Future Colloquia

FUTURE HONORS COLLOQUIA

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.

FALL 2009

Food, Culture, and the Environment - Patricia Szczys

W 2:00-4:50 PM

This course is a study of the relationships between food, culture, and the environment with a special focus on the role of agricultural systems. Students will examine the history of food production and critically analyze impacts on ecological processes and human culture. Students will consider the issues from several perspectives including human health, economics, and sustainable development. Possible field trips include visiting Greywall Farms or Mountain Dairy, Shelburne Farms Vermont, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, or Monsanto. Students may be required to attend weekend field trips.

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