Human Civilization (HC) (6 credit hours)

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• Culture

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  • CU 100 An International Student’s Introduction to American Culture

    This course is a study of American culture for International students. It will examine some of the various aspects, beliefs, actions, and values of Americans.

  • CU 101 Introduction to International Studies

    This introductory course provides an overview of international studies. This includes a combination of the religious, political, and cultural elements of countries, as well as the contributions of each to the global village.

  • CU 110 European Union Culture

    This course focuses on the need to prepare students for an increasingly multicultural society; provides students with practical cultural and linguistic experience to meet general education requirements.

  • CU 120 Latin American Culture

    An introduction to Latin American culture. Factors that cause cultural unity and those that cause cultural diversity are discussed.

  • CU 301 Global Cultures and Contemporary Issues

    This course discusses the cultural metaphor for understanding and comparing cultures around the globe. The metaphor represents the underlying values expressive of the culture itself.

  • CU 309 Cultures in Conflict

    This course is designed for students who seek an understanding of the causes and effects for strategically important conflicts in the world today. The course fosters discussion and dialogue as students gain an appreciation for the complexity of cultural conflicts which have deep, varied, and often conflicting roots

• Geography

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  • GE 101 World Regional Geography

    Regional geographic study of humankind, the geopolitical world, global issues, and physical geography; discussion of fundamental principles of human and physical geography.

  • GE 120 Geography of Tourism

    This course addresses the tourism potential of regional geographic areas, focusing on basic concepts of tourism, travel economics, perceptions of the world, and unique physical and cultural aspects of each region.

  • GE 312 World Economic Geography

    Examination of world resources, industries, infrastructure, trade, and current economic and business trends from geographic perspective.

• History

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  • HI 101 History of Western Civilization I

    This course examines the evolution of Western Civilization from ancient times to 1715. It seeks to provide a comprehensive background for subsequent studies through emphasis on the social, political, economic, intellectual, and cultural development of Western Civilization.

  • HI 102 History of Western Civilization II

    This course examines the evolution of Western Civilization from 1715 to the present. It seeks to provide a comprehensive background for subsequent studies through emphasis on the social, political, economic, intellectual, and cultural development of Western Civilization.

  • HI 151 American History to 1877

    This course examines the major developments in America from the founding of the early colonies through the Reconstruction Era. Primary focus is placed on those concepts that have shaped the nation such as Constitutionalism, slavery, individualism, and Covenant among others.

  • HI 152 American History from 1877

    This course examines the major developments in America from the period of the Industrial Revolution through modern times. Primary focus is placed on those concepts that have shaped the nation such as the free market, civil rights, Cold War, the role of government, and conformity among others.

  • HI 313 Era of the American Revolution

    Detailed examination of the critical era between 1763 and 1789, when Americans severed their ties with the British Empire and launched an experiment in self-government. Primary emphasis is placed upon the conflict with Britain and the emergence of a unique philosophy of government.

  • HI 314 Ancient History

    Survey of Western Civilization from the dawn of civilization in the Near East to the fall of the Roman Empire. Topics studied include Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilization, Ancient Greece, Hellenism, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. Special emphasis on the thought systems involved in analyzing ancient history.

  • HI 323 Civil War and Reconstruction

    This course provides an in-depth examination of the sectional conflicts which resulted in the Civil War, the War itself, and the period of Reconstruction which followed. Primary emphasis will be placed on the causes and impact of the War and the problems associated with the post-war settlement.

  • HI 324 Medieval History

    Examines the era from the Fall of Rome to the Fall of Constantinople. Emphasis on medieval institutions such as the Papal Monarchy, Feudalism, the Crusades, and the Church. Additional attention is directed to Church-State conflict and the rise of Royal Authority.

  • HI 334 Renaissance and Reformation

    This course examines the broad political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural developments in Europe from the invention of the printing press to the end of the Thirty Years War. Key topics covered will include the Secularization of Culture, the Rise of Protestantism, and the Counter Reformation.

  • HI 343 The Jazz Age and the Great Depression

    This course provides a detailed study of the primary developments in America between the end of World War I and American involvement in World War II. Primary emphasis will be on cultural conflict, the disillusionment of the wartime generation, isolationism, the Jazz Age, the collapse of American capitalism, and the emergence of the welfare state.

  • HI 348 The French Revolution

    Explores the French Revolution as the central political event of modern European history. The forces it unleashed would be crucial in determining the next two centuries of change in Europe and in much of the rest of the world as well.

  • HI 353 America Since 1945

    This course provides a detailed study of the significant developments in America from the end of World War II to the end of the Cold War. Primary emphasis will be placed on the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, Viet Nam, and the Counter Culture.

  • HI 355 Contemporary History of Western Civilization

    This course will examine the modern history of Western Civilization since the end of the Cold War. Its goal is to further develop the ability of students to apply historical methodologies and research programs to their understandings of recent history from the perspective of Western Civilization. Key events and topics that will be discussed are the end of the Cold War, the rise of US hegemony, post-Cold War conflict, the global economic recession, and 9/11 and the Global War on Terror.

  • HI 356 The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

    Examines cultural, ideological, and political origins of National Socialism in Germany; the career and ideas of Adolf Hitler; the National Socialist state system; and the place of the Holocaust in historical and contemporary thought.

  • HI 366 The Holocaust in History

    This course provides an in-depth analysis of the attempt to exterminate an entire people. Significant attention is directed to the Holocaust experience, the context of that experience, the response to the Holocaust, and its implications for our understanding of the human condition.

  • HI 367 The Holocaust in Film

    Examines the ways in which the Holocaust has been represented, portrayed, examined and understood through the medium of film. Focuses on the difficulties faced by filmmakers in dealing with this topic and the difficulties faced by audiences in responding to the visualization of the experience.

  • HI 375 The Second World War

    This course provides an intensive examination of World War II from an international perspective. The course focuses on such topics as collaboration, resistance, economic mobilization, social change, diplomatic relations, the Holocaust, and the course of the War. Greater emphasis is placed on the European theater.

  • HI 380 America in Film

    The movies are an important part of the culture of the United States. The films that are made and that we choose to see both reflect and influence the way we perceive our lives, our relationships, our nation, and the world around us. Through the viewing and analysis of movies produced over the last three quarters of a century, HI 380 provides the opportunity to examine American history through the lens of Hollywood’s motion picture industry.

  • HI 384 Baseball and the American Experience

    Examination of the development of professional baseball and the role it has played in the American experience. The course asks students to examine a feature of American sport/entertainment/business as a means of understanding societal and cultural developments in general.

  • HI 386 Gettysburg

    Drawing on Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Killer Angels, and the epic film, Gettysburg (adapted from Shaara’s novel), this course chronicles the clash of Union and Confederate arms at Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863. The roles of notable participants such as Lee, Longstreet, Chamberlain, Meade, and Buford are examined, as is the outcome of this critical battle and its influence on the destinies of the Nation.

  • HI 387 The Great Commanders

    Examination of military commanders, via a six-part video series. The series focuses on the following leaders: Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Nelson, Grant, and Zhukov. Student examine the life and exploits of each commander and focusing on a key battle investigate military command in a world where war proves to be just as much a part of life today as it has been throughout history. (Self-Study available)

  • HI 389 The Great War (World War I) and The Shaping of the 20th Century

    This course looks at how “the war to end all wars” shaped the 20th Century. Students examine through an excellent video series and textbook, how weapons such as the machine gun and lethal gas were put to use on World War I battlefields, gauge the depth of suffering through autobiographical accounts of those at Verdun and the Somme, and assess the horror of the war through contemporary paintings and poetry.

  • HI 411 Social and Political Movements in Western Civilizations

    This course is designed to introduce students to the broad social and political movements that have helped shaped the evolution of Western civilization. The class will include examination of industrialization, the enlightenment, and the technological revolution, with a focus on their impact on social and political development. Concepts such as democratization, gender and race relations, the social contract, and the Just War Tradition will also be explored.

  • HI 413 Economic Traditions in Western Society

    The study of international political economy is critical to understanding broader historical trends in western society. This course seeks to develop a firm understanding of how economics has intertwined with politics and international relations to develop a rich history within Western civilization. Concepts and issues examined will include capitalism, free trade, sustainable development, the Bretton Woods institutions, and orthodox vs. alternative development strategies.

  • HI 414 Political Systems in Western Society

    This course is designed as a critical study from a historical perspective of the variety of political systems that exist in Western societies. Systems to be examined include democracy, socialism, fascism, and dictatorships. While the philosophical foundations of these regime types will also be examined, the primary focus will be on the development and interactions of these systems viewed from a historical perspective.

  • HI 416 Hegemony and US Foreign Policy

    This class will examine the rise and current state of the US hegemonic position in international affairs. It will specifically focus on US foreign policy theories and philosophies since the end of WW II and how they have impacted the development of the national interest. Current US policies and behaviors will be critically compared to those of historical hegemons in order to ground the “US Century” in a broader historical context, and allow for direct analysis of the future of the US position.

  • HI 418 Senior Thesis

    This course culminates in a major research paper in a subject matter of historical interest. Research leads to the production of a research proposal, an abstract, and with direction and consultation provided by the instructor through the course of the term, a polished draft of a major paper. This course is offered only as an Independent Study and has a prerequisite of 27 hours of history.

• Political Science

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  • PS 101 Introduction to Government and Politics

    Basic survey course designed to acquaint the college student with various governmental structures as well as theories of the state. Topics covered include state functions, sovereignty, concepts of law, current governmental systems, and the relationship of the state to the individual.

  • PS 208 Introduction to National Security

    This course introduces students to national security as a concept, strategy, goal, and challenge. It examines the dangers and threats that exist domestically and internationally and analyzes how the United States attempts to deal with those challenges using strategies that range from diplomacy to military force.

  • PS 209 Foundations in Intelligence and Counterintelligence

    This course introduces students to intelligence and counterintelligence as concepts, processes, and careers. It elaborates on historical and contemporary approaches to intelligence/counter intelligence. The process of intelligence collection, analysis, research dissemination, consumption, and feedback is examined. Students are exposed to the diverse intelligence community and the responsibilities of its various members.

  • PS 210 Ethical Controversies in Security and Intelligence

    This course introduces and engages elements of theoretical and ethical analysis to empirical topics and subject matter. Some of the issues covered will include war, weapons of mass destruction, humanitarian intervention, globalization, and spying. This course explores the deeper underlying philosophical issues within national security.

  • PS 305 International Relations

    Survey of the various international political systems with emphasis on the basic factors affecting positions and policies of states, the formulation and shaping of foreign policy, and the instruments and patterns of foreign policy.

  • PS 309 Comparative Politics

    Comparative study of the developed and developing governments with an analysis of political parties, bureaucracies, legislatures, and executives; political development, system stability, military intervention and performance; and political culture and socialization.

  • PS 317 Introductory Geostrategy

    This course introduces the subfield of geostrategy. It takes a holistic approach to the study of geopolitics and foreign policy when guided by geographical factors. It examines how geography can inform, constrain and affect political, economic, and military planning. Topics covered include how a country's resources, position, and physical factors can change and determine its geopolitical objectives and how geography is sometimes inextricable from strategy.

  • PS 318 Essentials in Strategic Thought

    This course promotes the understanding of tactical and strategic thought at the introductory level. The course explores how theory and strategy help form policy by identifying the implications and shifts in long-term strategic patterns and trends. Security culture, use of force, international law, grand strategy, and just and unjust war will be major aspects of course study.

  • PS 319 Topics in Global and Political Studies

    In-depth exploration of particular political subjects or issues not treated or treated only briefly in other courses. Specific titles of courses offered under this heading will be listed in the course schedules for the sessions in which they are offered. Not offered every year.

  • PS 320 Security Concepts in Science and Technology

    This course provides an in-depth understanding of how science and technology impacts national security and intelligence. It examines how important hard science and technology is in developing areas of national security and intelligence. This includes analyzing cyber-security and cyber-warfare, the emerging relationship between the Intelligence Community (IC) and Information Technology (IT), space reconnaissance, and high-tech espionage.

  • PS 403 Guns, Sex, Drugs: Illicit Activity in Global Politics

    This course analyzes transnational crime and corruption issues within global politics. Focus is given to potential national and international responses to transnational threats. This course examines the increasing relevance of criminality and governmental corruption and how it becomes a major aspect of national security policy.

  • PS 404 FREEDOM'S CURSE: Problems in Democratization and Development

    This course examines how democratization projects around the world succeed or fail and the international dynamics that flow from that success/failure. International threats that emerge from the problems and flaws of implementation are investigated in depth. Case studies are used as teaching tools about international involvement and difficulties with that engagement.

  • PS 405 Threats of Terrorism

    This course covers both international and domestic terrorism, as well as domestic extremist groups in the United States. Topics include a brief historical review of terrorism and effective terrorism countermeasures.

  • PS 406 Rogue Leaders and Outlaw States

    This course analyzes issues of leadership and statehood that run contrary to international norms and democratic standards. The course investigates key case studies and how they offer challenges to the global community and international security. Review of current problem areas and issues in world politics and scrutiny of conflict-resolution strategies that are both short and long term are included. How these strategies are employed within U.S. foreign policy and their likely efficacy is also examined.

  • PS 407 Eurasian Political Culture and Security

    The study of Eurasia (defined as Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) with an emphasis on understanding the different political cultures and security issues across the region. Topics covered include individual domestic concerns, international positions, national security/economic interests, and alliances/conflicts between countries within and beyond the region.

  • PS 408 Rebellion, Insurgency and War

    This course investigates the various forms and differences of internal/domestic conflict. Students will be exposed to the global context of civil war and insurgency. Numerous case studies will be analyzed, exposing students to the nature and characteristics of revolution. Understanding the changes in our concepts of old/new wars and how that impacts international peacekeeping and global intervention will be highlighted. Students consider transnational issues that emerge within domestic conflicts and how democracy emerges as both a cause and effect within rebellion.

  • PS 411 Radical Religion and Political Extremism

    This course examines various fundamentalist movements around the globe and considers the revival of religious radicalism in the 21st century. Students evaluate how various ‘fundamentalisms’ impact domestic and global political processes. The process for morphing religious radicalism into political violence is examined. How various international factors can ameliorate/exacerbate extremism is examined.

• Women's Studies

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  • WS 101 Introduction to Women's Studies

    In this course, students are introduced to the history and theories of feminism from a multidisciplinary perspective. The impact that feminist perspectives have had on society will also be studied. Gender issues will be explored from a number of different perspectives, including historical, psychological, anthropological, political, and religious perspectives.

  • WS 399 Issues in Women’s Studies

    Exploration of topics not treated or only briefly treated in other courses. Specific titles of courses are listed in the course schedule. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: WS 101 or permission of instructor

  • WS 401 Women's Studies Seminar

    In-depth exploration and analysis of significant issues in women’s and gender studies. Content and direction of the course is the responsibility of the students under the guidance of the instructor. Prerequisite: 12 credit hrs in the Women’s Studies minor, including WS 101

• Other

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  • BPUE 280 Seminar in Professional Studies

    An analysis of recent books on business, management, and leadership that challenges the wisdom of current practices. The course brings you up to date while challenging assumptions on fundamental issues.

  • CA 203 Understanding Mass Media

    This course examines the origins, development, and current role of mass media in shaping and reflecting society. Emphasis is placed on informed, critical consumption of mass media products and processes.

  • EN 341 The History of Horror

    This course offers a chronological historical survey of horror fiction, examining its Gothic precursors and its origin in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. The course examines major works and major types of horror fiction, such as the mad scientist story, the vampire story, the ghost story, and the supernatural horror story.

  • EN 351 The Lord of the Rings

    This course examines J.R.R. Tolkien's theory of fantasy literature and of the style, characters, and themes of The Lord of the Rings.

  • HISC 298 Technology and Social History

    Study of societal development through technological changes. Inventions and processes in a historical timeline are studied to evaluate the influence each has had on humanity, culture, and social institutions.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • IGEN 302 The History of Love and Sex

    Examines the differing manners in which love and sex have been viewed throughout recorded history.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ISPS 250 Triumph of the Nerds: An Irreverent History of the PC

    A self-study, video course (based on the PBS series) in which students explore the history and development of the PC; learn about the key players, companies, and technologies; appreciate the market forces at play; and identify and analyze the effects of computers on people and society. The course is designed for both technical and nontechnical students.

  • ISPS 290 Money and Morality

    An interdisciplinary course, topics include postmodernism, consumerism, free market economics, Keynesianism, Marxism, shopping malls, whistle blowing, insider trading, corporate responsibility, and more.

  • LITC 298 Literature and Technology

    Explores the constructive and destructive potentials of technology and the manager’s ethical responsibilities as liaison between technical and humanistic constituencies. The course includes such works as Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle and Player Piano, Anthony Burgess’ Clockwork Orange, and Jerzi Kosinski’s Being There.