Animation

Unlike any other medium, animation provides unmatched suspicion of disbelief. Moreover, one can exercise one's imagination in digital space beyond material and physical limitations. Combining the two provides the permissive space to manifest our wildest reveries: utopias, dystopias, thought experiments, psi-fic scenarios, or dollhouses for amphibians.

In this course, students will receive a general survey on a range of methods in animation production. From the most traditional hand-drawn animation and cel animation to digital animation employing Photoshop, After Effects, and Blender (3D animation). Although this class can be technically involved; software mastery the end goal of the course is using these techniques to produce animations as a means of expression. These are only tools to help students form and realize their creative visions. Designed for both the digitally inclined and those who hate computers, students can try and then choose the method most agreeable to their temperament and ideas. They can also combine and mix different methods, maximizing creative freedom.

The course will introduce projects from animation history (early experimental animation, Disney, Soviet experimental animation, etc.) and contemporary art examples (Pierre Huyghe, Ian Chang, Wong Ping. etc.). However, the aim is to go beyond the Western art canon and expose students to other facets of culture. We will also study examples from popular culture (music videos) and Japanese anime (Hideaki Anno, Satoshi Kon, Masaaki Yuasa, etc.). One of the most essential responsibilities the students will take on is expanding our collective references by bringing in and presenting works that genuinely inspire and interest them.

Animation is an exceptionally permissive medium; it facilitates all of your prior skills and interests. Whether it is drawing, painting, music, poetry, fiction, or using a yoyo, there is a way for it to exist in animation. Students will be asked to keep a sketchbook for the duration of the semester. It will serve a landing pad for ideas and an anchor point to manage the project. The course will cover the entire production process, from idea development, concept design, character design, writing, storyboarding, foley, voice, music, editing, and final publication. Much of the class time will be dedicated to working, punctured by presentations, technical workshops, and critiques. At the end of the semester, students will have completed three shorts (30 seconds-2 minutes) and one fully developed pr

• Department: Visual Arts
• F 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Yi Fan Jiang
  Info
• 3 points

COMPANY FAILURES

Examination of areas critical to an organization’s success from strategic, operational, financial, and insurance perspectives, and examines why many companies fail in spite of the vast knowledge of factors driving success. Several case studies examined in depth.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Adam H Litke
  Info
• Instructor: Steve Lindo
  Info
• 3 points

MAFN FIELDWORK

Prerequisites: all 6 MAFN core courses, at least 6 credits of approved electives, and the instructors permission. See the MAFN website for details. This course provides an opportunity for MAFN students to engage in off-campus internships for academic credit that counts towards the degree. Graded by letter grade. Students need to secure an internship and get it approved by the instructor.

• Department: Mathematics
• Instructor: Jaehyuk Choi
  Info
• 1-3 points

Archive Photography

When millions of images are made every day, how can a photographer create an original body of work? This class proposes that parsing humanity’s existing shared archive of images is more relevant than generating new images. Following models such as Nepal Picture Library, Magnum Foundation, Drik/Majority World, and Arab Image Foundation, contemporary photography has remapped its practice around the reimagining and explanation, of the archival object. This class explores many archives–family albums, historical photographs, government records, fragile maps, musical albums, and flea market collectibles. We will use a series of lens-based technologies, starting from the flatbed scanner and Photoshop retouching and radiating outward. We will explore archive concerns, including consent, ownership, privacy, circulation, respect, and political impact. Students will explore display forms, including slide shows, zines, books, and exhibitions. There will be a strong complement of reading and writing in this class around the theory and practice of archives from the Western North and Global South.

• Department: Visual Arts
• MW 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Naeem Mohaiemen
  Wikipedia h-index: 8 Info
• 3 points

MATHEMATICS FOR AI

This course equips students with essential mathematical foundations for understanding and working with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. After a brief introduction to the historical and social context that numbers arise in, students will learn about:
- Linear Algebra: Matrices, matrix-vector multiplication, linear models, change of basis, dimensionality, spectral decomposition, and principal component analysis (PCA).
- Calculus: Rates of change, derivatives, optimization techniques like gradient descent, with a brief touch upon linear approximation.
- Probability and Statistics: Mathematically deriving complex probability distributions out of simpler ones, mathematically deriving statistical testing methods
- Graph Theory: How graphs are used to find relationships between data as well as being a setting for AI-driven problem solving.
- Problem Solving and Algorithms: Applying mathematical concepts to find problem solutions.
Students will learn about search methods like uninformed search, informed search with the A* algorithm, and greedy algorithms.
- Computational Theory and Automata: Answering questions about what is computable, what is needed in order to compute something, and using this framework to state how much “information” is contained in a mathematical object.
By the end of this course, students will possess a strong mathematical toolkit to confidently tackle the complexities of modern AI algorithms.

• Department: Applied Analytics
• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• 3 points

RISK REGULATIONS IN FINANCE

This course examines post-financial crisis regulations including Basel III, Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB), Dodd-Frank Act, Supervision and Regulation Letter 11-7 (SR 11-7), and others.  Case studies will explore the technical details of these new rules; and guest lectures from industry experts will bring the material to life.  Areas of focus include: model risk management, stress testing, derivatives, and insurance.  By the end of this course students will be able to:


Evaluate the purpose and limitations of risk regulations in finance.

Identify and communicate weaknesses in a financial firm.

Communicate with regulators.

Understand Recovery and Resolution Plans or “Living Wills” for a financial firm.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• R 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Jean Michel Ngalikpima
  Info
• Instructor: Juan Echeverri
  Info
• 3 points

Career Development for Quantitative Fina

Career Develop for Quant

This course helps the students understand the job search process and develop the professional skills necessary for career advancement. The students will not only learn the best practices in all aspects of job-seeking but will also have a chance to practice their skills. Each class will be divided into two parts: a lecture and a workshop.

In addition, the students will get support from Teaching Assistants who will be available to guide and prepare the students for technical interviews.

• Department: Mathematics
• MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Jaehyuk Choi
  Info
• 0 points

ESG AND ERM

ESG will be a driving force in risk management in upcoming years. ERM / Risk professionals need a solid understanding of emerging ESG trends and regulations and how they apply to day-to-day job responsibilities. The ESG and ERM course begins with an overview of the ESG landscape and framework. After a foundational understanding is established, the course focuses on incorporating ESG into enterprise risk management, including identification, quantification, decision making, and reporting of ESG-related risks.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Helda Rock
  Info
• Instructor: Tahmina Day
  Info
• 3 points

ANALYTICS FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGE

Operations Management (OM) is responsible for the efficient production and delivery of goods and services, serving as a cornerstone of successful organizations. This course emphasizes how analytical techniques, such as forecasting, queuing theory, and linear programming, provide critical tools for optimizing operational decision-making, improving efficiency, and addressing real-world challenges in operations management. In this course, you will gain essential skills to optimize processes, manage resources, and enhance productivity across various industries. The course will be delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and hands-on coding exercises to ensure a balance between conceptual learning and practical application.

Through lectures, you will gain a solid foundation in OM principles and analytical techniques. Case studies will help illustrate real-world applications of OM in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics, allowing you to see how the concepts are applied in diverse contexts. This course will integrate the principles of OM with hands-on analytical techniques using Python, allowing you to model and solve real-world OM problems. You will learn to run simulations, perform optimizations, and analyze data to make data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and overall performance.

OM practices are tailored to meet the specific needs of various sectors. In manufacturing, OM helps streamline production lines and minimize waste; in healthcare, it enhances patient flow and optimizes resource allocation; in retail, it improves inventory management and supply chain operations; and in logistics, it ensures timely deliveries while reducing transportation costs. This course will equip you with the skills to apply OM practices effectively in different industries.

Analytics for Business Operations Management is an elective that is intended for students who are interested in pursuing a career using analytics and operational insights to drive organizational success in a competitive global marketplace across various industries.

• Department: Applied Analytics
• M 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Andy W Chen
  Info
• 3 points

DERIVATIVES RISK MANAGEMENT

This course explores financial derivatives across different asset classes with in-depth analysis of several popular trades including block trades, program trades, vanilla options, digital options, and variance swaps. Their dynamics and risks are explored through Monte Carlo simulation using Excel and Python. The daily decisions and tasks of a frontline risk manager are recreated and students have the opportunity to see which trades they would approve or reject. Students will gain a working knowledge of financial derivatives and acquire technical skills to answer complex questions on the trading floor.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Alberto Scalari
  Info
• 3 points

FINANCIAL SEC ANALYSIS AND PORTFOLIO MGT

FIN SEC ANALYSIS AND PORT

Financial securities analysis and portfolio management is the study of analyzing information to evaluate financial securities and design investment strategies. Studying the subject can provide a foundation for students entering the fields of investment analysis or portfolio management. This course provides an intensive introduction to major topics in investments. Part I of the course lays the theoretical foundation by introducing the Portfolio Theory and Equilibrium Asset Pricing models. Part II covers the valuation models and analysis of major asset classes: equity, fixed-income, and derivatives. Topics include bond valuation and interest rate models, equity valuation and financial statement analysis, options valuation, other derivatives, and risk management. Part III of the course focuses on the practice of active portfolio management.

• Department: Applied Analytics
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Lei Yu
  Info
• 3 points

TOOLS FOR RISK MANAGEMENT

Tools for Risk Management examines how risk technology platforms assess risks. These platforms gather, store, and analyze data; and transform that data to actionable information. This course explores how the platforms are implemented, customized, and evaluated. Topics include business requirements specification, data modeling, risk analytics and reporting, systems integration, regulatory issues, visualization, and change processes. Hands-on exercises using selected vendor tools will give students the opportunity to see what these tools can offer.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• R 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Barney Baldwin
  Info
• Instructor: Viktor Ziskin
  Info
• 3 points

MODEL RISK MANAGEMENT

Given the ever growing reliance on models, Model risk affects financial institutions at almost every level of their organization including pricing, risk, finance, and marketing. Model risk management (MRM) is now one of the primary focuses of operational risk management at modern financial institutions. In this class, the ERM skill sets of risk identification, risk quantification, and risk decision making are applied to the kinds of models seen in large, complex financial institutions. Through readings, lecture, assignments, and in-class discussions, students learn the principles and concepts that a robust MRM function uses to manage model risk.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Peter L Russo
  Info
• 3 points

SPORTS SPONSORSHIP & SALES

• Department: Sports Management
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Ishwara Glassman Chrein
  Info
• 3 points

Fieldwork/Internship Course in African A

Fieldwork/Internship AFAM

Course Description

This course provides an opportunity for students in the AAADS Master’s program to engage in off-campus internships for academic credit that will count towards their requirements for the degree.


Open only to AAADS Master’s students and only with prior written approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

Prerequisites: All core courses
and
at least 6 credits of approved electives AAADS Master’s program. This course is not open to students in their first two semesters.

Grading: Letter grade.  This course may not be taken P/F or for R credit.

Credits: 1 (variable credit, to be determined by the department).  The student is expected to do at least 70 hours of work total, under the condition that the student may not work more than 20 hours in any one week; during the summer term, in which case it can be full time).

The course may be repeated in a following semester or semesters for a maximum total of 3 credits.  The course may not be taken more than once per semester.

The student must have received a grade of at least A (as posted in SSOL) for all previous internship courses.  Should the student repeat AFAM GR5555, this rule will apply to the original internship course and all subsequent internship courses.

Students who have already completed all requirements for the degree may not take AFAM GR5555.

• Department: African American and African Diaspora
• 1 points

MACHINE LEARNING FOR RISK MANAGEMENT

The exponentially increasing availability of data and the rapid development of information technology and computing power have inevitably made Machine Learning part of the risk manager’s toolkit. But, what are these tools? This class provides the driving intuitions for machine learning. Students will see how many of the algorithms are extensions of what we already do with our human minds. These algorithms include regularized regression, cluster analysis, naive bayes, apriori algorithm, decision trees, random forests, and boosted ensembles.

Through practical and real-life applications of ML to Risk Management, students will learn to identify the best technique to apply to a particular risk management problem, from credit risk measurement, fraud detection, portfolio selection to climate change, and ESG applications.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• 3 points

Oral History & Justice: Memory, Power, a

HUM RGTS & ORAL HIST

This course will explore the ethics and politics of using oral history methods for documenting injustice, oppression, and human rights issues. The course is open to graduate students of oral history, human rights, journalism, and related fields; no prior experience with oral history interviewing is required. Oral history can be a powerful means of documenting oppression, human rights abuses, and crisis “from the bottom up” and facilitating the understanding and possible transformation of conditions of injustice. It can open the space for people and narratives that have been marginalized to challenge official narratives and complicate narrow accounts of injustice and crisis. The course will first explore what is distinct about oral history as a response to harm or injustice, comparing it to more familiar forms of testimony and narrative used within the realm of human rights, social justice organizations and courts of law. With its commitment to life narrative interviews and archival preservation, oral history situates injustice within the broader context of a life, a historical trajectory, and a political and cultural setting. Weaving together conceptual and practical approaches, we will examine different potential goals of oral history, such as documenting the experiences of people who have been marginalized; seeking justice; fostering dialogue and healing; and/or supporting activism and advocacy. The course covers interviewing skills and project planning specifically for oral history projects about injustice and human rights, and explores various dimensions of how power, politics, and ethics come into play — how politics and power shape the way a narrative is heard; the challenges of realizing ideals of collaboration and shared authority amid uneven power dynamics; contending with the effects of trauma on both narrators and interviewers; and critical considerations for projects produced with activist and advocacy aims. We will explore how oral history can work alongside other forms of memory and witnessing that go beyond words, such as activism, film, and memorials.

• Department: Oral History
• T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Suchitra Vijayan
  Info
• 4 points

APPLIED GENERATIVE AI

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to a branch of machine learning called generative modeling, focusing on the underlying concepts, theoretical techniques, and practical applications. The defining property of Generative AI models is their ability to generate new data similar to a given dataset. In recent years, Generative AI has seen rapid advancement, revolutionizing various industries by enabling machines to create realistic and novel content, ranging from images, videos, and music to text and complex simulations.

Students will learn to use, fine-tune, and programmatically interface with high-level APIs and open-source foundational models, allowing them to leverage state-of-the-art tools in Generative AI. Additionally, the course delves into the theory and practice of low-level implementations, empowering students to train their own models on their own data and understand these models from first principles. The course covers various types of generative models, including Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Transformers with their applications to text, image, audio, and video generation.

By combining these approaches, this course provides a robust foundation in both the practical application and deep theoretical knowledge required to develop innovative AI solutions.

• Department: Applied Analytics
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• 3 points

SPORTS MARKETING

SPORTS MEDIA & MARKETING

• Department: Sports Management
• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Grant J Son
  Info
• 3 points

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISK MANAGEMENT

IT RISK MANAGEMENT

Students will learn how to better identify and manage a wide range of IT risks as well as better inform IT investment decisions that support the business strategy. Students will develop an instinct for where to look for technological risks, and how IT risks may be contributing factors toward key business risks. This course includes a review of IT risks, including those related to governance, general controls, compliance, cybersecurity, data privacy, and project management. Students will learn how to use a risk-based approach to identify and mitigate cybersecurity and privacy related risks and vulnerabilities. No prior experience or technical skills required to successfully complete this course.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• M 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• R 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Mike Wilkes
  Info
• Instructor: Adam Ely
  Info
• 3 points

SPORTS BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS & PR

SPORTS BUSINESS COMM & PR

• Department: Sports Management
• R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Joseph Favorito
  Info
• 3 points

CYBERSECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT

TBA

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• R 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Corey Hirsch
  Info
• 3 points

THIRD-PARTY RISK MANAGEMENT

As organizations increasingly rely on external vendors and service providers, managing third-party risks becomes paramount to ensure operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and strategic success. Challenges include:


The evolving nature of technology risks.

The impact of geopolitical tensions.

The lessons learned from disruptive events like pandemics.


By offering a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from the basics of vendor management to advanced predictive TPRM models and emphasizing regulatory requirements specific to the financial services sector, the course equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intricate web of third-party relationships. 
Students taking this course are prohibited from taking Supply Chain Risk Management for Non-Financials (ERMC PS5585) at any time. Contact your advisor for more information.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• M 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Shahryar Shaghaghi
  Info
• 3 points

DIGITAL SPORTS MEDIA & MARKETING

DIG SPRTS MEDIA & MRKTG

• Department: Sports Management
• W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Tom Richardson
  Info
• 3 points

SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MANAGEMENT FOR NON-FIN

SUPPLY CHAIN RM FOR NON-F

The Pandemic made us all aware of the fragility of supply chains and how significant the consequences of failure of our supply chains can be. It is paramount to note that global and local economies can break down, and scarcity of essential resources can foment wars. Risk professionals must know what best practices bring security to supply chains and related companies, governments, and other institutions. 
Students taking this course are prohibited from taking Third-Party Risk Management (ERMC PS5575) at any time. Contact your advisor for more information.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• R 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Dan Cahill
  Info
• Instructor: Bryce Wolf
  Info
• 3 points

COGNITIVE BIAS & ERM

Explores key concepts of behavioral economics and cognitive psychology, how to identify key cognitive biases in ERM activities, and how to apply techniques to address these, enhancing the quality and integrity of an ERM program. The course also includes best practices in leveraging analytic models to improve decision making.

• Department: Enterprise Risk Management
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Rich Lauria
  Info
• Instructor: Tatiana Dmitrieva
  Info
• 3 points

STRATEGY AND ANALYTICS

n/a

• Department: Applied Analytics
• T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Ranjit Kumble
  Info
• 3 points

STRATEGY AND ANALYTICS

STRATEGY AND ANALYTICS ONLINE

n/a

• Department: Applied Analytics
• M 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Diahanna L Post
  Info
• 3 points

CAPSTONE

The Capstone Project is an opportunity for students to synthesize and apply learnings from throughout the Strategic Communication program. Under the guidance of expert advisers, you’ll investigate a real-world communication issue, devising solutions and strategies that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

• Department: Strategic Communication
• R 3:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• R 6:10 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Instructor: Lilian Ore
  Info
• Instructor: Elyse Hoelzer
  Info
• 3 points

ROLE OF FINANCE IN INSURANCE

• Department: Insurance Management
• Instructor: Robert Percopo
  Info
• 3 points

Intro Darkroom Photography

Introductory course to analog photographic tools, techniques, and photo criticism. This class explores black & white, analog camera photography and darkroom processing and printing.  Areascovered include camera operations, black and white darkroom work, 8x10 print production, and critique. With an emphasis on the student’s own creative practice, this course will explore the basics of photography and its history through regular shooting assignments, demonstrations, critique, lectures, and readings. No prior photography experience is required.

• Department: Visual Arts
• MW 9:30 a.m.-noon
• MW 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Delphine A Fawundu
  Wikipedia Info
• Instructor: Matthew E Buckingham
  Wikipedia Info
• 3 points

PENSIONS

This course is a workshop in ERISA and Taxation Rules for Actuaries. Actuarial science can be applied and cover a number of welfare benefit arrangements (such as life insurance, medical, disability, severance etc.), qualified plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The services and products that are developed in the actuarial field may be governed by certain federal laws. In the U.S., these arrangements are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"). In addition, certain federal taxation and reporting rules may apply. To be successful in the field will require an understanding of these rules, reporting requirements, taxation rules and the government agencies (Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation) responsible for oversight of such arrangements. Other topics covered will include SEPs, Simple Plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• T 6:10 p.m.-8:55 p.m.
• 3 points

SPORTS FACILITIES & EVENTS MANAGEMENT

SPORT FACILITY & EVENT

• Department: Sports Management
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: William Squires
  Info
• 3 points

INVESTMENT & ALM FOR ACTUARIES

The goal of this elective course is to provide you with a broad understanding of fixed income securities and how they are used for asset liability management (ALM) in financial institutes. This course is designed for individuals who currently work or plan to work as insurance and financial professionals such as actuaries, traders, and quants. The course builds on concepts introduced in several of the program’s core courses and emphasizes the application of theories. The course covers content adapted from the SOA syllabus for fellowship exams and is split into four parts: interest rate risk measurements, interest rate management—ALM strategy, ALM decision-based asset allocation, and value-based management. In this course, you will learn several ALM techniques related to mitigating interest rate risks, managing risk and return trade-offs, and setting strategic asset allocation (SAA) to achieve an optimized risk/return portfolio. Additionally, you will be introduced to the concepts of value-based management and economic value of liabilities. Completing this course will give you a fundamental basis for understanding ALM in financial organizations and further prepare you to apply these concepts in real-life situations under both generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and market consistent approaches.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• MW 7:40 p.m.-8:55 p.m.
• 3 points

SOLAR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

TBA

• Department: Sustainability Management
• R 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Daniel J Giuffrida
  Info
• 3 points

Infrastructure Development for Sustainab

Sustainable and resilient cities require integrated networks of transportation, water, waste, stormwater, energy, parks, housing, and communication infrastructure to support a low-carbon society and lifestyles. This course, led by two experienced practitioners and civic leaders, examines climate solutions at the city level through the lens of capital programs and policies, including responses to Hurricane-related challenges in New York City. Class modules cover key topics such as program development, stakeholder engagement, public support, project finance, contracting, and public-private partnerships, alongside sector-specific challenges, technologies, and initiatives. Grounded in real-world case studies, the course features guest lectures from city agencies and private-sector experts, as well as a field trip offering a behind-the-scenes look at an infrastructure facility. Designed for future sustainability leaders, this course equips students with the knowledge and skills to shape the cities of tomorrow.

• Department: Sustainability Management
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• 3 points

ANALYTICS & LEADING CHANGE

ANALYTICS & LEADING CHNG

• Department: Applied Analytics
• S 10:10 a.m.-noon
• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Paul J Bailo
  Info
• Instructor: Ashoke S Bhattacharjya
  Info
• 3 points

ANALYTICS & LEADING CHANGE

ANALYTICS & LEADNG CHNG ONLINE

• Department: Applied Analytics
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: David Kreutter
  Info
• 3 points

CINEMA/MEDIA HISTORIOGRAPHY

An introduction to issues and cases in the study of cinema century technologies. This class takes up the definition of the historiographic problem and the differences between theoretical empirical solutions. Specific units on the history of film style, genre as opposed to authorship, silent and sound cinemas, the American avant-garde, national cinemas (Russia and China), the political economy of world cinema, and archival poetics. The question of artificial intelligence approached as a question of the “intelligence of the machine.” A unit on research methods is taught in conjunction with Butler and C.V. Starr East Asian Libraries. Writing exercises on a weekly basis culminate in a digital historiography research map which becomes the basis of final written “paper” posted in Courseworks in video essay format. Students present this work at a final conference. Topics in the past include:

Cultural Transactions: Across Media and Continents, Genre: Repetition and Difference, and Bang, Bang, Crash, Crash: Canon-Busting and Paradigm-Smashing

• Department: Film
• W 10:10 a.m.-12:40 p.m.
• Instructor: Jane Gaines
  CULPA: 4 Info
• 3 points

Statistics - Graduate Recitation

Statistics - Grad Recitat

This course is an introduction to probability and statistics for data science. Topics
include probability theory, probability distributions, simulations, parameters estima-
tion, hypothesis testing, simple regression. Python examples will be used throughout
the course for illustrations.

• Department: Statistics
• M 12:10 p.m.-1:25 p.m.
• T 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• W 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• 0 points

Sustainability Ethics and Financial Capi

The World Bank has estimated that the global cost of corruption is at least $2.6 trillion, or 5% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). Businesses and individuals pay over $1 trillion in bribes annually, which does not account for billions of dollars of both humanitarian and development aid that pass clandestinely from public to private hands, billions lost to tax evasion, and billions funneled to and from illegal trafficking. In addition, it does not account for billions enmeshed in conflicts of interest, ranging from campaign donations to regulatory loopholes and in general, “private gain from public office”. All such transactions occur in globally widespread arenas of corrupt practices. In this money-based environment, “what is just” in the distribution of programmatic goods and services needs continually to be determined, and depends upon whose participation will be allowed, counted and verified in decision processes. Some voices are heard, others are unheard, and the difference often depends upon the existing distribution of wealth, including the access wealth facilitates to these processes.

 

In this complex situation, which results significantly from unethical practices, the process and success of sustainability, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), depend upon the positive inroads and disruptions made by ethical practices. What are the features of these practices? What kinds of ethics are necessary and integral to the process and success of sustainability? Many new practical ethics, framed by scholars and practitioners since the 1980s, are promoted today by individuals and organizations, including national and international governmental organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs, also called NGOs), corporations, and even loosely structured grassroots movements. In what forms and at what levels of sustainability management are the new ethics to be adopted and pursued? This course seeks to identify, explain and consider such “sustainability ethics” and the ways in which sustainability managers can activate them, largely through issue-framing, agenda-setting, and policy, program and project design, inspection and review.

 

The course material is divided into three sections: challenges, pathways and practices. Challenges include the worldwide dimensions of ethical problems today; and the three particular problems of corruption, conflict and climate, which undercut economy, society and ec

• Department: Sustainability Management
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Adela J Gondek
  CULPA: 2 Info
• 3 points

ESTATE PLANNING

This course examines the key concepts and skills a wealth management
professional must understand to support making critical decisions with respect to
estate planning. Students will first be introduced to the fundamental characteristics
and consequences of property titling, before studying the components of estate
planning documentation. This course will explore the various strategies used to
transfer property and all of the factors impacting and related to the transfer
process, including gift and estate tax compliance and tax calculation, estate
liquidity, marital deduction, non-traditional relationships, and the types, features,
and taxation of trusts. Students will also explore the various techniques for
postmortem estate planning and techniques for intra-family and other business
transfers of property. The course will also begin to explore estate planning in a
global context, addressing issues and considerations that may arise.

• Department: Wealth Management
• Instructor: David Oh
  Info
• 3 points

PROBABILITY & STAT FOR DATA SC

This course covers the following topics: Fundamentals of probability theory and statistical inference used in data science; Probabilistic models, random variables, useful distributions, expectations, law of large numbers, central limit theorem; Statistical inference; point and confidence interval estimation, hypothesis tests, linear regression.

• Department: Statistics
• MW 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Dobrin Marchev
  Info
• 3 points

EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS/VISUAL

This course is covers the following topics: fundamentals of data visualization, layered grammer of graphics, perception of discrete and continuous variables, intreoduction to Mondran, mosaic pots, parallel coordinate plots, introduction to ggobi, linked pots, brushing, dynamic graphics, model visualization, clustering and classification.

• Department: Statistics
• MW 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• TR 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Joyce T Robbins
  CULPA: 5 Info
• 3 points

Intro to Digital Photography

Since Walter Benjamin’s concept of “work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction” (1935), photography has been continuously changed by mechanical, and then digital, means of image capture and processing. This class explores the history of the image, as a global phenomenon that accompanied industrialization, conflict, racial reckonings, and decolonization. Students will study case studies, read critical essays, and get hands-on training in capture, workflow, editing, output, and display formats using digital equipment (e.g., DSLR camera) and software (e.g., Lightroom, Photoshop, Scanning Software). Students will complete weekly assignments, a midterm project, and a final project based on research and shooting assignments. No Prerequisites and no equipment needed. All enrolled students will be able to check out Canon EOS 5D DSLR Camera; receive an Adobe Creative Cloud license; and get access to Large Format Print service.

• Department: Visual Arts
• TR 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Dana N Buhl
  Info
• 3 points

STAT INFERENCE & MODELING

Prerequisites: (STAT GR5701) working knowledge of calculus and linear algebra (vectors and matrices), STAT GR5701 or equivalent, and familiarity with a programming language (e.g. R, Python) for statistical data analysis. In this course, we will systematically cover fundamentals of statistical inference and modeling, with special attention to models and methods that address practical data issues. The course will be focused on inference and modeling approaches such as the EM algorithm, MCMC methods and Bayesian modeling, linear regression models, generalized linear regression models, nonparametric regressions, and statistical computing. In addition, the course will provide introduction to statistical methods and modeling that addresses various practical issues such as design of experiments, analysis of time-dependent data, missing values, etc. Throughpout the course, real-data examples will be used in lecture discussion and homework problems. This course lays the statistical foundation for inference and modeling using data, preparing the MS in Data Science students, for other courses in machine learning, data mining and visualization.

• Department: Statistics
• TR 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Marco A Avella Medina
  Info
• 3 points

SUMA PS5715 Intelligent Energy Systems:

Modernizing energy systems is essential for achieving a sustainable future. This course provides an in-depth exploration of intelligent energy systems, emphasizing the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in advancing grid operations and sustainability objectives. Designed to integrate theoretical foundations with real-world application, the course highlights innovative methodologies and cutting-edge tools, enabling students to tackle critical challenges such as renewable energy intermittency, curtailment, grid reliability, and resilience. Through a challenging yet approachable curriculum, students will develop both the knowledge and hands-on expertise required to lead innovations in the renewable energy industry within an increasingly complex and interconnected world. This elective course is designed for students interested in the intersection of renewable energy, technology, and environmental stewardship. This course will emphasize transformative technologies in grid modernization, highlighting the pivotal roles of AI and BESS.

• Department: Sustainability Management
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• 3 points

POLICY AND LEGAL CONTEXT FOR SUSTAINABIL

POLICY & LEGAL CNTXT FOR

• Department: Sustainability Management
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Seth Kerschner
  Info
• 3 points

Advanced Topics in Financial Economics

Advanced Financial Econom

This is a topics course in financial economics intended for Economics MA students. The focus of the course is on applied methods, including training with financial data, estimation methods, and identification strategies for causal analysis in finance research. Students will cover papers and gain practical experience in execution algorithms, machine learning in asset pricing, asset demand systems, financial intermediaries, trading costs, and passive investments. Prior coding and programming experience in a specific language are not strictly necessary, but basic knowledge of R or Python are helpful.

• Department: Economics
• 3 points

Sustainable Management of Forests

The course intends to give an overview of forests – how they function, and how they can be managed sustainably. The course addresses both the ecology and economics of forests. Combining the study of these two disciplines is necessary to understand and develop management actions and solutions to deforestation.  The emphasis in integrating ecology and economics is going to be on learning tools and techniques for managing forests. The course accounts both for North American and forests in other countries, including tropical ones. Current typical conceptions of forests are somewhat paradoxical: forests are considered marginal in sustainability, and yet they connect with many issues of central concern such as biodiversity, climate change, household energy for the poor, homelands for indigenous people, water and human shelter, to name a few. More specifically, forests provide a fruitful line of inquiry into many environmental issues, such as the complex balances within ecosystems, global cycling of elements, such as carbon, the nature of sustainability, and interactions between economic development and the conservation of nature.  For example, we will study biodiversity in forests. Much biodiversity is found outside of forests, but our study will provide an understanding of the ecological dynamics involved with biodiversity, the possible management options, and its importance for human survival. The course is going to emphasize the role of forests in the carbon cycle and the contribution of deforestation to climate change.

• Department: Sustainability Management
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Ralph C Schmidt
  Info
• 3 points

STORYTELLING WITH DATA AND AI

Data does not have meaning without context and interpretation. Being able to effectively present data analytics in a compelling narrative to a particular audience will differentiate you from others in your field. This course takes students through the lifecycle of an analytical project from a communication perspective. Students develop written, verbal, and visual deliverables for three major audiences: data experts (e.g., head of analytics); consumer and presentation experts (e.g., chief marketing officer); and executive leadership (e.g., chief executive officer).

Students get ample practice in strategic interactions in relevant social and professional contexts (e.g., business meetings, team projects, and one-on-one interactions); active listening; strategic storytelling; and creating persuasive professional spoken and written messages, reports, and presentations. Throughout the course, students create and receive feedback on data storytelling while sharpening their ability to communicate complex analytics to technical and nontechnical audiences with clarity, precision, and influence.

• Department: Applied Analytics
• M 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• T 8:10 a.m.-10 a.m.
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Javid B Huseynov
  Info
• Instructor: Benjamin Kinsella
  Info
• Instructor: Christian Klose
  Info
• Instructor: Paula Darling
  Info
• Instructor: Benjamin Kinsella
  Info
• Instructor: Gert de Geyter
  Info
• Instructor: Scott A Spencer
  Info
• 3 points

STORYTELLING WITH DATA AND AI

STORYTELLING WITH DATA ONLINE

Data does not have meaning without context and interpretation. Being able to effectively present data analytics in a compelling narrative to a particular audience will differentiate you from others in your field. This course takes students through the lifecycle of an analytical project from a communication perspective. Students develop written, verbal, and visual deliverables for three major audiences: data experts (e.g., head of analytics); consumer and presentation experts (e.g., chief marketing officer); and executive leadership (e.g., chief executive officer).

Students get ample practice in strategic interactions in relevant social and professional contexts (e.g., business meetings, team projects, and one-on-one interactions); active listening; strategic storytelling; and creating persuasive professional spoken and written messages, reports, and presentations. Throughout the course, students create and receive feedback on data storytelling while sharpening their ability to communicate complex analytics to technical and nontechnical audiences with clarity, precision, and influence.

• Department: Applied Analytics
• W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Bum Chul Kwon
  h-index: None Info
• 3 points

VISITING ARTIST LECT. I

The component includes scheduled studio critiques with some of New York’s most distinguished art practitioners, and is meant to offer multiple perspectives relevant to the training of contemporary artists. The Visual Arts program invites 20-25 artists and critics a semester, and each student sees at least two Visiting Critics per semester.

• Department: Visual Arts
• Instructor: Miya Masaoka
  Wikipedia Info
• 0 points

SPECIAL TOPICS IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT: DIS

DISRUPTIVE TRENDS

Columbia SPS is on the forefront of leading issues in the Wealth Management
profession. This course is designed to explore disruptive trends in the Wealth
Management industry and the opportunities and challenges that may result. As the
profession evolves, our graduates will be prepared to be leaders within all business
models across wealth management. Topics include, but are not limited to,
technology, client psychology, ESG/sustainable investing, financial products,
evolving fee structures, shifting demographics, increased regulatory burdens,
democratization of financial advice, and more.

• Department: Wealth Management
• Instructor: Matthias Kuhlmey
  Info
• 3 points

ACTUARIAL METHODS

The Actuarial Methods course explores models for evaluating and managing risks of life contingent contracts, their theoretical basis and applications. Topics include survival models, life insurance and annuity benefits, premium and reserve calculations related to policies on a single life, as well as option pricing. This course also covers materials relevant to the long-term section of the Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) exam of the Society of Actuaries. This is a core course of the M.S. in Actuarial Science program.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• TR 8:40 a.m.-9:55 a.m.
• Instructor: Yubo Wang
  Info
• 3 points

ADVANCED ACTUARIAL METHODS

The purpose this class is to develop the student’s knowledge of the theoretical basis of certain actuarial models and the application of those models to insurance and other financial risks. A thorough knowledge of calculus, probability, and interest theory is assumed. Knowledge of risk management at the level of Exam P is also assumed.

The combination of these two classes covers the material for the FAM-L and ALTAM examinations of the Society of Actuaries. This is a core class of the Actuarial Science program. Students who have already taken and passed the MLC or LTAM exam for SOA are exempted from this class and can substitute an elective.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• MW 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Abraham Weishaus
  Info
• 3 points

ACTUARIAL MODELS

This course provides an introduction to the tools for pricing and reserving for short term insurance. We will discuss methods for calculating IBNR reserves, ratemaking, frequency and severity models used for modeling coverage modifications, statistical methods for fitting, evaluating, and selecting parametric models for frequency and severity, and three credibility methods.

This class covers the short-term material of Exam FAM and also covers the material of Exam ASTAM of the Society of Actuaries, and some of the material on Exams MAS I, MAS II, and 5 of the Casualty Actuarial Society. This is a core class of the Actuarial Science program. Students who have already taken and passed the FAM exam (or its short term portion) and the ASTAM exam administered by the SOA are exempted from this class and can substitute an elective.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• MW 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Abraham Weishaus
  Info
• 3 points

Advanced Predictive Modeling Application

ACTUARIAL MODELS II

This course discusses Bayesian methods for estimating linear models. We discuss three methods for estimating the Bayesian posterior: grid approximation, quadratic approximation, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Bayesian methods are used to estimate linear regression models and generalized linear models. We also use Bayesian methods to estimate multilevel models, also known as linear mixed models. We also estimate linear mixed models using non-Bayesian methods. We learn how to build, estimate, and evaluate these models and how to select the best one.

This class covers most of the material of Exam MAS II of the Casualty Actuarial Society. This is a core class of the Actuarial Science program. Students may take either this class or Actuarial Methods II. Those who have already taken and passed the MAS II exam for CAS are exempted from this class and can substitute an elective.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• MW 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Abraham Weishaus
  Info
• 3 points

CRITICAL ISSUES I

• Department: Visual Arts
• T 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Ivana Dama
  Info
• 3 points

PREDICTIVE MODELING IN FINANCE & INSURAN

PREDICT MODLNG IN FIN & INSRNC

This course introduces to the students, generalized linear models (GLM), time series models, and some popular statistical learning models such as decision trees models as well as random forests and boosting trees.  The aim for GLM is to provide a flexible framework for the analysis and model building using the likelihood techniques for almost any data type. The aim for the statistical learning models is to build and predict or understand data structure (if unsupervised) using statistical learning methods such as tree-based for supervised learning and the Principle Component Analysis and Clustering for unsupervised learning.  It develops a student’s knowledge of the theoretical basis in predictive modeling, computational implementation of the models and their application in finance and insurance. Tools such as cross-validation and techniques such as regularization and dimension reduction for fitting and selecting models are explored.  We also implement these models using a combination of Excel and R.

The class covers the material of Exams, Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM) and Predictive Analytics (PA) of Society of Actuaries, and some material of Exams, Modern Actuarial Statistics I (MAS-I) and MAS II by the Casualty Actuarial Society. This is a core course for the Actuarial Science students. Students who have already taken and passed the SRM and PA exams administered by the SOA are exempted from this class and can substitute an elective.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• TR 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Lina Xu
  Info
• 3 points

GRADUATE STUDIO I

• Department: Visual Arts
• R noon-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Miya Masaoka
  Wikipedia Info
• 3 points

GRADUATE STUDIO I

• Department: Visual Arts
• MR 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Instructor: Miya Masaoka
  Wikipedia Info
• 3 points

DATA SCIENCE IN FINANCE AND INSURANCE

DATA SCIENCE IN FIN & INSURANC

This course explores machine learning models, their theoretical basis, computing implementation and applications in finance and insurance.  It discusses machine learning models for regression, classification and unsupervised learning;  tools such as cross validation and  techniques such as regularization, dimension reduction and ensemble learning;  and select algorithms for fitting machine learning models.  This course offers students an intensive hands-on experience where they combine theoretical understanding, domain knowledge and coding skills to better inform data-driven decision making.

Some topics covered are relevant to the statistical learning portion of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) curricula, and the quantitative methods section of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute curriculum.  This is a core course of the Actuarial Science program.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Yubo Wang
  Info
• 3 points

Advanced Data Science Applications in Fi

Adv Data Sci App in Fin a

The Advanced Data Science Applications in Finance and Insurance course covers topics in database navigation, select advanced predictive analytics models and model interpretability. Topics include relational databases, generalized additive models, deep learning models, linear mixed models, Bayesian approaches, and interpretable machine learning.

Course discussions help students develop an understanding of the models and methodologies, as well as the ability to implement these models in R or python using opensource packages. Course assignments help students practice applying these models to financial, insurance and other data, as well as gain additional insights through validating aspects of the models. After taking this course, students will be able to apply these advanced predictive analytics models to financial and insurance data to better inform data-driven decision making by combining their theoretical understanding, domain knowledge and coding skills.

Some topics covered are relevant to the Advanced Topics in Predictive Analytics (ATPA) exam of the Society of Actuaries, and (with a more analytical emphasis) to the quantitative methods section of the CFA Program Level II exam by the CFA Institute.

Familiarity with machine learning models covered in the Data Science in Finance and Insurance course is helpful. Prior exposure to linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and a working knowledge of python, R and spreadsheets are necessary.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• TR 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Yubo Wang
  Info
• 3 points

GLOBAL CAPITAL MARKET & INVESTMENT

GLOBAL CAPITAL MRKT & INVSTMNT

This course will introduce students to major issues currently of concern to all investors. It can give you the skills to conduct a sophisticated assessment of current issues and debates covered by the popular media as well as more-specialized finance journals. These skills are essential for people who pursues a financial service career, especially in today’s rapidly evolving environment. The material presented in this course are both practical important and intellectually interesting.

This course is consistent with and relevant to Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum. It covers all subjects in CFA test and most of problems are in the same format as the CFA examination questions. This course will also provide a foundation for further study in Financial Risk Management and Financial market related courses.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• W 2:40 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• 3 points

QUANTITATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT

QUANTITATIVE RISK MGMT

Risk Management becomes more and more important in the financial industry especially after the global financial crisis. Large financial institutions are facing high regulatory pressure from the government and public. In response to this pressure, risk management in the financial industry has been transformed dramatically over the past decade. Today, about 50 percent of the function’s staff are dedicated to risk-related operational processes such as credit administration, while 15 percent work in analytics. McKinsey research suggests that by 2025, these numbers will reach 25 and 40 percent, respectively.

This course is designed to provide students with a high-level overview of modern risk management. This is then followed by an in-depth examination of the techniques and management structures used to assess and control risk, including a detailed discussion on the implementation of Value-at-Risk, which is becoming the de facto standard for measuring risk across all the major classes: market, credit, liquidity and operational.

This course is consistent with and relevant to Financial Risk Manager (FRM) curriculum. It covers majority of FRM learning objectives in the test and it is deeper in the quantitative modelling and analysis.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• F 10:10 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
• 3 points

RISK MANAGEMENT IN P&C INSURANCE

RISK MGMT IN P&C INSURANCE

Insurance company risk management practices and requirements have evolved significantly over the last ten years, with the advances in regulation (e.g., Solvency II, NAIC ORSA) and rating agency oversight. This elective course is designed for individuals interested in moving into risk analysis roles within property and casualty (P&C) insurance, also known as general insurance. It provides a practical review of leading quantitative risk assessment and analysis practices at P&C insurance companies. The course will give you a sound understanding of quantitative risk analysis principles that will help you expand your influence in your organization and improve the way you communicate about risk to regulators, rating agencies, and boards. The course focuses on current industry practices, critical analysis skills of risk, and the development and delivery of professional work products, to influence decision makers.

The course is divided into three parts:


Introduction to P&C Insurance: you will review the unique characteristics of P&C insurers, including underwriting, claims, premiums, policy wordings, insurance law, and regulation;

Risk Analysis: you will gain a deep understanding of the key principles underlying the implementation and application of risk management within an organization, including qualitative aspects such as framework, governance and processes, as well as quantitative methods of risk measurement and modeling; and

Application: through a real life case study, you will work in a group to synthesize the quantitative risk analysis concepts with the realities of P&C insurance company information sources, develop and present a professional consulting work product to a real guest business leader from the insurance risk management community.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• M 6:10 p.m.-8:55 p.m.
• 3 points

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR ACTUARIAL PROFES

ORAL COMM FOR ACTUARIAL P

This course is a workshop in communication techniques and professional development. Students make presentations individually and in teams. Actuarial science can be complex and to be successful in the field will require effective communication skills to simplify and explain the complex.  The course covers communicating effectively, professional development, structuring presentations, delivery techniques and presentations.  The main objective for the course is to help students take the complex including business trends and communicate it in a manner that can be understood by the target audience. We will focus on improving communication skills, networking, interview skills, job opportunities and career development.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• M 3:10 p.m.-5:55 p.m.
• 3 points

THESIS DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

Incoming M.A. students aiming for the thesis-based program are guided through the process of defining a research question, finding an advisor, and preparing a research proposal. By the end of the semester the students will have a written research proposal to submit to potential advisors for revision. Subject to a positive review of the research proposal, students are allowed to continue with the thesis-based program and will start working with their advisor. The course will also provide an opportunity to develop basic skills that will facilitate the reminder of the student's stay at E3B and will help in their future careers.

• Department: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Bekka Brodie
  Info
• 3 points

GROUP CRITIQUE I

• Department: Visual Arts
• W 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
• 3 points

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CORPORATE COMMUNICA

PR & CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

This elective is designed for students looking to launch careers in public relations and corporate communications across organizations, from corporate, non-profit, start-up and/or governmental institutions. Course content will provide students with a broad overview of the PR and corporate communications function and foundational communication theory, along with hands-on, tactical training in modern public relations practice. Topics covered include strategic messaging and storytelling, working with the press to generate media coverage, leveraging social media and managing reputations online, crisis communication, public relations ethics and media law, engaging internal and external audiences, and evaluating corporate communications efforts.

• Department: Strategic Communication
• T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Michael Kaye
  Info
• 3 points

ARTIST MENTORSHIP / VISITING ARTIST LECT

ARTIST MENTORSHIP/ VALS

This required Visual Arts core MFA curriculum course, comprising two parts, allows MFA students to deeply engage with and learn directly from a wide variety of working artists who visit the program each year.

Lecture Series
The lecture component, taught by an adjunct faculty member with a background in art history and/or curatorial studies, consists of lectures and individual studio visits by visiting artists and critics over the course of the academic year. The series is programmed by a panel of graduate Visual Arts students under the professor's close guidance. Invitations are extended to artists whose practice reflects the interests, mediums, and working methods of MFA students and the program. Weekly readings assigned by the professor provide context for upcoming visitors. Other course assignments include researching and preparing introductions and discussion questions for each of the visitors. Undergraduate students enrolled in Visual Arts courses are encouraged to attend and graduate students in Columbia's Department of Art History are also invited. Following each class-period the conversation continues informally at a reception for the visitor. Studio visits with Visual Arts MFA students take place on or around the week of the artist or critic's lecture and are coordinated and assigned by lottery by the professor.

Artist Mentorship
The Artist-Mentor component allows a close and focused relationship to form between a core group of ten to fifteen students and their mentor. Students are assigned two mentors who they meet with each semester in two separate one-week workshops. The content of each workshop varies according to the Mentors’ areas of expertise and the needs of the students. Mentor weeks can include individual critiques, group critiques, studio visits, visits to galleries, other artist's studios, museums, special site visits, readings, and writing workshops. Here are a few descriptions from recent mentors:
• During Mentor Week we will individually and collectively examine our assumptions and notions about art. What shapes our needs and expectations as artists and the impact of what we do?
• Our week will include visits to exhibition spaces to observe how the public engages the art. Throughout, we will consider art's ability to have real life consequences and the public's desire to personally engage with and experience art without mediation.
• The week will be conducted in two parts, f

• Department: Visual Arts
• T 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Miya Masaoka
  Wikipedia Info
• 3 points

Interpersonal Dynamics: Collaboration, F

Interpersonal Dynamics: Collaboration, Facilitation and Reflective Practice

develops students’ capacity to act as reflective practitioners of

collaborative conflict resolution. Building on theories presented in

Introduction to Negotiation, the course provides students with many

opportunities to understand the interpersonal dynamics of conflict and to

practice the skills of negotiation, mediation, and facilitation.
 

To intervene as skilled practitioners, conflict-resolution professionals

need to understand how their worldview shapes the lens through which they

view and respond to conflict. Likewise, they need to grasp their

counterpart’s worldview and understand how the dynamics of these differing

narratives influence both sides’ perception, emotions, and responses. As a

result of their reflective practice, students can learn to make more

strategic choices as negotiators, mediators, and facilitators.
 

Students bring their own unique experiences, insights, and communicative

strengths to the learning process. This course seeks to build on these

contributions, providing (1) tools for deepening self-awareness as a means

of advancing connection to others, (2) opportunities for strengthening

their face-to-face communication skills as negotiators and as mediators,

and (3) techniques for developing their skills as third-party facilitators.

• Department: Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
• SUSU 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Robert Anderson
  h-index: 77 Info
• 3 points

Geographies of Environmental Justice and

The origin of the American Environmental Justice Movement can be traced back to the emergence of the American
Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and more specifically to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964. These historical
moments set the stage for a movement that continues to grow with present challenges and widening of economic,
health and environmental disparities between racial groups and socioeconomic groups. The environmental justice
movement builds upon the philosophy and work of environmentalism, which focuses on humanity’s adverse impact
upon the environment, entailing both human and non-human existence. However, environmental justice stresses the
manner in which adversely impacting the environment in turn adversely impacts the population of that environment.

At the heart of the environmental justice movement are the issues of racism and socioeconomic injustice.
This course will examine the intersections of race, equity, and the environment – focusing on history and the
growing role and impact of the environmental justice movement in shaping new sustainability discourses, ethics,
policies, and plans for the twenty-first century. Environmental Justice embeds various disciplines into its analytical
framework ranging from human geography and history to urban studies, economics, sociology, environmental
science, public policy, community organizing, and more. Drawing from these disciplines, as well as from recent
policies, advocacy, and regulations, students will develop a deeper understanding of equity, sustainability, social
impact, and environmental justice in places and spaces across the nation.

Building on the broadness of environmental justice and sustainability, this course will use the geography lens and
frameworks, building on the concept that geography brings together the physical and human dimensions of the
world in the study of people, places, and environments. Geography will set the stage for us to explore a variety of
environmental justice topics and issues in different regions across the nation, from the Black Belt South to the Rust
Belt to Cancer Alley, New Orleans, and Atlanta; then back to New York City and the metropolitan area, introducing
students to initiatives, policies, stakeholders, research, community groups, and advocacy involved in the
development and implementation of environmental laws, policies, practices, equity-based solutions, and sustainable
infrastructure.

• Department: Sustainability Management
• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: John E Williams
  Info
• 3 points

PROSEMINAR IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE

Industry representatives conduct a series of noncredit seminar sessions designed to expose students to the actuarial profession as well as to address a range of topics in actuarial science.

• Department: Actuarial Science
• TR 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Lina Xu
  Info
• 2 points