UPPER-DIVISION ELECTIVE COURSES for SPRING 2011

UPPER-DIVISION ELECTIVE COURSES for SPRING 2011

There are many other upper-division courses that have no major restrictions. They do, however, have specific course prerequisites. You might be able to take one of those courses as an elective if you have met the prerequisite. The second part of this list consists of upper-division courses that fulfill Core requirements but that do not have any major restrictions or specific course prerequisites. These courses could also count as electives if you have already filled the Core area covered by a certain course.

ASTR / GEOL 3300-3 Extraterrestrial Life

Discusses the scientific basis for the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth; possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system, including Mars; and the possibility of life on planets around other stars. Prereq., one-year sequence in a natural science.

ARAB 3330-3 The Arabic Novel

Focusing on the origin and development of the novel genre in the Arabic tradition, this course examines both the aesthetic qualities of the genre as an artistic form and the ways that it has depicted and intervened in the modern social, political, and cultural upheavals that have shaped the Arab world in the 20th century. Authors include Najib Mahfuz, Abd al Rahman Munif, Hanan al_Shaykh, and Ghassan Kanafani. Taught in English.

CHIN 3361-3 Women and the Supernatural in Chinese Literature

Explores the relationship between the worlds of women and the supernatural in Chinese literature, from ancient to modern times. Focuses on selected significant works of classical and vernacular fiction, religious texts, and poetry (read in translation). Studies the variety of ways in which the folklore of the feminine is shaped and recast in different verbal creations and in different periods. Taught in English.

EDUC 4112 / PSYC 4114-3 Educational Psychology and Adolescent Development

Analyzes fundamental psychological concepts underlying classroom instruction, as well as adolescent growth and development.

EDUC 4411-3 Educational Psychology for Elementary Schools

Integrates theories and ideas from elementary school child development and educational psychology. Explores theories of learning and child development and considers implications for teaching motivation, and academic achievement.

ENGL 3226-3 Folklore 1

Emphasizes formal study of folk traditions (including tales, songs, games, customs, beliefs, and crafts) within a theoretical framework, using examples from several cultures.

ENGL / WMST 3267-3 Women Writers

Introduces literature by British and American women.

ENGL 4224-3 Modern British and Irish Novel

Studies major figures and trends in the 20th century. Prereq., junior standing.

ENGL / LGBT / WMST 4287-3 Studies in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Literature

Examines selected British, American, and French literary representations of lesbian and gay identity from the early 16th century to the present. Discusses the changing status of homosexuality as a literary and cultural topos, including how same-sex desire is defined, and the rhetorical and ideological difficulties involved in its representation. Specific topics vary each semester. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Restricted to juniors and seniors.

GEOG 3402-3 Natural Hazards

Explores the impacts of extreme geophysical events on human society. Emphasizes adaptations to extreme events and ways of reducing vulnerability and damage.

GEOG 3422-3 Conservation Thought

Provides an historical survey of humanconsumption of earthly materials; environmental and global considerations of population growth, cultural attitude, and technological development; and diverse goals and philosophy of conservation movements intime and place.

GEOG 4612-3 Geography of American Cities

Introduces geography of American cities. Includes demographic and ideological contexts of urban development, emergence of the city system, location theory and rent models, and urban-economic problems.

GEOG 4742-3 Environment and Peoples

Studies the interaction of people and the environment, including human adaptation and modification of environments, cultural interpretation and construction of landscapes, and natural resources and land management. May be taken twice. Topics vary. Recommended prereqs., GEOG 1982, 1992, 2002 or 2412.

GEOG 4852-3 Health and Medical Geography

Examines geographical patterns of health an disease with an emphasis on global health issues. Focuses on three major approaches to medical geographic research: ecological approaches, which systematically analyze relationships between people and their environments; social approaches, including political economy and socio-behavioral approaches; and spatial approaches, which employ maps and spatial analysis to identify patterns of health and disease. Recommended prereqs., GEOG 1001 or 1011, and GEOG 1992, 2002 or 2412. Restricted to juniors/seniors.

HIND 3661-3 South Asian Diasporas: Imagining Home Abroad

Examines fundamental questions of home, nation, identity, ethnicity, and foreignness in the context of the enormous South Asian diaspora. By means of literature, ethnography, and film, the various connotations of diaspora will be explored along with the cultural productions of members of the South Asian diaspora (both Indian and Pakistani).

HIST 4346-3 20th Century American Intellectual History

Addresses the impacts of political, social, and economic developments on ideas about democracy, science, race, gender, faith, the supposed mission of America, and the role of intellectuals in society.

HIST 4424-3 European Intellectual History, 1870 to Present

Emphasizes Nietzsche and the youth revolt against middle class society, the literary and artistic avant garde (impressionism to existentialism), the psychoanalytic movement, the European right and left, and post-WWII European thought.

HIST 4425-3 United States History, 1933–1968 (the actually chronology will be 1917 – 1945)

Examines in detail the history of the United States from its entry into World War I in 1917 through the end of World War II in 1945. Key themes to be examined in the course include: warfare as a shaping force in U.S. history; the rise of the modern state; the development of a consumer economy and culture; the increasing global involvement of the U.S.; the shift from the conservative politics of the 1920s to the New Deal liberalism of the 1930s; the triumph and fracturing of the modern women’s movement; nativism and immigration restriction; the maturation of Jim Crow segregation and the Great Migration; and the shaping influence of new technologies such as the automobile.

HIST 4528-3 Islam in South and Southeast Asia (1000 to the Present)

Examines the history of Muslim societies in south and southeast Asia from 1000 to the present. Focuses on themes such as the rise of Islamic empires in South Asia, Sufism, trade and the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia, the rise or Muslim nationalism and religious fundamentalism, and the impact of modernization and globalization Muslims of the region. Recommended prereq., six hours of history credit.

HIST 4538-3 History of Modern India

Examines the history of India from the British conquest of India in the late 18th century to independence in 1947. Emphasizes the impact of British rule on the political, economic, and social development of modern India. Recommended prereq., at least 6 hours of history credit.

HIST / JWST 4544-3 History of Yiddish Culture

Jews have produced culture in Yiddish, the vernacular language of eastern European Jewry, for 1000 years and the language continues to shape Jewish culture today. In this course, we will look at the literature, film, theater, music, art, sound, and laughter that defined the culture of eastern European Jewry and, in the 20th century, Jews around the world. Recommended prereqs., HIST 1108 or HEBR 2350.

HIST / JWST 4827-3 Modern U.S. Jewish History

Explores the experience of Jews in the United States from the 1880's when the great migration of Jews from Eastern Europe began, through the twentieth century. Students will explore the changing ways in which Jews adapted to life in the U.S., constructed American Jewish identities, and helped to participate in the construction of the United States as a nation. Recommended prereqs., HIST 1025 or HIST/JWST 1108 or HEBR/JWST 2350.

HUMN 3092-3Studies in Humanities: Fiction and Reality: Literature, Science, and Culture (sections 011, 012, & 013 only)

Reality television, fiction, metafiction, virtual reality, magical realism, documentary, propaganda, autobiography, testimonial, digital manipulation of images, robotics–all are popular today for their ability to explore and question the line between fiction and reality. This issue is not a new phenomenon; throughout history humans have tried to understand the distinction between fiction and reality. But our contemporary culture seems particularly interested in both the differences and similarities between the two concepts. In this course we will explore the ramifications of the assumption that a recognizable distinction between reality and fiction exists or that there is no objective way to distinguish the two. With the aid of various theoretical sources, we will analyze a selection of literary, scientific, and cultural works in order to see how they define reality and fiction while considering the consequences of these definitions. The goal of this approach is twofold: 1) to arrive at an idea of what these often ambiguous concepts mean in our culture and 2) to be able to critically apply this idea to the problems posed by the questionable status of the separation between reality and fiction.

HUMN 4082-3 19th Century Art and Literature

Interdisciplinary study of English fiction and poetry together with related movements in visual arts.

ITAL 4200 - Topics in Italian Culture and Civilization from the Origins through the Renaissance: Love, Sex, and Power in Renaissance Italy

JPNS 3821-3 Medieval Japanese Literature in Translation

Surveys the major works and authors of medieval Japanese (poetry, prose, and drama) from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1600). Taught in English. Recommended prereq., JPNS 1051.

JPNS 3831-3 Early Modern Japanese Literature in Translation

Surveys the major works, authors, and genres of literature from the Tokugawa through Meiji periods in their historical and cultural contexts. Attention is given to various approaches of literary analysis and interpretation. Taught in English. Recommended prereq., JPNS 1051.

JWST / ANTH 4050-3 Anthropology of Jews and Judaism

Explores topics in Jewish anthropology. Uses the lens of anthropological inquiry to explore, discover and analyze different concepts within Jewish culture. Topics include customs, religious practices, languages, ethnic and regional sub-divisions, occupations, social composition, and folklore. Explores fundamental questions about the definition of Jewish identity, practices and communities.

JWST/ RLST 4260-3 Topics in Judaism Seminar: Judaism in the Time of Jesus

This course covers the Hellenistic and Roman period of Jewish history up to about 200 CE, a period widely considered to be formative for Judaism. Key historical events include the coming of Alexander the Great and impact of Hellenization, the rise of the Maccabees, the Roman domination of Judea, the Jewish war with Rome and the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, the formation of competing sects, the Jesus movement and beginnings of Christianity, the expansion of diaspora communities, and the emergence of rabbinic Judaism. Students will be exposed to a variety of Jewish literature from this period, including Wisdom literature, Apocalyptic literature, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish novels, historical writings, biblical commentary, and rabbinic texts. Three central themes will pervade the work of this course: how the religion of Ancient Israel transformed into what we know today as Judaism, how Jewish religious identity was formed in relationship to Greco-Roman culture and how ancient Judaism has been "constructed " by historians and scholars of religion. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Recommended prereqs., 6 hours of RLST courses at any level including RLST/JWST 3100, RLST/JWST 2600, HIST/JWST 1108 or HEBR/JWST 2350 or instructor consent.

JWST / ANTH 4580-3 The Holocaust: An Anthropological Perspective

Focuses on the Holocaust during the Third Reich, which involved the murder of millions of people, including six million Jews. Reviews the Holocaust's history, dynamics, and consequences as well as other genocides of the 20th century, using an anthropological approach.

KREN 3841-3 Modern Korean Literature in English Translation

Surveys masterpieces of modern Korean literature written by significant Korean/Korean American authors in English. Provides various literary and theoretical frameworks to understand Korean literature within the context of Asian global culture. Covers from colonial period to the present. No prior knowledge of Korea or Korean literature is required.

MUEL 3642-3 History of Jazz

Studies the distinctly American art form of jazz music from its origins to the present, including the various traditions, practices, historical events, and people most important to its evolution. For nonmusic majors.

PHYS 3000-3 Science and Public Policy

For nonscience majors. Reading, discussions, debates, and lectures are used to study how science affects society economically, intellectually, and in terms of health and national security. Another focus is how government fosters and funds scientific activities. Recommended prereq., completion of core science requirement.

RLST 3600-3 Islam

Introduces Islamic beliefs and practices through an examination of the Qur'an, Muhammad's life, ritual duties, law and theology, mysticism, and social institutions.

RUSS 4431-3 Dostoevsky

Focuses on close reading of major novels and other works by Dostoevsky, one of the most important psychological novelists in modern literature, profound religious thinker, and the greatest crime novelist in the world.

THTR 3085-3 History of Western Fashion

Surveys topics in western dress from ancient civilizations to contemporary time: the garments, accessories, materials, and technologies of personal adornment in the context of philosophical, political, social, and technological change. Priority given to majors.

UPPER-DIVISION CORE classes that can be taken as UPPER-DIVISION ELECTIVES

ARTH / CLAS 3039-3 Greek Art and Archaeology

Covers prehistoric Aegean through the fourth century B.C.E., considering architecture, pottery, painting,sculpture, and personal ornament. Societal customs such as use of space and burial patterns are considered as well as art and its uses, to help understand developments in Greek culture. Fulfills Literature and the Arts Core requirement.

ARTH / CLAS 3049-3 Introduction to Roman Art and Architecture

Introduces the monuments and sites of the ancient Roman world from the foundation of Rome (753 B.C.E.) to Constantine (306_307 C.E.). Emphasizes the relationship of art, architecture, and artifacts to the political, social, and religious institutions of Italy and the provinces. Fulfills Literature and the Arts Core requirement.

ATOC / GEOL 3070-3 Introduction to Oceanography

Investigates the broad-scale features and dynamics of the Earth's oceans. The course is roughly divided amongst the four major, interrelated disciplines of oceanography: marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography (i.e. circulation), and marine biology. Specific topics include seafloor spreading, marine sediments, salinity, biogeochemical cycles, currents, waves, tides, primary production, marine ecology, marine resources, global warming, and much more. Prereq., any two-course sequence of natural science courses. Fulfills part of the Natural Science Core requirement.

CLAS / HUMN 4110-3 Greek and Roman Epic

Students read in English translation the major epics of Graco-Roman antiquity such as the Iliad, Odyssey, Argonautica, Aeneid, and Metamorphoses. Topics discussed may include the nature of classical epic, its relation to the novel, and its legacy. No Greek or Latin required.Fulfills Literature and the Arts Core requirement.

DNCE 4037-3 Looking at Dance

Focuses on the development of perceptual, descriptive, and analytical skills as well as the ability to apply cultural and critical theory to 20th and 21st century concert dance. Specific pieces of choreography are looked at from a broad range of perspectives. Fulfills Literature and the Arts Core requirement.

EDUC 3013-3 School and Society

Introduces the real world of schools, teaching, and learning. Examines issues of diversity and equity from different disciplinary lenses, including history, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. Fulfills Human Diversity or Contemporary societies Core requirement.

ENGL 3000-3 Shakespeare for Non-majors

Introduces students to Shakespeare's major works: the histories, comedies, and tragedies. May include the nondramatic poetry as well. Fulfills Literature and the Arts Core requirement.

ENGL 3060-3 Modern and Contemporary Literature

Close study of significant 20th century poetry, drama, and prose works. Readings range from 1920s to the present.Fulfills Literature and the Arts Core requirement.

ENGL 3164-3 History and Literature of Georgian England

Provides an interdisciplinary study of England in one of its most vibrant cultural and historical periods. Topics include politics, religion, family life, and the ways contemporary authors understood their world. Prereq., sophomore standing. Fulfills Historical Context Core requirement.

ENGL 4113-3 History and Culture of Medieval England

Explores the major historical, literary, and cultural developments in England from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 15th century. Prereq., junior standing. Fulfills Historical Context Core requirement.

ENVS / GEOL 3520-3Environmental Issues in Geosciences

Addresses current environmental problems in which an understanding of geology is needed. Topics include energy resources, climate modification, hydrology, waste disposal, and mining resources. Specific examples used to illustrate restrictions imposed by nature and man on solutions to these problems. Prereq., any two-course sequence of natural science courses. Fulfills part of the Natural Science Core requirement.

FILM 3013-3 Women and Film

Examines the representation of women both in mainstream movies and in women's counter-cinema that resists traditional form, content, and spectator-text relationships of Hollywood models. Emphasizes work by key women filmmakers such as Margarethe Von Trotta, Lizzy Borden, and Yvonne Rainer, as well as readings in feminist film theory. Fulfills Human Diversity Core requirement.

GEOG 3742-3 Place, Power, and Contemporary Culture

Presents a radical reexamination of the geography of culture. Examines the relationship between places, power, and the dynamics of culture. Explores how the globalization of economics, politics, and culture shapes local cultural change. Looks at how place-based cultural politics both assist and resist processes of globalization. Recommended prereq., GEOG 1982, 1992, or 2002.Fulfills Contemporary Societies Core requirement.