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.

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.