In addition to the current offerings, the Contemporary Issues Program sponsors an environmental studies minor which draws upon the humanities as well as the natural and social sciences. For information, please visit the Environmental Studies web page or come to the Muir Interdisciplinary Studies Office.
Director: Susan Smith
John Muir College
2073 Humanities and Social Sciences Building
(858) 534-3589
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Lower-Division
CONT 22: Human Sexuality (4.0 units)
A survey of the nature and problems of human sexuality in the development of the individual, in cultural traditions and values, and in social roles and organizations, particularly with regard to contemporary America. Instructor: Dr. Lola Ross
CONT 40: Contemporary Issues: The AIDS Epidemic (4.0 units)
Using current information, this course will deal with the worldwide spread of AIDS, particularly into communities, colleges, and universities. Discussion topics: origin, infection, biology, clinical expression, risks, vaccines, epidemiology, and the social, ethical, economic, and legal aspects of this epidemic.
CONT 50: Information and Academic Libraries (2.0 units)
An introduction to research strategies directed at satisfying the information needs of the student using the academic library, with emphasis on the UCSD library system. Library techniques will be acquired through lectures and discussion, problem sets, and a term project. Students will learn to extend these techniques to independent research.
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Upper-Division
CONT 195: Discussion Leading in Contemporary Issues (4.0 units)
Students will lead groups of ten to twenty students in discussions of contemporary concern. Students will meet with the professor to plan and prepare for their discussions to be held weekly. Students will also consult with another faculty member specializing in their topics for further check on reading materials and course of discussion. (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisite: Contemporary Issues 196 and consent of the director of Interdisciplinary Sequences.
CONT 196: Contemporary Issues Workshop (2.0 units)
A workshop for potential discussion leaders in the Contemporary Issues Program. Students will investigate topics for discussion and methods of presentation and inquiry. Participating in the workshop does not guarantee selection as discussion leader. (Offered fall quarter only.) (P/NP grades only.)
CONT 198: Group Studies in Contemporary Issues (4.0 units)
Group studies, readings, projects, and discussions in areas of contemporary concern. Course is set up so that students may work together as a group with a professor in an area of contemporary concern whereby the group emphasis would be more beneficial and constructive than individual special studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (P/NP grades only.)
CONT 199: Special Studies in Contemporary Issues (2.0 - 4.0 units)
To be offered during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Permission of the director of Interdisciplinary Sequences is required. The 199 course is to be made up of individual reading and projects in the areas of contemporary concern. Term paper and/or completed project is required. This class is given under special circumstances, e.g., student abroad. (P/NP grades only.)
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