Apr 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog and Handbook 
    
2021-2022 Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

African Studies

  
  • AFRS 101 - Ethnology of Africa (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    Applies the fundamental methods and concepts of cultural anthropology to the study of sub-Saharan African societies and nations, with emphasis on the impact of slavery and colonialism, current problems of economic and political development, and Africa’s emerging place in 21st-century global interactions. Exploration of histories, politics, economics, family structures, gender, power, and health in different African cultures through analysis of ethnographies, text chapters, generalist summaries, historical research, news accounts, specialist articles, and literature.


Anthropology

  
  • ANTH 101 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    Introduction to Cultural Anthropology explores fundamental questions about what it means to be human through a comparative study of different cultures.  Anthropology seeks to understand how culture both shapes societies, from the smallest island in the South Pacific to the largest Asian metropolis, and affects the way institutions work, from scientific laboratories to Christian mega-churches. It provides a framework for analyzing diverse facets of human experience such as gender, ethnicity, language, politics, economics, and art.


Astronomy

  
  • AST 101 - Introductory Astronomy (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    An exploration of our solar system’s creation and the planets in our solar system using the latest scientific information, recent probe data, and new discoveries in the science of extra-solar planetary astronomy.

    This course is based in part upon materials developed by the American Museum of Natural History and is used with permission by the School of Professional Studies for this course.


Chemistry

  
  • CHEM 101 - General Chemistry (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    General Chemistry is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of chemistry. The course covers the following topics: Scientific Notation and the Metric System, Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Bonding, Phases of Matter, The Mole, Solutions, and Acid and Bases. The focus is on critical thinking in the application of basic chemistry principles. The course will include a lab component.


Chinese

  
  • CHIN 101 - Beginning Chinese I (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    An introduction to Mandarin Chinese designed for students who have no or little prior experience in the language. An integrated approach to basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, emphasizing pronunciation and tones, as well as the most basic structure and patterns of Chinese grammar.


Computer Studies

  
  • CIS 101 - Computer Fundamentals and Applications (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    This course is an introduction to computers and their use in information processing. Topics include hardware and software concepts, elements of telecommunications, networks, and the Internet. Emphasis is on using computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, and data base management, as well as Internet applications.


English

  
  • ENG 101 - College Writing I (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    Practice in expository and analytical writing through reading and research-based assignments in varied academic formats such as reports, formal essays and research papers, making use of appropriate technology for composing, editing and sharing documents. Practice in conventions of academic reading and writing including clear and coherent use of standard English, use of digital libraries, and methods of ethical attribution and citation.


Latin American Studies

  
  • LAS 101 - Latin America and Caribbean Cultures (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    Introduces texts and media from Latin American and Caribbean cultures, including film, music, and performance. Analyzes the distinguishing features of Latin American and Caribbean Cultures through study of cultural artifacts and issues related to history, politics, customs, and art. Required research on selected topics.


Music

  
  • MUS 101 - Music Appreciation

    Prerequisite: None
    Introduces the study of music’s fundamental elements, forms, styles, and genres. Analyzes the historical development of music – its social impacts and influences on various cultural aspects. Considers how musicians use art to portray, criticize, and transform their societies. Requires the recognition of selected works, styles, and musical forms though perceptive, active listening.


Philosophy

  
  • PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    Studies the basic issues and traditions in philosophy. Thinkers include Socrates, Plato, Descartes, Kant, Rawls. Issues include the soul, truth, god, reality, knowledge, ethics, mind, freedom, religion, and social and political thought. Developing skills of critical analysis and dialectical thinking, students will be able to identify traditional and current issues in philosophy.


Psychology

  
  • PSY 101 - General Psychology (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    This course examines behavior and mental processes. Topics include research methods, biological bases of brain and mind, sensation-perception, sleep and states of consciousness, learning and memory, development, cognition-intelligence, motivation-emotion, personality, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. The focus is on findings and principles related to everyday life.


Sociology

  
  • SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    An introduction to the theoretical perspectives, concepts, methods, and core research areas in sociology. Active learning projects develop understanding of the discipline of sociology and demonstrate mastery of key concepts in the field.


Spanish

  
  • SPAN 101 - Beginning Spanish I (3 Credits)

    Prerequisite: None
    This course in conjunction with SPAN 102  provides a thorough grounding in Spanish grammar and vocabulary, including intensive practice in speaking and listening through the use of audio-video resources. A microphone and speakers (or a headset) and a web camera to interact online with the instructor and to record individual, pair, and group work are required.