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Traditional Cultures of the World

Comparative, worldwide survey of traditional, selected and well-studied ways of life using ethnographic writings and films. Examines diverse ways of life, with an emphasis on small-scale societies.

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Successful Aging and Gerotechnology

Gerotechnology is the study of technology and aging. The impact of computer and Internet, devices for sensory impairments, telehealth, smart home, automobile and transportation innovation on older adults, caregivers and society.

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Cities and Nature

Impact of urbanization on landforms, climate, vegetation, and animals. Planning implications and case studies.

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Intro to Women's Studies

Interdisciplinary introduction to women's issues and research in relevant disciplines.

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Historical Writing

Research, writing and library usage (including computer-assisted bibliographic searches) as related to history.

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Food in the Social Sciences

Interdisciplinary exploration of the study of food in the social sciences. The meanings of food in the construction of society and culture across time and space.

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The National Parks

The creation and use of national parks and other protected areas. Origins and globalization of the national parks. Challenges and conflicts related to national parks.

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Black Lives Matter: Creative and Critical Ideas

Black Lives Matter movement origins, controversies and legacies. Creative and critical responses to social activism in communities of color. Engaging critical debates around over-policing, anti-black racism and bias.

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Global Change and Environmental Systems

Introduction to the Earth's environment in the context of global change. Interdisciplinary discussion of the nature, causes and consequences of both the natural and human aspects of global environmental change.

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African American Music Appreciation

Black music in America; the sociological conditions that help produce various forms of black music. (AFAM 356 and MUS 356 are the same course).

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Contemporary Moral Issues

Applying ethical and social/political theories to contemporary moral problems. Topics selected from current issues in law, business, medicine, sexual morality, and gender/multicultural studies, including abortion, racism, crime, punishment, welfare, domestic violence and pornography.

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California Government and Politics

California state and local government institutions and politics, including direct democracy and current policy issues. Discusses the role of CA state & local governments in the federal system, including comparisons with other state and local governments.

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Concepts of the Afterlife

How selected religious traditions have sought to answer the question: "What happens when I die." Resurrection, reincarnation, immortality of the soul, heaven and hell.

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American Immigrant Cultures

Investigates American immigrant communities, both historical and contemporary, to better understand how their experiences helped shape the meaning of being American. Explores immigrant cultures through literature, music, film, oral history and photographs using interdisciplinary methods.

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Chicana/o Families

The Chicana/o family's development as an American social institution focusing on cross-cultural, historical, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

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Religion, the Media, and Contemporary Culture

Reporting about religion in secular media; impact of traditional and social media on societal values; ethical challenges faced by journalists; uses of media by religious organizations.