Spring 2013 Special Topics
BIOL 596-1
Advanced Topics in Biology: Ecological Monitoring
Provides conceptual background to the statistical and ecological issues involved in monitoring the status and trend in populations, communities, and ecosystems. Monitoring ecological systems requires a firm grounding in ecological theory, as well as a set of specific technical skills. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, or BIOL 215 and 354. Corequisite: BIOL 597-1.
BIOL 597-1
Advanced Topics in Biology Lab: Ecological Monitoring Lab
Provides students with an overview of the methods used to assess the status and trend in ecological systems. Techniques covered will include change detection with remote sensing and GIS, statistical analysis of change over time in abundance estimates, and demographic assessment of population growth rate. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, or BIOL 215 and 354. Corequisite: BIOL 596-1.
CHEM 491-3
Topics in Biochemistry: Enzymes
Introduces students to different classes of enzymes, their structure and function using examples of medical importance. Enzymes are large biomolecules responsible for the hundreds of chemical reactions that sustain life. Students will be introduced to one of more of the following topics: enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibition, mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, enzyme regulation, as well as the detailed description of well-characterized enzymes. Prerequisites: CHEM 340 or 351, with a minimum grade of C (2.0).
COMM 420-2
Topics in Communication: Asian Americans and the Media
Examines Asian Americans’ relationship to the media, including television, film and emerging media, as well as experimental, documentary, independent and Hollywood features. Studies these texts in relation to the history of Asian Americans, the historical imaging and imagination of Asian Americans, and Asian American class, sexuality, and culture more generally. Explores how Asian Americans attempt to construct histories and identities, how media, film and video intersect with developments in Asian American politics, and how social, artistic, and literary movements relate to dominant culture and dominant media/film organizations.
EDUC 496-4
Topics in Education: Introduction to International Comparative Education
Offers an overview of schooling around the world through exploration of the diversity of educational policy and practice in a time of increased globalization. Appropriate for students considering teaching as a profession, those interested in international studies, global studies, international business, or interested in reflecting on their own experience of schooling in a broader context. Comparative analysis is introduced as a means of deepening understanding of the field and is also explicitly taught.
GBST 390-2
Topics in Global Studies: Climate Change and Global Security
Introduces students to the basic science of climate change: What are climate changes? How are these changes measured? How are these measurements carried out and the data collected? Focuses on analyzing the impacts that climatic changes are having, and could have, on the security of individuals, countries, regional and the international system, and also access to and affordability of food, clean water, and energy. Explores how population growth and changing consumption habits across the globe may interact with the consequences of climate change to increase the potential for violent conflict. Cross-listed with PSCI 390-13.
GBST 390-3
Topics in Global Studies: Urban Geography: Cities in Global Context
A funny thing happened at the turn of the 20th Century. Most of the world’s population shifted from living in the countryside to living in cities. Cities are therefore “where the action is.” This course considers these developments by exploring contemporary urban issues in less developed and more developed countries in geographic perspective. Covers issues such as globalization in cities, social movement, gentrification and housing, mobility, transportation, poverty, employment and labor, health and sanitation, and the impacts of development and trade on cities.
HIST 300-5
Topics in History: Modern Latin American History
Part of a new, two-part survey of Latin American History which uses a chronology starting with the independence movements in the early 1800s through the mid-20th century. Themes of political and economic development will be explored in the nations that emerged from Spanish and Portuguese colonies. The historical experience of diverse social groups will be considered, especially through emerging media technologies such as photography and cinema. Employs historical methods to analyze historical documents from the period and current historical scholarship.
HIST 300-8
Topics in History: Latin America Image and Myth
Develops understanding about how images, including moving and still images, give insight into historical culture, society, and experience in Latin America, and how visual images represent historical culture, society and experience in Latin America. Latin America will be explored from diverse perspectives and in distinct historical moments, including the U.S.-Mexican borderlands. Fundamental skills of historical method will be applied and improved through course assignments and class participation.
ID 360-4
Topics in ID Perspectives in Humanities: Disney Animated Films: A Small World After All?
Since the 1937 release of Snow White, Disney animated films have entertained millions of children and families around the world. Explores issues of representation in Disney movies, with a special focus on social constructions of culture, notions of identity and “difference”, and the whirlpool of contradictory messages embedded in Disney animated films. Students will watch Disney movies with a critical eye, complete a set of academic readings, and develop their analytical skills as cultural consumers.
KINE 390-7
Topics in Kinesiology: Eating Disorders and Weight Control in Sport
Provides an introduction of the definition, health consequences, prevalence, risk factors, and management and treatment strategies of clinical and subclinical disordered eating behaviors in sport and discusses healthy weight management practices for athletes. Reviews current peer-reviewed research on topics related to athlete eating disorders, disordered eating, and the Female Athlete Triad. Restricted to Kinesiology majors.
MASS 430-2
Topics in Mass Media Production: Documentary Production
Follows-up on the introduction classes in film and video by drawing upon the particular expertise of faculty in creating non-fiction or documentary projects. Emphasizes non-fiction field production, with theory, history and practice, focusing on a hands-on experience. Screenings, readings, lectures and discussion prepare students to envision, plan, shoot, edit and screen a documentary video. Students gain experience working individually and in groups. Cross-listed with VPA 380-20.
MGMT 482-3
Training and Development
An advanced human resource management course that provides an overview of the process for designing training and development programs. Covers the assessment, design, development, implementation and evaluation activities required to effectively and efficiently develop employee knowledge, skills, abilities and other competencies. Prepares students to understand, develop and evaluate human resource development strategies and plans based on principles of equity, efficiency and effectiveness . Relevant for all managerial positions to ensure human resources are equipped with required competencies in the short- and long term to achieve desired performance, organizational loyalty and risk mitigation for illegal behaviors and practices in the workplace. Pre or Co-requisite: MGMT 415.
MGMT 484-4
Selected Topics in Management: Managing the Sustainable Enterprise
Explores the role of business in building a sustainable world. With increasing evidence that firms can no longer ignore current environmental and societal concerns, managers have an important role in reshaping business models and industries, to build sustainable value. Students learn what sustainability means to business, how it is measured and reported, as well as how to formulate and implement actionable strategies. Prepares students to thrive in a changing business environment which values innovativeness and adaptability to current global challenges. Enrollment restricted to students who have completed all lower-division pre-business core (major status in Business Administration). Prerequisite: BUS 302.
MLAN 101-1
Beginning Study of a Second Language: Beginning Chinese
An Introduction to the Chinese Language and Chinese-speaking cultures with emphasis on the development of communicative skills and grammatical structures. Though no prior knowledge of Chinese is assumed, this course is conducted in Chinese to promote language acquisition.
MLAN 102-1
Beginning Study of a Second Language: Beginning Chinese II
Further study of the Chinese Language and Chinese-speaking cultures, with emphasis on the development of communicative skills and grammatical structures. Though no prior knowledge of Chinese is assumed, this course is conducted in Chinese to promote language acquisition. Enrollment Requirement: MLAN 101-1 or equivalent.
MUSC 180-1
Topics in Music: Intermediate Piano
A continuation of the study of piano performance. Students will complete intermediate work in piano technique, scales, chord-building and sight-reading skills. Assumes mastery of all the work in MUSC 130 and will continue with more advanced repertoire. Enrollment Requirement: MUSC 130 or consent of the instructor.
NATV 380-1
Topics in Native Studies: Imagining Indians: American Indians, Mass Media, Film and Society
Designed to provide students with a critical analysis and deeper understanding of American Indian cultures at the intersection of the Mass Media. Examines American Indians in media from the very first instances in America through contemporary media and critically examines the effects of media on American Indian identity, politics, sovereignty, ethnic identity, environment, economic development, health disparities, human rights, spirituality, religious freedom, language and art and the very existence of Indian Country in the 21st century. Examines American Indian cultures as part of the American entertainment cinema, television and as mascots for team sports. Cross-listed with SOC 489-5.
NATV 380-2
Topics in Critical Race Studies: Contemporary American Indian Health & Wellness
Examines American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) health and wellness from a contemporary public and community health/epidemiologic perspective. Current AIAN health status and health behaviors and maintenance of a healthy environment, and theories of health behavior change will be studied. Tribal sovereignty and connectedness related to personal/community health and health care access will be evident throughout all aspects of the course. Historical and contemporary perspectives will be included. Ethical standards for tribally appropriate health related research and associated historic issues will be discussed. Local AIAN leaders prominent in these fields will be invited guest lecturers. Students will take field trips to tribally/owned/operated full-service community health clinics. Cross-listed with SOC 489-6.
PSCI 390-10
Topics in Political Science: Modern Political Theory
Introduces a number of concepts and arguments which have frequently been associated with modern political thought. The State-citizen relationship, individual rights and liberties, history as a process of human progress, revolution, and alienation are among the subjects which will be surveyed. Discusses original texts by a number of theorists including Immanuel Kant, Frederick Nietzsche, Benjamin Constant, and Jose Ortega y Gasset. Encourages an understanding of the relationship among modern political theories. Further, encourages the use of these theories and critical thinking to come up with analysis of various contemporary political issues and problems.
PSCI 390-13
Topics in Political Science: Climate Change and Global Security
Introduces students to the basic science of climate change: What are climate changes? How are these changes measured? How are these measurements carried out and the data collected? Focuses on analyzing the impacts that climatic changes are having, and could have, on the security of individuals, countries, regional and the international system, and also access to and affordability of food, clean water, and energy. Explores how population growth and changing consumption habits across the globe may interact with the consequences of climate change to increase the potential for violent conflict. Cross-listed with GBST 390-2.
PSCI 419-2
Topics in U.S. Politics: Broken Government? The Dysfunctional American Political System
The political impasse during the debt ceiling negotiations of 2011 underscored the inability of the U.S. federal government to respond to a difficult challenge. Even worse, perhaps, is that once-routine political processes such as normal legislative votes and confirmation hearings are now mired in highly partisan controversy and gridlock. This course examines the current dysfunctional state of American politics, looking at its various causes and exploring possible solutions.
SOC 489-5
Topics in Critical Race Studies: Imagining Indians: American Indians, Mass Media, Film and Society
Designed to provide students with a critical analysis and deeper understanding of American Indian cultures at the intersection of the Mass Media. Examines American Indians in media from the very first instances in America through contemporary media and critically examines the effects of media on American Indian identity, politics, sovereignty, ethnic identity, environment, economic development, health disparities, human rights, spirituality, religious freedom, language and art and the very existence of Indian Country in the 21st century. Examines American Indian cultures as part of the American entertainment cinema, television and as mascots for team sports. Cross-listed with NATV 380-1.
SOC 489-6
Topics in Critical Race Studies: Contemporary American Indian Health & Wellness
Examines American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) health and wellness from a contemporary public and community health/epidemiologic perspective. Current AIAN health status and health behaviors and maintenance of a healthy environment, and theories of health behavior change will be studied. Tribal sovereignty and connectedness related to personal/community health and health care access will be evident throughout all aspects of the course. Historical and contemporary perspectives will be included. Ethical standards for tribally appropriate health related research and associated historic issues will be discussed. Local AIAN leaders prominent in these fields will be invited guest lecturers. Students will take field trips to tribally/owned/operated full-service community health clinics. Cross-listed with NATV 380-2.
VPA 380-17
Digital Photo Sketchbook
Investigates a broad range of artistic practices and contemporary artists who use digital media as a tool for contemporary photographic practices. Students will experiment with different conceptual approaches to art making and develop aesthetic strategies for engaging audiences. Students will learn to use digital still cameras and mobile devices for their experimental and documentary work.
VPA 380-20
Topics in the Arts: Documentary Production
Follows-up on the introduction classes in film and video by drawing upon the particular expertise of faculty in creating non-fiction or documentary projects. Emphasizes non-fiction field production, with theory, history and practice, focusing on a hands-on experience. Screenings, readings, lectures and discussion prepare students to envision, plan, shoot, edit and screen a documentary video. Students gain experience working individually and in groups. Cross-listed with MASS 430-2.
VPA 380-23
Topics in the Arts: Digital Drawing
Learning analogue drawing principles and techniques that have been modified for use on computers. A range of approaches will be employed to teach students principles of drawing and representation as it relates to digital culture, and to enable students to draw directly on the screen, in layers, and interactively in 3D environments, and on websites.
VPA 380-24
Topics in the Arts: Experimental Media Production
Students will study various forms of experimental cinema and video. They will produce several short experimental hi-definition digital productions that explore sounds and image relationships, narrative and non-narrative structures.
WMST 300-2
Topics in Women’s Studies: Black Feminist Thought and Activism
Explores Black Feminist thought and activism, placing it in an historical context to make visible the forces that have shaped Black Feminist consciousness and activism. Studies the “standpoints” of Black Feminists and their theoretical and political work, and examines critically the relationship of multiple Black feminisms - including Womanism – with other feminisms. Course readings provide an overview of the early origins of Black Feminist thought within conditions of slavocracy, of the principles and practices associated with its evolution through struggle over time, and of the key debates in which scholars and activists engage, including issues of self and community, the intersection of race with gender, class, sexuality, and nation, resistance and transformation, and women’s lives and identities within families, with Black men, with each other, and with other feminists. A central element of this exploration is a focus on women of African descent in the United States and in the Diaspora.
WMST 300-3
Topics in Women’s Studies: Women and Revolution in Cuba
Examines the place of women in Cuban society, focusing specifically on the 1959 revolution, socialist development, and Cuba’s response to the (gendered) dynamics of globalization in the 2000s. Locates women’s roles and experiences historically, provides students with feminist theoretical lenses with which to explore and assess change in women’s lives over time, and offers students the opportunity to think comparatively, critically, and creatively about the women, revolution, and socialism in Cuba.
WMST 300-7 (2 units)
Topics in Women’s Studies: Peer Education and Advocacy Training
A critical examination of gendered violence, body image, the social construction and coercion of gender, race and sexuality, societal and political systems of power and privilege, and theories of leadership. Provides training on presentation techniques, crisis intervention, and peer counseling. Develops student’s knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on these issues, and prepares them to work with the ASI Women’s Center to provide effective peer education for the CSUSM campus and surrounding communities.
WMST 300-13
Topics in Women’s Studies: Reproductive Rights
This course will explore the history of reproductive rights for women in the United States and globally, including the emergence of family planning practices, the design and availability of contraception, access to abortion and assistive technologies, focusing on legal and policy developments, religious/political/cultural contexts, women’s activism, and feminist theoretical perspectives of reproductive rights and wrongs.
WMST 300-19
Topics in Women’s Studies: Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
Introduction to the academic field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer studies. Interdisciplinary in design, examines the history of LGBTQ Studies; the experiences, and cultural production of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer individuals and communities; the social and theoretical constructions of gender, sexuality, and the body that have served to order and discipline LGBTQ identities; and the issues motivating movements for LGBTQ rights, equality, and representation.
WMST 401-4
Seminar in Women’s Studies: Doing Feminist Research
Introduces the varied research methods that feminist scholars employ to conduct research, including quantitative and qualitative methods ranging from feminist empiricism and survey research, interviewing strategies, and oral histories, to content analysis, ethnography, feminist action research, and anti-oppressive methodologies and research strategies. Engage methods critically, examine issues and debates about Women’s Studies interdisciplinarity and the possibilities of a distinctive feminist/Women’s Studies research methodology.
Information provided by the Office of Curriculum
Posted April 15, 2013; Updated April 22, 2013
