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Course Catalog 2005-2006 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Oberlin College Courses

 

Neuroscience
  

  • NSCI 201 - The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience

    3 NS
    First Semester. An introductory course in neuroscience that familiarizes students with concepts and information central to work in the neurosciences. Students will learn the basics of brain structure and function at molecular, cellular and systems levels. This foundation will be used to explore a number of behavioral and applied topics. Neuroscience majors should take the accompanying laboratory course (NSCI 211).

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: BIOL 118, or at least sophomore standing, or consent of instructor.
    Notes: Neuroscience and Psychology majors given priority. Students cannot receive credit for both NSCI 201 and NSCI 204.
    Enrollment Limit: 75.
    Ms. Bianchi

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 204 - Human Neurobiology

    3 NS
    Second Semester. An introductory course in neuroscience that familiarizes students with concepts and information central to work in the neurosciences and emphasizes the relationship of cellular and physiological processes to human behavior. Neuroscience majors should take the laboratory that accompanies this course (NSCI 211).

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: BIOL 118, or at least sophomore standing, or consent of instructor.
    Notes: Neuroscience and Psychology majors given priority. Students cannot receive credit for both NSCI 201 and NSCI 204.
    Enrollment Limit: 75.
    Mr. Smith

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 211 - Neuroscience Laboratory

    2 NS
    First and Second Semester. This laboratory exposes students to a variety of research techniques employed by neuroscientists: neuroanatomical procedures for staining and examining brain tissue; physiological procedures for recording the electrical activity of nerve cells; as well as commonly used techniques used to explore brain-behavior relationships (lesions, electrical and chemical stimulation). Some labs use computer simulations.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Previous or current enrollment in NSCI 201 or NSCI 204.
    Notes: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Neuroscience, and Psychology majors given priority.
    Enrollment Limit: 12.
    Staff

    Credits: 2 hours
  

  • NSCI 313 - Molecular Approaches in Neurobiological Research

    5 NS

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 5 hours
  

  • NSCI 319 - Neurophysiology: Neurons to Networks to Behavior

    3 NS, QPh
    First Semester. Our brains allow us to perform extraordinarily complicated functions. Neurons both individually and in neural circuits make these functions possible. We will examine how neurons receive, integrate and transmit information and how groups of neurons produce both simple and complex behaviors. Students will analyze and discuss relevant portions of the recent scientific literature.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or NSCI 204, or consent of instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Loose

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 320 - Neuroanatomy

    3 NS

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 321 - Studies in Neuronal Function

    2 NS
    First Semester. Students will investigate how neurons communicate and interact. The first four to six weeks in the laboratory will familiarize the student with methods used to investigate the actions of living neurons and with the design of experiments. The remainder of the semester will focus on the design, performance, and analysis of an original experiment. Students may need to schedule additional laboratory time outside of class to complete their independent experiment.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 211 and either junior/senior standing, or previous or concurrent enrollment in NSCI 319.
    Enrollment Limit: 10.
    Mr. Loose

    Credits: 2 hours
  

  • NSCI 324 - Laboratory in Neuroanatomy

    1 NS

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 1 hour
  

  • NSCI 325 - Neuropharmacology

    3 NS
    First Semester. This principals of synaptic transmission and signal transduction are reviewed to better understand the ways in which drugs act in the central nervous system and how drugs influence behavior. A neural systems approach, rather than a pharmacological approach to drugs, is emphasized. Topics such as addiction, drugs and mental illness, drug effects on learning, sleep, pain, and weight control will be covered.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or 204 or consent of the instructor.
    Note: Neuroscience, Biopsychology and Psychology majors given priority.
    Enrollment Limit: 25.
    Mr. Smith

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 327 - Neuropharmacology Laboratory

    1 NS
    First Semester. This laboratory is designed to introduce students to a selected number of procedures used to explore the actions of drugs on the nervous system. The lab focuses on biochemical (HPLC), cellular (hippocampal slice) and behavioral approaches for understanding drug action.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Corequisite: NSCI 325. Notes: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Neuroscience, Biopsychology, and Psychology majors given priority.
    Enrollment Limit: 10.
    Mr. Smith

    Credits: 1 hour
  

  • NSCI 331 - Hormones, Brain, and Behavior

    3 NS
    Second Semester. Hormones have an impact on just about everything we are and do, from our personalities and moods to our growth, fluid regulation, and reproductive behavior. This class explores what hormones are and how they act to alter bodies and behavior. This field of study is sometimes called endocrinology/neuroendocrinology.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or NSCI 204, or consent of the instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Ms. Thornton

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 332 - Neuroendocrine Research Methods

    2 NS, Wri
    Second Semester. This laboratory will introduce a number of the principles and basic techniques used to study how hormones interact with the brain. Also, we will use the study of hormones to learn more about how to design and run scientific experiments. Some experiments will require participation outside of scheduled laboratory meetings.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Previous or current enrollment in NSCI 331.
    Enrollment Limit: 12.
    Ms. Thornton

    Credits: 2 hours
  

  • NSCI 339 - Developmental Neurobiology

    3 NS
    Second Semester. This course examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are used to form the nervous system. Topics such as neurogenesis, pattern formation, axonal guidance, cell lineage, cell migration, cell death, and cognitive development are covered. In addition to text readings, students will read and present findings from recent studies in developmental neurobiology.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or NSCI 204 or consent of instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Ms. Bianchi

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 341 - Laboratory in Developmental Neurobiology

    1 NS
    Second Semester. In this lab, students will have the opportunity to use a variety of cellular and molecular biological protocols to explore mechanisms of neural development. Labs will include such topics as: in vitro analysis of tropic and trophic cues, assessment of cell lineage, analysis of apoptosis, and the examination of transgenic mice. Periodically, students will be required to do work outside the scheduled lab period.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Current or previous enrollment in NSCI 339.
    Note: CR/NE or P/NP grading.
    Enrollment Limit: 12.
    Ms. Bianchi

    Credits: 1 hour
  

  • NSCI 350 - Behavioral Neuroscience

    3 NS
    First Semester. Through lectures, readings and discussions, we will explore what is known (and not known) about the physiological mechanisms that underlie behavior in humans and other animals. A variety of behaviors will be examined, including sleep and biological rhythms, ingestive behaviors (eating and drinking), reproductive behaviors, emotional behaviors, and human mental and behavioral disorders.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or 204, or consent of instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Ms. Thornton

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 400 - Neuroscience Seminar

    3 NS
    First and Second Semester. Neuroscience seminars are capstone courses for Neuroscience majors designed to help students integrate and apply their knowledge of neuroscience as well as help them consolidate their research, analysis, writing, and presentation skills. These courses will focus on the analysis and discussion of the original research literature in a selected area of neuroscience.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Neuroscience major and senior status or consent of the instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 14.

    First Semester Theme: Neuroscience of Thought
    Mr. Loose

    Second Semester Theme: Neurobiology of Disease
    Mr. Smith

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • NSCI 607 - Independent Research

    1-4 NS
    First and Second Semester. Students may select an independent research problem for individual investigation.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or NSCI 204.
    Consent of instructor required.

    Credits: 1 to 4 hours
  

  • NSCI 995 - Private Reading

    1-3 NS
    First and Second Semester. Independent study of a subject beyond the range of catalog course offerings. Available to junior and senior majors. Grading option at the discretion of the instructor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Consent of instructor required.

    Credits: 1 to 3 hours

Opera Theater
  

  • OPTH 202 - Introduction to Opera: Performing Techniques

    First Semester. A two-semester course in the fundamentals of acting for the singer, emphasizing techniques of body movement through exercise and pantomimes; preparation and performance of opera scenes which stress ensemble work. Open to singers and to pianists interested in accompanying opera; sophomore status required.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 202 is prerequisite to OPTH 203. (An equivalent introductory acting course may be substituted for OPTH 202 as a prerequisite to OPTH 203.)
    Enrollment Limit: 25.
    Ms. Vaughan

    Credits: 2 to 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 203 - Introduction to Opera: Performing Techniques

    Second Semester. A two-semester course in the fundamentals of acting for the singer, emphasizing techniques of body movement through exercise and pantomimes; preparation and performance of opera scenes which stress ensemble work. Open to singers and to pianists interested in accompanying opera; sophomore status required.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 202 is prerequisite to OPTH 203. (An equivalent introductory acting course may be substituted for OPTH 202 as a prerequisite to OPTH 203.)
    Enrollment Limit: 25.
    Ms. Vaughan

    Credits: 2 to 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 304 - Production Project: Stage Management

    First and Second Semester. Serving as assistant stage manager for a major Opera Theater production.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Notes: May be repeated for credit. P/NP or CR/NE grading. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Ms. Vaughan

    Credits: 2 hours
  

  • OPTH 305 - Opera Workshop

    First Semester. A continuation of OPTH 202, 203. Emphasis is placed on eighteenth-century period style, acting techniques unique to opera, and recitative; requirements include preparation and performance of opera scenes.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: OPTH 203.
    Enrollment Limit: 15.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 306 - Opera Workshop

    Second Semester. A continuation of OPTH 202, 203. Emphasis is placed on nineteenth- and twentieth-century period styles, acting techniques unique to opera, and spoken dialogue; requirements include preparation and performance of opera scenes.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: OPTH 203.
    Enrollment Limit: 10.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 400 - Performance Project

    First and Second Semester. Public performance of a major role with the Opera Theater or musical and dramatic preparation of an operatic role, selected by the instructor with the approval of the voice teacher.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 12.
    Staff

    Credits: 2 hours
  

  • OPTH 404 - Seminar in Opera

    First Semester. A continuation of OPTH 305, 306. Advanced work in role preparation, including individual class presentations of research projects on selected operas, audition techniques, preparation and performance of opera scenes. Emphasis is placed on becoming familiar with operas in the standard repertory and selected contemporary works.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: OPTH 305, 306. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 5.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 405 - Seminar in Opera

    Second Semester. A continuation of OPTH 305, 306. Advanced work in role preparation, including individual class presentations of research projects on selected operas, audition techniques, preparation and performance of opera scenes; acting in a foreign language. Emphasis is placed on becoming familiar with operas in the standard repertory and selected contemporary works.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 305, 306. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 5.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 406 - Seminar in Directing

    First Semester. A study of the steps in mounting a production, from title selection through use of scenery, lights, and costumes to performance; discussion of major historical figures in the development of opera stage direction; projects in directing.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 305, 306. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 407 - Seminar in Directing

    Second Semester. A study of the steps in mounting a production, from title selection through use of scenery, lights, and costumes to performance; discussion of major historical figures in the development of opera stage direction; projects in directing.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 305, 306. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 500 - Advanced Seminar in Opera

    First Semester. Advanced study in role development, performance practice, and professional development, including research and repeated public performances. Off-campus performances may be scheduled. Open only to fifth-year students, special students, and candidates for the Artist Diploma.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 404, 405. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 501 - Advanced Seminar in Opera

    Second Semester. Advanced study in role development, performance practice, and professional development, including research and repeated public performances. Off-campus performances may be scheduled. Open only to fifth-year students, special students, and candidates for the Artist Diploma.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 404, 405. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 502 - Research Project in Opera

    First Semester. An advanced project of directed research into an opera (its sources, period, libretto, and composer) culminating in a major paper. Includes preparation for the comprehensive examination required of master’s degree candidates.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 305, 306. Completion of OPTH 404, 405 recommended. Concurrent enrollment in OPTH 404, 405, subject to approval of instructor. Priority is given to candidates for the master’s degree in Opera Theater. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • OPTH 503 - Research Project in Opera

    Second Semester. An advanced project of directed research into an opera (its sources, period, libretto, and composer) culminating in a major paper. Includes preparation for the comprehensive examination required of master’s degree candidates.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: OPTH 305, 306. Completion of OPTH 404, 405 recommended. Concurrent enrollment in OPTH 404, 405, subject to approval of instructor. Priority is given to candidates for the master’s degree in Opera Theater. Consent of instructor required.
    Enrollment Limit: 4.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours

Philosophy
  

  • PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy

    3 HU
    First and Second Semester. An introduction to philosophy through the study of some important philosophical works. Examples of such works are: Plato’s Republic, Descartes’ Meditations, Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding and Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, and Kant’s Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics and Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. Exams and papers required.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 33.
    Mr. MacKay

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 120 - Knowledge and Reality

    3 HU
    Second Semester. An introduction to two of the major branches of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and their interconnections. Study and discussion of topics such as the relationship between minds and bodies, the existence of God, the possibility of freedom of the will, the grounds and limits of human knowledge, and the nature of truth.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Thomson-Jones

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 121 - Philosophy and Morality

    3 HU CD
    First Semester. This course will explore challenges to the possibility of ethics, such as whether morality is a matter of convention as opposed to something objective, and whether we have free will. We will also discuss classical theories of morality, including utilitarian and Kantian theory. We will finally consider a range of practical moral controversies, such as the extent of the duties of the affluent to assist the poor, abortion, and the treatment of animals.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Hall

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 122 - The Nature of Value

    3 HU
    Second Semester. What makes an action right or wrong? What makes a state just? What makes a painting or landscape beautiful? Each of these questions is central to a branch of value theory: ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics. Answering questions like these requires an understanding of what it is for things to be valuable in different ways. This course aims to bring us to such an understanding by comparing forms of judgment and critically engaging with value problems.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 123 - Subjectivity and Reality

    First Semester. This course is an introduction to philosophical thinking about objectivity concerning values and factual knowledge. Many reflective people worry that there may not be determinants of goodness, rightness, truth, and knowledge that are independent of what people believe or of social convention. In this course we will examine issues of objectivity-relativism-subjectivity concerning values and what makes life good, concerning moral standards and principles of justice, and concerning non-evaluative facts and knowledge of facts.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. McInerney

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 200 - Deductive Logic

    3 HU
    First Semester. What makes an argument a good or a bad one? We will explore the idea that the answer depends on the underlying structure of the argument, and develop a formal language which allows us to bring out that structure. Students will thus acquire an increased ability to critically evaluate arguments in any sphere. A grasp of the essential elements of symbolic logic is also vital for anyone wishing to grapple seriously with contemporary Anglophone philosophy.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Note: Strongly recommended for students considering graduate work in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Thomson-Jones

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 201 - Reason and Argument

    3 HU
    Second Semester. A study of methods for analyzing and evaluating arguments as they appear in various settings, including scientific, philosophical, and legal contexts. The course will include an introduction to the study of formal logic, and inductive and probabilistic reasoning.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Ms. Ganson

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 204 - Ethics

    3 HU
    First Semester. A study of some of the main issues in moral philosophy, emphasizing ethical theory rather than applied ethics. Writings from among the following thinkers will be included: Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Butler, Hume, Kant, Sidgwick, G.E. Moore, and Charles Stevenson. Papers required. (V)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 33.
    Mr. MacKay

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 206 - Epistemology

    3 HU, WR
    Second Semester. In this course we will be addressing questions concerning the nature of knowledge, rationality, justification, and truth. Special topics include: skepticism, relativism and feminist epistemology.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Ms. Ganson

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 208 - Metaphysics

    3 HU, WR
    First Semester. A survey of some central issues in metaphysics, such as: Is truth always relative to a conceptual scheme? Are there such things as numbers, and if so, what sorts of things are they? What does it mean to say that something is possible, or is necessarily so? How is it that objects persist over time and through changes? Do objects have their parts necessarily? Readings will be from a variety of sources; requirements will be in the form of papers.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Thomson-Jones

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 210 - Existentialism

    3 HU, WR
    Second Semester. Existential philosophy examines basic ethical issues about individual freedom, having a meaningful life, and relations with other people. This course examines the works of Buber, Camus, deBeauvoir, Heidegger, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre on a set of issues that are distinctive of existential philosophers, including absurdity and the meaning of life, authenticity and self-deception, the meaning of love and sex, and the significance of death and being finite.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy. (H)
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. McInerney

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 215 - Ancient Philosophy

    3 HU
    First Semester. An introduction to the central problems of Ancient Greek philosophy, with special emphasis on how Plato and Aristotle respond to Socrates’ paradoxical claims about morality and human nature. Other topics include fate, death, and feminism.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Note: This course is principally intended for students who have done previous work in philosophy or classics, but there is no specific prerequisite.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Ganson

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 216 - Modern Philosophy

    3 HU
    Second Semester. A study of philosophy in the 17th and 18th centuries, concentrating on Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. Texts include: primary sources, with translations as required. This course is not an introductory course, but may be taken by students without previous study in philosophy with a special interest in the topic. Exams and papers required. (H)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 33.
    Mr. MacKay

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 225 - Environmental Ethics

    3 HU, WR
    Second Semester. This course examines the disparate moral questions raised by the effects of human activity on the natural environment. Do we have duties to regulate economic activity now to preserve resources for future persons? Do we have moral duties to individual animals living in nature, or to entire species of animals? Is the non-living environment itself the legitimate object of moral concern? The readings include work from philosophers, naturalists, biologists, and economists. (V)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Hall

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 226 - Social, Political, Legal Philosophy

    3 HU, WR
    First Semester. This course has three sections: whether, and on what basis, people have a moral obligation to the state, what a just distribution of resources requires, and applied political topics. This last section includes topics such as poverty in other countries, freedom of speech, gun control, just war theory, and punishment. Readings are classical and contemporary, and include Plato, Locke, Marx, and others.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy. (V)
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Hall

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 230 - Philosophy of Art

    3 HU, WR
    First Semester. This course is an introduction to some of the main theories in the philosophy of art, which have to do with the nature, function and value of art. The best way to understand these theories is in relation to historical developments in the art world. The aims of the course are to give students an understanding of a number of central issues in the philosophy of art and to encourage them to think philosophically about the arts. (V)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy, or consent of instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 234 - Topics In Applied Ethics

    3 HU, WR
    Second Semester. An in-depth examination of a wide range of topics of contemporary interest. We will examine such topics as abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, drug laws, drunk driving restrictions, medical paternalism, cloning, eugenics, war and deterrence, civil liberties, punishment, business ethics, lying, prostitution, and other subjects. The few topics that overlap will be covered in more depth and with more literature than in PHIL 105. (V)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Hall

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 235 - Biomedical Ethics

    3 HU,WR

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 245 - Nineteenth-Century Philosophy

    3 HU, WR

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 250 - Twentieth-Century Continental Philosophy

    3 HU, WR
    First Semester. Many of the major figures of 20th-century continental philosophy claimed to produce intellectual revolutions that would affect all areas of human life. Their departures from traditional categories have made their works both enticing and difficult to understand. This course will examine the major ideas of the most influential figures of 20th-century continental philosophy: Heidegger, Sartre, Foucault, and Habermas, with some consideration of those of Husserl and Derrida. (H)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Three hours in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. McInerney

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 311 - Seminar: Locke and Leibniz

    3HU
    First Semester. Locke founded (British) Empiricism. Leibniz brought the competing approach, Rationalism, to full development. Locke’s influence is felt in present day analytic philosophy. Leibniz, philosopher, scientist, mathematician (co-discoverer of the calculus), historian, and diplomat, has been called “the greatest pure intellect of whom we have any record.” Leibniz’ New Essays Concerning Human Understanding is a close commentary/critique of Locke’s The Essay Concerning Human Understanding. We will read both. (H)

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: One 200-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. MacKay

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 347 - Seminar: The Cognitive Science of Rationality and Morality

    3HU, WR
    Second Semester. Accounts of rationality are central to many moral theories, many social practices (only rational agents are responsible for their behavior), and some social sciences. This seminar examines accounts of rationality and morality in light of contemporary psychological, neuro-scientific, and evolutionary biological claims about human motivational and cognitive processes.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: Six hours in philosophy.
    Enrollment Limit: 15.
    Mr. McInerney

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHIL 401 - Independent Research

    2-5 HU
    Consent of instructor required. Projects sponsored by Ms. Ganson, Mr. Ganson, Mr. Hall, Mr. MacKay, Mr. McInerney, and Mr. Thomson-Jones.

    Credits: 2 to 5 hours
  

  • PHIL 411 - Honors Research

    3-6 HU
    Consent of instructor required. Projects sponsored by Ms. Ganson, Mr. Ganson, Mr. Hall, Mr. MacKay, Mr. McInerney, and Mr. Thomson-Jones.

    Credits: 3 hours to 6 hours
  

  • PHIL 995 - Private Reading

    1-3 HU
    Consent of instructor required. Projects sponsored by Ms. Ganson, Mr. Ganson, Mr. Hall, Mr. MacKay, Mr. McInerney, and Mr. Thomson-Jones (fall).

    Credits: 1 to 3 hours

Physics
  

  • PHYS 051 - Einstein and Relativity

    1 NS
    Second Semester. First Module. An examination of the special and general theories of relativity and of how these theories have changed our conception of space and time.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Note: CR/NE or P/NP grading.
    Enrollment Limit: 119.
    Mr. Styer

    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 1 hour
  

  • PHYS 052 - The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics

    1 NS, QPh
    Second Semester. Second Module. The behavior of atoms and electrons is governed by rules that seem bizarre to our eyes because our opinion of what is usual and what is strange is based on only macroscopic experience. This course investigates these strange conceptual underpinnings of quantum mechanics. Notes: Students earning credit in both PHYS 051 and PHYS 052 may also earn half quantitative proficiency certification through this course.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    CR/NE or P/NP grading.
    Enrollment Limit: 119.
    Mr. Styer

    Next offered 2006-2007. 

    Credits: 1 hour
  

  • PHYS 054 - Musical Acoustics

    3 NS, QPh
    First Semester. The basic principles of physics (mechanics, wave motion, and sound) which influence the design and performance characteristics of musical instruments will be studied. The major groups of modern orchestral and keyboard instruments will be discussed, and the physics of hearing, singing, harmony, tuning temperaments, and room acoustics will be included. Group projects will be required. Only elementary mathematics is used; review and assistance will be given to those who need it.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 75.
    Mr. Richards

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 068 - Energy Technology

    3 NS
    Second Semester. This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of issues associated with the generation and use of energy in modern society. Topics to be covered include the sun’s energy, electric energy production and distribution, and energy use in transportation, buildings and industry. Technologies discussed include photovoltaic and wind energy, nuclear power, heat pumps, fuel cells, and hybrid cars.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: none.
    Enrollment Limit: 75.
    Mr. Scofield

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 103 - Elementary Physics I

    4 NS, QPf
    First Semester. An introduction to classical mechanics, fluids, waves, and optics, intended primarily for students majoring in the life or earth sciences, but also accessible to non-science majors having good high-school mathematics preparation. Algebra and trigonometry are used extensively. The laboratory is an integral part of this course and may not be taken alone.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Notes: Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 103 and PHYS 110. Those planning to major in physics should take PHYS 110.
    Enrollment Limit: 60.
    Mr. Richards, Ms. Keller

     

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 104 - Elementary Physics II

    4 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. An introduction to electricity and magnetism, special relativity, and modern physics, including applications to geology, biology, and medicine. Intended primarily for students in the life and earth sciences; those planning to major in physics should take PHYS 111 instead. The laboratory is an integral part of this course and may not be taken alone.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 103 or consent of instructor. Notes: May not be taken for credit in addition to PHYS 111.
    Enrollment Limit: 60.
    Ms. Keller, Mr. Martin

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 110 - Mechanics and Relativity

    4 NS, QPf
    First Semester. An introductory study of Newtonian mechanics and special relativity, focusing on conceptual understanding, problem solving, and laboratory work. Topics include point-particle dynamics, conservation principles, oscillation, systems of particles, rotation; time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Co-requisite: MATH 134 or equivalent. Note: May not be taken for credit in addition to PHYS 103.
    Enrollment Limit: 60.
    Mr. FitzGerald, Mr. Martin

     

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 111 - Electricity, Magnetism, and Thermodynamics

    4 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. This is the second course in the three-semester calculus-based introductory sequence. Topics include electric and magnetic fields, electric and magnetic properties of matter, direct and alternating current circuits, electromagnetic phenomena, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Corequisite: MATH 231. Prerequisite: PHYS 110. Note: May not be taken for credit in addition to PHYS 104.
    Enrollment Limit: 60.
    Ms. Ijiri, Mr. Stinebring


    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 212 - Modern Physics

    4 NS, QPf
    First Semester. This is the last course in the three-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence. The course covers waves and topics in modern (20th-century) physics. Topics include relativistic dynamics, quantum properties of light, wave properties of matter, elementary wave mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, and statistical physics.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: PHYS 111 and MATH 231.
    Enrollment Limit: 48.
    Ms. Keller, Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 242 - Electronics

    3 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. This course provides a basic introduction to analog and digital electronic circuits. Students will be asked to design, construct, and analyze electric circuits both using computer simulation software and with actual circuit components. Students will be required to attend three-hour afternoon lab periods, twice weekly.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: PHYS 104, PHYS 111, or consent of instructor.
    Enrollment Limit: 16.
    Staff

    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 310 - Classical Mechanics

    4 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. Newtonian mechanics of particles and systems: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, oscillators, central force motion, and rigid body motion. Some use will be made of computers.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: PHYS 212 and MATH 234.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. Richards

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 311 - Electricity and Magnetism

    4 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. An in-depth study of electric and magnetic fields and their effects on matter. Vector calculus will be used extensively after a brief review of it. We will learn to solve a variety of boundary value problems using techniques useful in many areas of physics. We will explore Maxwell’s equations in detail, culminating in an introduction to electromagnetic radiation. Practical topics will be interspersed throughout the course.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: PHYS 310 and MATH 234.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. Scofield

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 312 - Quantum Mechanics

    4 NS, QPf
    First Semester. A rigorous study of the foundations of quantum mechanics, with applications to one-dimensional systems, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Stationary-state perturbation theory. Mathematical solutions to the Schrödinger equation will be developed.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: PHYS 212 and PHYS 310 and MATH 234.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. FitzGerald

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 314 - Intermediate Laboratory

    3 NS, QPf
    First Semester. Introduction to physics laboratory techniques, such as the use of vacuum systems, optical devices, lock-in amplifiers, cryostats, and nuclear instrumentation. Each student attends two laboratory sessions per week and turns in short reports for each experiment with two longer ones at the middle and end of the semester.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 212.
    Enrollment Limit: 16.
    Ms. Ijiri

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 340 - Solid State Physics

    3 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. A study of the structure and physical properties of materials. Crystal structure, band theory, and scattering are discussed to understand electrical, optical, and magnetic characteristics of solids.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 212.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Ms. Ijiri

     

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 351 - Contemporary Topics in Physics and Astronomy

    First Semester. Physicists are constantly discovering new things about the world we live in. Using recent research articles and class presentations, we will learn about the frontiers of physics and how each of us can become involved. Additional topics may include traditional and non-traditional career tracks for physicists, graduate school, and federal science policy.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 312.
    Enrollment Limit: 14.
    Mr. Martin

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 410 - Statistical Mechanics

    4 NS, QPf
    First Semester. Thermodynamics, classical and quantal statistical mechanics, entropy, temperature, chemical potential, ensembles. Applications include magnetism, phase transitions, heat capacities of gases and solids, thermal radiation, ideal fermion and boson gases.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 312 or CHEM 339.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. Scofield

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 412 - Applied Quantum Mechanics

    4 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. Building upon the foundations of quantum mechanics, we will investigate how these concepts are used in modern physics. Depending on student and professor interest, we will investigate some of the following topics: time-dependent perturbation theory, variational methods, scattering theory, relativistic quantum field theories, quantum electrodynamics, Feynman diagrams, computational methods in quantum mechanics, quantum computers, and experimental tests and implications of quantum mechanics.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 312.
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. Martin

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • PHYS 414 - Advanced Laboratory

    3 NS, QPf
    Second Semester. Each student attends two laboratory sessions per week and performs, semi-independently, five to six experiments chosen from the fields of atomic, nuclear, and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, and optics. Students must keep an organized laboratory notebook, turn in short reports describing the key results of each experiment, and write a longer paper describing one experiment in the form of a research publication.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: PHYS 314.
    Enrollment Limit: 14.
    Mr. FitzGerald

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • PHYS 451 - Special Problems in Physics and Astronomy

    1-5 NS
    Special coursework or research projects for students at all levels who are prepared to work independently. Projects sponsored by Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Ijiri, Ms. Keller, Mr. Martin, Mr. Richards, Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, and Mr. Styer.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Note: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Consent of instructor required.

    Credits: 1 to 5 hours
  

  • PHYS 555 - Research

    2-6 NS
    Projects for individual investigation. Interested students are encouraged to speak with faculty members about possible projects. Projects sponsored by Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Ijiri, Ms. Keller, Mr. Martin, Mr. Richards, Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, and Mr. Styer.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Students in the Physics Honors program are required to enroll. Consent of instructor required.

    Credits: 2 hours to 6 hours
  

  • PHYS 995 - Private Reading

    1-3 NS
    Projects sponsored by Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Ijiri, Ms. Keller, Mr. Martin, Mr. Richards, Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, and Mr. Styer.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Consent of instructor required.

    Credits: 1 to 3 hours

Politics
  

  • POLT 100 - The American Experiment

    3 SS
    Second Semester. How do the Constitution and the values it embodies shape American politics? We will assess the character and ramifications of the American government’s original experimental design and subsequent attempts to change it to develop a lens with which to view current politics. Explores differing accounts of the motives behind the Constitution’s formation, the character of Americans, the success or failure of American institutions, and the current political situation in America.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 101 - Race and Ethnicity in American Politics

    3 SS
    Second Semester. This course examines how racial and ethnic groups are shaped by the American political system. Through discussion-oriented sessions, we will examine the history of racial politics in America, the concepts of race and ethnicity, the nature of stereotyping and prejudice, the “Americanization” movement, and the current politics of ethnic conflict and change. Policy issues covered include Jim Crow laws, school desegregation, electoral laws, affirmative action, welfare, and immigration policy.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 15.
    Ms. Schildkraut

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 103 - Political Change in America

    4 SS, CD, WR

    Next offered 2006-2007.

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • POLT 105 - American Government: Institutions, Policies, and Politics

    4 SS, WR
    First Semester. This course is concerned with what has been and remains the fundamental issue of American political life: What should government do? To seek an answer to this question, the course relies on a Socratic method; through discussion of daily issues of the New York Times, academic studies, policy cases, in-class simulations, and individual research projects and papers, we will inductively arrive at, test, and apply fundamental principles about the nature and operation of the American political system.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Mr. Dawson

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • POLT 110 - Revolution, Socialism and Reform in China

    3 SS, CD, WR
    First Semester. We begin with a chronological overview, from ancient times to the present. Then we proceed topically, focusing on: politics and the state; political economy (including industry and agriculture); gender relations; population; and cultural politics. Written work consists of take-home, open-book essays, and weekly comments on the readings. We will also screen and discuss several films. Counts toward the East Asian Studies major.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35. Mr. Blecher

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 114 - Political Change in Western Europe

    3 SS
    First Semester This course examines politics in Western Europe, focusing upon the evolution of political parties and social movements. The last two decades have seen dramatic changes on the Left and Right of the political spectrum, with the eclipse of Euro-communism and Christian Democracy, the transformation of Social Democracy, and the rise of the far right, Green parties, and new social movements. Politics in France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Sweden will be examined to explore these developments.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 60.
    Mr. Howell

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 115 - Post-Soviet Politics

    3 SS, CD, WR
    First Semester. In examining Soviet and post-Soviet politics, this course explores some of the major political themes of the 20th century—the Russian revolution, Stalinism, the nature of the Soviet political system, Gorbachev’s perestroika, the Soviet collapse, and Russia’s struggle with building capitalism and democracy. Much of the course will be devoted to the dramatic events since the fall of the Soviet empire and Russia’s attempt to find its place in the global political economy.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 45.
    Mr. Crowley

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 120 - Introduction to International Affairs

    3 SS, WR
    First Semester. Theories and topics will address the creation of the Bretton Woods institutions, Realism and post-Cold War security concerns, issues of political economy and North-South relations, foreign policy making, constructivist approaches to analyzing non-state actors. Requirements: midterm, take-home final, group work, case study and other participation activities, ad hoc assignments.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35.
    Ms. Sandberg

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 121 - Introduction to International Relations

    3 SS
    Second Semester. Introduces core concepts and contending approaches in the study of international politics. Examines historical watersheds from which policy makers frequently draw lessons. Surveys contemporary issues in international security and the international political economy, including the causes of war; use of force and diplomacy; the role of IOs and NGOs; norms of justice and intervention; forms of globalization.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35.
    Ms. Mani

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 131 - Problems of Political Theory

    3 SS, WR
    Second Semester. Introduction to some continuing problems and issues in political theory through close readings of both classical and modern texts, including Plato, Locke, Mill, and contemporary writings. Special attention is given to ideas of justice, freedom, and democracy.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 20.
    Mr. Wilson

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 132 - Explaining Social Power: Classical and Contemporary Theories

    3 SS, WR
    Second Semester. Politics is about power. However, there is no consensus as to what power is, or about how power operates in society. Drawing on economic, sociological, psychological and feminist approaches, as well as on works of classical and contemporary political theory, the colloquium will discuss the questions: “what is the bases of social power?” and “how does power operate in society?” Readings will be drawn from Machiavelli, Hobbes, Marx,Weber, Freud, Foucault and recent feminist work.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 15.
    Ms. Kruks

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 202 - American Constitutional Law

    4 SS, CD, WR
    Second Semester. The case method is used to analyze the principles of the American Constitution and Supreme Court decision-making. Topics include: presidential, congressional, and Supreme Court power; state versus national control of social policy and commerce; equal protection of the law and race, gender, sexual orientation; implied fundamental rights to abortion choice, education, and sexual intimacy; First Amendment rights of free speech and religion, and modern constitutional theories.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: One course in politics or consent of instructor. Note: Friday discussion sections to be arranged.
    Enrollment Limit: 75.
    Mr. Kahn

    Credits: 4 hours
  

  • POLT 204 - Political Inquiry: Investigations into Controversial Issues

    3 SS, QPh
    Second Semester. This course introduces the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for investigating political issues such as the death penalty, immigration, campaign reform, gender and ethnicity, and other policy controversies. Students will develop research designs and learn how to collect, analyze, and present data. This course emphasizes hands-on training that will provide useful skills for academic and professional settings. No prior statistics background necessary. Coursework includes weekly assignments and a final team project.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 45.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 206 - American Public Opinion

    3 SS
    First Semester. Addresses the impact of public opinion on the political process and vice versa. Topics include the nature of attitude stability and change, the role of the media in opinion-formation, the relationship between elite and mass opinions, the link between public opinion and democracy. Analysis of elections is a central feature of the course. Students will become critical consumers and competent users of opinion data through analysis of surveys and experiments.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35.
    Staff

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 208 - Environmental Policy

    3 SS
    First Semester. An introduction to national environmental policy with emphasis on major issues of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the issues of growth. The course includes discussion of regulatory policies, taxes, market solutions, and other policy options applied to energy policy, transportation policy, endangered species, and materials use. This course is cross-reference with ENVS 208.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Recommended Preparation: One course in politics or environmental studies.
    Enrollment Limit: 25.
    Mr. Orr

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 209 - Public Policy in America

    3 SS
    Second Semester. This course is concerned with diagnosing the sources of folly in the making of public policy and with developing those political skills of analysis that enhance policy-making effectiveness. Academic perspectives expose historical errors. An emphasis on experiential learning makes the acquisition of political skills personally meaningful.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisites: Two courses in American politics.
    Enrollment Limit: 25.
    Mr. Dawson

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 210 - Latin American Politics

    3 SS, CD
    First Semester. Comparative analysis of 20th century Latin American political development. Examines major political models and their protagonists. Attention to the complexities of the political Left and Right, the military, and the contemporary challenges for democracy in the region.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 25
    Ms. Mani

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 211 - Revolutions

    3 SS
    Second Semester. We will examine a number of revolutions of the past century, particularly those in Latin America and Russia/Eastern Europe. The questions we will explore include: What brings about revolution? Why do some revolutions succeed, and others fail? Are revolutions effective means of social change, or do they merely reproduce the problems inherited from the past? Have recent global changes rendered revolutions obsolete, or will they likely persist as a means of social and political transformation?

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35.
    Mr. Crowley

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 212 - Political Economy of Development in Asia

    3 SS, CD, WR
    Second Semester. A survey of relationship of politics and economy in India, China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, including: legacies of historical structures; effects of imperialism; state formation; rural development; industrial development; finance; international economic relationships. Key issues include: capitalism vs. state socialism; export-led industrialization vs. import substitution; the position and role of labor. Written work consists of take home, open book essays.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Prerequisite: One course in the social sciences. No background in economics is required. Note: Counts towards the East Asian Studies major.
    Enrollment Limit: 45.
    Mr. Blecher

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 213 - The Political Economy of Gender in Advanced Capitalism

    3 SS, WR
    Second Semester. This course explores the relationship between gender and capitalism comparatively, paying particular attention to Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, the United States and Japan. It examines a range of approaches to the integration of gender into political economy, including neo-classical economics, Marxist-feminism, Queer political economy, and a range of feminist approaches to the political economy of gender. Topics include: affirmative action, welfare policy, pay equity and labor unions.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 30.
    Mr. Howell

    Credits: 3 hours
  

  • POLT 214 - Social Change and Political Transformation in Eastern Europe

    3 SS
    Second Semester. This course focuses on Eastern Europe as the first relatively backward region in the world capitalist system. We will begin with some major theories of social change and a historical introduction to the region. Next, we will turn to communist revolutions, Stalinism, reform communism, the rise of dissent and the revolutions of 1989. Much of the course will be devoted to the post-communist era, attempts to build democracy and capitalism, and the rise of nationalism. This course is cross-referenced with SOCI 230.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment Limit: 35.
    Mr. Crowley, Mr. Vujacic

    Credits: 3 hours
 

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