Social Sciences

This course draws on techniques and perspectives from the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies to explore technology and change in the modern era. In particular, students examine how technology influences and is influenced by values and cultures in America and abroad. The course helps students recognize the range of consequences that technology in general, and information and communication technology (ICT) in particular, have when shaped and used by individuals, organizations, and society. Through readings, discussion, lectures, and written assignments, students become acquainted with current controversies related to the socio-cultural dimensions of technology in the "digital era." While the course examines the impact of technologies—including video gaming and robotics—on the contemporary world, it also uses an historical approach to address some of the technological innovations that have most affected U.S. society in the past. The course considers how technologies are developed and sustained, and how they interact with and affect our urban culture. Specific themes likely to be addressed include technology's impact on the private and public spheres; the body and the self in cyberspace; and the criteria used to determine a technology's success, failure, and danger.

This course takes a close look at current debates on race, gender, and ethnicity in American society. It begins with an overview of definitions of race, gender, and ethnicity, exploring what they have meant in the past and what they mean now. Then the course examines the intersections between race, gender, and ethnicity, asking the following questions: How do race and ethnicity differ, and how are they related? What difference does race make? How are race and gender related? Where does sexual orientation fit into the discourse on gender, and how does it fit into discussions on race and ethnicity? Current debates on race, gender, and ethnicity were highlighted by the 2008 election of the first African-American president and the ever-growing prominence of women in the highest levels of American politics. Does this mean that we have entered a post-racial era? Where exactly do we stand on women and gender-related issues? What about the place of GLBT issues in the public domain? This course explores these themes and topics.

This course surveys trends in popular culture and the debates about how those trends affect the larger culture in general. n The course will focus on a variety of popular media, which can include: music, video games, movies, television, and social networking. Topics for discussion may cover: the process of invention in popular culture; the relationship between popular culture, intelligence and engagement; the nature of celebrity; the function of simulacra; changes in narrative structure; representation of race and gender, and more.

This course examines diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Categories of diversity under examination include gender, LGBTQ identities, race, ethnicity, and disability. Current problems and solutions are discussed through case studies from various work environments, particularly STEM and the arts. Relevant civil rights legislation is also covered, including Title IX and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

The content of this course may change each time it is offered. It is for the purpose of offering a new or specialized course of interest to the faculty and students that is not covered by the courses in the current catalog.