Dickinson
Academic Bulletin
|
I
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | I
As of July 1, 2020
Production of this bulletin is under the direction of the Office of Academic Affairs.
Information given here is correct as of July 1, 2020. Revisions and current information
are made regularly and may be found on the Dickinson College Web site:
http://www.dickinson.edu/bulletin.
Students entering the college in the academic year 2020-2021 should refer to this
version of the Bulletin. The degree requirements which they must fulfill are listed on
page 7.
The listing of a course or program in this bulletin does not constitute a guarantee or
contract that the particular course or program will be offered during a given year.
Dickinson College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104,
267-284-5000. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting
agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
Other agencies accrediting or recognizing Dickinson are the University Senate of the
United Methodist Church, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the
American Chemical Society.
Dickinson College is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Consortium. The other
members are Franklin & Marshall College and Gettysburg College.
Dickinson College is an intellectual and social community that values justice, free
inquiry, diversity, and equal opportunity. It is a fundamental policy of the college to
respect pluralism and to promote tolerance, civility, and mutual understanding within
its community. The college does not discriminate on such bases as race, color, sex,
political and religious beliefs, marital status, age, sexual orientation, National and
ethnic origins, veteran’s status or disability.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | II
Table of Contents
Information About Dickinson College .............................................................................. 1
Requirements for the Degree ........................................................................................... 7
Special Approaches to Study .......................................................................................... 16
Academic Policies and Procedures ................................................................................. 23
Africana Studies.............................................................................................................. 24
American Studies ........................................................................................................... 32
Anthropology ................................................................................................................. 37
Arabic ............................................................................................................................. 53
Archaeology ................................................................................................................... 55
Art & Art History ............................................................................................................. 75
Astronomy ...................................................................................................................... 95
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology ................................................................................. 96
Biology ............................................................................................................................ 99
Chemistry ..................................................................................................................... 119
Chinese ......................................................................................................................... 127
Classical Studies ........................................................................................................... 128
Community Studies ...................................................................................................... 138
Comparative Civilizations ............................................................................................. 139
Computer Science ........................................................................................................ 140
Creative Writing ........................................................................................................... 154
Dance ........................................................................................................................... 156
Dance and Music .......................................................................................................... 157
Dickinson College’s Ballet Certificate Program with CPYB ........................................... 158
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | III
Earth Sciences .............................................................................................................. 159
East Asian Studies......................................................................................................... 176
Economics .................................................................................................................... 193
Educational Studies ...................................................................................................... 205
English .......................................................................................................................... 213
Environmental Studies and Environmental Science ..................................................... 221
Ethics ............................................................................................................................ 239
Film and Media Studies ................................................................................................ 240
Food Studies ................................................................................................................. 244
French and Francophone Studies ................................................................................. 247
German ........................................................................................................................ 257
Greek ............................................................................................................................ 268
Health Studies .............................................................................................................. 269
Hebrew ......................................................................................................................... 273
History .......................................................................................................................... 274
Humanities ................................................................................................................... 296
Interdisciplinary Studies ............................................................................................... 299
International Business & Management ........................................................................ 301
International Studies .................................................................................................... 308
Internships ................................................................................................................... 318
Italian and Italian Studies ............................................................................................. 320
Japanese ....................................................................................................................... 335
Journalism .................................................................................................................... 336
Judaic Studies ............................................................................................................... 337
Latin .............................................................................................................................. 349
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | IV
Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies ............................................................. 350
Law & Policy ................................................................................................................. 364
Mathematics ................................................................................................................ 370
Medieval & Early Modern Studies ................................................................................ 378
Middle East Studies ...................................................................................................... 385
Military Science ............................................................................................................ 395
Modern Greek .............................................................................................................. 399
Music ............................................................................................................................ 400
Neuroscience ................................................................................................................ 421
Philosophy .................................................................................................................... 428
Physics and Astronomy ................................................................................................ 440
Political Science ............................................................................................................ 455
Portuguese ................................................................................................................... 475
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies ................................................................................. 476
Pre-Business-Management .......................................................................................... 480
Pre-Engineering ............................................................................................................ 482
Pre-Health program ..................................................................................................... 484
Pre-Law ........................................................................................................................ 487
Psychology .................................................................................................................... 489
Public Speaking ............................................................................................................ 505
Quantitative Economics ............................................................................................... 506
Religion ......................................................................................................................... 507
Russian ......................................................................................................................... 524
Science, Technology and Culture ................................................................................. 538
Security Studies ............................................................................................................ 542
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | V
Sexuality Studies .......................................................................................................... 543
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship ...................................................................... 544
Sociology ...................................................................................................................... 549
Spanish and Portuguese ............................................................................................... 562
Portuguese ................................................................................................................... 575
Sustainability ................................................................................................................ 579
Theatre & Dance .......................................................................................................... 581
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies ...................................................................... 604
Writing Program ........................................................................................................... 615
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 1
Information About Dickinson College
ACCREDITATION
Dickinson College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104,
267-284-5000. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting
agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
Other agencies accrediting or recognizing Dickinson are the University Senate of the
United Methodist Church, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the
American Chemical Society.
Dickinson College is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Consortium. The other
members are Franklin & Marshall College and Gettysburg College.
THE MISSION OF DICKINSON COLLEGE
Dickinson College was created explicitly for high purposes- to prepare young people, by
means of a useful education in the liberal arts and sciences, for engaged lives of
citizenship and leadership in the service of society. Founded by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a
signer of the Declaration of Independence, the college was chartered in 1783, just days
after the conclusion of the American Revolution with the specific purpose of preparing
the citizens and leaders who would ensure the success of the new democracy. The
college was to offer a distinctively original form of American education - one that was
rigorously rooted in the traditional liberal arts and was, at the same time, innovative,
forward-looking and ultimately useful. It was a revolutionary education designed for a
revolutionary age.
As we face the challenges and complexities of the 21st century, Dickinson continues to
seek direction from this revolutionary heritage within a contemporary context. A
Dickinson education prepares its graduates to become engaged citizens by
incorporating a global vision that permeates the entire student experience, creating a
community of inquiry that allows
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 2
students to cross disciplinary boundaries and make new intellectual connections, and
encouraging students to be enterprising and active by engaging their communities, the
nation and the world.
Dickinson offers a liberal arts education that is distinctive in purpose and approach. Our
founders intended Dickinson graduates to use their liberal arts education as a powerful
agent of change to advance the progress of humankind. We expect no less today.
FACTS ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Character: A nationally recognized selective liberal-arts-collegeprivate,
coeducational, and residential
History: Founded by Benjamin Rush, the first college chartered in the newly-recognized
United States of America in 1783. Named to honor John Dickinson, the penman of the
American Revolution and a signer of the Constitution.
Location: Carlisle, a historic town in south central Pennsylvania; part of the
metropolitan region of Harrisburg, the state capital (regional population 578,000)
Enrollment: 2,091 full-time students, representing 42 states and territories plus the
District of Columbia, and 46 foreign countries
Faculty: 271 faculty members; 95% of full-time faculty hold Ph.D.'s or the highest
degree in their field
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Average Class Size: 14 students
Degrees Granted: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (45 majors)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 3
Study Abroad: Dickinson offers study-abroad options including 18 Dickinson-run global
programs, 30 plus partner programs, Global Mosaics, summer offerings and winter
and spring break trips tied to semester and yearlong courses; 67% of all Dickinson
students participate.
Financial Aid: In 2019-2020, Dickinson awarded $58 million in grants; 77% of students
received merit or need-based awards
Retention: 87% of the Class of 2022 returned for their sophomore year; 79% of the
Class of 2020 graduated in four years
Library Facilities: The Waidner-Spahr Library collection contains over 492,695 printed
books (including government documents), 621,247 electronic book titles, 2,985 current
serial titles with an additional 107,495 digital or electronic titles, over 272,756 digital or
electronic audiovisual materials and 25,338 CDs, LPs, DVDs, and video cassettes.
Librarians work actively with students to help them use collections to their fullest and
to assist them in the research process.
Residential Facilities: Dickinson offers a wide variety of housing options, from
traditional residence halls to small houses and apartments. Occupancies range from
eight person suites to single rooms. All residence halls are co-educational. Most
residential spaces house men and women side-by-side in separate rooms, and we do
have a gender-neutral housing policy.
Small houses and apartments offer a variety of unique facilities for Dickinson students,
typically in their junior and senior years. This ranges from row apartments and houses
for three to eight students to larger apartment buildings with three, four, and five
person apartments.
Special interest housing (SIH) gives students a unique opportunity to collaborate with
other students by creating affinity communities with common goals and purpose. SIH
creates the conditions for engaged citizenship and self-governance that enables self-
directed living environments around a shared theme, issue or interest. The SIH program
encourages group and individual social and intellectual development while
simultaneously contributing to the intellectual and social life of the College.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 4
Athletics: A member of the Centennial Conference (NCAA Division III); 12 men's and 13
women's varsity sports, plus club sports
Extracurricular Features: More than 153 clubs and activities, including music and drama
groups, student publications, fraternities and sororities, and religious, political, special-
interest, and community service organizations
STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY
Dickinson is deeply committed to diversity. Twenty-two percent of our most recent
incoming class are students of color. In fall 2019, 280 international students from forty-
six countries were enrolled at Dickinson. Seventeen percent of our faculty members
and nine percent of our administrative and service staff are persons of color.
Diversity in Student Life: There are a number of student groups dedicated to the
concerns of diversity and social justice. These include American Association of
University Women (AAUW), Amnesty International, Anwar Bellydance, Asian and Asian-
American Collective (AAAC), Black Student Union, Catholic Campus Ministry, Chinese
Students and Scholars Association, Dickinson Christian Fellowship, DiscipleMakers
Christian Fellowship, Exiled Poetry Society, Feminist Collective, Finding Relationships
Under Inspired Truth (FRUIT), French Club, German Club, Global Gastronomy Group,
Her Campus, Hillel, Italian Club, JStreet U, Kingdom Builders, Kpop Club, Latin American
& Caribbean Club, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS), Muslim
Educational and Cultural Association, Portuguese Club, Russian Club, Spanish Club,
Spectrum: Queer Student Union, Trendsetters, Vietnamese Students’ Association, We
Introduce Nations at Dickinson (WIND), Women in Business and others. In addition,
there are a number of offices and centers that support the college's diversity efforts.
The Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity is a resource open to the entire Dickinson
community and charged with advancing Dickinson's commitment to broadening the
understanding of - and building - a pluralistic society that promotes equality and
integrity on the campus, in the community, and the world. The Women's & Gender
Resource Center is a resource that builds gender education and equality into the life of
the institution through space and community, resources and skills, and events and
opportunities. The Center for Spirituality and Social Justice engages students in
community service, encourages conversations on faith, meaning-making and purpose
and is committed to exploring the social justice issues that interact with community,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 5
service and faith. The Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life provides a central space for
Jewish students to meet, socialize, celebrate the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays,
take classes with visiting rabbis, and host interfaith dialogues with other religious
groups on campus.
The Office of LGBTQ Services provides support for LGBTQ students and allies and
enhances campus education to foster a more inclusive and safe environment for all
individuals. In addition, one of the goals of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness &
Inclusivity is to advance the college's mission to build and maintain a diverse and
inclusive community committed to broadened educational opportunities within an
atmosphere of respect for others.
Diversity in the Curriculum: The college's curriculum reflects a strong focus on issues of
diversity defined in terms both of domestic and of global diversity. All students at
Dickinson are required to take at least one course in US Diversity in order to graduate.
They must also complete one course in "Global Diversity" (the study of a culture other
than that of the West) and become proficient in a foreign language. Dickinson's
Community Studies Center also promotes diversity through fieldwork research projects
that take Dickinson students into diverse cultures and environments within and outside
the United States. Among the center's program are the American Mosaic, in which
students devote an entire semester to community-oriented fieldwork, and the Global
Mosaic, which extends fieldwork abroad. Overall, 67% of the Class of 2020 studied in a
foreign country during their four years at Dickinson. Dickinson's global programs offer
students the opportunity to study in Africa, Central America, and Asia as well as the
traditional programs in Europe. In addition, Dickinson's grant from the Freeman
Foundation established a new professorship in Asian law and culture that takes a
leadership role in advancing Asian Studies and infusing Asian and comparative
materials into course work in other departments.
Diversity in Academic Resources: Dickinson has devoted significant academic resources
to diversity. The Waidner-Spahr library boasts one of the largest private collections of
Asian Studies in the country, the Norman and Margaret Jacobs Collection. The
collection includes over 20,000 volumes covering China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
Thailand, India, and other Asian countries. The East Asian Studies Reading Room houses
most of the library's East Asian language collections, which consists of monographs,
journals and DVDs in Chinese
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 6
and Japanese, as well as a small collection of Korean titles, including artifacts. The Trout
Gallery possesses a substantial collection of African Art totaling slightly more than
600 pieces. The pieces represent a wide swath of Africa including Ethiopia, the Sepik
River region, the Upper Volta, Burkina Fasso, Mali, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Angola,
Tanzania, Ghana, Benin, and other countries within Africa. The collections include
various cultural materials such as sculptures, textiles, baskets, pottery, masks, and
archeological materials.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 7
Requirements for the Degree
FOR STUDENTS MATRICULATING FALL 2020
THROUGH SPRING 2021
Dickinson offers a rich educational experience. Students learn key skills at the core of
the liberal arts and sciences including inquiry and analysis, critical thinking, creativity,
effective written and oral communication, information literacy, problem solving, and
integrative and applied learning. We also strive to make our students responsive to
emerging new knowledge and the challenges of the day. Our curriculum places the
liberal arts and sciences within a contemporary context.
Above all, our students acquire the ability to learn how to learn, to apply the
multifaceted capacities engendered by a liberal arts and science education innovatively
in a rapidly changing, complex world. Students enjoy independence to craft individual
educational programs. They are encouraged to find their own voices and to develop a
sense of purpose as learners and citizens. The ability to follow their own interests
enhances students’ intellectual curiosity and engagement, builds capacity for lifelong
learning and inculcates a sense of accountability for decisions.
The academic program at Dickinson can be envisioned in terms of three dimensions.
The first is composed of elements infused across the curriculum. These elements
include critical thinking, and pedagogical approaches, such as active learning, research
and internship possibilities or interdisciplinary work. Our faculty are innovative,
providing a range of programming and pedagogy that enriches our students’ learning.
The second dimension is constituted by an enviable set of majors, certificates, minors,
and off-campus study options. Our requirement for a major concentration of study in
one area ensures that each student engages in complex levels of intellectual
examination and inquiry.
Finally, there is a third dimension of the curriculum made up of experiences which we
believe are essential to a Dickinson liberal arts education for all students our general
requirements for the degree.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 8
1. General requirements for the degree:
The requirements include an opportunity for students to focus on two specific skills:
writing and quantitative reasoning. Regardless of the specific path one chooses, it is
necessary to be able to write well. Therefore, we require two courses the first-year
seminar and writing in the discipline where students can develop and refine their
writing. Because quantitative information is all around us, students must develop the
ability to critically evaluate that information so that they can make informed decisions.
First-year seminar: The First-Year Seminar introduces students to Dickinson as a
"community of inquiry" by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning.
“Seminar” indicates that there will be discussion and interaction among students and
between students and their professor. Through the study of a compelling issue or
broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will develop skills in the areas of
critical analysis, writing, and information literacy. All students are required to pass the
First-Year Seminar with a D- or better in order to graduate, with the exception of
transfer students who have taken an equivalent course, as determined by the Director
of the Writing Program in consultation with the Subcommittee on Writing.
This course does not duplicate in content any other course in the curriculum and may
not be used to fulfill any other graduation requirement.
Writing in the Discipline (WiD): The Writing in the Discipline course builds on the
writing and information literacy skills learned in First-Year Seminar. Preferably
completed in the major or other related field, WiD courses teach students about a
discipline and its discourse community. In WiD courses, students learn how members
of a discipline effectively communicate new knowledge their specific research and
writing processes, the forms and conventions they use to deliver knowledge, the
purpose of those forms and conventions, the ways to appeal to disciplinary audiences,
and the ways to position themselves as members of the discipline in a piece of writing.
Quantitative Reasoning Course (QR): The Quantitative Reasoning Course provides a
foundation for the interpretation and critical understanding of numbers, logic and/or
graphics. Both words quantitative and reasoning are carefully chosen:
"quantitative" suggests having to do with relations and logic, while "reasoning" refers
to the creation and interpretation of empirical and/or analytical arguments.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 9
2. Distibution Courses:
The challenges and opportunities facing our students require complex and
sophisticated responses. Therefore, we require courses that introduce students to the
special nature of inquiry in each of the four fundamental branches of the academic
curriculum: the arts, the humanities, the social sciences, and the laboratory sciences.
Normally, the expectation is that distribution courses will be completed by the end of
the sophomore year.
Arts: Courses that fulfill the arts requirement allow students to explore the nature
of art, both past and present, as a distinct form of human communication. This
occurs through the specific mediums of dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts, and
creative writing.
NOTE: Two half-credits of performance studies or dance in the same instrument/genre
OR four semesters of the same music ensemble will satisfy the requirement.
Humanities: Courses that fulfill the humanities requirement allow students to
understand, explore, analyze and interpret the historical, cultural, and philosophical
dimensions of human experience. This occurs through focused analysis of texts,
narratives, rituals and/or other media as well as philosophical argumentation.
Social Sciences: Courses that fulfill the social sciences requirement allow students to
explore the ways that human beings actively shape the social world, and social and/or
cultural processes shape human experiences. This occurs through examining the social
and/or cultural components of human experiences through analysis and interpretation
of people, structures, ideas, and institutions.
Laboratory Science: Courses that fulfill the laboratory science requirement allow
students to understand the natural processes that govern Earth and its inhabitants,
as well as the universe. This occurs through systematic observations and
experimentation, formation and verification of theories, and computational
methods in a laboratory setting.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 10
3. Cross-cultural studies:
The college requires three different types of course work to familiarize students with
the ways in which the diversity of human cultures has shaped our world. In an
interdependent world, students must be aware of the breadth of voices, perspectives,
experiences, values, and cultures that constitute the rich tapestry of life and history.
Languages: Courses that fulfill the language requirement allow students to expand their
horizons and reflect on their own worldview through the understanding of others as
well as through a grasp of the complex relationship between language and culture. This
occurs by obtaining intermediate level skills which will prepare them to be immersed in
another language and culture.
This includes languages not currently taught at Dickinson College, including American
Sign Language. Fulfillment of this requirement may take the form of college-level
courses for which credit is earned at Dickinson (or transferred from another institution)
or through certification based on approved testing without the posting of college credit.
Intermediate language courses for which credit is posted may not fulfill any other
general or distribution requirements at the college, except the sustainability
requirement. Students for whom English is not their native language, may be able
to use English to fulfill this requirement. No exemptions of the language requirement
will be provided.
U.S. Diversity: Courses that fulfill the U.S. diversity requirement allow students to
explore the ways in which diversity has enriched and complicated people’s lives by
examining the intersections of two or more of the following categories of identity in the
United States: race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, and/or
disability. This occurs by considering people’s lived experiences as members of
dominant and subordinated groups, this course equips students to engage a complex,
diverse United States.
Global Diversity: In the U.S., dominant intellectual and cultural traditions derive
primarily from Europe. Courses that fulfill the global diversity requirement encourage
students to examine societies and cultures that have been shaped predominantly by
other historical traditions.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 11
4. Sustainability:
Rapid climatic, environmental, social and economic changes present complex and
interdependent challenges and opportunities for equitably and sustainably meeting the
needs and improving the wellbeing of present and future generations. The causes and
consequences of the changes, and responsibilities and capacities for responding, are
widely but not equally shared. Students are required to take one course that explores
questions about sustainability challenges and opportunities, drawing on the knowledge
and approaches of the arts and humanities, social sciences and/or natural sciences. To
fulfill this requirement, students must complete one course coded as either
Sustainability Connections SCON or Sustainability Investigation SINV):
Sustainability Investigations courses engage students in deep and focused exploration
of sustainability.
Sustainability Connections courses build competencies and knowledge in a field that is
relevant to understanding sustainability and apply them to a sustainability issue.
Important notes:
It is the responsibility of the student to choose and satisfactorily complete courses
that fulfill the requirements for graduation.
All students must complete the general course requirements as described above. Be
aware of the following restrictions:
A single course may be used to fulfill a distribution requirement in only one of the
four fundamental branches of the academic curriculum (the Arts, Humanities, Social
Sciences, Laboratory Sciences).
A single course that fulfills a distribution requirement and another requirement may
be used to fulfill each requirement, but counts as only one of the 32 required for
graduation. The following exception applies: A course that fulfills both the laboratory
science and quantitative reasoning (QR) may fulfill only one or the other.
Students must complete a major, the specific requirements for each are listed in the
sections describing the courses of study.
Only those students who have completed all requirements for the degree are eligible
to participate in the Commencement ceremony each May.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 12
A student must pass 32 courses with a cumulative average of 2.00.
A student must complete a minimum of 16 courses on campus; twelve courses must
be completed on campus after the student has matriculated and has declared a
major. The final four courses or six of the last eight courses immediately preceding
graduation must be completed on campus. To be considered "on campus" a student
must be registered for a numbered course at Dickinson and must be physically on the
Dickinson campus for this course
5. Major:
Students must complete all requirements for a major. Majors consist of 10 to 16
courses.
See the "Courses of Study" section below for the list of majors available to students.
The major is normally selected during the spring of the student's sophomore year. The
departments determine the student's acceptance as a major upon the basis of stated
criteria. The department assigns the accepted student to an advisor, using the student's
preference as one of the bases for assignment. A student must be accepted for a major
field of concentration by the time they earn junior standing. A student who does not
have a declaration of a major on file in the Registrar's Office by the end of the semester
in which the sixteenth course (counting towards the degree) is completed may be
required to withdraw from the college.
The student may also elect a minor field of study which usually consists of six courses of
academic work specified by the department offering the minor. If a student completes
a minor in one or more fields of concentration, this fact will be noted on the permanent
record when the degree is posted.
If a student intends to major in more than one department, approval must be secured
from each department. This student must develop a program in consultation with both
departments, and therefore must be advised jointly by a member from each
department and must secure approval of both advisors. The same course may be
counted for more than one major except for courses under the self-developed major
program. However, a student will receive only one degree.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 13
Students who wish at any time to change a major must be accepted by the new
department in accordance with normal procedures for declaring a major.
ACADEMIC HONORS
Latin Honors: A student in any field who attains an average of 3.90 - 4.00 in the total
program at Dickinson College shall be awarded the degree summa cum laude. A
student who attains an average of 3.70 - 3.89 in the total program at Dickinson College
shall be awarded the degree magna cum laude. A student who attains an average of
3.50 - 3.69 in the total program at Dickinson College shall be awarded the degree cum
laude.
Academic Honorary Societies: The Pennsylvania Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was
established at Dickinson College on April 13, 1887. Election to membership is the
highest academic honor available to a Dickinson student. To be considered, a student
must first satisfy specific criteria (GPA, total number of courses, number of Dickinson
graded courses) set for each of the two elections held annually. For each class, the
number of students considered does not exceed 10 percent of the total number
graduating in the class. Student members are elected primarily on the basis of
academic achievement, broad cultural interests, and good character.
Alpha Lambda Delta, chartered at Dickinson in 1989, is a national academic honor
society for students who have high academic achievement during their first year in
college.
The National Society of Leadership and Success was chartered at Dickinson in 2018.
Sophomore students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for nomination.
Those who are inducted can reap the benefits of membership well beyond graduation,
with access to scholarships and awards, job and internship placement resources,
custom recommendations, professional communication training and an extensive
nationwide network.
Additionally the following honor societies recognize achievement in a specific field of
study: Eta Sigma Phi (Classics), Phi Alpha Theta (History), Pi Delta Phi (French), Delta Phi
Alpha (German), Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics), Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science), Psi Chi
(Psychology), Sigma Beta Delta (International Honor Society in Business Management &
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 14
Administration), Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish), , Sigma Iota Rho (International Studies),
Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics), Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computer Science), Kappa Delta Pi
(Education).
See Dean's List at Academic Policies and Procedures
See Honors in the Major at Special Approaches to Study and individual department
majors.
COURSES OF STUDY
Students may elect either of two broad approaches to the curriculum: the Bachelor of
Arts or the Bachelor of Science. General graduation requirements are the same in
either case. Only those students with a major in one of the natural or mathematical
sciences may choose the Bachelor of Science rather than Bachelor of Arts, but the
requirements for the major are the same in either case. Regardless of the number or
type of majors a student completes, each student earns only one degree. Students also
study in some depth at least one disciplined approach to knowledge. Dickinson
students, therefore, develop a concentration in a major. The arts and humanities
provide 12 such concentrations; in the social sciences there are seven concentrations;
the natural and mathematical sciences provide six. These 25 disciplinary majors
represent the basic academic disciplines that outline the liberal arts. They are
complemented by 20 interdisciplinary majors and six interdisciplinary certification
programs.
Major fields of concentration offered are (those that also offer a minor are indicated
with an asterisk): Africana Studies*, American Studies*, Anthropology*, Archaeology*,
Art & Art History*, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology*, Chemistry*, Chinese*,
Classical Studies*, Computer Science*, Dance & Music, Earth Sciences*, East Asian
Studies, Economics*, Educational Studies*, English*, Environmental Science*,
Environmental Studies*, French and Francophone Studies*, German*, History*,
International Business & Management, International Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese*,
Judaic Studies*, Latin American, Latino & Caribbean Studies*, Law and Policy,
Mathematics*, Medieval & Early Modern Studies*, Middle East Studies, Music*,
Neuroscience, Philosophy*, Physics*, Political Science*, Psychology*, Quantitative
Economics, Religion*, Russian*, Sociology*, Spanish*, Theatre Arts*, and Women's,
Gender and Sexuality Studies*.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 15
In addition, minors are offered in several areas for which we do not have a major.
These are: Arabic, Astronomy, Creative Writing, Film and Media Studies, Italian, and
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies.
Certificate programs can be completed in Food Studies, Health Studies, Security
Studies, Army ROTC Global Preparedness, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and
Dickinson College’s Ballet Certificate Program with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 16
Special Approaches to Study
Independent research and study, internships, special majors and tutorial study all
encourage Dickinson students to pursue individual academic interests and allow
students with the requisite ability and motivation to undertake more self-directed
programs of study under faculty guidance. The following areas can be explored on the
self-developed academic path.
Tutorial study
Independent study and research
Student-faculty collaborative research
Transcript notation (internship or research experience)
Honors in the major
Integrated independent study/research
Foreign language integration option
Special majors
TUTORIAL STUDY, INDEPENDENT STUDY AND
RESEARCH
The following options describe programs of tutorial study, independent study, and
research possible in any academic area in which faculty have training and in which the
student has the approval of the appropriate department or coordinating faculty
committee. These general guidelines may vary among individual programs.
Tutorial Study: Tutorial study is occasionally approved for students who, by agreement
with the instructor, need to take a course listed in the bulletin on a one-to-one or
limited enrollment basis. Such a need might be justified in the case of a course which is
offered only on an alternate year basis or at some other frequency which would not
allow for the completion of the student's program. Approved tutorial studies are added
during the schedule adjustment period in the Registrar's Office.
Independent Study and Research for First-Year Students: First-year students who,
on the basis of advanced placement, have qualified for credit in an introductory course
(except foreign language courses below 230 and such other courses as may be
designated by the departments) and desire to work more extensively at the survey or
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 17
principles level of a discipline may enroll for a tutorially directed course or half-course
in independent study within the same body of knowledge.
A first-year student who wishes to take a second independent study, or a course of
independent study or research on terms available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors,
must petition the Subcommittee on Academic Standards, with supporting statements
from the academic advisor and proposed supervisory instructor.
Independent Study for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors: Independent studies allow a
student to pursue an academic interest outside the listed course offerings. The study
may include experimental work and reading and may culminate in several short papers,
a single paper, or any other project acceptable to the supervising faculty member and
the student. The work may be supervised by one or several instructors from one or
several departments. Such interdepartmental studies must be approved beforehand by
the Subcommittee on Academic Standards. Sophomores may undertake one
independent study or research course and may, with the support of the student's
academic advisor, petition the Subcommittee on Academic Standards for permission to
take two independent studies or independent research courses in one semester. Juniors
and seniors may undertake two such courses without special approval and may petition
the Subcommittee on Academic Standards for additional independent study or
research courses. In addition, the student must have a cumulative average of 2.00 or
the permission of the Subcommittee on Academic Standards.
Independent Research for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors: Independent research
allows a student to pursue an academic interest beyond the listed course offerings. The
project should be designed as original research and practice in presenting the results of
an investigation. This pursuit must culminate in the student's own contribution to a
discipline, whether in the form of fully-supported conclusions or in the form of a
creative effort. Students may initiate a research project independently or in
consultation with supervising faculty from one or several departments. The final project
must be presented to the advising faculty no later than two weeks prior to the end of
the evaluation period. The program may be elected for a maximum credit of four full
courses. Programs of independent research involving more than two such courses per
semester must be approved by the Subcommittee on Academic Standards.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 18
STUDENT-FACULTY COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
Student-faculty collaborative research allows a student to conduct original research in
close partnership with faculty collaborator(s). The project should be designed as an
investigation yielding novel results that contribute to the area of study. With the
faculty collaborator(s), students will develop the project and participate in all aspects of
the research. It is expected that the faculty member will work closely with the student
for at least half of the time the student is pursuing the research. The final project must
be presented to the faculty collaborator(s) no later than one week prior to the end of
the evaluation period. The course will typically earn one half or one full course credit
per semester.
TRANSCRIPT NOTATION (INTERNSHIP OR
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE)
The following options describe the non-credit transcript notation programs for
internship and research experiences. If students have questions about the notation
options, they should contact the Director of Internship Programs.
Internship Notation Program (INP): Through reflective exercises, assessments, and
feedback, students address program goals related to self-assessment, self- directed
learning, values integration, career exploration and professional development. The
INP is available to matriculated students in any class year or major who have secured
an eligible internship experience. The program runs in the fall, spring, or summer
terms. Several majors and certificate programs allow or require the INP to fulfill a
requirement. Students receive a non-credit notation upon successful completion of
the internship and INP components through the INTR 7xx course number.
Arrangements for the internship and INP registration must be coordinated at the
beginning of the experience; retroactive notations are not granted.
Research Experience Notation (REXP): The Research Experience transcript notation is
intended to provide formal documentation of non-credit scholarly research
experiences that take place under the supervision of a professional researcher at
Dickinson or at another institution. The principle activity and focus of the research
experience is original investigation designed to create new knowledge in a recognized
field of inquiry. Examples include student-faculty research with a Dickinson faculty
member (on campus or at a field site), or participation in a summer research project
at another research organization (typically a college or university, private research
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 19
foundation, or research and development division of a corporation). Upon successful
completion of a research experience and corresponding departmental component
(overseen by the department chair and supported/processed by the Director of
Internship Programs), documentation is placed on the official transcript through the
REXP 7xx course number.
HONORS IN THE MAJOR
Honors in the major are conferred at graduation upon students who meet the
departmental standards for graduation with honors. Every department is responsible
for specifying and communicating what the standards are. Every department is also
responsible for specifying and communicating the procedures. These would include but
are not limited to eligibility criteria, the nature of and submission process for an honors
proposal, a calendar for conducting and completing the project, and how the project
will be evaluated. The nature of the project may vary depending upon the field and
the goals of the student. It is a normal expectation that an honor's project would
conclude in an evaluated oral presentation, performance, or critique. Departments
are responsible for approving the professor/advisor to each honors project. In
departments where the senior capstone experience (e.g., a seminar paper) is
considered a potential project for honors, the seminar professor may serve as the
advisor. Granting of honors will be based on a vote of the department. If, in the
judgment of the department, a candidate meets the standards for graduation with
honors, the designation will appear on the student's record (official transcript and
diploma). Consult the web page of the academic program and/or program contact
person to clarify the procedure. For specifications regarding format for the honors
thesis see the Library Services web pages.
INTEGRATED INDEPENDENT STUDY AND/OR
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FOR JUNIORS AND
SENIORS
This provision allows a student, with the guidance of their major department and any
supporting departments, to plan an entire program either for the last two years of
study or for the senior year. The program, which must be approved by the
Subcommittee on Academic Standards, may combine independent study, independent
research, and course participation. Work under the program normally proceeds
without grade, but upon the student's completing the plan, the supervising department
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 20
will prepare a precise description of the work accomplished and an evaluation of its
quality which will become part of the student's permanent record.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE INTEGRATION OPTION
A number of courses are designated each semester as carrying the foreign language
integration option. These are courses in which students who wish to try their language
skills in courses outside the language departments can choose to do some work in the
designated foreign language. The amount and type of language work involved (readings
from articles, newspapers or books and/or some paper writing) is determined by the
professor in conjunction with the student. Foreign language work is tailored to meet
the needs and language level of the individual student. Typically, work in a foreign
language is substituted for English language materials, so as not to constitute an added
responsibility. Successful completion of the foreign language integration option is
noted on a student's transcript, thus certifying the student has had extra training in the
language. This option is entirely voluntary. Students who register for courses with this
option are not required to do work in a foreign language and may take the courses on
the regular basis. Evaluation of the foreign language integration work does not affect
the student's grade in the course.
SPECIAL MAJORS
Tutorial Departmental Major: Some departments may approve superior students as
tutorial majors. Such a program differs from independent studies and research in
several ways. For one, the student is guided in a program in the component areas of an
entire discipline for approximately two years. That program's balance is ensured by
prior departmental approval. Secondly, the student is free to take regular courses in the
student's major discipline with the approval of the tutor. Normally, the student will
receive a letter grade for a 600 series course, but the Pass/Fail option is also available
under the same restrictions as in standard courses.
The student meets on a regular basis with a tutor to discuss essays and readings dealing
with particular problems posed by the tutor. Finally, the student sits for a
comprehensive examination, both written and oral, administered by a committee
composed of the department and one person outside the department. Normally, at
least one-quarter of the student's final semester is given over to preparation for these
examinations. One reexamination may be permitted within the calendar year. Students
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 21
will be graded on the examination as having passed, failed, or passed with honors in the
major. Approved students may register for up to four courses per semester under the
tutorial rubric.
The Self-Developed Interdisciplinary Major: Students, after completion of one
semester of study at Dickinson (2nd semester of first year), who believe their academic
goals cannot be met by the current 25 disciplinary and 20 interdisciplinary majors, 8
stand-alone minors, 6 certificates and use of electives, may make a proposal for a self-
developed major.
A proposal for a self-developed major must be:
in a coherent area of study
relevant to the liberal arts and
not substantially addressed by any existing programmatic options at the college
(major/minor/certificate)
Pursuing a self-developed major is a rigorous and time-intensive process. The Academic
Program and Standards Committee (APSC) reminds students and faculty that self-
developed majors:
will meet the same rigorous review as any new or revised major at the college
are expected to have the structure of an existing major: learning goals, hierarchy,
depth, senior capstone
have at least 10 and no more than 16 courses and at least half of the courses
completed in residence (i.e., either Carlisle or Dickinson course on a Dickinson
program)
must include courses taught by at least two different faculty members and
will be the student's only major since such a proposed course of study when
approved acknowledges that the student is released from the structure of a major
offered at the college.
Early on, a student interested in a self-developed major will identify four (4) faculty
members who will serve as the core faculty members for the self-developed major.
These faculty should have expertise and/or research experience relevant to the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 22
proposed self- developed major field of learning. One of these faculty members will be
the student's primary advisor.
Once the proposal is finalized, the student will submit the completed self-developed
major proposal form, the completed and signed statement from the faculty committee
via email to the Academic Program and Standards Committee for approval. Deadline for
submission to APSC is the end of the first semester of the Sophomore year. Late
proposals will not be accepted.
If approved by the Academic Program and Standards Committee, the student will work
with the primary advisor from The Core Faculty Committee. The student is expected to
complete the program as proposed and approved. Should changes become necessary,
the student will submit a request for change of the approved program, along with
written support from the primary advisor.
Upon the completion of every semester, the student will submit to the Academic
Program and Standards Committee (with a copy to the primary advisor) an evaluation
statement of progress and commitment to the major as a whole, experience in
individual courses, and work with the primary advisor. The primary advisor submits to
the Academic Program and Standards Committee, and to the student, an evaluation
describing the student's progress, achievement, and commitment.
At the conclusion of the student's work, the transcript describes the major as follows:
Self-Developed Major: [Title].
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 23
Academic Policies and Procedures
https://www.dickinson.edu/download/downloads/id/10480/academic_policy_and_procedure
s.pdf.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 24
Africana Studies
MAJOR
Eleven (11) Courses and an Experiential Learning Component
AFST 100: Introduction to Africana Studies
AFST 200: Approaches to Africana Studies
Four Africana Studies approved courses, two in Africa and two in the Diaspora
Three courses in an area of concentration (e.g., with focus on Africa or the Diaspora)
AFST 400: Writing in Africana Studies
One elective, which focuses on topics relevant to Africana Studies, including courses
which study race, diaspora, Latin America, colonialism, post-colonialism, etc.
Experiential Learning Component requires students to engage with the actual
experiences of people of African descent, in Africa or in the Diaspora, whereby
students understand and evaluate issues relevant to these communities through
some form of cultural immersion, approved by the department. Examples include:
Study Abroad, Service Learning Course, Mosaic Program, Internship, Independent
Research.
MINOR
Six (6) courses
Two (2) Required Courses
AFST 100: Introduction to Africana Studies
AFST 200: Approaches to Africana Studies
Four (4) Elective Courses
One (1) course focusing on Africa
One (1) course focusing on the African Diaspora
Two (2) 300-level Africana studies courses (Africa or Diaspora)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 25
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First Year
AFST 100
AFST 200
Sophomore Year
Three courses to fulfill the 220/300 Africa/African Diaspora course requirement
Africana Studies Elective
Junior Year
One course to fulfill 220/300 Africa/Africana Diaspora course requirement
Two 300-level Africana Studies courses in an area of concentration (Africa or Diaspora)
Experiential Learning requirement
Senior Year
One 300-level Africana Studies course in an area of concentration (Africa or Diaspora)
AFST 400
Senior Thesis
During the spring of their senior year, Africana Studies majors are required to complete
a thesis or project that is based on an original research topic that resonates with their
concentration in African or Diasporan studies. The thesis/project must clearly
demonstrate that the student understands the concept of African agency, can apply
theories and methods of the discipline, and articulate the historical trajectory of the
particular topic being examined.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
The Africana Studies Department encourages advanced students in the major to
undertake independent research and independent study projects. The student, in
consultation with the supervising professor, will submit a topic proposal and program
of work the semester before the study is undertaken.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 26
Independent study allows a student to pursue an academic interest outside the listed
course offerings. The study may include library research and reading and may
culminate in several short papers, a single paper, or any other project acceptable to the
supervising faculty member and the student.
Independent research, like independent study, allows a student to pursue an academic
interest outside the listed course offerings, but it involves primary research which is
largely self-initiated and self-directed. Students are encouraged to present the results
of independent research at a professional conference, regional meeting, or other public
forum.
HONORS
Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for honors, an Africana Studies major must have a
minimum 3.5 grade point average in the major by the end of the fall semester of junior
year and must maintain this GPA through the spring semester. The student normally
must not have any breach of the College’s academic code of conduct. Candidates for
honors must find a departmental advisor in their area of interest willing to supervise
their project during the fall semester of the senior year.
Independent Study (AFST 500)
During the fall of the senior year, the candidate will take an independent study with the
advisor. The candidate will develop and submit a prospectus during the 10th week of
the fall semester. A prospectus is a detailed research proposal that includes an
annotated bibliography of both primary and secondary sources. A candidate must
receive formal approval of their prospectus from the Africana Studies Department in
order to proceed.
Africana Studies 400
During the spring semester, the candidate will enroll in Africana Studies 400.
Applying for Honors
The department chair, in consultation with the candidate and advisor, will recommend
a secondary reader. The primary advisor will assign one grade at the end of the spring
term for work in both semesters. Honors candidates will present their work in a public
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 27
forum as part of Africana Studies 400. The department faculty will read the final thesis
and engage each candidate in an oral defense before rendering a decision on honors.
An honors thesis should be approximately 50 pages in length and should demonstrate
advanced research and writing skills; extensive use of primary and secondary sources;
and effective utilization of key theories and methods in Africana Studies.
Time-Line for Honors
Beginning of spring semester of the junior
year
Students are notified of eligibility.
By Roll Call of the spring semester of the
junior year
Choose and consult with departmental advisor.
Submit a signed declaration of intent form.
During spring registration for the fall
semester of the senior year
Enroll in AFST 500 (Independent Study)
Week 10 of fall semester
Submit prospectus for departmental review.
Week 12 of fall semester
Student will be notified of departmental
approval to continue the honors project.
During fall registration for the spring
semester of the senior year
Enroll in AFST 400 (Writing in Africana
Studies).
Week 12 of the spring semester
Submit honors thesis to advisors.
Week 14 of the spring semester
Oral defense of honors thesis and notification of
decision.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 28
INTERNSHIPS
Students may choose to pursue an internship that will meet the experiential learning
requirement. To satisfy the academic requisite, students will apply specific aspects of
the histories and theories of Africana Studies to the work experience. The internship
must be approved and will be supervised by the Department Coordinator. Upon
completion of the internship, the student will submit a final report.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
In order to gain a deeper understanding of African and African diasporic communities,
students are encouraged to study abroad. Typically, students have studied in Cameroon
or Tanzania. For a full list of study abroad options, students should contact the Center
for Global Study and Engagement.
COURSES
100 Introduction to Africana Studies
This interdisciplinary introduction to Africana Studies combines teaching foundational
texts in the field with instruction in critical reading and writing. The course will cover
Africa and the Atlantic Slave Trade, the creation of African Disaporic communities, the
conceptualization and representation of Black culture and identity, and the intellectual
and institutional development of Black and Africana Studies.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 121.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Social Sciences
170 African Civilizations to 1850
This course provides an overview to the political, social, and ecological history of Africa.
We will examine the peopling of the continent, the origins of agriculture, the growth of
towns and the development of metal technology. Written sources before the 1400s are
almost nonexistent for most of Africa, and so we will use archaeological and linguistic
sources. The geographic focus of the course will be the Middle Nile, Aksum in Ethiopia,
the Sudanic states in West Africa, Kongo in Central Africa, the Swahili states of the East
African coast, and Zimbabwe and KwaZulu in Southern Africa. We will also examine the
Atlantic Slave Trade and the colonization of the Cape of Good Hope.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 29
This course is cross-listed as HIST 170.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Social Sciences,
Sustainability Connections
171 African History since 1800
In this course we will study the political, social, economic and ecological forces that
have shaped African societies since 1800. We will examine in depth the Asante kingdom
in West Africa, the Kongo kingdom in Central Africa, and the Zulu kingdom in Southern
Africa. European's colonization of Africa and Africans' responses will be a major focus of
the course.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 171.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
200 Approaches to Africana Studies
This course will investigate the importance of conceptual analysis and the development
of concepts in the theoretical and textual research of Africana Studies. Thus, the course
will focus on various interpretive frameworks and approaches to organizing and
understanding Africana Studies, including but not limited to the African model,
Afrocentricity, diaspora model, critical race theory, post-modernism, and post
colonialism.
Prerequisite: 100.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
220 Topics in Africana Studies
Selected topics in Africana Studies at the intermediate level. The subject matter will
vary from year to year dependent upon the interests of core and contributing Africana
Studies faculty as well as the needs and interests of students. Topics may include the
Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, Major African
American Writers, Caribbean Diasporic Identities, among others.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Africana Studies Elective, Social Sciences
235 Introduction to Caribbean Studies
The greater Caribbean region was at the center of the formation of the modern African
Diaspora. Over the years, the Caribbean region has played an influential role in the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 30
development of social and cultural movements throughout the African Diaspora. This
class will survey the Caribbean, examining its location, population, diversity, and
significant role in shaping world events. Students will become familiar with the
Caribbean region, its place as a site of empire, and the important role of key
intellectuals who were foundational in developing anti-colonial and post-colonial black
consciousness. The course will cover the following areas of inquiry: geography and
sociology of the region, key theoretical concepts, leading intellectuals, transforming
world events and cultural production.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 122.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Lat
Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Social Sciences
304 Afro-Brazilian Literature
This class analyzes the literary production of Afro-Brazilians writers, as well as the
representation of Afro-Brazilian characters in literary texts. It reviews different literary
periods and the images those periods created and/or challenged and how they have
affected and continue to affect the lives of Afro-Brazilians. Also, by paying particular
attention to gender and social issues in different regional contexts, the class considers
how Brazilian authors of African descent critically approach national discourses, such as
racial democracy and Brazilianness.
Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in Portuguese.
This course is cross-listed as PORT 304 and LALC 304.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, Humanities, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect,
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Writing in the Discipline
310 Special Topics in Caribbean History and Culture
This course offers a critical examination of issues related to the study of the Caribbean
within the wider African diaspora. Examples of topics that would be offered at this level
are "The Anthropology of Music in the Caribbean" and "The Caribbean and its African
and Indian Diasporas."
Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 31
320 Topics in Africana Studies
Selected topics in Africana Studies at the advanced level. The subject matter will vary
from year to year dependent upon the interests of core and contributing Africana
Studies faculty as well as the needs and interests of students. Topics may include
Representation of the Black Power Revolution, Black Feminisms, African American
Women Writers, African Women's History, Race, Gender and the Body, Post-Colonial
Feminist Science Studies, and Black Aesthetics and Visual Culture, among others.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Africana Studies Elective, Social Sciences
400 Writing in Africana Studies
This course will build on experiences in the methods course. Students in this course
continue research toward and writing of a senior thesis. The emphasis is on writing
skills and course material; assignments link those skills to work in Africana Studies.
Seniors in the major will work independently with the director of Africana Studies and a
second faculty reader (representing a discipline closer to the senior's interest) to
produce a lengthy paper or special project which focuses on an issue relevant to the
student's concentration. Under the direction of the director of Africana Studies,
students will meet collectively two or three times during the semester with the
directors (and, if possible, other Africana Studies core and contributing faculty) to share
bibliographies, research data, early drafts, and the like. This group will also meet at the
end of the semester to discuss and evaluate final papers and projects.
Prerequisites: 100 and 200; four 200/300-level AFST approved courses (2 Africa, 2
Diaspora); three 300-level (in area of concentration).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 32
American Studies
MAJOR
Thirteen courses
Core courses:
201, 202, 303, 401, 402
200- or 300-Level American Studies Topics: one course.
Structures and Institutions: two courses, from two different departments.
Representation: one course.
History: two courses: HIST 117 or 118, and one additional U.S. History course (or
comparative history course approved by the student's AMST advisor) at or above the
200-level.
Literature: 2 courses in American Literature (or comparative literature courses
approved by the student's AMST advisor); one of the courses must be at or above the
200-level.
MINOR
Six (6) courses
201, 202, 303;
One topics course at or above the 200-level;
One American literature course; one U.S. History course.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First Year/Sophomore Year
AMST 201 Introduction to American Studies
AMST 202 Workshop in Cultural Analysis
One course in American History
One 200-level course in American Studies
One course in American Literature
One course in Structures & Institutions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 33
Junior Year
AMST 303 Topics in Cultural Theory/Workshops in Cultural Theory
One course in Representation
One course in American Literature at the 300-level
One course in Structures & Institutions
One course in History at or above the 200-level
Senior Year
AMST 401 Research and Methods in American Studies (Fall)
AMST 402 Writing in American Studies (Spring)
Any courses remaining to fill out the major
HONORS
To be eligible for consideration for honors, an American Studies major must be
recommended by their AMST 401 instructor, must have a minimum 3.5 grade point
average (rounded) in the major by the end of the fall semester of their senior year, and
must have no breaches of the college's academic community standards. A student
pursuing honors must complete a research manuscript in 402 that goes beyond the
merit of an "A" paper. An "honors" thesis should be at least 50 pages in length and
should demonstrate skilled writing and extensive research; a nuanced ability to make
connections between the specific issue studied and larger social and cultural issues;
extensive use of primary sources; an awareness of key theory and methods; an
engagement with current critical questions within American Studies; and, finally, an
ability to work on all three levels essential to an American studies project - history,
representation, and structures and institutions. An Honors Committee, made up of
three core American Studies faculty, shall assess the project(s).
INTERNSHIPS
Internships become appropriate when they are relevant to the thematic concentration
of the student. Students have interned with Student Services, Carlisle Youth Services,
the borough of Carlisle, the county public defenders office, CBS Evening News, the
Smithsonian Folk Life Division, the Carlisle School District, the American Cancer Society,
the Evening Sentinel, WITF Public Television, Domestic Violence Services,
Communications and Development, MTV, Carlisle Police Department.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 34
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
American Studies majors often study in Dickinson's East Anglia program in Norwich,
England because East Anglia has a strong American Studies department. Other
programs of interest to American Studies majors include the Washington Center for
Internships and Academic Seminars, and Dickinson's other programs abroad. American
Studies majors have also participated in the Dickinson programs in Australia,
Cameroon, India, Italy, and Mexico. Other majors have spent semesters abroad through
non-Dickinson programs in England, Ireland, and South Africa.
These off-campus programs are usually part of the Junior year and should be planned
well in advance of the semester they are to be engaged in.
COURSES
101 Topics in U.S. Cultural Diversity
These courses explore cultural diversity in the United States through an
interdisciplinary framework combining historical, literary, and cultural analysis.
Students are introduced to the methods and questions central to the interdisciplinary
field of American Studies, and special attention is paid to issues of race, ethnicity,
gender, class, and sexualities in exploring American histories and cultures. Topics may
include ; Class and Culture; Body Politics; Comparative Ethnicities; The New Negro
Movement; Race, Class, and the American Dream; Urban Landscapes.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences, US Diversity
200 Aspects of American Culture
Selected topics in American studies at the introductory level. The subject matter will
vary from year to year dependent upon the interests of faculty and the needs and
interests of students. Recent topics have included mass media; health, illness, and
culture; Latino/a U.S.A.; racial politics of popular music; Caribbean-American literary
and visual cultures; Black feminisms.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 123 when topic is relevant.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 35
201 Introduction to American Studies
Introduces students to basic theories and methods used for the interdisciplinary
analysis of United States and hemispheric cultural materials and to the multiplicity
of texts used for cultural analysis (mass media, music, film, fiction and memoir,
sports, advertising, and popular rituals and practices). Particular attention is paid to
the interplay between systems of representation and social, political, and economic
institutions, and to the production, dissemination, and reception of cultural materials.
Students will explore the shaping power of culture as well as the possibilities of
human agency.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective, Social
Sciences
202 Workshop in Cultural Analysis
This intensive writing workshop focuses on theoretical approaches to the interpretation
of social and cultural materials. The course provides an early exposure to theories and
methods that will be returned to in upper level departmental courses. Intended to
develop independent skills in analysis of primary texts and documents.
Attributes: Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
301 Topics in American Studies
Selected topics in American studies at the intermediate level. Topics offered will vary
from year to year, reflecting the interests of faculty and students as well as evolving
concerns of the field.
Prerequisite: 201 or permission of the instructor. This course is cross-listed as LALC 301
when topic is relevant.
NOTE: When cross-listed with Film Studies, prerequisite is one course in either American
Studies or Film Studies.
303 Topics in Cultural Theory/Workshops in Cultural Theory
This seminar course develops majors' knowledge of and facility with various theoretical
approaches and research methods informing the interdiscipline of American Studies.
Topics will vary based on instructors' expertise, and will draw upon key sources of
American Studies thought and scholarly practice such as literature, sociology, cultural
studies, philosophy, women's and gender studies, cultural anthropology, and history.
The course will further
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 36
develop students' research and writing skills, bridging the 200-level core courses (201
and 202) and the senior seminar sequence (401 and 402). Majors should take this
course prior to taking 401, though taking both courses at the same time is possible; but
majors must take AMST 303 prior to their taking AMST 402.
Prerequisite: 201, 202 or permission of the instructor.
401 Research and Methods in American Studies
This integrative seminar focuses on the theory and methods of cultural analysis and
interdisciplinary study. Students examine the origins, history, and current state of
American studies, discuss relevant questions, and, in research projects, apply
techniques of interdisciplinary study to a topic of their choosing.
Prerequisite: 303, Senior American studies major, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Social Sciences
402 Writing in American Studies
Students research and write a substantial research project, normally drawing on their
work in 401.
Prerequisite: 303, 401.
Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 37
Anthropology
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses.
Required courses are the three introductory courses (100, 101, and 110),
One methodological course designated as “Research in Anthropology” (220, 225, 240,
241, 290),
Senior Colloquium (400).
Students choose six additional anthropology courses: three elective courses must be
taken at the 300-level, from at least two subdisciplines (cultural anthropology,
biological anthropology, and archaeology), and one must be designated WiD.
A maximum of two of these six electives may be taken with the designation of
“Anthropology in Other Fields” (ANTH 205); students may petition the department to
accept one non-cross-listed course in lieu of an “Anthropology in Other Fields”
course.
MINOR
Six (6) courses
Including 100, 101, and 110 and
Three additional anthropology courses.
Students who are interested in a minor should consult with the department.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
These guidelines suggest courses to take each year rather than specifying a required
sequence; the exception is Senior Colloquium, which is taken in the fall semester of the
senior year. Students can tailor these guidelines to their circumstances in discussions
with an Anthropology faculty member. We recommend completing the "Research in
Anthropology" course prior to study abroad, in case the student has a fieldwork
opportunity while there. Many students who study abroad complete the Anthropology
major and a second major, and some complete three majors.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 38
First Year
Begin 100-level coursework:
ANTH 100, Introduction to Biological Anthropology
ANTH 101, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory
Recommend at least two of the three in First Year
Consider taking a 200-level elective: refer to Academic Bulletin: Anthropology
Sophomore Year
Complete 100-level coursework
Research in Anthropology course: refer to Academic Bulletin: Anthropology
ANTH general electives 200 and 300-level: refer to Academic Bulletin: Anthropology
If planning full year study abroad, plan to take a WiD course.
Junior Year
ANTH 300-level electives: refer to Academic Bulletin: Anthropology
Study Abroad Full year or semester where Anthropology electives are available
If interested in Senior Honors Thesis consider fieldwork opportunities while abroad
Senior Year
ANTH 400, Senior Colloquium (register in Fall semester only)
Finish any remaining ANTH requirements or electives
If pursuing Department Honors, ANTH 495 (Spring semester only)
FIELDWORK
The anthropology program is a unique major characterized by an emphasis on
understanding the cultures, meanings, and practices of various social groups in the
context of a rapidly changing world. Fieldwork, the hallmark of anthropological inquiry,
is built into the department's methods courses and is encouraged and supported in
student work abroad.
HONORS
Eligibility for honors candidacy requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.6. By the
beginning of their senior year, students wanting to be considered for honors in
anthropology must identify themselves to the department faculty and submit a two-
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 39
page proposal for an honors project to the department chair. In the senior year, the
prospective honors student participates in the senior colloquium (ANTH 400) in the Fall
and will continue with ANTH 495 in the Spring. The quality of the senior thesis project,
judged "exceptional" by the anthropology faculty, is the primary basis for awarding
honors to graduating seniors at the end of the spring semester.
We strongly recommend that students consult with their advisor in the Junior year if
they are considering the thesis option, as preparation for the project may start prior to
the beginning of the Senior year. The strongest projects emerge from field or
laboratory projects initiated in prior coursework, study abroad, or field experiences.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Most students majoring in anthropology study abroad at some point during their time
at Dickinson. Others pursue opportunities for off-campus study in the United States.
Students gain unique, hands-on experience in anthropology by participating in field
schools in cultural anthropology or archaeology, or through internships at museums
and other sites. Opportunities for such experience exist with the Summer Field School
in Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 396), for the six-week summer ethnographic field
school in Tanzania, East Africa, or for other field schools.
Co-curricular activities/programs
Anthropology Club
The Anthropology Club has weekly meetings that involve activities such as watching a
film/TV series related to topics in Anthropology, museum visits, and more. The club also
plans trips to see exhibits in nearby cities (Philadelphia, DC). They also plan events of
campus related to Anthropology Day and helping to plan exhibits and events that help
share anthropological perspectives across campus.
Human Cultures House
The department helps to support a Special Interest House for Anthropology and
Archaeology Majors. Students living in the house study together and bring classroom
and campus discussions about human cultures to their living spaces. The house also
hosts BBQs and events with students and faculty.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 40
COURSES
100 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of biological
anthropology. We will examine the development of evolutionary theory. We will then
apply evolutionary theory to understand principles of inheritance, familial and
population genetics in humans, human biological diversity and adaptations to different
environments, behavioral and ecological diversity in nonhuman primates, and the
analysis of the human skeleton and fossil record to understand the origin and evolution
of the human family.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. Offered three semesters over
a two-year period.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences
101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
This course is a comprehensive introduction to how cultural anthropologists study
culture and society in diverse contexts. We will use ethnographic case studies from
across the world to examine the ways people experience and transform social
relationships and culture in areas including families, gender, ethnicity, health, religion,
exchange, science, and even what it means to be a person. We will examine how
culture and society are embedded within, shape, and are shaped by forces of
economics, politics, and environment.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global Diversity, Social Sciences, Sustainability
Connections
110 Archaeology and World Prehistory
Archaeology is the primary means by which we decipher human prehistory. Using
archaeology as a guide we will start with the origins of culture from its rudimentary
beginnings nearly 4 million years ago, follow the migrations of hunters and gatherers,
explore the first farming villages and eventually survey the complex urban civilizations
of the Old and New Worlds. We will examine the development of technology, economic
and social organization through the lens of archaeological techniques and discoveries
throughout the world.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 41
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 110. Offered every year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Food Studies Elective,
Global Diversity, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
205 Anthropology in Other Fields
Courses offered by anthropologists in other fields that cover topics in anthropology.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
210 Language and Culture
This course examines the relationship of language to culture and society. It includes the
study of sociolinguistics, language acquisition, cognition, and descriptive linguistics. The
student is introduced to major perspectives on language from Whorf, Hymes, de
Saussure, and Levi-Strauss.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, NRSC Non-Div 3
Elective, Social Sciences
211 Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics is the branch of linguistics which studies language as social and cultural
phenomena. Language is inseparably associated with members of a society where it is
spoken, and thus social factors are inevitably reflected in those members' speech. This
course surveys topics on language and social class, language and ethnicity, language
and gender, language and context, language and social interactions, language and
nation, and language and geography. These topics show how language unites speakers
as much as it divides speakers within a society and/or across societies. The topics are
approached through lectures, class discussions, readings, as well as social surveys.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, NRSC Non-Div 3
Elective, Social Sciences
212 Development Anthropology
Sociocultural change, development, and modernization in both Western society and
the Third World are examined in terms of theory and practice. Emphasis is on the
planning, administration, and evaluation of development projects in agriculture,
energy, education, health, and nutrition. The increasingly important role of professional
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 42
anthropologists and anthropological data is examined in the context of government
policies and international business.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
214 Ecological Anthropology
An examination of human adaption to changing environments with an emphasis on
systems analysis. Special attention to development and current environmental
problems.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, ENST Society (ESSO), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
216 Medical Anthropology
Comparative analysis of health, illness, and nutrition within environmental and socio-
cultural contexts. Evolution and geographical distribution of disease, how different
societies have learned to cope with illness, and the ways traditional and modern
medical systems interact.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Social Sciences
217 Gender, Culture, and Transnationalism
This course draws together three important ideas in anthropology --gender, culture,
and transnationalism -- to provide insight into the basis for similarities and variations in
gender constructs, roles, and statuses across different cultural, political, and economic
landscapes. While the course is comparative, it also examines the margins of
populations and more abstract collectivities to analyze how new, hybrid gender
identities and imagined cultures are produced and experienced, as people and ideas
move around the globe.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, INST
Globaliz & Sustain Course, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 43
220 Ethnography
Ethnography is a unique form of research through which we learn about people’s
experiences in the world and their own perspectives in their everyday lives.
Ethnographic research is done in any context, from rural farms, to urban train systems,
from medical tourism networks, to nuclear power plants. This course examines
ethnographic scholarship with attention to the methods of research. Students learn
about the methods ethnographers employ in their work, how they use them, and the
kinds of results those methods yield. Examples draw from ethnographic work on
diverse topics and in varied contexts throughout the world. Students develop brief
projects using some of the methods that are examined.
Prerequisite: 101
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Global Diversity, Writing in the Discipline
222 Anthropology of Latin America
This course is an ethnographic exploration of contemporary life in Latin America. It is
designed to introduce students to the major themes and debates in the anthropology
of Latin America. It is aimed at understanding the cultural and historical development
of Latin America, and it seeks to make sense of the cultural similarities and differences
that have both captured the interest of anthropologists and helped to make Latin
America an important site of anthropological study and theorizing. In the process of
examining the histories and cultures of Latin America, we will also look at how power
and structural inequalities have shaped the region. The course will study Latin American
cultures and societies in relation to neighboring nations - the United States, Canada and
the Caribbean - given their shared history and experiences of colonialism and slavery as
well as their economic interdependence.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 222. Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect,
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Social Sciences
225 Human Osteology
This course offers an intensive examination of human biological diversity as revealed
through the study of human skeletal remains. We will focus on techniques used to
identify skeletal remains in archaeological, paleontological, and forensic contexts, as
well as examining human skeletal responses to environmental stress and human
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 44
growth and development throughout the life cycle.
Prerequisite: 100 or 229 or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Biological Anth Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Health Studies Elective,
NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
229 Human Variation and Adaptation
This course explores anthropological perspectives on modern human biological
diversity. We examine genetic variation, biological and cultural responses to
environmental stressors, including climate, altitude, nutrition, infectious and chronic
diseases, and population growth and demography. We use our understanding of
human biological diversity to examine the notion that race is a social phenomenon with
no true biological meaning.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Biological Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Food Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Social Sciences
230 Ethnography of Postcolonial Africa
This course is intended as both an introduction to the ethnography of Africa and an
examination of postcolonial situations in Africa. We will learn a great deal about the
cultural, social, political, and economic diversity of the continent while avoiding the
typological thinking that once characterized area studies. Through ethnography we will
learn about African cultures, their historical contingencies, and their entanglements in
various fields of power. We will assess the changing influences of pre-colonial
traditions, colonialism, postcolonial states, and the global economy.
Offered every fall.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Global Diversity, INST
Africa Course, Social Sciences
232 Modern China and Its Diaspora Communities
This is a comparative course that examines contemporary Chinese communities in the
PRC, as well as Chinese immigrant cultures located in Southeast Asia and the U.S. The
focus is on both the structure of these communities and the processes of identity
formation and re-imagining the "home" country or "native place" in the midst of
considerable flux. The course explicitly uses comparison to deconstruct staid truths
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 45
about "the Chinese" and monolithic "Chinese culture."
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 3,
Global Diversity, INST Asia Course, Social Sciences
233 Anthropology of Religion
A cross-cultural survey of the functions of religion, magic, and myth in simple and
complex societies. Religion and communication. Myth and social structure. A historical
summary of the scientific study of religion.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global Diversity, Social Sciences
234 African Diaspora
This course examines the presence and contributions of people of African descent
outside the African continent. While we generalize about the Black diasporic
experience across continents, we also pause to examine the ways that stories unfold in
particular places and at specific historical moments. Because most representations of
Africa and her descendants have left Africans on the margins of world history, in this
course we pay particular attention to alternative ways of understanding Black diaspora.
We draw upon case studies from the United States, the Caribbean, Brazil and Europe
during different historical periods.Cross-listed with AMST and SOCI.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, INST Africa Course, Social Sciences, US Diversity
235 State and Ethnicity in Upland Asia
This course examines the borderlands shared by states in upland Southeast Asia, such
as Thailand, Burma and Laos, with China. It looks at dimensions of contemporary
migrations and transnationalism among populations historically marginalized, such as
the Hmong, and among populations that have a strong identification with states. Linked
to political economies and global markets, nationalism and other ideologies defining
peoples and their cultures are explored with an eye toward understanding how ideas
about race and the other take shape.
Offered every other year.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 46
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity,
INST Asia Course, Social Sciences
236 Japanese Society
This course is an introduction to contemporary Japanese society. The course examines
what everyday life is like in Japan from anthropological and historical perspectives. It
explores such major social institutions as families, gender, communities, workplaces,
and belief systems. The course focuses as well on the ways in which modernization has
affected these institutions and the identities of Japanese people.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ANTH Ethnographic Course, EASN Elective Set 3,
Global Diversity, Social Sciences
240 Qualitative Methods
This course introduces students to the theory and methods of social science research,
beginning with an examination of the philosophies underlying various research
methodologies. The course then focuses on ethnographic field methods, introducing
students to the techniques of participant observation, structured and informal
interviewing, oral histories, sociometrics, and content analysis. Students design their
own field projects.
Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or SOCI 110.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
241 Measurement and Quantification in the Social Sciences
This course focuses on quantitative data analysis. Students learn how to design, code,
and analyze interviews and surveys. Selected databases and statistical programs are
used to analyze current social issues and compare samples.
Prerequisite: At least one course in SOCI, ANTH or AMST.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective,
LPPM Empirical Social Analysis, Quantitative Reasoning, Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 47
245 Selected Topics Anthropology
Courses offered on an occasional basis that cover special topics such as African women
in development, theories of civilization, anthropology and demography, or
anthropological genetics.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Social Sciences
255 Global Eastern Africa
This course examines global connections in the intersections of culture and power that
underlie contemporary issues in eastern Africa. The globally marketed indigenous
cultures and exotic landscapes of eastern Africa, like current dilemmas of disease and
economic development, are products of complex local and transnational processes
(gendered, cultural, social, economic, and political) that developed over time. To
understand ethnicity, the success or failure of development projects, the social and
economic contexts of tourism, responses to the AIDS crisis, the increasing presence of
multinational corporations, and other contemporary issues, we will develop an
ethnographic perspective that situates cultural knowledge and practice in colonial and
postcolonial contexts. While our focus is on eastern Africa, the course will offer
students ways to think about research and processes in other contexts.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS),
Global Diversity, INST Africa Course, Social Sciences
256 Health and Healing in Africa
This course addresses three interrelated aspects of health and healing in Africa. We
examine health in Africa from a biomedical perspective, learning about disease,
morbidity, mortality, and biomedical care. We place African health and health care into
a framework of political economy, examining the causes and consequences of illness
and disease and the forces that shape and constrain care. We also examine the cultural
and historical dimensions of health and healing in specific regions of the continent,
bringing ethnographic knowledge to bear on contemporary health problems and
thereby gaining an understanding of the lived experiences of health and healing in
Africa.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global Diversity,
Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 48
260 Environmental Archaeology
The study of the human past requires knowledge of the biological and geophysical
systems in which cultures developed and changed. This course explores past
environments and the methods and evidence used to reconstruct them. Emphasis is on
the integration of geological, botanical, zoological, and bioarchaeological data used to
reconstruct Quaternary climates and environments.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 260.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Society (ESSO), Food
Studies Elective, Global Diversity, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
261 Archaeology of North America
This course reviews Pre-Columbian landscapes north of Mesoamerica. We consider
topics including the timing and process of the initial peopling of the continent, food
production, regional systems of exchange, development of social hierarchies,
environmental adaption and the nature of initial colonial encounters between
Europeans and Native Americans. These questions are addressed primarily by culture
area and region.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 261.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ANTH Archaeology Elective, ARCH Area B
Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Social Sciences, US Diversity
262 South American Archaeology
This course examines the development of prehistoric societies in the South American
continent through archaeological data. This course will explore the interactions of
culture, economics, and politics in the prehistory of two major regions: the western
Andean mountains and Pacific coast, and the eastern lowlands focusing on the
Amazon River basin and Atlantic coast. In addition to learning the particular
developments in each region, we will address three overarching themes: 1) What
role did the environment play in shaping socio-political developments? 2) What
influence do ethnographic and ethno-historical sources have on the interpretation of
pre-Hispanic societies in South America? 3) What were the interactions between
highland and lowland populations, and what influence did they have (if any) on their
respective developments?
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 49
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 262 and LALC 262.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Social
Sciences, Sustainability Connections
290 Archaeologica Methods
This course focuses on archaeological field and laboratory methods through readings,
lectures, and hands-on experiences and the data these practices generate. It will cover
the essential field methods employed in archaeological survey (pedestrian, aerial, and
geophysical) and excavation. This will include the fundamentals of documentation
including note-taking, drawing, photography, and map-making. It will also introduce
how archaeologists organize and analyze the large quantities and wide range of data
recovered in these processes with particular attention to the use of computer
databases, especially Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It will provide a general
overview of different types of laboratory analysis including lithics, ceramics, metals,
plant and animal remains, and discuss the available dating methods. Students will have
the opportunity to practice many of the field and lab methods in the Simulated
Excavation Field (SEF), and, when available, archaeological sites in the Cumberland
Valley. Through these experiences and interactions with a range of archaeological
datasets, students will learn how the archaeological record is formed and what its
patterns can teach us about ancient human livelihoods. Finally, students will learn to
synthesize and present the results of field and laboratory research in reports, a critical
genre of writing in the discipline.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 290.
Prerequisite: Any two ARCH courses at 100- or 200-level; ARCH 110 highly
recommended.
Attributes: ANTH Archaeology Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Writing in the Discipline
295 Field School in Cultural Anthropology
Ethnographic field school of selected anthropological problems with appropriate
methodologies. Pre-departure workshops, at least four-weeks course duration, and
post-fieldwork write-up. Non-Dickinson programs require prior approval by faculty.
Prerequisite: Research in Anthropology course, ANTH introductory course or comparable
course with approval.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 50
Offered in summer school only.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Global Diversity
300 Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
This course explores the concepts and theories archaeologists employ to develop
interpretations about and reconstructions of past societies. It examines the history of
archaeological inquiry from amateur collecting to a profession and science dedicated to
the systematic discovery and analysis of material remains and their interpretation. It
will explore different traditions of archaeological inquiry particularly in Europe and the
study of Classical archaeology and in the Americas with its roots in anthropology.
Students will become conversant with contemporary trends in archaeological theory in
both areas from evolutionary, ecological, and systems theory perspectives to agent-
based approaches that consider gender, power, and daily practices in shaping past
societies. Finally, students will engage with pertinent ethical issues surrounding
archaeological patrimony.
Prerequisite: ARCH 290. This course is cross-listed as ARCH 300.
Offered every spring.
Attributes: ANTH Archaeology Elective, Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
310 Nutritional Anthropology
Food is a biological necessity, yet food preferences and dietary practices are culturally
determined and highly variable across time and space. This course examines nutrition
and dietary variation from an anthropological perspective. We will first study the basics
of food and nutrition, including the nutritional composition of food, nutritional
requirements across the human life cycle, and standards for assessing dietary quality in
individuals and populations. We will then examine the evolution of human dietary
practices and we will explore how dietary variation is at the interface of biology, health,
culture, and the environment. We will also learn about the effects of globalization and
the commoditization of food on dietary choices, the health consequences of under- and
over-nutrition, and the social and historical constraints on food production and
consumption in different societies.
Prerequisite: At least one course in anthropology or health studies, or permission
of instructor.
Attributes: ANTH Biological Anth Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Food Studies
Elective, Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 51
331 Human Evolution
This course offers an intensive examination of the evolution of the human family, from
our earliest ancestors to the origin and dispersal of modern humans. We use skeletal
biology, geology, and archaeology to understand the human evolutionary record.
Prerequisite: Any of the following: 100, 216, 218, 229 or BIOL 100-level course.
Offered every spring.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective,
Writing in the Discipline
336 Theory in Cultural Anthropology
This course examines how cultural anthropologists conceptualize their research, the
topics and people they study, and their roles as intellectuals. Students read, discuss,
and apply primary writings on theories addressing culture, society, power,
representation, gender, race, identity, belonging and exclusion, and other experiences
in diverse contexts, as well as ethical scholarship. Students join anthropologists in an
extended conversation about theories, their uses, and their implications.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 101.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Writing in the Discipline
345 Advanced Topics Anthropology
Courses offered on an occasional basis that cover special topics such as African women
in development, theories of civilization, anthropology and demography, or
anthropological genetics.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
395 Archaeological Field Studies
Application of the fundamentals of archaeological survey, excavation and the
laboratory processing and cataloging of artifacts.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 395.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 52
397 Advanced Field School in Cultural Anthropology
Advanced ethnographic fieldwork of selected anthropological problems
using appropriate methodologies. Can be done as part of a field school or
independent research.
Prerequisite: One Research in Anthropology course (220, 225, 240, 241 or 290).
Attributes: Global Diversity
400 Senior Colloquium
Offered every fall semester, senior anthropology majors will meet to learn about
professional career opportunities in anthropology as well as a write a research paper
that incorporates primary sources in anthropological writing and/or original
anthropological scholarship involving fieldwork or laboratory research.
Prerequisite: Research in Anthropology course.
495 Senior Thesis
Senior anthropology majors who qualify with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher by the
end of the junior year can take this course during the spring semester of their senior
year. This course involves writing a senior thesis based on original fieldwork or
laboratory research and used to determine departmental honors.
Prerequisite: ANTH 400.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 53
Arabic
MINOR
Five (5) courses
Four Arabic language courses: two 200-level and two 300-level
One 200-level Middle East Studies course
COURSES
101 Elementary Arabic
An introduction to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Introduction to speaking, listening,
reading and writing skills in the standard means of communication in the Arab world.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Arabic
Continued introduction to MSA with more advanced development of speaking,
listening, reading and writing skills through a greater degree of interaction in the
classroom.
Prerequisite: 101.
201 Intermediate Arabic
Introduction to conversation and composition building on the skills developed in
101and 102.
Prerequisite: 102.
202 Intermediate Arabic
Continued development of conversation and composition skills using current political
and social events, stories, essays, and other materials as the topics for discussion and
writing assignments.
Prerequisite: 201. This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 54
360 Topics in Arabic Language and Culture
Thematic study of Arabic language and culture, with emphasis on close reading,
comprehension and interpretation, and on honing oral expression and comprehension.
Prerequisite: 202, or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 55
Archaeology
MAJOR
Twelve (12) courses plus field experience:
I. METHODOLOGICAL CORE (Six courses)
1) ARCH 110/ANTH 110: Archaeology and World Prehistory
2) ARCH 290/ANTH 290: Archaeological Methods
3) ARCH 300/ANTH 300: Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
4) ARCH 390: Advanced Studies in Archaeology
5) ANTH 100: Introduction to Biological Anthropology
6) ERSC 151: Foundations of Earth Sciences
II. SPECIALIZATION/CONCENTRATION (Six elective courses)
In consultation with your faculty advisor, choose an area of emphasis (Area A or Area B)
and select a coherent set of 6 courses based on your interests. Five of the electives
must be within your chosen area of concentration and one must be in the other area:
AREA A: Mediterranean Archaeology and Art
ANTH 241: Measurement and Quantification in the Social Sciences
ARCH 120/CLST 221: Greek Art and Archaeology (only counts if not already taken in
the core)
ARCH 130/CLST 224: Roman Archaeology (only counts if not already taken in the core)
ARCH 140: Egyptian Art and Archaeology (only counts if not already taken in the core)
ARCH 150: Near Eastern Art and Archaeology (only counts if not already taken in the
core)
ARCH 200: Selected Topics in Archaeology
ARCH 210: Prehistoric Aegean Art and Archaeology (only counts if not already taken
in the core)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 56
ARCH 221: Ancient Greek Architecture
ARCH 222: Ancient Greek Sculpture
ARCH 223: Ancient Greek Painting
ARCH 250: Ancient Greek Religion and Sanctuaries
ARCH 260/ANTH 260: Environmental Archaeology
ARCH 301: Summer Fieldwork in Classical Archaeology (counts after the Field
Experience requirement has been fulfilled)
ARCH 500: Independent Study (only with permission of advisor and consent of
instructor)
ARCH 560: Student/Faculty Collaborative Research
ARTH 202: Ancient Art and Art History
ARTH 206: Museum Studies
ARTH 302: Roman Painting
ARTH 303: Roman Portraiture
ARTH 391: Studies in Art History
CLST 100: Greek and Roman Mythology
CLST 110: Introduction to Greek Civilization
CLST 200: Special Topics in Classical Civilization (dependent upon topic)
CLST 253: Roman History
ENST 313: Geographic Information Systems
ERSC 309: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
MATH 121: Elementary Statistics
MATH 225: Probability and Statistics I
AREA B: Archaeology, Anthropology, and the Environment
ARCH 200: Selected Topics in Archaeology
ARCH 260/ANTH 260: Environmental Archaeology
ARCH 261/ANTH 261: Archaeology of North America
ARCH 262/ANTH 262/LALC 262: South American Archaeology
ARCH 395/ANTH 395: Archaeological Field Studies (counts after the Field Experience
requirement has been fulfilled
ARCH 500: Independent Study (only with permission of advisor and consent of
instructor)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 57
ARCH 560: Student/Faculty Collaborative Research
ARTH 206: Museum Studies
ANTH 101: Anthropology for the 21st Century (Strongly recommended)
ANTH 205: Native Peoples of Eastern North America
ANTH 214: Ecological Anthropology
ANTH 217: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Gender
ANTH 225: Human Osteology
ANTH 230: Ethnography of Postcolonial Africa
ANTH 233: Anthropology of Religion
ANTH 241: Measurement and Quantification in Social Sciences
ANTH 245: Selected Topics in Anthropology
ANTH 255: Global Eastern Africa
ANTH 331: Human Evolution
ANTH 336: Social Distinctions
ERSC 141: Earth's Hazards
ERSC 142: Earth's Changing Climate
ERSC 201: Surface Processes
ERSC 205: Introduction to Soil Science
ERSC 305: Earth Materials
ERSC 307: Paleontology
ERSC 309: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
ERSC 333: Environmental Geophysics
ENST 313: Geographic Information Systems
MATH 121: Elementary Statistics
MATH 225: Probability and Statistics I
111. FIELD EXPERIENCE
May be fulfilled by either: a) summer excavation fieldwork; or, b) museum/lab
internship. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the field experience through
the offerings by department faculty. The museum/lab internship may be taken as part
of an independent study for academic credit through the department OR for a
transcript notation through the Office of Academic Advising. All non-Dickinson field
schools and museum/lab internships must be pre-approved by your advisor and the
program chair.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 58
Ancient & Foreign Languages.
Latin or Ancient Greek is strongly recommended for those specifically interested in
Greek and Roman archaeology within the Mediterranean Archaeology and Art
emphasis (Area A concentration) or double majoring or minoring in Classical Studies.
Four semesters of a recommended ancient language may be counted collectively as
two course credits towards the total of six for the area emphasis.
If it is appropriate to the location of the student's intended field experience (for either
area), and with the faculty advisor's and chair's approval, two courses of a
recommended modern language may count collectively as one course credit towards
the total of six for the area emphasis (maximum one credit allowed).
MINOR
Six (6) courses plus field experience:
I. METHODOLOGICAL CORE (Four courses)
1) ARCH 110/ANTH 110: Archaeology and World Prehistory
2) ARCH 290/ANTH 290: Archaeological Methods
3) ARCH 300/ANTH 300: Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
4) ANTH 100: Introduction to Biological Anthropology
II. AREA EMPHASIS (two courses):
In consultation with your faculty advisor, choose an area of emphasis and select a
coherent set of courses based on your interests from one of the following two groups:
Area A: Mediterranean Archaeology and Art
At least two courses from among the following:
ANTH 100, 205 (dependent upon topic), 241,
ARCH 120/CLST 221,
ARCH 130/CLST 224,
ARCH 140, 150, or 210,
ARCH 221, 222, 250,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 59
ARCH 260/ANTH 260,
ARCH 200,
ARCH 301 (after the Field Experience requirement has been fulfilled),
ARCH 390, 500, 560; ARTH 202, 302, 303, 391;
CLST 100, 110, 200, 253;
ENST 313;
ERSC 141, 142, 309;
MATH 121, 22
Area B: Archaeology, Anthropology, and the Environment
At least two courses from among the following:
ANTH 100, 101, 205, 214, 217, 225, 230, 233, 241, 245, 255,
ARCH 260/ANTH 260, ARCH 261/ANTH 261, and
ANTH 331, 336,
ANTH/ARCH 395, (after the Field Experience requirement has been fulfilled);
ARCH 200, 500, 560; ERSC 141, 142, 201, 305, 307, 309;
ENST 313; MATH 121, 225
III. FIELD EXPERIENCE
May be fulfilled by either: a) summer excavation fieldwork; or, b) museum/lab
internship. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the field experience through
the offerings by department faculty. The museum/lab internship may be taken as part
of an independent study for academic credit through the department OR for a
transcript notation through the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career
Development. All non-Dickinson field schools and museum/lab internships must be pre-
approved by your advisor and the program chair.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Archeology major is designed to introduce students to archeological methods and
theories used by archeologists across the globe and to help students gain greater, more
in-depth experience in one of two areas. Students who choose to pursue Area A of the
major focus on the Mediterranean and Classical Archaeology. Students who choose to
pursue Area B of the major focus on Anthropological Archaeology of the Americas and
other world regions as well as Environmental Archaeology. Students are encouraged to
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 60
explore both areas of study in coursework and in field experiences.
These guidelines suggest courses to take each year rather than specifying a required
sequence. Students can tailor these guidelines to their circumstances in discussions
with an Archaeology faculty member.
First Year
ANTH 100, Introduction to Biological Anthropology (Fall only)
ARCH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory (Spring only)
Any 100- or 200- level electives in Areas A or B
ERSC 151, Foundations of Earth Science
Sophomore Year
ARCH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory (if not taken in First Year)
ARCH electives within chosen Area A or Area B Concentration
ARCH 290: Archaeological Methods (Spring only)
ANTH 100, Introduction to Biological Anthropology,
or ERSC 151 Foundations of Earth Science
Summer Field/Lab Experience
Junior Year
Study Abroad (one or two semesters) can fulfill electives for Area A or Area B, with
departmental approval
ARCH electives within Area A or Area B
ARCH 300, Archaeological Theory and Interpretation (Fall only)
Senior Year
Complete ARCH electives within Area A or Area B
ARCH 300, Archaeological Theory and Interpretation (Fall only)
ARCH 390, Advanced Studies in Archaeology (Spring only)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 61
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent studies are available. Any independent study must involve an
interdisciplinary research topic in Archaeology. No more than two independent studies
may be counted toward the major. Topic proposal and program of work must be
approved by the instructor.
Independent research leading to Honors in the Major or student/faculty collaborative
research may be undertaken with one of the contributing departments.
HONORS
Honors may be granted in Archaeology for a two-semester project that results in a well-
researched, sophisticated, finely crafted thesis within the range of sixty to one hundred
pages. Students are self-selected but acceptance as an Honors candidate is based on
the judgment of the department faculty and their assessment of the student's
academic ability and potential for successfully completing the project. They will work
closely with one advisor but will receive guidance and resources from other members
of the department. Only the best projects will be granted Honors, but any student who
completes the project will receive credit for the two semesters of independent study.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Field experience in archaeology is an important component of the Archaeology
major/minor; students are trained in the techniques and methods of field archaeology
and provided with invaluable hands-on experience. All students are encouraged to
spend part of at least one summer at an excavation or survey, either in the United
States or abroad. Students have the opportunity to participate every summer in the
archaeological survey, excavation, and Museum research at Mycenae, Greece
(D.E.P.A.S. project, headed by Prof. Maggidis, Assistant to the Director of Mycenae).
The Department of Anthropology offers regularly a summer field course in Tanzania,
Africa; students may also participate in other excavations in the region, such as the
Cloisters, Ephrata, PA (State Museum of Harrisburg on City Island).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 62
Students are also encouraged to pursue Museum internships offered at the Trout
Gallery by the Department of Art & Art History, research internships and training
(digital research projects) at the J. Roberts Dickinson Archaeology Lab, or Museum/lab
summer research at Mycenae, Greece. The Department of Classical Studies also offers
four-week travel opportunities in Italy and Greece; other opportunities are also
available, including Durham University (Department of Archaeology), the Intercollegiate
Center in Rome and the College Year in Athens. Contact the department chair for
further information.
ANCIENT & MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
At least two semesters of Latin or ancient Greek are required for those choosing the
Classical Art and Archaeology area emphasis. Recommended modern foreign languages
include any of the following: German, French, Modern Greek, or Italian. Four semester
courses of a recommended ancient or modern foreign language may be counted
collectively as one (maximum allowed) of the four elective courses toward the
Archaeology Major.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Archaeology Club
The Archaeology Club meets weekly to discuss topics in archaeology and to plan
activities related to archaeology. Past activities have included campus events for
International Archaeology Day (mock excavations and artifact analysis), flint knapping
and atlatl experiments, cooking ancient recipes, ceramic workshops, movie nights, and
visits to museum exhibits in nearby cities (Philadelphia, Washington DC, etc.)
Human Cultures House
The department helps to support a Special Interest House for Anthropology and
Archaeology Majors. Students living in the house study together and bring classroom
and campus discussions about human cultures to their living spaces. The house also
hosts BBQs and events with students and faculty.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 63
Archaeological Institute of American (AIA) Lectures
Dickinson College hosts one to two AIA lectures each year. The lectures are given by
distinguished archaeologists working around the world on a variety of major topics in
the field. In addition to attending the lectures, students often have an opportunity to
meet the speaker during an information gathering at the campus café. Students learn
about the guests' research and teaching and can ask questions about opportunities for
research and education.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 64
COURSES
110 Archaeology and World Prehistory
Archaeology is the primary means by which we decipher human prehistory. Using
archaeology as a guide we will start with the origins of culture from its rudimentary
beginnings nearly 4 million years ago, follow the migrations of hunters and gatherers,
explore the first farming villages and eventually survey the complex urban civilizations
of the Old and New Worlds. We will examine the development of technology, economic
and social organization through the lens of archaeological techniques and discoveries
throughout the world.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 110.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Food Studies Elective,
Global Diversity, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
120 Greek Art & Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from Prehistoric to
Hellenistic times: Bronze Age civilizations (Cycladic, NE Aegean and Trojan, Minoan,
Helladic/Mycenaean); Protogeometric, Geometric, Archaeic, Classical, and Hellenistic
Greece. A survey of architecture (temple, secular, funerary), sculpture, vase-painting,
monumental painting, metalwork, and minor arts of these periods, both on mainland
Greece and in the Greek colonies (Asia Minor, Pontus, Syria, Phoenice, Egypt, S. Italy
and Sicily); comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical
aspects and developments; styles and schools, regional trends. Historical
contextualization of ancient Greek art and brief consideration of socio-economic
patterns, political organization, religion, and writing. Evaluation of the ancient Greek
artistic legacy and contribution to civilization. Field trips to archaeological collections
and Museums.
This course is cross-listed as CLST 221.
Offered every fall.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
130 Roman Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of the Roman world from the Late
Republic to the 4th century AD. A survey of architecture (temple, public, domestic,
palatial, funerary), monumental painting, sculpture, metalwork, and minor arts of these
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 65
periods in Italy and the rest of the Roman world; particular emphasis on Rome,
Pompeii, Herculaneum, Ostia, Greece/Asia Minor, and North Africa. Comparative study
of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects and developments;
regional trends and foreign influences. Historical and cultural contextualization of
Roman art and architecture with consideration of socio-economic patterns, political
developments, religion, and writing.
This course is cross-listed as CLST 224.
Offered occasionally.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
140 Egyptian Art and Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of ancient Egypt from the pre-
dynastic period to the Hellenistic era, focusing mainly on the archaeological record of
the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom. The course includes a survey of public architecture
(temple, palatial, funerary) and domestic/secular architecture, sculpture, wall-paintings
and reliefs, metalwork, seal-stones, faience/ivory-carving, and pottery, complemented
with a comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects
and developments. Special emphasis is given to historical developments and the
archaeological evidence for the complex political, socio-economic, and cultural
evolution of ancient Egypt, including urbanization and centralization of government,
administration and writing (hieroglyphics), social hierarchy and craft specialization,
ancient environment and technology. Religion, mythology, and literature are also
explored, as well as historical sources, relative and absolute chronology, military power
and expansionism, diplomacy, international dynamics and trade contacts, and the
legacy and impact of ancient Egypt on the modern world. Course content will also
include visits to archaeological collections and/or museums and educational CD-ROMs
and videos.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Arts, Global Diversity
150 Near Eastern Art and Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of the ancient Near East from the
time of the first settlements to the Hellenistic era. This course is a historically oriented
survey of the archaeological record of the main cultures that emerged and flourished in
the ancient Near East, including the Sumer, Akkadians, Babylonians, Hittites, Assyrians,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 66
and Persians. The course includes a survey of public, secular, and funerary architecture,
sculpture, wall-paintings, metalwork, and pottery, complemented with a comparative
study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects and developments.
Special emphasis is given to the archaeological evidence for the complex political,
socio-economic, and cultural evolution of the ancient Near East, including urbanization,
complex systems of government, socio-economic organization, literacy, with careful
consideration of the historical record. Religion, mythology, literature, and science are
also explored, as well as military power and expansionism, diplomacy, international
dynamics and trade contacts, and the legacy of the ancient Near East to world
civilization. Course content includes visits to archaeological collections and/or
museums and educational CD-ROMs and videos.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Arts, Global Diversity
200 Selected Topics in Archaeology
Courses offered on an occasional basis that cover special periods, methods or topics in
archaeology not dealt with in the rest of the curriculum.
Prerequisite: course in DIV I or DIV II, depending upon topic.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective
202 Reality, Idealism, Beauty, and Power: Topics in the Art & Architecture of Ancient
Greece and Rome
How can we understand the representation of reality, idealism, beauty, and power in
the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome through studying their art and architecture?
How can these issues in ancient art illuminate our understanding of the visual and
structural expression of human experience? In this course, we will examine major
monuments in painting, sculpture, and architecture in both cultures from a variety of
interpretive perspectives through which they have been addressed in primary sources
and scholarly literature. Students will study and analyze textual, art-historical, and
archaeological “readings” of these monuments and compare the strengths and
weaknesses of the authors' arguments in terms of methodological approach and
evidence. In addition, the authors' cultural assumptions, interpretive premises, and
ideological goals (if any) will also be addressed in attempting to understand how these
works of art have acquired a particular meaning over time and what constitutes that
meaning. Students will also acquire competency in recognizing and analyzing diverse
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 67
stylistic initiatives and their aesthetic significance.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 202.
Offered every year.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Arts
206 Museum Studies
Introduces students to the history, role, nature, and administration of museums. It
examines the emergence and development of museums and the political, social, and
ethical issues that they face. Case studies include: government funding of the arts, the
lure and trap of the blockbuster, T-Rex "Sue", the Nazi Entartete Kunst exhibition, the
Enola Gay exhibition, war memorials, the Holocaust Museum, public sculpture,
conservation, museum architecture, auction houses, and the repatriation of cultural
property. This course is open to all students and is especially relevant to those studying
the fine arts, anthropology, archaeology, history, American studies, and public policy.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 206.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
210 Prehistoric Aegean Art and Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of the Prehistoric Aegean, including
the Neolithic, Cycladic, NE Aegean and Trojan, Minoan, Helladic and Mycenaean
civilizations, with consideration of both the Aegean sites and the Minoan/Mycenaean
trade posts and colonies in Asia Minor, Cyprus, Syropalestine and Egypt. A survey of
architecture (palatial, secular, temple and funerary), pottery, sculpture, frescoes, seal
stones, metalwork (metallic vases, weapons, jewelry), stone- and ivory-carving;
comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects and
developments. Cultural contextualization and brief consideration of the historical
framework, socio-economic, political and administrative context, writing and religion.
Major interpretative issues and problems in Aegean Prehistory, including relative and
absolute chronology, emergence and formation process, collapse and fall of the
Minoan palaces and the Mycenaean citadels, spatial definition and multiple function of
the palatial networks, military power and expansionism, international dynamics and
contacts. Evaluation of the Prehistoric Aegean legacy and contribution to ancient Greek
and Western Civilization. Visits to archaeological collections and Museums.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 68
Offered every fall.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
218 Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful technology for managing,
analyzing, and visualizing spatial data and geographically-referenced information. It is
used in a wide variety of fields including archaeology, agriculture, business, defense and
intelligence, education, government, health care, natural resource management, public
safety, transportation, and utility management. This course provides a fundamental
foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIS technology that will enable students
to investigate and make reasoned decisions regarding spatial issues. Utilizing GIS
software applications from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), students
work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection,
manipulation, analysis, output, and presentation. The course will culminate in a final,
independent project in which the students design and prepare a GIS analysis
application of their own choosing.
Three hours classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
This course is cross-listed as ENST 218 and ERSC 218.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN),
Quantitative Reasoning, Sustainability Connections
221 Ancient Greek Architecture
A survey of ancient Greek architecture from the 11th century BC to the 1st century BC,
on mainland Greece and the Greek colonies. Temple architecture, altars and
sanctuaries; secular architecture (houses, villas, and palaces); public architecture
(agoras, stoas, prytaneia, propyla, theaters, gymnasia, stadiums, fountains and
aqueducts, fortifications, roads, bridges); poleodomy or city-planning; funerary
architecture (tombs, heroa, mausoleums and other funerary buildings). Building
materials and techniques; orders and principles of ancient Greek architecture; ancient
theory and techniques, typological developments and technological advances,
architectural masterpieces; ancient Greek masters. Consideration of epigraphical and
ancient literary sources (including readings from Vitruvius, Pliny the Elder, Pausanias).
Offered every third year.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 69
222 Ancient Greek Sculpture
A thorough survey of ancient Greek sculpture from 1050 BC to 31 BC, with
consideration of both mainland Greece and the Greek colonies (Asia Minor, Pontus,
Syria, Phoenice, Egypt, S Italy and Sicily). Daedalic, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic
periods; sculpture in the round and architectural sculpture, monumental and small-
scale sculpture. Materials, techniques, and principles; subject matter and iconography,
stylistic and technical developments; styles and regional trends; ancient Greek masters
and their schools, legendary contests; consideration of ancient literary sources
(including readings from Pausanias and Pliny the Elder) and Roman copies of Greek
originals. Visits to archaeological collections and Museums; hands-on examination of
selected important sculptures (prospective cast collection on-campus).
Offered every third year.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
223 Ancient Greek Painting
A survey of ancient Greek vase-painting (Protogeometric, Geometric, Archaeic,
Classical, and Hellenistic periods, from 1050 BC to 31BC) with consideration of both
mainland Greece and the Greek colonies, and study of ancient Greek (with special
emphasis on recently discovered large-scale frescoes in Macedonian tombs), Etruscan,
and Roman monumental painting (including selective mosaics). Materials, techniques,
and principles; iconography, stylistic and technical developments; styles and regional
trends; ancient Greek and Roman masters and their schools; consideration of ancient
literary sources (including readings from Pausanias, Pliny the Elder, Cicero). Visits to
archaeological collections and Museums.
Offered every third year.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
250 Ancient Greek Religion and Sanctuaries
A survey of the origins, history, structure, and evolution of ancient Greek religion and sanctuaries
from Mycenaean to Hellenistic times. A comparative study of official religion vs. folk
religion, pantheon of gods and heroes vs. daemonic cults and magic (ritual binding,
cursing, charming), myths, oracles, festivals and games vs. house cult; an insight into
mysteries and chthonic cults, burial customs and eschatology, soul and the Homeric
underworld, the mnemoscape of death and reincarnation. A review of loci of worship
(caves, shrines, temples, sanctuaries); analysis and meaning of the worship ritual,
offerings, dedications, animal and human(?) sacrifices; interpretation of sacred
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 70
symbols, ritual implements and paraphernalia: idols and figurines, large-scale
anthropomorphic concretions, cult statues. A comparative study of the history and
development, organization and lay-out, architecture, portable finds and dedications of
the most prominent Mycenaean and ancient Greek sanctuaries (Mycenae Cult Center,
Tiryns shrines, Aghia Irene temple; Olympia, Delphi, Eleusis, Delos, Nemea, Dodone,
Kos, Samos, Priene, Pergamon) involving a synthesis of archaeological and
iconographical evidence, Linear B documents, epigraphic evidence, and ancient literary
sources. Additional issues to be addressed include: Greek anthropomorphism and
polytheism; the power of religion as collective memory; the sociopolitical role of
organized religion; priesthood and the gradual appropriation of religion by the ruling
hierarchy and the state (polis); chronological development of ritual vs. unchanging core
of beliefs; patterns of uniformity and regional variation; survival of ancient Greek
religious elements in Christianity.
Offered every third year.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Appropriate for First-Year
260 Environmental Archaeology
The study of the human past requires knowledge of the biological and geophysical
systems in which cultures developed and changed. This course explores past
environments and the methods and evidence used to reconstruct them. Emphasis is on
the integration of geological, botanical, zoological, and bioarchaeological data used to
reconstruct Quaternary climates and environments.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 260.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Society (ESSO), Food
Studies Elective, Global Diversity, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
261 Archaeology of North America
This course reviews Pre-Columbian landscapes north of Mesoamerica. We consider
topics including the timing and process of the initial peopling of the continent, food
production, regional systems of exchange, development of social hierarchies,
environmental adaption and the nature of initial colonial encounters between
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 71
Europeans and Native Americans. These questions are addressed primarily by culture
area and region.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 261.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS),
Social Sciences, US Diversity
262 South American Archaeology
This course examines the development of prehistoric societies in the South American
continent through archaeological data. This course will explore the interactions of
culture, economics, and politics in the prehistory of two major regions: the western
Andean mountains and Pacific coast, and the eastern lowlands focusing on the Amazon
River basin and Atlantic coast. In addition to learning the particular developments in
each region, we will address three overarching themes: 1)What role did the
environment play in shaping socio-political developments? 2) What influence do
ethnographic and ethno-historical sources have on the interpretation of pre-Hispanic
societies in South America? 3) What were the interactions between highland and
lowland populations, and what influence did they have (if any) on their respective
developments?
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 262 and LALC 262.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP),
Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Social
Sciences, Sustainability Connections
290 Archaeological Methods
This course focuses on archaeological field and laboratory methods through readings,
lectures, and hands-on experiences and the data these practices generate. It will cover
the essential field methods employed in archaeological survey (pedestrian, aerial, and
geophysical) and excavation. This will include the fundamentals of documentation
including note-taking, drawing, photography, and map-making. It will also introduce
how archaeologists organize and analyze the large quantities and wide range of data
recovered in these processes with particular attention to the use of computer
databases, especially Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It will provide a general
overview of different types of laboratory analysis including lithics, ceramics, metals,
plant and animal remains, and discuss the available dating methods. Students will have
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 72
the opportunity to practice many of the field and lab methods in the Simulated
Excavation Field (SEF), and, when available, archaeological sites in the Cumberland
Valley. Through these experiences and interactions with a range of archaeological
datasets, students will learn how the archaeological record is formed and what its
patterns can teach us about ancient human livelihoods. Finally, students will learn to
synthesize and present the results of field and laboratory research in reports, a critical
genre of writing in the discipline.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 290.
Prerequisites: Any two ARCH courses at 100- or 200-level; ARCH 110 highly
recommended.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Writing in the Discipline
300 Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
This course explores the concepts and theories archaeologists employ to develop
interpretations about and reconstructions of past societies. It examines the history of
archaeological inquiry from amateur collecting to a profession and science dedicated to
the systematic discovery and analysis of material remains and their interpretation. It
will explore different traditions of archaeological inquiry particularly in Europe and the
study of Classical archaeology and in the Americas with its roots in anthropology.
Students will become conversant with contemporary trends in archaeological theory in
both areas from evolutionary, ecological, and systems theory perspectives to agent-
based approaches that consider gender, power, and daily practices in shaping past
societies. Finally, students will engage with pertinent ethical issues surrounding
archaeological patrimony.
Prerequisite: ARCH 290. This course is cross-listed as ANTH 300.
Offered every Fall.
Attributes: Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
301 Fieldwork in Classical Archaeology
Archaeological excavation and geoprospection survey for four to six weeks at the
Citadel and the Lower Town of Mycenae in Greece (DEPAS Project). The dig provides
training for students in the techniques and methods of field archaeology. Admission by
permission of the instructor; ARCH 201 recommended. May be repeated for credit. If
taken as part of the archaeology major, the course satisfies either the Field Experience
requirement or counts as an elective in the classical area emphasis. If taken more than
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 73
once it both satisfies the Field Experience requirement and counts as an elective in the
classical area emphasis.
This course is cross-listed as CLST 301.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective
318 Advanced Applications in GIS
The course is intended as a continuation of the introductory course on Geographic
Information Systems, 218, and will concentrate on more advanced discussions and
techniques related to spatial analysis and GIS project design. The main focus of the
course will be on using higher-level GIS methods to investigate and analyze spatial
problems of varying complexity; however, the specific project and topical applications
will vary depending on student interests. Students will be required to develop and
complete an individual spatial analysis project that incorporates advanced GIS
techniques.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 218 or ENST 218 or ERSC 218 or equivalent GIS experience.
This course is cross-listed as ENST 318 and ERSC 318.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Quantitative Econ Elective, Sustainability
Investigations
320 Ancient Greek Democracy: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Born in ancient Greece, democracy is the most important original contribution to
humanity, literally shaping public life, personal freedom, civil rights, education and
intellectual advancement ever since, therefore forming the cornerstone of our modern
‘western’ civilization. This seminar ventures an interdisciplinary investigation of ancient
democracy (with special emphasis on the ancient Athenian democracy), its origins,
history and evolution, rise and fall, and its diachronic legacy. This interdisciplinary
survey will involve a complex multivariate approach and a challenging synthesis of
diverse evidence, including ancient literary sources and testimonia; historical accounts
and epigraphic evidence on the laws, principles, structure, organization and function of
various democratic institutions, offices, and procedures; the archaeological record
(monuments and finds); iconographical evidence in contemporary sculpture and vase-
painting. Discussions will then focus on the pathology of democracy, an analysis of its
diagnostic features and diachronic values, and an evaluation of the legacy and influence
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 74
of ancient democracy on the earliest modern democratic systems, and an assessment
of the variant forms of modern revivals.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Humanities, Writing in the Discipline
390 Advanced Studies in Archaeology
This course undertakes special topics, issues, and problems in Old World and New
World Archaeology ranging from prehistory and classical antiquity (e.g., Problems
in Aegean Prehistory, In Search of the Trojan War, Great Cities) to modern era
archaeology (19th/20th century AD) and modern applications of the discipline.
Prerequisite: 300.
Offered occasionally.
395 Archaeological Field Studies
Application of the fundamentals of archaeological survey, excavation and the
laboratory processing and cataloging of artifacts.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 395.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 75
Art & Art History
MAJOR
Art History option: 12 courses including 101, 102, 108; one course in studio (any level);
one course in Ancient Art, either 202 or either ARCH 120, 130 or approved course from
a Dickinson study abroad program or partner program; one course in Renaissance Art,
either 300 or approved course from a Dickinson study abroad program or partner
program; one course above the 100-level in Asian art; 313 or 314; 407; and three
electives in art history. ARCH 210, 221, 222, or 223 will fulfill elective requirements. Art
history majors are also encouraged to consider internships or independent studies, as
well as student/faculty collaborative research, directed towards future interests within
the discipline; and to take German, French, Italian, Chinese or Japanese, if they are
considering graduate work in Art History
Studio Art option: 12 courses including 122; either 230 or 321; 101; 102; one art history
course at the 300-level; 410 and 411; and five additional studio art electives, including
at least one other course at the advanced level and at least one course focused on
three-dimensional art. An additional art history class (at any level) can be substituted
for one of the five studio art electives. Seniors concentrating in studio art are required
to make a public presentation on their thesis work in their final semester. Students
electing this option are encouraged to take more studio art and art history courses than
required.
MINOR
101 and 102 plus four additional courses in the appropriate discipline (art history or
studio), subject to the minor advisor's approval, that suit the particular interests of the
student.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Rather than specify courses in a specific order semester by semester, the following are
general guidelines regarding the trajectory of the major. First and second year students
should focus on introductory (100-level) and intermediate (200-level) courses that
provide a foundation for advanced study during the junior and senior years. Upon
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 76
declaring the major students should meet with advisors to map a path through the
major that aligns with specific goals and interests while providing a range of knowledge.
Please be aware when you plan your courses through the four years that some
requirements are offered in specific semesters, for example, Art History 101 is only
offered during the fall semester.
SENIOR SEMINARS
The Art History Senior Seminar, 407, is taken during the fall semester of senior year.
The Senior Studio Art Seminar consists of two courses, 410 in the fall and 411 in the
spring. Both courses must be taken sequentially during senior year in order to complete
the major in studio art.
The senior seminars in art history and studio provide intensive capstones to the major.
They involve an integrated, professional-level experience wherein students in art
history curate a formal exhibition in The Trout Gallery accompanied by a published,
scholarly catalogue containing original research and essays. Studio majors undertake an
analogous exhibition in The Trout Gallery that showcases a body of work produced over
the course of senior year and is accompanied by a catalogue with images and artist
statements. For further information, see the A&AH web site.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent study courses are undertaken through consultation with an Art and Art
History department advisor and potential instructor of the course. A proposal of the
topic and program of work must be submitted to the instructor for approval.
HONORS
Department of Art & Art History majors may seek Honors, the highest academic award
a department can bestow.
For the art history concentration, honors may be pursued by the invitation of
department faculty following self-nomination the spring of their junior year to
undertake a year-long independent study with an advisor. A Departmental GPA of a
minimum 3.3 at the time of application. During the Summer after the Junior Year, each
applicant submits a 2-page proposal that outlines an independent research project
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 77
significantly above the level of required courses, and which asks the Department for
permission to enroll in Independent Research during both the Fall and Spring semesters
of the Senior year. These courses will count toward graduation and will receive grades,
regardless of the outcome of the Honors project. If the student's proposal is accepted
by the Department, the student is identified as a Candidate for Honors. Each Candidate
will work with a Departmental advisor (and other Department faculty, as appropriate)
throughout the Senior year, and will produce a research paper. At a designated time
during the Spring of the Senior year, each candidate will submit a final paper, at least
30 pages in length, which is bound and kept on file in the Art & Art History Department
and the College Archives. The student will also make an appropriate formal public
presentation of the research (that is, a lecture on the topic). Normally, all members of
the Art & Art History Faculty attend each such presentation. The candidate must be
prepared to defend all aspects of the work at this presentation.
Honors in the studio art concentration is awarded to students having produced a body
of thesis work exemplifying formal and conceptual excellence. In order for studio art
students to qualify as candidates for honors, they must have a 3.7 GPA, in the major, at
the end of the first semester of senior year. Students meeting this criteria will be
considered official candidates for honors. Upon the completion of senior gallery talks in
support of The Trout Gallery thesis exhibition, studio art faculty will determine if the
quality of a candidate's thesis work merits the distinction of honors. Honors in studio
art is assessed by considering the depth and rigor of the investigation that takes place
during senior year. The ability to successfully connect conceptual and formal elements
in the body of work, in addition to positioning the work within the context of historical
and contemporary approaches is critical. Evolution, the willingness to take risks in an
attempt to push beyond convention, and the ability to produce a cohesive body of
resolved work will guide faculty members final decision.
INTERNSHIPS
The Department of Art & Art History can organize internships for advanced students
through The Trout Gallery and other regional museums, galleries, art associations,
commercial galleries, and architectural firms. In the past, art history majors have
undertaken museum internships at The Metropolitan Museum, the Philadelphia
Museum of Art, the Walters Art Gallery, The State Museum of Harrisburg, and the
Springfield (MA) Museum of Fine Arts, among others. Studio and art history majors
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 78
have also interned at commercial galleries in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and New York
City and some these internships have included conservation and restoration work.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
The Art & Art History major was designed to allow students to spend a year or semester
studying abroad during their junior year. Students planning on going abroad should
meet with their advisor as early as possible, so that they can map out a path through
the major. This is especially important for any student that is attempting to double
major in addition to going abroad. The advising guide specifies courses that should be
completed before leaving campus.
To study abroad in art history for a full year, the department suggests that students
have completed at least four art history courses consisting of two at the intro level and
two courses at the upper level (one must be a 300-level course); one intro and three
courses at the upper level are also acceptable. For a semester abroad, a minimum of
three classes is recommended, including one intro and two at the upper level. To study
abroad in studio art for a full year, three studio courses and one art history are
suggested; for a semester, two studio courses and one art history.
The Department of Art & Art History has two official partner programs that are highly
recommended for majors looking to study abroad. For art history, the Syracuse
University program in Florence, Italy is recommended and for studio art, the Temple
University program in Rome, Italy. Both programs are considered top abroad programs
in their areas of focus and offer a diverse range of courses. For students going on other
Dickinson programs and partner programs it might be possible to find an art history or
studio course, but certain programs have limitations in the study of art and this is not
always possible. Thorough research and consultation with your academic advisor, and
director of the specific abroad program, is required to determine what possibilities
might exist.
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact an
Art & Art History faculty member. Students not following these guidelines may still be
able to study abroad and complete the major but will likely face a highly demanding
senior year.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 79
COURSES
The following course is offered in Bologna:
132 The Arts of Italy
Offered in Bologna, Italy. An introduction to the major visual traditions of the Italian
peninsula from antiquity to the end of the 18th century, combined with the basic art
historical methodologies necessary to their understanding. Focus will be on the
relationship of visual materials to their intellectual, social, and religious underpinnings,
with special emphasis on the artistic traditions and monuments of Bologna. Lectures,
discussion, and site visits provide the opportunity to understand artistic production in
its larger cultural context. In addition to regular class meetings for lecture and
discussion, required group excursions in and around Bologna will be scheduled
occasionally on Fridays or Saturdays.
Attributes: Arts
The following courses are offered in Toulouse Summer Session:
261 Architecture and the Figure
France Summer Session. Drawing from the architecture of southwestern France with
an emphasis on the figure and its role in establishing scale, movement and narrative.
Prerequisite: 122 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
262 Painting 'en plein air'
France Summer Session. A second-level painting course concentrating on the concepts
and practice of painting in the landscape. We will deal with the use of color, space, light
and interpretive problems of working on site.
Prerequisite: 122 and 227 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Art History Courses
101 An Introduction to the History of Art
This course is a critical survey of western art beginning with the Ancient Near East
(approximately 4000 B.C.) through the Gothic period in Europe (early 1300s).Emphasis
will be placed on the analysis of style, subject-matter, and function within an historical
context, and especially on the student's ability to develop skills in visual analysis.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 80
Developing appropriate vocabularies with which to discuss and analyze works of art
and imagery will also be stressed, along with learning to evaluate scholarly
interpretations of them.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), MEMS Elective
102 An Introduction to the History of Art
This course surveys art of the European renaissance through the contemporary period.
Art will be examined within the historical context in which it was produced, with
attention to contemporary social, political, religious, and intellectual movements.
Students will examine the meaning and function of art within the different historical
periods. In addition, students will learn to analyze and identify different artistic styles.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), MEMS Elective
108 Arts of East Asia
This course introduces students to a selection of objects and sites that elicit new
modes of cultural perception and insight into the artistic cultures of China, Korea,
and Japan. Loosely arranged in a chronological order, each week is devoted to in-
depth examination of a different type of object, medium, and format. The diverse
mediums (sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, lacquer, prints, painting, calligraphy,
photography, performance, and architecture) and the long historical span covered in
class will chart how culture traveled within East Asia, and later, globally, as well as each
culture’s distinctive methods of adaptation over time. Major themes include the
relationship between artistic production and sociopolitical and socioeconomic
development, cultural exchange, aesthetics, impact of religion, power and authority,
gender, and issues of modernity. Lectures are supplemented by viewing sessions in the
Trout Gallery.
This course is cross-listed as EASN 108.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, EASN Elective Set 1, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS),
Global Diversity
202 Reality, Idealism, Beauty, and Power: Topics in the Art & Architecture of Ancient
Greece and Rome
How can we understand the representation of reality, idealism, beauty, and power in
the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome through studying their art and architecture?
How can these issues in ancient art illuminate our understanding of the visual and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 81
structural expression of human experience? In this course, we will examine major
monuments in painting, sculpture, and architecture in both cultures from a variety of
interpretive perspectives through which they have been addressed in primary sources
and scholarly literature. Students will study and analyze textual, art-historical, and
archaeological “readings” of these monuments and compare the strengths and
weaknesses of the authors' arguments in terms of methodological approach and
evidence. In addition, the authors' cultural assumptions, interpretive premises, and
ideological goals (if any) will also be addressed in attempting to understand how these
works of art have acquired a particular meaning over time and what constitutes that
meaning. Students will also acquire competency in recognizing and analyzing diverse
stylistic initiatives and their aesthetic significance.
Offered every year.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 202.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Arts
204 American Art
This course begins with North American imagery prior to European contact and extends
through modernism in the mid-twentieth century. Within this chronological sweep, we
address a variety of issues relevant to the development of American art, including the
birth of consumer culture, the rise of nationalism, the impact of urbanization and the
effects of transnational exchange. We look at a range of media - especially painting,
sculpture, prints and photography - across genres such as portraiture, landscape and
still life. Students can expect to leave the course with a more complex understanding of
American identity and cultural politics, while also developing crucial skills in critical
reading, writing and visual analysis.
Prerequisite: 101 or 102, AMST majors, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Arts, US Diversity
205 Topics in Art History
An intermediate-level study of selected topics in the history of art and architecture.
Prerequisites: prerequisites as appropriate to topic.
Attributes: Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 82
206 Museum Studies
Introduces students to the history, role, nature, and administration of museums. It
examines the emergence and development of museums and the political, social, and
ethical issues that they face. Case studies include: government funding of the arts, the
lure and trap of the blockbuster, T-Rex "Sue", the Nazi Entartete Kunst exhibition, the
Enola Gay exhibition, war memorials, the Holocaust Museum, public sculpture,
conservation, museum architecture, auction houses, and the repatriation of cultural
property. This course is open to all students and is especially relevant to those studying
the fine arts, anthropology, archaeology, history, American studies, and public policy.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 206.
Attributes: Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
207 Criticism and Theory in the Arts
An introduction to critical strategies in and theoretical approaches to the visual arts
from Plato through Postmodernism. Particular emphasis is placed on close analysis and
discussion of texts. The course addresses issues of historiography, critical theory, and
contemporary art criticism.
Prerequisite: 101 or 102 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
209 The Japanese Woodblock Print
This course provides a thorough introduction to the woodblock print –Japan’s most
celebrated artistic mediumfrom its emergence in the mid-17th century to the
modern era. Technical developments, major genres, and master designers are explored
within the context of the print’s relationship to the urban culture of early modern and
modern Japan. Topics including censorship, theatricality, the representation of war,
nationalism, and Japonisme. Special emphasis is placed on an examination of habits of
pictorial representation and protocols of viewing unique to the Japanese print medium.
Lectures are supplemented by viewing sessions in the Trout Gallery.
This course is cross-listed as EASN 209.
Attributes: Arts, EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 83
212 Michelangelo-Man & Myth
In this course, we will explore the figure and art of Michelangelo from a historiographic
and critical perspective. Understanding his role as an artist and the effect of his art on
his contemporaries and subsequent generations of artists, critics, and scholars through
our own era will be a primary goal. Readings will be drawn from a variety of primary
and secondary sources, and will include writings by Michelangelo himself, critical and
theoretical commentaries, historical narratives, and art-historical interpretations.
Conflicts within the scholarly community about how we might understand and
reconstruct his life will also be addressed, as well as how the idea of the creative
process was constructed and enacted during the Renaissance in Italy.
Prerequisite: 101 or 102, or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Italian St Visual Art & Repres, MEMS Elective
213 Gothic Pilgrimage
This course considers the visual arts of the late Gothic era in the major European cities,
courts, and religious centers as seen through the eyes of a pilgrim c. 1400 en route
from Hereford to Rome (along the via Francigena), Rome to Jerusalem, and back to
Hereford (along the banking trade routes via Cologne). The sites selected trace well-
known routes that pilgrims followed to the Holy Land and the objects and monuments
they encountered: e.g. the city itself, principal sacred and civic structures, altarpieces,
reliquaries, and tombs of saints and rulers. Readings and discussions will examine
medieval notions of pilgrimage and its role in late medieval society, with a focus on the
rituals and objects associated with death, burial, afterlife, and commemoration. Each
object will be considered within the broader fabric of its surroundings, paying particular
attention to the rituals and physical context associated with the object and how it
would have been experienced by a pilgrim.
Attributes: Arts, MEMS Elective, Writing in the Discipline
215 Peasants, Prostitutes, and Panoramas: Seventeenth-Century Dutch and
Flemish Art
This course examines Seventeenth-Century Dutch and Flemish art with particular
emphasis on paintings, drawings, and prints. Artists including, Rubens, Rembrandt,
Vermeer, Haals, Cuyp, and van Goyen, among others will be studied within the cultural,
intellectual, and political contexts in which they worked and within which their art was
understood. Particular issues pertaining to religious conflict, environmental
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 84
transformations, and economic conditions (e.g., patronage and the rise of a capitalist
market) will also be studied as integral to the making and viewing of art during this
period. Readings will be drawn from diverse scholarly interpretations in the art-
historical literature as well as relevant primary sources. A trip to the National Gallery of
Art in Washington D.C. where students will deliver presentations on specific works of
art in the permanent collection, is also an important part of the course.
Attributes: Arts
216 Goddesses, Prostitutes, Wives, Saints, and Rulers: Women and European Art
1200-1680
How has the representation of women been constructed, idealized, vilified,
manipulated, sexualized, and gendered during what could be broadly called the
“Renaissance” in Europe? How have female artists, such as Sofanisba Anguissola (1532-
1625) or Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653), among others, represented themselves,
men, and other familiar subjects differently from their male counterparts? How have
female rulers, like Queen Elizabeth I of England, controlled their own political and
cultural self-fashioning through portraiture? What role do the lives and writings of
female mystics, like Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) or Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) play
in depictions of their physical and spiritual identity? How was beauty and sexuality
conceived through the imagery of mythological women, like Venus, or culturally
ambivalent women, like courtesans and prostitutes? What kind of art did wealthy,
aristocratic women or nuns pay for and use? Through studying primary texts, scholarly
literature, and relevant theoretical sources, we will address these and other issues in
art produced in Italy, France, Spain, Northern Europe, and England from 1200-1680.
The course will be grounded in an understanding of historical and cultural contexts, and
students will develop paper topics based on their own interests in consultation with the
professor. A screening of the documentary film, “A Woman Like That” (2009), on the
life of Artemisia Gentileschi and a trip to the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
will take place during the second half of the semester.
Offered every year.
Attributes: Arts, MEMS Elective, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent
217 Modern and Contemporary Architecture
This course examines the character and development of Modern and Contemporary
architecture, with emphasis on the following stylistic periods: Art Nouveau, Arts and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 85
Crafts, International Style, Post-Modernism, and Deconstruction. Major architects to be
studied include Wright, Gropius, Le Corbusier, Mies, Johnson, Venturi, Gehry, Koolhaas,
Gang, and Hadid. Students will also examine 20th and 21st-century urban planning.
Through discussions, lectures, and extensive readings primary and secondary sources,
students will become familiar with notable architectural styles of the 20th and early
21st centuries; understand the contemporary issues shaping the development of such
styles, including politics, social movements, religion, philosophy, and developments in
technology; gain the ability to discuss and write about architecture; and establish a
critical framework and approach for analyzing architectural history. A field trip to
Fallingwater in Western PA will also enhance their understanding of architectural
design, construction, and legacy.
Attributes: Arts
219 Gender and Sexuality in Modern American Art
Gender roles and sexual identity are central to the transformations that define what it
means to be “modern” in America between the late nineteenth- and mid-twentieth
centuries. Artists across a range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography
and printmaking, have engaged the ever-changing boundaries of male and female,
straight and gay. They have taken up these boundaries in profound and ordinary ways,
both in conscious and unintentional ways. Drawing upon recent scholarship in
American art, this course analyzes the shifts in the work of artists from the lesser-
known nineteenth-century gender-bending printmaker Ellen Day Hale to the visual
culture surrounding the notorious Oscar Wilde and, in the twentieth century, the sexual
politics of such famous artist couples as Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, Lee
Krasner and Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.
Prerequisites: 102 or WGSS 100 or AMST 201 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Arts, US Diversity, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent
252 Philosophy of Art
The discipline of aesthetics is primarily concerned with philosophical questions about
art and beauty. This course will examine classic and contemporary Western discussions
of such questions as, What is art? How can we determine what a work of art means?
Are beauty and other aesthetic qualities subjective or objective? How should the
quality of a work of art be assessed? Is there a general way to describe the creative
process? What are the driving forces in the unfolding of art history? We will encounter
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 86
such giants of the Western intellectual tradition as Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, and
Hegel, and also such contemporary figures as Arthur Danto, Richard Wollheim, and
Kendall Walton.
Prerequisites: one previous course in art history or philosophy, or permission of the
instructor. This course is cross-listed as PHIL 252.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, NRSC
Non-Div 3 Elective
300 Artists, Audience, Patrons: Art & Architecture of the Italian Renaissance
This course examines painting, sculpture, and architecture in Italy from 1250 to 1570.
The work of Giotto, Lorenzetti, Donatello, Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Botticelli,
Leonardo, Raphael, Titian, and Michelangelo, among others will be addressed. Students
will study the significance of style, subject-matter, function, patronage, and artistic
practice within historical and cultural contexts, and will also address Renaissance
interpretations and responses to works of art. Discussion of art-historical theory and
criticism as well as Renaissance theory and criticism based in primary texts will be an
intrinsic part of the course. Students will acquire the ability to analyze and interpret
works of art from the period within the framework outlined above, and will gain a
working knowledge of the most significant works and the meaning(s) they have
acquired over time. Analysis of primary and secondary sources will be a central focus of
the research project, and students will be expected to construct a clear and well-
supported interpretive argument over the course of the semester. The course includes
a field trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., which has the largest
collection of Italian Renaissance painting outside of Europe.
Prerequisite: 101 or 102 or permission of the instructor.
Offered every year.
Attributes: Italian St Visual Art & Repres, MEMS Elective, Writing in the Discipline
305 Topics on Modern Design in East Asia
Traditional Chinese and Japanese art and design served as an important source of
inspiration for European modernism. But what happened to art and design within China
and Japan during the modern period? Despite China’s traditional stronghold in modular
design and Japan’s current prestige in design culture, the two countries faced incredible
challenges during the late 19th and early 20th century as they struggled with their own
cultures’ pasts and the modern concept of art and design. This class offers a
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 87
multidisciplinary approach to the study of modern East Asian art and examines how the
concept of design emerged and developed in Japan and China in relation to both fine
arts and industry in a broad cross-cultural nexus. While design connected modern China
and Japan in ways unprecedented, the two cultures also adopted different design
strategies defined by their respective cultural and historical conditions. The class is
discussion based and is supplemented by a fieldtrip to Washington D.C.
Prerequisite: ARTH 108 or ARTH 209 or two art history or two non-language
EASN courses.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity, Writing in the Discipline
313 Modern Art
This course surveys key artistic movements and styles in a period of roughly one
hundred years, beginning with Realism in the 1840s France and ending with Abstract
Express-ionism in 1950s America. Much of the course focuses on painting, though
discussions of architecture, design, sculpture and photography also play an important
role. We begin with the question of what modernism is: When did it begin? What
makes a work of art "modern"? How is modernism different from what preceded it?
Students learn to recognize, understand and discuss the defining features of
modernism in its major manifestations, while also developing an understanding of
themes such as the role of African art in modernism, the changing dynamics between
the fine arts and popular culture, the role of technology as an influence on art, and the
place of particular critics, galleries, and museums in shaping the discourses of
modernism. Individual research projects give students the chance to explore a specific
artist, style or theme in depth, while a field trip to National Gallery of Art and the
Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C. provide an opportunity to see significant works
of modern art firsthand. Assigned reading incorporate both secondary sources as well
as artist's manifestos and aesthetic philosophies as primary source text.
Prerequisite: 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, INST European Course
314 Contemporary Art
A survey of major artists and movements from post-World War II to the present,
beginning with Pop art through Postmodernism and global art today. The course will
also incorporate key critical and theoretical writings from the period for discussion.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 88
Prerequisite: 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Arts, Writing in the Discipline
375 Beauty
Perhaps no term is as variously interpreted or as hard to define as "beauty." At one
time, beauty was treated as among the ultimate values, along with goodness, truth,
and justice. But in the last century or so it has been devalued, equated with prettiness
or meaningless ornamentation. It has been quite out of fashion in art since the late
nineteenth century. But one cannot understand much of the art of the Western
tradition without understanding it as the attempt to make beautiful things, and without
understanding what that goal meant in the cultures in which it had currency. And of
course, even now most people would not want to be without dimensions of beauty in
their lives. We will look both at classic and contemporary attempts to answer such
questions, and try to heighten our own appreciation for the beauty in the arts and in
the world.
Prerequisites: one previous course in art history or philosophy, or permission of the
instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 275.
Attributes: Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
391 Studies in Art History
Studies in selected topics of the history of art and architecture. The content of each
course will be altered periodically.
Prerequisite: 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective
407 Art History Senior Seminar
An intensive seminar wherein students conduct original research on selected works of
art as part of curating a formal, public exhibition in The Trout Gallery. Research is
directed towards interpretive essays that go through multiple writing revisions,
resulting in a published exhibition catalogue edited by the seminar faculty member and
Trout Gallery Staff, and designed by Dickinson College Design Services Staff. Students
work collaboratively as curators and contributors to the catalogue, and undertake a
professional-level experience, most often reserved for graduate study or museum
professionals. All of the senior majors' art historical knowledge and critical skills will be
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 89
put to use in the Senior Seminar with the goal of further refining their ability to conduct
advanced research and formal, polished writing.
Prerequisite: Senior Art History majors only.
Studio Art Courses
122 Fundamentals of Composition and Drawing
Working from observation and using a variety of media, this basic studio drawing
course will explore issues common to both representational and non-representational
art. This course serves as the foundation to upper-level two-dimensional offerings.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
123 Fundamentals of Sculpture
A studio course covering basic elements of three-dimensional composition and
sculpture. Students will construct sculptures examining a range of media and
fabrication techniques.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
130 Art and Sustainability
This course promotes themes of sustainability and social engagement as the catalyst for
artmaking. Primarily investigated through the design and construction of sculptures,
installation art or other creative acts, students will explore creative practices
exemplified by land art, social practice art, collaborative art, and social sculpture,
among others.
Attributes: Arts, ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Sustainability Connections
160 Special Topics in Studio
Selected techniques and concepts in studio, taught at the introductory level. The
content of each course will be altered periodically.
Attributes: Arts
221 Introduction to Photography
An entry-level course in black-and-white photography emphasizing theory, history, and
practice. Students learn how to create images, use cameras, develop film and make
prints using conventional darkroom processes. Students will also be introduced to
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 90
Photoshop as well as the basics of scanning and digital printing.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
222 Drawing
A studio course to explore further, those issues covered in 122, but focusing on the
creation of light and space. Landscape, architecture, still-life and the model will serve as
subject matter. A large variety of media will be used, including pastel, monotype, ink,
acrylic paint and charcoal.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
223 Digital Studio 1: Image Manipulation and Experimental Processes
This course will focus on 2-dimensional studio processes in the digital environment. It
will also explore how digital processes can be used in conjunction with traditional
processes like drawing, painting, and printmaking. The initial goal of this class will be to
gain a thorough understanding of Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation. As the
semester progresses, the class will explore uses of digital technology in contemporary
art practice, including experimental processes.
*Please note: this is not a photography course, some photo related processes will be
part of the class, but those students looking for a more traditional approach to
photography should consider the 221 Intro to Photography class.
Prerequisite: 122, 221, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
224 Wheelwork Ceramics
A studio course exploring expressive possibilities offered by the potters wheel. Students
will examine both utilitarian and sculptural aspects of the medium. A variety of clays,
glazes and firing approaches will be examined.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
226 Ceramic Sculpture
This introductory course examines the principal attributes of sculpture with a focus on
clay as the primary fabrication material. Students will examine a range of firing, glazing,
and construction techniques.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 91
Satisfies 3D requirement for the studio art major.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
227 Fundamentals of Painting
A basic studio course exploring the techniques, practices and history of painting and
theories of color. Working from observation, subject matter will range from still-life and
landscape to architecture and the figure.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
228 Printmaking Survey
A studio course in which students will gain a working knowledge in each of the three
major areas of printmaking: intaglio, lithography, and relief-printing.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
230 Life Drawing
The course will be devoted to working from the human form during which the students
will be expected to develop a sense of two-dimensional line and three-dimensional
illusionistic form through the use of such graphic media as pen and ink, pencil, charcoal,
Conté crayon, etc.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
235 Post Studio Projects
The course provides an introduction to a variety of art making processes and
philosophies outside a traditional studio context. Projects focus on individual and
collaborative experiences that are not media specific; students create site-specific
interventions, text-based installations, and performances, among other explorations, to
consider critical and conceptual approaches to art.
Prerequisite: One studio course or permission of instructor.
260 Special Topics in Studio Art
Selected techniques and concepts in studio, taught at the introductory to intermediate
level. The content of each course will be altered periodically.
Prerequisites: depending on topic or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 92
320 Advanced Photography & Imaging
An advanced course enabling students to explore advanced photo-based techniques,
experimental problems, and aspects of contemporary and historical practice in
photographic-based image making.
Prerequisite: 221, or permission of the instructor.
321 Advanced Drawing
A studio course to explore further, those issues covered in 122, but focusing on the
creation of light and space. Landscape, architecture, still-life and the model will serve as
subject matter. A large variety of media will be used, including pastel, monotype, ink,
acrylic paint and charcoal.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
322 Digital Studio 2: Time-Based Process
This course will allow students to explore time-based approaches to making art with a
focus on the moving image and sound. Topics will include short film, animation,
experimental film, and installation art. This course will be beneficial to students
working at an advanced level and are interested in the possibilities time-based
mediums can bring to their process. The work of artists and media specific art trends,
from the 20th century to the present, will provide a working model for the course.
Process and making will be the main focus, and students will be encouraged to consider
the relationship between digital processes and traditional mediums such as drawing
and sculpture. Students will gain a thorough understanding of editing in Apple’s Final
Cut Pro.
Prerequisites: ARTH 122 and one studio course at the 200-level or higher, or permission
of instructor.
323 Advanced Sculpture
Various sculpture media and studio processes will be explored including welding,
casting, mold making, installation art, and expanded media as appropriate. An
emphasis will be placed on technical and conceptual development to realize individual
creative expressions.
Prerequisite: 123.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 93
325 Advanced Ceramics
This advanced level ceramics course focuses on individual project development with
processes utilizing the wheel and hand-building. Substantial glaze testing will build class
color palettes in a range of firing temperatures and atmospheres. This course will allow
for focused discussion and critiques on using clay as an expressive medium. This course
will include discussion on topics such as: the use of ceramics in contemporary and
historical artworks, participatory art, ephemeral art, and installation art.
Prerequisite: ARTH 224, 226 or permission of instructor.
326 Intaglio Printmaking
An in-depth exploration of etching, engraving, aquatint and other techniques of
drawing on, and printing from metal plates. Photo-etching and working in color will also
be covered.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
327 Advanced Painting
A second-level studio painting course concentrating on the figure, and covering
advanced techniques, alternative materials, and aspects of contemporary and historical
practice.
Prerequisite: 227.
330 Advanced Life Drawing
Advanced problems and issues in drawing the human form.
Prerequisite: 230 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
335 Lithography
A studio course exploring the art, techniques, and history of drawing and printing from
the stone. Metal plate, color, and photo-lithography will also be explored.
Prerequisite: 122 or permission of the instructor.
360 Special Advanced Topics in Studio Art
Selected advanced studio techniques and concepts. The content of each course will be
altered periodically.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 94
Prerequisites: two studio art courses at the 100- or 200-level, or permission of
the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
410 Senior Studio Seminar, Part 1
The first in a two-course sequence required for senior studio art majors. Critiques of
students' work will include examination of timely topics in the visual arts and the
relationship of the artist to society. Critiques, selected critical readings, museum visits
and visiting artists will provide the basis for discussion.
Prerequisite: Majors only or permission of instructor. Co-requisite: One studio course.
411 Senior Studio, Part 2
Second half of the required, yearlong capstone for senior studio art majors. This course
will continue with the critique-based model of independent studio practice as
established in the first semester. The main focus of this course will be completing a fully
developed body of thesis work for exhibition in the Trout Gallery, and the production of
a supporting catalog.
Prerequisite: 410
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 95
Astronomy
See Physics and Astronomy
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 96
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
MAJOR
Biology: 131 and 132, 216, and one of the following: 416, 417, 418, 419, 425 or 433
Chemistry: 131, 132, 241, and 242 (OR 141, 241, 242); Elective: 490 (depending upon
topic) Biology/Chemistry: 342,343; Elective: Biology 313, 326 or Chemistry 244
Mathematics: 170; a second course in Mathematics (except 151); a Special Topics
course (MATH 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402) requires the approval of the BCMB
Program.
Physics: 131 or 141, 132 or 142
All Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors are required to include a research
experience as part of their undergraduate program. This requirement may be satisfied
in the following ways:
1) an independent research project in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
2) a student/faculty collaborative research project in Biochemistry & Molecular
Biology
3) on off-campus internship for credit in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
4) a research experience not covered by the above but deemed equivalent by the
contributing faculty
In addition to the required course work, a number of other relevant courses are taught
by the Biology and Chemistry departments, and it is recommended that students
explore these offerings in order to broaden their expertise and investigate specific
topics appropriate to their own interests.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
There are several approaches for completion of the major; the flexibility is provided to
enable students to study abroad. That being said, it is very important to start Chemistry
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 97
during the first semester (based on placement scores in Chemistry and in Math). In
addition to CHEM 131 or 141, interested students should take either a Math class or a
Biology 130-level course.
If starting Chemistry during the first semester of college is not recommended (based on
Math placement), then interested students should take MATH 151 during the first year
(first semester if possible, so MATH 170 could be taken in Spring of the first year).
Students also should complete the BIOL 130-level coursework during the first year (one
BIOL class in each semester).
Therefore, during the first year, students are encouraged to complete four
science/math courses towards the major; as noted above, initiating Chemistry during
the Fall semester of the first year is the best approach (depending on the Math and
Chemistry placement test results).
For more details in terms of planning the academic program after the first semester, it
is helpful to get advice from BCMB faculty following arrival to Campus.
Note that the Research requirement for BCMB can be fulfilled on-campus during a
semester (BCMB 560 - Student-Faculty Research), on-campus during a summer, or off-
campus (typically during a summer, but some students have performed research when
studying abroad at the University of East Anglia or the University of Queensland).
Option 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
FYS
Distribution
Math 170
2nd course in Math
Chem 131
Chem 132
Chem 241
Chem 242
Bio 130 level
Bio 130 level
Bio 216
Distribution
Foreign language
Foreign language
Foreign Language
Distribution
Option 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
FYS
Distribution
2nd course in Math
Distribution
Chem 141
Math 170
Chem 241
Chem 242
Bio 130 level
Bio 130 level
Bio 216
Bio 313
Foreign language
Foreign language
Foreign language
Distribution
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 98
Option 3
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
FYS
Bio 130 level
Bio 130 level
Bio 216
Chem 131
Chem 132
Chem 241
Chem 242
Math 151
Math 170
2nd course in Math
Distribution
Foreign language
Foreign language
Foreign language
Distribution
HONORS
The BCMB faculty will award honors to a BCMB major based on the entirety of the
candidate’s BCMB program. This includes grades in all courses required for the major
(and related additional courses in Biology and/or Chemistry) and successful completion
of a two semester (or summer and one semester) research experience. A minimum GPA
of 3.20 is required in courses counting towards the BCMB major, including transfer (and
study abroad) courses that receive BCMB credit. The Honors research project should
be distinguished by the originality and definition of the research problem, the
sophistication of the experimental design and its execution, and the analysis and
presentation (written and oral) of the results. Generally, Honors reports should be of
publishable or near-publishable quality. The Honors Committee will consider all these
factors in its recommendation to the Program faculty, and the Program faculty should
be cognizant of all these factors when voting on Honors.
For specific guidelines and procedures see the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Department web site.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 99
Biology
MAJOR
The biology major is designed to introduce students to concepts, knowledge, and
experimental approaches that span the breadth of the field.
Nine biology courses are required:
Biology 131 and 132
Seven courses beyond 131 and 132
One course at the 200-level (with or without lab)
Two courses from each the following two categories (4 total). At least one in each
category must have a lab.
Courses that focus on the advanced study of molecules, genes, and/or cells:
BIOL 213, 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327, 335, 343, 417, 418, 419, 425, 427, 433
Courses that focus on the advanced study of organisms, populations, and/or
ecosystems: BIOL 215, 221, 224, 314, 325, 322, 323, 325, 332, 333, 334, 416
Two additional lab courses at the 200, 300, or 400 level. Students may use a 500-level
credit-earning research experience as one of these lab courses.
Please note the following:
1) Students may include only two 200-level courses toward the major.
2) At least four of the seven courses must be 200-level or above laboratory courses
(exclusive of the research experience) taken in residence at Dickinson in Carlisle.
3) Students may include only one 550 or 560 course toward the major.
CHEM 241 and 242
Two semesters of mathematical sciences (Calculus and/or Statistics), and two
semesters of physics, are strongly recommended for students intending graduate study
toward an advanced degree in biology or the health professions. Students should
consult with their faculty advisors about taking additional courses in other sciences that
might be important to their career plans.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 100
Research Experience. All biology majors must include a research experience as part of
their undergraduate program. During this research experience, students are expected
to actively participate in research design, execution, and data analysis, to contribute
new information in the field of Biology, and to demonstrate independence with respect
to the project. Biology majors are required the present the results of the research
experience in an on-campus symposium or at a regional or national conference.
This research requirement may be satisfied by the successful completion of one of the
following options. The student’s faculty advisor should be consulted prior to
undertaking a project to determine whether or not the completed experience satisfies
this major requirement.
1) an independent research project (550) or a student/faculty collaborative
research project (560) for biology credit
2) an on-campus or off-campus research experience during the summer. Students
are encouraged to complete the transcript notation (REXP) via the Center for
Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Development.
3) 412 - Seminar;
4) a research experience not covered by the above but deemed equivalent by the
faculty advisor
MINOR
Six (6) courses
BIOL 131 and 132
Four courses at the upper level (200, 300, 400-level)
1) Only one course may be at the 200-level
2) Two of upper level courses must have labs
3) One upper level course in each of two categories:
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 101
Courses that focus on the advanced study of molecules, genes, and/or cells:
BIOL 213, 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327, 335, 343, 417, 418, 419, 425, 427, 433
Courses that focus on the advanced study of organisms, populations, and/or
ecosystems: BIOL 215, 221, 224, 314, 322, 323, 325, 332, 333, 334, 416
CHEM 131 and 132 (or 141)
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Biology major is designed so that students explore the breadth of Biology offered
by the department and choose courses that focus on his/her specific interests within
this discipline, and to provide flexibility for those students who study abroad.
First year:
Chemistry 131 and 132, or 141; Biology 131 or 132
Sophomore:
Chemistry 241 and 242, Biology 132 or 131
One or two Biology 200-level courses
Junior:
Study abroad!
Three Biology 300-level courses
Senior:
Research experience.
Two or more Biology 300 and/or 400 level courses.
Other courses not required for the biology major but that you might consider,
depending on your interests: two semesters of mathematical sciences (Calculus and/or
Statistics) and two semesters of Physics are strongly recommended for students
intending graduate study toward an advanced degree in Biology or the health
professions.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 102
NOTE: For students who entered the college before FA17, information about the old
curriculum can be found at
http://www.dickinson.edu/download/downloads/id/6238/bulletin_16-17.pdf
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
All biology majors must include a research experience as part of their undergraduate
program. All biology majors will be required to present the results of their research
experience in on campus symposia or at regional or national conferences. This
requirement may be satisfied by the successful completion of any one of the following:
1) an independent research project OR a student/faculty collaborative research
project for biology credit;
2) an off-campus internship with significant research component;
3) 412 - Seminar;
4) a research experience not covered by the above but deemed equivalent.
Proposals should be submitted to the student's faculty advisor who will
determine whether or not the completed experience satisfies the research
requirement.
HONORS
The biology faculty will award Honors to a biology major based on the candidate's
entire undergraduate biology program. This includes all courses required for the major,
the student's grades and the successful completion of a two semester (or summer and
semester) research project. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in all courses that count
toward the major, including CHEM 131, 132 (or 141), 241, and 242 (or their equivalent)
and transfer courses that receive biology credit. The student’s GPA determination
for Honors will be calculated using the first 7 semesters of grades in the biology major.
The Honors research project should be distinguished by the originality and definition
of the research problem, the sophistication of the experimental design and its
execution, and the analysis and presentation of the results. The Honors thesis
represents the culmination of the process and typically should be of publishable or
near publishable quality.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 103
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Field Biology Courses at the School for Field Studies. Dickinson is an affiliate of the
School for Field Studies (SFS), which offers courses and on-site fieldwork in ecology,
behavior, and conservation biology. Students can spend a semester at one of five
permanent campus centers to study coastal ecology (British Columbia), wetlands
ecology (Mexico), rainforest ecology (Australia), wildlife management (Kenya), or
marine ecology (Turks and Caicos Is., Bahamas). A typical semester program would
receive two biology and two general Dickinson credits. SFS also has summer courses.
The SFS programs afford a unique opportunity for intensive study and active biological
research in diverse environments.
Marine and Ecosystem Studies. Dickinson is an affiliate of the Semester in
Environmental Science at the Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole, MA) and of
the Duke University Marine Laboratory. These programs offer specialized, full-semester
options with field and lab courses for biology students.
The Dickinson Science Program in England. Biology students have the opportunity to
study for a semester or a year in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of
East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, England. This Dickinson program is overseen by an on-site
Dickinson faculty member who advises students and teaches courses. UEA has an
excellent biology program which was recently awarded the highest rating possible for
teaching and research by the British government.
The Dickinson Science Program in Australia. Biology students have the opportunity to
study for one semester at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, Australia. The
University of Queensland offers a variety of outstanding science programs ranging from
premedical studies to marine education. Examples of programs in which Dickinson
students have participated include ecology of the Great Barrier Reef, human anatomy,
and tropical rainforest ecology. UQ was recently selected as "Australia's University of
the Year."
The Dickinson Program in New Zealand. Biology students have the opportunity to
study for one semester at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. The
University of Otago offers a diverse curriculum across the spectrum of biology,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 104
including courses in zoology, anatomy, botany, ecology, genetics, microbiology, and
molecular and cellular biology.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Research experiences for students
The department recognizes the great value of students being engaged in the process of
scientific discovery, and so we require that all majors have an approved research
experience as part of their undergraduate program, and that students present the
results of their research experience during a campus symposium or regional or national
conference. Students may fulfill the research experience during the summer on or off
campus, or during the academic year. Students who complete their research
experience during the academic year may do so for course credit, usually by enrolling in
Biology 550, Independent Research or Biology 560, Student-Faculty Collaborative
Research. Students who perform research during the summer are encouraged to
complete the Research Experience Notation (REXP). Upon successful completion of a
research experience and corresponding departmental component (overseen by the
department chair and supported/processed by the Center for Advising, Internships &
Lifelong Career Development), documentation is placed on the official transcript
through the REXP 7xx course number.
Active learning
Active learning in the sciences at Dickinson has a long tradition and the Biology
Department has been a consistent participant in this effort. The lab-based courses
taught in the department are, by their very nature, excellent examples of active
learning in that students engage in lab and field activities that often mirror research
experiences and help illustrate key concepts in the course. Students in our labs might
find themselves catching turtles and alligators in a swamp in southern Georgia, USA, on
the top of a high peak in Smoky Mountain National Park or extracting and analyzing
DNA from a cell that just became cancerous. Faculty also apply numerous active
learning approaches in the lecture/discussion portions of their courses. These often
include guided discussion of the scientific literature, group-based problem solving,
consideration of case studies, and the extensive integration of technology. Examples of
the latter include virtual lab exercises, analysis of 3D representations of nucleic acid
and protein structure, utilization of large scale genomic and proteomic sequence-based
data sets, and incorporation of web-based data analysis.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 105
Interdisciplinarity
Our faculty is committed to a sustained effort to erode the artificial boundaries that
have tended to separate the disciplines that constitute the natural sciences and
mathematics. We are also well aware that a multidisciplinary approach is a key way to
solve complex research problems. We work to instill in students the multidisciplinary
knowledge and tools they will require to operate productively in today’s research
environment. In the most basic sense our program is interdisciplinary because students
are required to take chemistry courses to complete the major. However, the level of
interdisciplinary that exists in the program is far more extensive given that teaching and
research in Biology incorporates areas such as biochemistry and molecular biology,
neuroscience, environmental science, ecology, mathematics, computer science,
physics, health studies and climate science.
Global campus
Biology majors study off campus without delaying progress towards graduation. The
Biology faculty have helped initiate, shape and lead the Dickinson overseas science
programs at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK and at the University of Otago
in New Zealand and our majors are active participants in both of these partner
programs. Department faculty have served as the on-site faculty director of the
Dickinson UEA science program and have collaborated with UEA faculty in teaching and
research efforts. The international dimension of our program is not limited to these
excellent study abroad opportunities but also extends into faculty teaching and
research programs, including the incorporation of international dimensions into
coursework as well as collaboration with international investigators in terms of
research. In addition, we have two formal institutional affiliations with off-campus
programs that serve our biology majors: the School for Field Studies and the Semester
in Environmental Science at the Marine Biological Laboratory.
Sustainability
Dickinson has been one of the leading colleges in the country in the area of
Sustainability, and the Biology faculty are strongly committed to the support of this
effort. The college has a proud tradition in this area given that the famous 19th century
naturalist and one of the first true conservation biologists, Spencer Fullerton Baird, was
a Dickinson graduate and faculty member. Many of our faculty have incorporated
aspects of sustainability into their teaching and research and have utilized Dickinson’s
certified organic farm and Reineman Wildlife Sanctuary as natural laboratories. Recent
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 106
student/faculty research projects have studied carbon metabolism in hybrid poplar
trees grown for biofuel production, examined the impacts of deer grazing on forest
plant biodiversity, analyzed the distribution of globally endangered plant species,
examined the effectiveness of sustainable agriculture practices, experimented with
aspects of integrated pest management strategies, and studied the impacts of climate
change related ocean acidification on the chemical defenses of marine plants and the
process of embryogenesis in echinoderm planktonic larvae. In addition, many faculty
have been participants in climate change-related teaching and computer modeling
workshops and in research projects funded by Dickinson’s Center for Sustainability
Education and its Cool the Climate grant from NASA.
COURSES
131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems Topics
This introductory course spans levels of biological organization from basic multicellular
microanatomy to organismal physiology and ecology, as understood through the lens of
evolution. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the
instructor, and will include evolutionary principles of variation, selection, competition
and cooperation, and how their operation at different levels of organization accounts
for form and function of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. We will investigate
homeostasis, reproduction and development as physiological processes that take place
within organisms, and as ecological processes that interact with the environment and
generate diversity of form over evolutionary time. Finally, we will take stock of the
existing forms and levels of biological organization and ask how their relationships
establish the biosphere in which we live.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before entering the upper level.
It is complementary to BIOL 132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells, and the
courses may be taken in either order.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning,
Sustainability Investigations
132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells Topics
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and
cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms,
Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 107
determined by the instructor and will include biomolecule and cell structure and
function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA
replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion,
and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and
modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or
eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying
current techniques to biological experiments.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level
coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations,
and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
Attributes: Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning
201 Foundational Topics in Biology w/lab
This foundational course provides students an opportunity to explore a discipline in
biology in depth. Subject areas will vary and will be based upon instructor’s interests
and expertise. Topic, course structure, credit and instructor will be announced by
preregistration.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisite: 131 and 132.
213 Cell and Tissue Biology w/Lab
An introduction to the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and how they interact
to behave as tissues. The course will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell
processes and involve lectures, discussions and readings from the current literature.
The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying state of the art techniques
to cell biological and tissue-level experiments.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 131 and 132. Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
215 Evolution w/Lab
A study of the mechanics of evolutionary change and its role within populations. Topics
typically covered include macroevolution vs microevolution, natural selection,
adaptation, neutral theory, population genetics, speciation, extinction, and sex and
sexuality. Interactive lectures, readings from the primary literature, laboratory and field
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 108
investigations, and simulation exercises will be used to actively explore the principles of
evolutionary change and its consequences.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 131 and 132; for Neuroscience majors only, 132 and PSYC 125.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning
216 Genetics w/Lab
A study of Mendelian genetics, linkage, and mutation. An introduction to basic DNA
structure and function including replication, transcription, and translation. Laboratory
exercises involve both classic and molecular approaches to genetic analysis utilizing
prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: 131 & 132.
For Neuroscience majors only, prerequisite is 132 and PSYC 125.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), NRSC Science Elective
221 Animal Diversity w/Lab
An exploration of the enormous diversity of animal life. We will study developmental
processes and evolutionary patterns as a coherent approach to comprehending the
organizational principles of disparate animal body plans. Students will be introduced to
the morphological and physiological adaptations of the major phyla that fit them to
their ecological roles in marine, aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 131 and 132; For Neuroscience majors only, 132 and PSYC 125.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Sustainability Connections
224 Plant Geography & Ecology w/Lab
Analysis of factors determining the distribution and abundance of plant species,
including study of plant migration patterns today and in the distant past. Lecture
includes examples and readings from classic and recent research. Field, laboratory, and
greenhouse studies focus on plant demography, plant-animal interactions, plant
community structure, competition, soil and water relations, and other topics.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: 131 and 132 OR ENST 161 and 162.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 109
301 Advanced Topics in Biology
This advanced course allows students to build depth in an area of biology. The topic,
course, structure, credit and instructor will be announced by preregistration.
Three or six hours a week, dependent upon topic and instructor.
Prerequisites: One 200-level biology course.
313 Cell Biology w/Lab
An introduction to the structure and function of cells, with emphasis on the molecular
mechanisms of cellular processes. The course will involve discussion-oriented lectures
and readings from the current literature. The laboratory will stress the discovery
approach in applying state of the art techniques to cell biological experiments.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors only, prerequisite is
132 and PSYC 125 and NRSC 200. Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), NRSC Science
Elective
314 Ecology w/Lab
Study of the interactions of organisms with each other, and with their environment, at
the level of the individual, the population, the community, and the ecosystem.
Lectures and readings consider both the theory of ecology and data from empirical
research in the classic and current literature. Laboratory and field studies explore how
ecologists perform quantitative tests of hypotheses about complex systems in nature.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. For ENST/ENSC majors only, prerequisite is
ENST 162. For Neuroscience majors only, prerequiste is NRSC 200.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), NRSC Science Elective, SINE Elective, Sustainability
Connections
316 Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics w/Lab
The genome contains all the information required for the construction and operation of
an organism. Selective utilization of the genome determines the transcriptome, which
directs the creation of a proteome that is cell-type and condition specific.
Today, molecular biologists are able to study whole genomes, transcriptomes, and
proteomes allowing for an integrative analysis of living systems. This course will explore
these genomic and proteomic techniques and their many applications. Central to these
molecular methods are computational tools that facilitate the analysis of the large data
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 110
sets generated. A variety of bioinformatics approaches will be explored through
implementation of student designed, hypothesis-driven, research projects employing
existing datasets.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: 216 or permission of instructor.
318 Animal Development w/Lab
This course offers an introduction to the development of multicellular animals. The
study of development addresses the following question: how does a single cellthe
fertilized egggive rise to a complex organism, containing many cells of many types?
Three essential processes must occur for development to proceed: an increase in cell
number through division; an increase in types of cells through differentiation; and the
arrangement of cells into organs, tissues, appendages and other complex structures. In
this course, we will examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these
processes, with a focus on the current understanding of, and approaches used to
investigate, the genetic basis of development of model organisms.
Six classroom hours a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level biology course. For Neuroscience majors only, the
prerequisite is NRSC 200.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), NRSC Science Elective
322 Plant Systematics w/Lab
A systematic survey of the plant kingdom through the collection and study of living
plants. Frequent field trips are conducted as weather permits. An herbarium of named
plants is prepared. Emphasis will be placed on the diverse features of plants which
permit effective study of fundamental biological problems.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. For ENST/ENSC majors only, prerequisite is
ENST 162.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP)
323 Algae, Fungi & Lichens W/Lab
Study of the systematics, morphology, ecology, evolution, physiology and development
of algae, fungi, and lichens. Lecture and discussion include examples and readings from
classic and recent research. Laboratories include field surveys and collections, follow-up
laboratory identifications, and experimental investigations including directed individual
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 111
or small-group research projects.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. Offered every other year.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
325 Plant Physiology w/Lab
A study of plant structure and function, with emphasis on the flowering plants. Includes
plant cells and organelles, mineral nutrition, translocation processes, and hormonal
regulation of growth, development, and reproduction. Biochemical and environmental
aspects of photosynthesis are emphasized.
Six hours classroom/laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. For ENST/ENSC majors only, prerequisite is
ENST 162.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Food Studies Elective, Writing in the Discipline
326 Microbiology w/Lab
Molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry (structure and function) of bacteria,
archaea, and viruses. Includes an introduction to the immune system and mechanisms
of medical control of microbes. Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis
are addressed via readings from the recent primary literature. Laboratory exercises
include the isolation and characterization of unknown bacteria using traditional and
molecular methods, and modern genomic approaches to characterizing host response
to infection.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC
200.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Health Studies Elective, NRSC Science Elective
327 Developmental Neurobiology w/Lab
This course explores the development of the nervous system, from the early patterning
of the neural plate, through the differentiation of embryonic cells into diverse neuronal
subtypes, and culminating with the integration of multiple neuronal subtypes into the
complex wiring circuits that underlie our sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. We will
study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural specification, the
formation of neuronal connections, neural patterning by programmed cell death, and
experience-dependent modulation of neural circuits. We also will examine the ways
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 112
that neural development can go awry. In the laboratory we will explore topics such as
neural induction, cell lineage and fate determination, neuronal migration, axon
guidance, activity-dependent development and critical periods, and the development
of behavior. The focus of the course will be on the development of the mammalian
nervous system, but the contributions of simpler animal models to our understanding
of the human brain will be a secondary emphasis.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC
200.
Attributes: Biology Zoology Requirement, NRSC Science Elective
330 Neurobiology w/Lab
This course takes a cellular approach to the structure and function of nervous systems.
Integrated laboratory and classroom study focus on the physical and chemical
properties of neurons that make them different from other cells, and the relationships
between neurons that allow nervous systems to interpret the environment and to
generate behavior. Extracellular and intracellular electrical recording methods are used
extensively, and are supplemented by histochemical and anatomical techniques such as
immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is
NRSC 200.
Attributes: NRSC Science Elective
331 Principles of Biochemistry
This course will explore the structure and function of fundamental organic
biomolecules of life, including nucleotides, peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids; their
biosynthesis and interactions in an aqueous solution; and enzyme kinetics and catalysis.
Special attention will be dedicated to how dysregulation of these systems manifests
itself in human disease. Students may not receive credit for both CHEM 331 and CHEM
342. This course does not have an associated lab.
Prerequisite: CHEM 242. This course is cross-listed as CHEM 331.
Attributes: NRSC Science Elective
332 Natural History of Vertebrates w/Lab
An exploration into the lifestyles of vertebrates heavily focused on field biology. Natural
history is strongly dependent on descriptive anatomy and systematics and therefore
this course will cover the evolutionary relationships among vertebrates highlighting
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 113
unique features that facilitated the success of the major groups. In field labs, students
will develop observational skills such as how to identify a bird by its song, a frog by its
call, a mammal by the color of its pelage, and a snake by its shed skin. Indoor labs will
focus on identifying species from preserved specimens as well as providing students
with the skills necessary to preserve vertebrates for future study. Preservation methods
could include preparing museum-quality mammal and bird skins, formalin fixation of
fish, and skeletal preparations.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: one 200- level biology course or ERSC 307. Offered every two years.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Sustainability Connections
333 Physiology w/Lab
A study of physiological mechanisms in the animal kingdom, stressing the structural and
functional bases of biological activities. Emphasis is on vertebrate organs and organ
systems. Laboratory includes experimental physiological studies of selected organisms.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC
200.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Health Studies Elective, NRSC Science Elective
334 Vertebrate Biology w/Lab
An integrated lecture and laboratory study of the anatomy, embryology, physiology,
and evolution of vertebrates. Representative live and dissection specimens are studied
from the perspective of structure and function.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is
NRSC 200.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), NRSC Science Elective
335 Microanatomy
An integrated lecture and laboratory course focused on the functional
microanatomy/histology of mammals. This course will examine the microscopic
anatomy of cells, tissues, organ, and organ systems and the crucial relationship
between form and function. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 114
process of microscopic examination and cover methods of contemporary histologic
technique.
Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is
NRSC 200.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, NRSC Science Elective
342 Structure and Function of Biomolecules w/Lab
This course is an introductory biochemistry course focused on the chemistry of the
major molecules that compose living matter. The structure and function of the
major classes of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates)
are addressed along with other topics including bioenergetics, enzyme catalysis,
and information transfer at the molecular level. The laboratory portion of the
course focuses on methods used to study the properties and behavior of biological
molecules and their functions in the cell.
Three hours lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 242; an introductory biology course is highly recommended.
This course is cross-listed as CHEM 342.
Attributes: NRSC Science Elective
343 Metabolism
A survey of the metabolic processes in animals and plants, including signal
transduction, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as the
biosynthesis of the major types of biomolecules. For each metabolic pathway, we will
examine the regulation of enzymes and related genes, their energetic requirements,
and the function of pathway end products. Both the normal functioning of metabolic
pathways and common metabolic malfunctions, e.g., human inborn errors of
metabolism, will be considered. Selected readings from the primary literature and the
popular press are required. Students will complete detailed case studies focusing on
human metabolism and metabolic disorders.
Three hours classroom a week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 242. This course is cross-listed as CHEM 343.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Food Studies Elective
380 Immunology
An in-depth study of the field of immunobiology with an emphasis on the mammalian
immune system. Topics include the innate and adaptive immune responses,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 115
immunochemistry, immunogenetics, and immunopathology. Emphasis in the class and
the laboratory will be on the process and analysis of experimental investigation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 213 or 216.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
401 Special Topics
An in-depth study of specialized subject areas of biology. Some recent topics included
Experimental Virology, Ornithology, and Histology. Topic, course structure, credit, and
instructor will be announced by preregistration.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Offered occasionally.
412 Seminar
Through detailed study of the primary biological literature, students acquire an
understanding of the methodology and philosophy of scientific research. Includes study
of the formulation of hypotheses, the design of experiments or observations to test
these hypotheses, and the interpretation of results. This course will normally require a
major research-based presentation and/or paper and may also involve the conduct of
research by students. This course satisfies the requirement for a research experience
for the biology major.
Prerequisites: two Biology courses numbered between 120 and 129, and one upper-
level biology course.
Attributes: Biology Research
416 Population Genetics w/Lab
This is a course on advanced genetics in the genomics age. Whole genome sequences
are accumulating at an increasingly rapid pace. Our current challenge is to uncover
meaning in the hundreds of billions of base pairs that are now available. The fields of
study that strive to make sense of all this variation are population and quantitative
genetics. In this course, we will survey topics in population genetics, the study of
frequencies of alleles in populations, and quantitative genetics, the study of
continuously varying traits, with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of the
connection between genotypes and phenotypes. This course will integrate lectures, in-
class discussions, and wet and dry (computational) labs to provide a comprehensive
perspective on population and quantitative genetics.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 116
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 215 or 216.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
417 Molecular Genetics w/Lab
A study of the molecular aspects of gene structure and function. Course topics include
recombinant DNA techniques, regulation of gene expression, oncogenes, tumor
suppressor genes, molecular developmental genetics, and human molecular genetics.
The laboratory studies utilize contemporary, molecular methods to explore DNA
organization and function.
Six hours classroom/laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: One of the following: 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327, 380, or permission of
the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), NRSC Science Elective
418 Developmental Genomics
In this course we focus on the regulation of gene expression during development.
Course topics include mechanisms of control of gene expression, comparative
genomics, molecular evolution, the theory and use of bioinformatics to address these
topics, and molecular techniques used to assess and perturb gene expression during
development. Laboratory studies will utilize molecular and data-mining approaches to
investigate the roles of genes during development.
Six hours classroom a week.
Prerequisites: 216.
419 RNA w/Lab
A focused study of biochemical, cellular, and molecular aspects of ribonucleic acid
(RNA). Topics of study include RNA structure, RNA processing and turnover, splicing,
ribozymes and riboswitches, RNA interference, RNA editing and modification, small
RNAs and RNA viruses. Regular reading and discussion of primary literature will
complement the lectures. The laboratory will utilize modern molecular biology
techniques for working with and using RNA to perform original research.
Six hours classroom/laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327 or 380.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 117
425 The Biology of Cancer w/lab
Cancer is a genetic disorder that affects some 10 million people worldwide. In the
United States, cancer is a close second to heart disease as the leading cause of death.
This course will examine the molecular basis of cancer including the genes and signaling
pathways involved in malignant transformation and the physiological consequences of
uncontrolled cell growth. Current methods in cancer research and recent advances in
cancer treatment will also be discussed. Specific topics covered will include: oncogenes
and tumor suppressor genes, oncogenic mutation, tumor viruses, apoptosis,
angiogenesis, metastasis, tumor immunology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
and biological therapy.
Six hours classroom/laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: One of the following: 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327, 380, or permission of
the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
427 Virology
An introduction to the molecular and cellular biology of viruses. Topics of study include
the life cycle of viruses in general and their relationships with their hosts, including the
processes of attachment to, entry into, genomic replication within, and exit from, cells.
Aspects of pathogenesis, disease, the immune response to viruses, and vaccines, also
will be studied. Related topics (such as prions, RNA interference, and public health
issues) may be discussed. Regular reading and discussion of primary literature will
complement the lectures.
Three hours classroom a week.
Prerequisite: 213, 216, 313, 316, 318, 326 or 327. Attributes: Health Studies Elective
433 Molecular Pathophysiology w/Lab
Human diseases often result from disordered physiology (pathophysiology) and
therefore the abilities to understand disease and design specific and effective
treatments are dependent on understanding normal physiological processes and the
ways in which these can become disordered. This course will review the normal
structure and function of select systems in the human body and subsequently examine
the cellular, molecular, and systemic pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie
common diseases related to that system with an emphasis on critical analysis of current
biomedical literature. The laboratory portion of the course will involve original research
projects using cell culture and animal models of human disease.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 118
Six hours of classroom/laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: at least one upper-level physiology or cellular & molecular biology course:
216, 313, 318, 326, 327, 330 ,333, 334, 335, 342, 380 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 119
Chemistry
MAJOR
Option I with ACS certification:
CHEM 141 (or 131, 132), 241, 242, 243, 244, 341, 342, 347, and an elective (490)
PHYS 131 or 141 and 132 or 142
MATH 170, 171
An approved research experience. A research experience may be fulfilled by
completion of an approved laboratory-based research project at Dickinson (eight
weeks during summer or a two-semester research project) or at an off-campus site.
Students interested in graduate study in chemistry should consult with their advisor to
select additional courses in chemistry and related sciences as necessary.
Option II without ACS certification:
CHEM 141 (or 131, 132), 241, 242, 243, 244, 331 or 342, 341, 347, and an elective
(490)
PHYS 131 or 141 and 132 or 142
MATH 170, 171
Students interested in graduate study in chemistry should consult with their advisor to
select additional courses in chemistry and related sciences as necessary.
Dickinson's Chemistry Department is approved by the American Chemical Society.
MINOR
141 (or 131/132) and
5 additional courses in chemistry, excluding 111
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 120
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Possible Routes through
the Chem Major
Track 1 - two semesters of
Introductory Chemistry
Track 2 - one Semester of
Introductory Chemistry
Good Option for
Both Tracks
First Year
131, 132
141, 243
Math
Sophomore Year
241, 242 and 243
241, 242 (and possibly
244)
Physics
Junior Year
341, 347 and 244
341, 347 and 244
Senior Year
490, 342
490, 342
The above are suggested, but other options exist. Track 2 students can take 244 in the
second year and a 490 or 342 in the third year, for example. The first course before the
comma is the Fall semester course and the courses(s) following the comma are taken in
the Spring. Students who plan to study abroad should plan their course sequence early
and consult with their advisor
A research experience may be fulfilled by completion of an approved laboratory-based
research project at Dickinson (eight weeks during summer or a two-semester research
project) or at an off-campus site.
Students interested in graduate study in chemistry should consult with their advisor to
select additional course(s) in chemistry and related sciences as necessary.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent study or research is available to students who are prepared for it.
Normally this requires the completion of CHEM 131/132 or CHEM 141 as a minimum.
More advanced courses are required for most independent research projects.
Interested students should talk with faculty members in the department to arrange a
topic for independent work. Chemistry majors who desire a degree that is certified by
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 121
the American Chemical Society are required by the Chemistry department to complete
an approved research experience. This experience gives the researcher an insight and
depth of understanding of Chemistry that can be obtained in no other way. Some
students fulfill their requirement with approved off-campus industrial or academic
internships.
HONORS
The faculty will award Honors to a chemistry major based on the candidate's complete
undergraduate chemistry program. This includes all courses required for the major, the
student's grades and the successful completion of a two semester (or a summer)
research project. A minimum GPA of 3.40 is required in all courses that count toward
the major, including math and physics courses and transfer courses that receive
chemistry credit, at the conclusion of the seventh semester (typically the fall semester
of the senior year) of study. The Honors research project usually entails joining an
established research project in a faculty mentor's laboratory. Honors will be awarded
based on the faculty's determination that the candidate has successfully passed at least
two of the three segments of an Honors defense: written dissertation, public oral
presentation of results, and oral defense in front of the faculty. Results of Honors
research should be disseminated in a public forum. For the specific guidelines and
procedures see the Chemistry Department web site.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
The Dickinson Science Program in England
Chemistry students have the opportunity to study for a semester or a year at the
University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, England. This Dickinson program is overseen
by an on-site Dickinson faculty member who advises students and teaches courses.
COURSES
111 Topics in Chemistry w/Lab
This course will apply Chemical concepts to topical areas such as nanotechnology,
Chemistry in history, the environment and forensic science.
Three hours classroom and two hours laboratory per week.
This course sequence will not count toward major or minor requirements in biology,
biochemistry-molecular biology, or Chemistry. Students who decide to pursue further
studies in Chemistry after completion of 111 must enroll in 141. Students may take two
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 122
different sections of this course for credit.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Lab Sciences
131 General Chemistry I with Lab
The first semester of intro chemistry for students majoring in the physical and biological
sciences, who have completed one year of HS chemistry but do not place into
Chemistry 141. Core principles and applications of chemistry will be covered that will
aid students in understanding "Why Chemistry Matters" regardless of discipline. Topics
will include: atomic and molecular structure (Lewis, VSEPR), stoichiometry, gas laws,
energy and chemical reactions, periodicity, and solubility and intermolecular forces.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning
132 General Chemistry II with Lab
A continuation of Chemistry 131. Topics covered in the second semester will include:
kinetics, equilibrium, acids, bases, and buffers, thermodynamics, electrochemistry,
nuclear chemistry, and transition metal chemistry.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 131.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning
141 Accelerated General Chemistry with Lab
A one-semester introductory course for students who are especially well-prepared for
general chemistry, replacing CHEM 131, 132 as a prerequisite for more advanced
courses in the major. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding,
thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, acid/base chemistry,
solubility, and transition metal chemistry. The laboratory experiments will relate
directly to topics covered in lecture, and will include statistical analysis of data,
molecular modeling, instrumental methods of analysis, and quantitative analytical and
inorganic chemistry. Admittance into this course is based on a placement exam.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 123
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning
200 Special Topics in Chemistry
Topics depend on instructor and will be announced when offered.
Three hours classroom per week.
Prerequisite: 132 or 141 or permission of instructor.
241 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
The major focus of this course is on the reactivities of organic and inorganic molecules;
this is an extension of the study of the covalent bond that was studied in Chemistry
141. Topics include reaction types and mechanisms, stereochemistry, nomenclature,
and spectroscopic methods. Laboratory work involves the synthesis, analysis and
identification of organic and inorganic molecules.
Three hours classroom and four hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 132 or 141.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences, NRSC Science Elective
242 Organic Chemistry II with Lab
This course continues the study of the reactivities of organic and inorganic molecules
started in 241. Particular emphasis is placed on unsaturated systems. Laboratory work
continues investigations into the synthesis, analysis, and identification of organic and
inorganic molecules begun in 241.
Three hours classroom and four hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 241.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Sustainability Connections
243 Modern Chemical Analysis w/Lab
The theory of chemical equilibrium as it pertains to acid-base, metal-ligand, redox, and
EDTA titrations. Topics such as experimental design, sampling, calibration strategies,
standardization, and the optimization and validation of experimental results will be
covered. Statistical analysis of data will also be included. This class is meant to aid
students in developing both a sound knowledge of experimental protocols (i.e. How
many samples do we
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 124
need to collect? How do we extract our analyte from the matrix? How much sample
must be extracted in order to obtain a measurable result? How do we measure what's
present? and in the critical evaluation of experimental results (How much confidence
do we have that our results are representative of the system under study?). Three
hours classroom and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 132 or 141. Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Quantitative Reasoning
244 Thermodynamics and Kinetics
The fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics will be presented with a view towards
providing an understanding of the concept of chemical equilibrium. Introductory
concepts in chemical kinetics will also be discussed. Laboratory will focus on
experiments illustrating the principles of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics.
Three hours classroom and four hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: 132 or 141, MATH 171 or concurrent enrollment.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences
331 Principles of Biochemistry
This course will explore the structure and function of fundamental organic
biomolecules of life, including nucleotides, peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids; their
biosynthesis and interactions in an aqueous solution; and enzyme kinetics and catalysis.
Special attention will be dedicated to how dysregulation of these systems manifests
itself in human disease. Students may not receive credit for both CHEM 331 and CHEM
342. This course does not have an associated lab.
Prerequisite: CHEM 242. This course is cross-listed as BIOL 331.
Attributes: NRSC Science Elective
341 Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Examines how the Quantum Theory, and in particular the Schrödinger Equation, makes
possible the determination of translational, rotational, and vibrational energies of
molecules, and how spectroscopy experimentally determines the energy and hence
structure of atoms and molecules.
Three hours classroom per week.
Prerequisites: 132 or 141, MATH 171 and PHYS 141 or 131, or permission of the
instructor. NOTE: PHYS 141 or 131 may be taken concurrently with CHEM 341.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 125
342 Structure and Function of Biomolecules w/Lab
This course is an introductory biochemistry course focused on the chemistry of the
major molecules that compose living matter. The structure and function of the major
classes of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) are
addressed along with other topics including bioenergetics, enzyme catalysis, and
information transfer at the molecular level. The laboratory portion of the course
focuses on methods used to study the properties and behavior of biological molecules
and their functions in the cell.
Three hours lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite 242; an introductory biology course is highly recommended.
This course is cross-listed as BIOL 342.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), NRSC Science Elective
343 Metabolism
A survey of the metabolic processes in animals and plants, including signal
transduction, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as the
biosynthesis of the major types of biomolecules. For each metabolic pathway, we will
examine the regulation of enzymes and related genes, their energetic requirements,
and the function of pathway end products. Both the normal functioning of metabolic
pathways and common metabolic malfunctions, e.g., human inborn errors of
metabolism, will be considered. Selected readings from the primary literature and the
popular press are required. Students will complete detailed case studies focusing on
human metabolism and metabolic disorders.
Three hours classroom per week.
Prerequisite: 242. This course is cross-listed as BIOL 343.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Food Studies Elective
347 Concepts of Inorganic Chemistry with Lab
This course will cover fundamental concepts in inorganic chemistry to include: periodic
trends, atomic and molecular structure, ionic bonding and crystal structures, solubility
of ionic solids, acid-base chemistry, structure and bonding in coordination compounds,
and reactions of transition metal complexes. Throughout the course the unifying theme
will be the application of principles of structure and bonding to predict and explain
reactions involving inorganic compounds.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 126
Three hours classroom and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: 244, 341 or concurrent enrollment.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Writing in the Discipline
490 Advanced Topics in Chemistry
Topics may be drawn from areas such as heterocycles, natural products, medicinal
chemistry, food and nutrition, industrial chemistry, organic synthesis, inorganic
synthesis, nuclear magnetic resonance, measurement including computer applications,
spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, and catalysis.
Three hours classroom per week.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 127
Chinese
See East Asian Studies
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 128
Classical Studies
MAJOR
Ten (10) Courses
Two introductory courses in Classical Studies: CLST 100, 110, or 140
One intermediate course in Classical Studies: CLST 251 or 253
Senior Research Colloquium: CLST 390
Greek Emphasis:
Six courses in Greek above 102, or 4 courses in Greek above 102 and Latin 101 and 102
Latin Emphasis:
Six courses in Latin above 102, or 4 courses in Latin above 102 and Greek 101 and 102
Classical Civilization Emphasis:
Three courses in Latin or Greek above 102
Two courses in one of these related fields:
Art History: ARTH 101 and 202; including CLST 200 depending on topic
Archaeology/History: ARCH 120, 130, 140, 150, 210, 222, 223, or 250; including
CLST 200 depending on topic; or GREK 233, 331, LAT 233, 331
Religion: RELG 103 and 107; including CLST 200 depending on topic; LATN 241,
LATN or GREK 393 depending on topic
Philosophy: PHIL 201 and POSC 180; including CLST 200 depending on topic;
GREK 222, LAT 243, 331
Poetry: ENGL 101 (The Epic); including CLST 200 depending on topic; GREK 234,
332, LATN 234, 242, 243, 343, 352
MINOR
Six (6) courses
Two introductory courses in Classical Studies: CLST 100, 110, or 140
One intermediate course in Classical Studies: CLST 251 or 253
Three courses in Latin or Greek above 102
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 129
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First year:
Latin or Greek 101-102; CLST 100 and 110
Sophomore:
Latin or Greek 201-202; CLST 140 and 253
Junior:
Two courses in Latin or Greek at the 200 level
Senior:
300 level Latin or Greek, CLST 390
During first-year advising, faculty and interested students will determine which track is
most appropriate through
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent studies are available. Contact the department chair for details.
HONORS
Honors may be granted in Classical Studies for a two-semester project that results in a
well-researched, sophisticated, finely crafted thesis within the range of sixty to one
hundred pages. Students are self-selected but acceptance as an Honors candidate is
based on the judgment of the department faculty and their assessment of the student's
academic ability and potential for successfully completing the project. They will work
closely with one advisor but will receive guidance and resources from other members
of the department. Only the best projects will be granted Honors, but any student who
completes the project will receive credit for the two semesters of independent study.
For a detailed project schedule, see the faculty in the Classical Studies department
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Many majors have taken advantage of the Intercollegiate Center in Rome and the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 130
College Year in Athens (instruction in English by American professors under the
American system), Durham University, and Advanced Studies in England (ASE). Four-
week summer immersion courses taught in ancient Greek or Roman lands are offered
occasionally. Students may also participate in archaeological survey, excavation and
museum research at Mycenae with Prof. Christofilis Maggidis.
COURSES
The following courses are offered abroad:
211 Roman Vistas
A four-week course conducted in Italy (the Bay of Naples; Rome and its environs).
The course is designed to integrate the study of ancient sites and artifacts with relevant
readings from Latin literature.
Admission by permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Social Sciences
212 Greek Vistas
A four-week course conducted in Greece and Crete. The course is designed to integrate
study of ancient sites and artifacts with relevant readings from Greek authors.
Admission by permission of instructor.
301 Fieldwork in Classical Archaeology
Archaeological excavation and geoprospection survey for four to six weeks at the
Citadel and the Lower Town of Mycenae in Greece (DEPAS Project). The dig provides
training for students in the techniques and methods of field archaeology.
Admission by permission of the instructor; ARCH 201 recommended.
May be repeated for credit. If taken as part of the archaeology major, the course
satisfies either the Field Experience requirement or counts as an elective in the classical
area emphasis. If taken more than once it both satisfies the Field Experience
requirement and counts as an elective in the classical area emphasis.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 301.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 131
Greek
101 Beginning Attic Greek
All the fundamentals of Greek grammar and syntax as well as the acquisition of
vocabulary. By the conclusion of the second semester students will be prepared to read
classical authors in the original.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Beginning Attic Greek
All the fundamentals of Greek grammar and syntax as well as the acquisition of
vocabulary. By the conclusion of the second semester students will be prepared to read
classical authors in the original.
Prerequisite: 101 or equivalent.
201 Introduction to Greek Prose
A review of syntax and selected readings from prose authors. Consideration is given to
authors whose style and grammar best illustrate the characteristics of Attic Greek of
the Classical period. Supplemental readings in English provide historical and cultural
context for the author chosen.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Introduction to Greek Poetry
Selected readings from Homer with emphasis on poetic style and composition.
Supplementary readings in English help stimulate discussion of literary, historical, and
cultural topics regarding epic poetry.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. This course fulfills the language graduation
requirement.
222 Philosophical Writers
Readings in Greek Philosophy including authors such as the Presocratics, Plato,
Aristotle, or others. Supplementary readings in English provide historical context and an
introduction to certain issues in ancient philosophy.
Recommended: 112 or the equivalent.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 132
233 Herodotus
Selected readings from The Persian Wars, supplemented with reading of the text in
English. Attention is paid to the nature of history and historical writing.
Recommended: 112 or the equivalent.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities
234 Greek Tragedy
A play from the corpus of Aeschylus, Sophocles, or Euripides will be read. Readings in
English focus discussion on the authors' poetic style, purpose, and the historical context
within which the writing occurred.
Prerequisite: 112 or the equivalent.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities
331 Thucydides
Selected readings from The Peloponnesian Wars, supplemented with reading of the
text in English. Particular attention is paid to issues of historiography and Thucydides'
place among historians.
Prerequisite: one course at the 200-level or the equivalent.
Offered every two years.
332 Greek Comedy
Play(s) from the corpus of Aristophanes will be read. Readings in English help stimulate
discussion of structure, technique and political-historical context of Aristophanes'
comedy.
Prerequisite: at least one course at the 200-level or the equivalent.
Offered every two years.
393 Seminar
Readings and conferences on selected areas of Greek literature. Research skills are
emphasized.
Prerequisite: at least one course at the 200-level. Offered occasionally.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 133
Latin
101 First-Year Latin
All the fundamentals of Latin grammar and the study of vocabulary. This course
prepares students to read classical authors in the original.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 First-Year Latin
All the fundamentals of Latin grammar and the study of vocabulary. This course
prepares students to read classical authors in the original.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent.
201 Introduction to Roman Prose
Review of syntax and selected readings from prose authors, with study of literary
technique and discussion of supplementary readings in English.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Introduction to Roman Poetry
Selected readings from Catullus and Ovid, with focus on poetic technique, and
discussion of supplementary readings in English.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. This course fulfills the language graduation
requirement
233 Roman Historians
Readings from Roman historians such as Sallust, Caesar and Livy, with study of Roman
political values.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Humanities
234 Ovid
Selections from the Metamorphoses with study of the more important Greek and
Roman myths and their modern reception.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 134
241 Early Christian Latin
Selections from Augustine's Confessions, Prudentius' Psychomachia, and/or the corpus
of Claudian and Ausonius. Attention is paid to the intellectual and literary culture of the
late 4th century AD.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent.
Offered every two years.
242 Vergil, Aeneid
Selections from the epic, with emphasis on Vergil's literary aims and technique.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent.
Offered every third year.
243 Lucretius
Selections from the Epicurean philosopher's epic poem On the Nature of Things, with
study of the philosophical and poetic background of the work, its reception in antiquity,
and its relevance to modern concerns. Offered every third year
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
331 Cicero
Letters and speeches, with stress on the political life of the age of Cicero.
Offered every third year.
Prerequisite: at least one course at the 200-level.
343 Lyric and Elegy
Selections from Horace and elegists such as Propertius and Tibullus, with focus on their
literary technique and tradition.
Prerequisite: at least one course at the 200-level.
Offered every two years
352 Roman Satire
Readings from the satires of Juvenal or Horace with study of Roman social life in the
early Principate.
Prerequisite: at least one course at the 200-level.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 135
393 Seminar
Readings and conferences on selected areas of Latin literature. Emphasis on
research skills.
Prerequisite: at least one course at the 200-level.
Offered occasionally.
Classical Civilization
200 Special Topics in Classical Civilizations
This course undertakes topics, issues, and texts in Classical Civilization which are not
otherwise offered in the Classical Studies Curriculum. The areas may include literary,
historical, or philosophical topics from Bronze Age Greece to Christian Rome.Will meet
either Div 1a or 1b Humanities, or DIV II-Social Sciences depending upon topic.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Appropriate for First-Year
Classical Literature and Mythology
100 Greek and Roman Mythology
An introduction to the study and interpretation of Greek and Roman myths, as they
appear both in ancient sources and in later music, sculpture, painting, and literature.
The course focuses on interpretive approaches that can help us to define the insights of
these myths into to human psychology and the predicaments of men and women, and
to apply those insights critically to our own time.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, MEMS Elective
110 Introduction to Greek Civilization
Reading and discussion of key literary, philosophical, and historical works of ancient
Greece, including works by Homer, Thucydides, Plato, the Greek tragedians and
comedians. Topics include Greek artistic and moral values, the conception of a good
life, Athenian democracy and imperialism, slavery, homosexuality, and gender. The
literature is read in English translation. This course fulfills the humanities distribution
requirement.
Offered every year
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 136
140 Ancient Worlds on Film
An introduction to ancient Greek and Roman history and civilization (excluding
mythology) through viewing popular films about this period and reading the historical
and literary sources on which those films are based. The course focuses on the stories
of remarkable men and women from antiquity, what those stories reveal Greek and
Roman values and ideas, and ways to apply those insights critically to our own time.
Attributes: Arts
Classical Archaeology
221 Greek Art & Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from Prehistoric to
Hellenistic times: Bronze Age civilizations (Cycladic, NE Aegean and Trojan, Minoan,
Helladic/Mycenaean); Protogeometric, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic
Greece. A survey of architecture (temple, secular funerary), sculpture, vase-painting,
monumental painting, metalwork, and minor arts of these periods, both on mainland
Greece and in the Greek colonies (Asia Minor, Pontus, Syria, Phoenice, Egypt, S.I Italy
and Sicily); comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical
aspects and developments; styles and schools, regional trends, historical
contextualization of ancient Greek art and brief consideration of socio-economic
patterns, political organization, religion, and writing. Evaluation of the ancient Greek
artistic legacy and contribution to civilization. Field trips to archaeological collections
and Museums.
Offered every fall.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 120.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
224 Roman Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of the Roman world from the Late
Republic to the 4th century AD. A survey of architecture (temple, public, domestic,
palatial, funerary), monumental painting, sculpture, metalwork, and minor arts of
these periods in Italy and the rest of the Roman world; particular emphasis on
Rome, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Ostia, Greece/Asia Minor, and North Africa.
Comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects
and developments; regional trends and foreign influences. Historical and cultural
contextualization of Roman art and architecture with consideration of socio-economic
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 137
patterns, political developments, religion, and writing.
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 130.
Offered occasionally.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Arts
Classical History
251 Greek History
An introduction to the history of ancient Greece focusing on the Persian Wars, the
Peloponnesian Wars, ancient Greek intellectual and cultural achievements, and the rise
of Macedon. Topics include race, gender and sexuality. Students develop habits for
reading ancient and modern sources critically. Assignments introduce students to the
primary tools, methods, and conventions of researching and writing in the field of
ancient history.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Writing in the Discipline
253 Roman History
An introduction to the history of ancient Rome focusing on the rise and fall of the
Republic, the Augustan Age, and the Principate. Topics include race, gender, and
sexuality. Students develop habits for reading ancient and modern sources critically.
Assignments introduce students to the primary tools, methods, and conventions of
researching and writing in the field of ancient history.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
390 Senior Research Colloquium
This capstone course for the classical studies major includes an individually designed
research project on an open question in Classical Studies based on a set of primary
sources or data, and a reflective essay that applies one or more classical texts to a
contemporary issue or problem of the student’s choosing. A syllabus of common
readings is developed based on student interests as determined prior to the course.
Class meetings include discussion of common readings, presentation of draft research
and ideas for the reflective essay, field trips to museums and visiting lectures, and
discussion of the value of the classical studies major to prospective employers and
others. Results of the research and reflection will be published on Dickinson Scholar
and publicized via the department blog.
Prerequisite: Three LATN or GREK courses above 102 and CLST 251 or 253.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 138
Community Studies
COURSES
230 Documentary Film-Making: Insight, Understanding and Production
This course provides instruction in documentary film-making, including video-taped
interviews, shooting, lighting, audio recording, and editing. In addition to the technical
aspects of film making, the course will incorporate theoretical examinations of message
design,and the socio-cultural impact of documentary films and the documentary film
industry to help guide students in the production of socially relevant documentary films
of their own conception. Students will produce their own mini-documentary videos
about subject-matter of their choosing, and be responsible for theoretical and technical
writings in support of their films.
Prerequisites: SOCI 240 OR ANTH 240 OR AMST 302.
290 Dealing with Data: Accessing, Analyzing, and Presenting Social Science Data
This course is designed to support student research and presentation in the social
sciences. The first week will introduce students to various databases and data
visualizations with concrete examples. The following 5 weeks will focus on one of the
following areas related to social data, issues, and policies: Demography and Population,
Family Household Structure (by Sex, Race and Ethnicity, SES, national origin, language
spoken in household, religion); Health, including quality of life indices within and across
countries, Millennium Development Goals, AIDS, teen pregnancy, diabetes; Inequality;
Immigration; Crime and punishment. While addressing social problems, issues, and
policies, the course is skills-based and focuses on how to access relevant and reliable
data, and then assess, analyze, and present those data in order to build strong
arguments. There will be weekly readings that use empirical data to argue points of
view on a particular social issue and/or policy, debates, visual presentations, and a final
short policy brief.
Prerequisites: at least 2 courses in one of the social sciences.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 139
Comparative Civilizations
COURSES
No major or minor is offered in the program.
NOTE: Courses offered in other departments which fulfill the Global
Diversity graduation requirement are listed each semester with course offerings on the
Registrar's web site.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 140
Computer Science
MAJOR
(Effective Fall 2019)
A minimum of eleven (11) credits
Computer science numbered 132 or higher, including: 132, 190, 232, 256, 290, 314,
332, 491, 492 *Note: 190 and 290 are ½ credit each.
One course designated as Abstraction Implementation
Two additional computer science elective courses including:
At least one numbered 200 or higher. This course may be replaced by PHYS 213
or, with prior approval of the department, another appropriate course outside
of computer science.
At least one numbered 300 or higher
Two credits in mathematics:
MATH 170
MATH 211
MINOR
(Effective Fall 2019)
A minimum of six (6) credits
Computer science numbered 132 or higher, including: 132, 190, 232 and 256 *Note:
190 is ½ credit.
Three additional computer science elective courses including:
At least one course numbered 200 or higher. This course may be replaced by
PHYS 213 or, with prior approval of the department, another appropriate
course outside of computer science.
At least two courses numbered 300 or higher.
NOTE: Courses designated as Abstraction Implementation will have COMP 256 and
COMP 232 as prerequisites and will require students to implement elements of a
computing system at a minimum of three distinct levels of abstraction. Two courses in
our
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 141
current catalog carry this designation: COMP 352 Computer Networks and COMP 356
Operating Systems. Additional courses designated Abstraction Implementation will
be offered depending upon student and faculty interest.
Students matriculating prior to fall 2019 will be able to choose to complete the old or
new major requirements. Information about the old curriculum may be found in the
College Bulletin.
Students who declared a major or minor in computer science prior to fall 2019 are
ensured to be able to complete their program. More information is provided in this
document.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Structure of the Major:
The curriculum is organized into four main areas (see diagram below): Programming &
the Scientific Core; Electives; Abstraction & Systems; and Tools & Practices.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 142
Programming & the Scientific Core: Programming is a practical skill set while also
providing a primary mechanism through which much of computer science can be
explored and understood. Required courses in the Scientific Core (132, 232, 314, 332)
develop and use practical programming and computational problem-solving skills to
build a deeper understanding of Computer Science as an academic discipline.
Electives: Two required electives provide an opportunity to explore topic areas within
computer science. Recent topics have included: Electronics, Numerical Methods,
Operations Research, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence, Database
Systems, Cyber Security, Machine Learning and Robotics.
Abstractions & Systems: Abstraction is the fundamental principle that underlies and
enables the creation of the unimaginably complex computing systems we use every
day. Required courses (256 and an Abstraction Implementation elective, e.g. 352 or
354) develop facility with abstractions through studying its use in systems including
computer hardware design, programming languages, computer operating systems and
networking, and web application architectures.
Tools & Practices: Modern tools and practices are essential in the creation, testing and
maintenance of large software projects. Required courses (190, 290) introduce and
provide exposure to modern tools and practices in the context of a real-world Free and
Open Source Software (FOSS) project. In the year-long Senior Seminar (491, 492)
students gain additional real-world experience through engaging in a research project
or through participating in a FOSS project community.
Recent FOSS communities that students have joined have included:
Sugar Labs: Aims to improve education for children through a free open source
collaboration and learning platform and an extensive set of community developed
educational activities.
Sahana Eden: Created in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and used
in relief efforts following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, supports disaster relief
coordination through a volunteer and resource management system.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 143
Open MRS: Started in a single medical clinic in Kenya, aims to improve general
medical care and pandemic response by building an electronic medical records
system.
freeCodeCamp: Helps millions of people develop employable technical skills by
expanding access to programming education and skills training through a free and
open source platform and community developed curricular materials.
Atom: A widely used hackable open source text editor supported by GitHub for
collaborative software development.
React Native: An open source JavaScript framework supported by Facebook and
partners for building native mobile applications using React.
Audacity: An audio editing and recording application produced as open source
software by a community of volunteers.
Recent research projects have included:
Empirical Evaluation of Low-Power Wide Area Networks for Internet of Things
Self-adaptive Chaotic Mutation Operators in Evolutionary Computation
Secure and Lightweight Communication in Heterogeneous IoT Environments
Heuristic Approaches to Nonlinear 0-1 Knapsack Problem
Construction of Test Problems for the 0-1 Quadratic Knapsack Problem
Applying novelty search to the construction of ensemble systems.
Whiteboard scanning using Super-Resolution
Evolving Robotic Desires: A New Approach to Bridging the Reality Gap
A full listing of the projects worked on both in the senior seminar and through
independent study and research opportunities can be found on the Student-Faculty
Research page.
In addition to the above technical organization there are three cross-cutting threads
that run throughout the major: Computing for the Greater Good; Social, Legal & Ethical
Issues; and Writing in the Discipline.
Computing for the Greater Good: The technical and business value of computing is well
known. This thread emphasizes the power of computing to be a driver of social change.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 144
Students learn about and participate in Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software
(HFOSS) communities, building software systems that address societal and community
challenges.
Social, Legal & Ethical Issues: When computing and technology become ubiquitous and
pervasive, many social, legal and ethical issues arise. This thread introduces ethical
reasoning and examines the issues surrounding topics such as autonomous vehicles,
algorithmic bias, privacy, artificial intelligence, recommendation systems, internet of
things, cyber currency and others.
Writing in the Discipline: Computer science graduates go on to write in a wide variety of
styles for a range of audiences. This thread provides students with practice and
feedback on several styles of writing relevant to the discipline. Students ultimately
build a portfolio of writing though completion of focused assignments that include:
writing readable, maintainable code for developers; coherent, detailed documentation
for users; technical specifications for managers and implementers; presentation of
technical topics for more general audiences; and evaluation of social, legal and ethical
issues in computing.
Paths through the Major: Careful consideration has been given to ensuring that
students can begin the major in computer science immediately, or as late as their third
semester and in all cases still complete the major in four years and have at least one
option for study abroad.
The scenarios below illustrate the different courses of study based upon when the
major is begun and with which course. For example, the column for scenario A shows
the path for a student taking COMP 130 in the first semester, while the column for
Scenario C shows the path for a student taking it in the third semester. Scenario D
requires prior computer science experience and Scenario E require advanced
placement. Study abroad is shown with minimal or no COMP courses taken while away
to allow the broadest possible study abroad opportunities. Students not studying
abroad, or taking COMP courses while away (which most do) can adapt the scenarios
accordingly.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 145
Scenario
A
B
C
D
E
1st Fall
130
X
X
M170,
132
M170,
232
1st Spring
M170,
132
130
X
M211,
256
M211,
256
2nd Fall
M211,
190
232
M170,
132,
190
130
190,
232
190,
2/3xx
2nd Spring
256,
290,
314
M211,
256,
290
M170,
M211,
132
290,
2/3xx,
314
290,
314,
3xx
3rd Fall
Study
Abroad
232 [1]
190,
232 [1]
Study
Abroad
Study
Abroad
3rd Spring
Study
Abroad
Study
Abroad
256,
290
Study
Abroad
Study
Abroad
4th Fall
2/3xx,
332,
491
2/3xx,
332,
3xx,
491
2/3xx,
332,
491
332,
491
332,
491
4th Spring
3xxA,
3xx,
492
314,
3xxA,
492
314,
3xxA,
3xx,
492
3xxA,
3xx,
492
3xxA,
492
[1] Study abroad is possible here with careful planning. Please consult with your
computer science advisor as early as possible to identify a study abroad program for
this scenario.
Notes:
2/3xx indicates a 200- or 300-level elective
3xxA indicates a 300-level Abstraction Implementation elective
Study abroad options have been shown with minimal or no COMP taken to
allow for the maximum range of possible study abroad opportunities. If
students take COMP courses while abroad, which we anticipate most will,
scheduling flexibility increases and the course load can be distributed more
evenly across the remaining semesters.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 146
Students matriculating prior to fall 2019 will be able to choose to complete the old or
new major requirements. Information about the old curriculum may be found in the
Bulletin at the following link. Students who declared a major or minor in computer
science prior to fall 2019 are ensured to be able to complete their program. More
information is provided at the following link.
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Students majoring in computer science who have a particular interest in innovation and
entrepreneurship as well as applications of computing and technology for the greater
good are encouraged to consider also completing the Social Innovation and
Entrepreneurship (SINE) Certificate. Recognizing that computing and technology can be
employed as powerful forces for driving positive social change, a number of COMP
courses can be used to complete SINE certificate requirements. Computer science
majors can count COMP 190 and 290 as an elective for the SINE certificate. Similarly,
COMP 390 and 491 count as electives, and COMP 492 counts as the experiential
component of SINE, if the projects pursued in these courses have a humanitarian focus.
Thus, a computer science major with a well thought out plan of study and matching
statement of purpose for the SINE certificate can add a SINE certificate with only a few
additional courses (SINE 201, SINE 401, and one approved SINE elective). If you are
interested in enhancing your computer science major with a SINE certificate please
discuss it with your major advisor.
Major Advisors
A student wishing to declare a major should bring the appropriate major declaration
form, available from the Registrar’s page, to the department chair. Based on the
student’s preferences, interests and current faculty advising loads the chair will assign
one of the department faculty as the major advisor. Students are encouraged to meet
with their major advisor at least once per term prior to course selection to discuss
directions of study and how they align with future goals and plans.
HONORS
Departmental honors is the highest distinction that the Department can award to a
Major. Majors who receive departmental honors will be those who demonstrate a
broad mastery of the discipline as well as an ability to complete and present high
quality research. A broad mastery of the discipline is demonstrated by a GPA of 3.40 or
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 147
higher in all courses related to the major. The ability to complete high quality research
is demonstrated by the completion of a yearlong research project. This project will be
characterized by an independent and in-depth study of an advanced topic including a
literature search, reading of original sources and a novel formulation of results. Finally,
the ability to present such research is demonstrated by the preparation of an honors
thesis, a public presentation and a successful defense of the work to the department
faculty. More detailed information is available on the department's web site.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
The Computer Science program has been designed to support and encourage
participation in a variety of study-abroad programs. The majority of computer science
majors who study abroad do so in one of four programs that have strong computer
science offerings: The University of East Anglia in Norwich England, The University of
Queensland in Brisbane Australia, The University of Otago in Dunedin New Zealand or
with the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Students
with strong foreign language skills have also studied computer science in Germany,
Russia, Italy, and Japan. With careful planning, students are also able to study abroad
on programs of interest where computer science courses are not available. The table
above illustrates a variety of options for how study abroad fits within typical paths
through the major. A full list of study abroad options for Dickinson students is available
through the Center for Global Studies and Engagement. Current students are
encouraged to discuss study abroad plans and develop a plan of study with their
computer science major advisor during their first-year or early in their sophomore year.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The department has an active competitive programming team that competes in several
competitions each year including the ACM Regional Programming Contest and a
contest hosted at Dickinson each spring. Contact any of the department faculty if you
are interested in participating.
The Math and Computer Science Society is a student run club that organizes and
runs academic and social events in the department. In a typical year they host
several departmental coffees, an ice cream social, a Pi-day event, game nights, happy
hours and often a trip to a site of interest in a nearby city (Washington, Baltimore,
New York, Philadelphia).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 148
The department runs the Math/CS Chats a colloquium series, in which speakers
(faculty, alumni and other guests) give talks of academic interest to majors in
mathematics and computer science. These talks typically occur over the lunch hour
and pizza is provided.
COURSES
130 Introduction to Computing
An introduction to computer science as a scientific discipline. The key elements of
computer programming will be introduced, using the Python programming language.
This leads to techniques for solving problems and conducting scientific investigations
via computation. Core topics include: programming constructs such as conditionals,
loops, functions, and parameters; data structures such as arrays and dictionaries;
libraries and objects; algorithmic techniques such as recursion; and software
engineering techniques such as testing and debugging. Additional topics include social,
legal and ethical issues raised by computing and computing for the greater good.
Students may not take this course for credit if they have already taken another
Dickinson Computer Science course.
Three hours classroom and two hours laboratory a week.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning, SINE Elective
132 Principles of Object-Oriented Design
An introduction to object-oriented software design using Java. Topics include objects,
classes, code modularity and reusability, abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance,
polymorphism, and design patterns. Additional topics include unit testing, recursion,
empirical and theoretical comparison of elementary algorithms. The lab component
focuses on programming as a tool for solving problems and simulating real-world
events.
Prerequisite: Equivalent of one course of prior programming experience. See Advising
Guide for placement advice for 130 and 132.
Three hours classroom and two hours laboratory a week.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 149
190 Tools and Techniques for Software Development
An introduction to the Unix command line environment, shell scripting, system
administration, debugging tools and version control. Skills developed will be applied in
the context of a Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software (HFOSS) project. Case
studies of social, legal and ethical issues raised by computing and computing for the
greater good will complement the technical skill development.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 132, may be taken concurrently. One-half credit.
Graded CR/NC. 75 minutes of classroom per week.
Attributes: SINE Elective
203 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered. Possible topics include: Cyber Security, Robotics,
Programming Challenges and others depending upon faculty and student interest.
Prerequisite dependent on topic. One-half or one course credit.
232 Data Structures and Problem Solving
An advanced problem-solving course that focuses on the design, analysis and
application of data structures including lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables.
Concepts in generic and functional programming are introduced. This course also
further develops understanding and use of asymptotic analysis.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 132.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
241 Computational Mathematics
An introduction to a broad range of numerical methods for solving mathematical
problems that arise in science and engineering. Focus is given to developing a basic
understanding of numerical algorithms, their applicability, and their limitations. Topics
typically include floating-point number representation, sources of error, conditioning
and numerical stability, root finding, solutions of both linear and nonlinear systems,
least squares, splines and polynomial interpolation, optimization, and numerical
differentiation and integration. The implementation and validation of algorithms
through computer programming is also emphasized. No prior programming experience
is required.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 150
Prerequisite: Completion of two of the following courses: MATH 170,171, 211 and 270.
This course is cross-listed as MATH 241.
Offered in even numbered spring semesters.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
256 Computing Abstractions
A broad examination of the role and evolution of the abstraction hierarchies that
enable the construction of complex computing systems. Examples spanning the field of
computer science will be used, including: machine organization and architecture, data
representation, language translation, operating systems, concurrency, networks, and
web application architectures.
Three hours of classroom and two hours of laboratory a week.
Offered every spring.
Prerequisite: 132.
290 Large-scale and Open Source Software Development
An introduction to large-scale software development through participation in a
Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software (HFOSS) project. Readings and
discussions will focus on FOSS and HFOSS philosophy, licensing, communication tools,
project and community organization, and software engineering topics related to large-
scale software development. Case studies of social, legal and ethical issues raised by
computing and computing for the greater good will complement participation in the
HFOSS project.
Offered every spring.
Prerequisites: 132 and 190. One-half credit.
Graded CR/NC. 75 minutes of classroom per week.
Attributes: SINE Elective
314 Computability and Complexity
An introduction to the theory of computation, addressing the fundamental question of
what problems can be solved using computers, both in principle and when efficiency is
taken into account. Topics may include: finite automata, undecidable problems (such as
the halting problem), Turing machines, regular languages, context-free grammars,
universal computation, elementary complexity classes, NP-completeness, and the P vs
NP problem.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 151
Offered every spring.
Prerequisites: 132 and MATH 211. This course is cross-listed as MATH 314.
331 Operations Research
An introduction to deterministic operations research, including linear programming,
sensitivity analysis, and duality. Special topics may include transportation and
assignment problems, network models, integer programming, and game theory.
Offered in odd numbered fall semesters.
Prerequisite: 262. This course is cross-listed as MATH 331.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Econ Elective, Quantitative
Reasoning
332 Analysis of Algorithms
A study of algorithmic approaches to problem-solving and techniques for analyzing and
comparing algorithms. Algorithm design strategies such as divide-and-conquer,
dynamic programming, and backtracking will be explored in conjunction with problems
that they solve and the data structures that they use (e.g. graphs). Topics in
computational complexity include formal use of upper, lower and tight asymptotic
bounds, analysis of recursive algorithms and lower bound arguments.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 232, MATH 211.
352 Computer Networks
An introduction to the fundamental concepts in computer networking with a focus on
the Internet’s architecture and protocols. Topics include layered architectures, client-
server computing, routing, switching, reliable and unreliable protocols, data encoding
and compression, error detection and correction, flow control, congestion control, and
network performance metrics. Additional topics may include wireless networks and
security
Prerequisite: 232 and 256.
Attributes: COMP Abstraction Implement.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 152
354 Operating Systems
A study of the principles underlying the organization and implementation of computer
operating systems. Topics include multiprogramming, time-sharing, mutual exclusion
and synchronization, process scheduling, memory management, and file systems.
Prerequisites: 232 and 256.
Attributes: COMP Abstraction Implement.
356 Programming Language Structures
An examination of the major programming language paradigms. The course also
explores the basic properties and special facilities of languages representing each
paradigm. Topics include data types, scope rules, block structures, procedure calls and
parameter types, and storage allocation considerations.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 232.
364 Artificial Intelligence
A survey of techniques for applying computers to tasks usually considered to require
human intelligence. Topics include knowledge representation and reasoning, search
and constraint satisfaction, evolutionary and genetic algorithms, machine learning,
neural networks, and philosophical questions.
Offered in even numbered fall semesters.
Prerequisites: 232 and MATH 211.
378 Database Systems
A study of the conceptual, technical and social issues involved in organizing, storing and
accessing large volumes of data. Topics may include data modeling, relational database
design, relational algebra, data definition languages, data manipulation languages, and
the storage and manipulation of unstructured data.
Prerequisites: 232 and MATH 211.
390 Free and Open Source Development Practicum
An independent study in which an individual student or small team of students
participates in a Humanitarian and/or Free and Open Source (H/FOSS) community for
the semester under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Interested students must identify
a faculty mentor, select and justify the H/FOSS community and negotiate the scope of
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 153
work prior to registration.
Prerequisite: 232 and 290.
Attributes: SINE Elective
393 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered. Possible topics include: Compiler Design,
Artificial Life, Biologically Inspired Computing, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, and
others depending upon faculty and student interest.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic. One-half or one course credit.
491 Fall Senior Seminar
A senior capstone course. Students identify and begin a year-long project with options
including honors and independent research projects or participation in a Free and Open
Source Software (FOSS) project. Class readings and discussions will focus on social, legal
and ethical issues in computing, software engineering topics and contemporary issues
in computer science. Written and oral presentation of technical and non-technical
content will be required.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 290 and Senior standing.
492 Spring Senior Seminar
A continuation of the senior capstone course. Students continue the year-long project
begun in 491. Class readings and discussions will focus on additional social, legal and
ethical issues in computing, software engineering topics and contemporary issues in
computer science. Written and oral presentation of technical and non-technical
content and a final public presentation of the completed project will be required.
Prerequisite: 491.
Offered every spring.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 154
Creative Writing
MINOR
This minor may be undertaken in conjunction with any major at the college; it is not an
emphasis within the English major. Required classes for the minor:
Six (6) courses
CRWR 218: Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction and Poetry
CRWR 219: Topics in Creative Writing
CRWR 317 or 319: Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction or Advanced Creative Writing:
Poetry
CRWR 317 or 319: Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction or Advanced Creative Writing:
Poetry*
A writing elective: another 219, 316, 317 or 319
A literature course in any language
* The advanced course can be repeated in the same genre.
COURSES
218 Creative Writing: Poetry and Fiction
An introductory creative writing workshop in poetry and fiction.
Prerequisite: CRWR 218 or any film course when topic is Screenwriting; otherwise none.
Attributes Arts
219 Topics in Creative Writing
May include memoir, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, biography, novel writing,
graphic novel, playwriting, “genre” fiction (e.g., detective, sci-fi), subgenres of poetry
(e.g., visual poetry), subgenres of fiction (e.g., Magical Realism), and other forms of
non-analytical writing not routinely offered.
Attributes: Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 155
316 Advanced Creative Writing: Special Topics
Creative writing at the advanced level in genres other than poetry and fiction.
Prerequisite: introductory course in appropriate genre.
317 Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction
Writing and discussion of fiction.
Prerequisite: 218 or permission of the instructor.
319 Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry
Writing and discussion of poetry.
Prerequisite: 218 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 156
Dance
See Theatre & Dance
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 157
Dance and Music
GENERAL INFORMATION
See also Theatre & Dance listing.See also Music listing.
Inter-arts major in coordination with the members of the Department of Music and the
Department of Theatre & Dance.
For information on the Dance major in the Department of Theater and Dance, please
refer to Theatre and Dance.
MAJOR
This thirteen course major integrates studies in history, theory, and practice of the arts
of dance and music. The core curriculum consists of the following courses: THDA 102,
204; MUAC 101, 102, 125, 126, and 354; plus two credits of dance technique. To
complete the major, students work with their major advisor to identify appropriate
courses.
For course descriptions, see Theatre & Dance and Music listings.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 158
Dickinson College
s Ballet Certificate
Program with CPYB
CERTIFICATION
Eight courses
Core (2)
1) THDA 102: Introduction to Global Dance Studies
2) THDA 316: Dance History Seminar: Modernism and the Body
Electives (2)
THDA 204: Fundamentals of Dance Composition
THDA 215: The Thinking Body: Human Anatomy and Movement
INBM 100: Fundamentals of Business
INBM 110: Fundamentals of Accounting
INBM 240: Marketing in a Global Context
Ballet Classes (4)
Four semesters (full credit) in studio practice: Ballet instruction at 2B or higher level
for two years (THDA 211, 212, 311, 312, 317, 318, 411, 412, 417, 418).Note: Full
credit option limited to declared certificate students only.
Internship (optional; non-credit)
Two semesters in performance (co-curricular) (optional)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 159
Earth Sciences
MAJOR
Thirteen (13) courses:
All majors will take the following courses:
ERSC 141 (Earth's Hazards) or ERSC 142 (Earth's Changing Climate)
ERSC 151 (Foundations of Earth Sciences)
Four of the following core courses:
ERSC 302 (Structural Geology)
ERSC 305 (Earth Materials)
ERSC 309 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy)
ERSC 331 (Geochemistry)
A 300-level geophysics course (ERSC 333: Environmental Geophysics or ERSC
335: Global Geophysics and Tectonics)
CHEM 131 or 141 (General Chemistry)
To complete the major a student may choose from three options:
Environmental Geoscience:
ERSC 218 (GIS)
MATH 170 (Single Variable Calculus) or MATH 121 (Elementary Statistics)
Two ERSC courses above the 100-level; core courses cannot double count as electives
One non-ERSC DIV III course above the 100-level
Capstone - one from the following:
ERSC 491 (Field Camp)
ERSC 500 (Internship for Credit) ERSC 550 (Independent Research)
ERSC 560 (Student/Faculty Collaborative Research)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 160
Geoscience:
MATH 121 (Elementary Statistics)
MATH 170 (Single Variable Calculus)
PHYS 131 or PHYS 141
Two ERSC courses above the 100-level; core courses cannot double count as electives
Capstone - one from the following:
ERSC 491 (Field Camp)
ERSC 550 (Independent Research)
ERSC 560 (Student/Faculty Collaborative Research)
Student-designed:
Students must propose a coherent group of at least four upper-level electives within
the semester they declare an Earth Sciences major.
MATH 170 (Single Variable Calculus) or MATH 121 (Elementary Statistics)
Capstone - one from the following:
ERSC 491 (Field Camp)
ERSC 500 (Internship for Credit)
ERSC 550 (Independent Research)
ERSC 560 (Student/Faculty Collaborative Research)
Earth Sciences Capstone:
Majors who complete the capstone with research must complete either ERSC 550
(Independent Research) or ERSC 560 (Student/Faculty Collaborative Research).
Students will earn 0.5 credit in the spring semester of the junior year as they conduct
background research, formulate a testable hypothesis and draft a project proposal.
Should a student be abroad for the first 0.5 credit, the student will meet regularly via
Skype (or other appropriate real-time media) with the faculty member on campus who
is advising the capstone project. The second 0.5 credit will be completed in the fall
semester of the senior year with data collection, analysis and writing. If students wish
to continue into the spring semester of the senior year, they will be permitted to
register for an additional 0.5 or 1.0 credit of research.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 161
MINOR
Six (6) courses including 141 or 142, and 151.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The ERSC major was designed with the requisite flexibility to enable our students to
study abroad for either a semester or a full academic year. As a result, we developed
the curriculum so that the student who did spend a year abroad could complete all the
requirements for the major, as long as they followed a few guidelines.
For Incoming Students Planning to Pursue Earth Sciences as a Major
Year
Fall
Spring
First Year
First Year Seminar
ERSC 151
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC 141 or 142
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC Elective
Sophomore
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or
333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or 333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
Junior
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or
333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or 333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
½ Credit Capstone Research
Senior
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
Elective
½ Credit Capstone Research
ERSC Elective
Optional Honors Research
College Distribution Requirement
Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 162
For Students Beginning the Earth Sciences Major their Sophomore Year
Year
Fall
Spring
Sophomore
ERSC 141 or 142
ERSC 151
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or 333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC Elective
Junior
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or
333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or 333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
½ Credit Capstone Research
Senior
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or
333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
ERSC Elective
½ Credit Capstone Research
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
ERSC Elective
Optional Honors Research
College Distribution Requirement
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 163
For Students Beginning the Earth Sciences Major their Junior Year
Year
Fall
Spring
Junior
ERSC 151
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or
333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
ERSC Elective
ERSC 141 or 142
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or 333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
ERSC Elective
½ Credit Capstone Research
Senior
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or
333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or
GIS*
ERSC Elective
½ Credit Capstone Research
ERSC 302, 305, 309, 331 or 333/335
CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or GIS*
ERSC Elective
College Distribution Requirement
* ERSC 218 (Geographic Information Systems) is difficult to get into. Therefore, you
should try to preregister for this class as soon as you can, and keep trying until you
get in.
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact an ERSC
faculty member. Students not following these guidelines may still be able to study for a
year abroad and still complete the major, but will face a more demanding senior year.
Many students who do study abroad for a year are able to complete both the ERSC
major and a second major in Archaeology or Environmental Science due to the overlap
in these programs of study.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Most of our majors do an Independent Study or Research project during their junior or
senior year. Students may ask any faculty member in the department to supervise a
project. Ideally, you should try to contact the faculty member during the previous
semester to make arrangements for advisement. Seniors are required to complete one
of three capstone experiences: independent research completion of a pre-approved
field camp, or a semester of student teaching (education track only).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 164
HONORS
An Independent Research project may be considered for departmental honors if it
demonstrates superior quality of work. Your advisor can nominate your thesis for
Honors consideration at the end of the fall semester of your senior year based on your
capstone research project. To be considered for Honors, you must have a cumulative
GPA across the College of 3.5. Only students doing independent research for the
capstone can be considered for Honors (i.e., either ERSC 550 or 560). The faculty other
than the thesis supervisor will decide if you are worthy of Honors. You can do more
independent research in the spring of your senior year up to 2.0 credits of capstone
independent research (i.e., 0.5 in JR spring, 0.5-1.0 in SR fall, and 0.5-1.0 additional
credit in the SR spring should the student elect to continue). Thus, you can take a
maximum of 1 credit of independent research per semester in your senior year.
Regardless if your research continues into the spring of your senior year, the Honors
decision is based on your GPA and thesis at the end of the fall semester of your
senior year.
A first draft of the paper should be turned in to your advisor four weeks before the end
of classes to allow revisions so that a final draft will be ready for delivery to the
research advisor and the other faculty by the last day of classes. Final revisions to the
written thesis are made based on the comments of the readers. The oral defense will
be scheduled for the spring semester of your senior year. Defenses are open to other
majors, interested friends, faculty, and other guests. After the defense, the faculty
(without the research advisor) will vote in private, based on careful consideration of the
quality of the paper and defense, and of the academic maturity of the student during
the project year. Students who successfully complete the defense will be named in the
Commencement Program as having achieved honors.
All the previous student theses are bound and shelved in the department reading
room/library (K128). Those that received honors have the designation “h” after the
year (e.g., 1957h) on the spine.
INTERNSHIPS
Several have been done in the department. Although specific arrangements would
need to be made, it is possible to arrange internships with state and federal geologic
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 165
agencies in Harrisburg. Students have also done internships with local consulting
companies. See any member of the department faculty for possible arrangements.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
To be an effective Earth Scientist, it benefits you to have seen as much of the planet as
possible. This helps you appreciate the atmospheric, hydrospheric, biospheric, and
geospheric diversity of our planet. With proper advance planning and declaring your
major early, you can take some interesting courses abroad and see more of the world!
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The Geology Club is a student-run group that organizes field trips and arranges for
speakers during the year. Any Dickinson student may join the group, and it is common
for some non-majors to belong. Check them out at
https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonGeoClub/
Each semester the department sponsors a variety of field trips for majors and those
taking intro earth sciences courses.
Check out previous trips at:
http://www.dickinson.edu/info/20107/earth_sciences/1809/field_experiences
COURSES
121 Habitable Worlds
The earth is the only planet we know of that is both habitable and inhabited. Are we
alone in the universe, or do other planets support life as well? In this course, we will
travel in time from the Big Bang to the present day to understand that factors that
underlie the habitability of the Earth since its creation 4.6 billion years ago. Emphasis
will be placed on the synthesis of the chemical elements in stars, the composition and
creation of terrestrial planets, the differentiation of the solid earth and the origin and
evolution of the atmosphere. We will also approach the origin of life as a planetary
process and examine co-evolution of both life and the planet. Students will be
challenged to consider scales of distance spanning 41 orders of magnitude and to think
on time scales ranging from days to billions of years. As we uncover the factors
responsible for Earth’s habitability, we will also consider the rise of our species, Homo
sapiens, in planetary context and contemplate the sustainability and longevity of
human civilizations. Finally, with the knowledge and skills accumulated over the course
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 166
of the semester, students will address the search for life on other planets and confront
the age-old question: are we alone?
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning, Sustainability Connections
141 Earth's Hazards
This course examines natural processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mass
wasting events, and floods that have the potential to produce disastrous consequences
for humans. All of these processes result from interactions between the atmosphere,
biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere directly or indirectly, which is the realm of
earth sciences. Increasing global populations and increasingly interdependent national
economies mean that few disasters are now only ‘local’. This course will use examples
such as case studies of recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to examine how
natural processes can be hazardous, and whether or not humans can anticipate and
mitigate these kinds of hazards to prevent future disasters. Laboratory work will include
analog experiments, field trips, and video analysis of historic disasters.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Can't be taken
pass/fail, ENST
Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning, SINE Elective, Sustainability
Investigations
142 Earth's Changing Climate
An overview of our understanding of climate processes and their interaction with the
atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere based on studies of ancient
climates, which inform our understanding of climate change now and into the future.
Topics include drivers of climate change at different time scales, evidence for climate
change, and major climate events such as ice ages. Emphasis will be placed on the last 1
million years of earth history as a prelude to discussing potential anthropogenic
impacts on the climate. Case studies of major climate “players” such as the US and
China will be contrasted with those most vulnerable, Africa and SE Asia to determine
mitigation and adaptation strategies. The lab component will use historic climate data,
field experiences, and climate modeling to interpret climate change processes.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 167
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Can't be taken pass/fail,
ENST Foundations (ESFN), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, Lab Sciences, Quantitative
Reasoning, SINE Elective, Sustainability Investigations
151 Foundations of Earth Sciences
How do mountains and oceans form? Why do the positions of continents shift? Can
rocks bend or flow? What is the history of life on our planet? This course explores the
materials that make up the Earth and the processes that shape it, both at and below
the surface. Students will take field trips around the Carlisle area as well as complete
analytical and computer laboratory activities in order to acquire basic field, laboratory,
and computer modelling skills.
This course serves as a gateway to the Earth Sciences major, but is also appropriate for
non-majors. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning,
Sustainability Connections
201 Surface Processes
Description, origin, development, and classification of landforms. Relationships of soils,
surficial materials, and landforms to rocks, structures, climate, processes, and time.
Topics will include interpretation of maps and aerial photographs of landscapes
produced in tectonic, volcanic, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, coastal, karst, and eolian
environments. Exercises will include: photo-geologic interpretation, surficial mapping,
and classification of soils. Lectures, discussions, laboratories, and field trip(s).
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 141, 142, or 151 or permission of instructor.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning,
Writing in the Discipline
202 Energy Resources
The study of the origin, geologic occurrence, and distribution of petroleum, natural gas,
coal, and uranium. Discussions include the evaluation and exploitation, economics, law,
and the environmental impact of these resources and their alternatives, including
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 168
geothermal, wind, solar, tidal, and ocean thermal power.
Prerequisites: One introductory lab science or permission of instructor.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, SINE Elective,
Sustainability Connections
205 Introduction to Soil Science
This course focuses on giving students a basic understanding of soil formation
processes and field/laboratory characterization of soils. Emphasis in the first part of the
course will be on soil formation processes, while the second part of the course will
focus on students conducting experiments relevant to soil formation. Weather
permitting most labs will have an out-of-doors component. This course is an elective for
the Earth Sciences major, and will be useful to students interested in the food studies
certificate program, agricultural science, archeology, environmental science, forensic
science, planetary science, and solid state chemistry and physics.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: one introductory lab science or permission of instructor.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Food Studies Elective,
Quantitative Reasoning, SINE Elective
206 Volcanology
This course focuses on giving students a basic understanding of volcanic processes on
Earth and other planets. Emphasis during the first part of the course will be on
understanding basic volcanic processes through readings, lectures, video analysis and
experiments. During the second half of the course students will focus on a currently
active volcano (tectonic setting, magma plumbing, eruption history, future hazards).
When possible, a course-related (non-required) field trip to an area of active volcanism
will be organized (January/Spring break), as well as fieldtrips to see large-scale
experiments (Syracuse Lava Lab) and the Smithsonian Institute Global Volcanism
Program. This course is an elective for the Earth Sciences major, and will be useful to
students interested in archaeology, environmental science, planetary
science/astronomy, and high temperature chemistry and physics.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: one introductory lab science or permission of instructor.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 169
218 Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful technology for managing,
analyzing, and visualizing spatial data and geographically-referenced information. It is
used in a wide variety of fields including archaeology, agriculture, business, defense and
intelligence, education, government, health care, natural resource management, public
safety, transportation, and utility management. This course provides a fundamental
foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIS technology that will enable students
to investigate and make reasoned decisions regarding spatial issues. Utilizing GIS
software applications from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), students
work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection,
manipulation, analysis, output and presentation. The course will culminate in a final,
independent project in which the students design and prepare a GIS analysis
application of their own choosing.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
This course is cross- listed as ENST 218 and ARCH 218.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN),
Quantitative Reasoning, Sustainability Connections
221 Oceanography
An interdisciplinary introduction to the marine environment, including the chemistry of
seawater, the physics of currents, water masses and waves, the geology of ocean
basins, marine sediments and coastal features, and the biology of marine ecosystems.
Topics include the theory of plate tectonics as an explanation for ocean basins, mid-
ocean ridges, trenches, and island arcs. The interaction of man as exploiter and polluter
in the marine environment is also considered.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: One introductory lab science or permission of instructor.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning, SINE Elective,
Sustainability Connections
250 Introduction to Arctic Studies
This course is designed to give a broad introduction to the physical/social geography,
geology and ecology of the Arctic region of earth particularly through the lens of global
climate change. Students will use a variety of media (lectures, readings, videos, blogs)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 170
to build knowledge about this critical region of earth to serve as a basis for individual
and group projects on a specific Arctic region (e.g., Siberia, Svalbard, Greenland,
Iceland, Nunavut, Alaska) and topic (e.g., climate change, Arctic tourism, Arctic
flora/fauna species, Arctic archeology, Arctic exploration). Learning goals include: i)
exposure to spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems, ii) foundational
knowledge of the Arctic cryosphere and its response to climate change, geological
history, human geography and ecological systems, and iii) mastery of Arctic geography.
Course meetings will include student presentations, fieldtrips and basic GIS instruction.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), SINE Elective
301 Field Geology
A course in some of the basic geological field techniques, with the preparation of
topographic and geologic maps and reports from data obtained by the student
in the field.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 151 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Sustainability Connections
302 Structural Geology
The description and analysis of intermediate-to large-scale rock structures. Topics
include the analysis and graphical representation of stress and strain in rocks,
deformation mechanisms and fabric development, the geometry and mechanics of
folding and faulting, and structures related to intrusive bodies. Geologic map
interpretation and cross-section construction are used to analyze the structural geology
of selected regions.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week; field trip(s).
Prerequisite: 151 or permission of instructor.
Offered every other year.
305 Earth Materials
This gives students a basic understanding of the tools and techniques used in modern
science to identify and characterize solid earth materials at the macroscopic (hand
samples), microscopic (polarized light), and sub-microscopic (X-ray diffraction, Scanning
Electron Microscopy) levels. Emphasis in the first part of the course will be on minerals,
while the second part of the course will introduce students to characterization
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 171
techniques of other solid earth materials (soils and rocks) and their conditions of
formation. This course is required for the Earth Sciences major, and will be useful to
students interested in agricultural science, archeology, environmental science, forensic
science, planetary science, and solid state chemistry and physics.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: 151 or permission of instructor. Completion of both 305 and
309 fulfills the WID graduation requirement.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Sustainability Connections
306 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
A study of the solid-earth with emphasis on the processes that have shaped the large-
scale evolution of the earth from its origin to the present. Lecture topics include
meteorites and formation of the terrestrial planets, origin of the moon, the deep earth,
chemical equilibria in magmatic systems, geochemical cycling in the solid earth, and
isotope dating. The important magmatic and metamorphic systems of the earth are
presented in a plate tectonic context.
Prerequisite: 305.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
307 Paleontology
A systematic study of the invertebrate and vertebrate fossil groups, plants, and their
evolution and relationships to living forms.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 141, 142, or 151 or any 100-level BIOL course.
This course is cross-listed as BIOL 401.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Sustainability Connections
309 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
A study of the processes and patterns of sedimentation as well as the spatial and
temporal distribution of rock strata. This includes the origin, transportation, deposition,
lithification, and diagenesis of sediments. Lithology, geochemistry, paleontology,
geochronology, and seismology will be used to understand the history of rock strata.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 172
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 151 or permission of instructor.
Completion of both 305 and 309 fulfills the WID graduation requirement.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN),
Sustainability Connections
310 Special Topics in Earth Sciences
Lecture/Lab course on special topics which vary depending on faculty and student
interest and need. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
311 Special Topics in Earth Sciences
Seminar in special topics which vary depending on faculty and student interest and
need.
Three hours of classroom a week.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic or permission of instructor.
318 Advanced Applications in GIS
The course is intended as a continuation of the introductory course on Geographic
Information Systems, 218, and will concentrate on more advanced discussions and
techniques related to spatial analysis and GIS project design. The main focus of the
course will be on using higher-level GIS methods to investigate and analyze spatial
problems of varying complexity; however, the specific project and topical
applications will vary depending on student interests. Students will be required to
develop and complete an individual spatial analysis project that incorporates
advanced GIS techniques.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: ENST 218 or ERSC 218 or ARCH 218 or equivalent GIS experience.
This course is cross-listed as ENST 318 and ARCH 318.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Quantitative Econ Elective, Sustainability
Investigations
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 173
320 Hydrogeology
An in-depth study of the interrelationships of geologic materials and processes with the
occurrence, distribution, movement, and chemistry of water on and near the earth's
surface. Topics include the hydrologic cycle; recharge, flow, and discharge of
groundwater in aquifers; groundwater quality, contamination, development,
management, and remediation. Practical experience will be gained in siting, drilling,
testing, and monitoring water wells at the college's water well field laboratory.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: 151 or permission of instructor.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP)
321 Isotope Geochemistry
Major analytical advancements in the past two decades have revolutionized the field of
isotope geochemistry and made isotopic measurements more widely available than
ever before. This course will introduce students to both stable and radiogenic isotope
systems and help them develop a quantitative understanding of both radioactive decay
and isotopic fractionation. With the knowledge of how isotopic variations arise in
nature, we will survey the use of isotopic tracers and chronometers in a variety of
disciplines including: the earth and environmental sciences, archaeology, and biology.
We will also examine some emerging applications of isotopic tools such as their role in
tracing the trade of illegal drugs, identifying the origins of deceased migrants in border
regions, revealing food sources and adulteration, and biomedicine.
Prerequisite: One CHEM course or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
331 Geochemistry
An introduction to the origin, distribution, and behavior of elements in the geochemical
cycles and processes of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Topics include
the chemistry of magma, hydrothermal fluids, weathering, fresh and ocean waters,
sediment digenesis, hydrocarbons, and metamorphism. Includes radiometric dating and
stable isotope applications. Lab will focus on sampling, instrumental analysis, and data
interpretation of earth materials.
Prerequisites: 151 and CHEM 131 or 141, or permission of instructor.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 174
333 Environmental Geophysics
Geophysics combines geological knowledge with fundamental principles from physics,
mathematics, and computer science to indirectly image and elucidate Earth’s
subsurface structure. This course focuses on understanding geophysical methods
commonly applied to Earth’s shallow subsurface (less than 200 m) to solve
environmental, geological, archaeological, and civil engineering problems. This course
will include physical theory, field methodology (e.g., survey design and data collection),
data analysis and interpretation. Course topics include refraction and reflection
seismology, ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity and conductivity, magnetism
and magnetic surveying, nuclear magnetic resonance, and gravity. This course will
involve collecting and integrating datasets from multiple geophysical surveys and
culminate in a final project. Lectures, discussions, laboratories, and field trips.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 151.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning,
Sustainability Connections
335 Global Geophysics and Tectonics
How and why do earthquakes happen? Why does Earth’s magnetic field flip? How do
we know there are magma reservoirs under mid ocean ridges? How have Earth’s
tectonic plates moved in the past? Do mantle plumes really exist? Some of the answers
to these questions can be found in the diverse field of geophysics. This course will
address these and many other questions about our dynamic Earth. This course aims to
teach fundamental physics underpinning the behavior of planet Earth. The application
of physics to study plate tectonics is especially emphasized and includes observations
from seismology, gravity, magnetism, isostasy, and heat flow. The course will also
include units on Earth’s deep interior covering mantle convection, mantle plumes, and
the geodynamo. Topics will be investigated from a mathematical perspective as well as
more descriptive methods. Students will gain and/or enhance skills in manipulating and
solving equations, interpreting geophysical data, presenting data, and scientific
reasoning. The course will culminate in a semester project integrating and applying new
geophysical knowledge to a case study plate boundary.
Prerequisite: 151.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 175
491 Senior Field Camp
An advanced course in geological field methods. In a typical field camp experience
students make maps in stratified and crystalline terranes, with rocks in varying degrees
of deformation. Note: ERSC 491 is not regularly offered by Dickinson College. Students
wishing to complete the capstone experience requirement with a field camp experience
should plan to complete an approved summer field course offered by another
collegiate institution.
For Senior ERSC majors.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 176
East Asian Studies
MAJOR
East Asian Studies Major
Chinese Major
Japanese Major
Thirteen (13) Courses
Required Language Courses:
101, 102, 201, 202 (CHIN or JPNS)
Required Topics Courses:*
EASN/HIST 120
Two Humanities Electives Two Social Science Electives
One additional elective (Social Science OR Humanities OR Language course)
300-level Seminar (WiD)
Capstone Courses:
EASN 480 and
EASN 490
* One topics course must cover East Asia as a region or an area other than the country
of language study.
NOTE: Students will not be permitted to double-major in EASN and CHIN or JPNS.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The EAS major is designed to ensure a strong foundation in East Asian civilization for
on-campus course work and study abroad. To that end, four semesters of either
Chinese or Japanese (through CHIN 202 or JPNS 202) are required. Students who enter
the college with prior instruction in or knowledge of Chinese or Japanese may test out
of this
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 177
requirement or enroll in higher level language courses suitable to their needs. The
purpose of language preparation and achievement is to prepare students for the option
of spending one or two semesters abroad, normally during their junior year. Most
students take this option at our partner institutions: Peking University or Yunnan
University in China and Nanzan University or Akita International University in Japan.
Students normally begin their major with History of East Asia from Ancient Times to the
Present (EASN120) and a selection of 200-level courses during their first and
sophomore years while they are taking Japanese or Chinese. Students are required to
complete two elective courses in both the humanities (including at least one literature
course) and social sciences, along with one additional elective in either (or an advanced
language course). EAS students must also take at least one 300-level course in
preparation for the research and independent study at the core of the department’s
capstone courses, Critical Dialogues in East Asian Studies (EASN 480) and Senior
Research (EASN 490). EASN 480 and EASN 490 are offered in the fall and spring of a
student’s senior year, respectively. Students must also take at least one course on an
East Asia country that is not the focus of their language instruction. Here is a guide to
the kinds of suggested courses a typical EAS major takes during the four years:
First and Sophomore Years
Chinese or Japanese language courses through 202
EASN 120 or EASN 101
At least two 200-level courses in the humanities and/or social sciences
Junior Year
Study abroad for one or two semesters in Japan or China
Additional 200-level electives and requirements
300-level course
Senior Year
300-level course during the fall semester (if not already taken)
Complete 200-level courses in line with plans for completing the major requirements
Complete EASN 480 in the fall in preparation for the EASN 490 research seminar
in the spring.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 178
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact the chair
of EASN or any member of the department.
HONORS
Honors within the major is determined by the quality of the senior thesis, which must
display outstanding writing and analytical skills, and mastery of the research subject
and its context. In addition to the written thesis, honors in East Asian Studies takes into
account GPA within the major, overall GPA, the oral presentation of the thesis project,
and the fielding of questions, but is neither precluded nor guaranteed by them. On the
basis of a composite of these factors, the East Asian Studies faculty may decide to
award honors to deserving students. Students interested in honors are encouraged to
talk to their advisors no later than fall pause of their senior year for guidance to help
them craft a thesis project able to meet the standards. Students who receive honors
will be notified before the Thursday preceding graduation.
COURSES
The following course is offered in China
207 China Practicum
Offered in Beijing, China. An intensive in-country introduction to Chinese culture and
society. The course is particularly suited to students who have not had a chance to take
two years of Mandarin Chinese language instruction and/or are not able to take
advantage of the College's semester or year-long program in China. The course will
introduce students to various aspects of Chinese society and culture and will link
classroom study to outside-the-classroom and on-site experiences. The latter will
include academic excursions to places of historical and cultural interest as well as to
institutions like factories, schools, businesses, community organizations, and recreation
areas that exemplify contemporary Chinese life. Course content will vary with the
particular expertise and interests of the instructor(s) and curricular needs.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 3, Global Diversity
The following course is offered in Japan
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 179
208 Japan Practicum
Offered in Japan. An intensive in-country introduction to Japanese culture and society.
The course is particularly suited to students who have not had a chance to take two
years of Japanese language instruction and/or are not able to take advantage of the
College's semester or year-long program in Japan. The course will introduce students to
various aspects of Japanese society and culture and will link classroom study to outside-
the-classroom and on-site experiences. The latter will include academic excursions to
places of historical and cultural interest as well as to institutions like factories, schools,
businesses, community organizations, and recreation areas that exemplify
contemporary Japanese life. Course content will vary with the particular expertise and
interests of the instructor(s) and curricular needs.
This course fulfills the Humanities or Social Sciences distribution requirement, depending
on topic.
Attributes: Global Diversity
East Asian Studies Courses
108 Arts of East Asia
This course introduces students to a selection of objects and sites that elicit new modes
of cultural perception and insight into the artistic cultures of China, Korea, and Japan.
Loosely arranged in a chronological order, each week is devoted to in-depth
examination of a different type of object, medium, and format. The diverse mediums
(sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, lacquer, prints, painting, calligraphy, photography,
performance, and architecture) and the long historical span covered in class will chart
how culture traveled within East Asia, and later, globally, as well as each culture’s
distinctive methods of adaptation over time. Major themes include the relationship
between artistic production and sociopolitical and socioeconomic development,
cultural exchange, aesthetics, impact of religion, power and authority, gender, and
issues of modernity. Lectures are supplemented by viewing sessions in the Trout
Gallery.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 108.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, EASN Elective Set 1, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS),
Global Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 180
120 History of East Asia from Ancient Times to the Present
This course explores the diverse and interrelated histories of the region currently
composed of China, Korea, and Japan, over the past two thousand years. We begin by
studying the technologies and systems of thought that came to be shared across East
Asia, including written languages, philosophies of rule, and religions. Next, we examine
periods of major upheaval and change, such as the rise of warrior governments, the
Mongol conquests, and engagement with the West. The course concludes by tracing
the rise and fall of the Japanese empire and the development of the modern nation
states that we see today.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 120.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 1, INST Asia Course,
Social Sciences
201 Chinese Literature
This course is a survey of Chinese literature from 3000 years ago to the present. By
looking at its origin in ancient myths, folklore and Taoist philosophy; examining the
impact of Confucianism, Buddhism and certain historical events; tracing the
development of genres and literary traditions, and sampling masterpieces, students will
get an overview of Chinese literature and become familiar with the major writers in
both premodern and modern periods.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity, Humanities,
INST Asia Course
202 Japanese Literature
This course is an introduction to Japanese literature from the earliest times to the
present. While introducing great works and important genres of Japanese literature (in
English translation), the course will explore various issues central to this literature, such
as love, death, national identity, nature, gender and literary genre, while placing the
works in their historical and cultural contexts.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity, Humanities,
INST Asia Course
203 Topics in East Asian Literature
Selected topics in East Asian Literature; e.g., Chinese Women in Literature, Modern
Japanese Literature, Pre-Modern Japanese Literature.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 181
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity, Humanities
204 Topics in East Asian Cinema
This course will introduce students to the cinematic traditions of China, Japan, Korea or
a combination of the above. Possible topics may include: surveys of film in these
countries, adaptation, women in East Asian film, and genre films.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic. Offered every two years. Attributes: Arts, EASN
Elective Set 1, Global Diversity
205 Topics in East Asian Humanities
Selected topics in East Asian humanities: e.g., Japanese Women, Modern China through
Film, Women's Images in Chinese Film, Japanese Architecture.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.This course fulfills the Humanities (Division I A) or
Arts (Division I C) distribution requirement, depending on topic.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity
206 Topics in East Asian Society
Selected topics in East Asian society: e.g., Modern Japanese Culture, Chinese Society,
Chinese Emperors, The Chinese City.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 3, Global Diversity, Social
Sciences
209 The Japanese Woodblock Print
This course provides a thorough introduction to the woodblock print –Japan’s most
celebrated artistic mediumfrom its emergence in the mid-17th century to the
modern era. Technical developments, major genres, and master designers are explored
within the context of the print’s relationship to the urban culture of early modern and
modern Japan. Topics including censorship, theatricality, the representation of war,
nationalism, and Japonisme. Special emphasis is placed on an examination of habits of
pictorial representation and protocols of viewing unique to the Japanese print medium.
Lectures are supplemented by viewing sessions in the Trout Gallery.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 209.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 182
236 Japanese Society
This course is an introduction to contemporary Japanese society. The course examines
what everyday life is like in Japan from anthropological and historical perspectives. It
explores such major social institutions as families, gender, communities, workplaces,
and belief systems. The course focuses as well on the ways in which modernization has
affected these institutions and the identities of Japanese people.
Attributes: ANTH Ethnographic Course, Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 3,
Global Diversity, Social Sciences
259 Law, Politics, and Society in Asia
This course examines the interaction between law, legal institutions and citizens in
China, Japan, and India. Covering history and the contemporary scene, course focuses
on how law works in practice and is understood and used by ordinary people in Asia. It
covers areas such as marriage and divorce, the legal profession, lost property, civil
rights, the environment, sexuality, mediation, land development and property, among
others. Comparisons between the United States and Asia, as well as between Asian
countries, will be emphasized.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 259 and LAWP 259.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, EASN Elective Set 3,
Global Diversity, LAWP Law Elective, PMGT International Policy, Social Sciences
305 Colloquium in East Asian Humanities
Intensive discussion of topics in East Asian Humanities. Designed for majors and for
non-majors who have taken courses in related fields. Topics include: Chinese Culture in
'The Dream of the Red Chamber', Strange Stories from a Chinese studio, Issues of
Identity among Asian-Americans, the films of Akira Kurosawa, Images of Japan in the
West, Issues of Love and Gender in Modern Japanese Literature, Kyoto School
Philosophy, Japanese Landscape Architecture.
Prerequisite: East Asian Studies majors and non-majors who have taken courses in
related fields or permission of the instructor; dependent upon topic.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 1, Global Diversity
306 Colloquium on East Asian Society
Intensive discussion of topics on East Asian Society. Designed for majors and for non-
majors who have taken courses in related fields. Topics include: Beijing and Shanghai: A
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 183
Tale of Two Cities, Sino-Japanese Wars, Chinese Emperors, the Chinese Diaspora,
Marriage Laws in Modern China, Meiji Restoration, Aristocracy in Ancient Japan,
Samurai Culture, Japanese Constitutions.
Prerequisite: East Asian Studies majors and non-majors who have taken courses in
related fields or permission of the instructor; dependent upon topic.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 3, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
310 Interpreting the Chinese Cultural Revolution
This seminar examines the varying approaches and methodologies scholars have
adopted in studying the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in China (1966-1976), one
of the most important political events in modern Chinese history. While the course
does cover some history, its approach is mainly analytical to formulate effective
research results. How can we know if a certain methodology is appropriate? How have
primary and secondary sources been used to understand this complex event? The goal
is to teach students about what happened during the Cultural Revolution and how
scholars have studied it.
Prerequisite: 101. Offered every two years.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 3, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
480 Critical Dialogues in East Asian Studies
To help prepare students for completing their senior research project, this course
introduces current dialogues and research strategies in East Asian Studies. Students will
study influential scholarly texts on and from the region and apply insights gleaned from
them toward analysis of primary source data. Students will also learn to better identify
and evaluate competing views presented by secondary sources. By the end of the
course, students will have chosen a research topic, identified suitable sources, and
developed a proposal for their senior project. The content and direction of the course
will reflect the research interests of students and the instructor.
Prerequisite: EASN, CHIN or JPNS major and 200-level EASN course.
490 Senior Research
Leading to a senior thesis and jointly supervised by at least two faculty in the program.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 184
Chinese
MAJOR
Required Language Courses:|
CHIN 101, 102, 201, 202, 231, 232, 361
Required Topics Courses:*
One CHIN Humanities Elective
One CHIN Social Science Elective
One Additional CHIN Elective (Social Science OR Humanities OR Language course)
300-level Seminar on China (WiD)
Capstone Courses:
EASN 480 and
EASN 490
* On country of target language or transnational East Asia
MINOR
Five (5) courses:
Four Chinese language courses beyond Intermediate CHIN 202.
One additional 300-level (or higher) Chinese language course or one non-language
East Asian course on China.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Chinese major is designed to ensure a strong foundation in Chinese language and
culture for on-campus course work and study abroad. To that end, at least one
semester of Advanced Chinese is required (CHIN 361). Students who enter the college
with prior instruction in or knowledge of Chinese may enroll in the language course
suitable to their needs. The Chinese program offers four levels of language instruction,
from elementary to the advanced, with the possibility of further independent study.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 185
One of the electives required for the major can be an advanced language course (e.g.
CHIN 362 or similar level course abroad). We strongly encourage students to take
advantage of the option to spend one or two semesters abroad, normally during their
junior year. Most students take this option at our partner institutions: Beijing University
or Yunnan University in Southern China.
Students normally begin their major with language classes and electives at the 200
level. Students are required to take electives in both the humanities and social sciences.
EAS also offers a range of 300-level courses designed to prepare students for the
research and independent study at the core of the department’s capstone Senior
Research sequence (EASN 480 and 490), typically taken in a student’s senior year. Here
is a guide to the kinds of suggested courses a typical EAS major takes during the four
years:
First and Sophomore Years
Chinese language courses through 202
Two 200-level courses in the humanities and/or social sciences
Junior Year
Study abroad for one or two semesters Additional 200-level electives and requirements
300-level course if on campus
Senior Year
300-level course during the fall semester (if not already taken)
Complete EASN 480 in the fall in preparation for the EASN 490 research seminar in the
spring
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact the chair
of EAS or any member of the Chinese program.
HONORS
Honors within the major is determined by the quality of the senior thesis, which must
display outstanding writing and analytical skills, and mastery of the research subject
and its context. In addition to the written thesis, honors in Chinese takes into account
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 186
GPA within the major, overall GPA, the oral presentation of the thesis project, and the
fielding of questions, but is neither precluded nor guaranteed by them. On the basis of
a composite of these factors, the East Asian Studies faculty may decide to award honors
to deserving students. Students interested in honors are encouraged to talk to their
advisors no later than fall pause of their senior year for guidance to help them craft a
thesis project able to meet the standards. Students who receive honors will be notified
before the Thursday preceding graduation.
COURSES
101 Elementary Chinese
A study of the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, including grammar, reading, and
writing using both traditional and simplified characters, pinyin romanization,
pronunciation, and conversational skills.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Chinese
A study of the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, including grammar, reading, and
writing using both traditional and simplified characters, pinyin romanization,
pronunciation, and conversational skills.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent
201 Intermediate Chinese
An enhancement of the oral and written skills of elementary language study. In
addition, students will learn to use dictionaries to translate original literary works. Extra
conversational work will be included, geared to understanding and participating in
Chinese culture.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Intermediate Chinese
An enhancement of the oral and written skills of elementary language study. In
addition, students will learn to use dictionaries to translate original literary works. Extra
conversational work will be included, geared to understanding and participating in
Chinese culture.
Prerequisite: 201 or the equivalent.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 187
This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
231 Advanced Chinese
Advanced reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of the Chinese language for
students who have completed Chinese 202. This course aims to enhance the students'
understanding of Chinese culture and introduce them to issues in contemporary China
through reading and discussion.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent
232 Advanced Chinese
Advanced reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of the Chinese language for
students who have completed Chinese 202. This course aims to enhance the students'
understanding of Chinese culture and introduce them to issues in contemporary China
through reading and discussion.
Prerequisite: 231 or the equivalent
361 Advanced Chinese II
Reading of selected literary works by modern Chinese writers and articles from Chinese
newspapers and magazines. These courses involve more sophisticated conversation
and composition on important social, political, and economics issues in China.
Prerequisite: 232 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: INST Asia Course
362 Advanced Chinese II
Reading of selected literary works by modern Chinese writers and articles from Chinese
newspapers and magazines. These courses involve more sophisticated conversation
and composition on important social, political, and economics issues in China.
Prerequisite: 361 or permission of the instructor.
380 Topics in Modern Chinese Reading
The course covers a selected topic or selected topics, such as Chinese literature,
culture, politics, economy, education, ethnicity, law, and history. It analyzes the
readings with focuses on both the topic(s) and the language. It advances students'
speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in specific subjects while broadening their
background and native knowledge in these areas too. It can be taken more than once
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 188
when the topics are different.
Prerequisite: 362 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 189
Japanese
MAJOR
Required Language Courses:
101, 102, 201, 202, 231, 232, 361
Required Topics Courses:*
One JPNS Humanities Elective
One JPNS Social Science Elective
One Additional JPNS Elective (Social Science OR Humanities OR Language course)
300-level Seminar on Japan (WiD)
Capstone Courses:
EASN 480 and
EASN 490
* On country of target language or transnational East Asia
MINOR
Five (5) courses:
Four Japanese language courses beyond Intermediate JPNS 202.
One additional, 300-level (or higher) Japanese language course or one non-language
East Asian course on Japan.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Japanese major is designed to ensure a strong foundation in Japanese language
and culture for on-campus course work and study abroad. To that end, at least one
semester of Advanced Japanese is required (JPNS 361). Students who enter the college
with prior instruction in or knowledge of Japanese may enroll in the language course
suitable to their needs. The Japanese program offers four levels of language instruction,
from elementary to the advanced, with the possibility of further independent study.
One of the electives required for the major can be an advanced language course (e.g.
JPNS 362 or similar level course abroad). We strongly encourage students to take
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 190
advantage of the option to spend one or two semesters abroad, normally during their
junior year. Most students take this option at our partner institutions: Nanzan
University in Nagoya (Central Japan) or Akita International University in Northern Japan.
Students normally begin their major with language classes and electives at the 200
level. Students are required to take electives in both the humanities and social sciences.
EAS also offers a range of 300-level courses designed to prepare students for the
research and independent study at the core of the department’s capstone Senior
Research sequence (EASN 480 and 490), typically taken in a student’s senior year. Here
is a guide to the kinds of suggested courses a typical EAS major takes during the four
years:
First and Sophomore Years
Japanese language courses through 202
Two 200-level courses in the humanities and/or social sciences
Junior Year
Study abroad for one or two semesters
Additional 200-level electives and requirements
300-level course if on campus
Senior Year
300-level course during the fall semester (if not already taken)
Complete EASN 480 in the fall in preparation for the EASN 490 research seminar in the
spring
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact the chair
of EAS or any member of the Japanese program.
HONORS
Honors within the major is determined by the quality of the senior thesis, which must
display outstanding writing and analytical skills, and mastery of the research subject
and its context. In addition to the written thesis, honors in Japanese takes into account
GPA within the major, overall GPA, the oral presentation of the thesis project, and the
fielding of questions, but is neither precluded nor guaranteed by them. On the basis of
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 191
a composite of these factors, the East Asian Studies faculty may decide to award honors
to deserving students. Students interested in honors are encouraged to talk to their
advisors no later than fall pause of their senior year for guidance to help them craft a
thesis project able to meet the standards. Students who receive honors will be notified
before the Thursday preceding graduation.
COURSES
101 Elementary Japanese
These courses establish the basic language skills including listening, speaking, reading
and writing. These courses also provide students with a brief overview of Japanese
culture.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Japanese
These courses establish the basic language skills including listening, speaking, reading
and writing. These courses also provide students with a brief overview of Japanese
culture.
Prerequisite: 101 or permission of instructor
201 Intermediate Japanese
The aim of this course is the mastery of the basic structure of Japanese language and
communicative skills. The student will have an opportunity to get to know more of
Japanese culture.
Prerequisite: 102 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Intermediate Japanese
The aim of this course is the mastery of the basic structure of Japanese language and
communicative skills. The student will have an opportunity to get to know more of
Japanese culture.
Prerequisite: 201 or permission of the instructor.
This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 192
231 Advanced Japanese
The emphasis in this course is placed on enhancing the students' fluency and acquiring
increasingly creative skills through composition, oral presentation and discussion.
Prerequisite: 202 or permission of the instructor.
232 Advanced Japanese
The emphasis in this course is placed on enhancing the students' fluency and acquiring
increasingly creative skills through composition, oral presentation and discussion.
Prerequisite: 231 or permission of the instructor.
361 Advanced Japanese II
The emphasis in this course is placed on polishing and refining the students' language
skills. Emphasis is placed on covering more sophisticated materials such as newspapers,
magazine articles, film and literature.
Prerequisite: 232 or permission of the instructor.
362 Advanced Japanese II
The emphasis in this course is placed on polishing and refining the students' language
skills. Emphasis is placed on covering more sophisticated materials such as newspapers,
magazine articles, film and literature.
Prerequisite: 361 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 193
Economics
MAJOR
ECONOMICS
Eleven (11) courses
Core Requirements:
ECON 111, 112, 268, 278, 288
Math Requirements:
MATH 121 or 225 or INBM 220
MATH 170
Elective Requirements (3 courses):
Three ECON electives, at least two (2) of these electives must be at the 300-level or
above
Capstone Requirement:
ECON 496
QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS
Thirteen (13) courses
Core Requirements:
ECON 111, 112, 268, 278, 298
Math Requirements:
MATH 121 or 225 or INBM 220
MATH 170 and 171
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 194
Elective Requirements (4 courses):
Three ECON electives, at least two (2) of these electives must be at the 300-level or
above
One Quantitative Economics (QECN) elective, at the 300-level or above
Capstone Requirement:
ECON 496
NOTE: Due to the substantial overlap between the two majors, a student is not
permitted to double major in ECON and QECN.
MINOR
ECONOMICS
Six (6) economics courses
including 111 and 112 and
four other economics electives at the 200-level or above.
INBM 200 and INBM 220 both count towards the minor.
INBM 200, Global Economy, can only be used as a 200-level elective for the
minor.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The following curricular guidelines will help you pace your progress through the major.
While no specific course must be taken in any given semester, the vertical structure of
the program requires that you successfully complete prerequisites for admission to
intermediate and higher level classes in a timely manner. Plan to fulfill your
mathematics requirements during your first year or first semester sophomore year in
order to take intermediate level requirements for the each major. MATH 170 (Single
Variable Calculus) or a more advanced calculus class is required for ECON 268 and
ECON 278. The statistics requirement (MATH 121 or MATH 225 or INBM 220) is a
prerequisite for ECON 298, which is required for the QECN major. ECON 268 and ECON
278 (and ECON 298 for QECN Majors or ECON 288 for ECON majors) are prerequisites
for upper-level electives and the senior seminar. You need at least three economics
electives to complete the major (four for the QECN Major, one of which must be from
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 195
the approved QECN elective list or by prior departmental approval); at least
two of these must be at the 300 level (three for QECN), having one or more
intermediate prerequisites.
ECON Major Suggested Curricular Flow:
Introductory Requirements
(recommended for first years; ideally completed by middle of sophomore year):
ECON 111
ECON 112
MATH 121 or MATH 225 or INBM 220
MATH 170
Intermediate Requirements
(to be completed as soon as prerequisites are met): ECON 268
ECON 278
ECON 288
Electives (To be completed as soon as prerequisites are met):
Three electives are required for the ECON major.
Two electives must be at the 300- level or above.
Senior Seminar (Spring Senior Year):
ECON 496
QECN Major Suggested Curricular Flow:
Introductory Requirements
(recommended for first years; ideally completed by middle of sophomore year):
ECON 111
ECON 112
MATH 121 or MATH 225 or INBM 220
MATH 170
MATH 171
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 196
Intermediate Requirements
(to be completed as soon as prerequisites are met):
ECON 268
ECON 278
ECON 298
Electives (To be completed as soon as prerequisites are met):
Three ECON electives are required for the QECN major.
Two electives must be at the 300-level or above.
One additional elective is required for the QECN major. (See list of pre-
approved QECN electives below).
Senior Seminar (Spring Senior Year):
ECON 496
NOTES: Please allow enough flexibility in your schedule if you are planning on studying
abroad. In addition, make sure you discuss your plans with your faculty advisor well in
advance.
Pre-approved QECN Electives
COMP 331 Operations Research (cross-listed as MATH 331)
ECON 398 Advanced Econometrics
ECON 375 Mathematical Economics
ENST 318 Advanced Applications of GIS (cross-listed as ERSC 318 & ARCH 318)
INBM 300 Applied Empirical Data Analysis
INBM 300 Big Data in Business
INBM 300 Investments
INBM 300 Empirical Methods in Finance
Any other INBM 300 with either INBM 220 or INBM 250 as a prerequisite
MATH 325 Probability and Statistics II
MATH 361 Real Analysis
Any other ECON elective with either ECON 298 or MATH 171 as a prerequisite
Any course with prior departmental approval
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 197
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Each faculty member has special fields of study and will usually be available for advice
in that area. No more than two independent study or tutorial study enrollments may
be counted toward the major and they must conform to the appropriate level within
the major.
HONORS
Any student with a 3.50 overall grade point average may undertake a two-course
independent research project and oral defense of the research project. Honors in the
major will be awarded if the two courses are over and above the eleven required
courses for ECON majors and thirteen courses for QECN majors, if a grade of A or A- is
earned on the project, and if the departmental oral examination on the project is
successfully completed. For detailed information, go to the department web site.
COURSES
111 Introduction to Microeconomics
A study of the fundamentals of economic analysis and of basic economic institutions,
with particular emphasis upon consumer demand and upon the output and pricing
decisions of business firms. The implications of actions taken by these decision-makers,
operating within various market structures, upon the allocation of resources and the
distribution of income are examined. Special attention is given to the sociopolitical
environment within which economic decisions are made.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Quantitative Reasoning,
Social Sciences
112 Introduction to Macroeconomics
A study of the fundamentals of economic analysis and of basic economic institutions,
with particular emphasis upon national output, employment, and price levels. The
monetary and financial system is explored together with problems of economic
stability. Monetary and fiscal policy procedures are analyzed and evaluated in light of
the current economic climate. Special attention is given to the historical development
of major economic institutions.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 198
Prerequisite: 111.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Quantitative Reasoning
214 Special Topics
An economic topic requiring some exposure to introductory economic concepts. Past
topics have included Middle Eastern Economies, Feminist Economics, Network
Industries, and the Economic Analysis of Policy. Specific topics will be described in each
semester’s registration materials.
Prerequisites: 111 and/or 112 depending upon the topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
222 Environmental Economics
A study of human production and consumption activities as they affect the natural and
human environmental systems and as they are affected by those systems. The
economic behavioral patterns associated with the market economy are scrutinized in
order to reveal the biases in the decision-making process which may contribute to the
deterioration of the resource base and of the quality of life in general. External costs
and benefits, technological impacts, limits to economic growth, and issues of income
and wealth distribution are examined. A range of potential policy measures, some
consistent with our life style and some not, are evaluated.
Prerequisite: 111.
Attributes: ENST Society (ESSO), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT Private Sector Policy, SINE Elective, Sustainability Investigations
223 Introduction to Marxian Economics: The Political Economy of Social Justice
This course introduces students to the practice of Political Economy, which engages in a
critical examination of the economic and social underpinnings of a capitalist society and
their political and cultural effects. The course will analyze the U.S. economy within a
global context and examine such issues as the social relations of production and
distribution, markets, the labor process, cycles of growth and accumulation, and
economic crises. Attention will be given to asymmetries of power and influence in
government, media, and other institutions that shape American culture. Questions of
the sustainability of capitalism and the viability of alternatives that could improve social
and economic justice will be discussed.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 199
Prerequisite: 111.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT Private Sector Policy, SINE
Elective
228 Economic Analysis of Policy
This course introduces the basic economic techniques used in the analysis of public
policy and applies these techniques to a variety of social problems and policies. The
economic techniques taught include the analysis of market failure, benefit-cost
analysis, and economic impact analysis. Applied topics vary, but are likely to include
education and job training, public assistance, transportation policy, and environmental
protection.
Prerequisite: 111 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Quantitative Reasoning, Social Sciences
236 Issues in Developing Economics
The goal of this course is to survey the economic history, issues and institutions of less
developed countries generally or in a specific region. Among the topics which may be
covered are colonial heritage, industrialization strategies, agricultural reforms, financial
issues and policies, attempts at regional integration, and efforts to revise the role of the
state.
Prerequisites: 111/112, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Latin America Course, LAWP Policy Elective, Lat
Am, Latino, Carib St Elect, PMGT International Policy, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
240 International Development
This course examines the challenges and strategies of economic development, with a
detailed focus on how households behave. The goal is to provide an understanding of
what life for poor households in developing countries is like, what can be done about it,
and an idea of how valuable insights can be gained using standard economic tools and
thinking. In addition to learning about theoretical models and real-life examples, we
will spend significant time understanding recent research on development problems.
Issues examined include: poverty measures, health issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria,
and undernutrition, economic growth, agriculture, land use, technology adoption,
foreign aid, credits, child labor, child education, migration, and measures of inequality.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 200
This course is cross-listed as INST 240.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Africa Course, INST Asia Course, INST
Global Security, INST World Economy & Developmt, LAWP Policy Elective, Security
Studies Course
247 Money and Banking
A study of the role of money and credit in the U.S. economy. The nature of money, the
structure of the banking system in the context of a rapidly changing financial
institutional environment, and the Federal Reserve System are examined. Various
theories of money as guides to monetary policy are compared and contrasted.
Neoclassical approaches will predominate, although some alternative approaches will
be explored.
Prerequisite: 112.
268 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
Neoclassical theories of economic behavior in the aggregate. Models will be used as a
framework for analyzing the determination of the level of national output and for
explaining fluctuations in employment, the price level, interest rates, productivity, and
the rate of economic growth. Policy proposals will be appraised.
Prerequisite: 111 and 112; MATH 170. Attributes: Social Sciences
278 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Neoclassical theory of relative prices of commodities and productive services under
perfect and imperfect competition. The role of prices in the allocation and distribution
of resources and commodities. Economic behavior of individual economic units like
consumers, firms, and resource owners.
Prerequisite: 111 and MATH 170. Attributes: Social Sciences
288 Contending Economic Perspectives
A study of major heterodox economic theories such as Marxian, institutional, feminist,
post-Keynesian, or Austrian economics. Students will study these contending economic
perspectives through their historical evolution, methods and theoretical structures,
and/or current policy debates.
Prerequisites: 111 and 112.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 201
298 Econometrics
This course is an introduction to econometrics in which the tools of economic theory,
mathematics, and statistical inference are applied to the analysis of economic data.
Students will develop foundational knowledge of applied statistics and econometrics
through exploration of empirical techniques relevant to quantitative economics
including probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, modeling, simple and
multiple linear regression analysis, and time series analysis. In addition, this course will
cover basic extensions of a multiple linear regression model such as dummy variables
and interaction terms. Students will use Stata, or other statistical analysis software
widely used in economics, to understand and apply empirical work.
Prerequisite: 111, 112, MATH 170, and MATH 121 (or INBM 220 or MATH 225)
Attributes: Social Sciences
314 Advanced Special Topics
Prerequisites: One or more of the core intermediate theory courses (268, 278, 288)
depending on the topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
332 Economics of Natural Resource Sustainability
This course uses microeconomics to analyze the use and conservation of natural
resources, including energy, minerals, fisheries, forests, and water resources, among
others. Broad themes include the roles of property rights, intergenerational equity, and
sustainable development in an economy based on resource exploitation.
Prerequisite: 278. For ENST, ENSC and INST majors, prerequisite is ECON 222.
Attributes: ENST Society (ESSO), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, SINE Elective
344 Public Finance
Theoretical analysis of the interaction of the public and private sectors emphasizing
problems of allocation and distribution. Topics include economic rationales for
government, public expenditure theory, redistribution of income, collective decision
making, and taxation. Neoclassical approaches predominate; however, some
alternative approaches will be explored.
Prerequisite: 278 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 202
348 International Economics
An analysis of the determinants of international trade patterns, the causes and
consequences of public policies to control trade, the operation of the international
monetary system, and its effect on national economies. In addition, rich and poor
country relationships, theories of imperialism, and the emerging role of multinational
corporations are considered. While the neoclassical approach dominates, alternative
paradigms will be explored.
Prerequisite: 268 and 278.
Attributes: INST Globaliz & Sustain Course
349 Development Economics
Introduction to the economics of less developed countries, covering their growth
potential, international trade, human resources, urbanization, agriculture, income
distribution, political economy, and environment. Both mainstream and heterodox
approaches may be explored.
Prerequisites: 268 and 288.
Attributes: INST Globaliz & Sustain Course
350 Industrial Organization and Public Policy
A study of the relationships between market structure, conduct, and economic
performance in U.S. industry. Emphasis will be on the manufacturing sector and specific
industries will be examined. A brief introduction to antitrust and regulation is also
covered. Debate within the main stream is examined.
Prerequisite: 278.
353 The Economics of Labor
An analysis of labor market issues and policies. Topics covered include discrimination,
anti-discrimination policy, the minimum wage, health and safety policy, and other labor
market policies and institutions. While the neoclassical approach dominates, other
approaches will be explored.
Prerequisite: 278 or permission of the instructor.
371 British and European Economic History
Rapid economic development took off in Britain during the eighteenth century. What
were the causes and consequences of this first Industrial Revolution? Why did it take
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 203
place in Britain and not France or other European country? Technological change, along
with rapid population growth and migration, resulted in uneven distributional
outcomes within and between countries. This course will cover important questions in
British and European economic history. Readings will focus on improvements in living
standards and efforts made to address unequal outcomes with an emphasis on the
impact of industrial development and institutional change. This course may be taught
as a Writing in the Discipline or standard elective. Quantitative Economics majors may
elect to write an empirical research paper.
Prerequisites: 268 and 278. Recommended: 288.
373 History of Economic Thought
This course provides an appraisal of the origins and evolution of selected economic
theories, primarily through the works of great economists of the past. Past economic
works are analyzed in their theoretical and historical context.
Prerequisites: 268, 278 and 288.
375 Mathematical Economics
Selected topic, to be announced prior to registration, in theoretical or applied
economics, using mathematical or statistical techniques.
Prerequisites: 268 and/or 278 plus MATH 170 and 171 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Quantitative Econ Elective
398 Advanced Econometrics
This course covers some advanced topics in applied econometrics. Students will apply
multiple regression analysis to both cross-sectional and longitudinal (panel) data to
familiarize students with a variety of advanced econometric techniques including
instrumental variable analysis, differences-in-differences methods, limited dependent
variable models, and dynamic panel analysis. Students will conduct individual empirical
research projects using Stata, or other statistical analysis software widely used in
economics, to enable students to understand and apply the conventions of empirical
research in economics. We will cover elements of technical writing, reviewing existing
literature, data collection and organization, and file management for complete
transparency and reproducibility.
Prerequisites: 268 or 278, and 298.
Attributes: Quantitative Econ Elective, Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 204
496 Economics Seminar
A reading, research, and conference course on a selected economics topic. Student
seminar choices must be approved by the department.
Prerequisite: 268, 278, and 288 (for ECON majors) or 298 (for QECN majors) and permission
of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 205
Educational Studies
MAJOR
Ten (10) courses
Core Courses:
120 or 130, 140, 250, 260, 470
Internship for transcript notation: Extensive field work in a setting related to education
such as schools, childcare centers, museums and policy centers.
Concentration in Teaching and Learning:
300
Two electives from the following: 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 391
Two courses in one other department related to the concentration and approved by
the Educational Studies advisor.
Concentration in Education and Society:
310
Two electives from the following: 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 391
Two courses in one other department related to the concentration and approved by
the Educational Studies advisor.
MINOR
Five (5) courses
120 or 130
140
250
260 (if not a Social Science major)
One 300-level EDST course (two 300-level if EDST 260 is not taken)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 206
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education, was founded in 1911 and is
one of the oldest discipline-specific honor societies in the United States. Dickinson
received a charter to establish the Alpha Beta Rho chapter of KDP in 2004 and has
maintained an active presence on the Dickinson campus and in the Carlisle community
ever since. In addition to hosting lectures and panel discussions on important
educational issues, the Dickinson KDP chapter supports education in the local
community by sponsoring an annual Literacy Alive program and women's history essay
contest as well as providing tutoring in an after-school homework program.
Educational Studies majors and minors are eligible for membership in Kappa Delta Pi
after they have completed at least eight Dickinson courses and have declared their
education major or minor. Admission to Kappa Delta Pi will be based on academic
grade point average and service to the education profession.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First Year:
EDST 120 (spring only) or 130 (fall only) and 140
Second Year:
EDST 250 and 260 plus two non-departmental electives
Third Year:
EDST 300 or 310 (both fall only)
Fourth Year:
Two EDST 300-level electives and 470
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Educational Studies majors are encouraged to study abroad, taking coursework that
informs them of the education systems in the countries in which they are studying and
to seek out internships in education that might include both school and non-school
settings (such as museums). Through the Center for Global Study and Engagement at
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 207
Dickinson, the department has identified the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in
Copenhagen as the primary study abroad site for our students. Appropriate
coursework taken at DIS-Copenhagen will transfer toward the Educational Studies
elective requirements.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education, was founded in 1911 and is
one of the oldest discipline-specific honor societies in the United States.
Educational Studies majors and minors are eligible for membership in Dickinson's
chapter of Kappa Delta Pi after they have completed at least eight Dickinson courses
and have declared their Educational Studies major or minor. In accordance with the
Kappa Delta Pi bylaws, eligibility is based on academic grade point average and
education-related service. For more information, see the Student Organizations section
of the Academic Bulletin.
COURSES
120 Contemporary Issues in American Education
An examination of current policies, practices, and problems in the landscape of
American education with particular attention to the perspectives of various
stakeholders (e.g. teachers, students, families, community leaders, employers, and
elected officials). U.S. diversity with respect to race, class, gender, language, and
exceptionality is considered within a variety of educational contexts. The course also
examines the ways in which educational issues and reform efforts intersect with social,
economic, political, and cultural forces.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), SINE Elective, Social Sciences, US Diversity
130 History of American Education
An examination of the evolution in the purposes, structures, and methodologies of
formal and informal education in the United States from the colonial period to the
present with particular attention to how marginalized groups have been educated. The
course situates educational history within the broader context of social, political, and
economic developments in the U.S. and considers ways in which education has been
used to meet societal goals.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 208
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Social Sciences, US Diversity
140 Educational Psychology
An examination of physical, cognitive, and psychological developmental theories and
research as well as theories of learning. The course includes theoretical perspectives
on: age-stage characteristics, exceptionality, achievement versus aptitude, as well as
how developmental, sociocultural, and motivational factors influence student learning
in classroom contexts.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Social Sciences
250 Curriculum Theory
An examination of how the curriculum of educational institutions is shaped as well as
how curriculum serves as a shaping force for educational institutions. This includes an
examination of various conceptions of curriculum and of knowledge as well as
curriculum ideologies and structures. Finally, the course examines how diverse student
populations may experience the curriculum.
Prerequisites: 120 or 130, and 140.
260 Introduction to Educational Research
An introduction to the purposes and methodologies of research in education including
how various stakeholders in the educational community use and access research
findings as well as how studies in education are designed, implemented, and
disseminated. Quantitative, qualitative, and historical methodologies are addressed.
Research processes are introduced around the topic of literacy. Students will develop a
review of the research literature on a topic related to literacy using online catalogs,
databases, and other open access resources to find and gather sources and digital
publications formats to disseminate their reviews.
Prerequisite: 140.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Writing in the Discipline
300 Models of Instruction and Assessment
An introduction to instructional planning and assessment with a particular emphasis on
meeting the needs of diverse learners. Primary activities of the course include designing
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 209
and implementing lesson plans, designing assessment instruments, and designing an
integrated unit of instruction. Students will learn to effectively use presentation
technologies as well as instructional software and new media to enhance their
instruction.
Prerequisites: 140, and 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST 202,
ANTH 240, ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC 211,
SOCI 240, SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
310 Policies Shaping American Education
An examination of the policies that have shaped and continue to shape American
Education within the broader context of American educational reform movements.
Particular policy(ies) of focus each semester will be selected by the instructor. The
course might include an in-depth examination of a particular policy such as school
funding. Or, it might examine several policies around a broader concept such as
inclusion which could include desegregation, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
Title IX, and policies related to English Language Learners.
Prerequisites: 120 or 130, and 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST
202, ANTH 240, ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC
211, SOCI 240, SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective
320 Race and Education
An examination of the historical, sociological, political, and legal issues related to race
and education in the United States. Particular issues of focus each semester will be
selected by the instructor and might include theoretical perspectives on race in
education, school segregation, representation of racial groups in curriculum, the roles
and experiences of teachers of color, connections between policy initiatives and race,
student achievement and college access, and the educational experiences of specific
racial groups.
Prerequisite: 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST 202, ANTH 240,
ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC 211, SOCI 240,
SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 210
330 Gender and Education
An examination of the historical, sociological, political, and legal issues related to
gender and education in the United States. Particular issues of focus each semester will
be selected by the instructor and might include theoretical perspectives on gender in
education, single-sex vs. coeducational schooling, representation of gender in
curriculum, the feminization of the teaching profession, gender equity and policy
initiatives such as Title IX, and student achievement and college access.
Prerequisite: 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST 202, ANTH 240,
ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC 211, SOCI 240,
SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
340 Immigration and Education
An examination of the historical, sociological, political, and legal issues related to
immigration and education in the United States. Particular issues of focus each
semester will be selected by the instructor and might include patterns of immigration,
theories on immigrant assimilation, the relationship between culture and education,
perspectives on citizenship and their impact on immigrant education, and related
legislation, funding, and policy.
Prerequisite: 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST 202, ANTH 240,
ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC
239, PSYC 211, SOCI 240, SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
350 Urban Education
An examination of critical issues in educating students in an urban setting. Particular
issues of focus each semester will be selected by the instructor and might include race,
poverty, student motivation and teacher practice, the community as a source of
curriculum, school-to-work programs, educating language minority students,
restructuring large urban schools, educational funding and educational policy.
Prerequisite: EDUC 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST 202, ANTH
240, ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC 211, SOCI
240, SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 211
360 Rural Education
An examination of critical issues in educating students in a rural setting. Particular
issues of focus each semester will be selected by the instructor and might include race,
poverty, the centrality of schools in rural communities, place-based learning, farm to
college initiatives, educating indigenous populations, educational funding and
educational policy.
Prerequisite: 260 or Social Science Research (AFST 200, AMST 202, ANTH 240, ANTH
241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC 211, SOCI 240, SOCI
244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
370 Education and Emerging Technologies
An examination of the role of emerging technologies in American education. Particular
issues of focus each semester will be selected by the instructor and might include the
capabilities and limitations of contemporary technological tools, how technological
tools, particularly new media, can be used to enhance teaching and learning in diverse
educational settings, trends in and variations of e-learning, and perspectives on digital
etiquette, ethical reasoning, legal guidelines, and institutional policies related to
technology use in educational settings.
Prerequisite: 260 or Social Science Research Methods (AFST 200, AMST 202, ANTH 240,
ANTH 241, EASN 310, ECON 228, LAWP 228, PMGT 228, POSC 239, PSYC 211, SOCI 240,
SOCI 244, or WGSS 200), or permission of instructor.
391 Topics in Education
An examination of topics related to education but not addressed in depth in other
courses within the Educational Studies program. Topics will vary based on the expertise
of the instructor and may include those offered by faculty from other disciplines that
intersect with education.
Attributes: Social Sciences
470 Senior Seminar
The design and implementation of a study in an individual area of interest within the
major concentration culminating in the writing of a conference paper or publishable
article. Students will develop a review of the related research literature on their chosen
topic using on-line catalogs, databases and other open access resources to access
sources, gather data related to their topic employing quantitative, qualitative, and/or
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 212
historiographic methodologies enhanced by electronic devices as appropriate, analyze
their data using digital software as appropriate, write a conference paper or
publishable article, electronically submit their conference proposals/articles, and
disseminate their work via conference, digital, or paper publication formats.
Prerequisites: 120 or 130, and 140, 250, 260, 300 or 310.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 213
English
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses, of which the following are required:
101,
220
either 221 or 222
six literature courses at the 300-level (two must be pre-1800 and two post-1800)
403 and 404
At least two 300-level courses must be taken at Dickinson.
Majors must also complete ENGL 300, a P/F non-credit research course, taken
in conjunction with the first 300-level literature course.
Students will still, of course, be able to take additional 300-level courses.
Students may declare an English major in the semester in which they are enrolled in
220. When they declare, students and their faculty advisors will jointly design a
schedule of advanced courses that, taking into account student interests, offers some
breadth in approach and subject matter while enabling an examination of a particular
area in some depth.
Transfer students and others who need a special schedule for completing the major
must have their programs approved by the chair.
MINOR
Six (6) courses:
including the two introductory courses (101, 220) and
a minimum of three courses at the advanced literature 300-level.
At least one 300-level must be pre-1800, and at least one must be taken at Dickinson.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 214
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The English major requires a minimum of eleven courses: ENGL 101, ENGL 220, ENGL
221 OR 222, six 300-level English courses (including two 300-level courses focused on
literature up to 1800 and two on literature after 1800), 403, and 404. We encourage
students to take more than the minimum number of courses and to work with their
faculty advisors to develop an individually meaningful selection of courses in English
and related disciplines.
Click here for a checklist worksheet that gives a succinct overview of the major
requirements.
Here is a suggested distribution of courses:
First Year
English 101 or first-year seminar with an English faculty member.
English 220
Sophomore Year
2-4 300-level English courses
ENGL 221 or 222
Junior Year
2-4 300-level courses
Many English majors study abroad. Numerous abroad programs offer students
the chance to take courses that will transfer to credit in the Dickinson English
major. For information on how to choose courses abroad that will count
toward the English major, please consult the chair or your faculty advisor.
Senior Year
English 403 (fall)
English 404 (spring)
Two 300-level English courses
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 215
Senior Thesis
The senior experience in the English department is a yearlong course, English 403-404.
Students remain with the same professor and group of peers throughout both English
403 and English 404.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
The English Department offers independent study and research in literature and in
expository and creative writing for content not covered in regular courses. A list of
professors and their special interests is available in the English office, 4th floor, East
College 400. As a general rule, no more than two independent studies or independent
research courses may be counted toward the major; exceptions must be approved by
the department chair. Students must secure a professor with whom to study and
submit proposals (covering topic, methodology, preparation, relevance to educational
goals, bibliography or primary and secondary sources, director, and course
requirements) normally in the semester before the study is to be undertaken. See the
academic department coordinator for English for the necessary forms.
HONORS
All senior theses in English are eligible for honors nomination. Exemplary of the finest
senior theses in English, an honors project:
1) advances a cogent, ambitious, and thoroughly-researched argument;
2) includes a judicious selection of, close engagement with, and focused analysis
of, details of text(s);
3) situates itself in and contributes to germane scholarly fields (e.g., literary
studies, film and media studies, cultural history);
4) exhibits remarkable methodological sophistication and creativity;
5) demonstrates the writer’s critical self-awareness and informed investment in
the project; and
6) achieves a clear voice and confident prose.
A select number of theses are nominated for honors by the faculty teaching English
404. Honors are determined by a committee of English faculty appointed by the chair.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 216
INTERNSHIPS
Students who are interested should gain experience by writing for The Dickinsonian or
The Dickinson Review, the college's literary journal. English majors have done
internships with state and local government agencies, newspapers, public relations
firms, and the media.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Majors and prospective majors should begin thinking about study abroad early in their
sophomore year. Talk to your advisor, professors, and the department chair about
study abroad opportunities. Our program in Norwich, England, at the University of East
Anglia, is convenient and enriching for our students; the credits transfer back to
Dickinson easily. We also have a selective program at Mansfield College, Oxford for
students with a 3.7 GPA or above. Successful admission to this program requires that a
student show depth in the major by second semester of the sophomore year; please
consult Dickinson's Mansfield Oxford information on the Center for Global Studies and
Engagement website. Many of our students also study in Cameroon, India, and other
Asian and African countries; this study requires careful planning to ensure successful
completion of the major.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The English Majors Committee (EMC)
The EMC are a group of English majors who plan and host intellectual and social events
for the department, coordinate the annual Cogan Alumni Fellowship events, advise the
faculty and chair on hiring, promotion, and review as well as curricular matters, and
support the inclusive, collaborative environment of the English department.
Belles Lettres Society
Founded in 1786, the Belles Lettres Society is one of the oldest active literary societies
in the country. In addition to sponsoring a variety of events for Dickinson writers and
readers, Belles Lettres publishes The Dickinson Review, a literary magazine.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 217
COURSES
Introductory Courses
These courses are designed to introduce students to serious literary study from a
variety of perspectives, both intrinsic and extrinsic. They consist of entry-level courses
in the major, the first of which is also offered for students who do not intend to major
in English.
101 Texts and Contexts
Close reading (formal analysis) of texts interpreted in the contexts (e.g., cultural,
historical, biographical, economic, political) that shape and are shaped by them. Topics
may include the African novel, early American literature, Caribbean literature,
Shakespeare on film, the romance, the quest, images of women, 19th century
literature, contemporary American fiction, and American Indian literature.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
220 Introduction to Literary Studies
In literary studies, we explore the work texts do in the world. This course examines
several texts of different kinds (e.g., novel, poetry, film, comic book, play, etc.) to
investigate how literary forms create meanings. It also puts texts in conversation with
several of the critical theories and methodologies that shape the discipline of literary
study today (e.g., Marxist theory, new historicism, formalism, gender theory,
postcolonial theory, ecocriticism, etc.). This course helps students frame interpretive
questions and develop their own critical practice.
Prerequisite: 101. This course is the prerequisite for 300-level work in English.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Writing in the Discipline
Rhetoric, Language, and Writing Courses
These courses, open to majors and non-majors alike, explore the nature of language
and the rhetorical practices of expository and/or creative writing. These courses do not
fulfill the Humanities distribution requirement.
213 History & Structure of the English Language
The origin and growth of British and American English, along with a survey of
grammatical notions and methodologies from the traditional to the transformational.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 218
214 Working with Writers: Theory and Practice
Designed primarily for students who serve as tutors in the Norman M. Eberly Writing
Center as well as for future teachers, this course examines how people learn to write
from both a theoretical and a hands-on perspective.
Prerequisite: permission of the Director of the Writing Program. This course is cross-
listed as WRPG 214.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
221 Workshop in Writing
This course develops writing and analytical thinking skills through the careful
examination of the rhetorical practices of a topic chosen by the professor. Class
offerings have included topics such as writing and: wellness, natural history, digital
environments, the self, identity and queer studies, popular culture, memoir, creative
nonfiction, biography, graphic novel, and other subgenres of fiction, poetry, or film and
media studies. Seminars, workshops, group tutorials.
This course is cross-listed as WRPG 211.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Writing in the Discipline
300 Literary Studies Research Lab
This P/F non-credit research course introduces students to research methodology for
advanced literary studies. ENGL 300 is a co-requisite with a student's first 300-level
literature course taught by English department faculty.
Advanced Courses in Literature, Theory, and Film
These courses deepen the methodological discussions of texts and the animating
debates around them first initiated in ENGL 220. Students are encouraged to craft an
individualized course of study in consultation with their advisor that exposes them to
the different approaches listed below. Individual 300-level courses will often emphasize
one or more particular critical perspectives or reading methods, exploring the
intersections of these different approaches, and strengthening students’ sense of
themselves as readers. All courses at this level will ask students to evaluate and to
make arguments based upon textual evidence and secondary sources while mastering
various research techniques.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 219
NOTE: Prerequisites for 300-level courses are ENGL 220 or permission of instructor.
For 300-level courses in American literature, prerequisites are ENGL 220 or AMST 202,
or permission of instructor
222 Topics in Methods and Theory
This course offers a focused introduction to a particular literary method, and/or
methods from a related field.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
311 Questions of Author and Audience
Examines how authors’ lived experience has shaped texts and how audience reception
has reshaped and reimagined those texts. Course titles in this category have included
“Chaucer’s Women,” “Austen in Her Time,” “Robert Frost and Modern Poetry,” “The
American Auteur,” and “Poetry of the Mad Men Era.”
Prerequisites: ENGL 220, OR, for AMST majors, AMST 202. Attributes: Humanities
321 Questions of Culture, Nation, and Identity
Examines texts’ accounts of and implication in systems of power and privilege. These
classes focus on questions of agency, gender, race, and ethnicity in both individual and
collective identities. Course titles in this category have included “Shakespeare: Politics
and Culture,” “Where Do Novels Come From?” “Celtic Revival/Harlem Renaissance,”
“Literatures of the Global South: Migration & Displacement,” and “Studies in US
LGBTQ+ History and Literature.”
Prerequisites: ENGL 220, OR, for AMST majors, AMST 202. Attributes: Humanities
331 Questions of Form, Medium, and Materiality
Examines the genres, conventions, and forms through which texts are produced,
circulated, and understood. Course titles in this category have included “John Donne
and Material Culture,” “Shakespearean Genres,” “The 19th-century Novel,”
“Experimental Fictions,” and “The Video Game.”
Prerequisites: ENGL 220, OR, for AMST majors, AMST 202. Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 220
341 Questions of History, Period, and Influence
Examines how authors and texts engage aesthetic and/or socio-political histories.
Course titles in this category have included “Medieval Women Writers,” “Routes
through the Early Americas,” “The Bloomsbury Group,” “Border Crossings in Asian
American Literature,” and “U.S. Literature and the 9/11 Decade.”
Prerequisites: ENGL 220, OR, for AMST majors, AMST 202. Attributes: Humanities
351 Special Topics in Textual Study
Special topics in literature, theory, film, and media. Examines questions of the
relationships among primary texts and their historical, methodological, and/or
theoretical contexts not otherwise addressed in ENGL 311, 321, 331 and 341.
Prerequisites: ENGL 220, OR, for AMST majors, AMST 202.
Attributes: Humanities
The Senior Experience
This final two-semester sequence of courses in the major seeks to draw upon the
student's critical and creative independence by offering seminars and workshops
whose topics are shaped partly by student interest.
403 Senior Literature Seminar
Demonstration, under close supervision, of a command of the critical reading and
writing expected of a student major in English. Various topics and approaches.
Students who fail ENGL 300 Literary Studies Research Lab will be prohibited from
registering for 403 without permission of the department chair. Students enrolled in
ENGL 300 Literary Studies Research Lab during the 403 who fail to complete ENGL 300
will also fail ENGL 403.
Prerequisite: Open to senior English majors who have passed ENGL 300.
404 Senior Thesis Workshop
A workshop requiring students to share discoveries and problems as they produce a
lengthy manuscript based on a topic of their own choosing, subject to the approval of
the instructor.
Prerequisites: 300 and 403.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 221
Environmental Studies and
Environmental Science
MAJOR
Environmental Studies Major:
Thirteen (13) courses
Introductory Core:
161, 162
Ten (10) additional courses taken from the following categories.
At least three courses must be ENST courses taught by ENST faculty and at least three
must be at the 300-level or above.
Humanities/Arts & Environment at least 1
Society & Environment at least 2
Foundations of Environmental Science at least 1
Applications of Environmental Science at least 1
Environmental Studies Specialization - optional electives, no limit
Disciplinary Specialization - optional electives, no more than 2
Senior Seminar:
406
Requirements for the Environmental Science Major:
Sixteen (16) courses
Introductory Core:
161, 162
The additional thirteen (13) courses are taken from the following categories.
At least three must be ENST courses taught by ENST faculty and at least five must be
at the 300-level or above.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 222
Humanities/Arts & Environment at least 1
Society & Environment at least 1
Foundations of Environmental Science at least 3
Applications of Environmental Science at least 5
Environmental Studies Specializations - optional electives
Senior Seminar:
406
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR ENST AND ENSC MAJORS:
1) No more than two courses may be numbered 550 or 560.
2) For both majors, a single course may satisfy more than one requirement.
However, this does not reduce the total number of courses required for the
majors.
3) Students may not major in both environmental studies and environmental
science.
DESCRIPTIONS OF COURSE CATEGORIES
Humanities, Arts, & Environment courses. Humanities, Arts, & Environment courses
explore humanity’s relation to the earth from perspectives offered by the arts,
literature, philosophy, and religion. Such classes may include aesthetic, spiritual, and
ethical principles employed to assess natural and social scientific ideas.
Society and Environment courses. These courses address the ways human societies are
affected by the environment and the ways that human actions alter that same
environment. Courses focus on the roles of social, political, economic, and scientific
processes in shaping various environmental challenges.
Foundations of Environmental Science courses. These courses present students with
disciplinary knowledge from the natural sciences foundational to environmental
science. They may or may not consider how this knowledge relates to environmental
science and they include courses at introductory through advanced levels.
Applications of Environmental Science courses. These courses apply scientific tools
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 223
and methods to address environmental challenges. A substantial component of the
course must consider interactions between humans and the environment.
Environmental Studies Specializations courses. Interdisciplinary courses that study an
aspect of human-environment interactions. Normally, courses would include one of the
following: four weeks of environmental content or the application of a foundational
concept or idea (e.g. inequality, sculpture, development, ethics, etc.) to an
environmental issue for at least two weeks.
Disciplinary Specialization courses. Disciplinary specialization courses provide students
the opportunity to place their understanding of environmental studies within the
broader context of traditional and emerging academic disciplines. Environmental
studies is built upon and connects to most disciplines. In many cases, progress within
environmental studies requires drawing on these disciplines and communicating with
practitioners in these disciplines. Disciplinary specialization courses are optional.
Offering these courses and inviting students to consider including them in their major
program is consistent with the liberal arts.
HONORS
The distinction of Honors in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies is
awarded by the Department to graduating seniors who have met the requisite
academic standards. These include completion of a two-credit independent research
project under faculty guidance and maintenance of a minimum GPA of 3.4 in all courses
required or applied toward the major. The student's final GPA must be certified at the
end of the Senior year just prior to graduation.
The honors project must have both oral and written components. The oral components
consist of presentations at department seminars, a professional conference and before
a faculty review committee consisting of selected Environmental Studies department
faculty and the Faculty Research Advisor. The written component may be done with
acknowledged assistance from the Faculty Research Advisor and must demonstrate
deep understanding of the context and implications of the research.
Detailed guidelines for department honors are available on the department website
and through the department chair.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 224
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Example four-year plans for meeting Environmental Studies and Science requirements
including for students that declare the major in their second year.
B.A. Environmental Studies (starting in 1st year)
Yr
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
1
ENST 161
Humanities/Arts & Environment
ENST 162
Society & Environment
2
Environmental Studies Specializations
Foundations of Environmental Science
Applications of Environmental Science
3
Society & Environment
Environmental Studies Specializations
Additional major course
4
Environmental Studies Specializations
Additional major course
ENST 406
B.A. Environmental Studies (starting in 2nd year)
Yr
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
1
2
ENST 161
Humanities/Arts & Environment
ENST 162
Society & Environment
3
Environmental Studies Specialization
Foundations of Environmental Science
Applications of Environmental Science
4
Society & Environmental
Environmental Studies Specialization
Additional major courses
ENST 406
Environmental Studies Specializations
Additional major courses
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 225
B.S. Environmental Science (starting in 1st year)
Yr
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
1
ENST 161
Foundations of Environmental Science
ENST 162
Foundations of Environmental Science
2
Foundations of Environmental Science
Humanities/Arts & Environment
Society & Environmental
Applications of Environmental Science
3
Applications of Environmental Science
Applications of Environmental Science
Additional major course
4
Applications of Environmental Science
Applications of Environmental Science
Additional major course
ENST 406
Additional major course
B.S. Environmental Science (starting in 2nd year)
Yr
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
1
Foundations of Environmental Science
Foundations of Environmental Science
2
ENST 161
Humanities/Arts & Environment
ENST 162
Society & Environment
Applications of Environmental Science
3
Applications of Environmental Science
Applications of Environmental Science
Foundations of Environmental Science
Additional major courses
4
Applications of Environmental Science
Applications of Environmental Science
Additional major course
ENST 406
Applications of Environmental Science
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 226
Notes:
1) For students that begin Environmental Studies or Environmental Science in their
second year it is possible to complete the major. In fact, many students go on
and do it.
2) A significant majority of our Environmental Studies and Environmental Science
students, go abroad for part or all their junior year. Foundations of
Environmental Science, Applications of Environmental Science, Environmental
Studies Specializations and Humanities/Arts & Environment can be earned at
programs abroad. Generally, 1-3 abroad credits come back and count toward
the major.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
According to the College Bulletin an independent research course "should be designed
as original research and practice in presenting the results of an investigation. This
pursuit must culminate in the student's own contribution to a discipline, whether in the
form of fully-supported conclusions or in the form of a creative effort.” In other words,
the goal of independent research is to answer a question, not simply to gather
information. Unlike independent study, independent research projects must have the
potential to yield new knowledge.
In the Environmental Studies and Science Department, independent research projects
involve field, laboratory, and/or library research. Research questions may come from
the independent research student, the faculty research advisor, or both. The work may
range from very independent activity by the student under the guidance of a faculty
member to collaborative work with one or more faculty members and, perhaps, other
students. The process of conducting independent research begins early in a student's
career by talking with faculty about research and by generating ideas for possible
research topics. Detailed procedures for pursuing independent research is available
here.
Independent study courses are those that allow students to pursue an academic
interest outside the listed course offerings, and under the direction of a faculty
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 227
member. The requirements for independent study are devised in consultation
with faculty. Those interested in pursuing independent study should see their
academic advisor.
HONORS
Departmental honors is a distinction awarded at graduation to students who have
successfully completed an outstanding independent research project and achieved a
distinguished academic record. To be considered for honors the student must have:
1) Completed two semesters of independent research. This research must be a
significant project commensurate with a full year's worth of work. The student
must have clear objectives, an appropriate study design, and explicit
conclusions based on thoughtful analysis.
2) Orally presented their project at the Earth Issues seminar series in both the fall
and spring semesters.
3) Presented their research at a professional conference.
4) Submitted a written report (thesis) on their completed independent research
project with references to key literature. The paper must be clearly written in
the appropriate format, as determined by the faculty research advisor.
5) Complete a formal discussion of their research projects with the faculty on their
committee. During this discussion, the student must demonstrate a deep
understanding of their work and its context. Faculty research advisors may set
additional requirements.
6) Achieved a distinguished academic record, including a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
Detailed guidelines for department honors are available on the department website
and through the department chair.
INTERNSHIPS
Internships are not required by the department, and do not count toward the
environmental studies and science requirements. However, majors frequently pursue
internships that allow them to gain professional experience, enhance their leadership
skills, make connections and tackle real-world issues. Internship opportunities are
available on campus, in the Carlisle community and, indeed, nationally and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 228
internationally. Internships are recognized through Dickinson’s Internship Notation
Program and funding is often available for support. Interested students are encouraged
to visit the Center for Advising, Internships and Lifelong Career Development or see
their academic advisor.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Environmental Studies students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to
participate in global study or another off-campus programs. These opportunities allow
students to experience different countries, regions, cultures and perspectives, foster a
deeper understanding of the forces that drive environmental changes, and, if desired,
carry out research. Students can choose from Dickinson Programs in places like
England, Spain, Italy, Cameroon, China, France, Ecuador, Argentina, New Zealand,
Australia, Russia or partner programs in Brazil, Costa Rica, Bhutan, Cambodia, Denmark,
India, Israel, Morocco, South African, Tanzania, Senegal and Jordan, to name a few. A
sample of programs is available here.
Students can also elect to take part in a research Semester in Environmental Science at
the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, join the Washington
Center in Washington DC, or pursue an exchange with an Eco-League school. Other
students elect to participate in a Mosaic or Globally-Integrated Course.
The opportunities are endless and exciting! For information see your academic advisor
or see the Center for Global Study and Engagement.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Students in the Environmental Studies and Science Department frequently engage and
participate in the college’s numerous co-curricular activities and certificate programs.
1) Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM)
2) Dickinson College Farm
3) Center for Sustainability Education
4) Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate
5) Health Studies Certificate
6) Food Studies Certificate
7) Mosaics or Globally Integrated Courses
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 229
8) Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
9) The Center for Sustainable Living (Treehouse)
COURSES
Environment, Culture & Values
A study of the effects of scientific, religious, and philosophical values on human
attitudes toward the environment and how these attitudes may affect our way of life.
By focusing on a particular current topic, and by subjecting the basis of our behavior in
regard to that topic to careful criticism, alternative models of behavior are considered
together with changes in lifestyle and consciousness that these may involve.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Humanities,
LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, SINE Elective, Sustainability Investigations
121 Environmental Science for Non-Majors
This introductory environmental science course will explore the integrated,
interdisciplinary study of natural environmental systems and human interactions with
them. Students will use scientific principles to explore the consequences of human
activity. Students will be exposed to basic techniques for investigating environmental
topics in lectures, laboratory exercises, and fieldwork. This is an introductory course for
non-majors. Students intending to major in Environmental Studies or Environmental
Science should enroll in ENST 161.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
This course does not count towards the B.A. in Environmental Studies or B.S. in
Environmental Science.
Attributes: Lab Sciences, Sustainability Investigations
161 Environmental Connections
This introductory environmental studies course draws from the influences of the
humanities and natural sciences on the social sciences in relation to the environment.
The course will examine the ideas, concepts, and debates central to the field. Students
will examine the relationship between humans and the environment and become
familiar with a range of environmental challenges, with an emphasis on how these
challenges have emerged over time and space. The course will investigate and evaluate
a variety of strategies that are currently being pursued to address these environmental
challenges. The course stresses the importance of “seeing connections”, thinking
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 230
carefully and critically about environmental issues, and appreciating that complex
questions rarely have a single solution. This is an introductory course for those majoring
in environmental studies and environmental science. Non-majors should enroll in ENST
121 Introduction to Environmental Science.
This course has no laboratory section.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Sustainability Investigations
162 Integrative Environmental Science
This course is an introduction to interdisciplinary environmental science. Students will
learn to draw upon a variety of natural sciences to identify and address environmental
challenges. Students will examine environmental issues analytically, learn to evaluate
existing data, and begin to develop skills for acquiring new knowledge via the scientific
method. They will be exposed to basic techniques for assessing environmental
problems in lectures, laboratory exercises, and fieldwork.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 161
Attributes: Lab Sciences, Sustainability Investigations
218 Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful technology for managing,
analyzing, and visualizing spatial data and geographically-referenced information. It is
used in a wide variety of fields including archaeology, agriculture, business, defense and
intelligence, education, government, health care, natural resource management, public
safety, transportation, and utility management. This course provides a fundamental
foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIS technology that will enable students
to investigate and make reasoned decisions regarding spatial issues. Utilizing GIS
software applications from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), students
work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection,
manipulation, analysis, output and presentation. The course will culminate in a final,
independent project in which the students design and prepare a GIS analysis
application of their own choosing.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
This course is cross-listed as ERSC 218 and ARCH 218.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN),
Quantitative Reasoning, Sustainability Connections
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 231
280 Environmental and Social Justice
This course reviews social inequalities in relation to environmental issues. We examine
the social construction of equity and justice, and apply this learning to understand how
societies frame environmental risk. Drawing from domestic and international case
studies, we explore how marginalized people and communities disproportionately
experience environmental externalities. The social and environmental consequences of
uneven development across place exemplify justice and capitalism contradictions.
Examples of community agency to re-appropriate or reframe their environment will
allow us to understand collective action to counter social and environmental injustices.
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 230.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Society (ESSO), Food Studies Elective,
Social Sciences, Sustainability Investigations
302 Topics in Humanities/Arts & Environment
An interdisciplinary course in Humanities/Arts & Environment. The topic is determined
by faculty availability and student interest.
Three hours classroom a week. Depending on the topic, this course may also include
three or four hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA)
303 Topics in Society & Environment
An interdisciplinary course in Society & Environment. The topic is determined by faculty
availability and student interest.
Three hours classroom a week. Depending on the topic, this course may also include
three or four hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Society (ESSO)
304 Topics in Foundations of Environmental Science
An interdisciplinary course in Foundations of Environmental Science. The topic is
determined by faculty availability and student interest.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 232
Three hours classroom a week. Depending on the topic, this course may also include
three or four hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
305 Topics in Applications of Environmental Science
An interdisciplinary course in Applications of Environmental Science. The topic is
determined by faculty availability and student interest.
Three hours classroom a week. Depending on the topic, this course may also include
three or four hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP)
306 Topics in Environmental Studies Specializations
An interdisciplinary course in Environmental Studies Specializations. The topic is
determined by faculty availability and student interest.
Three hours classroom a week. Depending on the topic, this course may also include
three or four hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP)
307 Topics in Disciplinary Specializations
An interdisciplinary course in Disciplinary Specializations. The topic is determined by
faculty availability and student interest.
Three hours classroom a week. Depending on the topic, this course may also include
three or four hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
318 Advanced Applications in GIS
The course is intended as a continuation of the introductory course on Geographic
Information Systems, 218, and will concentrate on more advanced discussions
and techniques related to spatial analysis and GIS project design. The main focus
of the course
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 233
will be on using higher-level GIS methods to investigate and analyze spatial problems of
varying complexity; however, the specific project and topical applications will vary
depending on student interests. Students will be required to develop and complete an
individual spatial analysis project that incorporates advanced GIS techniques.
Prerequisite: ENST 218 or ERSC 218 or ARCH 218 or equivalent GIS experience.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week.
This course is cross-listed as ERSC 318 and ARCH 318.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Quantitative Econ Elective, Sustainability
Investigations
330 Environmental Policy
This course examines the effect of environmental policies on environmental quality,
human health and/or the use of natural resources at local, national and international
levels. It considers the ways scientific knowledge, economic incentives and social values
merge to determine how environmental problems and solutions are defined, how risks
are assessed and how and why decisions are made. The course examines a range of
tools, processes and patterns inherent in public policy responses and covers issues
ranging from air and water pollution and toxic and solid waste management to energy
use, climate change and biodiversity protection. A combination of lectures, case
studies, and field trips will be used.
Prerequisite: 161 and 162, or permission of instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Society (ESSO), Social Sciences,
Sustainability Investigations, Writing in the Discipline
335 Analysis and Management of the Aquatic Environment
An interdisciplinary study of the aquatic environment, with a focus on the groundwater
and surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin. This course provides a
scientific introduction to the dynamics of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and estuarine systems
as well as an appreciation of the complexity of the political and social issues involved in
the sustainable use of these aquatic resources. Students conduct an original,
cooperative, field-based research project on a local aquatic system that will involve
extensive use of analytical laboratory and field equipment. Extended field trips to
sample freshwater and estuarine systems and to observe existing resource
management practices are conducted.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 234
Three hours classroom and four hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 162. Generally offered in the fall in a two-year alternating sequence
with 340.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Sustainability Connections
345 Agroecology
How can agricultural systems be designed to nourish a growing human population
while sustaining the natural resources upon which agriculture ultimately depends? In
this course, students will learn to use ecological principles as a lens to understand and
improve the food system. Topics may include crop genetic resources, soil and pest
management, the role of animals in agriculture, and agriculture as a producer and user
of energy. Class meetings will incorporate significant student participation including
presentation and discussion of primary scientific literature and other readings.
Laboratory meetings will orient students to agroecosystems in the region and provide
opportunities for hands-on learning and scientific investigation.
Three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: ENST 162 or BIOL 131.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Food Studies Elective, Sustainability Investigations
350 Environmental Health
This course will focus on the impact of humans on the natural environment and its
consequences to human health. Interdependency of humans and the natural
environment will be explored through a broad range of environmental topics including
air pollution, water pollution, pesticide usage, solid waste management, and climate
change. Students will learn how to assess the human health risks associated with each
of the topic areas while focusing on the unique local and global challenges of protecting
human health. This course includes a laboratory which will supplement lecture material
while focusing on the measurements of local environmental toxicants and its
applications to risk assessment.
Prerequisite: 161 and 162 or CHEM 131 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Health Studies Elective, Sustainability
Investigations
361 The Role of Natural Science in Environmental Studies
What can natural science contribute to our understanding of the interactions between
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 235
humans and our environment? What makes it possible for natural science to
provide this understanding? What are the limits on natural science’s capacity to
contribute to environmental studies? Answers to these questions come from the
humanities, social science, and natural science. From these perspectives, this course
will examine natural science as a way of knowing, and explore the application of natural
science to environmental challenges. Laboratory activities will provide opportunities for
students to work with ideas and processes that are fundamental to natural science, and
experience how natural science is applied in environmental studies.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 162 or any three natural science courses or junior class standing.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP)
362 Principles of Natural Science for Environmental Studies
Understanding the interactions between humans and our environment requires
integrating a wide range of perspectives. The fundamental principles identified by
natural scientists, such as the conservation of matter and evolution via selection, are a
key perspective. Knowing the principles of natural science and how to apply them
provides for a stronger grasp of many environmental challenges and points to effective
responses to these challenges. This course will explore a select, integrated set of
principles from natural science that are especially relevant to environmental studies.
The principles will be applied to better understand human-environment interactions.
Three hours classroom and four hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 162 or any three natural science courses.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP)
370 Environment and Society
Society defines how collections of humans are organized around shared bonds
including cultures, contexts, or identities. Margaret Mead famously warned, “we won’t
have a society if we destroy the environment.” Drawing from social science methods,
this class highlights how societies are intimately dependent on natural resources, and
how human actions alter the environment. Students will examine how collections of
humans experience, use, and change the environment. The class will discuss the social
construction and production of the environment, understand structures of power, and
learn about social change at the local and national scales.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 236
Prerequisite: 161.
Attributes: ENST Society (ESSO), Food Studies Elective, Social Sciences, Sustainability
Investigations
371 Global Environmental Politics
Global environmental politics seeks to understand how the global environment is being
changed by humanity and how states, organizations, individuals, communities,
societies, movements and corporations are responding to planetary environmental
issues. In this course, we discuss the causes of global environmental problems and how
solutions have been conceptualized and put into practice over the last several decades.
We examine trends in global environmental governance, and focus on the role of the
sovereign state and global organizations in designing, implementing and enforcing
effective international environmental agreements and regimes. We study the growing
role in global environmental politics of ‘global civil society’ and multinational
corporations. Finally, we consider the major tensions and controversies that
characterize global environmental politics such as the impact of economics and trade,
sustainable development, and the role of knowledge, power and science. This course
engages with a broad range of materials from the global environmental politics
literature and endeavors to represent different methodological and conceptual
approaches. The course is not organized around environmental ‘issue areas’ but rather
focuses on the underlying dynamics of power, authority, interests, legitimacy and ideas
that ultimately shape environmental debates. We focus on how theory informs policy
making and learn to recognize the constraints and opportunities available for
addressing environmental challenges in a changing world. The course will incorporate
lectures and seminar discussions as well as possible field trip and guest speakers.
Prerequisite: ENST 161 or INST/POSC 170.
Attributes: ENST Society (ESSO), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, Social Sciences,
Sustainability Investigations
372 Environment, Conflict and Peace
The goal of this class is to examine the complex relationships between the
environment, conflict and peace. We will discuss the emergence of the environment as
a topic of conflict and peace studies, and ask if the environment should be a security
concern. We will scrutinize the extent to which environmental degradation, resource
scarcity, natural resource wealth, and even climate change, increases the likelihood of
violent conflict, and discuss the environmental consequences of war itself. We will
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 237
explore whether environmental cooperation reduces the risk of violent conflicts, and
whether responses to environmental problems can serve as catalyst for peace. We will
strive to understand how international institutionsgovernmental, intergovernmental
and non-governmentalact to address security and peacebuilding challenges linked to
the environment. The course approaches the topic from different levels of analysis
(local, national, transnational and supranational), diverse theoretical frameworks and
analytical methods and range of environmental issue areas. Finally, we will use a broad
range of materials, employ lectures and seminar-like discussions and incorporate field
trips and guest speakers.
Attributes: ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), INST Global Security, INST Globaliz & Sustain
Course, Security Studies Course
406 Seminar in Advanced Topics in Environmental Studies
A keystone seminar designed to integrate and apply students' past coursework,
internships, and other educational experiences, and to provide a basis for future
professional and academic endeavors. The course format varies depending on faculty
and student interests, and scholarly concerns in the field. Course components may
include developing written and oral presentations, reading and discussing primary
literature, and defining and performing individual or group research. Students in this
course will be particularly responsible for acquiring and disseminating knowledge. This
course is not equivalent to an independent study or independent research course.
Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of the instructor.
Normally offered in Spring semester.
Attributes: Sustainability Connections
The following course is offered during Summer School only.
110 Wild Resource Management
This course will examine the management of natural resources (the manipulation of the
environment to achieve human goals) at the state, national, and global levels. The
course will examine natural resource management in Pennsylvania by studying the role
of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as managers of
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 238
Pennsylvania's 17 million acres of state forest and park land. The course will also
examine the nature of wildlife management conducted by the Game Commission and
the Fish and Boat Commission. These state management practices and policies will be
compared with national and global trends. Other topics will include: soil resources,
farming technologies, water resources, and the current political controversy over water
and wetlands at the state and federal levels. Other issues pertaining to natural
resources will be discussed as appropriate.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 239
Ethics
See Philosophy
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 240
Film and Media Studies
MINOR
Six (6) courses:
One introductory course: 101 Introduction to Film OR 103 Introduction to Media
Studies.
Five elective courses:
Two with different cultural perspectives, and
one advanced 300-level course.
Courses which count as electives are indicated each semester on the Registrar's
web site.
Students matriculating prior to Fall 2018 should contact the program Chair regarding
completion of the minor.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
A number of Dickinson College study abroad programs offer courses in film and media
studies. Students who are thinking about taking courses for credit in these areas while
abroad should contact the Film and Media Studies Chair for advice and guidance.
COURSES
101 Introduction to Film Studies
An introductory study of the preeminent art form of the 20th Century. The course will
focus upon the fundamentals of film study as an academic discipline, including formal
analysis of film narrative and cinematic technique (the art of film), contextual
approaches to film, study of various film genres, and rudimentary experience with film
production. Students will be exposed to aesthetically and historically important films
from a number of cultural traditions.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 241
102 Fundamentals of Digital Film Production
This course provides instruction in the basic aesthetic and technical aspects of digital
film production, including writing, producing, directing, shooting, lighting, recording
and mixing sound, and editing. Students will learn to harness digital tools while focusing
on their roles as storytellers. Each participant will write and direct a video, rotating
through various crew positions as they carry out exercises designed to deepen their
knowledge of the different elements of moviemaking. Ultimately, students will
collaborate in teams on short movies, which will be screened at the final class.
Offered spring semester.
Attributes: Arts, SINE Elective
103 Introduction to Media Studies
This course introduces students to the study of mediated communication or “media,”
with particular emphasis placed on mass media forms, such as print journalism, radio,
television, and film, as well as digital platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and
Snapchat. Students will examine these or other media forms from political, industrial,
and aesthetic perspectives. They will also explore how these forms have both
contributed to and themselves been impacted by broader processes of social and
technological change. By examining media in this mannerand by engaging with
current debates regarding media’s role in contemporary societystudents will develop
their understanding of how media functions and become, by the course’s end, more
literate consumers, producers, and critics of media today.
Attributes: Arts, Humanities
201 The History of Film
An examination of the economic, cultural, technological, generic, formal, and aesthetic
evolution of cinematic art, from 19th century precursors of the motion picture to the
current state of world cinema. Between these bookends, the survey might include such
developments as the medium's inception in 1895, early international (especially
German, Soviet and French) classics in silent film, the rise of Hollywood, the emergence
of sound, American censorship and classical Hollywood cinema, pre-war French classics,
post-war Italian neo-realism, la nouvelle vague, Asian and third-world cinemas, eastern
European and British developments at mid-century, and changes in the American film
industry in the Sixties and Seventies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 242
This course is cross-listed as HIST 279.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, FMST US Cultural Perspective, Social Sciences
210 Topics in Film Studies
Survey or themed courses dealing with various areas of world film, such as Middle East
Film, Israeli Cinema, and German Cinema.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
211 Screenwriting
This course will familiarize students with the fundamentals of good screenwriting:
structure, theme, conflict, character, and dialogue. Students take part in weekly writing
exercises as preparation for their final class project--creating a detailed outline of an
original screenplay, and completing the first act. Topics include plot and subplot,
character development, and commercial considerations such as format and genre.
Students are required to read essential books on scriptwriting and to analyze several
films and the screenplays on which they are based.
This course is cross-listed as CRWR 219.
Attributes: Arts, Creative Writing Course
220 Topics in Media Studies
Topics may include new media, theories of media, audio, visual, and digital media
studies and production, mass communication, journalism, and media and popular
culture.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
290 Brazilian Cinema
This class focuses on important examples of Brazilian cinema, as well as on critical
episodes, manifestos, and challenges faced by Brazilian directors, screenwriters, and
actors. The class will also analyze diverse periods and genres, such as chanchadas,
Cinema Novo, and retomada. Particular attention will be paid to the representation of
native Brazilians, Afro-Brazilians, women, and marginalized places (Backlands, favelas,
etc.), and how their representation has had social and economic repercussions in Brazil.
Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in Portuguese.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 243
This course is cross-listed as PORT 290 and LALC 290.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities, Lat Am, Latino, Carib St Elect
310 Topics in Advanced Film Studies
In-depth analysis and discussion of selected areas in Film Studies not normally covered
in other interdisciplinary offerings. Topics may include, for example, auteur studies,
genre studies, film theory, and film and popular culture.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
320 Topics in Advanced Media Studies
In depth analysis and discussion at the advanced level of selected areas in Media
Studies. Topics may include new media, theories of media, audio, visual, and digital
media studies and production, mass communication, journalism, and media and
popular culture.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 244
Food Studies
CERTIFICATION
FDST 201 and 401
Four electives from at least three departments.
Up to two can be in the student’s major(s) selected from a pre-approved list of
electives or approved by the program coordinator;
courses taken abroad or with partner-programs are eligible for consideration)
Experiential Component: Options include, but are not limited to:
1) transcription notation internships;
2) independent study or research with applied, field-based component, field-based
or laboratory/research experience, participant-observation, field schools, or a
hands-on work experience)
COURSES
Below is a list of pre-approved electives for the food studies certificate that are offered
regularly. Many other topics courses or courses abroad may be counted as electives
with approval of the certificate coordinator. First-year seminars will not count as food
studies electives.
AFST 220: African American Foodways
AMST 200: Fat Studies
ANTH 229: Principles of Human Variation and Adaptation
ANTH 310: Nutritional Anthropology
ARCH/ANTH 110: Archaeology and World Prehistory
ARCH/ANTH 260: Environmental Archaeology
BIOL 325: Plant Physiology w/lab
BIOL/CHEM 343: Metabolism
BIOL 401: Chemical Energy
CHEM 111 Chemistry in the Kitchen
ENGL 101: Literature and Food
ENST 280/SOCI 230: Environmental and Social Justice
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 245
ENST 370: Environment and Society
ERSC 205: Introduction to Soil Science (with lab)
FLST 210: A Star at the Table: Stories of Wine and Food in Italian Film and Media
FREN 240: Food, France and Cultural Identity
HIST 151 History of the Environment
HIST 211: Food and Environment in America
ITAL 201: Intermediate Italian
ITAL 321: The Cultures of Food in Italy in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
ITAL 323: Eat, Love, Die: Food in Italian and Italian-American Film
JDST 216/RELG 260: Eating the Text: Tasting Jewish/Israeli Food Through Literature,
Film and...the Mouth
JDST 316: Jews and Food
RELG 250: Mother Earth: Religion and Sustainability
SOCI 224: Families and Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
SOCI 230: Environmental and Social Justice
SOCI 230: Sustainability, Social Justice and Human Rights
SPAN 231: Gastronomy and Health in the Hispanic World
SPAN 239: Spanish for the Health Professions (taught in Spanish)
WGSS 206: Fat Studies
201 Introduction to Food Studies
This course introduces students to Food Studies, an interdisciplinary field that examines
food through biological, cultural, ecological, economic, and other perspectives. We will
treat questions of hunger, food production/procurement, inequality, ecology, food
labor, health, including psychology, and the diversity of ethical, cultural, and spiritual
meanings regarding food. The course will include opportunities for students to engage
in active observation, experimentation, and hands-on learning through community
partnerships and the College Farm. Students will encounter reading/viewing
assignments from a wide range of disciplines. This course will also be open to students
who do not intend to complete the Food Studies certificate but would simply like an
interdisciplinary understanding of the workings of food.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Sustainability
Investigations
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 246
250 Special Topics in Food Studies
Selected topics in FDST will vary with each offering, reflecting the interests of faculty
and students as well as evolving concerns of the field.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
401 Capstone Seminar
This capstone seminar builds on the introductory Food Studies course (FDST 201).
It requires students to reflect, synthesize, and apply knowledge gained through
their academic coursework and experiential learning experiences. A substantive,
reflective piece which could take many forms will be required. Students will work
collaboratively to organize a symposium, performance, event, or other public
presentation of their work.
In order to register for FDST 401, students must have completed FDST 201 and at least 3
of the four electives, along with the experiential learning component. The latter may be
taken simultaneously with FDST 401.
Prerequisite: FDST 201, at least three of the four electives, and the experiential
component which can be take simultaneously with FDST 401.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 247
French and Francophone Studies
MAJOR
A minimum of eleven (11 ) courses beyond 201 (previously beyond the 100-level),
including 236
one course in Francophone studies
and two 300-level courses taken on the Carlisle campus during the senior year, one of
which must be a senior seminar.
One of the 11 courses may take the following form:
(1) an internship completed in Toulouse; or
(2) a course taken in France or in Cameroon in which more than 50 percent of
course content is related to either French or Francophone area or issues; or
(3) For students who do not study abroad, one course in another department
on the Carlisle campus in which a substantial portion of the content is related
to French or Francophone areas or issues. If this course is available as a FLIC in
French, students are required to do the reading and written assignments in
French. Students will consult with the department chair regarding the suitability
of the course to meet the French or Francophone studies requirement.
MINOR
Five (5) courses beyond 201, including 236.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First Year
FREN 201, 230
or FREN 230, 236
or FREN 236 followed by FREN 240, or 245, or 246
NOTE: Entrance level dependent on the results of a placement examination
Sophomore Year
FREN 230, 236
or FREN 236 followed by FREN 240, or 245, or 246
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 248
Junior Year
Study in Toulouse, France, and/or Dakar, Senegal and/or Rabat, Morocco
or two 300-level courses
Senior Year
Two 300-level courses including one Senior Seminar
Related electives (e.g. language and literary studies, international studies, History of
Modern France, Medieval History, Art History)
NOTE: Normally French majors may not take 200-level courses their senior year.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Students interested in Independent Study or Independent Research in French or
Francophone Studies should consult with the faculty member with whom they hope to
work. Independent Study may not duplicate a class already being offered in a particular
semester.
Independent Research is usually reserved for the senior year and for students who have
a GPA of 3.50 or higher in the French major. Research may be carried out over one or
two semesters for one or more credits. An independent research project comprises a
substantial paper written in French, and is characterized by an independent and in-
depth study of an advanced topic including a literature search, reading of original
sources and a novel formulation of results. There is an oral defense at its completion.
The project is supervised by two members in the department. When independent
research is interdisciplinary in nature, a third faculty member from outside the
department is invited to participate.
HONORS
Departmental honors in French are normally granted to students who have completed
independent research projects and, after an oral defense, receive an A or A-.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 249
INTERNSHIPS
Internships may be available for interested students. The department chair or the
coordinator in Toulouse should be consulted for information. Some students have
served as interns in Carlisle with the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign
Languages and at the French Embassy in Washington, DC. Students on the Dickinson in
France program have interned in Business and Marketing, Public Administration,
Applied Sciences and Medicine, The Arts, The Media, and Education.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Junior Year: All students intending to major in French are strongly urged to plan their
program of studies to allow for study abroad during the junior year at Dickinson's Study
Center in Toulouse, France and/or in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The coordinators for
Dickinson programs in these countries should be consulted with any questions.
Summer Immersion Program: The French Department occasionally offers a five-week
student immersion program in Toulouse, depending upon student interest. This
program, which has a prerequisite of 201 (Intermediate French), is of particular interest
to French minors. The Department chairperson should be contacted for additional
information.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The Department of French and Francophone Studies encourages participation in its co-
curricular activities. The department sponsors a French language table where students
and faculty meet weekly to share a meal and informal discussion in French. The
Department also regularly hosts Tournées, a French and Francophone film festival
sponsored through the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. Each year, the
department brings to campus French students from the University of Toulouse, who
live in the Romance Language House and serve as resource persons to students
interested in the language. The French Club sponsors films, field trips, lectures, dinners,
and special events.
COURSES
The following courses are offered in Toulouse, the prerequisite for which is French
236 for all courses, except French 220:
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 250
220 Language and Civilization Immersion
An intensive language and civilization course designed to increase oral proficiency,
improve written expression, and develop cross-cultural observation skills through
immersion in the Toulouse region. Social and cultural phenomena will be studied
through interaction with French families, directed observation at a variety of sites,
participation in class activities, and tutorials. The exclusive use of French during the five
and one-half week immersion is expected of all students. Designed as content- based
and writing intensive, the course emphasizes the teaching of language through a
unified subject matter. This approach allows students to benefit from maximum
exposure to the French language while they build their content knowledge of the
French-speaking world through the study of a specific topic. Students will develop a
study-abroad portfolio.
Offered only in summer at the Dickinson Study Center in Toulouse.
Prerequisite: 201 or its equivalent.
This course meets the equivalent of FREN 230 (on-campus gateway to the major) and
can count towards the major or minor in French.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
255 French Literature & Society
A historically differentiated interpretation of French culture through examination of
French literature from the Middle Ages to the present in conjunction with study of
political, economic, and social structures of each period. Intellectual and artistic
currents that inform and are informed by these structures. Introduction of new critical
perspectives such as psychoanalytical and structuralist literary theory.
Offered only at the Dickinson Study Center in Toulouse.
Attributes: Humanities
256 French Literature & Society II
A historically differentiated interpretation of French culture through examination of
French literature from the Middle Ages to the present in conjunction with study of
political, economic, and social structures of each period. Intellectual and artistic
currents that inform and are informed by these structures. Introduction of new critical
perspectives such as psychoanalytical and structuralist literary theory.
Offered only at the Dickinson Study Center in Toulouse.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 251
260 Writing Workshop
Offers a reinforcement of French written skills through practice in lexical expansion,
idiomatic expression, and syntactical patterns. Students are given the tools necessary
(vocabulary, syntax, grammar) to free and enrich their writing styles, primarily through
creative writing. Exposition to various literary forms taken from French art and culture
(literature, painting, music, theater, cinema) is an additional component.
One credit.
Mandatory course offered each semester at the Dickinson Study Centerin Toulouse.
273 Topics in Applied French
Continued study of the French language designed to take advantage of issues of current
interest in French society or culture (e.g., electoral seasons, important historical
commemorations, current social or cultural controversies). Ample opportunity for
written work and discussion of the topic chosen.
One-half course credit.
Offered only at the Dickinson Study Center in Toulouse.
300 The Toulouse Colloquium
An interdisciplinary colloquium focusing on the history and contemporary culture of the
city of Toulouse. This course is composed of intensive written and oral language study,
and introduction to French university methods of argumentation, visits of local
museums and regional cities, and exploration of the various neighborhoods of
Toulouse. This course is designed to acquaint students with the city and the region in
which they will be spending the academic year.
One-half course credit.
Offered every semester at the Dickinson Study Center in Toulouse.
320 Topics in Intercultural Communication
Contemporary French society examined through theoretical reading and discussion as
well as directed experiential observation. Explicit reference to French and American
perceptions of cultural concepts so as to provide ideas, insights, and methods by which
to understand and analyze the two societies. Readings, reports, discussions, field
projects, and use of local resources comprise the work of the course.
Offered only at the Dickinson Study Center in Toulouse.
French Courses
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 252
101 Elementary French
Complete first-year course. Intensive study of the fundamentals of French grammar,
with special attention given to pronunciation and oral expression. Cultural readings in
the context of language acquisition.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary French
Complete first-year course. Intensive study of the fundamentals of French grammar,
with special attention given to pronunciation and oral expression. Cultural readings in
the context of language acquisition.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
201 Intermediate French
Intensive second-year study of French, with attention to grammar review, conversation,
reading in a cultural context and some writing.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. This course fulfills the language graduation
requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
230 Communication in French and Francophone Contexts
Intensive oral and written practice of French in the context of issues and themes such
as a sense of place, the lessons of time, the social contract, and intellectual and artistic
life. This course makes use of texts, films, multi media and interactive computer
strategies in the development of conversational and writing skills. Intended as the
gateway to the major or minor in French and Francophone Studies.
Prerequisite: 201 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Writing in the Discipline
236 Introduction to Cultural Analysis
An introduction to the practice of reading and writing about French and francophone
themes in an analytical and contextualized way. This course considers how cultural
production conveys ideologies, values and norms expressed in both historical and
contemporary contexts. Normally offered as writing-intensive.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 253
Prerequisite: 230.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Writing in the Discipline
240 French Identity
This course examines the representation of French identity from its origins in the
Ancien Régime to its present forms. Examples are drawn from history and human
geography, politics, economics, aesthetics, religion, and philosophy. Depending on the
instructor, these may include, for example, the representation of the State, the tension
between Paris and the provinces, the semiotics of social rituals, and other subjects of
cultural study.
Prerequisite: 236 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
245 Contemporary Issues in French Society
Designed to give students an understanding of the main tensions and controversies of
contemporary French culture. Focusing on political, social, and economic topics such as
Americanization, regionalism, immigration, France's place in the European Union, the
course should facilitate acculturation in France or provide an academic substitute for
that experience.
Prerequisite: 236.
246 Introduction to Francophone Cultures
This course explores the relationship between literature and Francophone cultures
(Vietnam, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa). Topics include: "Négritude," the
negro-African identity, "cultural métissage," the status of women, the dialogue
between tradition and modernity, independence, and post-colonial disillusionment.
Historical overview of the international context of Francophonie will be examined
through short stories, novels, poems, critical essays, feature and documentary films.
Prerequisite: 236.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, Global Diversity, Humanities, INST Africa Course
352 Classical Theatre and Social Myths
This course studies the theatre as an ideological instrument, asking how the plays of
17th century France reinforce, modify, or undermine the ways in which society sees
itself. Myths addressed include those concerning gender, monarchy, class structure,
and the power of language. The ideological work of the stage is related to such
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 254
historical developments as the rise of absolutism and attempts to stimulate the French
economy. Plays by Corneille, Racine, and Moliere and the principal texts, along with
selections from the major moralists.
Prerequisite: 255, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
354 Reason and Revolution
The Enlightenment: a century of intellectual ferment which challenged the values of the
establishment and swept them away in a revolution. Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot,
Rousseau. Offered on occasion as a bilingual course in French and English. Prerequisite:
255, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
357 Romantics, Realists, and Rebels: 19th-century French Novel and Poetry
An investigation of the major literary movements and authors of the century, to include
the theory and practice of romanticism and realism in French letters; reaction to
society by authors in revolt against bourgeois standards, and in pursuit of new modes
of literary expression.
Prerequisite: 255, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
357 Romantics, Realists, and Rebels: 19th-century French Novel and Poetry
An investigation of the major literary movements and authors of the century, to include
the theory and practice of romanticism and realism in French letters; reaction to
society by authors in revolt against bourgeois standards, and in pursuit of new modes
of literary expression.
Prerequisite: 256, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
358 Contemporary Fiction and Film
Studies in the theory and evolution of narrative in the 20th century, with particular
attention to issues of language, identity, difference and power. This course looks at a
selection of novels and films as scenes for the practice of writing as cultural resistance.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 255
Prerequisite: 256, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
361 French Literature in the Renaissance
Major works from prose, poetry, and theatre, with particular emphasis on Rabelais and
the development of humanism, the theory and practice of the Pléiade, and Montaigne.
Prerequisite: 255, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every other year.
362 Seminar in French and Francophone Literatures
A thorough investigation of a major figure or important literary trend (chosen at the
discretion of the instructor and in consultation with the majors) in French or
Francophone literature with emphasis on seminar reports and discussion. Recent
themes have been Algerian War; Love or Marriage in 17th and 18th century literature;
Relations Between the Sexes; Francophone Novelists of the African Diaspora.
Prerequisite: 245 or 246, or at least a semester of study in Toulouse or Yaoundé, or
permission of the instructor. Priority given to senior majors in French.
363 Topics in French and Francophone Cultures
In-depth analysis and discussion of selected aspects of French and Francophone
cultures not normally covered in other advanced offerings. Recent topics have included
Cinema and Society, Introduction to Sociolinguistics, The French Press, Post-War
France, Global Sororities.
Prerequisites: 245 or 246, or at least a semester of study in Toulouse or Yaoundé, or
permission of the instructor. Priority given to senior majors in French.
364 Topics in French and Francophone Literatures
In-depth analysis and discussion of selected areas of French and Francophone literature
not normally covered in other advanced offerings. Recent topics have included
Literature of Immigration, Love Letters; Hate Mail, French Theater & Society.
Prerequisite: 245 or 246, or at least a semester of study in Toulouse or Yaoundé, or
permission of the instructor. Priority given to senior majors in French.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 256
365 Seminar in French and Francophone Civilizations
Investigation of a broad theme or selected area of French or Francophone civilization
through pertinent readings, media forms and research in both literary and non-literary
materials. Past topics have included America Through French Eyes, L'Entre-deux-
guerres, Francophone Diaspora, Remembering Vichy.
Prerequisite: 245 or 246, or at least a semester of study in Toulouse or Yaoundé, or
permission of the instructor. Priority given to senior majors in French.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 257
German
MAJOR
Ten (10) courses
202 or its equivalent
One 200-level course in German (above 202, or a 300-level course)
One 300-level course in German
340 (only for students who spend the year in Bremen)
400 (senior seminar)
In consultation with their major advisor, students are to develop a concentration
consisting of at least three related courses. At least two of these courses must be taken
in the German department at Dickinson and should be above the level of 210. The
other course(s) can be taken from departments across the Dickinson and Bremen
campuses.
Courses taught by departments other than the German department at Dickinson,
including departments at the University of Bremen, may count toward a German major
if they focus significantly on issues related to German Studies.
In total, students have to complete ten courses in the area of German Studies in order
to earn a German major. Two elective courses may be taken in English. To be counted
toward the major, students must take German 210 as a FLIC course.
NOTE: Students who spend an academic year or a semester in Bremen have to take an
intensive summer language course and German 340.
MINOR
Six (6) courses including:
German 201 and 202 or their equivalent
One 200-level German course
One 300-level German course, taken at Dickinson.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 258
No more than two courses may be taken in English. The course in English can be taken
either within the German department or in another department, including departments
on the Bremen campus.
Courses taken from departments other than the German department at Dickinson must
deal significantly with issues related to German Studies in order to be counted toward
the minor. Students studying in Bremen in fall semester may count 340 as one of the
electives toward the minor. A minimum of five of the six courses must be taken at
Dickinson or Bremen.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The following two curricular flows are based on a student starting in either GRMN 101
or 202. If you begin German at Dickinson at a different level, please speak with a faculty
member to determine the best sequence of courses for you.
Placement into GRMN 101 or no previous knowledge of German
First Year
GRMN 101
GRMN 102
Sophomore Year
GRMN 201
GRMN 202
GRMN 210 or a course in English
Junior Year
Study abroad in Bremen (a full year is strongly recommended)
Senior Year
GRMN 300-level
GRMN 400
Placement into GRMN 202
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 259
First Year
GRMN 202
GRMN 200-level (211 or above)
Sophomore Year
GRMN 200-level (211 or above)
GRMN 200- or 300-level
Junior Year
Study abroad in Bremen (a full year is strongly recommended)
Senior Year
GRMN 300-level
GRMN 400
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent study projects are an option open to self-motivated students who desire
to study a topic not offered in a regular College course. Most projects are taken for
either half or full course credit. Usually independent study students will have a weekly
meeting with their advisors.
Occasionally, students may elect an independent study project in the German language.
This option is open only when it is clear that the student's needs cannot be met in the
traditional language courses. Possibilities for independent language work include:
advanced oral and written language practice; technical translation.
HONORS
Senior German majors who successfully complete a year-long independent study
project worth two course credits will be eligible to be voted honors in German on the
completion of the project. A student will graduate with honors in German if a) their
original research receives the grade of "A" from the supervising instructor and b) the
student successfully defends their project before a panel of the entire German faculty
so that the project is designated as "worthy of honors."
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 260
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Junior Year: Students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters abroad during
the junior year. For qualified students, the Junior Year in Bremen is a Dickinson-
affiliated program with a wide range of course and program options, including
laboratory courses in the sciences.
Summer Immersion Program: The German Department offers a four-week student
immersion at the University of Bremen, West Germany. See the course description for
GRMN 220, Bremen Practicum.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Each year two German language assistants (OSAs) from the University of Bremen are
actively involved with all aspects of the German program at Dickinson. In addition to
the language assistants, at least one additional exchange student from Bremen is also
on campus.
The German Club sponsors several events every year together with the German
department.
A German Language Table is held each Tuesday from 5:30-7 pm in a HUB sideroom for
students who wish to speakor merely listen toGerman while they eat.
German films are shown regularly throughout the academic year. They are most often
screened on Tuesdays at 7 pm, after German Table.
German writers, scholars, filmmakers, and actors also visit the campus every year and
are often possible due to the generous funding of the Max Kade Foundation.
COURSES
The following courses are offered in Bremen:
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 261
340 Comparative Cultures: USA-Germany
Offered in Bremen, Germany. Using the university and city of Bremen as laboratory,
students will explore the experience of culture shock, the difference between American
and German everyday life, structural differences in American and German public
institutions, historical ties between the two countries, historic concepts and symbols,
differing relationships to national culture, the effect of Germany's past on
contemporary consciousness.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dickinson in Bremen Program. Attributes: Social
Sciences
German Courses
101 German in Everyday Life
This course is an introduction to the German language and culture of daily life. It
focuses on the acquisition of language skills, such as speaking, reading, writing, and
listening and does so while also learning about aspects of every-day cultures in
German-speaking countries. Classes are small and emphasize communication. After
successfully completing German 101 and 102, students are expected to have reached a
basic level of intercultural and cross-cultural competence, that is, to be able to
communicate with members of German-speaking cultures with an awareness of
differences in language and culture.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 German in Everyday Life
This course is an introduction to the German language and culture of daily life. It
focuses on the acquisition of language skills, such as speaking, reading, writing, and
listening and does so while also learning about aspects of every-day cultures in
German-speaking countries. Classes are small and emphasize communication. After
successfully completing German 101 and 102, students are expected to have reached a
basic level of intercultural and cross-cultural competence, that is, to be able to
communicate with members of German-speaking cultures with an awareness of
differences in language and culture.
Classes meet five times a week.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 262
103 Intensive German
An intensive two-credit course that allows students to complete the first two semesters
of the language, part of the department's cultural proficiency requirement, in a single
semester. Like German in Everyday Life, this course makes extensive use of multimedia,
but does so in ways that enhance and vary linguistic input appropriate for a course that
meets as often and as long as this one. Classes are small, and material is covered at a
fast pace.
Ten classroom hours including two contact hours with native language assistants per
week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
201 Intermediate German I: Contemporary German Cultures
What did the Brothers Grimm do besides collecting fairy tales? How do narratives
inform national identity? Why do Germans return their empty bottles to the store?
Students approach such questions, which touch on language, culture, economics,
geography, history, and more, through a variety of media in this course. At the same
time, students review grammatical structures, expand their knowledge of stylistic
forms, and practice various registers of written and spoken German. German 201 aims
to develop students’ skills to understand and reflect upon German-language culture at
a basic intermediate level.
Classes meet four days a week.
Prerequisite: 102 or 103, or permission of the instructor.
This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
202 Intermediate German II: Mediated German Cultures
What was occupied Vienna like in post-WWII Central Europe? How does a film convey
fear? Is German academic writing different from how I write papers at Dickinson?
Posing these or similar questions, this course builds students’ basic intermediate level
of cultural and linguistic skill and explores the challenges of understanding and
communicating with various media in colloquial, academic, and professional contexts.
As it does so, students will acquire a better understanding of contemporary and
historical issues, anxieties, and desires in the German-speaking world. There will be a
special focus on writing in different modes, as this is a writing in the discipline (WiD)
course.
Prerequisite: 201, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 263
210 Exploring German Cultures
In this course, students learn about key periods and topics of German-speaking cultures
in their historical contexts. The course exposes students to various cultural forms such
as music, literature, art, and patterns of daily life. It provides students with a basic level
of understanding of German cultures and allows them to reflect on German cultures in
English. Classes meet three days a week. Offered in English. This course counts toward
the German minor. The course will count for the German major, if taken as FLIC.
Prerequisite, if taken as FLIC: 202, or the equivalent.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP)
211 Introduction to German Intellectual History
This course will analyze key documents and scholarly texts, which exemplify important
aspects of German thought on various topics such as politics, culture, history,
aesthetics, and philosophy. For instance, students may read and analyze Kant's essay
on the Enlightenment, Lessing's Laocoon, Schiller's Aesthetic Education, Goethe's work
on color theory, Alexander Kluge's Essay-Films, or political essays by Thomas Mann,
Alice Schwarzer, and Gunter Grass.
Prerequisite: 202, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
212 German in Performance
This course will focus on performance in German cultures. Students will analyze key
traditional examples of repeatable and lasting performances such as plays and films as
well as performances rooted in the avant-garde which concentrate on the moment and
the uniqueness of the individual performance generated by the performer or
performers as both the medium and the content of the performance. For instance,
students may critically analyze Georg Buchner's drama "The Death of Danton", the
performance actions of the artist Joseph Beuys, or the works of the director Christoph
Schlingensief.
Prerequisite: 202, or permission of the instructor.
213 Modern German Film
This course will focus on German films in their cultural and historical context. Students
will study selected films and develop a critical framework for viewing and analyzing
them. When appropriate, Austraian and Swiss films will also be included. Topics may be
early German Cinema, the New German Cinema, or post-unification films. Filmmakers
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 264
may include Volker Schlondorff, Alexander Kluge, Werner Herzog, Rainer Werner
Fassbinder, or F.W. Murnau, and may cover films such as Run Lola Run, Goodbye, Lenin,
Head On, and The Lives of Others.
Prerequisite: 202, if offered in German, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Arts
214 Formations of German Identities: Class, Race, and Gender
This course will focus on the representations of class, race, ethnicity, and gender in and
of German, Austrian, or Swiss society, including their colonial past (Germany), their
empire experience (Germany and Austria), and their clashes with indigenous peoples
(Germany). Examples of representation from the fields of art, literature, and film will be
the focus of a study of how class, race, and gender have changed and challenged the
perception of German identity over time. Students may analyze paintings by George
Grosz, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Kathe Kollwitz; read literary texts by Bertolt
Brecht, Verena Stefan, and Feridun Zaimoglu; view films by Fritz Lang, Fatih Akin, and
Margarethe von Trotta; or read autobiographies.
Prerequisite: 202, or permission of the instructor.
215 German Environments
Known for their contemporary environmentalism, German-speaking cultures have a
long cultural history that speaks to complex understandings and relationships with
nature. At times ideological, political, religious, spiritual, and critical, it is a turbulent
history. This course will focus on the environment in German-speaking cultures while
posing questions about how cultures’ relationship to the environment is informed by
and informs contemporary German-speaking cultures. Topics might include
understanding the significant role of nature in Romanticism that continues to influence
concepts today, the industrialization of Central Europe, 20th and 21st century
environmentalism, or the ways in which media (i.e. literature, film, music) underscore
or contradict certain assumptions about nature. This course may be taught in German
or in English.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 265
Prerequisite: GRMN 202 if offered in German, or permission of the instructor. No
prerequisite, if offered in English.
Attributes: ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Humanities, Sustainability Investigations, Taught
in English
250 Topics in German Studies
An examination of some topic related to German literature or culture. Topics may
include studies of major German writers such as Goethe, Mann, and Wolf, German
humor, sagas and legends.
Normally taught in English.
Attributes: Taught in English
251 Topics in German Studies II
An examination of some topic related to German literature or culture. Topics may
include studies of major German writers such as Goethe, Mann, and Wolf, German
humor, genres of literature or specific cultural topics such as German-Jewish literature
and culture.
Prerequisite: 202. Taught in German.
Attributes: Humanities
300 Examining Major Cultural Movements
This course will provide students with the opportunity to analyze a major cultural
period or artistic movement in German-speaking culture. Students will consider a
variety of sources, from cultural products and texts of literature and philosophy to
historical documents and sociological studies. The characteristics of the period and its
historical dates will be examined critically and considered in association with their
international or European counterparts. Possible periods or movements include:
Medieval German, Early Modern German, German Enlightenment, Goethezeit,
Romanticism, Realism, the long nineteenth century, Expressionism, or Poplit of the
1990s.
Prerequisite: a 200-level German course at 210 or above, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 266
301 German Cultures in Transition
Social, political, economic, and cultural upheavals constitute some of the most
intriguing periods of German history. This course is dedicated to these periods of
transition, its texts and contexts. Students will learn about and learn to critically analyze
historical periods of instability and moments of transitions such as the restoration
period following the Congress of Vienna, the imperial and colonial aspirations after
Germany's unification in the 19th century, Fin-de-Siecle Vienna, the ascent of the Nazi
state, and German reunification.
Prerequisite: a 200-level German course at 210 or above, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
302 German Culture in the Diaspora and Exile
Culture does not have boundaries. In the history of German culture, there are many
groups who have established themselves outside of the traditional national boundaries
of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These groups include those who left their old
countries for a better way of life as well as those forced to flee during times of
economic hardship, governmental repression, and deadly political and racist
persecution. How do these diasporic cultures continue to influence German culture? Is
it valid to claim these cultures of exile and the diaspora as German? Questions such as
these will be studied in the contexts of Jewish Germans and Austrians in exile, political
exiles of the 19th and 20th centuries, and diaspora communities such as the one in
"Siebenburgen" and the "Banat" regions in today's Romania.
Prerequisite: a 200-level German course at 210 or above, or permission of the instructor.
303 The Two Germanies: Cultures of East and West Germany
For 40 years, Germany consisted of two states--the German Democratic Republic (GDR
)and the Federal Republic of Germany (BRD). The contexts and conditions within which
these two countries developed and their distinct cultural forms are the focus of this
course. Literary and artistic production, political structures as well as differences in
daily life will be examined within the context of learning more about the two
Germanies.
Prerequisite: a 200-level German course at 210 or above, or permission of the instructor.
304 Minority Cultures in the German Context
While there have always been minorities inside Germany and Austria, such as small
communities of French, Russians, Sorbs, and Poles, as of the 1950's, people from
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 267
various European and other countries came to work and live in Germany in large
numbers. For instance, the largest group came from Turkey. This course will explore the
political activities and cultural expressions of these groups in relation to traditional
German cultures. Students may analyze literary texts, films, music, and youth cultures
of these groups making a home in Germany while changing their environment and
being changed by it.
Prerequisite: a 200-level German course at 210 or above, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
350 Topics in German Studies
An examination of topics related to German literature or culture. Topics may include
major
German writers, periods of German culture, and intellectual and social movements.
Prerequisite: Study in Bremen or permission of instructor.
370 German Film
This course will focus on German films in their broader cultural and historical context.
Students will study selected films and develop a method for viewing and analyzing
them. Topics may be the "New German Cinema" from Schlöndorff and Kluge to Herzog,
Fassbinder and Wenders, the films of feminist film makers, such as Sander, von Trotta,
Ottinger, and Sanders-Brahms, or Literature and Film.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
400 Senior Seminar
Advanced investigation of a particular writer, work, problem, or theme in German
literature and/or culture, with emphasis on independent research and seminar reports.
Prerequisite: German major or permission of the instructor
.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 268
Greek
See Modern Greek and Classical Studies
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 269
Health Studies
CERTIFICATION
Students should declare their intent to pursue the health studies certificate by emailing
the chair of the health studies program. Students should declare as soon as possible.
Students who successfully complete all of the requirements will be issued a certificate
in health studies, which will be awarded upon graduation from the college and will be
recorded on their transcript.
The certificate in Health Studies requires:
1) Successful completion of HEST 201: Introduction to Health Studies. This course
is normally offered every spring semester.
2) Successful completion of four other Health Studies designated courses taken in
at least three academic departments. Up to two can be in the student's
major(s). HEST designated courses can also be taken abroad (see Study Abroad
for preapproved HEST electives).
3) Successful completion of a HEST field experience. The field experience must be
related to the HEST program goals and must be registered via the internship
notation program, the research experience notation program, a study abroad
program or as an independent study/independent research course. Students
must submit a post-experience HEST questionnaire to the HEST chair within four
weeks of the completion of the field experience.
4) Successful completion of HEST 400: Health Studies Senior Seminar. The
prerequisites for this course are HEST 201 and at least two HEST electives. This
course is normally offered every fall semester.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Students must complete a health-related field experience.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 270
COURSES
Health Studies Designated Courses
The following Dickinson courses have been pre-approved as HEST electives. See Study
Abroad for pre-approved HEST electives at several study abroad
locations. Students must take four HEST electives in at least three academic
departments. Up to two can be in the student's major(s).
AMST 200: Health and Illness & Disabilities
ANTH 216: Medical Anthropology
ANTH 225: Human Osteology
ANTH 229: Principles of Human Variation and Adaptation
ANTH 245/WGSS 202: Health and Healing in Africa
ANTH 245/EASN 206: Babies and Boomers: Asian Societies in Transition
ANTH 310: Nutritional Anthropology
BIOL 132: Introduction to Molecules, Genes and Cells Topics
BIOL 326: Microbiology
BIOL 333: Physiology
BIOL 335: Microanatomy
BIOL 380: Immunology
BIOL 427: Virology
CHEM 490: Medicinal Chemistry
ECON 314: Health Economics
ECON 496: Political Economy of Health
HIST 215: Medicine and The Body in East Asia
HIST 404: Social History of Medicine
INBM 300: Applied Empirical Data Analysis
INBM 300: Comparative Health Systems: A Global Perspective
INBM 300: Social Impact Through Communications and Storytelling
INST 290: Global Health
INST 290/ECON 214: Population Issues in Developing Countries
LAWP 400: Biomedical Technology, Policy and Law
NRSC 400: Neuroscience Seminar (offered every spring semester)
PHIL 220: Biomedical Ethics
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 271
PHYS 215: Medical Imaging
POSC 290/PMGT 290: Managing Death
PSYC 120: Introduction to Health Psychology
PSYC 125: Brain and Behavior
PSYC 165: Psychopathology
PSYC 175: Introduction to Community Psychology
PSYC 365: Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
PSYC 375: Research Methods in Community Psychology
PSYC 401: Seminar on Behavior Modification
PSYC 420: Seminar in Health Psychology
PSYC 465: Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Disordered Eating
PSYC 475: Advanced Seminar in Community Psychology
RELG 260: Comparative Biomedical Ethics
SOCI 333: The Sociology of Health and Illness
SPAN 239: Spanish for the Health Professions
WGSS 202: Reproductive Justice
WGSS 206/AMST 200: Fat Studies
Health Studies Courses
201 Introduction to Health Studies
Introduction to Health Studies is a multi-disciplinary course that explores various
theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of health. In addition to
providing the overall framework for the materials covered, the faculty-convener of the
course will draw on speakers from Dickinson faculty who will present health studies
materials relevant to their respective areas of special expertise. Faculty speakers will be
drawn from a range of disciplines at the college, including American Studies,
Anthropology, Biology, History, International Business and Management, Philosophy,
Policy Studies, Psychology, and Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies.
Normally offered spring semester.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 272
250 Special Topics in Health Studies
Selected topics in HEST will vary with each offering, reflecting the interests of faculty
and students as well as evolving concerns of the field.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic, or permission of the instructor.
400 Senior Seminar in Health Studies
The Senior Seminar in Health Studies is an interdisciplinary, topics driven course, with
specific foci dependent upon the specialization(s) of the instructor. Students will survey
the relevant literatures of at least two disciplines; identify specific problems or topics;
complete a research project based on secondary and/or primary sources; and
offer a final presentation of interdisciplinary work (in the forms of academic papers,
oral presentations, or some other creative project (including film, narrative,
performance, etc.).
Prerequisite: 201 and at least two other courses in Health Studies (as accepted by
Health Studies Coordinator), or permission of instructor.
Normally offered fall semester.
Attributes: Service Learning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 273
Hebrew
See Judaic Studies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 274
History
MAJOR
Ten (10) courses at Dickinson (including approved courses while abroad and from
transfer students)
I. Three courses in the Methods Core:
204
Any 300-level history course
404
II. Four courses in the Concentration:
The field of concentration usually covers a continental region but students may also
define their own thematic concentrations that carry across regions. More information
about thematic concentrations is available on the Thematic Concentrations page.
III. Three Courses in Different Fields Outside of the Concentration
This usually means courses in three different regions of the world outside the continent
of concentration.
Including chronological breadth:
Within the ten required courses, at least one course must be pre-1800 in orientation
and at least one course must be post-1800.
MINOR
204 and at least five additional history courses.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The History major is a particularly flexible major. Students should take the methods
sequence in order (204, a 300-level course and 404), but all other courses can be done
in any order. Many history majors do a study-abroad program either for one semester
or two something the department supports. Most study-abroad programs offer
history courses making this easier.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 275
The guidelines are written for the entering student who thinks they might major in
history. Rather than specify the courses that a student “must” have in a given semester,
the following are general guidelines regarding types of courses that we suggest taking
each year.
First Year
One or two 100-level history courses or upper-level courses with good foundations
from successful AP or IB coursework
Sophomore Year
204, and one or two additional history courses
Junior Year
A 300-level and two or three other history courses
Senior Year
404 and remaining upper level history courses
NOTE: Students should plan their major in consultation with their advisors.
HONORS
Honors in the major require a minimum of two courses in independent research.
Project proposals must be formulated and approved in the second semester of the
junior year. Detailed guidelines are available on the honors page. The project should be
discussed with the department chair and faculty advisor. An oral examination is
conducted by the department on papers judged to have honors quality.
INTERNSHIPS
Contact the Internship Office and/or an individual member of the History Department
for information. Internships are ordinarily scheduled in the junior or senior years.
Summer internships, perhaps at "living history" or museum sites, are also encouraged.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 276
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
The Department encourages participation in the many off-campus options. The
Dickinson programs in Bologna, Italy and Norwich, England are particularly attractive
options for History majors.
COURSES
101 Surveys in History
Introductory-level survey of selected areas and problems in history. Suitable for
students of all levels.
Attributes: Social Sciences
105 Medieval Europe
This survey course will study the development of European civilization during the
period ca.300 to 1300. It will consider the impact of such events as the decline of the
Roman Empire, the Germanic invasions, the development of Christianity and the
Church, the emergence of feudalism, the expansion of Islam and the Crusades, and the
creation of romantic literature.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST European Course, MEMS Elective, Social
Sciences
106 Early Modern Europe to 1799
Society, culture, and politics from the Renaissance through the French Revolution.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST European Course, MEMS Elective, Social
Sciences
107 Revolutions Political, Artistic, Economic, Social, and Scientific: Europe in the Last
250 Years
Europe in the last few centuries has experienced developments that have transformed
the entire globe, for better and worse. Political, technological, economic, and
ideological innovations have led to imperialism, two world wars, and the Cold War that
stretched far beyond Europe. European innovations like the Industrial Revolution
created new work methods and goods that made lives easier while at the same time
creating classes and class divides, booms and busts, cruel child labor, and of course the
fossil fuel pollution that has led to climate change. New classes led to new political
philosophies (e.g. liberalism, socialism, anarchism, fascism, feminism, etc.) that found
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 277
resonance around the globe. Museums and concert halls around the world feature
Picasso and Stravinsky, Van Gogh and Chopin, Banksy and Black Sabbath. Evolution,
psychoanalysis, and quantum physics have spread far beyond the continent, but so too
has “scientific” racism and eugenics and the modern genocides that they have
catalyzed. This course will study European innovations that have had profound effects
far beyond the continent’s borders.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST European Course, Social Sciences
117 American History 1607 to 1877
This course covers colonial, revolutionary, and national America through
Reconstruction. Include attention to historical interpretation. Multiple sections offered.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
118 American History 1877 to Present
This course covers aspects of political evolution, foreign policy development,
industrialization, urbanization, and the expanding roles of 20th century central
government. Includes attention to historical interpretation. Multiple sections offered.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
119 South Asia: India and Pakistan
A survey of ancient Indian civilizations, classical Hindu culture, the era of Muslim
dominance, European imperialism, and issues confronting the subcontinent since
independence.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Asia Course, Social Sciences
120 History of East Asia from Ancient Times to the Present
This course explores the diverse and interrelated histories of the region currently
composed of China, Korea, and Japan, over the past two thousand years. We begin by
studying the technologies and systems of thought that came to be shared across East
Asia, including written languages, philosophies of rule, and religions. Next, we examine
periods of major upheaval and change, such as the rise of warrior governments, the
Mongol conquests, and engagement with the West. The course concludes by tracing
the rise and fall of the Japanese empire and the development of the modern nation
states that we see today.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 278
This course is cross-listed as EASN 120.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 3, INST Asia Course, Social
Sciences
121 Middle East to 1750
The rise of Islam, the development of Islamic civilization in medieval times and its
decline relative to Europe in the early modern era, 1500-1750.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 121.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
122 Middle East since 1750
Bureaucratic-military reforms of the 19th century in Egypt and the Ottoman Empire,
European imperialism, regional nationalisms, contemporary autocratic regimes, and the
politicization of religion.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 122.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
Social Sciences
130 Early Latin American History to 1800
Survey of pre-Colombian and colonial Latin American history. Students explore the
major ancient civilizations of the Americas, the background and characteristics of
European conquest and colonization, the formation of diverse colonial societies, and
the breakdown of the colonial system that led to independence. The course includes
both the Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Americas from a comparative
perspective.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 230.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course,
Lat Am, Latino, Carib St Elect, MEMS Elective, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies,
Social Sciences
131 Modern Latin American History since 1800
Introduction to Latin American history since independence and the consolidation of
national states to the recent past. Students explore social, economic, and political
developments from a regional perspective as well as specific national examples.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 279
This course is cross-listed as LALC 231.
Attributes: INST Latin America Course, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Portuguese &
Brazilian Studies, Social Sciences
150 History of Science
A global survey introduction to the history of science, technology, and medicine from
ancient times to the present. The course emphasizes how scientific knowledge is
created and used in the context of cultural, economic, social, and environmental
change. Follows a comparative cultural approach, showing how knowledge of nature
has developed in diverse places, including many parts of the non-Western world such
as China, India, Mesoamerica, and the Middle East. Surveys major changes in ideas,
institutions, and social context from the emergence of Western science in early modern
Europe to the present.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Social Sciences
151 History of Environment
Examines the interaction between humans and the natural environment in long-term
global context. Explores the problem of sustainable human uses of world environments
in various societies from prehistory to the present. Also serves as an introduction to the
subfield of environmental history, which integrates evidence from various scientific
disciplines with traditional documentary and oral sources. Topics include:
environmental effects of human occupation, the origins of agriculture, colonial
encounters, industrial revolution, water and politics, natural resources frontiers, and
diverse perceptions of nature.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), ENST Env Stud Spec
(ESSP), SINE Elective, Social Sciences, Sustainability Investigations
170 African Civilizations to 1850
This course provides an overview to the political, social, and ecological history of Africa.
We will examine the peopling of the continent, the origins of agriculture, the growth of
towns and the development of metal technology. Written sources before the 1400s are
almost nonexistent for most of Africa, and so we will use archaeological and linguistic
sources. The geographic focus of the course will be the Middle Nile, Aksum in Ethiopia,
the Sudanic states in West Africa, Kongo in Central Africa, the Swahili states of the East
African coast, and Zimbabwe and KwaZulu in Southern Africa. We will also examine the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 280
Atlantic Slave Trade and the colonization of the Cape of Good Hope.
This course is cross-listed as AFST 170.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Social
Sciences, Sustainability Connections
171 African History since 1800
In this course we will study the political, social, economic and ecological forces that
have
shaped African societies since 1800. We will examine in depth the Asante kingdom in
West Africa, the Kongo kingdom in Central Africa, and the Zulu kingdom in Southern
Africa. European's colonization of Africa and Africans' responses will be a major focus of
the course.
This course is cross-listed as AFST 171.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
204 Introduction to Historical Methodology
Local archives and libraries serve as laboratories for this project-oriented seminar that
introduces beginning majors to the nature of history as a discipline, historical research
techniques, varied forms of historical evidence and the ways in which historians
interpret them, and the conventions of historical writing.
Prerequisite: one previous course in history.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective
205 Public History
Public history explores the ways history is put to work in the world. Public historians
who work in a range of institutionsshare a commitment to making history relevant
and useful in the public sphere beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. Sites of
public history include educational spaces, archives, and, at times, contested places:
battlefields, museums, documentaries, historical societies, national and state parks,
local oral history projects, and sites of historic preservation. Public history is firmly
rooted in the methods of the discipline of history, but with an added emphasis on the
skills and perspectives useful in public history practice and on the ethics of listening to
multiple publics. The term “public history” emerged in the 1970s in the United States
with an emphasis on ideals of social justice, political activism, and community
engagement. In other parts of the world, public history is often known as “Heritage
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 281
Studies”. In this course, students will learn about the evolution of the field of public
history, discuss best practices and practical challenges within the field, and will
culminate the learning process through work on a public history project in conjunction
with the Cumberland County Historical Society.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Social Sciences
206 American Environmental History
Examines the interaction between humans and the natural environment in the history
of North America. Explores the problem of sustainable human uses of the North
America environment form the pre-colonial period to the present. Also serves as an
introduction to the subfield of environmental history, which integrates evidence from
various scientific disciplines with traditional documentary and oral sources. Topics
include: American Indian uses of the environment, colonial frontiers, agricultural
change, industrialization, urbanization, westward expansion, the Progressive-Era
conservation movement, changes in lifestyle and consumption including their
increasingly global impact, shifts in environmental policy, and the rise of the post-
World War II environmental movement.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, ENST Society (ESSO), SINE Elective, Social Sciences
211 Topics in American History
Selected areas and problems in American history. Suitable for beginning history
students, majors, and non-majors.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
213 History of Italian Society and Culture
Selected areas and problems in European history. Suitable for beginning history
students, majors, and non-majors.
Attributes: MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
215 Topics in Comparative History
Selected areas and problems in comparative history. Suitable for beginning history
students, majors, and non-majors.
Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 282
222 Feudal Europe
A study of the emergence of feudalism and an evaluation of its role in the development
of western Europe.
Offered every other year.
This course is cross-listed as a MEMS 200 topics course. Attributes: Appropriate for First-
Year, INST European Course, MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
223 Renaissance Europe
A study of prevailing conditions (social, economic, political, and cultural) in western
Europe with particular attention given to the achievements and failures of the
Renaissance.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST European Course, Italian Studies History,
MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
228 Italian History from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment
An examination of the principal events in Italian society, culture, religion, and politics,
including the rise of the medieval monastic orders, Italian city-states, the development
of commerce and industry, Renaissance Italy, the age of counter-reformation, and the
Age of Enlightenment. Student research will utilize resources such as museums and
libraries available in the Bologna area.
Offered in Bologna only.
Attributes: MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
230 Modern Germany
From the 19th century to the present. Emphasis on political and cultural responses to
socio-economic change, including German liberalism, the Bismarckian settlement,
origins of the world wars, Weimar democracy, and Nazism.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 283
231 Modern France
French society, culture, and politics from the French Revolution to the present. Themes
include revolutionary tradition, the development of modern life in Paris, the French
empire, and the impact of World War I and II. Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
232 Modern Italy
A survey of social, cultural, and political developments from the beginnings of the
Risorgimento in the 18th century to the post-war period, including the effects of the
Napoleonic period, the unification of Italy, World War I, Fascism, World War II, and the
Cold War.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Italian Studies History, Social Sciences
234 Fascism, Socialism, and Daily Life: Europe, 1914-45
Europeans between the two world wars experienced dramatic changes. The economy
collapsed, exciting and controversial art movements emerged, developments in
psychology and physics changed the way we understood humans and the physical
world, and of course extreme forms of politics arose across the continent, particularly
fascist and communist countries building on the politics of division, hatred, and
violence. This highly dynamic period often gets ignored because it is overshadowed by
the two world wars that preceded and followed it. Part of this course will be to examine
how the ripples from one war led to developments that anticipated the second.
Moreover, we will examine how some of the democratic societies allowed themselves
to slip into authoritarian dictatorships.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST European Course, Social Sciences
243 English/British History: 55 B.C. to 1688
This course covers the emergence of a unified English society, and its political
expression, to 1688 with particular attention to social, economic, and institutional
developments.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 284
244 Modern Britain since 1688
This course covers the political, economic, and social development of Great Britain,
domestically and internationally, as a major power in the 18th and 19th centuries, and
the abandonment of that role in the 20th century.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
247 Early American History
An examination of North American history from the earliest contacts between
European and American peoples to the eve of the American Revolution. Particular
attention is devoted to the interplay of Indian, French, Spanish, and English cultures, to
the rise of the British to a position of dominance by 1763, and to the internal social and
political development of the Anglo-American colonies.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, MEMS Elective,
Social Sciences
248 The American Revolution
This course will focus on the period between 1763 and the first decade of the 1800s in
North America, a time of tumultuous upheaval, intellectual ferment, and sporadic but
intense violence which culminated in the creation of the United States. It will cover
topics such as the expulsion of the French from North America, the rise of the a
bourgeois public sphere, colonial contestation over sovereignty with Great Britain, the
role of the military and violence in the new nation, republicanism, and the immediate
ramifications of independence on a wide variety of groups within North America, such
as women, American Indians, and free and slave African Americans.
Attributes: Social Sciences, US Diversity
253 Autocracy, Uprisings, and Daily Life in Medieval and Imperial Russia
An examination of the early formation of multi-ethnic clans into a large multinational
empire. The course explores state formation, the role of women, church power, the
arts, nationality conflict and figures such as Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and
Catherine the Great.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet, MEMS Elective,
Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 285
254 Revolution, War, and Daily Life in Modern Russia
This course explores Russia's attempts to forge modernity since the late 19th century.
Students will explore the rise of socialism and communism, centralization of nearly all
aspects of life (arts, politics, economics, and even sexual relations), and opposition to
the terror regime's attempts to remake life and the post-Soviet state's attempts to
overcome Russia's past.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet, Social Sciences
257 European Intellectual History
Main currents of Western thought from the 17th century to the present with emphasis
upon the interaction of ideas and social development. Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST European Course,
Social Sciences
259 Islam
An introduction to Islamic beliefs and practices in their classical forms: rituals, law,
mysticism, and other topics. The course will consider aspects of Islamic cultures and
societies in medieval and modern times.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 259 and RELG 259.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Humanities, INST Middle East/N
Africa Crse, Religion - Western Traditions, Social Sciences
272 The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World,
1450-1850
During several centuries of European colonization in the New World, a thriving slave
trade forced the emigration of millions of Africans across the Atlantic-an immigration
far larger than the simultaneous immigration of Europeans to the same regions. We will
address not only the workings of the slave trade on both sides (and in the middle) of
the Atlantic, but also the cultural communities of West and West-Central Africa and
encounters and exchanges in the new slave societies of North and South America.
Through examination of work processes, social orders, cultural strategies and
influences, and ideas about race and geography, across time and in several regions, we
will explore the crucial roles of Africans in the making of the Atlantic world.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 286
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 272.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, AFST - Diaspora Course, AMST Struct & Instit
Elective, Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Portuguese & Brazilian
Studies,Social Sciences
273 African Americans Since Slavery
Focuses on the history of Americans of African ancestry in the years following the
American Civil War, which ended in 1865. The course examines several important
transformations of African Americans as a people. In the first, we consider the
transition from slavery to a nominal but highly circumscribed "freedom," which ended
with the destruction of Reconstruction governments in the South. We consider the
institution-building and community-building processes among African Americans, and
the development of distinctive elite and folk cultures among various classes of black
people. We examine the Great Migration north and west between 1900 and 1920, and
the urbanization of what had been a predominately rural people. Fifth, we consider the
differential impact of World War I, the Great Depression, and the New Deal and World
War II on African Americans, and the creation of the Civil Rights Movement in the
1950's - 1980's.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Social Sciences, US Diversity
274 The Rise and Fall of Apartheid
The peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa in the early 1990s
was widely hailed as the "South African Miracle." This course asks why such a transition
should be considered miraculous. In order to answer our question, we will begin with
South African independence from Britain in 1910 and study the evolution of legalized
segregation and the introduction in 1948 of apartheid. After reviewing opposition
movements we will move to a discussion of the demise of apartheid and the negotiated
political order that took its place. We will examine the machinery and the deliberations
of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and debate its accomplishments. The
course ends with an examination of memory and history.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Social Sciences
275 The Rise of Modern China
The history of China from the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912 to the rise of China as a
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 287
global economic and political power in the twenty-first century. Topics include issues of
cultural change and continuity, the growth of modern business, women's rights, urban
and rural social crises, the rise of modern nationalism, Communist revolution, the
political role of Mao Zedong, post-Mao economic reform and social transformation,
human rights, and prospects for Chinese democracy.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Social Sciences
276 Outsiders in America
Considers the process of self-discovery and the formation of collective identity among
individuals and groups who have historically experienced discrimination, oppression,
and ostracism by middle-class Euro-American society. These groups include the
homeless and transient, African-Americans within slavery and for many decades after
"freedom," the "new immigrants" from Eastern and Southern Europe in the years 1870-
1920, gay and lesbian Americans, the "undeserving poor" among Southern whites, and
persons with disabilities. Although the narrators and commentators we will read do not
encompass all Americans who have been considered as "others", their writings can be
used to ask questions about the formation of individual and collective identities among
a number of varied subcultures.
Attributes: Social Sciences, US Diversity
277 European Empires
This course will investigate the building, celebration and dissolution of the European
empires moving from the 15th century into the 20th century. Definitions of imperialism
as it developed over time will be discussed. The readings look at the effects of empire
in Europe as well as some of the effects in the colonies, including works by Christopher
Columbus, William Shakespeare, George Orwell, and Chinua Achebe.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
278 European Women's History
This course will explore the lives of European women in the modern period (1789 to the
post WWII period). It looks at both rural and urban women, issues of class, family and
motherhood as well as demands for social and political rights for women. The readings
include primary sources such as housekeeping guides, novels and war propaganda as
well as secondary sources such as biographies and anthropological studies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 288
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent,
WGSS Intersect/Instit/Power, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
279 The History of Film
This course concerns the emergence and development of the film industry and the
various conditions that have and continue to influence it. While artistic considerations
are certainly important, the making of films is also a commercial enterprise in which
financial concerns are paramount. Moreover, since films enjoy enormous popularity
with virtually all in society, regardless of age or education, the political and moral
content of films is a constant concern for private as well as governmental organizations.
Therefore, this course is also about how competing and often incompatible tensions --
artistic, financial, political, and moral -- have influenced the making of films.
This course is cross-listed as FMST 201.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, FMST US Cultural Perspective, Social Sciences
280 Medieval and Renaissance Women
Women have always constituted approximately half of the human population, and yet
at virtually all times and places they have been subordinate to men; and until fairly
recently their history has been ignored. Beginning with the Ancient World and
continuing up to the sixteenth century, this course will investigate the status and ideas
about women in various cultures. Relying on primary documents, we will consider the
influences that affected the position of women, and when the sources permit, how
women regard their situation.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Social Sciences
281 Recent U.S. History
Examination of the social, political, and economic development of the U.S. since the
New Deal.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Social Sciences
282 Diplomatic History of the United States
Description and analysis of the nation's role in world affairs, from the earliest
definitions of a national interest in the 18th century, through continental expansion,
acquisition of empire, and world power, to the Cold War.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 289
This course is cross-listed as INST 282.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, INST Diplomatic History
Course, Social Sciences
283 Latin American-U.S. Relations
A study of political, economic, and cultural relations between Latin America and the
United States from the early 19th century to the present. The evolution of inter-
American relations is analyzed in light of the interplay of Latin American, U.S., and
extra-hemispheric interests.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 283.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Social Sciences
286 New Nation
Reading and research in the political, economic, and social developments of the U.S.
during the first generations of official nationhood, from the writing and ratification of
the Constitution to the end of the Mexican War.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, Social Sciences
288 Civil War - Reconstruction
A study of the political, economic, social, and intellectual aspects of 19th century
America from 1848 to 1877. Attention is given to the causes and course of the Civil War
and evaluates the results of Reconstruction.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, AMST US History Elective, Appropriate for First-
Year, Social Sciences
304 Historiography and Advanced Methods
In this course, students will focus on how historians build their arguments and engage
in historiographical debates. After a short review of HIST 204, the course will examine
historiographical discussions, their evolution, and the state of the research agenda on a
given theme, topic, or field. Students will typically produce a substantial essay.
Prerequisite: 204. Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 290
311 Studies in American History
Selected areas and problems in American history. Designed for majors and for non-
majors who have taken courses in related fields.
Attributes: Social Sciences
313 Studies in European History
Selected areas and problems in European history. Designed for majors and for non-
majors who have taken courses in related fields.
Attributes: Social Sciences
314 Studies in European History
Selected areas and problems in European history. Designed for majors and for non-
majors who have taken courses in related fields. Offered in Bologna only.
Attributes: Social Sciences
315 Studies in Comparative History
Selected trends and problems studied comparatively in various periods and
geographical areas. Designed for majors and for non-majors who have taken courses in
related fields.
Attributes: Social Sciences
333 The First World War
A study of the causes, progress, and consequences of the first global conflict of modern
times. Particular attention is paid to the political and social impact of total warfare on
the participating nations.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST European Course, Social Sciences
350 American Science, Technology and Medicine
Explores the development of science, technology, and medicine in the United States,
from the eighteenth century to the present. By viewing science, technology, medicine
as powerful way of making and using knowledge of nature and the body that have
developed over the past few centuries, we will examine such questions as: Who has
done science, technology, and medicine, and where have they done these activities?
How have science, technology, and medicine been funded and directed by business,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 291
government, disciplines, and private foundations? Who has owned and exerted control
over knowledge of nature and ways to manipulate or control it, as types of intellectual
property? How have American science, technology, and medicine reflected and
participated in wider social, economic, and political developments? What have been
the cultural roles of the scientist, inventor, engineer, and health professional? How has
the authority of modern science, technology, and medicine become established? How
has the relationship among science, technology and medicine evolved? How have
changing technologies affected the environment, and vice versa? How have changing
medical ideas and practices shaped human health? Our overall goal is to understand
how modern science, technology, and medicine have come to play such central roles in
American society.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective,
Social Sciences
358 19th-20th Century European Diplomacy
European diplomatic history from the Congress of Vienna through World War II.
This course is cross-listed as INST 358. Offered occasionally. Attributes: INST Diplomatic
History Course, Social Sciences
370 Cold War in Africa 1945-1990
Even as the nuclear deterrent kept Europe and North America largely free of warfare
after 1945, Cold War rivals fought proxy wars across Africa. This course examines
the Cold War calculations of the superpowers and others in the region and assesses
the overlapping objectives and interests of African nationalists, white settlers,
and decolonizing empires. After an examination of Cold War history and an
assessment of Africa’s historical development, we will focus on case studies: Guinea,
The Congo, Angola, Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The course ends with an
analysis of U.S., Soviet, Cuban, and African interpretations of how the Cold War
impacted Africa(ns).
Attributes: Global Diversity, Writing in the Discipline
371 The Arab-Israeli Conflict
A study of conflict through four phases: the early stages of the Zionist movement and
its impact in Ottoman Palestine to 1917; Zionist immigration and settlement and Arab
reaction during the Mandate period; the creation of Israel and its wars with the Arab
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 292
states to 1973; and the rise of a Palestinian Arab nationalist movement and the
challenges it poses to Arab states and Israel.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 231.
Attributes: INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Social Sciences
373 Ecological History of Africa
This course provides an introduction to the ecological history of Africa. We will focus in
some detail on demography, the domestication of crops and animals, climate, the
spread of New World crops (maize, cassava, cocoa), and disease environments from the
earliest times to the present. Central to our study will be the idea that Africa's
landscapes are the product of human action. Therefore, we will examine case studies of
how people have interacted with their environments. African ecology has long been
affected indirectly by decisions made at a global scale. Thus we will explore Africa's
engagement with imperialism and colonization and the global economy in the
twentieth century. The course ends with an examination of contemporary tensions
between conservation and economic development.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Global Diversity,
Social Sciences
374 African Women's History
This course examines the role of women in African societies since the nineteenth
century. Lectures and readings will be arranged thematically. Themes include sexuality
and reproduction, the household, women's economic activity, political power, religion,
colonialism, and democracy. After a discussion of gender, we will analyze pre-colonial
production and reproduction, family life and religion in the twentieth century, women's
roles in nationalist politics, the politics of female genital mutilation, and the lives of two
contemporary African women leaders. Readings, including historical studies and novels,
songs, and art, will be drawn from across the cultures and languages of Africa.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Social Sciences
375 Europe's Dictators
Contrary to the hope of contemporaries, World War I was not "the war to end all wars."
Instead, at its end Europe emerged into a world of unprecedented turmoil and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 293
confusion, a time that was nonetheless permeated with hope, idealism, and possibility.
This course explores European politics, society, gender, and culture between 1918 and
1945, focusing on the extreme developments in Germany, Russia, Spain, and Italy
during this time. We will examine the emergence, development, form, and
consequences of the rule of Hitler, Stalin, Franco and Mussolini and explore the
relationship of these dictators to the states that sustained them.
Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Italian Studies History, Social Sciences
376 The Holocaust
The course explores the causes of the Shoah/Holocaust, including anti-Semitism, the
eugenics movement, the growth of the modern state, and the effects of war. Themes
will also explore perpetrator motivation, gendered responses, bystanders and rescuers,
and the place of the Holocaust among other genocides. Students will approach the
Holocaust through its historiography, which will equip them to interpret facts and
understand how and why scholars have shifted interpretations over time.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 316.
Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Social Sciences
377 Consumerism, Nationalism and Gender
This reading seminar examines the development of consumerism and nationalism in
Europe and America beginning in the late 18th century and continuing on into the post-
WWII era - from American Revolutionary boycotts to French fast food establishments.
We will look for overlaps or polarities between the movements and the way gender
interacted with both of them. Students may be surprised at the gendered aspects of
both movements. We will consider, for example, the historical development of the
image of women loving to shop, and we will study propaganda from the two world
wars with men in uniform and women on the "home front." Our readings will include
both promoters and critics of each movement.
Offered every two or three years.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Social Sciences, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent,
WGSS Intersect/Instit/Power, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 294
378 Society and the Sexes
This is a reading seminar that investigates three separate but interrelated threads - the
history of sexuality, the history of the body and the construction of gender - in both
pre-industrial and modern Europe. The course explores how definitions of male/female
and feminine/masculine have changed over time and how they shaped the life
experiences of men and women. Readings will include medical opinions, legal texts,
diaries, novels, and political debates.
Offered every two or three years.
Attributes: Social Sciences, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent, WGSS
Intersect/Instit/Power, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
388 African-American History
A survey of black history from pre-colonial Africa and the origins of slavery in the
American colonies to the urban migrations of the 20th century.
This course is cross-listed as AMST 301 (African-American History). Attributes:
Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
389 Native Peoples of Eastern North America
A survey of major development among Native Americans east of the Mississippi River
from approximately A.D. 1500 to the present, using the interdisciplinary methodologies
of ethnohistory. Topics to be addressed include 16th and 17th century demographic,
economic, and social consequences of contact with European peoples, 18th century
strategies of resistance and accommodation, 19th century government removal and
cultural assimilation policies, and 20th century cultural and political developments
among the regions surviving Indian communities.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 223.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS),
Social Sciences
392 Immigrant America
This course examines the experiences of immigrant and migrant Americans from the
17th through the 20th centuries, with special emphasis on the periods 1870-1914 and
1965-present. It will analyze the changing context of the immigrant and migrant
experience as depicted in historical, autobiographical, and fictional narratives.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 295
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
394 The Family in America
Traces the history of the American family from the colonial period through the present,
using an interdisciplinary approach that combines readings in demography, social
history, psychology, literature, and anthropology. Topics explored include family
formation and gender creation, marriage and divorce, family violence, and the social
impact of changing patterns of mortality and fertility.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
404 Senior Research Seminar
An examination of the historiography of a major topic, culminating in a substantial
research paper based in significant part on the interpretation of primary sources.
Prerequisite: 204 and 304 (or its equivalent), or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 296
Humanities
GENERAL INFORMATION
In all courses given the humanities designation, students study the aesthetics of specific
human works in various media and inquire into the meanings of human existence
embodied or suggested there. The courses explore the varied historical and cultural
contexts of such works to support the primary focus upon the integrity and artistic
character of the works themselves. The instruction is interdisciplinary.
COURSES
120 Masterworks of Western World
A study of a small number of works from the several arts, these may be from
architecture, the graphic arts, literature and music. The intent is 1) to focus on the
works themselves, their dialectics of form and content, and 2) to inquire into their
historical cultural contexts, and 3) to explore the conditions and character of each
achievement, both in its own setting and in its potential for more universal aesthetic
power. Works will be chosen from the Western Tradition, from fifth century Athens,
through Medieval, Renaissance and Modern Europe, to modern America.
Open to first and second year students. This course fulfills the Humanities (Division I A),
Humanities (Division I B), or Arts (Division I C) distribution requirement, depending
upon topic.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
220 Masterpieces of the Western World
This course will have the same syllabus as Humanities 120. Identical materials are
covered and lectures given jointly. However, the course will have its own discussion
groups, and a more advanced level of interpretive skills will be assumed both for group
discussions and for evaluation.
Open to juniors and seniors. Attributes: Humanities
Note: Students may take either course for credit but not both. Either course fulfills the
Humanities distribution requirement.
The following courses are offered in England:
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 297
109 London's History and Culture
A topics course which focuses upon the ways that history, literature, and the arts shape
culture, using the city of London and its environs as a laboratory.
Taught in the Summer Semester in England only.
209 Studies in the Humanities I
Required of all students in the Dickinson Humanities Program. This is an intensive
immersion program taking place in the city of London as the first component of the
Dickinson Humanities Program sequence. The course combines class sessions and site
visits to explore London and its environs as a vehicle for understanding key questions
about art, identity, and human agency, in the context of history, culture, geography,
and governance. This course will fulfill neither a distribution nor a major requirement.
Prerequisite: acceptance into the Dickinson Humanities Program in England.
Offered prior to fall semester and only in the Dickinson Humanities Program in England.
Attributes: Sustainability Investigations
210 Studies in the Humanities II
Required of all students in the Dickinson Humanities Program. Building on HUMN 209,
this class provides a broad humanities-centered view of contemporary British life and
culture, perhaps including such issues as the arts, identity, education, religion,
government, diversity, and media, with an emphasis on Norwich and East Anglia.
Offered fall only in the Dickinson Humanities Program in England.
This course will fulfill neither a distribution nor a major requirement. Prerequisite: 209.
Attributes: ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP)
311 Independent Research in the United Kingdom
This is an independent capstone research project designed for all-year students
participating in the Dickinson Humanities Program (DHP) in England. Projects are
designed by students to include both academic and experiential components; their
design and proposed final product must be approved by the DHP resident director.
Students are expected to seek out appropriate assistance from relevant UEA and
Dickinson faculty. Students will have the option of applying to receive credit towards
their major if this is approved prior to the beginning of the project, subject to the rules
and procedures of the relevant department at Dickinson.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 298
This course fulfills a major requirement only where permission is granted by the
appropriate department at Dickinson, as above. Prerequisite: HUMN 209 and 210.
Offered spring only in the Dickinson Humanities Program in England.
315 Topics in the Humanities
This course permits the exploration of a discipline-specific topic in the context of
English culture. Topics will vary according to the discipline of the director and may
include topics from the following disciplines: dramatic arts, literature, art, history, and
music.
This course will not fulfill a distribution requirement and will fulfill a major requirement
if so directed by the department of the Dickinson Director. Prerequisite: permission of
the instructor. Offered only in the Dickinson Humanities Program in England.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 299
Interdisciplinary Studies
COURSES
100 State and Society in the U.S.
This course introduces students to the basic elements of state and society in the United
States, from basic tenets of governance to broader elements of historical and
contemporary identity and culture in American life. Its underlying theme is the
historical struggle between "pluribus" and "unum," as reflected in the U.S. motto "E
pluribus unum" (out of the many, one): how well has the United States sustained itself
as a singular noun? How have the demands of diversity - a welcome but always-
contested expansion of the "we" in "we, the people" - been reflected in government,
the arts, popular culture, the media, or for that matter daily neighborhood life? These
topics will be addressed in both classroom sessions and "study tours" that may include
travel to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Along the way, the
course also seeks to model key pedagogies common in the liberal arts classroom,
emphasizing discussion, collaboration, close reading, and, in conjunction with WRPG
101, U.S. Research Writing for International Students.
Offered in Summer only during the International Student Summer Institute.
Open to international students immediately prior to their enrollment at Dickinson as
first-year matriculants.
One-half course. Co-requisite: WRPG 101.
150 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
This course examines the basic elements of interpersonal communication and culture
as the two relate to one another. Emphasis is given to the influence of culture on the
interpretation of the communication act and to the communication skills that enhance
cross-cultural communication.
Offered in Summer School only.
250 Selected Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies
A topics course that examines an issue by incorporating approaches and perspectives
from two or more of the fundamental branches of the academic curriculum: the arts,
humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 300
390 Intercultural Seminar
This seminar is offered at selected Dickinson Centers abroad to encourage students to
reflect broadly on their site-specific experiences. The experiential and the theoretical
dimensions of out-of-class experiences such as internships and service learning
reinforce and enrich one another, providing students with a window onto the workings
of their host society. Through readings, class discussions, writing assignments, and
presentations, this seminar provides a rigorous academic context for evaluating and
understanding the experiential components of the course. Offered only at selected
Dickinson Centers abroad programs.
Contact the Center for Global Study and Engagement for the list of programs
offeringthis course.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 301
International Business & Management
MAJOR
Fifteen (15) Courses and a non-credit field experience/internship:
Core economics courses (2)
ECON 111: Introduction to Microeconomics
ECON 112: Introduction to Macroeconomics
Core business courses (8)
100: Fundamentals of Business
110: Fundamentals of Accounting
200: Global Economy
220: Managerial Decision Making
230: International Organizational Behavior
240: Marketing in a Global Context
250: Finance
400: Senior Seminar in International Business Policy & Strategy
Foreign language elective courses (3)
Three courses beyond the intermediate level in one foreign language. American Sign
Language cannot be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement for the
International Business & Management curriculum.
International students who have fulfilled the language requirement in their
native language and who do not pursue a second language as part of their
program at Dickinson must take three courses with U.S. content in the social
sciences or humanities.
Elective courses offered by the inbm department (2)
Two INBM 300-level electives
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 302
An internship with transcript notation or approved field experience
(This does not carry a course credit.)
The INBM major requires core competence in mathematics. If a student has not scored
600 on the Math SATs or at least a 15 on the Math placement test administered by the
Math Department, the student will need to strengthen their math skills in order to
thrive in the major. The department suggests a course of self-study that includes
algebra and geometry or by taking MATH 121 or 151.
Students are eligible to declare the INBM major after successful completion of or
current enrollment in at least three of the following four courses: ECON 111, ECON 112,
INBM 100 and INBM 110.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First Year
Progress in completing ECON 111, 112
INBM 100, 110
Foreign language courses
Sophomore Year
Progress in completing 200, 220, 230, 240, and 250. Plan to complete at least 3 of 5
prior to studying abroad.
Continued foreign language study
Note that we strongly encourage INBM majors to complete INBM 220 during their
sophomore year and to complete it before enrolling in INBM 250.
Junior Year
Majors are encouraged, but not required to study abroad for a semester or full year.
Students may continue taking foreign language courses
Courses in the core (when appropriate)
Electives at the 300-level
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 303
Senior Year
Completion of the INBM 300-level electives (if still needed) INBM 400
Internship:
The INBM major also requires that students complete an internship. We recommend
that students fulfill this requirement prior to their senior year.
INBM Recommended Course Progression chart.
Of course, students not following these guidelines may still be able to complete the
major but may not be able to spend a full year abroad and may be limited in pursuing
other academic designations (minor, major, certificate).
For more information on the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact an INBM
faculty member for clarification.
HONORS
Candidates for honors in the INBM major must obtain at least a 3.6 overall GPA, be in
the top 10% of the senior class majors by major GPA and earn, or be on track to earn,
an A or A- in INBM 400. After meeting these criteria, candidates will be invited to
produce an individual analysis of a business case study that will be presented formally
to the INBM faculty. The faculty will award honors to those presentations judged to
have honors quality.
COURSES
100 Fundamentals of Business
This course features an introductory focus on a wide range of business subjects
including the following: business in a global environment; forms of business ownership
including small businesses, partnerships, multinational and domestic corporations, joint
ventures, and franchises; management decision making; ethics; marketing; accounting;
management information systems; human resources; finance; business law; taxation;
uses of the internet in business; and how all of the above are integrated into running a
successful business. You will learn how a company gets ideas, develops products, raises
money, makes its products, sells them and accounts for the money earned and spent.
This course will not fulfill a distribution requirement.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 304
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT Private Sector Policy, Sustainability Connections
110 Fundamentals of Accounting
This is a core course designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the
"language of business" and its applications for decision-making purposes. The course is
organized into three sections. In the first section students learn about the accounting
cycle- essentially the analysis and recording of financial transactions and the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP). The second section of the course focuses on the analysis and
interpretation of financial statements. This section emphasizes the use of financial
information by external stakeholders for decision making. The third section of the
course concentrates on the fundamentals of management accounting. This section
centers on the use of accounting information for operational performance evaluation
as well as operational and capital decision making. By the end of the course, students
will understand the basic principles and concepts of accounting, the business and
economic activities that generate accounting information, how accounting information
is used by internal and external stakeholders for economic decision making, and how
accounting affects society and individuals.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Quantitative Reasoning
200 Global Economy
The course introduces economic theory that builds on ideas from introductory
microeconomics and macroeconomics. It uses that theory as a framework for
examining developments in the changing global system. Developments include the
revolution in information technology; the dynamics of human population growth; the
implications of climate change; challenges to human security; and emerging patterns of
organizational interdependence and collaboration. Those developments provide the
context for business managers and for government officials responsible for shaping
strategies and implementing policies.
Prerequisite: ECON 111 and 112; concurrent enrollment in ECON 112 by permission of
the instructor. This course is cross-listed as INST 200.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 3, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 305
220 Managerial Decision Making
Applies the principles and methods of economics to analyze problems faced by
managers in a business or other type of organization. This course emphasizes how
managers can (and should) use economic tools to further the objectives of the
organization. Emphasis is on application of theory to actual business decisions. Many
applications will require students to build economic models using spreadsheets, just as
they will be required to do in a business setting.
Prerequisite: ECON 111 and INBM 110.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
230 International Organizational Behavior
This course looks at how human systems function within the structure of the
organization and how individual and group behaviors affect collective organizational
culture and organizational effectiveness. Students study individual, interpersonal, and
group processes; the relationship between attitudes and behavior; ethical decision-
making; and the management of organizational conflict and change. Approaches for
developing leadership, managing conflict, communicating effectively, enhancing
efficiency, and encouraging organizational adaption to changing environments are
explored. Examples taken from domestic and international organizations are used
throughout the course.
Prerequisite: 100 or permission of the instructor. This course may fulfill Comparative
Civilizations graduation requirement, depending upon topic.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP Policy
Elective, PMGT Private Sector Policy
240 Marketing in a Global Context
The primary objective of this course is to identify how companies identify and satisfy
their customers' needs. Not only are the "4p's of marketing" covered (product, price,
promotional programs like advertising and public relations, and place or distribution),
but working with a specific semester-long case, you will learn how to manage an
integrated marketing program. We will also examine other important aspects of
marketing: market research, new product development, consumer behavior, ethics,
competitive analysis and strategic planning, and marketing internationally and on the
Internet. Field trips and videos are used to reinforce the ideas presented in the
classroom.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 306
Prerequisite: 100 or permission of the instructor. 110 is recommended but not required.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP Policy
Elective, PMGT Private Sector Policy
250 Finance
Knowledge of finance will allow students to adopt the perspective of financial officers
in both for-profit as well as not-for-profit organizations. This knowledge is needed to
evaluate the health of an organization using key performance indicators and making
ethical decisions that involve both short-run and long-run planning horizons. In the
short run, this knowledge helps to effectively carry out business functions such as
managing cash flow, borrowing money for short periods of time, and keeping control
over inventory. In the long run, it helps to choose among competing investment
projects and alternative, efficient methods of raising capital. Also, as individuals,
knowledge of basic finance will help students to make better-informed decisions
concerning their personal financial situations. Apart from covering the fundamentals of
financial markets, instruments and institutions, this course will emphasize critical
thinking based on quantitative reasoning and decision-making skills. This will include
the use of elementary statistical and algebraic methods to investigate fundamental
principles of theoretical finance such as the relationship between risk and reward and
the pricing of capital assets. Apart from basic theory, knowledge of the hands-on
aspects of financial modeling will be imparted via use of spreadsheet software
packages such as Microsoft EXCEL; whereby students will be encouraged to create and
analyze computational models to test and demonstrate some of the theoretical
concepts taught.
Prerequisites: ECON 111 and INBM 110.
300 Issues in International Management
A topics course examining important issues in international management. Examples of
course possibilities include issues in cross-cultural communication and ethics, issues in
international marketing, issues in international dimensions of financial reporting, issues
in government regulation of business, and issues in financial decision-making.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic/topic area.
400 Seminar in International Business Policy and Strategy
This capstone course focuses on the challenges associated with formulating strategy in
multinational organizations. The course will examine multinational business decisions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 307
from the perspective of top managers who must develop strategies, deploy resources,
and guide organizations that compete in a global environment. Major topics include
foreign market entry strategies, motivation and challenges of internationalization, the
analysis of international industries, building competitive advantage in global industries,
and the role of the country manager. Case studies will be used to increase the student's
understanding of the complexities of managing international business operations.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least four of the five 200-level courses (200, 220, 230,
240, 250). This course will not fulfill distribution requirement.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 308
International Studies
MAJOR
To complete the International Studies major, students complete core coursework in
international politics, economics, and history; a foreign language requirement; four
courses in the concentration of their choice; a senior research seminar; a course to
prepare for the comprehensive written and oral exams at the end of the senior year;
and the comprehensive exams themselves.
COURSEWORK
Core Courses: (6 courses)
INST/POSC 170: International Relations
ECON 111: Introduction to Microeconomics
ECON 112: Introduction to Macroeconomics (prerequisite: ECON 111)
INST/INBM 200: Global Economy (prerequisites: ECON 111 and 112)
INST/POSC 280: American Foreign Policy (prerequisite: INST/POSC 170)
A course in diplomatic history; choose one of the following:
INST/HIST 358: 19th-20th Century European Diplomatic History or
INST/HIST 282: Diplomatic History of the United States or
INST 260: History of International Relations
Foreign Language (2 courses)
Two courses beyond the intermediate level in the chosen foreign language (usually 5-
6 semesters for students starting a language as an absolute beginner). This
requirement is waived for international students for whom English is not a native
language.
The objective of this requirement is for students to develop practical skills of
inter- cultural communication. Therefore, students should choose a modern,
spoken language. Latin and Ancient Greek and other ancient languages cannot
be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement for the International Studies
curriculum, nor can American Sign Language.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 309
Concentration (4 courses)
Four elective courses in one of the four following concentration areas:
A Country or Region of Specialization or
Sustainability and the Global Environment or
World Economy and Development or
Global Security
Regardless of concentration, courses must be drawn from at least two different
departments and should be selected in consultation with the International Studies
faculty advisor.
Note: In fall 2017, the faculty voted to expand the areas of concentration. Students
entering Fall 2018 or later are under the new concentrations, while students entering
prior to Fall 2018 will complete one of the three former concentrations: Geographic
Area/Country, Globalization and Sustainability, or Security Studies.
Senior capstone courses (2 courses)
INST 401Interdisciplinary Seminar Research (Senior research seminar) (fall of senior
year)
INST 404Integrated Study (Review and preparation for the International Studies
Oral Examination) (spring of senior year)
Senior comprehensive examination process
An especially challengingand rewardingaspect of the INST major is the
comprehensive written and oral examinations at the end of the senior year. Students
prepare for the exams both individually and, in the context of the capstone course all
seniors take in their final semester, in groups. The written exam takes three hours.
Students are expected to demonstrate substantive knowledge in all four core areas of
the major; international relations theory, American foreign policy, international
economics, and diplomatic history. The oral exam lasts for 40 minutes and involves
questions about the student’s area of concentration and the core areas of the
International Studies program.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 310
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Coursework for the International Studies major includes six core courses; a foreign
language requirement; four courses in the chosen concentration; and two capstone
courses during the senior year. While carefully planning with an IS academic advisor is
important for ensuring satisfactory completion of the major, the International Studies
curriculum was designed to be flexible enough to permit students to spend a year
abroad and offers considerable freedom in choosing the electives that satisfy students’
area of concentration.
There is no one preferred pathway through the major, although course prerequisites
mean that certain courses must be taken before others. The guidelines below are
written for entering students who know they want to major in International Studies.
Students beginning the major requirements in their first year have considerable
freedom to re-order the course sequence outlined below (being mindful of
prerequisites) to suit their interests. Students who come to the major later can and do
complete the major requirements in a shorter time period. Majors and prospective
majors should discuss their options with an IS faculty advisor.
First Year
INST/POSC 170 International Relations
ECON 111 Introduction to Microeconomics
ECON 112 Introduction to Macroeconomics (prerequisite ECON 111)
Start or continue foreign language (both semesters)
Sophomore Year
Recommended that students take two of the following three core courses:
1. INST/POSC 280 American Foreign Policy (prerequisite INST/POSC 170)
2. INBM 200 (prerequisites ECON 111 and 112)
3. One of three courses that satisfy the diplomatic history requirement:
INST/HIST 35819th-20th Century European Diplomatic History or INST/HIST
282Diplomatic History of the United States orINST 260History of
International Relations
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 311
and...Start on INST concentration electives (choose in consultation with academic
advisor)
and... Continue with foreign language
Junior Year
Study abroad for a semester or year
Complete core courses
Continue taking INST concentration electives
(choose in consultation with academic advisor)
Finish foreign language requirement for the major
Note: Core courses typically cannot be taken abroad. But don't let this stop you from
studying abroad. You can finish up senior year.
Senior Year
INST 401 (offered in fall semester only)
INST 404 (offered in spring semester only)
Finish all other IS requirements (core courses, electives, language) as needed
HONORS
Effective with the graduating class of 2021, a student will be awarded Honors if the
student has a 3.50 cumulative GPA and a 3.67 GPA in the major, an A or A- in
International Studies 401 and International Studies 404.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
We hope and expect (but do not require) that all of INST majors will study abroad for at
least one semester. In practice, this is generally best undertaken during the students’
junior year, although students should discuss their individual study abroad plans with
their academic advisor. Going abroad during the junior year allows INST majors two
years to complete many of the core courses required for the major and to return in
their senior year for the required capstone courses. The core coursework and the
senior seminars are expected to be completed while in residence on campus. Courses
taken abroad may with approval from the academic advisor be appropriate as
electives for students’ area of concentration (a region, globalization and sustainability,
or international security).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 312
COURSES
170 International Relations
An introduction to global politics which examines the interaction of states,
international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in the
world arena. Topics covered include traditional concerns such as war, balance of
power, the UN and international law along with the more recent additions to the
agenda of world politics such as international terrorism, human rights, and economic
globalization.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 170.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Political Science Elective, Security Studies Course, Social
Sciences
200 Global Economy
The course introduces economic theory that builds on ideas from introductory
microeconomics and macroeconomics. It uses that theory as a framework for
examining developments in the changing global system. Developments include the
revolution in information technology; the dynamics of human population growth; the
implications of climate change; challenges to human security; and emerging patterns of
organizational interdependence and collaboration. Those developments provide the
context for business managers and for government officials responsible for shaping
strategies and implementing policies.
Prerequisite: ECON 111 and 112; concurrent enrollment in ECON 112 by permission of
the instructor. This course is cross-listed as INBM 200.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 3, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Sustainability Connections
240 International Development
This course examines the challenges and strategies of economic development, with a
detailed focus on how households behave. The goal is to provide an understanding of
what life for poor households in developing countries is like, what can be done about it,
and an idea of how valuable insights can be gained using standard economic tools and
thinking. In addition to learning about theoretical models and real-life examples, we
will spend significant time understanding recent research on development problems.
Issues examined include: poverty measures, health issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria,
and undernutrition, economic growth, agriculture, land use, technology adoption,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 313
foreign aid, credits, child labor, child education, migration, and measures of inequality.
This course is cross-listed as ECON 240.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Africa Course, INST Asia Course, INST Global
Security, INST World Economy & Developmt, LAWP Policy Elective, Security Studies
Course
260 History of International Relations
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to apply theories of
international relations to major events and issues in world history. Concepts such as
balance of power, appeasement and imperialism will be studied against the backdrop
of world historical events such as the Congress of Vienna, World War II, and the
Algerian War.
Prerequisite: INST 170 or POSC 170.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Diplomatic History Course
270 European Union
The European Union (EU) remains a work-in-progress, and this course will help students
to contextualize the EU's development since the mid-1950s, understand the way that it
currently functions, and think about how it is likely to evolve in the future.
Substantively, the course covers the theory and history of European integration; the
EU's unusual ( and evolving) institutional structure and political processes; the major
policy areas of the EU; and the power dynamics between the EU and its member states.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 270.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, INST European Course, LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Social Sciences
271 Ethics and International Security
A course in applied ethics that examines the role ethical considerations both do and
should play in the pursuit of national and international security objectives. Among the
specific topics to be examined are the decision to go to war, rules governing how wars
are fought, the ethics of weapons of mass destruction, the ethics of terrorism, the
torture debate, economic sanctions, and humanitarian intervention.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 314
Prerequisite: POSC 170, or permission of the instructor. This course is cross-listed as
POSC 271.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP/PMGT Ethics
Elective, Political Science Elective, Security Studies Course
272 International Terrorism
This course provides a historic overview of international terrorism, its origins,
evolution, characteristics, and the strategies of the participants. Starting with a clear
definition of terrorism, the course will examine various historic case studies in an effort
to identify common characteristics of terrorist activity, terrorist motivations, the origins
of today's terrorist movements, and a general typology of terrorism. Studies will focus
on specific "types" of terrorist activity as those types manifest themselves in the world
today. The catastrophic events of September 11, 2001 and their impact on the national
security of the United States will be the subject of several lessons. Finally, this course
will examine the current strategies in the international struggle against terrorism, and
their implications and challenges.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 272.
Attributes: Political Science Elective, Security Studies Course, Social Sciences
273 International Political Economy
This course examines the politics of global economic relations. Specific topics discussed
include: trade and protectionism, international monetary relations, foreign direct
investment, global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World
Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO), regional economic integration (e.g. the
European Union [EU] and North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA], economic
development, and the economic emergence of China and India. The larger issue serving
as the backdrop to all of this is economic globalization -- its significance, sources, and
consequences.
Prerequisite: POSC 170, or permission of the instructor. This course is cross-listed as
POSC 273.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP Policy
Elective, PMGT International Policy, Political Science Elective
277 International Politics of the Middle East
This course examines key factors and events in the formation of the modern Middle
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 315
East state system and evolving patterns of conflict and cooperation in the region.
Students will apply a range of analytical approaches to issues such as the conflicts
between Arabs and Israelis, Iraq's wars since 1980, and the changing place of the region
in global politics and economics.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 277 and MEST 266.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT
International Policy, Security Studies Course, Social Sciences
280 American Foreign Policy
A survey of U.S. foreign policy. American approaches to such issues as containment,
detente, arms control, deterrence, international law, and third world economic
development will be discussed. Students will also address issues of U.S. foreign policy
formulation, including the roles of the public, Congress, and the president in the foreign
policy process.
Prerequisite: POSC 170 or INST 170. This course is cross-listed as POSC 280.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Political Science Elective, Security Studies Course
281 American National Security Policy
Analysis of formulation and implementation of American national security policy within
the context of American society and the international system. National security will not
be considered simply in a military/strategic sense but as connoting the preservation of
the core values of a society.
Prerequisite: POSC 170 or 120 or INST 170. This course is cross-listed as POSC 281.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, LAWP Policy Elective, Political Science Elective,
Security Studies Course
282 Diplomatic History of the United States
Description and analysis of the nation's role in world affairs, from the earliest
definitions of a national interest in the 18th century, through continental expansion,
acquisition of empire, and world power, to the Cold War.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 282.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Diplomatic History Course, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 316
283 Intelligence and National Security
This course provides a basic understanding of the history, organization, activities,
limitations, and capabilities of the U.S. national intelligence community, and the role of
intelligence in developing and executing U.S. national security policy. The course also
examines the significance of intelligence for policymakers and planners, the legal issues
surrounding intelligence practices; the relationship between Congress, the Judiciary,
and the intelligence community; and the future of U.S. intelligence.
Prerequisites: POSC 120 & 170/INST 170.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 283.
Attributes: Political Science Elective, Security Studies Course
284 European Security
What security issues do European countries face? How are European countries, the
European Union, and NATO responding to various threats? This course delves into the
structure of European security, examines the security challenges confronted by Europe,
and weighs the opportunities these challenges present for enhancing Europe's security
and global leadership. Students will learn how European governments define security,
formulate strategies, and implement policies to meet a host of traditional,
transnational, and human security concerns.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 284.
Prerequisite: 170/POSC 170.
Attributes: INST European Course, Political Science Elective, Security Studies Course
290 Selected Topics in International Studies
Special topics not usually studied in depth in course offerings are examined.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 290 when the topic is "Transatlantic Relations."
Attributes: Social Sciences
358 19th-20th Century European Diplomacy
European diplomatic history from the Congress of Vienna through World War II.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 358.
Offered occasionally.
Attributes: INST Diplomatic History Course, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 317
390 Topics in International Studies
Various topics of interest will be taught on an occasional basis.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
401 Interdisciplinary Seminar Research
Integrated the various disciplines in the major, normally involving the student's
geographic area.
404 Integrated Study
The purpose of the course is to help students review and integrate the diverse
components
of the International Studies major.
Prerequisites: senior standing in the INST major and prior completion of INST 401.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 318
Internships
GENERAL INFORMATION
An internship is a closely monitored applied experience in a professional setting, with
definite learning objectives incorporating reflection on and integration of theories and
concepts with practice.
Internships are an excellent way to explore career choices and gain experience valued
by employers and graduate schools. When searching for experiential learning
opportunities like an internship, students utilize resources in the Center for Advising,
Internships & Lifelong Career Development, as well as meetings with academic
advisors, faculty and career counselors.
To participate in the internship curriculum and to have the experience recorded on the
transcript, students must register with the Internship Notation Program (INP). The INP
is available to matriculated students in any year or major who have secured an eligible
internship experience in the fall, spring, or summer term. Arrangements at the
internship site and INP registration must be coordinated at the beginning of the
experience; retroactive notations are not granted. The registration form is found in
Gateway. Contact the Center for Advising Internships & Lifelong Career Development
to discuss internship protocol and options.
Global Internship Options
Many Dickinson students engage in an internship while studying off-campus.
Depending on the program, an internship experience may be recognized/documented
through Dickinson’s non credit Internship Notation Program (INP; registered as INTR
7xx), a credit-bearing seminar (INTR 301), or other established curriculum (INTD 390 or
INTR 7xx for credit with a faculty member supervising). Contact the Center for Global
Study and Engagement and the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career
Development for more information about global internship opportunities.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 319
COURSES
301 Internship Seminar
Studies in the seminar will analyze the workplace through the prism of the liberal arts.
Through guided readings, oral and written reports, and structured conversations,
students will critically reflect upon and analyze their workplace experiences. Students
will study the formal and informal structures of the workplace through a variety of
liberal art disciplines, and develop a sense of how their liberal arts education serves
them in the workplace.
Offered at Dickinson Centers abroad.
Prerequisite: Must be simultaneously engaged in an internship. This course is offered
credit/no credit only.
7xx Internship with departmental designation
Two options are available:
INP: Through reflective exercises, assessments, and feedback, students address
program goals related to self-assessment, self-directed learning, values integration,
career exploration and professional development. The INP is available to matriculated
students in any class year or major who have secured an eligible internship experience.
The program runs in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Several majors and certificate
programs allow or require the INP to fulfill a graduation requirement. Students receive
a non-credit notation (INTR 7xx) upon successful completion of the internship and INP
components.
Arrangements for the internship and INP registration must be coordinated at the
beginning of the experience; retroactive notations are not granted.
This course is offered credit/no credit only.
For academic credit with a faculty supervisor: This is available to students who are in
majors which require an internship with academic credit. Students receive credit for
the combination of coursework and the work at the internship site. Arrangements for
the internship must be made in advance. Students wishing to undertake a faculty-
sponsored internship need to consult with the faculty sponsor during the semester
preceding the one in which the internship will be undertaken. Students will register via
Banner after consultation with the supervising faculty member.
This course is offered credit/no credit only.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 320
Italian and Italian Studies
ITALIAN MINOR
Five (5) courses beyond the 100-level:
231
232
331 or 332
341
Topics course: 321, 322, 323 or 324
Note: Students receiving credit for the Italian studies major may not receive credit for
the Italian minor.
ITALIAN STUDIES MAJOR
Ten (10) Courses
Language in Context (5):
ITAL 231: Reading and Writing Contemporary Italian Culture
ITAL 232: Reading and Performing Italian Texts
ITAL 331: Ideas of Italy or ITAL 332: Real and Imaginary Journeys
ITAL 341: The Discourse of Love
ITAL 400: Senior Seminar
Core Requirements (3):
Culture (1 course).
A topics course on Italian cultural productions, practices and contexts: ITAL
321: Topics in Medieval and Early Modern Studies or
322: Dante's Divine Comedy; or
ITAL 323: Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies or
ITAL 324: Italian Cinema.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 321
History (1 course)
A course with a strong emphasis on Italian history such as: ITAL 321: Topics in
Medieval and Early Modern Studies or
ITAL 323: Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies (with approval of
program coordinator when topic is pertinent, for example: "Filming the Making
and Unmaking of Italy" or
"Terrorism in Italian Film");
HIST 232: Modern Italy;
HIST 223: Renaissance Europe;
HIST 375 Europe's Dictators.
Visual Arts and Representations (1 course)
A course with a strong emphasis on Italian visual arts and representations such
as: ITAL 323: Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies (with approval
of program coordinator when topic is pertinent, for example: "Representations
of the Holocaust in Italian Cinema" or "Representations of Women in Italian
Film and Media"); ITAL 324: Italian Cinema; ARTH 205: Reading Bologna
(offered only in Bologna); or
ARTH 300: Artists, Audience, Patrons: Art & Architecture of the Italian
Renaissance; or
ARTH 212: Michelangelo Man & Myth.
Other courses with a strong visual component, such as architecture, sculpture,
photography, television, and performance, may be eligible only when the topic
is pertinent to Italian culture and must be approved by the program
coordinator.
Courses that analyze Italian visual arts and representations in a comparative
context may be suitable as well, provided that students write their final papers
on Italian culture and society.
NOTE: ARTH 300 prerequisite for Italian Studies major is ARTH 101 or 102 or
permission of instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 322
Area of Emphasis. (2 courses in one elective emphasis)
Two courses to be taken in one area of emphasis:
(a) Humanities, (b) History, (c) European and Mediterranean Studies, (d) Film and
Media Studies or (e) Food Studies. These courses are to be chosen in consultation
with the advisor in Italian Studies. Other approved courses may be substituted for
any course in an area of emphasis only when the contents of the course are suitable
and if approved by the program coordinator.
Humanities
ITAL 321: Topics in Medieval and Early Modern Studies;
ITAL 322: Dante's Divine Comedy;
CLST 224: Roman Archaeology;
MUAC 351: Seminar in Medieval and Renaissance Music (such as "The Madrigal
and Poetics in Renaissance Italy").
History
ITAL 323: Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies (such as "The
Making and Unmaking of Italy");
CLST 253: Roman History;
HIST 105: Medieval Europe;
HIST 223: Renaissance Europe;
HIST 232: Modern Italy.
European and Mediterranean Studies
ITAL 323: Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies (such as "The
Making and Unmaking of Italy" or "Italian Cookery: Practices, Culture, Identity"
or "Italian Colonialism");
HIST 232: Modern Italy;
HIST 358: 19th-20th Century European Diplomacy;
INTD 390: Intercultural Seminar (offered only in Bologna);
POSC 250: Comparative West European Systems;
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 323
POSC 275, 276 Studies in Modern European Politics (offered only in Bologna);
POSC 276: Italian Politics (offered only in Bologna);
POSC 290/ECON 214: European Economic Integration (offered only in Bologna).
Film and Media Studies
ITAL 324: Italian Cinema (such as "The History of Italian Cinema" or "The
Cinema of Federico Fellini");
ITAL 323: Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies (such as
"Terrorism in Italian Film" or "The Holocaust in Italian Cinema" or "The
Representation of Women in Italian Media").
Food Studies
ITAL 300: Topics of Italian Culture in Italian (when topic is relevant);
ITAL 321: Food and Culture in Medieval and Renaissance Italy;
ITAL 323: Italian Food and Culture.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Minor in Italian (5 courses beyond ITAL 201):
First Year
ITAL 101 (Fall)or ITAL 103 (accelerated beginner course for speakers of Spanish,
French, or Portuguese that counts as two semesters of Italian: ITAL 101 and ITAL 102)
(Fall)ITAL 102 (Spring)
Sophomore Year
TAL 231 (Spring)ITAL 320-level topics course (321, 322, 323 or 324 - for Spring, Italian
discussion session is optional during Sophomore Year. If discussion session is not taken,
the course only counts as a 'core requirement' of the major).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 324
Junior Year
ITAL 232 (Fall)ITAL 331 or 332 (Spring)ITAL 320-level topics course (321, 322, 323 or
324 with Italian discussion session, any semester) or ITAL 300 (if you are in Bologna)
Senior Year
ITAL 341 (Fall)ITAL 320-level topics course (321, 322, 323 or 324 with Italian discussion
session, any semester)
Major in Italian Studies (10 courses beyond ITAL 201)
First Year
ITAL 101 (Fall)or ITAL 103 (accelerated beginner course for speakers of Spanish,
French, or Portuguese that counts as two semesters of Italian: ITAL 101 and ITAL 102)
(Fall)ITAL 102 (Spring)
Sophomore Year
ITAL 201 (Fall)ITAL 231 (Spring)ITAL 320-level topics course (321, 322, 323 or 324 - for
Spring, Italian discussion session is optional during Sophomore Year. If discussion
session is not taken, the course only counts as a 'core requirement' of the major). See
Italian Studies major requirements.)
Junior Year
ITAL 232 (Fall)ITAL 331 or 332 (Spring)ITAL 320-level topics course (321, 322, 323 or
324 with Italian discussion session, any semester) or ITAL 300 (if you are in Bologna)
Students planning to pursue honors should contact their advisors in the Fall semester.
Senior Year
ITAL 341 (Fall)ITAL 320-level topics course (321, 322, 323 or 324 with Italian discussion
session, one in Fall and one in Spring)ITAL 400 (Spring)
Students majoring in Italian Studies will often take three to four 320-topics courses
(321, 322, 323 or 324). However, some courses taken outside the Italian program that
focus on Italian culture may also count to fulfill the major’s core requirements and/or
area of
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 325
emphasis. These outside courses must be approved by the Chair of the Italian
Department in order for them to count toward the major. For a list of some of these
courses, visit Curriculum and Courses on the Dickinson Italian Studies website.
IMPORTANT: If you have taken a course related to Italy and/or Italian which is not listed
on our website and you think that it should count toward the major, do not hesitate to
contact your Italian Studies advisor for approval.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT MAJORS
INBM students pursuing Italian are advised to take ITAL 231 (an intensive writing course
with advanced grammar) and ITAL 232 (a course focused on speaking and oral
production). If students are interested in a topics course where English is the primary
language used in class, they should take one of the four possible 320-topics courses:
321, 322, 323 or 324 (with Italian discussion session). For more information, visit the
INBM Majors FAQ on the Prospective Students page of the Dickinson Italian Studies
website.
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MAJORS
IS students pursuing Italian are advised to take ITAL 231 (an intensive writing course
with advanced grammar) and ITAL 232 (a course focused on speaking and oral
production). Alternatively, students can opt to take ITAL 231 and one of the four
possible 320-topics courses: 321, 322, 323 or 324 (with Italian discussion session). For
more information, visit the IS Majors FAQ on the Prospective Students page of the
Dickinson Italian Studies website.
HONORS
All senior students majoring in Italian Studies must complete the Senior Seminar (ITAL
400). Students who wish to be considered for honors in Italian Studies must have an
overall GPA of at least 3.40 and must complete an Independent Research Project (550)
in addition to the Senior Seminar. The students must identify a faculty member who is
willing to serve as their Independent Research Project advisor, must submit a proposal,
and must write a thesis, which will be evaluated by the Italian Studies faculty. The final
projects of the Independent Research Project and the Senior Seminar are separate and
the students cannot work on the same topic for both courses.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 326
Normally, honors projects are completed in the spring semester of a student’s senior
year and are approved for one academic credit. Honors is a separate designation that
appears on the transcript and diploma. In the event that the final project is not deemed
worthy of honors, the student will still receive academic credit for their Independent
Research Project (550).
Honors Timeline
1) The proposal must be submitted no later than two (2) weeks prior to the end of
the fall semester of classes (the exact date will be designated by the Italian
Studies Department) submit the proposal (5-7 pages). The proposal should
provide a detailed description of the research project, as well as explain the
questions to be addressed, the current state of scholarship on this issue, the
project’s contribution to current scholarship, and a tentative answer to the
research question (i.e. a “thesis statement”). A proposed outline of the thesis
chapters (1 page), in Italian, should also be included. There should also be a
fairly extensive bibliography (1-2 pages) that lists primary and secondary
sources under separate headings. In the bibliography, the student will indicate
which studies and documents s/he has already consulted as well as the
materials s/he plans to review. The proposal must be written entirely in Italian.
2) Before the last day of classes in the fall semester, the Italian Studies Chair will
inform the prospective honors students and their advisors whether the proposal
has been approved, and if so, will provide some suggestions and concerns from
the Italian Studies faculty. Also, at that time, the coordinator will appoint a
secondary advisor for the project.
3) By the end of the 2nd week of the spring semester, a revised proposal is due.
4) Four (4) weeks before the end of classes, a thesis, in Italian, of approximately 30
pages (excluding bibliography), should be submitted, at which time the project
advisor will choose one (or two, if available) additional Italian Studies faculty
members who will read and critique the paper.
5) During the week of final examinations, the student will meet with the entire
committee of three members to present, discuss, and defend their work.
6) On the Friday of the week before graduation, the student will submit a revised
version of the thesis, based on feedback offered during the discussion.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 327
7) If a student fails to meet the deadlines, to make the required revisions, or to
fulfill any of the requirements s/he will forfeit the opportunity to receive
Honors. The grade for the Independent Research Project (550) will be posted to
the transcript, even if the student does not earn honors.
INTERNSHIPS
The Italian Department would like all students to complete an internship during their
college career. During their First Year, in consultation with the Center for Advising,
Internships & Lifelong Career Development, students should develop a résumé to be
shared with their advisor. During the Fall of Sophomore Year, students should begin
making plans for a summer internship by doing their own research online, by consulting
with the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Development, and by
meeting with their advisor. During Junior Year, internships may be available for
students studying in Bologna. In the past, students have completed internships in
diverse places such as the Feminist Bookstore, the Bologna daily newspaper Il Resto del
Carlino, the local chapter of Slowfood, a children's hospital and a middle school. The
department chair or the coordinator in Bologna should be consulted for more
information. Keep in mind that students who secure unpaid internships may apply for
funds (see Magliacano-Melchione Internship Fund). Be sure to check out the Italian
Studies webpage dedicated to Internships/Job Opportunities.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Junior Year
Students pursuing an Italian Studies major or an Italian minor will be able to continue
taking Italian language courses in our Italian Studies Program at the K. Robert Nilsson
Center in Bologna, Italy. Students are also encouraged to take courses at the University
of Bologna.
The curriculum for students studying in Bologna is comprised of three elements:
1) K. Robert Nilsson Center courses which serve well the interdisciplinary character
of the Italian Studies curriculum. Students will conduct research and write their
papers for these courses in Italian.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 328
2) Courses at the University of Bologna (UniBo) chosen from a wide variety of
university courses appropriate to the major or minor. The coordinator of Italian
Studies should be contacted for information.
3) Independent Studies, in Italian, involving specialized projects and using
resources available only in Italian may be available to some students. Directed
by on-site Italian faculty from the K. Robert Nilsson Center, the Johns Hopkins
School for Advanced International Studies, or the University of Bologna, one-
credit independent studies will be grouped in small seminars.
The overarching goals of the Italian Studies Program are: (1) encourage more direct
contact with the Italian language and culture; (2) facilitate the perfection of our
students’ language skills by offering courses in Italian and limiting the number of
courses that students may take in English; (3) promote students’ intercultural
awareness by providing a living environment conducive to learning the target language
and culture; (4) provide all qualified students the opportunity to work in an internship
or in a volunteering experience; and (5) coordinate better the overall linguistic and
culture experience of our students abroad prior to their departure, during their stay,
and upon their return to Carlisle. Be sure to check out our Dickinson in Bologna Italian
Studies Instagram Account.
Summer Immersion Program in Italy
The department will periodically offer an immersion program in Italy during the
summer. This program is of special interest to those who cannot go abroad during the
academic year.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The Italian Studies Program sponsors many campus events and activities to help
students enhance their knowledge of Italian language and culture. Students can apply
to live at the Romance Language House where a native Italian student from the
University of Bologna resides with other students who study Italian. Students are
encouraged to participate in the weekly Tavola Italiana (Italian Table), where they dine
in Italian alongside Italian faculty and language assistants. The Circolo Italiano (Italian
Club) organizes a variety of social and cultural events during the academic year. Also
offered is an Italian Film Series that features classic and contemporary Italian movies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 329
Be sure to *LIKE* us on Facebook where we showcase our events!
For more information, visit Italian Outside the Classroom on the Dickinson Italian
Studies website.
COURSES
101 Elementary Italian
Intensive study of the fundamentals of Italian grammar, with a view to developing
reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills. Laboratory and other audiovisual
techniques are used. Cultural elements are stressed as a context for the assimilation of
the language.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Italian
Intensive study of the fundamentals of Italian grammar, with a view to developing
reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills. Laboratory and other audiovisual
techniques are used. Cultural elements are stressed as a context for the assimilation of
the language.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
103 Accelerated Italian (for Speakers of Spanish, French or Portuguese)
Accelerated study of the fundamentals of Italian language with the goal of developing
reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Designed for native or proficient
speakers of Spanish, French, or Portuguese, this course covers in one semester what is
usually taught in two courses (IT101 and IT102). Due to the intensive nature of this
course, students should plan to commit themselves to a fast-paced learning
environment. Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to take IT201.
There is no lab, but students are expected to attend the weekly Italian Table.
We recommend that students already have at least two semesters of college study in a
Romance Language (other than Italian) or 3 years of high school study in a Romance
Language (other than Italian); or be a native or a heritage speaker of a Romance
Language (other than Italian). Non-native speakers will be assessed through a
placement test or a conversation with the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 330
201 Intermediate Italian
Intensive introduction to conversation and composition, with special attention to
grammar review and refinement. Essays, fiction and theater, as well as Italian television
and films, provide opportunities to improve familiarity with contemporary Italian
language and civilization.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. This course fulfills the language graduation
requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Food Studies Elective, Sustainability
Connections
231 Reading and Writing Contemporary Italian Culture
Designed to increase student's awareness of various rhetorical conventions and
command of written Italian through analysis and imitation of model texts of a literary
and non-literary nature.
Two and a half hours classroom and one hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 201 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Humanities, Writing in the Discipline
232 Reading and Performing Italian Texts
Designed to increase student's comprehension and command of spoken Italian, this
course is also an initiation in everyday verbal transactions and cultural communication
prevalent in contemporary Italy. Phonetics, oral comprehension, and verbal production
are practiced through exposure to authentic documents usually of a non-literary
nature, such as television news programs, documentaries, commercial advertisements,
and excerpts from films.
Two and a half hours classroom and one hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: 201 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Humanities
300 Topics of Italian Culture in Italian
In this course, offered in Bologna, students learn how to read more critically by
analyzing and interpreting Italian texts. With the aid of appropriate tools, the course
seeks to expand the students’ knowledge of Italian history and society by focusing on
select topics such as, but not limited to the slow food movement and sustainability;
landscapes and regional identities; migration and Italian transnational identities; and,
media, power and politics. The course will further enhance oral and written abilities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 331
through interviews with native speakers, class presentations, and a variety of writing
assignments that derive from direct contact with contemporary Italian society.
Taught in Italian.
Prerequisites: 231 or 232 or permission of instructor Attributes: Sustainability
Connections
321 Topics in Medieval and Early Modern Studies
In this course, students will study significant themes and values that inform Italian
literature and culture of the Medieval and Early Modern periods. This course draws on
a wide selection of sources including history, sociology, psychology, and popular
culture. Topics may include: Petrarch and Petrarchism; Boccaccio and the Art of Story
Telling, Niccolò Machiavelli and others. This course is offered in English. Italian Studies
majors, Italian minors and INBM majors using this course to satisfy major/minor
requirements will attend a discussion group in Italian and will write their papers in
Italian. Upon successful completion of the work in Italian, students will receive a “FLIC:
Italian” notation on their transcript.
Prerequisites: 231 if taken as Italian FLIC; none, if taking the English only portion.
Offered on an as-needed basis.
Attributes: Humanities, MEMS Elective, Taught in English
322 Dante's Divine Comedy
This topics course is on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Although a special focus will be
placed on the Inferno, which will be read in its entirety, various cantos from Purgatorio
and Paradiso will also be studied. Aiding the students along their journey through Hell
and beyond will be critical readings that consider the historical, social, cultural and
literary context of the period. The poem will be read in English translation. Italian
Studies majors, Italian minors and INBM majors using this course to satisfy major/minor
requirements will attend a discussion group in Italian and will write their papers in
Italian. Upon successful completion of the work in Italian, students will receive a “FLIC:
Italian” notation on their transcript.
Prerequisites: 231 if taken as Italian FLIC; none, if taking the English only portion.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Italian Studies Culture, Taught in English
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 332
323 Topics in Modern and Contemporary Italian Studies
Study of significant themes and values that inform Italian culture and are informed by
it. This course draws on a wide selection of sources including history, sociology,
psychology, popular culture. Students in this course will concentrate on specific
cultural, social or political issues, such as "Representations of the Holocaust and/or
Terrorism in Italian Cinema;" "The Italian Southern Question;" "The Making and
Unmaking of Italy," and others.
This course is offered in English. Italian Studies majors, Italian minors and INBM majors
using this course to satisfy major/minor requirements will attend a discussion group in
Italian and will write their papers in Italian. Upon successful completion of the work in
Italian, students will receive a "FLIC: Italian" notation on their transcript.
Offered on an as-needed basis
Prerequisites: 231 if taken as Italian FLIC; none, if taking the English only portion..
Attributes: Humanities, Taught in English
324 Italian Cinema
This course is a general introduction to Italian cinema, from the origins to the present.
It provides students with basic tools for film analysis and analyzes a selection of films
and directors within their cultural and social contexts. This course is offered in English.
Italian Studies majors, Italian minors and INBM majors using this course to satisfy
major/minor requirements will attend a discussion group in Italian and will write their
papers in Italian. Upon successful completion of the work in Italian, students will receive
a “FLIC: Italian” notation on their transcript.
Offered on an as-needed basis.
Prerequisites: 231 if taken as Italian FLIC; none, if taking the English only portion.
This course is cross-listed as FLST 310.
Attributes: Film Studies Elective, Humanities, Italian St Visual Art & Repres, Italian
Studies Culture, Taught in English
331 Ideas of Italy
In this course we study how Italian political thinkers, writers and intellectuals in
different historical periods have constructed their own “idea” of Italy. We will analyze
authors such as Niccolò Machiavelli, the forefather of modern political science, and
Antonio Gramsci, an Italian philosopher and founder of the largest communist party in
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 333
Western Europe. We also examine the role that film and literature played in the
formation of a national consciousness, through selected readings by authors and
directors such as Alessandro Manzoni, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Oriana Fallaci, Luchino
Visconti and others.
This course is taught in Italian.
Offered every two years
Prerequisites: 231 and 232, or permission of the instructor.
332 Real and Imaginary Journeys
By exploring the inner conflicts of their own soul and venturing beyond the boundaries
of their native culture, Italian authors from Dante and Petrarch to Italo Calvino and
Federico Fellini have opened new paths that often influenced the development of
Western art and literature and touched the lives of countless readers and viewers
around the world. In this course, we use the theme of the journey to analyze the work
of some of the most influential Italian authors and trace their cultural legacy.
This course is taught in Italian.
Offered every two years.
Prerequisites: 231 and 232, or permission of the instructor.
341 The Discourse of Love
What is Love? Through a diverse selection of works from authors such as St. Francis,
Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Lorenzo de' Medici, Pietro Aretino, Gaspara Stampa, and
Veronica Franco, students will examine the nature of love from a variety of
perspectives. From the spirituality of religion to the physicality of desire and attraction,
this course will confront topics such as the medieval and Renaissance ideas of love
(courtly love, the Dolce Stil Novo, and love sickness), theological notions of love
(charity), different expressions of love (heterosexuality, same-sex attraction and
polyamory), and transgressive types of love (lust, adultery, and prostitution).
This course is taught in Italian.
Offered every year.
Prerequisites: 231 and 232, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: MEMS Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 334
400 Senior Seminar
Conceived as an integrative experience, this tutorial provides an opportunity for
students to examine a specific theme or author from various perspectives. Independent
research, under close supervision of a professor, will be shared with other seniors in
regular discussion group meetings and will be articulated in a substantial critical paper
at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: Italian studies major or permission of the director of the Italian
studies program.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 335
Japanese
See East Asian Studies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 336
Journalism
COURSES
200 Introduction to Journalism in the 21st Century
This course offers a broad overview of the practice of journalism combined with
rigorous training in news writing. Students will be required to write a number of short
articles and several longer pieces of journalistic writing. Readings and discussion topics
will include the history of journalism in the United States and the ethics and techniques
of reporting across media platforms. Students will be conducting interviews as part of
the course. The course will focus special attention on current events, news literacy and
the role of a free press in a challenging time.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 337
Judaic Studies
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses:
HEBR 202, 231 or equivalent
JDST/RELG 204: Judaism
JDST/RELG 203: Hebrew Scriptures in Context
One course focused on Late Antiquity or the Medieval period
Kabbalah;
Jews in the Medieval World;
Crusades;
Love, Sex & Hebrew Texts
JDST 250/RELG 260: Beyond Belief
One course focusing on the American Jewish Experience
Judaism in the US;
American Jewish Literature;
Jews & Hollywood
One course focusing on Israel
Arab Israeli Conflict;
Israeli Politics;
Mid East Cinema
Two Electives
Women, Gender & Judaism;
Jewish Environmental Ethics; Holocaust in Italian Cinema;
Ethnography of Jewish Experience;
The Holocaust
RELG 410 (or methods course in an appropriate discipline)
JDST 490 or JDST 550: Senior Thesis
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 338
MINOR
Six (6) courses:
JDST/RELG 204: Judaism
JDST/RELG 203: Hebrew Scriptures in Context
JDST 250/RELG 260: Beyond Belief
Three electives
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The major in Judaic Studies may be completed in a variety of ways. While there are
several core courses that develop foundational knowledge in key areas, the flexible
curriculum gives you the freedom to emphasize the area of study within the field you
find most compelling.
First Year
RELG 103; JDST 104; HEBR 101, 102
Sophomore Year
JDST 206, 240, 243; HEBR 201; 202
Junior Year
JDST 247; 250; 262; HEBR 231; 232
Senior Year
JDST 264, 316, 550; RELG 390; HEBR 235, 331
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact a JDST
faculty member.
Senior Thesis
Judaic studies majors write an independent thesis during the senior year in consultation
with a faculty member. A research proposal is due during the first two weeks of the fall
semester.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 339
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Examples of recent Independent Studies are: Maimonides' Medical Ethics, Jews of
India, The Ordination of Gay and Lesbian Rabbis in the U.S., Women and Midrash.
Contact Prof. Lieber for more information. Independent studies may be approved to
substitute for certain requirements for the major.
HONORS
1) Majors in Judaic studies have the option of pursuing departmental honors in
their senior year by writing an honors thesis of between 60 and 100 pages
demonstrating their ability to engage in sustained advanced research and
scholarly endeavor. The thesis project will extend over two semesters. Only the
best projects will be granted honors, but any student who completes the project
will receive the credit for two semesters of work, i.e., two credits. Students will
work with one advisor but may receive guidance from other members of the
department.
2) Those wishing to write an honors thesis should register for JDST 550 for the fall
semester, and find a research advisor. No later than the third Monday of the
semester, the student must submit a formal proposal, outlining the project.
Within a week, the department faculty will meet to discuss the proposal and
assess its feasibility. Once the proposal is approved, the student and their
advisor will decide on a schedule of research and writing. The student is
expected to adhere to all deadlines set by the advisor.
3) In the spring semester the student once again must register for JDST 550. The
first draft of the thesis must be submitted by spring break. Copies will be given
to all department faculty plus a designated outside reader. Within two weeks
after spring break, members of the department will meet with the student to
make comments on the draft. The final draft must be submitted before the end
of spring semester classes. A defense date will be set for sometime during the
exam period.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
As of 2004, Dickinson Programs in Israel have been indefinitely suspended due to an
ongoing U.S. State Department travel warning. However, there are other opportunities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 340
for Judaic Studies majors to pursue off-campus study. In a unique partnership with the
Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Dickinson students can spend the spring
semester of their Junior year in New York City at List College, the Undergraduate
College at JTSA. Please see the program coordinator for details and other study
abroad options.
COURSES
Religion
316 Topics in Judaic Studies
(e.g., Twentieth Century Jewish Thought; Principles and Topics in Jewish Law)
This course is cross-listed as JDST 316. Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes:
Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
Hebrew
101 Elementary Modern Hebrew
Introduction to the modern Hebrew language. Alphabet, phonics and grammatical
structures. Emphasizes development of reading comprehension, composition and
conversational skills.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Modern Hebrew
Introduction to the modern Hebrew language. Alphabet, phonics and grammatical
structures. Emphasizes development of reading comprehension, composition and
conversational skills.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent.
201 Intermediate Modern Hebrew
Formal study of Hebrew language with emphasis on oral practice and writing skills.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent.
This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
202 Advanced Modern Hebrew
Expansion of language proficiency through intensified study of cultural and literary
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 341
texts, including poetry, prose, essays, newspapers, films, and songs. Extensive
discussion of issues related to contemporary Israel. Emphasis on the development of
reading, writing and conversation skills.
Prerequisite: 201 or the equivalent.
231 Hebrew Conversation & Comp
Advanced practice in conversation, reading and writing. Careful attention to grammar
and style.
Prerequisite: 201.
232 Topics in Hebrew Literature
Thematic study of Hebrew literature, with an emphasis on close reading,
comprehension and interpretation.
Prerequisite: 201.
235 Topics in Biblical Hebrew
Fundamentals of Hebrew morphology, including readings from Biblical narrative texts.
Attributes: Taught in English
331 Top in Hebrew Lit/Israeli Cult
Intensive study of a particular author, genre, or period. Introduction to the use of
critical theory in literary analysis.
Prerequisite: 231.
Judaic Studies
203 Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament in Context
A critical examination and attempt to understand the literature and the antecedent
traditions remembered and formulated by the ancient Israelites in terms of their own
views of God. This literature is interpreted in the context of events and cultures of the
ancient Near East.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 203.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 342
204 Judaism
A basic course in the history, basic beliefs and practices, and modern manifestations of
Judaism as a religion. The course concerns itself with the interactions of Judaism and
other world religions, notably Christianity.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 204.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
Religion - Western Traditions
205 Judaism in the Time of Jesus
This course is an introduction to the Hellenistic period of Jewish history, also known as
the period of the "second temple". The course will analyze the cultural interaction
between Jews and Greeks at this pivotal moment in Jewish history. The course will
examine the impact of classical Greek thought and culture on the development of
Judaism at its formative stage. We will focus on the phenomenon of sectarian
movements and the emergence of rabbinic Judaism and Christianity as two dominant
religions of the West.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 205.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
206 Jews and Judaism in the United States
See course description with RELG 206 listing.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for
First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
207 New Testament in Context
A critical examination and attempt to understand the New Testament as the written
traditions which articulated the faith, expectations, and actions of the early Christians
as they responded within Jewish and Greek culture to the historical events of their day,
and especially as they responded to the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 207.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
215 Jewish Environmental Ethics
Since the 1960's many writers on environmental issues have blamed our contemporary
environmental crises in part on a so-called "Judeo-Christian" worldview, rooted in the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 343
Hebrew Bible. Such writers assert that the biblical heritage shared by these two
religious traditions, advocates an unhealthy relationship between humanity and nature,
one in which human beings are destined to conquer the earth and master it. In this
course we will explore Jewish perspectives on nature and the natural world through
close readings of biblical and other classical Jewish theology, history and ritual practice,
we will also examine the ways in which this motif is re-conceptualized in modern
secular contexts (ie, Zionism, and the kibbutz movement). We will conclude by studying
contemporary varieties of Jewish environmental advocacy. In addition to texts focused
specifically on Judeo-Christian traditions, the syllabus will include other classic works of
Environmental ethics foundational to the field of Environmental studies.
Offered every three years in rotation with the offering of ENST 111.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 215.
Attributes: ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Humanities, LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, SINE
Elective, Service Learning
216 Topics in Judaic Studies
Exploration of a focused topic in the area of Jewish religion and/or culture. Examples of
topics offered : Jews in Hollywood Film; Jews and Food; Love, Sex and Hebrew Texts.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
220 Ethnography of Jewish Experience
Drawing upon ethnographies of Jewish communities around the world, this course
focuses on such questions as: What is Jewish culture? What is common to Jewish
cultural experiences across time and place? How might we understand the variability
and local adaptations of Jewish life? These are the guiding questions and issues for this
course, all to be considered within multiple contexts-- from pastoral and agricultural
roots to modern urban experience, from Middle Eastern origins to a Diaspora
experience stretching across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 260 and SOCI 260.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Humanities, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 344
223 Eating the Text: Tasting Jewish and Israeli Food Through Literature, Film, and
…the Mouth
All human beings are connected to food; some are growing it, others preparing or
cooking it, and all are eating it. Food is essential for life, but it is also a source of
pleasure, a celebration of the senses and the spirit. Food is also knowledge. The biblical
story of Eve eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of
Eden, tells us “knowledge might begin with the mouth, with the discovery of the taste
of something, knowledge, and taste go together” (Hélène Cixous). Food is also a
culture. It represents the diverse traditions of societies, communities, and families. In
this course, we will “taste” food through Jewish and Israeli literature, films, and
theoretical texts. We will explore the diverse cultural traits and traditions of the Jewish
and Israeli cuisines by reading and writing about them, as well as tasting them. We will
visit the Dickinson Farm and will prepare and cook meals together. We will share
traditional family recipes and explore their historical backgrounds. “To write about food
is to write about the self,” claims Anne Goldman. Students will have the opportunity to
write about food and to discover new aspects about themselves. Our course will be like
a community of diverse cultures that mirrors the Dickinson community and the world.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 223.
Attributes: Food Studies Elective, Humanities
224 Kabbalah: Healing the Soul, Repairing the Cosmos
Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical doctrine, is a rich tradition of esoteric teaching and
practices that have been a vital part of Judaism since late antiquity. The Kabbalistic
term “Tikkun Olam, “i.e., repairing/mending the world/universe, became popular for its
environmental, social and cultural implications. The Kabbalists believe that by healing
one’s soul and by doing good deeds in the world, one has a significant influence and
impact on the divine. The microcosm and the macrocosm are mirroring each other and
linked in the bond of creation. The course traces the history of Jewish mysticism in four
continents, Asia, Africa, Europe, and America, and introduces major trends in Jewish
mysticism. We will focus on Kabbalistic meditation and its practice, food and
sustainability, interpretation of dreams and white magic, spiritual music, death and
reincarnation, feminism and gender issues. We also explore Hasidic tales that attribute
the power to reveal and to heal, alongside contemporary expressions of Kabbalistic
topics in literature and movies. The course includes guest lectures and other activities
and special events, including a visit to a synagogue.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 345
This course is cross-listed as RELG 224.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities
233 Israeli Cinema
Israeli cinema has become increasingly diverse, critical, and multicultural and is often at
the cutting edge of the Israeli cultural scene. Films provide an interesting lens to
explore questions about Israeli life and identity: What was the experience of growing
up in post-independence Israel? How were Holocaust survivors and new immigrants
from Arab countries received during that period? What made kibbutz life distinct and
how has it changed overtime? How is the impact of war and the continuing Israeli-
Palestinian conflict depicted in film? What is the role of gender in the construction of
Israeli identity and how has the portrayal of Israeli men, women, and LGBT identities
changed overtime? What are the distinct issues facing Orthodox and Ultraorthodox
Israelis? How are marginalized groups (Israeli Arabs, Middle Eastern Jews, Russian Jews
and Ethiopian Jews) portrayed in film?The course discusses trends and processes in
Israeli cultural history and in current Israeli society, as represented in Israeli films from
the 1960s to present day Israel. Screenings of Israeli films are a central part of the
course. Films from present day Israel, including the most recent, as well as from earlier
decades, create the ideological and cultural universe that the course illuminates.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 233.
Attributes: FMST Mid East Cultural Persp, Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
Middle East Humanities
234 Love, Sex and Hebrew Texts (in Translation)
This course is a comprehensive study of masterpieces of Hebrew literature in
translation, especially about love from different periods, origins, and genres. The
literary survey includes Biblical love stories and love poetry, love and sexuality in Jewish
mysticism, love and desire poems of the Middle Ages, and various fiction and poetry of
modern Hebrew literature from the early 20th century to the present. The students will
read translated short novels, short stories, poetry, academic books and articles, and
other research materials about Hebrew literature. Students will watch some Israeli
films about primary Hebrew authors and their cultural world. Sessions will be divided
into discussions of assigned readings, and presentations on the historical background of
each period, and literary and biographical background of the various authors.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 346
This course is cross-listed as RELG 234.
Attributes: Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Middle East Humanities
240 Women, Gender and Judaism
This course examines issues of gender in Jewish religion and culture. Starting with the
representation of women in the Bible and other classical Jewish texts, we study the
highly differentiated gender roles maintained by traditional Jewish culture, and
examine the role American feminism has played in challenging those traditional roles.
We will also study gender issues in contemporary Israeli society, such as the politics of
marriage and divorce, public prayer and gender in the military. Some knowledge of
Judaism and Jewish history is helpful, but not required as a prerequisite for this course.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 240.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, WGSS
Intersect/Instit/Power
243 Dead Sea Scrolls
The discovery of a cache of ancient scrolls in 1947 in caves near the Dead Sea led to a
revolution in the study of Second Temple Judaism and Christian origins. This course will
focus on these texts, situating them in the context of the history of Judaism from the
Hellenistic period through the first century C.E. What do they reveal about beliefs and
institutions of the Essenes, the enigmatic community which produced them? What was
life like at Qumran, the Essene community's center? How did the sect start, how did it
differ from mainstream Judaism, and what was its vision of the future? What possible
connections existed between the Essene community and the emergence of
Christianity? How have the Dead Sea scrolls contributed to the study of the Hebrew
Bible and the New Testament?
This course is cross-listed as RELG 243.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
245 Hidden Scriptures
Besides the books included in the Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament) and the New
Testament, a number of texts were excluded for various reasons. Their circulation and
reading were discouraged, but they survived nonetheless. This course examines these
texts, placing them in their historical context and using them as a "lens" through which
we can better understand Judaism in the Hellenistic and Roman period and Christianity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 347
in some of its primitive (often "heretical") expressions.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 245.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
250 Beyond Belief: Jewish Secular Culture from Spinoza to Seinfeld
Many Jews nowadays define themselves in secular or cultural terms rather than
religious ones. But how did the tradition of secular Judaism come to be? This course
will survey the development of secular Jewish identity through an examination of key
thinkers over the last three and a half centuries, including Spinoza, Freud, Marx and
Einstein. The course will conclude with an examination of secular Judaism in American
culture - the drama of Clifford Odets and Arthur Miller, the films of Mel Brooks and
Sidney Lumet, and the television shows Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Offered every year.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 260.
Attributes: Humanities
262 Zionism: Ideology, Institutions, Cultures & Contestations
This course aims to provide students with a multi-dimensional understanding of
Zionism as a political ideology that found its expression in the creation of a state, the
establishment of a particular set of economic and cultural institutions as well as in the
creation of new conceptions of land, space, and group interaction. At once a future-
oriented revolutionary ideology and revivalist movement based on the idea of
returning to an ancient homeland, the significance of Zionism in 20th and 21st
centuries cannot be understated. Zionism (or rather, Zionists), produced a state Israel
whose foundation has roiled politics in the Middle East until today. This course will look
at the particular historical circumstances that gave rise to Zionism in the late 19th
century, Zionist institutions, political culture and dominant historical narratives. The
course will conclude with a detailed examination of more contemporary critics of
Zionism both from within Israel and outside of it.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 262 and POSC 290.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Humanities, Political Science
Elective, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 348
264 Politics, Society & Culture in Israel
This course provides an overview of the major political, social, and cultural forces that
have shaped, and continue to shape, modern Israel. It covers the origins of the Zionist
movement, political leadership, foreign relations, parties, the electoral system and the
Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflict more broadly. In society, it focuses on the
major cleavages in Israeli society, civil society, consumerism, as well as the impact of
the Holocaust and the role of the Israel Defense Forces. The cultural component
centers largely on poetry, short stories and changes in popular music. The course is
intended to add nuance and depth to the often one-dimensional portrayal of Israel in
the media and provide students with the analytical tools to better understand events in
the Middle East.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 264 and POSC 264.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-
Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity, Humanities, Social Sciences
316 Topics in Judaic Studies
See course description with RELG 316 listing.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Religion - Western Traditions
490 Senior Thesis
An independent project supervised by the Judaic Studies coordinator and an advisor
from the appropriate department. The product of this course will be a written term
paper that is also defended orally before a panel of three professors.
Open to senior Judaic Studies majors only.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 349
Latin
See Classical Studies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 350
Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean
Studies
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses:
LALC 101
One additional introductory course (LALC 121, 122, 123 or 295)
One language course above the intermediate level in one of the three main
languages of the area (Spanish, Portuguese or French or another regional language
approved by the department)
One methods course relevant to area of concentration (geographic or thematic)
(AFST 200, AMST 401, ANTH 240 or 241, ECON 474, HIST 204, POSC 239, SOCI 240 or
244, SPAN 305, WGST 250)
Four courses in area of concentration
Two electives
Of the six courses (four in the concentration and two electives), at least one
should be in the humanities and the selection should include courses in three
departments. Introductory courses will not count as concentration or elective
courses.
LALC 490-the capstone course
MINOR
Six (6) courses:
(Students will be encouraged to follow a concentration.)
LALC 101
Five courses approved by LALC in at least three different departments
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Most students begin the LALC major with LALC 101 or one of the other introductory
courses, and all finish with LALC 490 in the senior year. Otherwise, there is no necessary
or preferred path through the LALC major.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 351
Suggested Flow for First Year Students:
FYS
LALC 101
Language courses (goal: two language courses above the intermediate level)
Another introductory course (see below)
LALC Concentration course or Elective course
Other graduation requirements
(Please check with a LALC faculty or the LALC chair)
Suggested Flow for Second Year Students:
LALC 101 (if it was not taken previously)
Language courses (goal: two language courses above the intermediate level)
Another introductory course (if it was not taken previously)
LALC Concentration courses
Methods course (see below)
Elective course
Other graduation requirements
(Please check with your LALC advisor or the LALC chair)
Suggested Flow for Third Year Students:
Study Abroad in Latin America (must have language requirement): Brazil or Ecuador
and Argentina Programs
OR
LALC 101 (if it was not taken previously)
Language courses (goal: one language course above the intermediate level)
Another introductory course (if it was not taken previously)
LALC Concentration courses
Methods course (see below)
Elective course
Other graduation requirements
(Please check with your LALC advisor or the LALC chair)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 352
Suggested Flow for Fourth Year Students:
LALC 490 (both semesters)
LALC 101 (if it was not taken previously)
Language courses (goal: one language course above the intermediate level)
Another introductory course (if it was not taken previously)
LALC Concentration courses
Methods course (preferably, it should be taken before senior year)
Elective course
Other graduation requirements
(Please check with your LALC advisor or the LALC chair)
Introductory Courses
In addition to LALC 101, all majors are required to take one of the following:
LALC 121, Introduction to Africana Studies
LALC 122, Introduction to Caribbean Studies
LALC 123, Aspects of American Culture
LALC 295, Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Literature and Culture
(exceptions can be made with permision of the chair)
Methods Courses
Majors select one methods course in consultation with their advisor:
AFST 200, Approaches to Africana Studies
AMST 401, Research Methods in American Studies
ANTH 240, Qualitative Methods
ANTH 241, Measurement and Quantification in the Social Sciences
ECON 474, Econometrics
HIST 204, Introduction to Historical Methodology
POSC 239, Research Methods in Political Science
SOCI 240, Qualitative Methods
SOCI 244, Quantitative Research Methods
SPAN 305, Reading and Thinking About Texts
WGST 200, Feminist Practices, Writing and Research
(For other methods courses, please check with your LALC advisor or the LALC chair)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 353
LALC Concentration (4) and Elective (2) Courses
LALC students should select geographic and or thematic concentrations within the
major. An example would be a geographical focus on contemporary Argentina who
would take HIST 131 (LA History) and POSC 251 (LA Politics), engage in a research
project on an Argentine topic approved the LALC advisor, two courses from the
Dickinson in South America Program, and an additional course on Argentina in another
discipline. Past LALC students have focused on Brazil, Mexico, women and gender
studies, migrations, Caribbean studies, Latinx issues, etc.
An example of a thematic concentration would be choosing to study community
development and globalization; this is a theme that crosses geographical boundaries to
possibly include Central and South America, the US-Mexico border region as well as the
Caribbean. Students with this type of concentration would be able to select relevant
courses in Africana Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, History,
Political Science or Sociology. Relevant courses could include LALC 222 (Anthropology
of Latin America), LALC 200 (Social Movements in Latin America), LALC 283 (Latin
American-U.S. Relations), and two relevant courses in one of the study-abroad sites.
For other concentrations, courses may be selected from the sciences as well as the
humanities. When concentration and elective courses have prerequisites, LALC majors
should have satisfied these requirements or received a waiver from the instructor with
an approval of the LALC chair.
Some of LALC courses for concentrations or electives:
LALC 200, Special Topics in LALC Studies
LALC 222, Anthropology of Latin America (ANTH 222)
LALC 230, Early Latin American History to 1800 (HIST 130)
LALC 231, Modern Latin American History since 1800 (HIST 131)
LALC 242, Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues (PORT 242)
LALC 251, Latin American Government and Politics (POSC 251)
LALC 262, South American Archeology (262 and ANTH 262)
LALC 272, The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in Making the Atlantic World, 1450-
1850 (HIST 272)
LALC 283, Latin American-U.S. Relations (HIST 283)
LALC 300, Special Topics in LALC Studies
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 354
LALC 301, Topics in American Studies, when topic is appropriate (AMST 301)
LALC 311, Pre-Columbian and Colonial Spanish American Texts (SPAN 311)
LALC 321, Late Colonial and Nineteenth Century Latin American Literature (SPAN
321)
LALC 331, Modernismo and Vanguardias (SPAN 331)
LALC 350, Chicano/Chicana Literatures (SPAN 350)
LALC 390, Senior Seminar in Hispanic Literature, when research is related to LALC
(SPAN 401)
LALC 490, Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies Senior Research Seminar
LALC 490 is the capstone course, which consists of research into a topic concerning the
LALC region. Students participate in a two-semester research seminar for half a credit
each semester. Students develop their research papers with the guidance of a main
supervisor and two other faculty readers representing at least two disciplines. Students
must successfully defend their research paper orally to satisfy the requirements for the
major.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent Studies on LALC topics in the Departments of Political Science,
Anthropology, Spanish and Portuguese, Religion, Philosophy, History, Economics, Art &
Art History, or any other academic department that may be able to offer such
instruction, with prior approval from the candidate's program supervisor.
HONORS
The department will grant honors based on the guidelines listed on the departmental
web page.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
LALC majors are strongly urged to study at least one semester in an abroad program
relevant to their concentration, and whenever possible majors should consider an
entire year abroad. Preference is given to Dickinson in Ecuador and Argentina Program
(Cuenca, Ecuador, and Mendoza, Argentina) and the Dickinson in Brazil Program
(beginning spring 2021 in São Paulo), and other partnerships that may develop. Only
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 355
when a Dickinson or a partner program does not meet the needs of the concentration
should non-Dickinson programs be considered.
COURSES
The following course is offered in Querétaro (program has been suspended as of
2013):
202 Mexican Culture and History
This course is an examination of the cultural, economic, and political history of Mexico
designed to provide an understanding of the complexities of modern Mexican society.
Students will examine pre-Hispanic cultures, the colonial era, Mexican independence
from Spain, the revolution, 20th century political parties, the sexual revolution, current
economic inequality, ethnic and linguistic diversity, and the conflict in Chiapas. Special
emphasis will be placed on the history of the state of Querétaro in relation to the
Mexican nation. Class trips will be made to selected areas of Mexico that are of
archaeological, cultural and historical significance.
This course fulfills the DIV II social sciences distribution requirement and WR graduation
requirement.
The following courses are offered in the Dickinson in South America Program:
The following courses are offered in the Dickinson in South America Program:
203 Ecuador and the Andes: Culture, History and Society
This interdisciplinary class examines the culture, history, philosophy, and literature of
Ecuador and the Andes. Students will explore topics such as social and value systems,
environmental diversity, and colonial encounters. Special emphasis will be placed on
identities through the lens of gender, ethnicity, and race. This class also includes a
Spanish language component. Class trips will be made to selected areas of Ecuador that
are of archaeological, cultural, and historical significance.
Prerequisites: SPAN 231 and acceptance into the Dickinson in South America program.
This course is cross-listed as SPAN 252. Offered every semester.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 356
204 Argentina in a Latin American Context
This class approaches Argentine reality from an interdisciplinary perspective, including
culture, economic and social life, geography and history, and philosophical and social
factors. It will examine the diversity of Argentine society in the context of Latin
American political, social, and cultural developments. National and regional
perspectives will be included as well. Class trips will be made to selected areas of the
Mendoza region that are of cultural and historical significance.
Prerequisites: SPAN 231 and acceptance into the Dickinson in South America program.
This course is cross-listed as SPAN 362. Offered every semester.
Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies Courses
101 Introduction to Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies
A multi-disciplinary, introductory course designed to familiarize students with the
regions through a study of their history, economics, politics, literature, and culture in
transnational and comparative perspective. The purpose of the course is to provide a
framework that will prepare students for more specialized courses in particular
disciplines and specific areas of LALC studies.
Required of all LALC majors.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity
121 Introduction to Africana Studies
This interdisciplinary introduction to Africana Studies combines teaching foundational
texts in the field with instruction in critical reading and writing. The course will cover
Africa and the Atlantic Slave Trade, the creation of African Disaporic communities, the
conceptualization and representation of Black culture and identity, and the intellectual
and institutional development of Black and Africana Studies.
This course is cross-listed as AFST 100.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Africana Studies Elective, Appropriate for
First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global Diversity, Social Sciences
122 Introduction to Caribbean Studies
The greater Caribbean region was at the center of the formation of the modern African
Diaspora. Over the years, the Caribbean region has played an influential role in the
development of social and cultural movements throughout the African Diaspora. This
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 357
class will survey the Caribbean, examining its location, population, diversity, and
significant role in shaping world events. Students will become familiar with the
Caribbean region, its place as a site of empire, and the important role of key
intellectuals who were foundational in developing anti-colonial and post-colonial black
consciousness. The course will cover the following areas of inquiry: geography and
sociology of the region, key theoretical concepts, leading intellectuals, transforming
world events and cultural production.
This course is cross-listed as AFST 235.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS),
Social Sciences
123 Aspects of American Culture
Selected topics in American studies at the introductory level. The subject matter will
vary from year to year dependent upon the interests of faculty and the needs and
interests of students. Recent topics have included mass media; health, illness, and
culture; Latino/a U.S.A.; racial politics of popular music; Caribbean-American literary
and visual cultures; Black feminisms.
This course is cross-listed as AMST 200, when topic is relevant, for example, Introduction
to Latino Studies.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
200 Special Topics in Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies
This course will offer special topics in LALC at the intermediate level.
Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
205 Brazil in a Latin American Context
This course approaches Brazilian cultures and society from an interdisciplinary
perspective, with emphasis on social, economic, and environmental justice. The course
will examine the diversity of Brazilian society in the context of Latin American cultural,
historical, social, philosophical, political, and economic developments, with a special
focus on São Paulo. Students will analyze a variety of written and visual texts (from
literature, art, popular culture, sociopolitical groups, and the media), scholarly works
(articles/book chapters), as well as music and multimedia
(documentaries/films/television/new media). Classroom activities will be enhanced
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 358
with visits to selected areas of metropolitan São Paulo of cultural and historical
significance. This course also functions as an introduction to the Brazilian university
system and supports the writing and research skills required for study at the University
of São Paulo.
Prerequisite: PORT 200 or 201.
This course is cross-listed as PORT 240.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
222 Anthropology of Latin America
This course is an ethnographic exploration of contemporary life in Latin America. It is
designed to introduce students to the major themes and debates in the anthropology
of Latin America. It is aimed at understanding the cultural and historical development
of Latin America, and it seeks to make sense of the cultural similarities and differences
that have both captured the interest of anthropologists and helped to make Latin
America an important site of anthropological study and theorizing. In the process of
examining the histories and cultures of Latin America, we will also look at how power
and structural inequalities have shaped the region. The course will study Latin American
cultures and societies in relation to neighboring nations - the United States, Canada and
the Caribbean - given their shared history and experiences of colonialism and slavery as
well as their economic interdependence.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 222.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: ANTH Cultural Anth Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies,
Social Sciences
230 Early Latin American History to 1800
Survey of pre-Colombian and colonial Latin American history. Students explore the
major ancient civilizations of the Americas, the background and characteristics of
European conquest and colonization, the formation of diverse colonial societies, and
the breakdown of the colonial system that led to independence. The course includes
both the Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Americas from a comparative
perspective.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 359
This course is cross-listed as HIST 130.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course, Social
Sciences
231 Modern Latin American History since 1800
Introduction to Latin American history since independence and the consolidation of
national states to the recent past. Students explore social, economic, and political
developments from a regional perspective as well as specific national examples.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 131.
Attributes: INST Latin America Course, Social Sciences
239 Spanish for the Health Professions
This is a specialized course emphasizing Spanish language and culture as they relate to
health and medicine. The course goal is written and oral communication and cultural
fluency as they relate to Global Health Care, Food Security, Immigration, and the
delivery of health-care services to Limited-English-Proficient, Hispanic patients. Off-
campus volunteer work with native Spanish speakers is required.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or above, or permission of instructor.
This course is cross- listed as SPAN 239.
Attributes: Food Studies Elective, Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective,
Service Learning, Sustainability Connections
242 Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues
In this class students learn about a variety of aspects of Brazilian culture and social
issues. While highly discussed topics in Brazil and about Brazil, such as
carnival, malandragem, and jeitinho are examined, throughout the semester students
explore three different types of encounters: Native encounters, African and Afro-
Brazilian encounters, and gender encounters. Students analyze these ideas
concentrating on the nature of the encounters and the criticisms generated. Also, the
class examines issues of representation related to marginalization, violence and
banditry. In order to carry out the analysis of ideas and cultural representations and
their development, students work with a variety of texts from different disciplines -
literature, anthropology, sociology, history, and film - and follow an intersectional
methodology.
This course is cross-listed as PORT 242. Offered every year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 360
251 Latin American Government and Politics
An introduction to the politics of contemporary Latin America. Emphasis is placed upon
the varied political institutional responses to socio-economic change in the Americas.
Major countries to be analyzed include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba.
Prerequisite: one course in political science or Latin American, Latinx and
Caribbean Studies.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 251.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, INST Latin America Course, Social Sciences
262 South American Archaeology
This course examines the development of prehistoric societies in the South American
continent through archaeological data. This course will explore the interactions of
culture, economics, and politics in the prehistory of two major regions: the western
Andean mountains and Pacific coast, and the eastern lowlands focusing on the Amazon
River basin and Atlantic coast. In addition to learning the particular developments in
each region, we will address three overarching themes: 1) What role did the
environment play in shaping socio-political developments? 2) What influence do
ethnographic and ethno-historical sources have on the interpretation of pre-
Hispanic societies in South America? 3) What were the interactions between
highland and lowland populations, and what influence did they have (if any) on
their respective developments?
This course is cross-listed as ARCH 262 and ANTH 262.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec
(ESSP), Global Diversity, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Social Sciences, Sustainability
Connections
272 The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, 1450-
1850
During several centuries of European colonization in the New World, a thriving slave
trade forced the emigration of millions of Africans across the Atlantic-an immigration
far larger than the simultaneous immigration of Europeans to the same regions. We will
address not only the workings of the slave trade on both sides (and in the middle) of
the Atlantic, but also the cultural communities of West and West-Central Africa and
encounters and exchanges in the new slave societies of North and South America.
Through examination of work processes, social orders, cultural strategies and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 361
influences, and ideas about race and geography, across time and in several regions, we
will explore the crucial roles of Africans in the making of the Atlantic world.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 272.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AFST - Africa Course, AFST - Diaspora Course, AMST Struct & Instit Elective,
Global Diversity, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Social Sciences
283 Latin American-U.S. Relations
A study of political, economic, and cultural relations between Latin America and the
United States from the early 19th century to the present. The evolution of inter-
American relations is analyzed in light of the interplay of Latin American, U.S., and
extra-hemispheric interests.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 283.
Attributes: AMST US History Elective, Social Sciences
290 Brazilian Cinema
This class focuses on important examples of Brazilian cinema, as well as on critical
episodes, manifestos, and challenges faced by Brazilian directors, screenwriters, and
actors. The class will also analyze diverse periods and genres, such as chanchadas,
Cinema Novo, and retomada. Particular attention will be paid to the representation of
native Brazilians, Afro-Brazilians, women, and marginalized places (Backlands, favelas,
etc.), and how their representation has had social and economic repercussions in Brazil.
Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in Portuguese.
This course is cross-listed as PORT 290 and FMST 290.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities
295 Introduction to U.S. Latina/o Literature and Culture
This interdisciplinary introduction to Latina/o Studies discusses foundational historical,
cultural, political, artistic, and literary texts of the U.S. Latina/o community. This class
will cover diasporic movements and issues of identity, with a particular focus on the
Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban-American diaspora.
Prerequisite: SPAN 231.
This course is cross-listed as SPAN 295.
Attributes: AMST American Lit Elective, AMST Representation Elective, US Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 362
300 Special Topics in Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies
This course will offer special topics in LALC at the advanced level.
Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
301 Topics in American Studies
Selected topics in American studies at the intermediate level. Topics offered will vary
from year to year, reflecting the interests of faculty and students as well as evolving
concerns of the field.
Prerequisite: AMST 201 or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as AMST 301 when topic is relevant, for example, Caribbean
Diasporic Identities.
304 Afro-Brazilian Literature
This class analyzes the literary production of Afro-Brazilians writers, as well as the
representation of Afro-Brazilian characters in literary texts. It reviews different literary
periods and the images those periods created and/or challenged and how they have
affected and continue to affect the lives of Afro-Brazilians. Also, by paying particular
attention to gender and social issues in different regional contexts, the class considers
how Brazilian authors of African descent critically approach national discourses, such as
racial democracy and Brazilianness. Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in
Portuguese.
This course is cross-listed as PORT 304 and AFST 304.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, Humanities, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Writing
in the Discipline
385 Topics in Latina/o Studies
This class, which will generally be taught in Spanish, studies significant cultural, literary,
and historical topics concerning the U.S. Latina/o community. A sampling of topics
includes: The Mexican-American Border; Nueva York, Diaspora City; U.S. Latinos:
Between Two Cultures; Latina/o Poetry; New Latino Narratives; Latina Writers; Afro-
Latino Cultural Production in the U.S., Semiotics and the Aesthetics of Latina/o Cinema.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 363
Prerequisite: SPAN 305.
This course is cross-listed as SPAN 385.
Attributes: US Diversity
390 Senior Seminar in Hispanic Literature
A thorough investigation of major figures or important literary trends in Hispanic
literature which were not covered by the majors in previous courses. The majors will
work on a semi-independent basis with a particular instructor and will present reports
to the seminar and participate in subsequent discussions. Emphasis on methods of
literary research.
Prerequisite: SPAN 305.
This course is cross-listed as SPAN 410, when topic is relevant, and is taught in Spanish.
490 Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies Senior Research Seminar
Research into a topic concerning Latin America directed by two or more faculty
representing at least two disciplines. Students must successfully defend their research
paper to obtain course credit. The paper is researched and written in the fall semester
for one-half course credit and then defended and revised in the spring semester for the
other half credit.
Prerequisite: senior majors.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 364
Law & Policy
MAJOR
Thirteen (13) course credits, plus the transcript notation internship:
The following seven courses are required of all majors:
POSC 120: American Government
ECON 111: Microeconomics
ECON 228: Economic Analysis of Policy
LAWP/POSC 248: The Judiciary
LAWP 220: Foundations of Law and Policy
POSC 220: Constitutional Law I, OR, POSC 221: Constitutional Law II
LAWP 400: Senior Seminar
In addition, the major has the following requirements:
Electives (6):
1 empirical social analysis elective
1 ethics elective
2 law-related electives
2 policy-related electives
Transcript notation internship
Must focus on policy and law
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Refer to the following advising sheet:
Law & Policy Major advising sheet
HONORS
To graduate with honors as a Law and Policy (LAWP) major you will need to conduct
some original research and produce a thesis that meets the standards set by the
department faculty. LAWP projects must be a defense or a critique of a policy outcome
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 365
that is legally related. You must have an overall Grade Point Average of 3.4 or better to
proceed with an honors proposal.
INTERNSHIPS
All Law & Policy majors must complete an internship related to law or policy. Excellent
quality internships are available in the local area. Carlisle is the county seat and the
state capital, Harrisburg, is only 17 miles away. Dickinson alums willing to serve as
mentors and internship site supervisors are well placed in both locations. Students are
also urged to consider the internship-based Dickinson Semester in Washington
program.
NOTE: Students who successfully complete The Washington Center program in
Washington, DC, and students who complete a for-credit internship while studying
abroad would satisfy their internship requirement and would not have to complete the
internship notation process. In almost all other cases, students must complete the
Transcript Notation program with the Dickinson College Center for Advising,
Internships & Lifelong Career Development.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students are encouraged to study off-campus for at least part of their junior year.
Students may be able to study off-campus for the entire academic year with careful
planning and close consultation with their advisor. The following is a list of the most
popular and appropriate programs for Law & Policy majors:
Danish Institute for Study Abroad(DIS: Copenhagen, Denmark)
The Washington Center(TWC; Washington, DC)
Nilsson Center for European Studies(Bologna, Italy)
Dickinson in Australia (University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 366
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Many Law & Policy majors participate in Dickinson's very successful Mock Trial
program. For more information, contact [email protected].
COURSES
210 Legal Ethics
This course examines the moral responsibilities and ethical duties of a lawyer. While
the focus is on the rules governing professional conduct, the course will examine all
areas of the law governing the conduct of lawyers.
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or permission of the instructor.
220 Foundations in Law & Policy
This course serves as the gateway to the Law & Policy major. LAWP 220 introduces
students to major concepts and significant themes in the contemporary study of law
and policy. It grounds itself in interdisciplinary methodology and, in doing so, it
emphasizes the complex and multifaceted nature of the law’s relationship not only to
how it governs but to whom it governs.
Prerequisite: POSC 120 and ECON 111, may be taken concurrently.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
230 Negotiation and Advocacy
This course will focus on the role of the advocate in the law and policy-making process.
It will consider various types of advocacy (public debate, litigation, public relations, etc.)
and various methods of negotiation as well as compare and contrast the advocate's
role in different forums (legislatures, courts, administrative agencies, the press, etc.).
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Law Elective, PMGT Domestic Public Policy
234 Gender and Justice
This course analyzes how legal theorists have drawn upon notions of gender, sex, and
sexuality in order to understand and critique the American legal system and its norms.
It considers questions like: How might a feminist perspective on the law illuminate
instances of systematized inequality or legalized discrimination? Can queer theorists
engage with the law in order to alter it, or does the very act of engagement hinder the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 367
possibility of future socio-legal change? How can the law better represent women of
color, working women, queer women, stay-at-home mothers, transgender or non-
binary individuals, women seeking surrogate or abortion services, and more, without
reinforcing traditional understandings of what it means to be a “woman”? These
questions and more will be taken up as we move through a rich combination of
political philosophy, legal cases, and works of socio-legal analysis.
Prerequisites: One POSC, LAWP or WGSS course or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 234 and WGSS 302.
Attributes: LAWP Law Elective, Political Science Elective, Social Sciences, US Diversity,
WGSS Intersect/Instit/Power, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
240 Criminal Procedure
This course will examine the constitutional rights that suspects and defendants have in
the criminal justice system. Special attention will be given to the right against
unreasonable searches and seizures, the right against self- incrimination, and the right
to an attorney.
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: LAWP Law Elective
248 The Judiciary
A study of the structure, processes, and institutional role of the American judiciary.
Topics may include: the adversarial system, criminal and civil procedure,
implementation of court decisions, judicial decision-making, legal development, and
legal reasoning. Special attention is given to the federal judiciary, especially the
Supreme Court.
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 248.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), PMGT Domestic Public Policy
250 Juvenile Justice
This course will examine the nature and character of the American juvenile justice
system, including its history, changing emphasis, and current trends. The system will be
viewed from the point of entry into the system until final disposition. Various treatment
alternatives, including rehabilitation, will also be examined.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 368
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: LAWP Law Elective
255 Philosophy of Law
This course considers fundamental issues in the study of legal philosophy. These
include the meanings and purposes of law, the limits of legal authority, and topics such
as: theories of punishment; justifications for civil disobedience; the regulation of sex,
gender, and sexuality; economic critiques of judicial process; and the construction of
race and ethnicity within the law.
Prerequisite: one prior course in Philosophy, or POSC 180, 202, 206, 208, or permission
of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 255.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective
259 Law, Politics, and Society in Asia
This course examines the interaction between law, legal institutions and citizens in
China, Japan, and India. Covering history and the contemporary scene, course focuses
on how law works in practice and is understood and used by ordinary people in Asia. It
covers areas such as marriage and divorce, the legal profession, lost property, civil
rights, the environment, sexuality, mediation, land development and property, among
others. Comparisons between the United States and Asia, as well as between Asian
countries, will be emphasized.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 259, LAWP 259 and EASN 259.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, EASN Elective Set 3,
Global Diversity, LAWP Law Elective, PMGT International Policy, Social Sciences
260 Problem-Solving Courts
Through a hands-on, experiential examination of traditional courts, treatment courts,
and addiction issues, this course will introduce the students to the use of problem-
solving courts to address drug, DUI, and mental health concerns. A major course
component will involve community-based learning. Students will be required to interact
with court participants and members of the various problem-solving court teams (e.g.,
judges, attorneys, probation officers, treatment providers as well as other support
specialists, depending on the court’s
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 369
focus). As the students become familiar with one component of the “war on drugs,”
they will be challenged to examine and debate the “war” as a whole.
Attributes: LAWP Law Elective
290 Selected Topics
Courses in the area of Policy Studies. The content of the course will reflect the interests
and expertise of faculty and the needs of students.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
301 Policy and Leadership
This course will focus both on traditional (top-down)and other less traditional models
of leadership (bottom-up, e.g., grass roots advocacy, consensus building, and other less
hierarchical models of shared leadership). Leadership in a variety of organizational
contexts (e.g., public, private, and non-profit sectors) will be covered, and ethics will be
an important theme woven throughout the course.
Prerequisite: LAWP 220.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
400 Law and Policy Seminar
This course will serve as a capstone experience for Law and Policy majors. It will echo
the key principles covered in the Foundations class, including an appreciation for (1)
fluid interdisciplinarity, (2) the contingent nature of knowledge, (3) connections to the
wider world beyond the college, (4) principle-based models of leadership, (5) the
meaningful application of ethics, and (6) the role of stakeholder values in problem
analysis and decision making processes. Emphasis will be placed on helping students
refine their interdisciplinary approach to the topics of law and policy in a liberal arts
framework. The seminar will give students one last comprehensive look at a series of
policies to see how a legal regime limits policy choices and how the policy process
informs and limits laws.
Prerequisites: LAWP 220.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 370
Mathematics
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses:
170, 171, 211, 262, 270, 351, 361
One math course having 351 or 361 as a prerequisite
One additional math course numbered 301 or higher
Two additional math courses numbered 201 or higher.
One of these courses may be replaced by COMP 132 or ECON 398 or, upon
prior approval by the department, a mathematics-intensive course from
another department.
MINOR
Five (5) courses:
171 and 211
One of the three courses 325, 351 or 361
Two other courses numbered 201 or higher.
Possible tracks include:
1) Track 1: 170, 171, 211, 262, 270, 361;
2) Track 2: 170, 171, 211, 262, 351, elective;
Tracks 1 and 2 focus on theoretical mathematics.
3) Track 3: 170, 171, 211, 225, 270, 325.
Track 3 focuses on statistics.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
There are many possible paths through the mathematics major. Which path to take
depends on the student’s prior coursework and placement. We present four models
here. With careful planning, all four models allow the possibility for students to spend a
semester or a year abroad.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 371
Model 1 - MATH 151 as entry point (for students who place into 151)
First Year: 151, 170
Sophomore Year: 171, 211, 270, 262
Junior and Senior Years: 351, 361, MATH electives
Model 2 - MATH 170 as entry point (for students with suitable pre-calculus
preparation)
First Year: 170, 171
Sophomore Year: 211, 262, 270
Junior and Senior Years: 351,361, MATH electives
Model 3 - MATH 171 as entry point (for students with 170 credit)
First Year: 171, 270
Sophomore Year: 211, 262
Junior and Senior Years: 351, 361, MATH electives
Model 4 - MATH 171 as entry point (for students with 170 and 270 credits)
First Year [Option 1]: 171, 211
First Year [Option 2]: 211, 262
Sophomore Year [Option 1]: 262, MATH elective
Sophomore Year [Option 2]: 171, MATH elective
Junior and Senior Years: 351, 361, MATH electives
Students who are interested in applied mathematics should consider the electives 225,
241, 325, and 331 during their third and fourth years.
Note: Mathematics and Computer Science are one department but have been filed
individually and alphabetically for ease of access.
MAJOR ADVISORS
A student wishing to declare a major should bring the appropriate major declaration
form, available from the Registrar’s page, to the department chair. Based on the
student’s preferences and interests and current faculty advising loads, the chair will
assign one of the department faculty as the major advisor. Students are encouraged to
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 372
meet with their major advisor at least once per term prior to course selection to discuss
directions of study and how they align with future goals and plans.
HONORS
Departmental honors is the highest distinction that the Department can award to a
Major. Majors who receive departmental honors will be those who demonstrate a
broad mastery of the discipline as well as an ability to complete and present high
quality research. A broad mastery of the discipline is demonstrated by a GPA of 3.40 or
higher in all courses related to the major. The ability to complete high quality research
is demonstrated by the completion of a yearlong research project. This project will be
characterized by an independent and in-depth study of an advanced topic including a
literature search, reading of original sources and a novel formulation of results. Finally,
the ability to present such research is demonstrated by the preparation of an honors
thesis, a public presentation and a successful defense of the work to the department
faculty. Detailed guidelines can be found on the departmental web page.
COURSES
121 Elementary Statistics
An introduction to the science of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting
data. The focus is on data presentation and statistical reasoning based upon the
analysis of data sets. Topics include the study of sampling methods, observational and
experimental studies, graphical and numerical summaries of data, probability, sampling
distributions, significance testing, estimation, and simple linear regression. Does not
count toward the major or minor in mathematics. Students cannot take this course
concurrently with 225. Students who have received credit for 225 cannot take this
course for credit.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Appropriate for First- Year, ENST
Foundations (ESFN), LPPM Empirical Social Analysis, Quantitative Reasoning
151 Introduction to Calculus
An introduction to limits and derivatives together with a review of polynomial, rational,
trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 373
Three hours of classroom and one and a half hour of lab per week.
Prerequisite: departmental placement.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning
170 Single Variable Calculus
The study of real-valued functions, including transcendental functions, limits,
derivatives and their applications, the definition of the Riemann integral, and the
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Three hours of classroom and one and a half hour of lab per week.
Prerequisite: 151 or departmental placement. Offered every semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning
171 Multivariable Calculus
Multivariable calculus including parametric and polar equations, vectors, three-
dimensional analytic geometry, vector-valued functions, functions of several variables,
partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Additional topics if time permits.
Three hours of classroom and one and a half hour of lab per week.
Prerequisite: 170 or departmental placement.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning
201 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. One-half or one course credit.
202 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. One-half or one course credit.
211 Foundations of Higher Mathematics
An introduction to fundamental mathematical concepts used in mathematics as well as
computer science, with an emphasis on writing mathematical arguments. The course
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 374
presents the principles of mathematical logic and methods of proof such as direct and
indirect proofs and mathematical induction. Other topics include sets, functions,
relations, matrix algebra, and techniques from elementary combinatorics and graph
theory.
Prerequisite: 170 or COMP 131 or departmental placement. Offered every semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Writing in the Discipline
225 Probability and Statistics I
An introduction to the core topics of probability and statistics. Topics include discrete
and continuous random variables, joint distributions, expectation, variance, random
sampling from populations, hypothesis tests, and confidence intervals.
Prerequisite: 171. Offered in even numbered fall semesters.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN)
241 Computational Mathematics
An introduction to numerical methods for solving mathematical problems. Topics
chosen from interpolation, numerical differentiation and integration, solutions to linear
and nonlinear systems, numerical solutions to differential equations and related topics.
Prerequisite: Completion of two of the following courses: 170, 171, 211 and 270.
This course is cross-listed as COMP 241.
Offered in even numbered spring semesters.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
262 Linear Algebra
An introduction to matrix algebra and abstract vector spaces with an emphasis on
writing mathematical arguments. Topics include linear systems and matrices, vector
spaces, linear independence, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Prerequisite: 211 or permission of the instructor.
Offered every semester.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
270 Integration and Infinite Series
The study of methods of integration, applications of the integral, elementary
differential equations, and infinite sequences and series.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 375
Prerequisite: 171 or departmental placement.
Offered every spring.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN)
271 Differential Equations
Elementary methods of solutions of selected types of differential equations; solutionsof
systems of linear differential equations with constant coefficients; and a brief
introduction to numerical methods and series solutions. Includes a strong emphasis on
applications.
Prerequisite: 171 and 270.
Offered in odd numbered fall semesters.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
301 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic. One-half or one course credit.
302 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic. One-half or one course credit.
311 Applied Combinatorics
An advanced course in discrete mathematics introducing the basic tools of
combinatorics and their applications. The course will consider the three basic problems
of combinatorics; counting, existence and optimization.
Prerequisite: 211. Offered even numbered spring semesters.
314 Computability and Complexity
An introduction to the theory of computation, addressing the fundamental question of
what problems can be solved using computers, both in principle and when efficiency is
taken into account. Topics may include: finite automata, undecidable problems (such as
the halting problem), Turing machines, regular languages, context-free grammars,
universal computation, elementary complexity classes, NP-completeness, and the P vs
NP problem.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 376
Offered every spring.
Prerequisite: COMP 132 and MATH 211.
This course is cross-listed as COMP 314.
325 Probability and Statistics II
A continuation of Introduction to Probability and Statistics I. Topics include additional
discrete and continuous distributions, conditional distributions, additional hypothesis
tests, simple linear regression and correlation, multiple linear regression, analysis of
variance, and goodness of fit tests. Special topics may include nonparametric tests,
nonlinear regression, and time series analysis.
Prerequisites: 171, 225 and completion of, or concurrent registration in 270.
Offered in odd numbered spring semesters.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Econ Elective
331 Operations Research
An introduction to deterministic operations research, including linear programming,
sensitivity analysis, and duality. Special topics may include transportation and
assignment problems, network models, integer programming, and game theory.
Offered in odd numbered fall semesters.
Prerequisite: 262.
This course is cross-listed as COMP 331.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN)
351 Abstract Algebra
An introduction to axiomatic formalism using algebraic structures as paradigms. Topics
chosen from groups, rings, integral domains, fields and vector spaces.
Offered every spring.
Prerequisite: 262.
361 Real Analysis
A theoretical development of the basic ideas and concepts of real analysis. Topics
include a study of real numbers, sequences, limits and continuity, differentiation and
integration. Optional topics include infinite series, sequences and series of functions,
and an introduction to point-set topology.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 377
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 171, 262 and 270.
Attributes: Quantitative Econ Elective
401 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
One-half or one course credit.
402 Special Topics
Topics to be announced when offered.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
One-half or one course credit.
472 Complex Analysis
An introductory study of functions in the complex plane. Topics include: complex
numbers and functions, the theory of differentiation and integration of complex
functions; Cauchy's integral theorem; the Residue theorem. Offered in odd numbered
spring semesters.
Prerequisite: 361 and completion of, or concurrent registration in 351.
481 Topology
An elementary study of topological spaces. Topics include open and closed sets, the
Hausdorff property, compactness, connectedness, continuity, homeomorphisms,
product spaces, and the classification of spaces. Optional topics include metric spaces,
identification spaces, manifolds, and the fundamental group.
Offered in even numbered spring semesters.
Prerequisite: 361 and completion of, or concurrent registration in 351.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 378
Medieval & Early Modern Studies
GENERAL INFORMATION
Medieval & Early Modern Studies offers a multidisciplinary approach to European
cultures and civilizations from late antiquity (ca. 500) to the beginning of the
Enlightenment (ca. 1750). The major incorporates materials and methodologies from
the fields of English, history, art, music, philosophy, religion, classical studies and
foreign language. Students in the program have considerable flexibility in the design
and focus of their courses of study.
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses:
MEMS 200
Core courses: five courses including
HIST 105 and 106, and
three courses focused in the time frame or on MEMS theory,
one each in Music,
Art & Art History and
literature in any language
Cluster courses: four courses
on a topic decided in consultation with a MEMS advisor,
in more than one department and
including courses above the 100 level
Senior research: MEMS 490
Double Major:
Through careful planning students can complete a double major in MEMS and another
field (Art History, History, Music, Religion, various languages) within a standard four-
year program.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 379
MINOR
Medieval option:
MEMS 200
4-course cluster:
four courses on a topic decided in consultation with a MEMS advisor and
approved by the MEMS coordinator,
in more than one department and
including courses above the 100-level.
Three of the courses should provide a significant component of material
relevant to the medieval era,
while the fourth course must be concerned primarily with the early modern era
HIST 105 (Medieval Europe)
Early Modern Option:
MEMS 200
4-course cluster:
four courses on a topic decided in consultation with a MEMS advisor and
approved by the MEMS coordinator,
in more than one department and
including courses above the 100 level.
Three of the courses should provide a significant component of material
relevant to the early modern era,
while the fourth course must be concerned with the medieval era.
HIST 106 (Early Modern Europe to 1799)
ADVISING
Students choose an advisor from participating faculty. The advisor's responsibility
will be to ensure that the student's "cluster courses" have an appropriate depth
and academic level; i.e., a cluster cannot be composed of four courses at the 100-level,
or four courses from one department. The advisor will also guide the student
in developing the cluster with an eye toward The Senior Experience (MEMS 490,
see below).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 380
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
There is no standard “path” through the Medieval & Early Modern Studies major.
MEMS 200, Discourse and Methods in Medieval & Early Modern Studies, is the
introductory methods course, but, from there forward, students find their own
directions. For this reason, it is especially important that interested students contact
professors in the program to discuss their interests and seek advice. Please contact the
Medieval & Early Modern Studies Chair for guidance.
HONORS
Honors in MEMS is a semester-long independent study (MEMS 490) undertaken by a
senior MEMS Major on a focused research topic. Students who plan to pursue MEMS in
graduate school are particularly encouraged to apply. An honors project can help a
student develop valuable research skills for graduate work, as well as demonstrate to
prospective graduate programs an ability to pursue in-depth research.
Junior Majors in the MEMS program may apply to attempt to earn Honors.
Departmental (or Program) Honors is the highest award a department/program at
Dickinson can bestow. The receipt of honors is recorded on the graduate's diploma. It is
achieved only under the following conditions:
1) A minimum GPA of 3.4 in MEMS coursework at the time of application (this is a
college-wide standard for "departmental" honors). Consideration of a lower
GPA must have the support of the MEMS faculty, and approval from the College
Committee on Academic Standards (APSC).
2) During the spring of the Junior Year, by the Friday a week after the last day of
classes, each applicant submits a 2-3 page proposal (double spaced)
accompanied by a 1-2 page preliminary bibliography. The proposal outlines an
independent research project that shows exceptional promise and
sophistication. The student electing to pursue MEMS honors must do so as a
MEMS 490 Senior Project, which will be graded and counted towards
graduation regardless of whether Honors is awarded or not. The proposal
should be submitted to the MEMS coordinator/chair, and should include the
name(s) of the advisor(s). The MEMS coordinator/chair then circulates the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 381
proposal among the MEMS faculty for approval prior to the end of spring
exams.
3) If the student's proposal is accepted by the MEMS faculty, the student is
identified as a Candidate for Honors. Each Candidate will work with a
Departmental advisor (and at least one other MEMS faculty, as appropriate)
during the fall or spring semester of Senior year, and will produce a research
paper.
4) At a designated time during the end of the semester in which the student is
enrolled in MEMS 490 (and no later than the last day of classes), each candidate
will submit a final paper, at least 30 pages in length (and no more than 50),
which is bound and kept on file in the College Archives. Following submission of
the revised paper, at the latest, three (3) additional and appropriate MEMS
faculty are asked by the thesis advisor to serve as readers, and given sufficient
notice and time to read and critique the paper. The student and readers then
meet, and the student is expected to present, discuss, and defend their work.
N.B.: it is the responsibility of the student's principal advisor to enlist the
readers, and to organize the oral defense, both in a timely manner; however,
the readers alone will decide whether to grant honors or not.
5) Immediately following the oral defense, the three readers confer and decide
whether or not to award Honors. Honors are not awarded automatically, and
are awarded only when there is a consensus or majority vote among the three
(3) MEMS readers.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Dickinson Study Abroad programs provide MEMS students with the opportunity for
intensive academic experience in several Dickinson-sponsored sites:
Bologna, Italy
Bremen, Germany
Mendoza, Argentina
Norwich, England
Toulouse, France
Málaga, Spain
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 382
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
There are many programs, lectures, residencies, and activities co-sponsored by MEMS
and participating academic departments. Students should consult the College Calendar
for these events throughout the academic year, as well as the website for MEMS and
participating departments.
COURSES
200 Discourse and Methods in Medieval & Early Modern Studies
Sophomore methods course for the major in Medieval & Early Modern Studies. This is a
team-taught, interdisciplinary course, with topics and faculty rotating among the
participating departments. Each course will be offered under the umbrella of a single
topic, such as a city, a subject, an idea. An introduction to critical and historical
methods and discourses within the discipline of Medieval and Early Modern Studies,
including reading, critique, research, and interpretation.
490 The Senior Experience
Senior Projects and Research in Medieval & Early Modern Studies. Seniors in the major
will work independently with a director and a second faculty reader (representing
another discipline in the major) to produce a lengthy paper or special project which
focuses on an issue relevant to the cluster of courses taken previously. Under the
direction of the program coordinator, students will meet collectively 2 or 3 times during
the semester with the directors (and, if possible, other MEMS faculty) to share
bibliographies, research data, early drafts, and the like. This group will also meet at the
end of the semester to discuss and evaluate final papers and projects.
Prerequisite. 200; four-course "cluster."
CORE AND CLUSTER COURSES
ARTH 101: Introduction to the History of Art
ARTH 102: Introduction to the History of Art
ARTH 205: Topics in Art History
ARTH 212: Michelangelo: Man and Myth
ARTH 213: Gothic Pilgrimage
ARTH 215: Seventeenth-Century Dutch and Flemish Art
ARTH 300: Italian Renaissance Art 1250-1450
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 383
ARTH 301: Italian Renaissance Art 1450-1563
ARTH 391: The Arts in Late Gothic Europe
CLST 100: Greek and Roman Myth
CLST 253: Roman History
ENGL 101: Topics [Shakespeare's Comedies; Shakespeare's Tragedies; Medievalism
from J.R.R.: Tolkien to Game of Thrones]
HIST 105: Medieval Europe
HIST 106: Modern Europe to 1815
HIST 121: Middle East to 1750
HIST 130: Latin American History I
HIST 213: Topics in European History [The Crusades]
HIST 222 Feudal Europe
HIST 223: Renaissance Europe
HIST 228: Italian History from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment [offered only in
Bologna]
HIST 243: English/British History I [55BC to 1688]
HIST 247: Early American History
HIST 253: History of Russia I
HIST 259: Islam
HIST 272: The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World,
1450-1850
HIST 280: Medieval and Renaissance Women
HIST 311: Studies in American History [Violence and Colonialism]
HIST 313: Studies in European History [Scientific Revolutions]
ITAL 321: Food and Culture in Medieval and Renaissance Italy
ITAL 322: Dante's Divine Comedy (in English)
ITAL 400: Senior Tutorial in Italian Studies [Boccaccio's Decameron]
JDST 216: Kabbalah [crosslisted as RELG 260]
LATN 234: Ovid
LATN 241: Early Christian Latin
LATN 242: Virgil, Aeneid
LATN 243: Lucretius
LATN 343: Lyric and Elegy
LATN 352: Satire
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 384
MEST 200: Art and Architecture of the Islamic World
MUAC 101: History of Music to 1750
MUAC 352: Seminar in Early Music
PHIL 202: Philosophy in the 17th and 18th Centuries
RELG 203: Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament in Context
RELG 207: New Testament in Context
RELG 212: History of Christianity from Margin to Center
RELG 259: Islam
RELG 312: Topics in the History of Christianity [Eastern Orthodox Christianity]
SPAN 373: Spanish and Hispanoarab Art [offered in Malaga]
SPAN 380: Topics in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Studies [History of the Spanish
Language]
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 385
Middle East Studies
MAJOR
Twelve (12) courses consisting of the following:
Two years of Arabic or modern Hebrew (4 courses)
HIST 121: Middle East to 1750
HIST 122: Middle East since 1750
One social science course in another discipline (3 courses)
Three humanities courses (3 courses)
One additional elective
(NOTE: one of these electives to be in a country that is not the focus of the
language study.)
Senior Research (1 course)
Senior research includes a senior workshop consisting of three 75-minute
meetings in the first two weeks of the semester to help MEST seniors reflect on
different disciplinary approaches to a contemporary issue.
The following courses will count toward the major. Relevant courses under the rubric of
"topics" in various departments will also meet major requirements:
ARBI 101: Elementary Arabic
ARBI 102: Elementary Arabic
ARBI 201: Intermediate Arabic
ARBI 202: Intermediate Arabic
ARBI 360: Topics in Arabic Language and Culture
HEBR 101: Elementary Modern Hebrew
HEBR 102: Elementary Modern Hebrew
HEBR 201: Intermediate Modern Hebrew
HEBR 202: Advanced Modern Hebrew
HEBR 231: Hebrew Conversation and Composition
HEBR 232: Topics in Hebrew Literature
HEBR 331: Topics in Hebrew Literature and Israeli Culture
HIST 121/MEST 121: Middle East to 1750
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 386
HIST 122/MEST 122: Middle East since 1750
HIST 213: The Age of the Crusades
HIST 259/RELG 259/MEST 259: Islam
HIST 315: Modern Iran
HIST 371/MEST 371: The Arab-Israeli Conflict
HIST 404: US-Middle East Relations
JDST 204: Judaism
JDST 216/RELG 234: Love, Sex and Hebrew Texts
JDST 216: Jews and Judaism in the Medieval World
JDST 316: Israeli Cinema
POSC 277/MEST 266: International Politics of the Middle East
POSC 290/: Comparative Politics of the Middle East
POSC 290/MEST 264: Politics, Society and Culture in Israel
RELG 312: Christianity in the Middle East
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The MEST major was designed with the hope and expectation that all of our students
would spend one or two semesters in the Arab world or Israel. As a result, we
developed the curriculum so that a student who did spend one/two semesters abroad
could complete all the requirements for the major, as long as they followed a few
guidelines.
The guidelines are written for the entering student who may want to major in MEST.
Rather than specify the courses that you “must” have in a given semester, the following
are general guidelines regarding courses that we suggest you take during each year.
You should think of these guidelines as giving you a fast track into the major this
provides maximum flexibility in your junior and senior years.
First Year
Fall Semester: MEST/HIST 121, and Arabic or Hebrew
Spring Semester: MEST/HIST 122, Arabic or Hebrew, and MEST elective in humanities or
social science
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 387
Sophomore Year
Arabic or Hebrew (complete language requirement: 4 semesters)
One MEST elective in humanities or social science
One additional elective to be in a country that is NOT the focus of the language study
MEST general electives: refer to the MAJOR section of the Academic Bulletin: Middle
East Studies.
Junior Year
MEST general electives: refer to the MAJOR section of the Academic Bulletin: Middle
East Studies.
Arabic or Hebrew
Recommend one semester or full year in study abroad program
Senior Year
Senior research
Finish all other MEST requirements (core courses, electives, language as needed)
Arabic or Hebrew
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact a MEST
faculty member and discuss with your advisor. Students not following these guidelines
may still be able to study abroad and still complete the major but will face a more
demanding senior year.
HONORS
A student will be awarded Honors if the student has a 3.50 average overall and in the
major, and two readers (the thesis advisor and another reader) agree that the Senior
Research Paper deserves an A.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students should consult with the program coordinator and the Center for Global Study
and Engagement to determine suitable opportunities for off-campus study. For
students taking Arabic, Dickinson has a Partner Program with the American University
in Cairo. For students taking Modern Hebrew, Dickinson has a Partner Program with the
Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 388
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Middle East Studies offers films and lectures that are coordinated with the core
courses, but which are open to the entire community, often in cooperation with the
participating departments.
COURSES
121 Middle East to 1750
The rise of Islam, the development of Islamic civilization in medieval times and its
decline relative to Europe in the early modern era, 1500-1750.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 121.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
Social Sciences
122 Middle East since 1750
Bureaucratic-military reforms of the 19th century in Egypt and the Ottoman Empire,
European imperialism, regional nationalisms, contemporary autocratic regimes, and the
politicization of religion.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 122.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Social Sciences
200 Selected Topics in Middle East Studies
The subject matter will vary from year to year dependent upon the expertise of faculty
and the needs and interests of students.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
231 The Arab-Israeli Conflict
A study of conflict through four phases: the early stages of the Zionist movement and
its impact in Ottoman Palestine to 1917; Zionist immigration and settlement and Arab
reaction during the Mandate period; the creation of Israel and its wars with the Arab
states to 1973; and the rise of a Palestinian Arab nationalist movement and the
challenges it poses to Arab states and Israel.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 371.
Attributes: INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 389
233 U.S. Public Diplomacy in the Arab World
This course introduces the students to the theory and practice of U.S. public diplomacy
in the Arab world from a historical and a comparative perspective, looking at past
challenges, successes and failures. The course examines the role of public diplomacy in
the context of U.S. strategic interests in the region, U.S. efforts to promote democratic
governance in the Arab world through the use of public diplomacy tools including
traditional and new media, cultural exchanges, and educational programs. Students will
debate whether public diplomacy should be integrated into the policy-making process,
and how it could complement traditional diplomacy and advance political, military, and
economic policies.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Security
Studies Course, Social Sciences
234 Middle Eastern American Communities
This interdisciplinary course considers the history of Middle Eastern American
communities, and the related development of "Islamophobia." We survey the history of
the diverse immigrant communities that trace their heritage to a vast region of the
world, the variously defined "Middle East." In the 1990s, Islamophobia emerged as a
controversial concept after decades of discussion around Orientalism and anti-Arab
racism. Today, some see Islamophobia as a catch-all concept for discrediting necessary
anti-terrorism measures like profiling, surveillance, and wiretaps. Others see
Islamophobia as fitting into a pattern of racialized scapegoating, where people
experience violence and discrimination. Topics for discussion include ethnic group and
identity formation, the "war on terror," connections between domestic and
international US policy, and civil rights advocacy.
This course is cross-listed as SOCI 234.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Middle East Social Science, Social Sciences,
US Diversity
241 Romantic Orientalism & Its Critics
Ever since Byron returned from Ottoman Greece and Ali Pasha's Albania in 1811, British
culture has sought to interpret the "mysterious" East in ways that were as complex as
they were contradictory. Romantic orientalism emerged out of the effort to describe
Arabic (and especially Islamic) culture in ways that reflected not only reality but also
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 390
the biases of the Europeans who did the describing: religious, political, social, and
aesthetic. Our course will begin with examples of Romantic Orientalism--The History of
Nourjahad, Vathek, and Byron's own The Giaour--and will then read contemporary
critiques of these works (Samuel Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, Maria Edgeworth) as well
as more recent critics: Felicity Nussbaum, Adam Potkay, and Marilyn Butler. We will
then read Eastern works that have had a more direct influence on our own times: The
Arabian Nights, the poems of Rumi, and works of contemporary fiction and poetry by
Elias Khoury, Naguib Mahfouz, Adonis, and others. Finally, we will consider film and
media images of the Arab and Islamic world that have contributed to a more
contemporary American version of orientalism, and we will examine the Arab world's
view of these same images and stereotypes: evil sultans, alluring harems, violent
terrorists. We will also consider the possibility of an occidentalism that parallels the
excesses and confusions of orientalism. Our goal in all of our work will be to see the
world once called "The Orient" reflected, refracted, and reimagined by Western and
Eastern viewers. Along the way we will seek to understand how literary texts can help
us to understand the complexities of different cultures. Two essays and a final exam.
This course is cross-listed as ENGL 370.
259 Islam
An introduction to Islamic beliefs and practices in their classical forms: rituals, law,
mysticism, and other topics. The course will consider aspects of Islamic cultures and
societies in medieval and modern times.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 372 and RELG 259.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Humanities, INST Middle East/N
Africa Crse, Religion - Western Traditions, Social Sciences
260 Media & Politics in the Middle East & North Africa
Together we will try to answer the questions: What roles do media technologies and
practices (particularly new digital technologies) play in the politics of Middle Eastern
and North African (MENA) countries? How do states respond to the challenges and
opportunities presented by changes in the communication ecosphere? We will study
the development of mass media and its regulation in the MENA region. Students will
collaborate to produce presentations for the class on particular problems in the role of
media in politics and society, and will also complete individual critical and reflective
works. The class will make extensive use of digital and social media, seeking to
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 391
understand their political and social impact partly through first-hand experience.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 260.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Political Science Elective,
Social Sciences
261 Authoritarianism & Change in the Middle East & North Africa
This course will examine the most important features of the different varieties of
authoritarian regimes in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and seek to explain the
different outcomes of popular uprisings against them and other pressures to reform.
Participants will study the range of governing institutions and traditions among modern
MENA regimes. Students will learn to analyze competing explanations for the
persistence of authoritarianism in the regionfor example: explanations derived from
culture; from abundant hydrocarbons resources; from colonialism; and from historical
institutionsas well as the prospects for the spread of more democratic government in
the region.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 261.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
262 Zionism: Ideology, Institutions, Cultures & Contestations
This course aims to provide students with a multi-dimensional understanding of
Zionism as a political ideology that found its expression in the creation of a state, the
establishment of a particular set of economic and cultural institutions as well as in the
creation of new conceptions of land, space, and group interaction. At once a future-
oriented revolutionary ideology and revivalist movement based on the idea of
returning to an ancient homeland, the significance of Zionism in 20th and 21st
centuries cannot be understated. Zionism (or rather, Zionists), produced a state Israel
whose foundation has roiled politics in the Middle East until today. This course will look
at the particular historical circumstances that gave rise to Zionism in the late 19th
century, Zionist institutions, political culture and dominant historical narratives. The
course will conclude with a detailed examination of more contemporary critics of
Zionism both from within Israel and outside of it.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 290 and JDST 262.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Humanities, Judaic Studies
Elective, Political Science Elective, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 392
264 Politics, Society & Culture in Israel
This course provides an overview of the major political, social, and cultural forces that
have shaped, and continue to shape, modern Israel. It covers the origins of the Zionist
movement, political leadership, foreign relations, parties, the electoral system and the
Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflict more broadly. In society, it focuses on the
major cleavages in Israeli society, civil society, consumerism, as well as the impact of
the Holocaust and the role of the Israel Defense Forces. The cultural component
centers largely on poetry, short stories and changes in popular music. The course is
intended to add nuance and depth to the often one-dimensional portrayal of Israel in
the media and provide students with the analytical tools to better understand events in
the Middle East.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 264 and JDST 264.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity,
Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective, Social Sciences
266 International Politics of the Middle East
This course examines key factors and events in the formation of the modern Middle
East state system and evolving patterns of conflict and cooperation in the region.
Students will apply a range of analytical approaches to issues such as the conflicts
between Arabs and Israelis, Iraq's wars since 1980, and the changing place of the region
in global politics and economics.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 277 and INST 277.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT
International Policy, Security Studies Course, Social Sciences
270 Middle Eastern Christianity: Its Rich Past, Its Uncertain Future
Since its inception Christianity has existed in the Middle East. There it expanded even
before it attained legal status in the early fourth century. There it experienced both
consolidation and division as a result of the ecumenical councils. There it has been
interacting with Islam for fourteen centuries. There it has encountered the various
forms of Western Christianity that encroached on its territory. And there it is struggling
to survive despite continual emigration, cultural marginalization, and increasing
persecution. In this course we will trace the evolution of the Christian communities in
the Middle East (Assyrian, pre-Chalcedonian and Chalcedonian Orthodox, Catholic, and
Protestant), analyze contemporary challenges to their survival, and examine their
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 393
diasporic displacement, especially to western Europe and North America.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 270.
Attributes: Humanities, Middle East Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
272 Islam and the West
This course examines the contemporary relationship between the Islamic world and the
Western world. In recent years, many interpretations of this relationship have
developed, with some claiming a clash of civilizations is underway. The course critically
engages the rapidly growing literature on this topic, while providing an introduction to
the sociology of religion, an examination of so-called Western values and their Islamic
counterparts, an analysis of key moments in recent history, and finally a survey of
minority Muslim communities in the West.
This course is cross-listed as SOCI 272. Offered every year.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Global Diversity, Middle East Social Science,
Social Sciences
280 Political Economy of the Middle East
This course aims to help students gain a more nuanced understanding of the issues and
problems facing the economies of the Middle East. To do so, we will review the region's
history to introduce the institutional, religious, social, political and economic factors
that have led to the current economic conditions and developmental problems in the
region; make an introduction to the theoretical and conceptual frameworks such as
human development, the political economy of oil, political Islam, alternative banking
systems, the role of the state in the economy; apply the theoretical and conceptual
frameworks to the analysis of the current economic and social ills such as
unemployment, inflation, high dependency ratio, low trade levels; gender inequalities,
civil wars; examine scenarios for the future with an emphasis on the human
development framework. In our analysis, we will pay special attention of the Middle
East's place in the global world economy. To understand the economic relations of the
countries in the region with each other and the rest of the world, we will introduce and
discuss the concepts of regional integration, trade and financial liberalization, structural
adjustment programmes, economic restructuring and internal and external migration
including brain drains, economic roots of terrorism.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 394
This course is cross-listed as ECON 214.
Attributes: Social Sciences
490 Middle East Studies Research Seminar
Selected topics in Middle East Studies at the advanced level, designed for Senior
research. The subject matter will vary.
May be cross-listed with seminars in related programs.
Prerequisite: dependent upon topic.
Offered occasionally.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 395
Military Science
GENERAL INFORMATION
Participation in military science courses during the first and sophomore years results in
no military obligation. Individuals who elect to continue in and successfully complete
the program during their junior and senior years can receive a commission as a second
lieutenant in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Army Reserves upon graduation. Upon
graduation and commission, they will incur an eight year service obligation.
CERTIFICATION
Army ROTC Global Preparedness Certificate
Students who meet the following requirements will receive notation on their transcript
at graduation that they have completed a Global Preparedness Certificate:
1) All current requirements of the U.S. Army ROTC curriculum;
2) Study of a foreign language - preferably, but not limited to, the critical
languages of Arabic, Chinese and Russian through the intermediate level;
3) Study at a non-US, Dickinson approved site for at least a semester -preferably a
year - and where feasible, housing with a host family;
4) Complete all requirements for the Security Studies Certificate (note: students
will not earn both certificates).
COURSES
101 Introduction to Military Leadership I
A first-look at the challenges of adaptive leadership in a complex world. Students are
introduced to complex problems and tasked with developing their own solutions using
critical thinking skills. Students will learn how to deal with outcome-based training in
which they are given a desired result, and must find solutions that are acceptable,
reasonable and feasible for the situation. Areas of interest include an introduction to
Army leadership, values, customs and courtesies, basic Army formations, land
navigation and tactics all of which form the foundation for a career of service to the
nation as a U.S. Army Officer.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 396
No course credit.
Pass/Fail grade given.
Open to all Dickinson students.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Introduction to Military Leadership II
A critical inquiry into the evolution of the relationship between military policy and the
foreign and economic policies of the United States. A careful study of military history
designed to foster in the student a balanced judgment of both political leaders and
Soldiers and of their mutual problems in the conduct of military affairs in peace and
war. By means of both written and oral presentations regarding the history of military
art, battle history, technical studies and the relationship of the armed forces with
society, students will be encouraged to develop a habit of critical reflection. To
complement their investigation of military history, students will receive practical
instruction in the application of military art and basic Soldier skills.
Prerequisite: 101 or permission of instructor.
One full course credit.
Open to all Dickinson students.
201 Foundations of Military Leadership I
Students will explore the dimensions of creative and innovative leadership strategies,
leadership styles by examining team dynamics and historical leadership theories that
form the basis of leadership framework and theory. Students practice aspects of
personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and
assessing team exercises. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of
leadership values, attributes and norms through an understanding of leadership roles,
the hierarchy of leadership, duties and responsibilities while learning to train, motivate
and groom subordinates leaders. Students will complete leadership case studies and
provide tangible context for learning dynamic leadership theory.
No course credit.
Pass/Fail grade given.
Open to all Dickinson students.
202 Foundations of Military Leadership II
Students will expand their knowledge of leadership principals and theory while
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 397
exploring military historical leaders, situational leadership, adaptive leadership and
transformational leadership. During this course students will learn to lead individuals
and teams while understanding how to motivate individuals to complete a common
goal. Students will further learn effective writing skills and understanding how to write
operational requests, official memorandums, policies and evaluations. The capstone of
this course will be to evaluate themselves as leaders, identify and compare the
leadership principals of a historical leader.
Prerequisite: 201 or permission of instructor.
One full course credit.
Open to all Dickinson students.
301 Adaptive Military Team Leadership
Challenges Students to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they
are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Students
receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions.
Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, Students continue to
develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing Students'
tactical and organizational leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC's
Cadet Leader Course.
No course credit.
Pass/Fail grade given..
302 Applied Military Team Leadership
Students are required to apply creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.
Students will apply basic principles and skills developed throughout this course as it
pertains to decision-making, motivating and leading small organizations. Aspects of
historical military operations are reviewed and evaluated as a means of preparing
students for small unit leadership and ROTC’s Cadet Leader Course. Students are
expected to apply the basic principles of Army training methodology, the Law of Land
Warfare and military troop leading procedures. Examines the importance of ethical and
moral decision making in establishing a positive climate that enhances overall team
performance. Emphasis is placed on student ability to communicate effectively through
written and oral presentations.
Prerequisite: 301.
One full course credit.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 398
401 Adaptive Military Leadership
Develops Cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations,
functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to
subordinates. Cadets assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC Cadets.
Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare Cadets to make the
transition to Army officers. MISC 401 Cadets analyze, evaluate, and instruct Cadets at
lower levels. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to
prepare MISC 401 Cadets for their first unit of assignment. They identify responsibilities
of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and
develop subordinates.
One course credit.
Meets two hours per week each semester.
Prerequisites: MISC 302.
402 Military Leadership in a Complex World
Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military
operations in the COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military
law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism.
They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians
on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on
preparing Cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and
"What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare Cadets to face the complex ethical and
practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.
No course credit.
Meets two hours per week each semester.
Prerequisite: MISC 401.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 399
Modern Greek
COURSES
107 Intensive Modern Greek I
This is an intensive, specialized course targeting entering archaeology students
considering participation in the summer field school at Mycenae. The goals are to
prepare them to communicate in Modern Greek at a basic level while living and
excavating at Mycenae and to enhance their experience with the local people and
culture, both on- and off-site. The course teaches a basic oral command and
understanding of Modern Greek, including a basic vocabulary of commonly used words
and idiomatic expressions, as well as some specialized, professional or technical terms
specific to archaeology. At the same time, the course is comprehensive; it covers
speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and some writing. Additional on-site
summer instruction will aim at further developing oral communication skills.
Required for entering students to the D.E.P.A.S. of Mycenae field program; does not
fulfill the College foreign language requirement.
108 Intensive Modern Greek II
An intensive, specialized course aimed at maximally preparing archaeology students
returning to Mycenae to function effectively as trench assistants and trench masters at
a Greek excavation as well as enabling them to function more comfortably in Greek
culture. The course significantly advances students' reading, writing, and speaking skills
in Modern Greek, especially in further developing the specialized vocabulary necessary
for archaeology professionals. Additional on-site summer instruction will aim at
enhancing communication and research skills in Modern Greek.
Prerequisite: MGRE 107; required for students returning to the D.E.P.A.S. of Mycenae
field program; does not fulfill the College foreign language requirement.
Offered every spring.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 400
Music
MAJOR
Core Curriculum:
101, 102, 125, 126
One course from MUAC 206, 209, 210, 221
One course from MUAC 345, 352, 353, 354, 355
MUAC 401
All majors are required to participate for two complete semesters in one or more
department ensembles (MUEN courses) to fulfill the ensemble requirement for the
degree. Majors are also expected to participate in ensembles every semester in
residence on campus
Students participating in MUSC ensembles will receive .25 credit per semester of co-
curriculum involvement. Students will be graded on CR/NC grade type.
Students may complete the Arts requirement after four semesters (1.0 course) of
involvement in the same music ensemble:
1) an instrumental ensemble (DICE, Jazz, Orchestra or Chamber music)
2) a vocal ensemble (Choir, Collegium, Chamber music (with a vocal component)
3) chamber music
Musical Studies Emphasis (10 total courses):
Seven-course core
Three additional courses from the following:
MUAC 131 & Composers’ Forum
MUAC 206
MUAC 209
MUAC 210
MUAC 221
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 401
MUAC 231 & Composers' Forum
MUAC 232 & Composers’ Forum
MUAC 245
MUAC 246
MUAC 251
MUAC 331 & Composers' Forum
MUAC 332 & Composers’ Forum
MUAC 335/336
MUAC 345
MUAC 352/353/354/355
MUAC 431 & Composers’ Forum
MUAC 432 & Composers’ Forum
One full credit of performance at the MUPS 200-level or higher (.5 credits may be
coupled if semesters are consecutive and the instrument is the same)
Music History/Theory Emphasis (11 total courses):
Seven-course core
MUAC 245, 246
One additional course from:
206, 209, 210, 221
One additional course from:
345, 352, 353, 354, 355
Music Performance Emphasis (13 total courses):
Seven-course core
MUAC 245, 246
MUPS 323 and 324
MUPS 423 and 424
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 402
Music performance majors must pass an upper divisional performance examination at
the end of 224, in order to remain in the performance emphasis. Majors with this
emphasis who wish to apply for study abroad in the junior year must have their
advisor’s permission before the end of fall semester, sophomore year to pursue the
Performance Studies emphasis. Once declared, music performance majors are
required to participate in ensembles every semester in residence on campus.
Music Composition Emphasis (11 total courses):
101, 102, 245, 246
One of the following:
345. 352, 353, 354, 355
133 (0.5 credit)
231 (0.5 credit)
232 (0.5 credit)
233 (0.5 credit)
333* (0.5 credit)
*MUAC 333 can be repeated
335 (0.5 credit)
401
435 (1 credit)
One non-composition elective at the 200-level or higher (if not already completed
above)
MINOR
Six (6) courses:
1) The student's choice of one full introductory sequence, either MUAC 101 and
102 or 125 and 126.
2) Four full-credit electives to be drawn from the following eligible courses:
MUAC 101, 102, 115, 125, 126, 131 & 133/134, 206, 209, 221, 231/232 &
233/234, 245, 246, 251, 253, 331/332 & 333/334, 345, 352, 353, 354, 355,
431/432.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 403
(NOTE: Composition courses taken in consecutive semesters may be combined
to create a full-credit (ex. 231/232) or half-credit courses coupled with the
composer's forum in the same academic year may be combined to create a full
credit (ex. 231/233 or 231/234).
MUPS 213, 214, 313, 314, 413, 414 (NOTE: Half-hour lessons can be combined
towards one credit. Performance Studies fees will be assessed to minors.)
3) Participation for two complete semesters in one or more department
ensembles (MUEN) to fulfill the ensemble participation requirement.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT ENSEMBLES
Students participating in MUSC ensembles will receive .25 credit per semester of co-
curriculum involvement. Students will be graded on CR/NC grade type.
Admission to all department ensembles is by audition at the beginning of the academic
year or by permission of the director. Instrumental ensembles meet once a week for 2
to 2 1/2 hours each. Choral ensembles meet twice a week for 1 to 1 1/4 hours each.
Credit for participation in department ensembles is noted on participants' transcripts.
MUEN 009-02, College Choir The College Choir performs several major choral works
each year.
MUEN 009-04, Jazz Ensemble This ensemble performs classic big band arrangements
and also features small combos from the larger group. Concerts regularly feature
nationally-known guest soloists.
MUEN 009-05, College-Community Orchestra Open to students and faculty at the
college and to instrumentalists from the surrounding area interested in the
performance and study of the best in orchestral literature.
MUEN 009-06, Chamber Music Ensembles The department coordinates, coaches and
supports performances of student chamber music ensembles according to student
demand and availability. These ensembles are featured at the end of each semester in a
student chamber music concert.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 404
HONORS
Academic honors within the department is reserved for only our most outstanding
students and requires excellence both in academic coursework and a capstone project.
The requirements for honors are the same for all tracks within the major:
1) Achievement of a minimum GPA of 3.7 in all courses required for the student’s
declared track (composition; music history/theory; musical studies;
performance studies) excluding MUAC 401.
2) Satisfactory fulfilment of the ensemble participation requirement in every
semester the student enrolls in an ensemble.
3) Achievement of an “A” in MUAC 401, in which students develop and publicly
present original research related to a final portfolio project.
4) Outstanding accomplishment (“A”) in an individual capstone project related to
the 401 portfolio that is overseen by a guiding faculty member. Courses that
qualify for this requirement include: MUPS 424; MUAC 435 and 436; MUAC 495;
MUAC 496; and MUAC 550. Students may also propose other types of capstone
projects by submitting a detailed petition outlining the project (no more than
two pages) to the chair by the close of the add/drop period in fall semester.
COURSES
NOTE: Two half-credits of performance studies in the same instrument will fulfill the Arts
requirement.
NOTE: Students may withdraw from performance studies courses with a full refund
(minus charges for lessons taken) up to the end of the add/drop period. After the
add/drop period, no refund is made.
MUPS - MUSIC PERFORMANCE STUDIES
111 Performance Studies Class
Permission of the instructor required.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Can't be taken pass/fail
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 405
111-01 Performance Studies: Piano Technique
Introduction to piano technique and keyboard fundamentals in a group setting.
Recommended for all students with no keyboard experience regardless of major.
Course content includes both group and solo playing, individual practice sessions, basic
music theory, and expository writing. Learning objectives include being able to read and
play basic piano music with two hands and pedal.
Will meet prerequisite for continued study in piano (114).
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
111-02 Performance Studies: Vocal Technique
An introduction to vocal technique in a group setting. Course content includes
physiology, both group and solo singing, independent practice sessions, IPA
(International Phonetic Alphabet), written listening assignments and required concert
attendance.
Will meet prerequisite for continued study in voice (114).
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
111-03 Performance Studies: Guitar
Introduction to plectrum and finger style guitar technique in a group setting.
Recommended for all students wanting to learn guitar at Dickinson with little or no
prior experience and for those music majors or future music majors with no guitar
experience. Course content includes both group and solo playing, individual practice
sessions, music notation, listening assignments, fretboard theory, basic musicianship
and required concert attendance. While the emphasis in reading will be on standard
notation, tablature and chord chart diagrams will be explored.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
113 Performance Studies I
Private study open to all students who demonstrate some acquaintance with musical
notation, and who should continue to study voice or an instrument at the basic level.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Can't be taken pass/fail
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 406
114 Performance Studies I
Private study open to all students who demonstrate some acquaintance with musical
notation, and who should continue to study voice or an instrument at the basic level.
One-half or one course each semester.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
213 Performance Studies II
Private study open to students who demonstrate a basic technique, and who should
continue to study voice or an instrument at the intermediate level.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: 114 and permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
214 Performance Studies II
Private study open to students who demonstrate a basic technique, and who should
continue to study voice or an instrument at the intermediate level.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: 114 and permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
223 Performance Studies II (Performance Emphasis)
Private study for music majors with a performance emphasis.
One credit course each semester (MUPS 223-224).
May be taken out of sequence.
Prerequisite: MUPS 111 or 113, 114, permission of the instructor and director of
performance studies.
224 Performance Studies II (Performance Emphasis)
Private study for music majors with a performance emphasis; culminates in required
Upper Divisional juried performance exam.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 407
One credit course each semester (MUPS 223-224).
May be taken out of sequence.
Offered every semester.
Prerequisites: MUPS 111 or 113, 114 or 223, permission of the instructor and director of
performance studies.
313 Performance Studies III
Private study open to non-majors and majors with a performance emphasis, who
demonstrate a fully developed technical skill and who should continue study on the
advanced level. May be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: 214 and permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
314 Performance Studies III
Private study open to non-majors and majors with a performance emphasis, who
demonstrate a fully developed technical skill and who should continue study on the
advanced level. May be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: 214 and permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
323 Performance Studies III (Performance Emphasis, with junior recital)
A two-semester sequence of private study for music majors with a performance
emphasis, culminating in a public junior recital (324) that includes a variety of musical
styles and, for vocalists, a variety of languages. A recital hearing is required at the end
of 323 to determine if the student is prepared for the required junior recital (324).
One course each semester; may be taken out of sequence.
Prerequisite for 323: successful Upper Divisional Performance exam at the end of 224,
permission of the instructor and director of performance studies.
Prerequisite for 324: successful recital hearing at the end of 323, permission of the
instructor and director of performance studies.
Attributes: Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 408
324 Performance Studies III (Performance Emphasis, with junior recital)
A two-semester sequence of private study for music majors with a performance
emphasis, culminating in a public junior recital (324) that includes a variety of musical
styles and, for vocalists, a variety of languages. A recital hearing is required at the end
of 323 to determine if the student is prepared for the required junior recital (324).
One course each semester; may be taken out of sequence.
Prerequisite for 323: successful Upper Divisional Performance exam at the end of 224,
permission of the instructor and director of performance studies.
Prerequisite for 324: successful recital hearing at the end of 323, permission of the
instructor and director of performance studies.
Attributes: Arts
333 Performance Studies III (Study Abroad)
Private studio lessons open to music majors and minors who demonstrate a fully
developed technical skill and who should continue study at the advanced level while
abroad.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: MUPS 213 or 223
334 Performance Studies III (Study Abroad)
Private studio lessons open to music majors and minors who demonstrate a fully
developed technical skill and who should continue study at the advanced level while
abroad.
One-half or one course credit each semester.
Prerequisite: MUPS 213 or 223
413 Performance Studies IV
Private study for non-majors or majors without a performance emphasis who will
continue study at an advanced level.
Prerequisite: 314 and permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
414 Performance Studies IV
Private study for non-majors or majors without a performance emphasis who will
continue study at an advanced level.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 409
Prerequisite: 314 and permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Can't be taken pass/fail
423 Performance Studies IV (Performance Emphasis, with senior recital)
A two-semester sequence of private study for senior music majors with a performance
emphasis, culminating in a public senior recital (MUPS 424) that includes a variety of
musical styles and, for vocalists, a variety of languages. The course content of MUPS
423 is the research, selection and preparation of the solo recital repertoire for the
senior recital (MUPS 424). The culmination of MUPS 423 is an annotated bibliography
and written program notes (about the composers, genres, poets, and other relevant
information), to be published in the recital program booklet (MUPS 424)
One course each semester.
Must be taken in sequence within the same academic year.
Prerequisite for MUPS 423: MUPS 324, permission of the instructor and director of
performance studies.
Prerequisite for MUPS 424: MUPS 423, including successful completion of annotated
bibliography, written program notes, and Recital Hearing at the end of MUPS 423;
permission of the instructor and director of performance studies.
Attributes: Arts
424 Performance Studies IV (Performance Emphasis, with senior recital)
A two-semester sequence of private study for senior music majors with a performance
emphasis, culminating in a public senior recital (MUPS 424) that includes a variety of
musical styles and, for vocalists, a variety of languages. The course content of MUPS
423 is the research, selection and preparation of the solo recital repertoire for the
senior recital (MUPS 424). The culmination of MUPS 423 is an annotated bibliography
and written program notes (about the composers, genres, poets, and other relevant
information), to be published in the recital program booklet (MUPS 424)
One course each semester.
Must be taken in sequence within the same academic year.
Prerequisite for MUPS 423: MUPS 324, permission of the instructor and director of
performance studies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 410
Prerequisite for MUPS 424: MUPS 423, including successful completion of annotated
bibliography, written program notes, and Recital Hearing at the end of MUPS 423;
permission of the instructor and director of performance studies.
Attributes: Arts
MUAC - MUSIC ACADEMIC
101 Early Musical Migrations
What did the past sound like? What kinds of music did people dance to, worship with,
celebrate with, protest with? What musical instruments were used and how were they
made? Who participated in music-making, composing, and listening and what did
gender, race, or religion have to do with it? How did musical forms shapeshift as people
migrated, traveled, conquered, colonized, or were forcibly displaced? How did new
musical forms emerge in moments of encounter? These are just some of the questions
that this interdisciplinary course will explore. Students will investigate select musical
worlds from 900-1750 from the areas now known as Europe and the Americas.
Students will acquire skills in critical listening. The ability to read music is not required
for this course and non-musicians are welcome and encouraged.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, MEMS Elective
102 The Listening Mind
When we think about our response to music, often we describe its emotional and
affective impact on our livesin short, how it makes us feel. This course asks a
different question: how do the languages of music provoke our minds by prompting
intellectual questions, revealing cultural dynamics, and driving creative inquiry? How
have composers, performers, and listeners made sense of the sonic environments
around them, and what do their stories tells us about their aesthetic and ethical
worldviews? Drawing from a wide range of disciplinary fields and historical examples
from 1750 to the present, this course asks students to explore what music can reveal
about societyits shifting cultural practices and biasesand our own relationships
with the sounds we experience in our daily lives. The ability to read music is not
required for this course and non-musicians are welcome and encouraged.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
115 Fundamentals of Music
A hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of music through reading, writing,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 411
listening, singing, and basic keyboard skills. Emphasis is upon the acquisition of musical
literacy grounded in a thorough knowledge of music notation.
The course is intended for non-majors with little or no theory background, and for
minors and majors as a preparation for Music 125.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
125 Music Theory I, with lab
An introduction to the basic materials of music by means of discussion, analysis, and
written exercises, with a complementary lab component comprising practice in sight
singing, ear training, and keyboard harmony.
Course includes a one-hour lab each week.
Prerequisite: 115, placement exam, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every fall semester.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, Quantitative Reasoning
126 Music Theory II, with lab
An introduction to the basic materials of music by means of discussion, analysis, and
written exercises, with a complementary lab component comprising practice in sight
singing, ear training, and keyboard harmony.
Course includes a one-hour lab each week.
Prerequisite: 125, placement exam, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every fall semester.
Attributes: Arts, Quantitative Reasoning
131 Introduction to the Art of Composition
So you think the art of composing epic symphonies died with guys like Mozart,
Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky? You think you need to wear a wig and be dead to
compose great music? Think again! All around us, in concert halls, community centers,
schools, private and public galleries, in large cities, small towns and even in isolated,
rural settings, new music in the great Classical tradition is being performed and heard,
music created by living composers, music of recent and current generations, your
generation no less, music by people you may meet or already know. And you, too, can
learn to develop a sophisticated, articulate musical voice of your life and times. Think:
Symphony for the 21st century. In this one-semester, half-credit course, students learn
about the living art and discipline of music composition through lectures on its history
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 412
and current practice, listening assignments, and incremental composition exercises
resulting in completed, small-scale works. Students will learn how the elements of
sound comprise tools for conveying artistic expression, order, and meaning.
Prerequisite: Ability to read music in both treble and bass clefs.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
133 Composers' Forum
All around us, in concert halls, community centers, schools, private and public galleries,
in large cities, small towns and even in isolated, rural settings, new music is being
performed and heard, music created by living composers in the venerable tradition of
composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. You may never have
heard such music, as it is a small fraction of programming on mainstream media.
Nevertheless, this amazingly diverse repertoire passionately voices and reflects
contemporary life, experience, and society. This is music of recent and current
generations, your generation no less, music by people you may meet or already know.
This half-credit course offered each semester explores such music, recent and
contemporary (20th- and 21st-century) compositions and composers in the Western
art-music tradition. Students will become acquainted with a wide variety of styles, will
gain deeper understanding of the elements of sound as tools for artistic creation, and
will hone analytical listening skills.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
206 Music in the United States
This course explores the wide variety of music that composers and musicians created to
reflect their own experience of and attitude toward American culture. The course
explores not only the diverse means by which identity is encoded in musical language,
including race, class, gender, ethnicity, and local practices, but also the ways in which
music is employed within American culture, including religious life, social movements,
wartime conflicts and protest movements, labor, and geo-political commentary. Unlike
other courses at Dickinson, Music in the United States draws examples from a lengthy
time-span (1600s to the present day), fosters critical listening skills (i.e., how do I listen
to jazz?), and interrogates the dialogues between musical genres that are often viewed
as being on opposite sides of the "high/low" art divide (classical, religious, folk, blues,
jazz, pop, rock, hip hop).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 413
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Arts, US Diversity
209 Ethnomusicology
Is music a “universal language”? How might we listen to, consume, and participate in
music across a diverse cultural spectrum without engaging in “cultural tourism” or
appropriation? Can we listen across cultures? Working with a wide range of approaches
to these questions, this course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of
ethnomusicology (the study of music and sound in relation to social life). Students will
study sound recordings and ethnographic films, read widely, and examine material
objects (like musical instruments) drawn from socio-politically and geographically
diverse case studies. No previous musical training or note reading skills are necessary.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 205. Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Arts, Global Diversity
210 Topics in Global Music
A topics course in which students explore a global musical culture or analytical issue
(selected by the FTE) in greater detail and depth. This course builds from the
survey/methods design of MUAC 209 (Ethnomusicology) and allows students to engage
more deeply with advanced study of a specific music culture (e.g., South African music;
Jewish music; global jazz) or of a specific analytical/historiographical issue within the
discipline (e.g., colonialism; diaspora; transnationalism; multiculturalism;
ecomusicology; improvisation).
Prerequisite: MUAC 209
221 Music in Film
An introduction to the role and subject of music in film. This course will focus upon
films made between ca. 1933 and the present, chosen for the variety and significance
of their musical scores. Through critical reading, listening, and viewing, students will be
taught to analyze the various functions of music in film, and to appreciate music as an
essential and distinctive component of film narrative. No prior background in music is
required for this course.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, Film
Studies Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 414
231 Counterpoint
A two-semester, one-credit course in 16th- and 18th-century contrapuntal rules, styles,
and genres taught in one-on one lessons.
May be taken out of sequence.
Two semesters, 0.5 credit each semester.
Prerequisite: MUAC 115 or 125 or substantial evidence of previous compositional
experience, advanced theory placement by exam (e.g. into MUAC 126, 245 or 246) and
permissionof instructor.
232 Counterpoint
A two-semester, one-credit course in 16th- and 18th-century contrapuntal rules, styles,
and genres taught in one-on one lessons.
May be taken out of sequence.
Two semesters, 0.5 credit each semester.
Prerequisite: MUAC 115 or 125 or substantial evidence of previous compositional
experience, advanced theory placement by exam (e.g. into MUAC 126, 245 or 246) and
permission of instructor.
233 Composers' Forum
All around us, in concert halls, community centers, schools, private and public galleries,
in large cities, small towns and even in isolated, rural settings, new music is being
performed and heard, music created by living composers in the venerable tradition of
composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. You may never have
heard such music, as it is a small fraction of programming on mainstream media.
Nevertheless, this amazingly diverse repertoire passionately voices and reflects
contemporary life, experience, and society. This is music of recent and current
generations, your generation no less, music by people you may meet or already know.
This half-credit course offered each semester explores such music, recent and
contemporary (20th- and 21st-century) compositions and composers in the Western
art-music tradition. Students will become acquainted with a wide variety of styles, will
gain deeper understanding of the elements of sound as tools for artistic creation, and
will hone analytical listening skills.
Two semesters, 0.5 credit each semester.
Prerequisite: 133.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 415
245 Music Theory III, with lab
A continuation of MUAC 126, this course focuses on the evolution of chromatic
harmony through the 19th century and selected techniques in 20th century music.
Increased emphasis is placed upon formal analysis and analytical writing. Advanced
skills of ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony will be developed in the
complementary lab component. These courses include two forty-five minute labs
per week.
Prerequisite: 126, placement exam or permission of the instructor.
Offered every fall semester.
246 Music Theory IV, with lab
A continuation of MUAC 126, this course focuses on the evolution of chromatic
harmony through the 19th century and selected techniques in 20th century music.
Increased emphasis is placed upon formal analysis and analytical writing. Advanced
skills of ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony will be developed in the
complementary lab component. These courses include two forty-five minute labs per
week.
Prerequisite: 126, placement exam or permission of the instructor.
Offered every spring semester.
Attributes: Arts, Quantitative Reasoning
251 Score Study and Conducting
An intermediate course in conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles following
fundamentals of conducting taught in Music Theory 125-246. Principals of score study
and analysis, score preparation, baton technique, expressivity, recitative and concerto-
accompanying will be addressed. Texts include traditional choral and instrumental
repertoire, examining the variety of problems and technical challenges of leading an
ensemble and in developing an interpretation.
Prerequisite: 245.
331 Intermediate Composition Lessons: Composing with Electronic Media
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 231/232, students will learn to compose
original works for solo instruments, small chamber ensembles, and electronic media in
one-on-one study. Emphasis will be placed on developing original solutions to
compositional problems and challenges and to incorporating technology in
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 416
compositional works and practice. When possible, the works will be read and/or
performed and recorded.
Prerequisite: MUAC 126, and 231 or 232, and 233 and permission of the instructor
332 Intermediate Composition Lessons: Composing with Electronic Media
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 231/232, students will learn to compose
original works for solo instruments, small chamber ensembles, and electronic media in
one-on-one study. Emphasis will be placed on developing original solutions to
compositional problems and challenges and to incorporating technology in
compositional works and practice. When possible, the works will be read and/or
performed and recorded.
Prerequisite: MUAC 126, and 231 or 232, and 233 and permission of the instructor
333 Composers' Forum
All around us, in concert halls, community centers, schools, private and public galleries,
in large cities, small towns and even in isolated, rural settings, new music is being
performed and heard, music created by living composers in the venerable tradition of
composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. You may never have
heard such music, as it is a small fraction of programming on mainstream media.
Nevertheless, this amazingly diverse repertoire passionately voices and reflects
contemporary life, experience, and society. This is music of recent and current
generations, your generation no less, music by people you may meet or already know.
This half-credit course offered each semester explores such music, recent and
contemporary (20th- and 21st-century) compositions and composers in the Western
art-music tradition. Students will become acquainted with a wide variety of styles, will
gain deeper understanding of the elements of sound as tools for artistic creation, and
will hone analytical listening skills.
Two semesters, 0.5 credit each semester.
Prerequisite: 233.
335 Composition Studies I: Orchestration
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 231/232, students will learn the
complexities, challenges, and best practices in composing for all standard, Western,
acoustic instruments. Students will arrange works by other composers for instrumental
combinations and will also create original works for large chamber ensembles of mixed
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 417
instrumentation. When possible, the works will be read and/or performed
and recorded.
Two semesters, 0.5 credit each semester.
Prerequisite: MUAC 246, 231, 232, 233 and permission of instructor.
345 Analytical Theory
Drawing on analytical skills and experience gained in Music Theory (MUAC 125 246),
students will read major music-theoretical literature from the Renaissance to the
present day and will write analyses in which they apply the theories they have read.
Students will also develop the ability to postulate and apply original theories of music.
Prerequisite: 246.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
352 Seminar in Early Music
Studies in selected topics of the history of music ca. 900-1750.
Offered alternate years
Prerequisite: 101 and 126 or permission of the instructor..
Attributes: MEMS Elective
353 Seminar in Classic and Romantic Music
Studies in selected topics of the history of music from ca. 1750 to 1900.
Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: 102 and 126 or permission of the instructor.
354 Seminar in Contemporary Music
Studies in selected topics of the history of music ca. 1900 to the present.
Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: 102 and 126 or permission of the instructor.
355 Seminar in Ethnomusicology
Studies in selected topics in ethnomusicology. Ethnomusicology, broadly writ, is
concerned with examining the relation of musical expression, forms, and reception to
socio-cultural life. As such, it is interdisciplinary in nature, straddling the humanities,
the arts, and the social sciences. Critical analysis and understanding of socio-cultural
difference, in relation to expressive culture, features as central to ethnomusicological
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 418
theory, method, and writing conventions. Possible course titles include: “Music and
Place,” “Reading Musical Ethnography,” “The Social Lives of Musical Instruments,”
“Ethnographic Research in Music and the Performing arts: Qualitative Methods.”
Prerequisites: 209 or 210 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Social Sciences
401 Senior Colloquium
The senior colloquium brings majors together in the final year of their coursework and
provides them with a forum by which to research, develop, and execute their capstone
projects within the major. Students in the musical studies emphasis will collaboratively
determine and design a culminating project (e.g., residency or concert curation; poster
or digital humanities presentation) based on original research and analysis. The
culminating project for students in the Music History/Theory Emphasis is a research
paper. The culminating project for students in Music Performance Emphasis is research
producing an annotated bibliography and program notes for the senior recital. The
culminating project for students in the Music Composition Emphasis is a substantial
essay on their influences, composition process, aesthetic outlook, and creative goals for
their compositions. All students will present their senior work in a 15 - 20 min public
lecture/recital known as the annual Music Majors Colloquium.
Prerequisites: MUAC 101, 102, 125, 126.
Students in Music Performance Emphasis must take concurrently with 423.
Students in Music Composition Emphasis must take concurrently with 435.
431 Advanced Composition Lessons
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 331/332 and/or 335/336, students will be
guided in one-on-one lessons to compose original works of broader scope for chamber
ensembles. Students will develop increasingly sophisticated and original solutions to
compositional problems and challenges. When possible, the works will be read and/or
performed and recorded.
Prerequisite: MUAC 246 and 331 or 332 or 335 and 333 and permission of instructor.
432 Advanced Composition Lessons
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 331/332 and/or 335/336, students will be
guided in one-on-one lessons to compose original works of broader scope for chamber
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 419
ensembles. Students will develop increasingly sophisticated and original solutions to
compositional problems and challenges. When possible, the works will be read and/or
performed and recorded.
Prerequisite: MUAC 246 and 331 or 332 or 335 and 333 and permission of instructor.
435 Composition Studies II: Portfolio and Project
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 335/336, students will compose a
substantial work for large chamber ensemble or larger (orchestra, band, choir).
Students will also revise and refine works created earlier in their previous composition
courses to achieve a polished portfolio of works for a variety of instruments,
ensembles, and media. When possible and at the discretion of the professor and the
director of the relevant ensemble(s), the work will be read, recorded, and possibly
performed.
Prerequisite: MUAC 333 and 335 and permission of instructor.
Students in Music Composition Emphasis must take concurrently with 401.
436 Composition Studies II: Portfolio and Project
Drawing on the experience gained in MUAC 435 students will revise and refine works
created earlier in their previous composition courses to achieve a polished portfolio of
works for a variety of instruments, ensembles, and media. Students will also continue
to develop new works of greater depth and sophistication. When possible and at the
discretion of the professor and the director of the relevant ensemble(s), a work will be
read, recorded, and possibly performed. This class is required for all composition
students undertaking Honors and recommended for seniors who wish to continue their
composition work achieved in MUAC 435.
Prerequisite: MUAC 435 and 401.
493 Senior Seminar in Analytical Theory
Advanced independent study in musical analysis culminating in the creation of a major
analytical essay. Open to seniors majoring in music.
Prerequisite: 245, 246, the relevant 300-level seminar, and permission of the
department chair.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 420
494 Senior Seminar in Analytical Theory
Advanced independent study in musical analysis culminating in the creation of a major
analytical essay. Open to seniors majoring in music.
Prerequisite: 245, 246, the relevant 300-level seminar, and permission of the
department chair.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 421
Neuroscience
MAJOR
BIOL 132, and one of the following: BIOL 313, 327, 330, 333
CHEM 131, 132 (OR CHEM 141)
PHYS 141 and 142, if completing the pre-health curriculum (OR PHYS 131 and 132, if
not completing the pre-health curriculum; NOTE: MATH 151 or 170 is the
prerequisite/co-requisite for PHYS 131-132)
NRSC 200
PSYC 125, one of the following 300-level courses: PSYC 310, PSYC 315, PSYC 325,
PSYC 330, PSYC 380 (neuroscience-related research methods course) and one of the
following 400-level courses: NRSC 400, PSYC 425, PSYC 430, PSYC 480 (neuroscience-
related topics course), BIOL 401(neuroscience-related topics course), or BIOL 412
(neuroscience-related seminar course).
One elective may be chosen from courses listed above that the student has not
already taken or another upper-level science course related to neuroscience (200-
level or above): BIOL 216, 314, 318, 326, 327, 334, 417 or 342; CHEM 490; PSYC 355,
380 or 455.
The other elective must be outside of DIV III (200-level or above), and must be a
course that examines science in a philosophical, environmental, or socio-cultural
context. The following are current courses which will satisfy this second elective:
AMST 200: Health, Illness and Culture
AMST 301: Race, Gender and Body
ANTH 216: Medical Anthropology
ANTH 225: Human Osteology
ANTH 229: Principles of Human Variation and Adaptation
ANTH 245: Medicine, Science & Society
ANTH 256: Health & Healing in Africa
ANTH 310: Nutritional Anthropology
ANTH 331: Principles of Human Evolution
ARTH 375/PHIL 275: Beauty
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 422
HIST 350: American Science, Technology & Medicine
JDST 216: Jewish Medical Ethics
LAWP 400: Biomed Tech, Policy & Law
PHIL 220: Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 254: Philosophy of Science
PHIL 256: Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 391: Morality and Mind
PHIL 391: Free Will and Science
RELG 227: Spiritual Dimensions of Healing
SOCI 228: Sociology of Sexuality
SOCI 230: when the topic is: Medical Sociology
SOCI 333: Sociology of Health and Illness
SPAN 239: Spanish for Health Profession
Other courses, not included on this list, may satisfy the elective as determined by the
Neuroscience program coordinator. The elective courses must be approved in advance
in consultation with the student's advisor and the neuroscience faculty. The student
must be able to show how the electives fit into his/her neuroscience major.
All neuroscience majors are required to include an “Experience in Neuroscience” as
part of their undergraduate program. This requirement may be satisfied by the
successful completion of one of the following:
1) A Neuroscience-related independent study (i.e., NRSC 500)
2) An independent research project (NRSC 550) OR student/faculty collaborative
research project (NRSC 560)
3) A summer research project or internship with a faculty member
4) An off-campus research experience or internship
5) A research experience or internship not covered by the above but deemed
equivalent by the contributing faculty
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 423
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
A student who starts the major in the first year will have more options for advanced
study during the senior year. As can be seen below, it is possible for a student, starting
in the sciences, to take the majority of neuroscience courses during the sophomore and
junior year (see Option A). It is also possible for a student to start the major in the
sophomore year and still complete the major (see Option B).
First-Year students who plan to major in Neuroscience are strongly encouraged to
concurrently take BIOL 132 and CHEM 131 the fall semester and PSYC 125 and CHEM
132 the spring semester.
(Please note: CHEM 141 can substitute for the CHEM 131-132 sequence.) Alternatively,
a student could take PHYS 131 (or 141) in the fall semester and PHYS 132 (or 142) in the
spring semester of their first year in lieu of the chemistry sequence and complete the
chemistry sequence after the first year.
Also, students not completing the Pre-Health curriculum are encouraged to complete
the PHYS 131-132 sequence, especially students interested in pursuing graduate school
in Neuroscience.
Please note: MATH 151 or 170 is a prerequisite/co-requisite for PHYS 131. Students
completing the Pre-Health curriculum should complete the PHYS 141-142 sequence.
Once a student successfully has completed either BIOL 132 or PSYC 125, the student
can declare the Neuroscience major and be eligible to take NRSC 200. NRSC 200 is
intended to be completed during a student’s sophomore or junior year. Moreover,
once a student has successfully completed BIOL 132, PSYC 125 AND NRSC 200, then the
student is eligible for neuroscience-related upper-level Biology (BIOL 313, 327, 330 and
333) and Psychology (PSYC 310, 315, 325 and 330) courses that contribute to the major
as elective courses.
Non-neuroscience related upper-level science courses (e.g., BIOL 314) that satisfy the
Science Elective require only BIOL 132 AND PSYC 125. Thus, students may complete the
Science Elective as early as their sophomore year. A student is strongly encouraged to
complete the introductory BIOL 132/PSYC 125 sequence as early as possible.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 424
Twelve courses are required to complete the major. Below is an example of when
various courses can be taken to complete the major.
Option A
For Incoming Students Planning to Pursue Neuroscience as a Major
Year
Fall
Spring
First Year
BIOL 132
CHEM 131 (or 141)
MATH 151 or 170
PSYC 125CHEM 132
(or BIOL 132)
Sophomore
NRSC 200
PHYS 131 (or 141)
Science Elective
PHYS 132 (or 142)
Junior
300-Level PSYC Elective
300-Level BIOL Elective
Non-Science Elective
Senior
Experience in Neuroscience
400-Level Seminar
A student may begin the Neuroscience major their sophomore year even if no
neuroscience-related courses were taken their first year. For students beginning the
Neuroscience major their sophomore year, they will need to concurrently take BIOL
132 and CHEM 131 (CHEM 141 is not an option for sophomores) in the fall semester
and PSYC 125 and CHEM 132 in the spring semester. PHYS 131 (or 141) and 132 (or
142) can be taken in lieu of the chemistry sequence in the sophomore year and the
chemistry sequence completed during either the junior or senior year. Also, students
not completing the Pre-Health curriculum are encouraged to complete the PHYS 131-
132 sequence, especially students interested in pursuing graduate school in
Neuroscience.
Please note: MATH 151 or 170 is a prerequisite/co-requisite for PHYS 131. Students
completing the Pre-Health curriculum should complete the PHYS 141-142 sequence.
Completion of either BIOL 132 OR PSYC 125 will permit students to declare the major
by the end of their sophomore year and be eligible to take NRSC 200 the first semester
of their junior year. Moreover, a student beginning the major their sophomore year
could complete the non-neuroscience related science elective and the neuroscience-
related upper-level biology and psychology courses their junior and senior years,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 425
respectively, in addition to completing the other requirements of the major.
Importantly, students planning to begin the Neuroscience major their sophomore year
should consult the Program Director about navigating the major. Below is an example
of when various courses can be taken to complete the major.
Option B
For Students Beginning the Neuroscience Major their Sophomore Year
Year
Fall
Spring
First Year
---------------------------
---------------------------
Sophomore
BIOL 132
CHEM 131
MATH 151 or 170
PSYC 125
CHEM 132
Junior
NRSC 200
PHYS 131 (or 141)
Science Elective
PHYS 132 (or 142)
Non-Science Elective
Senior
300-Level PSYC Elective
Experience in Neuroscience
300-Level BIOL Elective
400-Level Seminar
HONORS
The Neuroscience Program will award Honors to a Neuroscience major based on the
candidate’s entire undergraduate Neuroscience program. This is to include all
Neuroscience-related courses with their grades, the nature of the curriculum selected,
and the successful completion of an Honors research project. This project may be
performed in two semesters of Independent Research (NRSC 550 or 560) on campus, or
in a summer plus one semester of Independent Research, under the supervision of a
Neuroscience program member. Research projects of comparable scope performed
off-campus under the supervision of a mentor who is not a Neuroscience program
member may also be proposed for program Honors, subject to the procedures
described below. For all Honors candidates a minimum grade point average of 3.0 is
required in those courses that count toward the Neuroscience major, including
Chemistry 131, 132, 141, or the equivalent thereof, Physics 131, 132 (or Physics 141
and 142) and transfer courses that receive Neuroscience credit. The Honors research
project should be distinguished by the originality and definition of the research
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 426
problem, the sophistication of the experimental design and its execution, and the
analysis, and presentation of the results. Generally, Honors reports should be of
publishable or near publishable quality. The Honors Committee will consider all these
factors in its recommendation to the faculty, and the faculty should be cognizant of all
these factors when voting Honors. For the specific guidelines and procedures see the
Neuroscience Program web site.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students who study abroad at the Dickinson Science Program in Australia, the Dickinson
Science Program at the University of East Anglia (Norwich) or the Dickinson Program at
the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (Copenhagen, Denmark) will find many course
equivalents to required courses in the neuroscience major. For more information, see
your advisor, or contact a member of the Neuroscience faculty.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Neuroscience Club: Students are encouraged to join the Neuroscience Club. The
mission of the Neuroscience Club at Dickinson College is to spread awareness of brain-
related issues on campus, while providing a science community for Neuroscience,
Psychology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biology and Physics majors.
COURSES
200 Perspectives in Neuroscience
This 6-hour integrated lecture/laboratory course will focus on different levels of
analysis within the field of neuroscience by dividing the course into 3 separate, 4-week
teaching modules: 1) cellular/molecular, 2) systems and 3) behavioral neuroscience.
These laboratory-based teaching modules will expose students to fundamental
concepts of neuroscience at different levels of organization and help students develop
proficiency with some basic neuroscientic techniques. Students also will be taught
about writing and data analysis (e.g., statistics) appropriate to the field of neuroscience.
Prerequisites: Biology 132 or Psychology 125. Offered every fall.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning, Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 427
400 Neuroscience Seminar
Advanced seminar in which students will read and review primary literature related to
selected topics in the field of neuroscience. Examples of selected topics may include
neuroendocrinology, neurobiology of drug addiction, neurobiology of learning and
memory or clinical neuroscience. A discussion-style approach will be adopted.
Prerequisites: BIOL 132, NRSC 200 and PSYC 125.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 428
Philosophy
MAJOR
Ten (10) courses, including
103
201
202
two courses at the 300-level
401, plus four additional philosophy courses.
Declared majors have the right to participate in Departmental Meetings and to be
consulted on significant changes to the academic program and policies.
MINOR
Six (6) courses chosen with the advice of the department.
ETHICS MINOR REQUIREMENTS:
Six courses
PHIL 102, 104
Three 200- or 300-level courses focused on ethics in the Department of Philosophy or
cross-listed with the ethics minor (students are required to take either 102 or 104
prior to taking a 200-level course, unless approved by the department)
One 300-level course focused on ethics in the Department of Philosophy (students
are required to take three prior philosophy courses, at least two at the 200-level prior
to taking this course, unless approved by the department).
NOTES:
1) Courses taken during study abroad or offered as transfer credit may count
toward these requirements if approved by the department.
2) Philosophy majors may only count two courses for both the major and the
ethics minor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 429
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First Year
PHIL 101 or 102 or 104; PHIL 103*
Sophomore Year
PHIL 201* (offered only in the fall); PHIL 202* (offered only in the spring); 200 level
electives
Junior Year
200 level electives
300 level seminars*
Senior Year
PHIL 401* (offered only in the fall); PHIL 300 level seminar*
*required for the major
1) taught as WID course
2) Ten (10) courses total which must include 103, 201, 202, two 300 level
seminars, 401 (senior seminar
SUGGESTED FOUR-YEAR COURSE PLAN FOR THE
ETHICS MINOR
First Year
PHIL 102 or PHIL 104
Sophomore Year
PHIL 102 or PHIL 104, one 200-level course
Junior Year
Two 200-level courses focused on ethics in the Department of Philosophy or cross listed
with the ethics minor
Senior Year
One 300-level course focused on ethics in the Department of Philosophy
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 430
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
The department supports independent study by its majors, especially as leading to an
Honors thesis (see below). Any student interested in independent study in philosophy
should see the appropriate instructor to negotiate topics, readings, and logistics.
HONORS
Students may complete an honors thesis in their senior year. The thesis is an original
piece of philosophical writing, the product of student research and reflection, written
under the guidance of a member of the department acting as advisor. Usually, students
work on the thesis for two semesters senior year, enrolling in Independent Research
(PHIL 500) each semester. Honors are awarded upon successful oral defense of the
completed thesis.
For more details on honors in philosophy, please see the department's guidelines.
INTERNSHIPS
Many students have found ways to combine their philosophical interests with
internships, particularly in areas of applied ethics, law, or public policy. Contact the
department chair.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Majors are encouraged to study abroad, at the Dickinson program at UEA or elsewhere.
In the past, majors have studies at universities in several other countries. The program
at UEA is particularly well suited to support Dickinson philosophy majors in a year of
study abroad. Contact the department chair.
COURSES
Philosophy Colloquium. Informal colloquium bringing the department faculty and
students together for discussions of contemporary issues in the field, usually based on
selections from recent work or on presentations by visiting speakers.
101 Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to Western philosophy through an examination of problems arising in
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 431
primary sources. How major philosophers in the tradition have treated such questions
as the scope of human reason, the assumptions of scientific method, the nature of
moral action, or the connections between faith and reason.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities
102 Introduction to Ethics
An introduction to the philosophical study of morality, focusing on concepts of right
and wrong, virtue and vice, and wellbeing. This course provides students the
opportunity to hone their ethical reasoning skills by critically examining how some of
history’s most influential philosophers thought about issues in morality. Students will
also develop more general skills, such as evaluating philosophical arguments, and
expressing and defending their own ideas in writing.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities,
LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective
103 Logic
The study and practice of forms and methods of argumentation in ordinary and
symbolic languages, focusing on elements of symbolic logic and critical reasoning,
including analysis and assessment of arguments in English, symbolizing sentences and
arguments, constructing formal proofs of validity in sentential and quantificational
logic.
Offered every semester, or every three out of four semesters.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Quantitative Reasoning
104 Practical Ethics
This course introduces students to contemporary debates in practical ethics. Course
materials investigate how theoretical approaches to ethics apply to practical issues,
including discussions of animal ethics, environmental ethics, reproductive ethics, civil
disobedience, and the ethics of mass incarceration and the death penalty. This course is
best suited for students interested in thinking about the relationship between ethical
theory and practice, with an emphasis on how power, privilege, and responsibility
intersect in our everyday lives.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Humanities,
LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 432
113 Introductory Topics in Philosophy
Introduction to philosophy through the exploration of a specific topic or problem.
180 Political Philosophy
An introduction to the history of political thought, focused on such problems as the
nature of justice, the meaning of freedom, the requirements of equality, the prevalence
of moral dilemmas in political life, the question of whether we ought to obey the law,
and the importance of power in politics. We will also discuss how these issues continue
to resonate today.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 180.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Humanities, Social Sciences
201 Ancient Philosophy
This course is an introduction to central questions, claims and arguments in ancient
philosophy, centering on the work of Plato and Aristotle. Potential questions include:
What is the value of reason and knowledge? What is knowledge? Is it always better to
be just than unjust? What constitutes a good human life? What kind of thing is a human
being?
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
202 17th and 18th Century Philosophy
This course treats the Rationalists, Empiricists and Kant, with particular emphasis on
issues in epistemology and metaphysics, such as the possibility and limits of human
knowledge, the role of sense perception and reason in knowledge, the nature of
substance, God and reality.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
203 19th Century Philosophy
This course treats major texts by significant 19th century philosophers such as Hegel,
Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 433
204 American Philosophy
An introduction to major philosophical texts and themes originating in the United
States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This course will cover such thinkers as
Emerson, James, Peirce, Dewey, and Santayana and themes such as naturalism,
transcendentalism, in particular, pragmatism. Contemporary developments in the
American philosophical tradition may also be included.
Prerequisites: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective
205 Topics in Asian Philosophy
This course focuses on the characteristics and problems of thought in Asia, with
emphasis on methods of comparative philosophy and close examination of works and
movements within a major tradition (in different semesters: China, India, Japan,
Buddhist schools).
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 1
210 Philosophy of Feminism
Critical examination of key issues concerning the status and roles of women and of the
developing theories which describe and explain gender-related phenomena and
prescribe change for the future.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent
215 Existentialism
A study of existentialist thinkers, including Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, de Beauvoir,
and Camus, who treat the human condition as irreducibly individual and yet
philosophically communicable, and for whom the experience of the existing individual
is of primary importance in issues ranging from one's relationship to God to the
inevitability of death.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Offered every two years.
220 Biomedical Ethics
A study of ethical issues arising in the context of medical practice, biomedical research,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 434
and health related policy making, with focus on the ethical concepts, theories and
reasoning methods developed to clarify and resolve these issues.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PMGT 220.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
251 Philosophy of Religion
This course focuses on philosophical issues arising from religious belief and practice.
Topics treated may include: the existence and nature of god or gods; the contested
relation of a god to moral values; faith and reason as sources of belief or ways of
believing, as expressed in classic texts by thinkers such as Aquinas, Hume, Kierkegaard,
and William James, as well as in contemporary texts.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities
252 Philosophy of Art
The discipline of aesthetics is primarily concerned with philosophical questions about
art and beauty. This course will examine classic and contemporary Western discussions
of such questions as, What is art? How can we determine what a work of art means?
Are beauty and other aesthetic qualities subjective or objective? How should the
quality of a work of art be assessed? Is there a general way to describe the creative
process? What are the driving forces in the unfolding of art history? We will encounter
such giants of the Western intellectual tradition as Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, and
Hegel, and also such contemporary figures as Arthur Danto, Richard Wollheim, and
Kendall Walton.
Prerequisite: one prior course in art history or philosophy or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 252.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities
253 Topics in Social and Political Philosophy
Explorations of specific figures, texts, and issues in historical and contemporary theory.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities, LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 435
254 Philosophy of Science
This course considers such issues as the distinction between science and non-science;
the relation of evidence to scientific theories; truth and rationality in science;
competition among theories; the nature of scientific explanation; methods of scientific
thinking; the impact of science on society.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
255 Philosophy of Law
This course considers fundamental issues in the study of legal philosophy. These
include the meanings and purposes of law, the limits of legal authority, and topics such
as: theories of punishment; justifications for civil disobedience; the regulation of sex,
gender, and sexuality; economic critiques of judicial process; and the construction of
race and ethnicity within the law.Prerequisite: one prior course in Philosophy, or POSC
180, 202, 206, 208, or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as LAWP 255.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective
256 Philosophy of Mind
This course investigates the nature of the mind and its relation to the brain, body, and
the surrounding world. Analyses of these topics will draw on information from fields
such as psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, or computer science.
Prerequisite: one previous course in philosophy, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
257 Moral Psychology
An investigation of philosophical issues at the intersection of ethics and psychology. For
example, is there any empirical basis to beliefs about free will and moral responsibility?
What are emotions, and what role do they have to play in our moral lives? How can so
many intelligent and open-minded people reach such radically different moral
conclusions? Are there really such things as traits of virtue and vice? These are among
the issues we’ll explore in this course.
Prerequisite: One PHIL course, or permission of instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 436
261 Intermediate Topics in Philosophy
Examination of specific problem, author, text, or movement.
Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
270 Philosophy and Literature
Dostoevsky's characters lie, steal, scheme, and murder. What is it about Dostoevsky's
depictions of their lying, cheating ways that makes his novels not just literary but
philosophical? And what is it about philosophical works like Kierkegaard's and
Nietzsche's that makes them literary? More generally, where do the overlapping realms
of literature and philosophy begin and end? This course investigates the intersections
of philosophy and literature across different schools of thought, paying special
attention to the work of Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, Leibniz, Plato, Tolstoy, Voltaire,
and others. We will pair the treatment of philosophical issues in fiction with their
treatment in more traditional philosophical genres, thereby raising and discussing the
contentious question of whether philosophy can achieve things that literature cannot,
and vice versa.
Prerequisite: one course in PHIL or permission of the instructor.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as RUSS 270 and ENGL 222.
275 Beauty
Perhaps no term is as variously interpreted or as hard to define as "beauty." At one
time, beauty was treated as among the ultimate values, along with goodness, truth,
and justice. But in the last century or so it has been devalued, equated with prettiness
or meaningless ornamentation. It has been quite out of fashion in art since the late
nineteenth century. But one cannot understand much of the art of the Western
tradition without understanding it as the attempt to make beautiful things, and without
understanding what the goal meant in the cultures in which it had currency. And of
course even now most people would not want to be without dimensions of beauty in
their lives. We will look both at classic and contemporary attempts to answer such
questions, and try to heighten our own appreciation for the beauty in the arts and in
the world.
Prerequisite: one prior course in art history or philosophy or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 375.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 437
280 Recent Political Thought
This class aims to show the breadth and vitality of the field of political theory today. It
does this by deepening and broadening the account of the discipline offered in POSC
180, discussing the most important recent accounts of justice, freedom, and equality,
and adding consideration of democracy, rights, power, culture, community, and
cosmopolitanism. We will also explore issues of exploitation and exclusion relating to
gender, class, race, and human interaction with the natural environment, and consider
how recent theorists have tried to challenge these practices. The class also explores the
contours of political theory as an academic field of study, considering the disciplinary
contributions of fields such as philosophy, political science, international relations, legal
studies, and history, and major ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism,
anarchism, and feminism.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 202.
Prerequisite: 180 or POSC 180, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective
285 Justice in World Politics
An examination of how states ought to make ethical decisions about policies of global
scope. Should asylum seekers and economic migrants be granted access to social
services? How must states fight wars? How ought resources to be distributed between
countries? We will explore the philosophical underpinnings of the arguments that have
been developed in response to at least two of these questions.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 208.
Prerequisite: 180 or POSC 170, 180, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, INST Globaliz & Sustain Course,
LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
301 Metaphysics
This seminar will treat key issues in metaphysics, such as the self and personal identity,
free will, universals and particulars, causation, reductionism, naturalism, realism and
anti-realism, and the very possibility of metaphysics.
Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, at least two at the 200 level, or
permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 438
302 Ethical Theory
This seminar will explore major issues or texts in classical or contemporary moral
philosophy.
Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, at least two at the 200 level, or
permission of the instructor.
Offered at least once every two years.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, Writing in the
Discipline
303 Epistemology
This seminar will probe key issues in epistemology, such as: the nature of knowledge
and justification, the challenge of skepticism, the relation of sense perception to
conceptual thought.
Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, at least two at the 200 level, or
permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Writing in the Discipline
304 Philosophy of Language
What is the meaning of a word? How is it related to the thing or things it picks out? Can
we provide a systematic account of the meaning of every sentence of a natural
language (such as English, Japanese or Hebrew)? What is the relationship between
what words mean and what we get across with them? In what sense, if at all, do we
follow rules when we use language? This course is a seminar in which we will consider
these sorts of questions among others.
Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, including 103 (Logic) and two at the 200
level, or permission of the instructor.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
391 Advanced Topics
A seminar focusing on a significant philosophical issue, text or philosopher.
Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, at least two at the 200 level, or
permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 439
401 Senior Seminar
A seminar focusing in depth on a selected philosophical topic, author or text with
special emphasis on student philosophical writing and voice.
Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, at least one at the 300-level, or
permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Humanities
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 440
Physics and Astronomy
MAJOR
A physics major consists of a minimum of
1) eleven (11) courses, usually
2) five (5) core courses, at least
3) four (4) electives, and
4) two (2) courses of research during the senior year.
Students should be aware that most physics courses have mathematics
corequisites and/or prerequisites, as listed in the course description.
Courses above the 200-level typically require a facility with multivariate
calculus (normally requiring completion of two courses in mathematics).
Each student majoring in physics is expected to acquire a basic knowledge of
classical and modern physics by taking a core sequence consisting of two
semesters of workshop physics (131, 132 or 141, 142) followed by 211, 212 and
282.
Students will then select at least four elective courses tailored to their
preparation, interests, and goals. At least two of these must be at the 300-level
or above.
All physics majors not enrolled in a 3-2 engineering program must complete the
Advanced Laboratory Capstone sequence 491, 492 OR two semesters of
Independent Research (PHYS 550) with senior status and permission of the
instructor.
The introductory courses intended primarily for non-science majors, Life in the
Universe (ASTR 105), Mysteries of the Solar System (ASTR 109), and Stars,
Galaxies, and Beyond! (ASTR 110) may not be applied towards a physics major.
Physics-Engineering Track:
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 441
Thirteen courses
PHYS 131, 132, 211, 212, 213, 282, 311, 312, 331 OR 314, 491 and 492
COMP 131
CHEM 131 OR 141
MINOR
Minor in Physics
A physics minor is expected to acquire a basic knowledge of classical and modern
physics by taking
six of the department's course offerings, including a two semester workshop physics
sequence (131, 132 or 141, 142) and 212.
The remaining three courses required for the minor must be at or above the 200-
level.
A student may not apply courses used to fulfill the requirements of a minor in physics
to fulfill the requirements of a minor in astronomy.
Minor in Astronomy
Options are available for students who wish to add an astronomical perspective to a
major in any field. The minor consists of the following:
ASTR 109, PHYS 131, PHYS 132, ASTR/PHYS 208, PHYS 212, and ASTR/PHYS 306 OR
one other astronomy-related course offered in the Physics and Astronomy
Department, which may include an independent study, independent research, or
internship credit offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
One of these courses/experiences may, upon prior approval by the
Department, be offered by another department or be an external experience
such as a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates.
No more than three of these courses or experiences may count toward both
the physics major and the astronomy minor.
Note that there are mathematics prerequisites for PHYS 131, 132 and 212.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 442
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Physics Major
The Physics major is designed to allow students to start in either the first year or the
sophomore year.
The following are suggested courses for a student starting the first year:
First Year
PHYS 131/132
MATH 151/170 or 170/171
Sophomore Year
PHYS 211, 212, 282 MATH 270 or 171/270
Junior Year
Four 300-level or above Physics courses, including 311, 331 or 431 (depending on
course offerings)
PHYS 392 (half-credit junior seminar)
Senior Year
PHYS 491, 492 OR two semesters of Independent Research 550 (usually with a common
theme); 312, 331 or 431
First-years: Students should be advised to take PHYS 131/132 and MATH 151/170 or
170/171
Physics-Engineering Track
First year
PHYS 131/132; MATH 170/171
Sophomore Year
PHYS 211, 212, 282; MATH 270; CHEM 131 or 141
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 443
Sophomore or Junior Year
PHYS 213
Junior Year
PHYS 311, PHYS 331 or PHYS 314; COMP 131
Senior Year
PHYS 312, 491, 492
Students planning to do graduate study in physics, astronomy or engineering need to
include 311 and 312 (potentially 331 and/or 431 as well, depending on field of study).
For students not planning to do graduate study in physics or engineering, options
include 313, 314, 315 and 361 as offered. Students planning to do graduate study in
astronomy need to additionally take 208, 306 or 406 as offered.
Astronomy Minor
First Year
PHYS 131/132; ASTR 109
Sophomore Year
ASTR/PHYS 208; PHYS 212
Junior Year
ASTR/PHYS 306
Senior Year
1 additional course
First-years: Students should be advised to take PHYS 131, PHYS 132, and ASTR 109
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent study or research is strongly encouraged by the department. Independent
research projects are readily available in the many areas, including pattern formation,
solar air heaters, non-linear dynamics, molecular and laser physics, and astrophysics.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 444
Independent research students have often published papers and/or given talks at
physics and astronomy meetings. Students planning on graduate study are encouraged
to discuss with faculty the independent research opportunities available.
HONORS
Students in the Advanced Capstone Laboratory (PHYS 491/492) or students
participating in two semesters of Independent Research (PHYS 550) may choose to turn
their project into an honors project with an in-depth paper and an oral defense before
the physics faculty. For more detailed requirements, go to the department's web site.
COURSES
Courses in Astronomy
105 Life in the Universe
A comprehensive study of the astronomical possibilities of extraterrestrial life including
a brief survey of the universe, conditions necessary for life, and astronomical
observations (including UFOs) which support or deny the premise that life in the
universe is a common phenomenon.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
109 Mysteries of the Solar System
This course explores questions that are as old as humanity; you will step into the shoes
of ancient astronomers to ponder the workings of the night sky and Solar System. Why
do the stars move the way they do? Why do some bright objects wander the night sky?
Can we know what these objects are and where they came from? We will develop
practical and critical thinking skills that are crucial to the art of discovery, focusing on
the historical use of naked eye and telescopic observations, as well as the use of
present day space probes and the electromagnetic spectrum. Our journey will take us
to the planets and some fascinating moons.
Three hours classroom, one two-hour laboratory a week.
This course counts toward the astronomy minor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 445
110 Stars, Galaxies, and Beyond!
Modern astronomy encompasses a wide range of fascinating topics, from cutting-edge
techniques used to detect and survey exosolar planets, to advances in astrophysics that
reveal tantalizing glimpses into the nature of space and the beginning and possible end
of our universe as a whole. This course will look at the tools and physics that
astronomers utilize, as well as the electromagnetic spectrum to explore and expand our
understanding of the Universe. Students will apply fundamental ideas from physics to
the Sun, as well as distant objects, both within and outside our own Galaxy.
Three hours classroom, one two-hour laboratory a week.
This course may count toward the astronomy minor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning
205 The Physics of Life in the Universe
"Life", as we know it, is primarily composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
and nitrogen, along with phosphorus and sulfur. Where did these elements come from?
How might they combine to produce "Life", and what do the laws of physics have to do
with it all? We will begin our study with the Big Bang theory and the origin of the
Universe and investigate the fundamental interactions that produced the first stars. We
will consider the Early Earth and the conditions under which "Life" most likely formed.
Do those conditions exist on other planets around other stars? What kind of physics is
needed to detect "Life" on other planets? We will cover topics from nuclear, atomic,
and molecular structure, to thermonuclear fusion in stars, to processes on the
primordial Earth, as well as electromagnetic communication. Students taking this
course will attend the same lectures as ASTR 105, but will have additional reading
assignments and homework, and will be required to produce a final project in the
course.
Prerequisite: PHYS 131 and 132 or 141 and 142.
This course is cross-listed as PHYS 205.
208 Introductory Astrophysics
An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and
tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient
times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be
gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical
analysis of astrophysical phenomena.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 446
Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PHYS 208.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
306 Intermediate Astrophysics
This course covers in greater detail one area of astrophysics. The areas include stellar
atmospheres and stellar magnetic fields, nuclear reactions, energy generation and
nucleosynthesis in stars; the structure and content of galaxies; practical investigation
and analysis of astrophysical phenomena using spectroscopy and the 24-inch Britton
telescope, the programming language Python, and other data reduction tools; the
structure and evolution of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
Prerequisite: 212 or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PHYS 306.
406 Advanced Astrophysics
An advanced course in selected areas of astrophysics. Topics selected from areas of
astronomy and astrophysics that require a background in dynamics and
electromagnetism. Topics may include celestial mechanics and orbit determination,
numerical simulation of many-body systems, galactic dynamics, spectroscopy and
electrodynamics of the interstellar medium, or general relativity and cosmology.
Prerequisite: 311, 312 or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PHYS 406.
Courses in Physics
NOTE: Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation
credit for both of the following pairs: 131 and 141, 132 and 142.
102 Meteorology
The physical basis of modern meteorology: characteristics of atmospheric motions,
clouds, and weather systems; methods of weather observation and forecasting;
meteorological aspects of air pollution.
Does not count toward a physics major.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 447
114 Climate Change and Renewable Energies
An introduction to the physics of global climate change and a hands-on exposure to
several types of renewable energy. The first third of this project-centered course
introduces the basic physical principles of global climate change with a focus on
radiative equilibrium, greenhouse effect, energy balance, and entropy. Since the energy
sources of an energetically sustainable future will consist of renewable energies and
possibly thermonuclear fusion energy, the remaining two thirds of the course is
devoted to an exploration of wind turbines, solar concentrators, thermoelectric
convertors, and photovoltaic systems.
This course will not count toward major requirements in physics.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Applications (ESAP), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning, SINE Elective, Sustainability Investigations
131 Introductory Physics
An introduction to basic physics topics using the workshop method. This method
combines inquiry-based cooperative learning with the comprehensive use of computer
tools for data acquisition, data analysis and mathematical modeling. Kinematics,
Newton's Laws of motion, conservation laws, rotational motion, and oscillations are
studied during the first semester. Additional topics in chaos or nuclear radiation are
introduced. Basic calculus concepts are used throughout the course. Recommended for
physical science, mathematics, and pre-engineering students and for biology majors
preparing for graduate study.
Three two-hour sessions per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students
will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 151 or 170.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning
132 Introductory Physics
An introduction to basic physics topics using the workshop method. This method
combines inquiry-based cooperative learning with the comprehensive use of computer
tools for data acquisition, data analysis and mathematical modeling. Topics in
thermodynamics, electricity, electronics and magnetism are covered. Additional topics
in chaos or nuclear radiation are introduced. Basic calculus concepts are used
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 448
throughout the course. Recommended for physical science, mathematics, and pre-
engineering students and for biology majors preparing for graduate study. Three two-
hour sessions per week. (Students enrolled in Physics 132 who have completed
Mathematics 170 are encouraged to continue their mathematics preparation while
taking physics by enrolling in Mathematics 171.)
Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit
for both 132 and 142.
Prerequisite: 131 and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 170.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences,
Quantitative Reasoning
141 Physics for the Life Sciences
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students.
Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics.Three one-hour lectures
and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students
will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning
142 Physics for the Life Sciences
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students.
Topics include acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.Three
one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course
content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 132 and 142.
Prerequisite: 141 or 131.
Attributes: ENST Foundations (ESFN), Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning
205 The Physics of Life in the Universe
"Life", as we know it, is primarily composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
and nitrogen, along with phosphorus and sulfur. Where did these elements come from?
How might they combine to produce "Life", and what do the laws of physics have to do
with it all? We will begin our study with the Big Bang theory and the origin of the
Universe and investigate the fundamental interactions that produced the first stars. We
will consider the Early Earth and the conditions under which "Life" most likely formed.
Do those conditions exist on other planets around other stars? What kind of physics is
needed to detect "Life" on other planets? We will cover topics from nuclear, atomic,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 449
and molecular structure, to thermonuclear fusion in stars, to processes on the
primordial Earth, as well as electromagnetic communication. Students taking
this course will attend the same lectures as ASTR 105, but will have additional
reading assignments and homework, and will be required to produce a final project
in the course.
Prerequisite: PHYS 131 and 132 or 141 and 142.
This course is cross-listed as ASTR 205.
208 Introductory Astrophysics
An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and
tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient
times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be
gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical
analysis of astrophysical phenomena.
Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as ASTR 208.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
211 Vibrations, Waves & Optics
The physics of periodic motions, oscillating systems, resonances, propagating waves
and optical phenomena. The course is centered around various projects such as the
investigation of a kinetic art apparatus, the study of a tuned-mass-damper in a high-rise
building, an examination of the Fourier spectrum of different musical instruments, and
the dispersion relation for a very large slinky. The course culminates with a
presentation at either the "Rainbow Symposium" or the "Vision Symposium."
Prerequisite: 131 and 132 or 131 and 142, and completion of, or concurrent enrollment
in, MATH 171 or permission of instructor.
NOTE: Completion of both 211 and 212 fulfills the WID requirement.
Attributes: Lab Sciences
212 Introduction to Relativistic and Quantum Physics
A project-based course focusing on special relativity and quantum physics. Projects,
such as the detection and measurement of ionizing radiation, relativistic mass increase,
or the investigation of delayed choice experiments, are used to understand the
concepts of the atom, nuclear structure, relativity, and quantum mechanics.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 450
Prerequisite: 132 or 142, and Math 171 or permission of instructor.
NOTE: Completion of both 211 and 212 fulfills the WID graduation requirement.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
213 Analog & Digital Electronics
Circuit design and the analysis of electronic devices. Modern digital and analog circuit
elements, including diodes, transistors, op amps, and various integrated circuits, are
used in amplifiers, power supplies, and logic circuits. Class and laboratory work are
integrated during class time totaling up to seven hours per week. Students design and
build projects at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: 132 or 142, and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 171 or
permission of instructor.
Attributes: Lab Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning
282 Introduction to Theoretical Physics
A rigorous survey of mathematical topics and techniques that are commonly used in
theoretical physics. Topics include vector analysis, differential equations, power series,
linear algebra, tensors, and vector calculus (gradient, divergence, curl, line integrals,
and so on). The primary focus of this course is on solving problems as a means to
improve students’ confidence and understanding of mathematics within the context of
physical systems.
Prerequisite: 211 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: MATH 171 or permission of the instructor.
306 Intermediate Astrophysics
This course covers in greater detail one area of astrophysics. The areas include stellar
atmospheres and stellar magnetic fields, nuclear reactions, energy generation and
nucleosynthesis in stars; the structure and content of galaxies; practical investigation
and analysis of astrophysical phenomena using spectroscopy and the 24-inch Britton
telescope, the programming language Python, and other data reduction tools; the
structure and evolution of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
Prerequisite: 212 or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as ASTR 306.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 451
311 Dynamics & Chaos
An advanced treatment of classical mechanics using vector calculus and the calculus of
variations, as well as an introduction to the analysis of chaotic systems. Topics will
include: the dynamics of systems of particles and conservation laws; linear and
nonlinear oscillators; iterative maps and the route to chaos; central force motion; rigid
body motion; non-inertial reference frames and fictitious forces; Lagrangian and
Hamiltonian formulations of dynamics. The course will also focus heavily on analytical
and problem-solving techniques.
Prerequisite: 211 and 282 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
312 Electrodynamics
This course will investigate electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electrodynamics in
vacuum and in matter. Maxwell's equations of electrodynamics are developed and
explored in depth. Vector calculus is used throughout this course. Possible projects
include the experimental study of capacitors, the force and torque on a magnetic
dipole, and an exploration of Faraday-induced electric fields.
Prerequisite: 211, 212 and 282, or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
313 Computer Interfacing and Laboratory Instrumentation
A study of the interfacing techniques needed for data acquisition and the control of
laboratory equipment. An introduction to the LabView programming environment and
how it can be used to automate typical laboratory tasks, for example, the control of
linear or rotational actuators or the measurement and analysis of audio signals.
Prerequisite: 213 or permission of instructor.
Offered occasionally.
314 Energy & Environmental Physics
A project-oriented approach to the study of the thermodynamics of fossil fuel engines
and devices, the physics of solar and other alternative energy sources, energy
conservation principles, the physics of nuclear fission reactors and nuclear fusion
research, the physics of the atmosphere, air pollution, global climate change, and
ozone depletion. Examples of projects include: energy conservation analysis, and the
design, construction and testing of modern wind turbines or solar energy sources.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 452
Prerequisite: 131 and 132 or 141 and 142, and 211 or permission of instructor.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: ENST Applications (ESAP), Sustainability Investigations
315 Principles of Medical Imaging
This course will examine the physical principles that allow physicians to look inside the
human body and will investigate how these principles are implemented in practice. This
course will cover the following topics: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), medical
ultrasound, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), lasers in medicine, and medical X-
rays. It will involve some hands-on demos or projects.
Prerequisite: 211 and 212 and MATH 171 or permission of instructor.
Normally offered every other year.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
331 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
The basic laws of thermodynamics are derived from principles of statistical mechanics.
Thus, the laws governing our macroscopic world are seen as fundamentally statistical in
nature. Familiar quantities, like temperature and pressure, will be re-discovered, and
new ones, like entropy and free energy, will be developed and applied to real-world
problems in engineering, condensed-matter physics, and chemistry. We will conclude
with an examination of phase transitions and quantum statistics.
Prerequisite: 211 and 212 and 282.
Offered every two years.
361 Topics in Modern Physics
Topics to be selected from areas such as atomic, nuclear, or solid state physics; or
modern optics, fluid dynamics, plasma or computational physics.
Prerequisite: 211 and 212.
One-half or one course credit.
392 Junior Seminar
This course revolves around student reports and discussions on several topics in
contemporary physics. Emphasis is on the development of bibliographic skill, seminar
presentation and report writing techniques as well as increasing the breadth and depth
of the student's knowledge of recent research. Preparation for senior research and life
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 453
after Dickinson will also be topics of discussion.
Prerequisite: Physics major junior status.
One-half course credit.
406 Advanced Astrophysics
An advanced course in selected areas of astrophysics. Topics selected from areas of
astronomy and astrophysics that require a background in dynamics and
electromagnetism. Topics may include celestial mechanics and orbit determination,
numerical simulation of many-body systems, galactic dynamics, spectroscopy and
electrodynamics of the interstellar medium, or general relativity and cosmology.
Prerequisite: 311, 312 or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as PHYS 406.
412 Advanced Electrodynamics and Plasmas
A continuation of the topics covered in Physics 312 with an emphasis on
electromagnetic waves in air, in conductors, and in space plasmas. Possible projects
include the reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves at an interface,
waveguides, plasma waves in space, electromagnetic radiation from antennas, and the
equilibrium and stability of plasmas.
Prerequisite: 312 or permission of instructor.
Offered only occasionally.
431 Quantum Mechanics
Basic postulates are used to develop the theoretical framework for quantum
mechanics. The course deals with measurements on quantum systems, the uncertainty
principle, the Schrödinger wave equation and the probability interpretation,
Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, finite and infinite
dimensional vector spaces, operator methods, and enables students to use the Dirac
formalism for quantum mechanical manipulations for a variety of situations and
systems.
Prerequisites: 212 and 282 and at least one 300-level physics course, or permission of
instructor. Normally offered every other year
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 454
491 Advanced Laboratory Capstone I
In this capstone experience, students will work in groups to study several advanced
physics topics in detail. Potential topics include muon decay, microwave diffraction, the
speed of light, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, and the Hall effect. The course
emphasizes collaborative research, investigative techniques, oral and written
communication.
Prerequisite: Physics major senior status.
The physics major requires either the two-semester sequence of 491 & 492 OR two
semesters of PHYS 550.
492 Advanced Laboratory Capstone II
In this capstone experience, students will work in groups to study several advanced
physics topics in detail. Potential topics include muon decay, microwave diffraction, the
speed of light, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, and the Hall effect. The course
emphasizes collaborative research, investigative techniques, oral and written
communication.Prerequisite: Physics major senior status.
The physics major requires either the two-semester sequence of 491 & 492 OR two
semesters of PHYS 550.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 455
Political Science
MAJOR
Ten (10) courses, including
Political Philosophy (180
American Government (120)
International Relations (170
any course in Comparative Politics (150, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 260,
261, 264, 27
and, when appropriate, 275, 276, 190, 290)
239 Research Methods or any course with a departmental Methods Designation
and a 390 seminar.
This seminar is normally to be taken on campus during the junior or senior
year.
No course may be taken Pass/Fail.
Normally five courses must be taken in residence.
MINOR
Six (6) courses.
Course work submitted for the minor must be from at least four of the subfields:
political theory
American politics
comparative politic
and international relations.
Normally three courses must be taken in residence.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
There is no necessary or preferred “path” through the Political Science major. Many
students arrive on campus knowing that Political Science is the major for them. Many
other majors discover their interest in politics and government after taking classes or
becoming involved in campus activities.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 456
The POSC major is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the four
subfields of Political Science (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International
Relations, and Political Philosophy) and to enable students to tailor the major to their
own interests as much as possible. In addition, the major’s flexibility allows students to
complete the major while studying off campus and to combine the major with a
certificate, a minor, or even a second major.
Completion of the Political Science major requires ten courses.
Students must take POSC 120, POSC 170, POSC 180, one Comparative Politics course,
and a senior seminar.
The other five courses are chosen by the student.
Students, beginning with those who enter the College as First-Years in Fall 2018, must
also take 239 Research Methods or any other course with a Political Science Methods
Designation as one of the ten courses required for the major.
Some of our majors pursue an interest in a region of the world (e.g., Latin America,
East Asia, Africa, or Western Europe).
Some of our majors focus on foreign policy and global politics.
Some of our majors concentrate on American politics and political institutions.
The department offers courses in all of these areas and members of the department
specialize in each of these areas.
Anyone considering the Political Science major should feel free to contact members of
the department with any questions about the major. The faculty will gladly answer
questions and explain the strengths and requirements of the major.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Many majors take courses in independent study, independent research, and
student/faculty collaborative research, as well as internships. A major will receive
political science credit for one internship (if taken for academic credit) if the subject
matter is within the field of political science and if the academic advisor is a full-time
member of the Political Science department, a faculty member of a Dickinson overseas
program, or a faculty member of an off-campus program with which Dickinson College
is affiliated. A major may petition the chair to count an additional internship as a
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 457
political science course. A major will receive political science credit for all courses of
independent study (or research) if supervised by full-time members of the Political
Science department. A student may petition the chair to count an independent study
supervised by any other individual. If students have any questions about receiving
political science credit for internships or independent studies, they should consult the
department chair.
HONORS
To attempt an honors project in Political Science, a candidate must:
1) Be a declared Political Science major. Normally, a student will write the honors
thesis in the spring semester in which the student graduates. A student who
plans a mid-year graduation must write the thesis during the previous spring.
2) Enroll in POSC 490 - Senior Thesis during the spring semester of senior year.
Permission of the instructor is required for enrollment in this course. The
application for class admission will be a 2-3 page proposal and will be due at the
end of November of the Fall Semester. GPA will be a factor in whether a student
can be awarded honors (normally at least 3.7 in all Political Science coursework
and an overall GPA of 3.5 or above), but students interested in writing a thesis
who do not have the requisite GPA for honors may still apply to be part of the
thesis class. Gaining admittance to the thesis-writing class does not guarantee
honors, but instead, honors will be awarded to the students whose completed
theses exhibit extraordinary merit at the end of the spring semester.
3) Students who enroll in POSC 490 normally should have taken POSC 239
Research Methods, or other suitable coursework to prepare the candidate for
pursuing the thesis topic of their choice.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Majors may apply to spend: (1) their junior year in Bologna, Italy, as students at
Dickinson's K. Robert Nilsson Center for European Studies specializing in European and
International Studies, or (2) in Washington, D.C. in The Washington Center Program
specializing in a wide variety of programs, such as American Government, Justice,
Foreign Policy, and International Development. Please see the appropriate coordinator
for these and many other off-campus study possibilities.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 458
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Political Science analyzes political systems and processes on the local, state, national,
and international levels. The goals of the major include enhancing knowledge of the
political world, the examination of values, the sharpening of analytical and writing
skills, and the formulation of well-considered views. We assume our prospective majors
come to us with an interest in politics and government. We offer no single gateway
course as a step toward developing this interest within the discipline of political
science. Instead, we offer (and require) that students take four initial steps toward
completing the political science major. Each step lies within one of the four subfields of
the discipline: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and
Political Philosophy. Introductions to American Politics, International Relations and
Political Philosophy are offered at the 100-level. The Comparative Politics introductory
step can be taken in Comparative Politics 150 or any 200-level Comparative Politics
course.
COURSES
The following courses are grouped according to the four major subfields of political
science: political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international
relations. Introductory and intermediate courses are numbered in the 100s; advanced
courses are numbered in the 200s. Within the 100 and 200 ranges, numbering
sequences reflect subdivisions of the field, not level of difficulty.
Political Theory
180 Political Philosophy
An introduction to the history of political thought, focused on such problems as the
nature of justice, the meaning of freedom, the requirements of equality, the prevalence
of moral dilemmas in political life, the question of whether we ought to obey the law,
and the importance of power in politics. We will also discuss how these issues continue
to resonate today.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 180.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Humanities, Philosophy Elective, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 459
202 Recent Political Thought
This class aims to show the breadth and vitality of the field of political theory today. It
does this by deepening and broadening the account of the discipline offered in POSC
180, discussing the most important recent accounts of justice, freedom, and equality,
and adding consideration of democracy, rights, power, culture, community, and
cosmopolitanism. We will also explore issues of exploitation and exclusion relating to
gender, class, race, and human interaction with the natural environment, and consider
how recent theorists have tried to challenge these practices. The class also explores the
contours of political theory as an academic field of study, considering the disciplinary
contributions of fields such as philosophy, political science, international relations, legal
studies, and history, and major ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism,
anarchism, and feminism.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 280.
Prerequisite: 180 or PHIL 180, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective
204 Competing Political Ideologies
This class surveys the major ideologies that compete for political support in Western
societies, such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism, as well as radical alternatives
(anarchism and fascism), and new perspectives such as feminism and
ecologism/environmentalism. We will also examine the nature of ideology, and
whether it is possible to develop a neutral, non-ideological perspective on politics.
Prerequisite: 180, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective, Sustainability Connections
205 American Political Thought
Is there a distinctively American way of thinking about politics? How have American
political thinkers drawn on and differentiated themselves from political theory in other
parts of the world? This course seeks to answer these questions by considering some of
the major thinkers in the USA from its foundation to the present day. We will consider
both the dominant liberalism and conservativism of mainstream American thought and
radical challenges to it, from abolitionists through socialists and feminists to anarchists,
environmentalists, and pacifists, and topics such as civil disobedience, federalism,
constitutional interpretation, and republicanism. Defining political thought broadly, the
class includes detailed consideration of activist political movements at key moments in
the nation’s history, including the New Left in the 1960s, the New Right in the 1970s,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 460
and the Occupy movement. We will ask such questions as, “How did the USA maintain
slavery so deep into the 19th century?’, “Why has there been no major socialist
movement in the USA?” and “What are the sources of American exceptionalism?”
Students should find some of their fundamental preconceptions about American
political ideas challenged and come away with a deeper understanding of the country’s
political culture.
Prerequisite: POSC/PHIL 180.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective
206 Multiculturalism
How can ethnic minorities be incorporated into Western democracies as equal citizens?
Must the state support the continuation of cultural practices and traditions? What if
those practices conflict with the freedom and equality of members of minority groups,
especially of women or children? These are among the most vexed and pressing issues
for many democracies and a key part of recent debate in political theory. They raise
major philosophical questions, such as how we can treat people as equals while
respecting the differences between them and what the limits of toleration are. We will
survey the main recent responses to these questions.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 253.
Prerequisite: 180, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, SINE Elective, US Diversity
208 Justice in World Politics
An examination of how states ought to make ethical decisions about policies of global
scope. Should asylum seekers and economic migrants be granted access to social
services? How must states fight wars? How ought resources to be distributed between
countries? We will explore the philosophical underpinnings of the arguments that have
been developed in response to at least two of these questions.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 285. Prerequisite: 170, 180 or PHIL 180, or permission
of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, INST Globaliz & Sustain Course,
LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 461
239 Research Methods
Helps the student answer (in the affirmative) the question, "Is political science a
science?" Students will learn how to generate and test hypotheses through creating
and executing research designs. Survey research, experimentation, content analysis,
participant observation, and other methodologies will be studied. Although no prior
knowledge of statistics is necessary, Math 121 is helpful. This class is especially
recommended for prospective graduate students in the social sciences.
Attributes: LPPM Empirical Social Analysis, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Sciences
American Politics
120 American Government
A basic introductory course in American federal government which emphasizes its
structure and operation. Special attention is given to the executive, legislative, and
judicial processes.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Social Sciences
220 Constitutional Law I
An analysis of constitutional adjudication in the areas of separation of powers,
federalism, and economic rights. Special emphasis is placed upon the idea of a written
constitution and the role that judges play in our constitutional system. Topics include
Watergate, war powers, and legislative veto.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, LAWP Law Elective, PMGT Domestic Public
Policy
221 Constitutional Law II
An exploration of American constitutional rights. Both historical developments and
contemporary issues are addressed. Topics include racial and sexual equality,
affirmative action, seditious speech, and school prayer.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: LAWP Law Elective, PMGT Domestic Public Policy
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 462
222 Public Policy Analysis
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the concepts embraced in policy
analysis and the methods employed by those individuals who study and analyze public
policy. It is designed not only to provide a working knowledge of technique but also a
knowledge of the intellectual support for that technique. Some emphasis will be placed
upon the economic approach to public policy and the implications of that approach.
Prerequisite: one course in political science or economics.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT Domestic Public Policy
231 Public Administration
An analysis of the organization and functioning of the national bureaucracy in a
democratic society. Special attention is given to presidential management, theories of
organization, independent regulatory agencies and bureaucratic pathology, financial
and personnel administration, and administrative responsibility.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT Domestic Public Policy
232 Religion in American Politics
This class will provide students with an overview of the role of religion in American
politics. Students will become more familiar with the dynamics of a complex and
diverse United States through in-depth study of the political differences that define
several major religious groups. The political intersections between religion, race,
gender, sexual orientation and class will be explored, helping students to think critically
about political power. Other topics will include important aspects of constitutional law
as they pertain to religious rights, and the various ways in which religion influences
public policy.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 232.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Humanities, Social Sciences, US Diversity
233 Gender, Politics, and Policy in the U.S.
Overview of gender and politics in the United States. Examines the roles women play in
the U.S. policy process, how public policies are "gendered", and how specific policies
compare to feminist thinking about related issue areas. The course also discusses
gender-based differences in political participation inside and outside of government.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 463
This course is cross-listed as WGSS 202.
Prerequisite: 120 or AP credit equivalent.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT Domestic Public Policy, US Diversity, WGSS Intersect/Instit/Power
234 Gender and Justice
This course analyzes how legal theorists have drawn upon notions of gender, sex, and
sexuality in order to understand and critique the American legal system and its norms.
It considers questions like: How might a feminist perspective on the law illuminate
instances of systematized inequality or legalized discrimination? Can queer theorists
engage with the law in order to alter it, or does the very act of engagement hinder the
possibility of future socio-legal change? How can the law better represent women of
color, working women, queer women, stay-at-home mothers, transgender or non-
binary individuals, women seeking surrogate or abortion services, and more, without
reinforcing traditional understandings of what it means to be a “woman”? These
questions and more will be taken up as we move through a rich combination of
political philosophy, legal cases, and works of socio-legal analysis.
Prerequisites: One POSC, LAWP or WGSS course or permission of instructor.
This course is cross-listed as LAWP 234 and WGSS 302.
Attributes: LAWP Law Elective, Social Sciences, US Diversity, WGSS
Intersect/Instit/Power, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
235 Race, Ethnicity and U.S. Politics
With a focus on the experiences and activities of African-Americans, Latinos/Hispanics,
Asian-Americans and Indigenous peoples in U.S. politics, this course examines the social
construction of race and ethnicity in America as a force in public opinion, political
representation and political behavior. The course also focuses on a range of political
science methods used to study the politics of race/ethnicity in the U.S.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, AMST Struct & Instit Elective, POSC Research
Methods Course, US Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 464
241 Race and Gender in American Politics
This course will examine the role of race and gender in the American political process,
paying special attention to identity politics and how interests achieve representation in
the electoral and legislative arenas. How do social movements achieve (or fail to
achieve) social change? How do race and gender affect the politics and policy outcomes
of areas such as immigration, affirmative action, and health care?
Prerequisite: 120 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Social Sciences
242 Political Behavior
Cultural, social, and psychological factors which contribute to forms and directions of
political behavior. Special attention is given to American voting behavior, ethnic
political behavior, and personality influences on politics. Field surveys are undertaken
to illustrate contemporary trends.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LPPM Empirical Social Analysis
243 Mass Media and American Politics
Examines the causes, content, and consequences of political news, primarily focusing
on television. It will explore the ways in which audience characteristics, organizational
routines, and professional socialization influence the style and substance of the news.
The content of news will be analyzed for: the three branches of government, war,
foreign governments, crises, and presidential campaigns. The impact of the media on
political behavior will also be discussed. Content analysis will be used by students to
systematically analyze television network news.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
244 Public Opinion
Examines the origins, nature, and impact of public opinion in the United States. The
ways that the public's attitudes are shaped and used by interest groups, politicians, and
the mass media will be discussed. Methods of measuring public opinion, with special
attention to polling, will be studied.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 465
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LPPM Empirical Social Analysis, Quantitative
Reasoning
245 Political Parties and Interest Groups
A study of the functions, structures, and operations of American political parties and
interest groups. Special attention is given to the techniques of running a campaign for
office, to the role of the media in superseding American parties, and to the interactions
of government with the two largest "interest groups": business and labor.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
246 The Legislative Process
An analysis of the legislative branch of government, especially Congress. Emphasis is
placed upon the legislature as a social system, the decision-making process, the
interrelationships with the political parties and interest groups, the executive and the
judiciary.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT Domestic Public Policy
247 The American Presidency
An in-depth analysis of the nature and significance of "the Man" and "the Office,"
including constitutional development, presidential roles and customs, the recruitment
process, the executive branch, and the politics of the presidency.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT Domestic Public
Policy
248 The Judiciary
A study of the structure, processes, and institutional role of the American judiciary.
Topics may include: the adversarial system, criminal and civil procedure,
implementation of court decisions, judicial decision-making, legal development, and
legal reasoning. Special attention is given to the federal judiciary, especially the
Supreme Court.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 466
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as LAWP 248.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), PMGT Domestic
Public Policy
249 American Federalism
This course examines the practical policy consequences of America's constitutional
alliance between 50 state governments and the general union. Politics in the American
states will provide the substantive focus for discussions about the complex and ever-
changing intergovernmental relationships that constitute American federalism today.
Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: PMGT Domestic Public Policy
Comparative Politics
150 Comparative Politics
An introduction to comparative political analysis with applications to political systems,
processes, and issues worldwide. The purpose of the course is to learn to observe
political life systematically, analyze a wide range of political phenomena, and
distinguish and evaluate the assumptions underlying alternative approaches to the
study of politics. The course may address topics such as democratization, authoritarian
challenges to democratic systems, social inequality and underdevelopment,
sustainability, political corruption, human rights, and political violence.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Social Sciences
250 West European Government and Politics
This course provides a general overview to West European politics and the different
political configurations that exist in the major West European countries. The course
outlines some of the common features of the region's ongoing political development
(e.g. democratization, institutionalization of the welfare state and political integration
within the European Union) as well as the differences among today's national systems
of political organizations.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, INST European Course, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 467
251 Latin American Government and Politics
An introduction to the politics of contemporary Latin America. Emphasis is placed upon
the varied political institutional responses to socio-economic change in the Americas.
Major countries to be analyzed include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba.
Prerequisite: one course in political science or Latin American, Latino and Caribbean
Studies.
Prerequisite: one course in political science or Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean
Studies.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 251.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, INST Latin America Course, Lat Am, Latinx,
Carib St Elect, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Social Sciences
252 African Government & Politics
An introduction to the politics of contemporary Africa. After reviewing the large
historical, international, and socio-economic patterns of African politics, the course
examines in greater depth a sampling of national political systems and salient regional
or continent-wide themes.
Prerequisite: one course in political science.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity, INST Africa Course
253 Russian Politics
An introduction to contemporary Russian politics and policy, set against the backdrop
of both the communist legacy and traditional Russian political culture. Coverage
includes political institutions such as the presidency and the legislature, political
processes and behavior such as elections and voting, and key policy issues such as
economic policy. The course will conclude with an examination of Russia's evolving
place and role in the international system.
Prerequisite: one course in political science or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
254 Comparative Asian Governments and Politics
Comparison of selected Asian political systems with special attention given to
the emergence of new nations from old cultures, contrasting patterns of political
and economic development, and the current state of political affairs in each
country studied.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 468
Prerequisite: one course in political science or East Asian Studies.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, EASN Elective Set 3, INST Asia Course,
Social Sciences
255 Chinese Politics
An introduction to the contours of contemporary politics as shaped by traditional and
revolutionary legacies, the institutions of state socialism, China's underdevelopment
and struggles over power and policy.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, EASN Elective Set 3,
INST Asia Course, Social Sciences
256 The City
An introduction to urban politics from a broadly comparative vantage point. Topics
include the socioeconomic and cultural bases of city politics, power struggles and policy
making within urban political arenas, and the relationship between urbanization and
political development.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Social Sciences
257 Democracy & Democratization
A comparative examination of democratic politics and government with an emphasis
on transitions from authoritarianism to democracy and on the consolidation or collapse
of democratic institutions. Case studies and regional analyses from Europe, Asia, Latin
America, and Africa will be combined with examination of broader issues such as the
advantages and disadvantages of democracy, the question of cultural or economic
preconditions to successful democratization, and the impact of democracy on
international relations.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, Social Sciences
258 Human Rights
The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights embodies a global consensus on the
fundamental importance of human rights as a political value. But the idea and its
practical applications have provoked intense controversy around the world on issues
such as freedom of expression, capital punishment and torture, gender and sexuality,
religious freedom, social and economic justice, and cultural and minority rights.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 469
Prerequisite: one social science course or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST
Struct & Instit Elective, Comparative Poli Sci Course, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global
Diversity, INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, SINE Elective
259 Law, Politics, and Society in Asia
This course examines the interaction between law, legal institutions and citizens in
China, Japan, and India. Covering history and the contemporary scene, course focuses
on how law works in practice and is understood and used by ordinary people in Asia. It
covers areas such as marriage and divorce, the legal profession, lost property, civil
rights, the environment, sexuality, mediation, land development and property, among
others. Comparisons between the United States and Asia, as well as between Asian
countries, will be emphasized.
This course is cross-listed as EASN 259 and LAWP 259.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, EASN Elective Set 3,
Global Diversity, LAWP Law Elective, PMGT International Policy, Social Sciences
260 Media & Politics in the Middle East & North Africa
Together we will try to answer the questions: What roles do media technologies and
practices (particularly new digital technologies) play in the politics of Middle Eastern
and North African (MENA) countries? How do states respond to the challenges and
opportunities presented by changes in the communication ecosphere? We will study
the development of mass media and its regulation in the MENA region. Students will
collaborate to produce presentations for the class on particular problems in the role of
media in politics and society, and will also complete individual critical and reflective
works. The class will make extensive use of digital and social media, seeking to
understand their political and social impact partly through first-hand experience.
Offered every two years
This course is cross-listed as MEST 260..
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa
Crse, Social Sciences
261 Authoritarianism & Change in the Middle East & North Africa
This course will examine the most important features of the different varieties of
authoritarian regimes in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and seek to explain the
different outcomes of popular uprisings against them and other pressures to reform.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 470
Participants will study the range of governing institutions and traditions among modern
MENA regimes. Students will learn to analyze competing explanations for the
persistence of authoritarianism in the regionfor example: explanations derived from
culture; from abundant hydrocarbons resources; from colonialism; and from historical
institutionsas well as the prospects for the spread of more democratic government in
the region.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 261.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
264 Politics, Society & Culture in Israel
This course provides an overview of the major political, social, and cultural forces that
have shaped, and continue to shape, modern Israel. It covers the origins of the Zionist
movement, political leadership, foreign relations, parties, the electoral system and the
Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflict more broadly. In society, it focuses on the
major cleavages in Israeli society, civil society, consumerism, as well as the impact of
the Holocaust and the role of the Israel Defense Forces. The cultural component
centers largely on poetry, short stories and changes in popular music. The course is
intended to add nuance and depth to the often one-dimensional portrayal of Israel in
the media and provide students with the analytical tools to better understand events in
the Middle East.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 264 and JDST 264.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Comparative Poli Sci Course, Global Diversity,
Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective, Social Sciences
International Relations
170 International Relations
An introduction to global politics which examines the interaction of states,
international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in the
world arena. Topics covered include traditional concerns such as war, balance of
power, the UN and international law along with the more recent additions to
the agenda of world politics such as international terrorism, human rights, and
economic globalization.
This course is cross-listed as INST 170.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Security Studies Course, Social Sciences, Sustainability
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 471
Connections
270 European Union
The European Union (EU) remains a work-in-progress, and this course will help students
to contextualize the EU's development since the mid-1950s, understand the way that it
currently functions, and think about how it is likely to evolve in the future.
Substantively, the course covers the theory and history of European integration; the
EU's unusual (and evolving) institutional structure and political processes; the major
policy areas of the EU; and the power dynamics between the EU and it member states.
This course is cross-listed as INST 270.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, INST European Course, LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Social Sciences
271 Ethics and International Security
A course in applied ethics that examines the role ethical considerations both do and
should play in the pursuit of national and international security objectives. Among the
specific topics to be examined are the decision to go to war, rules governing how wars
are fought, the ethics of weapons of mass destruction, the ethics of terrorism, the
torture debate, economic sanctions, and humanitarian intervention.
Prerequisite: 170, or permission of the instructor. This course is cross-listed as INST 271.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP/PMGT Ethics
Elective, Security Studies Course
272 International Terrorism
This course provides a historic overview of international terrorism, its origins,
evolution, characteristics, and the strategies of the participants. Starting with a clear
definition of terrorism, the course will examine various historic case studies in an effort
to identify common characteristics of terrorist activity, terrorist motivations, the origins
of today's terrorist movements, and a general typology of terrorism. Studies will focus
on specific "types" of terrorist activity as those types manifest themselves in the world
today. The catastrophic events of September 11, 2001 and their impact on the national
security of the United States will be the subject of several lessons. Finally, this course
will examine the current strategies in the international struggle against terrorism, and
their implications and challenges.
This course is cross-listed as INST 272.
Attributes: Security Studies Course, Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 472
273 International Political Economy
This course examines the politics of global economic relations. Specific topics discussed
include: trade and protectionism, international monetary relations, foreign direct
investment, global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World
Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO), regional economic integration (e.g. the
European Union [EU] and North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA], economic
development, and the economic emergence of China and India. The larger issue serving
as the backdrop to all of this is economic globalization -- its significance, sources, and
consequences.
Prerequisite: 170, or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as INST 273.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy
275 Studies in Modern European Politics
To be offered only in Bologna.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, Social Sciences
276 Studies in Modern European Politics
To be offered only in Bologna.
Attributes: Comparative Poli Sci Course, Social Sciences
277 International Politics of the Middle East
This course examines key factors and events in the formation of the modern Middle
East state system and evolving patterns of conflict and cooperation in the region.
Students will apply a range of analytical approaches to issues such as the conflicts
between Arabs and Israelis, Iraq's wars since 1980, and the changing place of the region
in global politics and economics.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 266 and INST 277.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT
International Policy, Security Studies Course, Social Sciences
280 American Foreign Policy
A survey of U.S. foreign policy since World War II. American approaches to such issues
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 473
as containment, detente, arms control, deterrence, international law, and third world
economic development will be discussed. Students will also address issues of U.S.
foreign policy formulation, including the roles of the public, Congress, and the
president in the foreign policy process.
Prerequisite: 170 or INST 170 or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as INST 280.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LAWP Policy Elective,
PMGT International Policy, Security Studies Course
281 American National Security Policy
Analysis of formulation and implementation of American national security policy within
the context of American society and the international system. National security will not
be considered simply in a military/strategic sense but as connoting the preservation of
the core values of a society.
Prerequisite: POSC 170 or 120 or INST 170 or permission of the instructor.
This course is cross-listed as INST 281.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT International Policy,
Security Studies Course
283 Intelligence and National Security
This course provides a basic understanding of the history, organization, activities,
limitations, and capabilities of the U.S. national intelligence community, and the role of
intelligence in developing and executing U.S. national security policy. The course also
examines the significance of intelligence for policymakers and planners, the legal issues
surrounding intelligence practices; the relationship between Congress, the Judiciary,
and the intelligence community; and the future of U.S. intelligence.
Prerequisites: 120 & 170/INST 170.
This course is cross-listed as INST 283.
Attributes: Security Studies Course
284 European Security
What security issues do European countries face? How are European countries, the
European Union, and NATO responding to various threats? This course delves into the
structure of European security, examines the security challenges confronted by Europe,
and weighs the opportunities these challenges present for enhancing Europe's security
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 474
and global leadership. Students will learn how European governments define security,
formulate strategies, and implement policies to meet a host of traditional,
transnational, and human security concerns.
This course is cross-listed as INST 284.
Prerequisite: 170/INST 170.
Attributes: INST European Course, Security Studies Course
Special Topics Courses
190 Selected Topics in Political Science
Topics not normally studied in depth in the regular offerings are analyzed in these
special topics courses. Recent offerings have included: Contemporary Political
Ideologies, Mexican Politics, Political Thought of the Enlightenment, Politics in Fiction,
Separation of Powers, The Bill of Rights, and Italian Politics.
290 Selected Topics in Political Science
Topics not normally studied in depth in the regular offerings are analyzed in these
special topics courses. Recent offerings have included: Contemporary Political
Ideologies, Mexican Politics, Political Thought of the Enlightenment, Politics in Fiction,
Separation of Powers, The Bill of Rights, and Italian Politics.
Prerequisite for 290 is dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
390 Seminar
A seminar in selected topics in Political Science. Recent offerings have included:
Political Leadership, Crime and Punishment, Democratization, Presidential Elections,
Revolutions and Political Thought, Constitutional Politics, International Regimes,
Russian Leadership Politics, Central American Politics, and Comparative Political
Modernization. Not appropriate for first-year students.
490 Senior Thesis
Senior political science majors who are interested may apply to take this course during
the spring semester of their senior year. The course involves writing a senior thesis
based on a question of the student’s own choosing.
Permission of instructor is required.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 475
Portuguese
See Spanish and Portuguese.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 476
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies
MINOR
Five (5) courses:
PORT 202
A minimum of (4) four other courses, typically with significant Luso-Brazilian content
(a minimum of one course from the Humanities, and one from the Social
Sciences).
Courses must be decided in consultation with the minor coordinator.
NOTE: PORT 231 is strongly encouraged.
Exceptions can be made by permission of the coordinator.
Students must conduct the main research of the following classes on a Portuguese-
speaking area (for some of the classes FLIC option is available):
ANTH 222: Contemporary Peoples of Latin America
ARCH/ANTH/LALC 262: South American Archaeology
ECON 236: Latin American Economies
HIST 130: Early Latin American History to 1800
HIST 131: Modern Latin American History since 1800
HIST 215: Topics in Comparative History (When appropriate)
HIST 272/AFST 310: The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the
Atlantic World, 1450-1850
HIST 283/LALC 283: Latin American - U.S. Relations
HIST 315: Studies in Comparative History (When appropriate)
LALC 101: Introduction to Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies
LALC 200: Special Topics in Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies (When
appropriate)
LALC 300: Special Topics in Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies (When
appropriate)
PORT 231: Conversation and composition
PORT 242/LALC 242: Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 477
PORT 380: Topics in Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Studies
POSC 251: Latin American Politics
SPAN 380: Topics in Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Studies (When appropriate)
Courses in CIEE Liberal Arts Program and CIEE Culture Business Program, in São Paulo,
Brazil: Up to two classes related to a Portuguese-speaking area, taken at the CIEE
Council in São Paulo may count towards the minor. One additional course related to a
Portuguese-speaking area may count when taken at the Pontifícia Universidade
Católica or at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas. Course must be pre-approved by the minor
coordinator.
COURSES
101 Elementary Portuguese
An intensive study of the fundamentals of Portuguese grammar, with special attention
given to pronunciation and oral expression. Composition and literary and cultural
readings.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Portuguese
An intensive study of the fundamentals of Portuguese grammar, with special attention
given to pronunciation and oral expression. Composition and literary and cultural
readings.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent
200 Portuguese for Speakers of a Romance Language
This course is designed for students who have previously studied another Romance
language and would like develop speaking, reading, writing and listening skills in
Portuguese. The course assumes no previous knowledge of Portuguese, and will rely on
the comparative grammar and cognate vocabulary of Spanish and other Romance
languages to develop language skills over the course of the semester. In addition, the
class will explore aspects of Portuguese-speaking cultures in Europe, Latin America and
Africa.
Prerequisites: four semesters of a Romance language (or the equivalent), or permission
of instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 478
201 Intermediate Portuguese
Review of Portuguese syntax. Introduction to conversation and composition through
selected cultural and literary readings.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. This course fulfills the language graduation
requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
231 Portuguese Conversation and Composition
Advanced practice in oral and written Portuguese. In-class work focuses primarily on
oral practice through presentations and class-wide discussions of these presentations,
of current events, readings and films, as well as small group practice emphasizing
everyday situations. Out-of-class work focuses on writing and revision of compositions
with emphasis on both grammar and style.
Prerequisite: 201, 200 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
242 Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues
In this class students learn about a variety of aspects of Brazilian culture and social
issues. While highly discussed topics in Brazil and about Brazil, such as
carnival, malandragem, and jeitinho are examined, throughout the semester students
explore three different types of encounters: Native encounters, African and Afro-
Brazilian encounters, and gender encounters. Students analyze these ideas
concentrating on the nature of the encounters and the criticisms generated. Also, the
class examines issues of representation related to marginalization, violence and
banditry. In order to carry out the analysis of ideas and cultural representations and
their development, students work with a variety of texts from different disciplines -
literature, anthropology, sociology, history, and film - and follow an intersectional
methodology.
Offered every year.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 242.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect,
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Taught in English
290 Brazilian Cinema
This class focuses on important examples of Brazilian cinema, as well as on critical
episodes, manifestos, and challenges faced by Brazilian directors, screenwriters, and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 479
actors. The class will also analyze diverse periods and genres, such as chanchadas,
Cinema Novo, and retomada. Particular attention will be paid to the representation of
native Brazilians, Afro-Brazilians, women, and marginalized places (Backlands, favelas,
etc.), and how their representation has had social and economic repercussions in Brazil.
Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in Portuguese.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as FMST 290 and LALC 290.
Attributes: Humanities, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Taught in English
304 Afro-Brazilian Literature
This class analyzes the literary production of Afro-Brazilians writers, as well as the
representation of Afro-Brazilian characters in literary texts. It reviews different literary
periods and the images those periods created and/or challenged and how they have
affected and continue to affect the lives of Afro-Brazilians. Also, by paying particular
attention to gender and social issues in different regional contexts, the class considers
how Brazilian authors of African descent critically approach national discourses, such as
racial democracy and Brazilianness. Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in
Portuguese.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as AFST 304 and LALC 304.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, Humanities, Lat Am, Latino, Carib St Elect,
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Taught in English, Writing in the Discipline
380 Topics in Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Studies
Study of significant cultural, literary, and historical topics concerning the Portuguese
and, when appropriate, the Spanish speaking world. A sampling of topics includes the
Medieval Song, Gender Transgression in Brazilian literature, Malandragem and Bandits
in Brazil, Gender and Race in the literatures of the luso-phone world, Writing after the
1964 Brazilian Coup d'etat, Performing Gender in Latin America.
Prerequisite: 242 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 480
Pre-Business-Management
GENERAL INFORMATION
For students interested in graduate work in management and policy in both Private and
Public Sectors, many options in addition to an MBA exist. Students should speak with
their academic advisor and staff in the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong
Career Development to obtain the most complete information on options available.
For students interested in pursuing an MBA, the criteria for admission to programs are:
GMAT score, cumulative grade-point average, letters of recommendation,
extracurricular activities, and work experience. Students interested in an MBA can
select any major field of concentration at the college; however, it is helpful to take
certain courses that will orient the student more specifically in the business field.
Below is a list of recommended courses.
Economics: 111, Introduction to Microeconomics; 112, Introduction to
Macroeconomics
International Business and Management: 100, Fundamentals of Business; 110,
Fundamentals of Accounting; 220, Managerial Decision Making; 230, International
Organizational Behavior; 250, Finance
Mathematics: 121, Elementary Statistics; 151, Introduction to Calculus or 170, 171,
Single Variable Calculus and Multivariable Calculus, or INBM 220, Managerial
Economics
Internships and independent studies: Business-oriented internships and independent
studies
Additional courses in international business and management, economics, philosophy,
psychology, political science, and a foreign language are also suggested.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 481
GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSIONS TEST
(GMAT)
The GMAT should be taken by the fall semester of the senior year. The GMAT is offered
as a computer-based standardized test offered at Prometric Testing Centers.
Check www.gmac.com for registration information.
MBA DIRECT ADMISSIONS PROGRAM
Dickinson College has a direct admission agreement with the Simon Business School,
University of Rochester that allows eligible students special consideration in
admissions. Interested students should contact the Center for Advising, Internships &
Lifelong Career Development for more information.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Contact the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Development for more
information and assistance with admission to graduate programs. Details on
admissions criteria can be found on the Admissions Graduate & Partner Programs page.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 482
Pre-Engineering
GENERAL INFORMATION
An excellent preparation for a career in engineering combines a liberal arts background
with a traditional engineering program. Dickinson offers this opportunity through two
options: admission to a master's program in engineering after completion of a science
major or the 3+2 option with either Case Western Reserve University or Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Preparation for admission to M.S. programs in engineering: Students must
satisfactorily complete a science major, preferably in the area of the intended field of
engineering. Coursework should include PHYS 131, 132, 212, and 213, plus two years of
mathematics, and CHEM 141, 241. Students with 3.0 or higher cumulative averages are
generally admitted to quality engineering schools. Most students can complete the
requirements for an M.S. degree in two years after completing the Dickinson degree.
3+2 Option with Case Western Reserve University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Students who choose the 3+2 option students must plan their program carefully in
order to meet all the requirements.
The 3+2 option is a five-year program consisting of three years at Dickinson and two
years at either Case Western Reserve University or RPI. Upon successful completion of
both portions of the program, students receive the B.S. degree from Dickinson and the
B.S. in engineering from the engineering school.
Requirements for the Dickinson degree: a student must complete the Dickinson
distribution requirements and requirements for a major field of concentration during
the three years at Dickinson. Students must begin the major field of concentration in
the first year. Courses taken at the engineering school to complete Dickinson
requirements must be approved before leaving Dickinson.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 483
Requirements for admission to the engineering schools, engineering majors available
and the prerequisite courses necessary to qualify for admission vary for each school.
Detailed information regarding the admissions criteria, including pre-requisite
coursework that must be completed, application deadlines and the majors available at
each engineering school can be found on the Engineering Program Linkage Agreements
website.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 484
Pre-Health program
GENERAL INFORMATION
The pre-health program is administered jointly by the Committee for the Health
Professions and by the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Development.
Any student interested in a career in the health professions (medicine, dentistry,
optometry, veterinary medicine, nursing, etc.) should contact the center as soon as
possible.
At the beginning of the academic year, first-year students who have expressed an
interest in a health-related career receive a notice to attend an informational meeting.
At this meeting, we will cover information regarding required coursework and the pre-
health advising program. Following group advising, we will add interested individuals to
the pre-health student list after receiving completed entry materials.
We will assign each student to one of the committee members as their pre-health
advisor. The advisor will work with the student each semester on course selection and
will draft the committee letter of recommendation when the student/alum applies to
professional school. The committee also provides advice and prepares evaluations for
students interested in any of the health professions. The pre-health professions advisor
in the center supports all pre-health students with health career information and
assistance as requested by students during the professional school application and
interview process.
Most students accepted into medical or other professional schools in the healthcare
industry major in one of the sciences. Pursuing other majors is possible, but students
must show their ability to do superior work in biology, chemistry and physics.
If planning to attend professional school immediately following graduation, students in
all majors should finish their science courses by the end of junior year to prepare for
the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or other professional exams. At the
earliest, candidates should take these tests in the spring of the junior year. Many
professional school applicants choose to wait until after graduation to take their tests
and apply for professional school programs.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 485
Common Courses to complete before professional school application:
Chemistry: 5 semesters (inorganic- 131, 132 or 141 plus 243; organic- 241, 242 and
Biochemistry 331, no lab, or 342, with lab) *See notes below
Biology: 2 semesters (131, 132 these courses are not sequential)
Physics: 2 semesters (Sequence 141, 142 preferred; however, 131, 132 will suffice)
Mathematics: 2 semesters (Choose a sequence: 170, 171 0r 170, 121)
English/Writing: 2 semesters
Psychology/Sociology: Discuss options for specific courses with your pre-health
advisor
Explore prerequisite courses for potential schools in the first year. Some additional
prerequisite courses suggested by individual professional schools might include those in
statistics, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, histology, vertebrate anatomy,
metabolism, physiology and humanities courses.
* Chemistry notes: Students with appropriate placement scores may substitute CHEM
141 Accelerated General Chemistry for the CHEM 131/132 sequence resulting in three
of the four required courses for medical schools and other health professions
programs. Whenever scheduling the advanced course, students should explore
whether schools to which they plan to apply to will still require four undergraduate
chemistry courses. If so, the Committee recommends CHEM 244, Thermodynamics and
Kinetics, or CHEM 243, Modern Chemical Analysis as the “additional course.”
Chemistry 111 will not satisfy this requirement.
Professional schools and the committee will also accept CHEM 343, Metabolism, to
meet the biochemistry requirement; however, CHEM 342, or a combination of both
courses would be preferred by the professional and medical schools in preparation for
entry into their programs.
Learning opportunities outside of coursework
Both the pre-health program and Pre-Health Society, the student club for those with an
interest in pursuing health professions, provide workshops with alumni and guest
speakers discussing treatments, techniques and educational opportunities. Many of
these programs are interactive and offer students opportunities to connect directly
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 486
with professionals in various medical and healthcare fields. Career interest groups are
available for students exploring dentistry (the DDS Group), veterinary medicine (VET)
and those exploring professions such as physical and occupational therapy, among
others (Allied Health).
The Dickinson MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students) chapter, formed in
2018 by a small group of student leaders, focuses on creating a space where
underrepresented individuals can receive advice, resources, and mentors on their path
to their respective health careers. The chapter hosts events on internships, service in
the community, finding mentors, and other beneficial opportunities to better prepare
underrepresented students for their health careers. Dickinson’s MAPS chapter is part of
a larger organization called the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) that hosts
multiple conferences for their MAPS chapters in efforts to provide a network and even
more resources to our members.
Experiential opportunities exist locally with three hospitals as well as non-profit
healthcare-related organizations. Our students also begin exploring internships,
clinical-related opportunities, and research work following their first year on campus.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 487
Pre-Law
GENERAL INFORMATION
Law school admissions committees agree that the most appropriate and beneficial
preparation for law school is a traditional liberal-arts education combined with relevant
co-curricular experiences. The pre-law advising and preparation at Dickinson
incorporates these elements in a comprehensive approach to pre-legal studies.
Coordinated by the pre-law advisor at the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong
Career Development, the program is inherently flexible and allows students to explore
the breadth of their intellectual interests.
Since law schools do not have a preferred undergraduate major, students are free to
choose nearly any academic path that emphasizes writing, research and analytical
thinking.
Recommended Courses:
The courses listed below are a compilation of classes designed to introduce students to
the skills and issues related to the study of law.
Economics: Contemporary Economics or Introduction to Microeconomics (ECON 100
or 111)
History: American History (HIST 117, 118)
Philosophy: Moral Problems (PHIL 102) Logic (PHIL 103)
Political Science/Policy Studies: American Government (POSC 120) Constitutional Law
I, II (POSC 220, 221) Philosophy of Law (LAWP 255), The Judiciary (LAWP 248), The
Legislative Process (POSC 246)
English: Students should take several writing intensive courses to refine their writing,
research, and argument-formation skills.
Possibilities include: 220: Introduction to Literary Studies,
Any of the literature courses offered by the department.
The Joint Baccalaureate and Law Degree Program is a six-year program consisting of
three years at Dickinson College followed by three years at the Penn State University
Dickinson School of Law program. To qualify, Dickinson students need to complete all
requirements for the bachelor's degree (except one year of elective courses) within
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 488
three years, attain a cumulative grade average that is greater than or equal to
Dickinson Law’s most recently reported median (currently a 3.34), and achieve a score
on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) that is greater than or equal to Dickinson
Law’s most recently reported median (currently a 159).
Students accepted into the program enroll in the Penn State Dickinson School of Law in
lieu of their final year at Dickinson College. After one year of successful study at the law
school, students will earn the baccalaureate degree from Dickinson College. After two
additional years of study at the law school, the students will complete the law program
and earn their JD degree.
Students interested in the 3-3 program should contact the Center for Advising,
Internships & Lifelong Career Development.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 489
Psychology
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses:
1. Four 100-level courses
One course from each group and one elective from any group or PSYC 185.
Group 1: 110, 120, 125, 130.
Group 2: 155, 160, 165, 175.
Group 3: 135, 140, 145, 150. Psychology 180 courses are designated by the
chair as an elective or as belonging in Group 1, 2 or 3. 2.
2. 210 and 211
3. Two 300-level courses
4. Two 400-level courses
5. An additional 300-level course, OR An additional 400-level course, OR 500
independent study in psychology, OR550 independent research in
psychology, OR560 student/faculty collaboration research
Students are eligible to declare the psychology major after successful completion of
210.
All courses above the 100-level must be taken in the department. Exceptions to this
rule may be granted to students who study at approved overseas programs and/or who
petition the department chair.
MINOR
Six (6) courses, including
210 and 211 and
a course from the 300-level group of research methods classes.
Normally, four of the six courses (including 210, 211 sequence and the 300-level
course) must be completed in the department.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 490
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
First-Year students are encouraged to take at least one 100-level Psychology course
during their first year. Once a student completes at least one 100-level Psychology
course, then the student is eligible for entrance into Psychology 210 (Analysis of
Psychological Data), a “gateway” course for the major. Generally speaking, Psychology
210 is taken during a student’s second year and the student can declare the major after
the successful completion of Psychology 210. Next, the student should complete
Psychology 211 (Design of Psychological Research). Thus, students interested in
majoring in Psychology should focus on taking 100- and 200-level Psychology courses
during their first and second years.
Students must complete PSYC 210 and PSYC 211 before they will be eligible to take any
upper-level courses in psychology.
Generally speaking, students complete 300- and 400-level Psychology courses during
their third and fourth years. Below is an example of Psychology courses taken during a
student’s four years at Dickinson College:
First Year
At least one 100-level course; PSYC 210 (if possible)
Sophomore Year
At least two 100-level courses; PSYC 210 and PSYC 211
Junior Year
At least one 100-level and one 300-level course; 400-level seminar (if appropriate);
Semester abroad
Senior Year
Complete all remaining requirements
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 491
For specific information regarding requirements for majoring in Psychology, please
consult the Psychology Department’s website. Students also are encouraged to speak
with the Department Chair or any faculty member within the department to discuss
navigating the major.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Exceptional students may participate in traditional internships, independent study, and
independent research projects (see Bulletin section entitled Special Approaches to
Study).
HONORS
Honors are granted to graduating seniors who write a paper which psychology faculty
believe fit the criteria for excellence. The paper is based on a long-term empirical
research project in psychology. To be awarded honors, the student must have, at
graduation, a GPA of at least 3.7 in all of the Psychology courses taken (including
courses taken abroad), an overall GPA of 3.5, and a majority faculty vote. Students
interested in honors should consult the document "Advanced Psychological Research
Projects," which is available from the department and at the department's web site.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students who are interested in study abroad are urged to plan their programs carefully
and begin the major early. An advising session is offered each semester that addresses
this topic.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The Psychology Club and Psi Chi (the national honor society for psychology
undergraduates) collaborate to sponsor events throughout the academic session. We
host guest speakers, regular meetings, social events, and advising panels on careers,
internships, and graduate school opportunities. Any student is eligible to join the
Psychology Club.
Check out the Psychology Club Facebook page for additional details:
https://www.facebook.com/DsonPsychClub
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 492
The Psychology Department also regularly posts updates about events and
opportunities on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonPsychology.
COURSES
110 Animal Learning and Cognition
In this introductory course, we examine how fundamental principles, derived from the
field of animal learning, govern simple and complex human behavior. Topics such as
classical and operant conditioning, stimulus control, extinction and avoidance are
discussed.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, PSYC 100-level Group 1, Social Sciences
120 Introduction to Health Psychology
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of
health psychology, which uses scientific research methods to study the bi-directional
relationship between psychology and health. We will discuss psychological states such
as stress and how they affect the body, and mental processes such as finding meaning
that are associated with effective coping and positive health outcomes. We will also
study health behaviors such as exercise, sleep, eating, and substance use. Finally, we
will explore how psychological concepts and research can be applied to health
promotion and illness prevention. Course content will be especially relevant to students
considering careers in health care or public health.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, PSYC 100-level Group 1, Social Sciences
125 Brain and Behavior w/Lab
This course will introduce the structure and function of the brain as it influences human
behavior. The level of study will be from a molar viewpoint, and findings from such
fields as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and endocrinology will be considered in their
relation to a number of behavioral processes. In the laboratory, students will engage in
hand-on activities to explore brain anatomy, behavioral analysis and brain- behavior
relationships. This course is a Health Studies elective.
Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Health Studies Elective, Lab Sciences, PSYC 100-
level Group 1
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 493
130 Perception, Memory & Thought
This introduction to cognitive psychology will cover such topics as: How do you
recognize your grandmother? Can you do more than one thing at a time? Why can't
you remember the names of people you just met? More formally, we will examine
the processes of perception, attention, representation, and retrieval in children,
adults, and machines.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), PSYC 100-level Group 1,
Social Sciences
135 Psychology of Women and Gender
Using a feminist social psychological framework, we will examine theory and research
related to the psychology of women and the psychology of gender. We will analyze
gender as a system that influences men's and women's lives, and consider the ongoing
significance of gender role socialization across the lifespan. Throughout the semester,
we will consider the social and political implications of putting women at the center of
psychological analysis. In addition, we will develop tools to critically analyze traditional
psychological theory and research to expose sexist bias, and we will examine
alternative research methodologies that provide ways to study the richness of women's
lives in context.
This course is cross-listed as WGSS 135.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, PSYC 100- level
Group 3, Social Sciences, US Diversity, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
140 Social Psychology
In this introduction to psychological aspects of human social behavior, we discuss such
topics as the relationship between attitudes and behavior, how people judge one
another, interpersonal and group influence processes, and relations between
individuals and groups, with strong emphasis on real-world applications. We also
introduce scientific methods and formal theories for studying social behavior.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), PSYC 100-level Group 3, Social Sciences
145 Psychology of Human Sexuality
This course is a study of human sexuality emphasizing psychological aspects. We will
cover sexual development from childhood to adulthood, sexual orientations, biological
influences, sexual attitudes and behavior, gender, sex therapy, sexual coercion and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 494
abuse, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual health, and the development of sexual
relationships. The study of human sexuality is inherently interdisciplinary in nature
(drawing from such varied disciplines as sociology, women's studies, biology,
anthropology, history, and others). Although we will cover some material from these
disciplines, we will take an explicitly social psychological perspective, focusing on
individual, personal, and social aspects of sexual behaviors, attitudes and beliefs.
Attributes: PSYC 100-level Group 3, Social Sciences, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural,
Women & Gender Studies Elect
150 Cultural and Psychology
The vast amount of what we know in psychology is based on observations from a thin
sliver of the humanity pie, an unreliable foundation for generalizing knowledge across
time and place. This course starts with the position that a psychological science of
Homo sapiens requires examining the various cultural and historical contexts that
shape human behavior. Throughout this survey course, we will consider human
universals and cultural diversity across a wide array of content areas including self,
cognition, motivation, emotion, interpersonal and social behaviors, and health, with
emphasis on the implications of such a cultural perspective for understanding what
unites and divides us in the contemporary world.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), PSYC 100-level Group 3,
Social Sciences
155 Human Development: Conception through Adolescence
This course will provide an introduction to the principles, theories, and research
methods of lifespan developmental psychology from prenatal development and birth
through adolescence (0 - 18 years old). It will focus on how individuals develop
physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally at each stage of the early part of the
lifespan infancy, childhood, adolescence and the role of context (e.g., gender,
race/ethnicity, culture, family, peers, schools, neighborhoods) in shaping development.
Finally, we will explore how developmental psychology can contribute toward
improving lives and inform solutions to social problems.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, PSYC 100-level Group 2, Social Sciences
160 Human Development: Emerging Adulthood through Death
This course provides an introduction to the principles, theories, and research methods
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 495
of lifespan developmental psychology from emerging adulthood (ages 18 25) through
the end of life. The course focuses on how individuals develop physically, cognitively,
socially, and emotionally at each stage of adult life emerging, early, middle, and late
adulthood. While we will take a chronological approach to studying human
development, we will also focus on integrating and reinforcing connections within and
across ages and areas of development. By the end of the course, you will have gained
exposure to the psychological study of human development and the ways in which
gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic factors influence development. The
course will also expose you to the role of context (e.g., marriage, work, leisure,
neighborhoods) in supporting or undermining adult development and aging. Finally, we
will explore the various ways knowledge gained from studying developmental
processes in adulthood have been used to improve lives and inform solutions to social
problems facing adults.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, PSYC 100-level Group 2, Social Sciences
165 Psychopathology
An introduction to various psychological disorders and techniques of diagnosis and
treatment. Relevant for students who anticipate careers in medicine, law, and the
social or psychological services. This course is a Health Studies elective.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Health Studies Elective, PSYC 100-level Group
2,Social Sciences
175 Introduction to Community Psychology
This course will provide an introduction to the field of community psychology--a field
that focuses on persons-in-context and the ways that social issues, institutions, and
settings impact individuals' mental health and wellbeing. In the course, we will: (a)
review the historical underpinnings of community psychology; (b) examine the field's
major tenets and theories, including its emphasis on understanding the role of the
environment in human behavior; (c) explore the field's application to a range of clinical
and social issues; and (d) emulate the field's commitment to the promotion of social
change through research and action. This course is a Health Studies elective.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Health Studies Elective,
PSYC 100-level Group 2, Social Sciences
180 Topics in Psychology
Students gain an appreciation of psychological principles by reading about and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 496
discussing a topic of interest. Course topics range from contemporary issues and
historic controversies to broad themes. Recent topics courses have included Health
Psychology, Unconscious Processes, and Molecules and Mental Illness.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
185 Survey of Psychology
A survey of areas of contemporary psychological study to acquaint students with
viewpoints, findings, and techniques of investigation of the discipline.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
210 Analysis of Psychological Data
In this course, one of the core requirements for the major, our focus is how to make
sense of numerical information. Students learn to describe and analyze data. Three
hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: any 100-level course.
NOTE: Completion of both 210 and 211 fulfills the WID requirement.
Attributes: LPPM Empirical Social Analysis, Quantitative Reasoning
211 Design of Psychological Research
Readings and laboratory exercises introduce students to bibliographic resources in
psychology, rules of valid scientific inference, and techniques for conducting psychology
experiments.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 210.
NOTE: Completion of both 210 and 211 fulfills the WID graduation requirement.
310 Research Methods in Animal Learning
Researchers in the field of animal learning have uncovered fundamental principles that
govern the behavior of all organisms, including humans. This course examines the
research methods that have assisted researchers in discovering such principles.
Students conduct original experiments with animals and prepare written reports of
their findings.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 110, 210 & 211; OR 125, BIOL 124 and NRSC 200.
Attributes: Division III non-Lab, NRSC Science Elective
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 497
315 Research Methods in Drugs and Behavior
This integrated lecture-laboratory course will review the mechanisms by which various
classes of drugs (e.g., antidepressants) interact with the central nervous system to alter
behavior. In the laboratory component, methodologies employed by behavioral
pharmacologists to study the effects of drugs on behavior will be reviewed. Several
hands-on projects will be conducted throughout the semester.
Three hours of lecture will be complemented by three hours of laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: PSYC 110, 125, 130 or 165, 210 & 211; OR BIOL 124, PSYC 125 and NRSC
200.
Attributes: Division III non-Lab, NRSC Science Elective
320 Research Methods in Health Psychology
Health psychology is the study of psychological issues in health, illness and health care.
In this course, students will learn about research methods used in health psychology
and, more broadly, the scientific method. Health psychologists use many different
methodologies including experimental methods in lab and field, quasi-experimental
methods, and observational methods. We will discuss the application of these methods
to health psychology research, as well as related topics of validity, measurement, and
research ethics. This course will culminate in the design and implementation of an
original research project in the area of health psychology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 120; PSYC 211.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
325 Research Methods in Biological Psychology
A comprehensive coverage of the research methods employed in the field of
biopsychology. Students conduct research on the relationship between the nervous
system and/or the endocrine system and human behavior.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 110, 125, or 130, 210 & 211; OR BIOL 124, PSYC 125 and NRSC 200.
Attributes: Division III non-Lab, NRSC Science Elective, Writing in the Discipline
330 Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology
Students devise, conduct, analyze and prepare written reports of experiments on topics
such as autobiographical memory, time management, techniques for improving
learning, and decision-making.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 498
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 130, 210 & 211; OR 125, BIOL 124 and NRSC 200.
Attributes: Division III non-Lab, NRSC Science Elective
335 Research Methods in Gender and Sexuality
This course addresses the methodological principles underlying empirical psychological
research on gender and sexuality. We will specifically consider qualitative methods as
they are used within psychology. Because the study of gender in particular has been
strongly guided by feminist theory, this course will focus on feminist epistemologies as
related to social psychological research. Class and lab time will be spent developing the
following skills: critical reading and analysis of published research, design of empirical
research, data collection, and qualitative data analysis. This course will culminate in the
design and implementation of an original research project in the area of psychology of
gender or human sexuality.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: PSYC 210 & 211, and either PSYC 135, 140, 145, 150, 155 or 175; OR,
WGSS 200 and one additional WGSS course.
340 Research Methods in Social Psychology
We conduct empirical studies in order to become familiar with techniques for
measuring attitudes and social behavior in the field and the lab, for analyzing and
evaluating data, and for reporting findings and conclusions. Students gain direct
experience in the process of conducting research studies by working as experimenters
and data analysts.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 140, 210 & 211.
350 Research Methods in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Each culture is unique in its understanding and beliefs regarding human nature. These
differences can lead to varied perceptions of self, in-group and out-group members,
time, politics, social distance and social expectations. This course is designed to support
student investigation into these cultural and subcultural differences as students
generate, conduct, analyze and prepare written reports of observational, survey,
correlational or experimental study designs on various topics in cross-cultural
psychology, stereotypes and intercultural conflict.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 499
Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.
Prerequisite: 135, 140, 145 or 150; 210 & 211.
355 Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
An advanced presentation of the research methods and statistical techniques used by
developmental psychologists including cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sequential
designs. Students conduct laboratory and field-based research and develop original
research proposals in the area of human development.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 155 or 160, 210 & 211.
Attributes: NRSC Science Elective
365 Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
This course will introduce various strategies used in empirical research of clinical
phenomena. Practice in behavioral observation systems, structured clinical interviews,
and assessment techniques will be gained as students conduct research and write
research reports in the area of clinical psychology.
Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisites: 165, 210 & 211.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
370 Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
Many people complete brief magazine or online surveys about their personality,
relationships, or psychological symptoms in order to better understand themselves or
others. Comprehensive psychological testing, however, is much more in-depth and
occurs only after significant research and development have taken place. The course
will address how psychological assessment tools, including structured and unstructured
clinical interviews, objective and projective personality tests, measures of intellectual
functioning and learning aptitudes, and vocational instruments, are developed and
tested. This is an intensive course in which you will receive advanced training in the
research methods and principles underlying psychological assessment. Students will
critically evaluate issues such as test validation, norming and standardization, reliability
and validity, and test bias. Students will also gain practical experience in the
administration of assessment tools commonly employed in counseling psychology.
Finally, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 500
on psychological assessment via a group research project involving the development,
administration, and analysis of a novel psychological test.
Prerequisite: 211 and 165.
375 Research Methods in Community Psychology
This course will emphasize gaining advanced knowledge and skills in the research
methodologies of community psychology, answering the question: How does
community psychology seek to scientifically understand relationships between
environmental conditions and the development of health and well-being of all
members of a community? Students will gain and practice skills in consultation and
evaluation of programs to facilitate psychological competence and empowerment, and
prevent disorder. Specifically, students will: (a) consider ways to assess and be
responsive to the needs of people from marginalized populations with diverse socio-
cultural, educational, and ethnic backgrounds; (b) become familiar with innovative
programs and practices geared towards prevention and empowerment of
disenfranchised groups; (c) apply learning (of theory and research strategies) to a
problem in the community; and (d) develop skills in collaborating with Carlisle-area
community members in identifying, designing, implementing, and interpreting
community-based research.
Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, Service Learning
380 Research Methods in Psychology: Special Topics
Students conduct empirical research in an area of psychological science, analyze data,
and report findings and conclusions.
Three hours classroom plus three hours lab per week.
Prerequisite: 211. NOTE: The prerequisites for Neuroscience majors for PSYC 380
(Research Methods in Drugs & Behavior) are 125 and BIOL 124.
410 Seminar in Learning
Elementary principles govern simple and complex human behavior. This seminar
examines how such principles help us understand both typical, everyday behaviors
(e.g., eating) and atypical or maladaptive behaviors (e.g., drug abuse). Formal theories
of learning also are discussed.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 501
Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
Attributes: Social Sciences
420 Seminar in Health Psychology
This advanced seminar will focus on psychological and behavioral processes in health
and illness. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of a current
topic in health psychology, such as the psychology of women’s health, stress and
health, or health behaviors. Through readings and class discussions, students will be
exposed to psychological theories and research methodologies used in health
psychology, and to current literature in the field. We will also explore the application of
psychological science in improving health.
Prerequisite: 211.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
425 Seminar in Biological Psychology
An advanced seminar into the relationship between physiological systems and
behavior. This course will include coverage of mammalian brain organization and
function in terms of transmitter systems which are correlated with the interactions
between anatomy, physiology, and behavior.
Prerequisites: 210 & 211; OR 125 and BIOL 124.
Attributes: Division III non-Lab, NRSC Science Elective
430 Seminar in Cognitive Psychology
This advanced seminar will focus on human cognition. Possible topics include, but are
not limited to, intelligence and creativity, the development of physical and mental
skills, learning and memory across the lifespan, and thought in humans and machines.
Students will be exposed to psychological theories and research methodologies used in
cognitive psychology and to current literature in the field.
Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
Attributes: NRSC Science Elective
435 Seminar in Gender and Sexuality
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of gender and sexuality,
focusing largely on social psychological and feminist research and theory. This is an
advanced seminar that focuses in depth on special topics within these fields. Topics
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 502
may include sexual identities, gender identities, romantic and sexual relationships,
gender and violence, among others. Students will develop their understanding of these
topical issues by reading and writing about primary sources and by participating in and
leading class discussions.
Cross-listed with WGSS 305.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: 211 or WGSS 200.
Attributes: SXST QLGBT Perspectives, US Diversity, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
440 Seminar in Social Psychology
In this seminar, we read and discuss primary sources in theoretical or applied social
psychology. Previous seminars have looked at applications of social psychology
principles in law, medicine, mental health, consumer behavior, conservation, and
education, and theories of social construal, social influence, and social systems.
Students are responsible for leading class sessions and contributing to a group
document, such as an annotated bibliography or literature review.
Prerequisites: PSYC 210 & 211.
450 Cultural Processes and Human Behavior
This seminar covers advanced research as it pertains to culture and psychology. To fully
appreciate how culture is intertwined with human behavior, it is necessary to go
beyond a survey of research that merely describes cultural variation. By cultural
processes, we mean why, how, and when culture comes to shape psychological
functioning for group differences to arise. As a result, we will pay close attention to
different ways of accounting for cultural influence as well as the specific ways in which
cultures vary. We will conclude this course by discussing some recent applications of
this emerging science of cultural processes.
Prerequisite: 210 & 211.
460 Seminar in Developmental Psychology
This advanced seminar will develop students’ understanding of how social and
contextual forces can shape human development. It will focus on how physical,
cognitive, social, and emotional development might be similar or dissimilar based on
different life experiences. This course will consider development at all stages of life -
childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood and adulthood. When appropriate, this
course will draw on perspectives from related disciplines (e.g., history, sociology, public
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 503
health). Additionally, this course will consider how social categories (e.g., gender,
race/ethnicity) influence development. Finally, we will explore how knowledge gained
from studying developmental processes in adulthood have been used to improve lives
and inform solutions to social problems.
Prerequisite: 211
465 Seminar in Clinical Psychology
An advanced seminar in which students read and discuss primary sources in theoretical
and applied clinical psychology. The purpose of this course is to help students gain a
deeper understanding of the processes of clinical assessment, treatment, and
prevention of psychopathology.
Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
470 Seminar in Counseling Psychology
The major goal of this advanced seminar course is to develop students’ understanding
of the major counseling theories. Students will be introduced to various counseling
techniques and the underlying scientific research, including the conditions that
facilitate an effective counseling relationship. We will also review and critically evaluate
professional ethics and standards for care in counseling psychology. This is largely a
theoretical course; while some skills may be introduced and practiced in class, skills-
building is not a main goal of the course. Students will engage in presentation of
differing research topics within the field, while also applying relevant course
information to case studies. Course requirements include, but are not limited to, class
participation, reflection papers, research papers and oral presentations.
Prerequisite: 211.
475 Seminar in Community Psychology
The practice of community psychology is typically directed toward the design and
evaluation of strategies aimed at facilitating empowerment, preventing psychological
disorders, and promoting social justice and change. The goal is to optimize the well-
being of individuals and communities with innovative and alternative interventions
designed in collaboration with affected community members and with other related
disciplines inside and outside of psychology. This course is an advanced seminar that
focuses in depth on special topics in the field of community psychology. Topics may
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 504
include substance abuse and addiction, delinquency, stress and coping, prevention vs.
intervention, social support, and program consultation and evaluation. Students will
develop their understanding of topical issues by reading primary and secondary sources
and participating in class discussions and applied exercises.
Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, Service Learning
480 Seminar in Advanced Topics
Advanced seminar in which students become actively engaged in reading about,
reviewing, and discussing selected topics of importance in the discipline. Recent
advanced topics courses have included The Psychology of Law and Medicine,
Psychopharmacology, The Psychology of Groups, and Psychology of Identification.
Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 505
Public Speaking
COURSES
101 Introduction to Public Speaking
An introduction to public speaking addressing the construction and delivery of both
informative and persuasive speeches. Students will receive training in (and will
practice) overcoming anxiety, gathering and presenting information, determining and
responding to audience preferences, and incorporating rhetorical tools to enhance
persuasion.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 506
Quantitative Economics
See Economics.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 507
Religion
MAJOR
The religion major provides students with a foundation in the study of religious
traditions and in the analysis of the complex roles religion has played and continues to
play in world cultures.
Ten (10) courses are required:
Three methodological courses: any 100-level RELG course, RELG 410 (Interpreting
Religion), and RELG 490 (The Senior seminar)
Two courses in Western traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)
Two courses in other religious traditions (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American
religions)
Three courses focusing on a particular religious tradition, related religious texts, or
the cultural dynamics shaped by religion
MINOR
Six (6) courses including
any 100-level RELG course and
RELG 390 (Interpreting Religion)
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Religion major may be completed in a variety of ways. While there are several core
courses that develop foundational knowledge in key areas, the flexible curriculum gives
you the freedom to focus on the area of study you find most compelling. We ask that
you take at least one course at the 100 level, that you take at least two courses
involving Western religious traditions (Christianity, Judaism, or Islam) and two in other
traditions, that you take three courses on a particular tradition or on a particular
theme, and finish with the two senior seminars (410 and 490). Some courses may count
for more than one of these requirements, and there is no prescribed order. You will
work closely with your departmental faculty advisor to design your major.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 508
The following suggested program is just one example of how a student with a special
interest in Asian religion might fulfill the major requirements over four years.
First Year
RELG 101; RELG 222
Sophomore Year
RELG 117; RELG 221; RELG 207; RELG 301
Junior Year
RELG 303; RELG 311; RELG 326; RELG 329
Senior Year
RELG 309; RELG 330; RELG 410; RELG 490
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact a
Religion faculty member.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
According to their special interests, students often develop and pursue Independent
Study projects with members of the faculty. Among the projects recently undertaken
have been Liberation Theology in Latin America, Abraham and Monotheism, The Hindu
Temple, Martin Luther King, Jr., C. S. Lewis, Hopi Kachinas, Tibetan Views on Death,
Spirituality and Activism, Women and Religion, and Philosophical Theology.
HONORS
Students are eligible for Honors in Religion if they (1) complete the courses in the
Religion major with at least a 3.25 GPA and (2) complete a thesis in the Senior Seminar
(RELG 490) that in the opinion of the Department is an exemplary piece of academic
writing.
Students who wish to complete a more in-depth project may register for RELG 550
(independent research) in the fall of their senior year and continue the work on this
project during the Senior Seminar in the spring.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 509
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students have regularly taken Junior Year Abroad programs in Scotland, England,
Germany, France and Israel. The college also participates in the CIEE Program in
Hyderabad, India.
COURSES
All 100-level courses, regardless of their specific content, provide students with a basic
introduction to the academic study of religion. Sophomores and juniors may take a 200-
level course as their first course in religion, and seniors are encouraged to begin at this
level. 200-level courses are more specific than 100-level courses but are not necessarily
more difficult. 300-level courses are discussion-oriented seminars open to students
who either have at least one previous course in religion, have junior or senior status, or
have the permission of the instructor.
101 Religion: What it is, How it Works, Why it Matters
The course introduces students to methods in the study of religion and to major world
religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The approach
in the course is comparative and interdisciplinary.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Humanities
108 God in America
The course chronicles the relationship between religious ideas and cultural context
from the founding of the first colonies through the rise of the Religious Right and New
Age movements. Our journey will be guided by several key metaphors that have
characterized the religious ethos of America: America as "The Promised Land"; America
as the "land of opportunity", as the "melting pot." We will use primary sources,
including fiction, poetry, and film.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, Religion -
Western Traditions, US Diversity
109 Topics in Comparative Religion
Topics that compare religions geographically (e.g., Religions of the Middle East;
Religions of Asia; Religions of Africa), in terms of elements of religion (e.g., Myth and
Ritual; Religious Experiences; Religion and Society), or in the ways that religions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 510
respond to contemporary issues (e.g., Religion and Capitalism; Religion and Race;
Religion and Gender).
Attributes: Humanities
111 From Abraham to Al-Qaeda: Jews, Christians, and Muslims from their Origins to
the Present
This course will survey relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims, from their
origins up to the present day, with heavy attention to the premodern period, and to
those areas under the political control of Muslims. We will, however, also consider the
relations between these three in the modern period, and how the beliefs of these three
groups have coincided and collided to generate specific tensions between them.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, MEMS Elective,
Middle East Humanities, Social Sciences, Sustainability Connections
112 Religion & the Internet
Religion is everywhere on the web. How do online religious communities and social
media reshape traditional religious identities and practices such as prayer, meditation,
evangelism and pilgrimage? How are traditional religious institutions responding to the
challenges and possibilities presented by technology? How are traditional systems of
authority being challenged in an age when access to information is more democratic
than ever? In this course, we will explore these questions, and engage with the many
theoretical parallels between religious systems and life in the digital age.
Attributes: Humanities
116 Religion, Nature, and the Environment
This course explores how various religious and spiritual traditions have understood,
conceptualized, and interacted with the natural world. Incorporating from both
conventional religions (such as Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism) as well as newer
spiritual forms (like Contemporary Paganism), the course provides a comparative
survey of the relationships between religiosity and nature. Themes under examination
include notions of human dominion, stewardship, panentheism, and naturalism.
Students will consider how religious ideologies have shaped conceptions of nature, and
how changing understandings of the natural world have challenged religious ideas.
Attributes: Humanities, Religion - Other Traditions, Sustainability Connections
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 511
117 Religion and Contemporary Issues
Religion remains a very strong force in the contemporary world and most people are
guided in their moral decision-making by the principles of their faiths. In this course,
students will learn about the nuances of several issues of great current importance and
will explore the ways in which the important values of the world’s major religious
traditions have been brought to bear on them. Topics may vary from one iteration to
the next, but will include issues such as globalization, war, terrorism, ecology, animal
rights, abortion, euthanasia, suicide, capital punishment, incarceration, sexual
orientation, or the good society.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities, Religion - Other Traditions
127 Spiritual Dimensions of Healing
The effect of the mind on the body, long a principle of systems of healing around the
globe, is again being recognized in modern medicine. This course will be concerned
with "integrative medicine" and related topics, such as ancient systems of healing,
shamanism in contemporary cultures, the relationship between religious faith and
recovery from illness, the appropriation of traditional healing methods by medical
professionals and New Age alternative healing practitioners, yoga, meditation and
health, the Holistic Medicine movement in the West, and the Positive Psychology
movement in the West.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Religion - Other
Traditions
203 Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament in Context
A critical examination and attempt to understand the literature and the antecedent
traditions remembered and formulated by the ancient Israelites in terms of their own
views of God. This literature is interpreted in the context of events and cultures of the
ancient Near East.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 203.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective, Religion -
Western Traditions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 512
204 Judaism
A basic course in the history, basic beliefs and practices, and modern manifestations of
Judaism as a religion. The course concerns itself with the interactions of Judaism and
other world religions, notably Christianity.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 204.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
Judaic Studies Elective, Religion - Western Traditions
205 Judaism in the Time of Jesus
This course is an introduction to the Hellenistic period of Jewish history, also known as
the period of the "second temple". The course will analyze the cultural interaction
between Jews and Greeks at this pivotal moment in Jewish history. The course will
examine the impact of classical Greek thought and culture on the development of
Judaism at its formative stage. We will focus on the phenomenon of sectarian
movements and the emergence of rabbinic Judaism and Christianity as two dominant
religions of the West.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 205.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective, Religion -
Western Traditions
206 Jews and Judaism in the United States
Traces the history of Jewish immigration to America and how the American experience
has produced and nurtured new forms of Judaism, notably Reform and Conservative.
The course concentrates on the last hundred years of American history and includes
such topics as anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and Israel.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 206.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for
First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions, US
Diversity
207 New Testament in Context
A critical examination and attempt to understand the New Testament as the written
traditions which articulated the faith, expectations, and actions of the early Christians
as they responded within Jewish and Greek culture to the historical events of their day,
and especially as they responded to the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 513
This course is cross-listed as JDST 207.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective, Religion -
Western Traditions
209 The Age of Faith: Medieval Europe Between Church and State
This survey course will study the development of European civilization during the
period c.400 to 1500 with special attention to the rise of the papacy and religious
conflict. It will consider the impact of such events as the decline of the Roman Empire,
the Germanic invasions, the development of Christianity and the Church, the
emergence of feudalism, the expansion of Islam and the Crusades, and the creation of
romantic literature.
Attributes: Humanities, INST European Course, MEMS Elective, Social Sciences
211 Religion, Fantasy, and Science Fiction
An exploration of the religious and mythological dimensions of traditional and modern
fantasy literature. Our explorations will be guided by three interdependent themes: the
nature of the divine, the nature of the human, and the nature of the moral life.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
212 History of Christianity: From Margin to Center
The course traces the emergence of Christianity from its beginnings as a minority sect
in the first century to the height of its influence in the 14th century. Special attention
will be given to cultural and aesthetic influences on the emerging Church.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, MEMS Elective, Religion - Western
Traditions
215 Jewish Environmental Ethics
Since the 1960's many writers on environmental issues have blamed our contemporary
environmental crises in part on a so-called "Judeo-Christian" worldview, rooted in the
Hebrew Bible. Such writers assert that the biblical heritage shared by these two
religious traditions advocates an unhealthy relationship between humanity and nature,
one in which human beings are destined to conquer the earth and master it. In this
course we will explore Jewish perspectives on nature and the natural world through
close readings of biblical and other classical Jewish theology, history and ritual practice,
we will also examine the ways in which this motif is re-conceptualized in modern
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 514
secular contexts (ie, Zionism, and the kibbutz movement). We will conclude by studying
contemporary varieties of Jewish environmental advocacy. In addition to texts focused
specifically on Judeo-Christian traditions, the syllabus will include other classic works of
Environmental ethics foundational to the field of Environmental studies.
Offered every three years in rotation with the offering of ENST 111.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 215.
Attributes: ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective,
LAWP/PMGT Ethics Elective, Religion - Western Traditions, SINE Elective, Service
Learninge, LAWP/PMGT
216 Native American Religions
A survey of some major religious phenomena in the relatively recent histories of
selected Native American traditions with emphasis on the tribal religions of North
America and the religions of the civilizations of Mexico and Central America.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), ENST Humanities/Arts
(ESHA), Humanities, Religion - Other Traditions
218 Religion and Popular Culture
This course examines various dimensions of the relationship between religion and
popular culture in the U.S. Increasingly, peoples’ ideas about reality, moral systems,
and identity are as impacted by pop culture as they are by traditional modes of
religious meaning-making. Using film, television, theater, music, the internet, and more
as primary sources, students will develop critical skills for thoughtful engagement of
contemporary cultural landscapes. They will do so by applying cultural studies
approaches including feminist theory, critical race theory, performance theory, and
more to these familiar sources.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
219 History of the Jews
Willing or not, Jews have participated in world history since the dawn of civilization in
the Middle East, ca. 3000 b.c.e. This course surveys the part Jews have played,
concentrating on the interplay between Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 219.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 515
221 Hinduism
A study of the dominant religion of south Asia that focuses on the contemporary
"embodiment" of religion in culture. This course will explore ways in which religion
permeates the Hindu cycle of life, shapes choices such as occupation and marriage
partner, and infuses Indian arts. It will ask whether the variation in these patterns over
time, among regions of India, in city and country, and among different groups, are
diverse "Hinduisms" that nevertheless contain a vital unity.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, INST Asia
Course, Religion - Other Traditions
222 Buddhism
A study of Asia's most influential religion that focuses on the contemporary
"embodiment" of religion in culture. This course will explore ways in which Buddhists
have used visual arts, music, drama, asceticism, devotion, etc., to attain spiritual goals
and express enlightenment. It will look at both monastic and popular Buddhism,
concentrating on South and Southeast Asia but with some reference to East Asia and
the West.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global Diversity,
Humanities, INST Asia Course, Religion - Other Traditions
223 Eating the Text: Tasting Jewish and Israeli Food Through Literature, Film,
and…the Mouth
All human beings are connected to food; some are growing it, others preparing or
cooking it, and all are eating it. Food is essential for life, but it is also a source of
pleasure, a celebration of the senses and the spirit. Food is also knowledge. The biblical
story of Eve eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of
Eden, tells us “knowledge might begin with the mouth, with the discovery of the taste
of something, knowledge, and taste go together” (Hélène Cixous). Food is also a
culture. It represents the diverse traditions of societies, communities, and families. In
this course, we will “taste” food through Jewish and Israeli literature, films, and
theoretical texts. We will explore the diverse cultural traits and traditions of the Jewish
and Israeli cuisines by reading and writing about them, as well as tasting them. We will
visit the Dickinson Farm and will prepare and cook meals together. We will share
traditional family recipes and explore their historical backgrounds. “To write about food
is to write about the self,” claims Anne Goldman. Students will have the opportunity to
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 516
write about food and to discover new aspects about themselves. Our course will be like
a community of diverse cultures that mirrors the Dickinson community and the world.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 223.
Attributes: Food Studies Elective, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective
224 Kabbalah: Healing the Soul, Repairing the Cosmos
Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical doctrine, is a rich tradition of esoteric teaching and
practices
that have been a vital part of Judaism since late antiquity. The Kabbalistic term “Tikkun
Olam, “i.e., repairing/mending the world/universe, became popular for its
environmental, social and cultural implications. The Kabbalists believe that by healing
one’s soul and by doing good deeds in the world, one has a significant influence and
impact on the divine. The microcosm and the macrocosm are mirroring each other and
linked in the bond of creation. The course traces the history of Jewish mysticism in four
continents, Asia, Africa, Europe, and America, and introduces major trends in Jewish
mysticism. We will focus on Kabbalistic meditation and its practice, food and
sustainability, interpretation of dreams and white magic, spiritual music, death and
reincarnation, feminism and gender issues. We also explore Hasidic tales that attribute
the power to reveal and to heal, alongside contemporary expressions of Kabbalistic
topics in literature and movies. The course includes guest lectures and other activities
and special events, including a visit to a synagogue.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 224.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective
229 Religions of East Asia
An introduction to the formative role of religious consciousness in the development of
the cultures of China and Japan.
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 1, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Global Diversity, Humanities,
INST Asia Course, Religion - Other Traditions
232 Religion in American Politics
This class will provide students with an overview of the role of religion in American
politics. Students will become more familiar with the dynamics of a complex and
diverse United States through in-depth study of the political differences that define
several major religious groups. The political intersections between religion, race,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 517
gender, sexual orientation and class will be explored, helping students to think critically
about political power. Other topics will include important aspects of constitutional law
as they pertain to religious rights, and the various ways in which religion influences
public policy.
This course is cross-listed as POSC 232.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Humanities, Political Science Elective, Social
Sciences, US Diversity
233 Israeli Cinema
Israeli cinema has become increasingly diverse, critical, and multicultural and is often at
the cutting edge of the Israeli cultural scene. Films provide an interesting lens to
explore questions about Israeli life and identity: What was the experience of growing
up in post-independence Israel? How were Holocaust survivors and new immigrants
from Arab countries received during that period? What made kibbutz life distinct and
how has it changed overtime? How is the impact of war and the continuing Israeli-
Palestinian conflict depicted in film? What is the role of gender in the construction of
Israeli identity and how has the portrayal of Israeli men, women, and LGBT identities
changed overtime? What are the distinct issues facing Orthodox and Ultraorthodox
Israelis? How are marginalized groups (Israeli Arabs, Middle Eastern Jews, Russian Jews
and Ethiopian Jews) portrayed in film?The course discusses trends and processes in
Israeli cultural history and in current Israeli society, as represented in Israeli films from
the 1960s to present day Israel. Screenings of Israeli films are a central part of the
course. Films from present day Israel, including the most recent, as well as from earlier
decades, create the ideological and cultural universe that the course illuminates.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 233.
Attributes: FMST Mid East Cultural Persp, Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse,
Judaic Studies Elective, Middle East Humanities
234 Love, Sex and Hebrew Texts (in Translation)
This course is a comprehensive study of masterpieces of Hebrew literature in
translation, especially about love from different periods, origins, and genres. The
literary survey includes Biblical love stories and love poetry, love and sexuality in Jewish
mysticism, love and desire poems of the Middle Ages, and various fiction and poetry of
modern Hebrew literature from the early 20th century to the present. The students will
read translated short novels, short stories, poetry, academic books and articles, and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 518
other research materials about Hebrew literature. Students will watch some Israeli
films about primary Hebrew authors and their cultural world. Sessions will be divided
into discussions of assigned readings, and presentations on the historical background of
each period, and literary and biographical background of the various authors.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 234.
Attributes: Humanities, INST Middle East/N Africa Crse, Judaic Studies Elective, Middle
East Humanities
240 Women, Gender and Judaism
This course examines issues of gender in Jewish religion and culture. Starting with the
representation of women in the Bible and other classical Jewish texts, we study the
highly differentiated gender roles maintained by traditional Jewish culture, and
examine the role American feminism has played in challenging those traditional roles.
We will also study gender issues in contemporary Israeli society, such as the politics of
marriage and divorce, public prayer and gender in the military. Some knowledge of
Judaism and Jewish history is helpful, but not required as a prerequisite for this course.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 240.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Judaic
Studies Elective, WGSS Intersect/Instit/Power
243 Dead Sea Scrolls
The discovery of a cache of ancient scrolls in 1947 in caves near the Dead Sea led to a
revolution in the study of Second Temple Judaism and Christian origins. This course will
focus on these texts, situating them in the context of the history of Judaism from the
Hellenistic period through the first century C.E. What do they reveal about beliefs and
institutions of the Essenes, the enigmatic community which produced them? What was
life like at Qumran, the Essene community's center? How did the sect start, how did it
differ from mainstream Judaism, and what was its vision of the future? What possible
connections existed between the Essene community and the emergence of
Christianity? How have the Dead Sea scrolls contributed to the study of the Hebrew
Bible and the New Testament?
This course is cross-listed as JDST 243.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective, Religion -
Western Traditions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 519
250 Topics in Religion and Culture
(e.g., Goddess and Devotee; Women & Religion; Sexuality and Spirituality; Women's
Ways of Believing)
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
259 Islam
An introduction to Islamic beliefs and practices in their classical forms: rituals, law,
mysticism, and other topics. The course will consider aspects of Islamic cultures and
societies in medieval and modern times.
This course is cross-listed as HIST 259 and MEST 259.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Humanities, INST Middle East/N
Africa Crse, MEMS Elective, Religion - Western Traditions, Social Sciences
260 Topics in Religious Traditions
(e.g., Islam; Shamanism; Apocrypha)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Humanities
270 Middle Eastern Christianity: Its Rich Past, Its Uncertain Future
Since its inception Christianity has existed in the Middle East. There it expanded even
before it attained legal status in the early fourth century. There it experienced both
consolidation and division as a result of the ecumenical councils. There it has been
interacting with Islam for fourteen centuries. There it has encountered the various
forms of Western Christianity that encroached on its territory. And there it is struggling
to survive despite continual emigration, cultural marginalization, and increasing
persecution. In this course we will trace the evolution of the Christian communities in
the Middle East (Assyrian, pre-Chalcedonian and Chalcedonian Orthodox, Catholic, and
Protestant), analyze contemporary challenges to their survival, and examine their
diasporic displacement, especially to western Europe and North America.
This course is cross-listed as RELG 270.
Attributes: Humanities, Middle East Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
301 Buddhism in Tibet
Tibetan Buddhism is probably the world's most varied and complex religion, combining
elements of everything found in late Indian Buddhism-huge monastic universities,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 520
esoteric rituals involving seemingly bizarre practices, an enormous pantheon of
enlightened beings, demons, and others, devotional cults, sublime art-with wild and
wooly indigenous Tibetan shamanism and some aspects of Chinese religions. The
course examines the development of Buddhism in Tibet as well as its increasing interest
and influence in the West.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Humanities, Religion -
Other Traditions
303 Buddhist Ethics
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion whose ideal is human perfection, described as a
state of contentment, happiness, wisdom, love, and compassion. Because this ideal
involves the perfection of virtue as well as the attainment of insight, ethics in Buddhism
are particularly important. This course will examine ethics in various Buddhist
traditions, compare Buddhist ethics to those of other religions, consider Buddhist ethics
in the light of the psychology of moral judgments and the findings of cognitive sciences,
and reflect on how Buddhists might approach income inequality, environmental
degradation and climate change, war and violence, discrimination against women,
and contested social issues such as reproductive rights, euthanasia, suicide, and
animal rights.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities
307 Heretics, Pagans, and Martyrs: Formation of Religious Identities in Late Antiquity
What is a Christian, a Muslim, or a Jew? This course will explore the concept of the
“other” in early Christianity, and how Christian identities were formed in dialogue with
the surrounding pluralistic landscape. Attention will be paid to early definitions of
“heresy” in the ancient world, and how these definitions were appropriated by
theologians in the Latin and Greek world of Late Antiquity to suit their own needs.
What kinds of movements were considered “heresies,” and why? How did Christians,
Muslims and Jews understand who they were, and what made them different from
others in the first eight centuries AD? We will begin briefly in the Ancient World, and
proceed through the study of how Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Pagan groups
characterized each other, ending after the rise of Islam. The formation of Christian
identities, as well as the boundary lines created to preserve such identities, are central
themes in this course.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 521
Attributes: Global Diversity, Humanities, MEMS Elective, Middle East Humanities,
Social Sciences
309 Christian Spiritualities
This course will situate the development of various Christian spiritualities against the
backdrop of Christian history, from apostolic Christianity to the present day. Even
though emphasis will be given to analysis of key texts, consideration will also be given
to the ways in which Christian spiritualities have found expression in liturgy, art, music,
cinema, and social movements. We will also consider how various Christian
spiritualities continue to shape the lives of people in the United States, especially in
south central Pennsylvania.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Religion - Western Traditions
310 Topics in Myth
(e.g., Comparative Mythology; Myths of Creation)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Humanities
311 Buddhism and the Environment
Although protection of the environment is not a Buddhist goal per se, it is involved in
the quest for enlightenment. The course will apply the Buddhist perspective to
questions about the relations between humans and the rest of nature, to specific
environmental problems, to the tradeoffs between human good and protection of
other species, and to consumption and consumerism.
Offered every two years
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 1, ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Global Diversity, Religion
- Other Traditions, SINE Elective
312 Topics in Christianity
(e.g., Contemporary Roman Catholic Thought; Medieval Mysticism; Christianity in Crisis;
Augustine of Hippo; Eastern Orthodoxy)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 522
314 Topics in Religious Ethics
(e.g., Bonhoeffer, Peace and War; God and Evil; Religion and Ecology; Contemporary
Christian Ethics)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Humanities
316 Topics in Judaic Studies
(e.g., Twentieth Century Jewish Thought; Principles and Topics in Jewish Law)
This course is cross-listed as JDST 316.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Humanities, Religion - Western Traditions
318 Topics in Religion & Culture
(e.g., Religion and Science; Encounters with Death; Liberation Theologies)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Humanities
320 Topics in Indian Religions
(e.g., Hindu Theology; Buddhist Tantra; Enlightenment in Comparative Perspective)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic
Attributes: Humanities, Religion - Other Traditions
326 Contemplative Practices in Asia
Buddhism, Hinduism, and Daoism have ancient and rich traditions of spiritual practices.
This course will examine methods of mind training and the philosophy that undergirds
them.
Attributes: Religion - Other Traditions
329 Buddhism in China and Japan
A study of the many phenomena of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism: historical
development, socio-cultural context, personalities, texts, practices, thought, and
aesthetics.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, EASN Elective Set 1, Humanities, INST Asia Course,
Religion - Other Traditions
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 523
330 Topics in East Asian Religions
(e.g., Zen; Confucianism and Taoism; Chinese Folk Religions)
Prerequisite dependent upon topic
Attributes: EASN Elective Set 1, Humanities, Religion - Other Traditions
335 New American Religious Diversity
Until relatively recently, religious diversity in the U.S. meant Protestant, Catholic and
Jewish. With changing immigration patterns since the latter half of the 20th century,
religious diversity in the American context has to take into account other world
religious traditions, such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others. Furthermore, new
immigrants from Asia, Africa and Latin America have brought their own distinctive
Christian practices, whether joining existing American congregations or forming
ethnically distinct congregations. This course will examine the experience of these
emergent religious communities within the nexus of social and cultural processes-
examining the dynamic interplay of religion and communities in the context of
immigration and defining a place within the American experience.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities, US Diversity
410 Interpreting Religion
An advanced introduction to some fundamental issues of theory and method in the
academic study of religion. Selected religious phenomena will be examined using the
perspectives such as those of the history of religions, psychology, sociology,
anthropology, philology, philosophy, and theology. Emphasis will be placed upon
methods of research and styles of writing in the study of religion.
Attributes: Humanities, Writing in the Discipline
490 Senior Seminar
Advanced investigation of methods and critical perspectives for the study of religion
with a focus to be determined by the instructor. Writing enriched.
Prerequisite: 410 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 524
Russian
MAJOR
Eleven (11) Courses
Core Curriculum Courses:
100, Russia and the West
Four courses in the Russian language (above 201) [previously116], including at least
one 300-level course;
Any two Russian literature or culture courses taught in English and covering, when
combined, both nineteenth and twentieth century Russian literature and/or culture.
At least 4 elective courses will be chosen from the following list: Up to two
additional upper level Russian language courses; One additional literature or culture
course taught in English; Up to two Russian or East European History courses, One
Political Science course with Russian content; One Religion or Philosophy course with
Russian content.
MINOR
Students may complete a Russian minor in one of two tracks:
Russian Language: Five courses total, including RUSS 100, "Russia and the West," and
three courses in the Russian language numbered 202 and above.
Russian Studies: Five courses total, including RUSS 100, "Russia and the West," and
four electives in Russian language, literature, culture, film, history, politics, or other
Russia-related topics as determined by the Chair. Electives may be taught in English.
NOTE: Russian heritage speakers and students who begin the study of Russian language
after the third semester may be eligible to substitute courses for the language courses
above 202. They may do so by making a formal request to the department which
includes a rationale for the proposed substitution.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 525
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Russian major was designed with the hope that all of our students would spend
time abroad on the Dickinson in Moscow program. As a result, we developed the
curriculum so that a student who did study abroad could complete all the requirements
for the major, as long as they followed a few guidelines. The Russian major is also
designed to accomodate students with double majors.
Rather than specify the courses that you “must” have in a given semester, the following
are general guidelines regarding courses that we suggest you take during each year.
You should think of these guidelines as giving you a fast track into the major providing
maximum flexibility in your junior and senior year.
First Year
RUSS 101 (fall semester)
RUSS 102 (spring semester);
RUSS 100, Russia and the West (spring semester)
Sophomore Year
RUSS 201 (fall semester)
RUSS 202 (spring semester)
Russian literature or culture course in English (200-level course)
RUSS electives, for example, a Russian history course
Junior Year
The majority of Russian majors study in Moscow during their Junior Year; In Moscow
you will take 4-9 courses (refer to the Courses section in the Academic Bulletin:
Russian)
If you do not go abroad, take:
RUSS 231 (fall semester)
RUSS 232 (spring semester)
Russian literature or culture course in English (200-level course)
Russian elective, for example, a Russian history course
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 526
Senior Year
300-level RUSS course (fall semester)
300-level RUSS course (spring semester)
Finish your requirements for Russian literature/culture and your electives
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact a
Russian faculty member. Consult your advisor regarding writing an honors thesis in
Russian.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
Independent study projects are an option open to motivated students who wish to
pursue a topic in Russian or Slavic literatures and cultures not offered as part of the
regular curriculum. Interested students must be willing to initiate their own study
project and meet with their director on a weekly basis. All faculty members are willing
to assist. Most projects are taken for half or full course credit. Qualified seniors may
wish to write an Honors Thesis.
HONORS
A student who wishes to be considered for honors in the major must have an overall
grade point average of 3.33 or higher. Each candidate for honors must write a thesis of
exceptional merit; the thesis should be in Russian and approximately 25 pages in
length. The Honors Thesis will usually be developed from work written during the
senior year in a course numbered 300 or above, and it should be supervised by a
member of the faculty. An oral examination will be conducted by members of the
Russian department on those papers judged to be of honors quality.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Junior Year All students majoring or minoring in Russian are encouraged to spend one
or two semesters in Russia during the junior year. The Dickinson program in Moscow is
based at Language Link and is affiliated with the Russian State University for the
Humanities. The program offers a wide range of courses in Russian language and
culture.
Summer Immersion Program The Russian Department offers a five-week student
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 527
immersion program in Moscow or Moscow/St. Petersburg. See the course description
for RUSS 215, Moscow Summer Immersion Program.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The college has an active Russian Club, a Russian House, and a Russian Meal Table, held
weekly for students who want to speak or listen to Russian in an informal setting.
Russian films and cultural events are featured regularly. The Russian Department is a
member of Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honor Society. Students are nominated for
membership on the basis of their academic standing.
COURSES
The following courses are offered in Moscow:
215 Moscow Summer Immersion Program
A four-week course in contemporary Russian language and culture offered at the
Mendeleev University in Moscow. Students will speak only Russian during this four-
week period, and participate in intensive language classes, special lectures and field
trips arranged with Russian university instructors.
Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent and permission of the department.
Attributes: INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
250 Russian in Everyday Use I
This is an intensive language laboratory on location in Moscow. Designed to improve
students' comprehension and command of spoken Russian, this course initiates the
students in everyday verbal and cultural communication prevalent in Russia. A variety
of topics, including students' first-hand experience with contemporary Russian culture,
will be used to improve comprehension oral skills. A workshop on phonetics is an
important component of this course.
This course carries .5 or 1.0 dependent upon topic.
Prerequisite: 202.
251 Russian in Everyday Use II
This is an intensive language laboratory on location in Moscow. Designed to improve
students' comprehension and command of spoken Russian, this course initiates the
students in everyday verbal and cultural communication prevalent in Russia. A variety
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 528
of topics, including students' first-hand experience with contemporary Russian culture,
will be used to improve comprehension oral skills. A workshop on phonetics is an
important component of this course.
This course carries .5 or 1.0 dependent upon topic.
Prerequisite: 202.
255 Grammar in Context I
These courses are designed to further develop the students' language skills through
practice in lexical expansion, idiomatic expression and syntactical patterns. Grammar
work in cultural context is a significant component of these courses.
Prerequisite: 202.
256 Grammar in Context II
These courses are designed to further develop the students' language skills through
practice in lexical expansion, idiomatic expression and syntactical patterns. Grammar
work in cultural context is a significant component of these courses.
Prerequisite: 202.
257 Writing Workshop
This course introduces students to the conventions of essay writing in Russian. Students
will consider their writing in cultural context, examining and practicing how elements
like tone, argumentation, structure, tense, and punctuation differ in the Russian
context. Revision will be an important component of this course.
This course may carry either 0.5 or 1 credit.
Prerequisite: 202
261 Moscow Proseminar I
This course treats the city of Moscow as a living laboratory for understanding and
analyzing Russian language, literature, architecture, and culture in contemporary
context. Students will develop their linguistic and analytical skills while attending
musical and theatres performances, visiting cultural centers around the city, and
analyzing the cityscapes of Moscow-based narratives in comparison with Moscow as
we know it today.
This course carries .5 credits.
Prerequisite: 202.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 529
262 Moscow Proseminar II
This course expands on and deepens students’ understanding of the city of Moscow as
a cultural, social, and living text. Students will sharpen their linguistic and analytical
skills while attending cultural performances, visiting cultural centers around the city,
meeting with scholars and community organizers, and analyzing the cityscapes of
Moscow-based narratives in comparison with Moscow as we know it today.
This course carries .5 credits.
Prerequisite: 202.
265 Topics in Russian Studies
This advanced language course will help students develop the linguistic tools necessary
for critical analysis in a particular area of Russian Studies: mass media, history, politics,
literature, or film. Based on their academic focus, students will choose a topic from a
list of offerings. Oral and written presentations, as well as class discussions in Russian,
are important components of this course. The course may be taught entirely in Russian
or in Russian and English.
This course carries .5 or 1.0 credit dependent upon topic.
Prerequisite: 202.
271 Key Texts and Concepts in Russian Culture
This multi-media survey course introduces students to masterpieces of Russian
architecture, painting, theater, and cinematography. It is designed to enhance students'
knowledge of the artistic and spiritual aspects of Russian culture, as well as to provide
insights into traditions, lifestyle, and the psychology of Russian people. Visits to art
museums and theater performances are required.
Taught in English or Russian, or a mix of both.
272 Russian in the Discipline
While studying in Moscow, advanced students may take a course together with Russian
students, in Russian, in their area of specialization. Students are required to attend all
class sessions and participate in class discussions; students may petition the
department to write a final paper/project in lieu of taking the final exam together with
Russian students. The project will be overseen by the director of the Dickinson-in-
Moscow program.
Prerequisite: 202.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 530
273 Russia Today
The course presents an overview of major cultural, political, and economic
developments in Russia in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. There is an
emphasis on the cultural, religious, literary, philosophical, and political factors
important to understanding contemporary Russian reality and post-Soviet space.
The course may be taught entirely in Russian or in English with Russian readings and
discussion sections, depending on the year and topic.
280 Intensive Research and Writing Seminar
Dickinson-in-Moscow participants carry out a research project in conjunction with a
course on Russian culture, literature, history, or politics taught at RUSH in Russian, for
Russian students. Students will audit the course and then choose a topic for their
research, appropriate to the focus of the course, and have it approved by the professor.
Students will regularly meet with the professor, who will serve as the project's advisor,
as they work on a research paper in Russian. The project and the course is overseen by
the Resident Director of the Dickinson-in-Moscow program.
Prerequisites: 250, 255, 265
Russian Courses
100 Russia and the West
An introductory and multi-disciplinary survey intended to explore the relationship
between Russian culture and Western civilization. In the process, students will be
exposed to aspects of Russia's history, literature, religion, philosophical traditions,
music and art, politics, and economics. Suitable for those interested in a one semester
introduction to Russia, and required for those who choose a major or minor in Russian.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
101 Elementary Russian
An intensive study of the fundamentals of Russian grammar, with an emphasis on the
development of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills. Short stories and
songs will supplement the text.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 531
102 Elementary Russian
An intensive study of the fundamentals of Russian grammar, with an emphasis on the
development of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills. Short stories and
songs will supplement the text.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent
201 Intermediate Russian
Advanced grammar review incorporating controlled reading and composition. Emphasis
on speaking competence continued through oral reports and conversational topics.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent.
This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Intermediate Russian II
Emphasis on the development of reading, speaking, and writing skills. Reading of simple
texts to acquaint the student with a variety of styles of the Russian language,
concentration on some of the more difficult problems in the Russian grammar,
translation, written composition, vocabulary building, and intonation.
Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent.
223 19th Century Russian Literature in Translation
An introduction to major literary movements and developments in 19th century
Russian literature. Readings may include works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol,
Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Chekhov, as well as important theoretical and cultural texts
from and about the period. No knowledge of Russian necessary. Conducted in English.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Humanities, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
224 Twentieth-Century Russian Literature in Translation
An introduction to major literary movements and developments in 20th century
Russian literature. Readings may include works by Mayakovsky, Bulgakov, Pasternak,
Solzhenitsyn, Trifonov, and Pelevin. The course may also include important texts of
20th C. art and film. No knowledge of Russian necessary. Conducted in English.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Humanities, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 532
230 Advanced Russian for Heritage Speakers
The course is designed for heritage learners who have had little or no formal training in
their native language and who desire to improve their reading, writing, and formal
communicative skills. Basic rules of orthography and advanced grammar will be
reviewed. Texts will be drawn from contemporary Russian press, movie scripts, and
fiction.
Offered every two years.
Prerequisite: placement by department.
231 Russian for Discussion
Practice in the techniques and patterns of everyday conversation, especially as these
reflect different cultural orientation. Reading and discussion of short works by well-
known Russian authors.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent.
232 Russian for Narration and Analysis
Reading and discussion of literary works by representative authors from the pre- and
post-Revolutionary periods.
Prerequisite: 202 or the equivalent. Attributes: INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
233 Phonetics
Beginning students of Russianand even students who have already completed several
semesters of the languageare beset with hesitation and even anxiety about their
pronunciation. In this course, we will explore and analyze the phonetic dimensions of
the Russian language that create special difficulties for non-native speakers. These
include: articulatory phonetics, phonological rules, register effects and literary
pronunciations, syllabic and metrical structure, intonation, and prosody. This course is
intended as a supplement to students’ study of the Russian language in other classes.
Students will apply what they learn to their own pronunciation, aided by in-class oral
exercises and readings of plays, poetry, and prose. Along the way, students will
increase their knowledge of Russian culture.
May be offered as 0.5 or 1 credit.
Prerequisite: RUSS 102
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 533
234 Russian for Intelligence Careers
This course prepares students for the field-specific vocabulary, grammar, and content
they may encounter when using their Russian in intelligence, security, and/or
government careers.
May be offered as 0.5 or 1 credit.
Prerequisite: RUSS 232.
241 Russian Film of the Putin Era
For Lenin, cinema was “the most important art”; for Stalin, it was “the greatest medium
of mass motivation.” Since Vladimir Putin’s inauguration as leader of the Russian
Federation in 2000, film has held an equally important role. We will track and analyze
major themes in Russian cinema since 1991, including the rise of the Russian
blockbuster, popular culture under Putin, festival films, and the intersections of politics
and film art.
Course taught in English. No prior knowledge of Russian culture required.
Attributes: Arts, Film & Media Studies Elective, Taught in English
242 War and Peace in Russian Literature and Film
The topic of war serves as a window into Russian and Soviet culture. War’s horrors
from Napoleon’s invasion of 1812 to the debacle in Afghanistan in the 1970s and
1980shave left a deep imprint on the Russian national psyche. This course
approaches the Russian experience of war through films, short stories, diaries, and
poetry. Special focus is placed on representations of the Second World War, resulting in
26 million Russian casualties. Films and literary works may include, The Tale of Igor's
Campaign, Gogol’s Taras Bulba, Tolstoy's Hadji Murat, Babel's Red Cavalry, Ginzburg's
Blockade Diary, and Alexievich's Zinky Boys, as well as a selection of war poems; and
such films as Ivan’s Childhood (Tarkovsky), The Cranes are Flying (Kalatozov), The
Cuckoo (Rogozhkin), Prisoner of the Mountains (Bodrov), and The Ninth Company
(Bondarchuk). Guest lectures by experts in the field supplement class discussions.
Taught in English.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, Film & Media Studies Elective, Humanities,
Taught in English
243 "The Most Important Art": Russian & Soviet Film
The course will examine contributions by Russian and Soviet directors to the
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 534
development of film as an art form. Students will view classic films of the Russian
canon, while also gaining a familiarity with current trends in filmmaking. We will also
investigate the development of the Soviet-Russian film industry and the close links
between film and politics in the history of Russo-Soviet cinema. No knowledge of
Russian is required.
Conducted in English.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Arts, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
245 Tolstoy in the 21st Century
This course investigates the numerous ways in which Tolstoy, one of the most
influential Russian writers and thinkers, transcends his time and through his works
speaks to our concerns today. What makes life meaningful? What kind of love lasts?
Why do certain attempts to modernize society fail while others succeed? It is worth
reconsidering Tolstoy's ideas on these and other issues because he teaches us to see
the world more wisely. Students will read and discuss Tolstoy's fiction, including War
and Peace and Anna Karenina, as well as his essays on religious, philosophical, social
and artistic issues. Students are encouraged to have read War and Peace before the
semester begins.
Taught in English.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities, Taught in English
248 Russian Culture and the Environment
Russia is the largest country in the world. It contains some of our largest supplies of
natural resources, including the most voluminous freshwater lake and the most square
miles of forest. Russia and the Soviet Union have also been home to devastating
environmental catastrophes, such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. It is thus fitting
that the theme of the environmentboth natural and man-madehave played a
pivotal role in the Russian cultural imagination of the past two centuries. This course
will look at how Russian and Soviet culture from the nineteenth century to the present
engage with the theme of the environment over a variety of genres, including
literature, film, journalism, and art. No knowledge of Russian is required. Taught in
English.
Offered every three years.
Attributes: ENST Humanities/Arts (ESHA), Humanities, Taught in English
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 535
253 Autocracy, Uprisings, and Daily Life in Medieval and Imperial Russia
An examination of the early formation of multi-ethnic clans into a large multinational
empire. The course explores state formation, the role of women, church power, the
arts, nationality conflict and figures such as Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and
Catherine the Great.
Taught in English
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet, Social Science.
254 Revolution, War, and Daily Life in Modern Russia
This course explores Russia's attempts to forge modernity since the late 19th century.
Students will explore the rise of socialism and communism, centralization of nearly all
aspects of life (arts, politics, economics, and even sexual relations), and opposition to
the terror regime's attempts to remake life and the post-Soviet state's attempts to
overcome Russia's past.
Taught in English
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet, Social Sciences.
260 Topics in Russian Studies
In-depth analysis and discussion of selected areas and problems in Russian literature or
culture. Recent topics have included: Russian Theatre and Drama, Nobel Laureates in
Russian Literature, Russian Short Prose, Salvation Through Beauty: the World of
Dostoevsky, Russian and Soviet Film, East European Literature, Modernism in Italy and
Russia. Conducted in English.
Offered every other year.
Attributes: Taught in English
270 Philosophy and Literature
Dostoevsky's characters lie, steal, scheme, and murder. What is it about Dostoevsky's
depictions of their lying, cheating ways that makes his novels not just literary but
philosophical? And what is it about philosophical works like Kierkegaard's and
Nietzsche's that makes them literary? More generally, where do the overlapping realms
of literature and philosophy begin and end? This course investigates the intersections
of philosophy and literature across different schools of thought, paying special
attention to the work of Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, Leibniz, Plato, Tolstoy, Voltaire, and
others. We will pair the treatment of philosophical issues in fiction with their treatment
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 536
in more traditional philosophical genres, thereby raising and discussing the contentious
question of whether philosophy can achieve things that literature cannot, and vice
versa.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as PHIL 270 and ENGL 222.
Attributes: Humanities, Taught in English
333 Advanced Seminar in Russian Culture and Literature
Authentic Russian texts in different genres and disciplines present specific sets of
challenges, including specialized vocabulary, narrative conventions, and idiosyncratic
grammar. This course prepares students for reading, analyzing, and discussing
challenging, authentic Russian texts in a variety of disciplines and genres, with an
emphasis on close reading and cultural context. The course is taught in Russian and
includes a variety of texts or focus on one literary text. May include courses taken in
Russia.
Prerequisite: 231, 232 or equivalent. Attributes: INST Russia/USSR/Post-Soviet
334 Workshop in Translation
This course focuses on specific techniques for translating various kinds of texts
(business, journalistic, scholarly, epistolary, and literary) from Russian into English, and
from English into Russian. Concentrating on the practical matter of reading and writing,
the course will also include special grammatical topics which present particular
difficulties in translation, discussion of theories of translation, and introduction to
technological tools of translation. The goal of the course is to further students'
language ability and provide them with useful linguistic skills.
Prerequisite: 231, 232 or equivalent.
Offered every two years.
335 Popular Culture and New Media
This course will examine one or several elements and/or genres in Russian popular
culture, including folk tales, detective novels, anecdotes, film, television, music, the
Internet, and new media. Students will practice close reading and analysis of authentic
texts through the study of analytic genres specific to these fields in Russia and the US.
Prerequisite: 231, 232 or equivalent.
Attributes: Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 537
360 Topics in Russian Language and Literature
A thorough investigation of a significant figure or major development in Russian
literature, or an extensive examination of selected aspects of the Russian language,
with emphasis on seminar reports and discussions.
Conducted in Russian.
This course carries .5 or 1.0 credit, dependent upon topic.
Prerequisite: Russian major or instructor's permission.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 538
Science, Technology and Culture
COURSES
The following courses are offered on The Dickinson Science Program in England:
300 Science and Society
This course is offered on The Dickinson Science Program in England. This course
explores cultural, philosophical, and ethical aspects of the interplay between science
and society. Particular emphasis will be placed on differences in perspective on
scientific issues between Europe and the United States. Examples could include, but not
be limited to, topics such as biotechnology, the environment, evolution, and health
care, and their past and present representation in the media, literature and art.
301 Sustainability Science
This course is offered on The Dickinson Science Program in England. This course
explores the role of science in environmental sustainability. Particular emphasis will be
placed on population growth, biodiversity, renewable vs. nonrenewable natural
resources (e.g., water, soil, energy, minerals), and temporal limits of nonrenewable
natural resources (e.g., peak oil). Intercultural differences in perspective on
sustainability issues will be examined between the UK, EU, and US.
Science, Technology & Culture Courses
101 Explorations in Science w/Lab
A series of activity-based courses in which two topics will be introduced each semester
that encompass a range of physical phenomena. Scientific concepts are introduced to
provide a basis for understanding of phenomena such as rainbows, cloud formation,
global warming, the development of scientific theories, and electrical brain activity. The
main emphasis of the course will be on the processes of scientific investigation, with
students developing hands-on projects throughout each semester. This course can be
taken one or more times for laboratory science credit provided that new topics are
covered in each course.
The course will meet for a total of six hours each week in a laboratory setting.
Attributes: Lab Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 539
102 Explorations in Science w/Lab
A series of activity-based courses in which two topics will be introduced each semester
that encompass a range of physical phenomena. Scientific concepts are introduced to
provide a basis for understanding of phenomena such as rainbows, cloud formation,
global warming, the development of scientific theories, and electrical brain activity. The
main emphasis of the course will be on the processes of scientific investigation, with
students developing hands-on projects throughout each semester. This course can be
taken one or more times for laboratory science credit provided that new topics are
covered in each course.
The course will meet for a total of six hours each week in a laboratory setting.
Prerequisite: 101
Attributes: Lab Sciences
179 Women & Science in the United States
Science is the human endeavor to understand our world and our universe. However,
the popular view of a scientist in the United States traditionally has not been one of a
woman. There have been many social and institutional barriers to women who wish to
pursue scientific careers. This course will examine these barriers, popular
representations of scientists, and the history of women in science in the United States.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, US Diversity
211 Science from Antiquity to the 17th Century
The first half deals with Greek, Arabic, and Medieval Latin theories of matter, motion,
and growth, including the transmission of science and science education. The latter half
deals with the scientific revolution from Copernicus to Newton with attention focused
on the radical restructuring of basic assumptions about nature and method.
212 Science from Newton to Einstein
Growth of quantitative methods in physical science and experimental methods in
biology and natural history in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Particular
emphasis on Enlightenment and Romantic science, Darwinian evolution and genetic
theory, the new physics of relativity and quantum mechanics, and modern cosmology.
Gradual separation of science from philosophy and theology.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 540
258 Topics in History of Science
The nature of science as a major aspect of Western civilization. Examines science and
the scientific enterprise by devoting particular attention to the following: the
structuring of basic assumptions about nature and method; social, cultural, and
religious dimensions of scientific change and discovery; noted developments in the
physical and life sciences. Topics vary and will be announced each term. Recent topics
have included: The Scientific Revolution, History of the Physical Sciences, Development
of Cosmology, Science and Religion, Light in Science and Art, and Ethnoastronomy.
259 Writing Science News
Science hits the news more now than ever before. Is the news we read true to the
research that it reports? Does it matter? Those are our concerns in this course. We
analyze how scientists report their findings, how those findings become news, and
what happens on the way. Taking knowledge into practice, you will conduct
background research, interview scientists, and write your own science news. The
portfolio you produce will include polished news releases based on science research at
Dickinson. This course is primarily designed for future scientists who want to be able to
communicate about their research, and for science majors considering a writing career.
It is also appropriate for non-scientists who wish to be savvy consumers of science
news.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), Writing in the Discipline
260 Energy and the Environment
A lecture course on the role of conventional and alternative energy sources, nuclear
energy, and nuclear weapons in modern society. Topics may include the relationship of
scientific principles to an understanding of the greenhouse effect, the thinning of the
ozone layer, the disposal of nuclear waste, and the technology, effects, and
proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 541
432 Senior Colloquium
The senior colloquium in science will explore new developments in science as well as
philosophical, social, and ethical dimensions of the scientific enterprise. This will be a
team-taught course in which senior science majors will work with faculty members to
select readings and lead discussions.
One-half course credit.
Prerequisite: senior standing with a major in one of the natural or mathematical
sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 542
Security Studies
CERTIFICATION
Seven (7) Courses
Seven courses are required to complete the security studies certificate. At least three of
the courses must be courses that do not count toward the student’s major.
Two Core Courses:
INST 170/POSC 170: International Relations
INST 281/POSC 281: American National Security Policy
Four Elective Courses:
Electives taken should come from a minimum of two departments and should be
selected in consultation with one’s security studies advisor. Students may choose
among a range of courses focusing on the following issues:
1. National security
2. Transnational security
3. Conflict resolution & security promotion
4. Human rights and human security
A Senior Capstone Seminar:
A senior seminar in International Studies or an approved seminar in another
department.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 543
Sexuality Studies
See Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 544
Social Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
CERTIFICATION
Certificate Requirements:
SINE 201: Introduction to Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Spring semester)
SINE 400: Senior Seminar in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Fall semester)
Four electives
Experiential learning component Student dossier
In the introductory course (SINE 201), students will write a reflection essay in which the
student describes their interest in and goals for this certificate and suggests a tentative
plan for simultaneously achieving these personal goals and for completing the
certificate. This essay becomes the initial element of the student’s dossier from which
students will build their program. The Senior Seminar (SINE 400) is the culminating
course that draws upon, makes sense of, and connects the introductory course, the
student’s choice of electives, and their experiential learning component.
COURSES
Electives.
Students will take four electives to enable them to achieve the learning objectives of
the certificate program.
1. Appropriate electives will be determined by the student’s plan and statement
of purpose for the certificate and in consultation with the SINE director or
with the student’s SINE advisor.
2. A list of some courses that may be appropriate electives is provided below.
Additionally, the Registrar’s Office marks suitable courses in Banner each
semester with the SINE attribute. Note, though, to count as an elective for a
particular student, it is not sufficient that the course be on the list below or
that it carry the SINE attribute in Banner; the course must also align with the
student’s statement of purpose for the certificate.
3. A course may be accepted as an elective even if it isn’t on the list below or
carries the SINE attribute, provided the student can explain how it aligns with
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 545
the student’s statement of purpose and plan for the certificate.
4. Electives must be from at least two different academic departments.
5. The experiential learning component, if taken as a for-credit course, does not
count as one of the four electives.
6. Generally, one elective may be taken prior to a student declaring the
certificate.
Below is a tentative list of courses that would be pre-approved as electives for the SINE
certificate. (Other courses may be taken as electives with the approval of the certificate
coordinator.)
AFST 220 (Topics course): Black Sustainability in African Diasporic Literature
AMST 201: Introduction to American Studies
ANTH 212: Development Anthropology
ANTH 214: Ecological Anthropology
ARCH 110/ANTH 110: Archaeology and World Prehistory
ARCH 260/ANTH 260: Environmental Archeology
ARTH 160 (Topics course): Introduction to Sustainable Practices in Public Art
BIOL 314: Ecology CHEM 111 (Topics course): Energy and Sustainability
EASN 205 (Topics course): Chinese Approaches to the Environment, Traditional to
Contemporary
EASN 206 (Topics course): Asian Urban Ecology
ECON 222: Environmental Economics
ECON 223/SOCI 230/AMST 200: Introduction to Marxian Economics: The Political
Economy of Social Justice (this topic only)
ECON 288: Contending Economic Perspectives
ECON 332: Economics of Natural Resources
EDST 120: Contemporary Issues in American Education
ENGL 101 (Topics course): American Nature Writing: Environment, Cultures, and
ValuesENST 111:Environment, Culture and Values
ERSC 141: Earth's HazardsERSC 142: Earth's Changing Climate
ERSC 202: Energy ResourcesERSC 205: Introduction to Soil Science
ERSC 221: Oceanography
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 546
FMST 102: Fundamentals of Digital Film Production
HIST 151: History of Environment
HIST 206: American Environmental History
INBM 300 (Topics course): Comparative Business Ethics
INBM 300 (Topics course): Creativity, Innovation and Knowledge Management
INBM 300 (Topics course): Best Practices in Business Sustainability
INBM 300 (Topics course): Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management
INBM 300 (Topics course): Entrepreneurial Enterprise
INBM 300 (Topics course): Leadership in Four Directions
PHIL 102: Moral Problems
PHYS 114: Climate Change and Renewable Energies
POSC 202: Recent Political Thought
POSC 204: Competing Political Ideologies
POSC 206: Multiculturalism
POSC 258: Human Rights
RELG 215/JDST 215: Jewish Environmental Ethics
RELG 311: Buddhism and the Environment
SOCI 230 (Topics course): Sustainability: Social Justice and Human Rights
SOCI 236: Inequalities in the U.S.
SOCI 237: Global Inequality
SOCI 238: Consumer Culture
SOCI 270: Social Movements, Protest and Conflict
THDA 102: Introduction to Global Dance Studies
Experiential Learning Component
Experiential learning enhances discovery and allows students to gain and apply
knowledge through first-hand experience. How this component is met must be
approved by the Director of the Certificate program or by the student’s SINE advisor
and be linked to the student’s interests in social innovation and social
entrepreneurship. Options include non-credit internships (Transcript Notation); for-
credit internships, service-learning courses or projects (local or global), community-
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 547
based independent study courses, field-based or laboratory/research experience; or a
hands-on entrepreneurial venture.
Student Dossier
Each student will develop a dossier that maps out and makes sense of their experience
in the SINE Certificate program. The dossier serves as an instrument for mindfulness as
a student navigates through this certificate program. Beginning in the introductory
course, SINE 201, each student will write a statement of purpose and propose a plan for
completing the certificate. This plan will include the student’s initial choice of and
rationale for the intended electives and the experiential learning component. Upon
completing each elective, the student will write a reflection essay on how that elective
supported the learning objectives of the certificate. Upon completing the experiential
learning component, students will write a similar reflection essay to include in their
dossier. In SINE 400, the capstone course, students will complete their dossier to
create a portfolio that showcases their SINE certificate experience.
201 Introduction to Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to the essential concepts, mindsets and skill sets
associated with social entrepreneurship. We begin with an overview of the field of
social entrepreneurship. We will then develop a conceptual foundation in systems
thinking and the community capital framework. The former allows students to grasp
the complexity of social and environmental issues by viewing these issues through the
lens of systems theory. The latter recognizes multiple forms of capital that are essential
to developing sustainable communities: natural, physical, economic, human, social, and
cultural capital. Other course topics may include creativity, innovation, social justice,
alternative approaches to economics and business, and sustainability. Through
definitional readings, case studies and/or biographies, students gain an understanding
of the power of social entrepreneurship to create shared value at the local, regional,
and global level. This course serves as the introduction to the Certificate in Social
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, but it is open to all students from all academic
disciplines who wish to develop their own capacities to initiate meaningful change in
our world.
Offered every spring.
Attributes: Sustainability Investigations
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 548
400 Senior Seminar in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This capstone course builds on and integrates the key concepts of the introductory
course in this certificate program by requiring students to reflect on, synthesize, and
apply knowledge gained through their academic programs and experiential learning
experiences. The focus will be on creating shared value, which simultaneously enriches
social, ecological, and economic systems. Through exercises in strategy formulation
and implementation, students will gain an appreciation for the challenges and
rewards associated with conceiving and transforming innovative solutions into new
products, services, and/or initiatives that change our world in meaningful ways. In
imagining these pathways for success, we will also address the importance of
compassionate leadership, tools that nurture vital social connections, and the power
of our own agency.
Offered every fall.
Attributes: Service Learning, Sustainability Investigations
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 549
Sociology
MAJOR
Eleven (11) Courses
SOCI 110, 236, 240, 244, 330 or 331, 400
Five (5) other courses. Three of the five elective courses must be in the student's
thematic area; upon approval, one of the thematic courses may be taken outside of
the department.
MINOR
Six (6) courses, including
110, 240 or 244, and 330 or 331.
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The Sociology major was designed with the hope and expectation that all of our
students would spend a semester or year abroad. As a result, we developed the
curriculum so that a student who did spend a year abroad could complete all the
requirements for the major, as long as they followed a few guidelines.
The guidelines are written for the entering student who knows they want to major in
Sociology. Rather than specify the courses that you "must" have in a given semester,
the following are general guidelines regarding courses that we suggest you take during
each year. You should think of these guidelines as giving you a fast track into the major
- this provides maximum flexibility in your junior and senior year.
First Year
SOCI 110
A 200-level elective
Foreign languagedepending on where you may want to study abroad
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 550
Sophomore Year
SOCI 240: Qualitative Research Methods
SOCI 236: Inequality in the US
One elective and either SOCI 244: Quantitative Data Analysis or Theory SOCI 300 or 331
Begin thinking about your thematic in consultation with your advisor
Junior Year
Theory, either SOCI 330: Classical Theory (Fall) or SOCI 331: Contemporary Theory
(Spring)
SOCI general electives: refer to Academic Bulletin: Sociology
General electives (whether abroad or on campus)
Senior Year
SOCI 400: Senior Seminar (Fall only)
SOCI 405: Senior Thesis (Spring only and requires a proposal by the Friday after
Thanksgiving to enroll in this class). See the Sociology Advising Guidelines.
All electives for the major finished
Thematic Statement submitted by spring break of your senior year
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact a
Sociology faculty member. Students not following these guidelines may still be able to
study abroad for a year and complete the major.
Thematic Statement
Each student is required to develop a thematic or focus within the field of sociology. By
spring break of the final semester, the student should submit a thematic statement to
their advisor that articulates how their (minimum of) three courses relate to one
another in ways that fulfill the thematic.
1) Thematic Statement (1-2 pages): The first paragraph should describe your
thematic focus; subsequent paragraphs should identify and describe how those
courses contribute to your thematic focus.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 551
2) You will want to consult with your academic advisor along the way as you begin
to plan out your thematic. Possible thematic foci could be: social movements,
social policy, social justice, race and ethnic studies, class, community studies,
gender, inequality, health, environmental sociology, education, family, religion,
globalization, sustainability.
HONORS
Honors may be granted in Sociology for a well-researched, analytically sophisticated,
and finely crafted thesis within the range of 50 to 100 pages. Students should begin
discussing the possibility of an honors thesis in the early fall of their senior year at the
latest and register for SOCI 405 for the spring. A proposal with preliminary bibliography
is due by the week after Thanksgiving to the faculty teaching SOCI 405, the advanced
research seminar. Students will work closely with the faculty teaching 405 but may seek
guidance from other members of the faculty both within and outside the department.
Only the best projects will be granted Honors, but any student who completes the
project will receive credit for SOCI 405. Detailed guidelines are available on the
department's web page.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Many sociology students also take advantage of the interdisciplinary and often globally
integrated Mosaic programs that are offered. For more information about current and
upcoming Mosaics, see the Community Studies website.
COURSES
110 Social Analysis
Selected topics in the empirical study of the ways in which people's character and life
choices are affected by variations in the organization of their society and of the
activities by which social arrangements varying in their adequacy to human needs are
perpetuated or changed.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), Social Sciences, US Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 552
222 The Family Phenomenon
In both the ideal and real worlds, the family is credited with producing social leaders
and blamed for creating social misfits. Social scientists, policy makers, and writers have
focused on the family as a central and powerful social institution. This course explores
the nature and role of families, and how families vary across cultures and over time.
The course will address such topics as socialization, gender, work-family issues, and
domestic violence.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
224 Families and Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
In this comparative course in family systems, we will study the impact of production
and politics on family life in various cultures, including Africa, Latin America, the Far
East and the United States. The course uses ethnographic studies and documentaries to
illuminate the impact of the political economy on family life, the life course, and gender
roles and relationships. Various theories of development will place the ethnographies
into socio-political and historical context.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity,
Social Sciences
225 Race and Ethnicity
This course explores the historical and contemporary significance of race and ethnicity
in the United States. Students will examine how racial inequality has become a
pervasive aspect of U.S. society and why it continues to impact our life chances. We will
address race and ethnicity as socio-historical concepts and consider how these “social
fictions” (in collusion with gender, class, and sexuality) produce very real material
conditions in everyday life. We will develop a theoretical vocabulary for discussing
racial stratification by examining concepts such as prejudice, discrimination,
systemic/institutional racism, racial formations, and racial hegemony. We will then look
closely at colorblind racism, and examine how this dominant ideology naturalizes social
inequality. With this framework in place, students will investigate racial stratification in
relation to schools, the labor market, the criminal justice system, neighborhood
segregation, immigration, etc. Finally, we will discuss strategies of anti-racism that seek
to eliminate enduring racial hierarchies.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences,
US Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 553
226 Race, Class, and Gender
Explores the personal, intergroup, and institutional dimensions of race, class and
gender as simultaneous and interactive systems of meaning and experience. Examines
theories of the economic, social and psychological dynamics of oppression; the social
construction and reconstruction of identity; and the nature of racism, classism, and
sexism. Social change strategies for eliminating oppression are also explored.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
228 Sociology of Sexualities
This course explores the social origins of sexual behaviors, identities, and desires. We
will investigate how sexuality intersects with other social hierarchies including race,
gender, and class. Our current frameworks for understanding sexuality and sexual
identity are the product of social, political, and economic forces, and reflect the
common sense of a particular historical moment. We will consider a wide range of
theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of sexuality and explore more
closely how these perspectives inform the analysis of contemporary sexual issues.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Social Sciences
230 Selected Topics in Sociology
Courses which examine special topics in sociology and will include on a regular basis,
Labor History, Comparative Race & Ethnicity, and Conflict Resolution.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
233 Asian American Communities
This class is designed to move from theoretical understandings of “race,” and racial
identity as it operates in our everyday lives to larger, structural determinants of race
with special attention to the unique position of Asian Americans in U.S. race relations.
This course focuses on social relations, political identities and activism, immigration and
labor experiences to explore the ways Asian Americans have contributed to our larger
histories as Americans. Broken down into three sections, this class analyzes the position
of Asian Americans in the following interconnected contexts: (a) Asian Americans in
relation to dominant society, (b) Asian Americans in relation to other communities of
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 554
color, and (c) pan-Asian relations.
Offered every year.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Social Sciences, US Diversity
234 Middle Eastern American Communities
This interdisciplinary course considers the history of Middle Eastern American
communities, and the related development of "Islamophobia." We survey the history of
the diverse immigrant communities that trace their heritage to a vast region of the
world, the variously defined "Middle East." In the 1990s, Islamophobia emerged as a
controversial concept after decades of discussion around Orientalism and anti-Arab
racism. Today, some see Islamophobia as a catch-all concept for discrediting necessary
anti-terrorism measures like profiling, surveillance, and wiretaps. Others see
Islamophobia as fitting into a pattern of racialized scapegoating, where people
experience violence and discrimination. Topics for discussion include ethnic group and
identity formation, the "war on terror," connections between domestic and
international US policy, and civil rights advocacy.
Offered every two years.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 234.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, Middle East Social
Science, Social Sciences, US Diversity
236 Inequalities in the U.S.
This course takes a critical look at the layers of American society that shape, construct,
and inhibit the basic pursuit for equality of opportunity. Students will be asked to
examine how the three most fundamental elements of social stratification (race, class,
gender) function both separately and in tandem to organize systems of inequality. The
course uses theoretical and practical applications of stratification to evaluate how
social constructions of difference influence the institutions and social policy.
Additionally, class discussions will also consider how the forces of racism, sexism, and
classism impact the attainment of basic needs, such as wages, health care and housing.
Offered every year.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Discip Spec
(ESDS), SINE Elective, Social Sciences, US Diversity
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 555
237 Global Inequality
Exploring the relationship between globalization and inequality, this course examines
the complex forces driving the integration of ideas, people, societies and economies
worldwide. This inquiry into global disparities will consider the complexities of growth,
poverty reduction, and the roles of international organizations. Among the global issues
under scrutiny, will be environmental degradation; debt forgiveness; land distribution;
sweatshops, labor practices and standards; slavery in the global economy; and the
vulnerability of the world's children. Under specific investigation will be the social
construction and processes of marginalization, disenfranchisement and the effects of
globalization that have reinforced the division between the world's rich and poor.
Offered every year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Global Diversity, INST
Globalize & Sustain Course, SINE Elective, Social Sciences
238 Consumer Culture
The sociology of consumerism is a major specialty in European sociology, and is only
recently receiving attention by American sociologists. In this class, we will examine the
increasing importance of consumerism in daily life and the degree to which culture has
become commercialized. We will discuss the sign value of commodities, as well as the
shift from a stratification system based on the relationship of the means of production
to one based on styles and patterns of consumption. We will also concern ourselves
with the relationships between consumption and more traditional sociological concerns
such as gender, race, and social class.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective,
Social Sciences
239 Work and Occupations
"Never Work just for money or for power. They won't save your soul or help you sleep
at night" (Marian Wright Edelman). The problem is, work is all of those things: our
livelihood, our mobility, and our identity. This course is a sociological examination of
how we structure, fill and define work in the United States. Course material will
investigate how occupational positions have come to define American Social
stratification in terms of prestige, skill and distributed rewards. Specifically, class
discussions will be concerned with who occupies
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 556
certain positions, how we socially construct occupational opportunities, and how this
impacts life circumstances according to race, gender, and class. The goal is to
understand, through the use of both theory and contemporary application, how the
nature of work and occupations shapes our daily lives.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Social Sciences
240 Qualitative Methods
This course introduces students to the theory and methods of social science research,
beginning with an examination of the philosophies underlying various research
methodologies. The course then focuses on ethnographic field methods, introducing
students to the techniques of participant observation, structured and informal
interviewing, oral histories, sociometrics, and content analysis. Students will design
their own field projects.
Prerequisite: 110 or ANTH 101.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS)
244 Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods introduces students to basic principles of sociological
research methodologies and statistical analysis. Students learn to conceptualize a
research question, operationalize key concepts, identify relevant literature, and form
research hypotheses. Then, using elementary tools of descriptive and inferential
statistics, they choose appropriate statistical methods, analyze data, and draw
meaningful conclusions. Special emphasis is given to interpreting numbers with clear,
persuasive language, in both oral and written formats. Students will become proficient
in using quantitative software for data analysis.
Two and a half hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
Prerequisite: 110.
Attributes: ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), LPPM Empirical Social Analysis, Quantitative
Reasoning
260 Ethnography of Jewish Experience
Drawing upon ethnographies of Jewish communities around the world, this course
focuses on such questions as: What is Jewish culture? What is common to Jewish
cultural experiences across time and place? How might we understand the variability
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 557
and local adaptations of Jewish life? These are the guiding questions and issues for this
course, all to be considered within multiple contexts-- from pastoral and agricultural
roots to modern urban experience, from Middle Eastern origins to a Diaspora
experience stretching across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
This course is cross-listed as JDST 220 and RELG 260.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Humanities, Judaic Studies Elective,
Social Sciences
270 Social Movements, Protest and Conflict
The study of protest politics and social movements is the study of collective agency.
Social movements arise when people act together to promote or resist social change.
Movements represent not only grievances on a particular set of issues, but also
frustration with more established political forms of making claims in societies. In this
course, we will engage with some of the large theoretical debates in the study of social
movements, reading both empirical treatments of particular movements and
theoretical treatments of key issues. The featured case studies will include civil rights,
feminism, ecology, the antinuclear movement, the New Right and the alternative
globalization movement. We will be particularly concerned with the social and political
context of protest, focusing on basic questions, such as: under what circumstances do
social movements emerge? How do dissidents choose political tactics and strategies?
And, how do movements affect social and political change?
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ENST Discip Spec (ESDS), SINE Elective, Social
Sciences, US Diversity
271 Comparative Social Policy
This course will look at social policy in a comparative and global perspective. Gender,
race, class and colonization will inform our comparison of policies and policy systems.
This course also explores the increasing internationalization of social policy and the
advent of a new "global social policy," whereby international organizations play a
powerful role in shaping welfare state development in the developing world and in
post-communist states. Topics covered will include comparative methodology; and
international variation in formulation and response to issues, such as international
variation in formulation and response to issues, such as employment, housing,
domestic violence, poverty, health, and child welfare.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 558
Offered every two years.
Attributes: INST Globaliz & Sustain Course, LAWP Policy Elective, PMGT International
Policy, Social Sciences
272 Islam and the West
This course examines the contemporary relationship between the Islamic world and the
Western world. In recent years, many interpretations of this relationship have
developed, with some claiming a clash of civilizations is underway. The course critically
engages the rapidly growing literature on this topic, while providing an introduction to
the sociology of religion, an examination of so-called Western values and their Islamic
counterparts, an analysis of key moments in recent history, and finally a survey of
minority Muslim communities in the West.
This course is cross-listed as MEST 272.
Offered every year.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Global Diversity, Middle East Social Science,
Social Sciences
310 Gender and the Media
This course is concerned with a wide range of issues surrounding gender and the
media. We will consider interpretations of gender both as essence and as construction,
and we will examine the role of the media in contemporary culture. Finally, we will
examine the representation of genders in the media as well as representations of
gender by the media.
Prerequisite: Either 110, 222, 224, 228 or a course in WGST.
Attributes: US Diversity
313 Special Topics
This course will focus on specialized topics within Sociology, such as Women and
Health, Cuban Society and Economy.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Social Sciences
325 Race, Family, and the Politics of Multiraciality
This course examines the family as a social institution through which norms of racial
distance and segregation have been vigorously upheld. We consider the political and
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 559
economic investment in separating White families from African Americans, Native
Americans, Asians, and later groups of immigrants, and pay special attention to how
gender and sexuality were constructed in the service of these interests. Students will
then explore more contemporary patterns of interracial families (including transracial
adoptions), examining the experiences of those who have transgressed intimate racial
boundaries or grown up in “mixed” families. We will analyze how interracial families
blur racial categories and critically examine the politics of multiraciality as an identity
and a social movement.
Offered every two years.
Prerequisites: Either 110, 224, 225, 236 OR AFST 100 or 200.
Attributes: Social Sciences
327 Sex, Gender, and Religion
Exploring the interactions between religious and gender and sexuality, this course
examines: how various religious traditions perceive sexuality and gender; the ways in
which religion influences social policy both within the United States and globally; and
the impact this has on individuals, families, and societies. The course focuses on
contemporary concerns, while offering a comparative (historical and cross-cultural)
introduction to these issues across several religious traditions. Particular emphasis is
given to religious fundamentalisms across the three major monotheistic religions:
Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Prerequisites: Either 110, 222, 224, 228 or 310, or one course from WGSS or RELG, or
permission of the instructor.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Social Sciences
330 Classical Sociological Theory
This course will examine alternative ways of understanding the human being, society,
and culture as they have been presented in classical sociological theory (through 1925).
It will focus on the theoretical logic of accounting for simple and complex forms of
social life, interactions between social processes and individual and group identities,
major and minor changes in society and culture, and the linkages between intimate and
large-scale human experience.
Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: 110 and one additional course in sociology, or permission of instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 560
Attributes: Social Sciences
331 Contemporary Sociological Theory
This course will examine alternative ways of understanding the human being, society,
and culture as they have been presented in contemporary sociological theory (1925-
present). It will focus on the theoretical logic of accounting for simple and complex
forms of social life, interactions between social processes and individual and group
identities, major and minor changes in society and culture, and the linkages between
intimate and large-scale human experience.
Prerequisite: 110 and one additional course in sociology, or permission of
instructor.Offered every spring.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective
333 The Sociology of Health and Illness
This course is an examination of the theories and practices that constitute a sociological
understanding of medicine, health, and illness. Social epidemiology, health care
systems, stigma, medicalization, suffering, and death, are some of the phenomena
considered.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Social Sciences
344 Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis
This course is intended for the social science major who is interested in a deeper
exploration of the topics and techniques covered in an introductory course on social
research methods. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to design their
own research study, either by collecting original data or by using a secondary data
source (such as the General Social Survey). The semester-long project will provide in-
depth instruction on survey design, data collection, and data entry. Additionally,
students will use the SPSS statistical package to comprehensively analyze data, from
descriptive results to multiple regression.
Offered every two years.
Prerequisite: 244, or the equivalent.
400 Sociology Seminar
A specialized seminar, intended to relate a broad area of theoretical concern to the
problems and procedures of current research. Regularly offered topics: Measuring Race
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 561
and Racism; Women, Culture, and Development; Sociology of Violence; Language and
Power: Foucault and Bourdieu; American Society; Race and Ethnic Theory; Sexualities;
Postmodernism, Culture, and Communication.
Prerequisite:110 and at least one from the list of required courses (SOCI 236, SOCI 240,
SOCI 244, SOCI 330, or SOCI 331). Offered every fall.
Attributes: Social Sciences
405 Senior Thesis
Independent study, in consultation with a specially constituted faculty committee, of a
problem area chosen by the student. The student should, in addition to pursuing
his/her own interests, also seek to demonstrate how various perspectives within
sociology and, where relevant, other disciplines bear on the topic chosen.
Permission of the instructor required.
Attributes: Social Sciences
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 562
Spanish and Portuguese
MAJOR
Eleven (11) courses numbered 202 and above.
These three courses are required for all majors:
1. 202 (previously 230): Advanced Grammar
2. 231: Spanish Composition
3. 305: Introduction to Literary and Cultural Analysis
And eight electives
A maximum of five courses at the 200-level (202 and above) will count toward the
major.
Students may count up to two SPAN departmental courses toward the major that are
taught in English provided that they complete specific FLIC criteria established by the
professor.
Only one PORT course on campus may count towards the major (taught in
Portuguese or in English). Students are able to combine a Spanish major with a
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (PBST) minor to gain a more comprehensive
perspective of Ibero-America.
Students may also opt to count one non-SPAN course (if PORT is not chosen) taken
on campus at Dickinson (e.g., LALC, AMST, etc.) related to the Spanish- or
Portuguese-speaking world and culture toward the major (students are encouraged
to take the FLIC option if available)
Please note:
1) Students who are placed into SPAN 101 and who wish to major in Spanish are
encouraged to take at least one summer school language class. This will allow
them to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country for at least one semester.
The requirement to study abroad is SPAN 231.
2) SPAN 305, the "gateway" or "methods" course for the major/minor, should be
completed before senior year. Students who have not taken it before junior
year and who plan to spend junior year abroad need to confirm they will be able
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 563
to take an equivalent course abroad. The equivalent course for the Dickinson in
Spain program is “Teoría de la Literatura Aplicada al Estudio de la Literatura
Española,” offered at the University of Málaga. For the Dickinson in South
America program, the equivalent course offered at UNCuyo is “Teoría Literaria y
Literatura hispanoamericana.”
3) Students must take 305 and at least two additional 300-level courses prior to
taking 401. We recommend that these two additional 300-level courses be in
literary studies.
For Majors Intending Off-Campus Study and Transfer Students: Regardless of the
amount of transfer credit or off-campus study credit earned, a student majoring in
Spanish must complete a minimum of five courses on campus.
MINOR
The Spanish minor consists of a total of six courses numbered 202 and above.
These three courses are required:
202 (previously 230) Advanced Grammar
231 Spanish Composition
305 Introduction to Literary and Cultural Analysis
And three electives
A maximum of five courses may be at the 200-level. Exceptions can be made by
permission of the chair.
Students who complete the approved theory courses taught at Dickinson programs in
Málaga or Mendoza will not be required to complete the SPAN 305 course in Carlisle.
The equivalent course for the Dickinson in Spain program is “Teoría de la Literatura
Aplicada al Estudio de la Literatura Española,” offered at the University of Málaga.
For the Dickinson in South America program, the equivalent course offered at
UNCuyo is “Teoría Literaria y Literatura hispanoamericana.”
Students may count up to two SPAN departmental courses toward the minor that are
taught in English provided that they complete specific FLIC criteria established by the
professor.
Only one non-SPAN course on campus at Dickinson (e.g., LALC, PORT, AMST, etc.)
related to the Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking world and culture may count toward
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 564
the minor (students are encouraged to take the FLIC option if available)
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Majors must take a total of eleven (11) courses.
Required courses are: Spanish 202 (previously 230), 231, 305, and 410. Some students,
after taking the placement test, may be placed into 231, in which case the requirement
to take 202 is waived by the department chair (but they still must take a total of 11
courses to complete the major). A maximum of 5 courses at the 200-level (202 and
above) will count toward the major or minor.
The flow through the major will depend on the language class in which the student
initially places.
Here are three possibilities:
Route #1
Route #2
Route #3
First Year
SPAN 102
SPAN 201
First Year
SPAN 201
SPAN 202
First Year
SPAN 202
SPAN 231
Sophomore Year
SPAN 202
SPAN 231
Sophomore Year
SPAN 231
SPAN 305
Sophomore Year
SPAN 305
SPAN 300-level course
Junior Year
Study abroad (1 or 2 sems)
SPAN 305 (or equiv abroad)
Junior Year
Study abroad (1 or 2 sems)
Junior Year
Study abroad (1 or 2 sems)
Senior Year
300-level SPAN courses
SPAN 401 (elective)
Senior Year
300-level SPAN courses
SPAN 401 (elective)
Senior Year
300-level SPAN courses
SPAN 401 (elective)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 565
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
This is an opportunity to explore individually an area of special interest to the student
within the discipline. It is normally arranged through individual contact between the
student and the professor involved in the semester preceding the actual project, and
approved by the department chair.
HONORS
Spanish majors wishing to graduate with honors in the Department of Spanish &
Portuguese should speak with the department chair during the fall semester of the
senior year. Honors will be awarded to students who successfully complete a significant
scholarly essay (normally thirty to fifty pages in length) and defend the work during an
oral examination given by a committee of departmental faculty. This project should be
done in close collaboration with a department faculty member and cannot be
undertaken before fulfillment of the senior seminar requirement. Essays done for the
senior seminar or other advanced course will often be the starting point for the Honors
project. Detailed guidelines are available on the department's web page.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Dickinson offers fall semester or full year programs at the University of Málaga, Spain.
This program is intended to enhance and enrich the strong Spanish major the student
has initiated on the Carlisle campus. Students wishing to study in Latin America may
take advantage of Dickinson's South America program in Cuenca, Ecuador and
Mendoza, Argentina. Dickinson also has a Partner Program in Brazil. Information is
available from faculty in the Spanish department or the Center for Global Study and
Engagement.
NOTE: Spanish majors going abroad should carefully plan their course schedule with the
assistance of their faculty advisor.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
The department's co-curricular activities include: (1) a Spanish Club, which is open to
majors and non-majors alike, sponsored lectures, field trips and other cultural activities,
(2) the Spanish Table, held once a week in a private dining area of the Holland Union
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 566
Building, where students and professors meet over dinner for conversation and
informal discussions in Spanish, and (3) the Casa de Lenguas Romances, which offers a
unique opportunity for the students to live in a Spanish-speaking environment, using
the Spanish language as the main vehicle for daily communication.
International students from the University of Málaga and from the National University
of Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina (where Dickinson students take classes when they study
abroad) play a key role in these extra-curricular activities. These Overseas Student
Assistants live in the Casa de Lenguas Romances and/or the International House during
the school year, are in charge of the Spanish Table, and assist faculty with language
courses and special events in the department.
COURSES
The following courses are offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga:
205 Málaga Summer Immersion
Offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga. A five-week course in
contemporary Spanish language and culture offered at the University of Málaga,
Málaga, Spain. Students will reside with Spanish families, speak only Spanish during this
five-week period, and participate in intensive language and culture classes, special
lectures, and field trips arranged by Dickinson in cooperation with the Centro
Internacional de Español (CIE-UMA) of the University of Málaga.
Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent and permission of the department.
251 Spanish for Academic Contexts in Málaga
An advanced and in-depth study of grammatical structures to prepare students for the
demands of Spanish university classes, with a focus on achieving the necessary
command of the language according to DELE standards. Students will learn some of the
intricacies, complexities and subtleties of Spanish grammar through personalized
instruction, oral presentations and written analysis of diverse texts. These will include
cultural texts, literature, art, current affairs, politics, etc. This is an intensive, four week
pre-semester required course, which includes weekly exams in addition to other
specific assignments.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 567
253 Málaga Colloquium
This is a half credit course that follows Spanish 251, Spanish For Academic Contexts in
Málaga. This addresses challenges that students face in course work taken at the
Universidad de Málaga. Students will learn in detail about expectations for student
work in Spanish universities, will present to Dickinson peers research related to their
university courses, and will also participate in mentor and/or tutoring sessions that will
focus on their university work. The course will include readings on study and research
skills, as well as Spanish university culture.
Meets weekly for one and a half-hours for 12 weeks.
371 Literary Analysis of Hispanic Texts
Offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga. An in-depth study of texts of
a specific period and/or genre. This course often focuses on contemporary writers and
includes class visits by authors being studied.
Attributes: Humanities
372 Spanish Society and Culture
Offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga. In-depth study of several
aspects of Spanish cultural traditions and values. Contrasts Andalusian culture with
other peninsular cultures. Oral and written reports concerning cultural aspects of life in
Málaga. Local field trips and interviews are an important part of the course.
Offered in the fall semester.
373 Spanish and Hispanoarab Art
Offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga. An overview of Spanish art
followed by an emphasis on the Hispanoarab art of Andalusia. This course requires
students to visit many museums and places of architectural importance. Includes on-
site oral presentations and research.
Attributes: Arts
374 Spain and the European Union
Offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga. An interdisciplinary course
that focuses on the institutions of the EU and how they impact Spain and the lives of
Spaniards. Topics discussed include immigration, tourism, and national identity.
Attention also given to bilateral and multilateral relations between Spain and other EU
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 568
member states.
Does not count for credit towards the Spanish major.
381 Topics in Hispanic Studies
Offered only at the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga. Study of significant cultural,
literary, and historical topics concerning the Spanish-speaking world. Peninsular and
Latin American topics may be offered. Specific topics to be announced.
The following courses are offered in the Dickinson in South America Program:
252 Ecuador and the Andes: Culture, History and Society
This interdisciplinary class examines the culture, history, philosophy, and literature of
Ecuador and the Andes. Students will explore topics such as social and value systems,
environmental diversity, and colonial encounters. Special emphasis will be placed on
identities through the lens of gender, ethnicity, and race. This class also includes a
Spanish language component. Class trips will be made to selected areas of Ecuador that
are of archaeological, cultural, and historical significance.
Prerequisites: 231 and acceptance into the Dickinson in South America program.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 203. Offered every semester.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course
362 Argentina in a Latin American Context
This class approaches Argentine reality from an interdisciplinary perspective, including
culture, economic and social life, geography and history, and philosophical and social
factors. It will examine the diversity of Argentine society in the context of Latin
American political, social, and cultural developments. National and regional
perspectives will be included as well. Class trips will be made to selected areas of the
Mendoza region that are of cultural and historical significance.
Prerequisites: 231 and acceptance into the Dickinson in South America program.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 204. Offered every semester.
Attributes: Global Diversity, INST Latin America Course
Spanish Courses
101 Elementary Spanish
This course is designed for students who have never taken Spanish previously. The
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 569
course focuses on all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking, with an
emphasis on vocabulary development and listening comprehension development.
Prerequisite: No prior study of Spanish and permission of department.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Spanish
This course is a continuation of Spanish 101. The course focuses on all four language
skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking, with increasing emphasis on speaking.
Prerequisite: 101. Upon completion, students go to 201.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
201 Intermediate Spanish
This course is a continuation of Spanish 102. The course focuses on all four language
skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking, with increasing emphasis on writing
and speaking.
Prerequisite: 102 or placement by department.
This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Advanced Grammar
The primary goal of this course is to develop students' formal knowledge of Spanish by
reviewing and studying the more challenging grammatical structures. The course will
also work on development of skills in reading, oral expression, and vocabulary
development. The purpose of the course is to equip students with the formal
grammatical background necessary to be successful in courses on Hispanic literatures,
linguistics and cultures.
Prerequisite: 201, 120, or the equivalent.
203 Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Spanish for Heritage Speakers is an intermediate language course designed for heritage
learners with little or no formal academic formation in Spanish, but which includes
other student interests in specific content areas, such as US Latino immigration,
identity, ethnicity, education, and representation in the media. Linguistic goals include
vocabulary acquisition, improvement in writing, and enhancement of formal
communicative skills.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 570
Prerequisite: Placement by department. This course is for students with little or no
previous formal training in Spanish -- one year or less of high school Spanish-- who live
in a home in which Spanish is spoken and who speak Spanish at home. This course
fulfills the foreign language graduation requirement.
229 Spanish Conversation
The primary goal of this course is to continue to strengthen students' oral, aural,
reading, and writing skills in Spanish while acquiring a broadened intercultural
perspective. Course topics will consist of a focused cultural theme chosen by the
professor. Examples of possible topics include: Current Events in Hispanic Societies,
Chronicling Everyday Life, Geographical Explorations in the Spanish-Speaking World,
and Gastronomy and Health in the Hispanic World.
Prerequisite: 202, 203 or 205.
NOTE: May be taken concurrently with 202 or 231. Students who have completed 231 or
above may not take this course.
231 Spanish Composition
The primary goal of this course is to develop students' writing skills in Spanish. Course
topics will consist of a focused cultural theme chosen by the professor. Examples of
possible topics include: Hispanic Cultures through Film: Students will learn about the
current culture and history of Spanish-speaking countries through discussion of films.
This course will emphasize acquisition of the critical skills necessary to analyze Spanish-
language cinema within the context of its country of origin. Hispanic Cultures through
Painting: This course will analyze major themes in Hispanic cultures through the lens of
painting. Readings that illuminate social, political, and cultural contexts will prepare
students to better appreciate the historical significance of a wide variety of well-known
painters. Hispanic Cultures through Literature: Students will learn the literary tradition
of selected countries through novels, poems, and short plays by representative writers.
Emphasis will be on tracing the development of the culture of the country studied.
Hispanic Cultures through Media: Students will learn the values, mores and traditions
of selected Spanish-speaking countries through popular media and its portrayal of
current events. Emphasis will be on analyzing Spanish-language newspapers, magazines
and television in order to understand their imagined audience.
Prerequisite: 202 or 205.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 571
238 Spanish for Business Professions
This is a specialized course that emphasizes the language of business. Students will
study the lexicon and language protocols appropriate to the basic functions of
international business.
The goal is to improve oral, reading, and writing skills while acquiring a general business
vocabulary, and a broadened intercultural perspective.
Prerequisite: 202 or 205.
239 Spanish for the Health Professions
This is a specialized course emphasizing Spanish language and culture as they relate to
health and medicine. The course goal is written and oral communication and cultural
fluency as they relate to Global Health Care, Food Security, Immigration, and the
delivery of health-care services to Limited-English-Proficient, Hispanic patients. Off-
campus volunteer work with native Spanish speakers is required.
Prerequisite: 202 or 205.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 239.
Attributes: Food Studies Elective, Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective,
Service Learning, Sustainability Connections, US Diversity
295 Introduction to U.S. Latinx Literature and Culture
This interdisciplinary introduction to Latinx Studies discusses foundational historical,
cultural, political, artistic, and literary texts of the U.S. Latinx community. This class will
cover diasporic movements and issues of identity, with a particular focus on the
Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban-American diaspora.
Prerequisite: 231. This course is cross-listed as LALC 295
Attributes: AMST American Lit Elective, AMST Representation Elective, Lat Am, Latinx,
Carib St Elect, US Diversity
305 Reading and Thinking About Texts
The goal of this course is to introduce students to techniques and/or approaches to
read and interpret a variety of texts (literature, film, art, photography, music, etc.),
while developing the necessary skills in the field to examine discourses, analyze
arguments, and construct and defend arguments of their own, orally and in writing.
Depending on the professor, this introduction to reading and analyzing different texts
may focus on historical, social, cultural, political, methodological, and/or aesthetic
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 572
contexts, through an interdisciplinary approach.
Prerequisite: 231.
Attributes: Humanities, Writing in the Discipline
360 Introduction to Translation Studies
An introduction to translation as a professional discipline. Emphasis will be on literary
translation (principally Spanish to English). Students will learn how translation advances
their knowledge of both English and Spanish and how it makes them more perceptive
readers as well as more critical observers of the cultural presuppositions that inform all
texts. Attention will also be given to some of the major theoretical issues that have
vexed translators historically.
Prerequisites: 305 and one additional 300-level course; or, 305 and permission of
the instructor.
365 Intro to Hispanic Linguistics
This course serves as an introduction to the concepts of theoretical linguistics
(phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, etc.) as well as applied linguistics (language
pedagogy, pragmatics, second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, etc.). The approach
to this course can be thematic or more narrowly focused and comparative in nature.
The course can be taught in English with a Spanish FLIC option and when offered with a
FLIC option, advanced learners of other foreign languages are welcome.
Prerequisite: 231 or approval of the professor.
Attributes: FLIC Spanish, Taught in English
366 Introduction to Spanish Sociolinguistics
This course will introduce students to the study of variation and change in Spanish
based on a variety of sociological factors. The course will incorporate specific examples
both in Spanish and in English. The course will be taught in English with a Spanish FLIC
option. Advanced learners of other languages are welcome. Topics will include
phonological variation, morphological and morphosyntactic variation, discourse
analysis, and language in contact.
Taught in English.
Prerequisite: Spanish 305 or approval from the professor. Attributes: FLIC Spanish,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 573
380 Topics in Hispanic and Luso-Brasilian Studies
Study of significant, cultural, literary, and historical topics concerning the Spanish
and/or Portuguese speaking world. Some topics offered recently were: Medieval
Women Writers, Perverted Subjects in 19th century Spain, Latin American Jewish
Women Writers, The Growing Up Theme in Hispanic Literatures.
Prerequisite: 305 or permission of the instructor.
382 Topics in Hispanic Linguistics
This course will treat one or more specific areas of linguistics. The focus of particular
semesters will vary, with some covering theoretical and some covering applied
linguistics. Specific topics may include bilingualism, contrastive analysis, dialectology,
discourse analysis, historical linguistics, language pedagogy, morphology, phonetics,
phonology, pragmatics syntax, second language acquisition semantics, and
sociolinguistics. The course could also focus on task design or research methods.
This course may be taught primarily in Spanish or English, depending on the material
covered.
Prerequisite: 305
385 Topics in Latinx Studies
This class, which will generally be taught in Spanish, studies significant cultural, literary,
and historical topics concerning the U.S. Latinx community. A sampling of topics
includes: The Mexican-American Border; Nueva York, Diaspora City; U.S. Latinos:
Between Two Cultures; Latinx Poetry; New Latino Narratives; Latina Writers; Afro-
Latino Cultural Production in the U.S., Semiotics and the Aesthetics of Latinx Cinema.
Prerequisite: 305.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 385.
Attributes: Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, US Diversity
401 Senior Research Seminar
Students will work on a semi-independent basis along with the professor on a focused
research project. Students will choose a research project that investigates a particular
aspect of Hispanic or Luso-Brazilian studies. Students will be required to submit
regularly scheduled progress reports and will participate in discussions on research
strategies, the writing process, and peer review of their writing. Students will be
required to present their research at various stages. The culmination of this course will
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 574
be a research paper that may serve as a launching pad for the Honor’s Thesis in the
spring semester.
Offered regularly in the fall and occasionally in spring semesters. Students may write
their papers in Spanish or English, depending on their priorities and interests.
Prerequisite: SPAN 305, two 300-level courses, and permission of the professor based on
the professor’s advanced approval of the student’s topic.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 390.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 575
Portuguese
GENERAL INFORMATION
The College offers an interdisciplinary minor in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies.
Students may take significant course work on the language, culture, and literature of
the Luso-Brazilian world through regular courses and independent studies.
Students interested in taking Portuguese should consult with the chair of the
Department of Spanish & Portuguese.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students with at least two years of college-level Spanish or one year of Portuguese (or
the equivalent) may take advantage of the CIEE Program in Saõ Paulo, Brazil, located at
the Catholic University. All classes are taught in Portuguese. Contact the Center for
Global Study and Engagement for information about the Partner Program in Brazil.
COURSES
In addition to the offerings below, Portuguese is offered on a tutorial basis.
101 Elementary Portuguese
An intensive study of the fundamentals of Portuguese grammar, with special attention
given to pronunciation and oral expression. Composition and literary and cultural
readings.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Elementary Portuguese
An intensive study of the fundamentals of Portuguese grammar, with special
attention given to pronunciation and oral expression. Composition and literary and
cultural readings.
Prerequisite: 101 or the equivalent
200 Portuguese for Speakers of a Romance Language
This course is designed for students who have previously studied another Romance
language and would like develop speaking, reading, writing and listening skills in
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 576
Portuguese. The course assumes no previous knowledge of Portuguese, and will rely on
the comparative grammar and cognate vocabulary of Spanish and other Romance
languages to develop language skills over the course of the semester. In addition,
the class will explore aspects of Portuguese-speaking cultures in Europe, Latin America
and Africa.
Prerequisites: four semesters of a Romance language (or the equivalent), or permission
of instructor.
201 Intermediate Portuguese
Review of Portuguese syntax. Introduction to conversation and composition
through selected cultural and literary readings. This course fulfills the language
graduation requirement.
Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
202 Intermediate Portuguese II
The primary goals of this course are to review and study advanced grammatical
structures, as well as develop writing skills. The course will aim to further develop
students’ formal knowledge of Portuguese by studying challenging grammatical
structures and producing formal and informal texts, such as letters, reports, narrations,
summaries, etc. In order to familiarize students further with the cultures of Portuguese
speaking countries, the course will use diverse target-language materials, such as short
stories, films, newspaper clips, blog entries, YouTube videos, songs, etc. This course is
intended as the gateway to the Portuguese and Brazilian Studies minor.
Prerequisite: 200 or 201
Attributes: Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
231 Portuguese Conversation and Composition
Advanced practice in oral and written Portuguese. In-class work focuses primarily on
oral practice through presentations and class-wide discussions of these presentations,
of current events, readings and films, as well as small group practice emphasizing
everyday situations. Out-of-class work focuses on writing and revision of compositions
with emphasis on both grammar and style.
Prerequisite: 201, 200 or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 577
240 Brazil in a Latin American Context
This course approaches Brazilian cultures and society from an interdisciplinary
perspective, with emphasis on social, economic, and environmental justice. The course
will examine the diversity of Brazilian society in the context of Latin American cultural,
historical, social, philosophical, political, and economic developments, with a special
focus on São Paulo. Students will analyze a variety of written and visual texts (from
literature, art, popular culture, sociopolitical groups, and the media), scholarly works
(articles/book chapters), as well as music and multimedia
(documentaries/films/television/new media). Classroom activities will be enhanced
with visits to selected areas of metropolitan São Paulo of cultural and historical
significance. This course also functions as an introduction to the Brazilian university
system and supports the writing and research skills required for study at the University
of São Paulo.
Prerequisite: PORT 200 or 201.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 205.
Attributes: Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Portuguese &
Brazilian Studies
242 Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues
In this class students learn about a variety of aspects of Brazilian culture and social
issues. While highly discussed topics in Brazil and about Brazil, such as carnival,
malandragem, and jeitinho are examined, throughout the semester students explore
three different types of encounters: Native encounters, African and Afro-Brazilian
encounters, and gender encounters. Students analyze these ideas concentrating on the
nature of the encounters and the criticisms generated. Also, the class examines issues
of representation related to marginalization, violence and banditry. In order to carry
out the analysis of ideas and cultural representations and their development, students
work with a variety of texts from different disciplines - literature, anthropology,
sociology, history, and film - and follow an intersectional methodology.
This course is cross-listed as LALC 242.
Offered every year.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect,
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Taught in English
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 578
290 Brazilian Cinema
This class focuses on important examples of Brazilian cinema, as well as on critical
episodes, manifestos, and challenges faced by Brazilian directors, screenwriters, and
actors. The class will also analyze diverse periods and genres, such as chanchadas,
Cinema Novo, and retomada. Particular attention will be paid to the representation of
native Brazilians, Afro-Brazilians, women, and marginalized places (Backlands, favelas,
etc.), and how their representation has had social and economic repercussions in Brazil.
Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in Portuguese.
This course is cross-listed as FMST 290 and LALC 290.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Humanities, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Taught in English
304 Afro-Brazilian Literature
This class analyzes the literary production of Afro-Brazilians writers, as well as the
representation of Afro-Brazilian characters in literary texts. It reviews different literary
periods and the images those periods created and/or challenged and how they have
affected and continue to affect the lives of Afro-Brazilians. Also, by paying particular
attention to gender and social issues in different regional contexts, the class considers
how Brazilian authors of African descent critically approach national discourses, such as
racial democracy and Brazilianness.
Taught in English. Available as a FLIC option in Portuguese.
This course is cross-listed as AFST 304 and LALC 304.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: AFST - Diaspora Course, Humanities, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect,
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, Taught in English, Writing in the Discipline
380 Topics in Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Studies
Study of significant cultural, literary, and historical topics concerning the Portuguese
and, when appropriate, the Spanish speaking world. A sampling of topics includes the
Medieval Song, Gender Transgression in Brazilian literature, Malandragem and Bandits
in Brazil, Gender and Race in the literatures of the luso-phone world, Writing after the
1964 Brazilian Coup d'etat, Performing Gender in Latin America.
Prerequisite: 242 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 579
Sustainability
COURSES
200 Topics in Sustainability
A selected sustainability topic will be explored at an introductory level through
disciplinary, multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary approaches. The topic and approach
will vary dependent upon the interests of the instructor and needs and interests of
students. Examples of topics include food systems, sustainable agriculture, renewable
energy, energy systems, water resources, social justice and sustainability, ethics and
sustainability, representations of sustainability/unsustainability, environmental
education, community development, community resilience, sustainability solutions,
sustainable development, climate change and sustainability science.
Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.
301 Practicum in Sustainability
Students will gain practical skills for creating a sustainable society by using the
Dickinson College campus or other selected organization or community as a living
laboratory in which to study and develop solutions to real and pressing problems of
sustainable planning and management. Concepts of sustainable systems and
sustainable planning and management will be explored and reinforced through
application in a significant group or individual project that requires students to identify
a problem; analyze potential solutions that would advance sustainability goals that
encompass environmental stewardship, social justice and economic vitality; develop
recommendations; and communicate recommendations to relevant constituencies with
the aim of seeing their recommendations implemented. Examples of problem areas on
which the course may focus include reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions;
performing a campus sustainability audit; and developing plans to address
transportation, nutrition, public health, economic development and biodiversity
conservation needs in the local community and region.
Prerequisite dependent upon topic.
Attributes: Sustainability Investigations
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 580
330 Global Environmental Challenges and Governance
Many environmental challenges cross international borders and some, like climate
change, are truly global in their causes, consequences and potential solutions. These
challenges often are beyond the means of individual nations to solve and global
institutions have been created to negotiate, mobilize and oversee international
cooperation to address them. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we will explore the
demographic, social and economic drivers of a selected global environmental challenge,
the dangers it poses to ecological systems, human wellbeing, sustainable development
and national security; policy options for responding to the dangers; and the processes,
politics and effectiveness of the governance institutions that have jurisdiction over it.
The exploration will result in students being able to articulate the perspectives of key
stakeholders on important issues in the governance of global environmental change and
critically analyze the performance of global environmental governance institutions.
Prerequisites: Any two DIV III lab science courses, or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Sustainability Investigations
490 Baird Honors Colloquium
Students accepted into the Baird Sustainability Fellows program will explore questions
about sustainability from a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives and
build leadership and professional skills as agents of change. The specific assignments
and content of the colloquium will be decided in concert with the admitted students.
These may include conversations with invited scholars and practitioners, discussions of
selected readings and public lectures, individual or collaborative projects, written
essays, presentations of student research and service projects, student led class
sessions, workshops, and field trips. Each student will create an electronic portfolio to
document attainment of sustainability learning goals.
The colloquium is a half-credit course that will meet for 90 minutes each week.
Grading for the course will be credit/no credit.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 581
Theatre & Dance
MAJOR
Theatre Arts Major Eleven (11) Courses
CORE:
101: Theatre as Social Exploration (or approved course in dramatic literature, taught
in alternate years)
121-221: one course credit of Modern Dance (or other dance courses approved by
the director of dance)
130: Introduction to Stage Technology
201: Theatre History (taught in alternate years) 203: Acting I: Basic Technique and
Modern Drama 205: Directing
230: Design Principles and Practices for the Stage
319: Dramaturgy (Writing in the DisciplineTaught 2 of every 3 years)
PRE-APPROVED CLUSTERS:
For Acting and Directing (Choose 3):
300: Acting II: Movement/Voice Technique and Devised Theater
303: Acting II: Advanced Technique and Classical Drama
305: Advanced Directing
495: Senior Project (.5 course each semester, fall and spring)
For Design and Technology (Choose 3):
495: Senior Project
500: Independent Study in Applied Design or Technology
550: Independent Research in Applied Design or Technology
560: Student/faculty collaborative research in Applied Design or Technology But no
more than two of the following:
ARTH 101 or 102: An Introduction to the History of Art
ARTH 122: Fundamentals of Composition and Drawing
ARTH 123: Fundamentals of Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 582
For Dramatic Literature:
Three additional approved courses in Dramatic Literature, one of which must have a
pre- 1800 focus. Examples include:
CLST 110: Introduction to Greek Civilization
FREN 364: Topics in French and Francophone Literatures (if substantially dramatic in
focus)
GRMN 342: Sturm und Drang and German Classicism
GRMN 345: German Expressionism
GREK 234: Greek Tragedy
GREK 332: Greek Comedy
SPAN 320: Studies in Spanish Golden Age Texts
SPAN 360: Introduction to Translation Studies (when focus on Dramatic translation is
possible)
495: Senior Project
Dance Major Eleven (11) Courses
102: Introduction to Global Dance Studies
Four semesters of dance technique (at least two from Modern Dance 121-322)
130: Introduction to Stage Technology
204: Fundamentals of Choreography
215: The Thinking Body: Human Anatomy and Movement
220: Dance Repertory (must complete two .5 course units)
230: Design Principles and Practices for the Stage
300: Acting II: Movement/Voice Technique and Devised Theater
316: Dance History Seminar
(In addition, choose one of the following)
203: Acting I (with permission of the Director of Dance)
214: Special Topics in Dance
304: Applied Choreography
495: Senior Project
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 583
NOTES: All students intending to propose a senior project (THDA 495) as part of their
theatre major should be aware of the pre-requisite of four .25 course credits in
Production and
Performance. Students will not be given permission to complete a senior project in
theatre without these four units of Production and performance credit.
Students may propose individualized clusters; however, these must be submitted for
approval by the department of theatre and dance by the end of the student's 5th
semester in residence. If a student does not propose a cluster by this point, they MUST
complete one of the pre-approved clusters as listed.
For students interested in the Dickinson College Ballet Certificate Program With
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), please see the curriculum requirements on
the certificate webpage.
Arts Requirement: Students may complete the requirement using two half-credits of
dance in the same genre:
1. Ballet
2. Modern dance
3. Jazz dance
MINOR
Theatre Arts: 130, 201, 203, 205, 300 or one course in modern dance, and 319
Dance: 102, 130, 204, 316, one course in dance technique and 220 or 304
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
Theatre
First Year
Theatre as Social Exploration (THDA 101)
Acting I (THDA 203)
Modern Dance (THDA 121-221)
For Design/Tech emphasis- Topics in Design (THDA 130) Fall semester only
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 584
Sophomore Year
Topics in Design (THDA 230) ) Spring semester only
Directing (THDA 205)
Possibly Theater History Seminar (THDA 201) if not offered in senior year
For Design/Tech- ARTH 101 or 102, 122 or 123
For Drama Lit- course in dramatic lit in other department
Junior Year
Dramatic Literature (taken outside department or abroad)
If not going abroad: Advanced Directing (THDA 305) or Advanced Acting (THDA 300-
303),
Topics in Design (THDA 230) ) Spring semester only
Senior Year
Advanced Directing (THDA 305)
Topics in Design (THDA 230) ) Spring semester only
Theater History (THDA 201)
Advanced Acting (THDA 300 - 303)
Senior Project (THDA 495)
For Design Tech- independent study or ARTH classes
For Drama Lit- drama lit class
Dance
First Year
THDA 102: Introduction to Global Dance Studies
THDA 121: Modern Dance
THDA 220: Dance Repertory
Sophomore Year
THDA 204: Fundamentals of Choreography
THDA 215: The Thinking Body: Human Anatomy and Movement (taught alternate years)
THDA 221: Modern Dance ll
THDA 130: Introduction to Stage Technology (taught only in Fall semester)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 585
Junior Year
THDA 316: Dance History Seminar
THDA 230: Design Principles and Practices for the Stage
(taught only in Spring semester)
NOTE: If not going abroad: THDA 304: Applied Choreography
THDA 300: Acting II - Movement/Voice Technique and Devised Theatre
THDA 321: Modern Dance III or another dance class (West African, Jazz or Ballet)
Senior Year
THDA 495: Senior Project (.5 course each semester, fall and spring)
THDA 421: Modern Dance 1 or another dance Class (West African, Jazz or Ballet)
Senior Portfolio Review. A preliminary review takes place in the fall, and the final review
at the end of the second semester senior year.
Dance emphasis students are expected to take technique classes every semester and all
majors should be active in the co-curriculum.
HONORS
Major GPA of 3.5.
The Honors projects may consist of:
1. A research-based thesis in literature, aesthetics, dramaturgical analyses or
history of any of the theatre arts; or
2. A creative project in acting, dance, design, direction, or choreography.
Performance projects should be supplemented by production materials as
requested by the department as well by a research paper relating the project
to its specific theatrical context.
All honors students will take an oral examination at the end of their final semester in
the general field of the honors project/paper.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 586
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad, but study abroad is not a
requirement. Students should consult with the chair of the department and the
executive director of the Center for Global Study and Engagement.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Dance Theatre Group and the Mermaid Players are Dickinson’s co-curricular student
theatre and dance organizations. Together with the department, they produce high
quality, well-attended productions and concerts which are supervised by faculty and
professional artists. They are open to all students regardless of class year or major field.
The department also produces smaller-scale productions which are often supervised by
experienced and committed students; these include the “Senior Projects,” “Lab Shows”
and “Freshman Plays” theatre programs and the "Fresh Works" and "Salon" dance
program. Auditions open to all students (with the exception of Freshman Plays, open
only to first-year students) are held before each production. All students are
encouraged to participate backstage by signing up on the call board (a bulletin board
located near Mathers Theatre in the HUB) to work in the scene shop or costume studio.
No experience is necessary and patient instruction, often from experienced students, is
always available.
COURSES
The following course is offered in summer semester in England program:
110 Theatre in England
A topics course in the history and performance of drama which uses performances in
and expertise of the theatrical world in London as resources for its study. Taught only in
the Summer Semester in England program.
This course fulfills the Arts (Division IC) distribution requirement.
Attributes: Arts
Theatre Arts Courses
101 Theatre as Social Exploration
Theatre has always been, and continues to be, an artistic form in which society sees
itself portrayed. Theatre artists reflect and are influenced by the way they see current
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 587
social situations, but they also construct and present social criticism that points to a
different or desired social future. This course will explore how theatre artists have
contributed to movements advocating equality for individuals regardless of their race,
religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. A comparison will also be drawn by
exploring how theatre artists' advocacy and perspective on such issues can be seen
throughout theatrical history (in plays such as Shakespeare's Othello, Euripides' The
Trojan Women, or Ibsen's A Doll's House, for instance.) By examining the rich tradition
of dramatic performancesand especially through looking at performances on
contemporary stages and in related dramatic forms--an appreciation for the role of the
artist as an agent for social equality and change will be pursued through the course.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, US Diversity
102 Introduction to Global Dance Studies
This is an introductory course that explores dance forms from six different regions:
Africa, India, North America, Europe, South America and Asia. Focus will be on how
dance functions within various social structures and how these functions operate to re-
inscribe, contest or legitimate race, class, and gender identity formations. Issues such
as authenticity, hybridity, cultural tourism and globalization will be examined. Through
an interactive classroom, guest artists and studio work, we will gain a deeper
kinesthetic understanding of how dance can operate as a powerful cultural tool, glue or
agent for social change.
Offered every two years.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts, Global Diversity, SINE Elective
111 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours
on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible
classes until 4pm.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 588
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Credit/no credit
112 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours on or
after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible classes until
4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Credit/no credit
121 Modern Dance I
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which
assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students
who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level,
open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore
the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of
weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary
dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to
promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality,
strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for
credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 589
122 Modern Dance I
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which
assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students
who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level,
open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore
the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of
weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary
dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to
promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality,
strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for
credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
123 Jazz Dance I
Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no
previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who
demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to
students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the
movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body
isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be
repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
124 Jazz Dance I
Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no
previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who
demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to
students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the
movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body
isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be
repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 590
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
125 International Dance
This course will introduce the movement vocabulary and performance techniques of
dance form(s) from different cultures. In this studio-based course, students will develop
their skills as performers of specific styles/forms of dance from around the world. The
historical and cultural significance of the dance form(s) will also be addressed. Each
course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Carries .5 academic credit.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
127 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit.
Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution
requirement.
128 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit.
Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution
requirement.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 591
130 Introduction to Stage Technology
An introduction to the backstage technology of the world of theatre and dance
including the areas of costuming, lighting technology, and scenic construction. Students
will learn basic construction techniques in hands on production work in the
department’s scenic and costume studios and will learn lighting technology while
working on performances in Mathers Theatre and the Cubiculo.
Two hours classroom and three hours lab per week.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
190 Production and Performance
A laboratory experience in the creation and performance of theatre production. Under
the guidance of faculty, students will explore the interpretive processes by which
theatre productions are rehearsed, built and presented.
Carries .25 academic credit.
Credit/no credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor based on an open audition process for
performance or application process for production.
Four .25 academic credits can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
201 Theatre History
The impulse to perform (and to be an audience) can be traced back to the very roots of
human society. This course will explore the origins and evolution of theatre as a formal
art within the context of western cultures. Beginning with the Theatre of Greece in the
5th Century BCE and proceeding up to the 20th Century, the broad relationship of art
and culture will be illustrated through examination of both written plays and historical
artifacts regarding play production in classical, medieval, early modern and modern
eras. Students will learn through traditional classroom lectures and readings, and also
through more performance-oriented exercises and explorations.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
203 Acting I
An introduction to the principles and theories of acting combined with practical
exercises and scene performance. This course fulfills the Arts distribution requirement.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 592
204 Fundamentals of Choreography and Dance Composition
A studio-based course designed to introduce the student to various tools to generate
and create original dance compositions. Basic elements such as time, space, energy,
dynamics, movement generation, and quality are explored in addition to multiple
structuring devices. Using an interdisciplinary lens, this course offers a different
approach to art making from related fields such as visual art,literature, and media in
order to treat dance composition as a relevant response to the contemporary moment.
Prerequisite: 102, or permission of the instructor.
One studio course in dance is recommended.
Attributes: Arts
205 Directing
A study of the major techniques employed by stage directors. Visual theory, text
analysis, collaborative techniques, and organizational strategies are examined and
applied in class exercises including the direction of scenes.
Prerequisite: 203.
211 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours on or
after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible classes until
4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Credit/no credit
212 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 593
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours
on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible
classes until 4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement. Credit/no credit
214 Special Topics in Dance
This course examines and applies theoretical and/or scientific study to the dancing
body through experiential investigation, reading and lecture.
Prerequisite: Proficiency in ballet or modern dance at the intermediate level or
permission of instructor.
Attributes: Arts
215 The Thinking Body: Human Movement and Anatomy
This course employs an experiential approach to the science and expressive potential of
human movement. It is meant to give students a foundation in anatomy and
kinesiology basics. Simultaneously, significant time will be spent in explorations
designed to deepen body-mind connections. We will focus on the act of embodiment -
how does factual knowledge of the body help us move more efficiently and utilize
healthy biomechanics? Through course readings, movement exercises, guest lectures,
writing, partnered activities and self-directed independent studio time, we will connect
how broad analytical frameworks of the human body apply to the personal and
individual experience of movement.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective
220 Dance Repertory
A laboratory experience in the creation and performance of dance for the concert
stage. Under the guidance of faculty or guest professional choreographers, students
will explore the interpretive processes by which dances are created.
NOTE: This course carries .5 credit (graded credit/no credit).
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 594
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor based on an open audition process.
Co-requisite: 200, or a dance technique course and/or participation in weekly Dance
Theatre Group company class.
Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution
requirement.
221 Modern Dance II
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which
assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students
who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level,
open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore
the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of
weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary
dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to
promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality,
strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for
credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
222 Modern Dance II
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which
assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students
who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level,
open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore
the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of
weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary
dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to
promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality,
strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for
credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 595
223 Jazz Dance II
Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no
previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who
demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to
students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the
movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body
isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be
repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit.
224 Jazz Dance II
Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no
previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who
demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to
students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the
movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body
isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be
repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit.
227 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used to satisfy the
Arts distribution requirement.
228 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 596
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit
230 Design Principles and Practices for the Stage
A study of the language, principles, elements, and tools designers use to both formulate
and communicate ideas as part of the collaborative process. Students will learn the
basic elements of composition for stage design and will see how these elements
function in the areas of costuming, lighting, scenery, and sound.
Two hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week.
300 Acting II: Movement/Voice Technique and Devised Theatre
This course will explore the creative process through movement and language. The
student will work individually and in groups to create performance pieces based upon
principles of text and movement. The class aims to develop the expressive power of the
voice and body while fostering interdisciplinary thinking and artistic experimentation
and an appreciation for the historic intersection of dance and theater.
Prerequisite: 203 and/or 200-level movement.
302 Special Topics in Theatre and Dance
An examination of selected aspects of theatrical experiment, theory, and practice.
Topics chosen at the discretion of the instructor and in consultation with students, e.g.,
advanced study in various aspects of production, design, performance, and staging as
well as special topics in dramatic literature, history, and theory.
This course fulfills the Arts (Division I C) distribution requirement.
Attributes: Arts
303 Acting II: Advanced Technique and Classical Drama
An in-depth examination of the process of acting. Technical, interpretive, and
psychological aspects are explored through reading, exercises, and scene
performances. Major theories of acting are presented and discussed in the context of
developing a workable, individualized approach to acting.
Prerequisite: 203.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 597
304 Applied Choreography
This course will focus on the principles of choreography as they may be applied to the
development of original dance works for inclusion in the fully produced, mainstage
Dance Theatre Group Spring Concert. Through weekly workshop/discussion sessions,
readings, and rehearsals, selected elements of dance composition as well as issues of
aesthetic perception and articulation are explored. The processes involved in
generating movement material, running constructive and creative rehearsals,
and working with lighting and costume designers, are our primary concerns. The
course work will include an audition showings, production of the dances, and the
final performance.
Prerequisites: 204, 220. 1 credit.
Attributes: Arts
305 Advanced Directing
An inquiry into the process of translating a play from the printed text to the live stage.
Detailed analytical techniques and major directorial theories are examined through
readings, class discussion, and written assignments. Each student directs a one-act
production under advisement of the instructor.
Prerequisite: 205 and 230.
311 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours
on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible
classes until 4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Credit/no credit
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 598
312 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours
on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible
classes until 4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Credit/no credit
314 Topics in Dance
Advanced study in dance history or dance ethnology.
Prerequisite: 102 and 104.
316 Dance History Seminar: Modernism and the Body
This course will focus on contemporary dance history using theoretical frameworks that
interrogate how race, class and gender resist, assimilate, and converge to create the
construction of American modern concert dance. We will explore how the politics of
the dancing female body on the concert stage produced a radicalized agenda for
contemporary dance. We will address key themes and questions throughout the
semester, questions such as: What makes a body "modern?" How does the feminist
agenda on the concert stage aid in the construction of a "modern" body? What was the
role of appropriating from exotic cultures in the making of contemporary concert
dance? What is the role of technology in the creation of modern dance? What are the
effects of war and politics on the dancing body? Orientalism, the Africanist presence in
Western concert dance, and the restaging of Native American dances by American
choreographers will be addressed as part of the overall construction of American
modern dance. Through response papers, in-class presentations, and an in-depth
research paper, students will engage with significant issues contributing to the
development of modern concert dance.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 599
Prerequisite: 102.
This course is cross-listed as WGSS 301.
Attributes: US Diversity, Writing in the Discipline
317 Advanced Classical Ballet
Ballet instruction at the higher levels of classes are taught under the direction of CPYB.
Instruction will utilize the precise, disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training
developed by Marcia Dale Weary founder and artistic director of the Central
Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
Prerequisites: 212 and placement at higher level by CPYB.
Credit/no credit
318 Advanced Classical Ballet
Ballet instruction at the higher levels of classes are taught under the direction of CPYB.
Instruction will utilize the precise, disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training
developed by Marcia Dale Weary founder and artistic director of the Central
Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
Prerequisites: 212 and placement at higher level by CPYB.
Credit/no credit
319 Dramaturgy
What is a dramaturg? This course will answer that question through theoretical and
applied investigations of dramatic texts in historical, literary, and performative
contexts. Always keeping in sight the idea of theater as a collaborative production-
focused art, students will practice research, text analysis, genres of writing for/about
the theater and dramaturgical roles on various kinds and aspects of production. A
dramaturgical casebook for a proposed play or department production will be the
culminating assignment.
Prerequisite: 101 or 201 or permission of instructor.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
321 Modern Dance III
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which
assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students
who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 600
open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore
the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of
weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary
dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to
promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality,
strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for
credit with permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission on the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
322 Modern Dance III
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which
assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students
who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level,
open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore
the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of
weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary
dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to
promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality,
strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for
credit with permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission on the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits in the same genre can be used
to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
323 Jazz Dance III
Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no
previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who
demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to
students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the
movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body
isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be
repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 601
324 Jazz Dance III
Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no
previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who
demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to
students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the
movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body
isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be
repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Each carries .5 academic credit.
327 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit
328 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit
411 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 602
the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester. All
classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours
on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible
classes until 4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
Credit/no credit
412 Ballet: Classical Ballet
Classes taught under the direction CPYB faculty. Instruction will utilize the precise,
disciplined and repetitive methods of ballet training developed by Marcia Dale Weary,
founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful
consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in
depth. Dickinson students at all levels of experience are welcome but will be required
to take the official placement class usually held during the first week of the semester.
All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours
on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible
classes until 4pm.
Classes also count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program.
When taken for 1 full academic credit, or two .5 academic credits in the same genre,
these courses satisfy the Arts distribution requirement. Credit/no credit
417 Advanced Classical Ballet
Ballet instruction at the higher levels of classes are taught by CPYB faculty under the
direction of Marcia Dale Weary founder and artistic director of the Central
Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Instruction will utilize the precise, disciplined and repetitive
methods of ballet training developed by Ms. Weary.
Prerequisites: 212 and placement at higher level by CPYB.
Credit/no credit
418 Advanced Classical Ballet
Ballet instruction at the higher levels of classes are taught by CPYB faculty under the
direction of Marcia Dale Weary founder and artistic director of the Central
Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Instruction will utilize the precise, disciplined and repetitive
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 603
methods of ballet training developed by Ms. Weary.
Prerequisites: 212 and placement at higher level by CPYB.
Credit/no credit
427 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit
428 Contemporary Ballet
Studio classes in contemporary ballet taught at the appropriate level by teachers from
the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). Instruction will combine core ballet basics
with an open approach to mobility, momentum, and expression. Students will focus on
maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion
and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson dance studio 25 High Street.
Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Credit/no credit
495 Senior Project
A culminating experience for students completing the Theatre major with emphasis in
Dramatic Literature, Acting/Directing, or Dance. The specific nature of projects will be
determined on an individual basis, but all senior projects will consist of at least two of
the following: a) scholarship, b) technical/production work, and c) performance.
Students will register for .5 course credit in the fall semester, during which planning
and research will be conducted, and .5 in the spring, during which presentation of the
project will occur.
Prerequisite: four .25 course credits in THDA 190.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 604
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
MAJOR
Ten (10) Courses
Core Courses:
WGSS 100: Introduction to Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
WGSS 200: Feminist Practices, Writing and Research
WGSS 300: Feminist Perspectives and Theories
WGSS 400: Senior Seminar
Six Elective Courses:
At least one from each of these four thematic categories, with two of the electives at
the 300- or 400-level:
1. Histories, Theories, Representations
2. Transnational and Global Perspectives
3. Sexual and Gendered Pluralities (including WGSS 208)
4. Intersectionalities, Institutions and Power
Note: Although a single course may have designations for multiple thematics, it can only
count as one course toward the major or minor.
Internship notation. Prerequisite: One WGSS core course, with exceptions approved by
the department chair.
Final reflective essay
Thematic Descriptions:
1) Histories, Theories, Representations
Introduces key histories, theoretical debates, and cultural artifacts that inform past,
present and future feminist perspectives. May include: historical analysis of diverse
gendered experience and social movements; distinct feminist theoretical traditions;
artistic, literary or cultural movements; WGSS field perspectives on relevant
phenomena such as media representation, war, memory, consumerism, colonialism,
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 605
environmentalism, urbanization, online culture, technology, disability, science and
incarceration.
2) Transnational and Global Perspectives
Examines how gendered, sexualized and racialized differences shape the way
transnational forces create power inequalities that drive the asymmetrical flow of
people, ideals, capital, discourses and institutions across and within borders. May be
transnational, comparative or focused on one nonwestern perspective. Among other
emphases, may encompass the interface between intersectional gender studies and:
indigeneity; development; colonial pasts and postcolonial presents; international
human rights; globalized economic structures; critical approaches to neoliberalism,
empire and the nation-state.
3) Sexual and Gendered Pluralities
Explores how practices, identities, behaviors, and representations of diverse sexualities,
erotic practices and gendered expressions shape and are shaped by political, cultural,
social, religious, and economic practices of societies across time and space. Develops
diverse understandings of sexual and transgender expression as they are embedded in
racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, geographical, historical and political contexts.
4) Intersectionalities, Institutions and Power
Examines how interlocking systems of power shape the shifting significance of bodies,
differences, opportunity, and marginalizations. Offerings may emphasize the
significance of overlapping ethnic, racial, ability-based, classed, citizenship, sexual and
gendered categories, as well as variations within and beyond them. Courses may also
focus on how institutions such as the family, religion, nation-state, law, government,
politics, and economics structure diverse gendered and sexualized power relationships.
MINOR
Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies (WGSS)
Minor Requirements: Six (6) Courses
Core Courses:
WGSS 100
WGSS 200 or 300
Four electives, at least two in two of the four thematic categories, or an additional
core course (WGSS 208, 200, 300 or 400)
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 606
Internship notation. Prerequisite: One WGSS core course, with exceptions approved by
the department chair.
Final reflective essay
Sexuality Studies (SXST)
Minor Requirements: Six (6) Courses
Core courses
WGSS 208: Introduction to Sexuality Studies
WGSS 200 or 300
Four electives
Queer, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (QLGBT) Perspectives
Requirement 200- or 300-level
Two electives from the Sexual and Gendered Pluralities Thematic
One core course or elective from WGSS or another department with WGSS
approval
Internship notation. Prerequisite: One WGSS core course, with exceptions approved by
the department chair.
Final reflective essay
QLGBT Perspectives Requirement Description: The QLGBT Perspectives Requirement
explores how queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans approaches complicate or rework
the area of study at hand. Courses should go beyond Thematic 3 (Sexual and Gendered
Pluralities) by explicitly emphasizing queer theory, evolving queer methodologies, or
QLGBT perspectives on identity formation, sexualized behaviors, or erotic desires. May
include QLGBT perspectives on literature, art, racialized power dynamics, national
identity, ability, memoir, social movements, law and policy, history, economics and
globalization, among other areas.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 607
SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE
MAJOR
The WGSS Department encourages study abroad. Early planning makes this possible.
The internship may be done while abroad.
The guidelines are written for the entering student who knows they want to major in
WGSS. Rather than specify the courses that you “must” have in a given semester, the
following are general guidelines regarding courses that we suggest you take during
each year. You should think of these guidelines as giving you a fast track into the major
this provides maximum flexibility in your junior and senior year.
First and Sophomore Years
WGSS 100
WGST 200
Two or three electives from among the four thematic categories
Junior Year
WGSS 300
One or two electives from among the four thematic categories, including at least at
the 300- or 400-level
Possible internship
Possible study abroad
Senior Year
WGSS 400 (spring semester)
Internship and/or elective(s) as needed
HONORS
A student pursuing honors must enroll for a one semester, Independent Research
(WGSS 550) during the Fall of their senior year to develop a project that will be
continued in their Senior Seminar. The year-long project will culminate in a well-
researched, original, sophisticated, and clearly written thesis, typically ranging from 50-
75 pages.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 608
Students can self-nominate but will be officially selected based on the department
faculty’s assessment of the student’s academic ability, including their performance in
the major.
Typically, students pursuing honors will have at least a 3.5 GPA in the major. The
selection is also based on the department faculty’s assessment of the student’s
potential for successfully completing the project and the strength of the proposal (see
below), which must show strong promise for further development toward a thesis. If
the project is accepted, the student should identify an honors committee comprised of
three faculty members, including the WGSS 550 advisor and Senior Seminar instructor.
Two members of the honors committee must be faculty appointed in WGSS; the third
member of the honors committee must be either a faculty member in the department
or a WGSS contributing faculty member. In addition, faculty or staff with expertise in
the area of the student's project may join the committee in an advisory capacity,
without vote.
A student interested in pursuing honors should work with their WGSS advisor or
another appropriate WGSS faculty member to start developing a 2-page project
proposal with an attached bibliography in the late spring or early summer before their
senior year. A final draft that defines the scope, focus and methodology of the
preliminary project is due no later than August 15th at the start of the senior year. The
2-page proposal should articulate the project’s central research questions and
methods, situating them in relationship to central debates, concepts and dilemmas
within the WGSS field. This proposal will be read and voted upon by all members of the
WGSS department.
The student will be notified by the first day of classes in the Fall semester whether the
proposal has been accepted. If so, the student will enroll in WGSS 550 with the primary
advisor with the intention of beginning a year-long research project. If the proposal is
not accepted for honors, the student may still seek to enroll in WGSS 550 with the
intention of a single-semester independent study.
If accepted, the student will work with their supervisor to refine the project’s scope and
methods, as well as develop a schedule of readings, research and writing to pursue in
the Fall. Pertinent writing assignments potentially may include an annotated
bibliography and literature review: the exact parameters will be determined on an
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 609
individual basis. By the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving break, the student should have
completed a 20-25 page draft of a significant portion of their thesis and have revised
their 2-page proposal to reflect the intended trajectory of the project in the Spring
semester. The proposal should outline the project’s central research questions and
methods, situating them in relationship to central debates, concepts and dilemmas
within the WGSS field (if these have changed since the proposal was written) and the
student’s writing goals during the Spring Seminar.
Prior to the final week of classes, all departmental faculty will assess the revised
proposal and 20-25 page draft to determine if the project is eligible for continuation as
a possible honors thesis during the spring Senior Seminar (WGSS 400). The student will
be notified by the end of the Fall semester whether the project is approved to continue
in pursuit of honors. If the project is not approved, or if the student chooses to
discontinue the project after submitting the 20-25-page paper, the student will receive
credit and a grade for the independent study. In consultation with their supervisor, the
student will revise the paper so that it is a complete, stand-alone research paper. The
final paper will be due during finals week.
If the project is approved, the student will continue the research as part of the Senior
Seminar. The Senior Seminar requires all students to complete a 25-page capstone
research project. Students pursuing an honors thesis will work in tandem with their Fall
independent study advisor and the WGSS 400 instructor to adapt this and other course
writing requirements and deadlines to their honors-eligible project. Students are
expected to complete all assigned WGSS 400 readings as well as additional relevant
projects and smaller papers (except when those smaller papers are related to the
individual research projects).
The final honors thesis must be completed by two weeks prior to the last class day in
the Spring semester of the senior year, so that the student and honors committee
members have time to prepare for an oral defense. The thesis will be read by the three-
member committee who will determine whether the student should stand for an oral
defense. If the project is not so approved, then the paper will fulfill the capstone
project requirement of the senior seminar.
If the project is approved to stand for honors, the student will prepare a short
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 610
presentation of the paper for the committee, with the format to be determined in
conversation with the project’s central advisor (usually the Senior Seminar instructor).
The presentation will be followed by questions and discussion. At the conclusion of the
defense, the committee will vote on honors and notify the student as soon as possible.
In rare cases, a vote for honors may require some final, minor revisions to the paper
due no later than a week before graduation.
Only the best projects will be granted honors and completing an honors project does
not necessarily mean that honors will be conferred. Although students’ topics and
methods will be diverse, faculty will evaluate each project on: an original question
posed by the student; sophisticated analysis of primary source(s); effective research,
demonstrating the integration of concepts and sources drawn from WGSS and other
relevant fields of study; a polished, well-written paper; and a clear presentation, with
proficient and fluent responses to questions during the defense.
If a student is pursuing honors in two majors through an interdisciplinary thesis, the
project must be of a significant length and scope to qualify for honors in two
departments. The specific criteria must be established and mutually agreed upon by the
student and the advisors of both departments in the Fall semester.
INTERNSHIPS
All students must successfully complete an internship for transcript notation approved
by the department chair and the internship office.
COURSES
100 Introduction to Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course offers an introduction to central concepts, questions and debates in gender
and sexuality studies from US, Women of Color, queer and transnational perspectives.
Throughout the semester we will explore the construction and maintenance of norms
governing sex, gender, and sexuality, with an emphasis on how opportunity and
inequality operate through categories of race, ethnicity, class, ability and nationality.
After an introduction to some of the main concepts guiding scholarship in the field of
feminist studies (the centrality of difference; social and political constructions of gender
and sex; representation; privilege and power; intersectionality; globalization;
transnationalism), we will consider how power inequalities attached to interlocking
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 611
categories of difference shape key feminist areas of inquiry, including questions of:
work, resource allocation, sexuality, queerness, reproduction, marriage, gendered
violence, militarization, consumerism, resistance and community sustainability.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for
First-Year, SINE Elective, Social Sciences, Sustainability Connections, US Diversity
101 Topics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course will focus on specific topics within women’s, gender and sexuality studies in
the arts and humanities.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year
102 Topics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course will focus on specific topics within women's, gender and sexuality studies in
the social sciences.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, Social Sciences
135 Psychology of Women and Gender
See course description with PSYC 135 listing.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Appropriate for First-Year, PSYC 100- level
Group 3, Social Sciences, US Diversity, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
200 Feminist Practices, Writing and Research
Building upon the key concepts and modes of inquire introduced in the WGSS
Introductory course, WGSS 200 deepens students’ understanding of how feminist
perspectives on power, experience, and inequality uniquely shape how scholars
approach research questions, writing practices, methods and knowledge production.
Approaches may include feminist approaches to memoir, oral histories, grassroots and
online activism, blogging, visual culture, ethnography, archival research, space, art,
literary analysis, and policy studies.
Prerequisite: 100, which can be taken concurrently.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 612
201 Topics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course will focus on specific topics within women’s, gender and sexuality studies in
the humanities, such as feminist philosophy, literature by women, and gender and
sexuality in art.
Attributes: Humanities
202 Topics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course will focus on specific topics within women’s, gender and sexuality studies in
the social sciences, such as gender and transnationalism, reproductive justice,
European feminism, black feminist thought, gender in Africa, Jewish masculinities and
gender and politics in social movements.
Attributes: Social Sciences
206 Fat Studies
This course introduces students to an emerging academic field, Fat Studies. By drawing
from historical, cultural, and social texts, Fat Studies explores the meaning of fatness
within the U.S. and also from comparative global perspectives. Students will examine
the development of fat stigma and the ways it intersects with gendered, racial, ethnic
and class constructions. Not a biomedical study of the “obesity epidemic,” this course
instead will interrogate the very vocabulary used to describe our current “crisis.”
Finally, students will become familiar with the wide range of activists whose work has
challenged fat stigma and developed alternative models of health and beauty.
This course is cross-listed as AMST 200.
Attributes: Health Studies Elective, NRSC Non-
Div 3 Elective, Social Sciences, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent, WGSS
Intersect/Instit/Power
208 Introduction to Sexuality Studies
This course explores how practices, identities, behaviors, and representations of
sexualities shape and are shaped by political, cultural, social, religious, medical and
economic practices of societies across time and space. It will put sexuality at the center
of analysis, but will develop understandings of sexuality as they are related to sex,
gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, nationality and geographical location.
Students will explore the historical and social processes through which diverse
behaviors are and are not designated as sexual. They will then analyze how these
designations influence a range of institutional forces and social phenomena. Possible
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 613
topics include: medicine, environmentalism, colonialism and nation-building, STI and
HIV transmission, public health campaigns, art and literary production, visual and
popular culture, community development, family structure, human rights frameworks,
and law or policy.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, Humanities, NRSC Non-Div 3 Elective, Social
Sciences, US Diversity, WOST Elective
220 History of American Feminism
This course will emphasize such topics as the 19th century women's movement, the
suffrage movement, radical and liberal feminism, and African-American feminism. We
will pay particular attention to the diversity of women's experiences in the United
States and to women's multiple and often conflicting responses to patriarchy and other
forms of oppression.
Prerequisite: One course in WGSS or HIST or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: AMST Representation Elective, AMST Struct & Instit Elective, AMST US
History Elective, WGSS Hist/Theories/Represent
300 Feminist Perspectives and Theories
This course deepens students’ understandings of how feminist perspectives situate
power and privilege in relationship to interlocking categories of gender, race, class,
sexuality, ability and nation. Through foundational theoretical texts, it expands
students’ understandings of significant theoretical frameworks that inform women’s,
gender, critical race and sexuality studies, as well as debates and tensions within them.
Frameworks may include political activisms, materialist feminism, standpoint
epistemologies, critiques of scientific objectivity, intersectionality, postcolonialism,
psychoanalysis, queer theory, transnational critique and feminist legal theory. Helps
students develop more nuanced understandings of the relationship between everyday
experiences, political institutions, forms of resistance and theoretical meaning- making.
Prerequisite: WGSS 100 and 200, or co-requisite with permission of instructor.
301 Topics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course will focus on specific topics within women’s, gender, and sexuality studies
in the humanities.
Prerequisite: Typically one WGSS course and prerequisite depends on topic.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 614
302 Topics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
This course will focus on specific topics within women’s, gender and sexuality studies in
the social sciences.
Prerequisite: Typically, one WGSS course and prerequisite depends on topic.
305 Seminar in Gender and Sexuality
See course description with Psychology 435 listing.
Prerequisites or co-requisite: 200 or PSYC 202 or 211, or permission of the instructor.
Attributes: SXST QLGBT Perspectives, US Diversity, WGSS Sexual & Gendered Plural
400 Senior Seminar
All topics will draw upon the knowledge of the history and theories of feminism and will
be interdisciplinary in nature.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: 100, 200 and 300 or permission of the instructor.
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 615
Writing Program
COURSES
100 U.S. Academic Writing for International Students
Recognizing that different cultures define good writing in different ways, this course
introduces international students to American academic writing. Students will learn the
qualities of a good thesis, a variety of organizational patterns, the characteristics of
sound evidence, the roles of the reader and writer, and issues of word choice and
American idioms.
One-half credit.
Offered during the summer program for international students.
101 Perspectives on the Multilingual United States
This course introduces the social, cultural and linguistic landscape of the United States
while also explaining the forms, conventions, and expectations of U.S. academic
writing. Students will read a variety of texts to provide different perspectives on the
multilingual character of the United States and how linguistic identities intersect with
identities of race, class, nationality, and (dis)ability. Through class discussion and
writing assignments, students will develop a critical understanding of the issues of
power and privilege that shape the interaction between dominant and subordinated
linguistic groups. In addition, students will learn about U.S. academic discourse by
engaging in research and practicing a functional, recursive writing process in order to
produce thesis-driven arguments. The course is specifically designed to support
multilingual and international writers at Dickinson College.
Full credit.
Offered every year.
Open to international students or by permission of instructor.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, US Diversity
102 Topics in Sustainability and Academic Writing
This course introduces students to critical topics in sustainability while also explaining
the forms, conventions, and expectations of academic writing. Students will think
critically about a contemporary topic in sustainability (such as climate change or
biodiversity loss) in order to analyze rhetorical moves and assumptions in popular texts
Dickinson
Academic Bulletin | 616
on this issue. Students will also learn about academic discourse by practicing a
functional, recursive writing process in order to produce thesis-driven arguments about
a contemporary sustainability debate and/or sustainability action.
Attributes: Sustainability Investigations
211 Topics in Expository Writing
A course in expository prose which focuses on the writing process itself, emphasizing
the organization of ideas and development of style. Seminars, group tutorials, or
individual instruction.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline
214 Working with Writers: Theory and Practice
Designed primarily for students who serve as tutors in the Norman M. Eberly Writing
Center as well as for future teachers, this course examines how people learn to write
from both a theoretical and a hands-on perspective.
Prerequisite: permission of the Director of the Writing Program.
This course is cross-listed as ENGL 214.
Attributes: Writing in the Discipline