COMM-220 Communication & Social Relationships (4 Credits) (PS, D) Examines how family, peer and cultural socialization influences communication in close relationships. Consideration of race, class, gender and sexual orientation as they relate to communication in diverse relationships.
COMM-240 Advert & Consumer (4 Credits) (PS) COMM240 traces the evolution of the persuasive strategies, effects and messages in commercial discourse, from its origins in colonial America to today, with special emphasis on portrayals of race, class, family and gender in contemporary America. Course assignments will incorporate instruction on media content analysis and textual analysis as research methods.
POLS-101 American Govt Natl (4 Credits) (PS) A study of constitutional principles and their implementation to create a functioning national government. Development of basic institutions--presidency, Congress, courts, bureaucracy. Analysis of Political Behavior -- political parties, campaigns, and interest groups. Examples from public policy are used to show the institutions and groups in action.
POLS-103 Global Perspectives (4 Credits) (PS, G) Examination of major issues of world politics from various theoretical and country perspectives. Considers issues -war and peace, international law and organization, economic globalization, climate change, nuclear weapon proliferation and human rights- which pose questions of justice or represent threats to the peace or to global survival.
POLS-105 Democracy Across Countries (4 Credits) (PS, G) This course explores the degree and quality of democracy in countries around the world. The course involves the comparative examination of important concepts in political science connected to democracy (culture, forms of government, regime types, poverty, identity, among others) and their application to both Western and non-Western nations.
POLS-203 Identity Amer Pol (4 Credits) (PS, D) The evolution of governmental institutions, political socialization, and political processes in the United States are all rooted in a wide variety of issues related to identity. The United States has a system rooted in exclusion with a long history of incremental progress, despite resistance, for increased inclusion. Through analyses of the various intersections of identities such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and others in American society, a deeper understanding of political movements and policy outcomes can be developed.
PSYC-100 Intro to Psychology (4 Credits) (PS) A survey course of the major areas of interest within the field of Psychology (physiological, cognitive, clinical, and social), including fundamental principles and theories about human behavior as well as the scientific methods used by psychologists to draw these conclusions.
PUBH-100 Introduction to Public Health (4 Credits) (PS) This course introduces the interdisciplinary field and application of public health. Students will explore the social, political, and environmental determinants of health, and will be introduced to the institutions that shape health outcomes at the local, national, and global levels. This course will also help students understand how public health impacts the health of populations on a daily basis. Course activities will examine a diverse range of topics such as community health organizations, ethics in public health practice, maternal and child health, control of chronic and infectious disease, health through the lifespan, mental health, nutrition, and more. This course has no prerequisites. First year or sophomore status required.
PUBH-180 Health Disparities (4 Credits) (PS, D) An introduction to the impacts of health disparities on child development, behavioral choices, and adult health status in the United States. The course focus may shift to include race/ethnicity, geography, SES, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, migration status, age, religion and spirituality depending on current issues in health at the time it is offered.
SOAN-101 Intro to Sociology (4 Credits) (PS, D) A general introduction to society and culture, socially learned patterns of human behavior, formal and informal organization, collective behavior and social change.
SOAN-102 Intro to Anthropology (4 Credits) (PS, G) A general introduction to society and culture, diverse cultural systems and groups of people from around the globe, and a holistic examination of the many parts of culture. Students will learn the tools, methods and key concepts anthropologists use to study humanity.
SOAN-223 Families & Relationships (4 Credits) (PS, D) Examination of the social and psychological factors that influence interpersonal romantic relationships. This course considers topics like dating processes in contemporary U.S. society, marriage, long-term partnerships, and various conceptualizations of (dys)functional relationships.
WGSS-130 Intro Gender Studies (4 Credits) (PS) This course serves as an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Familiarizes students with key terms, authors, and debates, while paying special attention to how gender and sexuality intersect with race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, ability, and immigration status to create systems of oppression. Students examine intersectional feminism as a framework for engaging in social justice work