Economics of Poverty/Inequality
AS.180.355 (01)

This course focuses on the economics of poverty and inequality. It covers the measurement of poverty and inequality, facts and trends over time, the causes of poverty and inequality with a focus on those related to earnings and the labor market, and public policy toward poverty and inequality, covering both taxation and government expenditure and programs. By the nature of the material, the course is fairly statistical and quantitative. Students should have an intermediate understanding of microeconomic concepts. Basic knowledge of regression analysis is also helpful.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 3/32
• PosTag(s): SPOL-UL

Economics of Discrimination
AS.180.252 (01)

This course examines labor market discrimination by gender, race and ethnicity in the United States. What does the empirical evidence show, and how can we explain it? How much of the difference in observed outcomes is driven by differences in productivity characteristics and how much is due to discrimination? How have economists theorized about discrimination and what methodologies can be employed to test those theories? What has been the impact of public policy in this area; how do large corporations and educational institutions respond; and what can we learn from landmark lawsuits? The course will reinforce skills relevant to all fields of applied economics, including critical evaluation of the theoretical and empirical literature, the reasoned application of statistical techniques, and analysis of current policy issues. Seniors by Permission Only.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 30/30
• PosTag(s): SPOL-UL

Biography, Black history and the Recreation of Early 20th Century Baltimore Neighborhoods: The Case of Billie Holiday
AS.100.440 (01)

This is an archival, original research course using the tools of microhistory and biography to etch a 1920s social history of the city centered on two corridors, East Baltimore’s Dallas Street and West Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Avenue. Our evidence consists primarily of block-level maps, the census, newspaper articles, property records and city directories. Permission of instructor strongly recommended.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 10/12
• PosTag(s): HIST-US

Introduction to African History: Diversity, Mobility, Innovation
AS.100.123 (01)

An introduction to African history with emphasis on diversity, mobility, and innovation. Considers both early and modern times.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 19/40
• PosTag(s): HIST-AFRICA

Migrants and Refugees in Africa
AS.100.444 (01)

A history of forced and voluntary migration and displacement in Africa, its causes and consequences, with a focus on refugees and labor migrants since 1960.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 2/18
• PosTag(s): HIST-AFRICA, INST-GLOBAL, INST-CP

Gangster Films
AS.061.328 (01)

The bad guy as hero from Little Caesar to Goodfellas. Film screenings Th 7:30-10:00 PM, Sun 7:00-9:30 PM. Lab fee: $40.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): FILM-CRITST

Introduction to Middle Egyptian
AS.130.400 (01)

Introduction to the grammar and writing system of the classical language of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom (ca. 2055-1650 B.C.). In the second semester, literary texts and royal inscriptions will be read. Course meets with AS.133.600.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): AFRS-DIASPO

The Haitian Revolution in Global Perspective
AS.100.376 (01)

An advanced undergraduate seminar tracing the history of the Haitian Revolution from its origins in the early modern Atlantic world to its global impact and continuing legacies in the present.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): HIST-EUROPE, HIST-AFRICA, HIST-LATAM, INST-GLOBAL

Advanced Portuguese Language & Literature I
AS.210.391 (01)

This third-year course focuses on reading, writing, and oral expression. Under the supervision of the instructor, students will read two complete works by major Brazilian, Portuguese, and/or Afro-Portuguese writers each semester, followed by intense writing and oral discussion on the topics covered. Grammar will be reviewed as necessary. All classes are conducted in Portuguese. Prereq: 210.278 or placement test. Permission required

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 11/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Brazilian Culture & Civilization
AS.211.394 (01)

The course is taught in English. No knowledge of Portuguese is required. This course is intended as an introduction to the culture and civilization of Brazil. It is designed to provide students with basic information about Brazilian history, art, literature, popular culture, theater, cinema, and music. The course will focus on how indigenous Asian, African, and European cultural influences have interacted to create the new and unique civilization that is Brazil today. The course is taught in English, but ONE extra credit will be given to students who wish to do the course work in Portuguese. Those wishing to do the course work in English for 3 credits should register for section 01. Those wishing to earn 4 credits by doing the course work in Portuguese should register for section 02. The sections will be taught simultaneously. Section 01: 3 credits Section 02: 4 credits (instructor’s permission required)

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/33
• PosTag(s): INST-NWHIST, INST-GLOBAL, GRLL-ENGL

Malcolm and Martin: An Introduction to the Lives and Thought of Two Icons of the Black Freedom Struggle
AS.060.328 (01)

Using their recorded speeches, written lectures and published writings and drawing from their biographies, this course will explore the important life work of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. We intend to upend traditional conversations about political radicalism and ethnic politics by analyzing these spokesmen associated most indelibly with black nationalism and racial integration, respectively.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 1/18
• PosTag(s): ENGL-GLOBAL

Brazilian Culture & Civilization
AS.211.394 (02)

The course is taught in English. No knowledge of Portuguese is required. This course is intended as an introduction to the culture and civilization of Brazil. It is designed to provide students with basic information about Brazilian history, art, literature, popular culture, theater, cinema, and music. The course will focus on how indigenous Asian, African, and European cultural influences have interacted to create the new and unique civilization that is Brazil today. The course is taught in English, but ONE extra credit will be given to students who wish to do the course work in Portuguese. Those wishing to do the course work in English for 3 credits should register for section 01. Those wishing to earn 4 credits by doing the course work in Portuguese should register for section 02. The sections will be taught simultaneously. Section 01: 3 credits Section 02: 4 credits (instructor’s permission required)

• Credits: 4.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 2/2
• PosTag(s): INST-NWHIST, INST-GLOBAL, GRLL-ENGL

Research Tools for Global Sociology and Development
AS.230.265 (01)

This course will introduce students to a range of software programs that are critical for conducting social scientific research in the 21st century. Students will develop competency in the use of computer programs for statistical analysis, database management, the creation of maps and timelines, and the presentation of research reports. The course uses examples from ongoing social science faculty research projects at Johns Hopkins on global inequality and international development. Required for GSCD track students. Course previously titled "Research Tools and Technologies for the Social Sciences"

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 3/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Social Statistics
AS.230.205 (02)

This course will introduce students to the application of statistical techniques commonly used in sociological analysis. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory, confidence intervals, chi-square, anova, and regression analysis. Hands-on computer experience with statistical software and analysis of data from various fields of social research. Special Note: Required for IS GSCD track students.

• Credits: 4.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 15/15
• PosTag(s): n/a

Education & Inequality: Individual, Contextual, and Policy Perspectives
AS.230.320 (01)

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/25
• PosTag(s): SPOL-UL

Schooling, Racial Inequality and Public Policy in America
AS.230.385 (01)

After examining alternative explanations for why individuals obtain different amounts and types of educational training, the course focuses on how an individual’s family background and race affect his or her trajectory through the educational system. The course covers the specific challenges that have confronted urban schooling in America since the 1960s, including the classic literature on the effects of school and community resources on student achievement as well as the development and later evaluation of school desegregation policies. The course also considers case studies of current policy debates in the US, such as housing segregation and school resegregation, voucher programs for school choice, and the motivation for and consequences of the establishment of state-mandated testing requirements. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed upon the alternative modes of inquiry and writing which opposing scholars, policymakers, and journalists use to address these contentious topics.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): INST-AP, SPOL-UL

Race and Ethnicity in American Society
AS.230.244 (01)

Race and ethnicity have played a prominent role in American society and continue to do so, as demonstrated by interracial and interethnic gaps in economic and educational achievement, residence, political power, family structure, crime, and health. Using a sociological framework, we will explore the historical significance of race and its development as a social construction, assess the causes and consequences of intergroup inequalities and explore potential solutions.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/18
• PosTag(s): INST-AP, SPOL-UL

Introduction to Social Statistics
AS.230.205 (01)

This course will introduce students to the application of statistical techniques commonly used in sociological analysis. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory, confidence intervals, chi-square, anova, and regression analysis. Hands-on computer experience with statistical software and analysis of data from various fields of social research. Special Note: Required for IS GSCD track students.

• Credits: 4.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 15/15
• PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to African American Studies
AS.362.111 (01)

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of African American Studies, with attention to the literature, film, culture, history, and politics of black life in the United States. Our reading list will likely include texts by David Walker, Frederick Douglass, Frances E.W. Harper, W.E.B. Du Bois, James Baldwin, Amiri Baraka, Toni Morrison, and others.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/18
• PosTag(s): n/a

For the Record: Jazz Cultures of Modern France
AS.212.413 (01)

Across the 20th century, mainstream and avant-garde French culture was deeply impacted by the presence of African American musicians and performing artists hailing from the jazz tradition. From the Josephine Baker craze of the 1920s to the second post-war which welcomed the innovations of bebop and sixties-era free improvisation, metropolitan France proved a space where expatriate and exiled African Americans could both perpetuate the tradition and innovate by turns. At the same time, French taste-makers, critics, and musicians eager to adopt new forms and styles debated the extent to which American jazz music in its various strains could be made French. This course in transcultural French studies will feature readings in music criticism, history, and literature, as well as frequent close listening. It will culminate in an international symposium (to be held Nov. 15 and 16; attendance mandatory) uniting noted scholars and legendary jazz musicians. Although some background in French language and basic musical notation is desirable (students are encouraged to engage in original-source research), all core course readings will be provided in English.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 4/19
• PosTag(s): GRLL-ENGL, GRLL-FREN, INST-GLOBAL

Land, Labor and Environmental Movements in Contemporary Africa
AS.230.219 (01)

The course examines the new wave of social protest and popular uprisings in contemporary Africa through the interconnected themes of land, labor, and environmental movements. Attention will be placed on the early 21st century.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 9/15
• PosTag(s): INST-CP, INST-GLOBAL

Introduction to African American Literature (Part 1)
AS.362.123 (01)

This course will survey African American Literature from the 19th century to the late 20th century. We will turn to prose, poetry, and drama to explore the various ways black writes have engaged U.S. culture, history, and politics.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 13/15
• PosTag(s): n/a

Police and Prisons in Comparative Perspective
AS.362.314 (01)

This course will examine policing and prisons in the United States and beyond, with a focus on racial inequality. It will consist of two parts. First, we will explore the contemporary state of prisons and policing in the United States and look at debates around the rise of “mass incarceration” and aggressive forms of policing in the final third of the 20th century. Second, we will explore policing and prison in other parts of the globe in the contemporary moment, highlighting similarities and differences from the U.S. case. What can studying the instruments of social control in other societies reveal about our own? Students will develop an understanding of major trends, keywords, and debates in the literature on policing and prisons, with particular reference to race and racism.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 1/18
• PosTag(s): AFRS-AFAMER, INST-CP, INST-AP

Passing in American Culture
AS.362.203 (01)

This course will examine film and literary narratives of “passing” in 20th century America. We will study texts that feature people who cross social boundaries of race, class, sexuality, and gender, and consider what “passing” reveals about American social mobility.

• Credits: 3.00
• Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 14/15
• PosTag(s): n/a