May 06, 2024  
2017-2018 HillBook (Class of 2021) 
    
2017-2018 HillBook (Class of 2021) [ARCHIVED HILL BOOK]

Course Descriptions


 

Psychology

  
  • PSY 344 - Research in Educational Psychology

    Three Credits
    Offered as Needed

    In-depth training in conducting research in the field of Educational Psychology through active participation in an ongoing program of research. Students are involved in the design of a study, preparation of research materials, collection of data, data analysis, and preparation of a scientific report.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101 - General Psychology  and PSY 271 - Research Methods in Psychology (WID) . Written consent of the Instructor required.
    Note: Course may be repeated once with Instructor’s permission.
  
  • PSY 347 - Research in Health Psychology

    Three Credits
    Offered Periodically

    Training in the various facets of conducting health psychology research including hypothesis generation, study design and methods, data collection, and data analysis/interpretation. Projects may include the examination of existing data, the initiation of new projects or participation in ongoing projects at the UMASS Medical Center. Topic may include coping with cancer, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 271 , PSY 320 , and Consent of instructor. May be repeated once with Instructor permission.
  
  • PSY 351 - Child Psychopathology and Its Treatment

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Description of psychological disorders which present themselves in infancy and childhood (birth - 12 years old). Exploration of specific treatment approaches used to date. Discussion of the impact of childhood psychopathology on the family, school system, neighborhood, and nation.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101  and PSY 201 .
  
  • PSY 411 - Counseling Practicum I

    Four Credits
    Fall Semester

    Effective listening skills: attending, questioning, paraphrasing, reflecting feelings, summarizing, self-disclosing, confronting; child and adult therapy; internship work.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 205  or PSY 311  and permission of Instructor.
  
  • PSY 412 - Counseling Practicum II

    Four Credits
    Spring Semester (not offered Spring 2018)

    Group therapy work; practice applying Adlerian and Gestalt theory to individual counseling; professional and ethical issues; internship work.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 411  and permission of Instructor.
  
  • PSY 413 - Experimental Psychology

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Laboratory course in human and animal learning. Each student is expected to explore operant shaping, extinction rates, multiple scheduling, chaining, discrimination, and temporal factors in learning.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101  and permission of Instructor.
  
  • PSY 415 - Brain and Behavior

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Structure and function of nerve cells and the nervous system. Research methods in biopsychology, effects of brain damage, physiological principles underlying sleep, eating, abnormal behavior, drug effects, and memory.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101 .
  
  • PSY 419 - Cognitive Psychology

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Examination of the principles of cognition. Among the topics discussed are perception, attention, working memory, long-term memory, imagery, language, problem solving, reasoning, and judgment and decision-making. Includes a laboratory component which gives students hands-on experience with cognitive phenomena discussed in class.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101 .
  
  • PSY 421 - Psychology and the Legal System

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Overview of the impact of Psychology on the legal system. Topics covered include how psychological research has influenced court decisions, an examination of the insanity defense, how competency to stand trial is determined, what psychological processes are involved in jury selection and jury decision making, the accuracy of eyewitness identification, and how children are viewed in the legal system.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101  and Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing.
  
  • PSY 441 - Advanced Research Externship I

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    The purpose of the advanced Research Externship is to provide upper-level (3rd and 4th year) students with opportunities to gain research experience working on large federally funded NIH grants at a large universities or medical schools. Students are expected to work 10 hours a week in a research lab at Brown University, Harvard University, or UMASS Medical School.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 101  and PSY 261 . Open to Psychology majors. Instructor Permission required.
    Note: Completion of both PSY 441 and PSY 442  fulfills the Capstone in Psychology.
  
  • PSY 442 - Advanced Research Externship II

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    The purpose of the advanced Research Externship is to provide upper-level (3rd and 4th year) students with opportunities to gain research experience working on large federally funded NIH grants at a large universities or medical schools. Students are expected to work 10 hours a week in a research lab at Brown University, Harvard University, or UMASS Medical School.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 441 . Open to Psychology majors. Instructor permission required.
    Note: Completion of both PSY 441  and PSY 442 fulfills the Capstone in Psychology.
  
  • PSY 450 - Advanced Psychology Seminar

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Capstone course in which students will review and synthesize major empirical/theoretical areas of psychology, including abnormal, personality, learning, cognition, social, developmental, statistics and physiological.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 271 , Senior Standing in Psychology, and permission of Instructor.
  
  • PSY 451 - Applying Psychological Principles

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Capstone course examining and evaluating psychological principles and their application today. Topics include effective studying; breaking bad habits; influencing others and improving personal relationships; dealing with self-defeating behaviors such as shyness, anger and anxiety; raising children; and improving motivation.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): PSY 271 , Senior Standing in Psychology and permission of Instructor.
  
  • PSY 475 - Internship in Applied Psychology I

    Three or Six Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Each student is expected to carry out a supervised assignment in a professional setting with emphasis placed on hospitals, schools, clinics, courts, and personnel departments in the local area. Registration must be approved by the Department Chairperson, by the faculty member supervising the project, and by the institution or agency conducting the program.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Junior standing and permission of Internship Coordinator and Department Chairperson required.
    Note: Must complete the “U.S. Internship Request for Approval” process found under the myPlans tab in myHill to register for this Internship.
  
  • PSY 476 - Internship in Applied Psychology II

    Three or Six Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Each student is expected to carry out a supervised assignment in a professional setting with emphasis placed on hospitals, schools, clinics, courts, and personnel departments in the local area. Registration must be approved by the Department Chairperson, by the faculty member supervising the project, and by the institution or agency conducting the program.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Junior standing and permission of Internship Coordinator and Department Chairperson required.
    Note: Must complete the “U.S. Internship Request for Approval” process found under the myPlans tab in myHill to register for this Internship.
  
  • PSY 490 - Directed Study - Psychology

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Supervised reading and research directed by Department member. 

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Students must complete the online Directed Study and Independent Research Application process and obtain the signatures of the faculty member and the Department Chair.
  
  • PSY 496 - Independent Research

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Advanced Research Project under the direction of a Psychology faculty member.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Permission of the Faculty member directing the project and the Department Chairperson.
  
  • PSY 497 - Senior Thesis

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    A course for students who would like to explore a theory or research a topic in Psychology. By Psychology faculty invitation.

     

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Approval of faculty member directing the project and permission of the Department Chairperson.


Religious Studies

  
  • REL 100/110 - Why Religion? The Hero’s Journey (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    This seminar will look at defining journeys in Greek, Roman, Hebrew and early Christian literature and inquire how they shaped and continue to shape cultural and religious identity.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 110 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 110, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/111 - Religions of the World (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    This course will examine the way religion has been studied as an academic discipline. We will explore both Eastern and Western religious traditions in their historical contexts and will focus primarily on how various religious concepts are understood and practiced in these major world religions. These will include the concepts of the Holy, revelation, sacred writings, good and evil, forgiveness, creation, the human condition, salvation, and ethics. In our study of religions we will explore a variety of practices in different historical contexts but common ground will be sought to illustrate how the sacred texts of each religious tradition define and illustrate how and why these groups practice the above mentioned concepts.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 111 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 111, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/112 - Saints and Sinners in Church History (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three of Four Credits
    Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

    Saints and sinners, much like victors and vanquished in war, are often determined by those who triumph in Church conflicts. This course will address several Church controversies throughout the 2000 years of its history, review the issues and debates that arose through the reading of primary and secondary sources, and who in the end were considered victors, saints, and the vanquished, sinners, in Church history.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 112 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 112, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/113 - Sacred Space from Mt. Sinai to Ground Zero (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall Semester

    What makes a place “sacred”? Who decides whether a place is sacred? What do people do in sacred spaces? This seminar will examine the nature of sacred space in theory, history and practice with a focus on sacredness in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In addition, the course will ask if “non-religious” places can be sacred. The course includes a fieldtrip to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 113 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 113, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/114 - The Journey Toward Religious Maturity (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

    The course takes an interdisciplinary approach to examining the process by which a person achieves an adult faith in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Drawing from psychology and anthropology, we explore the phases of religious development in relation to myths and symbols, and we apply that understanding to a specific person and to a theological issue, while also considering how to read, critically and analytically, a non-religious text through the lens of religion.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 114 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 114, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/116 - Abrahamic Faith (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

    This course is an investigation of the religious dimension of human experience, especially as it has been lived, understood and cherished among the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its guiding focus is the centrality of “faith” as a relational response to God who, in line with Abraham’s foundational claim, is experienced as living. The course considers significant questions in conversation with some of the most important writings in the tradition of Western religious thought, as well as some of the basic questions that arise in the academic investigation of religion: What is the nature of religious experience? How does religion provide motivation and direction for the life of individuals and communities? How does religion nurture or inhibit human development and well-being?

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 116 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 116, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/117 - Gods, Myths, and Rituals in the Ancient Mediterranean (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

    This class investigates the diverse religions of the ancient Mediterranean world (ca. 600 BCE-400CE), including Greek and Roman religions, formative Judaism, and the earliest Christianity. The course explores the history and development of these traditions by examining topics related to issues of ritual, myth, sacred space, gender, and concepts of divinity within each group. Focus is placed on the ways in which these groups influenced one another and reshaped cultural and religious landscapes through competitive interaction. Through a critical analysis of the sources students will begin to understand the practices, beliefs, and experiences of the Greco-Roman world and the communities that produced them.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 117 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 117, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/118 - Pilgrimage in Nature (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

    Stories in scriptures and the experiences of pilgrims remind us that religious life does not always take place indoors. Much of human religious experience occurs outside, in nature. We will explore this dimension of human religiosity through examination of Christian, Islamic, and Buddhist pilgrimages to such places as Lourdes, Mecca, and northern India, as well as the broader themes of nature symbolism and nature mysticism.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 118 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 118, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/120 - Deviance and the Divine (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall 2017

    This course will use the concept of deviance as the lens through which we will study the three major monotheistic traditions of the world - Islam, Judaism and Christianity. What are the major tenets and beliefs of each? What do they share and where are the conflicts? What does each consider normative and why? When does a belief or practice cross the line in deviance? Ultimately, are they all simply deviants of one another? In our investigation, we will also look to some lesser known religious traditions as foils, such as Scientology, Raelianism, the Nation of Islam, Jews for Jesus, Mormonism, and Christian Science.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 120 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 110, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/121 - Religion as Pharmakon: Poison or Cure (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

    For the ancient Greeks pharmakon meant both cure and poison depending on the context. Religion functions in the same way: it can heal us but can also poison us. We will explore the ambiguity and the power-both healing and destructive-of religious traditions.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 121 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 121, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/122 - Pilgrimage and Passage: Religion as “Sacred” Journey (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Spring 2018

    The course begins with the premise that all religions are at their best when they are “betwixt and between,” living in the threshold, open to new and unexpected horizons. After a close reading of the Book of Exodus, which will provide the opportunity to identify various themes associated with ritual passage, we will concentrate primarily on the study of the three chief monotheistic religions of Semitic origin: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course will end with a brief exploration of Hinduism and Buddhism. Through comparative analysis of these religions, we will strive to determine similarities and differences in approaches to God, worship, institution, and moral conduct.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 122 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 122, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/123 - Demons, Devils and Satans: Monsters of Religion (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    Monotheistic traditions maintain that God is both all-powerful and just. Yet, they simultaneously speak of demons, devils, and satans - characters who threaten both God and His control over the universe. How can such an obvious contradiction stand? This course will examine the narratives and images of demonic characters, by looking at scriptural texts, interpretive materials and folklore. In our investigation, we will address such questions as: Who or what is considered Evil? How does evil exist in a world in which God is good? Is there a universal concept of Satan? Do demons and the demonic straddle traditional lines or are they tradition-specific? In other words, does each tradition create the demon most appropriate for it? What are these characters good for? What can they tell us about how each tradition conceives of itself and its place in the human-God relationship?

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 123 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 123, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/124 - God Doesn’t Do Religion (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    We tend to think that religion is all about God, but why? And if God “doesn’t do religion,” who does? What do we even mean by “religion” in these questions? This course will inquire into the “building blocks” of religion and human religiousness, considering the practices of Jews, Christians and Muslims from an anthropological and historical perspective.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 124 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 124, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/126 - Critique of Religion (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Fall Semester

    This course is an introduction to the critical, academic study of religion. It will touch on both personal and broader societal issues that are involved in the contemporary study of religion. It will examine several of the most prominent modern critiques of religion, as well as the various responses to those critiques. Further, it will explore and ask students to reflect on the meaning of religion in today’s culturally diverse and religiously pluralistic world. Its objectives are to acquire a basic knowledge of some of the foundational theories of religion, to acquire a working understanding of various methodologies in the critical study of religion, to reflect on one’s own understanding and experience of religion, and to reflect on the role of religion in the contemporary world.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 126 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 126, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/127 - Religious Responses to Climate Change (Core/First-Year Seminar)

    Three or Four Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    With a primary focus on Buddhism and Christianity, this course explores how religious thinkers and activists have been drawing from doctrines, practices, and ethical systems in response to climate disruption and related environmental issues.  We will examine Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, and similar declarations by prominent Buddhists. To support this inquiry, we will study the causes and impacts of climate change, the basic teachings of Buddhism, and traditional Christian views of nature. The course also considers religious stances that deny, downplay, or accept anthropogenic climate change.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 127 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 127, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 100/128 - Catholicism and Indigenous Religions in the Americas

    Three or Four Credits
    Spring 2018

    When Catholic missionaries first met the indigenous peoples of the Americas, they faced a moral and theological dilemma. What to make of these peoples and their religious thought and practice? This course studies indigenous religious cultures such as the Aztec, Ojibwe and Inca alongside three European religious orders who encountered them. Through readings, field trips, guest speakers, and artwork, we will compare indigenous traditions to Catholic traditions, thinking analytically and critically about indigenous spirituality, Catholic theology, and “religion” itself.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 128 is a First-Year Seminar and open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): REL 100, for 3-credits, fulfills the Religious Studies Cornerstone.
    REL 128, for 4-credits, fulfills the First-Year Seminar and Religious Studies Cornerstone
  
  • REL 206 - Islamic Traditions

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    Studies the Arabian environment, Muhammed (founder), Qur’an (sacred writings), and mysticism, sects, and legal and social institutions of Islam.

    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 209 - Religion and Culture of the Jewish People

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    A survey of key texts, beliefs, and practices of Jewish culture and religious practice, including the Bible, classic texts, holidays and holy days, Zionism, modern American Jews, and Israel.

    Course Applies to: Middle Eastern Studies
    Note:
     
  
  • REL 226 - Women, Slaves & Sin: Paul and the Creation of Christianity

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An investigation into the life, writings, and legacy of the Apostle Paul. The course will uncover the historical, philosophical, social, and religious forces that shaped the beliefs, practices, and experiences of the earliest Christians.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course  . 
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 230 - Topics in Religious Studies

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    This seminar offers students and faculty an opportunity to investigate in some depth a specific area of the study of religion not normally otherwise addressed by the department. Topics are announced prior to registration. This course can be taken more than once with permission of the department chair.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .

     
    Note: This course was formerly offered as REL 330 Topics in Religious Studies.

  
  • REL 233 - American Catholic Social History

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An historical presentation of the numerous social issues, conflicts, and varied solutions in American Catholicism from the late 19th century forward with emphasis on how the many issues of society impacted Catholicism. The course demonstrates how the application of faith and various theological and philosophical theories were used in resolution of social conflict.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: American Studies
    Note: Cross-listed with HIS 233 .
  
  • REL 238 - Migrants, Immigrants, Refugees: Justice Issues and Catholic Responses

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An examination of the “immigrant” dimension of the American Catholic Church, past and present, exposing the injustices experienced by the marginalized outsider/newcomer, exploring the Catholic Church’s responses to these injustices utilizing Catholic social thought, and focusing on Hispanic culture and presence in the Catholic Church and American society.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Course Applies to: American Studies
  
  • REL 247 - Topics in Religious Approaches to Moral Issues

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    Explores how religious traditions address moral issues, paying particular attention to assumptions about human nature and the good, the bases on which the moral system or religion(s) being studied generates arguments about specific issues, that system’s modes of moral argumentation, and its applicability to contemporary issues. The course also includes comparative analysis of the moral system relative to at least one other religious tradition.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .   
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Note: This course was formerly offered as REL 347 Topics in Religious Approaches to Moral Inquiries.
  
  • REL 248 - Christian Prayer, Liturgy and Sacrament

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An introduction to the fundamentals of Christian liturgy, including the meaning of the assembly, ritual symbol and gesture, proclamation of sacred scripture, and blessing prayers in the context of relating liturgy to life.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 249 - Sacraments, Justice, and the Moral Life

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    The course is an introduction to the fundamentals of sacraments, including ritual, symbol, and participation, all examined in the context of right relationship with God, others, and the material world. The seven official sacraments of the Catholic Church will be explored historically and critically according to the ways in which they may build or may destroy God’s Kingdom of justice.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-level Religious studies course.
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
    Note: This course was formerly offered as REL 348 Sacraments, Justice, and the Moral Life.
  
  • REL 251 - Introduction to the Old Testament

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    Literature of the Hebrew Bible. Survey of the religious, literary, and political history of ancient Israel. Students may not receive credit for both this course and REL 260.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course  .
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 252 - Introduction to the New Testament

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    Literature of the New Testament in its religious and historical context. Life and ministry of Jesus, origins of earliest Christianity, the role of Paul, and the development of the Church.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course  . 
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 253 - Models of the Church: Historical Developments

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    A study of various forms of the Church from its Apostolic beginnings, through the institutionalization process and Vatican II reforms, up to the present development of Base Christian Communities.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 255 - Religions in the Roman Empire

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    A study of ancient world views, mystery religions, gnosticism, and the rise of Christianity.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 256 - Church and Social Justice

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    An examination of the Catholic Church’s relationship to society and its responses to a variety of social, political, and economic issues.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 262 - Religion in America

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    An examination of a variety of religious ideas, institutions, and traditions in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis is placed upon questions of religious pluralism, religion and cultural identity, and religion in public life.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Course Applies to: American Studies
    Note: Cross-listed with HIS 263 .
  
  • REL 263 - Women’s Religions in the Ancient Mediterranean World

    Three Credits
    Fall 2018

    This class will explore the critical roles played by women in the religious traditions of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as Judaism and earliest Christianity. It will introduce factors that led to the decline of women’s influence as Christianity developed a more institutionalized religious system.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course , or Permission of Instructor.
    Course Applies to: Gender & Sexuality Studies
  
  • REL 267 - Liberation Theology: Latin American Perspectives

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An examination of the development of liberation theology in the historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts of Latin America’s struggle to move from colonialism to freedom. The course also explores feminist theology, ecological theology, and indigenous people’s theology that are rooted in liberation theology.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Course Applies to: Latin American Studies
  
  • REL 269 - The Muslim Jesus

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    This course investigates Muslim teachings on and about Jesus. Here we will ask: What does Islam teach about Jesus? How does the Islamic portrayal of Jesus resemble/ differ from Christian teachings? What are the causes of the differences? How does Islam’s understanding of Jesus affect its understanding of and relationship with Christians and Christianity?

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course.
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Course Applies to: Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 274 - The Religions of Egypt

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    This course examines the diverse religious traditions of ancient Egypt by exploring how indigenous traditions reacted and adapted when encountering other cultures including Greek, Roman, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. The course discusses how such mutual influence resulted in unique patterns of ritual and belief found only in Egypt.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course.
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 275 - Hard Rockin’ Jews: Judaism and Pop Culture in Israel

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    For 2000 years Judaism has been a minority religion in majority “other” cultures. With the establishment of Israel, Judaism became the majority culture of a nation-state. This course examines how the religion of Judaism both influences and is influenced by the secular culture of the modern State of Israel.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    Course Applies to: Anthropology, Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 288 - Religion and Sports

    Three Credits
    Spring 2018

    Most sports originated in ancient religious ceremonies and rituals. This course will examine both the religious and historical beginnings of sports, while also exploring the many phenomenal similarities between religion and sports. The course will investigate the ways that both religion and sports influence, alter, and even fulfill the spiritual, social, and psychological needs of their respective adherents.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies course
    Course Applies to: Sports, Science & Society
  
  • REL 300 - The Catholic Tradition: Past and Present

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    A study of Catholicism from historical and theological perspectives to aid students in attaining an appreciation for the richness of the Catholic Tradition in the past and present. Scripture, sacramental life, doctrinal teachings and development, moral issues, and the future Church direction are explored.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 301 - Islam and the Bible: Jewish and Muslim Morality and Ethics

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    As brother religions vying for the same sacred history, Islam and Judaism trace the genesis of their spiritual and biological communities back to the very same founding parents. Yet Islam is not Judaism, Muslims are not Jews, and vice versa. Rather, the two traditions are, and understand themselves to be, distinct entities with distinct value systems. By comparing the Jewish and Muslim accounts of the shared Biblical ancestors, as well the often colorful exegesis on these narratives, this course will investigate various matters of moral and ethical concern to these communities and the lessons thereby imparted by each tradition.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 302 - Violence and Sex in the Bible

    Three Credits
    Fall 2019

    Examines the dynamics of sex and violence in ancient Israel as they are presented in the biblical text. Topics include the construction of gender, the status of women and men in society and law, holy war, the characterization of physical violence as positive or negative, the gender of God and its implications.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Gender & Sexuality Studies
  
  • REL 303 - The Virgin Mary and Visions of the Feminine in Christianity

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    The development of the Church’s understanding of the Virgin Mary and of other feminine aspects of the transcendent in Christian spirituality. The course begins with Mary’s ideological antecedents and the issue of the “historical Mary.” It explores the relationship between images of the Virgin and theologies, controversies, and heresies, as well as contemporary feminist understandings of Mary and of the divine as feminine.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course 
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Course Applies to: Latin American Studies (with permission of the LAS Program Director)
  
  • REL 307 - Buddhist Ethics

    Three Credits
    Fall 2019

    An exploration of traditional Buddhist ethics, moral arguments Buddhists have advanced about contemporary issues, and points of comparison with philosophical and Christian ethics.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Asian Studies
  
  • REL 310 - Catholicism-1850 to Present: History and Theology

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    Historically and theologically, Roman Catholicism has been a foundation stone to Western civilization. Today the Church remains as a strong influence in world society, but in the post-French Revolution era this influence has shifted in focus. This course seeks to help students to understand how and why this shift occurred and most especially to illustrate its manifestations since 1850.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 312 - Archaeology and the Bible

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    Introduction to the archaeology of Palestine, with special focus on the interrelationship of excavated and textual data.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Course Applies to: Anthropology, Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 314 - Mysticism: The Experience of Transcendence

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    A study of mysticism from its origins in the Greek world to its expression in Christian and non-Christian forms. A “hands-on” approach to mystical practices is encouraged, and the reading of mystical texts is supplemented by field trips to contemplative communities.

  
  • REL 315 - Dreams and the Sacred

    Three Credits
    Fall 2018

    A study of the role of dreams and other rites of divination in ancient and modern religious experience. Biblical and classical sources are examined, and contemporary attempts to recover the sacred dimension of dreams also are considered.

  
  • REL 316 - Neoplatonism

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    A study of the seminal writings of the Neoplatonists, their sources, and their influence on the development of later religious traditions.

  
  • REL 317 - Gods, Kings and Justice in the Ancient World

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    Who speaks for Justice? Where does Justice come from? This course examines these and related questions by analyzing and comparing ancient texts such as the Babylonian law code of Hammurabi, Egyptian hymns, Homer’s Odyssey, and the biblical prophets. Ancient works of art treating issues of justice are also examined.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .  
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Gender & Sexuality Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 318 - Archaeology and Religion in Ancient Greece

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    This course introduces the field of archeology in the Greek world and demonstrate how archaeological remains can enlighten our understanding of Greek religion and society. The course will then examine how material evidence can help us to better understand this complex ancient culture and the world in which it developed.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course.
    Course Applies to: Anthropology
    Note: Considered a European History course.

     

  
  • REL 323 - Gods and War: Religion, Ideology, and Nationalism in Japan and the United States

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An exploration of how religions in Japan and the United States have helped formulate national identities and mobilize citizens for war.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Asian Studies
  
  • REL 325 - Theology and Community Service

    Four Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An exploration of questions about the relationship of theology and community service in contemporary society, in the context of a search for insight and understanding into personal experiences while volunteering service in a local social service agency. Offered jointly by Religious Studies and Campus Ministry.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 327 - Vatican II: Revolution or Reform

    Three Credits
    Fall 2018

    An in-depth reading and analysis of the principal Vatican II documents to demonstrate how Catholicism today is transformed from earlier history. Contemporary issues, as understood in the light of the Vatican II Church, are explored.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 329 - Justice, Peace, Ecology

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    The local and global environmental crisis is examined from the perspective of contemporary theological developments, recent biblical scholarship, ecumenical statements, and Roman Catholic social teaching communicated in various papal and episcopal statements on the current crisis.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 331 - Introduction to Biblical Hebrew I

    Three Credits
    Fall 2018

    A systematic introduction to biblical Hebrew emphasizing grammar and vocabulary with the intention of reading short passages of biblical prose by the end of the semester. Daily preparation and active class participation mandatory.

    General Education Attribute(s): Language Requirement
    Course Applies to: Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 332 - Introduction to Biblical Hebrew II

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    A second semester of Biblical Hebrew which builds on the knowledge gained in the first semester. Ongoing grammar and vocabulary study along with more readings in Biblical prose and some poetry such as Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my Shepherd”). Daily preparation and active class participation mandatory.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): REL 331  or Instructor Permission.
    General Education Attribute(s): Language Requirement
    Course Applies to: Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 333 - The American Catholic Experience

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    A critical examination and analysis of the peoples, events, and ideas that shaped American Catholicism from the era of discovery to the 21st century. Catholicism’s minority status and the perennial tension of being American and Catholic are used as guiding principles in this study.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
    Note: Cross-listed with HIS 333 .
  
  • REL 334 - The Mystery of Evil

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    In a world of violence and vengeance, enmity and injustice, disease and natural disaster, the problem of evil is an ever present reality prompting the deepest and most urgent questions for humanity. This course introduces important philosophical and theological perspectives on evil, considers the persistent challenge of theodicy, as well as the inherent limitations of theodical projects, and examines questions on the origin of evil, the possibility of human evil, the ability to name evil in the context of cultural pluralism, and the possibility of hope for overcoming evil.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Sophomore Standing
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 336 - Women in the Islamic Tradition

    Three Credits
    Alternate Years: Fall 2108, 2020

    The treatment of women and women’s issues in the Islamic tradition through both primary sources (in translation) and secondary sources: women in Muhammad’s life and the role they played in Islamic society; the treatment of women and women-related issues in the Islamic tradition, including both legal and non-legal matters; and the writings of modern Muslim women scholars on Islam as they look at these same issues with a new perspective and present new interpretations.

    Course Applies to: Gender & Sexuality Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 337 - The God Question: Modern Challenges to Faith and Christian Responses

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    This course traces the historical development of the character of both modern theism and atheism in response to certain views about human knowing that arose in the age of modern science and in confrontation with particular strains of Western Enlightenment thought. It also considers some of the changing perspectives on the divine mystery that have arisen from certain significant theological projects of recent time, among them liberation, feminist, ecological, political, and various contextual theologies.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Sophomore standing.
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions
  
  • REL 338 - Sex and God: Love Songs in Medieval Spain

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    An examination of the secular love poetry penned by religious scholars of the 10th-13th centuries in medieval Spain. We will explore the ways in which these pious standard-bearers of religion used sacred images and accounts from the Bible/Qur’an and exegetical traditions in their secular love poems, to both male and female beloveds, and what messages were thus embedded.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    Course Applies to: Gender & Sexuality Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
  
  • REL 340 - Jesus and Moral Decisions

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    Jesus and Moral Decisions challenges students to ask, “What would Jesus do?” when faced with contemporary moral decisions. Using Gospels, and secondary sources, students will lead discussions and write essays that address Jesus’ answer(s) to moral decisions today.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 346 - Feast or Famine? The Mass in the Modern Age

    Three Credits
    Fall 2019

    An exploration of the theological study of the celebration of the Roman Catholic Mass, with a focus on the historical development of the Eucharist, various models of eucharistic celebration, and, the writings of John Paul II and Benedict XVI as a window on critical ecclesial and social issues that surface regarding the Mass in the modern world.

     

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .  
    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions

  
  • REL 351 - Heretics, Saints & Martyrs

    Three Credits
    Spring 2019

    This course will examine the growth of the early Christian movement during Late Antiquity. Discussions will focus on several important themes including persecution and martyrdom, monasticism and asceticism, the development and refutation of heresies (Gnosticism, Arianism, Nestorianism), and the creation of orthodoxy in belief, creed, and ritual.

    General Education Attribute(s): Catholic Intellectual Traditions, Moral Inquiry
  
  • REL 373 - Buddhism, Nature & Environmental Ethics

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    An exploration of traditional Buddhist views of nature, especially in the Zen tradition, in relation to popular images of Buddhism and recent statements by Buddhist thinkers about environmental issues. Drawing from the field of Environmental Ethics, this course will also consider what a rigorous Buddhist environmental ethic might entail.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course .
    General Education Attribute(s): Moral Inquiry
    Course Applies to: Asian Studies
  
  • REL 411 - Approaches to the Study of Religious Traditions (WID)

    Four Credits
    Fall Semester

    An exploration of the basic questions and themes in the academic study of religions, with a focus on how the discipline of Religious Studies developed and how it continues to change.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): One 100-Level Religious Studies Cornerstone Course  and three other Religious Studies Courses, or Instructor permission.
    General Education Attribute(s): Writing-in-the-Disciplines
  
  • REL 412 - Senior Thesis

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    Research, reflection, writing, and public presentation under the direction of a member of the Department, as well as participation in senior seminar. Normally completed in the spring semester of their senior year. This paper should demonstrate a working knowledge of academic approaches to the study of religions and focus on a topic selected by the student in consultation with a Religious Studies faculty member with whom the student consults in tutorial meetings. Students must also present their research at a colloquium.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Permission of Instructor or Department Chairperson.
  
  • REL 475 - Internship in Religious Studies

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Minimum 3.0 GPA and permission of Department Chairperson.
    Note: Must complete the “U.S. Internship Request for Approval” process found under the myPlans tab in myHill to register for this Internship.
  
  • REL 476 - Internship in Campus Ministry

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Familiarizes students with campus ministry fundamentals beyond Stonehill. Based on the particular host institution’s faith tradition and goals, students will plan retreats, justice and peace initiatives, liturgical practices and similar functions.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Minimum 3.0 GPA and permission of Department Chairperson.
    Note: Must complete the “U.S. Internship Request for Approval” process found under the myPlans tab in myHill to register for this Internship.
  
  • REL 477 - Internship in Parish Ministry

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    A parish internship provides the opportunity to be involved in planning and carrying-out a multi-level religious education program, youth ministry activities, community service projects, and spiritual/liturgical events.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Minimum 3.0 GPA and permission of Department Chairperson.
    Note: Must complete the “U.S. Internship Request for Approval” process found under the myPlans tab in myHill to register for this Internship.
  
  • REL 478 - Internship in Catholic Ministry

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    This internship provides experience with the practical aspects and operations of a Catholic campus ministry program. Working with campus ministers, and applying theological and social principles, students will be introduced to retreats, liturgical ministry, service (local and overseas), and student ministry.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Minimum 3.0 GPA and permission of Department Chairperson.
    Note: Must complete the “U.S. Internship Request for Approval” process found under the myPlans tab in myHill to register for this Internship.
  
  • REL 490 - Directed Study - Religious Studies

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    Supervised reading and research directed by Department member.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Students must complete the online Directed Study and Independent Research Application process and obtain the signatures of the faculty member and the Department Chair.

Sociology

  
  • SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology

    Three Credits
    Fall and Spring Semesters

    The course is an introduction to the discipline of sociology and an overview of the main theories, basic concepts, and research methods used in the field. Using a social justice lens, the course examines the relationship between individuals and groups and their roles in society, with discussion of topics including culture, social structure and institutions, socialization, social movements and change, social class, race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, family, crime and criminal justice, and global conflicts.

    General Education Attribute(s): Social Scientific Inquiry
  
  • SOC 111 - Race and Ethnic Diversity (First-Year Seminar)

    Four credits
    Not Offered 2016-2017

    This course provides students with an opportunity to investigate how we learn about race and ethnicity in America today. We will look at how and what parents teach about race and racism to their children and the role of other agents of socialization - peers, schools, media and neighborhood.  We will also investigate the intersection of racial socialization with gender and social class. We will look at historical and theoretical frameworks for understanding race, racism, race and ethnic identities, and white privilege. The class also offers the opportunity to investigate your own racial socialization and how this has influenced your experiences and ways of seeing the world around you.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): Open to First-Year Students only.
    General Education Attribute(s): First-Year Seminar
    Course Applies to: American Studies, Anthropology
  
  • SOC 202 - Sociology of Globalization

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    Globalization is shrinking the world. How and why did this happen? This course will explore global change and the global processes which effect political, economic, and cultural realms. Important topics include: globalization and the state, global politics, the global economy and inequality, and globalization’s homogenizing and diversifying effects.

    Note: Course may be applied to the Anthropology, Asian Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies minors.
  
  • SOC 205 - Sociology of Marriage and Family

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    This course examines families today and in the past with a view to understanding the changes that have taken place in gender roles, sexuality and reproduction, courtship, co-habitation and marriage, parenthood and child-rearing. We will look at the institution of the family within a political, social and economic framework. We will also examine some of the challenges facing families today; poverty, teen pregnancy, adoption and foster care, surrogacy, child abuse and neglect and domestic violence.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): SOC 101 .
    Note: Course may be applied to the American Studies and Gender & Sexuality Studies programs.
  
  • SOC 210 - Survey of Research Methods for Sociology

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    A survey of quantitative and qualitative research methods employed in sociology. Topics include problem selection and definition, the relationship between theory and practice, literature review, research design, ethical issues, sampling, data collection, analysis, interpretation and representation. Research methods considered include surveys, content analysis, interviewing, ethnography, and multi-method research.

    Prerequisite(s)/Restriction(s): SOC 101 .
  
  • SOC 211 - Sociology of Religion

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    Discussion of basic theories and methods used by sociologists to understand religious phenomena. Consideration of the special problems of religious groups in various cultural settings.

  
  • SOC 212 - A Great Society?

    Three Credits
    Fall Semester

    This class explores society’s social and political debate over what role society should have in social welfare, examines the principles of President Johnson’s Great Society, and seeks an understanding of those forces that create and perpetuate social class problems. Issues include: poverty, child abuse, and mental illness.

    General Education Attribute(s): Social Scientific Inquiry
    Course Applies to: American Studies
  
  • SOC 216 - Native Americans in the 21st Century

    Three Credits
    Spring Semester

    This course analyzes the interactions between Native Americans and non-Natives. It looks critically at meanings of tribal sovereignty and the changing dynamics of international relations. Federal and state policies related to land, constitutional governments, crime and law enforcement, tribal recognition, sacred cultural artifacts, and economic development are assessed.

    Course Applies to: American Studies, Anthropology
  
  • SOC 218 - Images and Power: Popular Culture

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    This course examines American popular culture as a site of cultural politics and explores representations of race, gender, sexuality and “success” that permeate our cultural space. Through a critical interrogation of a variety of pop culture forms, students will consider how norms and values are challenged, resisted, transformed and created through pop culture.

    Course Applies to: American Studies, Gender & Sexuality Studies
  
  • SOC 220 - Political Sociology

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    This class is a sociological review and analysis of political structure and power. The course will critically analyze: state structures, political parties, power, legitimacy, civil society, and the welfare state.

    Course Applies to: Anthropology
  
  • SOC 222 - Environmental Sociology

    Three Credits
    Not Offered 2017-2018

    What does it mean to adopt a constructionist approach to “nature” and the environment? By looking at local, national, and global issues, this course will consider the social structural and cultural sources of environmental degradation, the emergence of environmental movements, and the intersection of justice and environmental issues.

    General Education Attribute(s): Social Scientific Inquiry
 

Page: 1 <- 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13