Non-Departmental Studies and Courses

Film Studies

205 Topics in Cinema.  Detailed examination of some specific aspect of film: a genre (the Western, Film Noir, the slapstick comedy, the documentary); the work of an individual director; the films of a particular country, etc.

212 Basic Filmmaking.  An introduction to the art and craft of making films. This course provides an opportunity to produce a short video worthy of becoming a part of your artistic or professional portfolio. The first two assignments are warm-ups for the final and will give you a chance to get used to the equipment and refine your skills in cinematography, editing, and project planning. 1 unit   — Haskell, Alstrin, Lanesey

215 Introduction to Film Studies.  Film in its formal dimensions, narrative and non-narrative (documentary, experimental). How meaning and pleasure are created visually. Emphasis on film style: the shot, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing (montage) and sound. 218: Topics in Filmmaking. Introductory course in specific filmmaking techniques and genres, such as Stagecraft for Film and Film and Video Animation. 1 unit   —  Butte, Sarchett.

218 Topics in Filmmaking.  Introductory course in specific film making techniques and genres, such as Stagecraft for Film, Documentary Film making, Film and Video Animation. (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

220 Blacks & the Cinema.  An introduction to the relationships Blacks have had to the American cinema: as filmmakers, performers, audiences and as "characters" whose image have formed a critical vocabulary for American race relations. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.) (Also listed as Race and Ethnic Studies 220.) 1 unit   —  Seward.

232 The Films of Alfred Hitchcock.  Study of the major periods, forms and themes of the films of Alfred Hitchcock.  Included are comedies (To Catch a Thief) and tragedies (Vertigo), early British period films (The Lady Vanishes), classics of the 1940's (Notorious) and 1950's (Rear Window), and late masterpieces like The Birds or Marnie. 1 unit   —  Butte.

244 American Film Comedy.  A study of the major directors of comedy in American film, from Chaplin and Keaton through Capra, Hawks, and Sturges to more recent masters like Woody Allen the Coen Brothers and Wes Anderson.  Includes important works in theory of comedy as context, from Freud to Cornford, Bakhtin and Frye. (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

284 Beginning Screenwriting.  Practice in writing screenplays. (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

305 Advanced Topics in Cinema.  Studies in a wide array of topics related to film history, theory, and genres. Prerequisite: Film Studies 215 or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

312 Advanced Filmmaking.  A course designed to prepare students for doing advanced independent projects in film or video. The course is a prerequisite for doing senior projects and deals with the creative and practical disciplines required to do festival-quality work. Activities include hands-on experience shooting and editing 16 mm film and digital video. Prerequisite: Film Studies 212. 1 unit   —  Haskell.

315 Film History & Theory.  Film in its material, historical and theoretical dimensions, from its beginnings to the present. Growth of the film industry; the American studio system; European avant-garde cinema; world cinema; auteurism; film and popular culture; problems of genre. Film theory: the nature of the medium; its major theorists - Griffith, Eisenstein, Arnheim, Bazin, Kracauer, Metz, Mulvey, etc. 1 unit   —  Simons.

318 Advanced Topics in Filmmaking.  Work is specific genres or with specific techniques of film and video making for advanced students. Prerequisite: Film Studies 212 or equivalent. 1 unit. —Haskell/Nelson (on location in Hollywood)

485 Senior Film Project.  Capstone film or video making project for Film Track English majors and majors in other fields working on a senior project in film or video. Prerequisite: Senior status and Film Studies 312 or its equivalent. 1 unit   —  Department.

General Studies

101 Freedom & Authority. The conflicts of individual freedom and institutional authority in ethics, politics, science and religion. Readings emphasize the development of these conflicts in Western culture, from antiquity to modern times, and are related to the decisions which students must make concerning the central values in their lives. Freshmen only. Students may receive separate grades for each block of this course, but must be enrolled in all the blocks in order to receive credit. (Cannot be taken for credit after General Studies 301.) Prerequisite: FYE Course. 1st Years Only. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: The West in Time requirement.)  2 units.

108 Distinctively English. An introduction to aspects of contemporary English life which distinguish English culture for its North American variations. Topics include: the geographical setting, demographic realities, social and moral values, food, humor, and the role of tradition. .5 unit.

112 Basic Filmmaking. An introduction to the art and craft of making films. This course provides an opportunity to produce a short video worthy of becoming a part of your artistic or professional portfolio. The first two assignments are warm-ups for the final and will give you a chance to get used to the equipment and refine your skills in cinematography, editing, and project planning.  1 unit.

125 The College Experience. An examination of the problems of moral, psychological, and social development in college life. A discussion of the kinds of development needed during the college years for the self to move from adolescence to adulthood. Readings will be from authors such as Allan Bloom, Erik Erikson, Lawrence Kohlberg, Heinz Kohut, George Vaillant, and David Norton.)  .5 unit.

128 Studies in Portuguese. For students interested in acquiring an elementary speaking and reading knowledge of Brazilian Portuguese. The course is intended only for students who have already reached intermediate levels in another romance language. Oral drills, reading, grammar, tapes, Brazilian music and Brazilian film.  .5 unit.

202 Advanced Oral Practice in English as Second Language, II. Strengthening of oral fluency skills through pronunciation practice, vocabulary development, and review of idiomatic expressions and two-word verbs. Students will also participate in classroom discussions and oral presentations.  .5 unit.

203 Morality in War. The relevance of moral concepts to the analysis of war; moral justifications for war and terrorism; personal responsibility in war; the responsibility of citizens and public officials; the moral basis of nonviolent action and conscientious objection. Application to conflicts from ancient times to Vietnam.  1 unit.

204 Spirit and Nature: Religion and Science. Come and explore the realms of spirit and nature, and within those realms the human spirit and human nature. Examine where good and evil are to be found. Study the parallels and differences between religion and science. Discover meaningful relationships between 1)the natural and the supernatural; 2)natural history and natural theology; 3)immanence and transcendence; 4)the animate and the inanimate; 5)the sacred and the secular. Consider how a person of integrity can be both religious and scientific. Explore our world in both natural and religious settings. Become aware of the diversity of life, and of religions, and look for ways to nurture and protect both diversities. Come away looking at our world and all its components, including the spiritual and the natural, in new and different ways. The course will trace the development of the theory of evolution in 19th century Victorian England by both Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace and consider the response to the theory in both scientific and religious circles, both then and now. There will be re-enactments of meetings of the Royal Society of England in response to the publication of The Origin of Species and debates in those meetings. We will explore faith and the plurality of religions through Paul Tillich’s Dynamics of Faith and Diana Eck’s Encountering God, consider The Sacred Depths of Nature with Ursula Goodenough, reflect on human-human and human nature interactions and the nature of evil with the aid of Rosemary Reuther’s Gala and God and Lance Morrow’s Evil: An Investigation, experience different religious communities, and read and recite nature poetry. Field projects (with on-and off-trail hiking) will include exploring 1)bio-diversity in the San Luis Valley, and 2)the geologic history of the Garden of the Gods and Queen’s Canyon. We will be participating in a community service learning project surveying parts of the newly-developed Cheyenne Mountain State Park for signs of wildlife. Class will be held at the Baca campus (located about 175 miles southwest of campus) for one week during Block I. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: The West in Time requirement.)  2 units.

205 Reading Practicum. This 0.25 credit course develops active reading strategies and skills necessary for students to read successfully at the college level. The course will be taught primarily in a workshop format, using group discussions, directed readings, small group activities, and written reading-response assignments. Students at all levels of reading proficiency are encouraged to enroll in order to improve reading comprehension and speed, expand critical reading skills, and enhance reading proficiency across the liberal arts curriculum. (2 consecutive blocks)  .25 unit.

211 Understanding the Holocaust. (Not offered 2008–09.) 1 unit.

212 Minds, Machines & Mammals. Can machines think? Do animals think? What are our criteria for ascribing intelligence to any system, including the human mind? This course explores these questions and others in an effort to understand the nature of intelligence. 1 unit.

216 Introduction to Journalism. Basic skills of the discipline, focusing primarily on news, analysis, feature and editorial writing (including research, fact-checking, interviewing), but dealing also with editing, layout, journalistic ethics, libel laws. 1 unit — Eastburn, Prendergast.

217 Practice in Journalism. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. .5 unit — Prendergast.

219 Mix Media Watercolor on Paper. (Not offered 2008–09.) 1 unit.

220 Blacks & the Cinema NOW FS 220. An introduction to the relationships Blacks have had to the American cinema: as filmmakers, performers, audiences and as “characters” whose image have formed a critical vocabulary for American race relations.  1 unit.

221 Italy after Fascism. A study of present-day Italian society through its history, literature and film. The starting point of the course is Neorealism, a revolutionary movement in cinema which became the repository of partisan hopes for social justice in the postwar Italian state. A selection of texts and films produced between 1945 and 1985 will attempt to show in what ways Italian society has fulfilled, and disappointed, the promise of Neorealism. This course will also serve as the culminating experience for the Italian Minor. (Also listed as Italian 320.) 1 unit — Bizzarro.

222 Special Topics. (Not offered 2008–09.) 1 unit.

223 Politics, Ethics and Journalism (with Emphasis on Writing). Survey of the influence of the news media in American Politics with particular attention to the ethical problems faced by working journalists. Emphasis on the conflict between the public’s right to know and the individual’s right to privacy. Jointly taught by a professional journalist and a member of the Colorado College faculty. 1 unit — Gilson, Loevy, Shaw.

228 Wilderness Studies: Wilderness and Spirit. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.) (Also listed as Feminist and Gender Studies 228.) 1 unit — Olive.

234 Issues in Contemporary Africa. A survey of African history followed by discussion of current political, social, and environmental issues in southern Africa. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.)  1 unit.

240 The 18th Century: Theatre, Music, Art, Science and Revolution. Prerequisite: Taught at the Newberry Library in Chicago — EXTRA $$.  1 unit.

242 Woof and Warp: The Weave of Science and Literature. What are the interrelationships between science and literature? In what ways does literature mirror, reject, distort, or even anticipate changes in scientific views of the earth and the cosmos? By relating scientific essays and demonstrations to literature, we will explore how authors such as Thomson, Wordsworth, Pynchon, Stoppard, Whitemore, Borges and Calvino have employed scientific concepts. (May be offered with Emphasis on Writing.)  1 unit.

255 Reading and Rhetoric in the Liberal Arts: Environmental Politics. This half-unit (0.50 credit) course focuses on readings in contemporary environmental politics and the rhetoric of these readings. We will examine how the environment is mobilized as a political device and how public opinions and policies may be shaped by particular rhetorical strategies. The course will be taught in a workshop format, using group discussions, directed readings, small group activities, individual meetings, and a series of written reading-response assignment. One of Colorado College’s foremost objectives as a leading liberal arts institution is to prepare its students “with mental agility and the skills of critical judgment” essential to learning (2006–07 Colorado College Catalog of Courses, p. 15). Reading is one of the principal means by which we expose students to a variety of ideas, data, disciplines, and epistemologies. This course attends to reading in both theory and practice to challenge students to engage with texts more critically and actively. By focusing upon critical readings of environmental politics, students will develop strategies and knowledge that translate across the liberal arts curriculum. (Offered as a half-block and extended format course.)  .5 unit.

257 Topics in Reading and Rhetoric in the Liberal Arts. This course examines what it means to read on both a theoretical and practical level. Focusing on readings concerning the transactional theory of reading, students will consider the influence of the background knowledge and beliefs they bring to texts as well as the way in which the text can prompt transformations in their thinking and believing. In the process of reading and discussing the assigned materials, the students will also develop and polish college level reading skills. This course will be taught in a seminar fashion, with small and whole group discussion, assigned readings and reading-response short papers.  .5 unit.

280 Creative Writing, Science Writing, and River.  1 unit.

281 Aye Carumba! Interpreting The Simpsons and Other Popular.  1 unit.

300 Theory and Practice of Peer Tutoring (Pass/Fail Only). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; must apply during 2nd block.  .5 unit.

309 Independent Study. Supervised reading and structured reflection following a student’s participation in a Colorado College Student Exchange or Affiliated study abroad program, culminating in a research essay and/or extensive creative work plus a reflective journal/portfolio on the international experiences. A presentation to the college community may be incorporated into the independent study, but will not substitute for written work. .5 unit.

312 Advanced Filmmaking NOW FS 312. A course designed to prepare students for doing advanced independent projects in film or video. The course is a prerequisite for doing senior projects and deals with the creative and practical disciplines required to do festival-quality work. Activities include hands-on experience shooting and editing 16mm film and digital video. Prerequisite: General Studies 112.  1 unit.

314 Independent Study in Journalism. This course has two components: a practicum in journalism and an integrated project designed to accompany the student’s course work in the minor. The student’s work in the practicum will be evaluated by the on-site supervisor; the supervisor’s reports will be reviewed by the minor advisor. The project should be designed by the student in consultation with the minor advisor and course instructor(s). The project should involve a critical component: it should enable the student to explore and critically reflect upon the construction of newsworthy material, the formal and generic constraints of journalistic writing, and the shaping ideologies, both subjective and institutional, of specific instances of journalism. (Only open to students who are pursuing the Thematic Minor in Journalism.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Must be pursuing Thematic Minor in Journalism and General Studies 216 and either English 280 “Journalism as Literature” or General Studies 223. 1 unit — Prendergast.

320 Independent Study. Supervised readings or in-field investigations in areas of interest to the students that are interdisciplinary in nature and cross divisional lines within the college. The readings and/or investigations will be followed up with discussions and written reports. Must be approved and supervised by two faculty members from different divisions of the college. 1 unit.

330 Urban Investigations. Guided exploration of a topic in urban studies chosen with the instructor’s approval. Satisfies the integrative experience requirement for the Urban Studies thematic minor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Sociology 123.  1 unit.

395 Peer Tutoring Practicum Pass/Fail Only. Prerequisite: General Studies 300 or consent of instructor.  .5 unit.

400 Senior Thesis I. Thesis subject of integrative project to be developed by the student with the approval of the advisor. For liberal arts and sciences majors or students doing the integrative project of Thematic Minors. Offered any block of the year. 1 unit.

401 Senior Thesis II. Completion of the senior thesis and oral defense with faculty sponsors. Liberal Arts and Sciences majors only. Offered any block after 400 Senior Thesis I. 1 unit.

Studies in Humanities

101 Aikido. A Japanese martial art based on principles of resolving any form of conflict nonviolently. Physical movements are related to ethical considerations as a student learns to react without harming a partner or being harmed in turn. Maximum of 1/2 unit may be counted towards graduation.  .25 unit.

112 Visual Culture — Theory & Practice. Visual Culture explores the connections between fine art and a wide variety of contemporary images. Course assignments combine visual analysis, readings, and discussion with creative projects. Students will examine different media to explore the following topics: illusion and reality, the ideal, image and text, gender, architecture and public spaces. This course was formerly listed as AS 110 Topics in Studio Art: Visual Culture. 1 unit — Reed, Simons.

115 Introduction to Film NOW FS215. Film in its formal dimensions, narrative and non-narrative (documentary, experimental). How meaning and pleasure are created visually. Emphasis on film style: the shot, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing (montage) and sound.  1 unit.

118 Gender & Communications. This course investigates the differences and similarities between male and female communication in contemporary American society within the framework of communication and feminist theory from a number of contexts, including interpersonal communication in family contexts and the work environment, public communication about gender in the media, and interpersonal and mediated communication in the education system. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.)  1 unit.

180 Revolution in the Arts.  2 units.

202 Topics in Literature. Block 1 Rilke. Block 2 Mythology & Media.  1 unit.

215 Film History and Theory NOW FS 315. Film in its material, historical and theoretical dimensions, from its beginnings to the present. Growth of the film industry; the American studio system; European avant-garde cinema; world cinema; auteurism; film and popular culture; problems of genre. Film theory: the nature of the medium; its major theorists - Griffith, Eisenstein, Arnheim, Bazin, Kracauer, Metz, Mulvey, etc.  1 unit.

217 Creating the Self. An exploration of Heinz Kohut’s psychoanalytic theory of how selves are developed, how they can be injured and fall into pathologies, and how this theory of the self can be used in the interpretation of culture, especially philosophy, music, and literature.  .5 unit.

218 Psyche and Symbol: The World of C. G. Jung. A basic introduction to the thought of C. G. Jung, including his notions of the structure of the personal and collective unconscious, the function of archetypes and dreams in development and healing, and the transcendental function as it relates to the individuation process. Jung’s belief that events of political violence are exteriorizations of unexamined inner conflicts will also be seriously considered.  .5 unit.

230 Discovering the Unconscious.  1 unit.

290 Topics: The Beginning of Modernism.  1 unit.

370 Independent Study: Advanced Topics in Psychoanalysis.  1 unit.

Studies in Natural Sciences

109 The Material World (Writing Intensive).  Natural and synthetic materials; their properties, their functions in living and engineered structures, and the environmental impacts of their use. Applications to human-powered vehicles, lasers, superconductors, medical prostheses, and other systems familiar and exotic. (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

110 Natural History.  This course seeks to explore on an introductory and interdisciplinary level the geological and biological evolution of the earth, stressing the uniformitarian view of present and ancient habitats. These issues will be addressed by a study of present day ecological phenomena and the early fossil record which contain evidence for the emergence and diversification of the major phyla or marine invertebrates. We will explore ecological and paleoecological phenomena within the context of an outdoor field experience that will examine both rock outcrop and various modern riverain and terrestrial habitats. The course will involve a combination of both lectures and extensive field experience. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for the natural sciences.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

121 Introduction to Digital Computing.  Introduction to problem-solving using computers. Students learn a programming language (such as JavaScript, EXCEL with Visual Basic), and various programming techniques. Particularly designed for students with little or no previous programming experience. (No credit after MA 221.) (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

150 Mathematical Chaos.  (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.

160 Mathematics and Geology of the Great American Desert.  A two block FYE course where the central goal is to educate students about the role of mathematics and geology in understanding the development of the Western United States, both naturally and via human intervention, including what this means for our future. Prerequisite: High school algebra and trigonometry. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2009-10.)  2 units.

180 Current Issues in Environmental Science.  A half-course designed for non-science majors which examines some of the current scientific, technological, and social issues behind the reported crisis in our environment from the perspective of a scientist. The course makes use of popular sources and some selected technical literature attempting to address questions such as: To what extent is the crisis real? Why do some feel that it is not? What are some of the social and technological options if it is real? No laboratory credit. Cannot be taken for credit after Chemistry 110 or 243. Prerequisite: No credit after Chemistry 110 or 243. (Not offered 2009-10.)  .5 unit.

201 The Dawn of the Nuclear Age.  The development of nuclear science, one of the most significant of human achievements, is traced from the discovery of radioactivity, nuclear particles, and fission, culminating with the building of the atomic bomb in World War II. Special attention is given to the scientists involved; among them Curi, Rutherford, Szilard, Oppenheimer, Fermi, Teller, Meitner, and Bohr. Readings about World War II will enable the student to understand better how science, politics and warfare came together at Hiroshima in 1945. (Does not meet the laboratory/field requirement for the natural sciences.) (Not offered 2009-10.)  1 unit.