This is a seminar highlighting current topics in human biological variation. Student presentations and directed discussions will explore the evidence for human variation at the molecular, phenotypic, and behavioral levels, how that diversity is distributed geographically, and the factors responsible.
The course will trace the pattern of the evolving theatrical careers of Henrik Ibsen and Harold Pinter, exploring the nature of and relationships among key features of their emerging aesthetics. Thematic and theatrical exploration involve positioning the plays in the context of the trajectories of modernism and postmodernism and examining, in that context, the emblematic use of stage sets and tableaux; the intense scrutiny of families, friendships, and disruptive intruders; the experiments with temporality, multi-linearity, and split staging; the issues raised by performance and the implied playhouse; and the plays' potential as instruments of cultural intervention. Two papers are required, 5-7 pages and 10-12 pages, with weekly brief responses, and a class presentation. Readings include major plays of both writers and key statements on modernism and postmodernism.
Application Instructions:
E-mail Professor Austin Quigley (aeq1@columbia.edu) with the subject heading "Ibsen and Pinter seminar." In your message, include basic information: your name, school, major, year of study, and relevant courses taken, along with a brief statement about why you are interested in taking the course.
Admitted students should register for the course; they will automatically be placed on a wait list from which the instructor will in due course admit them as spaces become available.
This seminar is a continuation of the course from last semester (SOCI3988). It will culminate in you completing your thesis. Whereas last semester you concentrated on posing interesting, important, and feasible research questions, as well as how to conduct data collection, this semester you will learn how: to troubleshoot challenges and ethical issues in collecting data (i.e. data collection), translate your data into findings and conclusions (i.e. data analysis), orient your findings in an existing conversation (i.e. revising a literature review and introduction/hook), and write to persuade your audience and readers of your argument (i.e. write persuasively).
Instructor permission is required to join the course. Please note this course is the second part in a two part sequence, you must first take SOCI 3988 before you can enroll in SOCI 3989.
The Senior Project Seminar will focus primarily on developing students’ ideas for their research projects while charting their research goals. The course is designed to develop and hone the skills necessary to complete a senior thesis paper or creative project. An important component of the seminar is the completion of original and independent student research. The seminar provides students a forum in which to discuss their work with both the instructor and their peers. The professor, who facilitates the colloquium, will also provide students with additional academic support through seminar presentations, one-on-one meetings, and classroom exercises; supplementary to the feedback they receive from their individual faculty advisors. The course is divided into three main parts: 1.) researching and producing a senior project thesis; 2.) the submission of coursework throughout the spring semester that help lead to a successful completed project; 3.) and an oral presentation showcasing one’s research to those in and beyond the CSER community at the end of the academic year. This course is reserved for seniors who are completing a CSER senior project and who have successfully completed
Modes of Inquiry
in either their junior or senior year.
Working with her advisor, a student will expand the research project initiated in the Fall Senior Seminar for Music Majors (BC3992x). In order to satisfy the requirement, the student will complete a fifty page research paper.
"Advanced Topics in German Literature” is open to seniors and other advanced undergraduate students who have taken Intro to German Literature (GERM 3333) or an equivalent class. The seminar provides students the opportunity to closely examine a topic from a variety of perspectives and theoretical approaches. Readings and discussion in German. The course is repeatable for credit.
Working with her advisor, a student will develop a vocal or instrumental recital program with representative musical works from a variety of historical periods. In order to satisfy the requirement, the student will present an hour long public performance of the recital program. Students may also satisfy this requirement by composing original vocal or instrumental works.
Guided, independent, indepth research experience culminating in the senior essay. Weekly meetings are held to review work in progress, to share results through oral and written reports, and to consider career options for further work in this field.
Enrollment limited to Barnard senior English majors with a concentration in creative writing.
This creative writing workshop represents an opportunity for creative writing concentrators to focus on one large project that will serve as a capstone senior project. As in a typical writing workshop, much of the focus will be on sharing and critiquing student work. Unlike other workshops, in this class students will focus on building out a longer project—such as a more ambitious full-length story for fiction and creative nonfiction writers and a chapbook for poets. This means students will discuss work by writers who may not share their own genre. We will focus on generating new work, developing your writing process, and creating new possibilities and momentum for your piece, as well as trying to create a sense of community among the concentrators. We will also conduct in-class writing exercises in response to short reading assignments and class lectures. Students should be aware of two important notes: (1) This class is limited to senior English majors who have already been approved to be creative writing concentrators; and (2) this course fulfills the requirement for concentrators to finish a senior project, but not the academic senior seminar requirement. This class is about your own writing and that of your classmates. This class will be what you make of it!
Enrollment limited to Barnard senior English majors with a Film Studies concentration and Barnard senior Film Studies majors. To see the current course description, visit the English Department website:
https://english.barnard.edu/english/senior-seminars
Prerequisites: the faculty advisers permission. Senior thesis or tutorial project consisting of independent scholarly work in an area of study of the student’s choosing, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Prerequisites: Senior standing. Year-long course; participation is for two consecutive terms. No new students admitted for spring. Emphasizes the study of the built environment of cities and suburbs, and the related debates. Readings, class presentations, and written work culminate in major individual projects, under the supervision of faculty trained in architecture, urban design, or urban planning.
Prerequisites: the instructors permission and senior standing as a major in The Evolutionary Biology of the Human Species (EBHS). Year-long seminar in which senior EBHS majors develop a research project and write a senior thesis. Regular meetings are held to discuss research and writing strategies, review work in progress, and share results through oral and written reports.
Topics in Biology: Crossroads in Bioethics. This two credit multidisciplinary and interactive course will focus on contemporary issues in bioethics and medical ethics. Each topic will cover both the underlying science of new biotechnologies and the subsequent bioethical issues that emerge from these technologies. Each topic will introduce a bioethical principle that will be explored using case studies. Students are expected to prepare for each class based on the assignment so that classroom time will be devoted to discussion, case presentations, and role playing rather than merely lectures. Topics include stem cell research, human reproductive cloning, bioterrorism, neuroethics, genetic screening, medical stem cell tourism, patents and science, forensic science and the interface of science and culture/religion.
This year-long, three-credit course is mandatory for students who will be writing their Senior Thesis in Comparative Literature and Society or in Medical Humanities. Students who wish to be considered for Departmental honors are required to submit a Senior Thesis. The thesis is a rigorous research work of approximately 40 pages, and it will include citations and a bibliographical apparatus. It may be written in English or, with the permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, in another language relevant to the students scholarly interests. Although modeled after an independent study, in which core elements of the structure, direction, and pace of the work are decided together by the student and their faculty thesis supervisor, students are nonetheless expected to complete certain major steps in the research and writing process according to the timeline outlined by the ICLS DUS.
Prerequisites: completion of either FREN UN3333-FREN UN3334 or FREN UN3420-FREN UN3421, and FREN UN3405, or the director of undergraduate studies' or the instructor's permission. Required of all French and French & Francophone Studies majors. Usually taken by majors during the fall term of their senior year. Critical discussion of a few major literary works along with some classic commentaries on those works. Students critically assess and practice diverse methods of literary analysis.
The senior seminar is a capstone course required for the human rights major. The seminar provides students the opportunity to discuss human rights from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and to explore various theoretical approaches and research methodologies. Students undertake individual research projects while collectively examining human rights through directed readings and discussion.
Majors in Mathematics are offered the opportunity to write an honors senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty member. Interested students should contact a faculty member to determine an appropriate topic, and receive written approval from the faculty advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies (faculty sponsorship is limited to full-time instructors on the staff list). Research is conducted primarily during the fall term; the final paper is submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the subsequent spring term.
MATH UN3994 SENIOR THESIS IN MATHEMATICS I must be taken in the fall term, during which period the student conducts primary research on the agreed topic. An optional continuation course MATH UN3995 SENIOR THESIS IN MATHEMATICS II is available during the spring. The second term of this sequence may not be taken without the first. Registration for the spring continuation course has no impact on the timeline or outcome of the final paper.
Sections of SENIOR THESIS IN MATHEMATICS I and II do NOT count towards the major requirements, with the exception of an advanced written approval by the DUS.
Majors in Mathematics are offered the opportunity to write an honors senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty member. Interested students should contact a faculty member to determine an appropriate topic, and receive written approval from the faculty advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies (faculty sponsorship is limited to full-time instructors on the staff list). Research is conducted primarily during the fall term; the final paper is submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the subsequent spring term.
MATH UN3994 SENIOR THESIS IN MATHEMATICS I must be taken in the fall term, during which period the student conducts primary research on the agreed topic. An optional continuation course MATH UN3995 SENIOR THESIS IN MATHEMATICS II is available during the spring. The second term of this sequence may not be taken without the first. Registration for the spring continuation course has no impact on the timeline or outcome of the final paper.
Sections of SENIOR THESIS IN MATHEMATICS I and II do NOT count towards the major requirements, with the exception of an advanced written approval by the DUS.
Prerequisites: a formal proposal to be submitted and approved prior to registration; see the director of undergraduate studies for details. A creative/scholarly project conducted under faculty supervision, leading to completion of an honors essay, composition, or the equivalent.
A year-long seminar for outstanding majors who want to conduct research -- or to design a creative project -- on any aspect of American history and culture. During the fall, students will clarify their research agenda or creative topic, sharpen their questions, locate their primary and secondary sources, and begin their project to be completed in the spring perhaps leading to departmental honors. See American Studies website for more details.
Prerequisites: HRTS UN3994 Human Rights Senior Seminar: Research Methods. Additional information available at: http://humanrightscolumbia.org/education/undergraduate This course is designed for human rights students who wish to write a honors-eligible thesis. The course will consist of group sessions, during which time students will present their work and participate in discussions, and individual meetings with the thesis supervisor. The course instructor is the thesis supervisor for each student.
The Religion Salon is a one-point course in the Religion department, designed to offer students an introduction to new areas of the academic study of religion and/or new approaches to the field. The Religion Salon will be offered as a supplement to an existing course offered in the same semester and will be open to (but not required of) the students in that existing course as well as to students who wish to take the Salon as a stand-alone one-point course. The Religion Salon will feature guest scholars whose research and teaching extend into new areas and/or engage in new approaches to the academic study of religion.
This is an undergraduate seminar for special topics in computing arranged as the need and availability arises. Topics are usually offered on a one-time basis. Participation requires permission of the instructor. Since the content of this course changes each time it is offered, it may be repeated for credit.
This is an undergraduate seminar for special topics in computing arranged as the need and availability arises. Topics are usually offered on a one-time basis. Participation requires permission of the instructor. Since the content of this course changes each time it is offered, it may be repeated for credit.
This is an undergraduate seminar for special topics in computing arranged as the need and availability arises. Topics are usually offered on a one-time basis. Participation requires permission of the instructor. Since the content of this course changes each time it is offered, it may be repeated for credit.
Designed for students writing a senior thesis and doing advanced research on two central literary fields in the students major. The course of study and reading material will be determined by the instructor(s) in consultation with students(s).
Prerequisites: the director of undergraduate studies permission. A program of reading in Greek literature, to be tested by a series of short papers, one long paper, or an oral or written examination.
Designed for undergraduates who want to do directed reading in a period or on a topic not covered in the curriculum.
Prerequisites: the director of undergraduate studies permission. A program of reading in Latin literature, to be tested by a series of short papers, one long paper, or an oral or written examination.
Prerequisites: the written permission of the faculty member who agrees to act as a supervisor, and the director of undergraduate studies permission. For specially selected mathematics majors, the opportunity to write a senior thesis on a problem in contemporary mathematics under the supervision of a faculty member.
Supervised research usually with the goal of writing a senior thesis, under the direction of individual members of the department.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: Appropriate coursework and substantial production experience, including a major crew assignment in the junior year. Enrollment limited to senior Theatre majors. Combined and special majors may be considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the instructor required. Students register for this course to pursue approved theses in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, solo performance, or stage and production management.
Students will act in, direct, design, stage manage or dramaturg a play in the Barnard Department of Theatre season, or write a short play or solo performance piece that will be produced (according to departmental guidelines) in the Senior Thesis Festival. Collaboration is expected and students will meet weekly with faculty and other seniors. A written proposal must be submitted in the spring of the junior year and be approved. In addition to the performance, an extensive written Casebook is required: see departmental guidelines.
Prerequisite: the written permission of the staff member under whose supervision the research will be conducted.