Winter 2020 Courses

Anthropology Toolkit

This course provides an introduction to the basic anthropological concepts and tools used by anthropologists to collect, analyze and interpret data; and to report findings in written, verbal and multimedia formats. Students begin to develop basic fieldwork skills such as taking field notes, genealogical and network analysis, survey research and collaborative ethnography. Students learn to use the electronic Human Relations Area Files and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Issues arising from anthropological fieldwork and ethics are discussed. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or permission of instructor.

Gijanto
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 11:10pm
Online Course

Anthropology of Religion, Magic and Witchcraft

This course examines the ways people around the world interact with the supernatural with special emphasis placed on Eastern Religions, Native American beliefs, animism, and Haitian Vodou. The course includes an overview of anthropological approaches to the study of belief systems and a survey of popular religions followed by an exploration of other world religions, myths, magic, symbolism, divination, witchcraft, and altered states of consciousness in order to gain an appreciation for and understanding of the variety of worldviews and practices that exist today.

Wilkinson
4 Credits
Dec 14 – January 12
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 3:20pm
Online Course

Introduction to Art Sculpture

An introduction to the principles of sculpture and basic sculptural processes. Creative problems are explored through the use of a variety of subjects and techniques, including modeling and construction in clay, steel, and wood. Critiques and discussions of issues in art history and in contemporary art. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Arts.

Meisinger
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

Topics in Western Art History: Comics and Graphic Novels

This introductory course to the theory and history of comics and graphic novels explores their use in many different genres, including memoir and journalism, as a way to think through contemporary issues in American culture. Reading materials will include comics and graphic novels as primary sources, in conversation with scholarly writings that generate deeper levels of discussion, as these cultural forms are assessed using new interpretive lenses. Topics covered include not only the content of the primary source comics and novels themselves, but also the role of legislators, social psychologists, and parents’ groups in attempting to regulate comics, and the work to subvert restrictions like the Comics Code with an alternative economic model and set of social norms typified by underground comics. The course will also consider fan culture, transmedia narratives, and counterpublics as students consider the role of comics in the 21st century. This hybrid course will combine in-person instruction and virtual components. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Arts. No prerequisite

Napier
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 11:10am
Online Course

Astronomy: Planetary Science

An introduction to the astronomy and planetary science of the solar system, with emphasis on the formation, structure and composition of the planets circling the sun. Other topics studied include the examination of comets and the asteroid belt, Kuiper belt planetismals such as the former planet Pluto, formation and composition of the moons circling the planets, the search for planets outside the solar system and the possibility of extraterrestrial life in and outside the solar system. Students who have previously taken ASTR 152 cannot take ASTR 154. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Natural Sciences with Laboratory. Lecture and lab. The book that will be used will be 21st Century Astronomy: The Solar System, 5th ed., which can rent for $47, or buy used for about the same price.

Adler
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 4:10pm
Online Course

Contemporary Bioscience: Principles of Ecology

This course will introduce students to concepts and theories concerning basic ecological principles. Topics will include characterizing various ecological systems, population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem functions. A focus will be placed on coastal ecosystems. The course will consist of lectures, class discussions, and virtual exercises/labs. Since we will not be able to collect data in the field, we will use available data and various programs (Excel, Google Earth, R statistical software, QGIS) to gain an understanding of the relationship of organisms with their environment. Additionally, students will read and discuss 2-3 seminal papers in ecology. This course has no prerequisite.

Hitchman
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

Introduction to Epidemiology

Introduces the basic concepts and methods in epidemiology and identifies how epidemiology is used to identify causes of diseases. During the course we will discuss definitions and nomenclature, measures of disease occurrence, association and causality, outbreak investigations, disease surveillance, case-control studies, cohort studies, laboratory diagnosis, molecular epidemiology, dynamics of transmission. The course will include lectures and group discussions. This class has a pre-requisite of BIOL106 & BIOL106L. There is no lab session with this class.

Santos-Ciminera
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R,F 8:00am – 10:20am
Online Course

Molecular Biology of Human Diseases

In this course students will learn a wide range of human diseases ranging from infectious diseases such as bacterial, viral (including covid19) and prion diseases, diseases of immune system, cancer, nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases and genetic diseases. Focus will be to introduce with signs and symptoms of the diseases, causes and underlying molecular mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment. This course might especially draw the attention of students with pre-med focus, but also should be of interest to most of the students. This class has a pre-requisite of BIOL270 & BIOL207L. There is no lab session with this class.

Chaudhury
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 4:10pm
Online Course

General Chemistry I

The fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical periodicity, ionic and covalent bonding, molecular structure, stoichiometry, inorganic nomenclature, gases liquid and solids. A combination of self-paced modules, lectures, and professional skills will meet the course goals.

Bowers
4 Credits
Dec 14 – January 12
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 3:20pm
Online Course

Business Law

Business Law provides an introduction to the American legal system with a focus on business. Students are expected to learn the primary sources of law, use the case study method to examine the procedures governing lawsuits, and learn the general principles of substantive law related to business. Students will be expected to apply law to facts in answers to essay questions, as well as deliver a presentation on a business plan to hypothetical investors.

Fortuna
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 05
M,T,W,R, 6:00pm – 10:10pm
Online Course

Intermediate Macroeconomics

Is aimed to teach students the basic tools of macroeconomics and apply them to the real world economic policy issues. For this aim, this course uses the tools of macroeconomics to study various macroeconomic policy problems in-depth. The problems range from economic growth in the long run, to government finances in the intermediate run, and economic stability in the short run. The students will understand how basic models of the economy summarize and explain the interactions between these main macroeconomic measures, output, employment, and inflation. They will also understand the links between the domestic economy and the rest of the world and the role of government. Course chapter topics include:

• Measuring Macro Economic Data
• Prices (real vs. nominal and how they’re related)
• Unemployment (types, unemployment rate calculation)
• Consumption function (graph and equation)
• Expenditure function (graph and equation)
• IS curve (derivation, shifts, movement along the curve)
• Functions of Money
• LM curve (derivation, shifts, movement along the curve)
• General Equilibrium
• Government budget (budget line, government spending and taxes)
• Reagan tax policy
• Open economy vs. closed economy
• Balance of payments (current account and capital account)
• Exchange rate (supply and demand of currencies)
• Types of exchange rate systems
• Quantity theory of money
• Classical theory
• Keynesian theory
• Phillips Curve (SP & LP)
• Business Cycles
• Government Deficit and Debt
• Supply Side
• Laffer Curve
• Money (Measures, Multiplier)

Ongan
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R,F 8:00am – 10:20am
Online Course

Money and Banking

Is a course on the economics of money, banking and financial markets. The course aims to provide the student with an introduction to the role of money, financial markets, financial institutions and monetary policy in the economy, recent developments in both theory and practice. In this course, the role of financial markets in the economy will be considered with a particular emphasis on bond markets and interest rate determination. The course will then cover the main aspects of banks and other financial institutions before turning to an investigation of the role of money, central banking and monetary policy. The changing monetary policies of the FED will be updated and discussed in the classroom. Course chapter topics include:

• Functions of Financial Markets
• Structure of Financial Markets
• Functions of Money
• Payment System
• Monetary Aggregates
• Time Value of Money
• Nominal and Real Interest Rates
• Bond Market
• Risk Structure of Interest Rates
• Term Structure of Interest Rates
• Stock Market
• Rational Expectations
• Efficient Market Hypothesis
• Asymmetric information (Moral Hazard and Principal-Agent Problem)
• The Great Depression
• Financial Crisis 2007 – 2009
• Commercial Bank Balance Sheet
• Bank Management
• Bank Failures
• History of U.S. Banking
• Federal Reserve System
• Money Supply Process
• Money Multiplier
• Open Market Operations
• Discount Policy
• Reserve Requirements
• Quantity Theory of Money

Ongan
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R,F 6:00pm – 8:20pm
Online Course

Special Topics in Educational Studies: Arts Integration

An examination of a specific area of Educational Studies. The course will explore research and application relevant to the selected area. Course content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. This semester’s course emphasizes an understanding of integrating the arts in teaching and learning with children. The course will explore strategies, materials, and experiences in visual arts, music, drama, dance, and play for children from preK-12.

Thompson
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

The Art of Storytelling as Teaching Tool in the Secondary English Classroom

The ancient art of storytelling is an effective and powerful teaching tool, particularly in the secondary English classroom. Well-written and well-told narratives are versatile vehicles in demonstrating principles and for teaching concepts. Using storytelling methodology engages students at different grade and ability-levels and can encourage emotional and social intelligence and cultural awareness. Meaningful stories and the teachers who share them are often long remembered. Cross listed with ENGL390.

Page
2 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
T,W,R 1:00pm – 4:10pm
Online Course

Social Justice in the Mathematics Classroom: An exploration of access and equity

Students will explore how culturally responsive practices in the mathematics classroom, beginning in Kindergarten and spanning through college, connect to social justice. Topics will include trends regarding access to learning mathematics among various populations including race, gender, LBGTQ+, socio-economic status, English learners, and students with diverse learning needs. Root causes for the prominence of mathematics as a barrier in the United States to a higher education and professional career paths will be researched. Students will also explore the notion of mathematics literacy as an urgent cultural need in the 21st century as part of a global society. Additionally, students will explore their own mathematical understanding in terms of their procedural proficiency as compared to their conceptual understanding of various math topics including applications with fractions, percents, and decimals; relational thinking and invented algorithms for computation and solving equations; visual mathematics as a means to develop proofs; unpacking the why versus the how of standard formulas used in algebra and geometry, and data analysis. Crosslisted with MATH485

Varner
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
Online Course

The Art of Storytelling as Teaching Tool in the Secondary English Classroom

The ancient art of storytelling is an effective and powerful teaching tool, particularly in the secondary English classroom. Well-written and well-told narratives are versatile vehicles in demonstrating principles and for teaching concepts. Using storytelling methodology engages students at different grade and ability-levels and can encourage emotional and social intelligence and cultural awareness. Meaningful stories and the teachers who share them are often long remembered. Cross listed with EDUC340.

Page
2 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
T,W,R 1:00pm – 4:10pm
Online Course

Songwriting

In this course, we will combine lyrics, melody, and performance to create great songs. In a supportive and constructive space, we will listen for and reflect on the poetry that lives between the words and music, and participate in exercises that will inspire, invigorate and sustain an individual songwriting practice. What can our favorite songs teach us about our own skill and effort, craft and connection? How can we use that information to build songs that preserve the integrity and energy of inspiration while fine-tuning structure and technique? Is there really a secret chord? We’ll explore these questions and more. All skill levels, voices, and genres welcome.

Brandt
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R,F 1:00 – 4:20pm
Online Course

Environmental Education Principles

Future teachers in both nonformal and formal (school) environments will benefit from this course on Environmental Education Principles. Students will study: what is environmental education; the history of environmental education; how to improve environmental literacy; methods for place-based education; and best practices in outdoor learning. Participants will work towards meeting the portfolio requirements for the Basic Environmental Education Certification offered by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. The course includes hands-on lessons with materials and guides. While this is an online offering, students will be expected to spend time outdoors.

Schneider
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 4:20pm
Online Course

Elementary Latin I

An introduction to the basic structures of the Latin language, with an emphasis on the acquisition of reading and translation skills. This course is for students who are beginning the study of Latin. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in International Language.

Hall
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

Social Justice in the Mathematics Classroom: An exploration of access and equity

Students will explore how culturally responsive practices in the mathematics classroom, beginning in Kindergarten and spanning through college, connect to social justice. Topics will include trends regarding access to learning mathematics among various populations including race, gender, LBGTQ+, socio-economic status, English learners, and students with diverse learning needs. Root causes for the prominence of mathematics as a barrier in the United States to a higher education and professional career paths will be researched. Students will also explore the notion of mathematics literacy as an urgent cultural need in the 21st century as part of a global society. Additionally, students will explore their own mathematical understanding in terms of their procedural proficiency as compared to their conceptual understanding of various math topics including applications with fractions, percents, and decimals; relational thinking and invented algorithms for computation and solving equations; visual mathematics as a means to develop proofs; unpacking the why versus the how of standard formulas used in algebra and geometry, and data analysis. Crosslisted with EDUC440

Varner
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
Online Course

Intro to Philosophy

This course provides students with the opportunity to think critically and systematically about fundamental problems of life and the nature of the universe, with materials drawn from a wide variety of intellectual traditions, ancient and modern, Western and non-Western. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Humanistic Foundations.

Schroeder
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 05
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

Intro to Ethics

A study of basic views on how we ought to live our lives. The following kinds of questions are examined: What is goodness? Can we, and if so how can we, justify our basic ethical principles? Can ethical statements be true (or false), or are they solely a matter of preference? This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Humanistic Foundations.

Taber
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,R F 8:00am – 11:10am
Online Course

Self Defense Against Sexual Assault

This course is designed to instruct students in their choices for preventing and defending against sexual assault and abduction, both on and off a college campus. A combination of lecture and physical training sessions will provide instruction in violence awareness, rape myth, the psychology of self‑protection, risk reduction, bystander intervention and basic self‑defense skills and strategies.

Gentry
2 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 6:00pm – 8:20pm
Online Course

Politics and Film in the Third World

This course lies at the intersection of the fields of Comparative Politics and Film Studies. The aim is to learn about selected themes in third world politics, through the use of feature films. A secondary goal of the class is to introduce you to some basic concepts in third world politics and film theory. Finally, I hope that you will all leave this class with analytical tools that will help you critically evaluate politics and film around the world.
The films that we will focus on are political films. In other words, they are films with explicitly political themes. Our aim will be to understand how politics and political events are represented in films, and what that means for political consciousness around the world. First, we will acquaint ourselves with some basic concepts in comparative political analysis, as well as film theory. Then, we will turn to ways in which films can be “read” or analyzed. The main focus of the semester will be on exploring some major themes in comparative politics, as identified in the reading outline.

Shafqat
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 8:00am -12:10pm
Online Course

Free and Fair Elections Around The World

Elections are the central and defining feature of modern democracy. However, democratic countries around the world share challenges in meeting international standards of electoral integrity. These challenges range from minor irregularities and technical difficulties to overt malpractices and violations. As such, it is important to understand the importance of electoral integrity in modern democratic regimes. This course introduces students to some of the major theoretical, conceptual, and empirical building blocks concerning electoral integrity in countries around the world including the United States. In so doing, the course provides an overview of electoral integrity, but also evaluates how and when elections meet the international standards of electoral integrity, how they fail to do so, and what can be done to mitigate concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

Ugues
4 Credits
Dec 14 – January 12
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 3:20pm
Online Course

Physiological and Sensory Psychology

An introduction to the nervous system with a focus on brain-behavior relationships, including neural communication, basic sensory processes, and complex behavior. An introduction to the theoretical, empirical, and methodological approaches in the field. This course serves as the prerequisite for PSYC 322 (Biological Psychology with Laboratory) and for PSYC 326 (Perception with Laboratory). Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

Bailey
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
Online Course

Special Topics in Developmental Psychology: Developmental Adolescence

A comprehensive examination of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional developmental processes throughout adolescence & emerging adulthood. Special consideration is given to contexts of development (e.g., family, school, peers). Various theoretical approaches to adolescent development are considered, as are empirical and methodological issues in developmental research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

Jensen
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 4:10pm
Online Course

Special Topics in Social Psychology: Psychology of Sharks

A comprehensive examination of shark social structures and cognition. Content includes research methodology, social behaviors & relationships, memory, learning, and the social psychological processes behind fear of sharks. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, BIO 105, or with instructor permission.

Howansky
2 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
T, R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

Introduction to Film and Media Studies

This course will introduce students to concepts, theories, and methods of film and media practices and will provide a basis for further study in the subject. Course materials will encompass film, video, and television studies. Students will examine the production and consumption of screen-based discourses, including image, montage, and sound; apparatus theory and historiography; genres; authorship; issues of gender, race, ethnicity, class, and nation; economics; and looking practices. Assignments will emphasize development of writing, analytical, and research skills. This course may be used to satisfy an elective requirement for the English major. Satisfies a requirement for a minor in African and African Diaspora studies, and women, gender, and sexuality studies. Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Arts.

Rhoda
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 5
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Online Course

Lighting Design

A study of the theories, principles, and tools of lighting design for theater, film, and video, this course will focus primarily on developing the student’s ability to see, understand, and manipulate light in respect to its physical and psychological properties. Topics will include properties and functions of light, color theory, instrumentation and placement, script analysis, drafting, and basic electricity. Projects will include analysis of light in various media (paintings, film, photographs) and a design for a theoretical production.

Smith
4 Credits
Dec 14 – Jan 12
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 4:20pm
Online Course