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Spring 2004
FRES 1010: Hollywood Biology or Biology
in the Movies (08-031) Most of what people understand about science, including biology, is what they see on television and in the movies. This raises an important question: How accurate are these depictions? In this seminar we will look at how biology is treated in the movies and see if perhaps the truth really is stranger than fiction. Norris Armstrong is a new faculty member in the Genetics Department. He is a developmental biologist by training and is interested in how cells figure out what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to go in early embryos. FRES 1010: The Rise and Fall of The Dinosaurs
(47-943) This course will examine the origin, diversification and extinction of the dinosaurs. We will discuss evidence for the involvement of an extra-terrestrial cause of their sudden and dramatic disappearance. Mike Arnold works on the evolutionary genetics of various organisms ranging from plants to mammals. In particular, he is interested in understanding the evolutionary consequences of natural hybridization. FRES 1010: Introduction to Marine and
Environmental Sciences (08-112) This seminar aims to introduce students to the research environments and communities at UGA and to provide a forum to discuss technology issues in aquatic environmental studies. We will visit various labs in the campus. Topics include global warming, molecular technologies, coastal issues, instrumentation, stable isotopes, GIS and applications, environmental analytical chemistry, lake management, and biological engineering. Dr. Wei-Jun Cai is an Associate Professor of Marine Sciences. He obtained his Ph.D. from Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, in 1992. His recent works include development of pH and pCO2 microelectrodes, carbon cycling in marine sediments, coastal waters and estuaries, and air-sea gas exchange. FRES 1010: Plant Propagation (08-076) Have you wondered why there are so many plants on earth? In the spring in Georgia, you'll see hundreds of wild geraniums around Lake Herrick, thousands of little bluets along the trails of the Georgia Botanical Garden, tens of thousands of the light blue toadflax around highway 10-loop, not to mention the ubiquitous Kudzu that makes up the major landscape of Georgia in recent years. In this seminar, we will read scientific papers that discuss how plants propagate themselves through different methods, and how some plants are extremely successful at invading a new area while others are losing their ground and gradually becoming endangered. We will also have a lot of hands-on activities in the greenhouse to propagate plants that are suitable for indoors. By the end of the semester, you will have plants that you propagate to bring back to your dorm room. Shu-Mei Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Plant Biology Department. She joined UGA in 2001. She has taught several courses about plants, including "Flowers," "Plant Reproductive Ecology," and "Ecology and Evolution of Plant Reproduction." Her research focuses on understanding the evolutionary genetics of the spotted wild geraniums (Geranium maculatum). FRES 1010: Communicating About Genetics
(48-333) This course will explore how basic principles of communication might be employed in communicating about genetics. Students will work to understand and practice the principles of effective communication for the research team and public discussions about genetics. Open only to student enrolled in the “Genomics in Society” core cluster courses. Celeste Condit is a Research Professor in the Department of Speech Communication. Among her books is The Meaning of the Gene: Public Debates about Human Heredity. FRES 1010: Biology in the Headlines (07-946) Students will read and discuss news articles about current issues in biology. We will consider both the scientific and the societal implications of these issues. Examples of topics include recent molecular discoveries, advances in biomedicine, and controversies in biotechnology. Joe Crim is an endocrinologist whose research interests focus on receptor biology and the roles of neuropeptides in the physiology of insects. His courses include Introductory Biology for Majors and Endocrinology. FRES 1010: Human Diseases: Reality and
Mythology (68-107) We will discuss a number of different human diseases, their roles in history, and the reality vs. popular mythology for some of these disorders. Harry A. Dailey received a B.A. (1972) in Bacteriology and Ph.D. (1976) in Microbiology from UCLA. He joined the Department of Microbiology at UGA (1980) and served as Head of the Department of Microbiology at UGA from 1987 to 1996. He was appointed the first Director of the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute at UGA in 2001. His research involves heme biosynthesis, particularly the structure/function and regulatory aspects of the enzymes and their relation to the human genetic diseases named porphyries. He also directs the Human Protein Production Core of the Southeastern Collaboratory for Structural Genomics. FRES 1010: Living Together: Interactions
between Species (37-948) Every species on this planet depends on other species for its survival. In this seminar we will examine and discuss a wide variety of interesting and amazing species interactions. To facilitate discussion, before class students will submit questions they have about the interactions to be discussed. Marshall Darley is an Associate Professor of Biology, a Senior Teaching Fellow, a member of the UGA Teaching Academy, and teacher of introductory courses in organismal biology (BIOL 1104, BIOL 1108). He is also interested in protists (algae and protozoa) and their evolutionary history. FRES 1010: Decoding the GMO (genetically
modified organism) (57-949) Crop improvement is as old as the hills, but how we do it has changed dramatically over the years. Here we will discuss how plant breeding evolved into genetic engineering, and how the issue became so complicated. Kelly Dawe is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Plant Biology and Genetics where he carries out basic research on cell division in plants. FRES 1020: Current Topics in Biotechnology
(40-734) This seminar will 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 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 February 2000. His research deals with the role of nickel in heart disease. He teaches general biology and general biochemistry. FRES 1010: Edible Invertebrates (57-952) Have you ever been called "spineless?" For the majority of animals on the planet this would not be an insult. Invertebrates (animals without backbones) form the base of most food chains, and a number of predators, including humans, like to eat them. In this seminar we will explore the biology of different invertebrates as we prepare them for a meal. Participants will be expected to have an adventurous palette! Mark Farmer is an Associate Professor of Cellular Biology and earned his Ph.D. in 1988 from Rutgers University. His work with marine organisms has brought him in contact with many different types of invertebrates, most of which he likes. Bill Fitt is a Professor of Ecology and earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He studies the ecological physiology of marine invertebrates, with an emphasis on symbioses and larval development. Specialized topics include physiology and mariculture of giant clams and bleaching of reel corals. FRES 1010: Designer Seeds and GMO Plants
(77-953) Learn why crops are being genetically modified, how it is being done, and what the results have been in the field, the feed lot, and the grocery store. Find out the arguments made against genetically-modified plants and understand the potential ecological, social, and ethical impacts of their increasing use. Glenn Galau is a developmental biologist who teaches animal development and plant development and physiology. His research includes genetic approaches to understanding seed development and germination. FRES 1020: The Rise and Fall of Civilizations,
Ecological Constraints, and You (58-048) The development of sustainable life-support systems for human civilizations is both desirable and daunting in the face of increasing human numbers. Human populations have crashed repeatedly in the past. From this historical perspective we can ask why various civilizations have failed, which civilizations today are likely to fail or survive, and what we might do to enhance the sustainability of our civilizations in the future. Letter grade is based on class participation and a term paper. Bruce Haines is a plant ecologist in the Plant Biology Department. He and his students are investigating sustainable land use and biodiversity in a mosaic of agriculture and forest in Southern Costa Rica, environmental controls to population dynamics of leaf-cutting ants, sulfur gas emissions from soils and plants, and forest regeneration processes in the mountains of Puerto Rico and North Carolina. FRES 1010: The Dark Lady of DNA: Rosalind
Franklin and Her Role in the Discovery of the Structure of DNA (17-981) This is the 50 year anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. Their discovery did not occur in a vacuum, however. Rosalind Franklin at King’s College in London had been assigned the task of solving DNA’s structure by X-ray crystallography along with Maurice Wilkins. She and a graduate student, David Gosling, took an X-ray photograph in 1951 of the B form of DNA which was used by Watson and Crick to confirm several features of the structure of DNA that subsequently led them to the correct solution. She died in 1958 from ovarian cancer, likely caused by her work with X-ray tubes, without ever knowing that the photograph was critical to Watson and Crick’s structure. Moreover, she was never credited with her contribution in the usual way. In this seminar, two books will be read: Watson’s The Double Helix and Maddox’s Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA. Students will also view the BBC’s production of The Race to the Double Helix as well as familiarize themselves with web sites focusing on the ethical conduct of Watson, Crick, and Wilkins with regard to the use of Franklin and Gosling’s photograph of DNA. It is a fascinating story of how these scientists interacted as they work on major problems in the biological science. Professor Ivarie earned a B.S. degree from Stanford University in 1967 and his doctoral degree at the University of Colorado in 1972. He joined the faculty of Genetics in 1980. His research interests have ranged from the epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance, to the molecular determinants underlying muscle differentiation. He has also has a keen interest in how personalities interact in scientific discovery. In 1996, he founded AviGenics, Inc. (avigenics.com) to commercialize avian transgenesis for the production of high yield, low cost biopharmaceuticals in chicken egg whites. He served as Chief Scientific Officer of the company until 1999 and still consults for the company. FRES 1010: Biochemistry and the carbon
Cycle (78-441) Life on Earth is dependent on atmospheric carbon dioxide continually being recycled. It is converted to biomass by photosynthetic and autotrophic organisms. The biomass is the food for heterotrophic organisms, which ultimately convert it to carbon dioxide. The recycling of carbon dioxide is by aerobic and anaerobic processes involving all life on Earth. Microorganisms play essential roles in recycling. They may be used as agents to convert biomass to fuel and chemicals replacing fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas. They may also be used for sequestering carbon dioxide, lowering its impact as green house gas and thus preventing the warming of the earth. These topics will be emphasized in the seminar. Lars Ljungdahl, Georgia Power Distinguished Professor in Biotechnology, has a Chemical Engineering degree from Stockholm Technical Institute. After working 10 years in the brewing industry he pursued graduate work leading to a PhD in biochemistry and microbiology at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. He has been a faculty member since 1967 of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UGA. FRES1020: Environmental Health in the
Developing World (09-437) Environmental health issues in the developing world are of enormous importance but largely unstudied. In a case study format, this course will discuss topics ranging from indoor air pollution exposure from wood-fueled cooking stoves in rural Guatemala, to mercury poisoning in gold-mining areas of Peru, to Arsenic poisoning in drinking water in Bangladesh. In the context of these and other developing world case studies, we will discuss the fundamentals of environmental health , environmental pollutants and their sources, elements of the environment and human health suffering from pollution, effects of environmental pollution, methods of pollution control, and environmental law and policy. Luke Naeher worked with WHO in Guatemala studying the effect that cooking stove interventions had on the indoor air quality of indigenous homes. At CDC, he led an investigation related to chemical contamination from a Soviet-era missile silo complex in southern Ukraine. His research focuses on exposure assessment and environmental epidemiology with current projects in the U.S., Peru, and India. FRES 1010: Bioengineering
Bacteria: From Blue Jeans to Bioremediation (67-992) Bacteria have many beneficial uses including the detoxification of pollutants (bioremediation). This seminar will address methods for improving bacterial solutions to problems caused by oil spills and the large-scale use of pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Additional topics will include the bacterial synthesis of useful products such as indigo, the compound used to dye jeans blue. Ellen Neidle is an Associate Professor of Microbiology. She earned her Ph.D. from Yale University in 1987. Her research interests include bacterial pathways for the degradation of aromatic compounds and the regulation of gene expression. She enjoys providing fun laboratory research experiences for undergraduates. FRES 1010: Go Fish! (28-332) Recreational fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States, with more than 36 million anglers plying our waters each year. This class will introduce students to the astounding array of fishes on our watery planet while exploring their biological, social, and economic importance. Dr. Peterson is a professor of Fisheries in the Warnell School of Forest Resources. His research interests focus on population dynamics of sturgeon and other economically important fishes in North America.
FRES 1010: Daily Life in Ancient Pompeii
(17-947) Through a combination of reading, slide presentation, lecture, and discussion, students will investigate Roman daily life in ancient Pompeii. The course will focus on private houses and public buildings, politics and government, food and dining, religion, commerce, entertainment, social relationships, and burial customs. Professor Curtis, Head of the Department of Classics, has published widely on Roman social and economic history, generally, and on Pompeii, in particular. He is engaged in a long-term study of food and drink in ancient Pompeii, and will share his latest findings with seminar students. FRES 1020: LINGUA LATINA: The Latin Language
in Ancient Rome and the U.S.A. (77-967) We will 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 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, from the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution to the motto of UGA to Robin Williams’ advice in The Dead Poets Society: Carpe diem! Students who enroll in this seminar should have no prior formal study of Latin. Richard LaFleur is Franklin Professor of Classics. He served as department head of Classics for over twenty years. He teaches Latin language and literature, including elementary Latin and advanced courses on satire and elegiac and lyric poetry. 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: Web Site Animation (27-973) A hands-on seminar in which each student will be stationed at a computer, this seminar will begin with each student designing a simple web page. By the end of the semester, individual web sites will contain student-created animations and a game with themes as varied as their creators' imaginations. As Director of the Chemical and Biological Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility, Professor Phillips' interests have been three-fold: 1) education of students, 2) mass analysis, and 3) promoting the research facility. These interests naturally lend themselves to that wonderful media, a web site. FRES 1010: Artificial Intelligence -
It's for real! (47-974) Ever since the development of the earliest mechanical devices, people have contemplated the notion of competing against a non-human opponent in some sort of game (from recreational gaming to warfare simulation and training games: Go and Chess are good examples). Today's modern "computer opponents" provide a wide array of stimulating and learning challenges for humans. Two major features distinguish modern computer opponents in all gaming genres, namely an immersive graphical user interface and "intelligent" computer opponents. The goal of this research seminar is to investigate the historical development of non-human opponent gaming with special emphasis on computer opponents. In addition, we want to focus on at least one specific computer game and investigate the development of an intelligent agent for us to compete against. An excellent gaming environment is provided in Microsoft's Age of Empires II: Age of Kings, considered one of the best real-time strategy games ever developed. We will use this game to develop our own intelligent players. Some programming experience is helpful but not necessary. Don Potter is Director of the Artificial Intelligence Center and Professor of Computer Science. His research and teaching interests include database management systems and artificial intelligence. He is currently working on several projects (funded by the USDA Forest Service) that focus on applying artificial intelligence techniques to support forest management decision making. FRES 1020: Scientific Computing with
Excel (07-977) While a spreadsheet program such as Excel is primarily a business application, a great deal of scientific computing can be done in the Excel environment. This seminar will examine how one might use Excel to solve nonlinear equations, approximate derivatives and integrals, fit curves to data, and solve systems of equations. This seminar will assume some acquaintance with calculus, but prior use of Excel, while desirable, will not be assumed. Paul Wenston first came to the UGA math department in 1974 and for about the last 15 years his research, and a great deal of his teaching, has centered around scientific computing.
FRES 1010: Germany Today (07-955) The role of Germany in the European Union, NATO, the UN, U.S.-German relations studied in the light of contemporary events. Possible topics include the expansion of the European Union, Germany's peacekeeping in the Balkans, military involvement in Afghanistan, its stance towards the war in Iraq, environmental policy, education reform, immigration. The materials will be largely taken from websites and the class will meet in the Germanic and Slavic computer lab. No knowledge of German required. Marjanne E. Gooze is Associate Professor of Germanic and Slavic Studies. She teaches courses in 19th- and 20th- century German literature, German culture, and literary theory and has taught Introduction to Women's Studies and Feminist Theory for the Women's Studies Program. Her research focuses on Jewish-German writers and on women writers of the early 19th century. FRES 1010: The Knights of the Round Table
in French Literature and Cinema (07-963) This seminar will examine representations of knighthood in medieval French romance and modern film adaptations. The French texts will be read in modern English translation. Catherine Jones specializes in French literature of the medieval period. Her published research includes a book on the epic and articles on chivalric romance, allegory, and modern adaptations of medieval texts. FRES 1020: French Cuisine and Culture
(17-950) Students will learn to appreciate and understand French food by situating it in a broad cultural context including considerations of geography, history, language, and attitudes. Class materials will include readings and films. Class activities will include eating, cooking, and explorations of Internet materials on French food. Professor of French and Women's Studies, Dr. Kadish specializes in 19th-century French literature and gender and race studies. Her published books include The Literature of Images, Politicizing Gender, Translating Slavery, and Slavery in the Caribbean Francophone World. She loves cultural studies of French food, cooking, and, last but not least, eating! FRES 1010: Beyond Sushi and Animé:
A Look at Japanese Trends and Traditions (17-964) Through a combination of readings, slide lectures, videos, hands on studio work and discussion, students will explore a wide range of subjects to gain a broader understanding of the Japanese people and Japanese culture. The course will look at both traditional and popular cultures and how they interact in this unique country. Glen Kaufman is Professor of Art, Area Chair of Fabric Design, and Director of the Study Abroad Program in Japan. He has spent part of each year since 1984 working in his studio in Kyoto, Japan, and has exhibited his creative work in exhibitions in this country and abroad. He will share his experiences gained through living and working in Japan. FRES 1010: East Asia: Culture, Continuity
and Change in China, Japan, and Korea (58-485) East Asia and its constituent countries of China, Japan, and Korea comprise one of the world's great civilizations and key culture regions. In this seminar, students will explore salient elements of culture as seen in the languages, literatures, arts, as well the evolution of the political and economic systems within the context of the geographical setting. A goal of the seminar is to assess the current and future prospects for conflict and cooperation among the states. Clifton Pannell is Professor of Geography and Associate Dean in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. His research interests are in the economic and urban geography of China. Karin Myhre is Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature. A Ph.D. graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Myrhe specializes in Chinese language and literature with a special interest in Chinese theatre and arts. FRES 1020: Contemporary Brazilian Music
(78-049) Focusing on a group of musicians from Bahia noted for its Afro-Brazilian culture, we will look at how Tropicália relates to the formation of a dynamic group of artists who still perform today. Musicians include Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Tom Zé; artists include Agosto Boal, Carlos Diegues, and others. Students will do oral presentations and write a 8-10 page research paper for credit. Dr. Quinlan teaches Brazilian literature, film, and culture at the University of Georgia.
FRES 1010: The Land-Grant University System
- Its Genesis and Its Future (88-061) This one-hour seminar will involve fifteen lectures addressing various aspects of the Land-Grant University. It will include the historical perspective of the evolution of the concept of the land-grant university with major emphasis on its major components, including teaching, research and outreach, which have come to symbolize the land-grant concept. The course will also deal with the current state of the land-grant university and its future. Dean Buchanan received his Ph.D. in plant physiology from Iowa State University. For 21 years he taught at Auburn University in the Department of Agronomy and Soils. In 1986 Buchanan moved to Georgia as the associate director of the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations and resident director of the Coastal Plain Experiment Station. He became dean and director of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 1995. FRES 1010: From Vietnam to Iraq: The Social
Context of Postmodern War (37-951) In this course, we will examine the increasing complexity of the missions assigned the U.S. military during the second half of the 20th century and later. From warfighting to peace-keeping, from large wars to small, the missions assigned our country's military forces have grown in number, complexity, and ambiguity. We will examine this issue through a focus on four major military deployments of U.S. military forces since the beginning of the Cold War period: (1) the Vietnam War, (2) the Gulf War of 1991, (3) the Balkans deployments of the 1990s to Bosnia and Kosova, and (4) the post-September 11th wars against Afghanistan and Iraq. James J. Dowd is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Georgia. Dowd has degrees in sociology from St. Peter's College, the University of Maryland, and the University of Southern California. His research and teaching areas include culture, film, social theory, travel and tourism, and the military. He is currently writing a book on Army generals, based on interviews with over 60 U.S. Army generals including some of the most prominent leaders of the Army today. FRES 1010: Historic Films of the African
American Experience (41-009) This is a survey of historical films that have shaped an African American film aesthetic and that document or respond to popular perceptions of black identity and culture. We will spend the first half of the semester surveying representative examples of groundbreaking films that speak to these issues prior to the culmination of the Freedom Movement with the Civil Rights Act of 1974. During the second half of the semester, we will focus on two silver screen icons of black femininity and masculinity: Celie, the fictional heroine of the Georgia writer Alice Walker’s -The Color Purple-, and the world champion boxer and Olympic medalist Muhammad Ali. Throughout the semester, we will periodically read and talk about fictional or critical books germane to the films or filmmakers featured in this class. Our weekly meetings will consist of screenings and discussions of the documentaries, and we will also convene occasionally on weekday evenings to screen and discuss the longer (2 hour) feature films. There will be no written assignments as this is a one-credit course. However, students can opt to take this course for two credits by participating in an ongoing effort to research historical film footage from the Civil Rights era in the library’s Walter J. Brown Media Archive and to preserve these via streaming video online, a project of the Multicultural Archive of Georgia. Barbara McCaskill (Ph.D., Emory University, 1988), Associate Professor, teaches African American and Multicultural American Literature. She has published, with Suzanne Miller, Multicultural Literature and Literacies (SUNY Press, 1993). She directs the Multicultural Archive of Georgia with Dr. Timothy Powell. With Dr. Caroline Gebhard of Tuskegee University, she is currently editing a collection of interdisciplinary essays on African American cultural production before the Harlem Renaissance. FRES 1020: Propaganda (67-975) What do Nike, al Qaeda, the Catholic Church and feminist organizations have in common? They and other groups try to convince people to buy, vote, act or think in a certain way. This seminar will explore consumer, political, religious, and other forms of propaganda to determine how it influences us every day. Karen Russell is associate professor in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She has published a book and numerous articles on the history of public relations and advertising. She won the Pathfinder Award from the Institute for Public Relations for the best PR research program in the United States in 2001. Audrey Haynes is assistant professor in the School of Public and International Affairs. She has published several articles on political communication, especially as it relates to election campaigns, and has been awarded four grants for research in political science. FRES 1010: From Present to Past: The Historical
Roots of Current International Crises (68-057) The seminar will focus on recent international crises in which the United States is involved, most likely ones relating to Iraq and Korea, and their roots in the past. Assignments will include a combination of readings from the daily and weekly press in the United States and the United Kingdom as well as writings by historians. The purpose will be to show how history can be used to comprehend the current world and to address its problems. William Stueck is Distinguished Research Professor of History. He received his Ph.D. from Brown University in 1977 and has since written several books and numerous articles on the international politics of the Cold War. His current research is on U.S.-Korean relations. FRES 1010: Shakespeare's Meanings (17-978) 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: Introduction to Pidgins and
Creoles Languages (38-064) This course is concerned with pidgin and Creole languages. These are “mixed” languages that emerged in the socio-historical context of slavery. This course will be divided into three main sections: the first part will discuss the genesis and development of Creole languages (and how some of them emerge from pidgins, meaning speech-forms which do not have native speakers). The second part will examine the converging influences of European and African syntactic properties of Creole languages and will focus on the parametric variation among them. Dr. Marlyse Baptista, Associate Professor in Linguistics, specializes in theoretical syntax and Creole languages. She focuses particularly on the morpho-syntax interface of these 'mixed' languages and conducts her research on cross- linguistic contrastive analyses. FRES 1010: The Ideas of Daniel Quinn
(87-945) Daniel Quinn, author of Ishmael, The Story of B, My Ishmael, and several other books, has introduced a startling critique of Western civilization. It is based on the assumption that our current practices and ideological assumptions will soon make our planet unhealthy for human habitation. Students will read most of Quinn's published work and will write short essays on his books. Betty Jean Craige is University Professor of Comparative Literature and Director of the Center for Humanities and Arts. She is author of Laying the Ladder Down, American Patriotism in a Global Society, Eugene Odum: Ecosystem Ecologist and Environmentalist, and other books and essays about holistic thinking. FRES 1020: Supernatural, Historical,
and Contemporary Legends (90-143) Legends are one of the most common forms of folk narrative used in the United States. Providing one of society’s most telling responses to past events and current anxieties, they both express attitudes of the community and affect behavior by the individual. This course will examine three types of legend: supernatural, historical, and contemporary. Students will collect and analyze legend texts. Elissa R. Henken is a folklorist and Celticist, specializing in both folk narrative and Welsh culture. She has published books on the Welsh saints, the national-redeemer Owain Glyndwr, and folklore related to human sexuality. Her research includes Civil War legendry, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the evolution of legends. FRES 1010: The Role of Physical Attractiveness
in Ordinary Life (88-044) Through readings, lecture, but especially and mostly discussion, this seminar will examine the role of physical attractiveness in our daily activities, including impression formation, task evaluation, dating, and mate selection. John Hocking has taught courses for the past 28 years at UGA in interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, group communication, and empirical research methods. This will be his fourth year in the First-Year Seminar Program. FRES 1010: The Knights of
the Round Table in French Literature and Cinema (07-963) This seminar will examine representations of knighthood in medieval French romance and modern film adaptations. The French texts will be read in modern English translation. Catherine Jones specializes in French literature of the medieval period. Her published research includes a book on the epic and articles on chivalric romance, allegory, and modern adaptations of medieval texts. FRES 1010: Writing (08-045) The course will cover all stages in the process of writing: reading primary sources, choosing a topic, constructing an argument, writing clearly and grammatically, using correct citations, and self-editing. Students will have the opportunity to work on and improve their writing assignments for other courses. Susan Mattern-Parkes received her Ph.D. in ancient history from Yale University in 1995 and has taught at UGA since 1998. She is the author of a book on Roman imperialism. Her current project is a study of the medical practice of Galen, a physician of the Roman Empire. FRES 1010: Artists' Lives (99-221) The course looks at typical episodes and themes in the life stories of artists of artists during the Italian Renaissance. Art was in a period of revolution then, and the men and women who made the revolution fascinated their contemporaries. Histories, biographies, autobiographies and outright fictions record the strong impression these figures made on their contemporaries. Texts of all kinds, written by people from many backgrounds all in contemporary translations by the instructor make up the readings for the course. James H. S. McGregor is Professor and Co-head of the Department of Comparative Literature. His publications focus on medieval and Renaissance Italian literature, literature and art and on the city of Rome FRES 1020: Religion and Fantasy
(77-970) When Christian writers explore the Christian life and how identity and community are formed in it in the modern world, they often turn to fantasy literature. This seminar will explore the relationship between Christianity and fantasy literature in the work of the Inklings--particularly C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. We will read C. S. Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet and J. R. R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring and, perhaps, one other work. We will want to ask why these writers believe that fantasy literature--the fairy story--is an important structure for "baptizing" the modern human being's imagination. Carolyn Medine is Associate Professor in the Department of Religion and in the Institute for African American Studies. Her area of research is Religion and Literature, with particular interest in African American and Southern religion and literature. FRES 1010: Alpha to Omega:
Ancient Greece Through the Alphabet (38-100) “This is Greek and how they spelled her, alpha, beta gamma, delta . . . ," as the old rhyme for learning the alphabet goes. This seminar will present an amusing look at ancient Greek culture via the Greek alphabet. We will look at all of the letters, talk about etymology a little, and explore some of the peculiarities of Greek culture that emerge from its study. This seminar assumes no knowledge of Greek or of any other language, except English. Attendance is required. All absences will require written work for make-up credit. Charles Platter is Associate Professor in the Department of Classics, where he has taught since 1990. He teaches Greek at all levels. FRES 1010: Shakespeare's Meanings
(17-978) 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 1020: Federal Income Tax Policy (68-060) This seminar will introduce students to social, political and economic policy aspects of Federal income tax law. Students will have an opportunity for serious discussion of public policy issues and the role of tax law in modern society. Professor Blount has been a UGA Law Professor since 1976. He is also an attorney; Judge; businessman; Christian minister; and faculty advisor of the Black Law Students Association. He has served as faculty advisor of the Demosthenian Society and a member of the University Council. He has taught courses on Federal Income Taxation, Corporate Taxation, Partnership Taxation, Tax Policy, and Law And Religion.
FRES 1010: What Does It All Mean? (58-051) This seminar will introduce philosophy as a process of systematic reflection on the varieties of experience. Students are challenged to wrestle directly with nine questions introduced by Thomas Nagel in his book What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford, 1987). How do we know anything? Are there other minds? How are the mind and the body related? Can a word mean something? Do we have free will? Is anything really right or wrong? What social inequalities are unjust? What is the nature of death? Is there a meaning of life? Bob Burton is Head of the Philosophy Department. His areas of special interest include philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of social sciences, metaphysics, and ethics. FRES 1010: What is Ethics? (67-944) Some ways of living are better than others. Some character traits are better. Some actions are right, and others are wrong. So many people say. Is any of this really true? If these things are true, what is the basis of these truths? Ethics addresses these and related questions. This course will be an introduction to ethics. Associate Professor Randolph Clarke has taught at the University of Georgia since 1993. His research focuses on free will and moral responsibility. He is the author of Libertarian Accounts of Free Will, Oxford University Press, 2003. FRES 1010: The Ideas of Daniel Quinn
(87-945) Daniel Quinn, author of Ishmael, The Story of B, My Ishmael, and several other books, has introduced a startling critique of Western civilization. It is based on the assumption that our current practices and ideological assumptions will soon make our planet unhealthy for human habitation. Students will read most of Quinn's published work and will write short essays on his books. Betty Jean Craige is University Professor of Comparative Literature and Director of the Center for Humanities and Arts. She is author of Laying the Ladder Down, American Patriotism in a Global Society, Eugene Odum: Ecosystem Ecologist and Environmentalist, and other books and essays about holistic thinking. FRES 1010: Film and Philosophy (47-960) Many films have explicit philosophical content. Some explore conflicts in values, others consider different ways of knowing and interpreting reality, and still more films have implicit philosophical content. This class will examine philosophical questions by using film as a medium to resent philosophical issues and to provoke discussion. Considering films in this way will also enhance their appreciation as artistic works. In each session we will view a film and discuss the philosophical issues it raises. Edward Halper teaches and researches topics in ancient philosophy. His interest centers on metaphysics. In addition to numerous papers, he has published two books, One and Many in Aristotle’s Metaphysics: The Central Books and Form and Reason: Essays in Metaphysics. He is currently working on study of friendship, family, and other relationships.
FRES 1020: Antarctica: Continent of Extremes
(47-991) Antarctica is the highest, coldest, driest, most isolated and least known continent on Earth. It is surrounded by the biologically productive Southern Ocean that is home to a variety of unique animals. Within and beneath its icy mantle, Antarctica holds the key to many global secrets, from the nature of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana to the potential impacts of global warming and atmospheric pollution. This overview of Antarctica will address a range of topics, including: exploration and discovery, glaciation, geology and mineral potential, atmospheric and oceanographic environments, wildlife characteristics, geopolitical setting, and environmental future. David Dallmeyer is Professor of Geology and a member of the Environmental Ethics Faculty. His teaching and research have focused on the processes of mountain building and plate tectonics, with field work on all continents. He has organized several Antarctic research expeditions in cooperation with the U.S. Antarctic Research Program. FRES 1010: The Limits of Science (67-961) We examine both the limitations and limits of science by tracing the historical development of the scientific method from its roots to its most precise modern applications in quantum physics. In addition to technical issues, we seek to define the types of questions and issues that science can and cannot address and to evaluate critically the status of scientific knowledge in various fields. Tim Heil's main area of specialization is theoretical atomic and molecular physics. He has also worked in the areas of theoretical astrophysics and mathematical physics. He is currently studying the quantum theory of few body atomic and molecular interactions, and the semi-classical description of these processes. FRES 1020: Chemistry and Society
(28-105) This seminar will explore contributions of chemistry to society: chemistry in the economy, medicine, consumer protection, and the prevention of chemical terrorism, analytical chemistry and the search for truth, analytical chemistry in forensic investigation, and global trade. Anant Jain obtained his Ph.D. in chemistry from Purdue University. He joined The University of Georgia, Athens Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, as an analytical chemist in Toxicology Section. Now, he is head of the toxicology section, which provides analytical services to veterinarians in Georgia for diagnostic purposes. Currently, he is serving as President of American Academy of Veterinary and Comparative Toxicology. FRES 1010: Atmospheric Hazards (97-971) This seminar will be an examination of the different meteorological events that can lead to human fatalities and property damage, including tornado, hail, lighting, seiche, drought, and others. We will study the geography and causes of these phenomena and look in detail at the most extreme examples. This seminar will be supplemented with activities in the Climatology Research Laboratory. Vernon Meentemeyer is a climatologist and a professor in the Department of Geography. FRES 1010: A Walking Geography of Athens
(07-972) The UGA campus and surrounding parts of Athens will serve as our natural laboratory to explore how physical and cultural features of the landscape come together to form a unique sense of place. Join me for weekly walks that emphasize the geography of the Athens area. Al Parker teaches physical geography, resources and the environment, and biogeography. His research focuses on vegetation dynamics and landscape change, particularly in response to natural disturbances, such as fires, floods, and windstorms. FRES 1020: Molecules That Changed History
(48-011) From the American Slave Trade to World War II, some molecules have had a profound affect on history. This seminar will examine molecules such as sugar, ammonia, and nitroglycerin and place them in historical context. Suggested Reading: Napolean's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History, by Penny LeCouteur and Jay Burreson. Professor Robinson, a Senior Faculty Fellow of the Foundation Fellows Program, is Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry at the University of Georgia. His research interests concern the synthesis and structure of organometallic compounds. FRES 1010: White Gold - Georgia's Billion
Dollar Kaolin Industry (87-993) Georgia is the world's leading producer of kaolin clay, which is used as a source for china clay, magazine paper coating and pharmaceuticals. This seminar will discuss the geologic origins of clays, the place of the kaolin industry in Georgia's cultural history, and the environmental, political, and economic impact of "white gold". Dr. Schroeder is Associate Professor of Geology. He received his Ph.D. from Yale in 1992 and has conducted research sponsored by the National Science Foundation in the (1) Geologic Record of Global Change Program, (2) International Program, and (3) Microbial Observatories Program. He also worked as a petroleum geologist for major oil companies.
FRES 1010: The Broad Spectrum of the
Applications of Statistics (18-063) The purpose of this seminar is to acquaint students with the field of statistics and the diversity with which it is applied. Each week, a member of the Statistics faculty will talk about an area in which statistics is a vital component. Our goal is to demonstrate to students the relevance of statistics as it applies to our everyday lives and to scientific research. Participants will meet once per week, and time will be allocated for discussion with the faculty. There will be assigned readings. Two short writing assignments will be required. The seminar will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Professor Ishwar Basawa first came to UGA as a Visiting Scholar in 1982. He has been lecturer, professor, researcher, and visiting scholar at numerous national and international universities. His teaching interests include statistical inference, stochastic processes and applications, and time series. His research interests include inference for stochastic processes, asymptotics, bootstrap, inference for random fields, spatial point processes, and time series. FRES 1010: Lies, Damned Lies, and Probability:
How to Gamble if You Must (08-062) The purpose of this seminar is to acquaint students with the notion of probability and its applications in everyday life. Whereas emphasis is placed on how to play games of chance, applications include aspects of sports, the weather, and financial markets. Participants will meet once a week in an interactive setting, and time will be allotted for discussion. A short written assignment at the end of the semester is required. The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis, with rigorous attendance required for a pass grade. Associate Professor and Associate Head of Statistics, Robert Lund received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He came to UGA in 1993. His research interests include time series, statistics in climatology, Markov chains, estimating equations, and extreme values. FRES 1010: The Joy of Discovering Mathematics
(58-065) One of the main reasons that many students are afraid of mathematics or dislike it is that they are not given the chances to discover mathematics on their own. Anyone with the experience of discovering mathematics can tell how much joy accompanies such an experience. This seminar aims to help you to discover mathematics on your own through carefully selected interesting problems. You will learn strategies for approaching mathematical problems. A typical problem for this seminar: Among grandfather's papers a bill was found: 72 turkeys \$_67.9_ The first and last digit of the number that obviously represented the total price of those fowls are replaced here by blanks, for they have faded and are now illegible. What are the two faded digits, and what was the price of one turkey? Shuzhou Wang is an assistant professor of mathematics. His research interests are in Quantum Groups, Noncommutative Geometry, Operator Algebras, Mathematical Physics. He has done mathematical research in several countries in the world. |
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