Apr 23, 2024  
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Courses


 
  
  • MA 101 - Finite Mathematics


    An introduction to concepts of modern mathematics with applications to business, economics, and the social sciences. Topics considered may include linear systems, matrices, linear optimization, sets, combinatorics, probability, logic, Markov chains, game theory, difference equations and the mathematics of finance.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Non-majors only.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Mathematical Sciences
  
  • MA 102 - Elementary Statistics


    Nature of statistical methods, description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, and correlation and regression.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Non-majors only. Credit will not be given for MA 102 if credit has already been given for BU 207, EC 205, or PS 213.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Mathematical Sciences
  
  • MA 103 - Elements of Calculus


    A one-semester survey calculus course. Not designed for those intending further study of calculus. Topics include derivatives and their applications, integration, applications of the definite integral.

    Prerequisites: Intermediate algebra and trigonometry (high school).

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Credit will not be given for MA 103 if credit has already been received for MA 109.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Mathematical Sciences
  
  • MA 109 - Calculus I


    The first course in the scientific calculus sequence. Functions, limits, continuity; differentiation, integration, and applications; transcendental functions.

    Prerequisites: Intermediate algebra and trigonometry.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Mathematical Sciences
  
  • MA 111 - Calculus II


    The second course in the scientific calculus sequence. Integration techniques and applications.  Plane analytic geometry; parametric equations; polar coordinates, infinite sequences, and series.

    Prerequisites: MA 109; or permission of the instructor or the department chair.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Mathematical Sciences
  
  • MA 207 - Discrete Mathematics


    Propositional logic; techniques of formal proof; sets, functions and relations; recursion and recurrence relations; graphs and networks.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 208 - Theory of Computation


    Computation models including finite state machines; Kleene’s theorem; push-down automata; lambda calculus; primitive recursive and recursive functions; Turing machines, computability, and the Halting Problem; NP completeness; other topics.

    Prerequisites: MA 207 or MA 213

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 211 - Calculus III


    Continuation of Mathematics 109-111. Vectors and vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integrals and their applications, line integrals, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem.

    Prerequisites: MA 111.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 213 - Linear Algebra


    Systems of linear equations; vector spaces; linear independence and bases; direct sums; linear maps; matrices; determinants; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; canonical forms.

    Prerequisites: MA 211.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 214 - Number Theory


    Divisibility and prime numbers; congruences and arithmetic modulo n; the Chinese Remainder Theorem; quadratic residues; Diophantine equations.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 216 - Combinatorics


    Selected topics from graph theory and enumeration such as isomorphism; planarity; circuits and coloring; search trees and network algorithms. Principles of counting; induction; permutations, combinations, and the binomial theorem; inclusion and exclusion principles; pigeonhole principle; partitions. Additional topics may be chosen from Stirling numbers, generating functions, graph theory, designs, partially ordered sets, codes.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 251 - Probability and Statistics


    Introduction to combinatorics and probability; discrete distributions; density functions, moments; the normal and exponential distributions with applications; the Central Limit Theorem. Elementary applications to Statistics.

    Prerequisites: MA 111

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 303 - Differential Equations


    First order differential equations with applications including examples from biology and physics; qualitative analysis; approximation of solutions. Second order linear equations and applications; series solutions, systems of differential equations. Other topics may include phase plane analysis, Laplace transforms, boundary value problems, difference equations.

    Prerequisites: MA 211

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 304 - History of Mathematics


    A problem study approach to the history of mathematics emphasizing student participation. Topics may include: number systems, Babylonian and Egyptian mathematics, Pythagorean mathematics, duplication, trisection and quadrature, Greek mathematics including Euclid’s Elements, Hindu-Arabian and Chinese mathematics, and the prelude to and dawn of modern mathematics.

    Prerequisites: MA 111

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 305 - Numerical Methods


    Methods for approximating the solutions to mathematical problems which are difficult or impossible to solve exactly. Topics include floating-point representations; approximation of functions; roots of nonlinear equations; numerical differentiation and integration; interpolation and curve-fitting; systems of linear equations; and numerical solution of ordinary differential equations.

    Prerequisites: MA 111

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 308 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries


    Among the topics considered are Euclid’s geometry, informal logic, Hilbert’s axioms, neutral geometry, the history of the parallel postulate, the discovery of non-Euclidean geometry, the independence of the parallel postulate, and some of the philosophical implications of these topics. Especially useful for prospective teachers of mathematics.

    Prerequisites: MA 111

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 315 - Complex Analysis


    The topology and the algebraic structure of the complex numbers; differentiation and integration of complex-valued functions; power series and Laurent series; Cauchy’s theorem and the residue calculus.

    Prerequisites: MA 211

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 380 - Topics in Mathematics


    Offered occasionally to study a topic not normally offered.

    Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 1-3 cr.
  
  • MA 381 - Mathematics Education Seminar


    Enhances the ability of teaching mathematics at the secondary level (or other levels), facilitates effective mathematical lesson preparation and presentation to a class, addresses current issues in mathematics education (such as the use of technology), and encourages the use of ancillary teaching resources.

    Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 1 cr.
  
  • MA 399 - Mathematics Internship


    An internship provides students an opportunity to put some of their mathematical skills into practice in a business or other organization. Connections between theoretical concepts and real world problems are explored. Students usually keep a journal detailing their experience and do outside reading or computing projects as agreed to by the site supervisor and faculty sponsor. See the description of Academic Internships.

    Prerequisites: Fifteen hours of mathematics courses including MA 211.

    Credits: 1-3 cr.
  
  • MA 401 - Real Analysis I


    A rigorous study of the real number systems: field and order axioms, completeness, and topology. Limits, sequences and series. Functions and continuity; pointwise and uniform convergence. The derivative and the Riemann integral.

    Prerequisites: MA 213

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Fulfills writing intensive requirement for the Mathematics major.
  
  • MA 403 - Real Analysis II


    Functions of several variables; the derivative and Riemann integral in higher dimensional real spaces; implicit and inverse function theorems; other topics in analysis.

    Prerequisites: MA 401

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 406 - Abstract Algebra I


    Basic theory of groups, rings and fields; subgroups, normal subgroups and quotient groups; Fundamental Theorem of Algebra; ideals and quotient rings; the homomorphism theorems.

    Prerequisites: MA 213

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MA 407 - Abstract Algebra II


    Construction of extension fields; field automorphisms and Galois theory; the ideals and quotient rings; insolvability by radicals of quintic equations.

    Prerequisites: MA 406

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 410 - Seminar in Mathematics


    Exposes students to a variety of topics in current mathematics. Students will present lectures on appropriate topics.

    Prerequisites: At least Junior standing and MA 213.

    Credits: 1 cr.
  
  • MA 417 - Applied Mathematics


    Focuses on mathematical models used in the sciences. Topics may include Fourier series methods for solving differential equations, vector methods such as differential operators on scalar and vector functions, applied matrix algebra.

    Prerequisites: MA 213, 303.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MA 490 - Readings and Research in Mathematics


    An opportunity for advanced students to undertake independent study or research. Topics will be chosen and study conducted in consultation with a member of the mathematics faculty. Generally, results will be submitted in written form and presented in a seminar.

    Prerequisites: At least junior standing or permissions of the instructor and department chair.

    Credits: 1-4 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Meetings to be arranged.
  
  • MA 495 - Honors Thesis in Mathematics


    Independent research and thesis under the supervision of a member of the mathematics faculty.

    Prerequisites: At least junior standing; membership in the Saint Michael’s Honors Program; and permission of the supervisor and department chair.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Students must have permission of a supervisor and submit their research proposal to the department chair before preregistration for the semester in which the proposed research is to take place. This course may not be used as the student’s 400-level elective of the major requirements.
  
  • MU 101 - Understanding Music


    Study of the elements of music – rhythm, meter, pitch, melody, harmony, timbre, ensembles, and form – and music as an element of human culture. Emphasis is placed on both listening and elementary musicianship skills. Examples include both Western and non-Western music.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 201 - Music Theory I


    Basic tonal materials: scales, intervals, and chords; melody and counterpoint; harmony and part-writing; figured bass.

    Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Must be taken concurrently with MU 202.
  
  • MU 202 - Musicianship Lab for Music Theory I


    Basic ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboard skills.

    Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 2 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Must be taken concurrently with MU 201.
  
  • MU 203 - Music Theory II


    Continued study of tonal harmony and part-writing; inverted and seventh chords; modulation; nonharmonic tones; harmonization of melodies.

    Prerequisites: MU 201.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Must be taken concurrently with MU 204.
  
  • MU 204 - Musicianship Lab for Theory II


    Continued practice in ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboard skills.

    Credits: 2 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Must be taken concurrently with MU 203.
  
  • MU 209 - Reading and Writing About Music


    A survey of different genres of writing about music. Students read and wrtie description, reviews, reports, and essays about music of a variety of styles including live performances.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 261 - Private Lessons for Non-Music Majors


    Enables a qualified student to study voice or an instrument with a well-known artist in the area.

    Prerequisites: Permission of the artist.

    Credits: 1 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Arranged through the chair of the Fine Arts Department.
    Laboratory Fee: yes
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 271 - Instrumental Music for Non-Music Majors


    Small group performance for students who have little or no musical experience. Ensembles include African drumming, handbell choir, and other suitable combinations of instruments.

    Credits: 2 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 301 - Music Theory III


    Chromatic harmony: secondary dominants, borrowed, altered, and extended chords; texture, melodic analysis, and simple musical forms.

    Prerequisites: MU 203.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 303 - Music Theory IV


    Advanced harmonic practices: chromatic modulation, modes, impressionism, jazz, and atonal techniques; larger forms.

    Prerequisites: MU 301.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 312 - Form and Analysis


    Advanced study of melody and voice-leading. Composition and analysis of species counterpoint, fugue, canon, and variations.

    Prerequisites: MU 203.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • MU 316 - Instrumentation and Orchestration


    Instrumental ranges, timbres, and playing techniques; score-reading, clefs, and transpositions; orchestral literature and stylistic analysis; arranging for different ensembles.

    Prerequisites: MU 203.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 324 - History of Western Music, 1600-1750


    The style and performance of Baroque and Preclassical music.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Culture and Civilization
  
  • MU 326 - History of Western Music, 1750-1900


    The music of the Classical and Romantic periods.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Culture and Civilization
  
  • MU 328 - History of Western Music since 1900


    Music from Impressionism through the contemporary avant-garde.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Culture and Civilization
  
  • MU 335 - Opera


    A survey of the operatic repertory from the 17th to the 20th century from both analytical and historical perspectives, focusing on changes in styles and conventions, and opera’s importance in European culture.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Culture and Civilization
  
  • MU 339 - Topics in Classical Music


    Detailed examination of a particular genre, period, region, repertory, or composer. Topics vary but may include, for example, the symphony, Russian music, or Beethoven.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 342 - History of Jazz


    The history of the music of African Americans from the point of departure in Africa to present day avant-garde jazz. The influence of jazz on American music.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Culture and Civilization
  
  • MU 349 - Topics in American and Popular Music


    Detailed examination of a particular genre, period, region, repertory, composer, or performer. Topics vary but may include, for example, the blues, film music, or the Folk Revival.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 352 - World Music


    A survey of a selection of music and related cultural traditions from around the world, including Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Includes attendance at concerts and workshops.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Culture and Civilization
  
  • MU 359 - Topics in Non-Western Music


    Detailed examination of a particular genre, region, or repertory. Topics vary but may include, for example, music of Latin America, music of Africa, or Balinese Gamelan.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 361 - Private Lessons Music Majors


    Private study of voice or an instrument with a well-known artist in the area.

    Credits: 1 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Open only to music majors. Arranged through the chair of the Fine Arts Department.
    Laboratory Fee: yes
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 369 - Conducting


    Techniques for conducting choral and instrumental music; score-reading and structural analysis; practical experience conducting small ensembles.

    Prerequisites: MU 203

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 372 - Chamber Music


    For experienced performers to play in small ensembles. Repertoire chosen to fit abilities and instruments of enrolled students.

    Credits: 2 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Open to qualified musicians by permission of the instructor.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 374 - Concert Winds


    An instrumental group performing literature for concert band and wind ensemble.

    Credits: 1 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Open to qualified musicians by permission of the instructor. Auditions may be held to insure proper balance of instrumentation. Full year participation required.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 375 - Jazz Ensemble


    A stage band performing the Big-Band style of jazz.

    Credits: 1 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Open to qualified musicians by permission of the instructor. Full year participation required.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 376 - World Music Ensemble


    A performing group specializing in one of several styles of non-Western music, such as Ghanaian drumming or Indonesian gamelan.

    Prerequisites: Open to qualified musicians by permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 2 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 377 - Chorale


    A chorus performing literature for mixed voices in a variety of styles, including major choral works.

    Credits: 2 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 378 - Chamber Singers


    A select vocal ensemble performing a cappella repertory from the Renaissance and other periods.

    Credits: 1 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Open to qualified musicians by permission of the instructor.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Artistic Experience
  
  • MU 491 - Senior Seminar and Project


    The senior seminar gives students the opportunity to undertake a culminating project in the study and performance of music. Topics and projects vary according to the interests of the students, and include a combination of original research, musical analysis, a final paper, an oral presentation, and a musical performance.

    Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • MU 495 - Independent Research


    Credits: 1-4 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Requires special permission. See the chair of the Fine Arts Department for guidance.
  
  • PH 103 - Introduction to Philosophy


    Examines the nature and value of philosophical inquiry by means of Plato’s dialogues and other philosophical texts.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Required of all students.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Philosophy
  
  • PH 201 - Philosophy of Human Being


    A philosophical study of human nature, considering the human body, knowledge, desire, choice and action, the emotions, and freedom of choice.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Philosophy
  
  • PH 203 - Ethics


    Examines the criteria for discovering, judging and living a moral life. Consideration is given to the contributions which the great philosophers have made to the questions of norms, values and the meaning and nature of ethical discourse.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Philosophy
  
  • PH 205 - Philosophy of Society


    An examination of human society concentrating on the distinct methodology of social and political philosophy. The course focuses on the finality of the social order (common good), the social nature of persons, justice and friendship, civil authority, the family, the community of nations, and problems of church and state.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Philosophy
  
  • PH 207 - Philosophy of Religion


    Philosophy of religion is concerned with philosophical reflection on questions that arise in relation to religious belief, especially with regard to belief in immortality and the existence of God or some transcendent reality.

    Prerequisites: PH 103

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Philosophy
  
  • PH 301 - Ancient Greek Philosophy


    A study of the principal figures of early Greek Philosophy, from the sixth to the third centuries, B.C. A brief consideration of the period from Thales to Socrates leads to a more detailed study of Plato and Aristotle.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 303 - Medieval Philosophy


    A study of the major thinkers of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and their attempts to use Greek categories in order to understand the world, themselves, and God. This historical period ranges from the fourth to the fourteenth centuries, and studies such figures as Augustine, Anselm, Averroes, Maimonides, and Thomas Aquinas.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 305 - Modern Philosophy


    Considers the development of philosophical thought from the Renaissance through the eighteenth century. Class readings and discussion center on such major figures as Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Hume, and Kant.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 307 - Contemporary Philosophy


    Considers the development of philosophic thought from the nineteenth century into the twentieth-first century. Class readings and discussions center on such major figures as Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Wittgenstein.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 331 - Aesthetics


    The purpose of this course is to address the question of whether works of art have a special claim on us (both the producers and the judges of beauty) that is very different from perhaps even superior to the claims made on us by science and morality.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 340 - Otherness and Marginalization


    The theme of this course will be “marginalization of ‘Others.’”  There will be three main components to the course:  (1) stories, testimonies, videos, and articles written by victims of marginalization, or about their experiences; (2) examination of Emmanuel Levinas’ philosophical ethics based on “Otherness”; and (3) service-learning work with individuals in the community who face possible marginalization.  We will discuss five broad categories of marginalization: marginalization of (1) a race group, (2) the poor, (3) the abandoned/rejected, (4) the ill, and (5) the elderly.  In a world that requires frequent and meaningful contact with people, cultures, and belief systems different from one’s own, this problem of marginalization and otherness demands attention and discussion. 

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Optional service-learning trip to Georgetown, Guyana in May. 1 cr.
    Crosslisted: GL 340
  
  • PH 346 - Truth & Propaganda: Ethics & the Media


    The purpose of this course is to examine the nature of propaganda as it appears in various types of media.  There are several guiding theoretical questions that we will explore:  What is truth?  What is propaganda?  What is deception?  If propaganda involves the manipulation of the message recipient’s beliefs, values, and desires could it be effective without calling upon ideas or perspectives that people take to be truth?  In other words, can propaganda function if it is devoid of truth?  We will read philosophical theory on truth, perception, and deception, and we will examine examples of propaganda, in various media formats, as they relate to our political, economic, and cultural lived experiences.  We will also consider the use of propaganda in media for the purposes of social critique and/or social revolution.  All of our explorations will involve consideration of both local and global media.


    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Crosslisted: JO 346
  
  • PH 355 - Logic


    This course examines the features of rhetorical, dialectical, and demonstrative reasoning. Examples are taken from classical and modern authors. The purpose is to become more conscious of what we are doing when we try to think something through.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 362 - Philosophy of Mind


    Philosophy of mind is the branch of philosophy that includes the philosophy of psychology, philosophical psychology, and the area of metaphysics concerned with the nature of mental phenomena and how they fit into the causal structure of reality. Metaphysical issues in the philosophy of mind include such topics as the mind-body problem, the question of freewill, personal identity, weakness of will and self-deception.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 363 - Philosophy of Human Rights


    The course aims to assist students in developing and deepening their understanding of the nature and significance of human rights from a philosophical perspective rooted in the Socratic tradition. This will involve engaging in constructive dialogue a number of different voices that represent visions, values and commitments, often harmonious but at times in opposition, which have played throughout much of recorded history, and continue to play today, a significant role in the continuing global evolution of human rights.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level course or permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 368 - Ethics of the Heroic


    This course will be a philosophical examination of the phenomenon of heroic action. We will explore the possible need for a category of ethical action known as the “superogatory,” or action that is “above and beyond” duty. This notion will be discussed in light of the ethical theories of Aristotle, Mill, Kant, and Levinas. To give much-needed content to this theoretical exploration, we will examine the lives and writings of many real-life examples of “heroic” activity from across the globe and across history.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Crosslisted: GL 368
  
  • PH 390 - Topics


    Pursues in depth a significant theme(s) such as the nature and types of freedom, truth, love, etc. and/or the exposition and assessment of major philosophical currents such as German Idealism, Existentialism, American Pragmatism, etc.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level PH course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Students may take PH 390 more than once as long as the topic is different.
  
  • PH 401 - Author/Text - Ancient


    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Plato, Aristotle.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 403 - Author/Text - Medieval


    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Aquinas.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 405 - Author/Text - Modern


    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Spinoza, Descartes.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 407 - Author/Text - Contemporary


    Allows students to devote themselves to an in-depth study of a major philosopher or philosophical work for example: Hegel, Nietzsche, Levinas, Heidegger, Wittgenstein.

    Prerequisites: One 200-level PH course.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PH 410 - Senior Seminar


    The coordinating seminar centers on a chosen topic — one specific philosophical area, problem, and/or thinker, and examines it in the light of the conceptual and historical currents which contribute to it.

    Prerequisites: Open to juniors and minors with permission of the instructor.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Fulfills writing intensive requirement for the Philosophy major.
  
  • PJ 101 - Approaches to Peace


    This is the foundation course for the Peace and Justice Minor. As a foundation course, there is a fair amount of theory involved. The readings and class discussion emphasize the issues that are central in building a just and peaceful society. Goals include to create a few peacemakers, explore visions of a just society, and develop habits of positive citizenship.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Open to first-year and second-year students only.
  
  • PJ 410 - Peace and Justice Senior Seminar


    This is the capstone course for the Peace and Justice Minor. It is designed as a readings seminar that will be an in-depth study of an important peace and justice issue (e.g., religion, war and peace). Students will be required to do research in the topic area.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 101 - Introduction to Politics


    An introduction to the basic concepts of politics and the tools of political analysis.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Social Science/Organizational Studies
  
  • PO 120 - Introduction to American National Politics


    A general introduction to the structure and processes that define American politics on the national level.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Liberal Studies Requirement: Social Science/Organizational Studies
  
  • PO 200 - Research Methods


    Familiarizes the student with various methodological issues that shape current research in political science. The course will also explore some of the basic skills used by social scientists in gathering, analyzing and interpreting data.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • PO 207 - Parties, Elections and Political Participation


    A survey of the processes and institutions that connect U.S. citizens and their government. Following an examination of the evolution of our political party system, the course will examine additional forms of political participation with particular attention given to elections, interest groups and social movements.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 245 - International Relations


    This course introduces students to the study of international relations, focusing especially on the interactions between states and non-state actors in the international environment. Emphasis is placed on understanding the major theoretical approaches to international relations, and applying them to consider enduring and contemporary issues and problems in international affairs.

    Credits: 3 cr.
    Misc. Notes: Optional Applied Language Component (one credit).
  
  • PO 261 - Western Political Thought


    An introduction to influential debates about the good political community. Critical thinking and normative argumentation will be emphasized.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • PO 285 - Introduction to Comparative Politics


    What is a nation state? Capitalism? Authoritarianism? This course provides an introduction to comparative political analysis and central concepts in this field. The course will investigate political development and contemporary politics, governments and policies of countries around the world.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • PO 290 - Canadian Government and Politics


    A survey of Canadian government and politics. Specific topics will include a study of the parliamentary system of government, Quebec nationalism, Canadian-U.S. relations and Canada’s place within the global economy. Students may also participate in a regularly scheduled field trip to Ottawa, Canada.

    Credits: 3 cr.
  
  • PO 309 - Political Economy and Democracy


    An introductory exploration of political economy as a method of analysis which integrates politics, economics, and social life into a single framework. Special attention is given to the relationship between democracy and capitalism on the national and global levels.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 326 - U.S. Health Policy


    An introduction to the components and policies of the U.S. health care system. The United States has the most privatized health system of any developed nation, and a major theme of the course is to explore and evaluate the reasons for this difference with other countries.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 327 - Environmental Policy


    This course provides a geographical examination of human-environment relations in the context of environmental policy. The class will conceptualize the key drivers of environmental policy and apply those to the evolution and implementation of environmental policies at different geographic scales. Possible topics include: air, water and waste policy in the United States, Canada and Mexico; globalization and environmental policy through protocol and treaty; the evolving role of International Non-Governmental Organizations in environmental policy; and environmental justice and sustainability.

    Credits: 4 cr.
    Crosslisted: GG 327
  
  • PO 332 - American Constitutional Law


    An analysis of American constitutional theory as it has been developed and articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court, and others. Specific topics include the nature of judicial review, the powers of the President and Congress, American constitutionalism and the development of substantive due process.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 334 - Civil Liberties


    A study of the constitutional relationship between the individual and the government. Particular emphasis will be placed on First Amendment freedoms of speech, press, and religious belief, as well as Fourteenth Amendment theories of equal protection of the law.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 338 - Criminal Justice


    An analysis of the various agencies involved with the administration of criminal justice. Topics include the definition of criminal behavior, pre-trial procedure, the adversary trial process, and the imposition of punishment. Attention will also be given to the judicial supervision of the rights of the accused.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 340 - Social Movements and Contentious Politics


    This course provides a theoretical and empirical exploration of social movements and contentious politics. We will focus especially on North American and European approaches to social movement theory and study a variety of cases of national and transnational mobilization and protest, from the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to the global justice movement.

    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 345 - Transitions to Democracy


    A key concern in comparative politics is the origin of democratic institutions. Why are some countries democratic and others not? What mechanisms or factors determine how one country became a democracy when others have not made a similar transition?  This is called “democratization” or “democratic transition.”  This course examines the relationship between economic development and political power in key theories about democratization. Our goal is to better understand the origins of and challenges to democratic practice, recent transitions to democracy in new Eastern European or Latin American democracies, and the possibility of promoting democracy in China and elsewhere in the 21st Century.  


    Credits: 4 cr.
  
  • PO 348 - American Foreign Policy


    A study of the formulation and conduct of American foreign policy. Analysis of constitutional principles, institutions and historic traditions that influence the formulation of foreign policy. Case studies of contemporary policies towards specific countries and challenges.

    Credits: 3 cr.
 

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