Course Offerings
Course ID
Course Title (click on title for course description)
Term
GS502
Terror in the Name of God
2
This course will address the contemporary global resurgence of terror in the name of God. In classroom talks and discussions we will seek to identify, describe, and explore the potential for extremism within the different religious traditions. We will also examine the ways in which we might grapple with this phenomenon in order to see how religion is not only part of the problem of terrorism but is a key ingredient to its solution. Finally, we will seek to find answers to the following complex questions: Which destructive patterns of religious training, thinking, and rhetoric contribute to this global problem? How can spirituality in different religious traditions create new venues for dialogue in today’s terrorized world?
GS507
Paris, City of Light
1
This course is a study of the city of Paris, France, from its origins to the modern day, from simple village on the Seine to an international center of the arts and the most loved of the world’s urban landscapes. It will entail readings of the historical perspective of its urban development, of the construction of its monuments, and particularly of the lives of the individuals that led to its construction. Novels about the city, its people, the art found there, and past and present cultural activities will be further aspects of the course. Besides readings and films, internet research assignments will lead the student to both brief and substantial writing assignments and class presentations.
GS508
Service Learning: Not to Be Served
2
"First with the head, then with the heart."
This Service Learning course combines rigorous academic classes with challenging community service on the basis that it is not until we are informed that we can be really useful.
Classroom work will focus on issues such as poverty, public health, immigration, environment and education. Students will spend at least one session per week in the local community working with local partners, for example Children's Community School and the St John's Soup Kitchen. All students will complete regular written assignments as well as one major individual research paper.
GS509
South African Democracy
1
In this seminar, students will learn to think critically about democracy and its challenges and triumphs in South Africa. Students will be immersed in exciting history as it is being made. This interactive course will include readings, films, speakers, and class projects. Students will gain an in-depth understanding and appreciation for the values, work, and leadership of Nelson Mandella, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Steve Biko. Contrasts will be drawn with human rights efforts in the United States. Texts will include "Leading like Madiba" and "Legacy of Freedom" as well as a collection of essays, and four to six films for critical analysis. This course is especially appropriate for students who may wish to go on Taft's trip to South Africa in June of 2010. Open to Upper Mids and Seniors.
GS510
South African Democracy
2
In this seminar, students will learn to think critically about democracy and its challenges and triumphs in South Africa. Students will be immersed in exciting history as it is being made. This interactive course will include readings, films, speakers, and class projects. Students will gain an in-depth understanding and appreciation for the values, work, and leadership of Nelson Mandella, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Steve Biko. Contrasts will be drawn with human rights efforts in the United States. Texts will include "Leading like Madiba" and "Legacy of Freedom" as well as a collection of essays, and four to six films for critical analysis. This course is especially appropriate for students who may wish to go on Taft's trip to South Africa in June of 2010. Open to Upper Mids and Seniors.
GS511
Ancient Greek Philosophy
1
In this course, students will examine the origins of Western philosophy in ancient Greece and the Mediterranean world. Our studies will include an overview of Hesiod’s Theogony, the Pre-Socratics, the life of Socrates, selected dialogues from Plato, and some of Aristotle’s major works on logic, metaphysics, ethics, and psychology. Open to upper middlers and seniors.
GS517
Service Learning: Not to Be Served
1
"First with the head, then with the heart."
This Service Learning course combines rigorous academic classes with challenging community service on the basis that it is not until we are informed that we can be really useful.
Classroom work will focus on issues such as poverty, public health, immigration, environment and education. Students will spend at least one session per week in the local community working with local partners, for example Children's Community School and the St John's Soup Kitchen. All students will complete regular written assignments as well as one major individual research paper.
GS531
The Influence of Buddhism in the West
1
In this course students will explore why Buddhism has become so popular in the contemporary West. We will study Buddhism through the lives and teachings of the two most popular Buddhist teachers in the world today: the Dalai Lama (Tibet) and Thich Nhat Hanh (Vietnam). Together we will seek to understand what Buddhists mean when they speak about enlightenment, nirvana, meditation, human suffering, compassion and wisdom. We will examine the practical value of Buddhism and how it has enriched the lives of Jews, Christians, agnostics and others in the modern West.
GS534
A History of God
2
Why does God exist? How have the three dominant monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – shaped and altered the conception of God? How have these religions influenced each other? This course will examine these complex questions as it traces the history of how men and women have perceived and experienced God, from the time of Abraham to the present. The human idea of God has a history that is culturally, geographically, and historically conditioned. This course will explore what the three major Western religions have meant and mean when they define God.
GS537
Social Justice
1
Students will examine the social issues affecting contemporary society, such as poverty, hunger, equality, stewardship, and violence, and discuss how to create a more just society. The lens of economics, history, and literature will be used to further their understanding of the causes of injustice, and work on finding solutions. What is the obligation of an individual or a community to promote justice, and how can one affect change? Open to upper middlers and seniors.
GS538
Social Justice
2
Students will examine the social issues affecting contemporary society, such as poverty, hunger, equality, stewardship, and violence, and discuss how to create a more just society. The lens of economics, history, and literature will be used to further their understanding of the causes of injustice, and work on finding solutions. What is the obligation of an individual or a community to promote justice, and how can one affect change? Open to upper middlers and seniors.
GS591
Independent Project in Global Service and Scholarship
1
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs.
GS592
Independent Project in Global Service and Scholarship
2
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs.
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