Interdisciplinary
IDIS 312
Gay and Lesbian Identities
(1)
This course draws on the wealth of recent scholarship in lesbian and gay studies that examines ideas of culture, sexuality and identity. We explore questions like: How is identity formed? What place do sexual orientation and sexual practice have in an individual's identity, and how does this vary over time and across cultures? What does it mean to say that sexual orientation has a biological base? How do research questions in different disciplines focus our attention in certain directions to the neglect of others? HSS;
Prereq : junior standing;
W; DV;
Cross Listing : GWST 312;
H.Hoffmann;
IDIS 313
Christianity and Politics
(1)
This course studies Christianity as it relates to politics, culture, society and value formation. The intent is to cross fields, disciplines and centuries to cover diverse topics of interest to students of religion, culture, politics and history. Topics include the philosophical and constitutional origins of the First Amendment protection of religious liberty; Supreme Court interpretations of the meaning of the First Amendment; the history of religion in the U.S.; the 20th century politicization of U.S. fundamentalist and mainline churches as they debated intervention in government and social justice policy; the rise of Christian fundamentalism as it reacted to the emergence of secular humanism; ethics of war vs. pacifism; and the debate over liberation theology.
Prereq : senior standing;
Cross Listing : RELS 313;
S.Hulett;
IDIS 315
Nationalisms
(1)
This course explores the historical creation of the concept of "nation," and looks at the implications of nationalism for the creation and development of empire. The course also addresses the dissolution of empire in the face of growing ethno-nationalisms and supranational organizations.
Prereq : at least junior standing. The following is preferred: familiarity with relevant issues, through courses taken previously;
M.Schneider;
IDIS 319
London Arts Alive
(1 1/2)
(Fall/December break) During the fall term, students participate in meetings about once a week focusing on the contemporary performance, visual and language arts of London, as well as the relationship of these arts to the socio-political and economic dynamics of the city. During the December break, the group travels to London to experience these phenomena firsthand.
Prereq : sophomore standing and 1 previous course in the arts (including creative writing), or permission of the instructor;
The cost of the London segment and airfare are covered by a special program fee; DV;
E.Metz;
R.Metz;
IDIS 323
Visual Culture Theory
(1)
This course examines the emerging interdisciplinary field of Visual Culture Theory and will introduce students to a study of modern and post-modern discourses on vision and visuality. Drawing from art history, sociology, psychology, film and media studies, Marxism, feminist and post-colonial theory, Visual Culture Theory analyzes the role of visual images in shaping philosophical, cultural, political, racial and sexual notions of identity. The course also investigates the meaning of images in relation to such popular media as photography, film, television, video, animation, advertising, pornography and the digital culture of the web.
Cross Listing : ART 323;
G.Gilbert;
IDIS 336
Science and the Social Construction of Race and Gender
(1)
We will examine the social construction of race and gender and how social constructs influence scientific knowledge. We will use the social constructs of the past and present to discuss the following: (a) How does science define and how does it examine issues related to gender and race? (b) How do societal attitudes about race and gender influence scientific knowledge and scientific access?DV; W;
Cross Listing : BKST 336;
M.Crawford;
D.Cermak;
IDIS 400
McNair Tutorial
(1/2 or 1)
See College Honors Program.
Prereq : IDIS 300 and good standing as a McNair Fellow;
Staff
