CAT 3 Courses: Delving into Future-Oriented Research and Writing

Cat 3 courses represent the pinnacle of the writing and research intensive series at our institution, designed for students who have successfully completed CAT 2. These six-unit, spring quarter courses are meticulously crafted to foster collaboration, in-depth research, and creative art-making. The central theme revolves around exploring the dynamic and evolving relationships between culture, art, and technology, particularly as they are projected to transform in the years to come. If you’re looking to hone your analytical and creative skills while engaging with cutting-edge concepts, CAT 3, often referred to simply as “cat 3,” offers an unparalleled academic experience.

Learning Objectives of CAT 3

Upon successful completion of CAT 1 and CAT 2, students entering CAT 3 are expected to possess a foundational skillset ready to be elevated. CAT 3 aims to ensure students are not just proficient, but confident in several key academic areas:

Mastering Effective Research: Students will refine their abilities in conducting robust research. This includes formulating insightful research questions and expertly navigating the vast landscape of information to identify and critically assess credible and relevant sources. The focus within “cat 3” is on developing research skills applicable to complex, future-oriented topics.
Constructing Multimodal Arguments: Building on research findings, students will learn to craft compelling arguments tailored to specific audiences. CAT 3 emphasizes the creation of multimodal and creative projects, encouraging students to express their research through diverse mediums beyond traditional essays. This is a core component of the “cat 3” curriculum, preparing students for multifaceted communication in academic and professional settings.
Engaging with Cultural Products as Research Objects: CAT 3 challenges the conventional view of cultural products. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with art and popular culture, not just as subjects of study, but as legitimate and valuable sources of research data and insight. This approach in “cat 3” broadens the scope of academic inquiry and encourages innovative research methodologies.
Developing Collaborative Research Projects: Collaboration is at the heart of CAT 3. Students will participate in collaborative research projects, gaining practical experience in teamwork. This involves collective source identification and evaluation, contributing to research genres like annotated bibliographies and literature reviews, and engaging in peer revision processes. “Cat 3” emphasizes the synergy of collaborative learning in advanced research.
Cultivating Independence in Composition and Peer Collaboration: CAT 3 fosters independence in the writing process. Students are expected to take ownership of their work while simultaneously engaging constructively with peers in research and project development. This balance between autonomy and collaboration is a defining feature of the “cat 3” experience, mirroring real-world professional environments.

Writing Skills Enhanced in CAT 3

CAT 3 is specifically designed to cultivate a sophisticated set of writing and analytical skills that are highly valued in academic and professional domains:

Intersectional Research Approaches: Students will learn to adopt intersectional perspectives in their research. This involves understanding how various social categories like race, gender, class, and ability interact and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Applying intersectionality in “cat 3” research allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis of complex issues.
Research-Driven Writing and Voice Development: CAT 3 emphasizes writing that is deeply informed by research. Students will develop their unique academic voice while effectively integrating research findings into their writing. This skill is crucial for producing original and impactful scholarly work within “cat 3” and beyond.
Respectful and Responsible Collaboration: Effective interpersonal communication and respectful collaboration are paramount in CAT 3. Students learn to navigate group dynamics, contribute constructively to team projects, and engage in responsible and ethical collaborative practices. These skills are essential for success in collaborative projects within “cat 3” and future team-based endeavors.
Multimodal and Creative Composition: CAT 3 encourages students to explore and master multimodal and creative composition. This extends beyond traditional essay writing to include various forms of media and creative expression, allowing for innovative communication of research and ideas. “Cat 3” provides a platform for students to experiment with diverse communication formats and develop a versatile skillset.

Core Concepts in CAT 3

By the conclusion of CAT 3, students will have a firm grasp of several core concepts that are central to the course’s intellectual framework:

Resistance/Revolution: CAT 3 delves into the concepts of resistance and revolution, exploring their meanings, manifestations, and impacts within cultural, artistic, and technological contexts. Students will analyze how these concepts are represented and enacted in various forms of media and social movements, providing a critical lens for understanding societal change.
Interdisciplinarity: Interdisciplinarity is a cornerstone of CAT 3. Students will understand and appreciate the value of integrating knowledge and methodologies from different academic disciplines to address complex questions. “Cat 3” fosters an interdisciplinary approach to research and problem-solving, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary issues.
Art as Argument: CAT 3 challenges the traditional view of art as purely aesthetic. Students will explore the concept of “art as argument,” recognizing how artistic creations can function as powerful forms of rhetoric, persuasion, and social commentary. Analyzing art through this lens in “cat 3” reveals its potential for social and political impact.
Research as a Process: CAT 3 emphasizes that research is not merely a task but an ongoing process of inquiry, discovery, and refinement. Students will understand the iterative nature of research, including stages of planning, investigation, analysis, and revision. This process-oriented approach to research in “cat 3” equips students with a flexible and adaptable skillset for lifelong learning and inquiry.

Common Readings in CAT 3

To provide a shared intellectual foundation, all CAT 3 courses incorporate these essential texts:

Walter Benjamin: “Thesis on History.” This seminal work offers profound insights into history, time, and the role of the historian, prompting critical reflection on how we understand the past and its relation to the future.
Octavia Butler: “A Few Rules for Predicting the Future.” Butler’s essay provides a thought-provoking perspective on futurism and prediction, encouraging students to think critically about the processes and biases involved in imagining future scenarios.

Spring 2025 Course Offerings – CAT 3

In Spring 2025, CAT 3 presents a diverse range of courses, each offering a unique lens through which to explore the overarching themes:

CAT 3: What If?: Fearsome Futures and Possible Presents – Jennifer Marchisotto

Lecturer, CAT
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:00-10:50 a.m.

Taught by Jennifer Marchisotto, this “cat 3” course delves into the subversive power of imagination in speculative art. Students will analyze how creators utilize art to critique power structures and envision alternative realities. The course examines texts across various media that explore intersections of identity (ability, gender, race) with contemporary culture and the environment, prompting reflection on our present and future trajectories.

CAT 3: How to Survive the Zombie Future – Liz Popko

Assistant Teaching Professor, CAT
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00-9:50 a.m.

Liz Popko’s “cat 3” offering takes a unique approach by using the zombie apocalypse as a framework for future speculation. Students will apply their research and analytical skills to imagine post-apocalyptic scenarios, considering how zombie narratives reflect anxieties about the past, present, and future. The course explores the symbolism of zombies, ethical considerations in crisis situations, and potential preparations for unforeseen futures.

CAT 3: Translation – Amelia Glaser

Professor, Literature
Tuesday/Thursday 11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Professor Amelia Glaser leads this “cat 3” course exploring the multifaceted world of translation. From historical methods to contemporary technologies, students will examine how humans bridge linguistic divides. The course delves into the complexities of translating diverse forms of language, including humor and poetry, and engages with emerging translation technologies. No prior foreign language knowledge is required, making this course accessible to all students interested in the intricacies of communication.

CAT 3: Listening to the Future: Speculating through Soundscapes and Sonification – Joe Bigham

Lecturer, CAT
Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:50 a.m.

Joe Bigham’s “cat 3” course explores the often-overlooked auditory dimension of future speculation. Students will analyze how sound is used in science fiction film, music, and sound art to convey future possibilities and anxieties. The course draws from Film Studies, Popular Music Studies, and Sound Studies, culminating in collaborative multimedia projects that speculate through sound.

CAT 3CE: Environmental Futures: Community-Engaged Learning – Phoebe Bronstein

Associate Teaching Professor, CAT
Monday/Wednesday 10:00-11:50 a.m.
Restricted to Community-Engaged Honors Program Students

Phoebe Bronstein’s CAT 3CE course, designed for Community-Engaged Honors Program students, focuses on environmental futures and the climate crisis. Through popular culture analysis and community engagement with the Sage Garden Project, students will examine how media shapes environmental politics and perceptions. This “cat 3” course connects academic study with real-world community involvement, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and action. This course also fulfills the university’s Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement.

Writing Support for CAT 3 Students

Recognizing the demanding nature of CAT 3, ample writing support resources are available to students. In addition to dedicated CAT TA office hours, students can access the Writing Hub in the Teaching and Learning Commons for personalized writing assistance. Furthermore, the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS), including Language Arts Tutorial Services (LATS), offers comprehensive tutoring programs to bolster students’ writing skills throughout their “cat 3” coursework.

In conclusion, CAT 3 courses offer a rigorous and rewarding academic experience for students seeking to refine their research, writing, and creative abilities within a future-focused context. By engaging with interdisciplinary concepts, collaborative projects, and diverse course offerings, CAT 3 prepares students for advanced academic pursuits and a wide range of professional endeavors requiring critical thinking, effective communication, and innovative problem-solving. Explore the Spring 2025 course offerings and discover how “cat 3” can elevate your academic journey.