Tisch College Courses

Civic Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on critical reflection, ethical thinking, and action for social change. People who think and act together to improve society must address problems of collective action (how to get members to work together) and deliberation (how to reason together about contested values). They must understand how power is organized and how it operates within and between societies. They must grapple with social conflict, violence, and other obstacles to peaceful cooperation. When tensions arise within a group, people face questions of justice and fairness, and they must confront questions about appropriate relationships to outsiders of all types. This introductory course explores ethical, political, and theological frameworks for understanding how people can and should organize themselves to improve societies. Readings are drawn from philosophy and political theory, economics, the history of social movements, and other disciplines. This course provides theoretical grounding for Civic Studies majors and for other students interested in social change.

Since the 2016 election, the ways in which media and civics can intersect have become a central topic in ways that had never been anticipated, and every day we see more examples of the ways in which the relationship between media and civics is being challenged. This course will explore how media—including but not limited to electronic media, advertising, social media, and entertainment—can and have been used to promote social change, the civic responsibility of media organizations in society, the ways in which traditional forms of media might be changing to engage civic needs and the ways in which new media platforms meet, and confront, civic needs and norms.

This course teaches students conceptual approaches and practical skills needed to effectively create change on science-based issues that impact our lives and communities. The course links science issues to our professional, personal, and civic responsibilities and equips students to help others make critical choices on divisive or complex science issues. Future scientists and engineers will acquire skills that build civic capacities, while students from the humanities and social sciences will learn skills indispensable for positive civic action. This course aims to strengthen inclusivity through pluralistic and dialogic approaches to science learning and civic action.

The greatest surprise in American political history began in the fall of 2015. Both political parties, the media, political consultants & pundits—and of course the voters—were sure Donald Trump’s ascendance, nomination, and victory was near-impossible. But why was it a surprise? From the day he announced, signs of his standing and success were obvious every step of the way. In hindsight, the real shock might be how so many missed—or ignored—hints of his victory. Is 2019 already seeing a repeat of these lapses? Will an electorate still unable to fully grasp how Trump was elected miss obvious signs about his chances for re-election? This course will look at the current state of play through the prism of 2016, focusing on how campaigns and media present the candidates; use (and misuse) polling; the impact of debates; how campaigns identify and compete in battleground states; how it all plays into selecting the Democratic nominee, and ultimately, the presidency.

Philippe Reines is a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State under Hillary Clinton. From 2002 to 2017 he also served as a Senior Advisor and Spokesman. In 2016 Philippe was assigned the role of playing Donald Trump in Hillary’s preparations for the three General Election debates against him, giving him a unique insight—then and now—into the strengths and weaknesses of his message.

This course focuses on why educators, broadcasters, advertisers, and politicians consider children a special audience of the mass media. It is an examination of children's media content (television, video, computers, film, and print) and the effects of media on children and adolescents; and of regulations that govern children's media use, including V-chip, ratings systems, and Internet access. Students complete projects on media literacy and other topics.

Civic Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on critical reflection, ethical thinking, and action for social change. People who think and act together to improve society must address problems of collective action (how to get members to work together) and deliberation (how to reason together about contested values). They must understand how power is organized and how it operates within and between societies. They must grapple with social conflict, violence, and other obstacles to peaceful cooperation. When tensions arise within a group, people face questions of justice and fairness, and they must confront questions about appropriate relationships to outsiders of all types. This introductory course explores ethical, political, and theological frameworks for understanding how people can and should organize themselves to improve societies. Readings are drawn from philosophy and political theory, economics, the history of social movements, and other disciplines. This course provides theoretical grounding for Civic Studies majors and for other students interested in social change.

This course offers students the opportunity to think critically about the intersection of identity and community engagement through in-depth training in designing and facilitating conversations across differences. Students will learn frameworks for designing and facilitating dialogues that build mutual understanding and opportunities for collaboration across differences – then have an opportunity to design and facilitate a conversation on an issue they care about on campus.  Our learning objectives are for students to be able to independently facilitate in spaces where people can communicate openly and authentically about complex or divisive issues.

This course is limited to 14 students.  

This course addresses the impact of public opinion in the United States on the political process and vice versa. Emphasis is on the linkage between U.S. citizens and the democratic process. Examines what public opinion is and debates about how it can be measured. Topics include the nature of attitude formation, stability and change; the role of the media in opinion-formation; the link between attitudes and behavior; group differences in opinions; how elites influence mass opinions; political inequality; polarization; and the relationship between public opinion and policy outcomes

Innovative Social Enterprises is structured to provide students a highly interactive exploration of core skills vital to social entrepreneurs.  We start with awareness (self, context, relationships) and move quickly to practicing requisite disciplines (asking questions; testing and reframing assumptions; forming teams and other alliances; identifying opportunities, risks, and resources; giving and critiquing pitches; making go/no-go decisions).  We will practice an iterative rhythm of weekly information gathering, sensing, assessment, and reframing, with emphasis on creating compelling value for multiple stakeholders.  Students will engage in individual reflection and pitching as well as three team pitch-offs.

This course introduces students to the U.S. public policymaking process from our Constitution, through the three branches of government, to the press, with emphasis on food and nutrition policies and programs. Much of the course focuses on the nuts and bolts of policymaking and will utilize examples from current policy debates. Case studies, developed for the diverse interests of Friedman School students, are used to underscore policy lessons, facilitate small group discussion, and introduce students to several policy initiatives (e.g., food labeling) with which all Friedman students need to be familiar. Priority enrollment for MS/DI students. NOTE: For students in degree programs with NUTR 0203: Fundamentals of Nutrition Policy & Programming: How Science & Practice Interact as a course requirement, NUTR 0234 cannot serve as a substitute for the required course.

Through this course, Tisch Scholars will explore the connections between identity and systems of privilege, power, and oppression, and will apply their learning directly to their fieldwork. Students will learn to apply an asset-based approach to community work, and will gain skills in dialogue and deliberation. The coursework will allow students to critically reflect on the service learning work they are engaging with at their partner sites, and share ideas on how to address social issues in the community. Each semester that they participate in the program, Tisch Scholars will work eight hours per week at a community-based placement. Scholars will continue learning about Tufts partner communities and forge meaningful, reciprocal partnerships with community members through service and collaboration.

Students will study and practice approaches to change, both personal and social, through a variety of communication methods. This course is designed to develop writing, close-reading, and critical thinking skills for students on a bridge-year experience. In a blended learning format and through related readings, investigative data collection, guided exploration of social issues, and experiences with service placements and host communities, students will practice reflection, analysis, and effective communication. Students will create a learning community and consider how their bridge-year experience connects to their future academic interests and possible impact on campus life once they return to campus.