2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    May 14, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Physical Education

To enroll in the beginning level the student should have little or no prior experience in the sport. Enrollment in the intermediate and advanced levels requires successful completion of a beginning class or meeting the prerequisites listed. The instructor reserves the right to evaluate the level of skill and make assignments as to the appropriate level.

  
  • PHED 141 - Aerobic Fitness and Weight Control


    1 credit.
    Instruction and participation in aerobic exercises and their relationship to personal health, physical fitness and weight control.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 204 - Intermediate Tennis


    1 credit.
    Instruction in spin serve, lob and advanced drive placement. Emphasis on singles and doubles playing strategies.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 208 - Intermediate Golf


    1 credit.
    Advanced instruction and practice with the full swing, short game and putting. Emphasis on advanced techniques and strategies related to ball control, sand shots, course management and psychological aspects of the game.

    Prerequisite(s): score below 90 on regulation 18 hole golf course or permission of instructor.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 212 - Life-guarding and Emergency Water Safety


    2 credits.
    Instruction in lifesaving, first aid, CPR and lifeguard techniques leading to certification by the American Red Cross.

    Prerequisite(s): pass screening test.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 228 - Intermediate Social and Recreation Dance


    1 credit. Crosslisted With: (DANC 228 )
    Advanced instruction in square dance, folk dance, novelty and contemporary rhythms and in the social dance steps.

    Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 229 - Intermediate Ballet


    1 credit. Crosslisted With: (DANC 229 )
    Emphasis on improving ballet skills and on allowing further opportunities for creating and learning dances.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 230 - Intermediate Jazz


    1 credit. Crosslisted With: (DANC 230 )
    Emphasis on improving jazz dance skills and on allowing further opportunities for creating and learning dances.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 231 - Intermediate Modern Dance


    1 credit. Crosslisted With: (DANC 231 )
    Emphasis on improving modern dance skills and on allowing further opportunities for creating and learning dances.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 241 - Advanced Aerobics


    1 credit.
    Instruction and participation in aerobic activities for students with good cardiovascular endurance. The emphasis is on long distance training and its effect on the body systems.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 314 - Fitness Swimming


    1 credit.
    Emphasis on competitive stroke with workouts designed for endurance and speed.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHED 315 - Water Safety Instructor


    2 credits.
    Methods of teaching and in depth analysis of swimming and personal safety skills leading to American Red Cross certification as a swimming instructor.

    Prerequisite(s): pass screening test.
    Corequisite(s): None.


Physics

A special fee is charged for all courses with laboratories.

  

  
  • PHYS 103 - Conceptual Physics


    4 credits
    A survey of basic physics principles taught from a conceptual basis. A broad survey of physics will be demonstrated in this course with such topics as mechanics, fluids, heat, electricity, magnetism, and light. The course will apply basic physics principles to our daily lives. 3 lectures and one 2 hour lab period

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 6.

  
  • PHYS 110 - Physics And


    3 Credits
    An in depth study of physics topics examined in the context of a particular, real-life application such as sports, cooking, technology, amusement parks, art, music, or politics. 3 lectures.

    *Fulfills Civitae Core FSRC
    WI
  
  • PHYS 111 - Applied Physics AND


    3 Credits
    An in depth study with lab applications of physics topics examined in the context of a particular, real-life application such as sports, cooking, technology, amusement parks, art, music, or politics. 2 lectures and one 2-hour lab period.

    *Fulfills Civitae Core FSRC.
    SI
  
  • PHYS 115 - Evolution of the Cosmos


    4 Credits
    An introductory physics course that incorporates essential aspects of scientific reasoning and inquiry applied to cosmic evolution including: essential astronomy, the evolution of planetary systems, stars and galaxies, the Hubble relationship, astrobiology, the evolution of the universe and life. 3 lectures and one 2-hour lab periods.

    *Fulfills Civitae Core FSRC
    *Fulfills General Education Goal 6

    WI
  
  • PHYS 120 - General Physics I


    4 credits
    An introduction to the basic concepts of mechanics. 3 lecture, and one 2-hour lab periods.

  
  • PHYS 121 - General Physics II


    4 credits
    A study of heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Students completing PHYS-121 are waived from the General Education Goal 6   3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 120  
  
  • PHYS 203 - Tutorials in Conceptual Physics


    1 credit.
    This course is designed to complement PHYS 220  . Students participate in inquiry-based activities designed to enhance their mastery of fundamental topics presented in PHYS 220  . Open to physics majors only. One 2-hour lecture.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): PHYS 220   

  
  • PHYS 220 - University Physics I


    4 credits
    A study of motion, forces, momentum, energy, rotational motion, gravity, fluids, elasticity and thermodynamics using calculus.  4 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 164   or MATH 261  
  
  • PHYS 221 - University Physics II


    4 credits
    A study of harmonic motion, oscillations, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, current, resistance, and circuits using calculus. Students completing PHYS 221 are waived from the General Education Goal 6   4 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): PHYS 220   (prerequisite) with a C- or better and MATH 261   (Note: MATH 261   may be taken concurrently; pre- or co-requisite)
  
  • PHYS 222 - University Physics I Lab


    2 credits
    This course will focus on the study motion, forces, momentum, energy, rotational motion, gravity, fluids, elasticity and thermodynamics through laboratory experiments. Additionally through the laboratory activities, the course will cover measuring techniques, estimation of error, propagation of error, and comparison of measurements. Finally, the course will begin to develop writing and presentation of results in the field of science. 1 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 220   and MATH 261   both with a C- or better
  
  • PHYS 223 - University Physics II Lab


    2 credits
    This course will focus on the study harmonic motion, oscillations, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, current, resistance, and circuits through laboratory experiments. Additionally through the laboratory activities, the course will cover estimations of error using least-square fitting, weighted averages, as well as various probability distributions. Finally, the course will continue to develop writing and presentation of results in the field of science. 1 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 221  , PHYS 222  , and MATH 262   all with a C- or better
  
  • PHYS 252 - Statics


    3 credits
    The study of vector methods and free body diagrams employed in the analysis of discrete and distributed force systems and their application to bodies in external equilibrium. 3 Lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 261  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 120  or PHYS 220  with a C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 260 - Introduction to Experimental Design


    3 credits.
    This intermediate-level laboratory course involves the study of experimental design and measurement techniques, data reduction and analysis methods, and oral and written presentation skills. Experiments will vary with availability of equipment and technologies. Two lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 221  
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
    SP
  
  • PHYS 292 - Internship in Physics


    1-18 credits.
    A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of physics.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHYS 295 - Special Topics in Physics


    1-4 credits.
    Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHYS 300 - Mathematical Physics


    3 credits
    A study of classical mathematical physics techniques as applied to series, complex numbers linear algebra, partial and ordinary differential equations, Fourier series and special functions.  Prerequisites: MATH 262 and PHYS 221 both with a C- or better; or permission of instructor. 3 credits. 3 lecture periods

    Prerequisite(s): MATH 262  and PHYS 221  both with C- or better; or permission of instructor.
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 303 - Astrophysics


    4 credits
    A broad survey of topics in Astrophysics, including orbital dynamics, extra-solar planets, stellar evolution, black holes, and cosmology.  3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121  or PHYS 221  and MATH 262  both with a C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 307 - Introduction to Science and Engineering Materials


    3 Credits
    This course will introduce the basic principles underlying the behavior and properties of materials. This course will provide the scientific foundations for an understanding of the relationships among material properties, structure and performance for the classes of engineering solids (metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors and composites). Concepts will be developed and applied which allow for correlation between performance and aspects of structure, from atomic through the macroscopic level. Ideas relating to atomic and larger size defects and their influence on material behavior are included.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 221  and MATH 261  both with a C- or better.
  
  • PHYS 321 - Modern Physics


    3 credits
    A survey of modern developments in electron, atomic, and nuclear physics. 3 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 261  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121  , PHYS 221  both with a C- or better.
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 322 - Nuclear and Particle Physics


    3 credits
    This course is an introduction to theoretical and experimental nuclear and particle physics. 3 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 262  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 321  with a C- or better
  
  • PHYS 324 - Thermodynamics


    3 credits
    A study of thermal properties of matter; phenomena involved in flow of heat and performance of work. Kinetic theory and statistical mechanics are included.   3 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 262  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121   or PHYS 221   both with a grade of C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 326 - Optics


    4 credits
    A study of the nature and behavior of light and other electro-magnetic radiation. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121   or PHYS 221 , and  MATH 262  all with a C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 331 - AC/DC Circuits


    4 credits
    This course is an introduction to electrical circuit theory and its application to practical direct and alternating current circuits. Topics include: Kirchhoff’s laws, fundamental principles of network theorems, transient and steady-state response of RC, RL, and RCL circuits by classical methods, time-domain and frequency-domain relationships, phasor analysis and power.  3 lecture periods and one 2-hour lab period.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 261  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121   or PHYS 221  both with a C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 332 - Classical Electricity and Magnetism


    3 credits
    A study of electric and magnetic fields, potentials, resistance, inductance, and capacitance, polarization, magnetic materials, Maxwell’s equations. 3 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s): MATH 361 , PHYS 121   or PHYS 221  all with a grade of C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 341 - Electronics


    4 credits
    This course covers the analysis, modeling and design of electrical circuits which contain electronic devices. Topics include: behavior of devices such as p-n junction transistors and bipolar junction transistors, operational amplifiers, digital systems and data acquisition and conversion. Electronics design via a systems approach is emphasized. Students will learn to design analog circuits to specifications through laboratory problems, a design project and circuit simulation. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.  3 lectures and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 261  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121  or PHYS 221  both with a C- or better
  
  • PHYS 352 - Mechanics


    3 credits
    A mathematical study of motion using Newtonian and Lagrangian techniques.  3 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 362  
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 121  or PHYS 221  both with a C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 370 - Advanced Physics Lab I


    3 credits
    This course will focus on the study of modern physics as well as some advanced physics topics through laboratory experiments. Emphasis will be given to analyzing and presenting experimental results as well as writing scientifically. The course will also incorporate professional development opportunities designed to prepare students for their future careers as scientists. 2 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 223  and PHYS 321  both with a C- or better
  
  • PHYS 390 - Directed or Independent Study


    1-18 credits.
    Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated as 391.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHYS 392 - Internship in Physics


    1-18 credits.
    A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of physics.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHYS 395 - Special Topics in Physics


    1-4 Credits
    Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically.

  
  • PHYS 401 - Quantum Mechanics


    3 credits
    A study of elementary quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics. 3 lecture periods.

    Prerequisite(s): MATH 361  and PHYS 321  both with a C- or better; or permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 460 - Advanced Experimental Design


    2 credits.
    This advanced-level laboratory course is a study of experimental design and measurement techniques, data reduction and analysis methods, and oral and written presentation skills. The course is a continuation of PHYS 260  with more advanced and technically challenging laboratory experiments. 1 lecture. one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 260 .
    Corequisite(s): None.

    WR.
    SP.
  
  • PHYS 470 - Advanced Lab II


    3 credits
    This course will focus on advanced physics laboratory experiments and techniques. The course will also require students to manage and conduct a minimum of one research project developed from a scientifically grounded proposal. Emphasis will be given to analyzing and presenting experimental results as well as writing scientifically. Additionally, the course will introduce computer programming and software that is often used in the discipline. 2 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 370   with a C- or better
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PHYS 490 - Directed or Independent Study


    1-18 credits.
    Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 14.

  
  • PHYS 492 - Internship in Physics


    1-15 credits
    A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of physics. Enrollment in the course is based on permission of the Director of Physics and Dual-degree Engineering Programs and the coordinator at the internship location, and is subject to availability.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 14

  
  • PHYS 495 - Special Topics in Physics


    1-4 credits.
    Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PHYS 496 - Research Projects in Physics


    1-4 credits
    Students will carry out research projects under individual supervision of an instructor. The nature of the project will depend on the interest and needs of the student. Consent of instructor and approval of department head is prerequisite for enrollment. May be repeated.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 14

    SP
  
  • PHYS 498 - Honors Research in Physics


    3 credits
    Students conduct research in physics under the direction of a faculty member and the Senior Honors Research Committee. May be repeated as 499.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR

Political Science

  

  
  • POSC 100 - The American Political System


    3 credits
    An introduction to the American political system, with an emphasis upon the national political institutions, processes, groups, public behavior, and issues which shape contemporary society. Students will evaluate cultural norms, societal institutions, and implicit and explicit assumptions about themselves.

    *Fulfills Civitae Core FHBS
    *Fulfills General Education Goal 8

    WI
  
  • POSC 200 - Global Politics


    3 credits
    The course surveys political systems and considers the meaning of concepts and themese such as political ideologies, states, nationalism, ethnicity, racial politics, democracy, development, and the political change. A goal of this course, therefore, is to familarize students with mainstream and alternative approaches to comparing and contrasting political systems. Examples from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the United States will provide the context.

    *Fulfills Civitae Core FGLO
    *Fulfills General Education Goal 9

    WI
  
  • POSC 216 - American State and Local Government


    3 credits
    A study of American state and local political institutions and processes, and of related current issues and problems.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • POSC 250 - Political Science Research Methods


    3 credits
    This course is an introduction to the research methods used by political scientists. Students will learn quantitative and qualitative methods, including sampling, multivariate analysis, and testing for statistical significance. Research design is also considered with an emphasis on hypothesis testing.

    Prerequisite(s): POSC 100  and MATH 171 , or permission of instructor
  
  • POSC 270 - Introduction to Public Administration


    3 credits
    Introduces students to the field of public administration in an American context, including basic concepts, theorists, vocabulary, and contemporary issues. Students will learn how public administration affects society and the lives of citizens.

  
  • POSC 275 - The American Judiciary


    3 credits
    This course focuses on the American legal system as a political and policy-making institution. Topics examined include an analysis of the structure, organization and function of state and national court systems. Emphasis will be placed on the role of juries, judges, attorneys, litigants, and interest groups in the judicial system. Special attention will be paid to the Virginia court system.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • POSC 292 - Internship in Political Science


    1-18 credits.
    A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of political science.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 295 - Special Topics in Political Science


    3 credits.
    Selected topics in political science. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 305 - International Relations


    3 credits
    Study of the factors conditioning international politics, with emphasis upon the foreign policies of major powers.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
  
  • POSC 314 - Political History of Africa


    3 credits Crosslisted With: (HIST 314 )
    A survey of the political landscape of African history. A major portion of the course examines the significance of precolonial kingdoms, assesses the growth of the “slave trade”, analyzes African intellectual history, and explores the “eve of colonialism” in Africa.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • POSC 331 - Ancient and Medieval Political Philosophy


    3 credits Crosslisted With: (PHIL 331 )
    Survey of the principal political theories and philosophies from ancient Greece through the Middle Ages, including the contributions of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 12

  
  • POSC 332 - Modern Political Philosophy


    3 credits Crosslisted With: (PHIL 332 )
    Survey of modern political theories and philosophies, including the contributions of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, and Marx.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 12

  
  • POSC 335 - Western European Politics and Government


    3 credits
    An examination of the political systems of Western Europe, with in-depth analyses of Great Britain, France, and Germany. Issues like social democracy, gendered politics, right-wing extremism, and the European Union are explored as causes of political change and continuity in Europe.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
    SP
  
  • POSC 341 - American Political Thought to the Civil War


    3 credits.
    An introduction to the principal thinkers and the central themes in American political thought.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

    WR
    SP.
  
  • POSC 342 - American Political Thought 1860 to the Present


    3 credits.
    An introduction to the principal thinkers and the central themes in American political thought.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

    WR
    SP.
  
  • POSC 343 - American Foreign Policy


    3 credits
    A study of U.S. foreign policy with special attention to the policy-making process, current problems in foreign affairs, and the development of long-range foreign policy.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
  
  • POSC 345 - Terrorism and Homeland Security in a Global Age.


    3 credits. Crosslisted With: (HMSC 345)
    Study of the forces involved in terrorism and the issues surrounding homeland security.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 350 - The American Presidency


    3 credits
    The modern presidency and its role in contemporary politics, emphasizing the constitutional background of the office, the evolution of presidential powers, relationships between the presidency and the Congress and bureaucracy, the presidential election process, and the role of the presidency in policy making.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
  
  • POSC 353 - The American Congress


    3 credits
    An examination of the Congress of the United States, its history and evolution, its contemporary politics, and its role in the national policy-making process. Topics include candidate recruitment, campaigns and elections, representation, committees, legislative leadership, roles and norms, voting alignments, lobbyists and interest groups, oversight of administration, and House-Senate comparisons. The role of Congress in foreign policy, economic policy, and social welfare policy will be examined.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • POSC 357 - Constitutional Rights and Liberties


    3 credits
    Study of prominent Constitutional principles, issues, and practices concerning government-private individual relations, with particular emphasis upon freedoms of speech, press, religion; privacy; and social and economic discrimination. Extensive use of Supreme Court decisions.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
    SP
  
  • POSC 360 - Citizen Politics


    3 credits.
    Examination of political participation from a comparative perspective, focusing mainly on cases from the United States and Western Europe. Political parties, voting, elections, and social movements are highlighted.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

    SP.
  
  • POSC 370 - Public Policy


    3 credits
    Focuses on the policy making process in an American context, including basic concepts, theorists, vocabulary, and contemporary issues. Students will learn how public policy affects their daily lives in areas such as employment, finance, health care, education, environment, and security.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • POSC 375 - Latin American Politics and Government


    3 credits
    A study of Latin American politics, government, and development. The course considers the importance of political institutions and social and economic forces in the processes of democratization and economic development.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
  
  • POSC 390 - Directed or Independent Study in Political Science


    1-18 credits.
    Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated as 391.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 392 - Internship in Political Science


    1-18 credits.
    A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of political science.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 394 - Political Leadership


    3 credits
    The course investigates the diverse nature of leadership in modern society. While the main emphasis is on political leadership, a strong interdisciplinary approach is employed. Students examine the effectiveness of leaders in various political systems and business settings.  Part of this examination involves defining effectiveness in terms of personal achievement, ethical responsibilities, economic growth, and goal accomplishment.  This examination requires students to think about the needs of societies, impacts of issues, roles of organizations, questions of morality, methods of decision making, and techniques of leadership in a wide variety of differing circumstances and cultures.. PHBS, SI, WR, SP

    Prerequisite(s): Completion of FHBS Pillar
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills Civitae Core PHBS
    SI
    WR
    SP
  
  • POSC 395 - African Politics and Government


    3 credits.
    The course offers various intellectual perspectives on contemporary African politics. Attention is devoted to an examination of the state, political institutions, social forces and movements, gender, democratization, and regional economic development.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

    WR.
  
  • POSC 420 - Democracy and Democratization


    3 credits.
    This class explores the development of democracy, focusing on the theories, definitions, history, and pre-conditions of democracy. Democratic transitions and consolidations are also considered.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 442 - International Law


    3 credits
    A study of the international legal system, including the content and operation of the laws of war and peace, how law is created and enforced with regard to the oceans and other parts of the globe, and the relationship between international law and international politics.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
    SP
  
  • POSC 443 - United States Foreign Policy and National Security: 1990-Present


    3 credits.
    This course represents an endeavor to identify and analyze major US foreign policy and national security issues and threats likely facing the United States both externally and internally. Major attention is devoted to the continuing dynamics in Russo-American relations and to problems of a politico-economic nature posed by nations of the developing or Third World. Additionally, discussions focus on various response options potentially applicable to the resolution of current issues.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 455 - Constitutional Law


    3 credits
    Intensive case-study examination of the continuing development of the Constitution. Emphasis on judiciary, presidency, federalism, commerce, and due process problems.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
  
  • POSC 460 - Political Science Seminar


    1-3 credits.
    Open to juniors and seniors offered on demand.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 461 - Senior Seminar


    1 credit
    Capstone course in Political Science. Research, writing, and assessment of student outcomes.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR
    SP
  
  • POSC 465 - The Role of US National Intelligence in Foreign Policy


    3 credits.
    This course provides a basic overview of the history, current organization, and missions of the US Foreign intelligence establishment (“the Intelligence Community”) and its various programs and activities in support of US foreign policy and national security objectives.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 490 - Directed or Independent Study in Political Science


    1-18 credits
    Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 14

  
  • POSC 492 - Internship in Political Science


    1-18 credits
    Experiential learning designed to apply the principles of political science.

    Prerequisite(s): Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to enroll
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills General Education Goal 14

  
  • POSC 495 - Special Topics in Political Science


    3 credits.
    Selected topics in political science. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • POSC 498 - Honors Research in Political Science


    3 credits
    Students conduct research in political science under the direction of a faculty member and the Senior Honors Research Committee. May be repeated as 499.

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    WR

Psychology

  

  
  • PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology


    3 credits
    A focus on the scientific theories, methods, and evidence used in psychology to understand natural mental processes and behavior. Emphasis is on using the scientific method of inquiry to enhance one’s understanding of the validity of various sources of information about the characteristics of humans and other animals, and develop the skills required to engage in credible, ethical scientific investigations relevant to understanding human and animal life. the application of social science methods and results to contemporary social, cultural, and ethical concerns will also be emphasized. 

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None

    *Fulfills Civitae Core FSRC
    *Fulfills General Education Goal 8 for non-majors

    WI
  
  • PSYC 151 - Introduction to Biopsychology


    3 credits
    An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and an overview of how it produces everyday behavior. Topics will include how psychological processes are encoded in brain activity and how these biopsychological functions are altered by disease and drugs.

    Prerequisite(s): Psychology majors, Psychology minors, NeuroStudies minors, or permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PSYC 233 - Research Methods in Psychology


    4 credits.
    Examination of the major problems of psychology and experimental procedures available for their investigation. Open only to Psychology majors and minors. Lecture and one double-lab period.

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101  (with grade of “C-” or better).
    Corequisite(s): None.

    WR
    SP.
  
  • PSYC 234 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology


    3 credits
    Introduction to the principles and techniques of experimental design and statistical analysis. Open only to Psychology majors or minors.

    Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): PSYC 233  (prerequisite must be with a grade of C- or better)
  
  • PSYC 275 - Psychology of Social Media


    3 Credits
    An exploration of the ways people use and are affected by social media and other digital technology, and the manner in which social media and i-technology use relates to individual development and sociocultural change. Special consideration will be given to social media and i-technology use and human development, social relationships, cognition, achievement, positive and negative effects on psychological well-being, and personal safety.

  
  • PSYC 295 - Special Topics


    1-3 credits.
    Selected topics in Psychology. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change.

    Prerequisite(s): None.
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PSYC 300 - Sensation and Perception


    4 credits.
    A study of transduction, organization, and interpretation of information. Topics include sensory physiology, theories of perception, theories of attention, subjective influences on perception, and consciousness. Lecture. one double-lab period.

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 233  and PSYC 234  (with grades of “C-” or better).
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PSYC 301 - Psychobiology of Stress


    3 credits
    An in-depth study of the physiological and psychological aspects of stress.  Students will discover how the psychological experience can impact physiology, and how psychological responses can alter behavior. Specific emphasis will be placed on understanding the nervous system and endocrine system and their roles in the stress response. 

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 151  or NEUR 105   (with grade of C- or better)
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PSYC 313 - Hormones & Behavior


    3 Credits Crosslisted With: BIOL 313  
    This course examines how hormones can produce changes in behavior, and how behavioral interactions can alter hormones. Topics may include sexual differentiation, sex differences in behavior, reproductive and parental behavior, dominance, aggression, and hormonal and behavioral homeostatic regulations.

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 151  or NEUR 105  or BIOL 288   (with grades of C- or better).
  
  • PSYC 315 - Comparative Animal Behavior


    3 Credits
    This course will introduce students to various approaches for studying animals and their behavior, emphasizing ethology, comparative psychology, and evolutionary perspectives. Introductory topics will focus on the science and methods of studying animal behavior. During the course, we will explore a wide range of organisms and behavioral phenomena. Topics may include sensory systems, communication, learning, foraging behavior, antipredator behavior, territoriality, mating behavior, parental care, and social behavior. 3 lecture hours

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 151  or NEUR 105   (with a C- or better).
  
  • PSYC 321 - Behavioral Neuroscience


    4 credits Crosslisted With: (NEUR 321 )
    SStudy of the biological substrates of behavior. An in-depth examination of the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system as it relates to specific behaviors, such as sensation, coordination of the motor system, and cognition. In the laboratory component of this course, students will be introduced to techniques relevant to the study of Behavioral Neuroscience.  3 lecture and one 2-hour Lab periods.

    Prerequisite(s): Psychology majors or minor and PSYC 151 , or NEUR 105 PSYC 233 , PSYC 234  (all with a grade of C- or better)
    Corequisite(s): None

  
  • PSYC 322 - Cognitive Psychology


    4 credits.
    Examination of theories and research dealing with verbal learning, concept learning, short-term and long-term memory stores, cognitive encoding and search strategies, and transfer. Lecture. one double-lab period.

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 233  and PSYC 234  (with grades of “C-” or better).
    Corequisite(s): None.

  
  • PSYC 324 - Learning


    4 credits.
    Examination of the classic and contemporary literature in animal learning and motivation. Lecture. one double-lab period.

    Prerequisite(s): PSYC 233  and PSYC 234  (with grades of “C-” or better).
    Corequisite(s): None.

 

Page: 1 <- Back 107 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17