Maastricht University – University College Maastricht

This course concentrates on a number of philosophical approaches that help us understand the relationship between media and technology and our lived experience. Media theory and whether specific technologies and media, like writing and print, provoke structural changes in patterns of thought, action and experience are discussed. The course also deals with the critical philosophies of technology in the Marxist tradition, the hermeneutic tradition and the feminist tradition as well as contemporary debates about ethics, labor, and the environment. These topics encourage us to think about how, to paraphrase the historian Melvin Kranzberg, media and technology are neither good nor bad nor are they neutral. A variety of different media and technical artifacts, including AI, health care technologies, books, social media, the alphabet, and education are considered. This course requires that students have completed an upper division course in the humanities as a prerequisite. Prior knowledge of philosophy is recommended.

In this project students engage in a deep reading of a text linked to seminal themes and issues in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Deep reading is a process of thoughtful and deliberate reading through which a reader actively works to critically contemplate, understand and ultimately enjoy a particular text to the fullest extent possible. Rather than selectively skimming for facts or speed-reading for summaries, the process of deep reading means slowing down, re-reading and even stopping periodically to more fully contemplate specific pages or passages. Having considered and recognized what a text says, deep reading goes a step further and strives to reflect upon the broader implications or consequences of the text, i.e. what does the text ‘do’? Although deep reading is a profoundly personal experience, within the context of problem-based learning the process of deep reading also rests on the premise that profound understanding and appreciation of a text emerges through group-based discussion and deliberation. A single seminal text (classic or contemporary) or cohesive set of readings will be assigned by tutors. Tutorial group meetings and individual and collaborative work. Final paper in the format of an extended book review, presentation, and reflective essay.

To write effectively in an academic context is to be able to convey ideas in a manner that is clear, concise, and engaging. Writing in an Academic Context gives you the tools and techniques for this by teaching you about topics such as coherence, cohesion, conciseness, and hedging. The course is extremely hands-on and mostly focused on what comes after the first draft has been written. It helps polish writing skills by 1) teaching the underlying mechanisms of effective academic writing, and 2) providing weekly practice sessions with targeted peer (and tutor) support that serve to consolidate theory and writing skills. In doing so, the course looks beyond the content of academic articles to examine the fundamental mechanics of writing to adapt writing for different audiences across disciplines and concentrations. This course is interactive and writing intensive.

This course explores the intricate dynamics of ecosystems and the application of resource management strategies. Students engage in practical exercises and fieldwork, gaining hands-on experience with environmental measurement tools and real-world resource management scenarios. This course examines human dimensions behind managing forests, ranges, water, and fish/wildlife along with the ecological processes that enable these resources or cause difficulties in managing them. Participants are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems, the skills required for responsible natural resource management, and a newfound understanding of the natural world.  Recommended pre-reqs include Introductory Biology, Geology, and Sustainable Development.

This course explores key themes in political sociology, a major sub-field of sociology with strong linkages to political science and political philosophy. The focus is on the dynamics and relations of power in society, specific problems and issues related to ‘power’ are examined across the grassroots and global levels of sociological investigation. Intersectional and global comparative perspectives are stressed through an exploration of diverse case studies that span different historical eras and contemporary settings. Principles of ‘research-based learning’ (RBL) are emphasized throughout the course to stress the intimate link between sociological theory and methodology. Salient themes explored include democratization, active citizenship, nationalism, neoliberalism, elitism, populism, authoritarianism, repression, protest, and revolution. A working knowledge of introductory sociology and social science research methods is required.

This course offers an introduction to the historical and cultural aspects of Medieval European Civilization by drawing parallels between modern-day societal, economic, and cultural occurrences and the Medieval past.  The course explores weekly themes that reflect contemporary societal issues that lend themselves to a (historical) comparative analytical approach. Themes include modern misrepresentation of Medieval culture, the ‘White’ Middle Ages, modern reflections on Medieval pandemics, revolts and political order in the Middle Ages, and minorities and persecution in the Middle Ages. The course consists of lectures and tutor groups. Students are evaluated on their participation, presentation, scientific paper, and written exam. Prerequisites include any course in history or sociology or substantial high school knowledge in history.