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Monsters to Rappers: Maymester Classes

01-01_issue 19 coverBeach Reads/ENG 234/M-F/

9a.m.-11:30a.m./

Zimmerman/Orlando 213

 

Escape to paradise this May—with the ultimate beach reads! Join this literary journey to mythical far-away islands, the pristine beaches of Thailand, and the blue waters off the coast of Florida. Soak up the sun while you foster critical thinking skills and build sandcastles as you build your understanding of this literature. We will focus on the island as a timeless setting in numerous literary traditions. The siren song of crashing waves will be our backdrop as we delve into works by J. D. Salinger, William Golding, Ernest Hemingway, and Alex Garlard, among others.

 

The Global Economy/

ECO 135/M-F/1p.m.-3:30p.m./Balak/CSS 230

 

Explore the evolution of the international political-economy, its institutions, processes, and conflicts. Globalization is so important and ubiquitous but often misunderstood. “The purpose of studying economics is not to acquire a set of ready-made answers to economic questions, but to learn how to avoid being deceived by economists,” (Joan Robinson, 1955). This course is structured as a quest-based game with quick feedback, positive reinforcements, flexibility, and project-based assessment (no exams). This pedagogy has been popular and effective, and is even more fun when we integrate actual computer games into the course activities.

 

Media & Disability/CMC 230/M-F/9a.m. – 11:30a.m./

Coffman-Rosen/Bush 210

 

Using media as text, this course examines the (mis)representation of people with disabilities in t.v., film, documentaries, graphic novels, and digital media. We will analyze disability at the intersection of culture and identity, and consider how media varies when created by and for the non-disabled. Several problematic implications include able-bodied actors in disabled roles (“crip face”) and acquired disability as a fate worse than death (Million Dollar Baby). Using a hands-on approach, we will engage in analysis to understand how emerging media challenge stigma and employ contemporary disability theory.

This course fulfills the “V” requirement and counts as a CMC or SWAG elective .

 

Visual Journals/

ART 232/M-F/4-6:30 p.m/Simmons/CFAC 110

 

In Visual Journals, we explore creative writing and mixed media drawing, printmaking, and collage as tools for self-reflection and creativity. As the instructor, I help form a close-knit community of artist-writers who enjoy sharing their work with one another. Each student leaves with the ability to continue a lifelong practice of visual journaling. We also meet on Wednesdays from

 

Rappers & Ballers: Sports & Popular Culture/ENG 245/M-F/9a.m. – 11:30a.m./

Mathews/Sullv Hse

 

This interactive and high-energy course explores the intersections between sports and popular culture via film, texts, activities (geocaching, mini-Olympics) and field trips (greyhound racing). Topics include Super Bowl commercials, half-time shows and stadium ‘cities;’ controversies surrounding match-fixing, mega-conferences and paying student athletes; celebrity athletes and rappers who want to be ballers; extreme sports, weird sports, and the populari-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ty of gladiatorial blood sports (e.g. MMA and The Hunger Games).

All students are welcome! This 4-credit course fulfills your L, V, or 100-level rFLA requirement, or it could count toward elective graduation credit.

 

Constitutional Law/

POL 382/M-R/9a.m.-11:30p.m./Maskivker/CSS 226

 

If you are looking for a fun, dynamic Maymester course, consider Constitutional Law this summer. Not only will you be able to understand the most fascinating aspects of constitutionalinterpretation,  but you will also participate in fun mock trials, where you will be able to serve as a prosecutor or a defense lawyer. It’s fun. Does the constitution afford you a right to privacy in the digital age? Why is a right to freedom of speech a guarantee that espousing despicable opinions cannot be a reason for governmental censorship? Does the Bill of Rights mean that abortion should be legal? Does the constitution protect a right to carry guns into schools?  Can evidence of criminal activity be used against you if such evidence was obtained without a warrant? Should there exist financial limits to what political candidates can spend when running for office?  What is legally permissible when capturing, and dealing with, enemies of war?  Is torture legal? This course will examine the foregoing questions, and many more.

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