As a continuing component of UCLA’s efforts to help students comprehend the tragic events of Sept. 11, the university’s College of Letters and Science is offering a second series of seminars that explore issues emerging from the terrorist attacks.
Titled “Perspectives Post 9/11,� the 37 one-unit undergraduate seminars offered during the winter quarter span the range of disciplines at UCLA, from national security to literature to psychology.
In the fall quarter, UCLA took the lead among the nation’s universities in responding to Sept. 11 by creating and offering 49 seminars that began two weeks after the attacks — reportedly the largest response by any academic institution. Titled “Perspectives on Sept. 11,� most of the courses were filled.
“The enthusiasm among faculty and students for the courses this fall encouraged us to offer another series of new seminars,� said Judi Smith, vice provost for undergraduate education. “The new courses again reflect the remarkable range of UCLA’s academic capabilities in world culture, international affairs, literature, psychology, science, health and technology.�
Several courses offered in the fall quarter will be repeated, including “Rethinking National Security,� taught by UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale.
Among the other 37 post-9/11 seminars being taught at UCLA in the winter quarter are:
· Islam and the West
· Terror and Its Psychological Impact
· Understanding, Respecting and Honoring the First Amendment in a Terrorist Environment
· Culture, Religion and the Deferral of Violence
· Genetic Engineering Bioweapons: Reality or Hype?
· Women, Politics and Violence
· America as Hyperpower
“As an institution that prizes reasoned discussion of difficult subjects, UCLA is addressing the issues evolving from Sept. 11 through its teaching mission,� said Brian Copenhaver, provost of the College of Letters and Science at UCLA, and instructor in the seminar series during the fall quarter. “The classes work because the subject made them work, giving superb teachers a special motivation and stimulating the drive to learn that brings top students to UCLA.�
Each one-hour course is limited to 15 undergraduates, with preference given to freshmen and sophomores. Graded pass/no pass, the one-unit seminars meet one hour each week.
For more information about the current Sept. 11 courses, visit http://www.college.ucla.edu/hnrs98/newseminars.htm.