English

This course examines historical biogeography of plants; plant adaptations and vegetation dynamics; world biome types; plants and society; and human impacts on vegetation.

This course explores Japanese culture by introducing the origins of modern Japanese society and enhancing students' understanding of the mentality of the Japanese people. This course operates under the assumption that understanding local culture is an important first step in becoming a global citizen, and thus focuses on the traditional culture of Miyagi prefecture. The course discovers and discusses several concepts related to Japanese culture and then analyzes Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance). Students will also learn how to dance the Suzume Odori through classes and videos.

By the end of the course, students are expected to:
1) Describe what occurs in the Suzume Odori and the Sendai Aoba Festival.
2) Discuss modern Japanese society through Japanese cultural concepts.
3) Analyze the Suzume Odori using these concepts.

The course aims to introduce Chinese traditional culture to students through Chinese Kungfu training experience, improve their blood circulation and physical fitness, have basic self-defense method, and have experience of Jing ( Spirit ), Qi ( Air ), Shen ( Concentration of Mind ) in Chinese Kungfu.

Chinese Kungfu, (also known as Wushu or martial arts) is one of the most well-known physical arts of traditional Chinese culture which is also probably one of the earliest and longest-lasting sports using both brawn and brain. Based upon classical Chinese philosophy, Kungfu has developed as a unique combination of exercise, practical self-defense, self-discipline and art over its long history. It could be divided into two types: "external Kungfu" and "internal Kungfu". In external Kungfu, you exercise your tendons, bones, and skin. In internal kungfu, you train your spirit, Qi, and mind.

How does constrained writing paradoxically open up language? What overt and covert strategies have authors used to create work that is highly formal but also highly playful? The Paris-based literary movement OuLiPo has been the headquarters of constrained writing since its inception in the middle of the last century. The group is well-known for writers like Georges Perec and Italo Calvino but has also had a considerable presence in English, from members like Harry Matthews and Ian Monk to the Feminist OuLiPo collective, Foulipo. In this seminar we will focus on OuLiPo and OuLiPo-adjacent output in English; readings include Oulipo: A Primer of Potential Literature edited by Warren F. Motte.

This course explores key topics in moral and political philosophy. Students consider some of the key questions at the center of these disciplines. 

This course examines trees and their environment. A basic understanding of environmental and climatic effects on trees will underpin methods of species selection, growing and maintaining trees and site specific management.

This course explores the various genres of keyboard music throughout history and the composers who have gained widespread popularity, and also examines the works of those who have received less attention. Topics include variation sets, preludes, fugues, suites, studies, and single-movement works. Students think critically about the significance and evolution of each genre over time. This course is for students who can read Western Classical music notation fluently (particularly in bass and treble clefs). Students may contact the instructor and state their prior experience with music to ascertain if this course will be feasible for them.

This course focuses on international public relations as a form of strategic communication to create and maintain beneficial connections between an organization (corporation, NGO, or government agency) and its audience in other countries. It explores the functions of international public relations and the techniques used to achieve strategic goals based on the objectives and needs of each case. This courses analyzes the conceptual factors of an organization's environment in different countries that impact public relations activities.

Students usually work in groups of four throughout the year on a major design, make, and test activity. This is based on a project brief approved by the department, or is an agreed subtask of a wider research team. The group is required to develop the brief as a product specification, in collaboration with the supervisor acting as client. The group must also keep full records of the subsequent design, manufacture and test activities in compliance with industrial standards, including the use of logbooks, design review, formal reports, and  both poster and oral presentations. The project culminates in the high profile DMT Exhibition. Throughout the project, each student is required to work to processes detailed in a Quality Plan that their group must write and maintain.