Class Schedule

ARTS 130: Elements of Design

Introduction to basic design problems in various two- and three-dimensional techniques and media. A prerequisite for most other courses in studio art. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)

CHEM 105: Chemistry of Art

This course will explore fundamental principles of chemistry and the scientific method through the lens of art. The course will introduce concepts necessary for an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum; the chemical and physical principles that help to explain color; the chemical composition and interactions of atoms and molecules as they apply to pigments, dyes, binders, glazes, paper, fabrics, and metals; as well as the chemical changes active in processes like fresco painting, etching and photography. Building on a fundamental understanding of chemical and physical principles at work in the materials used to create art, the course will culminate with an exploration of case studies in the use of technology for art conservation and/or the detection of forgeries. The course format will include lecture, some short laboratory exercises, and a field trip. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

COLL 102: Liberal Arts and the Workplace

Liberal Arts and the Workplace is designed to deepen student understanding of the fundamental skills and knowledge base that a liberal arts education brings to today’s and tomorrow’s professional cultures and innovative workplaces. In addition to curating the courses and experiences students have already had, this course continues to build essential workplace skills in communication, teamwork, resourcefulness, network-building, goal-setting, effective self-assessment, and research skills. Outcomes of the course include a career exploration research portfolio, a mentor network, a resume for internships, a plan for seeking and successfully completing high-quality internships, an articulated, well-researched career plan, as well as a corresponding academic and co-curricular plan of action. No prerequisites.

BUSN 334: Accounting with quickbooks

Students in the course develop an understanding of how to use general ledger software utilizing QuickBooks. This includes company setup, setup and use of chart of accounts, recording and recognizing transactions, managing lists, generating customized reports, and preparing financial statements. Prerequisite: BUSN 230 with a grade of C-minus or better. This class is primarily offered during summer.

ECON 110: Principles of Economics

This course is an introduction to both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students are introduced to the analytical tools and techniques used by economists to better understand the choices economic agents make and how markets function. The study of microeconomics includes consumer theory, producer behavior, and analysis of market structure. The study of macroeconomics includes the determination of aggregate production, employment and inflation, as well as fiscal policy, monetary policy, the distribution of income, and economic growth. The theories presented are applied throughout the semester to issues facing the U.S. and world economies. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)
cross listed: IREL 110

ECON 130: Applied Statistics

This course covers three standard topics in statistics at the introductory level: probability theory, statistical inference, and regression analysis. Among the individual topics covered are descriptive statistics, probability rules, discrete probability distribution functions including the bivariate and binomial distributions, continuous density functions including the Normal and t distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, test statistics, p-values, correlation versus causation, and an introduction to multivariate linear regression analysis. All topics are applied to techniques important to analyze economic, business, and financial behavior. Students who have taken this course will not receive credit for MATH 150. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)
cross listed: BUSN 130, FIN 130

ECON 220: Macroeconomic Theory

Analysis of the determinants of aggregate production, prices, interest rates, and employment in macroeconomic models that combine the business, household, government, and financial sectors. Prerequisites: ECON 110 and MATH 110 or MATH 160 with grades of C- or better. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)

EDUC 501: Introduction to Teacher Research 

This course provides the MAT candidate with an introduction to educational research. Topics include the context of teacher research, an introduction to multiple varieties of teacher research, with an emphasis on action research, as well as grounding in quantitative and qualitative research methods. A case study of action research will be completed. Prerequisite: Second year MAT licensure candidate status.

ENGL 135: Creative Writing

A beginning course in the art of writing fiction, poetry, and nonfiction prose. Literary analysis will be combined with creative assignments. Group discussions and individual conferences. (Not open to students who have completed English 235.) (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts requirement.)

MATH 110: Calculus I

The calculus of functions of one variable. Limits, continuity, differentiation, and applications; a brief introduction to integration. Prerequisite: 3.5 years of high school mathematics (to include trigonometry) or Mathematics 105. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

MATH 250: Introduction to Statistical Programming

(Introduction to Statistical Programming.) Introduction to data analysis programming using R. Topics include: data cleaning, data visualization, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression, time series analysis, analysis of variance, nonparametrics, and categorical data analysis. No previous programming experience required. Prerequisite: Math 150: Introduction to Probability & Statistics, E/B/F 130: Applied Statistics, PSYC 222: Research Methods & Statistics II, or permission of the instructor.

PHIL 156: Logic and Styles of Arguments

Focus on the 'rhyme and reason' of language. Examination of the reasons arguments are constructed in the ways they are. Investigation of informal, Aristotelian, and propositional logics, with readings from magazine articles, advertisements, and classical philosophers. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)

PHIL 203: Ethical Reflections on Commercial Life

Analysis and evaluation of ethical problems in business and the professions. Attention will be given to the moral foundations for and limits on business activities, the idea of professional responsibility, and the relationship between professional and business obligations and general moral obligations. (Not recommended for first-year students.) (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Humanities and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)

POLS 140: Introduction to Comparative Politics 

This course is an introduction to the main concepts and theories of comparative politics. Students explore central questions of comparative politics research, such as: do variations in political institutions (constitutions, elections, parties, and party systems) matter and why? What are the different ways in which citizens participate in politics and how has it changed over time? What are the key differences between democratic and authoritarian regimes and how a country may transition from one to another? In addition, students also learn about fundamental principles and methods of comparative political analysis. Lastly, case studies of different countries around the globe help students apply abstract theories, concepts, and methods and thereby develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences and Global Perspectives requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Cultural Diversity requirement.)
cross listed: IREL 130

POLS 238: Cybercrime and (White Hat) Hacking

This course is an introduction to computer security and related issues such as privacy, democracy, and cybercrime. We cover the fundamental concepts of computer and network security using real-world examples. Subjects include the history of information technology from a legal perspective, current U.S. law concerning the internet, computer crime, and privacy and security protections. Attention is given to the major events in the history of computer hacking from the 1960s to today. Students engage in discussions on diverse topics such as the ethics and legality of computer hacking, the costs of data breaches and cybersecurity techniques. These concepts are illustrated with readings such as narratives, current laws, and court cases, technical articles, and sample computer code. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences and Global Perspectives requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)

SOAN 110: Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology and anthropology share a focus on exploring the social (group rather than individual) bases of human practices and behaviors. Both disciplines study social interaction and such social institutions as family and religion. This course introduces students to key concepts for viewing the world through sociological and anthropological lenses, including cultural relativism, material culture, and the social construction of human experience through categories like race, class, and gender. Limited to first- and second-year students. Not open to students who have taken SOAN 100. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)
cross listed: IREL 160

SOAN 236: White Supremacy, Male Domination and Imperialism 

Course description forthcoming. 

SPAN 237: Identity and Memory in Contemporary Spanish Film

(Identity and Memory in Contemporary Spanish Film.) Through the study of a selection of films and documentaries stretching from late Francoism through the Transición, until the 2008 economic crisis, this course provides a critical examination of the history and poetics of cinema in Spain, with particular attention to the relation between the representation of identity and the recovery of traumatic memory in contemporary culture. Regarding identity, this course addresses questions of national and regional identity (Spanish, Basque, and Catalan contexts), as well as the role of gender and sexual identity throughout late Francoism, the Transición, and democratic state. We also analyze how the directions problematize memory, especially traumatic memory, through their films. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Humanities and Global Perspectives requirements.)
cross listed: CINE 237

THTR 160 : Stagecraft

An introduction to the technology employed backstage to create the magic of theatrical productions. This course is open to beginning students in all disciplines and will provide an experiential and practical orientation to stagecraft through hands-on projects in: set and prop construction, hanging & focusing lights, painting, makeup, and stage management. Other topics include theater terminology, safety procedures, and hand & power-tool usage. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)

ARTS 142: Digital Design Foundations

Digital Foundations uses formal exercises of the Bauhaus to teach the Adobe Creative Suite. The curriculum decodes digital tools and culture while explaining fundamental visual design principles within a historical context. Students develop an understanding of the basic principles of design in order to implement them using current software. There are no prerequisites for this course. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts and Technology requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)

ART 240: Digital Photography

This introductory course familiarizes students with the fundamental concepts and practice of digital photography. Students use the basic elements of the camera - the lens, the shutter and the aperture - as well as the inventive use of lighting, to create images that are processed through the digital environment of the computer lab. The course addresses aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, light and color. Processing of images includes learning to control scale, color, file size and resolution while moving from digital image to printed document. Students also learn an introduction to photographic history and visual literacy. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts and Technology requirements.)

BIOL 119: Microbes, Viruses and Health

Microbes and viruses are part of our daily life. What are they and what do they do? A huge variety of microorganisms play an important part in diseases; however, others are beneficial. This course will discuss the microbe-human interaction, including topics such as new disease outbreaks, antibiotic resistance, and new biotechnology tools. Lectures, discussion, and presentations. Three hours per week. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

EDUC 346: Africa in Films: Gender, Edu., Dev.

(Africa in Films: Gender, Education, and Development.) Africa is an enigma in global imagination. This course uses film as lens to explore historical, cultural, political, and theoretical perspectives on education and social change in African societies. Specifically, it examines gender mainstreaming and global education norm making in the broader contexts international development. Key themes--such as tradition and modernity, heteropatriarchy, culture and identity, power and politics, demography and ecology, gods and technology--all draw from historical and contemporary representations of Africa in films to deepen our understanding of the complex origins of humanity and its connection to rest of the world. Class sessions feature films in/on Africa and discussions on select themes. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences and Global Perspectives requirements.)
cross listed: CINE 346, GSWS 346

ENGL 135: Creative Writing

A beginning course in the art of writing fiction, poetry, and nonfiction prose. Literary analysis will be combined with creative assignments. Group discussions and individual conferences. (Not open to students who have completed English 235.) (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts requirement.)

MATH 110: Calculus I

The calculus of functions of one variable. Limits, continuity, differentiation, and applications; a brief introduction to integration. Prerequisite: 3.5 years of high school mathematics (to include trigonometry) or Mathematics 105. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

CSCI 250: Programming for Data Applications

Introduction to data-oriented Python packages, decision trees, support vector machines (SVM), neural networks, and machine learning. Prerequisite: CSCI 112: Computer Science I. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

PHIL 100: Justice in the Shadows: Batman and Philosophy

Justice in the Shadows: Batman and Philosophy. "I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman." From the Golden Age (1939-1960s) to the Rebirth Era (2016-present), Bat-Man's profoundly human, all too human evolution has captured the popular imagination like no other superhero. The Avenger of the Night exemplifies the complexity of the human spirit in a manner unparalleled in the world of comics. This course examines the philosophical dimensions of the Dark Knight's graphic novels. We explore the fear and loathing that both plagues Gotham and gives birth to the World's Greatest Detective. Additionally, we venture into the rich cultural iconography of the Caped Crusader in television, film, and the animated series. This course offers students a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills in public speaking, literary and philosophical analysis, creative expression, and multimedia presentation. Some of the key questions we answer include: What is Batman's ethical code? What do Batman's villains tell us about the human condition? How did the death of Batman's parents move him towards fighting crime rather than becoming a criminal himself? Unmask the philosophy behind the hero and gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of the Gotham Guardian.

POLS 243: Fake News, Free Speech

(Fake News, Free Speech and Foreign Influence in American Democracy.) This course focuses on contemporary issues facing public discourse in the United States and explores the dangers inherent in online content. We discuss such questions as: What are the strengths and weaknesses of using internet technology to organize people? How do social media platforms and their ad-driven algorithms bias our worldview? How are democratic elections and mass protests shaped by your unique news feeds? A constitutional perspective on freedom of speech and the press is presented. Substantive topics include analysis of online social movements, legal analysis of federal regulation of social media, federal election law, foreign interference in national politics, and a technical review of social media platforms. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)

POLS 354: Identity Politics

It is hard to observe recent politics without noticing the seeming central importance of identity and identity-based claims made both by citizens and politicians to press their respective agendas. In this course, we examine this phenomenon thoroughly and critically via an interdisciplinary approach. While our focus is largely on the contemporary United States, we also engage with analogous international cases. While we approach this topic historically, empirically, and theoretically, our main goal is to assess what kinds of identity-based claims (if any) are best suited for the healthy functioning of a liberal and diverse democracy. Prerequisite: POLS 120. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Domestic Pluralism and Writing requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)

RELG 224: Islam and Science

As an introduction to the relationship between Islam and science from both historical and contemporary perspectives, this course examines the major contributions of medieval Muslim scientists and their influence on modern science. Muslim medieval inventions and advances have shaped Western science for hundreds of years. Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Al-Haitham (Alhazen), al-Khawarizmi (Algorithmi), and Ibn Rushd (Averroes) were among the many Muslim scientists and philosophers who developed existing disciplines in astronomy, medicine, mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and transferred ancient knowledge from the Middle East, Greece, China, and India to European cultures. The course explores various scientific attempts at an interpretation of the Qur'an and how those attempts shaped the Muslim perception of science in general. The course also touches upon modern debates within Islamic and applied science, particularly in the field of bioethics. Focusing on contemporary controversies, the course examines, for example, attempts by contemporary Muslim scientists and religious scholars to reconcile or disprove the theory of evolution. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Humanities and Global Perspectives requirements.)
cross listed: ISLM 224

SOAN 240: Deviance

How society defines deviants - its outcasts and outsiders - and how the people so defined respond to this categorization; the nature of normal and abnormal, legal and illegal. Do these categories have absolute moral meaning, or do they always depend on the particular society and era in which they are defined? Topics to be addressed include stigma and stereotyping, cross-cultural variations in gender roles, the status of the inmate, deviance as blocked opportunity, and the political mobilization of outsiders. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences and Domestic Pluralism requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science and Cultural Diversity requirements.)

THTR 120: Acting I: Being Onstage

For beginners and experienced actors alike, this course is required for all theater majors but open to students from any discipline with any level of experience. What is acting? Is there a difference between being and acting? How do we draw from our own lives to create a performance? Is there a difference between performing and acting? This class explores these questions through performance, reading, and written analysis. Students will study scripts, acting theory, and one another's work as they sharpen their acting techniques and critical thinking skills. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Creative & Performing Arts requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Humanities requirement.)

COLL 150 (0.5 cr): Data Analytics using Excel

In this course, students learn basic and intermediate Microsoft Excel skills to help them analyze data and model outcomes. Students will learn how to perform spreadsheet calculations, create and interpret graphs and charts, execute Excel formulas and functions, manage workbook data, analyze table data, automate worksheet tasks, employ macros and VBA, and conduct "what if" analyses. Students who do not own a Microsoft PC computer will need to use the college computer labs to complete the work in this class. This course is administered entirely through Moodle. The instructor provides recorded lectures and hosts live office hours to provide support for students as needed. Self-guided work is to begin immediately upon the semester beginning. To start the coursework, students go to the Moodle page and read the syllabus to understand the sequencing of the course and to start working on the assignments. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Technology requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Social Science requirement.)

MATH 110: Calculus I

The calculus of functions of one variable. Limits, continuity, differentiation, and applications; a brief introduction to integration. Prerequisite: 3.5 years of high school mathematics (to include trigonometry) or Mathematics 105. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

NEUR 118: Our Amazing Brain

This course will introduce students to the science behind how a human brain functions and produces behaviors. This amazing organ is composed of billions of neurons that form trillions of connections with each other. These neurons allow us to sense and perceive the world around us, integrate new experiences with old ones, form thoughts and actions, and develop consciousness and personality. In this course, students will discover how brain dysfunction is the root cause of many illnesses, including addiction, schizophrenia, depression, cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Students will also have the opportunity to work with preserved brains. No prior experience with science is required to succeed in this course. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: BIOL 118, PSYC 118

POLS 276: Law, War and Intelligent Machines

(Law, War and Intelligent Machines: The Laws of War and the History and Use of Cybernetics and Autonomous Military Technologies.) This course is about the changing nature of warfare conducted by the U.S. government and other state actors in the 21st Century. We review international law as it relates to conventional warfare and non-kinetic hostilities such as cybernetic actions between states, along with the political responses. We investigate the history and development of the U.S. military forces after 1940, in conjunction with the development of communication, computational and autonomous technologies. We examine the justification of the use of military force by political speakers and analyze them within a legal and ethical framework. This course integrates international law, international norms and analysis of public policies of the U.S. and other states to provide a framework for the use of military force in the 21st Century. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Social Sciences and Speaking requirements.)

POLS 281: American Democracy Today: Crisis and Reform

The United States is one of the least democratic republics in the world today. Anti-majoritarian institutions – such as the U.S. Senate, which assigns two seats to each state regardless of population, the Senate filibuster and cloture rules, the Electoral College, extreme political gerrymandering, and the country's first-past-the-post, winner-take-all election system – impede majority rule. Democratic theorists agree that certain limits on majority rule are necessary to protect the rights of the minority and prevent the "tyranny of the majority." The problem with America's anti-majoritarian institutions is that they entrench minority rule, which makes it very difficult for majorities to advance their shared political interests democratically. This "tyranny of the minority" is dangerous because it undermines the legitimacy of the American system of government. This course investigates the causes and consequences of America's democracy deficit and offers remedies for forging a more perfect Union in the form of a majoritarian political system for the 21st century. No Prerequisites.

PSYC 150: Foundations of Experimental Psych

(Foundations of Experimental Psychology.) Foundations of Experimental Psychology is designed to develop a conceptual and quantitative understanding of experimental research in psychology. In this course, students gain experience with reviewing primary research articles, identifying the fundamental components of experimental design, replicating classic experiments, completing descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using SPSS, and communicating scientific research. This course is delivered via an online platform with video tutorials, readings, practice activities, quizzes, and a final exam. The course is self-paced and requires regular, independent work by the student. The instructor hosts several office hours to provide support for students as needed. The course is intended to be a skills-building and preparatory course for subsequent enrollment into PSYC 221L (Research Methods & Statistics I), particularly for students who have not completed a laboratory-based introduction to psychological science course. Students who have taken PSYC 110L will not receive credit for this course. This 0.25-credit course is graded Pass-Fail and has no prerequisites.