Rebel Religion: Christians, Muslims, and Jews at the Fringes of Society

This course opens by exploring the mythology and history that frame the narratives and theories that help us understand the struggles and rebellions in the world. From times of mythology and ancient Greece, Rome, and Judaism, to the secularism and late modernity of the 20th and 21st centuries, religious individuals and groups have rebelled against their leaders, kings and foreign rulers, imperial forces, governments, and established society.

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Research Assistant: Agenda of Alternative Political Movements in Europe and Their Transatlantic Impact

Before Hollywood’s studio system emerged, the American film industry flourished on the East Coast, maintaining vibrant exchanges with European cinema. The silent era offered women surprisingly extensive opportunities in filmmaking – from celebrated directors like Alice Guy-Blaché and Lois Weber to countless other contributors whose stories remain hidden.

This project recovers these lost narratives by examining cinema’s gender dynamics within the broader context of women’s changing labor patterns during industrialization. Rather than treating film as an isolated industry, this research aims to map…

Research Assistant: Investigating Women’s Labor Migrations in the Early Film Industry

Before Hollywood’s studio system emerged, the American film industry flourished on the East Coast, maintaining vibrant exchanges with European cinema. The silent era offered women surprisingly extensive opportunities in filmmaking – from celebrated directors like Alice Guy-Blaché and Lois Weber to countless other contributors whose stories remain hidden.

This project recovers these lost narratives by examining cinema’s gender dynamics within the broader context of women’s changing labor patterns during industrialization. Rather than treating film as an isolated industry, this research aims to map…

Environmental Economics: Challenges of Becoming Green

In this course we will explore the economic dimensions of the global transition to sustainability, with a focus on the challenges, trade-offs, and political tensions that shape pathways toward a greener economy. We will take a critical look into how economic systems, policy tools, and social behaviors interact in attempts to reconcile growth with ecological limits. Drawing on European case studies, together we will investigate core topics in environmental economics, including…

Game On: Cultural Impact of Games

The gaming industry is booming with casual, serious, and social games from World of Warcraft and League of Legends to Fortnite, Minecraft, and Candy Crush. This course explores how we play games to relax and have fun, but also how they serve as spaces for community, education, and activism, sometimes even bullying or radicalization. 

Drawing on communication theory and cultural studies, we will analyze game genres including arcade, first-person shooter, multiplayer role-playing, educational, and virtual world experiences. We will explore the Scandinavian gaming scene, one that is often challenging industry standards and cultural norms, and meet innovative companies such as…

Healing Gardens and Wellness Green Spaces

This course explores the role of healing gardens and wellness greenspaces in fostering physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The benefits of horticultural therapy are well documented, from PTSD treatment for veterans to sensory rehabilitation for those with neurological injuries or dementia, to psychological support for cancer patients. Healing gardens can also support caregivers and families, reducing stress and improving mental health for everyone, as well as…