Elephants & Asses: The ’08 Presidential Election

Instructor: Stephen Robar
The Elephant is the symbol of the Republican Party and the Donkey the symbol of the Democratic Party. In “Elephants and Asses,” we will follow the 2008 presidential election. We will explore generally the history of the Republican and Democratic parties, take a look at the presidential candidates, and discuss the politics and process of the presidential election. We will also discuss American politics as a backdrop for the election. As a seminar, come ready to share your thoughts and ask questions!

Healthy Living

Instructor: Lisa Fiorentino
FOOD is something that we all experience; a basic human need.  We closely link our identities to FOOD.  However, we often do not think about the cultural, religious, biological, psychological, economic, and political meanings of FOOD.  Why do we eat what we eat?  This course will explore the topic of FOOD from a variety of different perspectives of interest to the participants.  Readings, films, and reflective writing will serve as an entrée for the discussion of FOOD.

Humans & Machines

Instructor: Donald Ulin
Machines are becoming more like humans every day.  And as humans become more dependent on machines, some people would say we are becoming more like them as well.  Robo-Cop and Terminator might be the stuff of fiction, but lots of people have mechanical limbs, ears, and even hearts.  How far might that trend actually go?  The question that will address our entire semester is this: as we come to rely increasingly on technology for our everyday activities, what are we enhancing and what are we giving up in the way of our humanity?

Star Trek and Society

Instructor: Rhett Kennedy
This course will boldly go where no one has gone before, as this course explores the leadership, politics, philosophy, science, technology, and communication of the popular science fiction series Star Trek.  Using television and movie episodes this course will take a look at the General Education Curriculum and how something as obscure as Star Trek can relate back to the education you receive at the University.  The course meeting times will include watching individual episodes and segments of movies, lectures, small group discussion, case study, and individual and small group presentations and projects.  Assignments will include readings, viewing and analysis of episodes outside the classroom on VHS/DVD, and a major project related to the content of the course.