Course Descriptions

ANT 380 - Seminar in Anthropology

Special Topic in Anthropology:
Ethical Archaeological Research
Spring 2021 - ANT380
Hybrid format

Archaeologists working around the world are redefining the discipline by developing socially engaged, community involved, and public-facing archaeologies which are discarding old, west-centric, and colonialist influences on the discipline. This course examines new and innovative approaches to archaeological research and revolves around this complex question: How do archaeologists develop a project that emphasizes not only remains of the past, but also the values, questions, and ideas of descendant and local communities? In other words, how can we make archaeology not simply interesting, but relevant? Additionally, this course will explore how to use this type of archaeological research to investigate Davidson’s past.

Topics such as historical archaeology, indigenous archaeology, community archaeology, and the archaeology of slavery will be discussed during participative seminars. Archaeological case-studies rooted in anthropology, (ethno)history, politics, and economy will explore concepts of ethics, epistemology, and ontology. Traditional field methods will also be studied. Guest lecturers from different backgrounds and specialties will contribute a multivocal dimension to this course. Ultimately, this course aims to dive into experiential learning by applying the studied concepts by developing an ethical archaeological research project.

ANT 380-9 - Seminars in Anthropology

Satisfies a major requirement in Anthropology
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to first-year students.

ANT 381 - Seminar in Anthropology: Traditional Asian Medical Systems

The discussion-based course explores the various medical systems, practices, and concepts in the Asian continent including acupuncture, chi, herbalism, Tibetan Buddhism, shamanism, yoga, and Ayurveda. Definition of health, illness etiology, diagnoses, and treatment methodologies of a medicine must be addressed within the context of other social institutions such as religion, history, gender, and political economy. Experiential learning is integrated and complements course content.

Satisfies Anthropology major and minor requirement.
Satisfies East Asian Studies minor requirement.
Satisfies Health and Human Values minor requirement.
Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought Ways of Knowing requirement.
Satisfies Cultural Diversity requirement.

ANT 382 - Seminars in Anthropology: Renewable Natural Resources: Science & Policy (= BIO 366, ENV 366)

This interdisciplinary seminar course focuses on developing a scientific understanding of renewable natural resources such as fisheries and forests and how resources are then used, overused, managed, and conserved by humans.  The course primarily consider smodern methods of resource management, including adaptive and ecosystem-based management.  The course builds upon knowledge gained in the foundation courses of Anthropology, Biology, or Environmental Studies.  It addresses natural resource and environmental issues from ecosystem and policy perspectives.  Through case studies, readings, class discussions, and knowledge construction, students gain deep knowledge of ecosystem ecology and management policies and approaches.  Students then apply their knowledge to identify management principles that are consistent with a more holistic ecosystem approach and develop a case study of one natural resource and how it is managed.

Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural or Social Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor or the breadth requirement of the Humanities track.

Satisfies a major & minor requirement in Anthropology.

Prerequisites & Notes
Successful completion of BIO 112/114, ANT 101, ENV 201, or ENV 202 is required.

ANT 383 - Seminars in Anthropology

SPRING 2020

Topic- Water and Citizenship
Instructor- Neuman

The course will explore the legal and customary rights to water within the Middle East and beyond in a variety of contexts marked by either the absence of water or conversely its over-abundance in the case of rising waters and floods. At the more macro level, the course will also consider the power relations that shape the distribution of water not only among competing groups within the nation-state but between nations in conflict. Using an anthropological approach to the politics of water, we ask what sorts of values, political sensibilities, technologies/strategies and forms of knowledge are critical to water use and management in conflict zones. Topics to be considered include: irrigation and state formation, the commons, water infrastructures, technologies of water production as well as the cultural and religious meanings linked to water.

Satisfies a major and minor requirement in Anthropology
Satisfies a major and minor requirement in Environmental Studies
Satisfies a minor requirement in Arab Studies
Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought requirement
Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement

ANT 384 - Politics from the Global South

Political thought is produced by people who are themselves situated within global networks of economic and political power. Scholars, activists, and other thinkers in the global south produce theories about politics that are different from the theories produced by scholars who are closer to centers of political, social, and economic power. In this course, we will explore some of the political thought produced by scholars in the global south. We will read the works of decolonial and postcolonial thinkers, feminist theorists, indigenous scholars, activist communities, etc., focusing on the challenges that their ways of thinking represent for Western forms of knowledge production. Further, we will ask what these challenges show us about global power relations in the production and circulation of knowledge. Finally, we will consider how these theoretical perspectives have been taken up by anthropologists and other scholars in Western academic settings.

Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement
Satisfies Cultural Diversity requirement
 

ANT 386 - Seminars in Anthropology: Feminist Anthropology

Satisfies a major or minor requirement in Anthropology.
Satisfies a requirement in the Gender and Sexuality Studies major or minor.
 

ANT 387 - Seminars in Anthropology

SPRING 2020

Topic: Queer New Media
Instructor: Cho

Until recently, “queer media” called to mind bar rags or community newsletters. With the proliferation of computer-mediated communication including cell phones, fax machines, satellite television, and the Internet, queer communities around the world have seen the proliferation of multimedia conglomerates very much modeled on their mainstream counterparts (Gamson 2003). Not only that, as location-aware dating applications such as Tinder and Grindr provide novel opportunities for queers to socialize outside of gay spaces, Web 2.0 has resulted in the increased centrality of user-generated content, including DIY porn that is pro-sex, collaborative, and explicitly queer (McGlotten 2012). Finally, social networking and entertainment sites such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook offer possibilities for grassroots organizing and political struggle for social justice in previously unimaginable ways.

Yet, even as the connectivity of the Internet has reinvigorated hopes for radical queer politics, democracy, and global community, it has also fed into fears about damage to face-to-face interactions and community. For instance, “No Fats, No Fems, No Asians,” is now a ubiquitous phrase on gay hook up apps where white, muscular, masculinity is most prized. At the same time, Big Data gathered from our Google searches and Facebook likes is threatening to become a regular part of diffuse and opaque campaigns of social engineering that involve guessing, among other things, one’s sexual orientation for marketing purposes. Clearly then, a more precise understanding of both the real and novel effects of queer new media is needed.

Eschewing the largely speculative writing on sexuality and new media, this course will investigate how social media affect how queer users interact as particular raced, classed, and gendered beings in online spaces and how these interactions shape their understandings of themselves and the world. It will also explore how these communication technologies are situated in larger structures of political economy and how they have the potential to remediate mass mobilization and political action.

Satisfies a major requirement in Anthropology
 

ANT 388 - Seminar in Anthropology

Fall 2019 Topic

Refugees and Forced Migrants: Predicaments of Displacement

Instructor: Neuman

Many have considered the 21st century to be defined by refugees and displacement, seeing population movement as one of its key characteristics. Wars and religious persecution, as well as climate change, natural disasters and economic vulnerability have vastly multiplied “populations on the move.” This seminar will examine the predicaments of populations who have been displaced, foregrounding the varied experiences and (gendered) lives of refugees and forced migrants. It will also focus on the multiple causes of forced migration, considering distinctions between the voluntary and involuntary in migratory movement. Finally, it will consider the multiple spaces of displacement including makeshift encampments, formal refugee camps and detention facilities. Key themes to be addressed include: movement as a human right, humanitarian intervention, and the issue of “return” versus “resettlement” as the preferred solution to displacement.

Satisfies the major and minor in Anthropology

Satisfies the interdisciplinary minor requirement in Middle East Studies

Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement

Satisfies the social-scientific thought requirement

ANT 396 - Independent Research in Anthropology

Satisfies a major requirement in Anthropology
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Two previous courses in anthropology. Limited to sophomores and juniors. (Spring)

ANT 490 - Senior Colloquium in Anthropology

Advanced seminar required of all senior majors, exploring in depth an anthropological issue of critical importance. Students choose a topic related to this issue and prepare seminar presentations and a major research paper.

Required course for the major in Anthropology.

Prerequisites & Notes
Limited to senior majors and minors. (Fall)

ANT 495 - Independent Study

Independent Study in Anthropology

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ANT 496 - Independent Study

Independent Study in Anthropology.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Spring)

ANT 498 - Honors Research

Required for honors but does not count as a course satisfying the anthropology requirements.

Prerequisites & Notes
Departmental permission required. (Fall)

ANT 499 - Honors Thesis

Required for honors and may be counted as one of the upper-level seminar requirements for the anthropology major.

Prerequisites & Notes
Departmental permission required. (Spring)

ARB 101 - Elementary Arabic I (Sections A & B)

ARB 102 - Elementary Arabic II (Sections A & B)

In Elementary Arabic II, a continuation of Elementary Arabic I, we continue to develop the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are further introduced to authentic texts from the Arab world. Presentations and group activities encouraging conversation are essential to the course. The course is conducted entirely in Arabic. Attendance at two AT (drill) sessions each week is required.

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 101 at Davidson or passing placement exam. (Spring)

ARB 201 - Intermediate Arabic I

Intermediate Arabic 201, the fall semester of a year-long intensive intermediate course in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), is designed for students who have had one year of Arabic at the college level. Authentic supplementary reading material is introduced, with a focus on popular stories filled with wise sayings known throughout the Arab world. Discussion and presentations are centered on this material, which exposes students to important cultural elements of the Arab world. The course is conducted entirely in Arabic. Attendance at two AT (drill) sessions each week is required.

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 102 or placement.  (Fall)

ARB 202 - Intermediate Arabic II

Continuation of Intermediate Arabic I. 

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 201 or placement.  (Spring)

ARB 240 - Accelerated Persian for Arabic Speakers

Accelerated Persian for Arabic Speakers is a one semester course for students who have already completed ARB 101. Because the Persian and Arabic languages share the same alphabet, on the first day of class students will be introduced to the few additional letters present in Persian. By the next class period, we will begin to focus on sentence structure, verb conjugation, and vocabulary building. Elementary Persian books often state that one of the main challenges of Persian is vocabulary building. However, students of Arabic will not find this to be the case. Arabic and Persian share about sixty per cent similar vocabulary and thus our class will progress at a rapid speed due to the Arabic language background that all students will have. It is expected that both languages will complement the other.  Pre-requisite: Arabic 101 (Fall)

Satisfies a major requirement in the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies’ Arab Studies major

Satisfies a minor requirement in Arab Studies

Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Middle Eastern Studies

Satisfies an advanced Arabic course requirement.

ARB 250 - Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East

Joubin

The objective of the course is to attain an interdisciplinary approach to the study of gender and sexuality in the Middle East. During the past few decades Middle East Gender studies has expanded rapidly, and this course will introduce students to the milestone monographs that established the field. From a focus on women as a category of analysis, to gender and masculinity studies, the field has expanded rapidly. This course examines gender as a category of analysis and focuses on productions of knowledge of sexual difference in Middle East society. We will examine the implication of modernity on men and women in the Middle East, following scholarship that does not adhere to the tradition versus modernity dichotomy, and we will pay particular attention to studies that examine the ambiguity of modernity. The intersection of nationalist and gendered discourse is among the themes this course will focus on. This course is conducted in English.

Satisfies a major requirement in Center for Interdisciplinary Studies major in Arab Studies and in Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Satisfies a minor requirement in Arab Studies and in Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Satisfies a requirement in Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric.
Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in International Studies and in Middle East Studies.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Spring)

ARB 251 - Queer Middle East Culture Studies

(Conducted in English.) The objective of the course is to attain an interdisciplinary approach to queer Middle East culture studies. Middle East queer studies, as poignantly argued by leading scholars in the field, is often locked into a pre-modern East and modern West binary lens whereby the East is viewed as captured by tradition while the West is seen as inherently progressive. To challenge this prevalent binary lens, we will begin with an examination of the homoerotic poetry of Abbasid poet Abu Nuwas and end with Joseph Massad’s analysis of the intersection of the Gay International, Orientalism, sexual rights, and the Arab world. Through an examination of the formative manuscripts in the field as well as a selection of literature, film, drama, and art, we will engage with the intricate sites of multifarious meanings and transformations in the growing field of Middle East queer studies.

Satisfies a major and interdisciplinary minor requirement in Arab Studies.
Satisfies a major requirement in Gender & Sexuality Studies.
Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric requirement.
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

ARB 295 - Studies in Arabic Culture

Arabic 295, a one-semester course in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), is designed for students who have had two years of college level Arabic courses or the equivalent. The course, which is conducted entirely in Arabic, enhances the students’ understanding of Arabic culture and grammar through video clips, film, proverbs, television serials, music, and literature. Discussion and presentations are centered on this material. Class meets for one hour, three times per week. Conducted in Arabic.

ARB 321 - Contemporary Arabic Literature

Advanced readings of novels by contemporary Arab authors such as: Ilyas Khouri, Naguib Mahfouz, Abdel Rahman al-Munif, Salwa Bakr, Ghassan Kanafani, Tawfiq Hakim, and Hanan al-Shaykh.  Discussion topics include: modernity, civil war in Lebanon, gender relations, changing relations between Middle East and West, social transformations after independence, and the plight of the Palestinians.  Presentations and compositions in Arabic are among the requirements. Conducted in Arabic.

Satisfies a minor requirement in Arabic.
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.
Counts toward the Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor, the Middle East Studies interdisciplinary minor, the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor (Middle East sections), and Communication Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric distribution requirements.

Prerequisites & Notes
Arabic 202 or permission of instructor.

ARB 325 - Contemporary Syrian Television Drama

ARB 326 - Politically Critical Parodies in Syria: Past and Present

Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes

ARB 202 or placement. (Fall)

ARB 327 - Mediating Conflict: Syrian Television Drama and Revolution

This course examines audio/visual, written and digital media in contemporary Arab societies and the way they shape the current socio-political landscape and Arab public opinion. It introduces students to the mosaic of media trends and debates and helps them explore the countless transformations and processes affecting the diverse Arab region. Students will read, watch, interrogate and discuss various news articles, and other online audiovisual material such as documentaries, talk shows, live broadcasts, short film, etc. The course is taught in Arabic.

Satisfies a major requirement for the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies major in Arab Studies
Satisfies a minor requirement in Arab Studies
Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement
Satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ARB 328 - Gender & Sexuality in Syrian Television Drama

In this course, which is conducted entirely in Arabic, we will study how many Syrian screenwriters involved in pre-uprising television drama managed to question the very foundation of regime legitimacy. We will study how prior to the 2011, in order to achieve the goal of prompting critique and change, Syrian television drama used the lens of gender and sexuality as a major trope. Since the 2011 uprising, moreover, screenwriters have become more explicit and less reliant on gender metaphors for critique and political engagement. Those screenwriters outwardly embracing the regime narrative eschew politics in their gender constructions and instead focus on reform of societal norms. Throughout the course, we will use Youtube clips to examine debates among cultural producers on the direction of Syrian television drama since the uprising.

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies a major requirement in Arab Studies through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.
Satisfies a minor requirement in Arab Studies.
Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Middle East Studies.
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 202 or permission of instructor.

ARB 329 - Middle Eastern Melodrama

(Conducted in Arabic.)This class will begin with an examination of Egyptian drama from the 1990s through the Arab uprisings of 2011 to explore television’s role as a producer of national culture. Our study of Syrian television drama will begin with the early political parodies of the 1960s through 80s, which culminated in the production of the most esteemed dramas in the Arab world. Secular in approach and entirely of a male perspective, the main concern of these political parodies was an embattled, subordinate masculinity within the family, which served as a microcosm of the state. This course will culminate in a close viewing of the phenomena of dubbed Turkish miniseries in the Arab world. Finally, we will examine the rise of pan-Arab miniseries, whose escapist storylines serve as a distraction from current politics. Through press releases, on-line interviews, and internet research we will remain highly sensitive to questions of reception, audience, and impact. Students will continue to enhance and master key Arabic grammar concepts through practical application in compositions and presentations. The course is conducted entirely in Arabic. 

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor.

ARB 330 - The Arab Spring: Portraits of the Popular Uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East (In Translation)

This course provides a deep analysis of the popular uprisings that shook Tunisia and neighboring countries in what came to be known as the “Arab Spring.” We will pay particular attention to youth, their frustrations, insecurities, and challenges. Through selected ethnographies, articles and films, we will explore topics including: cyber/community activism, cultural production, migration, and human mobility.  (The course is taught in English)

Satisfies Anthropology major requirement.

ARB 331 - Visual Novels and Gender Constructions in the Arab World (In Arabic)

This class will exam visual adaptations of important novels from the Arab world. Through discussions, readings, presentations, screenings of miniseries, weekly compositions, independent research, and group work students will learn about the historical and political context of each the novels as well as their visual adaptations. As these novels are adapted both nationally and transnationally we will examine issues related to identity, gender, and culture. The class is conducted entirely in Arabic.   

Satisfies a minor requirement in Arabic.
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.
Counts toward the Middle East Studies interdisciplinary minor, the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor (Middle East sections), and the Communication Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 202 or permission of instructor. (Spring)

ARB 332 - Middle Eastern Literature in Translation

This course is an introduction to North African Literature and culture. It aims to open a window towards some of the ethnic, gendered, linguistic, folkloric and religious diversity of the Maghreb (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) via their representations in Literature (fiction, short stories/folktales, poetry, and drama). The course will use colonial and post-independence diverse literary accounts originally written in English or translated from Arabic or French into English (course is conducted in English). 

Satisfies Cultural Diversity requirement.
Satisfies Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric requirement.

ARB 334 - North African Cinema

This course will examine the contemporary Middle East and North Africa through documentary and film. Students will gain a better understanding of the mosaics of history, culture(s) and politics of the region. We will explore an assortment of themes including: colonialism, religion, war, identity politics, sexuality and gender dynamics, border crossing and the recent popular uprisings (course is conducted in English).

Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts Ways of Knowing requirement

ARB 335 - Advanced Arabic Content Course

Satisfies a minor requirement in Arabic.
Counts toward the Middle East Studies interdisciplinary minor
 

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 202 or permission of instructor.

ARB 336 - Arab Life & Politics via Film

This course will examine the experience of everyday life in contemporary Arab cities in the Middle East and North Africa through the lens of film. Students will gain a better understanding of how current events, and local and global dynamics shape culture(s) in the Arab region. In this course, students will critically interpret issues related to sociopolitical categories such as gender/sexuality, nation, identity, class, war and revolution, and border movements. The course will provide students with the opportunity to improve their advanced Arabic-language skills while increasing their knowledge of culture and politics in the MENA region. (Course is conducted in Arabic.)

ARB 340 - Gender and Politics in Contemporary Syrian Literature

Satisfies a minor requirement in Arabic.
Satisfies a major requirement in Gender Studies.
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.
Counts toward the Asian Studies interdisciplinary minor, the Middle East Studies interdisciplinary minor, the International Studies interdisciplinary minor (Middle East sections), and Communication Studies interdisciplinary minor.
Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing and Rhetoric requirements.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Arabic 202 or permission of instructor.

ARB 342 - Postcolonial Syrian Film

This course will trace the development of postcolonial Syrian film from the 1960s until the present. We will begin with the political critiques of Muhammad al-Maghout and Durayd Lahham in the 1960s and 70s and end with films produced after the uprising in 2011. Topics include gender and family dynamics, political critique, the question of Palestine, and government co-optation of intellectuals. The course is taught entirely in Arabic.

Satisfies a major requirement for Center for Interdisciplinary Studies Arab Studies major.
Satisfies a minor requirement for Arab Studies.
Satisfies the Liberal Arts distribution requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
ARB 202 or permission of the instructor.

ARB 395 - Independent Study for Advanced Students

Advanced study under the direction of the faculty member, who approves the topic, determines meeting times, and decides the means of evaluating the students’ work.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)

ARB 396 - Independent Study for Advanced Students

Advanced study under the direction of the faculty member, who approves the topic, determines meeting times, and decides the means of evaluating the students’ work.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor needed.

ART 100 - Survey of Western Art

ART 102 - Survey of Asian Art

Introducing students to an overview of the arts of East, South, and Southeast Asia, this course will concentrate on the materials of objects and the cultural, religious, and political context of arts production and consumption. We will explore early cultural artifacts, burial tombs and temple architecture, transcultural exchanges of sacred images, works of court artists from various imperial workshops, and art related to popular cultures.

Satisfies East Asian Studies major and minor requirement.
Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement.

ART 124 - Survey of American Art

How do you create a visual arts culture in America?  Whose America is it?  What kinds of contributions and encounters does it include from Native Americans to the Digital Age?  What did the so-called Founding Fathers think about the role of art in the new nation?  How does it shape and is shaped by nationhood?  How does it relate to Europe?  How does it relate to a global world?  This course, open to first-year students and to all students, without any prerequisite, will delve into these questions just at the moment when the visual cultures of nationhood are being challenged and reshaped by international forces such as populism, global migration, and changing borders.  (Formerly ART 124 - American Art)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 126 - Survey of Western Architecture

Major developments in western architecture that occurred from Stonehenge to the present. (Formerly ART 226 Survey of Western Architecture)
 

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 128 - Modern and Contemporary Asian Art

This course provides students with a general introduction to the arts of Asia from the 19th century to the present, with a special focus on China, India, Japan and Korea. We will consider such topics as the conceptual development of an “Asian modern” in a colonial context, the problem of an “authentic” modern and contemporary Asian art, the politics of identity and nationalism as reflected in representations, environmental justice enacted through the arts, and narratives of the transnational contemporary artist in the global context.

Satisfies Art major requirement.
Satisfies East Asian Studies major requirement.
Satisfies Art minor requirement.
Satisfies Chinese Studies minor requirement.
Satisfies East Asian Studies Interdisciplinary minor requirement.
Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies Cultrual Diversity requirement.

ART 130 - Earth Art-From Lascaux to Lutyens

The world history of garden design as a manifestation of humanity’s ever-changing relationship with the natural world. Important gardens and their creators will be studied in light of the theology, politics, architecture, painting, theatre and stage design, poetry, and philosophy that shaped them. (Formerly Art 230 - Earth Art-From Lascaux to Lutyens)

Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in the Humanities track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

 

Prerequisites & Notes
(Spring)

ART 204 - The Gothic Cathedral

ART 206 - From Catacombs to Cathedrals

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
(Spring)

ART 208 - Origins of the Modern in Northern Renaissance Art

When King Charles V ascended the French throne in the mid-fourteenth century, he and his three brothers vied with one another as to who could commission the most elaborate illuminated manuscript, the most highly bejeweled reliquary, or the most sumptuously painted altarpiece to decorate their private chapels in their numerous palaces and castles in Paris and the provinces.  Two hundred and fifty years later that sort of patronage was a distant memory.  Events such as the invention of the printing press and the Protestant Reformation had a profound effect on material culture.  A feudal economy was transformed into a mercantile economy, inaugurating “modern” social structures that remain with us today.  Art changed accordingly:  street vendors hawked cheap woodcuts of patron saints on market days; engravings of peasants behaving boorishly were a little more expensive, but suited the middle class; wealthy merchants from the flourishing port city of Antwerp sought paintings of their peasants at work and play.  We will study the profound changes that took place in the production of art between 1350 and 1580 in northern Europe within the context of the rise of early modern culture.

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 

ART 210 - Renaissance Art in Italy

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
(Spring)

ART 212 - What’s Baroque? Seventeenth-Century Art

Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 

ART 214 - Royalty, Rogues and Revolution in Eighteenth-Century Art

Once thought of as only a transitional period between the great art of the Counter-Reformation of the 17^th century and the dynamic modernization of the better known art of the 19^th century, recent scholarship has shown how the art of the 18^th century speaks to a changing world in terms of gender, class, travel, and leisure with the rise of secular rationalism and a new idea, “Might it be that things are not what they might seem to be?”  These changes seem to be reflected in our current concerns which deal with the challenges of equally virtual realities. Beneath the frills of paint and flirtations of fashionable young people, lie the very serious dreams of autonomy, collective identity and freedom. Can the painting of the personal freedom have anything to do with political liberty? The answer just might be found in this course.  (Formerly ART 214 - Eighteenth-Century Art)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

ART 216 - The Age of Artistic Revolutions - 19th Century European Painting

The hundred year period from 1790 to 1890 witnessed the greatest series of revolutions in painting in the entire history of Western art.  When these hundred years began art was produced for the sake of the Church or the King; when these hundred years ended art was being produced for the sake of art.  This remarkable revolution took place though a series of clearly definable mini revolutions or “isms.” Neo-classicism was revolted against by Romanticism; Romanticism was revolted against by Realism; Realism was revolted against by Impressionism; Impressionism was revolted against by Symbolism; and Symbolism was revolted against by Expressionism. In order to trace the emergence and development of the above revolutions, we will be studying the work of leading nineteenth-century artists from France, England, Germany and Spain in light of the political, theological, philosophical, psychological and art historical influences that shaped their work. (Formerly ART 216 - Nineteenth-Century Painting)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Final course offering.

ART 218 - An Explosion of “-isms”: The History of European Painting & Sculpture from 1890-1960

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Final course offering.

ART 220 - The Greening of Modern Architecture

Architecture and Environmental Studies are natural companions.  Unfortunately developments in the history of modern architecture until the final third of the twentieth century rarely acknowledged their companionship.  During the past fifty years, however, there has been an explosion of theoretical writing and architectural practice to redress this oversight.  The focus of the assigned readings in this course will familiarize the participants with the leading theorists in the field of sustainable architecture, and enable them to design a private dwelling that is both modern and sustainable.
 

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 

ART 222 - Painted Women, Women Painting

Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 224 - Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art

This course focuses on modern and contemporary Chinese art, including painting, photography, sculpture, film, mixed-media works, and performance art from the mid-19th century to the contemporary period. Some key questions we will pursue include: How did commercial and political exchanges with Europe, the United States, and Japan shape the trajectory of Chinese arts? What roles did new mediums-such as photography and film-play in shaping Chinese art and national identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? In what ways did politics impact the development of visual representation in the socialist era? And, how are we to understand the varied styles and movements that brought contemporary Chinese art immense international critical acclaim and market success in the last decades of the 20th century? This course provides students with a firm understanding of the development of modern and contemporary Chinese art within social, political, and historical contexts. 

Satisfies a major requirement in Art.
Satisfies a major requirement in Chinese Studies.
Satisfies a minor requirement in Art.
Satisfies a requirement in East Asian Studies interdisciplinary minor.
Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement.

ART 228 - Seminar: French Impressionism

What is French Impressionism and why do we all seem to love it so?

What was once derisively called “mere impressions” of “ugliness” is, almost a century and a half later, arguably the most popular art of our time.  The works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir, Frédéric Bazille, Berthe Morisot, Gustave Caillebotte, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, Mary Cassatt, and many others known as “The Independents,” were shown in eight exhibitions from 1874 to 1886.  This seminar will examine the beginnings, techniques, historical context, critiques, and legacies of these artists who are now considered as having executed some of the most beautiful paintings ever made. 

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Not offered 2017-18.)

ART 232 - Classics Abroad: Greek and Roman Architecture

ART 234 - Contemporary Art of Yesterday and Today

ART 320-370 - Seminars in Art History (320-370)

ART 326 - An African-American Artist: The Life and Legacy of Romare Bearden

This art history seminar focuses on the art and life Romare Bearden (1911-1988), the most important African-American artist of the twentieth century. Charlotte’s own native son, Romare Bearden was awarded an honorary doctorate by Davidson College in 1978 for his contributions to American culture. His roles in the in the visual arts (most particularly as a master of the art of the collage), dance, music, theatre, civil rights, and sports were essential aspects of modern culture. The seminar will include visits to art exhibitions and other public commemorations of his legacy both in Charlotte and Davidson. 

Satisfies Art major and minor requirements.
Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement. 

ART 334 - Art, Migration & Human Rights

This seminar examines topics related to human rights-including migration and displacement, labor and the body, gender and sexuality, racial and ethnic segregation-as reflected in artworks dating from the post-WWII period to the contemporary period. We will conduct close analyses of artworks in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and film.

This course fulfills the following requirements:

• Ways of Knowing: Visual and Performing Arts
• Cultural Diversity
• Major requirement for art majors (emphasis on art history)
• Major requirements for East Asian Studies
• Minor requirements for East Asian Studies
• Minor Requirements for Chinese Studies (Literature, culture and cinema)
• Minor requirements for Art (emphasis on art history)

ART 390 - Independent Study - Art History

ART 400 - Perspectives in Art History

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Normally limited to majors. (Fall)

ART 402 - Art History Capstone Seminar

ART 496 - Senior Art History Honors Thesis

ART 101 - Basic Drawing

An introduction to building skills, techniques and critical awareness across a variety of drawing media. Students will sharpen their awareness of the intimate links between observation and creative expression in the context of contemporary art practices. Topics include figure, still life, landscape, narrative and abstraction. No prior experience is required. (Formerly ART 201 - Basic Drawing)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 103 - Basic Painting

This painting course is designed for beginners interested in building a range of skills from traditional principles of oil paint to experimental techniques across a variety of painting media.  Students will develop a respect and attention for the complexity of color, variety of texture, diversity of application and brush work needed for a successful composition.  The goal of this course is not to make perfect paintings, but to build an understanding of paint and process in the context of contemporary art practices.  (Formerly ART 203 - Basic Painting)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 104 - Figure Painting

Explores classical and contemporary approaches to figure painting.  Provides foundation of painting principles in oil and acrylic using live models as well as photography and digital manipulations.  Issues related to the body in contemporary art practices, art theory, and contemporary painting practices will be discussed and used as a catalyst for the painting process. (Formerly ART 204 - Figure Painting)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
 
 

ART 105 - Introduction to Print Media

An introduction to contemporary studio art practices through hands-on experimentation with print media. Projects explore the unique opportunities and peculiarities of printmaking techniques including digital printing, etching and photogravure.  This course includes a community engagement workshop utilizing skills acquired in the course to collaborate with underrepresented artists from local organizations.  No prior art experience is required. (Formerly ART 215 - Introduction to Print Media)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 107 - Introduction to Works on Paper

In this course we will utilize printmaking processes to explore the fundamentals of drawing.  A mixed media approach to constructing images from paper will be studied through assignments that stress a hybrid of innovative printmaking and direct-drawing techniques.  Projects will introduce a no-holds-barred approach to developing artwork by taking advantage of numerous technologies including digital photography, medieval woodcuts and screen printing.  No prior art experience is required. (Formerly ART 217 - Works on Paper)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 109 - Basic Sculpture

A hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of contemporary mixed media sculpture through woodworking, welding, mold-making, bronze casting and 3D printing.  No prior experience is required or expected. Cultivate awareness through making, reading and discussing the unique roles sculpture plays in the broader social world. Become a more thoughtful, accountable and empathetic human being by exploring your interiority, your biases, your cultural preconceptions and the collective limits of your personal philosophy through working with your hands and the unique way of knowing that is sculpture. You will get dirty.

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)

ART 111 - Introduction to Digital Art

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies a requirement in the Digital Studies interdisciplinary minor.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall and Spring)

ART 201 - Advanced Drawing

A continuation of concepts and skills introduced in Basic Drawing. Designed to strengthen skills in drawing technique and process through the development of individual projects. Includes discussions of advanced topics in contemporary art theory and practice. (Formerly ART 301 - Advanced Drawing)

Prerequisites & Notes
Art 101
(Spring)

ART 203 - Advanced Painting

This course is designed to strengthen technique in a chosen medium and to develop personal projects. A wide interpretation of painting is applied.  Includes discussion of advanced topics in contemporary art theory and practices. (Formerly ART 303 - Advanced Painting)

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
ART 103
(Spring)

ART 205 - Advanced Printmaking

In this course individualized projects will be developed that explore mixed media applications of printmaking processes. Students will build on printmaking skills already attained and new techniques will be introduced. Both traditional and unconventional approaches to print media will be encouraged. The course will culminate with a series of interrelated works created by each student. (Formerly ART 305 - Advanced Printmaking)

 

Prerequisites & Notes
ART 105, 107, 205 (formerly Introduction to Print Media), 207 or 331

ART 209 - Advanced Sculpture

Sculptural concepts with attention to complex processes such as large-scale fabrication and bronze casting. Individual development of particular media chosen by the student. (Formerly ART 309 - Advanced Sculpture)

Prerequisites & Notes
ART 109
(Spring)

ART 211 - Advanced Digital Art

ART 270 - Special Topics in Digital Art: Art for Games

A rotating studio course in digital and new media techniques, disciplines, and theory emphasizing individual creative development and skilled approaches to technical problem solving in visual art.  Topics include exploring the computer as an artistic medium, digital performance, digital storytelling, video art, and code as art.  Through interdisciplinary exploration, students employ a combination of digital and traditional methods, using the computer to establish various digital techniques.  May be repeated twice when topics vary.

Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

SPRING 2019 TOPIC: Art for Games

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Art 111 or 211
Repeatable for credit.

ART 321 - Seminars in Studio Art (321-371)

Courses numbered with odd numbers from 321 through 371 are studio art seminars limited to ten upperclass students with preference given to art majors. They are offered on an irregular basis in areas of special interest to the faculty.

ART 331 - Printmaking - Japan

Instructor
Starr

This course is an introduction to printmaking and bookmaking with an emphasis on examples from Japanese artists and a focus on Japanese techniques (including the traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique and screen printing techniques).  We will explore contemporary applications of the traditional techniques in response to ideas presented in Professor Suzanne Churchill’s ENG 390 - WordArt Japan course.  Each student will develop their own approach to image making while experiencing the unique opportunities and peculiarities of print media.  No studio art experience is required.

The spring 2018 course will be interlinked with Professor Suzanne Churchill’s ENG 390 - Word Art .  Students must sign up for both courses and will receive 2 course credits.  Students will create their own books using paper from Japan and create digital facsimiles.  While ostensibly, ENG 390 will emphasize writing and digital publication, and ART 331 will focus on images and printmaking, the pairing of the two courses will deconstruct work/image, print/digital, and East/West binaries through multimedia investigations that require interdisciplinary approaches and encourage cross-fertilization. 

Counts towards the East Asian Studies major and interdisciplinary minor.
Satisfies a Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

ART 344 - The Artist’s Book

Starr

Artist’s books are extremely varied and broadly defined but typically incorporate a three-dimensional book-like form to present visual information sequentially. In this course, students will use drawing, painting, collage, and printing to create content that will then form the basis for innovative artist’s books.  We will start with folded sections and zines before moving on to bookbinding techniques based on the individual concepts of each student.  More advanced techniques for final projects will be taught by a visiting professional bookmaker.  No prior art experience is required, and all essential supplies will be provided.  

Artist’s books addressing social justice themes will be a particular focus of this course.  Important examples by artists of color such as Kara Walker, Enrique Chagoya, and Adam Pendleton will be studied along with works in Davidson College’s permanent collection by artists including Bethany Collins and Kikuji Kawada.  The Mellon-funded initiative: “Stories Yet to be Told: Race, Racism and Accountability” will be used as a point of departure for final projects.  Artist’s books made by students in the class will be exhibited in the E. H. Little Library.  This course has a hybrid design emphasizing flexibility.  Aspects of the course that are online will include virtual forums for feedback on projects and synchronous lectures with discussions.  Students on campus will have access to the print shop in the Visual Arts Center and in-person workshops when safety allows. 

ART 391 - Independent Study - Studio Art

ART 397 - Junior Advanced Study

ART 401 - Senior Exhibition and Advanced Study

BIO 102 - Special Topics in Biology I

Satisfies the Liberal Studies requirement. 
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 or 112/114 except by permission of the chair.

BIO 105 - Biology for Life

Students engage in data exploration to learn about topics that will continue to be relevant to their lives after college. Topics include, but are not limited to, climate change, race, artificial sweeteners, and sex determination. Laboratory consists of computer work to explore, graph and present open access data to be shared on campus.

Satisfies Natural Science requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
No prerequisites. Students cannot have taken any biology course numbered above BIO110.

BIO 106 - Microbes & Our Health

Introduction to the science of biology by examining microscopic organisms and their influence on human health.  Designed to meet science distribution requirement of non-science majors.  One laboratory meeting per week.

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for Biology 103, 111/113, or 112/114 except by permission of the chair.

BIO 107 - Special Topics in Biology II

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
 

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 or 112/114 except by permission of the department chair.

BIO 108 - Human Biology

Introduction to the science of biology by exploring human health, physiology, and disease. Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors. One laboratory meeting per week.

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 or 112/114 except by permission of the chair. 

BIO 109 - Biology of Plants

Introduction to the science of biology through topics in botany.  Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors.  One laboratory meeting per week.

Satisfies Natural Science requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for BIO 105, 111/113, or 112/114, except by permission of the chair.

BIO 111 - Molecules, Genes, & Cells

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Students with credit for BIO 113 may not enroll in BIO 111.

Fall 2020 - Sections A&B

This is the fall ‘hybrid’ course option within the 111/113 introductory series courses. Hybrid was chosen to facilitate VISA compliance for international students. The evening class and lab time were chosen to maximize the potential for students within US time zones. If you are interested in the electronic version of the textbook please email kabernd@davidson.edu, I am working on making it available at no cost to you. Class meetings will include larger whole class discussions which will be taped. The Tuesday sessions will be used for small group meetings with me. Group work may be done synchronous or asynchronously. During the first two weeks, multiple activities are planned in the laboratory (on M T and W). Office hours (no appointment/ drop in,  in person or by Zoom) are tentatively scheduled Thursdays and will be adjusted as needed so everyone can have access. A majority of the technology will utilize Moodle, Zoom, email.

Spring 2021 - All Sections
This is a ‘hybrid’ course option within the 111/113 introductory course choices. Hybrid was chosen to facilitate VISA compliance for international students. The evening class and lab time were chosen to maximize the potential for students within US time zones. In the fall the vast majority of meetings were remote. The ‘location’ of spring meetings will depend on COVID in the area. Class meetings will include larger whole class discussions which will be taped. The Tuesday sessions will be used for small team meetings with me. Team work during ‘lab’ may be done synchronous or asynchronously. During the first two weeks, multiple activities are planned in the laboratory (on M T and W). Office hours (no appointment/ drop in, in person or by Zoom) are tentatively scheduled Thursdays and will be adjusted as needed so everyone can have access. A majority of the technology will utilize Moodle, Zoom, email. If you are interested in the electronic version of the textbook please email me at kabernd , I am working on making it available at no cost to you.

BIO 112 - Organisms, Evolution, & Ecosystems

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Students with credit for BIO 114 may not enroll in BIO 112.

BIO 113 - Integrated Concepts in Biology I

Introduction to biology’s core concepts from molecules through cells including information, evolution, cells, emergent properties, and homeostasis. The weekly laboratory emphasizes core competencies of the process of science, the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, data interpretation, quantitative skills, communication in multiple formats, and experience with large databases. Students may take BIO 113 with either BIO 112 or BIO 114 to complete biology introductory course requirements.

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
Students with credit for BIO 111 may not enroll in BIO 113.

Fall 2020 - Sections A&B
All required materials, class meetings, and lab meetings will be remote and asynchronous so that all students have equal access and opportunity. During the scheduled times, we will have large or small group meetings to discuss lab and class materials. In addition, office hours and multiple small group question and answer sessions will be scattered throughout the week to accommodate everyone’s time zones. I will be available from about 8 am eastern time US to about 5:30 pm eastern time US. We will use Zoom and email a lot. For anyone on campus, we can set up some face-to-face meetings as well, but these are NOT required. 

https://www.bio.davidson.edu/113/
 

Spring 2021 - Sections A&B

Class lecture will be held in-person 50% and online 50% and the lab will be completely online. All lectures will be available synchronously on Zoom and also recorded for asynchronous viewing. All materials and assignments will be accessible online. All work can be completed asynchronously online to accommodate remote students.

Spring 2021 - Sections C&D

The lecture for this class will meet in-person for students one day a week, while the lab will be entirely remote. All lectures will be streamed live on Zoom and recorded for later viewing. All materials and assignments will be accessible online. All work can be completed asynchronously online to accommodate remote students.

BIO 114 - Integrated Concepts in Biology II

Introduction to biology’s core concepts from organisms through ecological systems including information, evolution, cells, emergent properties, and homeostasis. The weekly laboratory emphasizes core competencies of the process of science, the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, data interpretation, quantitative skills, communication in multiple formats, and experience with large databases. Students may take BIO 114 with either BIO 111 or BIO 113 to satisfy upper level prerequisites, pre-med requirements, and biology major requirements.

Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
 

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Students with credit for BIO 112 may not enroll in BIO 114.

Spring 2021

Paradise

The class portion of this course will be conducted online, and the lab portion of the course will be hybrid. Class consists of synchronous class meetings, and asynchronous videos, activities, discussions, virtual help sessions, and peer collaborations. Synchronous sessions will occur during the scheduled times, with those sessions recorded for asynchronous viewing. The professor will provide equitable opportunities for each student to engage with the material, the professor, and each other, based on each student’s individual circumstances. We will use a digital text, Zoom, email, and Moodle. Lab sessions will be hybrid and will consist of some online, remote sessions and some in-person sessions, with the professor meeting with 1 or 2 groups of 4 at a time; students who are not on campus will participate via zoom for group meetings with the professor. In addition, for those on campus, some face-to-face one-on-one or small group meetings may be available, but these are NOT required. One $45 digital text is all that is required to purchase.

Fall 2020
A&B
Paradise

This course will be conducted online and consists of synchronous class meetings, lab meetings, and asynchronous videos, activities, discussions, virtual help sessions, and peer collaborations. Synchronous sessions will occur during the scheduled times, with those sessions recorded for asynchronous viewing. The professor will provide equitable opportunities for each student to engage with the material, the professor, and each other, based on each student’s individual circumstances. We will use a digital text, Zoom, email, Flipgrid, and Moodle. For those on campus, we can set up some face-to-face one-on-one or small group meetings, but these are NOT required. 

C&D
Smith

The majority of learning in this course will be done online as a combination of synchronous meetings and asynchronous recordings, assignments, and group work. There will be a limited number of optional, in-person sessions done in small groups for interested students. The professor will provide equitable opportunities for each student to engage with the material, the professor, and each other, based on each student’s individual circumstances. Students will work individually and in peer groups, and office hours and small group meetings will be available to accommodate all learners. We will use Moodle, Zoom, email, a digital textbook, and a limited number of other platforms for communication, organization, and laboratory activities.

E&F
Wadgymar

This course will be conducted online and consists of synchronous class meetings, lab meetings, and help sessions and asynchronous videos, activities, discussions, and peer collaborations.  Recordings of all classes and labs will be available for asynchronous viewing to accommodate each student’s individual circumstances.  Students will be divided in to peer support groups and the professor will offer frequent group and individual help sessions.  Students will use Moodle, Zoom, a digital textbook, email, and a limited number of other platforms for communication, organization, and laboratory activities.

BIO 142 - Biochemistry of Traditional Medicine

This course explores the concepts of health, wellness, disease, and medicine across cultures and considers how these practices are integrated with Western medicine. We will focus on two types of interventions to promote wellness or treat disease. First, we will explore mind and body interventions including faith and spirituality, mindful movement such yoga and dancing, and physical interventions such as acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation. During the second half of the course we will focus on traditional medicinal plants and related modern medicines derived from natural sources. Each intervention will be discussed in terms of the relevance to the culture that developed that intervention as well as scientific investigations that have been conducted to understand the impact of this intervention. We will consider how historical injustices in Western medicine have affected communities’ willingness to have their medicine adopted by Western practitioners and how assumptions about traditional medicine and wellness have contributed to these practices being shunned in Western medicine.

We will examine how scientific investigations are used to determine the effectiveness of a treatment and how this process is not always compatible with various forms of medicine and ways of knowing. We will discuss how experiments are designed and how data is collected and analyzed. At the end of the course we will integrate this knowledge to analyze the role of traditional medicine in health care today and discuss how it can be used to promote community and just medical treatment. There are no prerequisites but familiarity with science concepts from high school chemistry and biology is highly suggested.

Satisfies a requirement for Health and Human Values
Satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement

BIO 151 - Use and Misuse of Data in Biology

Data is critical to the advancement of scientific ideas. BIO151 will introduce students to the basic principles of data analysis as applied in the biological sciences, with a particular focus on inequities within, and produced by, data analysis and the scientific process. Together, through the hands-on exploration of topics such as eugenics, disparate health outcomes among human populations, and social inequity within science, we will focus on how biological data is used and misused despite the ideal of biology as a data-driven, objective scientific field. Students will gain experience with software (Excel and the R programming language), data analysis methods, and will examine published papers and public data sets to explore how biological data are manipulated to draw legitimate and illegitimate meaning from them.

Satisfies Biology major requirement.
Satisfies Mathematical and Quantitative Thought requirement.
Satisfies Justice, Equality and Community requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission from the instructor is required. 

With permission of the Biology chair, one course numbered BIO15# or BIO17# may be applied to satisfy an elective course within the Biology major.

Spring 2021 Notes:
As circumstances allow, the majority of learning in this course will be done in synchronous face-to-face meetings, with synchronous online meetings (via Zoom) occurring when necessary. Students will work individually and in peer groups, and office hours and small group meetings will be available to accommodate all learners. We will use Moodle, Zoom, email, open online resources, and a limited number of other platforms for communication, and organization.

BIO 161 - Being Human in STEM

Satisfies Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spring 2021

For spring 2021 Being Human in STEM, a seminar course, will occur entirely online using Zoom and Moodle. We will meet synchronously most days during our TuTh class time. Our time together will prioritize small group work, discussing papers, student-led discussions, sharing project elements, etc. When students cannot attend a live session they may watch recorded class sessions and participate asynchronously. For more information on BIO161’s and to view the 2021 syllabus as it develops students may visit this link.

BIO 170 - Introductory Directed Reading in Biology

BIO 171 - Introductory Research in Biology