Spring 2013 Special Topics
BA 690-6
Topics in Business Management: Strategic Management in the Global Environment and Master’s Project
MBA integrative and capstone course emphasizing top management’s perspective. Review of traditional and cutting-edge material on strategic management and its techniques. The material and techniques are then applied to analyzing a firm’s strategy (existing, early-stage, or start-up) at one or more levels: Corporate, business unit, cooperative (mergers and acquisitions), international, and functional (e.g., technology). The resulting team oral presentation and case report fulfill the requirements for the Master’s Project. Prerequisite: Admission into the MBA Program and advancement to candidacy.
COMM 420-3
Topics in Communication Theory: Communication and Social Protest
Examines collective efforts and attempts to produce social change via protest. Looks at the various communicative and rhetorical strategies common to those involved in social protest and explores various types of social protests: from public debates to mediated dialogues, from embodied politics and performances of resistance to more extreme acts of violence and terrorism.
DNCE 130-3
Topics in Dance Practice: Contemporary Ballet
Geared to all levels of experience. Study technique, evaluate aesthetic qualities, and investigate diverse interpretations of ballet as a contemporary art practice. Learn and appreciate basic concepts by engaging physically in the techniques, attending lectures, viewing dances, writing essays, and reading articles and books. Regular practice and attendance, participation in a performance project, response papers, and a critical final research paper are course requirements.
DNCE 130-4
Topics in Dance Practice: Ballroom Dance
Creatively practice and engage with Smooth and International Latin forms such as Salsa, Swing, Waltz, ChaCha, and Tango. Learn about cultural history, partnering, musicality, style, body posture, and alignment. Skills focus on leading and following, variations, transitions, tension, and compression. Open to all levels of experience.
ECON 481-5
Topics in Economics: Economics, Philosophy and Psychology
Explore the intersections of economics with philosophy and psychology. In particular, examine the question of distributive justice (how should the benefits and costs of living in society be distributed) and behavioral economics (experimentally testing conventional economic assumptions and hypotheses). Prerequisites: ECON 201 and 202, and MATH 132 or 160.
EDUC 496-2
Topic in Education: Hearing Disorders and Measurement
Covers the nature of hearing disorders, including types, and how they are measured. Students will learn the etiologies and characteristics of hearing impairment and be able to interpret reports of audio-logical evaluations. They will demonstrate an understanding of 1) the effects of hearing impairment on communication skills, 2) amplification and other assistive technology for the hearing impaired and potential benefits related to communication, and 3) traditional, current and innovative techniques of measuring hearing impairment.
ENTR 482-1
Topics in Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneur Law
A basic understanding of the choices available for the entrepreneur’s proposed business entity is a fundamental step for any new enterprise. Provides the student with an encompassing study of all phases of the entrepreneurial journey by studying the legal issues that entrepreneurs should consider when launching a new enterprise. Provides students with a basic understanding of the legal, regulatory and ethical environment in which entrepreneurs and managers craft business solutions that maximize value while minimizing legal or business risk. Enrollment restricted to students who have completed all lower-division pre-business core. Prerequisite: BUS 202 and consent of Department Chair.
ENTR 482-2
Selected Topics in Entrepreneurship: Intrapreneurship and Corporate Venturing
One of the most elusive yet important challenges facing corporate executives is the ability to sustain profitable growth in established business enterprises. This course explores the structural challenges to achieving superior growth and critically examines the entrepreneurial approaches utilized by successful growth enterprises.
GRMN 390-1
Oral and Written Communication in Cultural Contexts
Practice of oral and written communication in various cultural contexts (private, semi-formal, formal, and professional situations). Designed to build vocabulary and strengthen pronunciation by means of role-playing and conversations; emphasis is placed on improving writing skills by practicing different text genres (message; description/report; narration; letter; CV, etc.). Discussion of cultural factors that impact communication (analysis of texts and visual media), and study selected grammar topics. Enrollment Requirement: GRMN 201.
HD 370-4
Topics in Human Development: Health in a Diverse Society
Focuses on the intersection between social issues, culture and health. Explores social and cultural influences on health, to understand how health and illness is conceptualized across cultures. Provides students who are interested in health careers with knowledge on how to provide culturally competent services. Explores health promotion and maintenance for diverse individuals, cultural competent care, healing traditions, health disparities and the contribution of socio-cultural factors to the etiology and maintenance of disease. Restricted to Human Development majors who have completed their lower-division requirements.
HD 370-5
Topics in Human Development: Aging and Mental Health
Provides an introduction to the mental health needs of older adults. Specific content will include an overview of normal and abnormal aging. Major theoretical models of psychopathology applied to the developmental context of later life and the specific psychiatric disorders and the unique presentation of these disorders in older age will be discussed. Covers unique considerations of working with older adults including treatment settings, caregiving, and ethical considerations. Restricted to students who have completed all Human Development prep courses and PSYC 356.
HIST 300-3
Thematic Topics in History: History of Visual Culture and Photography in the United States
This course considers the role of visual images in reflecting and shaping historical change in the United States from 1830 to the present. Will emphasize the role of visual images and photography in the development of American identities and inequalities, and the relationship between visual images and historical debates about key political, economic, and social issues.
ID 370-7
Topics in Interdisciplinary Perspectives in the Social Sciences: Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the Social Sciences
Examines use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in problem solving for the social sciences. Explores how GIS can be employed in different fields of social inquiry, including anthropology, linguistics, geography, sociology, political science, planning, economics and environmental studies through reading, critiquing and hands-on lab exercises. Required GIS exercises are designed to teach a wide range of analytic and map-making skills, which students will then apply to a course project focused on a specific research question of the social sciences.
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.
KINE 390-8
Topics in Kinesiology: Introduction to Manual Therapy Techniques
Provides students with knowledge and hands-on practice in the most common manual therapy techniques, including: the ability to locate various muscles, joints and anatomical landmarks through palpation, stretching and myo-fascial release techniques, learning to work within the personal space of others with an appreciation of professional boundaries, and understanding the key components of a professional consultation and examination.
MASS 470-1
Topics in Mass Media: Digital Media in Context
A survey of perspectives on social contexts of digital media use. Examine emerging communication technologies (ICTs) from a variety of maker and user community perspectives. Focuses on social and cultural changes attributed to new media use as explored in research on and criticism related to these technologies. Texts draw attention to three levels of analysis of contexts: individual, interpersonal/group cross-cultural, and systems/policy. Prerequisites: COMM 360 and MASS 303.
MGMT 482-2
Selected Topics in Management: Employment Law
Provides an overview of laws and legal principles within the employment context. Material is presented from both the perspective of the employee and manager/organization. Designed to provide guidance to managers and employees who confront legal issues/dilemmas in the workplace. Begins with an examination of the employment relationship and progresses through the various forms of workplace discrimination. Focuses on general legal theories and principles for analyzing discrimination as well as specific issues (e.g., race, gender, religion, disability, age, etc.). Prerequisite: MGMT 415.
MGMT 484-3
Selected Topics in Management: Compensation & Benefits
An advanced human resource management course that provides an overview of the process for designing employee compensation and benefits strategies. Covers such topics as pay models, strategic perspectives of pay, pay structures, pay levels, pay-for-performance, benefits determination, benefits options, compensation systems. Prepares students to understand, dvelop and evaluate compensation strategies and plans based on principles of equity, efficiency and effectiveness. Relevant for all managerial positions to ensure adequate motivation for desired performance, organizational loyalty and risk mitigation for unfair pay practices. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MGMT 415.
MIS 482-1
Topics in MIS: Information Security
Explores areas most commonly encountered in the business environment. Uses real-life situations to illustrate how information security is implemented in order to address the current legal requirements, technical threats, and social environments. Subjects covered include information security history and purpose, legal issues, development and enforcement of policies and standards, risk management, current threats, technologies, and security program implementation. Prerequisite: MIS 304
MKTG 484-2
Selected Topics in Marketing: Using Social Media for Marketing
Social media are a dynamic set of technologies that are being used by companies to promote themselves and their products. Consumers are adopting devices that are linked to the Internet continuously. New forms of social media are constantly being introduced. Companies are using forms of social media to reach these consumers. This course will determine how to best use social media as part of an integrated promotional campaign. Enrollment restricted to students who have completed all lower-division pre-business core (major status in Business Administration). Prerequisites: MKTG 302 or 305.
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.
PHIL 390-1
Topics in Philosophy: Feminist Ethics (cross-listed with WMST 300-14)
Feminist ethics is the attempt to identify the role of sexual difference in philosophical inquiry and examine the causes of sexual injustice in our culture, institutions, and politics. We will read feminist thinkers with radically different agendas and focus on the various methodologies of feminist critique in order to better grasp the breadth and influence of this historical development in contemporary philosophy. Some readings will be abstract and theoretical while others will engage controversial issues of interest to feminist thinkers, such as pornography, prostitution, sexual violence, issues of body image and beauty, sexual orientation, reproductive rights, and eco-feminism.
PSCI 338-2
Government and Politics of Selected Latin America Nation-States(s): Central American and Caribbean Politics
Provides an introduction to the contemporary politics of Central America and the Caribbean since the early nineteenth century. Organized around the concept of a dialogue between “national” political histories – that is, the formation of independent states after centuries of Spanish colonial rule and the hetereogeneous experiences and histories of workers, farmers, peasants, artisans, slaves. Within this framework students will examine aspects of the social history and economic development of the region, including the study of land and labor systems, gender relations, race and ethnicity, community and class formation, and state formation.
PSCI 390-1
Topic in U.S. Politics: U.S. Immigration Policy: A Public Policy Perspective
An in-depth study of U.S. policy concerning immigration. As a public policy course, the curriculum will cover the policy process involving immigration which includes problem identification, getting the issue on the policy agenda, policy formulation (alternatives), policy adoption, and policy evaluation. Provides a broad perspective of past and contemporary policies on immigration with the focus on contemporary policies. The emphasis of study will also encompass exploring and developing our own policy alternatives and adoption of one of those alternatives to the policy issue. Materials in the course will be conveyed through academic readings, film, and class discussions.
PSCI 390-8
Topics in U.S. Politics: Political Movements in the United States
Analyzes significant political movements in the United States, beginning with the theoretical framework of movement theory and power and powerlessness in political science. Proceeds with a case study analysis of movements (on both the left and right) addressing issues related to women, racial and ethnic minority groups, and gays and lesbians. The roots, demographics, growth, strategies, tactics, challenges, power, outcomes, backlash/counter-movements, and aftermath of each movement will be studied. Carries upper-division GE area DD credit.
PSCI 469-2
Topics in International Relations: Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Designed to help students understand the emergence, evolution, varieties, underlying causes, and responses to genocide and other crimes against humanity. This course will have three parts: (1) We will discuss the emergence of genocide and the subsequent conceptualization of this phenomenon. (2) Since the attempt to exterminate an entire group of people based on race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality has existed in some fashion since the beginning of recorded history, this course will explain the evolution of genocide through historical case studies. (3) We will discuss the new human rights standards that have arisen in response to these crimes against humanity. The effort to define and prosecute genocides is now a major aspect of international law and we will explore the response of the international community to these crimes. Enrollment Requirement: One upper-division international relations course.
SOC 471-1
Advanced Topics in Sociological Theory: The Tao of Sociological Theory
A seminar focused on helping students gain a broad and deep understanding of sociological theory through its application to everyday life. Use metaphors drawn from Taoist philosophy to illuminate ways to integrate sociological theories/insights into daily activities. Learn to use sociologically informed experiences to generate/enhance grounded sociological theories. Draw broadly on sociological insights from contemporary and classical theorists. Recommended preparation: SOC 320.
SOC 485-1
Seminar on Sociological Topics: Sociological Mindfulness
Workshop in the mindful application of sociological insights as a means toward leading a more fulfilling life.
SOC 486-1
Topics in Children, Youth & Famlies: Prevention and Intervention Programs and Policies for Domestic Violence
Explore the variety of prevention and intervention programs and policies for domestic violence in the United States. Evaluate the effectiveness of community, state, and federal level prevention of intimate partner violence. Explore the range and effectiveness of intervention services for both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Will include critical examination of treatment models from sociological perspectives.
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 490-5
Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice: Immigration and Justice
Examines immigration and anti-immigration policy in the U.S., in terms of nativism, racism, borderlands theorizing, and differential policing. A range of interdisciplinary texts on transnational-migration and critical race perspectives of crime will be explored. Focuses on current laws and policing practices that hyper-criminalize immigrants in the U.S.
SOC 490-6
Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement and Media
Investigate the relationship between law enforcement and various forms of media. Includes the relationship between law enforcement and news media. Investigate the way that law enforcement is portrayed in popular media. Covers the use of police in news stories, reality programming, fictional television, films and literature. Analyzed from the context of empirical and academic literature on law enforcement.
VPA 380-11
Topics in the Arts: Advanced Graphic Design and Visual Media
Investigates a broad range of contemporary artists who use digital media for visual communications and graphic design. Explores a broad range of perspectives and experiments with different conceptual approaches to art making, to develop conceptual, aesthetic, and communication strategies working with emerging digital media trends and technologies. Includes an in-depth examination of the concept of visual hierarchies for text and images, as well as other components, including color, font design, page layout and the optimization of visual communication.
VPA 380-16
Cultural Identity in Art &Visual Culture
Considers the relationships between art and cultural identities. In addition to exploring the work of modern and contemporary artists and how they relate to the discourses of identity politics, will consider how representational practices shape public perceptions of cultural groups and intercultural relations. Students will also consider how they develop their own cultural identities through interaction with visual culture and develop skills in the critical analysis of images as well as working towards responsible representational practices in their own artistic production.
VPA 380-17
Topics in the Arts: 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 380-18
Art and Social Change
Explores how the desire for social change has led modern and contemporary artists and art movements to align with political and social causes. Students will read an international selection of theoretical texts, artists’ proposals and manifestos, and case studies in arts and political engagement. Students will also consider their own capacities for leadership and arguments, and motivations, and actions that allow them to participate in social change creatively through participating in service learning.
VPA 380-22
Topics in the Arts: Screenwriting
Examines screenwriting in motion pictures (film/TV/net/video, etc.) through explorations of archetype, character, theme, plot, conflict, action, and dialogue. Provides insight on how narrative functions, and gives practice in creating effective scripts and stories for creative productions for both short and feature productions. (Cross-listed with MASS 433)
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.
WMST 300-11
Topics in Women’s Studies: Gender and Violence
Explores the intersections of gender and violence. Not only explores violence against women through a feminist lens, but in addition examines the intersections of masculinities and violence, and race, class, gender and sexualities and violence. Addresses the meanings of interpersonal and state violence, the effects of being the target of violence or of perpetuating violence, the intersections of race, class, ethnicity, gender and sexuality with violence and with who is defined as “violent” and society’s responses to gendered violence. Topics such as intimate partner violence, LGBT violence, rape and sexual assault, and state sponsored violence will be discussed. Will also consider feminist resistance to violence and will address ways to reduce violence structurally – through contesting, for example, racist and patriarchal institutions and social structures – both in the U.S. and around the world.
WMST 300-14
Topics in Women’s Studies: Feminist Ethics (cross-listed with PHIL 390-1)
Feminist ethics is the attempt to identify the role of sexual difference in philosophical inquiry and examine the causes of sexual injustice in our culture, institutions, and politics. We will read feminist thinkers with radically different agendas and focus on the various methodologies of feminist critique in order to better grasp the breadth and influence of this historical development in contemporary philosophy. Some readings will be abstract and theoretical while others will engage controversial issues of interest to feminist thinkers, such as pornography, prostitution, sexual violence, issues of body image and beauty, sexual orientation, reproductive rights, and eco-feminism.
WMST 300-16
Topics in Women’s Studies: Feminist Geography
Introduces geographical concepts such as space, place and location as they relate to gender and feminism. Explores how the social category of gender and the organization of gender relations are implicated in, constituted by and maintained through spatial processes. Feminist geographers in particular have contributed greatly to the understanding of how and why various spaces and practices become gendered. By applying the critiques of feminism and focusing on the lived experiences of individuals, feminist geographers seek to understand the construction of gender division and gender identity in connection to various geographies and spaces. Will incorporate GIS techniques for spatial analysis coupled with feminist critiques of the technologies and methodologies used.
WMST 300-17
Topics in Women’s Studies: The Politics of Motherhood
Explores the cultural politics of motherhood in the U.S. and globally, using feminist perspectives and intersectional analysis to focus on a variety of political, economic, and cultural issues, including the historical construction of the ideal of the “good” mother, childbirth and childrearing practices, single mothering, mothers and the welfare state, abortion, reproductive technologies and surrogacy, globalization and the dynamics of migrant mothers, transnational and same-sex couples adoption, and mothers and agency in electoral and movement politics.
Information provided by the Office of Curriculum
Posted November 5, 2012
