My Classes

Below you can see the four courses I am taking and the course description for each. While at sea, I have class almost every day, including weekends and holidays, and then no classes when I am in port. The schedule alternates with A and B days, meaning only 2 classes a day for a total of 3 hours.

PLIR 100Z: The Rise of New Great Powers

Each time a new great power has risen up from among the collection of nations, the world has been transformed. The rise of European powers led to the colonization of vast parts of the world. The rise of Germany, Japan, and Russia led to World War and Cold War, both of which engulfed large parts of the world, forcing most nations to choose sides. The rise of the United States made the world safe for giant corporations and massive capital flows, leaving "third world" countries little choice but to go along for the ride. Now we are seeing the rise of a new great power, China, prompting important questions about how this nation's rise will remake the world.

PSYC 300M: Positive Psychology

This course explores the emerging field of positive psychology, or the scientific study of optimal human functioning. Topics will include how scientists define and measure happiness, personal characteristics and circumstances that promote happiness, and cultural similarities and differences in the ways happiness is pursued and experienced. In addition to considering scholarly works, students will undertake experiential exercises and reflection that will promote productive approaches to personal well-being.

PHIL 125Z: Philosophy of Love, Sex, & Friendship

Philosophy literally means 'lover of wisdom' and from the beginning of western philosophy love has been a focus of philosophical analysis. Hence, it is an ideal place to get introduced to the subject, and to consider a host of questions. The course objectives are the reflect on the ways in which love, sex, and friendship may differ in different cultures, and to think critically about these important philosophical issues.

ARTS161Z: Introduction to Drawing I

This course serves as an introduction to drawing as an art form. Students will gain knowledge of drawing media and techniques in order to better express their visual ideas. The course will consider form, value, composition, the object in space, and the picture plane. Precise observation as well as imaginative and conceptual approaches will be used to help students broaden their imagination and develop their visual language. Subject matter will come from the ports we visit, sketching on site, the ship, shipmates, collected mementos, and journal drawings.