Selected Topic Course Descriptions
The courses described below are offered under "Selected Topics" course numbers. Departments offer Selected Topics only occasionally and the selection is different every semester. Selected Topics courses do not repeat material presented by regular semester courses.
All Semesters
Spring 2011
AH 497 Section 01 Greek Vases
This seminar explores the major stages in the history of Greek pottery production, both figured and plain, as they are understood today. We will use a variety of methodological and theoretical strategies to evaluate the ways of studying Greek pottery and decoration. Initial lectures and student presentations will present detailed analyses of the subject matter of figured scenes covering some of the mail preoccupations of ancient Greece: myth, fantasy and everyday life. In addition, the seminar sets the artifacts in the context of the societies that produced them, highlighting the social, art historical, mythological and economic information that can be revealed from their study.
AH 497 Section 02 Contemporary functions of Public Japanese Gardens
This seminar explores historical origins and contemporary functions of public Japanese gardens in California. Students investigate documents and conduct surveys to build a database on why gardens were created and how they impact their communities through educational and social activities.
AH 597 Section 01 Greek Vases
This seminar explores the major stages in the history of Greek pottery production, both figured and plain, as they are understood today. We will use a variety of methodological and theoretical strategies to evaluate the ways of studying Greek pottery and decoration. Initial lectures and student presentations will present detailed analyses of the subject matter of figured scenes covering some of the mail preoccupations of ancient Greece: myth, fantasy and everyday life. In addition, the seminar sets the artifacts in the context of the societies that produced them, highlighting the social, art historical, mythological and economic information that can be revealed from their study.
AH 597 Section 02 Contemporary functions of Public Japanese Gardens
This seminar explores historical origins and contemporary functions of public Japanese gardens in California. Students investigate documents and conduct surveys to build a database on why gardens were created and how they impact their communities through educational and social activities.
ASAM 490 Section 01 Environmental Justice
This course examines roles of race, ethnicity, gender, and class on experiences with environmental issues; focusing on global warming and air pollution.
BIOL 490 Section 01 Epigenetics in Brain Function
Prerequisite: BIOL 340, 342, or 345 with a grade of “C” or better, consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 490; graduates enroll in BIOL 590.)
Mechanisms for epigenetic regulation of gene expression at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, with emphasis on the nervous system. Current literature on epigenetic research approaches used in study of neural function, behavior, and neurological disease.
BIOL 590 Section 01 Epigenetics in Brain Function
Prerequisite: BIOL 340, 342, or 345 with a grade of “C” or better, consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 490; graduates enroll in BIOL 590.)
Mechanisms for epigenetic regulation of gene expression at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, with emphasis on the nervous system. Current literature on epigenetic research approaches used in study of neural function, behavior, and neurological disease.
CHLS 490 Sections 01 Latino Immigrant Education: DREAM ACT
Using proposed federal legislation entitled "the DREAM Act", this course will explore the experience of Latino immigrant students in U.S. schools and how immigration status, combined with political, socio-cultural, and economic conditions, impact options for immigrant youth and families.
C/LA 490 Section 10 California Legislation and Cooperation Policies with Mexico
This travel/study course examines California's Legislation and cooperation policies between California and Mexico (i.e., health, education, environment, labor, etc.) during the last decade, and the emerging trends under and new governor and legislature. Includes a 4-day excursion to Sacramento during spring break to attend a Latino Caucus conference.
COMM 490 Sections 01 Narrative Performance
This course focuses on how narratives are constructed and performed in Western culture. Students will be expected to read narrative performance theory; write personal narratives; and theatrically perform their writing.
ED P 590 Section 01 Data-Based Decision-Making to Increase Student Outcomes in Middle School.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.
This seminar will focus on collecting and analyzing benchmark and progress monitoring data for 6th-8th graders in reading and math to make data-based instructional decisions to increase student outcomes for all students, especially students who are performing below grade level. Tiered models of instruction in reading and math also will be taught and discussed within the context of implementation in middle school. Practicum component required. Credit/No Credit only.
MUS 495 Section 01 Seminar in Advanced Music Research and Scholarly Writing
Prerequisite: Completion of Research Methods (MUS 496/696) and approval of thesis/project report topic. Open to undergraduate BA and BM music history students and all graduate music students.
A guided seminar focused on advanced research techniques and methodologies employed in music, on academic writing in music, and on the planning, writing, editing, and completion of a significant music research paper.
MUS 595 Section 01 Seminar in Advanced Music Research and Scholarly Writing
Prerequisite: Completion of Research Methods (MUS 496/696) and approval of thesis/project report topic. Open to undergraduate BA and BM music history students and all graduate music students.
A guided seminar focused on advanced research techniques and methodologies employed in music, on academic writing in music, and on the planning, writing, editing, and completion of a significant music research paper.
PHIL 491 Section 01 Early Modern Theodicy
Prerequisite: 6 units of philosophy or consent of instructor.
A theodicy is an explanation of why a perfectly good, powerful, and knowing God allows evil to exist in the world. This course will examine G.W. Leibniz’s Theodicy and Anne Conway’s The Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy.
PHIL 591 Section 01 Early Modern Theodicy
Prerequisite: 6 units of philosophy or consent of instructor.
A theodicy is an explanation of why a perfectly good, powerful, and knowing God allows evil to exist in the world. This course will examine G.W. Leibniz’s Theodicy and Anne Conway’s The Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy.
R/ST 690 Section 01 Gender, Religion, Witchcraft and Magic
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
This course examines intersections of gender, religion, magic, sorcery and witchcraft in the contemporary world. We will focus on the ways in which women have negotiated their positionality through the use of sorcery, and reactions by enforcers of orthodoxy.
THEA 490 Sections 03/04 Improv
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Class instruction in improvisational performance techniques.
THEA 490 Sections 05/06 Mime
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Class instruction in practical movement for building strength, agility, flexibility and powers of imagination for the actor.
THEA 490 Sections 11,12 Advanced Playwriting
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
This class offers instruction in advanced writing techniques for the stage.