Advanced Special Topics Courses (390’s and 490’s) – Spring 2016

Spring, 2016, Offerings

Courses numbered in the 390’s and 490’s are offered only once or twice and focus on a specialized topic. These courses are rarely appropriate for first-year students.

GEO*390 Modern and Ancient Carbonate Platforms (short title: Mod & Ancient Carbonate Platforms)
Professor O’Brien, MWF 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM

A seven-week study of modern (Florida) and ancient (Pennsylvania) carbonate platforms.  Students examine these depositional systems and rocks from a variety of geologic perspectives (geochemical, sedimentologic, hydrogeologic, etc.).  Students review and discuss current topics in carbonate platform research and are required to participate in a multi-day field trip to Southern Florida. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Credit: Two semester hours. Not open to juniors.

GHS*390 Economics of Food & Nutrition
Professor Darrouzet-Nardi, TTh 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

A study of international and domestic food systems using an economic lens. We examine food production, consumption behavior, social welfare changes, market failures, and agricultural development policies. Through a combination of lectures and seminars, students gain economic tools for evaluating food policies and programs, interventions for nutrition improvement, poverty reduction, and economic growth. Prerequisites: GHS 130 or ECON 100, and permission of the instructor.

ENVSC 390: Recreation, Sport, and the Environment
Professor Davis, MW 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

An interdisciplinary exploration of how sport and recreation affect the environment. We explore the environmental impacts of and use of sustainable principles in sport and recreation at all levels, ranging from local parks to the Olympics and World Cup. We consider political, social, economic, and environmental aspects of facets of sport and recreation, including the production of athletic shoes, the inputs to keep athletic fields green, the global travel of professional tennis players, and what to do with worn-out athletic equipment and apparel. Trips to local athletic and recreational facilities supplement classroom discussions. Prerequisite: ENVSC 110 or permission of the instructor.

HIST*390 Skyscrapers, Slums, and Sprawl
Professor Ribeiro, time TBA

An examination of the history of urban and suburban development in the United States from the colonial era to the present, with emphasis on the twentieth century. Issues discussed include urban policy, environmental impacts, and the relationship between the built environment and social divisions such as race, class, and gender. Prerequisite: one course in U.S. history.

PSYCH*490 The Psychology of Happiness
Professor Searle-White, TTh 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

An examination of current psychological research and practice on happiness.  Topics include the complexities of defining happiness, experiences of happiness across cultures, and the evaluation of specific strategies identified in both the scientific and self-help literatures to increase happiness and joy.  An experiential element is included that requires sustaining a weekly happiness practice. Prerequisite: one core course in Psychology.