Catalog: Fall 2007 - Spring 2008

2007-08 Catalog: G

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Gender and Culture: Japanese and American Literature and Popular Culture

Winter quarter

Faculty: Harumi Moruzzi (cultural studies, literature, film studies)

Major areas of study include Japanese literature, American literature, cultural studies, film studies, gender studies and expository writing.

Class Standing: This all-level program accepts up to 25 percent freshmen.

It is often said that American and Japanese cultures represent diametrically opposed values in many aspects of human behaviors and customs. For instance, while American culture emphasizes the importance of individuals over groups, Japanese culture dictates group cohesion; while Japanese women are valued most as wives and mothers, American housewives may feel severely undervalued if they are not wage earners. Needless to say, the reality is not as simple as these stereotypical perceptions indicate; nevertheless, this dichotomized cross-cultural frame presents an interesting context in which we can explore many human issues, particularly gender issues. Thus, in this program, we explore the concept of gender through the critical examination of American and Japanese literature, theoretical essays and popular culture.

At the beginning of the quarter, students will be introduced to the rudiments of film analytical terms to develop a more analytical and critical understanding of the film-viewing experience. Early in the quarter the students will also be introduced to the major literary theories in order to become aware of varied approaches to literary analysis and interpretation. After familiarizing themselves with these analytical and theoretical foundations, students will examine representations of gender and culture as well as their interrelationships in American and Japanese literature and popular culture through lectures, workshops, book and film seminars as well as expository writings.

Total: 16 credits.

Enrollment: 24

Special Expenses: Up to $30 for a field trip.

Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in cultural studies, literary studies, gender studies and film studies.

This program is also listed under Culture, Text and Language.

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Genes and Development

Fall quarter

Faculty: Donald Morisato (biology)

Major areas of study include genetics, developmental biology and molecular biology. Upper-division science credit will be awarded.

Class Standing: Juniors or seniors; transfer students welcome.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Molecule to Organism or equivalent (introductory genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology).

The union of a sperm and egg initiates the process of development in which a single cell—the fertilized egg—eventually produces hundreds of different cell types that form distinctive tissues and organs. If the developmental program is encoded in the genome, how are the key regulatory genes expressed in the right place and at the right time, and what do these genes do? Genetics provides a powerful approach for studying complex biological pathways. By analyzing mutations that result in developmental defects, geneticists can learn not only how normal genes control cell growth and cell communication, but gain insights into the logic of how an organism establishes its major body axes and achieves spatial patterning.

This advanced program will provide an overview of the genetic strategies used to study questions in developmental biology. How do we make and isolate mutations that affect a complex process? How do we analyze the order and location of gene action in developmental pathways? How do we identify the gene that corresponds to a mutant phenotype, and begin to analyze its function at the molecular level? We will focus on several model organisms, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We will also consider how the method of RNA interference, together with advances in genomics, allows us to carry out functional studies in organisms that are not amenable to classical genetic analysis. A key aim of this program will be the analysis of experimental design and logic. Emphasis will be placed on reading and interpreting primary research papers, in both seminar discussions and written critiques. There will be a significant laboratory component applying contemporary genetic and molecular biological techniques to the study of development.

Total: 16 credits.

Enrollment: 25

Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in biology and medicine.

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Growing Up American: Class, Race, Gender, Sexuality, Love and Family

New

Fall and Winter quarters

Faculty: Stephanie Coontz (history and family studies)

Major areas of study include history, sociology, gender studies, African-American studies, sociology of youth, ethnographic observations and record keeping.

Class Standing: Juniors or seniors; transfer students welcome.

Faculty Signature: No new students will be accepted winter quarter.

This program covers the historical patterns and contemporary institutions that affect the way young people experience family life, the transition to adulthood, and the process of embarking on intimate adult relationships and entering parenthood in their own turn. We will look at the history of childhood, youth, sexuality, and marriage and then turn to an examination of current trends and debates connected to these topics. The program will pay particular attention to variations in the experience of growing up and family formation by class, race, and gender. Many of our topics will be controversial. We do not seek simple answers but rather intelligent questions to inform our study, and students will be expected to develop a nuanced, historically informed, and data-grounded analysis of issues that are often discussed in purely personal or emotional terms.

Reading and writing demands in this program will be heavy, and students who need remedial or brush-up skills in their technical writing will be required to get extra help. The program will include lectures, book seminars, writing workshops and research study groups. In addition, students will be required to complete eight hours a week of public service and ethnographic observation in the public schools or in low-income after-school centers.

Total: 16 credits.

Enrollment: 25

Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in public policy, history, sociology, social work, law and social services.

Program updates:
12.13.2006:
This program is new to the 2007-08 curriculum.
11.08.2007: Faculty signature requirements for winter admission added.

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The Gypsy Road: A Study of the Roma

Fall and Winter quarters

Faculty: Patricia A. Krafcik (Russian, Slavic studies), LLyn DeDanaan (cultural anthropology)

Major areas of study include European history, history and culture of Romanies

Class Standing: Juniors or seniors; transfer students with junior or senior standing welcome.

Faculty Signature: No new students will be accepted winter quarter.

Who are the Gypsies-more accurately known as Romanies? What are their origins? What are the many myths that surround them? What are the realities of Romani life and the genuine history of this people? What are the elements and the nature of Romani culture, and why is this culture so incredibly powerful? How has the image of Romanies impacted formal culture, including literature, music, dance, cinema, and the theater? How do Romani writers themselves portray their experience? Join us in our journey as we move beyond the myths to explore the dynamic history and rich culture of the Romani people.

We will examine the history of Romani migration out of India into East Central Europe (Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania), Russia, Western Europe (Spain, Portugal, and Southern France), the Middle East, and to the United States, as well as the diverse variants of Romani culture in these places. In so doing, we will explore the Romanies' relationship with the societies in which they live. With the emergence of their music and dance forms over the centuries, Romanies have possessed an extraordinary presence in Western culture, but only recently have scholars taken a fresh and hard look at the centuries-old oppression of Romanies by particular cultural and political movements and because of racism, ethnic and religious prejudice. Within Romani history, we will devote special attention to their tragic fate as victims of Nazi genocide in World War II and their present struggle to survive and participate in the social and political contexts in which they live.

Our many readings may include such books as Ian Hancock's We Are the Romani People; Isabel Fonseca's Bury Me Standing: The Gypsies and Their Journey; The Gypsies of Eastern Europe by David Crowe and John Kolsti; Michael Stewart's The Time of the Gypsies; Jan Yoors' The Gypsies; a collection of Romani folktales; and the poetry and drama of writers who have drawn from Romani culture and myth, including Aleksandr Pushkin, Garcia Lorca and others, as well as selected articles. We will view documentaries and films dealing with or portraying Romani history, culture and society, including A Time of the Gypsies and Latcho Drom, and will explore authentic Romani music and its influence in the works of such composers as Bizet, among others.

Fall term will be devoted to intensive reading and study of Romani history, culture, and society in order to prepare a foundation for individual research and hands-on work. In winter term student work will focus on research projects connected either with Romani society and history in Europe or the United States or with Romani culture in the areas of art, music, narrative, and dance. You will work on both individual and collaborative projects and will share your research findings with the entire program by creating and producing an exhibit or a performance by the end of winter term. In both terms we will host guest lecturers and performers who will help to inspire our own work together.

Total: 16 credits each quarter.

Enrollment: 50

Special Expenses: approximately $50 for project supplies and CDs.

Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in European, East European and Russian history and cultural studies.

This program is also listed under Culture, Text and Language.

Program updates:
08.09.2007:
Llyn DeDanaan has joined the faculty for this program and the narrative has been changed in accordance with her area of expertise. The enrollment limit has been raised to 50 students.
11.08.2007: Faculty signature requirements for winter admission added.

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