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Fall Semester 2008 Select a Topic Below: Art, Film, Dance, and Music FRES 1010: Contemporary Entertainment Design and Production (49-823) A survey of the world of entertainment-design and technology. The course will examine contemporary examples of staging and design practices for theatrical programs, special events, concerts, and themed entertainment. The seminar will explore the university's production labs/shops while also providing some hands-on introductions to equipment used in our production programs. Richard Dunham is an active lighting and scenic designer with numerous design credits throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including a number of New York Regional and Off or Off-Off Broadway Theatres. Selected New York credits include The Jean Cocteau Repertory, Circle Repertory and Broadhollow Productions. Recent Georgia credits include work with Atlanta Lyric Opera, 7-Stages, and The Springer Opera House. FRES 1020: Nuts and Crackers - A Superstar Ballet (49-868) Originally created in Russia in 1892, “The Nutcracker” has become a 20th century “superstar” ballet in American culture. Nearly 500 productions of this ballet are presented around the United States during the holiday season. In this course, we will study the history of “The Nutcracker”; view and discuss 3-4 reinterpretations of this classical work; and explore America’s obsession with this “superstar” ballet. Lisa Fusillo is an associate professor and head of the Department of Dance. A former professional ballet dancer, her research in ballet history has resulted in published articles and numerous international presentations. Most recently, she has taught Ballet and World Dance History. FRES 1010: Concerto Culture and Competitions (09-818) Most all classically trained musicians have the dream of performing a solo concerto in front of a large audience. This seminar will explore the journey of several Hodgson School of Music students who will achieve that dream by winning the 2008 Concerto Competition. Weekly meetings will cover such topics as the basics about instrumental music composition; general qualities of the successful concerto; special challenges of various instruments; how famous composers individualized their concertos. No musical background is required. The workload will consist of informal journal entries and one short in-class presentation. David Haas is a professor in the Hodgson School of Music, where he has been on the faculty since 1989. He received a bachelor of music degree in horn performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory and a doctorate in historical musicology from the University of Michigan. His primary research interest in Russian music has resulted in a book on the Russian avant garde of the 1920s and a translation of Boris Asafyev's “Symphonic Etudes,” a major monograph on Russian opera and ballet traditions. FRES 1010: Film and Philosophy (19-097) The first class will meet on August 25th. Please note that our scheduled time is three hours every other week and that class will begin at 6:30. Many feature films explore interesting and provocative philosophical themes. This course will screen eight films about the pursuit and meaning of knowledge. Some films concern more subtle questions, such as how we come to know about the world and ourselves, what such knowledge is like, and whether it is or is not valuable after all. The films we will watch address these issues, though usually not directly, and we will discuss what they have to say and the artistic way they convey this content. The films will serve as starting points for discussions of philosophical issues. Most films will be in foreign languages with subtitles, and some will be difficult to watch. Because the films vary in length, some classes may extend beyond the scheduled time. Edward Halper is interested in the classical problems of metaphysics. In addition to some forty-five published papers, he has written three books. His current interests include the metaphysics of friendship, family, and other relationships. FRES 1020: Hollywood and Poverty (08-362) This seminar will meet two days a week FOR THE FIRST EIGHT WEEKS OF THE SEMESTER. This is a two hour block for Tuesdays (film viewing) and one hour for Thursdays. This course will explore a variety of films focused on the American poor -- from migrant workers to sharecroppers, immigrants to Appalachians -- and how the film industry's treatment of these people has changed over time. Films analyzed will include classics of the 1930s -- Sullivan's Travels, The Grapes of Wrath -- to those of the 1960s and 70s -- Sounder, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? -- to more recent treatments, such as The Dollmaker and In America. John C. Inscoe is a history professor and editor of The New Georgia Encyclopedia. He has written widely about Southern Appalachia and about race relations in the South, including film depictions of both. FRES 1010: Youth, Masculinity and Media (18-483) What is the impact of television, film, music, and the Internet on how we think about men and masculinity? Given that men consume large quantities of media in their free time, how does it impact aspects of their gender identity? This course explores youth development and how gender is both created and reflected in contemporary media. Dr. Corey Johnson has interests in masculinity, media and 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: The Marriage of Friar:
The Play and the Opera, Then and Now (08-569) This seminar will be held August 26 through September 30th. The syllabus and readings for the first class will be emailed to all registered students on August 20. Beaumarchais’s play Le marriage de Friar was originally banned in Paris, was eventually performed in 1784, and was later credited with having set off the French revolution. The play was also banned in Vienna, but then, curiously, was presented on stage in 1786 in the form of an opera composed by Mozart. Find out what the fuss was (and still is) all about. We will read the play in translation and watch the opera on film, in the context of readings from economic and social history as well as theatre and music history. Dorothea Link is associate professor of musicology at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Her research lies in the field of Mozart studies, focusing on his operas and his singers, and has been published in the form of a compact disc recording, two singer studies, and a book on the court theatre in Vienna. See http://dlink.myweb.uga.edu/cv.pdf FRES 1010: Animation Today: Europe vs. Pixar (08-670) Pixar is the most successful brand name in animation today. However, European animators have established their own artistic alternatives to Hollywood (and to Japan's anime). This seminar introduces students to the most important European animation of the past decade, contrasting their diverse stories and styles with Pixar and Hollywood 3D animation norms today. Richard Neupert coordinates the film studies program at UGA and is writing a history of animated cinema. He is a specialist on French cinema and is the Wheatley Professor of the Arts and a Meigs Distinguishing Teaching Professor. FRES 1020: Classic American Films (98-568) We will view and discuss classic American films, from the 1930's to the early 1960s. Film selection may cover a broad range of genres or may be limited to a specific genre, such as the films of Bette Davis. Attendance and class participation are mandatory and will be the major factors in grading. Students must attend the entire two hours of class, and possibly longer to accommodate movie length. A 1000-word term paper will be required at the end of the semester. Only seriously interested students should register. Barry Palevitz is a professor emeritus of plant biology. His interests range from plant evolution to public perceptions of science and technology. As a freelance writer he has covered contemporary subjects in biology and other disciplines for publications such as Bioscience, The Scientist, Flagpole, Skeptical Inquirer, Athens Banner-Herald, and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. FRES 1010: Oh Traditional Music, Where Art Thou? (99-106) 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 for 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 (88-531) We will study the first six albums of the great American song writer Bob Dylan, from his early days in Hibbing, Minnesota, and Greenwich Village to his release of Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde. We'll discuss his music, its origins in the American folk and popular music traditions, its poetry, its meaning, and its commentaries on politics, history, personal experience, and current events. 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: The Mathematics of Escher (48-672) M.C. Escher is famous for his beautiful and puzzling pieces of art, such as "Relativity," "Ascending and Descending," and the ants crawling on "Moebius Strip." We will examine his art, read Escher's commentaries on his work, and learn some of the mathematics involved in understanding his art, such as perspective, non-Euclidean geometry, and symmetries of geometric figures. Ted Shifrin is a Meigs Professor of Mathematics. A UGA faculty member since 1981, he has developed the calculus with theory and multivariable mathematics courses taken by a number of students over the years. He particularly enjoys geometric aspects of mathematics, as well as tennis and French, Italian, and Asian cuisines.
FRES 1010: Undergraduate Research Opportunities
in Mathematical Biology (79-508) From modeling to data analysis to imaging, tools from the mathematical sciences are becoming increasingly important in biological research. Such diverse topics as cell development, epidemiology, analysis of ecosystems, genomics, and medical imaging rely heavily on the use of differential equations, statistics, numerical analysis, combinatorics, and computer science. This seminar will introduce undergraduate research opportunities in mathematical biology at the University of Georgia. Much of the course will be oriented around introductory lectures from various faculty from the biological and mathematical sciences working in collaboration in mathematical biology. Professor Adams is an award winning teacher in the Mathematics Department. His research involves the study of differential equations. Lately his interests have focused on the use of differential equations in modeling biological systems. FRES 1010: Genomics and Computational Biology (38-386) Since the discovery of the structure of DNA 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, i.e. to “compute life”. For
more information visit Jonathan Arnold received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1982. He has authored and co-authored over 115 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 (19-603) 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: Earth: The ocean planet (29-819) This seminar will explore some of the many ways the oceans affect our lives. We will examine how the oceans affect weather and climate, their roles in the cycling of elements, in providing food and how they have shaped the history of our planet. Dr. Burd is in the Department of Marine Sciences and has been at UGA for 6 years. His research interests include understanding the biogeochemistry of the oceans and investigating bio-physical interactions in systems as diverse as Georgia salt marshes and melt-water ponds in Antarctica. FRES 1020: Current Topics In Biotechnology (39-960) 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 1010: Origins of Life (48-699) 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: Exploring Unusual Plant Communities (19-200) An in-the-field introduction to the unusual plant communities in Athens-Clarke and neighboring counties. These include a granite outcrop, a beaver pond, stream and other wetland communities, dry wastelands, and a few surprises. Trips will be from 2:00-4:00 PM on seven or so Sundays on non-home game football weekends. Trained and teaches as a molecular, developmental and genetic biologist, Dr. Galau also teaches plant taxonomy and a field-based lab course in the Plant Biology Department. FRES 1010: Living at the Edge: Microbes in Extreme Habitats (68-530) Microorganisms inhabit every imaginable niche on the Earth, including a large variety of what humans consider "Extreme Habitats". In this seminar, we will discuss the different extreme habitats found on Earth and what we know about the microbes who live there. The habitats to be described include deep ocean hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, salt lakes in the Antarctic, polar ice, terrestrial hot springs and mud volcanoes, and the deep subsurface biosphere. Dr. Joye is a professor of marine sciences. Her research examines the physiology of microbes who inhabit regular, for example, coastal waters and sediments, and extreme, deep sea vents and seeps, saline lakes, and polar permafrost. FRES 1020: Selected Topics from the Practice of
Medicine (10-055) 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 Clinical Professor of Pharmacy and teaches Microbiology 4700 (Medical Mycology) at UGA. See: http://www.franklin.uga.edu/people/alangford.htm FRES 1020: Implications of the Human Genome (A) (78-181) 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 will discuss how scientists are converting this genetic data to information on the biological processes occurring in cells, along with the techniques and tools used to accomplish these goals. Implications of the Human Genome (B) will be taught Spring 09. 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 that allow the early detection of ovarian cancer and understanding of stem cell development. For more information, see http://cell.ccrc.uga.edu/~orlando/lab/index.html FRES 1010: How Medications Work (18-449) 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 will present an oral report on a medication of their choice. Professor Schmidt will complement the presentations with a historical and contemporary perspective on the uses and biological effects of the medications. Gregory Schmidt 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 (28-444) Minorities, women, and the physically challenged have been historically underrepresented in the science workplace. Nevertheless, scientists from these groups have made significant contributions toward our current understanding of biology. Instructor and student-led presentations will provide a forum to discuss the achievements of these scientists. We will also explore related societal and philosophical issues. This course is open to all students, but it traditionally attracts students interested in medicine, basic science, history of science, African-American studies, Hispanic studies, women studies, and broadcast journalism. 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: Aesthetic Landscapes (99-087) This seminar will introduce an epistemology that redefines aesthetics as what living beings perceive and select as a resource in a given place and period of time. Aesthetics, as an economy, determines market and nonmarket values within landscape. The co-evolution of ecological (nature) and anthropogenic (human) systems configure landscape, a regional level of organization between the ecosystem and the biome. Students will have the opportunity to discern and evaluate existing aesthetic landscapes, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Disney World, using a multi-disciplinary approach. This seminar is crafted for the advanced student. Readings will be required of each participant. Gary W. Barrett received the Distinguished Landscape Ecologist award from the United States Section of the International Association for Landscape Ecology, and holds the Odum Chair of Ecology in the Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology. Terry L. Barrett holds a MA in Art and MFA in Painting. She is an independent scholar and painter. FRES 1010: Ethics and Personal Trust in Science (18-614) 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 the Franklin College 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: Secrets of Champion Athletes (49-742) The seminar will examine the determinants of athletic success. Outstanding performances by men and women competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be a focus. We will not be able to manage a field trip to China, but we will watch some of the Olympics from Athens. We will discuss numerous variables that might influence human athletic performance including genetics, the brain and the nervous system, muscles, the cardiovascular system, nutrition, coaching, technology, drugs/ergogenic aids, race, gender and culture. Find out what makes successful athletes tick. Pat O’Connor, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, teaches courses about exercise and sport psychology at UGA. His research examines the influence of exercise on mental health in groups ranging from pregnant women to elite athletes. FRES 1020: C.S. Lewis: Science and Scientism (19-441) This class (one credit hour) will meet a total of 15 times, but students must be prepared to meet on both Mondays and Wednesdays. Actual class dates will be announced at the first class meeting. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) held the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English Literature at Cambridge University. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. We will examine Lewis's thoughts about science through his novel 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 (09-650) 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 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 a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor. Dr. Shewfelt was a winner of the 2007 First-Year Seminar Outstanding Instructor Award.
FRES 1020: French Civilization (58-180) Throughout its history, France has been one of the most essential contributors in every aspect of human endeavor: the fine arts, music, literature, philosophy, the pure and applied sciences, including engineering and medicine (Pascal, Pasteur, Eiffel, Pierre and Marie Curie, and the Paris team that first identified the AIDS virus in 1983 are examples of outstanding French scientists), cutting-edge technology, sports (Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games in 1898), exploration, human rights and international aid, and, last but not least, gastronomy and joie de vivre. The oldest ally of the United States, France plays a leading role in the European Union and in fostering peace and stability worldwide. Professor Assaf is Distinguished Research Professor of Romance Languages; he teaches and does research in 17th- and 18th-century French literature. In 2001, the French government bestowed on him the title of "Chevalier (knight) dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques," one of the most distinguished French decorations, for his service to French culture. On December 6, 2007, Professor Assaf was promoted to the rank of Officer in the same Order. FRES 1010: Taboo, Magic and Subsistence (78-617) This case-study in Anthropology concentrates 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: Readings in Atheism (88-528) Within the last five years a number of best-selling books have advocate atheism and criticized religion, in particular Christianity. In this seminar, students will read excerpts from some of these recent books (e.g., those written by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Victor Stenger) and essays by authors from earlier times (e.g., David Hume, H. L. Mencken, Bertrand Russell, and Carl Sagan), and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented. Critical reactions to these books and essays will also be examined. J.-P. Caillault has taught physics and astronomy at UGA since 1987 and a variety of first-year seminars since 1997. An avowed rationalist, he's been interested in religious topics ever since his Catholic-school educated childhood. FRES 1010: What's in a biography? (38-615) The seminar will look at a small number of representative lives from antiquity to the present. We will consider what patterns writers of biography follow, what models they offer of both the great and the simple individual, and how well one can know a person at all. 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: As the Saying Goes: Modern Proverbial Expressions (39-814) This class will work to identify and study numerous popular sayings that have come into currency during recent years. Each student will collect proverbs (from oral and written sources) and offer analytical comments on the expressions: their use, meaning, and implications. Possibly, students' individual collections will be compiled into a printed or online booklet, for wider distribution. Charles Doyle teaches folklore and English literature classes. His research specialties include proverbs, urban legends, superstitions, and jokes. FRES 1020: The Hobbit, Beowulf, and The
Saga of the Volsungs: Tolkien's Poetic Inspiration (39-943) This first-year seminar examines two of the most important sources of inspiration behind J.R.R. Tolkien's 1938 novel The Hobbit. Although it was written ostensibly for a juvenile audience, the novel includes sophisticated themes having to do with heroism, sacrifice, violence, and greed. These topics are central to the meaning of the Old English poem Beowulf and the Old Norse prose work The Saga of the Volsungs, both of which point to a level of mythic significance reflected also in Tolkien's work. Students will be required to read the three works, starting with The Hobbit in the first 5 weeks of the course, moving to a consideration of the two medieval works in the second and third 5-week segments of the semester. Each student will be required to write one informal 5- or 6-page paper at the end of the semester on a topic of their choice. Translations of all three texts will be available in local bookstores; students who already own any of the books will not be required to purchase new ones. Jonathan Evans is an associate professor in the English Department, where he teaches courses on Old English, Beowulf, and Medieval Literature. He has published essays and articles on medieval topics in various academic journals and scholarly collections; he was a contributor to The J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia (2006). Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien, which he co-authored, was published in 2006; his Dragons: Myths Retold is scheduled for publication in Fall 2008. FRES 1020: ‘Monsters’ of the Jewish Imagination:
Demons, Golems, and Dybbuks (48-364) Literature and film depicting inner and outer ‘monsters’ in works by Jewish writers from Europe, America, and Brazil. What makes a specifically Jewish monster? How are these creatures and spirits reactions to pressures from majority cultures? Readings and films include The Golem film, Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Ansky’s Dybbuk, Ozick’s Puttermesser Papers, Scliar’s The Centaur in the Garden, and Kushner’s Angels in America. Students will lead discussions, and write book and film reviews. Marjanne E. Goozé specializes in literature from 1750 to the present, focusing on German-Jewish writers, German women writers, and personal narratives. In Germanic and Slavic Studies, she teaches German language classes and classes on 19th- and 20th-century literature. FRES 1010: The Philosophical Novels of Simone De Beauvoir (09-592) Simone de Beauvoir was one of the leading exponent of existentialist philosophy, along with Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger and others. Like many existentialist writers, she often worked out her philosophical views in a literary rather than a scholarly format. Beauvoir wrote five novels, all of which have important philosophical content. They are also very good novels. One of them, The Mandarins, won the prestigious Prix Goncourt. Students will learn about the main themes of existentialist philosophy through these novels. Dr. Beth Preston specializes in philosophy of mind, phenomenology, and philosophy of psychology; she is also interested in Continental philosophy, philosophy of technology and epistemology. She teaches introduction to philosophy regularly, and often teaches philosophy of mind, existentialism, 19th century European philosophy and philosophy of technology. She does not usually have time to read novels, and is pleased to have discovered this excellent excuse for doing so. FRES 1010: Florence, Epicenter of the Italian Renaissance
(38-176) The Italian Renaissance is arguably one of the most exciting periods in Western European civilization, a time of lasting intellectual and artistic achievements. This seminar, based on lectures, discussions, and readings, will provide an overview of the literature, art, architecture, economy, political structure, science, engineering, and technology emerging and practiced in Florence during the 1300-1600s. Dr. Puett, Regents Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and former department head, has an NIH-funded research program on molecular/cellular reproductive endocrinology and ovarian cancer. In addition, he studies the Italian Renaissance and pre-Columbian Meso-American cultures. Extensive reading and travel have given him first-hand knowledge of the art, architecture, and technology extant in Florence. FRES 1020: Nobel Lit on Page and Film: Three German Winners (28-945) German-language writers won eight Nobel Prizes in the 20th century, almost one per decade. This seminar will feature three of the most famous: Thomas Mann (1929), Hermann Hesse (1946), and Heinrich Böll (1972). We will read a short novel by each writer and compare the film adaptations: Death in Venice, 1971; Steppenwolf, 1974; and The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum, 1975. Grades will be based on attendance, two group presentations, and a reading/viewing journal. Max Reinhart is the A. G. Steer Professor in Goethe Studies. His other scholarly interests include Renaissance, Reformation, Baroque, 19th-century German song, and the American storytelling movement. FRES 1020: Bob Dylan (88-531) We will study the first six albums of the great American song writer Bob Dylan, from his early days in Hibbing, Minnesota, and Greenwich Village to his release of Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde. We'll discuss his music, its origins in the American folk and popular music traditions, its poetry, its meaning, and its commentaries on politics, history, personal experience, and current events. 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: Liebestod und Untergang: Medieval German epics of passion and catastrophe (99-820) The first part of the title means "Lovedeath and Downfall." We will focus on three pairs of medieval lovers whose relationships end in sublime disaster: Tristan and Isolde in Gottfried's Tristan; Kriemhild and Siegfried in the Nibelungenlied; and Sigune and Schionatulander in Wolfram's Titurel. A crucial stratum in the cultural archaeology of the unforgettable hookup. Alexander Sager teaches courses in medieval German language,
literature, and culture; current events in Germany/Europe; and
business/political German. His research focuses on 12th and 13th
century Middle High German narrative, primarily Arthurian romance.
He is also a professional translator. FRES 1020: C.S. Lewis: Science and Scientism
(19-441) This class (one credit hour) will meet a total of 15 times, but students must be prepared to meet on both Mondays and Wednesdays. Actual class dates will be announced at the first class meeting. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) held the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English Literature at Cambridge University. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. We will examine Lewis's thoughts about science through his novel 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: Shakespeare's Meanings (68-673) 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).
Computer Science and Mathematics FRES 1010: Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Mathematical
Biology (79-508) From modeling to data analysis to imaging, tools from the mathematical sciences are becoming increasingly important in biological research. Such diverse topics as cell development, epidemiology, analysis of ecosystems, genomics, and medical imaging rely heavily on the use of differential equations, statistics, numerical analysis, combinatorics, and computer science. This seminar will introduce undergraduate research opportunities in mathematical biology at the University of Georgia. Much of the course will be oriented around introductory lectures from various faculty from the biological and mathematical sciences working in collaboration in mathematical biology. Professor Adams is an award winning teacher in the Mathematics Department. His research involves the study of differential equations. Lately his interests have focused on the use of differential equations in modeling biological systems. FRES 1020: Baseball Statistics and Sabermetrics (68-527) The history, development, and analysis of baseball statistics, from the most primitive 19th-century measures to the most advanced hyperstats of the 21st century. Topics will include the analyses of players' hitting, fielding, and pitching statistics, examination of game-situation, park adjustment, and overall team statistics, and normalized comparisons of baseball's best teams and players, including a study of the World Series and the Hall of Fame. J.-P. Caillault has taught physics and 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 the history of major-league baseball, and has published a number of articles about baseball statistics. FRES 1010: The Mathematics of Escher (48-672) M.C. Escher is famous for his beautiful and puzzling pieces of art, such as "Relativity," "Ascending and Descending," and the ants crawling on "Moebius Strip." We will examine his art, read Escher's commentaries on his work, and learn some of the mathematics involved in understanding his art, such as perspective, non-Euclidean geometry, and symmetries of geometric figures. Ted Shifrin is a Meigs Professor of Mathematics. A UGA faculty member since 1981, he has developed the calculus with theory and multivariable mathematics courses taken by a number of students over the years. He particularly enjoys geometric aspects of mathematics, as well as tennis and French, Italian, and Asian cuisines. FRES 1010: Problem Solving and the use of the Internet (88-450) 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 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: From the very very big to the very very small (58-681) This is a 2 credit hour course. This seminar takes us from astronomy at the size of the universe, through chemical bonding in molecules, to the very small sizes of sub-atomic particles. Along the way we will stop off at galaxies, stars, planets, life, molecules, atoms, and nuclei. We will discuss, compare and contrast each size level with other size regimes.Nigel Adams’ degrees were in nuclear and solid state physics. He moved from there to a space research department studying the interstellar medium and planetary atmospheres. In the UGA Department of Chemistry he investigates the individual chemical processes that occur throughout our galaxy. He is Distinguished Research Professor in Chemistry and a Fellow of the British IoP and the APS. FRES 1020: Finite Resources, Infinite Thirst (18-340) As the world’s population grows, the rate at which finite natural resources like hydrocarbons and minerals are consumed also increases. Alternative energy resources like coal and nuclear power have grown increasingly important, but they have drawbacks in pollution and safety. Other alternatives, such as solar electric, wind, and biomass, are hampered by storage or pollution issues. This seminar will focus on oil and gas resources--how they form, how we use them, and how long they will last. Additionally, we’ll examine drawbacks and advantages of alternative energy resources. Doug Crowe is a professor in the Department of Geology. His background is in mineral resources, including mineral exploration experience in Wyoming and Alaska. His current research focuses on modern hot spring environments, specifically the relationship between the geochemistry of these systems and the extremophile microbial communities that thrive there. FRES 1010: Ethics and Personal Trust in Science (18-614) 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 the Franklin College 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 1010: A Walk on the Fun Side of Science (08-711) What is your favorite aspect of science? For many people, the answer is the experiments. Not any experiments—they have to be fun. Students will participate in a myriad of simple experiments such as building an electric motor, constructing a laser transmitter, and maybe even constructing a hot air balloon. Come and learn a little science, keep a lab notebook and enjoy the journey. As Director of the UGA Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core 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 (08-675) 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: C.S. Lewis: Science and Scientism (19-441) This class (one credit hour) will meet a total of 15 times, but students must be prepared to meet on both Mondays and Wednesdays. Actual class dates will be announced at the first class meeting. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) held the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English Literature at Cambridge University. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. We will examine Lewis's thoughts about science through his novel 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: Financial Fitness for College Students (78-469) 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: Engaging in Campus Conversations
(68-916) This seminar will provide opportunities to talk and listen to one another. We will examine what you believe to be campus issues and the perspectives of those who differ in their backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and opinions. We will consider how civility and respect impact productive dialogue. Dr. Sylvia Hutchinson is a professor emerita in the institute of higher education and the Department of Reading Education. She currently coordinates two programs, the Peer Consulting Team and the Emeriti Scholars Program. She often teaches the seminar for Freshmen Athletes and mentors students in the Honors Program and the Freshman College. FRES 1020: So You Think You Want to Teach? (08-384) Have you grown up thinking that you would always be an elementary teacher? This seminar will explore many of the issues that elementary teachers face on a daily basis and present an authentic glimpse of life in a classroom. It will provide opportunities for you to explore the world of young children and allow you to begin reflecting on your prospects as a teacher of young children. Dr. Tolley is in her fifth year as a temporary instructor in the Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education. She is retired from the Clarke County School District after 30 years of teaching in elementary schools in Athens. FRES1020: Creativity,
Innovation, & Entrepreneurship
(58-602) Do you believe that you can change the world? Do you have a passion for making good things happen? Do you enjoy solving problems? Are you optimistic? Are you open-minded about possibilities? Are you attracted to challenges? Do you have ideas that can help people? If so, then this is an active-learning seminar for you. The seminar is designed to stimulate your Feelings, Thoughts, & Actions by exploring the principles of Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Brinkley is a Digital Media Associate at UGA and a recent graduate of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications. His background includes the Discovery Channel, CNN, Clear Channel, the Athens Banner Herald, Cabin Creek Films, and the Athens Music Foundation. FRES 1020: Fair and Balanced
Truthiness: Researching the Elections (28-606) Red State? Blue State? Use your GRAY matter as the UGA Libraries shows you how to research elections. This lecture and discussion class will cover such topics as print versus online political research sources, locating and using polling and other data sources, following the trail of campaign financing, and using archival and multimedia resources for elections past and present. Guest lecturers, field trips, and election results viewing party included at no additional charge. This class is co-taught by three Reference Librarians: Amy Watts (Main Library), Adrienne Button (SLC), and Diana Hartle (Science). Amy, Adrienne and Diana regularly teach library skills to undergraduates. Amy is an editor of the library's blog and assistant webmaster for the library's web site. Adrienne, a UGA alum and huge DAWG fan, is the liaison to the psychology, sociology, social work, and women's studies departments. Diana is active in local non-profit organizations including Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful and the Winterville Library Board. They will all give you a beat down at Trivial Pursuit. Find us on Facebook.
FRES 1020: Presidential Politics and Rhetoric (88-173) This seminar will study the strategy and rhetoric of modern U. S. presidential campaigns. Its main focus is on the post-World War II period to the present--considerable attention will be given to the 1960 campaign won by Democrat John F. Kennedy, the 1980 campaign won by Republican Ronald Reagan, and the current 2008 campaign. Michael Adams is President of UGA and a professor in the Speech Communication Department. He has formerly served as a faculty member in political communications at Ohio State, vice president for university affairs at Pepperdine, and president of Centre College. He also worked as chief of staff for Senator Howard Baker and as senior advisor to the Governor of Tennessee. FRES 1010: African American Studies Seminar (19-813) This seminar examines African American history and contemporary experiences of people of African descent throughout the African Diaspora. Students will have an opportunity to meet faculty in African American Studies, consider African American Studies as a major, and meet other students interested in the study of African American life and history. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in many exciting events held by the Institute for African American Studies. These events include poetry readings, lectures, a film festival, and other exciting activities. All are welcome! Derrick P. Alridge is director and associate professor in the Institute for African American Studies and an associate professor of Education at the University of Georgia. FRES 1020: Speech-language pathology? Never heard of
it. (28-363) This seminar introduces the discipline of "speech-language pathology," which focuses on understanding and treating disorders of speech and language in children and adults. We'll talk about causes, treatments, research, and clinical work, and we'll talk with several people who live with disorders themselves. Anne Bothe is a professor and the department head in communication sciences and special education. She has been on the UGA faculty since 1995. Her research is primarily about the speech disorder of stuttering, but she promises not to spend too much of this seminar focused solely on stuttering. FRES 1010: Polling in American Democracy (08-241) Since the election of Andrew Jackson, Americans have engaged in straw polls and other means for predicting the outcome of elections. This seminar will examine the rise of political polling, elucidate modern methods of polling, and discuss the roles that polls play in our public life today. This discussion will parallel the 2008 presidential election and culminate with an examination of exit polling and the art and science of calling elections. Rich Clark has a Ph.D. in Political Science with expertise in public opinion and survey research methods. He has taught in the Political Science Department and the masters of survey research program at the University of Connecticut; he has also been a research associate at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. For the past 6 years, he has conducted polls for the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at UGA. FRES 1020: The Great Globalization Debate (09-230) 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 UGA Progressives and StandUP Athens. FRES 1020: Humans and Animals in Society (99-395) We will explore various aspects of the complex relationships between human and non-human animals, ranging from the bond we have with pets, to the ethics of animal research and experimentation, to animal abuses and cruelty, all the while trying to understand how these various behaviors can co-exist. Dr. Janet Frick runs the UGA Infant Visual Attention lab, where she invites babies to come in and look at interesting pictures. She enjoys hiking, photography, chasing her two young kids around, and working on the perfect vegan chocolate chip cookie. Students in this seminar will serve as taste testers. FRES 1010: Darius Goes West: A Case Study in Interpersonal
Communication (79-816) The award winning documentary film Darius Goes West is used to study issues related to interpersonal communication. The course considers issues related to verbal and nonverbal communication, relationship initiation, relationship development, and related issues. For more information on the film go to www.dariusgoeswest.com . Professor Hale is head of the Department of Speech Communication and president of the Southern States Communication Association. He teaches classes in interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, and persuasion. His research interests focus on interpersonal communication and persuasive message strategies. FRES 1010: Youth, Masculinity and Media (18-483) What is the impact of television, film, music, and the Internet on how we think about men and masculinity? Given that men consume large quantities of media in their free time, how does it impact aspects of their gender identity? This course explores youth development and how gender is both created and reflected in contemporary media. Dr. Corey Johnson has interests in masculinity, media and 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: Ecovillages: A Contemporary
Approach to Sustainability and Community Building (69-676) From human-induced global climate change, to concerns about depletion of and equitable access to resources such as oil and water, to the social and ecological impacts of consumptive lifestyles, to the current drought in Georgia, it is increasingly clear that more sustainable lifestyles must be developed. This course will explore the growing, global movement of ecovillages and sustainability oriented intentional communities. Joshua Lockyer teaches in the UGA Department of Anthropology. He finished his Ph.D. on ecovillages and sustainability-oriented intentional communities at UGA in 2007 with support from a Communal Studies Association Research Fellowship. FRES 1010: Political Debates (89-503) This class will focus on the political debates in Campaign 2008. Special attention will be paid to debates in the presidential race and races for national office in Georgia. Questions students should answer include: How do debates impact the results of an election? Should minor parties be invited to participate in debates? Do voters learn about issues when viewing debates? How does one determine the winner of a political debate? Ed Panetta has been director of debate at UGA for the last 21 years. Under his direction, the Georgia Debate Union has been regularly recognized as one of the top twenty debate programs in the country. He also teaches undergraduate classes in political communication and argumentation. FRES 1020: Alcohol in American Society and Culture (48-610) 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 the tensions 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
(28-671) A review of the conservation efforts in the most important sites of the planet will help to present the imperative of understanding the cultural landscapes. Presentations of case studies from around the world will provide a panoramic view of the current state of affairs within the UNESCO system of World Heritage Sites and their status facing globalization. Internationalization, multiculturalism and multilinguism are themes that we will discuss weekly. Guest speakers or videoconferencing with experts around the world will bring a sense of immediacy and urgency for these important places. Dr. Sarmiento is an associate professor in the Geography Department. An expert on tropical mountains, he is engaged in worldwide conservation efforts of cultural landscapes, using category V designations to emphasize the links between nature and culture. Former director of the Office of International Education and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Sarmiento received Faculty of the Year recognition by SGA in 2007. FRES 1010: I never knew that: Learning through interactions
with older adults (48-526) This is a 2 credit hour course. This is a hands-on, service learning course held 5 blocks from campus. Each student will be paired with an older adult with the goal of building a relationship through meaningful interactions and participation in a variety of activities. All participants will benefit as learning occurs across generations. Students will gain insight into the aging process and understanding of history through the eyes of the older adults. Dr. Mimi Sodhi currently serves as the assistant provost in the Office of Intuitional Diversity. She has a MA in social work and PhD in adult education. Her research interests include diversity, substance abuse, and experiential learning. FRES 1020: Fair and Balanced Truthiness: Researching the
Elections (28-606) Red State? Blue State? Use your GRAY matter as the UGA Libraries shows you how to research elections. This lecture and discussion class will cover such topics as print versus online political research sources, locating and using polling and other data sources, following the trail of campaign financing, and using archival and multimedia resources for elections past and present. Guest lecturers, field trips, and election results viewing party included at no additional charge. This class is co-taught by three Reference Librarians: Amy Watts (Main Library), Adrienne Button (SLC), and Diana Hartle (Science). Amy, Adrienne and Diana regularly teach library skills to undergraduates. Amy is an editor of the library's blog and assistant webmaster for the library's web site. Adrienne, a UGA alum and huge DAWG fan, is the liaison to the psychology, sociology, social work, and women's studies departments. Diana is active in local non-profit organizations including Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful and the Winterville Library Board. They will all give you a beat down at Trivial Pursuit. Find us on Facebook.
History, Philosophy, Religion and Ethics FRES 1020: French Civilization (58-180) Throughout its history, France has been one of the most essential contributors in every aspect of human endeavor: the fine arts, music, literature, philosophy, the pure and applied sciences, including engineering and medicine (Pascal, Pasteur, Eiffel, Pierre and Marie Curie, and the Paris team that first identified the AIDS virus in 1983 are examples of outstanding French scientists), cutting-edge technology, sports (Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games in 1898), exploration, human rights and international aid, and, last but not least, gastronomy and joie de vivre. The oldest ally of the United States, France plays a leading role in the European Union and in fostering peace and stability worldwide. Professor Assaf is Distinguished Research Professor of Romance Languages; he teaches and does research in 17th- and 18th-century French literature. In 2001, the French government bestowed on him the title of "Chevalier (knight) dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques," one of the most distinguished French decorations, for his service to French culture. On December 6, 2007, Professor Assaf was promoted to the rank of Officer in the same Order. FRES 1020: Plants of the Bible (19-603) 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: Georgia and the Civil War (49-725) This seminar will review the role of Georgia people, places, and events in the American Civil War. Students will participate in class discussions based on limited outside readings, prepare a book review, and make weekly comments by email. The scope of the course will be from secession to the upcoming Bicentennial Commemoration. Marc Galvin, Director of Student Affairs and Registrar at the School of Law, has long held interests in the American Civil War and Georgia history and has taught courses in both at UGA. FRES 1010: Film and Philosophy (19-097) The first class will meet on August 25th. Please note that our scheduled time is three hours every other week and that class will begin at 6:30. Many feature films explore interesting and provocative philosophical themes. This course will screen eight films about the pursuit and meaning of knowledge. Some films concern more subtle questions, such as how we come to know about the world and ourselves, what such knowledge is like, and whether it is or is not valuable after all. The films we will watch address these issues, though usually not directly, and we will discuss what they have to say and the artistic way they convey this content. The films will serve as starting points for discussions of philosophical issues. Most films will be in foreign languages with subtitles, and some will be difficult to watch. Because the films vary in length, some classes may extend beyond the scheduled time. Edward Halper is interested in the classical problems of metaphysics. In addition to some forty-five published papers, he has written three books. His current interests include the metaphysics of friendship, family, and other relationships. FRES 1010: Ethics and Objective Thought (88-240) We shall begin with an "ethics questionnaire" to reach a "feel" of the class concerning certain issues that have been claimed, by some, to be moral issues and by others not to be. We shall then move to various "case studies" introducing particular topics such as homosexuality, gay marriage, abortion, euthanasia, drug use, cheating, and lying. We shall compare the notion of "objectivity" to work done in the hard sciences and mathematics and will consider some of the essential features of any moral judgment and what distinguishes a moral judgment from one of etiquette, personal preference, religious dogma, and the like. Students will be given required reading and writing assignments vital for understanding and passing the class. Dr. Harrison received his MA and PhD from the University of Virginia. He is Josiah Meigs Professor of philosophy at UGA, which has been his "professional base" since 1962. His interests range from philosophy of religion to symbol |
