Course Catalog

This is a list of elective courses available to BA students. Click on any of the course titles for more information.

Course Catalog

EDU 105: Introduction to Pedagogy

This course is an introduction to the principles of effective teaching. Although most of the course content centers on classroom teaching, the principals discussed can be applied to teaching in any setting. Key themes that are discussed include lesson planning, developing a teaching persona, how to build constructive and appropriate teacher-student relationships, dynamic public speaking, how to use electronic teaching tools, teaching the critical skills, and how to engage in meaningful classroom discussions. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts

Education

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, social responsibility, ethical reasoning

EDU 201: Strategies for Effective Teaching

The goal of this course is to prepare education majors for their teaching practicum. Students are trained to apply effective teaching practices to classroom instruction, including how to help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, how to train students to become better writers, and how to coach students on presentation skills. The course also explores effective strategies for one-on-one teaching, time management, exams, teacher evaluations, and encouraging creativity in the classroom. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: EDU 105

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts

Education

General Education Learning Objectives: critical and analytical thinking, effective communication, social responsibility, ethical reasoning

EDU 431: Intelligence

An investigation of human intelligence. The principal aim of the course is to assist in training education majors by pursuing the study of one topic related to education in detail. The course begins by considering the challenges of defining and measuring intelligence for scientific study. We then consider the role of genes and environment, and explore research regarding the effects of early childhood experience on intelligence. Students are introduced to brain imaging studies that help us understand the neural basis of intelligence allow for an objective review of controversies about gender and race differences in mental abilities. Towards the end of the course, students explore the future of intelligence, probing such questions as, can intelligence be enhanced? Do we have a moral obligation to increase intelligence? This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 4

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Education

ENG 102: Introduction to English Grammar

This course explores the technical details of English grammar. The goal of the course is to help students increase their understanding of the English language and equip them to become more effective speakers and writers.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, writing

ENG 109: Introduction to Etymology

This course provides an introduction to the field of etymology. Students explore the history of English words by tracing a number of common and uncommon words through time to ascertain their origins. We consider the diverse array of cultures and languages that have contributed words and phrases to the English language, such as Celtic, Old Norse, French, and Latin. The course also discusses the global nature of English by considering examples of words borrowed from non-European languages. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies

ENG 213: English Etymology

This course explores the English language in all its rich diversity. We consider the connection English has to classical languages, analyze the reasons for the irregularities in English spelling, and probe the etymological relationship between seemingly different—but related—words. We discuss world Englishes and acquire an overview of America’s dialectal maps in order to trace the historical origins of numerous expressions unique to certain areas. We also consider the words that organize our speech and set conversational expectations, the transient nature of English verbs and nouns, and analyze the purpose of slang. The aim of this course is to equip students with the linguistic tools necessary to investigate the English language. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: ENG 109

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, global learning, key literacies

ENG 214: English Language Studies

This course explores current English language usage questions and probes how the American Heritage Usage Panel makes judgements on such questions. Students are introduced to language databases where they can explore their own questions related to language and usage. The goal of the course is to help students make informed decisions about current usage questions, and thereby become more effective communicators. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, writing

ENG 308: English—A Linguistic Analysis

This course explores fundamental questions about the English language. What is it? What is it for? How does it work? We consider what the Celts, Vikings, and Normans contributed to English, and also what they took away. We also probe the streamlining of the English language and discuss whether or not this is a cause for alarm. The purpose of this course is to help English language majors deepen their appreciation for the complexity of language and the beauty of English. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: ENG 109

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

ENG 315: English Before 1500

This course surveys the history of the English language from its early origins to the fifteenth century. We focus on the development of English in its earliest forms, beginning with a consideration of Proto-Indo-European, the language from which the classical languages are believed to have emerged. We then move on to the Germanic branch of languages and Old English, the Anglo-Saxon literary vernacular that flourished until the eleventh century. Finally, we consider the impact of the Norman conquest and how Old English, French, and Latin interacted to generate the forms of Middle English used by Chaucer in his writings. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

ENG 317: English in American Culture

This course analyzes how American culture, values, and history have shaped the English lexicon. We consider the effect of sociopolitical movements on gendered lexicon, the origin of slang expressions, and the language of politics, war, and sports. The aim of this course is to increase students’ awareness of how language and culture are connected, and provide them with the linguistic tools needed to analyze and appreciate the language around them. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: ENG 109

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

ENG 329: English Language Usage

This course explores the diverse social and linguistic factors that have shaped how modern English is used. We consider early attempts to standardize English and probe various controversies about the English language such as Black English and the so-called detrimental effects of texting. We compare spoken English and written English, and analyze the profound effects that the digital revolution is having on both forms of the language. Students analyze linguistic and social factors to predict what will happen to the English language in the future. The purpose of this course is to help English language majors to appreciate the ever-changing nature of language and train them to use linguistic techniques and principles to analyze current trends in English language usage. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

ENG 414: The Emergence of Modern English

This course surveys the history of English from the fifteenth century to the eighteenth century. We consider how English emerged as an official language and trace changes in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary that occurred during the Great Vowel Shift. We probe the emergence of an English literary vernacular in the works of Shakespeare and the King James Bible, and learn about the rise of lexicography in the 17th and 18th centuries. As well as surveying spoken and written English during this time period, the course also explores social concerns about language use and change; the relationship between pronunciation and spelling; arguments about standard English; and the role of the dictionary in prescribing language usage. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

ENG 426: History of American English

This course surveys the history of American English. The principal aim of the course is to assist in training English Language Majors by pursuing the study of one linguistic topic in detail. We explore the historical developments and social factors that led to the rise of American dialects, compare differences in British and American pronunciation and usage, and see the emergence of distinctive American voices in literature. We also consider the emergence of linguistics as an academic discipline, survey American English in its present forms, and discuss the future of English and its place in the world. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

FRN 1: French—Elementary 1

An introduction to the French language and French-speaking cultures.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

FRN 2: French—Elementary 2

Continuation of FRN 1. Development of elementary communicative proficiency in French; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisite: FRN 1

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

FRN 3: French—Elementary 3

Continuation of FRN 2. Development of elementary communicative proficiency in French; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisite: FRN 2

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

GRK 1: Ancient Greek—Elementary 1

An introduction to the Ancient Greek language.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

GRK 2: Ancient Greek—Elementary 2

An introduction to the grammatical construction of Ancient Greek texts and translation.

Prerequisite: GRK 1

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

GRK 3: Ancient Greek—Elementary 3

An exploration of Ancient Greek grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and modes of expression.

Prerequisite: GRK 2

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

HIS 130: Early History of the Americas

This course explores the early history of the Americas. We begin by exploring the origins of the Native American peoples and the rise of major civilizations such as the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. We then focus on the European conquest of the Americas during the sixteenth century and its lasting effects on the peoples of the Americas. As well as presenting the historical developments of the period, the course probes how the complex convergence of Native Americans, European, and Africans that resulted from the conquest laid the foundation for the emergence of the American societies of today. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

History

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, global learning, key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

HIS 205: Ancient Greece—Origins to Marathon

This course presents a chronological survey of ancient Greek history and culture beginning with the Bronze Age palace states of Crete and Mycenae, the emergence of Greek city states such as Athens and Sparta, Greek colonies, the origins of democracy, and the Persian Wars. Students learn to evaluate the diverse literary and archaeological sources of Greek history and their relationship to legend and poetry. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements and complements other courses in ancient Mediterranean history.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

Ancient History

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, global learning, key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

HIS 208: The Rise of Rome

History of Rome that surveys the origins of the city, the early kings, the establishment of the Republic, Roman expansion in Italy, the Punic Wars, and the rise of the Roman Empire. This course introduces students to the sources of Roman history and illustrates different approaches used by historians to critically analyze said sources. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements and complements other courses in ancient Mediterranean history.

Credits: 4

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

Ancient History

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, global learning, key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

HIS 234: History of Colonial America

This course explores key developments in the history of colonial America. We consider the colonial enterprises of the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French, the impact that they had on the native population, and their long-term legacy. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: HIS 230

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

History

HIS 236: Rise of the British Empire

A historical survey that charters Britain’s rise from a small nation on the fringes of Europe to its place at the head of the largest empire in the history of the world. The course explores the roles played by military power, trade, slavery, industrialization, and many other forces in motivating Britain to acquire and maintain its colonies. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

History

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, global learning, key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

HIS 306: Ancient Greece—Marathon to Alexander

This course presents a chronological survey of ancient Greek history and culture beginning with the aftermath of the Persian Wars, the Athenian Empire, the Peloponnesian Wars, and the eventual eclipse of Greek city states by the kingdom of Macedon. Students analyze Greek moral values, religious beliefs, and the impact these have had on Western civilization. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements and complements other courses in ancient Mediterranean history.

Prerequisite: HIS 205

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

Ancient History

HIS 313: The Late Roman Republic

This course surveys the diverse factors that led to the fall of the Roman Republic. Students are introduced to the wide array of characters involved in the breakdown of the Republic as well as their differing world views, motives, and aims. The course also analyzes the social and legal structures employed by the Romans to govern an ever more ethnically and religiously diverse population. Students consider the forces that shaped social and cultural life in the late Republic and analyze the works of the great poets, orators, and historians of the day. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: HIS 208

Credits: 4

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

Ancient History

HIS 324: The Roman Empire

This course surveys the time period from the rise of the Caesars to the disintegration of the empire. Students analyze key factors that shaped events during these centuries, such as the imperial succession, the rise and expansion of Christianity, external enemies, and the demands of governing an enormous empire. The course also examines Roman society during this time period and considers key themes such family, the role of women, urbanization, religion, and entertainment. Rome’s profound impact on western civilization is analyzed and discussed throughout the course. Finally, students explore the disintegration of the empire and evaluate the differing reasons given by historians for the “fall” of the Roman Empire. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: HIS 208

Credits: 4

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

Ancient History

HIS 414: Daily Life in Pompeii

An investigation of Pompeii. The principal aim of the course is to assist in training history majors by pursuing the study of one historical topic in detail. The course analyzes how Pompeii has contributed to our understanding of the Roman Empire and daily life in ancient Italy. Students are introduced to the geological and topographical background of Pompeii and the region of Campania. We explore the city's roads, dwellings, and civic and religious buildings to further our understanding of Etruscan, Greek, Samnite, and Roman cultural contributions to the makeup of Pompeii and key events in its history. The course aims to develop students’ skills in comparative analysis as they compare the disparate experiences of Pompeii’s inhabitants (for example, slave girls and upper-class women). Students also consider the economy, industry and lives of workers in the region. Guided by eye-witness accounts, students experience the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and the sudden destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Finally, the course analyzes the afterlife of the city and its refugees. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: HIS 208

Credits: 6

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

Ancient History

HUM 105: Customs of the World

An introduction to cultural intelligence. The purpose of the course is to help students develop cultural awareness and understanding so that they can interact effectively with people from different cultures. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

International Cultures

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, global learning, key literacies, social responsibility

LNG 101: Introduction to Linguistics

This course provides an introduction to linguistic science. We survey essential topics in the study of language in order to provide an overview of the approaches, methods, and aims of linguistics. The course begins by analyzing phonetics (sound analysis), morphology (word structure), and syntax (sentence structure). We then consider influential theories about language that have shaped the field of linguistics. We also explore language change, historical linguistics, and how children and adults learn languages. The course uses examples from English and many non-English languages and cultures in order to investigate these topics. The goal of this course is to provide evidence and analytical methods by which students can critically evaluate their own and other people’s views of language. The course also helps students develop the ability to use qualitative language data to make well-supported scientific arguments. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

General Education: Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

LNG 103: Phonetics

An introductory course in phonetics. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 1

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

General Education: Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

LNG 206: Sociolinguistics

This course examines research from a wide variety of languages and cultures to investigate how social class, gender, and race determine differences in how we speak a language, and the mechanisms by which language change comes about and is transmitted within a linguistic system. We consider the results of widespread bilingualism according to social context, and the linguistic rules and social factors that determine how bilingual speakers use two languages within one conversation. We also explore the subconscious rules that guide our conversations and how these differ vastly according to culture. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG101

Credits: 2

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

General Education: Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, effective communication, global learning, critical and analytical thinking, integrative thinking

LNG 213: The Philosophy of Language

This course introduces us to the founding philosophers of language, and how their theories have shaped the field of linguistics. One of the key questions we explore is, do the vocabulary and grammar of one’s language determine the way one thinks? We also consider descriptivism (the non-judgmental approach to linguistics that studies how a language is actually spoken and written) and prescriptivism (the attempt to establish rules for the “correct” use of language) and how these two approaches shape people’s view of language. We then turn our attention to writing: the visual representation of language. We explore how language emerged in the Fertile Crescent and analyze some of the world’s most widely used writing systems. During the final part of the course, students apply various techniques to carry out a linguistic analysis of two obscure languages. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

General Education: Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, effective communication, global learning, critical and analytical thinking, integrative thinking

LNG 304: Historical Linguistics

This course explores historical linguistics—the study of how language changes over time. During the course, we learn the theories, methods, and data linguists use to study ancient and modern languages and language families, and how they are connected. Students taking this course must already have a basic understanding of phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics, as the course teaches methods and approaches that linguists use to analyze language change in these subfields and reconstruct ancient language forms. Taking the Indo-European language family as a case study, we explore how linguists have used comparative analysis of modern Indo European languages to reconstruct the proto-language of the Indo Europeans. We also consider how linguistic analysis can be used to inform the study of human history. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG101

Credits: 2

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

LNG 316: Writing Systems

This course introduces us to the field of epigraphy and explores the origins and development of the world’s major writing systems. We begin with a consideration of what writing is and how it differs to other forms of graphic communication. We then trace the origins of the world’s earliest writing systems in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. Finally, we consider the development of the alphabet and early Germanic runes. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

LNG 321: Decipherment of Ancient Scripts

This course examines the theory and practice of decipherment. Students explore several case studies to put decipherment principles to the test, including Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Old Persian cuneiform, and Mycenaean Linear B. We also consider the interdependent relationship that exists between writing and civilization, including the political, economic, and social factors that led to the invention of new media and technology for writing, and how these in turn have shaped the form, function, and distribution of writing. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG 316

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

LNG 327: Dialects and Language Mixture

This course probes how language change results in dialects and the nature of these “languages within languages.” We consider diglossia—the sociological division of labor between two languages in a society, with a high language for formal contexts and a low language for casual use. We also analyze why dialects that are chosen as the standard form of a language, and therefore used widely in writing, often change at a much slower rate than normal. In the latter part of the course, we explore how the languages of the world influence each other through processes such as word borrowing, grammar mixture, and streamlining. Students taking this course must already have a basic understanding of phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics, as the course teaches methods and approaches that linguists use to analyze language change in these subfields. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

LNG 411: Pidgins, Creoles, and Artificial Languages

This course explores the historical and linguistic factors that result in the creation of pidgin languages and creoles. We also analyze several artificial languages such as Esperanto and the world’s many sign languages. Students taking this course must already have a basic understanding of phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics, as the course teaches methods and approaches that linguists use to analyze language change in these subfields. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

LNG 419: American English

This course explores the origins and development of the diverse array of American English dialects. The principal aim of the course is to assist in training History Majors by pursuing the study of one linguistic topic in detail. We consider key questions such as, how many American English dialects are there, and where did they come from? What impact did Native American languages have on American English? How did the immigrant languages of the 19th century have on the development of American English? What are the roots of Black English, and how different is it from other varieties of English? Students taking this course must already have a basic understanding of phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: LNG101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

MUS 207: Fundamentals of Music

This course explores how music is created. We analyze timbre and meter, tonality and harmony, and explore the basic categories of musical instruments. The purpose of this course is to help students deepen their understanding of music and heighten their appreciation of the European musical tradition. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Music

General Education Learning Objective: critical and analytical thinking, key literacies

NTR 101: Introduction to Nutrition

An introduction to the science of nutrition. This course provides students with a broad understanding of the principles of nutrition. Key themes covered include the digestive tract, proteins, carbohydrates, fat, water, fiber, and vitamins, and the critical roles these play in a healthy diet. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts

Nutrition

General Education: Health and Wellness

General Education Learning Objectives: integrative thinking, key literacies

NTR 204: Nutrition and Health

This course introduces students to the major health issues of public concern. Key themes covered include dietary links to major chronic diseases and disorders such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The goal of the course is for students to develop a practical and beneficial approach to nutrition that can help them lead a healthier lifestyle, while also showing empathy and understanding for persons that suffer chronic health issues. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: NTR 101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts

Nutrition

General Education: Health and Wellness

General Education Learning Objectives: critical and analytical thinking, social responsibility, key literacies

NTR 211: The Science of Nutrition

This course explores key themes related to the science of nutrition. Students apply the basic principles of nutrition to discuss common questions related to topics such as organic and conventional foods, herbal therapies, and food safety. The course also explores advancements in the science of nutrition and the implications these may have on our diet and health. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: NTR 101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts

Nutrition

General Education: Health and Wellness

General Education Learning Objectives: integrative thinking, key literacies

PAR 208: Stage Presence

This course trains students to become effective presenters. We consider practical measures that we can take to align our body and access the breath to unleash the potential of our voice. We explore vocal dynamics such as tone, pitch, and volume, and consider strategies that can be used to maintain an audience’s attention. We then prepare for various performance scenarios such as giving a speech and performing in a play. The goal of this course is to help students express their best self and become effective communicators. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Performing Arts

General Education: Arts

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication

PHT 101: Introduction to Photography

An introduction to the art of photography. This course introduces students to key aspects of photography such as aperture, depth of field, composition, and lighting. The goal of the course is to equip students with the photography techniques and the practical know-how needed to express their creativity and artistry through photography. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Photography

General Education Learning Objectives: critical and analytical thinking, effective communication

PHT 201: Professional Photography

A photography course that gives students a foundation in the techniques and skills relevant to client-centered photography. The course focuses on developing photographic techniques in the context of the photographer-client relationship. Students see field demonstrations that showcase different aspects of professional photography such as urban landscapes, flora and fauna, people, special occasions, and travel. Students are trained to think through and solve a variety of visual problems to achieve optimum results. The course also covers professional methods for research, preparation, and presentation. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: PHT 101

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Photography

General Education Learning Objectives: critical and analytical thinking, effective communication

PSY 315: The Science of Learning

This course examines the neural and psychological mechanisms involved in learning. We apply an integrative approach to the study of learning and memory that draws from multiple fields of study such as cognitive psychology, educational psychology, neuroscience, and social science. During the course, we explore the multiple learning mechanisms of the human brain and the specific neural circuits that they depend. We conduct a detailed analysis of explicit learning and pay particular attention to the role of the hippocampus. We also explore unconscious, implicit learning and discover how the mechanisms of classical and operant conditioning underlie our ability to learn associations. The purpose of this course is to help students understand how learning works, and to identify strategies that are scientifically proven to improve memory and learning that can help them become more effective learners and teachers. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Education

PSY 322: Psychology of Learning

This course surveys the study of learning—the acquisition of new knowledge or skills from experience. We investigate past and current learning perspectives, research methods, and how each has contributed to our understanding of human behavior and learning. We discover how learning depends on what we already know, and consider what newborns must know at birth in order to learn so quickly. We also examine how humans learn different skills such as a second language, story telling, navigation, and motor skills. Comparing the similarities and differences in how we learn these different skills can help us determine what is true for learning across different areas, and what is specific to different types of learning. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Education

PSY 337: Cognitive Psychology

This course explores cognition, and area of psychology that investigates the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. We examine some of the basic cognitive abilities involved in learning such as attention, creativity, imagery, memory, and reasoning, and consider the role of emotion, motivation, and goals. We also consider key questions such as, why do some individuals learn certain skills very quickly while others find it very difficult? Are learning styles real? Do we have multiple intelligences? What role does age play in learning? The goal of this course is to help students appreciate the amazing scope of what we learn in our lifetimes, and gain insights that they can apply to their own learning and to teaching others. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Education

PSY 421: Memory and Learning

This course is a comprehensive survey of the cognitive and biological bases of human memory. We first explore the various long-term memory systems, including those that support episodic memory, semantic memory, and procedural memory. We then investigate short-term memory systems such as sensory memory systems and working memory. Students are introduced to experimental work with animals and humans that has shed light on how our memory systems work, how they cooperate, and how sometimes they work at cross-purposes. We consider the role of sleep in memory consolidation and explore the development of memory systems in infants. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Education

PSY 443: Cognitive Neuroscience

This course surveys the neural processes that support major components of cognition such as language, memory, motor control, and navigation. Students that take this course are introduced to basic neuroanatomy and functional imaging techniques such as fMRI. We explore how we learn to play sport, how we learn to play an instrument, and how children learn their native language. We also conduct a detailed analysis of working memory and the critical role it plays in all complex thought. Several case studies allow us to examine the neural causes for learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Throughout the course, students are introduced to the latest cutting-edge research in neuroscience that sheds light on the brain bases of cognition. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Education

SPN 1: Spanish—Elementary 1

An introduction to the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

SPN 2: Spanish—Elementary 2

Continuation of SPN 1. Development of elementary communicative proficiency in Spanish; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisites: SPN 1

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

SPN 3: Spanish—Elementary 3

Continuation of SPN 2. Development of elementary communicative proficiency in Spanish; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisites: SPN 2

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

SPN 4: Spanish—Intermediate 1

Development of intermediate communicative proficiency in Spanish; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisites: SPN 3

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

SPN 5: Spanish—Intermediate 2

Continuation of SPN 4. Development of intermediate communicative proficiency in Spanish; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisites: SPN 4

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

SPN 6: Spanish—Intermediate 3

Continuation of SPN 5. Development of intermediate communicative proficiency in Spanish; listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and intercultural competence.

Prerequisites: SPN 5

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Languages

SUS 101: Introduction to Sustainable Living

An introduction to the science of sustainability. Students that take this course learn the theory of sustainable living as well as practical solutions and examples of living sustainably now. The course probes the human behaviors that have led to our current environmental crisis, and explores ways humans can modify their lifestyle in order to live sustainably. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts
Sustainability

General Education: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education Learning Objectives: critical and analytical thinking, social responsibility, integrative thinking

TES 101: Lesson Planning

An introduction to ESOL lesson planning. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisites: TES 100

Credits: 1

Bachelor of Arts

TESOL

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, social responsibility, ethical reasoning

TES 102: TESOL Practicum & Focused Forums

ESOL teaching practice and evaluation. Continuation of TES 100 and TES 101. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisites: TES 100 and TES 101

Credits: 1

Bachelor of Arts

TESOL

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, social responsibility, ethical reasoning