Future Colloquia

FUTURE HONORS COLLOQUIA

FALL 2007

Globalization - William Salka

W 4:00 - 6:45 PM

Globalization is a term describing the increasing interconnectedness of nations and peoples across the globe. This process has sweeping impacts, both positive and negative, on our economic, political and environmental well being. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the changes that are taking place as a result of the globalization process.

Family in Film, Theater, and TV - David Pellegrini

T 4:00 - 6:45 PM

This seminar examines how historical and contemporary dramatic representations of the American family reflect sociocultural realities and construct ideal images of family life. We will read and analyze dramatic, critical, historical, and sociological texts, and examine a range of dramatic forms from theatre, film and television. Students will also engage in individual and collaborative creative projects in the construction of dramatic portraits of American family life.

SPRING 2008

Native American and Ancient Cosmologies in Literature and Culture -
Russell Sampson and Meredith James

MWF
11:00-11:50 AM

The focus of this course is to examine Native American cosmologies, studying oral traditions and contemporary Native American literature. Students will learn how the patterns of the stars and stories are interconnected and how this creates a world view specific to individual tribal nations. The students will also explore the field of archaeoastronomy - the study of celestial practices of ancient peoples. As well, the students will learn about the new field of ethnoastronomy - the study of the celestial knowledge of existing cultures. During this part of the course the class will learn about the motions and appearance of the sun, the moon, planets and constellations. As time permits an exploration of near-sky phenomena (rainbows, clouds, etc.) will also be undertaken.

The Holocaust: Genocide in the Twentieth Century - Ann Higginbotham

TR 2:00 - 3:15 PM

This course would examine the Holocaust both as a particular historical event rooted in Nazi domination of Europe and as part of a wider consideration of genocide in the modern world. Students will read and write about several autobiographies of Holocaust victims and survivors, possibly including Peter Gay's "My German Question" and Gerda Weissmann Klein's "All But My Life." In addition, the course will examine how the Holocaust has been understood through film, projects of remembrance, and survivor testimony. Students will investigate other examples of genocide in the twentieth century to look for common patterns and differences. The course will include a trip to the Dodd Center in Storrs and possibly, the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.

FALL 2008

Mass Mediated Political Rhetoric - Nicole Krassas

TR 11:00-12:15 PM

The mass media influences public opinion as well as the public's understanding of political events through its "framing" of political issues. Students in this class will consider both theory and practice in studying mass mediated political rhetoric. This class will cover the content of, the influences on, as well as the impact of media coverage. Topics will include, but not be limited to: the 2000 presidential election, the attacks on 9/11, the aftermath of 9/11, the war in Iraq and the 2004 presidential election. Students will complete an original research paper examining the political rhetoric of a particular event not covered as a major class assignment. Students will be required to present their findings at the end of the semester.

HON 361 New England and the Sea - Charles E. Booth

W 2:00-5:00 PM

New England and the Sea will examine the relationship between the coastal New England states and the ocean from several perspectives, including maritime history, contemporary commercial and recreational uses of coastal waters, coastal development, and environmental changes. These topics will be explored through readings, class discussions, guest seminars, and field trips to coastal locations; students must be able to participate in at least two weekend field trips.

SPRING 2009

Psychology of Attraction and Its Consequences - Madeleine Fugere

MWF 10:00-11:00 AM

In this course, students will critically examine psychological theory and research regarding attraction and close relationships. We will investigate such questions as: What factors determine interpersonal attraction? How do attachment styles impact relationships? How does evolution shape attraction and mating? Why do we form friendships? Why do some partners become abusive? Why do some people stay in abusive relationships? What makes infidelity so upsetting? As part of this course, students will design and complete a research project relating to a hypothesis of their choice regarding attraction and close relationships.

Popular Music in a Global Context - Richard Jones Bamman

TR 2:00-3:15 PM

Swedish hip-hop? Chinese techno? The impact of America's popular music industry on the rest of the world becomes more evident each year, as musicians in other cultures adopt and adapt styles of music that have their origins on our shores. But is this merely a one-sided flow of information and ideas, or is our musical landscape changing as well, reflecting musical exchanges that a decade ago could not have been imagined? This course will examine in depth the social, political and economic processes of globalization, and how these influence the creation and marketing of popular music in a wide variety of cultures. Students need not have a musical background, but an open approach to listening to music is a must.

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