SG Courses and Course Descriptions
ART 1SGA - Fundamentals Studio Art Ceramics
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: None
Description: This course is an exploration of the processes and philosophies of various studio art disciplines. Using the study of traditional studio topics (Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking, or Sculpture - subjects will vary each semester), students will learn the principles of art aesthetics, studio processes, and a general history of the relevant discipline. This course is designed for non-art majors to fulfill institutional Core requirements in Aesthetics.
ART 1SGB - Fundamentals Studio Art Painting
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: None
Description: This course acquaints the student with the fundamentals of the painting process. The basics of color theory and drawing are explored in a series of projects which lead to work in observational painting in a variety of styles and techniques. Oil and acrylic painting media are explored, as is the nature of the painted mark and the painted surface. Students also learn about solvents and mediums, and have experience making supports and grounds.
ART 1SGC - Fundamentals Studio Art Printmaking
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: None
Description: This course is an introduction to the processes and philosophies of various studio art disciplines. By studying traditional studio topics (ceramics, painting, printmaking, or sculpture), students will learn the principles of art aesthetics, studio processes, and a general history of the relevant discipline. This course is not open to art majors.
ART 1SGD - Fundamentals Studio Art Sculpture
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: None
Description: This course is an exploration of the processes and philosophies of variour studio art disciplines. Using the study of traditional studio topics (Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking, or Sculpture - subjects will vary each semester), students will learn the principles of art aesthetics, studio processes, and a general history of the relevant discipline. This course is designed for non-art majors to fulfill institutional Core requirements in Aesthetics.
BIO 1SGA - Investigations in Physiology
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: BIO 100
Description: This course will guide students in taking a scientific approach to understanding a contemporary issue in physiology. Students will learn to use a variety of investigative methods from library study to laboratory work and will hone their skills in critical thinking and analysis. Written and oral communication will also be emphasized. May be repeated for credit with approval of instructor (as topics change). This course does not count toward a biology major/minor.
BIO1SGB – Investigations in Ecology
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: BIO 110 or permission
Description: This course will guide students in taking a scientific approach to understanding a contemporary issue in ecology. Students will learn to use a variety of investigative methods from library study to laboratory work and will hone their skills in critical thinking and analysis. Written and oral communication will also be emphasized. May be repeated for credit with approval of instructor (as topics change). This course does not count toward a biology major/minor.
Wetlands and Waterways -- Water is essential to life. Not only is it a basic nutrient for all organisms, it also provides a conduit for all manner of resources and pollutants, creates essential habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species, and shapes the regional landscape. This course will investigate what happens as freshwater moves over and through the earth's surface. We will consider the ecological roles of aquatic ecosystems (streams and rivers, lakes, wetlands, groundwater) and the ways in which humans and other species alter the functioning of these ecosystems. Laboratory work will be linked with 3-5 field trips to local sites.
CHEM 251– Molecular Architecture (Originally CHEM 2SGA)
Credit: 3HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: Students will explore the vibrant world of chemistry by seeking answers to three specific questions: 1) What is a molecule? 2) How are molecules “constructed”? 3) How are molecules characterized? Answers to these questions will be sought by an in-depth investigation of organic molecules that are either encountered in daily life or are, in part, critical for sustaining life--hydrocarbons, chiral molecules, synthetic polymers, and biopolymers. Consequently, students will be introduced to the logical processes of scientific reasoning and investigation and invited to contemplate the impact of chemistry upon society.
CHEM 2SGB - The Chemistry of Crime Scene Investigation
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: High School Chemistry
Description: This course relates "real world" applications of analytical chemistry to the investigation of crimes (individual and industrial). The underlying chemistry and biochemistry involved in forensic analysis will be addressed. This course will explore a wide range of chemical methods employed in crime scene investigation. Also, exploration of scientific inquiry as it relates to developing hypotheses and providing proof of a crime based on chemical evidence will be investigated.
CS 2SGA - Robotics and Machine Learning
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course explores the question: How do we make robots work and learn? Topics covered include: history of robotics and machine learning, philosophical perspectives and impact of artificial intelligence systems on society, robot construction techniques, robot navigation and manipulation, machine learning algorithms and their application, and software robots. This course assumes no computer science background.
CS 2SGB - Modeling, Simulation and Scientific Thinking
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: Math 208
Description: Creating scientific models is at the heart of science. Computer-based simulation modeling has been widely used in various areas as a powerful problem-solving method because it enables some explorations that are difficult to accomplish with mathematical models and physical models. In this course, students will explore scientific modeling using computer-based simulation. They will learn to design and create dynamic, complex models of systems from a variety of disciplines, such as Mathematics, Biology, and Physics, and to critically evaluate the models and their assumptions. Students will use software to develop simulation models. No prior knowledge of simulation or programming experience is needed.
ECON 310 – Game Theory (Originally ECON 3SG)
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: Tier I Math/Logic Requirement
Description: Game theory tools of analysis will be applied to numerous situations involving potential conflict and cooperation. The situations will become progressively more complex and the analytical tools needed to determine solutions will become more sophisticated as the class progresses. Students will apply the tools learned in class to determine expected outcomes of outside situations. While game theory is demanding in terms of reasoning ability, the focus of the class will be qualitative rather than quantitative analysis.
EDCI 2SG - Agrarianism and Global Communities
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: Agrarianism and Global Communities examines models of agrarian cultures in selected settings around the world. It focuses on the connection between agrarian communities and their cultures.
ENG 3SGB – Heidegger and the Questions of Interpretations
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: Comp II
Description: Intensive readings of Heidegger's “The Origin of the Work of Art ” and “On the Essence of Truth” together with supplementary readings from “Being and Time” and several short literary texts designed to present Heidegger's view of texts and interpretation.
FCS 2SG - Society's Influence on Body Weight and Weight Loss
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course will examine proposed determinants of a person's body weight, such as dietary behaviors, body image, societal norms, and the influence of the food industry. This course will separate scientific facts from fiction on the controversial topics of weight loss and maintenance through critical evaluation and examination of current weight loss strategies, fads, diets, and the societal factors that influence these issues.
GEOL 212– Archaeology and Human Antiquity (Originally GEOL 1SG)
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This class will critically examine some of the scientific techniques archaeologists have used, discoveries they have made, and conclusions they have reached about human antiquity.
GEOL 1SGA – Discovering the Ice Age
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: An examination of the scientific evidence that led to the discovery of the Ice Age, as well as more recent evidence upon which current models of the Pleistocene Ice Age are built. Students will also examine how the scientific method is being utilized to provide scientists with new insights in pre- and possible post-Pleistocene ice ages.
GEOL 213– Asteroids, Comets, and Catastrophism (Originally GEOL 1SGB)
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: An inquiry into the speed with which geologic change occurs. Models of change based on uniformitarianism and catastrophism will be discussed and the growing body of scientific evidence for repeated asteroid, and comet impacts upon the earth will be critically examined.
NUR 2SG-Impact of Chronic Illness
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course will explore the effects of chronic health issues on individuals and families, including lay caregivers. Physical, psychosocial, spiritual, genetic, economic, environmental, behaviorial, and health care system factors influencing chronic health issues will be examined by reading 4 first hand accounts of chronic illness. These readings will be analyzed for patterns and themes and complared with theoretical bases and research support related to chronic health experiences of the individual and family. Social justice concerns related to chronic illness, such as social stigma, availability of resources, access to care, and extension of life, will be discussed.
NUR 2SGA-Global Challenges in Public Health
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course will explore the challenges of public health from an international perspective through the focused examination of three historical case studies. In addition, a prospective assessment of public health will analyze its future role in promoting and protecting the health of populations across the globe. The core functions of public health will be discussed within the context of key case studies and compared with current public health policy and practice. Students will critically examine both historical and current global issues in order to gain a unique understanding of the public health needs of aggregates living in other nations, under differing socioeconomic and cultural conditions, and the impact of those needs on the health of other communities.
PHYS 2SGC - The Science of Sound
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: High school algebra and Trigonometry
Description: This course is designed to explain the physical properties of sound with specific regard to Audio. During the first half of the semester we will apply Newtonian Mechanics and Energy methods to understand vibrations and waves. We will expand these concepts to study the properties of sound propagating through various environments. The second half of the semester will be spent applying the laws of electricity and magnetism to understanding DC circuits, AC circuits and the electronics used to capture and record sound. The capstone of the course will involve applying what is learned to make decisions on what types of recording equipment should be used in different environments and why.
PHYS 320 – Origins of the Universe (Originally PHYS 3SG)
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: A look from the scientific viewpoint into the origin of the universe. The course is designed for students of all majors, although a basic understanding of algebra is required. The course will take a conceptual approach in understanding the two great physical theories of the twentieth century, relativity and quantum mechanics. The ideas will then be applied to particle physics and the current picture of the earliest universe. No previous science knowledge is assumed or required.
REL 2SG – Jewish Religious Traditions
Credit: 3HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course deals with a question that is central to all Jewish religious traditions: how do written and oral traditions combine to create the fabric of contemporary Jewish life? We will pursue this question by focusing upon one aspect of Rabbinic Biblical interpretation (midrash) and two selected ritual observances. In order to examine this question in proper depth, we will also discuss the diversity of approaches within the major movements of contemporary Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform). Within the context of this course, students will also have opportunity to pursue related topics of their own choosing. Although there are no prerequisites, previous work in religion or related fields is highly recommended.
REL 3SGA – Medical Ethics
Credit: 3HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course examines the debates surrounding health and health care in the modern era, focusing primarily on arguments and principles drawn from the Christian tradition. Some of the possible issues are: the nature of sickness and health, reproductive technology, termination of life-sustaining treatment, organ transplantation, artificial productive technologies, the allocation of scarce life-saving medical resources, human experimentation, and genetic testing and therapy.
REL 2SGC - Understanding Islam in Today's World
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: An investigation of the basic beliefs and practices in Islam as they are understood and observed in various parts of the world. The course approaches Islam by focusing upon the ways that oral and written traditions combine with cultural factors to create the fabric of contemporary Islamic life. Topics include the foundations of Islam, the sources of legislation in Islam (Qur'an and Hadith), central ritual observances and social aspects of Islam in the contemporary world.
REL 3SGB – Religion & Criminal Justice in America
Credit: 3 HRS. Prerequisite: None
Description: This course pursues the question, “In what way does religious faith impact the system of criminal justice in America ?” This course treats the subject historically and topically, with a principal focus on the following issues: the religious roots of criminal justice in America ; religion-inspired movements of criminal justice reform; religious assessments of the death penalty; issues of religious life in American correctional facilities; and alternative models of justice inspired by religious faith.
REL 3SGC - Religion and Civil Rights in America
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: REL 106 or equivalent
Description: This course investigates the relationship between American religion - principally the Nation of Islam and Christianity - and the struggle for African-American civil rights in twentieth-century America.
SOCWK 4SGA - Pre-Practicum Seminar
Credit: 1 HR Prerequisite: SOCWK 312, SOCWK 306
Description: This course is designed to prepare students for beginning professional entry-level generalist practice. It will review issues related to agency-based work environments and service delivery in a generalist framework, discuss current issues in the field, and focus on the professional use of self. The course covers ethical practive, documentation, supervision, and the development of a learning contract. The process of arranging the field practicum for the subsequent spring semester takes place as part of this course.
TH 3SG - American Musical Theatre
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: None
Description: This course is an exploration of the development of the Broadway musical during the twentieth century. Representative musicals will be examined in terms of style, elements, and structure in order to identify criteria for aesthetic evaluation. The contributions of the major musical theater artists and practitioners of the 20th century will be discussed as they relate to the evolution of this uniquely American theatrical form.
TH 3SGA - Theatre Beauty and the Politics of Person
Credit: 3 HRS Prerequisite: None
Description: This course explores current theories of gender, sexual politics and identity in relation to both mainstream and avant-garde theatre practice. The focus is mainly on areas in contemporary European and American experimental theatre and performance. The course aims to situate contemporary forms of experimental performance as it pertains to gender, sexual politics and identity, within various "postmodern" discourses and critiques. Meets Tier Ii credit for aesthetics.