Spring Semester 2006 - J Term Course Descriptions

AMER 389-A Special Topics: Modernism - Harlem Renaissance
This special topic course will examine the flowering of culture-in the areas of literature, music, dance, and art-which took place predominantly during the 1920's for black Americans located in Harlem New York, a movement that has become known as the Harlem Renaissance. Together we will analyze this era of extraordinary freedom and creativity for several key figures in African American arts and writing, through our study of the fiction, essays, poetry, drama, music and art of the period. We will place this cultural renaissance, or rebirth, within the historical contexts out of which it grew and took on a vibrant life: the modernizing America in a post-WWI era, the rise of jazz and the tradition of the blues, and the Great Migration of rural blacks from the south to northern urban centers such as New York, among other factors. Some of the writers, intellectuals, visual and performing artists whom we might study include Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, Nella Larsen, Claude McKay, Alain Locke, Helene Johnson, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Augusta Savage, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Duke Ellington. Crosslisted as ENGL 289.

COMM 389-A Special Topics: Relational Communication
This course surveys research and theory in communication and the interpersonal relationships that result from that communication. The objectives of the course are to acquaint students with major theoretical viewpoints and bodies of research by scholars in the areas of communication and social psychology, and to integrate communication theories and perspectives with relational theories and concepts.

COMM 389-B Special Topics: Design for the Theatre
Introduction to the techniques, practices, and processes in costume, lighting, scenic, and sound design, as well as critical analysis of each. A variety of performance types will be covered including, but not limited to, film, theatre, circus arts, concerts and public address events. Four lecture hours a week for one semester, with laboratory hours as required. Fulfills Theatre Elective Option.

ECON 357-A Economics of Globalization
This course is an introduction to the economics behind globalization, and is designed for non-economics majors. The course explores the historical development of international trade and finance. Examination of data will lead to the establishment of various economic theories to explain trade patterns, and will cover theories ranging from those brought forth by Ricardo to those brought forth by new trade theorists such as Paul Krugman. The course will explore many of the contentious issues related to international trade and international finance, and will consider the forces that drive increased economic integration. Not open to ECON, BUAD, or double majors in ECON and BUAD. Fulfills General Education Area 11 - Global Society Requirement.

ENGL 289-A Special Topics: Modernism: Harlem Renaissance
This special topic course will examine the flowering of culture-in the areas of literature, music, dance, and art-which took place predominantly during the 1920's for black Americans located in Harlem New York, a movement that has become known as the Harlem Renaissance. Together we will analyze this era of extraordinary freedom and creativity for several key figures in African American arts and writing, through our study of the fiction, essays, poetry, drama, music and art of the period. We will place this cultural renaissance, or rebirth, within the historical contexts out of which it grew and took on a vibrant life: the modernizing America in a post-WWI era, the rise of jazz and the tradition of the blues, and the Great Migration of rural blacks from the south to northern urban centers such as New York, among other factors. Some of the writers, intellectuals, visual and performing artists whom we might study include Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, Nella Larsen, Claude McKay, Alain Locke, Helene Johnson, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Augusta Savage, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Duke Ellington. Crosslisted as AMER 389.

HIST 389-A Special Topics: Byzantine Empire: From Icon to Minaret
This course will introduce students to the "other half" of Europe's Middle Ages, the eastern half with a focus on the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire had tremendous theological, artistic, and legal influence on Western Europe in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as serving as a model of advanced politics and diplomacy, of trade and commerce, and as a military bulwark against Islamic invaders for nearly 1200 years! SNC students will learn valuable lessons from their study of this remarkable achievement. Prerequisites: HIST 112 Westrn Civ 1:Ancient/ Medieval

JAPN 389-A Special Topics: Intermediate Kanji
This course will focus on the acquisition of an increased number of kanji as well as the continued strengthening of the four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Prereq: JAPN 203.

POLI 489-A Special Topics: Political Economy
Political Economy as two primary branches: 1) the politics of economic policy and 2) using economic tools to do political analyses. To address the first branch of political economy, this special topics course will focus on U.S. domestic economic policymaking, U.S. trade policy and politics, and the politics of international economic development. To address the second branch of political economy, while the policy analysis course (PO346) will deal with cost-benefit analysis, this course will examine models of game theory and will show how they can be used to do political analysis.

SOCI 489-A Special Topics: Women, Work, and Welfare Reform
The American welfare state in all its forms-Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)-has been controversial since its inception. Much of the controversy is steeped in traditional American ideals that value hard work, individualism, and the Horatio Alger mystique. Welfare recipients are demonized in the media, in the halls of government, and in popular culture as lazy and incompetent "welfare queens" who are content to live off the public dole. This course provides an alternative view of welfare and welfare recipients in light of the 1996 welfare reform legislation. Crosslisted with WMGS 489-A.

SOCI 489-B Special Topics: Research Seminar
This course will expand student's experience with social research by developing specific projects and topics developed in Social Research Methods. Students will refine their research skills and develop a paper for presentation at professional conferences. In addition, students will read and discuss literature related to the process of social research. Prerequisite: SOCI 300 and permission of Instructor.

SPAN 389-A Special Topics: Contemporary Hispanic Cinema
In this course students will view, discuss, and analyse contemporary films from Cuba, Mexico and Spain. The films chosen will represent different genres (comedy, horror, drama), but all will be award-winners from acclaimed directors. Students will be encouraged to examine the social-cultural aspects of the films, but will also have the opportunity to explore cinematic techniques. Films viewed may include: ¡Ay, Carmela! (Spain, Carlos Saura), Fresa y chocolate (Cuba, Tomás Gutiérrez Alea), Amores perros (Mexico, Alejandro González Iñárritu), El crimen del padre Amaro (Mexico, Carlos Carrera) Mar adentro (Spain, Alejandro Amenábar), and Todo sobre mi madre (Spain, Almodóvar).

SPAN 400-A Senior Capstone Seminar: Constructing National Identity - Spain

WMGS 489-A Special Topics: Women, Work, and Welfare Reform
The American welfare state in all its forms-Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)-has been controversial since its inception. Much of the controversy is steeped in traditional American ideals that value hard work, individualism, and the Horatio Alger mystique. Welfare recipients are demonized in the media, in the halls of government, and in popular culture as lazy and incompetent "welfare queens" who are content to live off the public dole. This course provides an alternative view of welfare and welfare recipients in light of the 1996 welfare reform legislation. Crosslisted with SOCI 489-A.

Registrar