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Fall Semester 2007 Select a Topic Below FRES 1010: Museum Culture and Practice (08-068) The museum plays an important role in the appreciation and understanding of works of art as both physical and historical objects. This course is designed to offer students first-hand knowledge of the strategies behind collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art for the public. Students will be given unique access to study and discuss rare works in the museum’s collection (including the vaults) with staff and local collectors. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic exhibition of European and American art (ca. 1920-1940) scheduled for Fall 2007. Giancarlo Fiorenza is the Pierre Daura curator of European art at the Georgia Museum of Art. He has published on mythology, portraiture, and religion in Renaissance art, and is interested in the eloquence and persuasive power of images from all periods. FRES 1010: Dance Films in Popular Culture (68-947) This course will explore the use of dance as a theme to advance the storyline and as the subject in mainstream films from 1977 to 2007. We will examine the ebb and flow of the popularity of dance within this timeframe, including theatrical dance (“Save the Last Dance”, “The Cotton Club”, “All That Jazz“), social dance (“Shall We Dance”, “Swing Kids”, “Mad Hot Ballroom”) and emerging dance forms (“Breakin’ “, “Rize”, “Step Up”). The course will also address the interrelationship between dance crazes in popular culture and dance forms popularized by the film industry. Lisa Fusillo, head of the Department of Dance, teaches and researches topics in world dance history. Fusillo has published articles on a variety of choreographers and dance forms. In the spring 2007, Fusillo’s choreography and UGA dance students won 2nd Place at the Barcelona International Dance Festival. This research in dance filmography will take Dr. Fusillo and her students head-to-head with what and why dance continues to be relevant. FRES 1010: Justice in Film (07-977) Please note that our scheduled time is three hours every other week and that class will begin at 6:30. Many films explore interesting and provocative philosophical themes. This course will screen eight films that focus on justice. We will be concerned with issues of morality as well as the metaphysical question of what justice is. The films will serve as starting points for discussions of philosophical issues, but we will also be concerned with appreciating them as works of art. Most films will be in foreign languages with subtitles, and some are difficult to watch. Because the films vary in length, some classes may be longer or shorter than the scheduled time. Edward Halper is interested in the classical problems of metaphysics. Much of his work has been in ancient philosophy, but he has also written on Hegel and philosophers from other periods in the history of philosophy. In addition to some forty five papers in academic journals and books, he has written three books. Among his current interests is the metaphysics of friendship, family, and other relationships. FRES 1020: Classic American Films (47-862) We will view and discuss classic American films, from the 1930's through the 1960s. Film selection may cover a broad range of genres or may be limited to a specific genre, such as Alfred Hitchcock, screwball comedies, the films of Cary Grant, or classic film divas. Attendance and class participation are mandatory and will be THE major factors in grading. Students are expected to be present for the entire two hours of class, and possibly 2.5 hours, to accommodate movie length. Only students SERIOUSLY interested in this subject should register. Barry Palevitz has been at UGA for 28 years, where he is a professor of plant biology and coordinator of advising in biology. Prof. Palevitz's interests range from plant evolution to public perceptions of science and technology. He's a freelance writer covering contemporary subjects in biology and other disciplines for publications such as Bioscience, The Scientist, Flagpole, Skeptical Inquirer, Athens Banner-Herald and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Besides freshman seminars, Prof. Palevitz regularly teaches courses in introductory plant biology, popular science writing, and science writing as literature. You may visit his webpage at www.plantbio.uga.edu/~palevitz FRES 1020: The Secrets of Acting: Beyond Blind Inspiration
and Into The Craft (98-604) This seminar will give an overview of the process an actor uses to develop a character for stage or film. Students will be expected to attend rehearsals and live performances as well as view a selection of film performances. Guests will give demonstrations of acting and discuss how results were achieved. Ray Paolino heads the graduate performance program in acting. He has appeared on stage extensively in New York City, Chicago and the South. A member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity, Paolino has taught acting for over 20 years. Former students have appeared on West Wing, Will and Grace, ER, Friends, Married with Children, and Law and Order. FRES 1010: Oh Traditional Music, Where Art
Thou? (59-118) Traditional folk music genres--sometimes called "roots" music--such as ballad singing, banjo and fiddle playing, blues, spirituals, and work songs, have been especially important aspects of Georgia, and Southern indigenous culture. Carried on in the oral traditions of family, church, and community, these musical forms were recorded by field researchers and commercial companies; and have influenced jazz, country music, rock, classical music, and "contemporary folk," gospel, and bluegrass. This class will explore the music by listening to audio tapes and viewing videos, many from the instructor's own field work, and will examine the history and present-day continuity of traditional music. There will be visits with living tradition-bearers. Students will do a lot of listening, some written commentaries, and a short research or field recording project. Art Rosenbaum, Wheatley Professor of Art Emeritus, has collected, performed, and written on American folk music nearly 50 years and has authored books on mountain banjo, north Georgia musical traditions, and the African-American ring shout tradition of the Georgia Coast. His field tapes are in the Library of Congress Archives, among others. He has produced numerous LPs and CDs from his collecting, and is working on a 2-volume 8 CD compilation of his field recordings which will be issued on the Dust-to-Digital label. Guest presentations will be given by Professor John Garst, an authority on many folk music topics including shape-note (Sacred Harp) hymnody and the factual origins of African American narrative folk songs. FRES 1020: Bob Dylan (37-481) We will study the great American song writer Bob Dylan, from his early days in Greenwich Village to the present. We'll listen to and talk about his music, consider its origins in the American folk and popular music traditions, its meaning, its poetry, and its commentaries on politics, history, and current events. We'll read a selection of articles and book chapters on Dylan, including his memoir Chronicles, and reflect on his contribution to American culture. Students will keep a journal. Hugh Ruppersburg is Senior Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and a professor of English. He has written on William Faulkner and Robert Penn Warren and other American writers, as well as on film, and is at work on a book about the American South in film. FRES 1010: Shakespeare's Meanings (08-894) This seminar will meet only until the midpoint of the semester. We will see how far we can go in determining the original meanings of selected Shakespeare plays. Besides exploring great works of art and learning about the period in which Shakespeare wrote, the seminar will explore the issues of the "meaning" of works of art and of recovering the intentions of artists. Due to the use of films, classes may run over the scheduled finish times. Michael Winship teaches early modern English and American history. His most recent book is Making Heretics: Militant Protestantism and Free Grace in Massachusetts, 1636-1641 (Princeton, 2002). FRES 1010: Writing about Classical Music (79-590) How do we verbalize our reactions to classical music? In this seminar, students will attend concerts, listen to recordings, and read samples of music criticism. Each week, students will have a small in-class or at-home writing assignment about music. An interest in classical music is recommended, but background as a performer is not necessary for success in this class. Dr. Jean Martin-Williams is a Professor of Music in the Hodgson School of Music. She is also the Director of the Lilly Teaching Fellows Program at UGA. Martin-Williams is an active performer, holding positions in the horn section of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and the New York Pops Orchestra. She has performed in orchestral, solo, and chamber venues in Europe, Asia, and South America. FRES 1010: Digital Images in the Classroom and Beyond (89-713) This seminar will introduce students to presentation equipment (LCD projectors, Smart boards, etc) and computer programs (Photoshop, etc) used with digital images. The transition to digital images will require that students know how to use the new equipment/programs to be successful in their classes. In this seminar, students will learn how to create digital images from slides, or other sources, and use them in programs such as PowerPoint, etc. Demonstrating the proper usage of these programs to students, particularly students of art history, will help them to learn and feel comfortable using the now requisite technologies for working with images and will provide them with a greater set of skills when they leave the academy. Emy Decker is the Director of Visual Resources at the Lamar Dodd School of Art and chapter chair of the Southeast Chapter of the Visual Resources Association (VRA). She has experience with building digital image databases and using scanners and other equipment to acquire digital files. She is well versed in data standards for cataloging images and uses software daily for image manipulation.
FRES 1010:
Genomics and Computational Biology (68-124) Since the discovery of the structure of DNA over 50 years ago, biologists have been taking apart living systems on a finer and finer scale until we have been able to determine the complete genetic blueprint of many organisms. The challenge of the new millennium is “reassembling the pieces,” i.e., moving from genomes to life. One approach to reassembling the pieces is to view the cell as a biological circuit. In this seminar we explore how the tools of genomics and computational biology can be used to identify these biological circuits, that is, to “compute life”. For more information visit http://www.genetics.uga.edu/people_bio_arnold_j.html Jonathan Arnold received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1982. He has authored and co-authored over 100 papers in journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings in genetics and statistics. His research interests include the development and identification of genetic networks of fundamental processes in the model system Neurospora crassa. FRES 1020: Plants of the Bible (88-514) What was the forbidden fruit that Eve and Adam ate? What are frankincense and myrrh? Are Bible plants used today in our daily routines and religious ceremonies? Join us for an ecumenical walk through Bible literature for a tour of these plants. We will partake of their edible and aromatic essence and learn about their symbolism. Dr. Doug Bailey (floriculturist) is a faculty member in the department of horticulture with an interest in Bible literature and Dr. Wendy Zomlefer (field botanist) is a faculty member in the plant biology department with an interest in plants of the Bible. FRES 1020: Birding (38-940) This course will focus on identification of birds in the field with a secondary emphasis on natural history of the southeast. During field trips to the State Botanical Garden and to local parks, we will search for some of the over 300 species of resident and migrant birds found in Georgia. The course will serve as an introduction to bird distribution and migration, behavior, habitat, and taxonomy. The course will include a mixture of Thursday morning lectures and Saturday morning field trips (some with early morning departure times). Binoculars and a field guide to birds will be required for this course. Michael Bender is an associate professor of genetics. His research centers on steroid hormone and peptide hormone signaling during development. He has been an avid birder for the past 10 years. FRES 1010: Origins of Life (58-499) The origin of life on Earth remains one of the most poorly understood and controversial issues in modern biology. Starting with the prebiotic origins of complex chemicals and extending all the way to the origins of human societies, this course will consist of discussions centered around chapters in The Origins of Life: From the Birth of Life to the Origin of Language, by John Maynard Smith and Eors Szathmary. Students need only a basic understanding of biology and chemistry. The course will not be a general discussion of evolutionary theory and will not cover such topics as creationism. Mark Farmer is a professor of cellular biology and earned his PhD in 1988 from Rutgers University. His research focuses on similarities between protozoa and algae and how these relate to the evolution of these organisms. These findings help us understand some of the basic cellular processes and origins of eukaryotic cells. Juergen Wiegel, a professor in microbiology and in biochemistry and molecular biology, does research on the biodiversity of anaerobic thermophiles. As co-editor of a book Thermophiles, The Keys to Molecular Evolution and the Origin of Life?, he is interested in the evolution of prokaryotes. Professors Farmer and Wiegel are winners of the 2007 First-Year Seminar Outstanding Instructor Award. FRES 1020: Pterosaurs: Flying Dragons of the Mesozoic (48-610) Pterosaurs are fascinating creatures that were contemporaries of and closely related to dinosaurs. During the term we will examine basic geologic and paleontological principles used to determine when they lived and to reconstruct their lifestyles, including how they flew, what they ate, and how they raised their young. Raymond Freeman-Lynde is an associate professor in the department of geology. He has been teaching a course on dinosaurs since 1999. FRES 1020: A Failure of Science, Medicine and Governments:
Tropical Disease (37-786) Why are we failing? This course will examine the complex factors influencing the spread of infectious disease in the tropics. Discussions and readings will focus on the roles that corrupt and apathetic governments, collapsing public health systems, drug companies, and western science have played in the spectacular lack of success in providing cures for some of the most devastating of all human diseases. Stephen L. Hajduk is a professor and head in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology. His Ph.D. is from the University of Glasgow (1980). He was a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University (1980-1983), was a professor of biochemistry in the medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1984-2002), and was with the Marine Biological Laboratory (2003-2006). The National Institute of Health funds his research on the biochemistry of tropical diseases. FRES 1020: Selected Topics from the Practice of Medicine
(17-916) Discussion is based on articles from medical journals (and perhaps lay magazines and newspapers) each week. The course will give premed students insight into the daily activities of a practicing physician, including the moral, ethical, scientific, communication, and legal dilemmas generated in patient care situations that demand that a physician’s decision result in a proper outcome. These topics are sometimes pertinent in interviews and essays for medical school applications. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply their lessons to the selection of their future college courses and to other activities in which they prepare for future medical studies and practices. This seminar meets concurrently with upperclassmen enrolled in BIOL 3900 to facilitate mentoring relations for premed freshmen with upperclassmen. R. Alan Langford, MD, FAAD, is Director of the Premedical Studies Program (a unit of the Office of the Vice-President for Instruction) and a faculty member in Microbiology and Pharmacy at UGA. See: http://www.franklin.uga.edu/people/alangford.htm FRES 1020: Implications of the Human Genome (97-792) The first draft of the complete human genome was finished in 2000. How is this genetic information being used to explain biological traits? Why, for instance, are certain individuals more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease than others? This seminar series will discuss how scientists are converting this genetic data to information on the biological processes occurring in the cells, along with the techniques and tools used to accomplish these goals. Ron Orlando is an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology. His research focuses on the development of mass spectrometry for proteomic and glycomic investigations, and the application of these techniques to search for biomarkers to allow the early detection of ovarian cancer and to better understand stem cell development/differentiation. For additional information please see http://cell.ccrc.uga.edu/~orlando/lab/index.html FRES 1010: A Life in Science (88-125) We will read biographies and autobiographies of scientists to help us address a variety of questions: Why do scientists do what they do, and what makes a scientist successful? Can creativity be learned, or is there something special about great scientists? How are the accomplishments of scientists helped or hindered by their social and political environment? And can an understanding of the lives of others help you make decisions about your own life? Daniel Promislow is a professor of genetics who earned his Ph.D. at Oxford University. He studies the evolution of host-parasite interactions, aging, and gene networks, using fruit flies and computer simulations. He also plays in a local band. FRES 1010: How Medications Work (68-513) The seminar will examine the discovery, underlying biological activities, and side-effects of selected over-the-counter medications and many advanced prescription drugs. The class will utilize newspaper, magazine and television articles and advertisements together with supplementary web-based information. Students will participate in group discussions and each will present an oral report on a medication of their choice during the semester. Gregory Schmidt has been at UGA for 28 years and is a professor of plant biology. His expertise ranges from biochemistry to cell biology, which he has taught throughout his tenure here. His research concerns the molecular and cell biology of photosynthetic systems and currently is focused on the causes of coral reef bleaching. FRES 1020: The Impact of Underrepresented Minority Scientists
on Today’s Understanding of Biology (67-796) Minorities, women, and the physically challenged have been historically underrepresented in the science workplace. Nevertheless, scientists from these groups have made very significant contributions toward our current understanding of biology. Instructor and student-led presentations will provide a forum to discuss the achievements of these scientists. Societal and philosophical issues relating to the topic will also be explored. This course is open to all students, but traditionally attracts students with such interests as medicine, basic science, history of science, African-American studies, women studies, broadcast journalism, and business.Dr. Walter K. Schmidt is an assistant professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology. He is a research scientist involved in a number of activities and organizations that promote cultural diversity within the sciences. FRES 1020: About Birds (09-429) What makes a bird a bird? Flight? Feathers? Song? Nests? Birds, their origin, special features, diversity, relations to other vertebrates, behavior (do they think?!), migration, lifestyles and survival will be considered. Discussions will be organized around short lectures, films, and current information provided by instructor or mined by participants in "treasure hunts". [NB: This course will NOT overlap Michael Bender's field course.] John S. Willis, Ph.D. (Biology, Harvard 61) Professor Emeritus, Cellular Biology, Fellow of AAAS, taught 29 years at University of Illinois, Urbana, 10 years at UGA, Animal Physiology and Cell Biology. Never worked with birds professionally, but has had a lifelong interest in them. FRES 1010: Global Climate Change During YOUR Lifetime (49-210) How will the world's climate change during your lifetime? What
do we know and not know about climate change? How much confidence
do we have in our projections for the next century? What, if
anything, can we do about it? This discussion-based seminar
will provide necessary background as well as recent updates to our
understanding of our climate system, especially during the 21st century. Assigned
readings will be from John Dr. Yager (Ph.D. 1996, University of Washington) is an oceanographer whose research focuses on the feedbacks between the climate and marine ecosystems. She has spent many years studying the Arctic Ocean, and is currently investigating changes to marine tropical ecosystems affected by the Amazon River plume. FRES 1010: Life in "wrong" places: microorganisms
from extreme environments (59-216) Microorganisms are ubiquitous and play important roles in maintaining the health and ecological functions of our planet. Yet only a small fraction of the microbial populations has been identified. This course will introduce students to all sorts of extreme environments where unique life forms have been unexpectedly found. The implications of such novel organisms will also be discussed. Chuanlun Zhang is an associate professor in the department of marine sciences and the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. He focuses on geomicrobiology. His research interests include novel organisms and geochemical processes in terrestrial hot springs and mid-ocean ridges, deep oceans, and contaminated soils. FRES 1020: Current Topics In Biotechnology (19-701) A look at the scientific method with its strengths and limitations. We will cover biomedical and agricultural topics in the context of biotechnology and will discuss how intellectual property in a research laboratory is protected by patent law. We will also consider some of the possible directions to be taken in the future by biotechnology companies. Dan DerVartanian holds the Sc. D. from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is Chair of the Division of Biological Sciences and Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. He has over 100 research publications plus a United States Patent issued in February 2000. His research deals with the role of nickel in heart disease. He teaches general biology and general biochemistry.
FRES 1020: Building greener cities: the science and policy
of urban ecology (69-211) Half of the world's population now lives in urban areas, and this number will grow to 60% by the year 2030. As cities expand, ecosystems become dramatically altered. This course will examine the effects that urbanization has on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We will look not only at the impact of urbanization, but also at what can be done to mitigate these impacts through innovative urban design examples and policy solutions. Timothy Carter is a public service assistant faculty member at the Institute of Ecology's River Basin Center. He built and performed research on UGA's first vegetated roof system. He is currently studying how green infrastructure, engineering practices, and regulatory tools can be used to protect and restore urban watersheds. FRES 1010: Ethics and Personal Trust in Science (08-944) What constitutes ethical behavior for scientists? Should a scientist’s political, religious, moral, or philosophical views influence his/her interpretation of scientific results? How important is trust between the various members of a team of scientists collaborating on a project? Do human ambition and jealousy taint the scientific process of discovery? We shall discuss these and related questions and consult readings from several sources, including Cantor’s Dilemma by Carl Djerassi. This seminar will be particularly valuable to students majoring in science or who have a strong interest in ethical issues that arise in science. Charles Kutal is a professor of chemistry and associate dean of arts and sciences. His research on photochemical processes has resulted in over 100 publications, and he has co-edited three books. He has taught a wide variety of courses at UGA, including, most recently, General Chemistry for Honors students and majors. FRES 1020: Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence?
(39-229) This seminar is worth two credit hours. Toward the end of the 19th-century, T. H. Huxley and Andrew Dickson White advanced the notion that science and Christianity were in a state of perpetual warfare. Recent advocates of this cause have included Carl Sagan and Richard Dawkins. However, a number of distinguished scientists, including Charles Townes and Francis Collins, have taken the opposite view. Adding to the confusion is the fact that most of the pioneers of modern physical science were articulate Christians. The debate will be examined with some care. Required reading will be Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and C. S. Lewis’s That Hideous Strength. Henry Schaefer is Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry. He teaches freshman chemistry at UGA and is the sixth most highly cited chemist in the world. He has taught freshman chemistry to nearly 10,000 UGA students. FRES 1010: Chocolate Science (18-614) Come to a class where you have to sample a diversity of chocolate products every week. Learn the inside of the chocolate business and about the food scientists who deliver these tempting treats to those of us who crave them. Topics covered will include safety, nutrition, history and quality testing. This seminar explores the world of chocolate through the book The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars. Dr. Rob Shewfelt teaches several courses in food science including food issues and choices and food processing. His research focuses on the flavor of fresh tomatoes and aromatic rice. He serves as the undergraduate coordinator in his department and is Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor. FRES 1010: A Life in Science (88-125) We will read biographies and autobiographies of scientists to help us address a variety of questions: Why do scientists do what they do, and what makes a scientist successful? Can creativity be learned, or is there something special about great scientists? How are the accomplishments of scientists helped or hindered by their social and political environment? And can an understanding of the lives of others help you make decisions about your own life? Daniel Promislow is a professor of genetics who earned his Ph.D. at Oxford University. He studies the evolution of host-parasite interactions, aging, and gene networks, using fruit flies and computer simulations. He also plays in a local band.
FRES 1020: The Civilization of France (37-867) This seminar aims to help American students appreciate France's role in the formation and maintenance of Western and global civilization. Throughout her history, France has been a premier contributor to civilization in every aspect of human endeavor, whether the fine arts, philosophy (from Descartes to Foucault), theology, science, engineering and medicine (Pascal, Pasteur, Eiffel, Pierre and Marie Curie, the Paris team that first identified the AIDS virus in 1983), literature, music, sports (Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games in 1898), exploration, human rights and international aid, cutting-edge technology and, last but not least, gastronomy and joie de vivre. A native speaker of French, Professor Assaf earned a PhD in French from the University of California, Berkeley. He holds the title of Distinguished Research Professor; he teaches and does research in 17th- and 18th-century French literature in the department of romance languages. An internationally respected scholar, he has published extensively in those areas. He has also traveled many times to France and has lived there for extended periods. In 2001, France bestowed on him the title of "Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques," one of the most distinguished French decorations, for his services to the cause of French culture in the United States. FRES 1010: Fantastic Tales (57-787) The seminar will examine the tradition of the fantastic tale. We will read a set of stories collected by the Italian novelist Italo Calvino from a wide range of authors – Polish, Russian, French, German, British and American. Tom Cerbu is interested in the way marvels and wonders have been used to connect separate disciplines and to define their uses: art history and archeology, early science and medicine, collecting and engineering. FRES 1010: Legends: Historical, Supernatural, and "Urban" (78-505) Legends are oral narratives told as if believed to be true. Some legends purport to explain odd features or circumstances of reality ("Why General Sherman Didn't Burn Madison, Georgia"; "Why Joe Brown Hall Has a Stairway to Nowhere"). Others, ostensibly told simply to entertain or frighten, can be analyzed as expressions of the values and prejudices of society, or the aspirations and anxieties of individuals who tell them or find them entertaining. The seminar will emphasize the collecting and analysis of legends currently being told at the University and elsewhere in Georgia, though many of them have analogs in other places and times. Charles Doyle teaches folklore and English literature classes. His research specialties are proverbs, urban legends, superstitions, and FRES
1010: William Blake's “Songs of Innocence and
of Experience” (49-093) “Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul” (as the “Songs” title-page announces) and, yet more interesting, the third state they presume. Nelson Hilton, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, and a professor of English, has published widely on Blake and continues to develop the Blake Digital Text Project (www.english.uga.edu/wblake). FRES 1020: LINGUA LATINA: Latin in Ancient Rome and the U.S.
of A. (59-104) A mini-introduction to the Latin language itself and its influences on the English language and American culture. We will briefly examine the relationship of Latin to English and other languages in the Indo-European language family, learn the Roman alphabet, pronunciation, and some basics of Latin grammar and translation, and read several simple but interesting Latin texts. At the same time, we will increase our awareness of the omnipresence of Latin in our own language and culture, ranging from the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution to the motto of UGA to Robin Williams’ exhortation in the movie The Dead Poets Society that we should “Harvest the day” (carpe diem!). The seminar is NOT open to students who studied Latin in high school. Richard LaFleur is Franklin Professor of classics. He served as department head of classics for over twenty years. He teaches Latin language and literature and is coordinator of the elementary Latin program. Recipient of state, regional, and national awards for teaching and professional service, he is author of several books, a past President of the American Classical League (1984-86), and past editor (1979-2003) of The Classical Outlook. FRES 1010: What African dialect do you speak? (69-094) The seminar will offer some background information on the diversity and impact of language in Africa. Participants will develop a critical appreciation of language use and planning. They will also gain a basic understanding of the classifications as well as the teaching of these languages on the African continent and the rest of the world. Dr. Akinloye Ojo (Ph. D. Linguistics, UGA) is a native of Nigeria, West Africa. He is an assistant professor in the comparative literature department and a core faculty member in the African Studies Institute. He teaches courses in the Yoruba language and society and in African Studies. FRES 1020: Classic American Films (47-862) We will view and discuss classic American films, from the 1930's through the 1960s. Film selection may cover a broad range of genres or may be limited to a specific genre, such as Alfred Hitchcock, screwball comedies, the films of Cary Grant, or classic film divas. Attendance and class participation are mandatory and will be THE major factors in grading. Students are expected to be present for the entire two hours of class, and possibly 2.5 hours, to accommodate movie length. Only students SERIOUSLY interested in this subject should register. Barry Palevitz has been at UGA for 28 years, where he is a professor of plant biology and coordinator of advising in biology. Prof. Palevitz's interests range from plant evolution to public perceptions of science and technology. He's a freelance writer covering contemporary subjects in biology and other disciplines for publications such as Bioscience, The Scientist, Flagpole, Skeptical Inquirer, Athens Banner-Herald and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Besides freshman seminars, Prof. Palevitz regularly teaches courses in introductory plant biology, popular science writing, and science writing as literature. You may visit his webpage at www.plantbio.uga.edu/~palevitz FRES 1020: The Secrets of Acting: Beyond Blind Inspiration
and Into The Craft (98-604) This seminar will give an overview of the process an actor uses to develop a character for stage or film. Students will be expected to attend rehearsals and live performances as well as view a selection of film performances. Guests will give demonstrations of acting and discuss how results were achieved. Ray Paolino heads the graduate performance program in acting. He has appeared on stage extensively in New York City, Chicago and the South. A member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity, Paolino has taught acting for over 20 years. Former students have appeared on West Wing, Will and Grace, ER, Friends, Married with Children, and Law and Order. FRES 1010: Creative Writing Workshop for Freshmen (98-067) This creative writing workshop is designed for freshmen who are interested in writing fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. In a supportive setting, each student will develop and polish one short story, poem, essay or novel chapter with the goal of submitting this work to the UGA literary magazine. Students will learn to observe their surroundings with a critical, artistic eye as they create plots and characters. In class, students will read their works aloud and receive feedback from the group. Other topics covered will include the business of writing, strategies for being a successful writer, and tips on how to get published. Along with her critically acclaimed novel The Night She Died (Soho Press, 2005), Jennifer Patrick has published articles in Athens Magazine and the Athens Banner-Herald. Her essays have been featured on Georgia Public Radio. FRES 1010: American Storytelling (67-975) Everybody's got stories--every individual, every family, every culture. But what experiences and skills make a great storyteller? What better way to find out than to listen to and analyze some of America's best? Jay O'Callahan, Laura Simms, Donald Davis, Elizabeth Ellis, Tim Tingle, J. J. Reneaux, Bill Harley, and others. Each student will work up two stories for presentation at an end-of-semester showcase. Max Reinhart is A.G. Steer Professor in Goethe Studies in Germanic and Slavic Languages. He is a board member with the National Storytelling Network and has followed the art of storytelling in America since its revival in the late 1970s. FRES 1020: Bob Dylan (37-481) We will study the great American song writer Bob Dylan, from his early days in Greenwich Village to the present. We'll listen to and talk about his music, consider its origins in the American folk and popular music traditions, its meaning, its poetry, and its commentaries on politics, history, and current events. We'll read a selection of articles and book chapters on Dylan, including his memoir Chronicles, and reflect on his contribution to American culture. Students will keep a journal. Hugh Ruppersburg is Senior Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and a professor of English. He has written on William Faulkner and Robert Penn Warren and other American writers, as well as on film, and is at work on a book about the American South in film. FRES 1010: Shakespeare's Meanings (08-894) We will see how far we can go in determining the original meanings of selected Shakespeare plays. Besides exploring great works of art and learning about the period in which Shakespeare wrote, the seminar will explore the issues of the "meaning" of works of art and of recovering the intentions of artists. Due to the use of films, classes may run over the scheduled finish times. Michael Winship teaches early modern English and American history. His most recent book is Making Heretics: Militant Protestantism and Free Grace in Massachusetts, 1636-1641 (Princeton, 2002).
Computer Science and Mathematics
FRES 1020: Scientific Football Analysis (57-868) This course takes a scientific approach to the subject of football. Topics include power ranking systems, modern statistics such as DVOA and DPAR, situational analysis, home field advantage, performance projection, turnover correlation, field position analysis, and salary cap management. Please note that this course involves statistics, probability, and analysis. David Lowenthal is an associate professor of computer science. He received his Ph.D. in the Computer Science department at the University of Arizona in 1996. His research centers on parallel and distributed computing, operating systems, and networks. However, he is most interested in analyzing football from a scientific perspective. In addition to following UGA football, he is a long-suffering Cincinnati Bengals fan. FRES 1010: Problem Solving and the Use of the Internet (09-303) This seminar examines the use of free software for solving real problems. Each student will present a non-trivial problem and will be asked to use the Internet to find the right free software that helps in finding a satisfactory solution. The student will compare the free software with some of the available commercial packages. Each student will present his/her finding to the class. In addition, the instructor will present an introduction to computer science and his research interests. Thiab Taha is a professor of computer science. His research interests include scientific and distributed computing and software development for solving problems in nonlinear waves, optical fiber communication systems, and related topics. He is a senior editor of the journal Mathematics and Computers in Simulation. He received the M. G. Michael Award for Research in the Sciences at UGA (1985) and was a Fulbright scholar in 1995-1996.
FRES 1020: Touring the Universe (37-870) This takes us from astronomy at the size of the universe, through chemistry of bonding in molecules to the very, very small sizes of sub-atomic particles. Along the way, we will stop off at galaxies, stars, planets, molecules, atoms, and nuclei. At each jump in size, important science is discussed and compared and contrasted with that at other sizes. Nigel Adams’ degrees are in nuclear and solid state physics from which he moved to a space research department studying the interstellar medium and planetary atmospheres. He moved to UGA Chemistry investigating the individual chemical processes, which occur throughout our galaxy. He is Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry and a Fellow of the British IoP and the APS.
FRES 1020: Pterosaurs: Flying Dragons of the Mesozoic (48-610) Pterosaurs are fascinating creatures that were contemporaries of and closely related to dinosaurs. During the term we will examine basic geologic and paleontological principles used to determine when they lived and to reconstruct their lifestyles, including how they flew, what they ate, and how they raised their young. Raymond Freeman-Lynde is an associate professor in the department of geology. He has been teaching a course on dinosaurs since 1999. FRES 1010: Ethics and Personal Trust in Science (08-944) What constitutes ethical behavior for scientists? Should a scientist’s political, religious, moral, or philosophical views influence his/her interpretation of scientific results? How important is trust between the various members of a team of scientists collaborating on a project? Do human ambition and jealousy taint the scientific process of discovery? We shall discuss these and related questions and consult readings from several sources, including Cantor’s Dilemma by Carl Djerassi. This seminar will be particularly valuable to students majoring in science or who have a strong interest in ethical issues that arise in science. Charles Kutal is a professor of chemistry and associate dean of arts and sciences. His research on photochemical processes has resulted in over 100 publications, and he has co-edited three books. He has taught a wide variety of courses at UGA, including, most recently, General Chemistry for Honors students and majors. FRES 1020: Across and Down: Crossword Puzzle Solving and
Construction (67-863) Invented in 1913, crossword puzzles have been a hugely popular part of Americana since the 1920's. Today, countless people carve out a portion of their busy lives every day to solve the crossword in their daily newspaper. This seminar will delve into the rules, strategies, and "tricks of the trade" of American-style crossword puzzles. By the end, you will not only have become a crackerjack puzzle solver, but you may also be well on your way to becoming a professional puzzle constructor. Steven Lewis is an associate professor of physics, whose research focuses on nanostructured materials. He has been at UGA since 1998. Although he has enjoyed crossword puzzles since childhood, his addiction to them began in graduate school, around 1990, and grows stronger with each passing year. More recently, he has become an avid crossword constructor, and he sold his first puzzle in 2006, to The Chronicle of Higher Education. FRES 1010: Molecules that have changed history (99-235) This morning, when I walked outside my building, someone had drawn the structure of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiol in the plaza. When several students saw me laughing, I explained this was the active ingredient of marijuana and started to explain how heating this compound decomposes into nasty compounds one would never want to expose our bodies to. It then occurred to me that a lecture series based on the role, the chemistry, and the impact on history of different molecules might be well received. Indeed, two books based on this premise will serve as the texts for this course: Molecules at an Exhibition: Portraits of Intriguing Materials in Everyday Life (Paperback) by John Emsley; and Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History (Hardcover) by Penny LeCouteur Trained as a synthetic organic chemist, George Majetic has been at UGA for twenty-six years. His research focuses on creating new ways to make biologically active natural products and to isolate and characterize natural products from plant material. He teaches organic chemistry for non-science majors as well as Honors students. His graduate courses focus on organic reaction mechanisms, methods for organic synthesis, and natural products chemistry. Thus he is familiar with many of the compounds that have changed modern medicine and 20th-century history. FRES 1010: World Hunger and Extreme Poverty: How Can You
Make a Difference? (58-504) In this seminar we will first examine the major social, cultural, environmental, scientific, economic, and political factors contributing to world hunger and extreme poverty. Second, we will analyze current efforts to change the present status quo and search for new opportunities to pursue. Finally, we will explore the role that students of all disciplines can play in the fight against world hunger, both at UGA and beyond. Course dynamics will include brainstorming sessions, presentations, analysis of case studies, and a major group/class project. Student involvement and active participation will be highly encouraged in all sessions. Dr. Navarro teaches courses and conducts research dealing with hunger issues, international development, teaching methods, and program planning. She is originally from Barcelona, Spain, and has worked in Southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy, and Greece), South-East Mediterranean (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel), and Latin America (Argentina and Mexico). FRES 1020: Landscapes of the Americas (17-866) The two American continents--North and South America--are home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Among these are some of the planet’s largest volcanoes, greatest mountain ranges, largest expanses of extra-polar ice cover, and most diverse deserts: the driest, the highest, the coldest, the hottest and the most biologically diverse. In this seminar we will learn about many of these unique places and will examine the geological processes responsible for their formation. The course will rely on thousands of photographs taken by the instructor. Dr. Alberto Patiño Douce grew up in Argentina and has taught geology at UGA since 1991. He is a big fan of the outdoors and has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Argentina, learning about “off-the-beaten path” places and documenting them with his camera and his notebook. His lectures combine scientific rigor with a deep personal knowledge of planet Earth. FRES 1010: A Walk on the Fun Side of Science (38-498) What is your favorite aspect of science? For many people, the answer is the experiments. Not any experiments—they have to be fun. As groups you will participate in a myriad of simple experiments such as building your own hot air balloon, constructing a laser transmitter, and others. Come and learn a little science, keep a log, and enjoy the journey. As Director of the Chemical and Biological Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility, Dr. Phillips’ interests are three-fold: education of students, mass analysis and promoting the mass spectrometry facility. FRES 1020: Blue Genes, Purple Robes, and St. Anthony's Fire: A
Natural History of Tryptophan (27-908) Tryptophan is an essential amino acid in human beings, but it is also the raw material for the biosynthesis of a number of compounds that have played a significant role in human history. In the course of this seminar, we will investigate the relationship between these compounds and human history. Dr. Phillips received a BS degree in Chemistry in 1974 and PhD in Chemistry in 1979 from Georgia Institute of Technology. He performed postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, from 1980 to 1985. In 1985 he came to UGA as an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry. He was promoted to associate professor in 1990 and professor in 1996. FRES 1020: Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence?
(39-229) This seminar is worth two credit hours. Toward the end of the 19th-century, T. H. Huxley and Andrew Dickson White advanced the notion that science and Christianity were in a state of perpetual warfare. Recent advocates of this cause have included Carl Sagan and Richard Dawkins. However, a number of distinguished scientists, including Charles Townes and Francis Collins, have taken the opposite view. Adding to the confusion is the fact that most of the pioneers of modern physical science were articulate Christians. The debate will be examined with some care. Required reading will be Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and C. S. Lewis’s That Hideous Strength. Henry Schaefer is Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry. He teaches freshman chemistry at UGA and is the sixth most highly cited chemist in the world. He has taught freshman chemistry to nearly 10,000 UGA students. FRES 1010: A College Major in Physics (89-971) In this seminar, we will have an in-depth discussion of the education of a physicist and the possible career paths. There will be guest lectures by faculty members of the Physics and Astronomy department at UGA. They are a very distinguished group of educators and scholars with rather diverse career background and research expertise. The students will be delighted to learn about their latest discoveries. Professor Mon has been teaching here at UGA since 1986. He graduated from Princeton University and Cornell University. Professor Mon is a theoretical condensed matter physicist with a very broad research background and interest. He brings to this seminar his working experience in industry and university.
FRES 1010: Financial Fitness for College Students (98-005) Want to learn not only how to make it on a college budget but also how to get a head start on your financial future? We'll cover the basics, from making and sticking with a spending plan to managing your credit, including your student loans. You'll learn the first steps in putting in place now a plan for accumulating your future fortune. And you'll also learn how to stand up for your rights as a Georgia consumer. Brenda Cude has taught thousands of consumers how to make better financial and consumer decisions. She is a professor of housing and consumer economics and does research on online shopping. She'll be joined in this seminar by a variety of experts, including staff from UGA Student Financial Aid and volunteers in the Peer Financial Counseling Program. FRES 1010: Research Opportunities for Undergraduates (19-214) U.S. News and World Report suggests that students should consider undergraduate research opportunities when choosing a college. This seminar will define the benefits of participating in research through the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) at UGA. Students will meet faculty and students who conduct research in the arts, humanities, social and bench sciences. Dr. Pamela B. Kleiber is associate director of the Honors Program and the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) at the University of Georgia. She is a Fellow in the UGA Institute of Higher Education, affiliated faculty member in the Institute for African American Studies, and research associate with the Kettering Foundation.
FRES 1010: Taboo, Magic and Subsistence (79-234) This is a case-study in Anthropology, concentrating on taboo and magic, and how they influence subsistence. The seminar is taught from the field notes of twenty-four years of research on the Tawo of Irala, a stone-age ethnic group in the North of Austronesia. Dezso Benedek is an associate professor of comparative literature, where he often teaches cultural anthropology. He also teaches Asian languages and courses in Linguistics. FRES 1020: Conspiracy Theories (08-496) An examination of four famous conspiracy theories: UFOs & Area 51, the Apollo Moon landings, the JFK assassination, and the September 11 attacks. Topics will include defining what is meant by "conspiracy theory," discussion of the psychology and sociology that makes such theories popular, and critical analyses of the claims of each of the four conspiracy theories. J. P. Caillault has taught physics and astronomy at UGA since 1987. Although he's never been to Area 51 or seen any aliens, he does remember, either vaguely or vividly, the other events mentioned above and has studied the merits of the claims for conspiracy. He has taught a first-year seminar on critical thinking and a class focused on pseudoscience (ASTR 1540). FRES 1020: The History of Major-League
Baseball (18-497) The history of major-league baseball from its beginning in the 1870s until the present. Topics will include why and how franchises and leagues came into existence (and why some disappeared), the ever-present conflict between players and owners, the history of the role of race in the game, and a statistical analysis of baseball's best teams and players, including a study of the World's Series and the Hall of Fame. J. P. Caillault has taught astronomy at UGA since 1987. He is a long standing member of SABR (the Society for American Baseball Research), has taught first-year seminars on the physics of baseball and on baseball statistics, has published articles in Baseball Digest and the Baseball Research Journal, and is the author of A Tale of Four Cities: 19th-Century Baseball's Most Exciting Season, 1889. FRES 1020: Building greener cities: the science and policy
of urban ecology (69-211) Half of the world's population now lives in urban areas, and this number will grow to 60% by the year 2030. As cities expand, ecosystems become dramatically altered. This course will examine the effects that urbanization has on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We will look not only at the impact of urbanization, but also at what can be done to mitigate these impacts through innovative urban design examples and policy solutions. Timothy Carter is a public service assistant faculty member at the Institute of Ecology's River Basin Center. He built and performed research on UGA's first vegetated roof system. He is currently studying how green infrastructure, engineering practices, and regulatory tools can be used to protect and restore urban watersheds. FRES 1020: The Great Globalization Debate (98-506) Or a second class FRES 1020: The Great Globalization Debate (38-517) An overview of the ongoing globalization process and the "anti-globalization" movement that is resisting economic globalization in its current form. By "globalization" we mean two related phenomena: the growth of an international economic system that affects our personal lives and, also, such international institutions as the United Nations, which attempt to bring democracy and the rule of law to the global arena. Dr. Dan Everett is the undergraduate coordinator for the computer science department. His technical interests are in computer modeling and Web programming. He has a long-term amateur interest in global ecological and social justice issues and is the faculty advisor for the Campus Greens. FRES 1010: Youth, Media & Leisure (68-608) What is the impact of television, film, music, and the Internet on how we think about ourselves? Given that we consume large quantities of media in our free time, how can we respond effectively? This course explores youth development and how culture is created and reflected in leisure. Dr. Corey Johnson has interests in youth development. He loves to watch television, go to movies, listen to music, and surf the web, so he explores all these media in his teaching and research. He's on the faculty in recreation and leisure studies, in the department of counseling & human development services. FRES 1020: Alcohol in American Society and Culture (88-660) America has had an ambivalent relationship with alcohol since the nation's beginnings. Social policies have moved from ignoring drinking behavior to viewing it as rooted in Evil. In today’s view, it is seductively dangerous and seen as a risk for or symptom of a disease. Attitudes toward alcohol offer a window into American culture and its tension surrounding issues of pleasure and control. This seminar will provide a sampling of history, social research and social policy about alcohol in America. Paul M. Roman is Distinguished Research Professor of Sociology and has directed a research program on alcohol and drug abuse since 1986. His special interests are the causes and treatment of alcohol and drug problems. His PhD is from Cornell University, and he previously taught at Tulane University. His research at UGA has been supported by more than $15 million of grants, mainly from the Federal government. FRES 1020: Imperative Geographies: World Heritage Sites Conservation
(57-871) This course engages students in geographical literacy of the world’s most important places, those considered by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. This seminar will develop students' understanding of conservation efforts in the complexities of regional systems, particularly related to their history and the role of the USA in forecasting likely scenarios, as a way to introduce students to the fantastic field of Geography. Dr. Sarmiento is an authority in Conservation of Cultural Landscapes, with expertise in the Andes. He is a mountain geographer who is member of many international conservation organizations. He was director of the Office of International Education working with Study Abroad programs and immigration issues. He teaches environmental geography, regional geography and mountain geography courses. FRES 1020: GO DAWGS! Deconstructing the culture of athletics
(39-988) Students will explore race, class, and gender dynamics within the context of athletics. Using UGA fall sports as a foundation, students will examine stereotypes, policies, discrimination, and changes across time. Students will attend a variety of sporting events which will provide a foundation for discussion. Students will be encouraged to examine their own cultural biases and to become sensitive to diversity issues. Dr. Mimi Sodhi is the Assistant Provost in the Office of Institutional Diversity. Her background is in social work and adult education with an emphasis on reflective practice for personal and professional growth. Her overarching interest is to assist students to become culturally competent so they can successfully negotiate in a global world.
History, Philosophy, Religion and Ethics |
