Summer Scholars Program
Courses (Summer 2013)
Students in the Summer Scholars Program will take one 3-credit course during the two-week period that will meet Monday through Friday for three hours a day. Students in this program will take classes alongside current college students.
Students will be expected to complete approximately 5 hours of pre-work through an online communication website prior to the beginning of class. This may include discussion boards, papers, or another way that students can demonstrate their knowledge.
*Courses offerings are subject to change. Contact us at summerscholars@fairfield.edu with any questions.
Course Options
Biology: Identity and the Human Genome (Professor Olivia Harriott)
This course introduces scientific and social aspects of human genetics. Topics of discussion include the structure and function of genes, human genetic diversity, Mendelian inheritance, and the ethical and legal issues related to emerging genetic technologies.
- Economics: Introduction to Microeconomics (Professor Phil Lane)
This course analyzes the behavior of individual consumers and producers as they deal with the economic problem of allocating scarce resources. The course examines how markets function to establish prices and quantities through supply and demand, how resource costs influence firm supply, and how variations in competition levels affect economic efficiency. Topics may include antitrust policy, the distribution of income, the role of government, and environmental problems. The course includes computer applications.
- English: Fairy Tales (Professor Robert Epstein)
This course is a study of classic fairy tales in their oldest preserved versions by authors like Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm; in nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature influenced by the fairy tale tradition; in post-modern literary retellings; and in film and popular culture. The class leads to the production of a paper involving research in primary sources and literary and folklore criticism. .
- English: Creative Writing (Professor Ioanna Opidee)
This course fosters creativity and critical acumen through extensive exercises in the composition of poetry and fiction.
- English:News Writing (Professor Jim Simon)
This course emphasizes the techniques used by reporters to collect information and write stories for newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and broadcast outlets. Students learn to gather information, interview sources, write leads, structure a story, and work with editors. Students analyze how different news organizations package information, hear from guest speakers, and visit working journalists in the field. Students develop a higher level of media literacy and learn to deal with the news media in their careers.
- Film: American Films of the 90's (Professor Elizabeth Haas)
Whatever is happening in the country culturally and historically, one way or another finds its way into the popular media. This course examines how the films of a given 10-year period consciously and unconsciously reflect the era in which they were made.
- History: Origins of the Modern World (Professor Patricia Behre)
The course, which examines the history of Europe and its relationship to the world from the end of the Middle Ages through the 19th century, emphasizes the cultural, social, economic, and political forces and structures that led to the development of commercial and industrial capitalism, and the effects of this development on Europe, the New World, Asia, and Africa. Topics include the Renaissance and Reformation; the Transatlantic Slave Trade; European expansion and colonialism; the development of strong nation states; the Enlightenment; the Industrial Revolution and conflicting ideological and political responses; changing social, family, and gender relationships; and the increasing interaction of Europeans and non-Europeans. Critical analysis of primary and secondary sources develops skills in historical methodology that are of great value in many other academic pursuits. Written assignments and class discussions enhance these skills.
- Music: History of Rock (Professor Brian Torff)
This course surveys the musical and social trends that resulted in the emergence of rock and roll as an important musical and cultural force in America. The course traces the roots of rock, blues, and country styles, showing how they merged with popular music. Students examine periods from the 1950s to the present, along with Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Beatles, the British invasion, folk music, Bob Dylan, jazz and art rock, Jimi Hendrix, the west coast movement, and the music industry. Students learn to understand, discuss, and differentiate between stylistic periods and their historical relevance to American culture.
- Sociology: Race, Gender, and Ethnic Relations (Professor
Margo Ramlal-Nankoe)
This course analyzes sociological and social psychological dimensions of race relations, ethnic interaction, and the changing role and status of women. It focuses on the American scene but also examines problems of women and minorities in other parts of the world and their importance for world politics. It also considers what sociologists and social psychologists have learned about improving dominant/ minority relations. - Studio Art:
Painting(Professor Leeah Joo)
This course introduces the methods, techniques, and language of oil painting. Students explore principles of color, construction, paint handling, delineation of form and space, light and shadow, surface, texture, and composition. Students paint primarily from observation and employ representational and abstract modes. Materials and historical concerns are integral parts of directed and individual investigations.
To purchase books and materials please visit: www.fairfield.edu/bookstore. Or visit our store in downtown Fairfield: 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, Conn. 06824.
For studio art supplies, we recommend visiting Jerry's Artarama in Norwalk, 360 Main Avenue, (203) 846-2279. Please ask about discount for students.