AS1152 Themes in U.S. History (4 cr.)
The course is an introduction to major issues in the history of the United States, from colonial times to the twentieth century. Topics may include: the origins of slavery and racism; industrialization and the growth of cities and suburbs; the growth of the American empire; movements for social change.
AS2020 New Media (4 cr.)
This introductory lecture course will explore new and emerging media through a variety of perspectives including history, theory and technology. Through weekly readings, class discussions, project case studies and hands-on experiments, students will examine new media storytelling strategies, including visualization and interactivity, and will explore emerging tools for production and user experience, such as virtual and augmented reality, drones and sensors. Students will also examine the implementation and impact of new and emerging media on the fields of journalism, documentary, media, and social activism.
AS2112 American People l (4 cr.)
History of the American people to 1877, which emphasizes the diverse experiences and perspectives of women, people of color, working people, and other historically marginalized groups. Topics include the American Revolution and the Constitution, the origins and development of slavery, the development of Northern capitalism, territorial expansion and displacement of Native Americans, and the conflicts which led to the Civil War. Novels and films supplement more traditional texts.
AS2122 American People II (4 cr.)
History of the American people, 1865 to present, which emphasizes the diverse experiences and perspectives of women, people of color, working people, and other historically marginalized groups. Topics include Reconstruction, the Industrial Revolution and the growth of the corporation, the creation of the working class, World Wars and American expansion, Progressivism, the Depression and the New Deal, the rise of industrial unionism, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights movement and new challenges emerging with the rise of global capitalism. Novels and flms supplement more traditional texts.
AS2262 African American History I (4 cr.)
This course examines the experiences of African Americans in the development of America from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade through the Civil War. Topics include plantation slavery, politics, economics, cultural production, gender, and intellectual pursuits. Emphasis on major movements and figures as well as ordinary individuals.
AS2263 African American History II (4 cr.)
This course examines the experiences of African Americans in the development of America from 1865 through the twentieth century. Topics include Reconstruction, segregation, migrations, war, cultural production, entrepreneurship, and the push for civil rights. Emphasis on social and cultural history across class and gender lines.
BS2400 Basic Biology I (3 cr.) and BS2401 Basic Biology Lab I (1 cr.)
Freshman biology lecture course sequence covering basic instruction in the current concepts of biological organization and function. The topics considered include: introduction to the chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, cellular and organismic cellular and organismic reproduction, comparative anatomy and the physiology of selected organ systems with emphasis on humans. Laboratory course sequence designed to illustrate concepts taught in the BS2400-2410 lecture course sequence. Emphasis on application of the scientific method, and the development of data analytical, quantitative reasoning, and scientific writing communication skills
CP2120 Principles of Chemistry I (3 cr.) and CP2121 Principles of Chemistry Lab I (1 cr.)
Introduction to the origins and principles of modern chemistry. Discussion of atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, periodicity, bonding and states of matter. Principles are illustrated through demonstrations and study of descriptive chemistry. Laboratory course designed to illustrate concepts of principles of Chemistry I. Emphasis on basic chemical concepts, quantitative laboratory skills, descriptive chemistry, and accurate reporting of results. Three laboratory hours per week.
CR1500 Introduction to Criminology (4 cr.)
This course will provide students with an introduction to the social scientific study of crime. Students will explore quantitative and qualitative evidence concerning various types of crime (e.g. murder, robbery, rape, domestic violence, child abuse, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, organized crime, international crime, and white collar crime). Also, they will explore crime statistics concerning the demographic dimensions of crime (i.e. age, race, sex, and class). Students will be provided with a brief introduction to biological, psychological, and sociological explanations of crime, and learn to compare social science and media representations of crime and criminals. Finally, students will learn to assess conservative, liberal and radical explanations of historical crime trends, and to examine the impact of the criminal justice system (i.e. police, courts, corrections) on rates of crime.
HI1010 World Religions West (4 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the three major religions that share a common belief in the God of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will look at the history, beliefs, and practices of each religion separately, but also at the ways they have interacted. These interactions—sometimes peaceful and creative; sometimes violent—have been a major shaping force in Western civilization, from the development and transmission of Greek philosophy through the Crusades, the Holocaust and the ongoing definition of “Western values.” Study of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam leads to a deepened understanding of principles of theology and ethics, as well as current issues in religious and community life.
HI2511 World History I Non-West (4 cr.)
This course surveys the history and culture of five regions of the world: the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, China, India and Japan. Our goal is to gain an understanding of each country’s/culture’s place in world history both in the past and in the present. To that end we will study maps and regional geographical features, survey crucial historical periods and events and study short selections from religion, philosophy and literature. In the last section of the course, student reports will focus our attention on each civilization’s unique contributions to the history of our world.
MD1000 Music of Global Cultures I (4 cr.)
An introductory course focused on understanding and exploring the meaning and art of traditional and popular music and global cultures. This course presents music from diverse cultures examining historical perspectives and their impact on society. Students will be introduced to basic rhythms, melodies and harmonies. Cultures on focus include introduction to the music of Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Course will include review of videos, films and recordings, and may include one field trip outside of regular class time to attend a live concert.
MD1110 The Culturally Diverse Language of Dance (4 cr.)
Dance embodies the language of culture through movement. This introductory course examines the role of dance in articulating the human rights of diverse cultural communities. The historical global dance survey will focus on the societal conditions that created and influenced different dance styles and movements. Working with professional dancers and musicians, students will study dance history, improvisation and basic dance composition. The interactive dance survey will include the cultures of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Course will include review of videos, films and slides.
MD2350 Acting (4 cr.)
The course will introduce acting as an intellectual and emotional process, giving each its due while at the same time respecting Theatre as Show Biz. We start with the premise that the foundation of acting comes from the spontaneous interaction of the actor with him or herself, other actors, the audience, and the script. Therefore, we will work with improvisation, games and then apply them to the script to enhance the script’s thematic intentions. We will examine scenes to understand their structure and the meaning and then build layers of emotion into them from the actor’s experience and the rehearsal experience. The course will culminate in a performance.
PE1600 People, Power, Politics (4 cr.)
An introductory course that begins with an examination of the nature of power in different areas of human experience, and then proceeds to look at power issues related to lawmaking, governmental institutions, and political participation both inside and outside of those institutions. The course is intended to illustrate the various sources of power that people possess to bring about political and social change. It draws on current events in order to better illustrate the topics discussed. Offered periodically.
PE2420 Principles of Microeconomics (4 cr.)
An introduction to neoclassical economic theory. Consumer and producer behaviors, price formation in the market and the role of the market in allocating recources and coordinating social production are among the topics covered. Required for all PES majors. (COURSE ALSO OFFERED AS BU2420). Offered every semester.
PH2000 Introduction to Public Health (4 cr.)
This course provides an equity-focused overview to the fundamentals of public health, which is focused on the health of entire communities and populations, rather than individuals. Public health examines the health of communities as shaped by political, economic, cultural, environmental, behavioral, and biological factors. Public health practitioners focus on promoting the health of populations through research, policy, education and interventions. This course introduces the history, science, and principles of public health, as well as opportunities to learn about current issues and approaches in the field. It also provides a broad overview of population health in the United States, as well as grounding for students to wish to pursue additional coursework in public health.
PY201 Introduction to Psychology (4 cr.)
A prerequisite to all other psychology courses. Based on methods and data of scientific psychology, this course investigates basic principles of behavior. The socio-cultural context in which humans develop is emphasized throughout. Areas of psychology to be covered include neurophysiology, cognition, learning, developmental, social, personality, and abnormal.
PY2530 Psychology of Prejudice & Discrimination (4 cr.)
This course explores the causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination as social and psychological processes on individuals, groups and communities. The effects of prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination and how they contribute to structural inequalities are investigated. Emphasis will be placed on the role of intersectional social group identities on one’s understanding and experiences of prejudice and discrimination, and an examination of social action principles that address these dynamics. Offered every semester.
PY2720 Psychology of Gender (4 cr.)
This course examines the psychological, biological, and sociocultural correlates of gender. Theories of gender development, construction of gender identity, sexual orientation, and intersectionality of gender with other social group identities will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the social constructs of traditional “masculine” and “feminine” gender roles throughout the lifespan with a consideration of relationships, education and career paths. Offered every semester
SY1500 Introductory Sociology (4 cr.)
Introduces basic concepts and perspectives in sociology. Such major social institutions as the family, education, politics, law, media, and religion are examined, together with such social processes as socialization, social change, social control, and social stratification. In addition, the course surveys some of the research methods and social theories in sociology. Designed as a general interest and general education course.
VA2010 Introduction to Creative Thinking (4 cr.)
A must for students considering careers in advertising, publishing, communications or any other discipline regarding creative visual solutions. Students solve exercises designed to challenge the way we perceive reality through conditioning and stereotypes. A variety of skills are developed at the beginner’s level. The objective is to develop in the students the skills to make creative visual statements avoiding conventional thinking. Required for Art majors.