Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: STORYTELLING THROUGH DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: To be a proper storyteller, one must first have a story to tell, and there’s no better way of creating a story than being inside of one. In this class, you will use the classic tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons (3.5 edition), to create that very story. Using the rules of D&D and the inspiration of ancient mythologies, you will create and embody a character of your own making. After that, you’ll test your metal against a world created by your peers, and face unimaginable challenges with nothing but your own imagination. The aim of this course is to awaken interest in ancient legend, grant experience in improvisation and effective communication, and encourage you to approach everyday problems in new and creative ways.

Long Title: UNDERSTANDING CLASSICAL MUSIC (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course seeks to help students gain an understanding of classical music regardless of their musical background. Students will become more knowledgeable of composers and compositions through weekly historical readings and developing active listening strategies. They will also be required to attend multiple classical music concerts throughout the semester.

Long Title: A HISTORY OF THE GREAT SOCCER RIVALRIES (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In this class, students will learn about the history of the great soccer rivalries of the world. We will delve deeper than just sporting history into the historical factors (political, regional, socioeconomical) that make theses rivalries intense.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO THE VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of the Vietnamese language, focusing primarily on speaking the language and using the most applicable aspects of the language for students. Basic grammar and vocabulary will be applied to everyday situations. Acquiring Vietnamese will be facilitated by a brief study of Vietnamese cuisine.

Long Title: UNDERSTANDING ASIAN AMERICA THROUGH FOOD (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will use food as a framework for understanding the history of and contemporary issues facing the Asian-American community. Through individual case studies, students will study how conceptualizations of Asian food and the history of Asian Americans in the food industry reveal larger political and cultural issues.

Long Title: PLAYING MARIACHI: THE CULTURE OF MEXICO (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Practical course for those interested in learning about the playing, and culture of mariachi music. In this course students will be prepared to understand mariachi music's impact in society, as well as gain enough experience to join a real mariachi band. This course is taught by Rice University's Mariachi Luna Llena president Itzak Hinojosa.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO BICYCLE MAINTENANCE (SID RICH)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will learn how to do basic bicycle repairs, such as fixing flat tires and adjusting brakes. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of how to maintain their own bicycle. Aspects of bicycle culture and road safety will also be taught.

Long Title: THE ENDANGERED SPECIES AND WHY THEY MATTER (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: What do tigers, chimpanzees, and Houston toads have in common? All are faced with an immediate threat of extinction. In this class, students will explore a variety of the world’s endangered species through short readings, videos, activities, and class trips. Conservation methods and importance of biodiversity will be discussed.

Long Title: SURVIVOR: A SNAPSHOT OF SOCIETY (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In this course, students will analyze the reality television show Survivor to gain an increased understanding of how humans interact, how they themselves interact, and what constitutes a game-winning strategy.

Long Title: WWIII: INTRO TO BIOWARFARE (SID RICH)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will be split into five sections: the history of biowarfare, theories behind its use, attack strategies and optimization, biosecurity defense measures, and implications for future use. We will place a high emphasis on unveiling the many epidemiological trends of biowarfare and how it impacts its use and consequences.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO THE OIL INDUSTRY (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Cover basics of the oil and gas industry and practice interviewing for jobs/internships. Class will discuss history, exploration, drilling, production, midstream, downstream, economics, environmental, and the future of the industry. The goal of this course is to establish confidence to communicate about petroleum industry topics.

Long Title: INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE: SEEKING HEALING THROUGH NATURE AND SCIENCE (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In America, we are confronted with hugely varying opinions about and options for treating and preventing disease. In the debate between supporters of alternative wellness and mainstream pharmaceuticalists, this class seeks to encourage wrestling with our role as consumers to be informed and discerning about treatment options and holistic wellness.

Long Title: INTRO TO BASKETBALL ANALYTICS - CONCEPTS AND CONTEXTS (WILL RICE)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: How can a spatial-numerical understanding of basketball help demystify the strategies, challenges, and greatness within America’s Beautiful Game? Students will learn how to use an analytical framework to deconstruct the nuances of basketball, to blend rich statistics with a classical analysis and begin thinking like a modern general manager and coach.

Long Title: INTERMEDIATE CANTONESE (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is a further accelerated investigation of spoken Cantonese in practical applications. The course will first review fundamental vocabulary and grammatical concepts. Then, more complex topics and scenarios will be covered, with a focus on conversation-based vocabulary. The course will be discussion based to reinforce material taught in class.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY AND PRINCIPLES (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This introductory course on improvisational comedy is designed to teach students about the basic tenets of improvisational comedy and how they can be applied in scenes on stage as well as in real world scenarios. This class has an emphasis on participation in order to see the principles in actions.

Long Title: VEGANISM AS A LIFESTYLE (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will go over history, culture, ethics, nutrition, lifestyle, and variations of the vegan movement. Students will be taught how to make plant-based alternatives of popular everyday non-vegan dishes. The final will consist of going to a non-vegan restaurant and eating a vegan meal as a group.

Long Title: INTRO TO CANTO AND CULTURE (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will teach students the fundamentals of Cantonese, including basic expressions, greetings, grammar patterns and essential vocabularies used by the native speakers every day. The course will also expose students to Hong Kong and Cantonese culture, such as food and movie. This course will primarily focus on the speaking of Cantonese.

Long Title: SOCIAL MEDIA, SELF, AND SOCIETY: SOCIOLOGY OF THE ONLINE SPACE (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: How does the new social space of social media shape the way we understand ourselves, interact with each other, and relate to larger social systems? Students will engage in hands-on case studies of social media platforms through the lens of social theory and critically evaluate their own relations with social media.

Long Title: MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF DEPRESSION (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The experiences that stem from suffering from depression have influenced all forms of culture and media- including art, philosophy, music, movies and literature. This class seeks to examine portrayals of depression in each of the aforementioned genres, and to help us understand and empathize with people who suffer from depression.

Long Title: INTRO TO COMPUTER MUSIC (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Using a variety of computer-based software, students taking this course will learn how to produce their own music. We will cover sound design, music theory, mixing, mastering, as well as the history of digital music production and the technologies involved.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO BREAK DANCING (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Class geared towards teaching and learning about break dance culture.

Long Title: PALAEOGRAPHY OF EARLY MODERN ENGLISH MANUSCRIPTS (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This is an introduction to manuscript studies, focusing on Irish and English documents written in the early modern period. Students will learn to read English scripts used during this time and master the methodologies for transcribing manuscripts. Ecclesiastical, legal, academic, and personal documents will be studied.

Long Title: HARRY POTTER AND THE UNEQUAL SOCIETY (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will delve into J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series in order to examine the many social inequalities present in the wizarding world and to ultimately better understand our own, non-magical society. Familiarity with Harry Potter is recommended.

Long Title: ART OF ATTRACTION IN KOREAN POP MUSIC VIDEOS (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Is there a universal ‘language of love’ that psychological research can help to uncover, regardless of differences in cultural discourse and style? Throughout the semester, we’ll be answering this question by examining concepts developed in literature on relationship psychology and how they are portrayed in Korean pop videos.

Long Title: OUR PLACE IN THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL HEALTH (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: What will be the biggest causes of global health disparity in the next 50 years? How can we best help address these problems? Students will explore the future of global healthcare and medical technology innovation, and discuss the complexities inherent in attempting to solve international problems. No prior knowledge necessary!

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH WINES (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will learn about basic viticulture and oenology, focusing on different regions in France, alongside with several wine tasting sessions of very fine French wines towards the end of the semester. Required fee $35. Students must be 21+.

Long Title: INTERNSHIPS, INTERVIEWS AND MORE: COMMUNICATIONG FOR YOUR CAREER (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course focuses on basic career skills. The majority of class time is dedicated for students to practice career skills with their peers. Students will conduct mock interviews and developed their resumes. This course is intended for students without previous experience going through the interview process.

Long Title: BOARD GAME THEORY (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: “How is game strategy developed?” In Board Game Theory, students will use Settlers of Catan to learn the fundamentals of board game strategy formulation. All members of the class will learn to analyze game rules, apply mathematics and statistics to gameplay, and isolate variables in order to develop successful strategies.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO IRISH CULTURE (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is an introduction to the rich heritage of Ireland. Topics explored will include Irish history, music, mythology, language, literature, dance, politics, among others. Through the class students will gain a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the formation of a national identity.

Long Title: THE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE OF THE CHINESE RESTAURANT IN THE UNITED STATES (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will develop the reading and speaking skills necessary to read, understand and order most common items on a Chinese restaurant’s menu, as well as understand the cultural background of regional cuisines, festival foods. No prior experience Chinese experience required. Includes trip to a Chinatown restaurant.

Long Title: BEATS BY YOU: AN INTRODUCTION TO BEATBOXING (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will focus on becoming a beatboxer, and will include a brief history of beatbox and the basic music theory behind it. Students will study the social and musical contexts of beatbox, analyze old school, new school, and battle beatbox, and learn beatbox techniques.

Long Title: PHILOSOPHY OF COFFEE: FINDING THE BEST BREW IN SPACE AND TIME (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Through this course, coffee and espresso aficionados will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate flavors, underlining chemistry, colorful history, popular brewing methods, and diverse cultures that go into making every cup of coffee...

Long Title: HANDS-ON WITH THE MAKER MOVEMENT (JONES)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course seeks to give students a general understanding of tools and fabrication techniques while also introducing them to the maker movement.

Long Title: WEB APP DEVELOPMENT FOR NON-MAJORS (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course explores topics in web-based app development with an emphasis on front-end. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of how web-based applications function and the knowledge necessary to build simple applications. This course is only for students not intending to major in CS/ECE.

Long Title: STEM CELL BIOLOGY AND RESEARCH (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will provide students with biological information on stem cells, furthering their knowledge of human biology. Students will also be introduced to current research and clinical trials being done in the field, through guest lectures from TMC, and encouraged to analyze the validity of sensationalist news articles.

Long Title: INSIGHTS INTO MODERN ANIME: A CHARACTER STUDY (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will focus on the analysis of characters and identity throughout anime. Students will watch five shows, including Neon Genesis Evangelion and Steins;Gate, and draw conclusions about the characters and the world in the shows from a philosophical, psychological and sociological viewpoint.

Long Title: THE KNITTY GRITTY: LEARNING TO KNIT (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Ever wanted to learn how to knit? Well here’s your chance! Go from the basics to learning how to make your own sweater (or anything else you want to make) in just one semester!

Long Title: THE ART OF MAKING A VISUAL NOVEL (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Visual novels are akin to a choose-your-own-adventure but with music, visual art, and important story-affecting decisions. Through playing a variety of visual novels, students will analyze the anatomy of the visual novel for how components work together to seize the reader’s attention and make it stand out among others.

Long Title: HOW MUSIC PLAYS THE BRAIN - THE NEUROSCIENCE OF A UNIVERSAL HUMAN OBSESSION (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: What can music teach us about the human brain? In this course, students will examine music through the lens of neuroscience by studying how music influences human behavior and brain function. Students will constantly be engaged in dialogues between an age-old art and a budding field of science.

Long Title: POLICY AND THE PATIENT: UNDERSTANDING AND CRAFTING HEALTH POLICY (WILL RICE)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: What differentiates an effective health policy from a failed one? How does policy drive decisions in medicine at the local, state and national levels? Students will explore contemporary health policies across the world, and craft their own policy proposal to address a specific issue in healthcare. No prior knowledge necessary!

Long Title: SCREWTAPE AND THE ART OF SELF-REFLECTION (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Why do I do the things I do, and how does it affect who I am and who I will be? In this class, students interact with C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, short articles, classmates, and pens on a self-reflective, psychological, and spiritual journey into their own minds and souls.

Long Title: TAELOR'S DECLASSIFIED, FITNESS SURVIVAL GUIDE (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Student’s will acquire the knowledge necessary for creating effective workout and nutrition programs intended to achieve various fitness goals including general health, endurance improvement, muscle gain, and strength gain.

Long Title: NARRATIVE THEORY OF DISNEY (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Introduction to narrative theory using Disney films as explanatory texts. Each week we will examine the narrative inner-workings of a different Disney animated film, discussed in conjunction with the history of the corporation, our experiences with the Disney brand, and our own storytelling intuitions.

Long Title: CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL MOVEMENTS (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is about the social and political conditions recent social movements respond to, and how they respond using legal, media, or protest tactics.

Long Title: CRITICISM AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING (SID RICH)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will introduce students to professional wrestling from an academic standpoint. Students will learn to think and write critically about wrestling through various academic lenses, including philosophy, psychology, race, gender, sexuality, and drama.

Long Title: SKATEBOARDING ON FILM (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will explore the intersections of skateboarding and film through watching skate films from the past 30 years and learning how to skate (with optional skate park field trips). Films will explore themes of gender, coming of age, invention, creativity, and counter culture. Final project will be an original skate film.

Long Title: BIOFUELS PRODUCTION: TECHNOLOGY & POLICY (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The objective of this course is to instruct students on emerging and existing biofuels technology, as well as the global, national, and local policy surrounding biofuels.

Long Title: VIDEO GAMES AS AN ART FORM (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is meant as an introduction to viewing video games as a form of creative self-expression by examining the central themes of several popular games. It will encourage students to view games not merely as entertainment, but as an art form that often provides some type of commentary.

Long Title: THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MUSICALS-AN ANALYSIS OF MUSICALS FROM BROADWAY TO DISNEY (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The purpose of this course is to help students achieve an understanding of and appreciation for the deeper meanings behind musical theatre and film. This class will address what the musical perspective adds to the story and will provide the students with the tools to critically evaluate these differences.

Long Title: CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ANIME (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will consist of case studies highlighting unique elements within the anime industry. Discussion topics will touch on different thematic interpretations between the East and West and culturally relevant perspectives on social and philosophical topics. Students will also encounter discussions on translation, animation studios, and the anime creation process.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO EMERGING AND FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the science behind the technological advancements of the near future as well as a forum for discussion of their impacts on our lives. Topics such as genetic engineering, nanotechnology, brain-machine interface, artificial intelligence, and mind-uploading will be covered.

Long Title: INDIAN CINEMA & POLITICS (JONES)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will allow students to gain an introductory view of the various filmmaking industries in India divided by language, culture and politics. Each film will be accompanied by a discussion of the interplay between the political and social background of the film and the region from which it originates and the aesthetics and filmic language used, in the context of a discussion on “national cinema.” Throughout the course, students will view approximately 10 films and prepare to discuss and evaluate them during class sessions. By the end of the course, students will have a basic understanding of filmic language, what constitutes "national cinema," and a broad view of Indian cinema.

Long Title: BASIC SKILLS IN BATON TWIRLING (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Activity Course

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will be an introduction to the sport of baton twirling. Students will learn a variety of basic skills under the supervision of the instructor. Throughout the semester, students will also learn a short routine that will be performed in small groups on the last day of class. Batons will be provided.

Long Title: ETHICS OF JOURNALISM (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This class will cover the tenets of ethical journalism as outlined by the SPJ guidelines. Students will analyze whether news articles from different media outlets are biased and follow the SPJ guidelines. We will discuss whether journalists should be social advocates – is cold, hard news really the best journalistic mindset?

Long Title: THE STRUCTURE OF SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTIONS (SID RICH)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: An introduction to philosophical and social scientific understandings of the practice of science, primarily through the lens of Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Students will be challenged to think of the ways in which Structure and its implications apply to their disciplines and to everyday life.

Long Title: DREAMWORK THROUGH DOTA (WILL RICE)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Dreamwork through Dota presents a long-term group project that focuses on building a team dynamic, and offering numerous opportunities for teams to test what they have learned. Students will be assigned to teams of five and learn, as a team, to play Dota 2, an arena free-to-play "e-sport" that is conceptually very similar to traditional sports like soccer and basketball. This course will provide a low-pressure environment for all students (regardless of prior gaming experience) to become comfortable communicating with others and working in groups.

Long Title: SHORT FORM IMPROV: WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This is a course in the practical training of comedic, short-form, improvisation. Students will learn how to craft scenes spontaneously using tools like character dynamic, status, beat structuring, and agreement.

Long Title: ZOMBIES: THE RISING POPULARITY OF THE UNDEAD IN POPULAR CULTURE (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Long Title: PSYCHOLOGY OF THE BLACK EXPERIENCE (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Long Title: COMPARATIVE COLLEGE GOVERNMENTS (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The course will compare the structures of the college governments using analytical tools and concepts from comparative political science. It’ll then analyze how these similarities and differences play into interaction with other actors. Finally, it’ll make comparisons more broadly between other institutions of higher education and full-fledged political governments.

Long Title: SEEDS OF CHANGE: HOW FOOD CULTURE CAN GROW COMMUNITY (JONES)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In what ways can food bring or not bring people together? Through case studies, we seek to examine different food systems around the world, aspects of these systems that contribute to community creation, and how changing aspects of the food system can influence larger societal structures.

Long Title: BEER BIIIIIKE: EXPLORING THE RICE TRADITION (JONES)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: What is Beer Bike? Does a similar tradition exist elsewhere? This course aims to answer these questions and explore the history and cultural implications of Beer Bike by examining the tradition through the lenses of the residential colleges, the university, and the outside community.

Long Title: BUILDING A TEAM IN THE MODERN NBA (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will study the various tools of an NBA general manager. These include the NBA Draft, free agency, and trading. Students will also study league-wide issues such as “Tanking”, “Super Teams”, and the disparity between small and large markets. Through this class, students will better understand the NBA landscape.

Long Title: HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will learn the music business and its various digital platforms. The course will focus on familiarizing students with the various roles individuals and organizations play in the music world. Topics will include record labels, recording contracts, music production, distribution, promotion, and brand development.

Long Title: CULT CLASSIC FILMS (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will examine the influence and unique subcultures of so-called “cult classic” films – films that typically did not achieve widespread success but nevertheless garnered a dedicated, passionate fan base. Films include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Donnie Darko, The Big Lebowski, Shaun of the Dead, and others.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT: SOCIAL JUSTICE APPROACHES TO GLOBAL INEQUALITIES (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Course will explore principles of international development in an accessible manner, utilizing books, articles, TED Talks, and documentaries. Various global inequalities will be explored through the lens of social justice, including issues related to gender, health, education, religion, and migration. Culminates in final project analyzing student’s issue of choice.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO LEED AND GREEN BUILDINGS (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Appropriate for sustainability enthusiasts and young professionals alike, this class serves as an introduction to green buildings and delves deeply into related concepts such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) checklists, green building economics, and sustainable construction techniques and technologies.

Long Title: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MODERN GREEK LANGUAGE (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of speaking, reading, and writing Modern Greek. The course will cover the Greek alphabet, pronunciation, and basic expressions. Further, it will cover useful vocabulary for various situations including family, food, restaurants, shopping, etc. Simple grammatical concepts will also be discussed.

Long Title: ADULTHOOD: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LIFE AFTER COLLEGE (WILL RICE)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A philosophical and pragmatic guide to navigating life after college. This class draws from philosophical, neuroscience, literature, and contemporary culture. The class will include both discussion-focused lectures exploring what it means to be an adult and hands-on sessions focusing on the skills vital to the adult repertoire.

Long Title: CRITICAL THINKING IN FEMALE SEXUALITY (WILL RICE)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: While sex and sexuality are ubiquitous, female sexuality remains less understood. This class integrates biology, psychology, history and sociology to explore the nuances of female sexuality. Students will be encouraged to think critically about female sexuality by applying their findings across various disciplines.

Long Title: HOW TO BE HAPPY (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will combine experiential learning, practical applications, readings, interactive lectures, videos, and discussions to foster an understanding of what happiness means to you! Students will become well-versed in the scientific and personal skills needed to create life perspective and define your personal happiness on a daily basis.

Long Title: HOMEBREWING - THE SCIENCE AND ART OF MAKING BEER (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will learn the theory and chemical process of brewing and will gain a much deeper knowledge of the variety of beers produced around the world. There will be trips to craft breweries and students will brew their own 5-gallon batch of beer! Materials fee $70. Students must be 21+.

Long Title: THE WIRE: TELEVISION AS TEXT, CITY AS CHARACTER (WIESS)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will examine the HBO series The Wire, which explores the Baltimore drug trade in relation to law enforcement, urban decay, politics, education, and media. Students are required to watch 60 episodes of the series, write blog responses, participate in class discussions, and produce a final project.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course covers the basic theories and techniques essential to all guitarists. Students who complete the course will be able to interpret their favorite songs and be well prepared to continue their journey as guitarists. Guitar required.

Long Title: SYMPHONIES AND STORIES (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Modern classical music is intimidating. This class will help students find music that they can relate to through comparisons to popular music and through the development of a rudimentary language for discussing music. Students will learn active listening skills and apply their knowledge of a piece of music listening.

Long Title: INTRO TO FLAMENCO DANCING (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Flamenco dancing is a beautiful art form originating from Spain that is underrepresented in America. This intro to flamenco dancing will challenge Rice student’s opinions of flamenco through lecture and dance practices in order to foster the culture of global awareness in students on campus.

Long Title: COMPETITIVE SUPER SMASH BRTOHERS MELEE (MARTEL/BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This class involves analysis of gameplay, the theory behind different options, and the improvement of one's skill in the video game Super Smash Brothers Melee.

Long Title: ENIGMATIC UNIVERSE (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A metaphysical/philosophical approach to contemporary theories relating to the Universe.

Long Title: PRACTICAL CIRCUIT THEORY AND ELECTRONICS (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course explores the reach and functions of circuits and electronics. Students will learn the theory that undermines electrical and electronic systems and apply this knowledge to build and design various circuits and systems.

Long Title: APPLIED PEER LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This class is designed to assist O-Week Coordinators in the critique, design, development and execution of a comprehensive presentation and new student transition program for freshmen and transfer students. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: TEACHING PRACTICUM

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Internship/Practicum

Credit Hours: 1

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.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO LAW (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This class is to introduce students to the legal system. This class should give them a preview of what life is like for first year law students. It will include classes from first year law, including the basic principles of Tort, Contract, Criminal, and Criminal Procedure Law.

Long Title: COOKING WITH CHEF ROGER (DUNCAN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Cooking with Chef Roger teaches the students the fundamentals of cooking and help them to cook healthy delicious meals. The class also gives the students a clear idea about shopping for fresh ingredients and how to host successful parties. Students must pay a $50.00 fee on the first day of class. The second week of classes is the last day to withdraw with a refund.

Long Title: CYBERCRIME (LOVETT)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: This class will introduce students to the current issues in cybercrime. It will include topics such as auction fraud, hacking, and identity theft. Students will read and discuss the statutes and cases that govern each area. Each class will have a fact scenario that will be analyzed using Federal and State law.

Long Title: RICE AFRICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Students will build rudimentary marimbas based on plans from Carl Dean’s book Making Marimbas. The class will study traditional marimba music from Zimbabwe, drumming rhythms from Ghana and traditional African stories and games. The ensemble will prepare for a final concert in collaboration with the Rice African Student Association (RASA). Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: BLACK MEN WRITING ABOUT THEIR WORLD: DU BOIS, BALDWIN, AND THEIR HEIRS (WIESS)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

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.

Long Title: YEEZUS WALKS: THE CAREER AND CONTEXT OF KANYE WEST

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Kanye West serves perfectly as a focal point for many contemporary social concepts, including African-American history, political alienation of minorities, portrayals of African-Americans in contemporary media, and the prevalence of sexism and racism throughout our country. Throughout this course, we will discuss the music, public image, and constant storm that surrounds Kanye in an attempt to access the intersectionality of race, gender, class, politics, and privilege in our country. Through the juxtaposition of Kanye’s music with readings from contemporary pieces on African-American history and sociology, we will attempt to decide if Kanye should be depicted as a paragon of the black intelligentsia, the villain of pop culture, or an admittedly flawed hero.

Long Title: POLICING AND TRUST (MCMURTRY)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The public’s expectations and its trust of law enforcement in America are varied and wide. It may depend on race, age, social economic status, geography and personal experiences. This course will examine conditions and issues that erode public trust as well as strategies that foster trust. Topics examined will include police use of force; citizen’s constitutional rights; racial profiling; and community policing.

Long Title: BLACK IN SCHOOL: READINGS IN RACE AND EDUCATION (WIESS)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Black in School: Readings in Race and Education: A study of key works in the humanities and social sciences grappling with the ways that race (especially blackness) continues to affect what transpires in the nation's schools-from kindergarten to college, and in our finest and most needy schools alike. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: BLACK WOMEN WRITING THEIR WORLD: COOPER, MORRISON, AND THEIR HEIRS (WIESS)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: What does modern American democracy and community owe to black women writers? This course explores the writerly activism, imagination, and consequence of three black women of letters whose work spans the last one hundred years-inquiring into and analyzing the ways that their words have shaped the American experiment from the late nineteenth century to the present. Class to begin January 19th and meet every other Tuesday at Wilson House. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: BUSINESS WORKSHOP FOR HUMANITIES STUDENTS (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Companies are looking for candidates with the skills that Humanities students develop at Rice. This workshop provides an overview of how businesses work, which career prospects provide the most opportunity, and how to interview successfully.

Long Title: SCIENTIA: LECTURES IN SCIENCE AND CULTURE

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Annual lecture series, panel discussions and discussion talks on topics bridging science, culture and art. 4 lectures plus 2 discussion talks. Lectures are on specified dates, usually Tuesdays. Discussion talks scheduled at semester beginning. Topics vary year to year. Cross-list: UNIV 299. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: PEDAGOGY FOR STUDENT INSTRUCTORS

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In the first three weeks we will guide each student in the development of a proposal for a Student Taught Course. In the remaining four weeks we will learn and practice techniques of effective instruction.