concentration.

SOC 360 - Medical Sociology

Sociological factors of health and illness, social organization of modern medicine, sociological analysis of the role and status of medical and paramedical personnel in this country, and the social differences in the acquisition of medical aid and in the reaction to medical treatment.

Prerequisites & Notes
Provides a distribution credit in the social sciences. Counts toward the Medical Humanities Concentration.

SOC 370 - Theory in Sociology

SOC 372 - Feminist Theories

Introduces students to key concepts and debates within feminist social theory.  Explores the significance of gender within social life, how gender is produced at the individual and institutional levels , as well as feminist conceptualizations of ‘the good society.’ Addresses key questions of social theory including the relationship between individuals and social structures, the construction of identities, and the meaning of power.  Major credit in Sociology, Gender Studies Concentration, Social Science Distribution requirement.
 

SOC 380 - Sociology of Hollywood

Hollywood is more than geography; it is a vibrant, international network of people producing entertainment for fame and profit.  This seminar pursues a sociological analysis of the social space called “Hollywood”: its genesis, operation, and influence.  The class begins with an exploration of the construction of Hollywood itself (e.g., geographic beginnings, the studio system, industry occupations, and financial realities) and then considers the broader effects of the entertainment industry on contemporary American society (e.g., relations with governmental and religious institutions, structures in film production and distribution, and the interrelationship of the entertainment industry and popular culture).

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to first year students.

SOC 381 - Gender & Globalization

Explores the gendered effects of contemporary processes of globalization. Focusing primarily on women’s lives, we’ll look at how cultural, political, and economic globalizations are changing the landscape of gender relations. Students will become familiar with many of the current issues and debates in the transnational gender research, including the implications of economic development/modernization, neoliberalism, militarization, and population control agendas. Also examines work and labor, transnational families and care work, sexuality across borders, and struggles for human rights.

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to first year students.

SOC 382 - Men and Masculinity

This course explores how masculinity is constructed and how men are affected by these constructions. We consider whether constructions of masculinity differ by important social characteristics, such as age, race/ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. We also pay attention to the social context (e.g., schools, home, neighborhoods, workplaces, athletic venues) in which masculinity is created and maintained.  We will address issues such as: the evolution of manhood; sexuality and adolescent masculinity; poverty, mobility, and black masculinity; street life and violence; fatherhood politics; masculinity and sports media.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to first year students.

SOC 385 - Youth Cultures and Subcultures

This seminar explores youth as both objects and subjects of cultural production, addressing the various ways that young people consume, produce, and live in their cultures. In addition to learning about the meaning and significance of historic and contemporary youth cultural formations and subcultural groups, students will conduct extensive independent research projects, practicing several different sociological methods including ethnographic observation, in-depth interviewing, and discourse and content analysis.

SOC 388 - Fatherhood

This seminar focuses on the social, cultural, and historical study of fatherhood.  We start by breaking down stereotypes of fathers from the past and using this to reconsider modern fathers. As we consider current American society (mainly), we start with young men’s procreative consciousness (ideas and awareness about conception, pregnancy, abortion, and potential fatherhood). We consider fathers as gendered beings asking questions such as, can men mother? We discuss the experiences of stay-at-home fathers, gay fathers, stepfathers, and single fathers. Finally, we consider fathers’ rights movements.

SOC 390 - Qualitative Research Methods

This class provides students with training in qualitative field research methods, with an emphasis on participant observation and in-depth interviewing. Students will conduct their own semester-long empirical research projects, going through the entire process of research design, data collection, coding, analysis, and writing. Readings and class sessions will focus on both theoretical foundations and techniques of interpretive, qualitative research. One of the best ways to develop research skills is to get out there and try it, to reflect on the process as you go, and to talk about what is working and not working for you with a group of colleagues and peers. Therefore, students will have extensive opportunities to reflect on their own research practices, learning by doing.

SOC 391 - Survey Methodology

This course introduces students to survey research methods.  Sociology is based on empirical data.  Sociologists are trained to collect data in order to answer questions.  One of the most commonly used forms of data collection within sociology is the survey.  In this course, students will gain experience in designing a survey, sampling, administering a survey, and analyzing survey data.  Major credit in Sociology.

SOC 395 or 495 - Independent Research in Sociology

SOC 410-419 - Advanced Seminars in Sociology

Topics announced in advance.

Prerequisites & Notes
Third or fourth year standing and permission of the instructor.

SOC 420 - Issues in Contemporary Terrorism

SOC 430 - Race and Religious Faith

The seminar focuses on the historic Black Church in America as well as religion and migration among non-native, ethnic congregations (whether church, temple, or mosque) in order to examine the relations between race-ethnicity, religion, and broader civic society today. The course also examines the rare achievement of multi-ethnic/multi-racial religious communities. The broader and complex effects of politics and globalization, economics and financial pressures, citizenship and public life, prejudice and discrimination, media and technology, innovations and social change will be discussed throughout the course.

Prerequisites & Notes
Third or fourth year standing and permission of the instructor. Counts toward the cultural diversity requirement.

SOU 310 - India: Past and Present

SOU 354 - Issues in Contemporary India

SOU 385 - Public Health in India

SOU 396-399 - Independent Study

SPA 101 - Elementary Spanish I

An introduction to speaking, understanding, reading, and writing Spanish. Requires attendance to Assistant Teacher sessions twice a week and online work through the Language Resource Center.

SPA 102 - Elementary Spanish II

Development of further skills in speaking, understanding, reading and writing Spanish through a review of grammar and readings in the literature and culture of Spain and/or Latin America. Requires attendance to Assistant Teacher sessions twice a week and online work through the Language Resource Center.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 101 or its equivalent.

SPA 103 - Intensive Elementary Spanish (2 credits)

Intensive introductory course equivalent to Spanish 101 and 102. Meets six class-hours per week plus four hours weekly with an Assistant teacher. Completes two semesters of Spanish in one semester. Counts as two courses.

SPA 201 - Intermediate Spanish

Extensive reading and discussion in Spanish of texts of moderate difficulty in the culture and literature of Spain, Latin America and US Latino literature; grammar study; extensive conversation practice. A combination among conversation sessions, online work through the Language Resource Center, and service learning may be required. Meets the degree requirement for proficiency in foreign language.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 102 or its equivalent.

SPA 203 - Advanced Intermediate Spanish Abroad

SPA 219 - Independent Study: Language and Linguistics

Study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who approves the topic(s) and determines the means of evaluation.

SPA 241 - Latin American Literature in Translation

Selected works of Latin American literature in English translation. Readings and class discussions are in English.

Prerequisites & Notes
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 244 - U.S. Latino Literature in English

Reading and discussion of a variety of texts to develop a general idea of the complex experience of people of Latin American background living in the United States. Readings and instruction in English. 

Prerequisites & Notes
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 260 - Conversation and Composition

Writing-intensive course in Spanish. Training and practice to develop fluency, accuracy, and expressiveness in oral and written communication. Requires conversation session with an Assistant Teacher once a week. Strongly recommended for students planning to study abroad.
The department suggests that this course be taken before 270. 

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 201 or its equivalent. (Fall and Spring)

SPA 270 - Introduction to Hispanic Literatures and Cultures

Reading and discussion of works by Spanish, Latino and Latin American writers. Introduction to cultural, historical, and textual analysis of Hispanic literature’s and cultures.  Research papers in the target language. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 or its equivalent. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. (Fall and Spring)

SPA 272 - Intermediate Seminar in Spanish Cultures

SPA 302 - Advanced Grammar

Problems in Spanish grammar and idiom-building, particularly those faced by English-speaking people; problems of translation; an overview of Spanish phonetics; and a brief study of the evolution of the Spanish language. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 or its equivalent.

SPA 303 - Advanced Grammar, Translation and Composition

Writing-intensive course.  Review, expansion, and fine-tuning of grammatical knowledge; building and use of a growing body of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 or its equivalent.

SPA 320 - Spanish Literature Through the Golden Age

Major works from medieval times through the seventeenth century, studied against a background of historical developments and literary currents. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents. (Fall)

SPA 321 - Theater of Spain’s Golden Age

Development of 16th and 17th century Spanish theater, including works by Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Tirso de Molina, Ruiz de Alarcón, and Calderón de la Barca. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 322 - Cervantes

Advanced study of Don Quixote and the literary criticism it has generated. Other works by Cervantes may be included. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 329 - Independent Study: Spanish Literature prior to 1700

Independent study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who approves the course content, and the research project, and determines the means of evaluation.

SPA 330 - Modern Spain

Thematic introduction to the culture, literature, and fine arts of Spain since 1700. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 331 - Twentieth and Twenty-first Century Spain

Writers of the early decades, the Generation of 1927 and the Spanish Civil War, the Franco and democratic years, into the 1980s, 1990s, and the new century films.  Study and analysis of socio-historical, ideological, and cultural contexts. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 339 - Independent Study: Spanish Literature since 1700

Instructor
Staff

Independent study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who approves the course content, and the research project, and determines the means of evaluation.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 340 - Latin American Literature I

SPA 341 - Latin American Literature II

Ideas, aesthetics, and theoretical interpretations that have shaped Modern Latin American literatures and other cultural expressions from 1900 to the present. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. (Spring)

SPA 343 - Contemporary Latin American Novel

Most important literary works of major contemporary writers from Latin America studied against a background of recent history and relevant ideologies and Theoretical interpretations. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 344 - Latino Culture in the U.S.

Study of the development of a distinctive Latino culture in the United States; Latino culture as a form of dialogue between the United States and Latin America. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 or 270 or their equivalents. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 346 - Latin American Theatre

Study of the most important Latin American playwrights, plays and performances within the ideologies and aesthetics that have shaped contemporary Latin American theatre. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 347 - Hispanic Theatre and Performance

The course expands the communicative, interpretive, and analytical Spanish language skills of the students by using the most recent studies about contemporary Hispanic theatre theories and practices. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 349 - Latin American Literature - Independent Study

Study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who approves the course content, and the research project, and determines the means of evaluation.

SPA 350 - García Lorca and His Generation

SPA 352 - Contemporary Latin American Cinema

Exploration of the cinema and film making traditions of Latin America since the 1950’s with specific attention to the aesthetic media, political debates, and histories of national film industries.  Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 or 270 or their equivalents. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 353 - Contemporary Spanish Film

Spanish film from the 1960s through the 1990s and into the new century, focusing on exiles from Republican Spain after the Spanish Civil War and on Spain’s national identity during the years of democracy until contemporary times. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 354 - Dying of Love in Medieval Spain

Literary representations of love and death during the Spanish Middle Ages, with special emphasis on the 15th century sentimental novel.  Interdisciplinary theoretical approaches.  Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 355-359 - Seminar on Special Topics

An area in literature or culture outside the content of other core courses. Subject announced in the Schedule of Classes. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 361 - Civilization of Spain

Reading, discussion, visual representations, and student research on Spain’s social, economic, political, and religious life, and the fine arts. May follow a thematic or historical model. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 369 - Hispanic Cultures - Independent Study

Independent study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who approves the course content, and the research project, and determines the means of evaluation.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

SPA 374 - Caribbean Peoples, Ideas, and Arts

Literatures and arts, ideas, and socio-economic structures in the Caribbean islands and rimlands (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Central America). Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 375 - Latin American Women Writers

An examination of genre, gender, and representation in women’s writing in Latin America from the 20th century to the present.  Latin American Women’s textual and visual narratives: Practices and Theoretical Frameworks. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

SPA 393 - Advanced Language Seminar

(Summer in Spain Program) Advanced language and composition course. Students will take advantage of their immersion experience for their writing and discussion.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and concurrent enrollment in Spanish 394.

SPA 394 - Advanced Seminar in Spanish Cultures

(Summer in Spain Program) An advanced course in Spanish culture studied through film, literature, music, and periodicals with a focus on contemporary culture.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and concurrent enrollment in Spanish 393.

SPA 401-410 - Seminar on Special Topics

Research-oriented advanced seminar in an area of literature or culture outside the content of other core courses. Specific Topics for the advanced seminar vary each semester. A substantial final research project will be conducted.

Prerequisites & Notes
Any two literature or culture courses. Limited to Juniors and Seniors. (Fall and Spring)

SPA 429 - Independent Study

Special topics, themes, a genre, or a single figure in literature, history, or culture, outside the content of other courses under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who approves the topic(s), the research project, and determines the means of evaluation. Open to senior majors.

Prerequisites & Notes
Any two literature or culture courses, or approval of the chair and the instructor.

SPA 490 - Senior Seminar

Intensive seminar of theoretical, literary, and cultural texts. Research is centered around a theme which will vary each year. A substantial final research project will be conducted.

Prerequisites & Notes
Limited to Senior Spanish Majors. (Fall)

SPA 498, 499 - Senior Honors, Tutorial, and Thesis

Research for and writing of the honors thesis begins in Spanish 498 (in the spring of the junior year or the Fall of the senior year) and is completed in Spanish 499 during the last semester of the senior year. Spanish 498 requires a thesis outline, annotated bibliography, progress reports, and an introductory chapter. A presentation of the honor thesis project at the end of Spanish 498 is expected. Spanish 499 requires an oral examination by a committee of department professors on the completed honor thesis.

DAN 101 - Introduction to Dance

This course provides an introduction to creative and analytical components to the art and artistic world of dance. Through lectures, readings, discussions, attendance at performances, and critical writing students will build a well-rounded, foundational understanding of the creative components and evolution of dance. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Dance History, Dance Theory, and Dance Appreciation. Satisfies the Fine Arts distribution requirement.

DAN 240 - Modern Dance Technique I

Developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Modern Dance allows both dancers and non-dancers to learn body movements for creative self-expression. This course provides an introduction to the basic principles and technical components involved in performing the Modern Dance Technique. Course work will include practice performance, readings, and some written work. Satisfies the Fine Arts distribution requirement.

DAN 340 - Modern Dance Technique II

Designed for students with prior dance training, this movement practice builds upon student awareness of the principles and techniques of modern dance. Emphasizing further development of personal skills and movement expressivity, course work will include studio practice, as well as readings, screenings and written work. Fine Arts Distribution Requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: Dance 240, or Permission of the Instructor.

THE 11 - Applied Theatre

THE 12 - Applied Theatre

THE 21 - Applied Theatre

THE 22 - Applied Theatre

THE 31 - Applied Theatre

THE 32 - Applied Theatre

THE 41 - Applied Theatre

THE 42 - Applied Theatre

THE 45 - Applied Theatre. Topics in Arts Management

THE 46 - Applied Theatre. Topics in Arts Management

THE 101 - Introduction to Theatre Arts

Course provides an introduction to the various creative elements of making theatre. Lectures, readings, discussions, videos, field trips, critical writing and laboratory work build understanding of the theatrical event and the fundamental components of stage production. 

Prerequisites & Notes
First-year students and sophomores only until 1st day of class.

THE 121 - Studio Theatre I

THE 201 - Exercises in Playcrafting and Performance

THE 221 - Studio Theatre II

THE 245 - Acting I

Study and application of the psycho-physical and emotional bases of performance. Emphasis on relaxation of the actor’s body, ensemble improvisation, freeing the natural voice, acting on impulse. The training will culminate in realistic scene work.

THE 250 - Play Analysis for Production

Examination of traditional methods of play analysis and their application in the development of production plans for a wide variety of theatrical scripts.

THE 261 - Modern Drama (= ENG 261)

THE 285 - 20th Century World Theatre and Drama

The course is a study of plays and theatrical theory from a range of geographic regions.  The course explores ways practitioners experimented with form and content in articulating their reactions to the human condition of the 20th century.

THE 295 - Independent Study

THE 335 - Fundamentals of Stage Design

Prerequisites & Notes
Class includes a once a week lab.  (Fall)

THE 345 - Acting II

THE 355 - Directing I

Fundamentals of directing for the stage, focusing on text analysis, blocking principles, the director-actor relationship, the director-designer conceptual process and scene work.

Prerequisites & Notes
Theatre 245 (Fall)

THE 362 - Theatre and Social Change

THE 371 - World Theatre History

THE 380-385 - Special Topics in Theatre

THE 381 - Advanced Acting Seminar

Advanced acting seminar exploring a variety of dramatic forms.

Prerequisites & Notes
Theatre 245.

THE 386 - Voice and Movement for the Actor I

Foundations of vocal technique and movement analysis for the actor.  Provides a working knowledge of anatomical and kinesiological principles pertinent to strong and healthy vocal production.

Prerequisites & Notes
Theatre 245. (Spring)

THE 390-398 - Independent Study

THE 391 - Independent Study - Advanced Acting

THE 392 - Independent Study - Advanced Directing

THE 393 - Independent Study - Advanced Design

THE 394 - Independent Study - Dramaturgy

THE 395 - Independent Study - Stage Management

THE 396 - Independent Study - Playwriting