Humanities Courses
A survey of perennial issues and problems of philosophy addressed from historical or contemporary perspectives. Such problems may include: freedom and determinism, personal identity, the existence of God, right and wrong, reason and sensation, problems of knowledge, etc.
Contemporary moral issues in the light of traditional and contemporary philosophical analysis. Racial discrimination, violence, poverty and affluence, changing moral standards, the values of a business society, and the rights, responsibilities and problems of the individual with respect to his society
This course is designed for students in need of extended instruction in college-level writing. It teaches writing as a process by requiring a number of written drafts per essay. The focus is on developing students’ college-level competence in analytic and argumentative, thesis-based writing. This class meets four times a week; twice in a traditional college setting, and twice in a computer lab/studio setting. Much of your written work will be done in the studio.
This course will introduce students to the discipline of Public History including museum studies, oral history, and public commemoration, among other avenues for the preservation and dissemination of history to and for the public. Special attention will be paid to public debates over the commemoration of historical events.
(Also WMS 104) This course surveys some of the major themes relevant to a gendered understanding of politics, society, and culture. The course introduces gender as a central category of analysis, among others, for critical inquiry, and it examines the experiences of women and men to offer a conceptualization of what gender means for individuals both as citizens and as community members.
This course is designed for students in need of enhanced instruction in college-level writing. It teaches writing as a process by requiring a number of written drafts per essay. The focus is on developing students’ college-level competence in argumentative, thesis-based writing. Many classes are held in the computer lab to enable intensive writing instruction, and some out-of-class tutoring may be assigned.
(Also AFS 105) This course will offer a broad survey of African peoples and the African Diaspora in the world, beginning with their African origins. Special attendtion will be paid to the elslavement of Africans, colonization and the resultant freedom struggles undertaken by Africans and the African Diaspora.
This course teaches writing as a process by requiring a number of written drafts per essay and short in-class written assignments, all of which are based on critical reading source materials. The focus is developing students’ college-level competence in analytic and argumentative, thesis-based writing. Some classes are held in the writing/computer labs, and some out-of-class tutoring may be assigned.
This course will introduce students to the myriad forms of geography: physical, cultural, social, religious, and economic, around the globe at various points in time. Of particular concern will be the various movements leading to modern globalization.
This course continues to develop students’ competency in thesis-based writing with an emphasis on information literacy and the writing process. It is designed for students in need of enhanced instruction in the college-level research. The course teaches students to synthesize source material into a variety of genres. Some classes are held in the writing/computer labs, and some out-of-class tutoring may be assigned.
Formerly WRT 107. This course continues to develop students’ competency in thesis-based writing with an emphasis on information literacy and the writing process. The course introduces students to the college-level research process and teaches them to synthesize source material into a variety of written genres. Some classes are held in the writing/computer labs, and some out-ofclass tutoring my be assigned. Required of all students.
(Also LAC 110) Introductory course to Spanish Language and Culture. Basic language skills for the student who has no previous knowledge of the language. Course will cover different language functions, basic vocabulary, simple grammatical structure, oral recitation and written composition. In addition to language studies, the course will compare and contrast American, Latin American, Latino and Spanish cultures.
Effective Reasoning is a general introduction to the principles of reasoning and logical analysis. The main focus of this course will be on the nature of arguments, the critical evaluation of arguments, and the evaluation of theories.
(Formerly JOU 114) This course is designed to introduce students to tablet computers as a communication tool. The tablet will be used to access news information, create PowerPoint presentations, conduct teleprompter readings, record interviews, create video presentations and conduct research, Use of apps and hardware is a critical component of the course. Students will be required to have a table computer, keyboard, and microphone.
(Also LAC 115) Introductory course to French Language and Culture. Basic language skills for the student who has no previous knowledge of the language. Course will cover different language functions, basic vocabulary, simple grammatical structures, oral recitation and written composition. In addition to language studies, the course will compare French and French diasporic cultures in the Caribbean, Africa and elsewhere.
This course introduces students to the academic study of religion. Various theories and methodologies are studied to understand the role of religion in society. This class focuses on theology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberationist theory, feminist/womanist theological ethics, and queer theory as a way to study religion critically.
(Also LAC 116) This course will offer a broad overview of historical and contemporary issues in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Special attention will be paid to the experiences of Latin American and Caribbean peoples; national, ethnic, and racial identities; waves of migration within the region and beyond; and US-Latin American and Caribbean relations. The course will draw on interdisciplinary materials, including scholarly articles, and fiction.
(Also LAC 120) Further development of language skills to broaden awareness and increase appreciation of the culture.
Introduction to the craft of writing. Frequent in-class and home assignments to explore various writing techniques and hone developing skills. This course culminates in a final portfolio of completed fiction, poetry and short drama. Designed primarily for freshmen
(Formerly JOU 122) This course focuses on the theory and skills of preparing and presenting public speeches. The emphasis in this course is on practice and evaluation of classroom presentations and professional speeches.
An introduction to the various literary genres: poetry, drama and fiction. Specific syllabus at the discretion of the instructor, but texts will come from the continents of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and from the Pacific Islands.
(Also LAC 125) Further development of language skills to broaden awareness and increase appreciation of the culture.
(Formerly JOU 128) The nature and effect of contemporary mass media; history of the mass media; regulations regarding present and future uses; economic restraints and social control.
An introduction to various literacy genres: poetry, drama and fiction. Specific syllabus at the discretion of the instructor. Emphasis on the literature of western Europe and the United States. Focus on literature and its relation to society
This course introduces students to various methodologies to analyze the meaning and relevance of some of the world's major religions such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It invites students to study how social situations
and cultural values influence our views on divinities, cosmology, humanity, the human person, belief, ritual, and morality.