Summer Session Course Descriptions
AC 303C Intermediate Accounting I 4 cr.
The Intermediate Accounting course sequence constitutes the “keystone” of the accounting curriculum for accounting concentrates. The central theme of the Intermediate Accounting course sequence is financial accounting and the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by which it is governed. The objective of the course sequence is to allow the students to develop a sophisticated comprehension of GAAP, the related theory underlying these GAAP and the corresponding practices, procedures and techniques employed is their application. Intermediate Accounting I concentrates on their application to economic resources (assets). Prerequisite: BE 203. Four hours a week
AC 304C Intermediate Accounting II 4 cr.
The second course in the Intermediate Accounting sequence. The central theme of the course is financial accounting and the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by which it is governed. The objective of the course is to allow students to develop a sophisticated comprehension of GAAP, its underlying theories, and corresponding practices, procedures, and techniques employed in their application. Intermediate Accounting II Concentrates on their application to sources of economic resources (liabilities and equity). Prerequisite: AC 303. Four hours a week.
AH106 C Introduction to Human Disease 3 cr.
The course will offer an introduction to human disease appropriate for students of all majors. The human body is a masterpiece of art. The more one understands the functioning of the body, the greater appreciation one has for it. Disease states, the body's natural attempts to right what is wrong and the compensatory actions involved will be discussed. The general mechanisms of disease as well as specific body systems will be discussed from a human-interest point of view. Fulfills math/science distribution requirements. No prerequisites.
BE 100C Business Enterprise 4 cr.
Primarily for freshmen, the course provides students with an integrative approach to learning the functional areas of business while emphasizing oral and written communication and effective group interaction. Students will learn various technical, organizational and operational aspects of business through active learning opportunities, case discussions, technological applications and outside activities. Four hours per week. To be taken concurrently with BE109A.
BE 203A Accounting for Business 4 cr.
A computer and case based course designed to develop the students’ ability to read and interpret internal and external financial reports, understand their underlying concepts, use their information in making informed decisions, and understand the effects of management decisions on these reports and the financial performance of the business. Topics include the basic concepts of the accounting process, preparation of the financial statements, analysis and application of the generally accepted accounting principles used to account for the various elements of the balance sheet and income statement, accounting for manufacturing operations, cost-volume-profit analysis, relevant costing, budgeting, and financial statement analysis. Sophomore standing is required. Prerequisites: BE100 & BE109. Four hours a week.
BE 213A Business Statistics 4 cr.
Provides an introduction to fundamental statistical principles and procedures. Topics include descriptive statistics, discrete and continuous probability distributions and sampling distributions, statistical inference and estimation, linear regression and correlation. Prerequisites: MA 103A, BE 091A, BE 092A, BE 093A. Four hours a week.
BE 221A Principles of Marketing 2 cr.
The marketing course introduces marketing as a functional area of a business enterprise. You will study numerous marketing concepts and functions, including the marketing concept, the marketing mix, buyer behavior, market segmentation, product position, and marketing research, all within a global context. Prerequisites: BE 100A, BE 091A, BE 092A, BE 093A. Two hours per week.
BE222A Managerial Finance 2 cr.
This course introduces the basics of a standard finance course. The goal is to provide a comfortable level of understanding of financial markets and securities for all business majors. The course will develop the financial skills and knowledge that will help them interact with the other functions of the firm to make good managerial decisions. The main topics included in the course are outlined under six main areas: (1) financial markets and institutions in a global environment, (2) financial ratios, budgeting, a firm’s pro forma financial statements, and cash flows determining firm value, (3) time value of money tools and concepts (compounding, discounting, annuities, and perpetuities), (4) relationship between risk and return, and (5) the basics of bond & stock valuation. Prerequisites: BE100, BE109, BE203 & BE213. Four hours per week.
BE223A Operations Management 2 cr.
The course is designed to provide students majoring in business administration with an overview of the concepts, methodologies, and applications of operations management (OM). The focus of operations in the process of converting or transforming resources into products and services. The principal responsibilities of operations managers lie in making sound, cost-effective decisions that increase the productivity and competitiveness of both manufacturing and service organizations. The process of planning, implementing and monitoring the production allows operations managers to continuously improve in providing high quality goods and services at low cost thereby adding more value for the customer. Prerequisites: BE100, BE109, BE203 & BE213. Two hours per week.
BE225A Motivation & Behavior
The Organizational Behavior component of BE220 strengthens and builds upon the foundation developed in previous Business Enterprise courses about behavior in organizations. In those courses, learning focused upon understanding behavior within and among groups in organizations. In BE225, the focus shifts to the individual level of analysis. We shall explore “micro” areas of social perception and diversity, self-concept, personality, motivation, and decision making, in the context of more “macro” issues, such as power and organizational politics. Prerequisites: BE100 & BE109. Two hours per week.
BE226A Management Information Systems 2 cr.
Management Information Systems presents a core of IS principles with which every business student should be familiar. Information technology has become a key component in accomplishing strategic and operational goals in organizations today. It is necessary to understand how a company utilizes information technology to gain its competitive advantage in business. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamental concepts and principles of information systems. Therefore, it focuses on breadth of coverage rather than the depth of any specific IS area. Topics include: the role of IT in organizations, computers and information processing, hardware and software, managing data resources, telecommunications and networks, electronic commerce, security, IS ethics and leading information technologies and applications. Prerequisites: BE100 & BE109. Two hours per week.
BE 302C Advanced Business Analysis & Decision Making 4 cr.
In this course students will work in teams to develop a business concept that they will be able implement in the next semester. Successful completion of this course will require student teams to develop a business plan and be approved to receive Girard School business startup funding. Pre-requisite BE 221A, BE 222A, BE 223A, BE 225A, BE 226A, BE 227A. Four hours per week.
IS 301A Systems Analysis and Design 4 cr.
This course provides students with an introduction to the structured methods and principles employed in the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems in organizations. Specific topics include problem investigation, feasibility analysis, requirements determination, system design, control and audit, and implementation and maintenance. Prerequisites: BE 223A, BE 225A and BE 226A. Four hours a week.
OM 309A Introduction to Management Science 4 cr.
This course provides coverage of the decision making process using quantitative information. The student’s power to logically model and analyze diverse decision making scenarios is combined with software-based solution procedures. Students learn the skills needed to apply decision models to various business problems. A variety of selected analytical approaches are explored including linear programming, waiting lines and simulation. Prerequisite: BE 223 . Four hours a week.
OS 320A Employment Law and Labor Relations 4 cr.
This course will introduce the student to the historical and cultural development of the legal, ethical and regulatory environment of modern business as it relates to the employment relationship. Topics will include common law rules governing the relationships of employer-employee, principal-agent and employer-independent contractor. An examination of important statutory rules shall include the Occupational Safety and Health Act, National Labor Relations Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act together with its progeny the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Equal Pay Act. Prerequisites: BE 225A and BE 227A. Four hours a week.
BI122A & BI123A Anatomy & Physiology I & II 4 cr. ea.
Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II is a Four (4) Credit Introductory Undergraduate Science Course for all Students Enrolled in or Seeking Enrollment into one or More of the Allied Health Professions. These Professions Include but are not Limited to; Sports Medicine, Nursing, Exercise Physiology, Physical Therapy, Physicians Assistant and Nutrition.
BI 300A Nutrition, Diet and Health 3 cr.
A course for non-majors that introduces the student to the science of nutrition. The fundamentals of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin and mineral requirements and metabolism will be explained as a basis for the study of the relationship between diet and health in both a personal and global perspective. Prerequisite: None. Not open to BI/HS/SM/AT majors. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three hours per week.
CH 101A The World’s Chemical Problems 3 cr.
Topics include the scientific method, basic principles of chemistry, air and water pollution, worldwide chemical uses and problems, radioactivity, atomic structure, and political chemical issues. No prerequisite. Offered every semester. Three lectures a week. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement for non-science majors. Not open to science and engineering majors or any student that has completed any other chemistry course. Not open to first year students.
CH 111A General Chemistry I 4cr.
Science and engineering students will take this course. Topics include the composition of matter, the mole, stoichiometry, atomic structure, molecular bonding and structure, and the solid and liquid states. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving techniques. The laboratory offers experiments to supplement the lecture material. Prerequisite: one year of High School Chemistry and MA 100A or place out of MA 100A on the math placement test. Offered every fall semester. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
CH 112A General Chemistry II 4 cr.
Science and Engineering majors will take this course. A continuation of CH 111A.Topics include aqueous solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium calculations, kinetics, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. The laboratory offers experiments to supplement the lecture material. Prerequisite: CH 111A. CH 112A is offered every spring semester. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
CH 221A & CH 222A Organic Chemistry I & II 4 cr. ea.
CH 221A: This course is an introduction to the chemistry of carbon. The concepts of bonding, classification by functional groups, structure, and reactions are presented from a mechanistic viewpoint. Stereochemical principles are emphasized. Infrared and NMR spectroscopy are introduced. The laboratory offers experiments to supplement the lecture material. Prerequisite: CH 112A or CH 125A. Offered every fall semester. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
CH 222A: A continuation of CH 221A. Major emphasis is on the aromatic compounds, and organic compounds containing the carbonyl functional group. The application of organic reactions in multistep synthesis is emphasized. The laboratory offers experiments to supplement the lecture material. Prerequisite: CH 221A. Offered every spring semester. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
CE 311A (SC 311A) Geology 3 cr.
Introduction to physical and historical geology including topics in mineral and rock identification, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and natural earth resources. Emphasis on map interpretation of land forms, sedimentation, earthquake mechanisms, engineering geology and applied geology. No prerequisites. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Two lectures and one laboratory period a week.
CM 101A Introduction to Communication Studies 3 cr.
An overview of fundamental theoretical concepts of communication studies. The course will examine the traditions which gave rise to contemporary theory and introduce the trends prevalent in current communication theory and practice. Topics include persuasion, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, interpersonal contexts, organizational and group dynamics, mass media concerns, and intercultural misunderstandings. No prerequisite. Required for Communication Studies major. Three hours a week.
CM 497A Communication Studies Internship 6 cr.
A work-study experience co-supervised by the Communication Studies Program and a mentor in the workplace. Students are placed according to interest and career path in a clinical, academic, community or industrial setting for the purpose of gaining hands-on experience in the communication studies discipline. Consent of the Communication Studies Program.
EC 201A Principles of Economics - Micro 3 cr.
An introduction to economics. Stresses the value of knowledge of the market and its alternatives in understanding current issues of social and public policy. Focuses on how and why markets work; why they may fail; and the implications of success or failure for social policy in such things as the control of industry, poverty, consumer choice, and the environment. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
EC 202A
An introduction to economics. Examines measurements of the economy’s performance, the broad economic forces determining the level of unemployment, the rate of inflation and economic growth, and government policy. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
ED 311A Foundations of Education 3 cr.
An introduction to the social and philosophical principles which have shaped educational thought and practices viewed in historical perspective; the challenge of modern education in our urban, suburban, technological, and mobile culture; the professional, legal, and community responsibilities of the teacher; organization of the American school system; contemporary issues in education. Three hours a week.
EE 106A/SC 106A Introduction to Electricity and Electronics for Non-Engineers 3 cr. American Constitutional Law 3 cr.
Non-EE Majors Only
This course is designed to introduce in a nonintimidating way the large realm of electricity and electronics that surrounds our daily experience. Beyond lectures and numerous demonstrations, it will provide a “hands-on” experience through simple lab experiments and applications. Starting with the basic laws of electricity, it will next evolve to the devices that manipulate electricity, and finally advance to a discussion of general systems and their operations. The “hands-on” experience will facilitate and enable non-engineering students to unravel the mysteries of this discipline and reinforce their intuitive knowledge with practical and useful experience. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
EE 355A Power Engineering and Power Quality 3 cr
Real and reactive power in single phase and polyphase AC circuits; magnetic circuits; transformers; DC and AC machines; introduction to power quality; power quality problems and solution such as, electrical transients, harmonics, voltage regulation, and power factor.
EN 105 A Introduction to College Writing 3 cr.
Introduction to the rhetorical practices of college-level writing. Emphasizes the interaction of writer, audience, language, purpose, and situation. Fosters an understanding of the ways in which writing, thinking, and learning are related. Sections limited to 15 students each. Intensive concentration during the semester on the student’s own writing examined in class and in conference with the instructor. Does not count towards English major or minor. Institutional distribution requirement.
EN 210A Major British Authors 3 cr
A one-semester course designed to introduce students to British literature through selected works of writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Swift, Pope, Keats, Byron, and Browning. Humanities distribution requirement.
EN 215A Major American Author 3 cr.
One semester course designed to introduce students to American literature through selected works of writers such as Hawthorne, Twain, Melville, Dickinson, Whitman, Hurston, and Morrison. Humanities distribution requirement.
EN 242A Business and Administrative Communication 3 cr.
Introduction to the principles of effective communication in modern organizations, with particular attention to written communication. Emphasis on analyzing audience, achieving appropriate tone, and developing effective rhetorical strategies to relay information, shape ideas, advise, instruct, persuade, and establish rapport. Prerequisite: EN 105A or exemption. Satisfies the humanities distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
EN 300A Approaches to Teaching Composition 3 cr.
Study of theory, materials, and methods underlying the teaching of writing, with emphasis on current theoretical approaches and pedagogical applications. Practice in workshop and conferencing techniques, responding to student papers, constructing sequential assignments, and individualized instruction. Familiarizes students with the
current issues and practices in writing instruction and with current research in literacy, reading, and composition. Prerequisite: EN105A or exemption. Recommended for English Education majors. Satisfies the humanities distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
FA 201A History of Photography 3 cr.
The first 150 years of photography will be examined. The various uses, styles, and genres of photography will be discussed within social, philosophical, and aesthetic dimensions that have evolved in the medium from its conception through the 1980. No prerequisite. Satisfies the humanities distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
FA 221A Basic Drawing I 3 cr
An approach to drawing and its values through studio experience. Seeing is emphasized through a series of exercises involving figure and still-life drawing primarily concentrating on line. Light and dark values are investigated later in the course. Abstraction is briefly considered. Humanities distribution requirement.
FA 223A Basic Design 3 cr
Through a significant number of personally executed projects done outside the class, the student is encouraged to develop a strengthened intuitive capacity in seeing and making. Much of our attention is on learning to master the elements of visual illusion; however, this is only the format we use to come to an understanding of the meaning of the design process. Satisfies the humanities distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
FA 226A Art of The Portrait 3 cr.
This elemental drawing class uses structured weekly projects based on the portrait. Goals will be to develop skills of observation, an understanding of anatomy, proportion and how light reveals form. The course will also cover the historical aspects of the portrait, relating to composition, symbolism and style. Teaching will involve weekly demonstrations, individual instruction and group critiques. Students will work with various media, including pencil, charcoal and conte crayon, using photographs and live models.Three hours a week.
FS 104A Love and Death 3 cr.
Love moves us out of the self and into relationships with others. Death moves us literally out of the self and opens up an awesome perspective on life. Readings will focus on actual people working the joys and sorrows of love and on grappling with terminal illness. The format of the course emphasizes student participation; students will keep journals and share them (as appropriate) with others, write three papers, and give two oral presentations based on independent research. Most importantly, students engage in energetic personal exchange that can make the seminar a remarkable learning experience.
FS 126A Great Entrepreneurs: Their Impact on U.S. Society 3 cr.
The purpose of this seminar will be to allow students to learn and understand the economic, social, and political circumstances of how entrepreneurs and the process of entrepreneurship contributed to the creation and development of the United States of America. Through research and discussion they will also have the opportunity to grapple with the problems and complexities of modern entrepreneurship and create future scenarios for our society.
HS 112C Hate Crimes 3 cr.
This course examines prejudice, bigotry and hate and how they are manifested in criminal behavior. The criminological theory for hate crime is reviewed, as well as historical perspectives of this crime category. Various groups who have been labeled as supporting or engaging in hate crimes and domestic terrorism are studied. Focus is placed on federal and state laws and the dynamics of the criminal justice systems responses to hate crimes.
HS 115C Traditional and Non-traditional Organized Crime 3 cr.
An introductory course designed to familiarize students with the origins and evolution of traditional (Mafia) and non-traditional organized criminal organizations (street gangs). Topics also to be discussed will be internal structures, how criminal organizations make money through illegal and legal methods, organized crime's association with political figures, new modern criminal organizations and government agencies response to threats posed by organized crime. Some time will also be dedicated for critical discussion on the relationship between the F.B.I. and James "Whitey" Bulger.
HS 221A Addictive Behaviors 3 cr
The problems of substance abuse. Historical overviews. This course will explore the following areas: alcohol use and alcoholism; drug addiction, eating disorders; nicotine addiction; gambling; television addiction; compulsive and excessive work; positive addiction; employee assistance programs; and stress reduction/wellness programs. Medical, psychiatric, social and cultural perspectives. Federal, state and local programs. New directions in prevention, recognition and response.
HS315 Organizational Behavior 3cr.
MA 111A Basic Statistics 3 cr.
Basic methods of statistical inference including the organization and analysis of data, sampling theory, point and interval estimation, hypothesis tesing, and correlation and regression analysis. Not open to students with credit for BE 213A or ST 211A. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
MA 113A Finite Math 3 cr
An introduction to significant ideas of contemporary mathematics for students not planning to specialize in mathematics of science. Topics include graph theory, linear programming, voting systems, and game theory. Math/Science distribution requirement.
MA 116A Pre-calculus 4 cr.
Algebra and trigonometry necessary for the study of calculus. Intended for those students planning to take calculus (MA117) who need further mathematics background.* Graphing calculator is required we recommend TI-86. This course is not open to students who have credit for any math course numbered MA 117 or higher.
MA 117A Calculus I 4cr
A first course in calculus for functions of a single variable. Limits, derivatives and integrals of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Graphing calculator is required. We recommend TI-86. Prerequisite: MA116 or exemption from MA116 through the Mathematics Placement Exam. Math/Science distribution requirement.
MA 118A Calculus II 4 cr.
A continuation of MA 117C for functions of a single variable. Includes techniques of integration, limits involving indeterminate forms, sequences, series, and Taylor series. Graphing calculator is required. We recommend TI-86. Prerequisite: MA 117C. Math/Science distribution requirement.
MA 219A Calculus III 4cr
Functions in parametric form and calculus of these functions. Polar coordinates and calculus of functions in polar form. Vectors in two and three dimensional space and the calculus of vector-valued functions. Lines, planes, and surfaces in three dimensional space. Spherical and cylindrical coordinates. The calculus of functions of several variables: limits, partial, derivatives, directional derivatives, gradient, tangent planes, and normal lines, relative maxima and minima, double integrals in rectangular and polar form, triple integrals. Graphing calculator is required. We recommend TI-86. Prerequisite: MA118
MA 220A Differential Equations 3 cr.
First order differential equations: slope fields, existence and uniqueness theorem, separable, linear, homogeneous and exact equations, elementary numerical methods and applications. Higher order linear equations: general theory, constant coefficient equations, undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, and applications. First order systems: elimination method, elementary numerical methods, matrix method for constant coefficient linear systems. Planar autonomous systems: critical points, trajectories, linearization and local phase portraits at critical points. LaPlace transformations: definitions and properties, use to solve initial value problems. Prerequisite: MA 219C.
IT 255A Italian-Americans and Film 3 cr.
From the premise that the visual image is a most powerful tool in the creation and structuring of collective systems of values, this course focuses on the cinematic representations of Italian-Americans in the works of major American and Italian-American directors from the silent era to the present. In addition, it provides a historical account of the Italian-American experience of male and female immigrants. Lectures given in English. May be counted in the Italian minor. No prerequisite. Satisfies the Humanities distribution requirement. Three hours a week, plus screenings.
SP 111A, 112A I ntroductory Spanish, I and II 3 cr. each
This course is offered for students with little or no background in Spanish. Oral-aural proficiency is acquired through speaking and role playing in class plus audio and visual practice outside of class. Students learn basic strategies for reading and writing in the language. Three hours a week, two semesters.
SP 201A, 202A Intermediate Spanish, I and II 3 cr. each
A continuation of the elementary course. In-depth study of grammar. Readings of short texts from Hispanic literature and civilization, along with articles and topics of contemporary relevance. Prerequisite: SP 112A or the equivalent. Satisfies the humanities distribution requirement and fulfills a requirement towards a major or minor in Spanish. Three hours a week, two semesters.
SP 301A, 302A Conversation and Composition, I and II 3 cr. each
Designed for students who, in college or high school, have completed the equivalent of Intermediate Spanish. While there is some review of important grammar points, focus is on the incorporation of the fundamentals of Spanish grammar studied in previous language courses into intensive speaking and writing activities. Emphasis on vocabulary building including relevant idiomatic expressions. Instructor guides frequent practice in writing and re-writing with a view to overcoming common grammar errors. Strong focus on speaking skills and conversation on relevant topics. Interactive oral projects, use of the Internet, and reading exercises. More reading selections from Spanish and/or Latin American literature in the second semester. Prerequisite: SP 202A or the equivalent. Satisfies the humanities distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
PH 112A Perspectives on Human Nature 3 cr.
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the methods of philosophical thought and to introduce them to central questions concerning the spiritual and bodily aspects of human existence; free choice and responsibility; mortality and immortality; and the relation of the human being to an infinite Being. The course critically analyzes the answers to these questions as found in both ancient and modern philosophers. Institutional distribution requirement.
PH 202A Perspective on the Good Life 3 cr.
Of all the life options available to us, how can we choose a life that is genuinely good? Explores this fundamental question of ethics by considering the thought of such masters as Plato, Epicurus, the Stoics, Augustine, Kant, Mill, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. Students will be expected to develop and defend their own views on the questions. Prerequisite: PH 112C. Institutional distribution requirement.
PH 205A Ethics in Business 3 cr.
Designed especially for students in accounting, marketing, business administration, etc. After laying a theoretical foundation for a systematic approach in problem solving, special issues in business life are being selected such as: corporate responsibility, morality in advertising, conflicts of interest, preferential hiring (e.g., minorities and women), personal morality vs. loyalty to employer, as well as more theoretical issues such as capitalism vs. socialism, etc. Prerequisite: PH 112A. Satisfies the second institutional requirement in philosophy. Three hours a week.
PH 206A Medical Ethics 3 cr.
An examination of moral issues in medicine. Topics will be selected from among: the physician-patient relationship; informed consent; impaired infants; issues at the end of life; euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide; the allocation of scarce medical resources; health care delivery, etc. Prerequisite: PH 112C. Institutional distribution requirement.
PH 242A Asian Philosophy 3 cr.
A philosophical examination of the most influential traditional wisdoms of Asia: Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist. We will consider the systems of value that emerge from such classics as the Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Analects, and Tao Te Ching. We will clarify these Eastern systems, where appropriate, by comparing and contrasting them with the value systems of Western philosophical and religious traditions. Prerequisite: PH 112. Institutional distribution requirement.
PL 228A Campaigns and Elections 3 cr.
This course will focus on the process by which Americans choose elected officials. Topics such as voting behavior, fundraising, the role of the media in campaigning and campaign ethics will be discussed. Prerequisite: PL 101A or consent of the instructor. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
PL 363A Civil Liberties 3 cr.
A study of the way in which the American political system defines and defends civil liberties of theindividual. Prerequisite: PL 101A or consent of the instructor. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
PS 101A General Psychology 3 cr.
Provides students with a general overview, from a scientific standpoint, of this wide-ranging field. Explores major issues and concepts in the study of human behavior including biological foundations, perception, motivation, learning, developmental processes, personality, social factors, psychological disorders and therapy. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the psychology department. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
PS210C Statistical Methods and Design 3 cr.
Introduction to analysis of data and design of experiments in psychology. Emphasis on the logic of inferential statistics, including the following: correlation, z-tests, t-tests, analysis of variance and chi-square. Prerequisite: PS 101A
PS 230A Developmental Psychology 3 cr.
Introduction to theory and research related to the development of psychological processes from infancy to adulthood. Analyzes the concept of development, the nature-nurture issue and the epigenetic nature of human development. Also examines cognitive, social and personality development in their social and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: PS 101A. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.
PS 245C Love, Sex and Relationships 3 cr
When researchers make lists of “basic” emotions, the emotion of “love” quite often does not make the list. What emotions do make the list? Well, there is no single universal list of emotions that everyone agrees is “basic”. But here are some emotion terms that generally make the list: anger, joy, sadness, surprise, fear, disgust. Why not love? Well, part of the reason has to do with the notion of “basic”. Some psychologists think of a “basic” emotion as one that can be identified early in development – emotions that are regarded as “innately given” or part of the biological endowment of infants. (The list above works quite well for this definition). For others, basic emotions are those that involve a characteristic facial expression, one that is universal in all cultures. For still other psychologists, basic emotions are like colors; just like purple is a combination of red and blue, higher-order emotions are combinations of “basic” emotions. Hurt is a combination of anger and sadness.
From these points of view, it seems that the term “basic” really means “base” – as in the “lowest common denominator” – a genetically determined something that is part of human “nature” and which can be found in early infancy. But why should we define what is quintessentially “human” as something that is so undeveloped? Humans are the only animals that develop for two decades outside of the womb. Why? Because, well, humans are “wired for culture” – because the social relations that the infant has with its caregivers are central parts of the developmental process that makes the individual fully human. That which makes an individual fully human is something that develops over time; it is the outcome of the developmental process, not the state in which it is brought into the world!
John MacMurray, a theologian, suggests two categories of “basic” emotions – love for the other and fear for the self. This is a simplification, of course, but it makes some important points. We often think of humans as inherently “selfish” and “self-interested”. Indeed, concern for the self is a fundamental motive. But note: Love for the other is not about the self, it is about the other. Society is impossible without the capacity to care for and love others. Love is among the most central concepts in virtually all religions. And: perhaps paradoxically, the self is enhanced through the process of loving others. This should not be interpreted as suggesting that “love is selfish”. To the contrary – it suggests that the fundamental separation between self and other as organizing concepts is misguided. Selves are inherently relational. Every act is a social act, and as such, transforms the self.Prerequisite PS101C
PS 302A Cognitive Psychology 4 cr.
Examines major empirical and theoretical work on human information processing. Focuses on basic processes including sensory storage, pattern recognition, attention and memory. Also addresses complex cognitive processes including language, problem solving and decision making. Prerequisite: PS 210A. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three lecture hours and one laboratory period a week.
PY 201A, 202A General Physics 4 cr.
A one-year introduction, without calculus, to the elements of physics. Subjects include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermodynamics and modern physics. Prerequisite: MA 100A or equivalent. PY 201A and 202A satisfy the math/science distribution requirement. Three lectures, one discussion period, and one laboratory period a week, two semesters.
RS 100A Introduction to Religious Studies 3 cr.
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic elements of the study of religion. We will examine what religion is and analyze the major elements of religious experience in the context of a variety of religious traditions. Special attention will be given to the Roman Catholic tradition and the contributions of St. Augustine. Three hours a week.
RS 272A Christian Social Ethics 3 cr.
A survey of the foundations of a Catholic social ethic, shared by many Christians and anchored in Jewish moral perspectives, with special attention to economic justice and distribution, the great social hatreds: racism, sexism, antisemitism and homophobia, and a variety of issues in which moral value and social policy intersect, for example: housing and homelessness, ethics in government, justice for persons with disabilities, etc. Prerequisite: RS100A. Satisfies the second institutional requirement in religious and theological studies. Three hours a week.
SM101 Introduction to Health and Fitness 3cr.
This course is a designed as an introduction to the principles of exercise science and strength and conditioning with an emphasis on application from improving health and performance in the athlete and non-athlete population. General content areas include concepts and applications of the exercise sciences nutritional factors, psychology of athletic performance , physiological adaptation of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, hormonal responses, age and gender differences, performance enhancing substances and the administration and organization of health fitness facilities. This course is intended for students with an interest in the field, personal training, and strength and conditioning. Open elective: Does not fulfill a college requirement.
SO 201A Principles of Sociology 3 cr.
The objectives of this introductory course are: (1) to cultivate the sociological perspective by acquainting students with basic sociological theories, methods, concepts and findings; (2) to use the basic concepts and principles of sociology to examine the various sectors of social life; and, (3) to develop an awareness of how and why social forces influence the experiences of everyday life. The course usually begins with a brief review of sociology’s historical origin, its major theoretical perspectives and its various research methodologies. The nature of culture, social interaction, group dynamics, bureaucracy, socialization, deviance, crime, urbanization, collective behavior, and social change are some of the topics studied. The course also explores some of the institutions of society, such as the family, the political economy, religion, education, and the medical system. A central focus of the course is understanding the nature of social inequality as it exists in the United States and across the globe interms of age, gender, race, and social class. Three hours a week. Required for majors and minors. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement.
SO 350A Domestic Violence 3 cr.
This course explores the social character and the causes of domestic violence. Various forms of abuse and violence are addressed on both a micro and a macro level. Each form of abuse and violence is discussed using sociological theories of causality. The objectives of this course are to enhance students’ abilities to: (1) gain knowledge and refute myths about domestic violence; (2) to understand the impact of social and cultural factors on violence; (3) to become familiar with the literature on domestic violence; (4) to become familiar with current controversies in the area of domestic violence; and, (5) to develop skills in discussing and dealing with controversial and sensitive topics. Prerequisite: SO 201A or consent of the instructor. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week
SO450 Social Work 3cr.
This course is designed to introduce students to the broad field of social work. Students who take this course become competent in the multi-disciplinary foundation of social work including values and ethics, diversity, populations-at-risk, social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services and social work practice. Special attention is given to services for children and families, people with disabilities, gays and lesbians, the elderly, people with addiction and/or mental illness, and individuals in the criminal justice system. In addition, students are introduced to the various methods that social workers use including casework, group work and community organization. Prerequisite: SO 201A or consent of the instructor. Satisfies the social science distribution requirement. Three hours a week.