Please refer to the USEM course listings within SIS for course meeting times.

Fall 2021 USEMs

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Death, Dying and Bereavement

USEM 1570 (001)
Richard Steeves
Tuesday, 4:00pm - 5:50pm (Room TBD)

You should take this University Seminar if you are interested in exploring death, dying, grief and bereavement from a number of points of view.

This course is an exploration of thinking about dying, death and bereavement. Although western culture and American culture in particular has a reputation for being death denying, we do in fact confront images of and talk about death on almost a daily basis. This course will not be a study about death and dying in the news and popular media, rather it will about those who have thought about our mortality seriously and extensively.

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Images of the Sacred in Psychology of Religion

USEM 1570 (002)
Jane Knight
Thursday, 4:00pm - 5:50pm (Room TBD)

You should take this University Seminar if you are interested in how our self-image, images of the sacred, and images of other people are connected and desire to make positive social change in relation to stereotypes and unjust social structures.

In this interdisciplinary seminar, we will explore the interconnection of self-image, images of other people, and imagination of the divine/sacred/holy. Through perspectives from psychological studies, religious studies, gender studies, critical race theories, and engaged, transformative pedagogies, we will examine how our imaginations impact our relationships with other people and our ability to engage in positive action for change in the world. In a small learning community, we will approach difficult topics of racism, misogyny, and abuses of power by institutions with creativity, compassion, and curiosity. We will gain an understanding of the intersections of formative family relationships, culture, religious background, race, and gender and how these impact individuals in unique ways while also impacting social relationships and structures. We will explore diverse approaches for social, interpersonal, and personal transformation in relation to these realities.

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Designing a Carbon Neutral Future

USEM 1570 (004)
Ethan Hall
Monday, 3:00pm - 4:50pm (Room TBD)

You should take this University Seminar if you want to learn how to solve climate change.

This course will introduce the concept, rationale, mechanisms, and pathways underlying decarbonization. Students will become familiar with the major sectors contributing to climate change and analyze pathways for decarbonization. Students will work in multidisciplinary teams with a University partner to develop a carbon neutral plan. Weekly guest speakers with will be invited to provide expert insight and act as a resource for the group project.

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Who Cares? Exploring the Science of Compassion

USEM 1570 (005)
Amy Boitnott
Tuesday, 2:00pm - 3:50pm (Room TBD)

You should take this University Seminar if you want to understand the giving, receiving and observation of compassion in our community and beyond.

This course will explore the science and emotion of compassion. Compassion is something we exhibit to ease the pain of someone’s suffering. It is also a science composed of measurable outcomes and data that can be tested, proven and manipulated. We will discover how to measure compassion and explore the possibility that compassion is an inborn trait and question if all humans have the ability to give and receive compassion.

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College Athletics & Society

USEM 1570 (006)
Jason Baum
Wednesday, 3:00pm - 4:50pm (Room TBD)

You should take this University Seminar if you are interested in college athletics and want to engage in critical thinking.

College Athletics & Society explores the crossroads between college athletics and race, social justice, economics and law/policy. Students will explores these issues and discuss the impact that policies/actions have on the current state and future of college athletics.

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Critical Thinking for Science/Data in the Info Age

USEM 1570 (007)
William Scherer
Thursday, 2:00pm - 3:50pm (Room TBD)

You should take this University Seminar if you are bombarded with diverse information and seeing questionable conclusions.

Critical thinking requires the application of scientific principles to the evaluation of concepts such as conspiracy theories, paranormal beliefs, UFOs, mystics, etc., and disparate disciplines such as economics, urban planning, politics, medicine, and data science. This seminar explores the development of ‘new eyes’ - the ability to see the world in new ways and the development of rigor in reasoning about matters of fact in daily life.

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