HOFSTRA COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

WSC 131: Activist and Community Writing
Genie Giaimo
Monday/Wednesday, 2:40 – 4:05 p.m.

This course explores the role of writing in activism, advocacy, and public engagement. Students will examine how writers, organizers, and community leaders use language to influence public discourse, mobilize communities, and address social and political issues. Through critical reading and writing, students will develop their own voices as advocates and communicators in a variety of real-world contexts.

Students will engage directly with politicians, organizers, and activists who visit the class to share their experiences and perspectives. These interactions are designed to foster connections that may lead to project-based learning opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing students to apply their writing skills in community and professional settings.

PSC 001: American Politics
Meena Bose
Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00 – 2:25 p.m.

This course introduces the foundations of the American political system, including its institutions, processes, and key debates. Students will examine the structure of government, the role of political actors, and the ways in which historical developments continue to shape contemporary politics. Through analysis and discussion, the course emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and informed participation in democratic life.

As part of a First-Year Cluster, students will extend their learning through a field trip to New York City, where they will visit historic sites central to the nation’s political development. Visits to locations such as Federal Hall, the Fraunces Tavern Museum, and the 9/11 Memorial will provide opportunities to connect course concepts to the physical spaces where American history and politics have unfolded.

GEOL 123: General Oceanography
E. Christa Farmer
Wednesday/Friday 10:10 – 11:05 a.m.; Friday 11:20 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

This course introduces the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the world’s oceans. Students will explore topics such as ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, and coastal dynamics, developing an understanding of how ocean systems influence global environments. Through lecture and laboratory work, the course emphasizes the connections between theoretical concepts and scientific observation.

Students will engage directly with oceanographic research methods through a field experience in the Great South Bay. In partnership with Operation SPLASH, students will participate in a boat-based excursion to collect water samples from multiple locations within the estuary. These samples will then be analyzed in the lab to measure key oceanographic parameters, allowing students to connect field data collection with scientific analysis and interpretation.

GEOL 005: Environmental Geology
E. Christa Farmer
Tuesday/Thursday, 11:20 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

This course examines the interactions between human activity and the Earth’s geological systems, with a focus on environmental challenges such as climate change, water pollution, and soil contamination. Students will explore how geological processes impact human health and the environment, developing skills in analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving.

Students will gain hands-on experience using scientific instruments to investigate environmental conditions. The course includes field-based sampling and laboratory analysis of soil, with a focus on measuring lead content using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology. These activities may take place on campus or in nearby communities, providing opportunities to connect geological science with real-world environmental assessment and potential applications in public and community settings.

GEOG 060: Introduction to Digital Mapping
Ruth Trumble
Tuesday/Friday, 11:05 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

This course introduces the principles and tools of digital mapping, with a focus on how spatial data can be used to understand and represent social and environmental issues. Students will develop technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS) while also considering the ethical and cultural dimensions of mapping and spatial representation.

In this section of the course, students will apply these skills through a community-engaged mapping project in collaboration with the Montaukett Indian Nation. Working to map local sites of cultural and historical significance to the community, students will contribute to a project that connects digital tools with community knowledge, providing hands-on experience in applied mapping and collaborative research.

PSY 194: Research Seminar: Neuroscience
Emma Condy
Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

This course provides an in-depth introduction to neuroscience research methods, with a focus on experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Students will explore key questions in neuroscience while developing the skills needed to conduct and evaluate scientific research. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, collaboration, and the interpretation of complex data.

Students will engage in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), working in small teams to design and carry out an original neuroimaging research project. From developing research questions to collecting and analyzing data, students will take the lead in the full research process. The course culminates in a presentation of their findings at Undergraduate Research and Creativity Day, providing a platform to share their work with the broader academic community.

BIOL 158/258: Global Change Microbiology
Luciana Santoferrara
Tuesday/Thursday, 2:40 – 5:35 p.m.

This course examines the role of microorganisms in global environmental change, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems and the processes that shape water quality and ecosystem health. Students will explore how microbial communities respond to environmental stressors and contribute to biogeochemical cycles, developing skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific inquiry.

Students will conduct fieldwork at Hempstead Harbor, where they will investigate seasonal hypoxia by collecting environmental data and water samples using specialized equipment. Back on campus, students will analyze these samples through laboratory and computational methods to answer research questions they develop in groups, culminating in a poster presentation at Undergraduate Research Day.

ANML 010 / PHI 018: Thinking Animals
Ralph Acampora
Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00 – 2:25 p.m.

This course examines the cognitive, emotional, and ethical dimensions of animal life, exploring how humans understand and interpret nonhuman minds. Students will consider philosophical and scientific perspectives on animal intelligence, consciousness, and behavior, while also addressing ethical questions about human relationships with other species. Through discussion and analysis, the course challenges assumptions about the boundaries between human and animal experience.

Students will engage directly with these questions through experiential learning opportunities that bring them into contact with animals and those who care for them. A visiting wildlife rehabilitator will share practical insights into animal behavior and care, and students will visit an off-campus sanctuary to observe animals in a rehabilitative environment. These experiences are designed to connect theoretical inquiry with real-world encounters and ethical reflection.

LING 258: Foundations in Forensic Linguistics
Tammy Gales
Two sections: T 2:30 – 4:20 p.m. on campus / R 6:30 – 8:20 p.m. online

This course explores the role of language in forensic and legal contexts, examining how linguistic analysis can be applied to issues such as authorship identification, discourse in the courtroom, and the interpretation of legal texts. Students will investigate how language functions as evidence and how linguistic expertise contributes to the justice system. Through case studies and analysis, the course highlights the intersection of language, law, and society.

Students will engage in experiential learning through a project-based assignment that requires direct interaction with real-world legal or investigative contexts. Options may include participating in a police ride-along, attending court proceedings, or engaging in other approved community-based activities. These experiences allow students to apply linguistic concepts to authentic settings and develop a deeper understanding of how language operates within forensic and legal institutions.

Open to qualified undergraduate seniors and graduate students. 

BIOL 147: Invertebrate Zoology
Jason Williams
Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:25 (lecture) and Thursdays 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. (lecture and lab)

This course explores the diversity and evolution of invertebrate animals, with an emphasis on their ecological and commercial importance. Students will examine the functional morphology, natural history, and evolutionary relationships of major invertebrate groups through lecture and laboratory work. The course highlights the adaptive diversity of invertebrates and their roles in ecosystem processes and biological interactions.

Students will engage directly with invertebrate species through extensive field-based learning at local freshwater, marine, and terrestrial sites. Field trips to locations such as the Hofstra Bird Sanctuary, Welwyn Preserve, Jones Beach, and Jamaica Bay will provide opportunities to collect and study organisms in their natural environments. Students will also develop and complete individual research projects using specimens collected during these excursions, gaining hands-on experience in field techniques and scientific investigation.

CLL 014F: Perils of Love in Literature
John Krapp
Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00 – 2:25 p.m.

This course explores the nature of love and its many expressions in literature, with a particular focus on romantic love. Students will examine how writers across periods represent love, the obstacles that complicate it, and the conditions that sustain it. Through close reading and discussion, the course considers how cultural and historical contexts shape understandings of love and human relationships.

Students will extend their learning through experiential opportunities that bring these literary themes into real-world and historical contexts. A visit to Old Bethpage Village Restoration will provide insight into the landscape reflected in some of the course texts, while a trip to a New York City museum or live performance will allow students to explore how love is represented across artistic forms. These experiences are designed to connect literary analysis with lived and cultural experience.

HIST 104: Stories from the Street: History, Memory, and the Public
Instructor TBD
Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00 – 2:25 p.m.

This course explores the relationship between history, memory, and public life, examining how the past is interpreted, represented, and shared beyond the classroom. Students will consider key questions in public history, including whose stories are told, how memory shapes historical understanding, and how history is communicated through different media, including museum exhibits, movies, and video games. The course emphasizes critical engagement with historical narratives and their role in contemporary society.

Students will engage in experiential learning through field trips to New York City and hands-on digital humanities projects. Activities may include producing podcasts, creating digital maps, and conducting interviews with family or community members. These experiences are designed to connect historical inquiry with public-facing work and to develop skills in research, storytelling, and digital interpretation.

HIST 102: Investigating the Past
Sally Charnow
Monday/Wednesday, 2:40 – 4:35 p.m.

This course introduces students to the methods and challenges of historical research, with a focus on oral history and public history practices. Students will explore how historians collect, interpret, and present evidence, while engaging with key questions such as whose histories are preserved, how memory relates to the historical record, and how authority is shaped in the telling of the past. The course is writing intensive and emphasizes critical analysis and interpretation.

Students will gain hands-on experience conducting oral history research, including designing interviews, recording and transcribing conversations, and analyzing personal narratives. Through interviews with family or community members, students will develop a research project that engages directly with lived experience. These activities provide practical training in historical methods while connecting academic inquiry to real-world contexts.

PHYS 001B: Elementary Physics Lab
Paul Yang
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

This laboratory course introduces fundamental principles of physics through hands-on experimentation and data analysis. Students will develop an understanding of how physical laws govern the behavior of objects through practical study of projectiles and forces as well as falling and rotating objects. Emphasis is placed on observation, measurement, and data analysis as students connect theoretical ideas to practical outcomes.

As part of the course, students will conduct outdoor experiments across Hofstra’s campus, such as using tennis ball launchers to understand trajectory. Activities like this provide an interactive way to collect data, test predictions, and apply core physics concepts beyond the traditional lab setting.

MUS 014F: The Yoga of Sound
Francesca Cassio
Tuesday/Thursday, 11:20 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

This course explores the relationship between sound, music, and ways of knowing in South Asian traditions, with a focus on the concept of the “yoga of sound.” Students will examine theories of listening and musical meaning through key texts and practices, engaging with ideas such as acoustemology and deep listening. The course introduces foundational elements of the South Asian music system, including melodic frameworks (rāgas) and rhythmic cycles (tāla), while considering the connections between philosophy, sonic practices, music , nature, and cultural expressions.

Students will engage directly with these traditions through experiential learning, developing practical skills in listening, singing, and music-making. Through guided practice and participation, students will learn to perform within this musical system and deepen their understanding through embodied experience. The class will also attend a live performance of Indian music, providing an opportunity to connect classroom learning with contemporary artistic practice.