College Courses (COLL)
COLL 100 - THE BEHAVIORAL PLAYBOOK: MAKE BETTER JUDGEMENTS BY KNOWING THE RULES OF YOUR BRAIN (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: THE BEHAVIORAL PLAYBOOK
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: This class explores the psychology of decision-making through the lens of behavioral science, drawing on the work of Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky, Richard Thaler, and more. Unlike traditional behavioral economics courses that focus on theory, market behavior, or public policy, this course is about you, the participants of the course. We’ll examine the ways in which observable biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and the planning fallacy shape our daily lives—from how we approach relationships, interpret the news, and have productivity to our health and happiness. We’ll also discuss ways in which we can use these ideas to become better speakers. A key part of the course is the semester-long journal, My Behavioral Playbook, where students weekly track, analyze, and refine their decision-making and judgements in their day-to-day lives.
COLL 101 - A SPIRIT MOLECULE HANDBOOK: FROM LSD TO 5-MEO-DMT (BROWN)
Short Title: A SPIRIT MOLECULE HANDBOOK
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Psychedelics are emerging from a long cultural taboo. With mounting medical interest and relaxing governmental regulations, this class of psychoactive substances will likely play a growing role in medicine and spirituality in the coming decades. This course offers a nuanced perspective from many disciplines on this profound class of chemicals and the experiences (and dangers) that are associated with them. This is all to get closer to answering the question of what role, if any, psychedelics should play in our society. En route, we will discuss the science, the history, and the humanity that stands behind the “spirit” molecules. This course will consist of round-table-style lectures. Students will engage in weekly lessons that include discussion of key questions with peers. Outside of class, students are expected to write three short “papers,” justifying their opinions on important issues. No prerequisite courses or knowledge is required.
COLL 102 - SPECULATIVE SCIENCE: FINDING FACTS AND FUTURES IN POPULAR SCI-FI (HANSZEN)
Short Title: SPECULATIVE SCIENCE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: As technology has exponentially advanced over recent history, science fiction writers have tried to answer questions about the future of us. From alien contact to cyberpunk dystopias to galactic colonization, they have given us worlds upon worlds of futuristic possibilities to look upon and ask: will that be us and, more importantly, how would that change us? In this class, we will examine ideas like cloning and sentient AI within the context of the technology inspiring the art and the scientific knowledge that exists today. We will go hands on with demos of hover cars, genetic engineering, and more. We will put science fiction works from Frankenstein to Dune to the test to see how fictitious they really are and will be. And, you will create your own story about any of the many ethical issues in modern science to try and act as a check and balance, or an advocate if you so choose, for the relentless progress of scientific discovery. No background in STEM, creative writing, or any field, is required.
COLL 103 - ORIGAMI: MAKING THE MUNDANE BEAUTIFUL (WIESS)
Short Title: ART OF ORIGAMI
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: How does one transform something mundane into a piece of art? One answer to this is origami, an art form which has, in some form, existed for nearly as long as paper has been in Japan. In modern day origami is a thriving art, with numerous styles having evolved from an already varied and beautiful art. This class will explore the many things which have been described as origami, starting with the strictest definition, which is folding a single square of paper without cuts into some new shape, then branching out to the various art forms which have been described as such, from historical forms of origami in Japan to modular origami. By the end of the class students will have a grasp of general origami terminology, be able to recognize and fold up to high intermediate difficulty models, and have a basic understanding of the theory and history behind origami. No background in origami will be expected for the course. Paper will be provided and any materials required for the course will be uploaded to canvas. The course will draw on Robert Lang’s opus “Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art” and many publicly available designs.
COLL 104 - INTRODUCTION TO AURAL DESIGN AND MUSIC PRODUCTION (SID RICH)
Short Title: INTRO AURAL DES & MUSIC PROD
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Music, more or less, is an integral part of everyday life for the average person. Its presence may appear more discreetly in the form of hearing a song in an ad, or more intentionally such as in the thorough analysis of an album. To best receive what music has to offer in this world of diversifying styles and genres, it may be valuable to understand how to create your own music. This course attempts to tackle the objective that is teaching music production by asking the question: What makes a good song? Through a series of units that catalog different styles of music spanning from alternative rock to contemporary rap, this class will explore what it means to understand music by deconstructing its very essence. Students will learn the basics of music theory, and the process of production within many differing styles in order to be able to create their own pieces of music.
COLL 105 - VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Short Title: VIETNAMESE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: This class is curated for anyone regardless of race and Vietnamese language skills interested in learning more about Vietnamese language and culture. The course will equip you with the fundamental knowledge needed to converse more confidently with your Vietnamese-speaking relationships, as well as, help you reconnect with Vietnamese culture on an academic level through cultural experiential learning.
COLL 106 - FLASH MOBS: A LOST ART (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: FLASH MOBS
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a flash mob as a group of people summoned to a designated location at a specified time to perform an indicated action before dispersing. With the first flash mob occurring in 2003, flash mobs remained a popular trend until the early 2010s. In this class, we will explore in detail the cultural phenomenon of flash mobs with the goal of answering the question how can you conduct a well-organized flash mob in order for it to be a fun and engaging activity for all involved? We will begin by delving into the history of flash mobs by examining the influence of social media on flash mobs, the common threads between successful flash mobs, and the regulations surrounding them. Then, we will explore different types of popular dance and choreography with the help of different student dance groups on campus, eventually moving into choreographing dances of our own. Finally, we will rehearse and perform this flash mob as a class in a public setting as the ultimate culmination of our work. Students can expect to start this course from a completely beginner standpoint (no experience is required!) and end the course as a confident flash mob participant. "
COLL 107 - INTRO TO BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (WILL RICE)
Short Title: INTRO TO BUSI COMMUNICATION
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: **Designed for non-business major and non-minor students. Business major/minor seeking students should enroll in BUSI 296 instead. ** How do we communicate more effectively? As a critical part of daily life and professional life, communication is everywhere. Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, feelings, and opinions with others. It is essential for building and maintaining relationships, both in professional and personal contexts. Communication can help us to understand different perspectives, resolve conflicts, express ourselves clearly, and achieve our goals. The course will cover key aspects of communication in a business context such as effective verbal communication, business writing, interviews, cognitive bias, persuasion, negotiation, and other topics using frameworks and examples from industry leaders. Although the class will be more focused toward professional and team communication often found in business environments, the skills learned from the class can also be applied to everyday life. After completing the course students should have a deeper understanding of how to communicate effectively in various situations as well as the forces that drive our ways of communication. Though the course has no exams, there will be occasional in-class activities complementing the topics covered in class.
COLL 109 - GONGBI STYLE CHINESE PAINTING STUDIO (BROWN)
Short Title: GONGBI STYLE CHINESE PAINTING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: What makes a Chinese painting so distinctive, so immediately recognizable as Chinese? This course examines the characteristics of Chinese painting and its embodiment of Chinese ideology and aesthetic orientation through hands-on painting experience of the Gongbi style. Gongbi (or the Meticulous Style) is a careful realist technique in Chinese painting, meticulous in shape, neatness, and coloring. This course aims to cultivate students' form observing ability so that students can master the basic techniques of line drawing and coloring in Gongbi style. Students will be taught how to use the unique language of "Gongbi" to create a Chinese floral painting. No prior painting experience is required.
COLL 110 - SIP & BITES - THE ART OF MILK, TEA, AND COOKIE PAIRINGS (HANSZEN)
Short Title: MILK, TEA, AND COOKIES
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Indulge your senses in a delectable journey through the enchanting realms of milk, tea, and cookies. This course delves into not only a culinary experience, but a cultural and scientific exploration that delves into the rich history and fascinating science behind these timeless treats through readings of texts such as The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide. Gain an appreciation for the cultural and scientific tapestry woven into every sip and bite, while embarking on a transformative experience where tradition meets innovation, and indulgence meets enlightenment.
COLL 111 - CHEESE: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE STINKY (HANSZEN)
Short Title: THE CHEESEMONGER'S GUIDEBOOK
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: In Cheese: The Good, The Bad, and The Stinky, we will digest an abbreviated version of the American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional Exam content. From an anthropological introduction to chemical processes to product evaluation to trade controversies to a final in professional selling, you will become a true cheesemonger, while others monger only war, fear, and fish. You will eat up the content with frequent tasting platters, so lactose tolerance or a tolerance for stomach aches is a must.
COLL 112 - THE PHILOSOPHICAL FAUST: EXPLORING GOETHE'S PHILOSOPHY THROUGH THE FAUST TRAGEDY (BROWN)
Short Title: THE PHILOSOPHICAL FAUST
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Faith, Nihilism, Lust, and Meaning: Goethe’s Faust confronts evergreen battles in the human condition. Using the Faust narrative as our thread, we will chart the breadth of Goethe's thought. Throughout our journey we will confront questions concerning economics, politics, meaning, religion, and the best way to live, among so much more. Through investigating what Faust reveals about Goethe, we will reflect on what Faust reveals about our struggles with the challenge of being human. Our journey will conclude through a reflection on how Faust has been reflected on stage and in modern cinematic media. Through this we will consider the legacy and relevance of the text today, and be left with our own profound and timeless lessons. This class is for anyone, from any major or academic background, interested in the fundamental and perennial questions of human existence.
COLL 113 - NOT JUST GRANDMA'S HOBBY: STEM-INSPIRED CROCHET 101 (SID RICH)
Short Title: STEM-INSPIRED CROCHET 101
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "Crochet isn’t just your grandma’s favorite pastime—from the Crochet Coral Reef’s response to climate change to a published model of chaos, this yarn-based handicraft has been used to illustrate, educate, and reimagine concepts from various STEM fields. While this strange combination remains relatively unexplored, many of these works have gained recognition for their approachability, presenting elaborate scientific and mathematical topics in easy-to-understand ways. Here, we seek to examine the question: what can crochet teach us about STEM, and how can we use this niche to reimagine our understanding of STEM? In this course, we will explore these intersections, taking a closer look at the form, function, and context behind STEM-based crochet projects. Students will learn basic crochet techniques, read short texts about specific artworks and applications, apply this knowledge toward guided crochet projects, and design their own STEM-inspired crochet concept. All students of any skill level are welcome; prior knowledge in crochet, science, or math is not required nor assumed."
COLL 114 - AMERICA'S ISLAND: PUERTO RICAN POLITICS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY (HANSZEN)
Short Title: AMERICA'S ISLAND
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: With only 54% of Americans aware that Puerto Ricans are citizens of the US, the Caribbean island often gets reduced to a hot tourist destination, the birthplace of Bad Bunny, or the hurricane-prone recipient of FEMA funds. Yet with nearly 130 years of history under United States control, Puerto Rico stands out as a society that doesn’t fit neatly into standard categories – a culture without a country. This anthropological-style course dives deep into the history and culture of Puerto Rico since the start of American control in 1898. Through lectures, discussions, and readings such as Nelson A. Denis’s “War Against All Puerto Ricans” and comic anthology “Puerto Rico Strong”, we will explore topics like emigration, independence movements, and energy infrastructure. We aim to consider the question: How has Puerto Rico’s relationship with the US shaped the island’s society, culture, and identity since 1898? Instruction will be provided in lecture, discussion, and audiovisual formats. Knowledge will be evaluated with brief reading responses and group quizzes, a 5-minute presentation, and a short course synthesis paper.
COLL 115 - KEEPING IT REAL: CULTURAL MIRRORS FROM KIM K TO SIMA AUNTY (MARTEL)
Short Title: REALITY TV: KEEPING IT REAL
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Whether you’ve seen clips on social media, watched video essays on Youtube, or religiously follow the Bachelor, most of us have come into contact with reality television at some point or the other. Love it or hate it, it’s become a cultural staple all over the world. In this course we will delve into the diverse landscape of reality TV shows from various places and time periods, from Keeping Up With the Kardashians to Indian Matchmaking. How does reality TV reflect the world around it and the culture that it comes from- and what kind of intellectual and artistic value does it have? Students will discuss these questions after class readings and in-class screenings, researching and learning about different perspectives, and for their final project, will propose an idea for their own reality TV show. The class will aim to cover an episode of a different reality show every 1-2 weeks.
COLL 117 - MODERN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY: INTRO TO DJ PERFORMANCE AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTION (BROWN)
Short Title: MODERN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you ever gone to Pub, a public, or any buzzing club and thought, “I want to learn how to do what the DJ's doing” or “I could put my own spin on this”? Have you wanted to produce a song but didn’t know where to start? This is your perfect opportunity! This introductory course teaches students to create and perform music through electronic software and DJ equipment, giving them the skills to develop their own style and showcase their work live or digitally. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard gear such as DJ controllers (DDJ-FLX10, DDJ-SR2, DDJ-FLX4) and music software (Serato, Rekordbox, FL Studio). Students also participate in live sets, learn to navigate the club scene, and connect with guest speakers from professional, international backgrounds. While the course introduces the fundamentals of DJing and electronic production, students can focus on one or both—tailoring work to their interests and goals. This flexibility continues with the final project, where they may perform a DJ set at Pub or produce an electronic track to showcase their creativity. After building your skills in this course, you will never hesitate to create a new track on a whim or step up to perform live.
COLL 118 - ZERO TO FORTUNE 500: HOW STARTUPS START UP (BAKER)
Short Title: ZERO TO FORTUNE 500
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Strategies in the business world are wide-ranging, but no company starts with a perfect solution. Following any company's "gameplan" does not guarantee success in this world, so this class examines both infamous and respected examples in the business world to consider the question what determines success in the art of entrepreneurship?
COLL 119 - SHARKS AND SHELLFISH: INVESTIGATING THE CULTURAL & BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MARINE LIFE (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: SHARKS AND SHELLFISH
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "Life began in the ocean and thrives there in the present. Gradually, however, marine life has also crept onto land–into human society. Oceanic organisms appear frequently in daily life, be it crabs in our cuisine, sharks as movie monsters, or guppies found in household fish bowls. However, such representation of marine organisms in our lived culture has generated powerful biases surrounding their nature. What about marine organisms polarizes us and why should we care to preserve them? In this course, students will gain an understanding of the basic biology of marine organisms. By reading book excerpts and watching films, students will learn to think critically about how these organisms have influenced cultural change in areas like morality and engineering. Through open forum discussions, the course encourages students to reflect on their current perspectives on these creatures and consider how such biases developed. Additionally, using scientific literature, students will analyze threats faced by marine species as well as the sociopolitical challenges associated with marine environment protection. As a course without exams, students will complete group projects to evaluate stereotypes surrounding a marine organism of interest and analyze current approaches to marine conservation."
COLL 120 - MUSIQUE WITH A MESSAGE: LEARNING FROM "LE RAP CONSCIENT" (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: MUSIQUE WITH A MESSAGE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Among cries for social change, some ask, are artists doing enough? We ask in return, what have they done? Designed for anyone interested in Francophone society or creative writing for social justice, this English-taught course explores language’s social change potential through 'le rap conscient', a socially and linguistically significant Francophone music genre that holds up a mirror to society to encourage social change. With selected works from artists of diverse backgrounds, we will discuss the artist and the work’s social/historical context, symbolism and meaning, and ways artists play with words and language structures. We will also discuss the genre’s broader linguistic significance and contributions to social progress. There are no exams and no *home*work other than occasional small reflections and the final project, where students create their own multilingual rap conscient with the optional help of ChatGPT. All other class-related work is reflective and designed to be completed in class, though students are always welcome to explore course-related questions more deeply between classes and share findings. Linking language learning with the communicative intent of 'le rap conscient', we consider our essential question: How can understanding 'le rap conscient' and its various roles help us envision a just world?
COLL 121 - PLANETARY HEALTH: HOW TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND OURSELVES (BROWN)
Short Title: PLANETARY HEALTH
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Climate change and its associated challenges are expected to cause millions of deaths over the next century. The dangers are varied and comprehensive: floods that wash away houses, wildfire smoke that suffocates lungs, and diseases that come knocking on the doorstep. Planetary health is an emerging field that studies the interdependence of human health and the health of our planet. In this discussion-based course, students will learn about anthropogenic environmental change and its associated health impacts, with a focus on environmental justice and health equity. The course will draw primarily from scholarly articles across disciplines, in a manner accessible to students from all backgrounds. Beyond identifying problems, students will also learn about social, political, scientific, and public health solutions. Planetary health touches every aspect of our society––as a final project, students will develop an action plan on how they can promote planetary health in their future careers. At the end of the course, students will collaboratively come to answer the question: “How can we understand our relationship with the natural world to pursue solutions that save not only the environment but also ourselves?”
COLL 122 - COOKING UP BEATS: AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC PRODUCTION (SID RICH)
Short Title: COOKING UP BEATS
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "Today, anyone with a laptop, tablet, or phone can potentially turn into a music producer. With affordable technology, a new generation of artists are changing the music industry from their bedroom. Not only are the tools of music more affordable, but there are also tons of resources to help an aspiring hobbyist build an adequate music studio at home. This course is designed to teach students who are looking for their next hobby the fundamental technical skills they need to start creating their own music from home. We will discuss essential equipment, how to navigate a Digital Audio Workstation, different genres and styles of music production, and how to develop a growth mindset when creating music. These lessons will be addressed through the help of online video guides, readings, and in-class discussion and demonstrations. A very surface level introduction to music theory and mixing mastering will also be taught. This course will answer two essential questions: (1) What influences the artistic choices a producer makes? & (2) How can an artist be productively critical of one’s own work in a way that balances perfectionism with progression? The course will culminate in a project where students release their own form of musical media. Students will also learn how music can improve their health and the value of creating music!"
COLL 123 - BEYOND THE BRAIN: NAVIGATING NEURODIVERSITY IN SOCIETY (SID RICH)
Short Title: BEYOND THE BRAIN
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Neurodiversity – also known as neurological diversity – challenges the assumption that there is only one “correct” way for the brain to work. What does it mean to be neurodivergent, and how does society respond to different ways of thinking, perceiving, and responding to our surroundings? This course will cover three major topics: (1) social movements, (2) representation (and misrepresentation) in modern media, and (3) the concept of neuro-inclusivity in current research topics. Throughout our time together, we will delve into the roots of neurodiversity, discuss the significance of neurological variations, and discover what it means to shape a world that values cognitive diversity. Students will be encouraged to engage in class discussions (whether this be spoken out loud, written, typed, or otherwise communicated) as a means of collaborative learning. Although no textbook is required for the course, we will refer to various journal articles, essays, and videos based on the work of neurodivergent scholars. The final project will consist of creating a Rice Neurodiversity Box folder, in which students will curate a compilation of relevant neurodiversity resources for Rice and the broader Houston community.
COLL 124 - TV MADE ME DO IT - MORAL LESSONS IN FICTIONAL MEDIA (DUNCAN)
Short Title: TV MADE ME DO IT
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "How do the stories we tell reflect our values? Aesop’s fables are a classic case of stories with a moral lesson. But moral lessons are all around us and are intrinsic in every story we tell. Heroes and villains wrestle with concepts of good and evil and so do we. Philosophy can seem like an intimidating subject matter, but we use it everyday. We make choices and judge them based on morality. In deciding the right course of action, we make philosophical arguments without even realizing it. This course is a very basic overview of how philosophers argue and what sort of moral arguments they make. But more than that this course is about the arguments we make, learn and analyze when we tell and listen to stories. In this course, students will read stories and watch TV shows then analyze what moral lesson is being taught and whether that lesson is a good one to teach. A cross between literature/film studies and philosophy, this course is designed to be relaxed, engaging and approachable for everyone. "
COLL 127 - THE POLITICS OF POPLAR MUSIC: PURSUING LIBERATION FROM BTS TO BEYONCE (WIESS)
Short Title: THE POLITICS OF POPULAR MUSIC
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: By analyzing weekly song selections, this discussion-based course will examine popular music through various social, political, and economic lenses. Through critical dialogue, we will arrive at answers to our essential question, “how can popular music help us challenge oppression and create a more just world?”
COLL 128 - THE LAZY ART OF PROGRAMMING (DUNCAN)
Short Title: THE LAZY ART OF PROGRAMMING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: In your time as a Computer Scientist at Rice, you will learn many theoretical aspects of Computer Science and the way to apply programming to complex topics. However, another crucial step towards becoming a great Computer Scientist is efficiency as a developer. The Art of Lazy Programming is a one-credit course where students will be taught precisely that: students will learn vital information every programmer should know, tips on learning complex but time-saving tools, and most importantly, the answer to “how does one master their programming environment and gain the knowledge needed to be an experienced programmer”? The intention of this class is to teach students various tools and topics such as grep, docker, and sshfs — that will make their life easier by introducing efficiency. While students may learn some of these tools in classes and spend dozens of hours using them, their core benefits are never explicitly taught. Yet, mastering these tools will allow students to solve large-scale problems that seem impossibly complex. Additionally, upon completion of the course, students will also develop problem-solving skills that can be applicable outside Computer Science. Finally, I advocate for the importance of education. If you are not a Rice student, but would like to learn more about the topics covered in this course, please feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to share my knowledge with you.
COLL 129 - ACCEPTING LOSS IN OUR DAILY LIVES: AN EXPLORATION OF "THE LEFTOVERS" (DUNCAN)
Short Title: ACCEPTING LOSS IN OUR LIVES
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: We live in a binary world in which we have been programmed to believe that there are right and wrong answers to everything. Imagine that 2% of the world disappears in the blink of an eye, and all you can do is try to make sense of the senseless. In this course, we will be looking at Damon Lindelof’s “The Leftovers” through an analytical lens to expand upon the question “How does the un-explained loss of others affect our actions, keep us longing for answers, and magnify the already present ambiguity in our everyday lives”. During this course, students will watch “The Leftovers” primarily focusing on character analysis while exploring broader themes of loss, family values, grief, and ambiguity. This course aims to broaden the minds of students, allowing them to think beyond the black and white of the world they already know. Students will engage in heavy classroom participation/discussion accompanied by short readings and videos that introduce a diversity of perspectives.
COLL 130 - THE CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DANIEL DUMILE (JONES)
Short Title: DOOM IS WHOM
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: As MF DOOM, Daniel Dumile completely reshaped the world of underground hip-hop. But he also produced entire albums through aliases like Viktor Vaughn, King Geedorah, and Zev Love X. Moreover, he featured countless appearances from other MCs under monickers of his own devising, effectively constructing his own ensemble of spin-off characters inspired by Marvel, Godzilla, and Adult Swim franchises. In this course, we will unpack his career one project at a time, both in construction and impact. Trying to understand MF DOOM’s rhyming, sampling, production, and entire creative process falls short without understanding the vast and disparate cultural pieces that influenced DOOM in his adolescence. Dumile consumed the earliest depictions of Marvel’s Dr. Doom in comics and on screen. It is also important to situate Dumile’s religious background in the Five-Percent Nation, comparing that to the lifestyle that came with being an ambitious young MC. From there, we will begin to unpack the countless references to American popular culture throughout DOOM’s lyrics. And in that process we will explore.
COLL 132 - HOW TO BUILD: THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE BUILDING OCCUPANT (LOVETT)
Short Title: HOW TO BUILD
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: We spend 90% of our time indoors, yet many of us are unfamiliar with the process of building and maintaining the spaces we occupy every day. In this course, students will learn the nuts and bolts of construction and renovations in addition to understanding the feasibility of construction projects. This course will be hands-on; students will learn from professionals who work in the construction industry as well as through short field trips to projects at different stages of completion. In addition to B.U.I.L.D.I.T. assignments – where students will look at successful buildings in their everyday lives – students will put their knowledge into practice through collaborative role play where they will act as different individuals involved in the construction process. What is a resident’s relationship to the building process and the future of the space they occupy? Students will uncover what it takes to be an effective client, a thoughtful builder, and a responsible building occupant.
COLL 133 - STRATEGIC OPTIMIZATIONS FOR EFFICIENT DISTANCE RUNNING (DUNCAN)
Short Title: EFFICIENT RUNNING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you ever wanted to run your local 5k, but didn't know where to begin? This course will highlight how both recreational and elite runners can transform their impaired running forms into a productive and simple style. No prior knowledge or running experience is needed, though I will be expecting you to lace up your shoes. We will cover running muscles, namely the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, and also the importance of core strength and mobility. Then, we will go over the biomechanics of a stride, as well as recovery techniques and cross-training options. This includes proper warm-up and cool-down instructions, as well as stretches for tight muscles or specific pains. Finally, we’ll cover a section on nutrition and how different nutrients and the timing of food can impact an athlete’s performance and recovery. By the end, students will be able to identify the symptoms of overtraining and how to adjust to certain needs.
COLL 135 - INTRO TO DJING: WHAT DO DJS ACTUALLY DO? (WILL RICE)
Short Title: INTRO TO DJING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Partygoers! Have you ever attended a party at Rice (or elsewhere) and thought to yourself, I really wish I was up there on that stage controlling the music!”? Are you intrigued by the idea of DJing but don’t know how to get started with mixing music? Are you someone who has maybe already had experiences being “on aux” at a function, but wished you could be more creative and put your own personal spin on the music you play? If the answer is “yes” to any (or all) of the above, this is the course for you! In this class, students will learn basic mixing techniques through class periods that incorporate lecture-style teaching, instructor demonstrations, and a lot of time for students to explore and apply techniques learned in class to both music of their choice as well as music that the instructor provides. Students will also be provided with instructional videos to watch and refer to in their own time (however much or little time they choose to allocate to the class) to broaden their knowledge of different DJing skills. This is a fun, creative project-based class that will have no exams and requires no outside prior knowledge of DJing or music theory.
COLL 136 - THE ART OF HENNA: RESPECTFULY AND TIMELESS CREATIVE EXPRESSION (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: THE ART OF HENNA
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: """Henna is an age-old artform with roots in the Middle East and North Africa. It is used in cultures all around the world for celebration, self-expression, and even health purposes. Today, henna is everywhere, with Rihanna’s henna-inspired tattoo, the rise in TikTok fame of henna freckles, and festival goers decorating their bodies with temporary henna tattoos. What makes participating in this art form from a different culture cultural appreciation versus appropriation? How can we be mindful of this difference while creating art with henna? In this course you will learn the art of henna, from how to hold a henna cone to how to create shapes and patterns to how to put all of it together and create a design. Along the way, you will also learn the history behind the art and how it is used in different cultures through various sources including instructional videos, blog posts from henna artists, historical sources that talk about henna, and scholarly analyses of henna designs. At the end of this class, you will create their own henna design, incorporating some of the designs and shapes we use in class, and reflect on the meaning of their piece, both culturally and personally."""
COLL 137 - SERVING ON AND OFF THE COURT - THE CAREERS AND POP CULTURE OF THE WILLIAMS SISTERS (LOVETT)
Short Title: SERVING ON AND OFF THE COURT
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Arguably the most iconic pair of siblings in sports history, Serena and Venus Williams have a legacy transcending just tennis. These two icons redefined the discussion of the “GOAT” within tennis by breaking numerous records, eliminating gender and racial barriers, and inspiring generations of athletes of color. They proved to the world that athletes can wear many hats, as both became successful businesswomen alongside their respective illustrious careers. Ultimately, the Williams sisters show how legacy is not solely defined by how you perform in your sport, but also by what you do for it. In this course, we will study the nuances and breadth of ways that the Williams sisters reinvented the sport of tennis and pioneered empowerment of women in sports, while seeking to answer: why do we root for or against a particular athlete? Students will engage with the course material by keeping a notebook for class and homework, creating and responding to discussion posts, and producing a final project. Through discussing and studying their matches, outfits, business ventures, struggles, controversies, and more, students will develop a fleshed-out understanding of the position of the Williams sisters within tennis and sports history.
COLL 139 - CONLANGS: A LINGUISTIC DIVE INTO FUNCTIONAL GIBBERISH (DUNCAN)
Short Title: CONLANGS: A LINGUISTIC DIVE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Starting from Tolkien’s Quenya and Sindarin, all the way to the minions’ “Bello!”, constructed languages have been widely used in various forms of media for worldbuilding or entertainment purposes. It’s easy to think of them as cool-sounding gibberish, but many of them are in fact well-constructed languages that contain all the building blocks to a functional language. By looking at the process of constructing conlangs with a linguistic perspective, this course will seek to answer a key question in Linguistics: How do languages differ from one another on a surface level but achieve similar goals of communication? Students will learn about the building blocks of languages, including phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax. In each section, students will be exposed to real world and conlang examples of how languages use these features. The course builds up to a semester-long final project, where students will use what they’ve learned during the semester to construct a language built around some hypothesis about the bounds of communication. No previous linguistic experience is needed, as all relevant concepts will be introduced during the class.
COLL 140 - LAUGHING MATTER: BECOME A STAND-UP COMEDIAN (MARTEL)
Short Title: BECOME A STAND-UP COMEDIAN
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you ever heard a comedian deliver a hilarious one-liner and thought to yourself “I could do that”? If the answer is yes, no, or anything in between, this is the class for you. In this course, you will learn to write and perform stand-up comedy. As a consequence, whether you’re interested in public embarrassment, public speaking, or just plain publicity, you’ll be funnier and more confident in your day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month life. To become a stand up comedian, you will mine your past for its juiciest morsels of comedy, learning to turn tragedy into entertainment for the benefit of your friends and family. You will practice timing, stage presence, and performance—and, most importantly, you will write a ton of jokes. You will delve into the theory of humor through the likes of Thomas Veatch and Sigmund Freud, and you will study the comedic genius of masters like John Mulaney, Robin Williams, Sarah Silverman, and more. By the final performance, you will have honed your craft to precision and developed a style that is unique to you. This class will be a workshop-style course where everyone has the chance to share material and slow-clap the professor’s unpolished jokes. Throughout the semester there will be three ‘open mics’ where you will sharpen your performance skills and written material. At the end of the semester, you will participate in a final performance where friends, family, enemies and lovers can gather to hang out and enjoy the fruits of your hard labor.
COLL 141 - GOOD GRIEF: FINDING HARMONY IN HEALING (BAKER)
Short Title: GOOD GRIEF
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: What if grief isn’t something to “get over,” but something to grow through? Grief is a universal experience, yet many of us struggle to find healthy ways to process it. This course examines grief through the lens of the five commonly recognized stages, while emphasizing that grief is not linear and that every person’s journey is unique. To deepen understanding, students will engage with short stories, poems, and films that illustrate how grief is expressed across diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Beyond readings, assignments include reflective writing, group discussions, and creative projects that introduce different outlets for stress relief and healing—such as movement, mindfulness, and artistic expression. Guest speakers will share perspectives on navigating grief in personal and professional contexts, helping students connect theory to lived reality. The goal of this course is not to provide therapy, but to equip students with lifelong tools for resilience, reflection, and coping. In a world where grief is always centered around death, students will leave with a richer understanding of grief and strategies to face it with compassion.
COLL 148 - THE GOOD OLD DAYS (OR NOT): EXPLORING GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGIES (WIESS)
Short Title: THE HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you ever wondered what life would look like without your phone? Soap? Coffee? Or even toilet paper? Well, now is your chance to find out. This is not your typical history course, but will prioritize learning through the lens of lived human experience. Students will reckon with the effects of technological shifts throughout history in a hands-on manner through participation in simulations (ie, going a day without looking at a mirror), hands-on in-class activities (ie, tea tasting), and active discussions with their peers. This course explores not only why major technologies were developed, but also how they affect everything from household activities to human relationships. Additionally, students will learn about the interrelationship between technology and human cultural development. This survey class covers groundbreaking technologies from Biblical Times to the Middle Ages to the Age of the iPhone. Students will walk away from this course with proficiency in identifying the advantages and disadvantages of quintessential technologies and the ability to develop and articulate their own nuanced position on such technologies.
COLL 150 - GROWNUP MONEY: EMBRACING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (JONES)
Short Title: GROWNUP MONEY
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: It soon drops in our pockets, it's gone. It seems like money never stays still, especially when it’s our turn to have it. With rising costs and stagnant wages, college students’ mentality towards navigating adulthood has shifted. More and more students feel conflicted and overwhelmed at their near futures. With college students preparing to enter the next phase of their lives, this begs the question: How does entering adulthood change our relationship with money? In this course, students will improve their personal financial literacy skills, develop strategies to prevent financial mistakes and learn how to ease their financial fears and build financial goals for themselves. Students will view videos and hear podcasts of financial experts like Dave Ramsey, to develop concise plans to combat poor financial habits. Students will also be invited to attend talks with financial experts in real life. Students will demonstrate how mentioned financial literacy tactics can be implemented at the college level and beyond. Through change and preparation, mentality towards money can be shifted so that college students are willing to tackle the near future. By encouraging open discussion with experts and other students and improving upon existing personal financial management skills, students will be able to tackle their financial hurdles in any environment with confidence.
COLL 156 - THAI-MELESS LESSONS: REEXAMINE YOUR WORLD THROUGH THAI CULTURE & TRADITIONAL MEDICINE (SID RICH)
Short Title: THAI CULTURE AND MEDICINE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Globalization has provided avenues for cultural intertwining and exchange of knowledge, yet society remains increasingly driven by modernity, sidelining tradition in the process. This course challenges this notion by exploring how traditional wisdom can be adapted to address contemporary challenges. This course presents a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Thai culture, broadening their perspectives by reexamining the world through a different lens. Students will engage with Thai culture through experiential learning opportunities, discussions of interdisciplinary sources, and the instructor’s first-hand experiences. Case studies will encourage students to analyze the importance of cultural awareness and knowledge in modern-day contexts, particularly healthcare. Furthermore, students will uncover the modern implications of tradition by critically examining Thai society, cultural practices, and core traditional medicine philosophies – including energy lines, herbal medicine, and massage. These diverse experiences facilitate the development of unique personal relationships with Thai culture and medicine, impacting students’ worldviews and everyday behaviors. By the end, students will gain intercultural skills that support both their personal and professional lives, with a strengthened appreciation of culture’s integral role in our world. No Thai culture is expected or assumed - just an open mind and respectful attitude.
COLL 158 - FAILING 101: A GROWTH MINDSET PRACTICUM (WIESS)
Short Title: GROWTH MINDSET
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: The term “growth mindset” refers to the belief that a person's abilities can be improved through effort and learning, rather than being innate or “fixed.” The growth mindset can help with motivation, continuous learning, healthier relationships, and more. However, it appears that few have had the opportunity to actually implement these values into their everyday habits and realize concrete benefits. What does a growth mindset mean in practice, and how do we actively incorporate it into our daily lives? This course emphasizes learning through experience and will be taking a practical approach to answer this question. Each week, a different facet of the growth mindset will be discussed at the beginning of class–drawing from various psychological findings such as those by Carol Dweck and David Yeager. Also, students will be introduced to a new, unfamiliar skill–like throwing cards, stacking dice with a cup, and more–intended to bring that lesson into practice. Students are not expected to master these skills immediately, in fact quite the opposite. The aim for this course is for students to not be deterred by being a novice and to instead become comfortable embracing failure. Between class meetings, students will document their progress learning the week’s skill in journal assignments, paying special attention to their thought processes relating to the lesson theme. At the conclusion of the course, students will present a unique skill of their choosing, which they have developed during the latter half of the course - demonstrating their ability to apply the principles of a growth mindset beyond the classroom.
COLL 161 - BREWING EASTERN ASIA: THE CHEMISTRY AND CULTURE OF ASIAN BEVERAGES (WILL RICE)
Short Title: BREWING EASTERN ASIA
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Asian beverages have journeyed from traditional tea houses and street vendors to cafés and franchises around the world, carrying with them layers of chemistry, culture, and history. This course asks a central question: How can a single drink embody both scientific complexity and cultural meaning? Students will focus on five iconic Asian beverages: Chinese oolong tea (乌龙茶), Japanese matcha (抹茶), Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶), Thai iced tea (ชาไทย), and Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá). Through biweekly tasting labs, they will analyze flavors, aromas, and textures while investigating the chemistry of tea extraction, milk emulsions, sugar transformations, and tapioca gelatinization. Alongside these hands-on sessions, students will complete short written and video-based assignments on how these drinks are marketed, adapted, and globalized. Readings will cover the history and globalization of tea and coffee, films and media will illustrate how these drinks appear in popular culture, and guest demonstrations such as a Japanese tea ceremony will bring cultural practices into the classroom. The course culminates in a final project where students design and present their own beverage creations, integrating scientific insight with cultural context, along with a blind tasting competition that tests their ability to evaluate, compare, and articulate sensory experiences across diverse taste profiles.
COLL 165 - CRACKING THE MUSICAL CODE: EXPLORING COMPUTER MUSIC AND CREATIVE CODING PERFORMANCE (HANSZEN)
Short Title: COMPUTER CODING MUSIC
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Computers have reshaped the way music is created, performed, and understood. What once required entire studios of specialized hardware can now be achieved on a personal laptop, continuing a revolution in sound and composition. From the first computer-generated compositions to today’s algorithmic and networked performances, computer music has continually redefined artistic practice and cultural experience. This course explores computer music through two interwoven lenses: history and practice. On the musicological side, students will trace the evolution of computer music from its mid-20th-century pioneers through contemporary creative coding movements. Topics include early experiments in algorithmic composition, the rise of digital synthesis, the role of networks and interactivity, and the emergence of new cultural practices such as Algorave, a performance scene where live coding merges algorithms, improvisation, and dance culture. Through readings and discussion, students will analyze the cultural, technological, and aesthetic implications of computer music across different contexts. On the practical side, students will learn creative coding as a medium for music-making. No prior experience with coding or music-making is required—all levels are welcome! Students will create and modify original code for audio applications, responding in real time to the dynamics of performance. Through workshops with platforms such as TidalCycles, Sonic Pi, Strudel, and other live coding tools, students will not only build technical skills but also compose and perform original works, bridging critical understanding with creative experimentation.
COLL 166 - AN INTRODUCTION TO STRING THEORY (JONES)
Short Title: STRING THEORY
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you ever wondered whether physics can provide a theory that describes everything as we know of the universe and reality itself? Every intellectual endeavor: physics, chemistry, biology, coming from a single theory? If so, this is for you! This course provides a conceptual and practical introduction to String Theory, one of the most ambitious and mathematically rich frameworks in modern physics. Over the past century, physics has successfully described nature on the largest scales through General Relativity and on the smallest scales through Quantum Mechanics. Yet, attempts to merge these two pillars into a consistent theory of quantum gravity encounter major challenges: our usual ways of quantizing a theory give nonphysical answers, pointing to the need for new ideas. String Theory arises as a leading candidate for a “Theory of Everything,” proposing that the fundamental constituents of nature are not point particles but vibrating strings. Although still a developing field, String Theory has already generated powerful tools and insights that extend far beyond its original scope, shaping research in cosmology, particle physics, black hole physics, and mathematics. At the heart of the course lies an essential question: Can String Theory unify the fundamental forces of nature, and what can its methods reveal even if it is not the final answer? Students will explore foundational concepts, applications, and open questions with clarity and rigor. Each week will include a short practice problem to reinforce the lecture material. The course is designed for students to engage with the beauty of String Theory in a low-pressure environment that prioritizes exploration and understanding over grades. It is open to any student with basic background in mechanics (PHYS 101, 111, or 125) and electromagnetism (PHYS 102, 112, or 126).
COLL 167 - MISS AMERICANA: THE EVOLUTION AND LYRICS OF TAYLOR SWIFT (HANSZEN)
Short Title: TAYLOR SWIFT LYRICAL EVOLUTION
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "Hailed as the ""Songwriter of the Decade"", Taylor Swift has been at the forefront of pop culture for years, making her an enduring presence in a fast-paced industry. The name itself brings both appeal and aversions, yet what really shines about the star is her songwriting. Through close readings of her music, alongside considerations of her public discourse, this class will be a seminar discussing the nuances of her lyrics. Using a chronological approach, this course will spend time on each one of her ten albums. We'll consider a broad range of topics, including: femininity and gender; social media and public opinion; politics and social impact; fiction and nonfiction; American nationalism and whiteness; and finally, family and feuds. We therefore aim to answer the question: What does Taylor Swift’s songwriting evolution say about her own personal growth surrounding public discourse? Instruction will be provided in lecture, discussion, and audiovisual formats. Knowledge will be evaluated with short written responses, participation in class discussions, and a final essay analyzing a song of your choosing."
COLL 168 - ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA AND INTERNET CULTURE (WIESS)
Short Title: ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: When we think about 21st century Asian-American media and internet culture, a lot can come to mind. For example: ABGs, Oxford Study, and FOBs. But what do these mean, really? And why should we consider it part of Asian-American culture? The term “Asian-American” is a very interesting one. Though created to unite Asians in America, it sometimes fails to fulfill said purpose. A lot of “Asian-Americans” will not find certain parts of Asian-American culture, like ABGs and Labubus to be part of their own, even though others will. So how can we define “Asian-American” then? Our class will be examining the previous question in tandem with the following questions: What do we consider to be Asian-American culture? And how is this expressed and perceived through social media, movies, books, and TV shows? By discussing and analyzing different mediums, students will gain an understanding of Asian-American media and internet culture and how it is shaped by various historical contexts.
COLL 169 - LEGAL INTERPRETATION (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: LEGAL INTERPRETATION
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Designed as an introduction to law for all students, Legal Interpretation sets out to make sense of the laws that govern the land and all the people within - by introducing the fundamentals of legal research and writing - all while providing an opportunity to question the morality of those rules. From Affirmative Action to the Death Penalty, Legal Interpretation takes a deep dive into many of the issues that create the backdrop of modern-day America. Students will apply all the knowledge they gained in this course and their own moral beliefs to ultimately answer the question: how should our personal ethical codes intersect with our interpretation of the law?
COLL 170 - INTRODUCTION TO FOOTBALL THEORY (WILL RICE)
Short Title: INTRO TO FOOTBALL THEORY
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Are you ready to stop just watching football and start thinking it? This course is for students who understand the fundamentals of American football and want to go deeper— to see the game through the eyes of a coach. We’ll take you beyond the broadcast to explore the high-level strategies, game planning, and film analysis that win championships. We’ll start by mastering the technical football terminology used by pros, giving you a deeper understanding of the game's language. The first third of the course focuses on defensive theory, where you'll learn common schemes and how to identify an opponent's weaknesses. In the second third, we'll shift our attention to the offense. You’ll explore various offensive schemes and get hands-on experience with play design. By the last few weeks, you'll be able to analyze film and identify schematic weaknesses on both sides of the ball. By the time you finish this course, you won't just be watching a game; you'll be analyzing a strategic chess match. You'll have the skills to break down film, scout opponents, and understand the ""why"" behind every play call.
COLL 171 - SURVIVAL BY DESIGN: MECHANICS, BIOMIMCRY, AND THE SCIENCE OF STAYING ALIVE (WIESS)
Short Title: SURVIVAL BY DESIGN
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: This course delves into the ways we can improve our survival strategies in nature through studying mechanics and physics—a deeper exploration of the science behind survival; meanwhile, the course explores how nature’s own survival mechanisms can inform engineered solutions—the art of biomimicry. The course will be supplemented by knowledge of geophysics, dynamic and fluid mechanical systems. Based on the TV show Survivor, students will be split up into teams to work with for the rest of the semester, doing group projects, presentations, and mini competitions with the other teams. At the end of the semester, we are looking to answer: How can mechanical principles help develop reliable survival strategies? On the contrary, how does biomimicry shape engineering solutions in urban spaces? We will answer these questions with in-class presentations and discussions while also learning practical survival skills like fire starting and shelter making. Once students have developed a greater knowledge of engineering and natural solutions, we finish the course with a debate in the teams, covering the ethical issues behind biomimicry.
COLL 173 - A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING (BAKER)
Short Title: INTRO TO ENV PLANNING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Environmental planning is the field that focuses on the policies, projects, and land-use decisions related to the rehabilitation, transformation, and preservation of non-human nature in our landscapes, cities, and regions. This broad statement of the field invokes a correspondingly broad array of questions: What “nature” is worth protecting? How can we use the tools we already have to better our interactions with non-human nature? Are cities environmentally beneficial or harmful? Can the pressing environmental issues of our time be addressed effectively on the scale of individual cities? What are the implications of climate change for our answer to all these questions? This course is designed to provide a foundational introduction to the theory and practice of environmental planning. Drawing on examples from a broad literature in the field, we will investigate the social and ecological implications of modernist planning, disaster response, shade trees, green transit, ecovillages, and indigenous solutions, among many other environmental phenomena. The goal is for students to learn to recognize the often-invisible decision-making that underlies the environmental design and planning of our cities, and to become equipped for civic engagement in this area on both a local and global level.
COLL 175 - THE ALCHEMY OF ART: THE SCIENTIFIC PHENOMENA IN A PAINTER'S PALETTE (WIESS)
Short Title: THE ALCHEMY OF ART
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "How do we create art? What are the scientific principles within an artwork’s materials that allow us to appreciate it? How can we use the creative sparks at the art/science interface to innovate the future? This course examines “meaning” and “meaning-making” through learning about common scientific principles that are inherent in materials used for artistic creation. How do egg yolks turn into paint on a canvas? What are the optics of pigment and perception? What are the composite properties present in creating hand-made paper? Students will formulate such questions about art in the context of the natural world, and foster an appreciation for the discoveries at the interface of art and science. In this course, students will apply learned science principles in a variety of hands-on studio sessions, experiment with creating art through the mechanics of differing mediums, and discuss the ways in which science and art fields supplement and affect one another in a larger societal context. The class will be an approachable way for artists to engage in creative scientific discussions around materials used in the artistic process and for scientists to appreciate theories applied within the arts and aesthetics. Students will leave this course having developed a greater appreciation for art, materials science, and creative expression — preparing them to become multifaceted innovators of the future."
COLL 176 - WHY DO I HATE CLASSICAL MUSIC? DECODING MUSICAL TASTES (SID RICH)
Short Title: DECODING MUSICAL TASTES
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you ever wondered why a specific song can ignite a whirlwind of emotions, while another leaves you indifferent or even irritated? Why does your best friend love a music genre you can't stand? Embark on an enlightening journey through the maze of our minds as we explore the psychology of music listening. This course delves into the intricate connections between music, brain activity, personal experiences, and societal influences, shedding light on why we gravitate toward certain rhythms, melodies, and genres. By diving into scientific findings and listening to different genres of music with engaging classroom discussions, we'll unlock the mysteries of our musical preferences, biases, and emotional connections. Success in this course means developing a deeper understanding of your own musical tastes, and a newfound appreciation for the diverse tapestry of sounds that color our world. Tune into the symphony of the human psyche and diversify your musical palate.
COLL 177 - IDENTIFYING LEADING INDICATORS OF HIGH-PERFORMING SOFTWARE ENTERPRISES (HANSZEN)
Short Title: SOFTWARE METRICS THAT MATTER
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: In this course, we will dive into the intricacies of the software industry as we uncover what are the core values, indicators, and habits of successful early-stage companies? We’ll discover the critical indicators that drive performance, using insights from leading financial services firms and personal, we will explore the fundamental concepts of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). We will evaluate the business models, market trends, and metrics that underpin financial and customer success.
COLL 178 - A CUP OF CULTURE: COFFEE'S HISTORY AND COMMODIFICATION (SID RICH)
Short Title: A CUP OF CULTURE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "From the consumption of Coffea Arabica in the 15th century to the modern Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte, the consumer experience regarding coffee, including its brewing method, global distribution, and industrialization has changed dramatically since its first cultivation. Coffee is, and will likely continue to be, a unifying characteristic of cultures around the globe for centuries to come. How has the commercialization of coffee impacted the development of a global coffee culture and the consumer experience? The aim of this course is to introduce you to the history and development of coffee culture as a global product. More specifically, this course focuses on coffee preparation methods, the cultural significance of coffee across different parts of the world, and the effects of the booming coffee industry in the United States. All students of any coffee background are welcome; prior knowledge in coffee, science, or history is not required nor assumed."
COLL 180 - STORYTELLING AND NARRATIVE IN ROLE-PLAYING VIDEO GAMES (BROWN)
Short Title: STORYTELLING IN GAMES
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Role-playing video games, frequently shortened to role-playing games (RPGs), are a genre of video games, where the player interacts directly with the world, usually gaining character development in terms of recording statistics. The game world is often rooted in speculative fiction, drawing from fantasy and sci-fiction to inhabit worlds that suspend standard understandings of reality. More than other genres, RPGs rely on a combination of gameplay mechanics, cutscenes, and user interface to develop well-defined stories and settings that drive the complex negotiation between the player and the game. Building on this, how do RPGs integrate interactive gameplay and narrative elements to create an effective story? In this course, we will explore elements of role-playing games (abilities, items, combat, cutscenes, setting) through the lenses of narrative (character development, worldbuilding, plot) with an intersectional framework that attends to culture, gender, sexuality, and disability simultaneously. We will be thinking about how RPGs serve as a site of speculative possibility for experimental and unconventional stories. During class, we will discuss popular RPGs such as Chrono Trigger and Legend of Zelda, as well as less known titles like Okami and Ib, walking through gameplay footage and cutscenes to eventually apply their understanding in a final project, where students get the opportunity to work in teams to either submit their own game design proposal or write a short analytical paper on a RPG of their choice.
COLL 181 - BULLET JOURNALING AND MODERN CALLIGRAPHY (HANSZEN)
Short Title: BULLET JOURNALING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Want to be more productive? Want better notes? Want to be more organized? Then bullet journaling might be your solution! De-stress. Procrastinate less. It’s possible. A bullet journal can be used for memory-keeping, planning, scrapbooking, art practicing, etc. making it beyond just an average “dear diary” journal. This course will introduce the basics of bullet journaling and how to utilize your journal to create a functional, life-long keepsake while improving self-organization. Lessons on modern brush calligraphy and its styles are included to elevate set-ups. Traditionally calligraphy and different typographies are used in conjunction with bullet journaling to provide visually interesting headers and pages. Additionally to tutorial style classes, you will be introduced to sources in the journaling community such as brands and influencers to trust. Students will create their own monthly spreads and learn to organize their daily goals using bullet journal founder Ryan Carroll’s “Bullet Journal Method” and plan productively with guidance from Jasmine Shao’s Plan with Me. Everyone from new beginners to bujo experts are encouraged to join. The world of journaling and calligraphy is intimidating but through this class you can learn the many tools needed to make your journal the most helpful for you!
COLL 182 - COLL 101: CONFRONTING ANTI-CHRISTIANITY (BROWN)
Short Title: CONFRONTING ANTI-CHRISTIANITY
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: This class is designed to allow students (whether Christians or non-Christians) to articulate, evaluate, and respond to challenges and questions to Christianity. Non-Christians taking the class will understand Christian responses to traditional theistic doctrines, including arguments for the existence of God and the role of religion in public life. Christians taking the class will understand what objections skeptics and atheists have to Christian doctrines and how Christian thinkers have answered these objections over the past 2,000 years. The goal of this course is not to change anyone’s theological views; instead, it seeks to equip students to learn to evaluate the merits of these challenges and the responses by Christians.
COLL 183 - INTRODUCTION TO DJING (BROWN)
Short Title: INTRO TO DJING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: DJing a party is one of the most fun and rewarding activities in the world. A good DJ can turn a boring event into a packed, energized dancefloor. This course is designed to turn aspiring DJs into confident performers, able to select music, read a crowd, and control energy throughout a party. We will discuss the equipment one needs to own, how to mix songs together seamlessly, and what promoters and planners look for when hiring a DJ, both inside and outside of Rice. This is a deeply practical course, offering students the chance to be a part of the next generation of student DJs at Rice and elsewhere, culminating in a final project where students perform live in front of their classmates and friends.
COLL 184 - FUNCTIONAL FIBER ARTS: THE MATHEMATICS OF CLOTHING DESIGN THROUGH CROCHET (WILL RICE)
Short Title: FUNCTIONAL FIBER ARTS
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Crochet isn’t just about art and self-expression – from counting stitches and rows to calculating the yardage to finish a garment, math is the foundation for all forms of this famous fiber art, especially clothing design. How can an understanding of mathematics help us create art with purpose and pattern? And how can these mathematical patterns be incorporated into clothing design, of all things?
COLL 185 - EAST ASIA TELEVISION: AN INTRODUCTION (MARTEL)
Short Title: EAST ASIA TELEVISION
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "Every day, millions of people across the globe turn on their televisions or open their computers to watch the latest episode of an East Asian television show. As entertaining as it may be, what you don’t see in that episode is just as important. From state regulation on depictions of history and gender in Chinese television dramas to the intense labor conditions of the anime industry, what you see on screen is just the tip of the iceberg. How does television reflect and affect how East Asians understand the world around them? In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of the history of East Asian television, as well as principles of textual analysis. They will apply these principles to East Asian television through in-class discussion and short writing assignments. The class will primarily focus on dramas, animated shows, and game and competition shows of China, Japan, and South Korea. No East Asian language skills are required. At the end of the course, students will present an analysis of a television program of their choice to the class in lieu of a final exam. "
COLL 186 - DEAD IN AMERICA:A CRASH COURSE ON THE POST-MORTEM FOR THE MORBIDLY CURIOUS (WILL RICE)
Short Title: DEAD IN AMERICA-A CRASH COURSE
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: What happens to your body after death? Perhaps it’ll involve a funeral followed by a burial or cremation. Perhaps you’ll donate life-saving organs and tissues if denoted by your driver’s license. Perhaps you’ll even nourish a tree. Whatever happens, the fate of a post-mortem body is little talked about and often ignored until we’re faced with the death of someone we know. In the United States, traditional burial and cremation are the two most common options for body disposition. Recently, newer and more environmentally friendly options, such as water cremation and human composting, have been introduced. Yet these are rarely available or legal in only a few states. How should American society determine what happens to its dead? This course will discuss everything that may happen to a body after death, from decomposition to body disposition to organ donations. Students will learn the history and reasons behind the legalization and practice of body disposition methods. They will analyze what makes treatment of the dead body respectful or vilified in the United States. With no exams in this course, students will complete projects which include researching a funeral option from another culture and writing a letter to a state representative.
COLL 188 - SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY: 20 PHOTO BOOKS SINCE 1960 (WIESS)
Short Title: PHOTO BOOKS SINCE 1960
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: This course introduces students to contemporary photography through a series of influential photo books published since 1960. The books are chosen to focus on works that can be fit broadly into the social documentary genre, stylistically they can be categorized as New Color Photography. Students will complete weekly reading and half of each class will consist of a lecture that introduces the students, while the other half will be discussions. Students are challenged to generate original readings into the works they engage in, supported by both visual and social-historical evidence. The students will produce textual responses as assignments. While the final project can be an analytical essay or a creative photography project based on a photo book of the student's choosing.
COLL 189 - BRIDGING ACADEMIA AND ACTIVISM: 11 PAPERS TO READ BEFORE YOU GRADUATE (WIESS)
Short Title: BRIDGING ACADEMIA AND ACTIVISM
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "Society finds itself at the convergence of various crises: rampant social and economic inequality, ecological destruction, and state violence, to name a few. Thus, it should come as little surprise that institutional skepticism is on the rise, including increasingly negative public perception of higher education. Is academia doomed to wither away from its metaphorical ivory tower—or do academics occupy one of the last remaining spaces where alternative visions of the world are still possible? By analyzing one scholarly reading each week, this discussion-based course will examine the role academia can—or can’t—play in activist efforts to develop and implement political re-imaginings. Through critical dialogue exploring theoretical and material social/political/economic issues, we will arrive at answers to our essential question, “how can academia help us challenge oppression and create a more just world?”"
COLL 190 - BOARD GAMES OR "BORED" GAMES - HOW TO WIN AT THE BOARD GAMES OF LIFE (WILL RICE)
Short Title: BOARD GAMES OR "BORED" GAMES
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Have you been finding that the same people keep winning the games you play? It could be that there happen to be characteristics that make some people better at board games than others There can be social reasons, psychological reasons, even biomechanical reasons for this, so over the course, students will be able to play a wide variety of games from different categories (Settlers of Catan, One Night Werewolf, Codenames, etc.) and find some of these fundamentals in both board games and apply these to life scenarios such as the power dynamics in the economic world, social ladders, and so many more. The course will conclude with a presentation of the rules for a game that the students will have created, using the fundamentals learned throughout the course.
COLL 191 - PHOTOGRAPHY OF ART: THE LANGUAGE OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY (WIESS)
Short Title: PHOTOGRAPHY OF ART
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: In the late ’60s, the question of color photography came into focus. Wrestling with the previous generation of artists who only took black and white seriously, the young artists started using color film and revolutionized the language of photography. Our class will start here, starting by understanding this new language in prominent formalist theories during that time. We will then move forward in time and look at the works of preceding artists, who narrate through that language, utilizing it for personal and political ends. By the end of the course, you will gain skills to analyze photographs you encounter everywhere — from those in news articles to those in gallery shows. You will also have a comprehensive understanding of how photography can be used for artistic means, and how are those photographs distinguished from photographic materials we encounter every day.
COLL 192 - THE UNIVERSE AND US: A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH TO COSMOLOGY (BAKER)
Short Title: THE UNIVERSE AND US
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Cosmology: The study of the universe, from its beginning to its end. Our understanding of the universe is constantly changing, with new discoveries and breakthroughs being made. The field of cosmology is filled with such discoveries, and its content and history contain the groundwork for answers to some of humanity’s biggest questions: Where did we come from? ...Why is the universe the way it is? ... How have we, the human race, come to understand the universe in which we live? In this course, we will delve into the history of scientific discovery, using Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time as a guide. Students will explore their own topics of interest and engage in discussions about their favorite concepts. A cross between cosmology, sociology, and science history, this course is a refreshing take on physical science, intended for students of any discipline who want to learn more about the universe in which we live, all without the use of mathematics.
COLL 193 - THE MAHABHARATA: THE INDIAN EPIC OF FAMILY, MORALITY, AND WAR (BROWN)
Short Title: THE MAHABHARATA
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Family drama. War. Betrayals. ELEPHANTS! What else could a great story even need? For over 5,000 years, the Mahabharata, one of this world’s largest epics, played a significant role in shaping Indian and Hindu culture. This class is for anyone interested in dissecting stories, debating moral dilemmas, and learning more about other cultures. While the Mahabharata translates directly to the Great War, these stories are not merely battles and fighting. Within this epic lies the Bhagavad Gita, a defining text for Hindu and Indian philosophy. In this course, we will delve into the exciting tales of the Mahabharata, exploring the relatable characters, complex themes, and, of course, the perplexing moral dilemmas. Success in this course will be determined primarily by participation in discussions and willingness to learn about new and exciting stories. There will also be short weekly discussion posts to assess understanding and encourage reflection. Through such thought-provoking discussions and investigation of the epic’s many interpretations and adaptations, we will explore the essential question of how stories, both within and outside our culture, shape our values and philosophy.
COLL 194 - ከውቂያኖስ ባሻገር - SPEAKING "ABYSSINIAN" (WIESS)
Short Title: SPEAKING "ABYSSINIAN"
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: While being one of the only two African countries never colonized by European powers has preserved Ethiopia’s sovereignty, having its own written language system has distanced the country and its official language from exploration. This course titled “ከውቂያኖስ ባሻገር” read as Ke’wik’iyanosi Bashageri, a phrase in the country’s official language, Amharic, which translates to “across the ocean” will push students out of what they know and peek into the country’s culture through its language. This is an introductory course for speaking Amharic with no previous exposure required. Even students with some exposure will improve greatly as they will recite the alphabets, count in Amharic, and use the most common words in basic social dialogues. Students will refer to the Amharic alphabet, amharicteacher.com resources and my teaching as a native speaker. By summarizing the cultural background each morphological and syntactical rule is rooted in, this class goes beyond a language to also learn about Ethiopia and its culture, hence the second part of the title – Speaking Abyssinian - Abyssinia being the first name given to Ethiopia. By the end of the term, this course ensures that students explain how languages serve as a means of understanding others and one’s own culture.
COLL 195 - THE BOOK OF ROMANS: A STUDY ON CHRISTIAN THEMES (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: THE BOOK OF ROMANS
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Christianity is the world’s largest religion with nearly one-third of our global population identifying as followers. As a result, Christian ideologies and values have shaped our history and continue to shape our future. Romans serves as an important book of the Bible that outlines these influential Christian themes. For non-religious and religious students alike, this course’s study on Romans will frame a greater understanding on Christian faith as we discuss topics such as the Christian God’s wrath and love, suffering and justification, mercy and grace, and righteousness. Ultimately, through seminar-based classes, we will have Biblical and academic discussions that will pave the way to answer: What do Christians believe and why? Using one contextual creative assignment, two reading recap paragraphs, and one final presentation, students of this course will walk away with a greater scholarly and personal understanding of Romans and the Christian faith.
COLL 196 - PORTRAIT PIZZAZ - EXPLORING THE ART OF PORTRAIT MAKING THROUGH VARIOUS MEDIA (WILL RICE)
Short Title: PORTRAIT PIZZAZ
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: "This course introduces students to the fundamental techniques, materials, and processes of drawing portraits. Students will explore line, contour, tone, space, form, composition, and content through a variety of portrait assignments in dry and wet media including pencil, charcoal, and oil paint. Through discussions and readings, students will also learn how humans recognize faces, why humans have evolved to look different, and the history of portraiture and its prevalence in society. Students will learn to understand and employ spatial and depth perception cues and mathematical approximations in drawing. Students will gradually learn how to draw portraits from both photographs and live models and dip their toes into the art of caricature. Students will learn the technical aspects of portrait making and will be given freedom to develop and explore their own individual style. No prior experience in drawing is required but recommended."
COLL 197 - FUNDAMENTALS OF VOICE ACTING (HANSZEN)
Short Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF VOICE ACTING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: An often overlooked but very significant component of today’s media is the voice-over industry. From radio ads, to audiobooks, to animated cartoons and films, and dubs of foreign media, this industry permeates so much of our everyday lives. As such, becoming proficient in the art of voice acting can lead you to gain a deeper understanding of how these forms of media are created and see this huge aspect of our world from a new perspective. This course seeks to provide an answer to the question: what makes a quality voice actor? Students will learn about the different ways one can become a voice actor, as well as the fundamental skills required for proficiency in the field, including the basics of audio editing software, proper recording technique, self-marketing, and of course, acting technique. Students will put their skills and knowledge to use through acting exercises, class discussions, recording projects, and ultimately creating their own demo reel.
COLL 198 - THE HISTORY OF FASHION (BAKER)
Short Title: HISTORY OF FASHION
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Through this course, we will traverse the evolution of fashion from the 16th century to present, analyzing fashion through books, artwork, and photographs. Furthermore, we will discuss the connection between fashion and major historical events, feminism, and society. In this course, students will learn about the changes in fashion through a historical lens, the societal issues that have surrounded fashion, and how fashion is used today as a method of representation and activism. Students will be expected to complete weekly discussion posts and in-class assignments. Students will apply what they learned in this course through a creative in-class presentation, highlighting fashion from a specific time period, designer, or culture.
COLL 200 - TEACHING PRACTICUM
Short Title: TEACHING PRACTICUM
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Internship/Practicum
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Student instructors gain mastery of their subject of interest by practical application in teaching a course. Students are supervised by the faculty sponsor as approved by the Dean of Undergraduates. Students must have taken COLL 300 in developing the course. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
COLL 212 - BLACK MEN WRITING ABOUT THEIR WORLD: DU BOIS, BALDWIN, AND THEIR HEIRS (WIESS)
Short Title: BLACK MEN WRITING
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: For Black men, what good are essays? This course explores the writerly activism, historical imagination, and the consequence of some of the best known work of W.E.B. Du Bois, James Baldwin, and several of their 21st century heirs. Taking cues from the subjects of the course, students will also get ample practice using the essay as a way to describe, analyze, and affect the contemporary black male condition. Permission of Instructor required. Instructor Permission Required.
COLL 214 - MASS INCARCERATION AND ITS DISCONTENTS: RACE, REFORM AND THE LAW (WIESS)
Short Title: MASS INCARCERATION
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: A course about the origins of mass incarceration in the United States; about the consequences of the present carceral state; and about efforts to address injustices that have proceeded from the nation’s relatively recent and nearly insatiable impetus to cage its poor, non-white population.
COLL 222 - RACE, PLACE, AND POWER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
Short Title: HOUSTON: RACE, PLACE, POWER
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: An exploration of the ways that race, place, and power converge in and shape the city of Houston. Designed for students who completed UNIV 106. Instructor Permission Required. Recommended Prerequisite(s): UNIV 106: RISE
COLL 227 - INTRO TO BRAND DEVELOPMENT (MCMURTRY)
Short Title: INTRO TO BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, possessing top-notch personal selling skills is no longer just an advantage - it's a necessity, regardless of your position. This course is designed to provide you with practical, real-world skills that are indispensable in the modern business world.
COLL 238 - SPECIAL TOPICS
Short Title: SPECIAL TOPICS
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Internship/Practicum, Laboratory, Lecture, Seminar, Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1-4
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level
Description: Topics and credit hours vary each semester. Contact department for current semester's topic(s). Repeatable for Credit.
COLL 300 - PEDAGOGY FOR STUDENT INSTRUCTORS
Short Title: PEDAGOGY FOR STDNT INSTRUCTORS
Department: College Courses
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hour: 1
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.
Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level
Description: This full-semester course prepares students to serve as instructors for COLL 1XX courses. The first half of the semester is dedicated to designing your course in preparation for approval. The latter half of the semester focuses on knowledge and skills needed to be an effective instructor. COLL 300 can be taken at any time and is required to be taken at the latest in the semester before you intend to teach.