Course Descriptions

APMU 230 Wesleyan Singers' Performance Tour (2)

A performance tour of approximately one-week duration with concerts each night. Performances may also be scheduled during the day in schools and retirement homes. Students experience the "agony and ecstasy" of live performance before different audiences each day and are challenged to develop musical and ensemble skills which will serve them in the future. Not the least of their challenges is avoiding illness in order to perform at peak level each day. A week's intensive rehearsal is scheduled before departure and several performances on campus and in the area occur upon return. The time commitment is considerable: daily 4-hour rehearsals the week before departure, approximately 4 hours/day on tour including pre-concert rehearsal in new venue, and 8 or more hours the final week---approximately 48 hours of actual contact time for the course. Prerequisite: membership in Wesleyan Singers. Offered each Winter Session.

ART 350 Topics in Studio Art (4) (A)

Offers the opportunity for focused, in-depth study of one studio art medium, including related aesthetic and historical considerations. Topics may include: mixed media, jewelry, prints, fibers, installations, environmental art, raku, glass, blacksmithing, etc. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior/senior status or consent. Studio course. Lab fee. Offered each semester.

ART 204 Digital Art I (4) (A)

Explores the computer as an art-making tool. Includes practice exercises to learn software. Topics include photo manipulations, the use of color, typestyles, page design, and composition. Students apply these concepts and skills to original, digital artworks. Studio course. Lab fee. Offered each semester.

ART 207 Representations of Space (4) (A)

Uses studio exercises and group critiques of class projects to explore visual perception and two-dimensional representation of the world. Students explore traditional drawing techniques and photographic imagery to develop a repertoire of intellectual, visual, and graphic techniques. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

BIO 435 Tropical Ecology (4) (I)

An intensive field experience in neotropical ecosystems (coral reefs, rainforests, caves, mangrove swamps, etc.), that links ecological phenomena with social and historical factors to examine the conservation of biodiversity. Field activities require moderately strenuous exercise and considerable hiking. Destinations may include Trinidad, Belize, Costa Rica, or other tropical sites. Course fee. Identical to EES 435. Offered Winter Session of even-numbered years.

CJ 250 Topics in Criminal Justice (4)

A seminar addressing of various announced topics that may include public policy in criminal justice, controversial/debated laws in the U.S., taboo practices, understanding violence, murder, property crime, corruption, ethics, and more. May be repeated for credit as designated topics change. Prerequisites: sophomore status or consent. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

CLAS 356 Classical Studies Abroad (4) (H)

Students travel to a relevant area within the cultural orbit of ancient Greece and Rome for on-site study of ancient Greco-Roman history and literary and material culture.

COMM 222 Public Speaking (4)

An individualized introduction to the theory and practice of informative and persuasive speech communication. Extemporaneous speaking is explored in depth while impromptu and group communication are also examined. The communication model is stressed, including sender, receiver, message (verbal and non-verbal) channel, noise, and feedback. Offered each semester.

COMM 320 Experimental Film and Video (4)

Explores the history and theory of experimental film and video through lecture, discussion, reading, and screenings and through creative action. Students produce their own avant-garde videos as they learn the form's aesthetic heritage and contemporary developments. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (previously COMM 211) or COMM 221 or consent. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

SPED 371 Foundations/Legal Issues in Special Education (4) (V)

Provides an introduction and overview of the field of special education including the definition, identification, and characteristics of those that are disabled. Students with ADHD and gifted abillities are emphasized. Also includes historical perspectives, models, theories, and trends that provide the basis for general and special education practice including the dynamic influence of the family system, cultural/environmental millieu pertinent to students, the understanding of ethical issues, and the practice of acceptable standards of professional behavior. Students taking this course will also gain an understanding of the legal aspects, regulatory requirements, and expectations associated with identification, education, and evaluation of all students. The rights and responsibilities of parents, students, and schools will also be a focus of this course. Offered each semester.

EES 250 Field Experiences in Earth and Environmental Sciences (2-4)

Provides students with an intensive field experience in selected areas. Studies are conducted to examine various geological sites and/or particular habitats. May be repeated for credit as topics change. May be taken for 2 or 4 credits. Does not fulfill the Natural Sciences requirements for Latin Honors. Prerequiste: consent. Offered in selected Winter Sessions or summers on demand.

EES 435 Tropical Ecology (4) (I)

An intensive field experience in neotropical ecosystems (coral reefs, rainforests, caves, mangrove swamps, etc.), that links ecological phenomena with social and historical factors to examine the conservation of biodiversity. Field activities require moderately strenuous exercise and considerable hiking. Destinations may include Trinidad, Belize, Costa Rica, or other tropical sites. Course fee. Identical to BIO 435. Offered Winter Session of even-numbered years.

ENG 250 Studies in Literature (4)

Selected topics that approach literature from various generic, historical, or methodological perspectives. Versions of the course may include several different media, but the focus is always on literature. At least 20 pages of writing are required including at least one documented essay. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher and either sophomore status or consent. Offered most semesters.

ENG 232 Literature Into Film (4) (A)

An examination of the differences between literary and film narrative. Both popular fiction and classics are used in examining how plot, characterization, setting, spectacle, and other aspects of storytelling change depending on whether the medium is the written word, the stage, or the screen. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with grade of C or higher and either sophomore status or consent. Does not fulfill General Studies "T" requirement. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

ENG 105 College Writing (4)

An intensive introduction to several forms of college writing and to the critical thinking and research skills essential to producing them. Requires the submission of a portfolio that meets standardized requirements and is judged proficient by an outside reader. Three hours per week, plus regular conferences with the instructor. A grade of C or higher satisfies the first-semester English requirement. Prerequisite: placement. Prerequiste for enrollment during Winter Session or Summer Session 1: consent. Offered each semester.

GER 205 The Short Prose of Kafka (4) (V)

Examines the short prose of Franz Kafka and its relevance in both literature and film today. Students search for common themes and interpretation in selected works. Taught in English. Identical to GER 305. Offered in selected Winter Sessions. GER 205 (V); GER 305 (V,W).

SPAN 355 Myths, Rituals, and Reality in the Hispanic Syncretic Imagination (4) (S)

Examines the Hispanic culture through ideological notions, myths, iconic figures, traditions, and religious manifestations such as rituals. Discussion centers on the key issues that have resulted from the meeting of the two worlds and adaptation of the American first nations to the transformative reality of colonialism. (Includes travel component when taught during summer or winter sessions.) Prerequisite: consent for travel. Offered on demand.

SPAN 270 Latin American Music and Dance (4) (A)

Covers the history of dance beginning in ancient Europe and the Middle East and ends with the history of dance in Latin America, particularly that of the development of dance in the Hispanic society. Also studies the importance of Latin music and dance in Latin America and the U.S. In the practical portion of this course, students have the opportunity to learn a variety of Latin dances such as salsa, merengue, and bachata, which have become very popular in contemporary American society. This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the Foreign Language requirement. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

GER 305 The Short Prose of Kafka (4) (V,W)

Examines the short prose of Franz Kafka and its relevance in both literature and film today. Students search for common themes and interpretation in selected works. Taught in English. Identical to GER 205. Offered in selected Winter Sessions. GER 205 (V); GER 305 (V,W).

SPAN 370 Latin American Music and Dance (4) (A)

Covers the history of dance beginning in ancient Europe and the Middle East and ends with the history of dance in Latin America, particularly that of the development of dance in the Hispanic society. Also studies the importance of Latin music and dance in Latin America and the U.S. In the practical portion of this course, students have the opportunity to learn a variety of Latin dances such as salsa, merengue, and bachata, which have become very popular in contemporary American society. This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the Foreign Language requirement. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

HE 201 Safety and First Aid (4)

Provides the general public with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle most emergency situations when first-aid care is needed. Incorporates personal safety and accident prevention information and acquaints students with the many causes of accidents so care can be taken to eliminate or minimize such causes. Offered fall and spring of odd-numbered years.

HHSSW 410 Homeless in America (4) (I)

Reviews the history of poverty and homelessness in America and society's response. Emphasizes the economic, cultural, social, and political factors that converge to create a climate of poverty. Current societal responses to poverty are studied with immersion experiences in the Hampton Roads area. Prerequisite: senior status. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

HHSSW 318 Aging in the Media (4)

Explores aging through the context of popular media. The study begins with an overview of the major psychosocial theories on aging and explores how aging and older people are portrayed in a myriad of media. Students focus on film and view television programs, comics, and children's literature. This is a fun and innovative way to study the etic construct of aging through the Western (American and British) emic lens. Prerequisite: sophomore status or higher. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

HIST 250 Topics in History (4) (H)

Applies skills in historical analysis to a variety of geographical, chronological, cultural, social, and political topics. Students learn how societies change over time, analyzing primary documents in their historical context, and developing independent arguments based on primary sources. Requires an 8-10 page paper based on primary source evidence. Topics for HIST 250 sections are available from the History Department before registration begins each semester. May be repeated for additional credit as topics change. Prerequisite/corequisite: ENG 105. Prerequisite for Winter Session: successful complete of ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher. Offered each semester.

HIST 380 Dos Passos' USA (4) (H)

An intensive exploration of John Dos Passos' great trilogy, U.S.A.: The 42nd Parallel: 1919: The Big Money. Students read and discuss the books, explore and evaluate Dos Passos' innovative narrative and experimental styles, his political agenda and social critique, his understanding of the flow of American history, his enduring appeal, and his great utility to the student of American history. Using the books as a guide, they construct an understanding of the American experience before, during and after the First World War and gain insight into the connections between literature and history and between art and memory. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

INST 470 Developments in Science and Technology (4) (I,W)

Explores the nature of scientific inquiry and the role of science and technology in our society by tracing the historical development and current state of several areas of science and technology. Considers the influence of culture, politics, religion, economics, and society on these developments and the impact of these developments on the society. Does not fulfill any requirements for Latin honors. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, junior/senior status, and one "L" course. Offered Winter Sessions of even-numbered years.

INST 485 Selected Topics (1-4)

Provides opportunities to explore current topics, trends, and issues related to curriculum, methodology, and evaluation. Primarily intended to meet in-service and re-certification needs of practicing educators. Does not fulfill any requirements for Latin honors. May be repeated for credit as designated topics change. Prerequisite: consent. Offered each semester.

INST 123 Service Learning in Hampton Roads (2)

Raises civic consciousness by fostering engaged citizenship where students perform a week of direct community service. Orientation and preparation before the direct service, as well as a reflection journal, document student learning. May be repeated for credit. Identical to PORT 123. Offered each Winter Session.

INST 124 Service Learning and Issues of Civic Engagement in Hampton Roads (4)

Students are introduced to a community-based project and investigate the issue involved through research, reading, and lecture, followed by a week of direct community service. Include reflection, assessment, and consideration of broader contexts. May be repeated for credit. Identical to PORT 124. Offered each Winter Session.

INST 126 Music and Folk Culture of the Southern Appalachians (1)

Introduces students to the music and folk culture of the Southern Appalachians, including Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Emphasizes the unique pre-World War II styles of rural dance music, social and religious music, and early commercially recorded music, including the old-time string band, jug bands, clawhammer style of banjo playing, unaccompanied fiddling, shape note singing, and balladry. Students examine the history, development, and structure of these regional music styles and try playing the music themselves in an old-time string band or jug band. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

INST 304 Blackfeet Immersion: Life and Education on a Montana Reservation (4)

A travel course in which students spend a week volunteering at the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana, as assistants to the teachers and as mentors to the children. Coursework before and after the trip enhances student learning and provides an intercultural experience that invites students to affirm a common bond. Prerequisite: junior/senior status or consent. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

MATH 104 Algebra and its Applications (4)

Presents topics in algebra through traditional and applications-based methods. Topics include proportion, percents, metric and American conversions, linear, exponential and quadratic functions and graphs, exponents, linear equations, system of equations, combinations, permutations, and probability. Prerequisite: placement level C, Math 005 with a grade of C or higher, or consent. Must have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. Offered each semester.

MATH 210 Introductory Statistics (4)

Introduces students to learning from data. Topics include the basics of data production, data analysis, probability, Central Limit Theorem, and statistical inference. Statistical software is used for data management, calculation, and visualization. No previous knowledge of statistics is required. Prerequisites: placement level B or A or H, MATH 104 with a grade C- or higher, or MATH 105 with a grade of C- or higher, or consent. Must have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. Offered each semester.

MATH 300 Teaching Assistants' Program for Math (1)

Qualified students assist math instructors in teaching their classes. Enrollment is by invitation of the MATH/CS department. Although the course is useful for students seeking certification in secondary education, enrollment is not limited to them. A student may enroll more than once, but may apply no more than 3 semester hours earned in this manner toward graduation. May not be used to satisfy major or minor requirements in mathematics, although one semester of MATH 300 is required for secondary education certification. Prerequisite: consent. Offered each semester.

MBE 350 Supply Chain Management and Logistics (4)

Provides an understanding of supply chain management and logistics processes as they apply to both service and manufacturing organizations. Special consideration is given to identifying ways in which the strategic use of supply chain management can create competitive advantages for firms. Prerequisite: MBE 301 or 316. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

PE 116 Personal Fitness Training (1)

Offered intermittently.

PE 133 Handball/Racquetball (1)

Offered intermittently.

PHIL 212 Practical Ethics (4) (V)

Explores the potential of moral reasoning as a tool for conflict resolution and consensus building. Through a series of practical exercises, students learn to use moral argumentation as a means of fostering constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. Students develop the ability to listen carefully, distinguish real from apparent disagreements, discover common ground, and find creative solutions to moral problems. Offered intermittently.

PHIL 316 Needs of the Soul (4) (V)

Investigates a model for political theory found in the writings of Simone Weil, Simone de Beauvoir, Hannah Arendt and Danielle Allen. History, religion, culture, and human nature are considered in order to formulate a politics that addresses the true needs of human beings. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or consent. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

PORT 123 Service Learning in Hampton Roads (2)

Raises civic consciousness by fostering engaged citizenship where students perform a week of direct community service. Orientation and preparation before the direct service, as well as a reflection journal, document student learning. May be repeated for credit. Identical to INST 123. Offered each Winter Session.

PORT 124 Service Learning and Issues of Civic Engagement in Hampton Roads (4)

Students are introduced to a community-based project and investigate the issue involved through research, reading, and lecture, followed by a week of direct community service. Include reflection, assessment, and consideration of broader contexts. May be repeated for credit. Identical to INST 124. Offered each Winter Session.

PORT 225 PORTfolio Career Study (4)

Designed to provide an in-depth introduction to a career field of choice, an externship experience within that career field, and subsequent reporting and processing. Students spend the first week researching the career choice made in previous PORTfolio courses and the site at which they will extern. The second week consists of the on-site externship. The final week is used to document, process, and present the lessons learned. Final reflection and summary are included in an updated electronic portfolio. Offered each Winter Session and upon request during a three-week summer session.

PSY 385 Psychology of Eating Disorders (4)

Explores the psychology of eating disorders through readings, discussion, lectures, student research and presentations, and visits by clinicians. Students examine the pathology of eating disorders, as well as risk and protective factors for these disorders. Issues investigated include comorbidity with other disorders, etiology, neurobiology, and treatment and prevention. Prerequisites: PSY 101, 102 or 201 and junior/senior status, or consent. Offered Winter Sessions of even-numbered years.

REC 101 Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services (4) (S)

Designed for all students who desire to explore the varied professions of recreation/leisure services as a possible career goal or for personal growth and development. Recreation and leisure in historical development and today's contemporary society and leisure education are the major areas of concentration. Includes a practicum in which students investigate local recreation/leisure agencies. Prerequisite: freshmen/sophomores status; juniors/seniors by consent. Offered each semester.

REC 219 Disability in the Media (4)

Explore various disabillities and the related challenges and prejudices individuals with disabilities must persevere through the context of how they are displayed in popular film. Physical, psychological, emotional, and social disabilities are viewed and discussed. Students examine their own attitudes and perceptions regarding disabilities. Fee for DVD/video rental. Prerequisite: Soph status or consent. Offered Winter Session on demand.

RELST 265 Extreme Religion: the Body, Pain, Sex, and Martyrdom in Religious Experience (4)

For the sake of their soul and their faith, religious individuals engage in a variety of actions which--in other contexts--would be considered extreme: self-mutilation, snake-handling, fasting, celibacy, tantric sex, polygamy, suicide, martyrdom, etc. Focuses on the role of religious experience, particularly on ecstatic or extreme religious expressions in world religions today. After examining the roles and functions of "experience" within religion, students focus on specific cases of "extreme" religious practices, seeking to understand their meaning and significance for their practitioners. Prerequisite: at least 3 semester hours in history, English, philosophy, or religious studies. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

RELST 201 Religion in the News (4)

An introduction to the way in which religious communities and religious issues are portrayed in today's news. Through an investigation of multiple sources, students examine the ways in which news shapes--and is shaped by--our understanding of religions (or lack thereof). Offered in Winter Sessions on demand.

TH 210 Acting I (4) (A)

An introduction to basic principles of acting in a workshop setting. Offered frequently.

WS 004 Praxis I Math Preparation (0)

Reviews topics covered on the Mathematics Praxis I Test. These topics form an essential body of basic mathematical knowledge for any classroom teacher and include algebra, geometry and measurement, and data analysis and probability. The workshop covers both content and test-taking strategies. Prerequisite: MATH 104, placement level B or consent. Course fee. Offered in Winter Session.