Course Offerings

Social Criticism, Justice and Activism
Professor James Camp, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

This course if a survey of the current state of human social affairs, what constitutes justice in global society, and what action(s) is/are necessary to make ideals a reality. Specific emphasis will be placed in the concepts of "difference" and "indifference" as problematic.

Revolutionary Brothers: The Spirit of '76 and the "Real" Greatest Generation
Professor Patrick M. Eagan, Department of History

Have you ever asked yourself why the generation of our "Founding Fathers" was able to combine revolutionary ideas and politics so effectively? What were the values that these men and women shared and made them so unique in comparison with today's political leadership? Do you wonder why subsequent generations have had such difficulty in doing so? If you have, then join us as we take an in depth look at the formation of the American governmental system through the lives of the "Founding Generation." This course will explore a wide range of material; from 18th century primary sources to modern American political science as we try and answer the question of whether the "Revolutionary Generation" was the best America has yet to offer.

Abnormal Psychology in Literature and Film
Professor Kathie Langen, Department of Psychology

The goal of this course is to heighten the student's understanding of the experience of having a psychological disorder. This will be accomplished through reading first-hand accounts of individuals with psychological disorders and through the examination of fictional characters in literature and in film.

Thinking about Listening: Jazz and Blues Beyond the Boundaries
Professor Jerome Langguth, Department of Philosophy

This class will explore the historical and cultural legacy of jazz and the blues. The readings for the class come from poets, novelists, and philosophers who have thought deeply about these rich and diverse art-forms. The course may also involve attending a number of concerts at various local venues.

The Churches and the Third Reich
Professor Jim McNutt, Department of History

This class explores the historical expressions of hatred for the Jewish people and their faith throughout the past 2000 years. From the earliest Church Fathers, through the Crusades, Reformation, Enlightenment, Nazi Germany, militant Islam, to the liberal left of postmodern pop-academia; prejudice towards Jews has left a bloody stain. This class explores the nature of this hatred and how it expressed itself under the cloak of religious piety, enlightened reason, and contemporary politically-correct agendas.

Through selected readings and audio-visual presentations, the student will be challenged to confront an uncomfortable past and uncertain present. The course seeks to help develop critical thinking and writing, along with providing the student with historical-critical tools to responsibly evaluate past sources and contemporary media reports in order to better make crucial, independently based decisions in today's world. A firm foundation for the future can only be found in a responsible grasp of past and present realities.

What's All The Twitter About?
Professor MaryJo Nead, Department of Communication and Drama

You're probably used to using Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other new media. But have you stopped to consider how these new media merge art and technology? Or how your communication experience is no longer linear? We will delve into these ideas as we explore how new media has influenced our lives. You'll be asked to view new media from many perspectives: philosophical, psychological, and business. We'll look at comics, TV, radio, music, video games, and electronic publishing. We'll view the history of new media and examine the current convergence of old and new media. Finally, you'll create your own new media. Not just another Facebook page but something creative and uniquely yours.

The Life of the Mind
Professor Robert Riehemann, Department of Mathematics and Physics

What kinds of projects do "intellectuals" attempt? We will look at a wide variety of such individuals, from philosophers to folk singers who rode the rails during the depression, from saints to poets, novelists to mathematicians.

Climatopolis
Professor Malcolm Robinson, Department of Economic

The globe is undeniably warming; the climate is certainly changing. We can argue over whether or not these alterations are man-made; however, it is clear that the times will be a changin'. How will we respond to our new world? In particular, since we organize our lives in cities, what will our urban future look like? This class will provide an economic perspective as to how cities and regions will become transformed as we change our behaviors in response to our new environment.

Business Enterprise in American History
Professor Richard Shuey, Department of Business

This course will look at the good, bad, and ugly ways used by American business in the development of capitalism from slavery to riches. We'll look at how the American character was developed through self-reliance, industrialization, unionization, greed, and social responsibility. Special attention will be devoted to the role of Greater Cincinnati in the development of American business enterprise. A field trip to the Cincinnati Museum Center will be a required part of this course.

Learning How to Succeed as a Dictator
Professor J.T. Spence, Department of History and Political Science

Everybody wants to rule the world; but what are the steps needed to become a successful dictator? Students will explore the wonderful world of authoritarianism, be introduced to those characteristics of the successful dictator, and see examples of dictatorship while developing their own ideal of the perfect world in which they would rule.

What Good is Democracy?
Father Gerald Twaddell, Department of Philosophy

We should not take democracy for granted. Ancient thinkers considered it a bad idea; modern ones judged it good. This seminar will explore arguments that can be made for democracy and what qualities it needs to have to contribute something good to human life.

Fairy Tales and the Bard
Professor James Schuttemeyer, Department of English

At first glance fairytales and Shakespearean drama seem to have little in common. One derives from ancient folk tradition, and is considered by modern readers to be an art form meant for children, simple messages, characters, and language. The other was created by a single "genius, " and is considered a "high"art form filled with complex characters and poetic language intended for a sophisticated adult audience. However, this course will explore the notion that fairy tales, especially those of the brothers Grimm, often explore darker serious themes: sexual infidelity, misuse of patriarchal power, physical and psychic violence, ethnic prejudice, cannibalism, rape, infanticide, mutilation, murder, famine, incest, and all seven deadly sins. We will examine these tales through the lenses of various psychological theories and then ask some strange questions such as: why do mothers (and witches) always die? Why do girls with red hoods pop into bed with lascivious wolves? Why does the magic donkey poop gold coins? We'll then zero in on the central question of the course: how do such fairy tale motifs illuminate Shakespeare?

Legend, Myth and Hero in Art
Professor Becky Bilbo, Department of Art

This class will examine the representation of various world mythologies, their legends and their heroes and various works of art. Visits to area museums are part of the course.

Just Chill: Keys to Healthy Living
Professor Sarah Vogt, Department of English

Let's face it: our lives are stressful and we are busy. Between school, work, homework, family, significant others and friends it seems like we have to constantly multitask in order to get everything accomplished. In the midst of all of our other obligations, it is not unusual to find it increasingly difficult to take care of ourselves. Using books like The Happiness Project and The Joy of Less as guides, we will spend this course learning how to take better care of ourselves through stress-relieving techniques and strategies for healthy living. Some topics we will explore include: yoga, meditation, financial awareness, organization, healthy eating, healthy relationships, and happiness.

Makers of World History (By Invitation Only)
Professor Raymond Hébert, Department of History

"Are men and women able to force change upon history by their skill and wits, their nerve and daring? Are they capable of altering history's course by their actions? Or are they hopelessly caught in the grinding process of great interpersonal forces over which they have no great control?" Historians and students of history have long grappled with these questions. These courses will examine the careers and impact of a number of figures who have significantly influenced modern world history or who have embodied much that is significant about the periods in which they lived. In doing so, the course will also introduce students to the chief varieties of historical interpretation and the process known as historical method.