Course Descriptions

SIL 185 - Beginning Japanese

SIL 186 - Continuing Japanese

SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology

Introduction to the scientific study of human social interaction with particular focus on the mutual influences between individuals and the groups to which they belong; the basic theories, concepts and techniques used by sociologists in their research.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to seniors.

SOC 204 - Self & Society

This course provides an in depth introduction of social pyschology, a field that systematically examines how the actual, imagined, or implied presence of other people influences a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Although this course is interdisciplinary, in that research and theory from both sociology and psychology are covered, we will focus on the unique contributions made to the field by sociologists.

SOC 205 - Racial and Ethnic Relations

Comparative and historical study of social processes related to racial and ethnic differences in modern complex societies. Readings in theoretical and descriptive literature, focusing on issues of unequal distribution of power and privilege, racism, and ethnic prejudice.

SOC 212 - Deviance and Social Control

Sociological theories and research concerned with the definition and characteristics of behaviors which do not conform to moral and legal codes in society. Ways in which societies attempt to control and sanction such behavior.

SOC 215 - Latinos in the United States

A look at the social demography of the Latino population in the United States. This class will explore population, education, immigration and labor market issues.

SOC 217 - Gender and Society

This course introduces a critical approach to examining the social construction of gender. It explores several different perspectives on gender inequality and the role of social institutions such as family, education, economy, and media in creating the experience of gender in society.

SOC 218 - Sociology of Sexuality

This course is designed to introduce students to the sociological study of sexuality. We will seek to understand how sex and sexuality has influenced individuals and social domains. By examining past perceptions and reactions to sexuality, we can explore what has been accepted, rejected and why.

SOC 219 - Sociological Criminology

Analysis of social and legal aspects of crime, perspectives on causation, and consequences of variable social reactions to crime. Examination of research pertaining to crime and crime statistics; and modern trends in criminal law, law enforcement administration, and corrections.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to seniors.

SOC 230 - Sociology of Work

Work not only occupies a central role in our lives, it is closely intertwined with other social institutions and social processes, especially social inequality. Work is perhaps the most important way in which society impacts our social experiences and life chances. Throughout the course, we will challenge the taken-for-granted notions about what constitutes work, what constitutes an occupation or profession, and the value of the economic vs. the social as a work outcome.  Topics will include: contemporary issues in 21st century work; a look at work during and after the Industrial Revolution; major theorist’s contributions to the study of work; work and self in the service industry; work and self among professionals and managers; and the modern distinction between work and family.

SOC 231 - Leadership & Organizations

Leaders, teams, and organizations are closely intertwined in the operations of social institutions, social structures, and social processes.  The course provides an introduction to models and theories of leadership, processes inherent in the dynamics of small group interactions, and critical insights from organizational theory.

SOC 245 - The Family in Comparative Perspective

Introduction to the sociology of the family in various Western and non-Western societies.  Impact of industrialization, the market, colonialism, migration, and revolution on families in such contexts as pre-industrial Europe, India, and China.

SOC 246 - American Families

Introduction to families in the USA. Dating, cohabitation, civil unions, marriage, divorce, remarriage, intergenerational relationships, domestic violence, and family policy are explored. Attention is given to gender, race, and class differences.

SOC 250 - Inequality in America

Theories and comparative examples of the unequal distribution of social resources and the consequences of inequality for social life.  Analysis of class structure, social mobility, and social programs to reduce inequality.

SOC 260 - Social Statistics

Introduction to the application of quantitative analysis in sociology and other social sciences. Topics include descriptive measures, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, chi-square, correlation, and regression. Computer applications through the use of SPSS.

Prerequisites & Notes
Cannot be taken for credit after ECO 205.

SOC 261 - Social Diversity & Inequality in Education (=EDU 260)

This course focuses on issues of social diversity, social inequality, and social justice in education. It is designed to integrate cognitive development with the experiential aspects of social learning. Students will be encouraged to link new learning with their personal and social reality through structured writing assignments, cooperative learning activities, and critical experiential learning.

SOC 271 - Urban Ethnography

This course introduces a sociological perspective of everyday social settings by applying methods of systematic, qualitative observation.  Students carry out their an ethnographic research project: conduct observations; write up field notes; record routine, extraordinary, and significant social processes; generate a conceptual “codebook” for use in analysis; and present a suitable research report (both written and oral). Ethical issues and intrapersonal aspects of the research process will be explored.  Anyone who anticipates working in “socially-dense” settings characterized by ongoing interpersonal encounters, including professional and non-profit work, is encouraged to enroll.

SOC 305 - Ethnic Relations in Comparative Perspective

A comparative and historical study of ethnic relations in contexts outside the United States. Theories of ethnic relations, historical documents, case studies, and other descriptive and analytical literature on the topic are examined.

SOC 310 - Gender, Race, and Sports

This course examines the interrelations among gender, race, and sports. The construction of racial and gender identities through sports, the influence of youth sports on children’s socialization, sports in educational settings, and media images of female and minority athletes will be examined.

SOC 312 - Gender, Race and Class in Media

Instructor
Kaufman

This course explores issues relevant to gender, race, and class in media. The course begins with the premise that all knowledge is constructed. As with other institutions, the media play a critical role in the construction of knowledge, particularly that related to our ideas about gender, race, and class. This course will mainly emphasize the representation of gender, race, and class in media.

Provides major credit in Sociology and a distribution credit in the social sciences. Counts towards the concentration in ethnic studies and in gender studies.

SOC 319 - Penology and Criminal Justice

Corrections focusing upon penology and criminal justice. Includes a pre-term orientation period, outside lectures and briefings with speakers from corrections and law enforcement administration, field trips to several correctional facilities and a semester-long on-site field experience with officers and inmates at an area correctional unit.

Prerequisites & Notes
Pre-registration interview and permission of the instructor.

SOC 320 - Sociology of Religion

The sociology of religion pursues an understanding of both the “social-ness” of religion itself and the mutually influencing interactions between religion and its social environment. Students will analyze religious beliefs, practices, and organizations from a sociological perspective, with a primary focus on religion in contemporary American society.

SOC 330 - Sociology of Education

(Cross-listed as Education330). 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 major credit in Sociology, satisfies a distribution requirement in the social sciences, and satisfies a requirement in the Education Concentration.

SOC 347 - Sociology of Development

This course explores the dynamics, processes, and effects of development. Issues of development, along with local and global responses to development are examined. Inequalities based on nation-state differences and gendered economic divisions are analyzed.

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.

SOC 370 - Theory in Sociology

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 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 - Family Diversity

The 1950s solidified in the American psyche the vision of the “perfect” American family.  This includes a father who serves as the patriarch, a supportive stay-at-home mother, and 2 all-American kids, and of course the dog.  However, this vision did not resonate with many Americans then, nor does it now.  There are many family forms in the United States and this class examines all these differing experiences of family life in America.  Populations that will be covered include single parents, Black families, Latino families, homosexual families, blended (step) families, and more.

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; streetlife and violence; fatherhood politics; masculinity and sports media.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to first year students.

SOC 384 - Poverty and Policy

Poverty has been an issue in America since the Colonial era. The problem was exacerbated by the massive flow of immigrants and the low wages they received as well as by the former slaves who were also seeking employment. Urban cities became synonymous with poverty, ethnic immigrants, and general moral degradation. In the 1960s and 1970s researchers and politicians were sure that poverty would soon be a distant memory. However, that has not come to pass. Although poverty has changed since the early years in American history, it still remains a salient issue today. The goal of this class is to gain an understanding of the issues surrounding poverty in America today, its causes, what groups are disproportionately affected, and the various ways it may affect daily life for all members of American society (its consequences), and what steps the government has taken in regard to poverty. We will also explore why it is important for all Americans to be aware of the implications of inequity in the economic system. Each module will examine a different element of poverty in America.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to first year students.

SOC 395 or 495 - Independent Research in Sociology

SOC 399 - Methods in Social Research

Techniques in qualitative and quantitative sociological research, analyzing and interpreting data, and evaluating research methods.  Students will complete a thesis proposal.

SOC 410-419 - Advanced Seminars in Sociology

Topics announced in advance.

Prerequisites & Notes
Junior or senior 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
Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor.

SOC 499 - Senior Thesis

Literature review, research design, data collection and analysis, oral defense of thesis. Required of all senior majors.

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 101W - Divided Light: Writing Hispanic Exile (First-Year Writing Seminar)

Writing-intensive study (in English of Hispanic texts dealing with exile, the diaspora, and dislocation of the Hispanic, Latino subject. Satisfies the distribution requirement in composition. Open only to first-year students.

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 is 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.

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. 

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 recommends 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 literatures and cultures.  Research papers in the target language. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 or its equivalent. (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 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 it’s 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 Quijote 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 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

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

Literature and the arts against a background of history and socio-political developments from 1492 to 1900, with a focus on major currents of thought and world views. Conducted in Spanish.

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

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. (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.

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.

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 - Independent Study: Latin American Literature

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 filmmaking 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.

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 355-359 - Seminar in 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 - Independent Study: Hispanic Cultures

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.

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 textural and visual narratives: Practices and Theoretical Frameworks.

Prerequisites & Notes
Spanish 260 and 270 or their equivalents.

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 in Special Topics

Reserve oriented course in 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
Any two literature, or culture courses, or approval of the chair and the instructor.

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 or courses, or approval of the chair and the instructor.

SPA 490 - Senior Seminar I

Intensive seminar in reading and discussion of theoretical, literary, critical and cultural texts, and student research centered around a theme which will vary each year.

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

SPA 491 - Senior Seminar II

Continuation of Spanish 490 concentrating the second part of the semester on independent research on the final senior thesis (tesina) in consultation with one of the professors of the Spanish Department.  Oral presentation of the thesis at the end of the last semester of the Senior year is required.

Prerequisites & Notes
SPA 490-Senior Seminar I. Limited to Senior Spanish Majors (Spring)

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. Oral presentation of the honor thesis project at the end of the fall semester is expected. Spanish 499 requires an oral examination by a committee of department professors on the completed honor thesis.

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

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.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall and Spring)

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.

Prerequisites & Notes
(Fall)