Maymester On-Campus
2012 Summer Sessions at Vanderbilt
Summer Sessions

 

Economics 224: Russia in Transition: Economic, social, and political implications

Prof. Victor Supyan

Transition from a centrally planned economy to markets. Trade, investments, labor markets, income, and growth. Taxation, fiscal, and monetary policy.

Credits: 3 credit hours – ECON 224 is listed as Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) credit in AXLE.
For more information: victor.b.supyan@vanderbilt.edu

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Religious Studies 202: Natural Science and the Religious Life

Prof. Victor Anderson

Maimonides held that both the natural sciences and religious thinking have the same goal. The goal is to understand the nature of the universe we inhabit so that we can learn how to best live our lives as human beings. The natural sciences and religious thinking believe that if we have accurate knowledge of reality, we will be able to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. This course is an examination of the ways that religion and science interact. Each offers various descriptions of the world and the ways that all things are related. The course focuses on particular areas where scientific and religious descriptions often clash. Some of the areas include: origins of the universe, humanity and its relation to other animals, genetics and human engineering, theories of the after life, and the environmental crises. The course will make use of a wide range of materials from philosophical, ethical and religious literatures and representations of religion and science in science fiction.

Credits: 3 credit hours – RLST 202 is listed as Perspectives (P) credit in AXLE.
For more information: victor.anderson@vanderbilt.edu

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Religious Studies 221: Ethics and Ecology

Prof. Gay Welch

Students will examine the relationships between world- views (philosophy, theology, epistemology) and moral action, be- tween what we believe is TRUE about the natural world and how we OUGHT to behave toward it. We will examine our own assumptions about Nature, God (or not), and we will assess the current "state of the planet" in light of what may be the end of an era of human 'development'—expansion, reliance on fossil fuels—and we will consider a more eco-centered ethic. Seminar discussions, films, and visits by local environmentalists will balance the theoretical with the practical, the indoors with the outdoors. (Yes, some of the classes will be held outdoors! And yes, food will be involved!)

Credits: 3 credit hours
For more information: welchgh@gmail.com

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Religious Studies 256: Job and Ecclesiastes

Prof. James Crenshaw

Course description will be added soon.

Credits: 3 credit hours
For more information: james.j.crenshaw@Vanderbilt.Edu

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Religious Studies 262: Culture, Religion and Politics of Contemporary Arab World

Prof. Bushra Hamad

The interface between religion and politics in the contemporary Arab world. Through close reading of primary and secondary sources, lectures, and discussions, we will explore the impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism on modern Arabic societies and the place of religion in them. Videos and slides will be used where appropriate. No knowledge of Arabic is required. Course will be taught in English.

Credits: 3 credit hours
For more information: bushra.hamad@vanderbilt.edu

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American Studies 240 01: Topics in American Studies: Baseball in American Life

Prof. B. Oppenheimer

Baseball has often been viewed as a metaphor for American life. Why has baseball captured the imagination of so many diverse Americans? In particular, many of our finest twentieth- century writers have employed baseball as the vehicle for storytelling. This class explores the role of baseball in American life through the study of baseball fiction as presented in short stories, novels, and film. Students will read and discuss selected works from authors such as Ring Lardner, Bernard Malamud, Mark Harris, Phillip Roth, Robert Coover, and W.P. Kinsella. A class project will also focus on how to gather the essential ingredients for writing baseball fiction.

Credits: 3 credit hours- AMST 240 01 is listed as Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) credit in AXLE
For more information: bruce.oppenheimer@vanderbilt.edu

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English 268B: America on Film: Performance and Culture: Film performance in the construction of identity and gender, social meaning and narrative, public image and influence in America

Prof. Sam Girgus

Acting provides a key to the meaning and significance of film. At the same time, the photographic image, editing, and cinematography transform the nature of acting in film. By achieving a special "aura" in film, actors embody and project cultural values, conflicts, and contradictions. The course contrasts actors in terms of cultural values, acting styles, gender roles, personality types such as John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart; Brando and Eva Marie Saint; Bogart and Lauren Bacall; Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift; Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Tom Cruise; Saint and Cary Grant; Brad Pitt and Robert Redford; Denzel Washington and Will Smith; Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz; George Clooney and Matt Damon; Julia Roberts and Sharon Stone. It also discusses the special relationship between actors and directors such as Brando and Kazan, DeNiro and Scorsese, Diane Keaton, Mia Farrow and Woody Allen, Washington and Lee. The course compares classic Hollywood acting with the "Method" of the Actors Studio. While studying actors and performance, students write short papers, reviews, and longer, creative "Docuscripts."

Credits: 3 credit hours- ENGL 268B is listed as History and Cultures of the US (US) credit in AXLE
For more information:sam.b.girgus@vanderbilt.edu

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Theater 219: Acting I

Prof. Jon W. Hallquist

The actor’s role in the theatre with emphasis on acting as artistic self-expression through improvisation and development of performance skills. Elements of Stanislavky’s System will be introduced through periodic readings and daily class exercises that include relaxation, trust, concentration, imagination, and sense memory techniques. Students will culminate their investigation into the acting process by preparing an audition monologue and a scene for performance.

This course will enhance self-expression, performance, and leadership. For students entering a variety of careers, this course will help build confidence, presence, and creativity: key elements of leadership on the job.

Credits: 3 credit hours- THTR 219 is listed as Humanities & Creative Arts (HCA) credit in AXLE
Time: Monday-Friday, 9:10am-12 noon NE 106
For more information: jon.w.hallquist@vanderbilt.edu

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Spanish 203: Introduction to Spanish and Spanish-American Literatures

Prof. cynthia wasick

Critical reading and methods of literary analysis. Selections cover all genres in several periods. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 201W and SPAN 202.

Educational Goals

  • Develop reading skills necessary to appreciate works of literature in Spanish in the major literary genres: narrative, drama, and poetry
  • Further improve oral communication skills through a discussion of literary Spanish using appropriate critical concepts and terminology
  • Produce well argued essays of literary analysis of works in various literary genres that reflect a full understanding of the text or texts in question and communicate sophisticated concepts in a formal and grammatically correct Spanish
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries by examining the socio-historical context of a variety of works of literature from various literary periods

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

  • use a high degree of linguistic accuracy in both oral and written communication
  • understand and apply a variety of key concepts of literary analysis in Spanish
  • discuss at a sophisticated level a variety of works of literature in Spanish
  • produce well conceived, well organized, and well written essays of literary analysis on a variety of works of literature in Spanish
  • identify a variety of Spanish and Spanish American authors in their socio-historical context 

Modes of Teaching and Learning

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Lecture/discussion
  • Videos, audio recordings 

Grade Determinants

  • 3 written examinations
  • 3 critical essays (3 three-page)
  • daily written assignments
  • assessment of participation/discussion 

 

Credits: 3 credit hours- SPAN 203 is listed as Humanities & Creative Arts (HCA) credit in AXLE
For more information: cynthia.wasick@vanderbilt.edu

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SPANISH 292: Images of the Feminine in Spanish Cinema

Prof. Andrés Zamora

Spanish national cinema from the death of Francisco Franco to the present. Stories written, directed, and told by men about women. Taught in English with subtitled films. Serves as repeat credit for students who completed 296 section 1 in summer 2007, summer 2008, and summer 2009.

Credits: 3 credit hours – SPAN 292 is listed as Perspectives (P) in AXLE.

For more information: andres.zamora@vanderbilt.edu

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POLITICAL SCIENCE 272W: The War in Iraq '03-'11

Prof. Katherine Carroll

What happened in Iraq between 2003 and 2011? In what ways did American actions there succeed or fail? Is Iraq on the road to stable democracy? How did this conflict change the U.S. military? If these questions interest you then get beyond the evening news and conventional wisdom by enrolling in The War in Iraq during Maymester 2012. You will learn the details of a major American conflict from those who experienced it (the course will include a trip to Ft. Campbell, KY and presentations by soldiers who served in Iraq) and leave with a greater understanding of American foreign policy, the U.S. military, and Middle East politics. Receive credit for a 200W course - and prepare a writing sample for jobs or graduate school in foreign policy - by completing a significant research paper on a topic of your choice related to the conflict.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: katherine.carroll@vanderbilt.edu

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PhilOSOPHY 294A: RACE, GENDER & SEXUALITY

Prof. José Medina

In this course we will engage in a critical examination of the standards and values that are applied to gender and sexuality for different racial groups in different cultures and in global contexts. We will study the interrelation among race, gender and sexuality as discussed in the contemporary field called intersectionality studies. We will analyze deviations from gender expectations and sexual norms, exploring general ethical issues concerning gender and sexual orientation as well as more specific ones about concrete sexual practices and concrete expressions of masculinity and femininity. We will also investigate how globalization has shaped ethical and political issues concerning gender and sexuality in colonial and post-colonial times. We will read authors in Sexuality Studies, Gender Theory, and Global Feminism: Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, Patricia Hill Collins, and Uma Narayan, among others. We will also analyze and discuss documentaries (such as Paris is Burning) and movies (such as Real Women Have Curves).

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: jose.m.medina@vanderbilt.edu

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PSYCHOLOGY 288: Commons Research Scholars

Prof. Jo-Anne Bachorowski

In this 3 credit living-learning Maymester experience, students will gain intensive exposure to an area of scholarly research of their choosing (in either the natural or social sciences). Each student will be partnered with an individual faculty mentor who will shape students¹ research techniques and support students in a line of research inquiry. ³Hands on² engagement will be central. Students will live in a wing of West House on the Ingram Commons (co-ed living situation). Students will meet there several times each week, with the faculty coordinator and graduate instructor (Bachorowski and Armstrong), to discuss scholarly processes and the philosophy of science, students¹ work, and the preparation of research presentations. Grades will be based on lab or other scholarly work, participation in West House discussions, and quality of final presentation (poster and brief oral component).

Note 1: This class is geared towards rising sophomores. Few exceptions will be made.

Note 2: By mid-April, students must either identify a faculty sponsor in their desired discipline, or work with Bachorowski and Armstrong to identify a suitable sponsor.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: Contact Dr. Bachorowski by April 15: j.a.bachorowski@vanderbilt.edu

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Anthropology 210: Societies & Cultures of Latin AmericA

DR. Patricia Netherly

Course Description: TBA

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: patricia.j.netherly@vanderbilt.edu

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Anthropology 294: Primate Behavior and Ecology

DR. John Bunce

This is a new course examining the behavior and ecology of our non-human primate relatives in an evolutionary framework. The course spans four weeks and includes both classroom time and several days observing primates at the Nashville Zoo as part of students' research projects. We will cover the basic principles of biological evolution, and then apply these principles to the study of the behavioral ecology of the 69 genera of living primates, exploring such topics as foraging, ranging, predation, mating systems, sociality, and conservation. During the second half of the course we will focus on collecting behavioral data through observation of live primates at the Nashville Zoo (gibbons, guenons, and lemurs). As part of individual research projects, students will learn how to collect, organize, and analyze these data and apply them to answer questions about primate behavior. By the end of this course, students will be formally acquainted with the order Primates and will know our closest living biological relatives in considerable detail. Students will also be familiar with the central principles of behavioral ecology and will gain experience in the design and implementation of primate behavioral research.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: john.a.bunce@vanderbilt.edu

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JAPN 200A: Introductory Modern Japanese

PROF. Keiko Nakajima

Students will learn simple conversation, writing system, reading, and about culture. Designed exclusively for students with little or no previous exposure to Japanese.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: keiko.r.nakajima@Vanderbilt.Edu

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JAPN 200B: Second Semester Introductory Japanese

DR. Akio Hasegawa

This course is a continuation of JAPN 200a. Similarly to JAPN 200a, the purpose of the course is for students to acquire a basic knowledge of the Japanese language for listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn how to describe locations of objects, how to express past events or states, and how to make requests or extend invitations. Students also learn how to discuss Japanese culture, such as Japanese houses, Japanese colleges, etc. Students who complete JAPN 200b in the Maymester can continue to study Japanese by taking JAPN 202 in the second summer session.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: akio.hasegawa@Vanderbilt.Edu

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Sociology 218: Tourism, Culture and Place

Prof. Shaul Kelner

Course Description: TBA

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: s.kelner@vanderbilt.edu

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Sociology 234: Prison Life

DR. Rosevelt Noble

Course Description: TBA

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: TBA

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MUSC 120A: Survey of Music Theory

PROF. Michael Slayton

Presents 18th- to 20th-century harmonic practice. Designed to develop music theory skills through written exercises of figured and unfigured basses; harmonization of melodies; and study of ear training, using sightsinging exercises and melodic and harmonic dictation. Does not count toward a major in music.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: michael.slayton@Vanderbilt.Edu

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MUSL 201: Music, Gender and Sexuality

PROF. Melanie Lowe

Exploration of gender and sexuality in Western art and vernacular musical traditions. Topics include gendered musical forms, genres, and performance; feminist music criticism; ideologies of musical authorship and genius; musical canons; and musical representations of gender and sexuality.

Credits: 3 credit hours

For more information: m.lowe@Vanderbilt.Edu

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MUSL 264: Exploring Film Soundtrack

Prof. Stan Link

Relationships among soundtrack, image, and narrative in film. The complex of music, sound, and dialog in a variety of American films, from silents to Hollywood blockbusters and cartoons. Topics include diegesis, temporality, continuity, and musical style. Discussion, video, and film research, reading, and listening.

Credits: 3 credit hours. No musical background required

For more information: stan.b.link@Vanderbilt.Edu

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MUSL 294: Special Topics: Sondheim and the American Musical

Prof. Jim Lovensheimer

In this seminar, we shall examine all Sondheim's works for the stage, including those for which he provided lyrics but not music. In so doing, we shall gain further insight into why he is regarded as one of the most important creators for the post-World War II American musical stage as well as why his work holds up to close musical and dramatic analysis.

Credits: 3 credit hours. Prerequisites: None, although the ability to read a piano-vocal score is recommended.

For more information: jim.lovensheimer@Vanderbilt.Edu

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