Apr 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Courses

 
  

  • MJD 210 - Photojournalism in the Digital Age

    This digital-based photography course introduces students to the skills, theory and ethics of newspaper, magazine and Web-based photojournalism. Through in-class discussions and hands-on demonstrations, students learn manual camera techniques, and image editing using Photoshop software. Analyses of historical and contemporary photographic work help students apply techniques and theory to create storytelling photographs suitable for publication.

    Prerequisites: MJD 110; Majors and Minors Only; Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors Only.

    Full course
  

  • MJD 213 - Media Law and Ethics in a Digital Age

    This course explores the political, historic and philosophical roots of the First Amendment. Particular emphasis is given to the legal and ethical problems of the new communications technologies; other topics include libel, privacy, obscenity, newsgathering, copyright, and the free press/fair trial dilemma. The class also provides insights into how the legal process works and an understanding of the principles and philosphies that underlie the restraints on and privileges of the media. After analyzing what the law says journalists can do, the course moves into the ethical component of what the should do. Using basic philosophical theories, students analyze ethical dilemmas through the use of case studies. Using multimedia, guest speakers and current events the course considers media law and ethics and its impact of journalists’ ability to fulfill the historic function of the press to inform the public.

    Prerequisites: At least Sophomore standing.

    Full course
  

  • MJD 215 - Photography and Tourism

    This digital-based photography course will explore the methods and artistry of outdoor and tourism photography. Through the analysis of historical and contemporary work, students will develop the technical skills and creative approaches necessary for documenting recreational, outdoor, and tourism related activities pursued in the state of Vermont.  Additionally, in the experiential learning component of this class, students will be responsible for creating multimedia marketing presentations for Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. By the end of the class, students will be proficient in the following Adobe programs: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

    Prerequisites: None

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Experiential Learning
  

  • MJD 219 - Topics in Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts

    Various topics, ranging from women in the mass media to advanced Web design and theory to literary journalism.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: Course may be taken more than once in different topic areas.
  

  • MJD 225 - Topics in Chinese Media

    This course will explore the role new digital media play in shaping 21st century Chinese culture and politics, including the role of blogs, social media platforms, satellite technology, and the Chinese Internet, home to the world’s biggest national population of Internet users. Our course will culiminate in a 12 day trip to China during May.

    Prerequisites: Not open to first year students

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable as long as the topic is different.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Experiential Learning or Global Issues that Impact the Common Good
  

  • MJD 226 - 21st Century Chinese Media Study Tour

    This short summer trip will be two weeks in duration, including two days traveling to and from China. It starts with visiting Beijing and the Great Wall of China in the east, and then traveling west to the SIlk Road.

    Prerequisites: Not open to first year students.

    Half course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Experiential Learning
  

  • MJD 243 - Media and American Politics

    This course explores the confluence of media and politics in our democratic society. Students read political science and media studies texts, engage in class discussions, and take a field trip to New Hampshire to meet candidates (including “minor” ones), political science professors, journalists, and election workers. To put the modern political system in historical context, students will study the changing relationship of politicians and reporters from the founding of the republic until modern times. Students learn about and analyze how politicians work to get out their messages to the media world, how the media interpret (and misinterpret) these messages, and the students’ place within this mélange.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Social and Institutional Dimensions of Human Behavior or CORE: History & Society
  

  • MJD 250 - Global Communication

    In this course we will be mapping-out world communication and the cross-cultural outlines of our so-called “global village.” We will take a macro-look at the rise of international communication systems and the development of this thing we call “global culture.” We will examine a series of case studies which reflect the ways in which media techniques and technologies–computers, satellites, the news, language, digital imaging, fiber optics–impact national and cultural development among different populations around the world. Finally, we will take a critical look at the future–the future of global mass audiences; issues of inter-and-cross cultural media ethics, privacy, global policy, and intersections between science and science fiction.

    Prerequisites: Majors and Minors Only; Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors Only.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good
  

  • MJD 261 - The Moving Image: Broadcast TV/Video Storytelling

    The focus of this course is twofold. First, its focus is on the the role of broadcast TV journalism in our society today. To this end, students will examine the different ways in which TV news shapes our understandings of our own local communities, our nation, and world events. The second focus of this course is on the creation of broadcast TV news stories. Students will be learning strategies of visual storytelling for all aspects TV and video production–scripting, filming, editing and distributiion as well as some basics in on-camera presentation.

    Full course
  

  • MJD 263 - Screen Life in Modern Visual Media

    Over the past few years, new media techniques, technologies, and organizations such as Facebook, Twitter, texting, iPhones, iPads, smart phones, HD webTV, Skype, and Kindle have rapidly changed the way in which many of us interact and communicate on a daily basis. These devices—and the manner in which they’ve been used—have had an enormous impact on nearly all aspects of our daily lives. In this course, students take an in-depth and interdisciplinary look at the ways in which modern screen-based media impact global society.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Social and Institutional Dimensions of Human Behavior or CORE: History & Society
  

  • MJD 266 - Digital Film/TV

    Students take a critical and in-depth look at methods and artistry of digital filmmaking in two complementary ways. Analysis: students will be screening and critically deconstructing a wide range of film and television programs with an eye towards analyzing the languages with which these media communicate as art forms and as social and political products. Production: this is a course in the production of visual art; students will conceive, storyboard, script, shoot, edit and present a series of their own digital film/TV productions throughout the course of the term.

    Prerequisites: MJD 110.  Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors only

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: Preference given to students with a dedicated interest in film/TV analysis, criticism, and production.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MJD 303 - Nature and Outdoor Writing

    This is a course that combines two central elements: (1) reading and discussing provocative examples of nature writing to see how the authors craft their nonfiction stories and communicate their fascination with the outdoors. The goal here is simple: to learn about strategies for writing creative nonfiction by analyzing great examples of it; and (2) to develop skills in writing feature-length articles about the outdoors and the natural world—cultivating a story idea, training your powers of observation, conducting research that enhances your writing, the draft and revision process. Along the way, we’ll be exploring related topics: humans’ relationships to the natural world, environmental and conservation issues, the status of recreation in the outdoors, and the natural history of the creatures and landscapes that surround us.

    Prerequisites: Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors only

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MJD 305 - Persuasive Writing

    Effective persuasion has tremendous power within society, often swaying elections, public policy and individual behavior. With it comes big responsibility.  Students will critique a broad spectrum of persuasive writing including op-eds, reviews, fundraising letters, and campaign rhetoric. They will deconstruct effective approaches and techniques, and apply them to their own writing. 

    Prerequisites: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Only

    Full course
  

  • MJD 311 - Digital Media II: Advanced Graphic Design

    In this course, students will gain experience and skills in the processes and practices involved with digital art and graphic design.  Through a series of projects and exercises, they will develop their understandings of fundamental graphic design principles and how to employ them in design solutions and in their own artworks. Along the way, they will explore related topics:  brainstorming strategies to enhance the creative process, problem-solving using time-boxing, the value of stepping away from the computer, the role of research in good design, how to evaluate the audience for your designs, and the role of critique and analysis.

    Prerequisites: MJD 110

    Full course
  

  • MJD 319 - Advanced Topics in Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts

    This course provides the opportunity for faculty and students to explore a particular academic topic not offered by the department on a regular basis.  

     

    Prerequisites: MJD-266 or MJD-263 or MJD-261 or MJD-219 or Permission of Instructor.
     

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: Course may be taken more than once in different topic areas.
    When Offered: Fall
  

  • MJD 323 - Race, Gender and Ethnicity in Media

    This course is an introduction to analysis of representations of identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation , and ethnicity in the mass media. We view, read about, analyze and discuss mass media like television, film, print, radio, music, sports, news, advertising, and the web to determine if and how race, gender and ethnicity are depicted. An underlying understanding within the course is recognition of the inextricable interconnections between/intersectionality of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, etc. Students will write response/reflection papers, present analyses individually in class, and work in teams to produce a research project analyzing the issues discussed in class.

    Prerequisites: MJD-101. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Only.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Social and Institutional Dimensions of Human Behavior or CORE: History & Society or Engaging Diverse Identities
  

  • MJD 330 - Advanced Visual Storytelling: Multimedia Analysis

    This course explores the structural foundations of documentary storytelling through both the analysis and production of still photographic essays, audio stories and multimedia slideshows. In addition to analyzing contemporary and historic examples of these storytelling media, students will learn advanced techniques in multimedia production. Students will become proficient in the following software programs: Adobe Photoshop; Adobe Audition; Adobe Premiere; and Sounslides.

    Prerequisites: MJD 210 or MJD 266 or MJD 302 or AR 130 or permission from the instructor

    Full course
  

  • MJD 352 - Health and Development in East Africa

    This service learning course has a two-fold purpose.  First, it will provide students with an overview of the health and development challenges of East Africa, with a focus on HIV/AIDS in rural Tanzania.  Second, it will develop a communication skill set among class participants to present these challenges to the developed world in film, photos, web site production and grant proposals.  Students will also explore the tension between compelling storytelling and political empowerment and advocacy as development tools.

    Prerequisites: MJD 110 or permission of the instructor.

    half course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good
  

  • MJD 353 - Applied Health and Development Approaches in East Africa

    This service learning course includes an intensive two week field course based at the Ilula Orphan Program (IOP) in Iringa, Tanzania.  Students will travel to Tanzania to observe first-hand the development challenges related to HIV/AIDS, water scarcity, education and poverty being addressed by the IOP.  The service learning component of the course will involve updating the IOP’s educational and development materials, including the web site, and producing at least one completed grant application.  Students will be expected to complete this work in a one-week work session following completion of the two weeks in-country.

    Prerequisites: MJD 352

    Half course
  

  • MJD 355 - South Africa: Resistance, Revolution, & Representation Study Trip

    This course analyses the ways in which media was used to promote, maintain and then dismantle apartheid in South Africa. What role did media play in influencing people’s views of the systemic injustices and how was media utilized in the fight against apartheid? How does media shape post-apartheid South Africa?

    Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing; Completion of MJD-219 from Spring 2019

    Half course
    Crosslisted: GL-355
  

  • MJD 363 - Study Abroad Re-entry

    This interdisciplinary course is specifically designed for students who are returning from study abroad and are looking for ways to integrate their international experiences back into their “home” cultures and into the academic environment. Throughout this class, we will be using travel writing and the travel essay as the vehicles for exploring the possibilities and problems of cross-cultural communication and interaction. Students will be reading provocative examples of travel literature and research on cross-cultural issues and will be writing their own travel pieces. Together, we will be engaging with ideas from communication and media studies, anthropology, sociology, and psychology in order to better understand human behavior and identity within and across cultures. Along the way, we’ll be exploring related topics: the connection between language and identity; the connection between travel and identity; wealth, power, and poverty; the phenomenon of culture shock–and reverse culture shock; being a “minority” in another culture; developing a sense of “home”; the differences between the tourist and the traveler; the role of nonverbal communication in culture; encountering the other; the unwritten roles and rules of social behavior; and the “generalized other” of the global citizen.

    Prerequisites: Students must have studied abroad.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MJD 411 - Writing and Editing for Publication

    Explores writing genres through the journalistic lens with an eye toward publishing for specific audiences. Using the campus publication as an exploratory medium, students experiment with reporting/feature/ persuasive writing and editing and merge written work with visuals.

    Prerequisites: Soph/Juniors/Seniors , all majors. Must have a solid foundation in grammar, structure and organization.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor.
  

  • MJD 413 - Internship in Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts

    Working in collaboration with media professionals at media organizations and in corporate and non-profit, media students put theory into practice by producing media in a professional work environment. Possible activites include producing and distributing media, i.e. websites, articles, films, brochures etc. planning and staging media events; researching and evaluating public relations campaigns; and optimization studies. The internship gives students a practical context in which to examine and interpret issues and concepts they have studied in their Media Studies classroom courses.

    Prerequisites: Majors and Minors Only; Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors Only.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable.
  

  • MJD 433 - Publication Visual Storytelling and Design

    This course explores the structural foundations of visual storytelling and graphic design for print and online publications.  Through the analysis and production of still photographs, video and page design students manage and create visual content for the student publication, The Defender. 

    Prerequisites: Soph/Juniors/Seniors , all majors.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor.
  

  • MJD 450 - Senior Research Proposal Seminar

    This is the research proposal seminar for the senior capstone experience in the Department of Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts. This class will focus on a variety of research methods and on the completion of a research proposal for students’ senior seminar projects. The senior capstone project, which will be completed during the following semester, is a high quality media critique and analysis project (a documentary film, book, or web documentary) which examines a socially significant topic through a variety of interdisciplinary angles.

    Prerequisites: Majors Only; Seniors Only.

    Half course
  

  • MJD 460 - Senior Seminar in Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts

    This is the capstone course. It’s an opportunity to develop, research, and produce a professional-quality media project (a documentary film, book, or web documentary) which explores a socially significant topic through a variety of interdisciplinary angles.

    Prerequisites: Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts majors only.  Seniors only.

    Full course
  

  • MU 101 - Understanding Music

    Study of the elements of music – rhythm, meter, pitch, melody, harmony, timbre, ensembles, and form – and music as an element of human culture. Emphasis is placed on both listening and elementary musicianship skills. Examples include both Western and non-Western music.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 201 - Introductory Music Theory

    Basic tonal materials: scales, intervals, chords; melody and counterpoint; musicianship lab includes basic ear-training, sight-singing, keyboard skills.

    Full course
  

  • MU 202 - Musicianship Lab

    Basic ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboard skills.

    Prerequisites: None

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: Permission of the instructor.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 203 - Intermediate Music Theory

    Intermediate tonal materials, harmony, introduction to form and analysis; musicianship lab includes ear-training, sight-singing, keyboard skills.

    Prerequisites: MU 201 or permission of instructor.

    Full course
  

  • MU 209 - Reading and Writing About Music

    A survey of different genres of writing about music. Students read and write description, reviews, reports, and essays about music of a variety of styles including live performances.

    Prerequisites: MU 203 or permission of instructor.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 224 - Baroque Music

    Study of the music literature, style and performance of Baroque and Pre-classical music.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 226 - Classical-Period and Romantic Music

    Western classical music of the Classical and Romantic periods, with a focus on the major genres and styles and the social and philosophical meanings of music in these periods.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 228 - 20th Century Music

    Study of Western music and culture from Impressionism to the present.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 235 - Opera

    A survey of the operatic repertory from the 17th to the 20th century from both analytical and historical perspectives, focusing on changes in styles and conventions, and opera’s importance in European culture.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 242 - History of Jazz

    The history of the music of African Americans from the point of departure in Africa to present day avant-garde jazz. The influence of jazz on American music.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts or Engaging Diverse Identities
  

  • MU 243 - History of Gospel

    This course examines the great body of African American religious song that has been created and practiced from slavery to the present day, i.e,, from the ring shout to holy hip-hop. There is a strong focus on the nineteenth century spiritual and the various manifestations of gospel song and performance that have defined much Black religious expression since the Third Great Awakening. This comprehensive class takes into account the historical, social, political, cultural, and musical forces at work in the creation of spirituals and, subsequently, gospel music. Style practice, song recognition and analysis, the use of coded language and signifying, the rhetoric of folk sermons, blind performers and street evangelists, musical forms, composers, preachers, quartets, gospel stars, and more is also considered in this thorough yet entertaining course.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts or Engaging Diverse Identities
  

  • MU 244 - American Musical Theater

    A history of American musical theater, focusing on the professional Broadway repertory of the twentieth century, from Victor Herbert through Stephen Sondheim. This course examines the principle composers and lyricists and their shows, the cultural and stylistic trends they represent, the musical and dramatic forms they employ, and the social issues that inform both the context and the content of this repertory. No musical experience is required, but interested students will have performance opportunities.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 247 - History of Rock

    This course examines the historical, social, cultural, and musical forces that contributed to the emergence and subsequent development and impact of rock and roll as an enduring form of popular music. Performers, genres, song and style analysis, regional distinctions, and more are addressed with contextual depth and nuance.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Historical Studies or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 253 - Global Issues in Music

    Exploration of how music functions within and across different cultures, with an emphasis on its contemporary political, economic, and religious uses. The course uses case studies from a number of societies to study how musical expression and the meanings it creates emerge and change, both in their original context and in a increasingly global community.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good or CORE: Literature & The Arts or Engaging Diverse Identities
  

  • MU 261 - Private Lessons for Non-Music Majors

    Enables a qualified student to study voice or an instrument with an accomplished artist in the area.

    Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

    one credit (quarter) course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated. Students must register in person at the Registrar’s office after arrangements are made with Music faculty.
    Laboratory Fee: yes
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 271 - Intro to African Drumming

    Exploration of the music and dance of West Africa, with focus on substantial individual improvement of performance skills and critical listening. May include public performance of learned repertoire.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 301 - Advanced Music Theory

    Chromatic harmony, counterpoint, and standard forms of Western classical musical, with analysis of 18th and 19th-century examples.

    Prerequisites: MU 203

    Full course
  

  • MU 316 - Instrumentation and Orchestration

    Instrumental ranges, timbres, and playing techniques; score-reading, clefs, and transpositions; orchestral literature and stylistic analysis; arranging for different ensembles.

    Prerequisites: MU 203

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE:Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 319 - Advanced Topics in Music Theory

    Detailed examination of a particular technique, style, or methodolgy of musical analysis or composition. Topics vary but may include, for example, counterpoint, fugue, twentieth-century analysis, free composition, or jazz harmony and arranging.

    Prerequisites: MU 203

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated as long as the topic is different.
    When Offered: Fall
  

  • MU 333 - J. S. Bach

    Study of the works of J.S. Bach. Use of primary souces in music theory, form and design as tools for reading, research analysis.

    Prerequisites: MU 203 or permission of instructor.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 349 - Topics in American and Popular Music

    Detailed examination of a particular genre, period, region, repertory, composer, or performer. Topics vary but may include, for example, the blues, film music, or the Folk Revival.

    Prerequisites: May be repeated as long as the topic is different.

    Full course
  

  • MU 359 - Topics in Ethnomusicology

    Exploration and critical study of a specific ethnomusicological topics through discussion, readings, and performance. May include topics such as: Music as Social and Political Expression; Religious and Ritual Music; Classical World Music; or specific regional/area studies, i.e. music of India.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated as long as the topic is different.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good
  

  • MU 361 - Private Lessons Music Majors

    Private study of voice or an instrument with an accomplished artist in the area.

    Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

    one credit (quarter) course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable. Students must register in person at the Registrar’s office after arrangements are made with Music faculty.
    Laboratory Fee: yes
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 362 - Private Lessons Music Majors

    Private study of voice or an instrument with an accomplishe artist in the area.

    Prerequisites: MU 261 or MU 361 and permission of the artist.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable. Students must register in person at the Registrar’s office after arrangements are made with Music faculty. Upon completion of MU 362 credit for a half course is awarded.
    Laboratory Fee: yes
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 364 - Advanced Performance Studies

    Group-oriented instruction in various performance styles such as jazz improvisation, operatic singing, song-writing, or chamber music. Offering varies from year to year.

    Prerequisites: MU 262 or MU 362

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: Counts as a performance course in the Music major/minor.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 372 - String Orchestra

    An instrumental group performing a variety of different genres and styles of classical music, depending on the instrumentation available.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 374 - Concert Band

    An instrumental group performing literature for concert band and wind ensemble.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 375 - Jazz Orchestra

    A stage band performing the Big-Band style of jazz.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 376 - African Drumming Ensemble

    Exploration and public performance in ensembles of the music and dance of the Ewe people of Gahana and related cultures, with expectation of substantial individual and ensemble improvement of performance skills, critical listening, and instrumental and other techniques. There will be frequent on and off-campus performances, work with guest artists, and opportunities for individual musical projects (recitals, recordings, etc.) with the group.

    Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor required.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 377 - Chorale

    A chorus performing literature for mixed voices in a variety of styles, including major choral works.

    Half course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Artistic Experience or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • MU 491 - Senior Seminar and Project

    The senior seminar gives students the opportunity to undertake a culminating project in the study and performance of music. Topics and projects vary according to the interests of the students, and include a combination of original research, musical analysis, a final paper, an oral presentation, and a musical performance.

    Prerequisites: Music majors only; at least junior or senior standing.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Literature & The Arts
  

  • NS 400 - Independent Research in Neuroscience

    Interested students engage in an in-depth investigation of a particular neuroscience topic under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Research can take the form of a laboratory or scholarly project. BI 320 Advanced Neurobiology or BI 335 Neuroscience may also be required for cellular neuroscience related projects.  PH 362 may be required for philosophy related projects.  Students should speak with a faculty mentor to inquire whether these additional prerequisites are needed.  Students will be required to present their work at the April College-wide Symposium.

    Prerequisites: PS-274 and PS-216 or BI-205 and MA-120; permission of Program Director.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable.
  

  • NS 406 - Independent Research: Honors in Neuroscience Proposal

    Eligible students will be active participants in a year-long intensive laboratory experience (NS-406 & NS-408) that involves conducting a literature review, generating a hypothesis(es), choosing and training on relevant methodology, writing an approved IRB/IACUC proposal (if applicable), collecting data, analyzing results, and writing a thesis paper, which also includes theoretical implications and conclusions.  Students will be required to present their work orally at the April college-wide symposium.

    BI 320 Advanced Neurobiology or BI 335 Neuroscience may also be required for cellular neuroscience related projects.  PH 362 may be required for philosophy related projects.  Students should speak with a faculty mentor to inquire whether these additional

    Prerequisites: PS-274 and PS-216 or BI-205 and MA-120; permission of Program Director; Juniors and Seniors only.

    Half course
  

  • NS 408 - Independent Research: Honors in Neuroscience

    Eligible students will be active participants in a year-long intensive laboratory experience (NS-406 & NS-408) that involves conducting a literature review, generating hypothesis(es), choosing and training on relevant methodology, writing an approved IRB/IACUC proposal (if applicable), collecting data, analyzing results, and writing a thesis paper, which also includes theoretical implications and conclusions.  Students will also present their work orally at the April college-wide symposium.

    BI 320 Advanced Neurobiology or BI 335 Neuroscience may also be required for cellular neuroscience related projects.  PH 362 may be required for philosophy related projects.  Students should speak with a faculty mentor to inquire whether these additional prerequisites are needed.

    Prerequisites: NS-406; permission of Program Director

    Half course
  

  • NS 410 - Neuroscience Senior Seminar

    This course provides a capstone experience for students to review contemporary literature, demonstrate oral and written communication skills, and discuss societal implications of the field of neuroscience.  

    Prerequisites: Seniors Only; Majors Only.

    Full course
  

  • PH 103 - Introduction to Philosophy

    The course both shows the student the nature and value of philosophical inquiry, using only primary texts such as Plato’s dialogues and other major philosophical writings, and, at the same time, invites the student to become personally philosophical by developing their own way of seeing the meaning and value of things. One way of coming to see how deeply human and profoundly personal the questions of meaning and value examined in philosophy are is by coming to understand how they would remain unanswered even if some day we were able to answer all the questions of the sciences.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: LSC or CORE: Philosophical Questions
  

  • PH 201 - Philosophy of Human Existence

    This course engages questions concerning the place of humans in the wide world, questions that are at the heart of the ongoing Catholic and Christian Humanist traditions. Possible topics include: faith and reason, body and soul, freedom and moral responsibility, the art of living, the nature of desire, and the category of the human. Texts may be classic and/or contemporary.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Study of Christian Traditions and Thought or CORE: History & Society AND Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 203 - Ethics

    Ethics is the practice concerned with leading a worthwhile life consisting in worthwhile relationships with others and one self. In the Socratic tradition, the objective is to assist students in developing the ethical perspective they already have on worthwhile relationships.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Study of Christian Traditions and Thought or CORE: History & Society AND Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 205 - Philosophy of Society

    Will provide students with resources for examining the question of the relation between human nature and civil society. For example, some of the questions examined in these courses will be: the nature of a just human society, the relationship between a just civil society and a divine order, the relation between the cultivation of human virtue and a just civil society, whether civil society enhances or limits our freedom, and whether civil society should be focused primarily on the common good or the rights and benefits of a single individual. (The particular emphasis or approach is left to the discretion of the faculty member.)

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Study of Christian Traditions and Thought or CORE: History & Society
  

  • PH 207 - Philosophy of Religion

    This course is concerned with philosophical reflections on questions arising in relation to religious belief, especially with regard to belief in immortality and the existence of God or some transcendent reality.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Study of Christian Traditions and Thought or CORE: History & Society AND Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 209 - Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Environment

    This course includes topics in philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, and environmental philosophy. Questions may include: What is the goal of science? Are all sciences reducible to physics? Do we use technology, or does technology use us? Is nature intrinsically valuable? What is the moral status of plants and animals? What are our responsibilities to future generations? Readings include classic and/or contemporary texts.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Study of Christian Traditions and Thought or CORE: History & Society AND Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 221 - Existentialism in Literature and Film

    A philosophical examination of major themes in modern existentialism through film and literature.

    Prerequisites: PH-103

    Ful course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Second Course in Study of Christian Traditions and Thought or CORE: Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 231 - The Mind, Free Will, and Neuroethics

    This course introduces core issues in the philosophy of mind, such as the mind-body problem, the nature of personhood, and free will, as well as ethical issues raised by advances in the neurosciences.

    Prerequisites: PH-103

    Full course
  

  • PH 250 - Logic

    PH-250 introduces students to the basic concepts of logic, the different kinds of inference structures or arguments, and the various techniques for identify and evaluating inference structures or arguments, both informal and formal.

    Prerequisites: PH - 103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Quantitative Reasoning
  

  • PH 270 - Topics in Philosophy

    A course on a topic not offered by the department in a given semester or not customarily offered on a regular basis.

    Prerequisites: PH-103

    Full course
  

  • PH 301 - Ancient Greek Philosophy

    A study in the principle figures of early Greek Philosophy, from the sixth to the third centuries B.C. A brief consideration of the period from Thales to Socrates leads to a more detailed study of Plato and Aristotle.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Full course
  

  • PH 309 - Author/Text - Ancient

    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, or Augustine.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor.
  

  • PH 311 - History of Medieval Philosophy

    This broad survey examines how philosophy was utilized and fruitfully advanced in the context of the Christian, Jewish and Islamic religious traditions by studying major thinkers such as: Augustine; Anselm; Bonaventure; Maimonides; Averroes; Avicenna; Ockham; and especially, Aquinas. Their influence is still felt today.

    Prerequisites: Any PH 200

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 318 - Major Author/Text: Medieval Jewish

    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher and/or philosophical text in either the Jewish or the Islamic philosophical tradition during the Medieval Period. This may include such figures as Maimonides, Al-Farabi, Averroes, or Avicenna.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor.
  

  • PH 319 - Major Author/Text:Medieval Christian

    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher and/or philosophical texts formative of the Christian philosophical tradition during the Medieval Period. This may include such figures as Augustine or Aquinas.

    .

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A; CORE: Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  

  • PH 321 - History of Early Modern Philosophy

    We examine the birth of modern philosophy in its struggle to meet radically new challenges. The metaphysical, epistemological and socio-political issues at the heart of these challenges are examined through a selection of the period’s major philosophers, such as: Descartes; Hobbes; Locke; Hume; Spinoza; Leibniz and Kant.
     

    Prerequisites: Any PH 200

    Full course
  

  • PH 329 - Author/Text - Modern

    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Descartes, Spinoza, Hume, or Kant.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable as long as topic is different.
  

  • PH 331 - Contemporary Philosophy

    This course considers the rich and diverse development of philosophical thought from the nineteenth century into the twenty-first century. Class readings and discussions center on a selection of major figures such as: Hegel; Marx; Mill; Nietzsche; Kierkegaard; Russell; Quine; Husserl; Heidegger and Wittgenstein.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Full course
  

  • PH 338 - Major Author/Text: Contemporary (Christian Philosophical Tradition)

    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher and/or philosophical text from the 19th or 20th Centuries, which contribute to the Christian philosophical tradition. This may include such figures as Søren Kierkegaard, Max Scheler, or Gabriel Marcel.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated with permission of instructor.
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A; Core:Catholic Intellectual Tradition
  

  • PH 339 - Author/Text - Contemporary

    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Hegel, Nietzsche, Levinas, Heidegger, Wittgenstein.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course or permission of instructor.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeatable as long as topic is different.
  

  • PH 350 - Advanced Topics in Philosophy

    Pursues in depth a significant theme(s) such as the nature and types of freedom, truth, love, etc. and/or the exposition and assessment of major philosophical currents such as German Idealism, Existentialism, American Pragmatism, etc. Depending on the topic of the course, if appropriate, it may fulfill a history requirement for the Major or Minor.

    Spring 2019: PH-350 will meet the Contemporary Philosophy Requirement

     

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course or permission of instructor.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: May be repeated for credit barring duplication of materials.
  

  • PH 351 - Otherness and Marginalization: Levinas and the Alienated

    This course will philosophically examine: (1) accounts of marginalization in the US and around the world; (2) theories of alienation; (3) philosophical ethics based on “Otherness”; and (4) community Service-Learning work. We will discuss political, economic, and social marginalization, both local and global, based on race, poverty, age, and illness.

    Prerequisites: PH-103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good or CORE: History & Society or Engaging Diverse Identities
  

  • PH 352 - Philosophy and Feminism

    This course brings the many varieties of feminism into conversation with core philosophic issues. Specific topics may include the relationship between feminism and humanism; the lived and conceptual relationship between sex, gender, and sexuality; the ontology of maternality; femininities and post-feminism; and masculinities.

    Prerequisites: PH 103 and (One 200-level Philosophy course or GS 101 or GS 203)

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: N/A or CORE: History & Society or Engaging Diverse Identities
  

  • PH 353 - Truth & Propaganda: Ethics & the Media

    The purpose of this course is to examine the nature of propaganda as it appears in various types of media. There are several guiding theoretical questions that we will explore: What is truth? What is propaganda? What is deception? If propaganda involves the manipulation of the message recipient’s beliefs, values, desires, etc., could it be effective without calling upon ideas or perspectives that people take to be truth? In other words, can propaganda function if it is devoid of truth? We will read philosophical theory on truth, perception, and deception, and we will examine examples of propaganda, in various media formats, as they relate to our political, economic, and cultural lived experiences.

    Prerequisites: PH-103

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues or CORE: History & Society
  

  • PH 354 - Philosophy of Human Rights

    The general aim of the course is to assist students in developing the moral perspective they already have by focusing on the nature and significance of human rights within the contemporary context of globalization. Drawing on a dialogical, Socratic model, resources are provided to enable the student to bring their own perspective into dialogue with a number of different philosophical, religious and cultural perspectives. These views represent visions, values and commitments, often harmonious but at times in opposition, which have played and continue to play a significant role in the evolution of human rights.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level course; seniors completing their philosophy major; and, if seats are available, open to other seniors with permission of instructor.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good
  

  • PH 356 - Contemporary American Pragmatism

    We engage primary texts in American Pragmatism that possess continuing relevance in the American Quest for understaning nature, society, and the self. Pragmatists, past and present, attempt to reconcile certain deep tensions, heightened with the birth of “Modernity”, between what can be broadly termed “matter” and “spirit”, the real and the ideal in a way inspiring and grounded in reality. 

    Prerequisites: 200-level PH course, satisfies the Contemporary History requirement for PH Majors and Minors.

     

    Full course
    When Offered: Spring
  

  • PH 361 - Metaphysics

    Metaphysics is the branch of philosophical inquiry that is concerned with the nature of reality. In this way, metaphysics may be viewed as the attempt to reason about the way the world or universe is, as opposed to how it is customarily viewed. It is especially concerned with understanding the most fundamental principles and general features of what is real.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level PH course

    Full course
  

  • PH 362 - Philosophy of Mind

    Philosophy of Mind is the branch of philosophy that includes the philosophy of psychology, philosophical psychology, and the area of metaphysics concerned with the nature of mental phenomena and how they fit into the causal structure of reality. Metaphysical issues in the philosophy of mind include such topics as the mind-body problem, the question of free will, personal identity, weakness of will, and self-deception.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Full course
  

  • PH 489 - Independent Thesis

    The outcome of the independent thesis project will be a substantial, completed philosophical research paper. The student, whether a major or a minor, may choose to submit his/her independent thesis to the department for consideration of honors.

    Prerequisites: 3.6 GPA overall and permission of the department chair

    Full course
  

  • PH 490 - Senior Seminar

    The senior seminar serves as a student’s required capstone experience in the major. Each seminar will contain the following elements, though not necessarily limited to these: a) A general guiding theme or topic, one broad enough to relate to other areas of the Humanities; b) Students develop their own thesis within the philosophical topic or theme; c) Students periodically present their on-going thesis project to the other members of the seminar for careful analysis and discussion; d) The outcome of the seminar is a substantial, completed philosophical research paper; e) The student may choose to submit his/her research paper to the department for consideration of honors.

    Prerequisites: Philosophy major and senior, or permission of instructor.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: Fulfills Written Communication requirement for the Philosophy major.
  

  • PJ 101 - Approaches to Peace

    This course introduces the student to the issues involved in challenging human society’s acceptance of war and working toward a new paradigm of peace and social justice. Course discussions focus on the roots and causes of war; methods of conflict resolution and arms reduction; eliminating structural violence; religious inspiration for peace-making; and non-violence as a method and way of life.

    Full course
  

  • PJ 205 - Theories of Conflict Resolution

    This course surveys various theories with the goal of helping students develop a repertoire of tools for analyzing a conflict and formulating resolution techniques. Theories are drawn from philosophy, psychology, political science, general semantics, economic philosophy, religion, and other appropriate disciplines. Students will apply the theories to issues of social justice at the local, national, and global levels.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good
  

  • PJ 410 - Peace and Justice Seminar

    As the capstone course for the Peace and Justice minor, this is a readings seminar designed as an in-depth study of an important Peace and Justice topic, e.g., the role of religion in causing war and creating peace. Students are required to complete a service project or research paper in the topic area.

    Full course
  

  • PO 120 - Introduction to American National Politics

    A general introduction to the structure and processes that define American politics on the national level.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Social and Institutional Dimensions of Human Behavior or CORE: History & Society
  

  • PO 180 - Current Issues in World Politics

    This course provides students with an introduction to controversies and debates in world politics, through both a theoretical and case study approach.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Social and Institutional Dimensions of Human Behavior or CORE: History & Society
  

  • PO 200 - Research Methods

    This course will introduce students to many of the important concepts, approaches, procedures and methods used by political scientists. Specifically, we will discuss use of the scientific method and experimental design, quantitative and qualitative methods of measurement and data collection, and ways of analyzing and interpreting data that has been collected.

    Full course
  

  • PO 207 - Parties, Elections and Political Participation

    This course will examine the main institutions and processes that connect government with the citizens of the United States: parties, elections and pressure groups (including both interest groups and social movement organizations).  We will discuss the development of these institutions, discuss the ways they currently function, and evaluate whether and how they contribute to the system of government in the United States.

    Full course
  

  • PO 245 - Introduction to International Relations

    This course introduces students to the study of international relations, focusing especially on the interactions between states and non-state actors in the international environment. Emphasis is placed on understanding the major theoretical approaches to international relations, and applying them to consider enduring and contemporary issues and problems in international affairs.

    Full course
    Misc. Notes: Optional Applied Language Component
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: Global Issues that Impact the Common Good or CORE: History & Society
  

  • PO 261 - European Political Thought

    This course traces the main developments in European political thought from the break-up of the feudal system until the mid-nineteenth century. It involves a close, critical reading of some of the major original works of prominent political thinkers from Hobbes through Marx, locating their thought in its social and political context.

    Full course
    Liberal Studies Curriculum: LSC: N/A or CORE: History & Society
 

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