Plan of Study – General Studies

American political structure to include the organization, powers, functions and services of national, state and local government and their interdependence in seeking solutions to contemporary social, economic, and political issues.

Study and practice of strategies for academic writing, with a focus on writing and reading descriptive, narrative, and expository essays. Emphasis on writing as a process. Introduction to information literacy.

Study and practice of strategies for academic writing, with a focus on writing and reading persuasive and argumentative essays. Continued emphasis on writing as a process. Development of information literacy skills, as applied to writing a substantial research paper. An exit portfolio, to be scored by at least two Composition instructors, is required for successful completion of the course. Prerequisite: WRT 1010 (Does not apply to any major or minor in the Language, Literature, Communication, and Writing department.)

This introduction to the visual arts provides a strong foundation for understanding and appreciating human creativity across time and cultures. Students learn fundamental concepts about art, are exposed to a wide variety of artworks from around the world, and learn to observe how the visual arts reflect our respective cultures and impacts our daily lives. (Not for art majors.)

An introduction to representative literary works, both Western and non-Western, reflecting the distinctive ideals, values, and attitudes of various eras and civilizations.

Introduction to music designed especially for the non-musician to increase understanding and enjoyment of music through intelligent listening habits. Includes music literature together with life and thought during major historical eras; contemporary composers and new trends. General education course for non-majors; credits do not apply to music majors.

Basic skills for mastery of the Spanish language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with a focus on grammatical structures and syntax. To be taken in sequence.

Basic skills for mastery of the Spanish language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with a focus on grammatical structures and syntax. To be taken in sequence. Prerequisite: SPA 1030.

Development of the ability to communicate in Spanish with a focus on vocabulary building, grammar, reading, writing, and conversation. To be taken in sequence. Prerequisite: SPA 1040.

Development of the ability to communicate in Spanish with a focus on vocabulary building, grammar, reading, writing, and conversation. To be taken in sequence. Prerequisite: SPA 2230.

Spanish project allowing a student to strengthen written and oral skills for language proficiency. The project is designed to fit individual needs. In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 2240.

Prepares students with an intermediate level of Spanish to use Spanish in professional situations. Special attention to technical and commercial practices that require an advanced command of Spanish (e.g., business communications, public presentations, and cultural etiquette). Opportunity for shadowing in a Spanish-speaking business. In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 2240.

Study of the cultures of the people of Spain, Latin America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Emphasis on their diversity, artistic manifestations, immigration, politics, and their shared cultural history. In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 2240.

Study of the cultures of Latinos living in the United States. Emphasis on their diversity, artistic manifestations, immigration, and politics. In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 2240.

Applied advanced grammar, giving practice in original composition with emphasis on developing skill in employing natural, everyday expressions in speaking and writing through the use of correct idiomatic Spanish. In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 2240.

The sociolinguistics of the Spanish spoken in the United States. Study of formal linguistic structures and everyday social lives of Spanish speakers living in the United States. In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 3320.

Topics include linear and nonlinear systems of equations, complex numbers, analyzing polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and counting principles; applications and problem-solving. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam. This course does not apply toward a mathematics major or minor.

Study of trigonometric functions, their properties, inverses and graphs; trigonometric ratios, the solutions of triangles; basic identities; the sum and difference formulas; trigonometric equations. Geometric vectors and operations with complex numbers are introduced. Prerequisite: MTH 1050 or equivalent. Does not apply toward mathematics major or minor.

Designed to develop an understanding of and appreciation for the history, techniques, and applications of mathematics. Focus on a variety of real-world problems that can be solved by quantitative methods. Topics are selected from different branches of mathematics in order to bring the excitement of contemporary mathematical thinking to the non-specialist. Prerequisite: 1 year of high school algebra, or equivalent.

Topics include functions, zeros of polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, complex numbers, analytic geometry and conic sections; applications and problem-solving. Prerequisite: MTH 1050 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test.

Designed specifically for prospective elementary school teachers. Understanding and use of the underlying principles of key mathematical concepts in a problem solving environment. Focus on number sense and numeration, whole number operations, fractions and decimals, computational algorithms, patterns, relations, functions, and informal algebra. A variety of materials, activities, and strategies appropriate to teaching elementary school mathematics are used. Prerequisite: placement test or MTH 1040. A requirement in the program for elementary teacher certification.

Second course designed specifically for prospective elementary school teachers. Understanding and use of key mathematical concepts in a problem solving environment. Focus on mathematical logic; properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures; similarity and congruence; motion geometry; common and metric measurement; statistical methods to describe, analyze, and use data; and probability applied in everyday life. A variety of materials, activities, and strategies appropriate to teaching elementary school mathematics are used. Prerequisite: MTH 2330. A requirement in the program for elementary teacher certification.

Topics include data collection and graphic presentation; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; normal and binomial distributions; regression and correlation; sampling methods; design of experiments; probability and simulation; sampling distributions; statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one-sample and two-sample problems; chi-square distribution and test of significance; ANOVA. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam.

Topics include a study of limits, continuity, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications of derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisite: MTH 1210 or departmental approval. Computer Science majors must complete this course with a grade of C (2.0) or better within the first 20 semester hours of their major.

Derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, L'Hopital's Rule, sequences, series, convergence, divergence, power series, Taylor and Maclaurin Series, differentiation and integration of power series. Prerequisite: C or better in MTH 201

Study of nutrients in foods and their involvement in the function of human body systems. Problems in and programs for meeting personal, family, national, and world nutritional needs.

An introduction for pre-service elementary teachers or students needing general education credit to the concepts of the science of Biology, including The Nature of Science; The Chemistry of Life; Cells and Genetics; Energy and Life (including photosynthesis and respiration); Plant and Animals Systems; Evolution; and Environment. Relationship of these topics to the Next Generation Science Standards as applied to the teaching of elementary science will be included. Lecture will meet for 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or equivalent. Corequisite NSC 3730.LB (For non-science majors)

A course for non-science majors, presenting biological concepts influencing individual decisions affecting community structure and the state of the world. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1010.LB.

Fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of the biosphere. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent, one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended. Corequisite: BIO 1030.LB.

Fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to evolutionary theory, biosystematics, plant structure and function, animal behavior, and ecological concepts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended; BIO 1030 and BIO 1030.LB recommended but not required. Corequisite: BIO 1040.LB.

Non-laboratory study of the functioning of the body systems considering the integration and control of life processes in the cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Not applicable to Biology major but may be applied to Biology minor.

Fundamental principles of microbiology with emphasis on the biology of bacteria and other microbes (metabolism, genetics, growth, and death), their ecological relationships in natural and controlled environments, and the interactions of pathogenic microorganisms and their human and animal hosts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2260.LB.

A non-laboratory study of the fundamentals of microbiology geared to preparation of nurses and other health care professionals. The role of microbes as causative agents of infectious disease, focusing on human and human disease processes, relative to humans and their diverse environments. Application of scientific understandings to health care settings and to food preparation and spoilage. Prerequisites: biology and chemistry course work, both (a) BIO 1010 or BIO 2250 or BIO 2450 or BIO 2460, and (b) CHM 1610 or CHM 2210.

Study of anatomical terminology, the cell, the sense organs, and the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry. Corequisite: BIO 2450.LB.

The new genetics affects us all and the ethical, legal, and social implications of this technology will impact society for years to come. Students research topics of contemporary significance using tools of classical genetics such as the pedigree and the genetic code as well as RFLP markers, PCR technology, and cytogenetics based on DNA probes. (For non-science majors; does not apply to Biology major or minor.)

Workshops or seminars include topics related to biology, such as evolution, animal behavior, cell biology, biometry, or related issues. (May be repeated for credit, as topics vary.) Students may apply up to 3 s.h. of BIO 3750 toward Biology major requirements. Additional topics credits are optional.

Introduction to the whole range of human interactions with the sea; includes special emphasis on environmental considerations and advancements associated with exploring the sea. Interdisciplinary course designed for General Science, Integrated Science, and non-science majors.

This course presents an introduction to the field of Astronomy, including modern methods of observational astronomy, an overview of the scientific method, age and origin of the Solar System, descriptions of the planets and discussions of the possibility of life on other planets. stars, galaxies, cosmology. Interdisciplinary course designed for non-science majors and for majors in General and Integrated Science. Lecture will meet for 3 hours per week. Corequisite: ESS 3290. LB.

A continuation of basic science concepts for pre- service elementary teachers; study of the solar system, the earth's structure and the laws and forces which govern our planet and the universe. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or equivalent. Corequisite: NSC 3740.LB (For non-science majors.)

A study of the basic principles of general chemistry and their applications including: systems of measurement; structure and properties of atoms; the periodic table; chemical symbols and their equations; stoichiometry; introduction to chemical bonding; solutions; acids, bases, and salts. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year of high school algebra or MTH 1040 with grade of C (2.0) or better. (May be used to satisfy the physical science general education requirement with laboratory and the chemistry prerequisite for CHM 1110. Corequisite: CHM 1010.LB. Does not apply toward Chemistry major or minor.)

Principles of chemistry, including atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution concepts, acid-base theory, redox processes, and equilibrium. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: one year of high school chemistry or CHM 1010 with grade of C (2.0) or better; one year of high school algebra or MTH 1040 with grade of C (2.0) or better. Two years of high school algebra highly recommended, or MTH 1040 and 1050 with grades of C (2.0) or better. Corequisite: CHM 1110.LB.

Principles of thermodynamics/Thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium systems, Acid-Base Chemistry, Buffers, Solutions, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in CHM 1110 or equivalent; prerequisite or corequisite minimum grade of C in MTH 1060 or 1210 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 1120.LB.

Integrated organic and biochemical principles related to normal functioning of the human body. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: High school chemistry with graduation within the past two years, or CHM 1010 or CHM 1110 within the past two years, with a grade of C or better, or chemistry placement test. Corequisite: CHM 1610.LB (Does not apply toward chemistry major or minor.)

Structure and classification of compounds of carbon, with stress on the aliphatics; IUPAC nomenclature; properties, characteristic reactions of the common functional groups, especially of the oxygen functions; concepts of stereochemistry; introduction to mechanisms; stress on Bronsted and Lewis acid/base processes. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent. CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite CHM 2210.LB.

More extensive study of reaction mechanisms; aromatics; spectroscopy; organometallics. Laboratory exercises directed to the systematic identification of organic functional groups, spectroscopy and chromatography. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 and 2210; CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite: CHM 2220.LB.

An introduction, for pre-service elementary teachers, to the basic concepts of matter: atoms, molecules, its changes, properties, and reactions. Plant and animal life, genetics, food cycle, changes in digestion, and ecosystems. Lab will meet for 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or equivalent. Corequisite NSC 3730. (For non-science majors.)

The purpose of this lab is to give the students an experimental insight and building conceptual understanding of the universe. The lab activities target specific learning objectives such as understanding Newton’s laws of motion, understanding Mar’s retrograde motion, tracking stars on the H-R diagram, or comparing the properties of planets. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: ESS 3290.

A laboratory course for non-science majors, introducing students to the scientific method and techniques frequently utilized in a laboratory setting. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1010.

This lab course is designed for students preparing for teaching science in elementary schools. The course serves as an introduction to scientific inquiry in the sciences of Physics, Meteorology, Astronomy, geology, and oceans. Learning through inquiry in the laboratory means that students will be provided weekly with scientific instruments and given instructions for conducting scientific experiments and demonstrations. The goal of this course is to provide practice with basic skills for doing science. This course will help students develop an understanding of science as an active and creative process and an evidence-based way of thinking. Lab will meet for 3 hours per week. Corequisite: NSC 3740.

Laboratory investigating fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of the biosphere. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 1110 or equivalent, one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1030.

Introduction to basic laboratory techniques. Titration, PH determination of household products, and exploration of chemical concepts through hands-on experience. Lab will meet for 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHM 1010.

Principles of chemistry, including atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution concepts, acid- base theory, redox processes, and equilibrium. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: one year of high school chemistry or CHM 1010 with grade of C (2.0) or better; one year of high school algebra or MTH 1040 with grade of C (2.0) or better. Two years of high school algebra highly recommended, or MTH 1040 and 1050 with grades of C (2.0) or better. Corequisite: CHM 1110.

Laboratory course investigating fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to evolutionary theory, biosystematics, plant structure and function, animal behavior, and ecological concepts. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended; BIO 1030 and BIO 1030.LB recommended but not required. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1040.

Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium systems, proton transfer, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory projects related to each major subject area. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in CHM 1110 or equivalent; prerequisite or corequisite minimum grade of C in MTH 1060 or 1210 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 1120.

Integrated organic and biochemical principles related to normal functioning of the human body. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: high school chemistry with graduation within the past two years, or CHM 1010 or CHM 1110 within the past two years, with a grade of C or better, or chemistry placement test. Corequisite: CHM 1610. (Does not apply toward chemistry major or minor.)

Laboratory course investigating the fundamental principles of microbiology through hands-on exploration of techniques such as smear and stain preparation, safe handling of microorganisms and care and maintenance of cultures. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 or CHM 1610; and BIO 1030 or BIO 2250 or BIO 2450. Corequisite: BIO 2260.

Structure and classification of compounds of carbon with stress on the aliphatics; IUPAC nomenclature; properties, characteristic reactions of the common functional groups, especially of the oxygen functions; concepts of stereochemistry; introduction to mechanisms; stress on Bronsted and Lewis acid/base processes. Laboratory exercises directed to demonstration of mechanistic processes. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 2210.

More extensive study of reaction mechanism, aromatics, spectroscopy, and polymerization. Laboratory exercises directed to aromatic substitution reactions, chromatography, and systematic identification of organic functional groups. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 and CHM 2210; CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite: CHM 2220.

Lab course studying the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2450.

Never before in human history have so many people lived into old age. This aging population impacts the aging individual, families, communities, and social policy. An overview of the field of aging, with attention to the cultural, social, psychological, and economic factors which influence the life of the older adult.

Study of the incidence, type, causes, and theories of adult deviant behavior. Emphasis is placed upon current crime trends and statistics and the processes involved in dealing with crime.

This core curriculum law course examines the social, political, and historical contexts of law as a social institution. Students will examine historical, political, and societal perspectives on why law is made, how it is made in legislatures and the courts, and how it shapes what individuals do on an everyday basis. Students focus on legal institutions and resolution processes including historical and recent case law, institutional political science, resultant social policy, and its impact on society through mixed media and an examination of case studies. This is not a legal specialty course and permission to use it for major credit must be obtained from the Program Director prior to enrolling in the course.

Describes the major systems, central issues and historical development of modern psychology. Introduces basic principles in sensation, perception, cognition, learning, memory, language, emotion, motivation, personality organization, and social process.

Focus on the complex ways in which human beings comprehend themselves and their social environment from the psychological and sociological perspectives. Emphasis on social cognition, personality behavior, interpersonal attraction, aggression, attitude formation; the influence of culture and society on prosocial behavior, prejudice, conformity, power, and dynamics of the group. Examines the various research methodologies used in both disciplines. Prerequisite: PSY 1010.

Foundations and principles of social order, social control, social institutions, and social life in America and other cultures. Focus on how people’s conditions, character, and life chances are influenced by organizations and institutions. Emphasis on critical thinking about practices and beliefs in a variety of social contexts.

Analysis of major social issues/problems in the US and globally from a sociological perspective. Consideration of national and international implications. Focus on issues of stratification (social class, race, gender), deviance, industrial conflict, warfare, environmental pollution, and consumption. Analyses of specific social movements that respond to political and economic contradictions. Focus areas may include: media and public opinion; social inequality and justice; social control and deviance; and belief, religion, and science. May include an academic service learning component.

First of two courses examining biological, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual perspectives of human behavior, emphasizing interaction of these dimensions as they impact social functioning within the ecological systems framework. Introduces concepts of context and environment, diversity and difference, oppression, poverty, marginalization and alienation, privilege and power, as they shape human experience and identity. Includes reflection on developmental influences affecting student’s own values, world view, and professional development. Prerequisites: BIO 1010 or BIO 2250; SOC 1020.