Spring 2027 Strand Course Descriptions
Technology and Innovation (301)
Conflict (302)
Citizenship (303)
Wellness (304)
Sustainability (305)
Technology and Innovation (301)
Elective (ELES 301)
ELES 301-01 (CRN: 11343): “Ethical Innovation, AI, and Entrepreneurship“
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Williams
Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than society is deciding what it should do. This course puts students on the building side of that challenge and holds them responsible for what they create. Each student first investigates a live conflict in AI using real evidence and data, choosing from issues such as data center energy and water use, job displacement, algorithmic bias, synthetic media, or autonomous weapons. Teams then run a full design-thinking cycle: interviewing a real person, identifying a specific pain or opportunity, prototyping something that creates value, testing it with that person, and revising based on what they learn. Along the way, students work with generative and agentic AI, 3D printing, and humanoid robotics. Coursework includes structured analysis of the potential harms and benefits of students’ own products, hand-drawn visual thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset applied to real opportunities, and documented learning from failure. Projects culminate in a public showcase.
ELES 301-02 (CRN: 10869): “DSP Project“
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Maxwell
*Restricted to Distinguished Scholars Program
The Distinguished Scholars Project class is the capstone course Citadel Distinguished Scholars take in thespring of their senior year. During this course, students will complete the projects they began assophomores by discussing, publishing, and presenting their original work, situating their findings with thecontexts of their respective fields. In addition to explaining the practical applications of their projects andtheir relevancy toward the greater good, students will reflect on their experiences and chart next steps forfurther exploring questions at the heart of their projects after graduation.
ELES 301-03 (CRN: 11499): “Mass Media Criticism“
MWF 09:00-09:50
Professor Fourney
Ever since the invention of the printing press, technologies have aided man in communicating information to the masses. But have they made us safer, smarter, or happier? This course explores what happens to our minds, relationships, institutions, and reality itself when communication is fundamentally altered by ever-advancing and all-consuming technological devices. Students will analyze seminal texts from key figures in media ecology to understand how our world has been altered by the platforms which broadcast it. Core concepts will then be applied to contemporary examples and daily student activities through individual, cultural, and political reflection.
English (ENGS 301)
ENGS 301-01 (CRN: 10309): “The Future Now: Sci-Fi and Fantasy”
MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Livingston
This elective investigates the ways in which the genres of Science-Fiction and Fantasy allow us to examine our present while preparing for the future. We will work through a variety of different works, classical and contemporary, to glean a better understanding of this exciting genre of fiction. As in all classes in the English department, it is intended that through reading, writing, and discussion, students in this course will develop the capacity to better understand and respect the views and concerns of others, especially regarding gender, ethnicity, and religion.
ENGS 301-02 (CRN: 10456): “Film, Surveillance & Big Data”
TR 09:30-10:45
Professor Wood
What role does technology play in influencing our behavior? In this class, we will interrogate such questions in relation to script, stage, and screen. Students will analyze the screenplay for the film Ex Machina (2014), then compare the script to the finished film. These two texts will be examined through the lens of surveillance capitalism, a theory which argues that our individual experiences are catalogued and classified as data. Technologies embedded in every aspect of our lives — through “smart” home, phone, and wearable devices — extract our data and influence us to behave in certain ways. In turn, we become legible and predictable to the technologies we cede power to. Learning to recognize these technologies for what they are and what they do forms the basis of this course.
ENGS 301-04 (CRN: 11271): “Ethics of Documentary (Honors)”
MW 13:30-14:45
Professor Wood
*Restricted to Honors Program
No Class Description
History (HISS 301)
HISS 301-01 (CRN: 10355),HISS 301-02 (CRN: 10312) & HISS 301-03 (CRN: 10625): “Music in 1960’s USA“
TR 9:30-10:45, TR 11:00-12:15, & TR 15:00-16:15
Professor Taylor
No Class Description
Natural Science (NTSS 301)
NTSS 301-02 (CRN: 11346): “Global Change Biology”
MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Huynh
This course will investigate issues associated with the response of organisms and ecosystems to global-scale changes in the environment caused by anthropogenic activity. Topics covered will include changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration, particularly CO2 and its impact on the global carbon cycle; global warming and its impact on biological systems; changes to the nitrogen cycle (e.g., how eutrophication affects species and their habitats); habitat modification (e.g., how land use and degradation impacts organisms and ecosystem integrity); invasive species biology; and how species and biological communities are changing with biodiversity loss (e.g., how biodiversity decline can impact the processes of evolution by natural selection and alter ecosystem function). From lecture materials, assigned readings, and in-class discussions, students will become familiar with each of the issues, how different synergies can impact biological systems, the current challenges that pervade and stem from them, and the prospective technological solutions being developed and used to address these challenges. In addition, students will learn how to critically examine and interpret media reports and publications pertaining to each of the aforementioned global change issues and apply the scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills they acquire from this course to evaluate the validity of media outlet reports and coverage, determine if scientific studies are cited correctly, identify knowledge gaps, and how to devise and implement comprehensive solutions as informed and responsible global citizens.
Social Science (SCSS 301)
SCSS 301-01 (CRN: 10583) & SCSS 301-02 (CRN: 10584): “Technology & Society”
TR 08:00-09:15 and TR 09:30-10:45
Professor Roof
This course examines the basic concepts and principles of technology. A scientific approach to the analysis and explanation of the complex cultural and sociological debates that surround modern technology.
Conflict (302)
Elective (ELES 302)
ELES 302-01 (CRN: 11344): “Rhetoric and War“
MWF 12:00-12:50
Professor Booth
This course explores the intersection of rhetoric, broadly defined as the ancient art of persuasion, and war. Drawing on basic rhetorical principles and practical concepts of argumentation, Rhetoric and War explores how political communities argue about going (or not going) to war. At the same time, we explore, from a rhetorical perspective, the various persuasive strategies used by political and military leaders in wartime to persuade their populations about the necessity of war. In short, we’ll explore the intersection of rhetoric, politics, and war. In doing so, we’ll not only draw on historical cases, but we’ll also examine contemporary debates and events to illuminate the role of persuasion in war.
English (ENGS 302)
ENGS 302-01 (CRN: 10510), ENGS 302-02 (CRN: 10511), & ENGS 302-03 (CRN: 10316): “The Literature of War”
TR 08:00-09:15, TR 09:30-10:45, & TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Adair
This class provides a broad overview of the major themes of modern war through a mixture of fictional and non-fictional texts. Although the majority of the works cover the Global War on Terror (GWOT), other classic selections have been woven in to provide evolving perspectives. Subjects covered include training for combat, modern combat, the crippling military bureaucracy, PTSD and other post-combat experiences. Finally, the course hopes to raise awareness of psychological stressors in both the military and civilian world and consider healthy coping techniques.
ENGS 302-04 (CRN: 10317) & ENGS 302-05 (CRN: 10791): “War and Crime in Literature and Film”
MWF 09:00-09:50 & MWF 10:00-10:50
Professor Heuston
This course is designed to help you hone your skills as a critical viewer and reader who engages with and questions a variety of challenging texts and issues. We will examine printed texts and films from a variety of periods and genres to establish a broad context for our study of war and crime in literature and film. We will deal extensively with different aspects of storytelling and with the ways techniques of filmmaking such as mise en scene, montage, camera movement, and lighting contribute to storytelling in films. We will also compare films and written sources (including critical essays and online materials) to explore differing approaches to storytelling.
ENGS 302-06 (CRN: 10791): “Medieval Warfare (Honors)”
Medieval Warfare”
MWF 10:00-10:50
Professor Livingston
*Restricted to Honors Program
Knights in shining armor thundering over the grass. Banners waving. Arrows falling like hail. We all know what the movies make of medieval combat, but what was the truth? In this course, we’ll read about the experience of war-making in the Middle Ages and what it can teach us about who we are and how we fight today.
History (HISS 302)
HISS 302-01 (CRN: 10311), HISS 302-02 (CRN: 10356) & HISS 302-03 (CRN: 10357): “Crusades Incorporated“
MWF 09:00-09:50, 10:00-10:50 & MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Boughan
This course examines the rise, peak, and decline of the military orders, institutions that combined monasticism and knighthood for the perpetuation of crusading. It gives special attention to three particular orders: the Templars, Hospitallers, and Teutonic Knights. These three will be considered in several key respects, including as embodiments of later medieval penitential spirituality and chivalric ideals, as instruments of papal and princely power, as powerful quasi-autonomous corporations, and as conquerors and colonizers of non-Christian peoples in West Asia and the Baltic region.
HISS 302-04 (CRN: 10658) & HISS 302-05 (CRN: 10752) : “British & American Revolution”
MWF 09:00-09:50 & MWF 10:00-10:50
Professor Grenier
This course will examine the ideas and events of the American Revolution from the perspective of Great Britain. We will consider how the colonists’ ideas influenced some social groups in Great Britain and why some Britons supported the colonists. We’ll examine how this loss affected Great Britain’s international position and its impact on their relationship with their other colonies. We’ll look at the ways that the British press reported news from America to the readers, and how the country reacted to this loss.
HISS 302-06 (CRN: 10967) & HISS 302-07 (CRN: 11044): “Warrior Kings”
TR 08:00-09:15 & 09:30-10:45
Professor Maddox
This course examines the historical and ideological evolution of early medieval monarchy and military leadership across Western Europe from the post-Roman migration period through the dawn of the Crusades (c. 450–1095). Beginning with the establishment of early Germanic “barbarian” kingdoms—such as the Frankish realm under Clovis I—the course explores how early medieval rulers exercised power jointly with free warrior companions, acting as military commanders, judges, lawgivers, and sacral figures whose authority relied on battlefield victory, birth status, and gift-giving.
HISS 302-08 (CRN: 11269) & HISS 302-09 (CRN: 11270): “Honors: 9/11 and War on Terror (Honors)”
TR 11:00-12:15 & 08:00-09:15
Professor Lynch
*Restricted to Honors Program
No Course Description
HISS 302-10 (CRN: 11440) & HISS 302-11 (CRN: 11441): “Islamic Conquest”
MWF 10:00-10:50, & MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Wright
This course examines the era of the Islamic Conquests from the 7th through the 8th centuries. Attention is given to the historical, political and religious contexts of the conquests, motivations, the makeup of Islamic armies and those of their adversaries, and how these armies changed over time. Includes a detailed look at the conquests of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, North Africa, India, Central Asia, Spain and the invasion of France. Finally, the course discusses Arab migration and settlement into conquered territory, the treatment of conquered peoples and the impact of the conquests.
Natural Science (NTSS 302)
NTSS 302-01 (CRN: 10488) & NTSS 302-02 (CRN: 10582): “Bioterrorism“
TR 11:00-12:15 & TR 13:30-14:45
Professor Johnson
This course will examine diverse aspects of the creation, use, and response to the weaponization of biological agents. An understanding of the science underlying biological agents is critical to preventing the escalation of biological outbreaks. A detailed study of the biological characteristics of these organisms will be the focus for this course.
NTSS 302-03 (CRN: 10830): “Human-Wildlife Conflict”
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Andrea Gramling
As the human population grows and the habitat for wildlife shrinks, conflicts between humans and wildlife increase in frequency. These conflicts can be deadly, costly, and frustrating. This elective Conflict Strand course will discuss the biology of predators, pests, and plagues to better understand the nature of their impact on humans. We will also explore methods of wildlife damage management to answer the question: Can we balance the needs of humans with the needs of wildlife?
NTSS 302-04 (CRN: 10871) & NTSS 302-05 (CRN: 11448): “Chemistry in War and Peace”
TR 09:30-10:45 & TR 13:30-14:45
Professor Adair-Hudson
Humans have used chemicals and chemical properties to create weapons for centuries, but the conflict associated with the use of chemicals is not just related to war. Both negative and positive impacts on people, animals, and the environment (natural and fabricated) frequently occur with the use of chemicals. For example, food waste and cost can be reduced when lightweight plastics are used for shipping and storing. However, recycling of many plastics can be cost prohibitive due to the same chemical properties that make them useful. Students will learn some common chemical structures and properties to better understand their uses. Students will research and discuss many quantitative factors that produce conflict from chemical use during times of war and peace.
Social Science (SCSS 302)
SCSS 302-02 (CRN: 11128), SCSS 302-05 (CRN: 11052) & SCSS 302-06 (CRN: 11053): “Sitcoms in Times of Conflict”
MWF 13:00-13:50, MWF 12:00-12:50 & MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Ferguson
This course explores how sitcoms reflect and shape American culture, particularly in moments of conflict and transition. Through the analysis of popular sitcoms from different decades, students will examine how these shows portray moments of social tension, cultural division, and unity in times of both war and peace. The course will consider how humor has been used to respond to conflict, ease societal anxieties, and engage with political and cultural values. By studying these comedies, students will gain a deeper understanding of how sitcoms both mirror and influence America’s ongoing effort to balance ideals of harmony with the realities of division.
SCSS 302-03 (CRN: 11273): “Cognitive Warfare (Honors)”
TR 13:30-14:45
Professor Nelson
*Restricted to Honors Program
No Course Description
Citizenship (303)
Elective (ELES 303)
ELES 303-01 (CRN: 11500): “Bloody Eiffel Tower”
MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Frask-Ramos
Come and learn about the chic, the good, the bad and the ugly in French culture. This class will start at the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1889 and go back in time until the Revolution. Then in the second half of the semester, we will move forward from the construction of the Eiffel Tower until the end of the 1960s. In this class we will discuss the symbolism of the Eiffel Tower, its representations, ramifications, national and international reverberations. How did the French fare in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries? What brought them to the elaboration of this magnificent, timeless culminating edifice that took hold in the unconscious collective memory of our Humanity? What were the massive transformations of the French society during those times? To answer those questions, we will look at various sources: literature, architecture, furniture, luxury products and their elaborations, fashion clothing, food, advertisements, pictures, movies, historical texts, newspapers, laws, political movements, sociological data, sculptures, and paintings.
ELES 303-02 (CRN: 10874): “DSP Fellowships (Honors)”
MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Koubenec
*Restricted to Distinguished Scholars and Honors Program
No Course Description
English (ENGS 303)
ENGS 303-01 (CRN: 10310): “Greek Tragedy: Plague & Penance”
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Hendriks
In this Citizenship Strand course of the General Education curriculum sequence, we will perform close readings of four celebrated tragic plays that form the foundation of the Western artistic and cultural tradition. These works of literature encompass narrative situations that prompt the interrogation of our notions of heroism, moral courage, and principled leadership; the significance of defiance against authority (both sacred and secular), personal conscience contrasted against what is commonly accepted as socially appropriate behavior in the pursuit of one’s desired ends, and what is required to bring members of a social order into compliance with established power structures and the standards of civilizations. When characters live in community, there is an implicit expectation that they will adhere to the written and unwritten rules governing that society. When they fall out of compliance—whether the inciting incident is rooted in personal choice, immutable circumstance, or some combination thereof—the attendant friction takes on a life of its own, impacting the perspective, judgment, and limits of autonomy of the parties involved.
In Plague & Penance we will use the material provided by these four classic texts not only to challenge our own preconceived notions of the basis of how to redress wrongdoing, but also to analyze the premises upon which the works of fiction we read/view are based:
• What are the embedded values that provide a barometer for character and contextual assessment, and do we share those values today?
• How do characters seek to justify their own choices and actions?
• How do characters endeavor to make up for their transgressions?
• Is it fair to hold entire communities accountable for the transgressions of errant individuals?
• Does ideological dissent release individuals from obligatory adherence to particular cultural codes and standards?
• What are the repercussions of the rejection of an imposed social script?
• To what extent do works of literature or their performative interpretations operate to endorse or condemn the fictional situations contained within them?
• How do texts serve to reflect or shape the cultures within which they are situated?
• How do unorthodox representations impact the lived experience of those who read/view them?
History (HISS 303)
HISS 303-03 (CRN: 10753): “British and American Revolution“
MWF 13:00-13:50
Professor Grenier
This course will examine the ideas and events of the American Revolution from the perspective of Great Britain. We will consider how the colonists’ ideas influenced some social groups in Great Britain and why some Britons supported the colonists. We’ll examine how this loss affected Great Britain’s international position and its impact on their relationship with their other colonies. We’ll look at the ways that the British press reported news from America to the readers, and how the country reacted to this loss.
Natural Science (NTSS 303)
NTSS 303-02 (CRN: 10478): “Biology, Environment, & Law”
MWF 10:00-10:50
Professor Berry
This course explores the relationships between biological systems in the environment, and the environmental laws that regulate them. We will examine the profound influence that environmental laws have on species, ecosystems, and landscapes, and the effects of regulation of air, water, and land in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. The course begins with an exploration of the legal system, and how it relates to the science of environmental biology. We then consider ecosystems biology, the effects of regulations on plant and animal communities, and the importance of land use regulation on ecosystems. We then explore the specific laws that control pollution of air, water and land, and their effects on natural ecosystems. Finally, we review the influence of international laws and agreements on the health of natural communities.
Social Science (SCSS 303)
SCSS 303-01 (CRN: 11274): “Struggle for Social Order (Honors)“
TR 09:30-10:45
Professor Segrest
*Restricted to and Honors Program
A study of rhetoric and dialogue on first principles as foundations of social order and civilization, as taught and practiced by transformational figures such as Confucius, Socrates, and Jesus.
SCSS 303-02 (CRN: 11453): “Constitutional & Military Law“
MWF 10:00-10:50
Professor Hartley
No Course Description
SCSS 303-03 (CRN: 11501): “American Power“
TR 13:30-14:45
Professor Gomez Herrero
The United States of America is indeed the modern superpower in the West. How do “we” address, think and feel about such exceptional status in 2027? How do we understand such “modernity”? “Modern” since when? What is the meaning of “West”? How do the various segments of American society relate to all these signs? What are some of the articulations, discourses, justifications, perspectives, “theaters” of such power? Some analysts speak of a post-American, post-historical, even post-Western world? What does that mean? How do “we” evaluate intelligently and emotionally some of the salient features of American power (its good, bad and ugly features or dimensions) particularly since the 1990s?
Wellness (304)
Elective (ELES 304)
ELES 304-01 (CRN: 10709): “Luna-Tic: Image of the Werewolf“
MW 09:00-09:50
Professor Farnell
Who and what makes a monster? In ELES 304, we will trace the werewolf through historical accounts, folklore, film, music, and case files, and reflect on how and why the image of the werewolf flares up in society during times of social distress. We will explore how the werewolf has represented fears about violence, conflict, and mental health, and how the boundary between the individual and the group is under constant stress. We will also ask how conflict within a community can turn an individual into a threat to group survival. In this course, we will examine what werewolf stories reveal about the cultures that tell them, and how Western society both creates and depends upon monstrosity to define what makes us human.
ELES 304-02 (CRN: 10880): “Creative Writing (Honors)“
MW 09:00-09:50
Professor Livingston
*Restricted to Honors Program
Every act of communication is an act of storytelling. So why not step into the world of creative writing, where we learn how to command language and narrative in fun and exciting ways? Note that this course is workshop-based: You will be asked to share your work for workshopping critiques.
English (ENGS 304)
ENGS 304-01 (CRN: 10530) & ENGS 304-02 (CRN: 10531): “The Art of Living Well“
MWF 09:00-09:50 & MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Hendricks
The focus of this Wellness Strand class is inspired by the six attributes of wellness presented in the LDRS 101 curriculum: Emotional, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, and Spiritual. The works of literature selected for this course engage with these aspects of wellness in their depictions of the human experience. Through reading, writing, analysis, and discussion, students will improve their capacity to think both critically and empathetically: to understand and respect the views and concerns of others, especially regarding gender, ethnicity, and religion. Academic performance will be evaluated through midterm and final examinations and an assortment of writing assignments and team presentations, several of which will incorporate attention to scholarly publications, culminating in an essay of at least 2000 words.
ENGS 304-03 (CRN: 10653): “Religion & Classical World Literature“
TR 13:30-14:45
Professor Lucas
No Course Description
History (HISS 304)
HISS 304-01 (CRN: 10472) & HISS 304-02 (CRN: 11046): “Good Life & Death in Pre-Modern China”
TR 09:30-10:45 & TR 13:30-14:45
Professor Knapp
Over the three-thousand years of China’s recorded history, its people have long thought about how to live well and prolong life. Since death was viewed as a continuance of life under slightly different circumstances, Chinese simultaneously pondered how to die well. By reading translated philosophical texts, hagiographies, medical treatises, short stories, and diaries, we will see how one could lead a healthy and meaningful life, and perhaps even cheat death by attaining immortality. By examining death testaments, Buddhist scriptures, and archaeological evidence, such as tombs, grave goods, and excavated documents, students will ascertain how Chinese envisioned death and prepared the deceased for a pleasant existence, or even Buddhahood, in the afterlife.
Natural Science (NTSS 304)
NTSS 304-01 (CRN: 10480), NTSS 304-02 (CRN: 10479) & NTSS 304-03 (CRN: 10918): “Human Diseases”
MWF 09:00-09:50, MWF 10:00-10:50 & MWF 12:00-12:50
Professor Andrea Gramling
What causes human diseases? In NTSS 304, a wellness strand science course, we will explore the general classifications of the causes of disease as well as investigate the disease processes associated with specific diseases and body systems. We will also explore our body’s defense mechanisms to combat diseases and begin to quantify the prevalence of diseases in multiple populations. The purpose of this course is to present a systematic approach and application to the study of human diseases so that the student will be able to use appropriate terminology to describe diseases 2) understand the mechanism and progression of diseases and 3) understand the appropriate treatment options.
Social Science (SCSS 304)
SCSS 304-01 (CRN: 10868): “Psychology of a Good Life (Honors)“
TR 08:00-09:15
Professor Rooney
*Restricted to Honors Program
No Course Description
SCSS 304-02 (CRN: 10586): “Sports and Society”
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Roof
This course is designed to introduce students to critical analysis of contemporary sports culture in the United States. Students will get an overview of the insights, findings, concepts, and perspectives that are held by a wide variety of interdisciplinary popular culture scholars today. Several prominent areas of sports culture to be studied include: youth, race, gender, religion, and economics.
SCSS 304-03 (CRN: 11489) & SCSS 304-06 (CRN: 11338): “The Human Journey”
MWF 11:00-11:50 & MWF 09:00-09:50
Professor Bogle
Examines aging as a dynamic process shaped by biological, psychological, social, and cultural influences across adulthood and later life. Students explore major theories of aging, demographic trends, and models of development while examining age-related changes in physical health, cognitive functioning, memory, attention, and decision-making. The course emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, resilience, and evidence-based strategies that support optimal aging and quality of life. Students also investigate death, dying, and end-of-life issues through psychological, social, and ethical perspectives. Through interdisciplinary study and applied learning, students develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to understand aging and its impact on individuals, families, and society.
SCSS 304-05 (CRN: 11229): “Social Problems“
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor McNamara
This course is designed to acquaint students with a fundamental understanding of social problems in American society.
Sustainability (305) **The courses below have not been updated for Spring 2027. This will be done soon.
Elective (ELES 305)
ELES 305-01(CRN: 50896): “Critical Thinking in Sustainability“
TR 09:30-10:45
Professor Ortiz
In this course students will be encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and analyze sustainability issues from multiple angles while considering ethical implications. Students will be actively engaged in real-world projects and decision-making activities. The course will explore the United Nations 2030 agenda, and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. “The world community has refined its commitment to sustainable development to ensure sustained and inclusive economic growth, social inclusion, environmental protection and to do so in partnership and peace.
English (ENGS 305)
ENGS 305-01 (CRN: 50394) & ENGS 305-02 (CRN: 51427): “National Memory in the American West”
MWF 09:00-09:50 & MWF 10:00-10:50
Professor Leonard
Beginning with the pioneer and memoir literature of the 19th century, continuing on the silver screen, and culminating in the revisions of the contemporary anti-Western, the Western genre and its derivatives have long reinforced elements central to American national mythology. Particularly in the post-frontier US, the project of sustaining these myths has largely fallen to iconic pulp stories and films from authors such as Jack Schaefer and Zane Grey and actors such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. In this class, we will explore the shifting landscape of the literary American West in order to identify how the experience of the West catalyzed the evolving project of American national and cultural identity. In doing so, we will think through ways in which recent interpretations of the genre attempt to illuminate perspectives that have traditionally been suppressed or elided and consider the role of textual interpretation in resolving contemporary issues stemming from the legacy of the symbolic American West.
History (HISS 305)
HISS 305-01 (CRN: 51038) & HISS 305-02 (CRN: 51039): “Changing American Landscapes”
TR 13:30-14:45 & TR 08:00-09:15
Professor Mushal
In this course, students will explore changing interactions between American society and the natural world, from pre-contact through the 21st century. From hunting practices to urban planning, agriculture to landscape design, and exploration to automobile tourism, how have people shaped the landscape and environment around them, and how have they been shaped by it? How and why have attitudes toward the landscape and natural resources changed? How has changing technology shaped our relationship to the natural world?
Natural Science (NTSS 305)
NTSS 305-01 (CRN: 50691) & NTSS 305-03 (CRN: 51482): “Foraging for Wild Plants”
TR 08:00-09:15 & TR 09:30-10:45
Professor Joel Gramling
A study of significant topics or problems in the Natural Sciences tied to the specific theme of the strand. Topics to be addressed will be drawn from the academic disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
In Foraging Wild Plants (NTSS 305), students will explore the biology of native plants through the practical application of foraging. Core topics include ecology, evolution, plant identification, systematics, and human nutrition. Students will deepen their understanding of general biology through lectures, interpretive walks, and hands-on activities. Daily in-person participation is required for this course.
NTSS 305-02 (CRN: 51121): “Environmental Science”
MWF 11:00-11:50
Professor Newton
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the interactions between humans and the environment aimed at understanding the natural systems, human impacts, and developing sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
This course will utilize case studies to examine complex environmental issues to engage with the underlying scientific, political, economic, cultural aspects of the issues, while also examining the moral and ethical implications of potential resolutions.
Social Science (SCSS 305)
SCSS 305-01 (CRN: 50508): “Sociology & Sustainability”
TR 11:00-12:15
Professor Roof
This course examines the basic concepts and principles of sociology. A scientific approach to the analysis and explanation of culture, personality, and social organization are emphasized along with the major sociological paradigms along with a heavy emphasis on sustainability issues.