Only want to take one class with a focus on sustainability rather than a minor or major? You can still take a variety of courses within the curriculum that also count towards General Education Credit, Issues credit, or may be required within your major.

For updated information of course listings and descriptions visit the Course Catalog

African American Studies

AAA 201 - Introduction to African American Studies

Traces the historical development and examines the scope, theories, discourses, and methodologies defining African American studies and the critical responses to these studies. Surveys perspectives on African American history, religion, social organization, politics, economy, literature, and culture, and social ideology.

AAA 231 - Early African American Literature

Analysis and discussion of discourse primarily written by African Americans during the formative years of this nation. Emphasis on literary discourse as a means of defining African American consciousness and community, understanding representations of African Americans' community of origin, and investigating how the communities African Americans inhabit shaped their discursive expression.

AAA 232 - Modern African American Literature

Analysis and discussion of discourse by and about African Americans written primarily during the 20th century. Emphasis on literary discourse as a means of defining African American consciousness and community and understanding how the communities African Americans inhabit shaped their discursive expression. 

AAA 333 - Study Abroad - African/African American Studies

Of varying focus, the course makes use of the history, culture, and society of a host country in order to highlight disciplinary perspectives in context. To be taught in that country (or countries) as part of an approved study abroad program

AAA 340 - African American Culture and Social Thought

A critical examination of African American cultural expression, several African American cultural and social movements, and the defining intellectual conversations and persons in African American culture and social thought. Part of the Identity Issue

AAA 341 - Civil Conflicts in Africa 

The analysis of the nature and dynamics of both non-violent and violent conflicts - civil wars - in Africa, and the efforts to resolve them. The focus will be on selected case studies of African states. Fulfills one of the Issues requirements.
Offered every year. Credits: 3

AAA 380 - Special Topics in African/African American Studies

A seminar for the study of important topics not ordinarily covered in other courses. The course may be taken more than once when the topic is different.

Anthropology

ANT 204 - Peoples and Cultures of the World

Introduces the discipline of anthropology by examining the diversity of human cultures that have been described by historical and current anthropologists. The principles of anthropology are explained with a focus on how culture impacts people's lives within global communities and societies. Comparisons are drawn with students' own cultures. 

ANT 206 - Human Origins

Examines the dynamic interplay between human biology and culture through the study of human evolution. Grounded in the mechanisms of evolution, the class examines the emergence of our species and our relationship to nonhuman primates, among other topics.

ANT 207 - Language and Culture

Explores the interaction between language, communication, and culture, employing cross-cultural analysis to reveal cultural models and to understand how linguistic variation is linked to gender, age, region, ethnicity, and class. Several practical activities are used to apply analyses to anthropological problems. 

ANT 210 - History of Anthropological Theory

Considers the major historical development and theoretical trends in anthropology since 1860. The approach is both topical and historical. Connections with developments in related disciplines are noted. 

ANT 215 - Origins of Civilization

This course examines the consequences of decisions made by our ancestors, the successes and failures of past civilizations, so that we may better understand our own behavior. Development of world civilizations is explored using historic, archaeological and other perspectives that inform us about the past. Fulfills Foundation - Historical Analysis. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Offered the winter semester. 3 cr.

ANT 220 - Introduction to Archaeology

Introduction to the methods and techniques of archaeology, including the methods of excavation, analysis, dating techniques, and data presentation. The course has fieldwork opportunities and draws on examples from local and worldwide research. 

ANT 305 - Methods in Biological Anthropology

Overview of research methods used in biological anthropology, emphasizing living humans. Includes a discussion of current theoretical arguments within the field of physical anthropology and the techniques used to examine them. The course will introduce students to the process of research design, data analysis, and interpretation. 

ANT 307 - Field Techniques and Laboratory Methods in Anthropology

Training in the application of research methods under field conditions to problems in major areas of anthropology; supervised instruction in anthropological laboratory techniques, including data collection and storage, analysis, and interpretation.

ANT 308 - Field Experience Abroad

Of varying focus, the course makes use of the history, culture, and society of a host country in order to highlight disciplinary perspectives in context. To be taught in that country (or countries) as part of an approved study abroad program. By permit only. Credit may vary. 1-6 cr.

ANT 311 - Native Peoples of North America

A multifaceted examination of North American Indians and a comparison of that culture with the Americans'. Focus on the origin, early history, and present disposition of American Indian populations.

ANT 312 - Human Osteology

The course explores skeletal biology, growth and development, identification, and assessment of pathological and traumatic conditions. The course focuses on standard forms of data acquisition in traditional physical anthropology and for forensic anthropological applications, including bone identification, aging, sexing, stature, siding, biological affinity, pathology, taphonomy, trauma, and collection of metrics.

ANT 313 - Primate Behavior and Ecology

This course is an overview of the behavior of nonhuman primates within an ecological framework. Topics include a survey of living primates, constraints of body size on locomotion and diet, conservation, communication, conflict resolution, and the role of the environment in diet, on reproductive strategies, and in social interaction. 

ANT 314 - Bioarchaeology

Bioarchaeology is the study of human remains from archaeological settings. Its study encompasses the ethical treatment of human remains, reconstruction of patterns of subsistence, disease, activity, status, ethnicity, diet, and demography from the human skeleton to better understand the way that people chose to live in the past. 

ANT 315 - Comparative Religions

A cross-cultural study of contemporary religions. Examines the diversity of religious meanings through the lived experiences of cultures, traditions, and sects around the world. Exposes students to anthropological interpretations of religion through a range of methods, including ethnography. Themes include symbolisms, ritual, death, shamanism, healing, magic, pilgrimage, and interfaith movements. 

ANT 317 - Methods in Linguistic Anthropology

Students learn tools for conducting anthropological research on language in cross-cultural settings. The course introduces students to core concepts and methods in linguistic anthropology through hands-on language documentation and analysis exercises and a survey of ethnographic case studies from global contexts, focusing on languages and varieties other than Standard English. 

ANT 320 - Culture and Disease

This course introduces students to medical anthropology, the study of health and healing across societies. Concepts of health, illness, becoming and staying healthy, cultural practices that encourage or inhibit disease, the influence of social institutions, health disparities, and environmental influence on health will be investigated. 

ANT 325 - Archaeology of North America

A survey of prehistoric developments from Alaska to Central America, including the Mesoamerican civilizations. 

ANT 330 - Anthropology of Selected World Areas

Current topics and methodology will be examined within one anthropological subdiscipline from the perspective of a particular geographic area. Focus will be on the fundamental question: What does anthropology contribute in terms of our understanding of people and cultures? Students may repeat, provided each repeat is for a different area. 

ANT 331 - Issues in Contemporary Anthropology

This course is an upper-division examination of contemporary issues being explored in the field of anthropology. Topics may include advanced theory, controversies in the discipline, methodological questions and changing approaches to anthropological research.

ANT 332 - Historical Perspectives in Anthropology

Students will explore historical developments in anthropology, with a focus on issues such as cultural resources management, experimental archaeology, the dangers of pseudoscience, controversies in anthropology, and the contribution of anthropology to understanding major social issues. Students will examine the practice of anthropology from a historical perspective. 

ANT 335 - Anthropology of Disability and Ableism

Disability and ableism are critically examined through an anthropological lens, problematizing normative cultural paradigms of embodiment. An analytic framework is used to understand disability in diverse cross-cultural settings; how it is shaped socially (through identities of race, class, gender, sexuality), medically, politically, and situated within histories.

ANT 340 - Culture and Environment

Compares different adaptive strategies of cultures from around the world and seeks an understanding of ethical and social values different groups have related to the environment. Attention is focused on how humans relied on cultural mechanisms in the past to adapt and change their physical and natural environment. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Part of the Sustainability Issue. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: Junior Standing, WRT 150, and either Historical Analysis or US Diversity. 3 cr.

ANT 345 - Perspectives on Globalization

The anthropology of globalization examines the emergence of “globalized local cultures.” Students employ the ethnographic approach to understand globalization as the intensification of interconnectedness, in which anthropologists learn that fundamental problems of deep and universal concern to humans everywhere will need to be addressed at local, national, and global levels. Offered fall semester, even years. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Part of the Globalization Issue. Prerequisite: Junior standing. 3 cr.

ANT 370 - Cross-cultural Perspectives on Gender

Examines gender as a fundamental organizing theme of culture. Also emphasizes the sociocultural basis for gender differences using a cross-cultural and comparative approach. Discusses how gender relations affect all other aspects of human life.

ANT 375 - Language, Identity, and Diversity

Examines how language reflects and constitutes social identity and hierarchy. Language variation, with respect to place, gender, sexuality, class, race, and ethnicity, is explored in U.S. and global contexts from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students learn to critically analyze their own and others' unique speaking and writing practices and related identities

ANT 380 - Special Topics in Anthropology

A series of courses providing an in-depth study of a problem in anthropology and the methods of investigating it. Various topics of cross-cultural interest, such as human evolution, peasant cultures, preliterate societies, kinship pattern, and culture and personality, will be examined. Offered on sufficient demand.

ANT 399 - Independent Study

Independent supervised readings in selected topics. A student may take only one reading course for one to three credits per semester. No more than six hours of ANT 399 and ANT 499 combined may count toward a major or three hours combined toward the minor.

ANT 400 - Ethnographic Methods

Students will examine and evaluate the practice of anthropological ethnography through hands-on exercises, collaborative workshops, discussions on conducting ethnographic field research, ethics, and applications of responsible ethnographic research. Through in-class simulations and assignments, students will develop skills in participant observation techniques, taking ethnographic field notes, conducting interviews, and recording and transcribing discourse. 

ANT 405 - Contemporary Anthropological Theory

This course surveys contemporary topics in anthropological theory. Included is an overview of current issues, topics and debates in archaeology, physical/biological, sociocultural, and linguistic anthropology. Students will gain an understanding of recent trends in anthropology and the trajectory of the discipline. Connections with developments in related disciplines are noted.

ANT 420 - Applied Anthropology

The course engages students in contemporary anthropological practice. Students explore applied anthropology through anthropological theories, methods, and practices for engaging communities and addressing "real world" problems. Topics may include the history of engaged anthropology, public and advocacy anthropology, action/participatory research, and the ethical issues of engagement and social change. 

ANT 421 - Anthropology of Social Movements

This course overviews a wide range of processes and practices related to social movements, and anthropology's central role in expanding the definition of collective resistance beyond the scope of formalized protest (and strategic outcomes) to include and examine everyday forms and lived experience of resistance and dissent. 

ANT 490 - Practicum: Career-Service

Agency experience in the community relating practical training and independent study in a specialized area. Limited to 10 credits maximum. 

ANT 495 - Practicing Anthropology (Capstone)

Provides students with a broad and comprehensive perspective on the fundamental assumptions and issues in anthropology. Emphasis on the application of anthropological knowledge to solve social problems. Given the diverse dimensions of current trends in anthropology, students will work to establish their particular interests with the field. 

ANT 498 - Honors Research in Anthropology

Original research conducted individually with faculty supervision, based on a formal proposal. The project is the culmination of undergraduate research incorporating anthropological theory, methodology, data collection, and analysis. Research will be presented in a public forum. Syllabus and guidelines for honors research are available from the faculty. 

ANT 499 - Independent Study and Research

Research conducted individually with faculty supervision. Attention given to written and oral presentation of research findings. A student may take only one independent study per term. No more than six hours of ANT 399/ANT 499 may count toward a major or three hours of ANT 399/ANT 499 toward the minor.

Art

ART 101 - Introduction to Art

Introduction to the visual arts. Examination of creative, social, historical, and aesthetic aspects of selected works of art. 

ART 149 - Introduction to Visual Composition

Explores two-dimensional composition by applying visual elements and design principles. All work is computer generated. Designed for any student outside the Department of Visual and Media Arts who requires or seeks a background in composition.

ART 150 - Foundations: 2-D Design and Color

Explores the theories and concepts of two-dimensional art forms. Basic visual design principles and color theory are presented and analyzed through contemporary and historical examples and applied to studio problems

ART 151 - Foundations: 3-D Design

Fundamentals of design with an emphasis upon projects that develop the language of art as applied to three-dimensional forms in space. 

ART 153 - Foundations: Making and Meaning in Art and Design

This course entails investigating contemporary practices of art and design, studying how images and objects acquire meaning, experimenting with basic studio processes, and learning to use digital media in combination with traditional media in making art.

ART 155 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing I

A study of fundamental pictorial concepts of drawing. Experimentation with varied technical means and media directed toward both descriptive and expressive ends.

ART 157 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing II

A continuation of techniques and media from Introduction to Drawing I. 

ART 159 - Drawing Fundamentals

Drawing course designed for nonart and design majors and minors outside of the Department of Visual and Media Arts. Students will learn how to create observational and expressive drawings using the elements and principles of art, and how to develop ideas for drawing.

ART 209 - Graphic Design Basics

The course is designed for any nongraphic design student who requires or seeks an overview of the graphic design process and its application in visual composition, symbol development, typography, and layouts. Students produce solutions to visual communication problems and learn to articulate and present effectively their design choices. 

ART 210 - Graphic Design Studio I: Introduction to Typography

This studio extends basic art and design principles into the context of graphic design. Students will engage with letterform construction, anatomy of type, and page architecture. Emphasis will be placed on visual composition, the grid, basic reading conventions, reproduction technology, and adding images to typographic layouts.

ART 211 - Graphic Design II

Graphic design is explored in its broadest applications, including symbology and logo design. Students learn to create visual messages that are aesthetically appealing as well as informative. 

ART 214 - Experience Design Studio I: Digital Interfaces

This studio explores the creation of audience-centered experiences in digital spaces. Students will utilize audience-centered research and design methods, along with practical integration of interaction design principles. Emphasis will be placed on web and mobile application design, process documentation, research fundamentals, and execution of digital designs. 

ART 215 - Advanced Typography

An application of typographic principles to applied communication design projects of increased formal and intellectual complexity. Increased awareness of the emotional properties of typography and the relation to the message is emphasized.

ART 217 - Graphic Design Internship Seminar

This course emphasizes students' preparation for securing an internship experience in graphic design. Students will create an application packet (mark, resume, business card, leave-behind) and a digital portfolio of works. Emphasis will be placed on interview preparation, scouting tips, and assisting students in aligning their college preparation with internship goals. 

ART 218 - Design History

The history of design from the Industrial Revolution to the present. Discussions of the politics and ethics of design.

ART 219 - History of Illustration

The history of illustration and illustrators from 1900 to the present. Discussions on social and political trends, arts movements and technological advances will be explored. 

ART 221 - Survey of Art History I

A survey of art history from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. 

ART 222 - Survey of Art History II

A survey of art history from the Renaissance to the present day. 

ART 231 - Integrating the Visual Arts Across Disciplines

Art-based inquiry as an integrative approach to teaching in PK-6. Connections among art and other content areas emphasized to develop interdisciplinary approaches with a focus on big ideas and their relationships to the world through problem-solving, creative inquiry, and art-based activities. 

ART 245 - Fabricating Adornment: Jewelry Basics and Design

This course will explore traditional and fundamental jewelry-making within a conceptual context. Specific techniques to be covered include cold connection, etching, surface embellishment, simple stone setting, and finishing. Additional topics will include the historical and contemporary significance of jewelry in cultural production.

ART 246 - Fluidity in Small Form: Jewelry Casting

This course will examine the casting process as it relates to jewelry production. Emphasis will be placed on the lost-wax process of casting and related fabrication techniques. As a conceptual focus, the course will explore the practice of adornment as it relates to the casting process. 

ART 257 - Life Drawing

A continuation of techniques and media from Introduction to Drawing, with emphasis on the human figure. 

ART 258 - Intermediate Drawing

An exploration of pictorial concepts in drawing in a variety of media with the emphasis upon individual expression. 

ART 260 - Introduction to Painting

A painting course designed for art majors and non-art majors. Fundamentals of painting in opaque media with a variety of subjects and styles. 

ART 263 - Screenprint and Relief

Working primarily with screenprint and block printing, students will gain skills in each, while also learning the historical context for these techniques. Experiences will include the production of hand-drawn and photographic screen stencils, carving both linoleum and wood blocks, mixing and modifying inks, and printing by hand and printing press. 

ART 264 - Etching and Monotype

A hands-on overview of intaglio and planographic print processes. Working primarily with etching and monotype, students will gain skills in both, while also being presented with their historical context. Specific intaglio techniques to be covered include dry-point, hardground, soft-ground, and aquatint. Approaches to monotype will include painterly, subtractive, and trace. 

ART 265 - Introduction to Printmaking

Experimentation with varied techniques and with different composition ideas related to some fundamental forms of printmaking. Work with wood/linoleum cut, intaglio, and collagraph. 

ART 270 - Sculpture: Creating/Building/Making

A hands-on studio course that is equally accessible and challenging for both art and non-art majors. Introduction to basic sculpture techniques includes mold making, metal working, wood working, and sewing. Creative project topics include lost wax bronze casting, found object assemblage, soft sculpture, and fibers. 

ART 271 - Sculpture: Digital 3D Modeling and Design

This primarily computer-based studio course is accessible and challenging for both art and non-art majors. Introduction to basic digital fabrication techniques will be taught, including 3D digital modeling and rendering, laser cutting, 3D scanning and printing. Creative project topics cover prototypes, inventions, hybrids, digital artifice, and public art proposals.

ART 275 - Ceramics: The Basics

A ceramics course designed for art and non-art majors covering all basic clay and ceramics techniques and their historical background. Some clay geology, clay making, and kiln loading/unloading will be covered within the context of general studio practices and safety.

ART 280 - Special Topics in Art and Design

A course built around a special project or media with limited or topical significance and offered on a very limited basis.

ART 281 - Fundamentals of Illustration: Ideation and Sequence

This course will focus on the basics of illustration, including an introduction to process and ideation, visual problem-solving techniques, and professional practices. Students will research and learn about different markets within illustration, as well as historical and contemporary illustrators.

ART 282 - Fundamentals of Illustration: Materials and Techniques

An introduction to materials, processes, and techniques of illustration as a means of creative expression and critical inquiry. Students will learn digital and traditional illustrative methods through demonstrations, examples, and lectures. Students will develop a better understanding of the physical and technical aspects of image-making and its specific application to illustration.

Intercultural Training Certificate

ITC 100 - Introduction to Intercultural Competence

This course introduces students to the concept of cultural competence, and provides them with the knowledge and
application of skills necessary to succeed in diverse settings. This course examines theories of intercultural engagement and then requires students to consider how they might apply knowledge in diverse practical settings. Fulfills Cultures - U.S. Diversity. 3 cr

ITC 490 - Practicum: Intercultural Learning Experience

The course is an application of intercultural principles in a public or community setting. Students will engage in both cohort learning activities as well as individual experiential placements. Students on qualifying semester study abroad programs can complete the practicum concurrently with participation in the cohort. Offered fall and winter semester. Prerequisite: ITC 100, and filing of application for certificate in Intercultural Competence. 3 cr

ITC 495 - Culminating Seminar in Intercultural Competence

This is the culminating course required for completion of the Intercultural Competence Certificate. Students identify issues of cultural conflict in their communities or academic disciplines, and develop plans for how these issues might be addressed through cultural understanding or training. Offered winter semester. 3 cr

Liberal Studies

LIB 201 - Diversity in the United States

Explores how the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion and physical abilities affect the material lives and media representations of various cultural groups in the United States. Engages historical and current debates regarding issues of immigration, meritocracy, segregation, the economy, the environment, and identity. Fulfills one of the Foundation - Social and Behavioral Sciences. Fulfills Cultures - U.S. Diversity. Offered fall and winter semesters. 3 cr

LIB 322 - Wicked Problems of Sustainability

Sustainability, as a wicked problem, is an intractable, on-going and high-stakes issue. This course engages students in participatory research on the inextricably linked dimensions of sustainability, such as economics, environment and social equity. Students will work with community partners to address specific interdisciplinary problems of sustainability.

LIB 323 - Design Thinking

Design Thinking is an iterative, project-based, problem-solving process valued in organizations both locally and internationally. As interdisciplinary teams, students in this course will use the Design Thinking process to better facilitate the chaos of innovation by collaborating with stakeholders to meet real world needs. Part of the Information, Innovation, and Technology Issue. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3.000 Credit hours

LIB 330 - The Idea of Nature

An historical and cross-cultural examination of how nature has been interpreted by science, philosophy, religion, literature, and art. Part of Earth and Environment theme. 
Offered once a year, winter semester. 3 cr. 

LIB 341 - Leadership for Social Change

An examination of the theory and practice of leadership in social change movements, focused on developing personal and organizational capacities for leadership in a liberal education context. Students identify a contemporary social issue and create an action plan for resolution, addressing that issue with at least one action step. Part of the Information, Innovation, and Technology Issue. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: Junior standing. 3 cr

LIB 341 - Food Matters

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between food systems and food we consume every day. Analysis of competing information and integration of evolutionary, historical, socio-political, cultural and environmental factors shaping our current food systems lead back to the basics of nutrition, agricultural practices and equitable food systems.

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