Maastricht University – University College Maastricht

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.

This course is for people with a basic knowledge of Italian and for people who have completed level A1. An intake is necessary when you do not have a recent A1 certificate. The course builds vocabulary and understanding of how the language works. Traditional learning materials as well as online learning tools, such as Google Classroom and social media are used. Although the content of the course especially focuses on speaking skills, additional work on reading, listening, writing, and grammar supports the language learning process. The teacher is a native speaker, and the group lessons are conducted in Italian. Instructions is only be given in English if it's necessary.

Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics that is primarily concerned with problems involving linearity of one kind or another. This is reflected by the three main themes around which this introductory course is centered. The first theme concerns how to solve a system of linear equations. For this problem, a complete solution procedure is developed which provides a way to deal with such problems systematically, regardless of the number of equations or the number of unknowns. The second theme addresses linear functions and mappings, which can be studied naturally from a geometric point of view. This involves geometric ‘primitives’ such as points, lines, and planes, and geometric ‘actions’ such as rotation, reflection, projection, and translation. One of the main tools of linear algebra is offered by matrices and vectors, for which a basic theory of matrix-vector computation is developed. This allows one to bring these two themes together in a common, exceptionally fruitful, framework. By introducing the notions of vector spaces, inner products, and orthogonality, a deeper understanding of the scope of these techniques is developed, opening up a large array of rather diverse application areas. The third theme shifts from the geometric point of view to the dynamic perspective, where the focus is on the effects of iteration (i.e., the repeated application of a linear mapping). This involves a basic theory of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Examples and exercises are provided to clarify the issues and to develop practical computational skills. They also serve to demonstrate practical applications where the results of this course can be successfully employed. Prerequisites include Basic Mathematical Tools or substantial high school experience in Mathematics. 

This course begins by discussing the physiology of the cell and the function of the cell membrane. It then continues to cardiovascular physiology, respiratory, fluid, and salt balance, followed by the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system and ending with gastrointestinal physiology, control, and feedback. This course is designed to be taken in combination with SKI2079 Lab Skills: Human Anatomy and Histology. Students wishing to take the Lab Skills should concurrently enroll in or have completed this course. Students wishing to take SCI2009 Human Physiology without taking the Lab Skills may do so. Prerequisites include Introduction to Biology. 

The objective of the course is to obtain insight into the endocrine system of the human body by studying illnesses that disturb this homeostatic control mechanism. Physiology deals with the explanation of the biological, physical, and chemical factors that are responsible for the origin, development, and progression of life. Students study the disturbances in physiological function (homeostasis) resulting in disease, to deepen their knowledge on human endocrinology. These disturbances are studied through the presentation of patient cases exemplified by hypertension, renal failure, infertility, steroid abuse, diabetes, and starvation. This course also studies the treatment of these diseases. The course prerequisite is Human Physiology.

Lifting the Iron Curtain studies the political, social, and economic transformation of Eastern Europe from the end of the First World War till today. This multidisciplinary course can be divided into two major parts: a historical one devoted to the short twentieth century until 1989-91 and a more contemporary one exploring the achievements and shortcomings of the three decades since. The first half of the course starts by examining East-West relations in Europe on a material and discursive level. It continues by discussing the emergence and characteristics of the post-imperial order after the First World War. It also focuses on the practically simultaneous imposition of the Bolshevik regime in the (newly created) Soviet Union as well as the brutal development of this regime under Lenin and Stalin. The course subsequently includes four meetings on the post-war (Soviet) era west of the Soviet Union, respectively devoted to the origins of Soviet-type regimes in Eastern Europe; the major challenges these regimes had to face, such as the Hungarian uprising or the Prague Spring, and how they responded to them; the reasons behind their unexpected and sudden collapse in 1989-91; and, last but not least, continental and global perspectives on these developments. As mentioned, the second half of the course assesses the political and economic transformation of Eastern Europe since 1989-91. Questions regarding democratization and the quality of democracy in the region as well as the European opening and the related expectations, hopes, and frustrations are the center of attention. The course closes with a discussion of the major challenges Eastern Europe confronts today.

This course focuses on data analysis, an algorithmic-driven method of extracting text from (large) corpora, in literary and historical sources and social media.  The course includes a mini big data project to provide hands-on experience and an understanding of the affordances and limitations of data analysis methods. No background in the methods or programming skills is needed. Easy-to-learn web-based tools and software are used. Theoretically, the course explores how the representation of text in more visual formats which are typically removed from its semantic contexts, offers opportunities for both new insights as well as misrepresentation. Concepts covered include distant reading, algorithmic visualization, and data feminism. This course helps students become more savvy users of digital information: the implications and challenges that methods and technologies pose to conventional research, analysis, and publication in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, including issues such as transparency, authenticity, and bias.

This course offers a study of visual cultures and the theoretical insights garnered by the study of this interdisciplinary field. The course provides an introduction to the field of visual culture and explores topics including vision, visuality, and image in conjunction with varying conceptualizations of culture. Each subsequent unit deals with a “site” of visual culture that offers an object of study, a theoretical problem, and an interdisciplinary opportunity. Visual cultures from high to low are studied along with an examination of how these forms are quickly transforming and breaking barriers of category and genre. The principal sites of inquiry traverse fashion, gaming, museum exhibitions, medical imaging, comics, and cinema. This course requires that students have completed a course in the humanities as a prerequisite.