Course Listings

Second half semester course. The design of new proteins is a challenging and scientifically useful endeavor. Current and potential applications are exciting, ranging from improved enzymes for biotechnological production of chemicals like biofuel, to the design of research tools like biosensors and drugs that act as inhibitors or highly specialized vaccines. This course will cover topics such as force-fields for energy calculations, Monte-Carlo sampling, directed evolution, and de novo protein design. The course will investigate protein design through primary literature readings and hands on computational design using cutting-edge software.

2nd Half Semester Course This course is designed as an introduction to the many applications of computational chemistry. The background theory of theories and basis sets will be discussed so that the proper method for each chemical topic can be chosen. Students will learn about the different types of calculations and what information can be obtained from them. The focus of the course will be to showcase how to use computational chemistry to solve chemical problems. Students will run calculations to answer chemical questions.

REL-290-02=CLA-111-02 2nd Half Semester Course Conceptions of afterlife frequently govern our 'now'-life, providing it with meaning and an overarching logic. Yet, we rarely pause to consider where our ideas about the afterlife come from, not to mention the historical events, social histories, and philosophies that gave rise to views of the afterlife now held to be obvious and timeless. There was a time 'before' heaven above, resurrection of the body, the immortality of the soul, and even angels. How do conceptions of the afterlife emerge, and what is the range of those conceptions in the Jewish, Roman, and Christian traditions? Moreover, how do these traditions mutually inform one another? This course will detail ancient ideas about the afterlife in a wide array of textual and archeological tradition in conversation with our contemporary world. Will our technology change our afterlife? (Can be taken along with REL 290-01, "Death," or independently).

SPA-312-02=HSP-250-01 2nd Half Semester Course The history of baseball in the Caribbean is rich and deeply intertwined with the region's culture, social dynamics, and historical events. "The Dominican Republic" is a half semester course (2nd half) and will give students the chance to study the literature, culture, and history of the Caribbean through the lens of Baseball. The language of instruction will be English.

2nd Half Semester Course Mindfulness has become increasingly popular in programs to help support health and wellness. Studies of mindfulness programs have focused on a range of potential benefits, from stress reduction and managing blood pressure, to helping with substance abuse and sleep quality. In this course, we focus on the psychology of stress and focus on developing mindfulness through practices drawn from Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR), adapted for the college classroom. We will also consider how mindfulness today (which is often presented as set of secular tools) has roots in several contemplative traditions. Class activities will focus heavily on active participation in components MBSR and application of mindfulness to our daily life.

REL-290-02=CLA-111-02 2nd Half Semester Course Conceptions of afterlife frequently govern our 'now'-life, providing it with meaning and an overarching logic. Yet, we rarely pause to consider where our ideas about the afterlife come from, not to mention the historical events, social histories, and philosophies that gave rise to views of the afterlife now held to be obvious and timeless. There was a time 'before' heaven above, resurrection of the body, the immortality of the soul, and even angels. How do conceptions of the afterlife emerge, and what is the range of those conceptions in the Jewish, Roman, and Christian traditions? Moreover, how do these traditions mutually inform one another? This course will detail ancient ideas about the afterlife in a wide array of textual and archeological tradition in conversation with our contemporary world. Will our technology change our afterlife? (Can be taken along with REL 290-01, "Death," or independently).

2nd Half Semester Course In the heart, it's intention; coming forth in words, it's poetry." So says the "Preface" to the Book of Songs, the ancient classic of Chinese poetry. In this course, we will read selections (in English) from the Book of Songs, and later poets like Li Bo [Li Bai], Du Fu, and Wang Wei. We will study how Chinese poets use image and metaphor to convey their distinctive ideas about nature, religion, and human life. On occasion, we will also read Chinese poems alongside selected English-language poems, comparing their techniques and aims. Absolutely no knowledge of Chinese is required. This section of REL-296 can apply as an elective for the Asian Studies minor. Fulfills LFA or HPR.

SPA-312-02=HSP-250-01 2nd Half Semester Course The history of baseball in the Caribbean is rich and deeply intertwined with the region's culture, social dynamics, and historical events. "The Dominican Republic" is a half semester course (2nd half) and will give students the chance to study the literature, culture, and history of the Caribbeaan through the lens of Baseball. The language of instruction will be English.