Humanities: General

Contemporary Popular Culture
Combines readings, viewings, and class discussion of various forms of contemporary culture since the mid-1960s. See, hear, and discuss different genres, such as: popular films and music; design, clothes, or dressing; architecture; magazines; art (folk, street, and commercial); television and MTV; and the new imaging technologies. Topics include: the relationships between popular and populist, pop and mass culture, avant-garde and kitsch; forms of and problems with high and low aesthetics, stereotypes, cultural hierarchy, identity, gender, race and ethnicity, sexuality, and American concepts of age and class. Also offered as CSO 3160.
AHU3160.45 / 4 credits
William Peace
Tues. & Thurs., 9:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Session II: June 10–July 24
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1006

Shamanism and Native Cultures
An exploration of Native American, Central Asian, and aboriginal Australian testimonies and techniques of shamanic experience and their relationship to other native cultures of the world. The contemporary global contribution of these cultures to ecology and spirituality, together with the challenges faced by native cultures today, are also explored.
AHU3175.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Suzanne Ironbiter
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:20 p.m.
Session IV: July 7–25
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 2073

CANCELLED 5/22/08: God’s Warriors: Religious Fundamentalism Today
Contemporary culture cannot be adequately understood without a serious consideration of the impact of religious extremism on the lives of people around the world. While other factors play a role, it is religious passions that fuel the jihadist movement in the Islamic world, incite violence from all parties in the occupied Palestinian territories, and amplify the “culture wars” between secular and religious forces in the U.S. This course examines the root causes of such cultural phenomena, asking whether fundamentalism can exist in modern society without leading to bloodshed.
AHU3270.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Michael Taub
Mon.–Thurs., 9:00 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Session III: June 9–July 3
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 2072

Law, Ethics, and the Media
The First Amendment allows the mass media certain freedoms to publish, broadcast, advertise, and promote. Yet with those rights come responsibilities. This course examines the legal and ethical dimensions and issues involved with contemporary American mass media. Also offered as CSS 3755.
AHU3755.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
John Breslin
Mon.–Fri., 2:00–5:20 p.m.
Session IV: July 7–25
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1002

Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses
Performing and Visual Arts Courses
College Credit Courses Overview

Posted Feb. 20, 2008