US Studies: Youth Culture in American Cinema: A History
Instructor: Daniel Dickinson
This film-based class is an historical examination of how children and teens have been portrayed in American film, from the earliest days of silent cinema to today’s current obsession with youth culture. How have attitudes and perceptions of youth formed and changed over the past 100 years? When — and how — did teenagers become “dangerous” in the popular conscience? How influential are films in forming the minds and attitudes of today’s youth? What responsibility does the film industry have in how we view youth culture today? These questions will be examined in-depth in this class. Class work consists of viewing and analyzing films, discussions, weekly written homework, an independent project, two quizzes and a final paper or exam.

U.S. Studies: History of Women in the U.S. from 1920 – the Present
Instructor: Rikki Edelman
Beginning with the women’s suffrage movement of the 1920’s, we will draw comparisons between the women’s suffrage movements and the politics of gay marriage laws today. Students will watch films and read articles concerning major issues such as Roe v. Wade and the feminist movement of the 60’s. We will contemplate currents events, including media coverage of the 2008 presidential elections. Grades will be based on discussions, fishbowls and three one-page arguments.

The Atom Bomb & Europe: 1945-1914
Instructor: Daniel Lemke
We are going to start this course with an overview and analysis of World War II and then move backwards from there with students doing research into the various causes of the war. Areas of study that this can lead to include the communist revolution, the Spanish Civil War, the Monroe Doctrine, the birth of the United Nations, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism and Nazism in Europe, and much more. Students can expect homework at the end of every class, quizzes once a week and a research project.

Social Relations (3 credits)
Instructor: Jennifer Payne
This class looks at the different ways that people communicate verbally and non-verbally. It also explores the various factors that can impact different styles of communication, such as family backgrounds, culture, age, gender, etc. Students will have an opportunity to look at how they communicate, identify factors that influence communication, and learn skills to communicate more effectively. We will also talk about topics that are typically difficult to discuss: sex and sexuality; racism; homophobia; sexism; and intimate relationships.
(Note: This class meets three times a week with one hour of homework).

Psychology: Introduction to Personality (4 credits)
Instructor: Renee Beck
Not offered this semester.

Requirements for all social science classes:
Research paper or project with a minimum of 2-3 sources
Work on note taking skills
Critical thinking and discussion
Note: All Social Science Classes are worth 5 credits unless otherwise noted.