Course Descriptions

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

AFR 190.  Introduction to African American Studies  (3 hours)
Prerequisite:  One semester of FYS or the equivalent
This course is designed to help students understand the academic models, approaches and methodologies that characterize African American Studies.  In this course, students will become aware of how the African American experience has been defined and researched from an interdisciplinary perspective including literature, religion, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, folklore, science and music.  This course is required for the African American Studies major and minor.  (This is the prerequisite for all other African American Studies courses.

ANTHROPOLOGY

ANT 201.  Introduction to General Anthropology  (3 hours)
The study of the evolution of humans and culture including the dawn of civilization, race and culture: also primitive culture and society (food gathering, art, religion, language, the family, social classes, clothing and ornament, etc.)  Attention is also given to the American culture configuration, human behavior in cross cultural perspective and the field of culture and personality.

ART

ART 106. History of Art I  (3 hours)
A survey of the major works of visual art and architecture from prehistoric times to the late Middle Ages in Europe.  An investigation of how changes in subject matter and style reflect the power structures, ideals, philosophy, religion, scientific ideas and literature of cultures that have contributed to the Western tradition.  This course can be part of the Classical Studies Concentration.

ART 107.  History of Art II  (3 hours)
A survey of the major works of painting, sculpture and architecture from the beginning of the Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century.  Attention is given to the changing role of the artist in the Western tradition and how styles in art relate to social, political, philosophical, religious and scientific ideas.

ART 115.  Drawing Fundamentals  (3 hours)
An introductory course with emphasis on basic drawing skills and idea development.  Composition, perspective, line, value and drawing technique will be explored through the use of a variety of drawing media.

ART 116.  Fundamentals of Design and Color  (3 hours)
An introductory course in two dimensional design concepts and color theory.  Projects in a variety of media are used to investigate the properties and uses of color and to solve problems in two dimensional design.

ART 116C.  Fundamentals of Design and Color  (3 hours)
This course is identical to ART 116, with the exception that it is taught using computer-based media.

ART 223.  Ceramics  (3 hours)
Construction and decoration of stoneware pottery and small sculptures with an introduction to three dimensional design.  Coil, slab and wheel methods; firing and glazing.

ART 224.  Sculpture  (3 hours)
Basic three-dimensional design, modeling in clay and carving in wood or stone.  Preliminary models are developed into final sculptures.

CHRISTIANITY

CHR 101.  Old Testament  (3 hours)
An introduction to the history, literature and theology of the Old Testament.

CHR 150.  New Testament  (3 hours)
An introduction to the history, literature and theology of the New Testament.

COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND THEATRE

COM 200.  Introduction to Communications  (3 hours)
An introductory examination of the fields of study within the Communication discipline.  This course focuses on themes of current interest and on fundamental research, inquiry, ethical standards, critical and creative thinking, and analytical skills.

COM 210.  Public Speaking  (3 hours)
A study of rhetorical theory with emphasis on the preparation and presentation of public speeches.  This course enables the student to compose and defend public advocacies and to discuss and promote ethical standards in public address.

THR 115.  Introduction to Theatre  (3 hours)
A study of the nature of the art of theatre, its evolution, and its importance to the development of human relationships and culture.  This course will include a brief survey of theatre history, an introduction to script analysis, and an exploration of each facet of theatre production, including acting, directing and design.

THR 218.  Beginning Acting  (3 hours)
Basic experience in the fundamentals of acting for the stage and the camera.  Emphasis will be given to movement, voice/diction, improvisations, scene analysis and performance techniques.

ECONOMICS

ECN 160.  Principles of Economics  (4 hours)
Prerequisite:  Mathematics competency or completion of a college mathematics course.
The course introduces students to the basic tools of economic analysis, and the principles necessary to appreciate economic relationships, business behavior and consumer choice.  Special emphasis will be given to the areas of supply and demand, marginal analysis, the theory of the firm and market externalities.  The course also examines aggregate economic performance and aggregate measures, such as gross domestic product, inflation, unemployment and trade.  Special emphasis is placed on economic development, globalization and the role of international lending institutions.

ENGLISH

Note:  The first semester of First Year Seminar (FYS 101), the equivalent (typically a college level English composition course), or the instructor’s permission is a prerequisite to all other English courses.

ENG 233.  The Study of Drama  (3 hours)
A study of drama from various periods with emphasis on forms, ideas, techniques and meaning.  The student will be required to develop an ability to read, think and write critically.

ENG 234.  The Study of Fiction  (3 hours)
A study of novels and short stories from various periods with emphasis on forms, ideas, techniques and meaning.  The student will be required to develop an ability to read, think and write critically.

ENG 235.  The Study of Poetry  (3 hours)
A study of poetry from various periods with emphasis on forms, ideas, techniques and meaning.  The student will be required to develop an ability to read, think and write critically.

ENG 236.  The Study of a Literary Theme (Variable Topic)  (3 hours)
This course examines a particular theme in various literary forms.  In addition to learning how to read a literary text closely and carefully, the student will be required to develop an ability to read, think and write critically.

ENG 237.  Literature and Film  (3 hours)
The critical study of film as a literary text.  Selected novels and their film adaptations will be studied in order to explore the differences and similarities between written and cinematic forms.

ENG 263.  Survey of English Literature:  Beginnings through the 18th Century
(3 hours)
A chronological survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the eighteenth century.  Required for the English major.

ENG 264.  Survey of English Literature:  Romanticism to the Present  (3 hours)
A chronological survey of English literature from the Romantic Age to the contemporary period.

ENG 265.  Survey of American Literary Masters  (3 hours)
A study of major American writers from the colonial period to the present.  Required for the English major.

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR

FYS 101.  Composing the Self (4 Hours)
Students will explore questions of the sources, worth and consequences of individual identity while they practice critical thinking, reading and writing.  All sections require use of diverse interdisciplinary texts and substantial written work.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE

Note:  If two years of study of a language during high school have been completed, the language placement test must be taken in order to be enrolled in a course in that language.

CHN 111 – 112.  Beginning Chinese (Mandarin) I and II  (4 Hours)
Open to students with little or no previous instruction in Chinese, this course sequence enables students to attain a basic competency in the five language skills of listening, speaking, writing, reading and culture.  Language lab activities complement classroom instruction.

FRE 111 – 112.  Beginning French I and II  (4 hours)
Open to students with little or no previous instruction in French, this course sequence enables students to attain a basic competency in language skills: listening, speaking, writing, reading and culture.  Language lab activities complement classroom instruction.

FRE 251.  Intermediate French I  (3 hours)
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of or exemption from FRE 111 – 112.
Continued development of language skills leading to the ability to handle a limited variety of social situations such as travel needs, biographical information, leisure activities, etc. including past and present frames of reference.  The course includes discussion of appropriate aspects of French culture and literature.  Language lab activities complement classroom instruction.

FRE 285.  Intermediate Conversational Practice  (1 hour)
Prerequisite:  FRE 251 or consent of instructor.
This course is designed for students who would like to maintain their proficiency in speaking and writing skills.  Course content will include discussion of current topics from French-language newspapers, magazines, newsletters, videos and films.  One credit-hour per semester not to exceed four credit hours; does not count to major or minor; non-optional “Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory” grading.

GER 111 – 112.  Beginning German I and II  (4 hours)
(Only GER 111 is taught in the Fall Semester; GER 112 is taught in the Spring Semester)
This course sequence is designed to help students cultivate ad basic level of proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening).  By the end of this sequence, students should be able to communicate meaningfully with native speakers who are accustomed to dealing with non-native users of German.  Emphasis is on basic needs in highly predictable, common, everyday situations.  Language lab activities complement classroom instruction.

GER 251 – 252.  Intermediate German I and II  (3 hours)
(Only GER 251 is taught in the Fall Semester; GER 252 is taught in the Spring Semester)
Prerequisite: GER 112 or exemption.
This sequence is designed to help students enhance their proficiency in all four language skills.  By the end of the sequence, students should be able to communicate meaningfully with sympathetic native speakers.  Emphasis is on an increasing variety of interactive transactions in past, present, future and hypothetical frames of reference, including those requiring expression of opinion, emotions, wishes and reservations.  Language lab activities complement classroom instruction.

GRK 111 – 112.  Beginning Greek I and II  (3 hours)
(Only GRK 111 is taught in Fall; GRK 112 is taught in Spring)
Open to students with little or no previous instruction in Greek, this sequence enables students to attain a fundamental competency in Hellenistic Greek grammar and to build a basic Greek vocabulary drawn from The Greek New Testament.  The courses focuses on mastery of fundamental elements of Greek grammar and vocabulary, the use of Greek language tools and the translation of selected readings from the Greek New Testament.

ITA 101.  Accelerated Elementary Italian  (1 hour)
Prerequisite:  At least two years study in high school or a full year in college of French, Spanish, Latin or the consent of the instructor.
This course stresses fundamental Italian pronunciation, reading and listening skills.  Grammar is not systematically covered but taught only as needed for developing the aforementioned skills.  Although this course is designed especially for students who have already studied another Romance language, those who have a particular interest in and aptitude for foreigh language are also welcome.  Only taught every two years.

LAT 111 – 112.  Beginning Latin I and II  (3 hours)
Only LAT 111 is taught in Fall; LAT 112 is taught in Spring)
Open to students with little or no previous instruction in Latin, this sequence enables participants to attain a fundamental competency in Latin grammar and to build a basic Latin vocabulary.  Close readings of basic texts, including translations from Latin to English and vice versa will be stressed.  In addition to offering an introduction to Roman civilization and literature, this sequence will familiarize students with Latin elements in the English language and with the sound of Latin.  Language lab activities will complement classroom instruction.

LAT 251.  Intermediate Latin  (3 hours)
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of or exemption from LAT 111 – 112.
This course is designed to further students’ competency in Latin grammar and vocabulary.  By making the transition from textbook selections to brief excerpts from a variety of Golden Age authors (e.g., Cicero, Caesar, Catullus, Vergil, Livy and Ovid), students will practice translating and interpreting original literary texts.  Language lab activities will complement classroom instruction.

SPN 111 – 112.  Beginning Spanish I and II  (4 hours)
Open to students with little or no previous instruction in Spanish.  This course sequence enables students to attain a basic competency in all language skills; listening, speaking, writing, reading and culture.  Emphasis is on basic needs in common everyday situations.  Language lab activities complement classroom instruction.

SPN 251.  Intermediate Spanish I  (3 hours)
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of or exemption from SPN 112.
Continued development of the four language skills leading to the ability to handle a limited variety of social situations such as travel needs, biographical information, leisure activities, etc., including past, present and future frames of reference.  The course includes discussion of appropriate aspects of Hispanic society and culture and presents media-based activities as well as video applications.  Language lab activities complement classroom activities.

GREAT BOOKS

GBK 101.  Among Gods and Heroes  (3 hours)
The introductory course in the Great Books Program concentrates on the ancient Greeks and includes works by Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Thucydides and Plato.

HISTORY

HIS 111.  The Making of the West  (3 hours)
A history of Western Civilization from their Near Eastern origins through the formation of overseas empires, emphasizing the distinctive traditions and ideals that have come to define societies as Western.

HIS 112.  The West and the Modern World  (3 hours)
A globally conscious history of the social, political and intellectual forces of the modern West.  The development of distinct religious, regional and cultural identities is emphasized, as is the West’s role in shaping the modern world.

HIS 165.  Problems in American History  (3 hours)
A topical introduction to some of the major problems in American history from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries.  The course will focus on a single problem or issue particular to American history.  Topics include freedom, religion in public life, war and diplomacy, laws and constitutions and race.  May only be taken once for credit towards graduation.

JOURNALISM

JMS 101.  Media in Society  (3 hours)
A survey of contemporary media with a focus on developing media literacy, and understanding media industries and the consequences of media messages on individuals, society and culture.

JMS 150.  News Writing for Converged Media  (3 hours)
An introduction to writing news in a professional environment and to the forms journalism takes in a converged, digital age.  Special emphasis is given to introduce the student to what is news and how it is found, fact gathering, story structure and collecting information from primary and secondary sources.  Lab required.

JMS 200.  Digital Media Scripting and Production  (3 hours)
A workshop approach to developing a basic understanding of the hardware and software tools used in creating and producing digital audio, video and interactive media messages.  Lab required.

JMS 220.  Introduction to Narrative Film  (3 hours)
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of film language and provide conceptual tools needed to create and/0r critically analyze narratives films.  Topics will included:  The examination of narrative film form; exploration of how films are classified by gene; the examination of how film techniques such as mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing narrative, performance, and sound contribute to film form.  The course will explore how these structural elements function to express complex meanings.

MILITARY SCIENCE

MIL 101.  Introduction to the Army I  (2 hours)
An introduction to the fundamental organization of the United States Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard.  Also included is an explanation of customs and traditions of military service, an introduction to basic first aid techniques, orienteering and general military subjects.  Increased self confidence is gained through team study and activities in basic drill, physical fitness and small unit operations in both classroom and outdoor environments.  One hour class and a required leadership lab plus optional participation in a physical training program.  Participation in weekend training exercises is also optional. May not be taken on a S/U basis.

MUSIC
NOTE: NOT INCLUDING PERFORMCE, INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT, APPLIED MUSIC COURSES OR PERFORMING ENSEMBLES

MUS 105a – MUS 106a.  Music Theory I – II  (2 hours)
Prerequisite: Each course is a prerequisite for the next one in the sequence.
Review of theory fundamentals.  Introduction to the tonal procedures of the Common Practice period including diatonic harmony, part-writing, simple analysis and two-part counterpoint.  Requires permission of instructor to enroll.  Must pass with a minimum grade of C in order to register in the next class sequence.  Open to music majors and minors only.

MUS 105b – MUS 106b.  Musicianship Skills 1 – II  (1 hour)
Prerequisite: Each course is a prerequisite for the next one in the sequence.
Ear training, sight singing and supportive keyboard harmony.  Requires permission of instructor to enroll.  Must pass with a minimum grade of C in order to register in the next class sequence.  Open to music majors and minors only.

MUS 151.  Understanding Music  (3 hours)
A non-technical course designed for those who have little or no musical training.  Elements of music, contributions and musical style of major composers and characteristic styles and forms of the various cultural periods will be emphasized.  Not open to music majors.

PHILOSOPHY

PHI 190.  Introduction to Philosophy  (3 hours)
An introduction to reading, writing and thinking about philosophy.  The Western tradition of philosophical thought will be the subject matter of the course.  Emphasis will be placed on the cultivation of a philosophical attitude and the development of the art of conceptual analysis and synthesis.

PHI 195.  Introduction to Ethics  (3 hours)
A study of the principal ethical traditions of Western culture and their application to contemporary moral issues and social problems.  Not open to seniors.

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHO 230.  The Art of Photography              (3 hours)
An introduction to the history, theory and practice of photography.  The special qualities of photography as an art and an expressive tool are illustrated through a unique blend of pinhole cameras and digital printing.  Students will learn the functions and physics of optics by building and using pinhole cameras.  Printing of pinhole negatives will be done using digital software and printers.

POLITICAL SCIENCE

POL 101.  Introduction to American Government  (3 hours)
A study of the structure, organization, power and procedure of the government of the United States.

POL 200.  Introduction to Political Theory  (3 hours)
This course is designed for political science majors and non-majors alike.  The course introduces students to major thinkers and themes that have shaped our thinking about politics.  While the course may include authors from any period in the history of political thought, the guiding purpose is the illumination of contemporary theoretical discussions.

POL 253.  Introduction to International Relations  (3 hours)
(Same as International Affairs 253)
This course is designed for political science majors and non-majors alike.  The course surveys the diplomatic, military, economic, legal and organizational theories and variables that shape our understanding of relations between countries.  Special emphasis is placed on contemporary world problems such as the environment, human rights, conflict, population and poverty.

PROGRAM IN LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

PLS 200.  Introduction to Public and Community Service:  Education for the Common Good.  (3 hours)
Introduces students to the concepts of leadership and community service and to the notion that education should serve the common good.  Literature from philosophy, religion, the humanities and the social sciences is used to explore global problems and their possible solutions.  Students are asked to explore questions like, “What obligation dos one have to one’s fellow human being?” and “What should be the goals of one’s education?”  Service-learning practicum required.

PSYCHOLOGY

PSY 101.  Introduction to Psychology  (3 hours)
An introduction to and survey of the major content areas of psychology.  The topics include biological, cognitive, social and environmental influences on behavior as well as the variety of philosophical, theoretical and empirical approaches adopted by the discipline.

SOCIOLOGY

SOC 101.  Introductory Sociology  (3 hours)
A survey of the basic concepts, theories, methods and research associated with the sociological analysis of society.  Emphasis will be placed on the study of major forms of human association and interaction, as well as t he social structures and processes that affect the individual.  Laboratory activities complement classroom instruction.

CRJ 260.  Criminal Justice System  (3 hours)
An overview and analysis of the major components of the criminal justice system; criminal law, law enforcement, the judicial and correctional processes and related topics.

TEACHER EDUCATION

EDUC 101 – 102.  The Holistic Child I & II  (3 hours)
(Only EDUC 101 is taught in Fall.)
Prerequisite to EDUC 102 is EDUC 101.  Co-requisite to EDUC 102 is EDUC 102B
The Holistic Child I & II provides an overview of the social, philosophical, historic, legal and psychological issues in education.  The needs of all children are considered from the perspectives of inclusion and regular education.  The special needs of all young children are intertwined throughout the courses to give the candidate an integrated notion of providing appropriate educational practices in the setting of the regular classroom.

EDUC 102B.  Field Component IB – The Holistic Child  (1 hour)
Co-requisite:  EDUC 102
This field experience provides a field-based experience for students enrolled in The Holistic Child program.  Students spend a minimum of 20 hours observing and participating in a variety of community-based settings in activities related to and associated with young children (P-5).  Note:  Grades of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.   Special fee.  Application required.  Seminar attendance required.

WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES

WGS 180.  Gendered Lives  (3 hours)
An examination of how we live our lives as “men” and “women.”  This course investigates the biological basis and cultural construction of gender with particular attention to cross-cultural examples and the history of challenges to the status quo of gendered societies.