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Topics Courses
The following descriptions provide information for courses which are not fully detailed in the departmental section of the Catalogue. These are courses with variable content which may change from year to year, or they are courses which are experimental and may be offered only once or twice before gaining approval to be listed along with other departmental or program courses. B.A. distribution requirements satisfied by these courses are shown at the end of each description.
ANTHROPOLOGY
7-356. Advanced Topic: Medical Anthropology
Cross-cultural perspective on the causation and treatment of physiological and psychological illnesses. Topics include ethnomedicine, nutrition, ethnobotany, the cultural context of diseases such as AIDS, and the comparison of health-related practices in traditional and industrial societies. Prerequisites: ANT 101 and sophomore standing. (Social Science) MONAGAN
ART
3-220. Topic: Drawing: Anatomy and the Body
This course will have both a lecture and studio component. Through examples culled from current literature, we will explore the many ways in which modern and contemporary artists represent the body, from scientific documentation to metaphor for the human condition. Students will in turn draw from the live figure, skeletal structures, microscopic specimens, individual organs (heart, brain, etc.) and OPTIONAL drawing of the cadaver both wrapped and exposed; those electing NOT to draw from the cadaver MUST attend ongoing evening figure drawing sessions. Prerequisite: ART 103, BIO 141, or BIO 142. (Fine Arts) LAUROESCH
BIOLOGY
4-108. Topic: Food and Environment
Introduction to basic biology with an emphasis on agricultural ecology, the environmental implications of our current globalized food system, and the benefits of sustainable agriculture and local food. (Science) KROUSE
COMPUTER SCIENCE
4-355. Advanced Topic: Software Engineering for Web Applications
Students will learn how to meet special challenges that arise when writing software for the Web. They will learn how to write software that can serve very large, widely distributed, and diverse audiences reliably, securely, and all at once. Teams will design and develop applications that they will make publicly available. Success will require effective collaboration, an ability to master new tools, and a readiness to adopt the discipline of a professional software engineer. This course will provide an intense experience for committed students. Prerequisites: CSC 140 and 151. TABAK
5-357. Advanced Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Search Techniques
A survey of topics relating to artificial intelligence and the related search processes. Topics will be drawn from A* search, branch and bound, Minimax, linear discriminant, nearest-neighbor, hidden Markov models, natural language processing and basic data mining. Prerequisite: CSC 213. WILDENBERG
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
3-272. Topic: Capital Markets
An examination of the institutions involved in pricing and trading long-term financial securities. Included is a review of national and international bond and stock markets, the basics of securities trading, securities pricing theories, risk versus return in securities pricing, mutual funds, and the efficient market hypothesis. Prerequisite: ECB 101 or 102. (Social Science) KLEIN
4-273. Topics in Finance
Selected topics of current interest in finance. Prerequisites: ECB 151 and ECB 101 or 102. (Social Science) KLEIN
ENGLISH
2-111. Madness and Revolution in American Society
What is freedom? Does freedom imply that anything goes? If not, who draws the line-and where? This course will examine behavior and thinking that exists on the borderlands. We will explore how words such as ``freedom,'' ``revolution,'' and ``madness'' are at the core of how a given society understands itself and defines the individual within that society. We will use literary figures such as Jack Kerouac, Ken Kesey, and Sylvia Plath to examine the shifting nature of such concepts in American Culture during the 1950s and 1960s, an era of great social change when such terms were being radically redefined. Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) G. FREEMAN
3-111-A. Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and the Cinema
This course provides an introduction to college writing through the analysis of an experimental novel and experimental films from the 1920s. We will read and study Woolf's modernist novel from 1925 and view eclectic black and white silent (for the most part) films from the international and avant-garde filmmakers, such as the anti-war German pioneering art film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, the feminist experimental tour de force by Germaine Dulac, Smiling Madame Beudet, and the war story, The Big Parade. The course will raise questions about adaptation, the avant-garde, and the relationship between literature and film. We will study film writings of the 1920s, such as Woolf's essay, ``The Cinema'' and other writings in the little magazines of the day. And, we will screen and critique the Marleen Gorris 1997 adaptation of Mrs. Dalloway. Throughout the course, students will draft and redraft writings, from in-class writing to critical essays to research-informed critical projects. Students will learn how to search for literary and film scholarship, using library resources such as search engines and data bases. Challenging writing assignments will help develop critical thinking and critical writing skills. Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) HANKINS
3-111-B. After Hamlet
This course begins with an investigation of the major interpretive puzzles of Hamlet by attending to the sound of the dialogue and some of the differences among the three ``basic'' texts of the play, texts dating back to Shakespeare's era. We will also study the interpretive choices of directors, actors, and designers in several film adaptations of the play. Finally, we will discuss other writers' creative adaptations interpreting the characters and conflicts in Hamlet in daring and imaginative ways. The course is designed to hone students' analytical and research skills, help them reflect on the writing process, and engage in writing revision. Not open to students who have completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) STAVREVA
4-111. Virginia Woolf's Orlando and the Cinema
This course provides an introduction to college writing through the analysis of an experimental novel and experimental films from the 1920s. We will read and study Woolf's wild modernist novel from 1928 and view eclectic black and white silent (for the most part) films from the international and avant-garde filmmakers, such as the gender-teasing Dada classic, Entr'acte and the Cubist/Dadaist Ballet mécanique, as well as Surrealist films that delight in surprise and play, such as Un Chien Andalou and The Seashell and the Clergyman. We will study film writings of the 1920s, such as Woolf's essay, ``The Cinema'' and other writings in the little magazines of the day. The course will raise questions about adaptation, the avant-garde, and the relationship between literature and film. And, we will screen and critique Sally Potter's 1992 adaptation of Orlando. Throughout the course, students will draft and redraft writings, from in-class writing to critical essays to research-informed critical projects. Students will learn how to search for literary and film scholarship, using library resources such as search engines and data bases. Challenging writing assignments will help develop critical thinking and critical writing skills. Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) HANKINS
5-111-A. The Cultural Uses of Censorship and Literature
The history of censorship is long and varied, but what induces people to censor literature and film? Beginning with the banishment of poets from Plato's Republic, this course examines discussions and justifications of censorship. Specifically, it asks why people find some fiction so threatening that they ban, burn, edit or in other ways attempt to control the texts, or the writers. In addition to Plato, we will read John Milton's Areopagitica, writings by Salman Rushdie and J. M. Coetzee as well as works that have been censored. Emphasis on critical reading, writing and revision. Some attention also given to writing style. Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) REED
5-111-B. From Esther to Elizabeth I: Queens in Religion, Literature, and Film
Savvy political power brokers, sexualized enchantresses, she-wolves, fiery-haired viragos, saintly mothers of the nation: from ancient Hebrew communities to the dynastic monarchies of early modern England, queens stirred the imagination of story-tellers, writers, and visual artists in often contradictory ways. In this introductory writing course, we will study the representations of historical and mythologized women rulers in Biblical and Renaissance literature--women such as Esther, Deborah, Dido of Carthage, Boadicea, Isabelle of France, and Elizabeth Tudor. Through writing and class discussions of chapters from the Hebrew Bible, Renaissance lyric and epic poetry, Renaissance drama and portraiture, and at least one modern historical film, you will hone your analytical and critical reading skills. A research assignment will introduce you to the library resources for academic research and to research techniques in the field of literary and cultural studies. The course will involve daily writing and will give you multiple opportunities to reflect on the writing process and engage in writing revision. Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) STAVREVA
6-111. Immigrants, Exiles and Nationalists
The colonial expansion of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries forever altered our world and its effects can still be felt today: in the genocide of Rwanda, in post-Apartheid South Africa and in many other ways. This course focuses on the human toll of colonialism by reading the literature of post-colonial countries. This literature, written sometimes by exiles, sometimes by immigrants, and sometimes by nationalists, raises questions not only about colonialism but also about national identity, personal identity and the new economic colonialism of Globalization. Texts will include literature by Indian, South African and Nigerian writers and critical articles on the socio-economic impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism. Emphasis on critical reading, writing and revision. Some attention paid to writing style as well. Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) REED
7-111. Life is but a Dream: Imperfect Journeys
We will examine and write about texts, films, and other works of art that represent different versions of imperfect journeys. Emphasis will be placed on learning and refining critical research, viewing and writing skills. Selected works include Alice in Wonderland, Heart of Darkness, The Wizard of Oz, and ``The Japanese Quince.'' Not open to students who have previously completed ENG 111. (Humanities, Writing Requirement) GILBERT
8-111. Immigrants, Exiles and Nationalists
See Term 6 for description.
1-347. Modern American Literature: Encountering the Wilderness in Literature and the Visual Arts (Wilderness Field Station, Minnesota)
Literary and cultural trends of the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on American Writers and the Wilderness, including writers, such as Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Mary Austin, Linda Hogan, and artists and photographers of the wild, such as Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and the Canadian writer and painter, Emily Carr. Students will spend approximately two weeks at the Wilderness Field Station in the Boundary Waters. Entails additional costs. Prerequisite: writing-designated course (W). Alternate years. (Humanities) HANKINS
2-374. Advanced Topic: Advanced Writing
Seminar designed especially for juniors and seniors who are committed to academic writing. This course focuses particularly on the skills necessary to write in the natural and social sciences. Students will discuss problems common to all technical writing and will examine effective ways to describe equipment, processes, and procedures; to classify, analyze, and present information; and to explain principles, laws, and concepts. In intensive workshops, students will critically read and evaluate the work of their peers as well as professional academic writers. Course includes a strong research component in which students will work closely with a consulting librarian to develop advanced information literacy skills and produce a paper that may be used for job or graduate school applications. Students must bring to class on the first day a major paper they are prepared to research further and revise. Prerequisite: writing-designated course (W). (Humanities) REED/CHRISTIE-POPE
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
4-260. Topic: Introduction to Environmental Studies
Case-based, interdisciplinary investigation of environmental issues combining geology, ecology, public policy and resource management, social science, and literature with focus on application of science to specific environmental issues. Topics may include science and policy in their relation to Hurricane Katrina, geologic disposal of high-level nuclear waste, water resource managment, sustainable development and agriculture, short-term climate change, and local environmental topics. DeLONG
FRENCH
1-365. Advanced Topic: Eighteenth Century French Literature in Translation: Focus on Theatre
A special offering in conjunction with the Theatre department's spring production of ``Marat/Sade.'' All readings and class discussion will be in English and there are no prerequisites. French majors and minors can count the course if they do specified work in French. Theatre majors and minors may use this course as one of their theatre history courses with permission of the Theatre department. While looking at the Enlightenment's development over time, we will read works by Rousseau, Diderot, Beaumarchais, and others that express Enlightment ideas through their views on theatre and their plays. We will take a close look at the French Revolution and read Sade, as background to the issues (theatrical and political) which are addressed in the play. Anyone interested in French culture, theatre, and the great ideals of the movement that led to the American and French Revolutions is welcome. (Humanities) CROWDER
GEOLOGY
9-263. Topic: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems; includes examples of GIS applications used to address environmental problems. (Science) WELDON
HISTORY
3-116. Introductory Seminar: The Holocaust
An introduction not only to what happened to the Jews, Gypsies and other ``undesirables'' under Adolf Hitler, but also a survey of the various responses and reactions to these events in the post-war period. A number of films will be shown. Several writing assignments. Open to first and second year students only. (Humanities) CONNELL
3-260. Topic: Public Memory and Public History
The American public has an insatiable appetite for representations of the nation's past, as demonstrated by the popularity of historic sites, historical re-enactments, televised historical documentaries on PBS and the History Channel, Hollywood films, and museums. This course will examine the relationship (often contentious) between popular presentations of America's past for the general public, and professional historians' scholarly understandings of key events in the nation's history. We will explore how historical scholarship is treated in public presentations of the national past, and study the role memory (both individual and collective) plays in constructing our national heritage. Readings will include recent works in the fields of American and cultural studies, as well as museum studies, and scholarship on memory from the fields of history, psychology, and sociology. (Humanities) STEWART
2-331. Topic: High Middle Ages
An in-depth look at the culture and society of Medieval Europe during the years 1000 to 1500 CE. Specific topics will include the growth of cities and the development of a nascent urban middle class; the changes in the prestige and power of the papacy and in the European aristocracy; contact and interaction with the non-European world; and appearance of the cult of courtly love, among many others. Prerequisites: junior standing and HIS 101. (Humanities) MILLER
8-331. Topic: The Medieval Spains
An overview of 1000 years of Iberian history, from roughly 500 to 1500 CE. Course topics will include the fall of the Visigoths, the growth and destruction of a Muslim polity in al-Andalus, the rise of Christian power, and the development of a unified Spanish nation out of historically disparate parts. Particular attention will be paid to intellectual and social trends, and to cross-cultural interactions between Muslims, Christians, and Jews during this period. Prerequisite: junior standing. (Humanities) MILLER
7-357. Seminar in American History: The Constitution and Racism: The Japanese-American Experience
The suspension of the Constitution on the basis of race and military necessity remains one of the most dramatic and serious chapters in American racism. The seminar examines the roots of anti-Asian sentiment, the Chinese and Japanese immigration, and the denial of basic civil liberties to Japanese-Americans in 1942. The course considers the role of racism, the President, Congress and Supreme Court as well as the personal dimensions of life in the internment camps. The larger issue of Japanese-American loyalty and military necessity is assessed. Attention is given to the successful efforts to secure "redress" from the U.S. government. Readings from the perspective of sociology, political science, religion, and literature are included together with film and personal witnesses. (Humanities) R. THOMAS
8-357. Seminar: Work and Leisure in Modern America
Examines the relationship between American's working lives and their pursuit of leisure in the transformation from the Industrial to the Post-Industrial Era (1890s-1990s). Topics will include women's changing roles in the workforce and their effect upon male identities and definitions of work; the impact of popular and mass culture (such as television) upon the separation of work and leisure; and the disappearance of industrial jobs in the emerging service-information economy. (Humanities) STEWART
KINESIOLOGY
2-101. Fitness for Life: Badminton
Instruction in the major concepts and physiological basis of fitness, and the evaluation of personal fitness, and individual fitness programming. The activity component of the course is designed for beginning and intermediate players and will include specific individual instruction, personal fitness conditioning, as well as game play. WHALE
5-101. Fitness for Life: Personal Fitness Development
An introduction to the major concepts and physiological basis of fitness, and the evaluation of essential aspects of personal fitness and individual fitness programming. Introduction to a variety of physical activity options with the goal of establishing a systematic exercise routine based on individual fitness and wellness goals and personal interests. Fitness assessments; identification of points of strengths and weaknesses. MEEKER
9-101. Fitness for Life: Outdoor Activities
Instruction in the major components of fitness, the physiological basis of fitness, evaluation of personal fitness, and individual fitness programming. The activities component of the course includes instruction and practice in hiking, trailing running, and wilderness camping and canoeing, culminating in a week-long excursion in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area in northeastern Minnesota. A course fee of approximately $300 is required to pay transportation and complete outfitting costs for the trip. MEEKER
9-259. Topic: Ancient Greek Athletics
Study of the origins and functions of competitive athletics in ancient Greece. Traditional athletic events are studied in detail and special emphasis is placed on the festivals at Olympia, Delphi, Nemea, Isthmia, and Athens. Reflections on athletics' connection to ancient culture, arts, and religion. WHALE
MUSIC
5-272. Topic: Electronic Music Composition
Introduction to electronic music composition using a computer. Topics covered include basic synthesis types, digital effects, music form and structure, and the study of important works in the genre. Familiarity with at least one digital audio synthesis program suggested but not required. CHAMBERLAIN
PHILOSOPHY
6-362. Advanced Topic: Nietzsche
This course will be an in-depth study of one of the most interesting, most controversial, and most influential philosophers of the nineteenth century. We will read and discuss at least eight of his books in an attempt to do justice to his rich philosophy and to get a sense of the development of his thought. Prerequisites: junior standing and declared Philosophy major or minor. (Humanities) GRAY
POLITICS
2-252. Topic: Principles of Trial Advocacy
This class is designed to provide a general overview of the past and present U.S. Legal System with an emphasis on the adversarial approach to resolution of conflicts and controversies in federal, state and local tribunals as well as in alternate forums and venues. Students will gain a general understanding of the roles of the various participants within the American Experiment commonly termed the American Justice System, with primary focus on the role of the lawyer as advocate. In anticipation of the eventual pursuit by students of careers in the legal field, the course will incorporate aspirational and ethical considerations, practical issues faced by trial attorneys and the potential for fulfillment and disillusionment fighting the battles of others. To the extent possible, members of the class will participate in simulated legal exercises in an effort to bring the theoretical or philosophical into the reality of daily trial experience. (Social Science) HEDGES
6-337. Seminar in International Relations and Comparative Government: Comparative Healthcare Systems
The course will examine a number of health care policy issues facing the United States such as rising health care costs, quality of health care services, financing of the health care system, adoption of new technologies, and the role of the public and private sectors in providing health care. However, in seeking to reform the U.S. health care system, it is important to analyze health care systems comparatively, in order to understand how various countries address similar problems. This course is designed to introduce students to the health care systems of some of the advanced industrialized countries of Western Europe such as Britain and Germany, as well as other industrialized countries such as Canada and Japan. Some of the questions addressed include: which systems and models are better equipped at achieving efficiency and equity? how do different systems deal with challenging choices such as decisions about new technology and innovation? why do advanced industrialized countries pursue different public policy alternatives for similar problems? Prerequisite: POL 242 or 243. (Social Science) A. THOMAS
5-351. Advanced Topic: International Law in Principle and Practice
Studies in political thought for practicing politicians beginning with Kant and extending into the policies for addressing selected transnational problems, including genocide and the International Criminal Court. Prerequisite: any 200-level Politics course. SUTHERLAND
PSYCHOLOGY
5-256. Topic: Seminar in Public Health
This course is designed to broaden knowledge and understanding regarding a wide variety of public health topics. The expected outcomes of this course are to: 1) provide topical introduction to a wide variety of public health issues, 2) gain an understanding of how issues of public health are interdisciplinary and ultimately affect overall population health, and 3) improve communication and writing skills through analysis of public health issues. (Social Science) BUCKNER BENTZ
9-257. Topic: Cultural Competence: Melting Pots and Salad Bowls
An exploration of the diversity of cultural and ethnic behaviors, attitudes and values; how cultural sensitivity, awareness, and knowledge differ from competence. Survey of research and interventions aimed at increasing cultural competence specifically within the healthcare setting. (Social Science) BUSHA
3-258. Topic: From Novice to Expert: Exploring the Psychological Development of Expertise
This course will study the development of expertise and the various psychological models and theories that try to capture this development. We will also discuss specific domains in which expertise has been studied and how the distinctions between expert and novice play out in everyday situations. Some questions we will ask include: What distinguishes an expert from a novice? At what point does one become an ``expert''? Does expertise span across a broad range of tasks or is it limited to a more specific domain? What non-cognitive factors are involved in developing expertise? (Social Science) CHAPMAN
1-259. Topic: Religion and Psychosocial Health: Japan and the United States
An examination of the intersection between religious behaviors and beliefs and psychosocial health. Topics include: coping, social support, self-esteem and self-mastery, and emotional outlets. Discussions will focus on experiences of the U.S. and Japan to gain a cross-cultural understanding of the mechanisms involved in this important relationship. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (Social Science) ROEMER
5-352. Advanced Topic: Abnormal Child/Adolescent Psychology
An examination of etiology and dynamic in topics of child and adolescent mental disorders. Problems of diagnosis and prevention in abnormal child and adolescent psychology will be addressed. Topics include discussion of the impact of child/adolescent problems on family and adult life. Prerequisite: any 200-level Psychology course. JANSSENS-RUD
4-357. Advanced Topic: Developmental Psychology: Adolescent Risk Behavior
Exploration of the range and types of risky behaviors that occur during adolescence. An examination of the application of developmental, learning and personality theory related to risk behavior. Topics will include: health related risk behaviors that contribute to morbidity and mortality, intervention strategies aimed at reducing these behaviors, the role of heredity and environment. Emphasis will be placed on a critical review of literature on the measurement and prediction of risk behavior and intervention strategies. Prerequisite: any 200-level PSY course. (Social Science) BUSHA
7-360. Advanced Topic: Human Services Practicum and Seminar
Supervised full-time internship in a human service context and bi-weekly seminar. Group discussions of current issues in the field such as cultural and gender diversity, ethics, professional practice challenges, and the role of research in practice. Students must provide their own transportation. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing with declared major in Psychology, and three courses in Psychology. (CR) JANSSENS-RUD
RELIGION
7-368. Advanced Topic: Christianity in America
A study of key moments, movements, and personalities in American Christianity, from the Colonial period to the twentieth century. Topics include Quakerism, evangelicalism, American Catholicism, the Black churches, and the progress of women in nineteenth century American Christian churches. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (Humanities) MOLLEUR [CS]
SOCIOLOGY
2-350. Advanced Topic: Identity Politics
This course examines the construction, negotiation, and representation of social identities. We will discuss differing theoretical approaches to understanding identity, explore the tensions and conflicts of identification, and investigate the relations between social identities, groups, cultures, and institutions. Sexual identities, cultures, and social movements will be the primary focus. Gender, race/ethnicity, disability, and other identifications will also be examined. Prerequisite: two courses in Sociology. (Social Science) DAVIS [Small Group]
THEATRE
3-261. Topic: Photoshop Rendering
Instruction and practice using Adobe Photoshop software package, with particular emphasis on theatrical design applications. Photographic restoration and alteration, layout, and digital design renderings and color/texture studies. Discussion of large format printing as scenic elements. (Fine Arts) OLINGER
8-370. Advanced Topic: Contemporary Theatre (in New York)
This course offers a critical look at contemporary theatre and performance practice, as exemplified by the traditionally vital theatre scene in New York City. Approximately 2-1/2 weeks of the course will be spent in New York, attending and responding to a variety of performance events that range from Broadway shows and Off Broadway productions to performance art pieces in small galleries and experimental work. It is likely that students will also attend some dance events and a variety of art museums and galleries. The course will satisfy one of the theatre history and criticism credits required for the theatre major. Entails additional costs. Prerequisite: writing-designated course (W). (Humanities) HUNTER
WOMEN'S STUDIES
2-257. Topic: Women Make Their Mark: The Feminist Politics of Body Art
The 1960s and 1970s were decades of enormous rebellion and change. Women were involved in both public and private battles to explore and expose traditional assumptions about gender, race, class, and especially sexuality. Women artists used their bodies to challenge the prevailing ideology of the time. This course will examine and discuss the provocative body art work created and performed by women artists primarily during the 1960s and 1970s. This course will be conducted as a workshop, will include several in-depth assigned readings, viewing videos and slides pertaining to this work, several response papers, and projects involving using your own body as art. DYAS
3-259. Topic: The Moon is Always Female: Women's Health across the Life Cycle
Readings, lectures, and class discussion will consider women's health across the life cycle to include childhood and adolescent development, sexuality and childbearing, menopause, aging, and mental health. We will explore these topics in the context of culture, history, and politics, including the many ways in which society and culture shape women's health and our perceptions of women's health. Readings and lectures will draw upon epidemiological, medical, anthropological, historical, and literary work to shape a multidisciplinary understanding of women's health. Throughout, we will identify differences among women and men related to class, race, and ethnicity. U.S. and international examples and case studies will be used to explore definitions of sex and gender and how they are used in health research and communications, the female body as cultural symbol, and such pertinent public health challenges as infant mortality, maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, contraception and abortion, access to prenatal care, sexuality, child abuse and neglect, and body image. WALLIS
8-260. Topic: Thinking Sexualities: A Survey of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/
Transgendered and Queer Studies
This course will examine the development of sexuality studies from the homophile movement of the 1950s, through the Gay Liberation period following the Stonewall Riots of 1969, the rise of Lesbigay studies in the 1970s and 1980s, and the debate over theory and politics caused by the introduction of Queer theory in the 1990s through today. CROWDER
9-304. Advanced Topic: Women on the Verge: Crossing Borders, Crossing Boundaries in Literature and Film
It is common to talk about women as people who have been (and still are) marginalized in our society. The image of ``margins'' suggests being pushed to the edge and trapped there. Margins cannot be crossed, but borders can. How would our understanding of women's experiences change if we discuss their experiences as liminal (on the threshold or border between two spaces) rather than marginal (trapped on the edge of a single space)? Can living in the borderland be empowering rather than disempowering? In this class, we'll read several texts that discuss women crossing borders between states: national, psychological, gendered. Within the assignments for the class, students will have the opportunity to evaluate the terms margin and border and to come up with their own language for women's experience. Texts may include (among others) Aphra Behn's seventeenth century play, The Widow Ranter; Mary Rowlandson's nineteenth century captivity narrative; Ama Ata Aidoo's twentieth century prose-poem, Our Sister Killjoy; as well as films, like Pedro Almadóvar's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Prerequisite: WST 171. REED
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