GEOG 468 / CONTEMPORARY FOOD SYSTEMS / LESLIE MCLEES
This class explores different ways of understanding how food systems have developed and how they both reflect and impact our society. In this class, we will explore some of the roots of what constitutes healthy eating, the role of race in the production and consumption of food, and how policy, the economy, and even religion impact the availability of certain types of food today.
PS 410/510 DEMOCRACY AND POWER IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN POLITICS / GERRY BERK
In this class, we will examine the ongoing debate about the health and future of American democracy. Some argue that the problem is that politicians violate norms that are necessary to keep the system healthy. Others argue that there are deeper causes of the threats to democracy. The US has seen a massive rise in economic inequality in the past generation and has also failed to solve the problem of racial hierarchy. Vigorous social movements have emerged to address these problems with some success, but problems remain. Students will read 4 contemporary books (graduate students will read 5); write 4 response papers and a longer final paper at the end of the class.
PPPM 410 END-OF-LIFE CARE IN THE U.S. / NICOLE NGO
We will discuss issues around end-of-life care, including what it means to die in the U.S. and problems with our current healthcare system and ways to improve it. This includes discussions of health policy, medical ethics, different philosophies toward death, as well as end-of-life care for incarcerated individuals. This issue has become more urgent in the U.S. for both the general and incarcerated populations; by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be elderly (aged 65+) and exceed the number of children for the first time in the history of the U.S. It is well recognized that the current system is not working and is incredibly costly.
CAS 407 / INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION / KATIE DWYER
This course will explore concepts in intercultural understanding as well as build skills in conflict resolution, cross-cultural work, coalition building, and individual self-reflection. We will examine both the broad frameworks for discussing cultural differences as well as thinking through the ways identity and context influence our experience of the world and our encounters with one another. Conflict resolution theories and skills will be a focus. We will also discuss intercultural encounters in a variety of specific contexts, including education, the workplace, and in humanitarian efforts. We will ground these concepts in our own experiences, and include real-world applications in our own lives.