Three New Special Topics
Courses Offered This Fall
Each semester new special topics courses are developed out of faculty expertise and student interest. These courses focus on issues of current concern to students, who will work on independent projects reflective of their interests. Topics chosen will normally relate to students' majors. Visiting guest lecturers and field trips to academic, research, and political centers in New England and Canada complement in class work and research.
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Special Topics in Humanities: Black River Voices
The Black River valley’s rich agricultural history and changing cultural landscape present a unique opportunity for Sterling students to chart the legacy and development of the region’s working culture. Students in Black River Voices work directly with the course instructors, in groups, and independently to follow the process of collecting oral histories from idea to publication. Class participants research existing oral history projects, identify local and regional sources, develop an interview plan, perform interviews and digitally record oral histories, transcribe interviews, write contextual material, and assemble a manuscript for publication.
Special Topics in Social Sciences: Conflict Management, Justice Paradigms, and Mediation
To provide an introductory understanding of conflict theory; effective models for conflict management and mediation; a context for critical analysis of societal institutions and paradigms in relation to conflict and justice; opportunities to inventory personal conflict management styles, and hands-on experience practicing mediation skills. Topics will include conflict theory, mediation theory and practice, restorative and retributive justice paradigms, and nonviolence as a theory and practice in relation to conflict.
Special Topics in Natural Science: Ornamental Horticulture
Ornamental Horticulture is concerned with the care and production of plants whose main use is to enrich our lives by their beauty and through the pleasure of growing and caring for them. Topics include botanical exploration and the history of ornamentals, propagation of plants by seed, cuttings, grafting, and tissue culture, the creation of new cultivars through hybridization, and techniques for producing ornamental plants, caring for them, and using them in the landscape. A detailed description of many of the most important groups of plants used for ornamental purposes will also be included. |
Special Topics in Applied Science: Mural Art
Learn how to design and construct murals using a variety of art materials. Students may choose to work independently or in teams and may also involve people from the Craftsbury community in their project. Course content includes discussion of the history and process of mural making in general, as well as the process of our own work as it happens. Students will work on their projects independent of class. Class time will allow for planning sessions, problem solving, and evaluations of our work. |
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