Department of
Art, Music, and Technology
Department of History
Department of Literature and Languages
Department of Philosophy
Department of Social Sciences
EDWARD H. FOSTER,
DIRECTOR
FACULTY*
Professors
Edward H. Foster, Ph.D.
(1970), Columbia University, English and American Literature
Silvio R. Laccetti, Ph.D. (1967), Columbia University, Urban Studies
and History
Susan M. Levin, Ph.D. (1974), Columbia University, English and
Comparative Literature
James E. McClellan III, Ph.D. (1975), Princeton University, History of
Science
Salvatore Prisco III, Ph.D. (1969), Rutgers University, History
Arnold B. Urken, Ph.D. (1973), New York University, Political Science
Associate
Professors
Lisa M. Dolling, Ph.D.
(1995), City University of New York, Philosophy
Deborah M. Sinnreich-Levi, Ph.D. (1987), City University of New York,
English and Comparative Literature
Assistant
Professors
Mary Ann Hellrigel,
Ph.D. (1997), Case Western Reserve University, History of Technology
and Science
Affiliate
Associate Professor
Andrew Rubenfeld, Ph.D.
(1976), New York University, American Literature
Affiliate
Assistant Professor
Jacob Ossar, Ph.D.
(2002), Johns Hopkins University, Philosophy
Susan K. Schept, M.A. (1975), New School for Social Research,
Psychology
Program Directors
David Cuthell, (Ph.D.
Candidate), Columbia University, Program in Turkish, Middle Eastern,
and Central Asian Studies
Julie Harrison, M.A. (1980), New York University, Program in Art &
Technology
*The list
indicates the highest earned degree, year awarded and institution
where earned.
UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
The
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a broad education
in the liberal arts. It provides a wide range of introductory and
advanced courses in traditional disciplines — literature, history,
philosophy, the social sciences and the arts. Study of the humanities
and social sciences is aimed at the development of an open and
inquiring mind. This requires cultural and historical literacy, a
knowledge and appreciation of the rich intellectual, social and
artistic heritage of humanity, and a thoughtful examination of its
ethical and aesthetic values. Such a liberal education also demands
the ability to reason clearly and analytically, and to write
effectively. Therefore, the program emphasizes the practical exercise
and development of these logical and communication skills. Reflecting
the traditional values of the liberal arts, it is fully committed to
the principle of free and unfettered intellectual inquiry.
Besides
courses for business, computer science, engineering, management and
science students, the department offers three special programs: a
single B.A. degree, a double B.A. degree, and a minor.
The Core Program for the B.E. and
B.S. degrees
Requirements for Engineering
and Science Students
If you are enrolled in either the engineering or science program,
the required core consists of eight courses: four 100-level courses
during the freshman and sophomore years and four 300/400-level courses
during the junior and senior years. Of the four 100-level courses, two
must be in Group A (literature or philosophy) and two in Group B
(history or social science).
Requirements for Computer Science Students
If you are enrolled in the computer science program, you must
satisfy the requirements for engineering and science degree students
(see above) and take one additional 300/400-level course, for a total
of nine courses in humanities or social sciences. You are also
encouraged to join the minor program in humanities or social sciences
(see below) and among the nine basic courses you must take HSS 371.
Requirements for Business and Technology Students
Since you are enrolled in a lock-step program, you must adhere to
the required sequence of courses (see "Department of Business and
Technology" in this catalog) which includes two courses in Group A
(literature or philosophy) and two in Group B (history or social
science), as well as one humanities elective.
The
Writing Program
Proficiency in written English is a graduation requirement of all
undergraduates. To achieve an acceptable level of proficiency, you may
be required to take courses recommended by the Humanities Department.
These courses include but are not limited to Hum 103/104, Freshman
Writing and Humanities. If you experience writing skills difficulties
while enrolled in any Humanities courses, you may be referred for free
tutoring. All students must pass the Stevens English Competence Exam (SECE)
in order to graduate. Upper division students may be allowed to submit
a writing portfolio for evaluation instead.
Cross
Registration with New York University
You may take courses in the College of Arts and Sciences at New
York University through a special cross-registration program at no
charge. To have the course count towards a Stevens degree, you must be
enrolled full-time in a regular Stevens degree program. Please direct
any questions to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Academics at
Stevens, (201) 216-5228.
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The B.A. Single Degree Program
You may earn the B.A. single degree in one of five fields of
concentration: English and American literature, history, philosophy,
or science and technology studies. Special features of the program
include a secondary concentration in a professional, applied or
scientific field, or in another area of the humanities or social
sciences along with a senior thesis written under the close
supervision of a humanities faculty member. If you want to pursue an
advanced degree, the program serves as preparation for graduate level
work in the major field or for professional programs in law, medicine
or management.
During the
first and second years you complete eight courses, four each in Groups
A and B, including two courses in the major field of concentration.
During the last two years you complete eight 300/400-level courses in
the major field and a Senior Thesis. This amounts to a total of ten
courses in the major field. There are varying distribution
requirements for these ten, depending on the field of concentration.
They are as follows:
-
English and American Literature.
Required: two courses in pre-1798 English literature, one must be an
intensive introduction to Chaucer or Shakespeare; two courses in
post-1798 English literature; two courses in American literature and
Senior Thesis (498). The other three courses are 300/400-level
literature courses and are selected in consultation with your
advisor. Recommended: a genre course; a course in literary or
linguistic theory; a foreign language course (especially for future
graduate work); and courses in fields related to the major,
including philosophy, history, art and music.
-
History.
Required: one year of a freshman/sophomore history sequence: History
of European Society and Culture I & II (123, 124), or United States
Social and Economic History I & II (125, 126) or History of Science
I & II (129, 130); at least one course in American, European or
History of Science; Seminar in Writing and Research Methods (301);
Senior Thesis (498) and electives from among the history
concentration (American, European, History of Science, World),
selected in consultation with your faculty advisor.
-
Philosophy.
Required: Philosophy I: Ethics and Political Philosophy (111), and
Philosophy II: Logic, Knowledge and Reality (112); Ethics (339),
Social and Political Philosophy (340) or Aesthetics (348);
Philosophy of Science (368) or Logic (442); Theories of Knowledge
and Reality (347), Philosophy of Language (443) or Philosophy of
Mind (444); and Senior Thesis (498). The other four are
300/400-level philosophy courses selected in consultation with your
advisor.
-
Science and Technology Studies.
Please consult with your advisor.
-
Individualized Major.
Programs include Art & Technology; Music & Technology; American
Studies; and Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian Studies.
Please consult with your advisor.
Additional Requirements:
You are required to take a variety of other courses, including two
in mathematics, two in science (non-laboratories), one in psychology
or economics, one in Writing and Research Methods (Hum 301), five
courses as a secondary concentration and ten courses at any level and
in any field.
The formal requirements for the humanities program are listed in
the following semester-by-semester schedule, including the Notes.
Freshman Year |
|
|
|
|
Term I |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred. |
Hu
|
Humanities A2 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Humanities B3 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
CS 105 |
Intro to
Scientific Computing |
2 |
2 |
3 |
OR |
|
|
|
|
CS 115 |
Intro to
Computer Programm. |
3 |
2 |
4 |
|
Mathematics |
|
|
|
|
or |
|
|
|
|
Science |
3 |
0(3) |
3(4) |
PE 200 |
Physical
Education I |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
11(12) |
4(7) |
13(15) |
|
|
|
|
|
Term II |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred |
Hu
|
Humanities A |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu
|
Humanities B |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Economics or
Psychology |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Mathematics |
|
|
|
|
or |
|
|
|
|
Science |
3 |
0(3) |
3(4) |
PE 200 |
Physical
Education II |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
15 |
2(5) |
16(17) |
|
|
|
|
|
Sophomore Year |
|
|
|
|
Term III |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred. |
Hu |
Humanities A |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Humanities B |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Mathematics
|
|
|
|
|
or |
|
|
|
|
Science |
3 |
0(3) |
3(4) |
|
Secondary
Concentration 5 |
3 |
0(3) |
3(4) |
|
Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PE 200 |
Physical
Education III |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
15 |
2(8) |
16(18) |
|
|
|
|
|
Term IV |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred |
Hu |
Humanities A |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Humanities B |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Mathematics
|
|
|
|
|
or |
|
|
|
|
Science |
3 |
0(3) |
3(4) |
|
Secondary
Concentration |
3 |
0(3) |
3(4) |
|
Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PE 200 |
Physical
Education IV |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
15 |
2(8) |
16(18) |
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Year |
|
|
|
|
Term V |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred. |
Hu |
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Secondary
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PE 200 |
Physical
Education V |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
15 |
2 |
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
Term VI |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred |
Hu 301 |
Writing
Seminar and Research. Meth. |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Secondary
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
PE 200 |
Physical
Education VI |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
15 |
2 |
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Year |
|
|
|
|
Term VII |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred. |
Hu
|
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
Hu |
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Secondary
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
15 |
0 |
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
Term VIII |
|
|
Hrs. Per Wk. |
|
|
Class |
Lab |
Sem. |
|
|
|
|
Cred |
Hu 498 |
Senior Thesis |
4 |
0 |
4 |
Hu |
Major
Concentration |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Elective
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
13 |
0 |
13 |
Notes (for
Single and Double Degree Programs):
1 All students must satisfy an English language proficiency
requirement as described in the Undergraduate Programs III section of
this catalog.
2 A year-long sequence from Group A: literature and philosophy is
required for each of the first two years.
3 A year-long sequence from Group B: history and social science is
required for each of the first two years.
4 One year of mathematics is required. One year of science courses
is required (either 3-0-3 or 3-3-4). In the program schedule it is
assumed the mathematics courses are taken in the freshman year and the
Science courses in the sophomore year, but the order may be reversed
if prerequisites are met.
5 Secondary concentration courses and electives can be 3-0-3 or
3-3-4.
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The B.A. Double Degree Program
In the double degree program you can earn a B.A. degree in
humanities while also obtaining a B.E. or B.S. degree. There are four
fields of concentration: English and American literature, history,
philosophy, and science and technology studies. You may complete the
double degree in four years at no additional cost by maintaining a
2.80 GPA and taking two humanities or social science courses each
semester for a total of sixteen. See the section entitled "Academic
Procedures" in this catalog for more information.
You may also
complete the additional requirements within four years by taking
summer or transfer courses. Many double degree students are co-op
students or in accelerated programs. The double degree program is
designed for students who are academically strong.
You must
complete the sequence and major concentration requirements for the
single degree B.A. program, including the senior thesis. You may
substitute HUM 301 for one of the major concentration courses. Most
students complete the program by taking two humanities or social
science courses each semester.
The Minor Program
You can minor in the humanities or social sciences if you have a
GPA of at least 2.00 and want to concentrate your studies in one of
the following five fields: literature, philosophy, history, social
science or music. If you are enrolled in the computer science degree
program you only need to satisfy the distribution and GPA requirements
to receive a minor. Students who complete the minor receive a
certificate upon graduation.
The minor
requires a total of nine humanities courses. You must satisfy the
requirements of the core humanities program for your degree and the
following distribution and GPA requirements: five of the courses must
be 300/400-level and five must be in the field of concentration; you
must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in the field of
concentration; and the nine courses must cover three of the five
fields of humanities or social sciences at Stevens.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Graduate Certificate Program in
Professional Communications: Scientific, Technical, and Business
Communication is an enabling technology and is a critical core
professional competence. Communication of all kinds -- written, oral
and web-based -- is the sine qua non of today’s professional’s skill
set. To earn the graduate certificate, students will take four
courses.
HUM 501 Foundations of Technical Communication
HUM 502 Professional Presentations
HUM 503 Advanced Documentation Techniques or HUM 504 Business Plan
Writing, and
a capstone course on the skills needed in specific industries, chosen
from one of the following:
HUM 530 Writing for
Engineers
HUM 535 Writing for International Markets
HUM 540 Foundations in Financial Writing
HUM 545 Medical Writing
HUM 550 Writing for the Web
HUM 555 Writing for Project Management
HUM 560 Writing for and about the Science Community
HUM 565 Publicity Writing: Techniques of Packaging Information
HUM 570 Proposal Writing
Successful
completion of all four courses will lead to the graduate certificate.
The advantage to our students and their employers to having the
four-course certificate program instead of a stand-alone course is the
depth and breadth of expertise graduates will acquire. In today’s
market, one person must be able to fill the niches once occupied by
several employees. Pedagogically, having students take a series of
courses will ensure homogeneous class skills. Foundations of Technical
Communications is a pre-requisite for the capstone courses. The next
two courses have no pre-requisite although the Foundations of
Technical Communication course would be useful. Corporate clients
might elect to have their employees take a single course, in which
case, pre-requisites might be waived.
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UNDERGRADUATE
COURSES
Courses in brackets are not scheduled to be taught in 2004-2005
academic year.
HUM 90
English Skills
(6-0-1)
This course is primarily intended to assist students
who speak English as a second language.
100-Level
Courses
All 100-level courses are designated as Writing Across the
Curriculum (WAC) and include an English composition requirement.
Group A: Literature/Philosophy
HUM 103
Freshman Writing and Humanities I
(3-0-3)
This course is intended for students, native and non-native speakers
of English, who need to improve their writing and speaking skills.
Practice in composition is coupled with readings from the disciplines
of humanities: literature, sociology, history, philosophy and current
affairs.
HUM 104
Freshman Writing and Humanities II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HUM 103.
HUM 105
Studies in Literature and Philosophy I: World Literature
(3-0-3)
A study of great works of literature and philosophy and their impact
on world culture.
HUM 106
Studies in Literature and Philosophy II
(3-0-3)
A study of selected major works in world literature and philosophy.
HPL 111
Philosophy I: Ethics and Political Philosophy
(3-0-3)
An introduction to major ideas in moral and political philosophy.
Topics include happiness, virtue, rights, obligations, justice and
equality, and discussions on contemporary issues such as abortion,
privacy, euthanasia and affirmative action. Readings from classical
sources such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant and Mill, as well as
contemporary readings.
HPL 112
Philosophy II: Logic, Knowledge and Reality
(3-0-3)
An introduction to methods of reasoning, the theory of knowledge and
the nature of reality. Discussion topics may include artificial
intelligence, free will vs. determinism, objectivity in science and
nature vs. nurture. Readings from such philosophers as Descartes,
Hume, Kant, Wittgenstein and Sartre.
HLI 113
Western Literature I
(3-0-3)
Readings in great books of western literature. Representative texts
include works by: Homer, Sophocles, and Virgil and readings in the
Hebrew and Christian Bibles. One section of this course also takes up
great books of science such as Vitruvius'
Ten Books on Architecture
read in conjunction with Virgil's
Aeneid.
HLI 114
Western Literature II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HLI 113. Readings include works from Dante, Racine,
Shakespeare, de Lafayette, Austen, Brontë and Kafka.
HLI 115
The English Language: Language of Ideas
(3-0-3)
Examination of the philosophical use of language as it deals with
concepts and value judgments.
HLI 116
The English Language: Introduction to Literary Forms
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HLI 115. Uses of language to convey thought and
feeling in a variety of fictional and nonfictional forms.
HLI 117
American Literature I
(3-0-3)
A survey of major developments in American literature from 1789 to
1900.
HLI 118
American Literature II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HLI 117. A survey of major developments in American
literature from 1900 to the present.
HUM 286
Sophomore Honors in Literature/Philosophy
(3-0-3)
By permission of the instructor.
Group B: History/Social Science
HUM 107
Studies in History/Social Science: Modernization
(3-0-3)
This course seeks to provide a multidisciplinary introduction to
today’s world and how it came to be. The ecological, technological and
scientific bases of the contemporary world are emphasized. Other
themes include humankind’s biological and cultural origins, the
Industrial Revolution, today’s global socioeconomic context,
challenges to the nation-state, and cultural and gender issues.
HUM 108
Studies in History and Social Science II
(3-0-3)
Topics include significant issues in history and political science.
This course satisfies spring sequence requirements for
freshman/sophomore history and social science courses.
HSS 121
Cities and Civilization I
(3-0-3)
An examination of the origins, nature and progress of urban society.
Selected readings focus on recurrent and persistent urban problems:
overcrowding, traffic congestion, political corruption, faulty
sanitation systems, etc. A student may also engage in field analysis
projects that relate either to hometown areas or to the North Jersey
region.
HSS 122
Cities and Civilization II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HSS 121. Major emphasis is on current economic,
environmental and social problems.
HHS 123
History of European Society and Culture I
(3-0-3)
This course and HHS 124 investigate the social, economic,
intellectual, political and cultural trends in Europe from the Middle
Ages to the present, in lectures and discussion.
HHS 124
History of European Society and Culture II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HHS 123.
HHS 125
United States Social and Economic History I
(3-0-3)
This course and HHS 126 examine the main trends in the socioeconomic,
political and diplomatic history of the U.S. from the
Pre-Revolutionary period to the present.
HHS 126
United States Social and Economic History II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HHS 125.
HSS 127 Political Science I
(3-0-3)
An introduction to the evolution and operation of the U.S. federal
government. This course focuses on problems in energy policy, foreign
policy, elections, and civil rights.
HSS 128
Political Science II
(3-0-3)
A survey of the evolution of juries and recent legal and social
scientific analysis of jury rules. Case studies are used to explain
the scope of issues decided by juries and conceptions of justice used
to evaluate their performance.
HHS 129
Topics in the History of Science and Technology
(3-0-3)
A
topical introduction to the humanistic study of science and
technology.
HHS 130
History of Science and Technology
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HHS 129. A historical survey of science and
technology. Principal topics include science and technology in
prehistory, Egyptian and Babylonian science and culture, Greek
science, Medieval technology and science, the Scientific Revolution,
the making of the modern physical science, Darwin and the Darwinian
Revolution.
HHS 135 Survey
of the Islamic World
(3-0-3)
This course provides a survey of the origin and development of the
modern Islamic World. Beginning in sixth-century Arabia, the course
follows the theological and political development of the Muslim
community. It explores the reasons for the great appeal Islam has had
and the reasons for its spread throughout the Middle East, North
Africa and Southern Asia as well as other regions of the world.
HSS 175
Fundamentals of Psychology I
(3-0-3)
This course emphasizes the biological underpinnings of behavior and of
mental processes. What do we know? How do we come to know? What do we
want? Why do we act the way we do? In this course these fundamental
questions of psychology are mainly looked at from a biological
perspective that emphasizes the study of the brain and nervous
systems. Historical, philosophical, as well as evolutionary
perspectives on mental processes are considered as well.
HSS 176
Fundamentals of Psychology II
(3-0-3)
An introduction to issues and theories in Life Span Development,
Personality Theory and psychological disorders. Topics include
cognitive and social development, attachment, moral thinking,
psychoanalytical theory. Focus is placed on those seminal theories
that have had lasting import for psychology as well as other
disciplines. These theories include, but are not limited to, those of
Piaget, Erikson and Freud.
HUM 288
Sophomore Honors in History/Social Science
(3-0-3)
By permission of the instructor.
300/400-Level Courses
HUM 301
Writing Seminar and Research Methods
(3-0-3)
In this course, students explore the tools and techniques of advanced
writing and research. Students write four research papers and give
several oral presentations. This course is required for single degree
B.A. students and strongly recommended for double degree students.
Literature
HLI 312
Modern Literature
(3-0-3)
A survey of Modernism in European Literature. The authors to be
considered include Rimbaud, Mallarme, Rilke and Mann. Developments in
architecture, music and art are provided as well.
[HLI 314
19th Century English Literature: Victorians]
HLI 315
Language, Meaning and Reality
(3-0-3)
The course is a form of argument about meaning that emphasizes two
points: 1) the language we have available determines our idea of
reality and 2) semantic structures seem to convey their own
independent meanings in spite of what speakers of the language may
think they intend.
HLI 316
Science Fiction
(3-0-3)
A study of the fiction of science and the science of fiction through
the reading of authors from Mary Shelley (Frankenstein)
to William Gibson (Neuromancer),
the viewing of films such as
Metropolis and Dune,
and the writing of a piece of science fiction.
HLI 317
The Creative Act
(3-0-3)
A study of twentieth-century literary works concerned with sources of
creativity. Works to be considered include Mann’s
Death in Venice, Rilke’s
Sonnets to Orpheus, and other works.
HLI 318
Ethnicity and Literature
(3-0-3)
Course examines the interrelationship of literary works and the ethnic
heritage of their authors and/or the texts themselves.
HLI 321
Literature, Science and Technology
(3-0-3)
This course investigates the views man has expressed about the advent
impact of technology and science across recorded history. Questions
that might be addressed include: What is the relationship between
religion and technology? Has man always viewed technological
innovations as positive? What relationship is there between man’s
vision of utopian society and technology? Readings may include but are
not limited to novels, philosophical treatises and the literature of
various societies.
HLI 331
Shakespeare
(3-0-3)
Selected plays by Shakespeare are read and analyzed with the emphasis
placed on their success as scripts to be performed in theaters.
[HLI 332
Literary Heritage of Russia]
HLI 334
Chaucer: A Literary Study
(3-0-3)
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The
Canterbury Tales is read in modern English against a
historical background of Chaucer’s life and times; "The General
Prologue" and the "The Nun’s/ Priest’s Tale" are read in 14th-century
English (Middle English). Other readings of the period include
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
and Boccaccio’s The Decameron.
HLI 335
Shakespeare in the City
(3-0-3)
During the summer, Shakespeare is presented in parks and parking lots
throughout New York City. In this course, we read and discuss plays
and then go to see them. We view both traditional and experimental
productions. Sometimes we see more than one production of a play, if
a number of companies decide to do it.
HLI 336
The Short Story
(3-0-3)
The study of prose fiction in short story form. Texts consist of
representative selections of the short story genre that offer a wide
variety of techniques and themes. All students will participate in
classroom critical analysis.
HLI 337
History of the English Language
(3-0-3)
A study of the Indo-European origins and development of English from
Old English Anglo-Saxon to Chaucer’s Middle English and the Modern
English Period.
HLI 341
19th Century English Literature: Romanticism
(3-0-3)
Consideration of texts by writers of the romantic movement in England:
Blake, Coleridge, William and Dorothy Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe and
Mary Shelley, Keats and Byron.
[HLI 342
Twentieth-Century Drama]
[HLI 344
British Fiction I: Four Classic Novels]
[HLI 345
A Survey of Dramatic Literature]
[HLI 349
American Poetry to 1900]
HLI 352
The American Renaissance in Literature
(3-0-3)
An examination of 19th-century race relations in America from a
literary perspective.
HLI
354/357 American Culture
(3-0-3)
An interpretation of American civilization through its literature and
cultural forms. The course this semester involves close reading of a
few works by some of the giants of American literature since the World
War II.
HLI 358
American Poetry: Twentieth Century
(3-0-3)
A study of works of major American poets of the twentieth century
including Pound, Eliot, Williams, Moore, Stevens, Lowell, Ashbery and
Ginsberg.
[HLI 362
British Fiction, II - the 20th Century]
HLI 409
Rhetoric and Technical Writing
(3-0-3)
An introduction to classical and modern expository and argumentative
writing and speech, as well as an introduction to contemporary
technical and science writing.
HLI 410
Medieval Literature
(3-0-3)
This course surveys the work of the medieval period in Europe and
includes such works as Beowulf,
The Song of Roland,
and selections from the works of Dante, Boccaccio, Chaucer, Marie de
France and other poets.
HLI 412
Medieval Romance: The Rise of the Individual
This course focuses on the new interest in the individual in society
in medieval romance. Works and authors studied include:
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,
Chretien de Troyes, and Gottfried von Strassburg. The course follows
the adventuring knight on his quests.
HLI 413
Literature by Women: The Tradition in English
(3-0-3)
A survey of women authors writing in English from the fourteenth
century to the present.
HLI 416
Arthuriana: The Legend of King Arthur
(3-0-3)
The course covers a variety of literary and historical texts beginning
with the earliest chronicle reports of Arthur, king of Britain, and
ending with romance material such as the Vulgate
Quest for the Holy Grail
and the Death of King Arthur.
The course explores the birth and development of the Arthurian legend.
HLI 417
English Literature from Beowulf to the Restoration
(3-0-3)
A survey of English literature from its beginnings to the restoration
of the monarchy in the seventeenth century.
HLI 418
Literature and Critical Theory
(3-0-3)
The application of contemporary literary theory derived from Heidegger
and modern linguistics to the study of postmodern American literature.
Students are introduced to various literary theories developed by
Barthes, Kristeva, Lacan, Derrida and Foucault, and then asked to
apply these theories in considerations of works by such postmodern
American writers as Pynchon, Bronk, Gass, Spicer and Ashbery.
[HLI 420
America in the Great Depression and the Second World War]
HLI 446
English Literature: Restoration (1660) to the Present
(3-0-3)
A survey of English literature from the restoration of the monarchy to
the present.
HLI 447
Survey of British Literature
(3-0-3)
A study of major works and authors, including Beowulf, Chaucer,
Spenser, Milton, Shakespeare, Wordsworth, and Wolf.
Philosophy
HPL 339
Ethics
(3-0-3)
Discussion and critical analysis of leading contemporary ethical
theories, including utilitarianism, intuitionism and virtue theories.
In addition, some consideration of criticisms by feminist philosophers
of these traditional approaches to ethics is provided.
HPL 340
Social and Political Philosophy
(3-0-3)
A study of the relation of the individual to society and the state.
Major issues to be examined include the nature of freedom, justice and
equality; the political alternatives of liberalism, socialism,
conservation and anarchism; the nature of political authority; social
class and alienation; and alternative conceptions of democracy.
HPL 346
Modern Philosophy
(3-0-3)
The philosophy of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Readings from his works
on reason, science and morals.
HPL 347
Theories of Knowledge and Reality
(3-0-3)
Topics include skepticism, sources of knowledge, truth, being,
casualty and free will.
HPL 348
Aesthetics
(3-0-3)
An exploration of theories of art and of aesthetic experience. Are
judgments of taste objective? What are the roles of form, expression
and representation in the arts? How is art related to society? What is
the nature of creativity in art and science? Examples are drawn from
the various art forms, including painting, literature, music, dance
and film.
[HPL 350
Ancient and Medieval Philosophy]
HPL 368
Philosophy of Science
(3-0-3)
A critical analysis of the aims and methods of science, and its
principles, practices and achievements.
HPL 440
Citizenship, Nationality and Ethnicity in Contemporary Global
Perspective
(3-0-3)
The resurgence of nationalism, ethnicity and the affirmation of
cultural difference in the contemporary world have created problems
for older conceptions of citizenship and universal rights.
Philosophical arguments underlying alternative conceptions of social,
political and cultural identity, and the conflicts that have emerged
recently concerning claims to national recognition and cultural group
rights. A related theme is the tension between the diversity of
cultures and increasing global interconnectedness.
HPL 442 Logic
(3-0-3)
Its methods, results and history - Aristotle, Leibniz, Frege and
contemporary logicians.
HPL 443
The Philosophy of Language
(3-0-3)
Problems of meaning and reference in Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein and
others.
HPL 444
Philosophy of Mind
(3-0-3)
Philosophical questions on the nature of thinking, perceiving, and
sensing.
[HPL 445
History of Philosophy]
HPL 447
19th Century Philosophy
(3-0-3)
A study of major thinkers and movements in the nineteenth century.
HPL 448
Contemporary Philosophy
(3-0-3)
Studies of current trends in analytic and contemporary philosophy.
HPL 449
Philosophy of Law
(3-0-3)
What is the basis for the authority of the law? What are the competing
theories of crime and punishment? What are the grounds of legal rights
and duties? What are the relations among justice, liberty and equality
in the law? We consider such current legal issues as the insanity
defense, the death penalty, the rights of unborn children, regulation
of the internet and affirmative action.
HPL 450
International Ethics
(3-0-3)
This course will focus on some of the new ethical
issues that face social and political actors in the current period of
globalization. We will examine the value questions that arise in
relations among nation-states in such contexts as human rights,
distributive justice, economic development, and the preservation of
the environment. Among the topics to be discussed are just war theory
and the analysis and response to terrorism; hunger, welfare, and
global distributive justice; immigration and refugees; international
business ethics; racism and sexism in national and international
contexts; and democracy and the Internet. To illuminate these issues,
we will consider alternative contemporary perspectives in political
philosophy, including liberal, communitarian, and feminist approaches,
and will examine their implications for politics in the context of
emerging global frameworks. Emphasis will be placed on oral
presentations and intensive discussion.
HPL 455
Ethical Issues in Science and Technology
(3-0-3)
Consideration of such issues as the ethical responsibility of
scientists and technologists for the uses of their knowledge, the
ethics of scientific research, and truth and fraud in science and
engineering. We study such contemporary moral questions as those
concerning the uses and abuses of nuclear energy, environmental
pollution and the preservation of natural resources, and the impact of
new technologies on the right to privacy.
HPL 458 Computability and
Logic
(3-0-3)
The algorithm: its theory, history and philosophical significance.
[HPL 459
The Philosophy of Social Science]
[HPL 460
Philosophy and Feminism]
[HPL 461
American Philosophy]
[HPL 462
Eastern Philosophy]
History
HHS 312
Technology and Society in America
(3-0-3)
This course surveys the origins and significance of technological
developments in American history form the first settlements to the
present. It emphasizes the social, cultural, political and economic
significance of technology in American history.
HHS 319
The Roman Republic
(3-0-3)
A study of early Roman civilization from the founding of the city of
Rome in 753
B.C. to the collapse of the Republic under Julius Caesar. Readings in
ancient sources and modern texts.
HHS 323 Women
and Gender in American History
(3-0-3)
This course focuses on the history of the United States from the
perspective of women's experiences and the role gender plays in
shaping and defining American history from the colonial era to the
present. It examines women's social, political, and economic lives;
their roles in society; their familial roles, their struggle to
achieve civil rights; changes in their legal status; and the rise of
feminism.
HHS 325
African-American Studies
(3-0-3)
An exploration of the African-American experience in the United States
from the time of the Atlantic Slave Trade to the present. Topics
include social and political dynamics shaping African-American history
with particular attention focused on Reconstruction, the Great
Migration and the Civil Rights Movement. Numerous African-American
leaders and their concepts for an African-American identity are also
emphasized, including the W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington
debates as well as speeches from Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.
HHS 338
The Russian Revolution and the Soviet Regime
(3-0-3)
The course begins with the contradictions inherent in semi-feudal
Russia during the age of imperialism which culminated in the collapse
of the Tsarist autocracy during World War I. There is a close analysis
of the revolutionary year 1917 to determine the reasons for the
failure of the liberal Kerensky regime on the one hand, and the rise
of the Soviets and Bolsheviks on the other. Marxist-Leninist ideology
is studied and compared to economic, social and political programs
during the revolution and during its consolidation in the period of
the civil war and in the Stalinist era. The course also covers more
recent Russian history.
HHS 340:
History of the Middle East I
(3-0-3)
This course is a general survey of the Middle East beginning in
pre-Islamic Arabia in the year 600 and ending with the Napoleonic
invasion of Egypt in 1798. The course examines the early formation
of the Muslim community and follows its growth under the Umayyid and
Abbasid empires. It also explores the influence of the Persians and
the Turks in the region examining the Ottoman and Safavid empires, the
Mongol invasion, and ultimately the influence of Western European
powers leading to Napoleons conquest of Egypt in 1798.
HHS 341 History of the Middle East II
(3-0-3)
This course is a survey of the development of the modern Middle East
from the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt in 1798 to the present. The
course examines the early efforts for political reform and the
beginnings of nationalism with particular emphasis on the period
following World War I and the development of modern Middle Eastern
nation states.
HHS 355
U.S. Foreign Relations
(3-0-3)
Selected topics in American diplomatic history are studied including
nationalism, imperialism, economic diplomacy, missionary diplomacy,
isolationism, world war, cold war and detente. Readings include
diplomatic correspondence, documents, interpretive articles and
monographs.
[HHS 356
The Golden Age of Athens]
HHS 365
History of Modern Germany
(3-0-3)
German history from its origins, but concentrating on the period from
1870 to the present. German industrialization, the dominant role of
Prussia in unification, World War I, the Weimar and Nazi periods,
World War II and the post-war era including current developments are
covered.
HHS 367
Twentieth-Century History
(3-0-3)
A retrospective of major world events during the century including
world war, revolution, economic and social changes, the decline of
colonialism and the emergence of developing nations in the non-Western
world. Trends for the twenty-first century are also examined.
HHS 371 American
Political History
(3-0-3)
An exploration of the modern American political experience from the
turn of the twentieth century to the present. This course examines
the historical significance of the American policymaking process.
Highlighted eras promoting government activism include Progressivism,
New Dealism, Great Society measures, and recent political proposals.
Discussions also focus on the political dynamics and responsibilities
of federal and state governments and the duties of the executive,
legislative, and judicial branches.
HHS 374
Psychohistory
(3-0-3)
An interdisciplinary inquiry into individual and group motivations
underlying socially significant historical experiences. Selected
issues include personality formation through the ages (Martin Luther
and Andrew Jackson), individual and collective consciousness (Anne
Hutchinson, and the Salem witchcraft hysteria), and psychobiographies
of Woodrow Wilson, Adolf Hitler and others.
[HHS 378
Readings in Modern European History]
[HHS 382
The Spanish Republic and the Civil War, 1931-39]
[HHS 386
Ancient Civilizations: The Roman Empire]
HHS 390
History of Money, Credit and Banking
(3-0-3)
This course explores the history of mediums of exchange and the
consequent development of credit and credit exchange mechanisms from
earliest times until the present. In particular, this course examines
the relationship of money and credit to the technological environment
and how evolving technologies, ranging from metallurgy to electronics,
have created and shaped historical eras. Periods covered include
pre-feudal, feudal, early capitalist and modern times.
HHS 414
Industrial America
(3-0-3)
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the United States
was fundamentally transformed. This course examines the nation’s
genesis as an industrial and economic power and society’s adaptation
to the industrial age. It also considers the impact of industrialism
on such historical problems as technological change, economic
development, race and gender relations, political participation,
reform movements, urbanization, immigration, imperialism and
globalization.
HHS 420:
Modern East Asian Studies
(3-0-3)
This course explores the modern economic and political development of
China, Korea and Japan from the late nineteenth century to the present
and responses to Western imperialism. The rise of Chinese and Korean
communism and Japanese fascism during the twentieth century are
especially emphasized. There is also a close examination and
comparison of development in additional Asian countries such as the
Philippines and Vietnam.
HHS 429
The Scientist, the Engineer and the Computer
(3-0-3)
To confront the student with social, political, legal and ethical
issues that professional scientists and engineers are being forced to
reexamine in the light of the computer revolution. The course reviews
traditional principles while challenging the student to recognize that
technological innovation often drives social change and, specifically,
that innovations as sweeping as the rapid and continuing changes in
computer technology sometimes lead scientists and engineers into
completely uncharted territory.
HHS 430
History of Modern Turkey
(3-0-3)
A study of the emergence and development of the Turkish
Republic. The course examines the Republic’s origins in the Ottoman
Empire and traces its development from the period after the First
World War to the present.
HHS 431
History of Twentieth Century Arab Nationalism (formerly HSS 474 Modern
Middle East)
(3-0-3)
A survey of the development of Arab Nationalist
movements in the Middle East beginning in the period following WWI and
the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and tracing the different
approaches to nationalism adopted in response to late Colonial forces
and the emerging State of Israel.
HHS 432
Comparative Nationalism in Turkey, Iran, and Egypt
(3-0-3)
A comparative review of the differing histories and
alternative approaches to nationalism in the three major Middle
Eastern States.
HHS 433
History of Central Asia
(3-0-3)
A survey of the History of Central Asia from the period
of Persian domination through the Mongol period and the development of
the Khanates leading to the Russian conquest and finally to today’s
reemergence of autonomous states.
HHS 434
History of the Ottoman Empire
(3-0-3)
An examination of the economic, social and political
transformations that created one of Europe’s most powerful empires
from 1299 until 1918. The course follows the growth and later
dismemberment of the Empire with special focus on the continuities
found in the region today.
[HHS 453
Justice in War]
HHS 460
Technogenesis in American History
(3-0-3)
Taught through problem-based learning techniques, the course entails
intensive readings on American genesis of technologies through mainly
biographical accounts ranging from Eli Whitney’s rifles with
interchangeable parts to Jim Clark’s development of Netscape in
Silicon Valley, and the contemporary role of universities in
generating intellectual property. Such topics as the
inventive-entrepreneurial process, patents and the role of government
in sponsoring R&D, and the development of Management of Technology
techniques are covered.
HHS 465
Engineering in History
(3-0-3)
This course is a social and cultural history of engineering. It
examines the nature and the role of the engineer and engineering in
western civilization, the emergence of engineering in Europe, the rise
of the American engineering professions, the role of engineers in
American society, as well as gender and ethical considerations and
contemporary issues in the engineering profession.
HHS 468
History of the World
(3-0-3)
A survey of major developments in the history and geography of Planet
Earth.
HHS 469
History of England: 1066 - Present
(3-0-3)
The impact of the Norman Conquest on kingship, government and social
structure; the reign of the Tudors on church and state; the Puritan
and Lockean revolutions on the development of Parliament and Common
Law; the two party system on reform; the industrial revolution on
economic power and Empire; and Britain’s role in world wars and the
twentieth century. Particular attention is paid to the development of
individual rights.
HHS 473
Renaissance Studies: Leonardo da Vinci
(3-0-3)
The life and times of the Renaissance artist-engineer, the
institutions and influences which created his imagination,
inventiveness and great works of art. The course also covers what he
was not, exploding popular myths about his achievements, and
investigates his life on a personal, more human level.
HHS 476
History of Medicine
(3-0-3)
Examination of the history of medical science in the Western World
from Greek antiquity to the present.
HHS 483
History and Geography
(3-0-3)
A survey of recent trends in the application of ecological and
geographical perspectives in historical studies. Some emphasis on
historiography is appropriate for thesis writers.
HHS 495
Seminar in History
(3-0-3)
Research topics in history and methods of historical scholarship.
Social
Science
HSS 321
Modern Urban Culture
(3-0-3)
The course examines aspects of modern subcultural American life
including deviancy and delinquency, crime, drug abuse and ethnicity.
HSS 322 Cultural
Studies
(3-0-3)
Drawing on theory and practice from such diverse disciplines as
history, media studies, literary criticism, psychology, and sociology,
Cultural Studies investigates the production, distribution, and
consumption of cultural artifacts. Issues concerning race, class,
gender, and sexual orientation are explored with attention to the
analysis of social phenomenon.
HSS 324
Comparative Ethnic Culture
(3-0-3)
This course is a survey of various cultural traditions. Typical study
units include Afro-American, Asian, Hispanic and American ethnic
cultures in historical perspective.
HSS 371
Computers and Society
(3-0-3)
An introduction to arguments about the relationship between computing
and society, the impact of computing activities on social
relationships, and the evolution of institutions to regulate
computer-mediated activities.
HSS 373
Social Choice Theory
(3-0-3)
An introduction to the history of and theoretical principles
associated with using voting techniques to resolve conflicts. Emphasis
is placed on the analysis of operational rules. Student projects
constitute a major part of the course.
HSS 375
History of Psychology
(3-0-3)
An analysis of the historical development of psychology. Issues such
as perception, learning, cognition and memory are explored within the
context of various schools of thought.
HSS 376
Theories of Personality
(3-0-3)
What is theory? What is personality? A review of Freud, Adler,
Sullivan, Jung, Rogers, et al., on the nature of personality.
HSS 377
Cities and the Global Economy
(3-0-3)
An analysis of major socioeconomic trends impacting modern American
cities. Topics covered include: the nature of globalism, major
economic and social trends, U.S. competitiveness, urban economic
restructuring and the roles of government.
HSS 379
International Politics
(3-0-3)
An analysis of the contemporary international political framework. The
course explores the character of the state system, the nation-state,
the role of leadership personality, transnational actors, the
balance-of-power, security and economic issues, the nature and
limitations of power, the uses of terrorism and Third World issues.
HSS 401 Seminar
in Leadership Studies
(3-0-3)
This course will study the human phenomenon of leadership, focusing on
the two main (and oft-times competing) analyses of leadership: the
Humanistic approach and the Behaviorist approach.
[HSS 475
Introduction to Sociology]
HSS 477
Psychology of Religion
(3-0-3)
A survey of different approaches to the psychological interpretations
of religious phenomena such as the image of God, rituals, myths, faith
healing, meditation, mysticism and conversion.
HSS 478
Psychology of Gender
(3-0-3)
An analysis of gender differences and perceptions in contemporary
society.
HSS 481
Cultural Anthropology
(3-0-3)
An examination of the varieties of organization of human societies in
a comparative ethnographic context.
HSS 489
Freud and Jung
(3-0-3)
An in-depth and extensive study and discussion of the theories of
Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Each theory is examined individually; the
nature of the unconscious, dream interpretations, religious symbolism
and the aim of psychotherapy are critically examined. Students read
from primary sources including Freud’s
Interpretation of Dreams,
Totem and Taboo,
Jung’s Man and His Symbols,
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
as well as from biographical material and other secondary sources.
Emphasis on points of confluence and of departure between the two. The
course is limited to 15 students. Prerequisite: HSS 376 or permission
of the instructor.
Art &
Music
HAR 387 American
Films
(3-0-3)
This course examines American fiction films in terms of their
historical development through the studio system and in terms of
current narrative theory. The course is concerned with ways in which
narratives are constructed and ways in which they provide the
appearance of “meaning.” Particular attention is given to film noir.
Various European films that strongly influenced, or parallel, American
works are also examined.
HMU 387
African-American Popular Music
(3-0-3)
This course traces the development of black popular music from its
earliest roots in northwest Africa to the urban centers of the U.S.
HAR 389 History
of Middle Eastern Art
(3-0-3)
This course is a survey of the myriad art and architectural forms of
the Middle East. From earliest origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt, the
course examines Byzantine and Sassanid influences on the development
of Islamic Art under the Umayyids and Abbassids as well as the
Ottomans and Persians. It follows these influences through the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries, examining the current state of
art, including film, in the Middle East.
HAR 390
Introduction to the Principles of Form and Design I
(3-0-3)
This course traverses through the elemental study of two-dimensional
art and design--structural elements, organizational principles,
psychological effects, and communicative functions--focusing on both
the technical and the imaginative. Problem-solving studio assignments
and critiques combined with visits to museums and galleries enable
students to develop criteria for the analysis and evaluation of images
created both by themselves and by others.
HAR 391
Introduction to the Principles of Form and Design II
(3-0-3)
A continuation of HUM 390 with an emphasis on sculpture.
HMU 392
Music Appreciation I
(3-0-3)
The development of listening techniques used to aid in the
appreciation of classical music; and analysis of representative
compositions covering the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern
periods.
HMU 393
Music Appreciation II
(3-0-3)
A survey and analysis of representative composers through critical
listening and analysis of important music literature.
Prerequisite: HUM 392.
HMU 394
Why Call It Jazz?
(3-0-3)
Techniques in how to listen and what to listen for. History of the
idiom. Analysis of outstanding performances and styles.
HAR 395 Images of American Life
(3-0-3)
This course is an advanced elective concerned with cultural aspects of
American arts from the nineteenth century to the present. The course
centers on the ways in which images in literature, painting,
photography, films, and other arts reflect, reinforce, and stimulate
cultural norms. Trends in European arts are studied in relation to
their influence on American art.
HMU 395
Elementary Harmony
(3-0-3)
Course begins with a review of the rudiments of music (scales, modes,
key signatures, time signatures, rhythm, meter, intervals and basic
acoustical principles) and a review of important compositional trends
that have affected the course of Western musical history. Students are
then introduced to the triad and seventh chords in all inversions. All
theoretical study is accompanied by listening, score analysis and
actual writing. All incoming students should already know how to read
music (treble and bass clefs).
[HMU 396
Advanced Harmony]
HAR 398 History of Art
(3-0-3)
This course will introduce the formal vocabularies specific to works
of art and familiarize the student with the complex interaction
between form, meaning, and historical context. Course readings will
consist of historical documents as well as recent critical and
historical writing. Western and non-Western objects and architecture
dating from pre-history to the mid-nineteenth century will be
discussed at length in the classroom and at the museums.
HMU 401 Music Through Multimedia Technology
(3-0-3)
This course involves
production tools available in hardware and software utilized to make
compositions and sound tracks for an array of visual and live
performance environments. The course provides an introduction to
these areas, offering background important to other courses in the
program that students may take in the future. Topics include the
music business, general recording studio protocol, MIDI (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface), basic recording techniques with “ProTools,”
techno music production sequencing with “Digital Performer,”
synthesizer history and programming, electronic music and “synthestration,”
interactive applications such as “MAX,” sound design, and digital
sampling for visual art support with “Mach 5” and sound-effect
libraries, music programs for the web: quicktime, real audio and
windows media player applications, mastering with ProTools “Plug-Ins,”
“Peak,” “Roxio Jam” and “Toast,” plus “MP3” creation and web uploading
and distribution with e-commerce.
HMU 410 Sound Recording Technology
(3-0-3)
Fundamentals of sound recording technology with focus on
composer-operated tools to generate the art. Presents an
understanding of the terms and basic skills needed to make quality
recordings of the art on the “ProTools” non-linear based system.
Microphone, Monitor, Mixer, Digital Signal Processing “Plug-Ins,”
Dynamics, and basic studio acoustics will be explored. Students will
experience the producing and recording of a multi-track song project
at the completion of the course.
HAR 485
Contemporary Art
(3-0-3)
This course is an overview of a broad range of topics about
contemporary fine art combined with complementary hands-on experiences
in the creative process. We examine theoretical issues, modern and
post-modern styles, and the industry of visual art, as well as make
art to further enhance our awareness and understanding of visual
imagery. This course approaches its subject matter from the artists¹
standpoint and is taught by a professional artist.
HAR 486
Art and Technology
(3-0-3)
This course combines a survey of current trends in art and technology
with hands-on art projects. Students read and discuss selected
writings and visual images, view videotapes, look at computer and
"net" art, and make artworks with self-selected materials and tools,
i.e. computers, photography, video, kinetic and/or mechanical
sculptures, among others. In addition, students visit museums and
galleries in Manhattan. This course approaches its subject matter from
the artists¹ standpoint and is taught by a professional artist.
HMU 491
Music Performance: Jazz Ensemble
(1/2
credit)
The study and performance of modern music.
HMU 492
Music Performance: Stevens Choir
(1/2
Credit)
The study and performance of choral masterworks.
HMU 493
Music Through Multimedia and Technology
(3-0-3)
This lecture course, with interactive studio demonstrations, is an
introduction and overview of the world of multimedia. The student
explores the basics of audio, graphics, photography and video
production through the use of digital audio, midi and music
production, digital graphics, and photography and video software.
Science
and Technology Studies
HHS 309
Newton and the Scientific Revolution
(3-0-3)
A study of the life and works of Sir Isaac Newton. Attention focuses
on the scientific, philosophical and religious background of Newton,
on his biography, and on his work. Newton’s
Principia and
Opticks will be read.
HHS 310
Social History of Science
(3-0-3)
This course analyzes science as a social entity. The connections
between science and society are studied in the first instance through
a historical survey of the externals of science, i.e., the
non-cognitive social, institutional and professional dimensions of the
scientific enterprise. On a case-study basis, the course proceeds to
investigate more theoretical problems concerning relations between
scientific knowledge and social structure, particularly as interpreted
in the Strong Program of the Sociology of Knowledge. Students complete
individual projects arising out of themes developed in class.
HHS 311
Science and Society in the Twentieth Century
(3-0-3)
An examination of the historical process whereby the scientific
enterprise became a central concern of the state in modern industrial
societies.
[HHS 312
Technology and Society in America]
HHS 361
Galileo and the Scientific Revolution
(3-0-3)
An in-depth study of the career of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and his
place in seventeenth century science.
[HHS 363
Darwin and the Darwinian Revolution]
HHS 369
Studies in the Scientific Revolution
(3-0-3)
An analysis of the intellectual and methodological transformations of
sixteenth and seventeenth century science and the development of the
modern world view. This course focuses on the major scientific figures
of the age (Galileo, Descartes, Newton) with particular attention to
the study of original texts. The social and institutional
transformations of science in this period are also considered.
[HSS 371
Computers and Society]
[HSS 380
Energy, Politics and Administration]
HHS 397
Historical Materialism
(3-0-3)
A survey of various attempts to base historical explanations on
material conditions — microbes and disease, nutritional requirements,
agriculture, climate, geography, genes and technical and economic
constraints and opportunities.
[HHS 414
Industrial America]
[HSS 454
The Geography of Science]
[HHS 465
Engineering in History]
[HHS 479
Studies in the History of Technology]
HSS 488
Science and Human Nature
(3-0-3)
An introduction to recent Darwinian and sociobiological theories of
human nature.
Special
Courses
HUM 198
Humanities Colloquium
(1-0-1)
An introduction to the humanities disciplines through
weekly lectures and discussions.
HUM 301
Writing Seminar and Research Methods
(3-0-3)
In this course, students explore the tools and techniques of advanced
writing and research. Students write four research papers and give
several oral presentations. This course is required for single degree
B.A. students and strongly recommended for double degree students.
HUM 498
Senior Thesis
(4
credits)
The student completes a major research thesis in the area of
concentration under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Open to B.A.
degree students.
HUM 499
Tutorial
(3-0-3)
An individual program of study arranged between student and
instructor. A tutorial plan must be prepared (and presented to the
Tutorial Committee of the Department of the Humanities) outlining the
program and indicating the nature and scope of the project (generally
a written paper). Upon completion of the program, the student receives
a grade and credit for a Humanities elective.
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GRADUATE COURSES
All Graduate courses are 3 credits except where noted.
HUM 500
Gearing Up for Professional Communications
The course covers topics that include brainstorming,
organizing, writing and revision of technical documents, as well as
preparation of verbal presentations with visual aids. In this overview
class, students will be exposed to these skills, and have time to
generate their own documents and presentations for feedback, but Hum
500 is primarily designed to give the students a foundation so that
they may continue on with other, more specialized, classes in this
field. Students in need of ESL/ESD attention will receive it. The
course may be offered as a week-long intensive class designed to get
students familiar with the basic concepts and tools they will need to
master in order to pursue the Certificate Program in Professional
Communications or other Stevens graduate degrees or programs. This
course does not carry graduate credit toward the MS-IS program or the
Graduate Certificate Program in Professional Communications.
Prerequisite: Students must have a good background in general
writing. A basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint is
also required.
HUM 501
Foundations of Technical Communication
This course introduces professional communications: how should
professionals construct technical documents for the business or
scientific/technical community? What are the techniques writers need
for specialized, clear writing? Topics include: genres of technical
writing; successful writing strategies; design principles; format and
contents. Students will practice the techniques presented through
weekly writing assignments.
HUM 502
Professional Presentations
This course will present a range of professional presentation
techniques: oral, web-based, audio-visual. Students’ existing skills
will be sharpened and enhanced with knowledge of current best
professional practices. Weekly assignments will guarantee that
students will master new techniques.
HUM 503
Advanced Documentation Techniques
This course sharpens students’ ability to deliver written
descriptions, explanations and instructions to a diverse audience who
may not share the writer’s technical expertise. Students will create
overviews and abstracts; lay out guidelines for readers; craft orderly
instructions and explanations; insert necessary illustrations that
enhance the documentation; build links to the next set of
instructions; summarize effectively; and format for maximum
comprehension.
HUM 504
Foundations of Business Plan Writing
This course introduces the foundations of writing a business plan.
Topics include: what investors and lenders are looking for; the key
elements of a business plan; special considerations when writing a
business plan for an international endeavor or web-based or
web-supplemented businesses. Students will demonstrate their knowledge
of the material presented through weekly writing assignments.
HUM 530
Writing for Engineers
This course is an introduction to writing for engineers. As technical
writers, engineers may often feel their task to be only one of
"informing," but as has been dramatically illustrated over the last
few years, "informing" can be vital to successful system deployment
and operation. Lives are often affected by not only the accuracy of an
engineer’s calculations, but by a clear and understandable
presentation of conclusions and recommendations. The ability to write
clearly and effectively is essential to an engineer.
HUM 535
Writing for International Marketing
This course introduces the issues related to writing for international
markets. What factors make writing for an international market
different from writing for a domestic market? Topics covered include:
the influence on writing of the key elements that make each nation
different; the behavior of foreign consumers; translation issues;
considerations when writing presentations, instructional texts,
business plans, and web content for international audiences.
HUM 540
Foundations in Financial Writing
This course is concerned with the communication of financial
information in writing: How should financial professionals construct
documents? What are the writing techniques needed to make the numbers
tell their own story? Topics include genres of financial writing;
successful writing strategies; organizing information; using tables
and charts.
HUM 545
Medical Writing
This course introduces essential concepts for writing in
pharmaceutical houses, medical advertising agencies, and other medical
settings. Topics covered include basic medical terminology,
appropriate AMA style, and form and format in the use of professional
research; preparation of meeting and conference materials for
professionals in the field, and working with physicians.
HUM 550
Writing for the Web
This course dispels the myths about writing for the web and provides
students with the skills to move successfully from print to web. The
dynamic medium of the Internet not only demands concise, clear,
well-organized copy, but an ability to operate in a non-linear world.
This course will enable students to: reinforce good technical writing
practices; incorporate usability issues when designing information for
the web; think in non-linear ways; recognize the different functions
of web copy and how to write for each (educational, promotional,
information-seeking); understand the different delivery methods and
how they influence the layout of the information and audio-visual
choices.
HUM 555
Writing for Project Management
This course introduces the writing tasks that are critical to project
management as it is used across a wide variety of industries. Topics
covered include: the language of work breakdown structures; addressing
project requirements; the semantics of risk analysis; assessing scope;
and designing and building a project plan. Students will review online
project management tools. Students will apply the techniques of
writing for project management by creating a project plan to manage
some aspect of an academic or extra-curricular activity.
HUM 560
Writing For and About the Science Community
This course introduces the interpretation and analysis of complex
scientific information and the translation of difficult scientific
concepts into lively and readable prose. Topics include: effective
interview techniques; information-gathering skills; news and feature
article structure; editing; writing for the general public, scientists
and industry. Students will practice these skills through in-class and
take-home writing assignments. Writing assignments will progress from
short, weekly articles to longer pieces. By the end of the semester,
each student will write a feature article.
HUM 565
Publicity Writing: Techniques of Packaging Information
This course introduces the technical aspects of publicity writing.
Topics include: writing a press bio; writing a topic summary; the art
of the press release; the basics of the op-ed; and organizing the
short informational feature. The course will include "how-to"
discussions regarding inquiries from the press and the public, and
ways to negotiate direct contacts with both. Guest speakers from the
press/marketing field will make occasional presentations during the
length of the course.
HUM 570
Proposal Writing
This course helps students developing a case for support for a
nonprofit organization, making long-range programmatic and financial
plans, researching potential funders, and preparing proposal
materials. Students will learn how to find funding sources and will
make regular presentations on their research and writing samples. The
class will compile a comprehensive set of funding resources, as well
as sample grants and planning documents. Guest speakers will share
professional insights and experiences.
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