New Courses

Cine-Meta is a course both about the philosophy of film and creatively experiencing philosophy through the art of film. Students will explore the self-reflexivity of cinema (one meaning of “meta”, a second-order awareness) while engaging with perennial philosophic puzzles (“metaphysics” being another connotation of meta) through film (that’s the “cine” part) via collaborative cinematic storytelling (which is just a…

In this course juniors and seniors will examine their own ideas, ethical thinking and values about leadership, and how these ideas and values can influence their attitudes and behaviors. Students will explore how they, as emerging professionals, can develop innovative leadership strategies that promote creativity, innovation and professional success for everyone in their professional work…

Technologies such as gene editing, self-driving cars and robots that care for the elderly will likely be available within the coming decades. These will add to existing technologies such as smart phones, cameras, and other sensors, which have already altered the social landscape that we inhabit. At the same time, increases in data and computing…

Whether through hashtag feminism movements like #MeToo, blogging/vlogging, investigative journalism, public policy work, theorizing, or creative writing, 21st century feminists are using writing to raise awareness, call out injustice, and initiate social change.  This seminar will engage in contemporary feminist writing through two intertwined class components: 1) reading and discussing contemporary feminist writing for social…

This course will critically examine how science-fiction and sci-fi/fantasy franchises such as Harry Potter, Doctor Who, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hunger Games, Star Trek, and Star Wars act as modern myths that have both reflected and modeled social values, particularly in British and American society, from the end of the Second World War until…

In this section of IST 343 designed for Honors students, we will critically examine how individuals, groups, and society create and are created by digital data and algorithms. Students will explore social, political, legal, and professional issues across varying contexts including social media and the Internet of Things. Our contemporary information environment is fully ‘mediatized’,…

US foreign policy is at a crossroads. Three decades after the end of the Cold War, and after nearly twenty years of conflict in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the American people are engaged in a fundamental debate about the future of the US role in the world. When should the United States intervene in…

How does access to various social policies, programs, and protections vary by citizenship status? Paying careful attention to differences linked to sociodemographic variables such as gender, race, and class, we will explore how the meaning of, and attitudes about, immigration and citizenship have varied over time; assess inclusion and exclusion in various social policies by…

How does access to various social policies, programs, and protections vary by citizenship status? Paying careful attention to differences linked to sociodemographic variables such as gender, race, and class, we will explore how the meaning of, and attitudes about, immigration and citizenship have varied over time; assess inclusion and exclusion in various social policies by…