Structure and Freedom

GER-0070: Grimm’s Fairy Tales

Explore the literary works of the Grimm brothers through their relationship to the development of German nationalism and capitalism, in this interdisciplinary course that takes a deeper look into German history. Taught in English, the course incorporates fairy tale reading, discussions on gender and social class, and insights into 20th century German society.

AMER-0031: Rise of the Modern Woman

This course looks into the history of women’s struggles for equality from the 19th century into World War II. There’s a focus on the social implications of different movements, and the course connects both private and public life in its explorations of these issues. Some important issues discussed include suffrage, access to higher education, and medicine.

FMS-0078: Japanese Film

A survey designed to showcase important Japanese films that trace the history of the country’s film industry, Japanese Film is focused on different movements and filmmakers, from Mizoguchi and Ozu to Itami. It is taught in English and open to everyone, and the course also connects the Japanese industry to Western culture and Hollywood.

Rel-0036: History of Christianity 1

Study key figures, events, and issues that helped shape Christian traditions in a variety of cultural, social and historical contexts, and learn about the development of Christianity as a world movement from antiquity through the medieval period.

SCP-0102: Beginning Ceramics

Taught at the SMFA at Tufts Fenway campus, this course introduces students to different techniques for making ceramics, sculpting, and painting. Students will develop skills in basic glazing and fire use. There are no prerequisites for the course, so it’s an especially ideal course for first-years to take. Not only can it help students explore beyond the Hill, but it’s a hands-on way to fulfill the arts requirement.

FMS-0030: Film and Media Production I: Basics of Visual Storytelling

For students who are interested in learning about film technology and how to develop their own stories, this production course provides tools and techniques for making short films. Students will find a deeper connection to the way films are made and how scenes are put together to tell stories. This course also opens up other production-based film classes for students to explore in the future.

MUS-0069: Gospel Choir

Looking to sing different African American traditional choral works? In this 200-person course, students have the opportunity to learn techniques, perform in different spaces, and understand the significance and history of these pieces. There is no prerequisite or musical experience needed for the course.

DR-0007: Intro to Theatre

From studying different aspects of theatre to class discussions focused on the history of theatre within society, this course is interdisciplinary in content. Students can bring their individual interests and ideas to the table, and with a general view of theatrical elements and history, students can learn more about theatrical culture and how it shapes society today.

AFR-0011: Sociology of Race & Ethnicity

From different political movements—like civil rights and the Black Lives Matter movement to the history of colonization and slavery—to the social and economic implications of race in the United States, this broad course explores sociological aspects of race and ethnicity into the present.

AAST-0062: Childhood Across Culture

With a combination of understanding theory, cultural background, and how children grow in different settings, Childhood Across Culture studies different perspectives on how childhood is seen and how children develop. This is a global course, and it emphasizes how culture impacts children and their experiences in social institutions.

CLS-0146: Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine

Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine looks into the historical development of medicine as well as a deeper focus on how these societies influenced modern medicine. Students will partake in analysis of ancient views of the human body and pharmacology. The course caps off with a special case study that focuses on a hypothetical patient and requires ancient Greek and Roman medical treatment.

LAS-0127: Latin American Politics

This course introduces students to Latin American politics and how those political systems are changing over time. There is a focus on the history of different governments and movements, from 20th century populist movements to civil-military relations as well as a deeper analysis of current issues and how they impact different societies and communities.

BIO-0010: Plants & Humanity

Step into an introductory course that examines botany and different social, economic, and political aspects of plants and agriculture. The course will also examine how humans have impacted plant life. Plants & Humanity goes in depth into applications of plants throughout history, while also looking at deforestation, biotechnology, and other human uses.

AST-0010: Wanders in Space: Exploration and Discovery

This course explores the historical aspects of astronomy, tracing the development of technology before discussing the actual science behind planetary rotation, asteroids and comets, solar wind, climate change, and space exploration. It’s a lecture-style course, but students find the material to be engaging.

BIO-0012: Evolution in Our World

Specifically designed to serve as a smaller class for non-biology majors, Evolution in Our World looks at diversity, the history of species and their development, and how humans are impacting biodiversity. Climate change and pollution are especially highlighted as human actions that are changing the natural world. The course examines and discusses research.

CHEM-0006 Big Bang To Humankind 

A campus favorite, Big Bang To Humankind explores the origins of the Universe, the formation of Earth and its structure, the chemistry of life, the development of complex organisms, and the development of modern humans including evidence for the various ideas presented, the scientific method used by scientists, and how the community of scientists evaluate the evidence.

MATH-0019: Math of Social Choice

This course looks at the mathematical methods behind voting and other social and political institutions. Math of Social Choice examines material that ranges from voting methods and their implications to the division of assets. 

PHIL-0103: Logic

Logic is an introductory course to various formal methods of logical thinking, including order and identity. The course seeks to apply these theories to the real world, including everyday affairs and decision making. Students will leave with an understanding of how logical choices exist in every other discipline.

COMP 11 Introduction to Computer Science

Learn the basics of general-purpose programming language, mainly C++, and how to apply code to solve problems. The course also explores how to consider the performance of solutions and apply both analytical and empirical assessment techniques, skills that are becoming more and more important in our increasingly technologically-based world. 

MATH-0021: Introductory Statistics

From looking at a wide range of statistical disciplines and operations to examining specific methods, Introductory Statistics is a great way to acquire basic mathematical knowledge and data analysis that can be put to work in many other fields of study.