Global Arc

The course will cover the evolution and diversity of social behaviors and social organizations across animals. Part 1 will focus on the evolution of complex societies, such as cooperative breeding in birds and mammals and eusociality in insects. We will explore how social evolution theory explains the traits underlying these behaviors. In Part 2, we will focus on complex individualized relationships in some birds and mammals, especially primates. We will explore social cognition underlying decisions about cooperation and conflict, and how social status and integration impact health and wellbeing in both human and nonhuman societies.

Is extinction forever? Discussion topics include defining moments of when a species should be listed as endangered, conventional conservation, mixed ancestry species utility to "re-create" a complete genome of an extinct species, the mechanics of biotechnology, challenges for policy and regulation, and ethics of species protection, recovery, and de-extinction. In this course, students will lead discussions on readings relevant to species that are endangered or extinct. We will discuss these evolutionary topics through mini-lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and in-class debates.

This field-based course examines the structure, function, and conservation of tropical forests through the lens of plant ecology and carbon cycling. Students will engage deeply in field observations, journaling, data collection, research projects, and guided discussions. Topics include forest structure, species composition, carbon storage, functional diversity, and soil processes, linking them to conservation, ecosystem services, and climate change. In small groups, students will design and conduct field projects, analyze data, and present results, emphasizing observation and building research stories from field to final product.

Junior Independent Work requires students to complete a substantial piece of research and scholarship under the supervision and advisement of a Princeton faculty member. The work requires sustained investment and attention throughout the semester. See below for details on works-in-progress submissions and due dates.

This course will prepare you with the foundations to conduct research in the field of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), equipping you with conceptual, analytical, and practical tools needed to design, conduct, and interpret scientific studies. You'll explore three major areas within EEB: Ecology, Behavior & Biology, and Infectious Diseases. At the end of the course, you'll have a strong understanding of which area you want to complete research in during the remainder of your time at Princeton, with the foundations to formulate your research for your junior independent work.

This class approaches music theater writing and arranging as two sides of the same coin. Each week, students will engage in adventurous writing and arranging prompts through an intimate seminar. Assignments will cover skills ranging from formal musical theatre conventions, pastiche writing, and vocal/instrumental arranging, to collaboration, adaption, and creation of "mini musicals." Students will write, arrange, and perform one song every class. Supplemental readings/videos will cover music theater history and writing technique, but the focus of the class will be on the process of writing, arranging, and revising original music theater work.

This course will focus on transcribing improvised solos of legendary jazz artists and analyzing their harmonic relationships. We will examine solos by Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins on familiar forms, such as blues, rhythm changes, and jazz standards. In analyzing how these solos work so successfully within their respective chord changes, we will develop a vocabulary that we can integrate into our own improvisations. Jazz is an aural tradition. We learn this music most effectively via recordings rather than books and social media.

An advanced language course where students practice discussing various medical topics in ASL using different registers. They will broaden their grammar/vocabulary for everyday conversations and develop a knowledge of specialized vocabulary in the medical and mental health fields. Course will emphasize medical and mental health issues facing Deaf people in the U.S., e.g. the relationship between disability and medicine and Deaf experience in the health care system. Students will learn how they can be effective allies of Deaf people in different medical settings through role-play exercises and learning from Deaf people about their experiences.

Many films have captured large audiences by including deaf characters and sign language. Yet, discussions about them rarely include deaf people's views. Since film is one of the most powerful mediums of communication, it naturally both reflects and influences society's views on disability. Thus, it is imperative for students of Deaf culture to study film through a Deaf lens. In this course, students will analyze films featuring deaf characters and sign language. While improving their ASL proficiency, students will also deepen their understanding of the relationship between film and society and its implications for deaf and disabled people.

This course focuses on employing American Sign Language as a literary tool for creating storytelling, poetry, and Deaf Theater. Students will participate in class activities and discussions and outside assignments, primarily consisting of analyzing/discussing the complex nuances of artistic ASL as used by Deaf performers. Students will enhance their signing skills and also deepen their understanding and appreciation of how the artistic aspects of Deaf culture are expressed through Creative ASL and how these forms of expression contribute to society at large. Course open to advanced ASL students, including those who have completed ASL 105.