Spring 2018 Offerings
Courses numbered in the 190’s and 290’s focus on a particular topic and are offered only once or twice. These courses are taught at an introductory or intermediate level; specific prerequisites (if any) are noted in the course descriptions.
Please consult WebAdvisor for the days, times, and locations of these sections.
| Course | Faculty | Short Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLC*190 | Franz, Jennifer | Introduction to English Phonetics and Intonation | A general overview of features of natural spoken English, including linking and reductions of sounds and words, geared toward Allegheny international students. The course emphasizes strategies to communicate better through awareness of cultural norms, nonverbal communication, and speech modification skills. Students develop communication competence by participating in community events and volunteer opportunities. Students gain confidence in speaking by understanding the connection between improved language skills through speech modification, self-monitoring and recognition of language accomplishments. Additionally, students continue to build on their listening skills through use of dictations, multimedia resources and examination of active listening strategies. |
| CLC*191 | Franz, Jennifer | English through American Culture | An exploration of the use of the English language as a communicative tool in a variety of reading and writing assignments that examine American culture and society. The activities planned for this course focuses primarily on enhancing students’ reading and writing skills in order to offer students an all-encompassing language learning experience while helping them transition to the academic learning environment unique to Allegheny College. |
| DMS*190 | Humphreys, Robert | Aikido | Introduction to the practice of Aikido with focus on fundamentals of physical movements and postures within the framework of a modern Japanese martial art. Study includes physical practice plus the viewing of training movies, and discussion of content. The course culminates with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) 6th Kyu test. Course requires a $10 student fee for t-shirt (uniform). |
| ENGL*290 | Votava, Jennie M. | Lit, Medicine, and Shakespeare | An exploration of intersections between literature and medicine from the perspective of the health humanities: the interdisciplinary study of the human experiences of illness, well-being, health care, and the body. Stories of mental and physical illness from our own time shape a novel approach to our core texts, Shakespeare’s plays and their interpretations on stage and in film. Through reading, writing, discussion, role-playing, and viewing plays in performance, students develop skills in critical thinking, cultural competence, communication, ethics, imagination, and empathy, and are introduced to the methodologies and rationales of an exciting new field. |
| GEO*190 | Carter, Matthew J. | Intro to Energy & Society | An interdisciplinary examination of energy in modern society. Cheap fossil fuels drove the industrial revolution and modernized the lifestyles of billions, yet their usage has high social, environmental, and economic costs. Students examine the history of energy use, measurements and thermodynamics of energy, personal and global energy consumption, energy sources (renewable and non-renewable), consequences of burning fossil fuels, economics of energy, energy policy, and the geopolitics of energy. Projects and discussions focus on the use of fossil fuels as society transitions towards sustainable energy sources to counteract the effects of climate change, and to address society’s ever-increasing energy demand. |
| HIST*190 | Sheffield, Ann E. | Vikings | An introduction to the culture and history of the Norse peoples popularly known as “Vikings.” Infamous for their brutal raids on western Europe, Norse men and women were also farmers, merchants, poets, and explorers. Using a range of primary and secondary sources along with insights from archaeological studies, students will investigate the history of the Norse peoples at home and abroad during the Viking Age (750-1050 CE). Students also consider the lasting legacy of the Norse incursions in Europe and the continuing influence of “Vikings” on popular culture. |
| Note: May be counted as a course in European history for the History major with permission of the student’s academic advisor. May be counted toward the History minor or the minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies with permission of the appropriate department or program Chair. | |||
| PHIL*290 | Steen, Mark E. | Environmental Philosophy | An introduction to philosophical ethics through an engagement with environmental issues of population growth and resource use, sustainability, non-human animal welfare, biodiversity loss, environmental justice, and global climate change. The two main goals of the course are to provide students with a more sophisticated conceptual vocabulary to make and evaluate ethical arguments across domains and to engage students’ ethical reasoning and reflection on environmental issues in particular. |
| RELST*290 | Roncolato, Dave | Interfaith Engagement | A seminar course focused on the power of interfaith understanding and cooperation with a specific concentration on civic engagement and community service. Students gain introductory literacy in the history, beliefs, intra-faith diversity, and rituals of three monotheistic world religions; Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Particular attention is paid to each tradition’s understanding of service toward humanity, all living things, and the planet. Students are required to participate in a week-long engagement experience in Chicago volunteering with faith-based service agencies during the week of spring break. The course structures learning through integrative reflection on religious knowledge, civic engagement, and diverse communities. |
| Note: Aside from personal incidentals, students will incur no additional cost while in Chicago. |