Academics

Summer 2019 Courses

Download course descriptions as a printable PDF.

Introduction

Welcome to the New College course list for Fall 2019. All students are invited to take New College courses to satisfy University of Alabama core requirements or pursue subjects they are passionate about. We believe that a diverse classroom environment is imperative to learning, and we welcome students from other departments and disciplines to register for New College classes. Unless specifically noted, there are no prerequisites for these courses.

This list is divided into two sections: (1) courses that fulfill New College seminar requirements, and (2) other courses connected to New College. To the right of course titles, students will find two types of information in parentheses: UA core designations (if applicable: FA, HU, L, N, SB, W) and New College seminar designations (if applicable: CC, ESC, SPSC). This second group of designations is for the use of New College students only. New College students should pay special attention to the section on seminar requirements that follows.

Seminar Requirements

New College students must take one seminar in each of the areas listed below and at least five New College seminars. Students are required to complete at least two lower-division seminars (from different thematic designations) and two upper-division seminars (from any designation, provided that all three themes are represented in students’ coursework).

New College Seminar Thematic Designations

Creativity and Culture (CC)

These seminars explore the world of the mind, specifically the realms of human thought and expressive practice. They interrogate the beliefs, values, and dispositions that comprise culture, and focus on essential questions about what it means to be human. Seminars focus the following on such issues as the urge to create and to appreciate creativity and perspectives on class, gender, race, and place.

Environment, Sustainability, and Conservation (ESC)

These seminars explore the physical world, especially relations among elements of the natural world, and focus on relationships between humans and their environment. Of special interest is the impact humans have had on the environment, including issues of climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. Besides identifying problems, seminars also interrogate pathways that avoid environmental destruction by promoting sustainability and conservation.

Social Problems and Social Change (SPSC)

These seminars explore the social world, the problems societies confront and the ways human groups cause and respond to social change. Specific areas of interest include the basis for cooperation and conflict within and between societies; extremes of human destructiveness such as genocide and ethnic conflict; historical dimensions or antecedents of contemporary problems; civic engagement, social responsibility, and other means of promoting healthy communities.

Other Opportunities in New College

Minors

In addition to serving students who wish to self-design a major or “depth study,” New College also houses various minors. If you are interested in a self-designed minor or applying for a minor in “Civic Engagement and Leadership,” please see Dr. Julia Cherry (julia.cherry@ua.edu). For information on the Natural Resources Management Minor, contact Dr. Carl Williams (carl.williams@ua.edu). For information on the Environmental Studies Minor, contact Dr. Michael Steinberg (mksteinberg@ua.edu).

Independent Study

If you would like to design and receive credit for an independent study during the Fall 2019 semester, you must see Prof. John Miller (mille031@ua.edu).

Reminders for New College Students

Pre-Advising Checklist

All New College students should go to the “Resources” section of the New College webpage to download and complete the Pre-Advising Checklist before advising each semester http://nc.as.ua.edu/degreeprogram/resources/

Third Year Review

All juniors are responsible for initiating conversation with their advisor about the Third Year Review. Completion of the Third Year Review is mandatory for graduation in Interdisciplinary Studies and must be completed before enrolling in NEW 495 Capstone Seminar and Senior Project.

Course Listings for Summer 2019

Interim

NEW 243: Natural Science I: Interdisciplinary Sciences (N) (ESC)

001: Amanda Espy-Brown
MTWRF 8:00-12:00pm
LY 202
4 Hours

This seminar demonstrates how laboratory and field research play an essential role in the understanding and advancement of science. Several multidisciplinary experiments and exercises are performed in an effort to increase scientific literacy and to provide knowledge for addressing the scientific basis of real-world problems. Examples of assignments include laboratory write-ups, student presentations, and discussions of scientific topics. Readings are taken from a variety of sources providing fundamental scientific knowledge on topics related to laboratory exercises, as well as books about the history and practice of science. Students participate in several outdoor field trips and labs that require moderate physical activity (e.g., canoeing, hiking, wading in streams).

NEW 490: Music & Culture of MS Delta (CC)

Andrew Dewar
MTWRF 1:00-5:00pm
LY 215
4 Hours

Joint field course with students and faculty from Quest University, Canada Music and Cultures of the Mississippi Delta Dr. Andrew Dewar Dr. Jeff Warren

Please note that there is travel involved in this course, and that an additional course fee is required to cover travel and housing at field locations.

This field course focuses on the music and culture of the Mississippi River Delta, through an in-depth examination of, and travel to, the rural Delta and the metropolitan areas of Memphis and New Orleans. We will read, write, and listen to the musical histories of this region, and then put our newfound knowledge into practice by visiting important historical sites in these three locations, listening to the contemporary music culture, and observing and experiencing a bit of what everyday life means in the modern-day Delta through sights, sounds, and tastes.

Students will engage the following questions through reading texts; engaging with places, music, food and people as we travel; and, discussing texts, ideas, and experiences with classmates:

  • What is the relationship between music, culture, race, and power?
  • How do we listen to music of the past?
  • How do past musical practices relate to current musical practices?
  • How does globalization and capitalism influence musical production and reception?
  • How is music an expression of and a creative force in culture(s), leading, creating and reflecting cultural movements?

Summer 1

NEW 237: Cooperation and Conflict (SB) (SPSC)

Kim Colburn
MTWRF 8:00-12:00pm
LY 202
4 Hours

This seminar will explore the role of cooperation and conflict in society through class dialog and examining historical conflicts as well as social movements and how the conflict has been resolved. Students will identify sources of conflict and learn to communicate within the midst of conflict. Students will explore ways that conflict can be approached in a productive manner. This course carries a Service Learning (SL) component. Students are required to volunteer for at least 12 hours in a project approved by the course instructor.

Full Term

NEW 310: Independent Study

John Miller
TBA
TBA
1 to 15 credit hours

See a New College faculty member for more information.

NEW 450-800: Study Abroad: Coral Reef Conservation in Belize (ESC)

Michael Steinberg
INTL
May 7 -24, 2019
6 Hours

The course is designed for students who are interested in conservation issues, biogeography, marine sciences, and outdoor adventure. Be part of a long-term research project focused on marine conservation in a tropical paradise. Snorkel everyday on the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Cost is $3650. Contact Dr. Steinberg with questions at mksteinberg@as.ua.edu.

FA 200: Introduction to Fine Arts (FA) (does not count as NC seminar)

Non-Seminar Course: The following course does not fulfill New College seminar requirements

Barbara Brickman
ONLINE
3 Hours

An introduction to the fine arts, drawing especially on campus and community cultural events. This course is usually open to incoming freshmen.