Capstone Courses 2008
Capstone Courses
Winter 2009
ANTH J 465: Water, Culture, and Human Rights in Comparative Perspective
Karen Porter
How is water conceptualized, given meaning, and used in different cultures and in different time periods? What roles does water play in human life and in modern international relations? Using comparative, cross-cultural, and cross-temporal approaches, this course explores water issues in different cultural contexts with emphases on perspectives from indigenous peoples and human rights. We will also critically examine our own "water footprint" as we learn about water in other cultures.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
CBP J 465: The Business of Water
Anthony Fresina
We will examine the business of water from two perspectives. First, we will work individually and as a class using the lens of the liberal arts to explore what the commercial/business realities associated with water throughout the world and over time have been and are likely to be. Second, we will work in teams on a new, local and water-centered business opportunity. Each team of students will create a distinct new-venture concept and business plan that will be evaluated for possible future funding. From a process and activity standpoint, the course will be approximately 20% faculty-instruction, 40% student exploration and exposition, and 40% team strategizing and competition. This opportunity is best suited for students with interdisciplinary interests and desire to experience the challenges of conceptualizing and detailing a business venture from ground zero.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
ECO J 465: Economics of Water Resources
Nasrin Shahinpoor
In this course we first examine the economic theory of resource allocation and how it applies to water resources. We then discuss different approaches to water efficiency, the role of water marketing and water pricing, demand and supply estimation, privatization of water, and management of water for poverty reduction in developing countries.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
ENG J 465: Water Journeys and Transformations
Dee Goertz and Rick Bennett
In this course, we will examine great works of art and literature that incorporate images of water. Ultimately, this course is about the human imagination: how water has excited the imaginations of literary and visual artists from the Neolithic period to the present. Throughout human culture, visual and literary depictions of water and of water-born travel have carried with them concepts of time, motion, the origins and nature of the cosmos, and the relationship of human beings to the natural world. The course will be organized chronologically and will explore such themes as the creative powers of water, the personification of the qualities of water, water as a destructive force, and water as a vehicle for spiritual transformation.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
ENV J 465: Water Conservation, Theory and Practice
Ken Bevis & Daryl Karns
This course will explore the need for conservation of our freshwater resources and "best" management practices for achieving this goal. In "The Theory" portion of the course, we will address the environmental and social issues of water scarcity (and improving water security) by focusing on two fundamental problems: 1) the lack of water in some places, and 2) the mismanagement of what water there is in other places. In "The Practice" portion of the course we will examine multiple practical solutions for the holistic and sustainable management of our water resources, including such techniques as rainwater harvesting and recycling of wastewater. Readings and discussion will be complimented by "hands-on" exercises the get at the details of water mismanagement and its impact on ecosystems and society, as well as exercises regarding the design and implementation of water management solutions.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
PHI J 465: Philosophy of Water
Bob Rosenthal
This course begins with a cross-cultural survey of images/ideas about humans and water (in myth, religion, traditional lore, and literature). Then we will do a phenomenological analysis of water and human experience, mainly using the work of Bachelard. In the second half we will do general study of environmental philosophy, focusing on water issues and on ethical ideas to guide environmentally responsible practice. We conclude with focused study of small-scale examples of wise relations with water as shown in ecovillages around the world. Possible field trips: a float down Big Camp Creek, a day at The Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm, TN. Intensive journal method with final integrative essay suitable for publication.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
THR J 465: Water and Current Happenings
Jim Stark
Students will create site-specific theatre events in traditional and non-traditional modes, addressing the themes of water, rivers and human culture. The course is appropriate for students with an interest in creative writing, environmental activism, and/or the performing arts.
A final integrative essay suitable for publication is required.
