Mini-Courses - Archive 2008-09

Fall 2008

Talking the Talk: Globalization and Language Contact

Kendra Douglas, Linguistics

In this mini-course in sociolinguistics, we will discuss three phenomena of language contact: Diglossia, code-switching, and borrowing as they relate to bilingual/multilingual communities, colonization/migration, and globalization. We will discuss the nature of the linguistic outcome and what purpose it holds in society. The nature of the field of linguistics and its relationship to other disciplines will be illuminated.

• Part 1: 10/14, 4-5:30, MH156
• Part 2: 10/16, 4-5:30, MH156

 

 

Markets: Allocation, Efficiency and Failure

Vinit Jagdish, Economics

This mini course provides a brief overview of topics covered in an introductory microeconomics course: When do economists think markets work efficiently? When do economists think markets fail? We will examine the effectiveness of the market mechanism in allocating scarce resources in a variety of settings.

• Part 1: 11/11, 4-5:30, MH156
  
• Part 2: 11/13, 4-5:30, MH156

 

 

Winter 2009

What is this thing going to do? Determining Hazards at Active Volcanoes

Pete Stelling, Geology

This first day of this mini-course will cover the fundamentals of what drives volcanic eruptions and, in particular, explore the most dangerous volcanic hazards. On the second day, participants will learn to interpret volcanic histories and will be part of a mock volcanic crisis team, reading the signals from an awakening volcano. Ultimately, each team will have to make the call to evacuate the nearby town or not. Will you make the right call?

• Part 1: 1/20, 4-5:30, MH156
• Part 2: 1/23, 4-5:30, MH156

 

Big Footprints, Big Impacts: Measuring Sustainability

Grace Wang, Environmental Studies, Huxley College of the Environment

Have you ever wondered how much your lifestyle impacts the planet? The Ecological Footprint Quiz measures the amount of resources needed to sustain your patterns of consumption.
Join Grace Wang, Department of Environmental Studies, for a moderated discussion on the Ecological Footprint. We will explore the factors and scientific data that go into measuring it, and conclude with some ways to reduce one’s footprint.

On the second day, we will take a regional approach, looking at seven indicators to measure sustainability in the Cascadia region, and discussing possible solutions to ensure the future of our planet.

• Part 1: 2/10, 4-5:30, MH156
• Part 2: 2/13, 4-5:30, MH156

 

Spring 2009

Why do we have the Second Amendment?

Johann Neem, History

A recent Supreme Court decision determined that the right to own guns is an individual right protected by the U.S. Constitution. This decision rejected the assumption that the Second Amendment's right to bear arms must be linked to membership in a militia. Both sides before the Supreme Court relied on history. But what did the Framers mean when they added the Second Amendment to the Constitution? What can we learn about the right to bear arms by comparing their assumptions with our own? These and other questions will be addressed in Johann Neem's mini-course.

• Part 1: 4/14, 3-4:30
• Part 2: 4/16, 3-4:30

 

Japan in the "Global Image Stream"

Julia Sapin - Art History

In this Faculty GUR session, Julia Sapin will introduce the study of Japanese art during the 19th and 20th centuries as a way of exploring Japanese social and political changes. Traditional Japanese art forms will also be examined, for the ways in which they presage contemporary Japanese art such as anime, Butoh-influenced performance art, and Superflat painting. Through this two-part session, Dr. Sapin will provide a glimpse, as well, into one facet of methodology in the field of art history, a perspective which requires reading art as visual culture, in other words, interpreting artistic changes for their value as signifiers of broader political and social changes.

• Part 1: 5/5, 3-4:30
• Part 2: 5/7, 3-4:30