Course Listing
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IGEN 102 Using Critical Thinking with Mathematics and Statistics
This course examines how the power of numbers can help explain our lives and the world around us, from scheduling delays, to amortization schedules, from compound interest to car loans, chance, voting patterns, gambling odds, and modern physics.
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IGEN 110 Audience Connections
Provides instruction in research, including audience analysis, and the effective adaptation of speeches to audience and situation.
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IGEN 111 Great Speakers and Speeches in History
Analyzes speakers and speeches in historical context with emphasis on communicating ethically, credibility, and reasoning and logic.
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IGEN 160 Introduction to Virtue Ethics
An introduction to that branch of ethics known as virtue ethics, this course focuses on the development of character through the cultivation of classical virtues. The insights of classical philosophy about the concepts of virtue, vice, character, the good, happiness, love, and justice are compared and contrasted with the insights of more contemporary philosophers.
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IGEN 201 The Wisdom of the Simpsons (and the End of Western Civilization!)
This course uses the television program, The Simpsons, to ask basic questions about the meaning of human life, about society, and about contemporary values. It examines changes in our culture and thinking.
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IGEN 202 Using Critical Thinking to Understand Western Civilization
This course provides critical perspectives on Western Civilization and Culture. Besides examining the contributions of the Greeks, Romans, and Medieval and Renaissance Europeans, this course also investigates the Age of Science and Reason, the growth of democracy, modern capitalism and technology, and the Post-Modern world. Key concepts examined in the course include Western views of society, reason, mathematics, faith, science, religion, property, wealth, capitalism, progress, rights, democracy, and the state.
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IGEN 203 History of Science
This course studies the significant achievement of scientists from ancient civilization through the twentieth century and the impact of those in changing the lives of people.
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IGEN 206 The Anatomy of Health
This course will be a survey of basic anatomy and physiology in health and illness with practical tips on prevention and first aid.
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IGEN 211 From Socrates to Seinfeld: The Development of Human Thought
This course investigates the major philosophical achievements from the Greeks to a twentieth century television program about “nothing.” It focuses primarily but not exclusively on moral and ethical ideas.
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IGEN 213 Philosophy of Science
This course studies the philosophy of science by exploring science history, the scientific method, key philosophers and scientists, and the impact of science on Western thought.
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IGEN 216 Do No Harm
This course will explore the progression of Hippocrates’ phrase, Do Not Harm, through the centuries and how philosophy has impacted the patient—provider relationship we have today.
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IGEN 220 Using Critical Thinking to Understand Human Behavior
This course applies critical thinking skills to human behavior. Topics include the self in society, truth versus beliefs, human nature and its origins, love, sex, and friendship, personal and social morality, learning and creativity, work and recreation, law, government, democracy, change and progress, war and peace, thought about God, and hope for the future.
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IGEN 221 Real Morals for Real People
This course examines the moral issues arising from the ongoing conflict between popular culture and serious traditional cultures. It does this by analyzing examples raised by an overview of the television programs, The Simpsons and Seinfeld, and the writings of the great philosophers.
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IGEN 223 Nature, Ecology, and Environment
This course studies current relevant topics and problems in ecology, exploration of nature and the environment and various diverse aspects of the living components of the natural environment.
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IGEN 224 The Do’s and Don’ts of Investigations and Information Gathering
This course will examine the history of the modern fact-finder and investigative decision-maker. It will cover leadership, team-building, and management strategies. It includes crucial aspects of the field, such as community liaison, witness issues, and working with the media.
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IGEN 226 Bacterial Warfare: An Ancient Art
This course will examine the impact of germs on history and analyze their continued impact on world events, populations and economies using examples of polio, smallpox, HIV, H1N1, and others.
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IGEN 230 Digital Storytelling
This course examines the processes and tools used in combining digital imagery and narration into a visual story. The application of storyboards, introductory level software, and the development of a personal voice will be used to develop a concept into a finished project.
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IGEN 231 One World- Many People
This course is an introduction to the many peoples and cultures of the world. Special attention will be given to the geography and identity of the major human communities on the planet.
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IGEN 232 One World- Many Stories
This course is an introduction to the variety of experiences and stories of the world’s people. Special attention will be given to autobiographical accounts of individuals as they deal with the traditions and lifestyles of their unique cultures.
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IGEN 233 One World-Many Faiths
This course is an introduction to the major religious faiths of the world. Special attention will be given to the beliefs, practices, stories, writings, and ethics of the world’s largest religious traditions.
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IGEN 234 From Case Management to Court Room: Enhancing Case Prosecution
This course will cover the basic methods of maritime security: investigation, emphasizing physical and electronic surveillance, interviewing, database and record-searching. It will also cover the use and essential role of the internet and technology in modern investigations in terms of how it can ultimately help, and if not done properly, hinder a case. Proper and thorough documentation, note-taking and report-writing is emphasized.
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IGEN 235 Current Health Issues
In this course the student will learn about the population of healthcare consumers noting the cultural, educational, environmental, and social factors impacting health. The students will also analyze the dynamic changes in health education for both the consumer and the providers of healthcare in the United States.
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IGEN 240 Understanding Emotion
This course is designed for students who want to further their understanding of emotion in everyday life from an objective point of view. Students concentrate on theories of emotion that have stood up to rigorous scientific investigation.
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IGEN 241 Emotions and Life Goal Achievement
This course is about emotions and choices: separating fantasy from real choices about managing emotions. Students will be exposed to some of the real choices they will have to make about how to deploy emotions in their life and the consequences of those choices.
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IGEN 242 Emotions and Popular Culture
In this course students will examine the relationships between emotions and their representations in popular culture. Students will critically evaluate claims about the representation and misrepresentations of emotion in the mass media and entertainment industry.
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IGEN 244 Security and Law Enforcement – The Constitutional Umbrella
This course will examine how important formal law is in terms of security in general and maritime security in particular. It will give an overview of fundamental constitutional rights and procedures while giving grounding in crucial maritime security duties.
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IGEN 245 Health Education Across the Lifespan
In this course the students will investigate the diversity of both the consumers and providers of healthcare and how that effects education and communication challenges. Students will explore age specific concerns, the disadvantaged population, and the mental health population and propose solutions to specific public health issues.
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IGEN 250 China Yesterday
Students examine the rich history of China to gain insights into the political, social, economic, and cultural challenges facing the Chinese people during their dramatic transformation today.
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IGEN 251 China Today
Students investigate important issues in contemporary Chinese politics, the economy, and social life, with a special emphasis on strategic challenges connected to China's changing role in international affairs.
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IGEN 252 Chinese Philosophies and Religions
Students examine the basic beliefs and practices of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, with a special emphasis on the roles of these traditional religions and philosophies in the dynamic culture of modern China.
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IGEN 255 A Healthcare Dialogue
In this course the students will review the age specific concerns of the elderly and how they will impact healthcare as a whole in the United States. They will explore leadership roles and responsibilities for consumer and provider communication on a variety of issues including ethics within their facilities. Finally, students will complete a project that involves communication solutions for a concern in their individual workplace.
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IGEN 292 Temperament and Intelligence
This course examines temperament and intelligence as they relate to learning and future success. It uses temperament analysis, multiple intelligences, and distinctions between types of minds and neurobiology to contrast active and passive living.
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IGEN 293 Journeys of the Human Spirit in the Arts
This course examines literature and artwork representative of the varying journeys of the human spirit. It will emphasize the triumph of the spirit even in the face of bleak and desolate external landscapes.
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IGEN 300 Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Business
This course analyzes the nature of heroism in the business world and examines a number of specific business heroes and anti-heroes.
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IGEN 301 The Origins of American Consumerism
Explores the origins of American consumerism—how our nation achieved one of the world’s highest standards of per capita wealth by the time of its founding and today enjoys the highest standard of living in the world. The course identifies and analyzes economic, intellectual, historical, and philosophical influences that have shaped our consumer culture.
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IGEN 302 The History of Love and Sex
Examines the differing manners in which love and sex have been viewed throughout recorded history.
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IGEN 303 Social Identity: Who Am I? How Do Others View Me?
This course defines and provides examples of social identity—which is the image we have of ourselves and the image(s) we present to others. Several issues are addressed concerning social identity in everyday life. You should be able to answer these questions at the completion of the course: What are the origins and consequences of an identity? Who am I? What is my niche in the social world? What is the value of self-help material in defining who I am? What are the consequences of discrepancies between how I see myself and how others see me? The course also examines identity changes over the life span caused by marriage, divorce, illness, and other life events that force identity change(s).
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IGEN 307 Music and the American Experience
This course explores the role of music in shaping people’s perceptions about their place in society and in framing their responses to major historical events such as wars and social and political change.
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IGEN 308 Popular Music Reflected in American Life
This course examines two works of fiction that represent periods in modern America’s music and cultural history. Through these literary works students comprehend social paradigms and how popular music reflects society.
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IGEN 309 Music Influence in American Culture and Tolerance
This course examines the manner in which music has reflected and influenced the development of societal awareness, understanding, and tolerance in modern American and the world.
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IGEN 310 Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Popular Culture
This course analyzes the nature of heroism in popular culture and examines a number of specific popular culture heroes and anti-heroes.
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IGEN 311 The New Consumer Culture: The Department Store and the Dawn of Modern Advertising
Traces the development of the new consumer culture from the Industrial Revolution to the birth of the department store, modern advertising, and the modern consumer economy. Investigates the story of this transformation of American culture by examining the historical, economic, philosophical, religious, and literary record.
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IGEN 312 Love and Sex in the Arts
Examines the depictions of love and sex in movies, television, the visual arts, and works of literature.
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IGEN 313 Social Influence: How Do I Influence Others? How Do They Influence Me?
This course defines and provides examples of social influence—which is the art and practice of getting others to do what you want. Several issues are addressed concerning social influence in everyday life: What are some common influence strategies? How do you know which strategy to use? How do you know when you are being influenced? How can you resist social influence?
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IGEN 314 Recent African History
This interdisciplinary course examines African history since 1600 with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. Students use cultural studies and works of modern literature to help explore the historical complexities of this diverse continent.
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IGEN 315 Ethics of Photography
This class provides the ethical foundation for reporting and illustrates how photography, and its manipulation can completely alter the perception of the photograph. Students access appropriate and inappropriate photographic manipulation.
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IGEN 317 Working Towards a Culture of Inclusion
As organizations move toward inclusion as a means of leveraging diversity, it is imperative that employees understand the importance of inclusion, as well as the ways in which culture and identity influence our perceptions and behaviors in the workplace. Important skills include self- and cultural awareness, viewing issues from multiple perspectives, and managing bias.
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IGEN 318 Leading a Diverse Workforce
An effective organization must create a culture which embraces diversity. Business leaders need to promote and communicate inclusive attitudes and policies in order to capitalize on a diverse labor force. Important skills include welcoming a pluralistic workforce, mentoring potential talents, evaluating performance objectively, and resolving cultural conflicts in the workplace.
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IGEN 319 Creating Value from Diversity in the Workplace
Globalization has increased competitive pressures and opened up new opportunities. Organizations must monitor political, legal, economic, and demographic trends which can alter the workplace environment for entire industries. At the organizational level, leaders need to gauge the impact of diversity initiatives and adjust strategies appropriately based on evidence from established metrics.
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IGEN 320 Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Philosophy and the Arts
This course analyzes the nature of heroism in philosophy and the arts and examines a number of specific philosophers and artists who are heroes and anti-heroes.
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IGEN 321 A Nation of Consumers: The “Malling” of America
Investigates the shopping mall as an economic reality, as well as a transformational agent of American culture. The course traces the origins and growth of the American shopping mall as an agent and response to our vital consumer culture and examines the story of the shopping mall in the light of historical, economic, philosophical, and literary texts.
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IGEN 322 Sex Sells: Advertising and the Erotification of the American Mind
Examines the ways in which sexual imagery has been used in advertising to sell many different products and what this reveals about our cultural values.
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IGEN 323 Winners, Losers and Also-rans: Case Studies in Identity and Social Influence
Examines how identity and social influence, as exemplified in the lives of famous public figures, are interwoven to construct the fabric of social life.
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IGEN 324 African Cultures
This interdisciplinary course examines major cultural groups and modern societies of sub-Saharan Africa. Students use case studies, works of fiction, and historical analysis to gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by African people in post-colonial times.
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IGEN 330 Societies in the Information Age
The information age has brought fundamental changes in how people live, work, and play. This course provides students with a much-needed framework for understanding the ways in which technologies transform and are transformed by societies. Students will explore the impact of technologies, both past and present, on our human relationships and cultural institutions.
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IGEN 331 Ethics, Privacy, and Quality of Life in a Digital World
Technological innovations should prompt us to pause and consider questions of ethics, privacy, and quality of life before the innovations are embraced or rejected at home or at work. Accordingly, classroom activities, discussions, and assignments will prompt students to connect professional codes of ethics to the use of current and emerging technologies and reflect on the ethical and social issues being raised.
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IGEN 334 Modern African Literature
Students investigate African cultures and recent African history through literary works of Africa’s best modern writers.