(BR) Bridge

BR 113. What if They’re Right? Individual Resp to Climate Change. 3 Hours.

Climate change is the environmental issue that will define this century, and as such it is the essential question facing humankind. How we respond will be complex and interconnected. Science, engineering, politics, economics, education, social justice, human rights and food systems are just some of the interconnected pieces to our response. The problem is existential at its most fundamental level. This course studies responses to climate change at the individual level, through a philosophical and scientific lens, in order to empower the student to make a greater contribution at the community level and higher.

BR 114. The Business of Fitness and Wellness. 3 Hours.

This course is an examination of the principles and methods of program development, management, delivery, and assessment within the sport industry, specifically integrating fitness and wellness concepts into youth, community and campus recreation programs. Using the principles and theories for fitness and wellness program development and implementation within youth, community, public, private and campus recreation programs, students will understand how to design, develop, administer, and fitness and wellness programs and/or events.

BR 115. History of New England Fisheries. 3 Hours.

The History of New England Fisheries integrates social, economic, and biological approaches to explore the significance of fishing in the New England region, from pre-Columbian through modern times. Emphasis will be placed on four case fisheries from Maine: cod, salmon, lobster, and scallops. The course uses a variety of approaches to examine how history informs fisheries policy and management, including mapping and analysis of historical landings data, the value of fisheries as commerce, current fisheries publications and local meetings, and oral histories. Contemporary issues of global food shortage, industrialization, and climate change will be discussed through a historical lens. The course includes field trips to locations within the Downeast Fisheries Trail.

BR 120. Art and Design Foundations. 3 Hours.

This bridge course is the perfect foundation for students interested in both studio arts and graphic design. Students are introduced to basic art and color theory through the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Emphasis is placed on materials manipulation by combining traditional media with basic digital drawing and painting tools. Students develop problem solving skills and learn how to critically analyze works of art. No prior experience with art or technology is needed.

BR 121. Co-Creating Across Generations. 3 Hours.

The goal of this art course is for students to understand how cultural stereotypes, norms and expectations can influence their perspective about aging and older adults. Visual Arts is the lens through which these issues are explored. Evidence-based literature related to ageism, aging stereotypes and the benefits of creative arts for older adults are reviewed. A transgenerational experiential component which teams students with older adults to explore art-making in an 8-week studio intensive is embedded in the course.

BR 122. Gods, Galaxies,&Gray Matter:The Relationships Btw Sci&Rel. 3 Hours.

In this course, students learn about the complex history of the ways science and religion have related to one another in both Western and Eastern religions. Much of this history is a history of real or perceived conflict. However, students are introduced to other models of the relationship between science and religion: Independence, Dialogue, and Integration. They learn to apply those models to contemporary controversies, such as the rise of new earth creationism, dogmatic atheism, climate change denial, and vaccine refusal.

BR 131. The Humanity of Healthcare. 3 Hours.

This course explores the fundamental perspectives and relationships of contemporary health care through literature, art, and other humanities. Course readings, discussions, and writing assignments offer opportunities for students to think about the ways the humanities can enrich and enhance clinical perspectives by increasing awareness of social and cultural contexts of modern medicine. This course is offered in a hybrid format, with one weekly in-person meeting (Tuesdays at 11am) followed by an online discussion.

BR 141. Of A Feather: The Natural and Cultural History of Birds. 3 Hours.

Through a consilience of biological and cultural approaches, this course will consider how birds have been represented and understood over time and across cultures. Through art and science, fieldwork and observation, analysis and interpretation, rhetorical argument and creative expression, students will examine the vast number of perspectives we apply to the life of birds. Studies of the history and modern methods of ornithology will balance with cultural readings of birds in poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, visual arts and popular music.

BR 210. Nutrition and Disease: Evolutionary and Cultural Perspective. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the link between diet and disease from evolutionary and cultural perspectives and fosters a better understanding of what can be considered as the optimal diet for human health.

BR 300. Diversity and the Sociology of Education. 3 Hours.

This course examines US schooling, and education more broadly conceived, through a sociological lens, with a focus on the interplay of diverse minority statuses and current educational structures. It looks at the institutionalized knowledge, policies and practices in the educational system and society that perpetuate stereotypes and various types of inequalities. The end goal of this course is to help students become critical and self-reflective practitioners, both as future educators and service providers inside and outside of schools to populations affected by this system. SY 201 recommended but not required.

BR 400. Crisis Intervention Strategies. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to the methods and techniques of crisis intervention. This class presents real-life situations first and then explores the theories and methods relevant to those situations. It goes beyond the simple presentation of facts and incorporate best practices of crisis intervention by professionals in both the mental health and criminal justice fields. This class also examines the psychological effects of crisis on professionals and ethical considerations related to crisis response. Prerequisite(s): College Level=Junior or College Level=Senior.