Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Technical Writing and Communication B.S.

Writing Studies Department
College of Liberal Arts
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2021
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 52
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
The Department of Writing Studies offers a B.S. in Technical Writing and Communication (TWC). Technical writing and communication creates a bridge between experts and various audiences who put knowledge into practice. The TWC major offers students who enjoy writing the opportunity to use written, digital, oral, and visual communication theory and practice as it happens in the current workplace. Students will study writing and editing, rhetorical theory, visual rhetoric and document design, usability, and technical communication practices. TWC majors examine how communication is a complex process that involves both the robust principles of audience, persuasion, clarity, accuracy, and ethical integrity, and a command of the knowledge of scientific and technical topics that one communicates. Organizations, both for profit and non-profit, demand people who can communicate ideas or concepts clearly, ethically, and with authority. At the core of these communication skills is a knowledge of writing and how it creates understandings with particular audiences. TWC graduates work in many areas, including health, business, science, law, and technology. Technical writer, usability specialist, user experience designer, and content strategist are just a few of the careers are just a few of the titles our graduates hold. Why major in TWC? 1. TWC majors are in demand and sought after by employers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts technical communication as a career will grow faster than average over the next decade. And US News and World Report lists “technical writer” in the top 100 jobs for 2020! 2. Our advisory board of alumni and industry professionals offers networking, mentorship, internship, and job opportunities. 3. Students learn to use rhetoric as a powerful communication tool. 4. Students become familiar with current writing and web technologies. 5. TWC pairs well with other majors such as political or health science. 6. Sub-plans enable students to focus their writing skills in one of four emphasis areas: information technology and design, biological and health sciences, legal discourse and public policy, or environmental science. For more information, visit z.umn.edu/writugrad.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Equivalent transfer courses are accepted in all course groups except Core Courses. At least 22 upper division credits in the major must be taken at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Students may earn a BS, a minor, or a certificate in technical writing and communication, but none of these may be combined. All incoming CLA freshmen must complete the First-Year Experience course sequence. All students must complete a capstone in at least one CLA major. The requirements for double majors completing the capstone in a different CLA major will be clearly stated. Students must also complete all major requirements in both majors to allow the additional capstone to be waived. Student completing an addition degree must complete the capstone in each degree area.
Foundation Course
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
· WRIT 1001 - The Art of Explaining Things: Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication (3.0 cr)
Core Courses
Take exactly 6 course(s) totaling exactly 19 credit(s) from the following:
· WRIT 3221W - Communication Modes and Methods [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3441 - Editing, Critique, and Style (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3671 - Visual Rhetoric and Document Design (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3701W - Rhetorical Theory for Writing Studies [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
or WRIT 3562V - Honors: Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
· WRIT 4501 - Usability and Human Factors in Technical Communication (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 4662W - Writing With Digital Technologies [WI] (3.0 cr)
Electives
Take exactly 4 course(s) totaling exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
Oral, Written, Visual, and Digital Communication
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
· WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3101W - Writing Arguments [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3102W - Public Writing [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3244W - Critical Literacies: How Words Change the World [AH, DSJ, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3257 - Technical and Professional Presentations (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3672W - Project Design and Development [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3751W - Seminar: Theory and Practice of Writing Consultancy [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3896 - Internship in Technical Writing and Communication (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4573W - Writing Proposals and Grant Management [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4662W - Writing With Digital Technologies [WI] (3.0 cr)
· Science, Technology, and Society
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
· WRIT 3152W - Writing on Issues of Science and Technology [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3315 - Writing on Issues of Land and the Environment [AH, DSJ] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3371W - Technology, Self, and Society [TS, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3381W - Writing and Modern Cultural Movements [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3405W - Humanistic Healthcare and Communication [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3577W - Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet [TS, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4431W - Science, Technology, and the Law [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4562 - International Professional Communication (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4664W - Science, Medical, and Health Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
Capstone
Students who double major and choose to complete the capstone requirement in their other major may waive the Technical Writing and Communication BS capstone, and they do not need to replace the 3 credits. Students who are completing a dual degree program must complete the Technical Writing and Communication B.S. capstone.
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
· WRIT 4999 - Technical Writing and Communication Capstone (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 4999H - Technical Writing and Communication Honors Capstone (3.0 cr)
Upper Division Writing Intensive within the major
Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3101W - Writing Arguments [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3102W - Public Writing [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3152W - Writing on Issues of Science and Technology [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3221W - Communication Modes and Methods [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3244W - Critical Literacies: How Words Change the World [AH, DSJ, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3371W - Technology, Self, and Society [TS, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3381W - Writing and Modern Cultural Movements [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3405W - Humanistic Healthcare and Communication [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3577W - Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet [TS, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3672W - Project Design and Development [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3701W - Rhetorical Theory for Writing Studies [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3751W - Seminar: Theory and Practice of Writing Consultancy [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4431W - Science, Technology, and the Law [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4573W - Writing Proposals and Grant Management [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4662W - Writing With Digital Technologies [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 4664W - Science, Medical, and Health Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
or WRIT 3562V - Honors: Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Information Technology and Design
The Information Technology and Design sub-plan is appropriate for students who are interested in careers in web development, media production, information technology, visual rhetoric, and message design. Students with a background and interest in computer science, engineering, design, visual communication, or technology may find this a useful emphasis area.
Required Courses
Take 15 or more credit(s) from the following:
Lower Division
Take at most 9 credit(s) from the following:
· CSCI 1001 {Inactive} [MATH, TS] (4.0 cr)
· CSCI 1103 - Introduction to Computer Programming in Java (4.0 cr)
· CSCI 1113 - Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers (4.0 cr)
· DES 2101 - Design and Visual Presentation (3.0 cr)
· GDES 2342 - Web Design (3.0 cr)
· GDES 2361 - Design Process: Photography (3.0 cr)
· DES 1101W - Introduction to Design Thinking [AH, WI] (4.0 cr)
or DES 1101V - Honors: Introduction to Design Thinking [AH, WI] (4.0 cr)
· CSCI 1133 - Introduction to Computing and Programming Concepts (4.0 cr)
or CSCI 1133H - Honors Introduction to Computing and Programming Concepts (4.0 cr)
· CSCI 2011 - Discrete Structures of Computer Science (4.0 cr)
or CSCI 2011H - Honors Discrete Structures of Computer Science (4.0 cr)
· Upper Division
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· COMM 3201 - Introduction to Electronic Media Production (4.0 cr)
· COMM 3204 - Advanced Electronic Media Production (4.0 cr)
· COMM 3211 - Introduction to Media Studies (3.0 cr)
· COMM 3645W - How Pictures Persuade [WI] (3.0 cr)
· COMM 4291 - New Telecommunication Media (3.0 cr)
· CSCI 3921W - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· DES 3131 - User Experience in Design (4.0 cr)
· DES 3141 - Technology, Design, and Society [TS] (3.0 cr)
· DES 3311 - Travels in Typography (3.0 cr)
· GDES 4131W - History of Graphic Design [WI] (4.0 cr)
· IDSC 3101 - Introduction to Programming (2.0 cr)
· IDSC 3102 - Intermediate Programming (2.0 cr)
· JOUR 3006 - Visual Communication (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 3614 - History of Media Communication [HIS, TS] (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 3751 - Digital Media and Culture [AH, TS] (3.0 cr)
· HSCI 3331 - Technology and American Culture [HIS, TS] (3.0 cr)
or HSCI 5331 - Technology and American Culture (3.0 cr)
· HSCI 3401 - Ethics in Science and Technology [HIS, CIV] (3.0 cr)
or HSCI 5401 - Ethics in Science and Technology (3.0 cr)
· HSCI 4321 - History of Computing [TS, HIS] (3.0 cr)
or CSCI 4921 - History of Computing [TS, HIS] (3.0 cr)
· KIN 3505 - Intro to Human-Centered Design (3.0 cr)
or KIN 5505 - Human-Centered Design - Principles and Applications (3.0 cr)
· HUMF 5001 - Foundations of Human Factors/Ergonomics (3.0 cr)
or KIN 5001 - Foundations of Human Factors/Ergonomics (3.0 cr)
Biological and Health Sciences
The Biological and Health Sciences sup-plan is appropriate for students who are interested in careers in medical writing or communication related to public health, pharmacy, or biomedical technology. Students with a background and interest in biology, chemistry, anatomy, public health, nursing, or medicine may find this a useful emphasis area.
Required Courses
Take 15 or more credit(s) from the following:
Lower Division
Take at most 9 credit(s) from the following:
· BIOC 1010 - Human Health and Disease (3.0 cr)
· BIOL 1012 - Human Biology: Concepts and Current Ethical Issues [BIOL, CIV] (4.0 cr)
· BIOL 1101 - Genetics and Society [CIV] (3.0 cr)
· NSCI 1001 - Fundamental Neuroscience: Understanding Ourselves [TS] (3.0 cr)
· NSCI 2101 - Human Neuroanatomy [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
· PHAR 1002 - Medical Terminology (2.0 cr)
· PHAR 1004 - Common Prescription Drugs and Diseases (2.0 cr)
· PHIL 1005 - Scientific Reasoning (4.0 cr)
· BIOL 1009 - General Biology [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
or BIOL 1009H - Honors: General Biology [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
· CHEM 1015 - Introductory Chemistry: Lecture [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
with CHEM 1017 - Introductory Chemistry: Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
with CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
or CHEM 1071H - Honors Chemistry I [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
with CHEM 1075H - Honors Chemistry I Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
or CHEM 1081 - Chemistry for the Life Sciences I [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
with CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
with CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
or CHEM 1072H - Honors Chemistry II [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
with CHEM 1076H - Honors Chemistry II Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
· CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I (3.0 cr)
or CHEM 2331H - Honors Elementary Organic Chemistry I (3.0 cr)
· CHEM 2302 - Organic Chemistry II (3.0 cr)
or CHEM 2332H - Honors Elementary Organic Chemistry II (3.0 cr)
· Upper Division
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
· NSCI 3001W - Neuroscience and Society [CIV, WI] (4.0 cr)
· NSCI 3505W - Mind and Brain [WI] (4.0 cr)
· PHAR 3206 - Foundations of Health Literacy (3.0 cr)
· PHAR 5201 - Applied Medical Terminology (2.0 cr)
· PHCL 3100 - Pharmacology for Pre-Med and Life Science Students (2.0 cr)
· PHIL 3601W - Scientific Thought [WI] (4.0 cr)
· PHSL 3051 - Human Physiology (4.0 cr)
· PUBH 3004 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
· PUBH 3106 - Making Sense of Health Studies (2.0 cr)
· PUBH 3351 - Epidemiology: People, Places, and Disease (2.0 cr)
· PUBH 3415 - Introduction to Clinical Trials - Online (3.0 cr)
· STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)
· ANAT 3001 - Human Anatomy (3.0 cr)
or ANAT 3601 - Principles of Human Anatomy (3.0 cr)
or ANAT 3611 - Principles of Human Anatomy (3.0 cr)
· BIOL 4003 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
or GCD 3022 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
· BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
or GCD 4005W - Cell Biology-Writing Intensive [WI] (4.0 cr)
· MICB 3301 - Biology of Microorganisms (5.0 cr)
or MICB 3303 - Biology of Microorganisms (without laboratory) (3.0 cr)
· PHAR 4204W - Drugs and the U.S. Healthcare System [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
or PHAR 5204 - Drugs and the US Healthcare System (3.0 cr)
Legal Discourse and Public Policy
The Legal Discourse and Public Policy sub-plan is appropriate for students who are interested in careers with the government, politics, law, and public policy. Students with a background and interest in political science, economics, sociology, law, or philosophy may find this a useful emphasis area.
Required Courses
Take 15 or more credit(s) from the following:
Lower Division
Take at most 9 credit(s) from the following:
· PHIL 1004W - Introduction to Political Philosophy [AH, CIV, WI] (4.0 cr)
· POL 1201 - Political Ideas [HIS, CIV] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1001 - Introduction to Logic [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or PHIL 1001H {Inactive} [MATH] (4.0 cr)
· POL 1001 - American Democracy in a Changing World [SOCS] (3.0 cr)
or POL 1001H {Inactive} [SOCS] (3.0 cr)
· Upper Division
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· COMM 3631 - Freedom of Speech [CIV] (3.0 cr)
· CSCI 3921W - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· GWSS 3415 - Feminist Perspectives on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault [DSJ] (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3835 - Law in American Life: 1865 to Present (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 3775 - Strategic Communication Law [CIV] (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 5552 - Law of Internet Communication (3.0 cr)
· POL 3225 - American Political Thought [CIV] (3.0 cr)
· POL 3308 - Congressional Politics and Institutions [SOCS] (3.0 cr)
· POL 3309 - U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (3.0 cr)
· POL 4501W - The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· POL 4502W - The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4161 - Criminal Law in American Society (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4162 - Criminal Procedure in American Society (3.0 cr)
· AAS 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans & Chicanos in the U.S. (3.0 cr)
or AFRO 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans & Chicanos in the U.S. (3.0 cr)
or AMIN 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, & Chicanos in the U.S. (3.0 cr)
or CHIC 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans & Chicanos in the U.S. (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 3776 - Media Law (3.0 cr)
or JOUR 3776H - Media Law (3.0 cr)
· LAW 3000 - Introduction to American Law and Legal Reasoning (3.0 cr)
or LAW 5000 - Introduction to American Law and Legal Reasoning (3.0 cr)
· POL 4403W - Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or POL 5403 - Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3101 - Sociological Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System [CIV] (3.0 cr)
or SOC 3101H - Honors: Sociological Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System [CIV] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4101W - Sociology of Law [WI] (3.0 cr)
or SOC 4101V - Honors: Sociology of Law [WI] (3.0 cr)
or SOC 5101 - Sociology of Law (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4171 - Sociology of International Law: Human Rights & Trafficking [GP] (3.0 cr)
or SOC 5171 - Sociology of International Law: Human Rights & Trafficking [GP] (3.0 cr)
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science sub-plan is appropriate for students who are interested in careers in natural resources, sustainability, land conservation, and environmental issues. Students with a background and interest in environmental studies, geography, ecology, applied economics, forestry and natural resources, urban studies, and earth sciences may find this a useful emphasis area.
Required Courses
Take 15 or more credit(s) from the following:
Lower Division
Take at most 9 credit(s) from the following:
· ESCI 1001 - Earth and Its Environments [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
· ESCI 2202 - Earth History (4.0 cr)
· ESPM 1011 - Issues in the Environment [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· BIOL 1052 - Environmental Biology: Science and Solutions [ENV] (3.0 cr)
or BIOL 1055 - Environmental Biology: Science and Solutions with Laboratory [BIOL, ENV] (4.0 cr)
· GEOG 1403 - Biogeography of the Global Garden [BIOL, ENV] (4.0 cr)
or GEOG 1403H - Honors: Biogeography of the Global Garden [BIOL, ENV] (4.0 cr)
· ESPM 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
or GEOG 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
· Upper Division
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· BBE 4733 - Renewable Energy Technologies [TS] (3.0 cr)
· CEGE 3501 - Introduction to Environmental Engineering [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· CEGE 3541 - Environmental Engineering Laboratory (3.0 cr)
· COMM 4251 - Environmental Communication [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· ENGL 3501 - Public Discourse: Coming to Terms with the Environment [LITR, ENV] (3.0 cr)
· ESCI 3005 - Earth Resources (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 3011W - Ethics in Natural Resources [CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 3607 - Natural Resources Consumption and Sustainability [GP] (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 4021W - Problem Solving: Environmental Review [WI] (4.0 cr)
· FW 4102 - Principles of Conservation Biology [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4002W - Environmental Thought and Practice [WI] (3.0 cr)
· LA 3501 - Environmental Design and Its Biological and Physical Context [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 3301 - Environmental Ethics [ENV] (4.0 cr)
· SUST 3003 - Sustainable People, Sustainable Planet [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· URBS 3751 - Understanding the Urban Environment [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 3601 - Sustainable Housing--Community, Environment, and Technology [TS] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4305 - Environment & Society: An Enduring Conflict [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· AGRO 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ANSC 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ESCI 3002 - Climate Change and Human History [ENV] (3.0 cr)
or ESCI 5102 - Climate Change and Human History (3.0 cr)
· ESCI 3402 - Science and Politics of Global Warming [ENV] (3.0 cr)
or ESCI 5402 - Science and Politics of Global Warming (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 3612W - Soil and Environmental Biology [WI] (4.0 cr)
or SOIL 5611 - Soil Biology and Fertility (4.0 cr)
· GEOG 3379 - Environment and Development in the Third World [SOCS, ENV] (3.0 cr)
or GLOS 3303 {Inactive} [SOCS, ENV] (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3401W - Geography of Environmental Systems and Global Change [ENV, WI] (3.0 cr)
or GEOG 5401W - Geography of Environmental Systems and Global Change [ENV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· HSCI 3244 - Nature's History: Science, Humans, and the Environment [HIS, ENV] (3.0 cr)
or HSCI 5244 - Nature's History: Science, Humans, and the Environment (3.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Liberal Arts

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2023
· Fall 2022
· Spring 2022

View sample plan(s):
· Information Technology and Design
· Biological and Health Sciences
· Legal Discourse and Public Policy
· Environmental Science

View checkpoint chart:
· Technical Writing and Communication B.S.
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WRIT 1001 - The Art of Explaining Things: Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course introduces students to the field of technical writing and communication. What do technical communicators do? They explain things!? Technical communicators are often tasked with explaining complex ideas to specific audiences through various means.? Students will explore the history and current and future trends of the field through a variety of readings including journal articles and industry publications. Topics in the course include ethics, global communication, collaboration, usability, digital writing technologies, and content management, as well as the rhetorical principles of audience, purpose, and context. Students will gain exposure to current practices in the field through guest speakers and assignments. Other assignments include oral presentations, analytical and research writing, and writing for the web. The format of the class includes lecture, student-led discussions, group activities, and peer review.
WRIT 3221W - Communication Modes and Methods (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course presents a survey of fundamental theories and philosophies of communication. Students will become acquainted with several theories of language and linguistic meaning and with principles of non-verbal and relational communication, and will engage in reflection on differences between older and newer media or ?modes? of discourse (speaking vs. writing; conventional print vs. digital text, etc.). In addition to introducing theories and concepts, the course seeks to develop competencies in evaluating and applying them in the analysis of communication in various contexts including face-to-face conversations, ongoing interpersonal relationships, and digitally-mediated interactions.
WRIT 3441 - Editing, Critique, and Style
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 3441/Writ 4561
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
In this course, students will increase their understanding of how language works and will learn to make choices about language, style, and punctuation to create messages that are clear, concise, and useful. The course emphasizes technical communication, but the skills learned can be applied to any communication situation. Editing practice will include three levels of editing to make the documents comprehensible and useful in which students will not only polish their grammar and punctuation skills, but they will also learn how to explain and justify changes they make in documents. Topics also included in the course are editing methods for both paper and electronic copy and editing for organization and visual design.
WRIT 3671 - Visual Rhetoric and Document Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course approaches the challenges of document design by drawing upon principles from rhetorical theory and scholarship. In practical terms, this means that the design questions addressed in this class are understood in terms of specific audiences and specific contexts. Students in this class will pursue a blend of critical analysis ? drawing on rhetorical principles ? and document design. While Visual Rhetoric and Document Design assumes no baseline design training, class assignments will encourage students to put theory into practice and develop documents that reflect current best practices in print and digital spaces.
WRIT 3701W - Rhetorical Theory for Writing Studies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course is designed to explore major issues and perspectives in rhetorical criticism, including foundational concepts from the history of rhetorical theory, elements of rhetorical studies, and methods of rhetorical analysis. Rhetoric is an art form with a diverse theoretical landscape, meaning that there is no singular, stable definition of the term; rather, rhetoric is a practice that has been used as an organizing principle for a variety of communicative acts ? written, spoken, and enacted. As such, the study of rhetorical theory and criticism begins with the understanding that human beings use language and symbols to shape our many worldviews. The skills obtained in this class will help you to understand the nature and function of the persuasive strategies that structure our everyday lives and arguments. As a writing-intensive course, you will also learn how to construct a piece of rhetorical criticism that draws upon a toolbox of ideas and methods to successfully articulate a rhetorical argument.
WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 3562V/Writ 3562W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to technical and professional writing through various readings and assignments in which students analyze and create texts that work to communicate complex information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Students gain knowledge of workplace genres as well as to develop skills in composing such genres. This course allows students to practice rhetorically analyzing writing situations and composing genres such as memos, proposals, instructions, research reports, and presentations. Students work in teams to develop collaborative content and to compose in a variety of modes including text, graphics, video, audio, and digital. Students also conduct both primary and secondary research and practice usability testing. The course emphasizes creating documents that are goal-driven and appropriate for a specific context and audience.
WRIT 3562V - Honors: Technical and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 3562V/Writ 3562W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course introduces students to technical and professional writing through various readings and assignments in which students analyze and create texts that work to communicate complex information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Students gain knowledge of workplace genres as well as to develop skills in composing such genres. This course allows students to practice rhetorically analyzing writing situations and composing genres such as memos, proposals, instructions, research reports, and presentations. Students work in teams to develop collaborative content and to compose in a variety of modes including text, graphics, video, audio, and digital. Students also conduct both primary and secondary research and practice usability testing. The course emphasizes creating documents that are goal-driven and appropriate for a specific context and audience. Honors section includes discussion on scholarly readings in technical and professional writing as well as a final project that must be addressed to a real-world audience.
WRIT 4501 - Usability and Human Factors in Technical Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4501/Writ 5501
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Usability is concerned with how people interact with design and technology; usability is commonly known as the "ease of use" of products and technologies by a range of users. This course emphasizes usability and user research and will explore the intersection of usability and technical communication. We will investigate definitions of usability and user-centered design principles, and we will explore a variety of usability research methods including heuristic evaluation, personas, and usability testing. The course will focus heavily on usability testing of web sites, a common technical communication task that involves observation and interviews of human participants interacting with a web site.
WRIT 4662W - Writing With Digital Technologies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4662W/Writ 5662
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
WRIT 4662W is an advanced level Writing Studies course that explores various digital writing technologies and provides multiple opportunities to assess writing situations and make appropriate decisions about digital form and production. Students will learn the basic building blocks of writing in Internet environments (text, sound, images, video) as well as the vocabularies, functionalities, and organizing structures of Web 2.0 environments, how these impact understanding and use of information, and how to produce these environments (i.e., multimedia internet documents) for interactivity and use. This course includes design projects and practice with apps, markup language, content management systems, video, and social media. prereq: Jr or sr or instr consent
WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EngL 3029W/Writ 3029W
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
In this course students practice writing and revising common business documents for today?s business world. Students write memos, proposals, cover letters, resumes, and digital and web content as well as practice choice of appropriate formats and media. The course draws from current business practices and stresses workplace collaboration, broader issues of professional literacy, and responsive writing styles. Students practice rhetorical analysis and discuss concepts such as audience, purpose, tone, and context when writing and revising their documents. Students analyze and write from a variety of perspectives and contexts including formal (researched reports, proposals) and informal (email, social media) communication. Students also build a professional online presence through such platforms as LinkedIn.
WRIT 3101W - Writing Arguments (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students learn about argument, drawn from a number of theories of argument. This goal is pragmatic: those theories provide a vocabulary for talking about argument and for developing and refining students' own written arguments. Students get regular practice, coaching, and feedback on their writing skills, primarily as these concern argumentative writing. Students also learn how to analyze argumentative texts, drawn from popular culture, academic fields, and the public realm.
WRIT 3102W - Public Writing (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students in this class examine public documents and apply critical/rhetorical analysis regarding audience, purpose, message, power, and context. Students conduct research and write documents for public audiences on contemporary issues of interest.
WRIT 3244W - Critical Literacies: How Words Change the World (AH, DSJ, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is focused on understanding and using the insights into language and writing that animate Critical Literacy movements in the United States. Literacy is usually thought of in terms of fundamental abilities to read and write about a reality outside of language. Critical Literacy is an intellectual and social movement that challenges this dominant understanding of literacy. Critical Literacy?s fundamental claim is that texts (and our practices for working with them) invite readers (and writers) to accept particular versions of reality as the Real Truth. Through historical and contemporary models, students will learn how efforts to question and transform dominant ways of using language have played an especially important role in struggles for greater justice by and for oppressed groups. Here, people have used the ideas and methods of Critical Literacy to question how racial, gender, social class, and other privileges structure our language practices and our daily experiences. Students will be invited to apply a critical understanding of literacy to their own writing as they analyze course texts and produce original essays on topics of interest to them.
WRIT 3257 - Technical and Professional Presentations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
In this course students develop oral presentation skills for technical or professional topics. Areas of study in the course include visual communication, audience analysis, presentation strategies, and presentation of complex research material. The course emphasizes use of digital technologies. Recommend that students take Comm 1101 or equivalent first
WRIT 3672W - Project Design and Development (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
If you want to put design thinking, agile project management, teamwork, writing, research, analysis, and critical thinking on your resume, join Project Design and Development. You will study, plan, research, design, and develop technical communication materials in a design-thinking, collaborative-writing environment. You?ll work in teams to create a user manual and information graphic, promotional materials, and a social media campaign while planning and documenting your projects and productivity. You will leave the course with knowledge and skills you can put to work in any organization: small business, nonprofit, and corporate. The course develops competencies that the National Association of Colleges and Employers has named as most-valued by employers: critical thinking, written communication, collaboration, digital technology, leadership, and professionalism.
WRIT 3751W - Seminar: Theory and Practice of Writing Consultancy (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a seminar in the theory and practice of teaching writing through one-to-one consultations. Our goal in this seminar is to develop as writers and writing consultants through investigating into, experimenting with, and reflecting upon our own literacy practices; reading carefully and discussing published research and theory as well as examples of our own and other students? writing; posing and exploring questions about writers, writing consulting, language and literacy learning, linguistic diversity, and the role of writing centers within higher education; observing, practicing, and reflecting on a variety of consulting strategies; and designing, conducting, and presenting our own writing center inquiry projects. Through reflective writing, in-class consultations, class discussions, and collaborative activities, we will learn together many approaches for conducting one-to-one conferences and for coaching students in their development as writers. prereq: Currently working in a University writing center, instr consent
WRIT 3896 - Internship in Technical Writing and Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This is an online course for students who are working in an approved internship in the field of technical communication. Students have the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in the TWC major in a real-world situation. In the course, students are required to read materials, to submit bi-weekly progress reports on their position to an online forum, and respond to other students. Students are also asked to post examples of their projects and to rate their skills using the CLA Competencies and Rate Tool. The final project in the course is a 10-12 page final report that involves submitting a draft and meeting with the instructor. prereq: Writ 3562W and 24 credits completed in the Technical Writing & Communication major
WRIT 4573W - Writing Proposals and Grant Management (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This advanced-level Writing Studies course introduces students to the activities, responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that characterize proposals for nonprofits and/or research/business. Students analyze unique proposal writing situations, including audiences (customers, reviewers, and teammates) and resources (collaborators, templates, and time). Students practice the entire process of proposal and grant writing: 1) describing the problem in context; 2) identifying sponsors and finding a match; 3) designing, writing, revising, and completing all proposal components; 4) conceptualizing and using persuasive visual elements; and 5) presenting and responding to stakeholders and sponsors.
WRIT 4662W - Writing With Digital Technologies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4662W/Writ 5662
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
WRIT 4662W is an advanced level Writing Studies course that explores various digital writing technologies and provides multiple opportunities to assess writing situations and make appropriate decisions about digital form and production. Students will learn the basic building blocks of writing in Internet environments (text, sound, images, video) as well as the vocabularies, functionalities, and organizing structures of Web 2.0 environments, how these impact understanding and use of information, and how to produce these environments (i.e., multimedia internet documents) for interactivity and use. This course includes design projects and practice with apps, markup language, content management systems, video, and social media. prereq: Jr or sr or instr consent
WRIT 3152W - Writing on Issues of Science and Technology (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Science and technology are key parts of nearly every aspect of our lives, and, just as important, science and technology are highly debated topics in political, economic, social, public, and personal spheres. For example, consider debates regarding genetically modified foods, space exploration, vaccines, oil pipelines, or clean drinking water. This course will push you to consider the ways you think, feel, and write about science and technology. This course will ask you to examine the relationship between language and science and technology. We will spend the semester reading about science and technology, in addition to studying and practicing different strategies, techniques, and approaches for communicating about science and technology. Using rhetorical studies as a foundation, this course will give you the tools to more effectively engage with scientific and technological topics and debates. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this course aims to foster engagement with scientific and technological conversations. Put simply, students should leave this course caring about scientific and technological issues and wanting to participate in the conversations that surround such issues.
WRIT 3315 - Writing on Issues of Land and the Environment (AH, DSJ)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course explores how written texts help shape understandings of the land in the U.S. Students read and analyze historical texts that have contributed to colonialist understandings of nature and the land. Students will study how the rhetorical strategies of such texts helped to form exploitive relations with the land and enact violence against indigenous peoples. Historical and current texts written by native peoples provide a counter-narrative to the myth of progress. Emphasis in the course is placed on analyzing texts with an eye toward setting the ground for conversations aimed at achieving sustainability and justice. Students will also study how written texts are composed within material contexts that contribute to their understanding.
WRIT 3371W - Technology, Self, and Society (TS, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Cultural history of American technology. Social values that technology represents in shifts from handicraft to mass production/consumption, in modern transportation, communication, bioengineering. Ethical issues in power, work, identity, our relation to nature.
WRIT 3381W - Writing and Modern Cultural Movements (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores how written texts help to shape modern art and cultural movements. Writ 3381 first develops an understanding of the manifesto form by reading primary examples written by artists from such movements as Cubism and Expressionism. Students study the complex written and visual strategies of those texts and how they contributed to social and political change in the modern world. Out of those attempts to change culture, students will be challenged to consider how particular writing strategies developed in the U.S. aimed at bringing about change in 1960s culture in areas such as the women's movement, the move toward racial equality, and the environmental movement. Toward the end of the course, the writings of current movements are taken up as building on and departing from past writing and rhetorical strategies. Students both read about and practice writing strategies studied in the course.
WRIT 3405W - Humanistic Healthcare and Communication (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Humanistic Healthcare and Communication focuses on critically therapeutic patient-provider communication. Topics surveyed include: health literacy, cultural and risk communication, health communication, narrative theory and digital medicine. These topics are brought to bear on three historical moments in the history of medicine when humanism entered or was displaced in medical practice. Students will be exposed to writings, visual arts and music created by physicians and nurses throughout history and write critical essays on these. These will prep students for the new MCAT exam. A variety of guest lecturers from the medical profession will discuss case histories that demonstrate the course themes in practice.
WRIT 3577W - Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet (TS, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course examines the rich and complex ways people are seeking to inform and persuade others via the internet. Western rhetorical theories have adapted to address spoken, written, visual, and digital communication. The internet incorporates aspects of all of these modes of communication, but it also requires us to revisit how we have understood them. Students in Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet will reinforce their understandings of rhetorical theories and the internet as a technology. The class will also ask students to read current scholarly work about the internet, and develop the critical tools needed to complement, extend, or challenge that work.
WRIT 4431W - Science, Technology, and the Law (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In this course students explore the effects of scientific and technological development on the law?and the effects of the law on scientific and technological development. In particular, students will read and discuss government regulation, constitutional guidelines and rights, and federal and state court precedents regarding privacy, intellectual property (patients and copyright), and health law. Specific topics include the following: Search warrants and Four Amendment rights, electronic surveillance law, national security and foreign intelligence, copyright and fair use, citizens? access to creative works, informed consent, medical expert testimony in the courtroom, and the right to medical treatment. Students will have the opportunity to express their opinions and display their analytical skills in three take-home essay exams. Students from all majors are welcome, including those students interested in law school.
WRIT 4562 - International Professional Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course prepares students to navigate the increasingly global nature of communication and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Students learn how to develop content for and work with clients and colleagues from other cultures, communicate with multicultural audiences, and collaborate in virtual global teams using multiple synchronous and asynchronous technologies. The course includes work with peers and international scholars from various parts of the world. Projects include a metaphorical comparative analysis of cultures; management (global virtual team work) of a translation project with students from another country; interviews with managers/employees in multinational corporations; and curation work with an international archive on emerging technologies.
WRIT 4664W - Science, Medical, and Health Writing (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4664W/ Writ 5664
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the theories and practices of rhetoric and writing in science, medicine, and health (SMH). Students learn about genres of SMH communication including regulatory documents from the FDA, podcasts created by scientists for the public, patient blogs, and published research articles. The course also engages topics including accessibility, writing in regulated environments, writing for complex audiences, and engaging biomedical and scientific research in writing. Students are challenged to consider how language, science, biomedicine, and health intersect and how different stakeholders such as patients, healthcare providers, scientists, government officials, and insurance companies engage in SMH communication.
WRIT 4999 - Technical Writing and Communication Capstone
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4995/Writ 4995H/Writ 4999
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The Senior Capstone course is a culminating experience for all Technical Writing and Communication majors. This course is designed to facilitate individualized student projects that combine previous knowledge, skills, and experiences developed as a TWC major into a senior project. Specifically, students will design and carry out a project of their own design under the guidance of the instructor. Students taking this course should have completed the majority of the TWC core requirements. It is recommended students take it the last semester of their senior year.
WRIT 4999H - Technical Writing and Communication Honors Capstone
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4995/Writ 4995H/Writ 4999
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The senior capstone course is a culminating experience for all Technical Writing and Communication majors. This course is designed to facilitate individualized student projects that combine previous knowledge, skills, and experiences developed as a TWC major into a senior project. Specifically, students will design and carry out a project of their own design under the guidance of the instructor. Completing the honors thesis is a year long effort. Students graduating with Latin Honors should enroll in Writ 4999H during the first semester of their senior year. Students may register for 1 credit in WRIT 3993 their second semester. Students not graduating with Latin Honors should register for Writ 4999.
WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EngL 3029W/Writ 3029W
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
In this course students practice writing and revising common business documents for today?s business world. Students write memos, proposals, cover letters, resumes, and digital and web content as well as practice choice of appropriate formats and media. The course draws from current business practices and stresses workplace collaboration, broader issues of professional literacy, and responsive writing styles. Students practice rhetorical analysis and discuss concepts such as audience, purpose, tone, and context when writing and revising their documents. Students analyze and write from a variety of perspectives and contexts including formal (researched reports, proposals) and informal (email, social media) communication. Students also build a professional online presence through such platforms as LinkedIn.
WRIT 3101W - Writing Arguments (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students learn about argument, drawn from a number of theories of argument. This goal is pragmatic: those theories provide a vocabulary for talking about argument and for developing and refining students' own written arguments. Students get regular practice, coaching, and feedback on their writing skills, primarily as these concern argumentative writing. Students also learn how to analyze argumentative texts, drawn from popular culture, academic fields, and the public realm.
WRIT 3102W - Public Writing (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students in this class examine public documents and apply critical/rhetorical analysis regarding audience, purpose, message, power, and context. Students conduct research and write documents for public audiences on contemporary issues of interest.
WRIT 3152W - Writing on Issues of Science and Technology (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Science and technology are key parts of nearly every aspect of our lives, and, just as important, science and technology are highly debated topics in political, economic, social, public, and personal spheres. For example, consider debates regarding genetically modified foods, space exploration, vaccines, oil pipelines, or clean drinking water. This course will push you to consider the ways you think, feel, and write about science and technology. This course will ask you to examine the relationship between language and science and technology. We will spend the semester reading about science and technology, in addition to studying and practicing different strategies, techniques, and approaches for communicating about science and technology. Using rhetorical studies as a foundation, this course will give you the tools to more effectively engage with scientific and technological topics and debates. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this course aims to foster engagement with scientific and technological conversations. Put simply, students should leave this course caring about scientific and technological issues and wanting to participate in the conversations that surround such issues.
WRIT 3221W - Communication Modes and Methods (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course presents a survey of fundamental theories and philosophies of communication. Students will become acquainted with several theories of language and linguistic meaning and with principles of non-verbal and relational communication, and will engage in reflection on differences between older and newer media or ?modes? of discourse (speaking vs. writing; conventional print vs. digital text, etc.). In addition to introducing theories and concepts, the course seeks to develop competencies in evaluating and applying them in the analysis of communication in various contexts including face-to-face conversations, ongoing interpersonal relationships, and digitally-mediated interactions.
WRIT 3244W - Critical Literacies: How Words Change the World (AH, DSJ, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is focused on understanding and using the insights into language and writing that animate Critical Literacy movements in the United States. Literacy is usually thought of in terms of fundamental abilities to read and write about a reality outside of language. Critical Literacy is an intellectual and social movement that challenges this dominant understanding of literacy. Critical Literacy?s fundamental claim is that texts (and our practices for working with them) invite readers (and writers) to accept particular versions of reality as the Real Truth. Through historical and contemporary models, students will learn how efforts to question and transform dominant ways of using language have played an especially important role in struggles for greater justice by and for oppressed groups. Here, people have used the ideas and methods of Critical Literacy to question how racial, gender, social class, and other privileges structure our language practices and our daily experiences. Students will be invited to apply a critical understanding of literacy to their own writing as they analyze course texts and produce original essays on topics of interest to them.
WRIT 3371W - Technology, Self, and Society (TS, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Cultural history of American technology. Social values that technology represents in shifts from handicraft to mass production/consumption, in modern transportation, communication, bioengineering. Ethical issues in power, work, identity, our relation to nature.
WRIT 3381W - Writing and Modern Cultural Movements (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores how written texts help to shape modern art and cultural movements. Writ 3381 first develops an understanding of the manifesto form by reading primary examples written by artists from such movements as Cubism and Expressionism. Students study the complex written and visual strategies of those texts and how they contributed to social and political change in the modern world. Out of those attempts to change culture, students will be challenged to consider how particular writing strategies developed in the U.S. aimed at bringing about change in 1960s culture in areas such as the women's movement, the move toward racial equality, and the environmental movement. Toward the end of the course, the writings of current movements are taken up as building on and departing from past writing and rhetorical strategies. Students both read about and practice writing strategies studied in the course.
WRIT 3405W - Humanistic Healthcare and Communication (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Humanistic Healthcare and Communication focuses on critically therapeutic patient-provider communication. Topics surveyed include: health literacy, cultural and risk communication, health communication, narrative theory and digital medicine. These topics are brought to bear on three historical moments in the history of medicine when humanism entered or was displaced in medical practice. Students will be exposed to writings, visual arts and music created by physicians and nurses throughout history and write critical essays on these. These will prep students for the new MCAT exam. A variety of guest lecturers from the medical profession will discuss case histories that demonstrate the course themes in practice.
WRIT 3577W - Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet (TS, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course examines the rich and complex ways people are seeking to inform and persuade others via the internet. Western rhetorical theories have adapted to address spoken, written, visual, and digital communication. The internet incorporates aspects of all of these modes of communication, but it also requires us to revisit how we have understood them. Students in Rhetoric, Technology, and the Internet will reinforce their understandings of rhetorical theories and the internet as a technology. The class will also ask students to read current scholarly work about the internet, and develop the critical tools needed to complement, extend, or challenge that work.
WRIT 3672W - Project Design and Development (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
If you want to put design thinking, agile project management, teamwork, writing, research, analysis, and critical thinking on your resume, join Project Design and Development. You will study, plan, research, design, and develop technical communication materials in a design-thinking, collaborative-writing environment. You?ll work in teams to create a user manual and information graphic, promotional materials, and a social media campaign while planning and documenting your projects and productivity. You will leave the course with knowledge and skills you can put to work in any organization: small business, nonprofit, and corporate. The course develops competencies that the National Association of Colleges and Employers has named as most-valued by employers: critical thinking, written communication, collaboration, digital technology, leadership, and professionalism.
WRIT 3701W - Rhetorical Theory for Writing Studies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course is designed to explore major issues and perspectives in rhetorical criticism, including foundational concepts from the history of rhetorical theory, elements of rhetorical studies, and methods of rhetorical analysis. Rhetoric is an art form with a diverse theoretical landscape, meaning that there is no singular, stable definition of the term; rather, rhetoric is a practice that has been used as an organizing principle for a variety of communicative acts ? written, spoken, and enacted. As such, the study of rhetorical theory and criticism begins with the understanding that human beings use language and symbols to shape our many worldviews. The skills obtained in this class will help you to understand the nature and function of the persuasive strategies that structure our everyday lives and arguments. As a writing-intensive course, you will also learn how to construct a piece of rhetorical criticism that draws upon a toolbox of ideas and methods to successfully articulate a rhetorical argument.
WRIT 3751W - Seminar: Theory and Practice of Writing Consultancy (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a seminar in the theory and practice of teaching writing through one-to-one consultations. Our goal in this seminar is to develop as writers and writing consultants through investigating into, experimenting with, and reflecting upon our own literacy practices; reading carefully and discussing published research and theory as well as examples of our own and other students? writing; posing and exploring questions about writers, writing consulting, language and literacy learning, linguistic diversity, and the role of writing centers within higher education; observing, practicing, and reflecting on a variety of consulting strategies; and designing, conducting, and presenting our own writing center inquiry projects. Through reflective writing, in-class consultations, class discussions, and collaborative activities, we will learn together many approaches for conducting one-to-one conferences and for coaching students in their development as writers. prereq: Currently working in a University writing center, instr consent
WRIT 4431W - Science, Technology, and the Law (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In this course students explore the effects of scientific and technological development on the law?and the effects of the law on scientific and technological development. In particular, students will read and discuss government regulation, constitutional guidelines and rights, and federal and state court precedents regarding privacy, intellectual property (patients and copyright), and health law. Specific topics include the following: Search warrants and Four Amendment rights, electronic surveillance law, national security and foreign intelligence, copyright and fair use, citizens? access to creative works, informed consent, medical expert testimony in the courtroom, and the right to medical treatment. Students will have the opportunity to express their opinions and display their analytical skills in three take-home essay exams. Students from all majors are welcome, including those students interested in law school.
WRIT 4573W - Writing Proposals and Grant Management (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This advanced-level Writing Studies course introduces students to the activities, responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that characterize proposals for nonprofits and/or research/business. Students analyze unique proposal writing situations, including audiences (customers, reviewers, and teammates) and resources (collaborators, templates, and time). Students practice the entire process of proposal and grant writing: 1) describing the problem in context; 2) identifying sponsors and finding a match; 3) designing, writing, revising, and completing all proposal components; 4) conceptualizing and using persuasive visual elements; and 5) presenting and responding to stakeholders and sponsors.
WRIT 4662W - Writing With Digital Technologies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4662W/Writ 5662
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
WRIT 4662W is an advanced level Writing Studies course that explores various digital writing technologies and provides multiple opportunities to assess writing situations and make appropriate decisions about digital form and production. Students will learn the basic building blocks of writing in Internet environments (text, sound, images, video) as well as the vocabularies, functionalities, and organizing structures of Web 2.0 environments, how these impact understanding and use of information, and how to produce these environments (i.e., multimedia internet documents) for interactivity and use. This course includes design projects and practice with apps, markup language, content management systems, video, and social media. prereq: Jr or sr or instr consent
WRIT 4664W - Science, Medical, and Health Writing (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4664W/ Writ 5664
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the theories and practices of rhetoric and writing in science, medicine, and health (SMH). Students learn about genres of SMH communication including regulatory documents from the FDA, podcasts created by scientists for the public, patient blogs, and published research articles. The course also engages topics including accessibility, writing in regulated environments, writing for complex audiences, and engaging biomedical and scientific research in writing. Students are challenged to consider how language, science, biomedicine, and health intersect and how different stakeholders such as patients, healthcare providers, scientists, government officials, and insurance companies engage in SMH communication.
WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 3562V/Writ 3562W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to technical and professional writing through various readings and assignments in which students analyze and create texts that work to communicate complex information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Students gain knowledge of workplace genres as well as to develop skills in composing such genres. This course allows students to practice rhetorically analyzing writing situations and composing genres such as memos, proposals, instructions, research reports, and presentations. Students work in teams to develop collaborative content and to compose in a variety of modes including text, graphics, video, audio, and digital. Students also conduct both primary and secondary research and practice usability testing. The course emphasizes creating documents that are goal-driven and appropriate for a specific context and audience.
WRIT 3562V - Honors: Technical and Professional Writing (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 3562V/Writ 3562W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course introduces students to technical and professional writing through various readings and assignments in which students analyze and create texts that work to communicate complex information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Students gain knowledge of workplace genres as well as to develop skills in composing such genres. This course allows students to practice rhetorically analyzing writing situations and composing genres such as memos, proposals, instructions, research reports, and presentations. Students work in teams to develop collaborative content and to compose in a variety of modes including text, graphics, video, audio, and digital. Students also conduct both primary and secondary research and practice usability testing. The course emphasizes creating documents that are goal-driven and appropriate for a specific context and audience. Honors section includes discussion on scholarly readings in technical and professional writing as well as a final project that must be addressed to a real-world audience.
CSCI 1103 - Introduction to Computer Programming in Java
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamental programming concepts/software development using Java language. Problem solving skills. Algorithm development techniques. Use of abstractions/modularity. Data structures/abstract data types. Substantial programming projects. Weekly lab.
CSCI 1113 - Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Programming for scientists/engineers. C/C++ programming constructs, object-oriented programming, software development, fundamental numerical techniques. Exercises/examples from various scientific fields. The online modality for CSci 1113 will only be offered during the summer session. prereq: Math 1271 or Math 1371 or Math 1571H or instr consent.
DES 2101 - Design and Visual Presentation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course introduces students to three of the main design software applications in the industry: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign through a practical, hands-on approach, focusing on teaching students to develop designs using the applications and prepare files for production.
GDES 2342 - Web Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Graphic design elements/principles applied to website design. HTML, CSS. Working with interactive media and file formats.
GDES 2361 - Design Process: Photography
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Photography for graphic designers: digital/film photographic developing/image manipulation, printing.
DES 1101W - Introduction to Design Thinking (AH, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Des 1101W/Des 1101V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Theories/processes that underpin design thinking. Interactions between humans and their natural, social, and designed environments where purposeful design helps determine quality of interaction. Design professions.
DES 1101V - Honors: Introduction to Design Thinking (AH, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Des 1101W/Des 1101V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theories/processes that underpin design thinking. Interactions between humans and their natural, social, and designed environments where purposeful design helps determine quality of interaction. Design professions. prereq: Honors student
CSCI 1133 - Introduction to Computing and Programming Concepts
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 1133/CSci 1133H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamental programming concepts using Python language. Problem solving skills, recursion, object-oriented programming. Algorithm development techniques. Use of abstractions/modularity. Data structures/abstract data types. Develop programs to solve real-world problems. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 1271 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 1371 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 1571H or instr consent
CSCI 1133H - Honors Introduction to Computing and Programming Concepts
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 1133/CSci 1133H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Programming concepts using Python language. Real world problem solving, recursion, object-oriented programming. Algorithm development techniques. Abstractions/modularity. Optional honors topics: programming robots, programming paradigms, artificial intelligence. prereq: [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 1271 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 1371 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 1571H], CSci majors, pre-majors in CSE/CLA, honors student
CSCI 2011 - Discrete Structures of Computer Science
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 2011/CSci 2011H
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Foundations of discrete mathematics. Sets, sequences, functions, big-O, propositional/predicate logic, proof methods, counting methods, recursion/recurrences, relations, trees/graph fundamentals. prereq: MATH 1271 or MATH 1371 or instr consent
CSCI 2011H - Honors Discrete Structures of Computer Science
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 2011/CSci 2011H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Foundations of discrete mathematics. Sets, sequences, functions, big-O, propositional/predicate logic, proof methods, counting methods, recursion/recurrences, relations, trees/graph fundamentals. Advanced topics in discrete structures as time permits. prereq: [MATH 1271 or MATH 1371 or MATH 1571H], honors student.
COMM 3201 - Introduction to Electronic Media Production
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students work as a team to plan, script, and shoot video productions in a hands-on multi-camera television studio. By creating their own productions and reviewing the productions of others, students learn how media aesthetics shape the presentation of themes and messages.
COMM 3204 - Advanced Electronic Media Production
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Video as communicative medium integrating visual/aural aesthetics. Creation of broadcast-quality production integrating message creation, audience analysis, argument development, and visual/audio scripting. Utilization of media aesthetics to develop/shape production content. prereq: 3201 or instr consent
COMM 3211 - Introduction to Media Studies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Historical development and current issues in electronic media technologies and programming. Effects of governmental, industrial, and public organizations on message content. Problem areas of electronic media.
COMM 3645W - How Pictures Persuade (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
How words/pictures interact in graphic memoirs, political cartoons, and science to create/communicate meaning. How this interaction bears on public advocacy. Reading examples of comprehensive cognitive model of visual communication.
COMM 4291 - New Telecommunication Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Development and current status of new telecommunication media such as cable TV, satellites, DBS, MDS, and video disk/cassettes. Technology, historical development, regulation, and programming of these media and their influence on individuals, organizations, and society. prereq: 3211 or instr consent
CSCI 3921W - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Impact of computers on society. Computer science perspective of ethical, legal, social, philosophical, political, and economic aspects of computing. prereq: At least soph or instr consent
DES 3131 - User Experience in Design
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to theories/principles of human interaction with designed objects. Focuses on affect/emotional quality of designs. Objects, interfaces, environments. Digitally mediated experiences.
DES 3141 - Technology, Design, and Society (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Explore/evaluate impact of technology/design on humans, societies. How design innovation shapes cultures. How people use technology to shape design, adoption, use of designed products/environments through consumerism/ethical values.
DES 3311 - Travels in Typography
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Des 3311/DesI 3010
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Using collection in James Ford Bell Library, students study rare book/map collections and undertake hands-on exercises on history of type, including developments in typesetting, calligraphy, and letterpress printing.
GDES 4131W - History of Graphic Design (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Historical analysis of visual communication. Technological, cultural, and aesthetic influences. How historical events are communicated/perceived through graphic presentation/imagery.
IDSC 3101 - Introduction to Programming
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to Programming introduces students to a number of fundamental programming concepts, including: variables, decision structures, programming functions, and repetition structures. These concepts, which are widely applicable to different programming languages, are introduced using Python.
IDSC 3102 - Intermediate Programming
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Programming concepts to develop large, full-featured applications. Object-oriented programming, database applications, Web applications. Style, performance, UI design.
JOUR 3006 - Visual Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
From Instagram to YouTube to memes-we live in a visual culture. How can we interpret this flood of images? Learn how to analyze advertisements, photographs, television, and social media from multiple perspectives. Historical, cultural, and ethical approaches unearth the changing role of visual media in society. You'll actively interpret current images to learn how to effectively communicate with visuals.
JOUR 3614 - History of Media Communication (HIS, TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Glos 3605/Hist 3705/Jour 3614
Typically offered: Every Spring
In the history of humankind, there have been five major changes in how we communicate and we're in the middle of the latest revolution. This class helps you make sense of these uncharted waters by exploring how humanity adopted, and adapted to, past disruptions. From the alphabet to the internet and social media, learn how technological innovations in the media have changed not only how people share information and values but also what people have communicated throughout history. We will learn about these five phases in mediated communication over 5,000 years, and how they relate to major changes in politics, society and culture. And then we'll use history's lessons to peek into the future: When presidents tweet and everyone's foodie photos are on Instagram, how does the world communicate?
JOUR 3751 - Digital Media and Culture (AH, TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
How have digital media innovations like social media, mobile phones, artificial intelligence, drones and games shaped and been shaped by a culture and society globally? Learn to critically examine the function of digital media in your life. Take away a socio-historical understanding of digital media innovation, and the social, political, and economical impact of new media in creativity, industry, and culture from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Topics range from the concept of branding in an online context, to the varied uses of digital media in the context of journalism, social mobilization, law and privacy, business, globalization, content creation, and beyond. You will read, discuss, and debate cutting edge material from documentaries, podcasts, popular press, and academic literature. This course balances local contexts with global perspectives, and provides details into the practicalities of working and living in a new media environment.
HSCI 3331 - Technology and American Culture (HIS, TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HSci 3331/5331
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
American culture(s) and technology, pre-Columbian times to present. Artisanal, biological, chemical, communications, energy, environment, electronic, industrial, military, space and transportation technologies explained in terms of economic, social, political and scientific causes/effects.
HSCI 5331 - Technology and American Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HSci 3331/5331
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Development of American technology in its cultural/intellectual context from 1790 to present. Transfer of technology to America. Establishment of an infrastructure promoting economic growth. Social response to technological developments.
HSCI 3401 - Ethics in Science and Technology (HIS, CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HSci 3401/5401
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
In addition to examining the idea of ethics itself, this course will examine the ethical questions embodied in specific historical events, technological systems, and scientific enterprises. Commonly, technology is assumed to be the best engineered solution for a particular goal and (good) science is supposed to be objective; however, this is never truly the case, values and moral choices underlie all of our systems for understanding and interacting with the world around us. These values and choices are almost always contentious. Through a series of historical case studies we will grapple with the big issues of right and wrong and the role of morality in a technological world. Our goal will be to learn to question and think critically about the things we create, the tools we use, and the ideology and practice of science.
HSCI 5401 - Ethics in Science and Technology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HSci 3401/5401
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Historical issues involving ethics in science. Ethical problems posed by modern science/technology, including nuclear energy, chemical industry, and information technologies.
HSCI 4321 - History of Computing (TS, HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 4921/HSci 4321
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Developments in the last 150 years; evolution of hardware and software; growth of computer and semiconductor industries and their relation to other business areas; changing relationships resulting from new data-gathering and analysis techniques; automation; social and ethical issues.
CSCI 4921 - History of Computing (TS, HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 4921/HSci 4321
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Developments in last 150 years; evolution of hardware and software; growth of computer and semiconductor industries and their relation to other businesses; changing relationships resulting from new data-gathering and analysis techniques; automation; social and ethical issues.
KIN 3505 - Intro to Human-Centered Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kin 3505/Kin 5505
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Application of design to meet human needs. Design of fabricated products, tools/machines, software/hardware interfaces, art/culture, living environments, and complex sociotechnical systems.
KIN 5505 - Human-Centered Design - Principles and Applications
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kin 3505/Kin 5505
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Application of design to meet human needs. Design of fabricated products, tools/machines, software/hardware interfaces, art/culture, living environments, and complex sociotechnical systems.
HUMF 5001 - Foundations of Human Factors/Ergonomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HumF/Kin 5001
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Variability in human performance influenced by interaction with designs of machines/tools, computers/software, complex technological systems, jobs/working conditions, organizations, sociotechnical institutions. Conceptual, empirical, practical aspects of human factors/ergonomics. prereq: Grad HumF major or minor or instr consent
KIN 5001 - Foundations of Human Factors/Ergonomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HumF/Kin 5001
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Variability in human performance as influenced by interaction with designs of machines and tools, computers and software, complex technological systems, jobs and working conditions, organizations, and sociotechnical institutions. Emphasizes conceptual, empirical, practical aspects of human factors/ergonomic science.
BIOC 1010 - Human Health and Disease
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to molecular basis of common human diseases. Human genome, cellular/molecular biology, biochemical reactions, organ relationships, whole body physiology. Inherited Diseases, metabolic diseases. Aging. Methods to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Gene therapy, regenerative medicine, drug-based interventions.
BIOL 1012 - Human Biology: Concepts and Current Ethical Issues (BIOL, CIV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1010/Biol 1015/PSTL 1135
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
One semester exploration of human anatomy and physiology within the context of ethics; topics such as human genetic diversity, organs and tissues, disease and reproduction. Weekly policy debates. Active learning format. Animal dissections required. Suitable for students in any major. Must be taken in addition to BIOL 1009 to fulfill prerequisites for allied health grad programs. This course explores several interdisciplinary questions, each of which addresses biology through an ethical and societal lens. In ?What makes humans unique??, we will consider the evolution of human traits, how the concept of race relates to human genetic diversity, and the fallibility of human memories. In ?How does blood and organ donation work??, we will examine how our bodies can recognize and respond to foreign materials, how vaccines work, and who should have access to life saving tissue and organ transplants. In ?How do stress, diet and exercise affect health?? ,we will consider disparities in access to adequate nutrition, exposure to stress, and exercise, and how these affect our bodies and our mental health. Lastly, in ?How does a unique individual develop from a single cell?, we will examine how a single cell develops into a fully functional human being, and how similar processes lead to cancer. We will also consider the role of genes and hormones in human reproduction and the development of reproductive structures in embryos, while explicitly addressing the ethics of the distinctions between the concepts of sex characteristics, sex assigned at birth, and gender. We will learn how a cell can become cancerous, as well as how a cell develops into a fully functioning human being. Additionally, we will consider the role of hormones in the development of male, female, and intersex organs, while being explicit about the differences between gender, sexual orientation, and sex assigned at birth. In lecture, instructors and teaching assistants will support students as they evaluate data and work through concepts in teams. Students will also dedicate significant time to the consideration of ethical questions in human biology, and work with teammates to organize and present a position on a policy related to an ethics question. In lab, students will further explore human anatomy and physiology, connecting structure and function through several dissections and activities. Students will read and share scientific papers, make observations, design experiments and analyze data. Students will work in teams to complete a multi-week project on the physiology of stress. We will continue our exploration of ethics topics in lab, where we will discuss and apply ethics in human subjects research and research on non-human animals. About ? of the course grade will be based on four traditional lecture exams and a final lab exam. The remainder of the course grade is comprised of open notes quizzes, in class team assignments, individual assignments, and team projects. Course grading is based on mastery of concepts and skills, and students are encouraged to collaborate in understanding course material.
BIOL 1101 - Genetics and Society (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Principles of heredity and their social and cultural implications. prereq: Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: BIOL 3020, Biol 4003, GCD 3022. No CBS Major Juniors or Seniors.
NSCI 1001 - Fundamental Neuroscience: Understanding Ourselves (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Assessing objectively the neuroscience information presented to public at-large across various media outlets. Explaining the potential importance of these discoveries.
NSCI 2101 - Human Neuroanatomy (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: NSci 2001/NSci 2100
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will provide a broad introduction to the nervous system with an emphasis on the human nervous system. The course will introduce the structure and function of neurons, the major anatomical parts of the nervous system and the main functional systems. Functional systems will be approached through an understanding of the anatomical circuitry. The fundamental concepts of neurochemical communication studied in general terms in the first part of the course will be re-examined relative to specific functional systems later in the course. Although the major focus of the course will be on the normal nervous system, common diseases will be introduced for each main topic. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of many neurological diseases, which will provide further insight into how the normal nervous system functions. The neuronal substrates of learning/memory, addiction and drug actions will be examined. Through the lectures, laboratory exercises and other resources, students will be expected to gain an understanding of the neural circuitry and information processing responsible for the diverse range of human behaviors. The material covered in Nsci 2001 and 2100 is very similar. N2100 is taught only fall semester. It is a traditional lecture course that includes a weekly laboratory. The faculty believe that the laboratory is a valuable part of the course. N2001 is taught only spring semester for those who cannot take the fall course. It does not have a lab, but has the advantage of a flipped format. In N2001, students will be expected to watch the assigned lectures prior to coming to class. Class time will be spent on exercises and discussions that use the material presented in the online lectures. Students who take one of these two courses will not be allowed to take the other course. For more information, see http://mcloonlab.neuroscience.umn.edu/2100/index.htm
PHAR 1002 - Medical Terminology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phar 1002/Phar 5201
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Interested in learning the difference between an antigen and an antibiotic? During this course, you will not only increase your medical vocabulary by more than 2500 words at your own pace, you will also learn to identify and articulately describe a wide variety of medical conditions and processes. Communication related to disease states, procedures, and diagnostics in health care can sometimes seem like another language. This course will help you recognize medical abbreviations, relate terms to procedures and diagnostics, and comprehend the meaning of medical terminology by using word elements. If you are interested in the health care field or would like to understand more about your own medical care, this course is a great place to start.
PHAR 1004 - Common Prescription Drugs and Diseases
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Are you interested in understanding how some of the most common prescription medications work, why they are used, and how they should be used when treating common ailments? Perhaps you would like to recognize the most common causes of specific diseases, identify their symptoms, and recognize the diagnostic criteria associated with them. Throughout this course, you will learn why some medications can’t be used by certain people, understand how prescription drugs are regulated, and examine the correlation between common prescription drugs and diseases. Additionally, you will explore various drug information resources and learn how to find reliable sources of drug information. This online class is primarily self-paced with due dates for certain aspects at times throughout the semester. Students may choose to work ahead in the course. Course information is sent to the University of Minnesota email addresses of registered students shortly before, and/or on, the first day of classes each fall, spring, and summer term. For more information, contact phar1004@umn.edu or 612-624-7976.
PHIL 1005 - Scientific Reasoning
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phil 1005/Phil 1005H
Typically offered: Every Fall
How does science work? What is scientific method? How to evaluate scientific information in popular media or specialized publications, especially when it relates to technology used in everyday life? General reasoning skills. prereq: [1st or 2nd] yr student or instr consent
BIOL 1009 - General Biology (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1009/Biol 1009H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A comprehensive introduction to biology - includes molecular structure of living things, cell processes, energy utilization, genetic information and inheritance, mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Includes lab. This comprehensive course serves as a prerequisite and requirement in many majors.
BIOL 1009H - Honors: General Biology (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1009/Biol 1009H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
A comprehensive introduction to biology - includes molecular structure of living things, cell processes, energy utilization, genetic information and inheritance, mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Includes lab. This comprehensive course serves as a prerequisite and requirement in many majors.
CHEM 1015 - Introductory Chemistry: Lecture (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1011/Chem 1015
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Matter/energy, atoms, compounds, solutions, chemical reactions, mole/chemical calculations, gases, liquids, solids, chemical bonding, atomic/molecular structure, acids, bases, equilibria. Physical/chemical properties of hydrocarbons and organic compounds. Problem solving. prereq: [High school chemistry or equiv], two yrs high school math, not passed chem placement exam, high school physics recommended; Students who will go on to take CHEM 1061/1065 should take CHEM 1015 only. Students who will NOT be continuing on to CHEM 1061/1065 and need to fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement need take the 1-credit lab course CHEM 1017 either concurrently or consecutively. This course will NOT fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement unless the CHEM 1017 lab course is completed either concurrently or consecutively.
CHEM 1017 - Introductory Chemistry: Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Prerequisites: [1015 or &1015], %; credit will not be granted if credit received for: 1011; CHEM 1017 is a 1-credit lab-only course. This course is not intended for students who are planning to take CHEM 1061/1065. Intended only for students who need the course to fulfill the Physical Science/Lab requirement, and are taking CHEM 1015 either concurrently or consecutively. This course will NOT fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement, unless CHEM 1015 is completed either concurrently or consecutively.; meets Lib Ed req of Physical Sciences)
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Organic chemistry. Matter/energy, atoms, compounds, solutions, chemical reactions, mole/chemical calculations, gases, liquids, solids, chemical bonding, atomic/molecular structure, acids, bases, equilibria. Physical/chemical properties of hydrocarbons and organic compounds containing halogens, nitrogen, or oxygen. Problem solving. prereq: [1015 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1015], dept consent; credit will not be granted if credit received for: 1011; CHEM 1017 is a 1-credit lab-only course. This course is not intended for students who are planning to take CHEM 1061/1065. Intended only for students who need the course to fulfill the Physical Science/Lab requirement, and are taking CHEM 1015 either concurrently or consecutively. This course will NOT fulfill the Physical Science/Lab core requirement, unless CHEM 1015 is completed either concurrently or consecutively.; meets Lib Ed req of Physical Sciences)
CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1061/ 1071/H/ 1081
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Atomic theory, periodic properties of elements. Thermochemistry, reaction stoichiometry. Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Molecular/ionic structure/bonding. Organic chemistry and polymers. energy sources, environmental issues related to energy use. Prereq-Grade of at least C- in [1011 or 1015] or [passing placement exam, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1065]; intended for science or engineering majors; concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1065; registration for 1065 must precede registration for 1061
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1061
CHEM 1071H - Honors Chemistry I (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1061/ 1071/H/ 1081
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced introduction to atomic theory. Periodic properties of elements. Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Molecular/ionic structure, bonding. Aspects of organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and polymers. Mathematically demanding quantitative problems. Writing for scientific journals. prereq: Honors student, permission of University Honors Program, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1075H; registration for 1075H must precede registration for 1071H
CHEM 1075H - Honors Chemistry I Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Develop laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and the proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: prereq or coreq 1071H; honors student or permission of University Honors Program
CHEM 1081 - Chemistry for the Life Sciences I (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1061/ 1071/H/ 1081
Typically offered: Every Fall
The topics of atomic theory, molecular structure, bonding and shape, energy and enthalpy, gases, properties of solutions, and equilibrium will be presented along with their application to biological systems. Intended to provide a strong chemistry background for students pursuing life science related majors or careers in life science related fields. prereq: grade of a C- or better in CHEM 1015 or passing chemistry placement exam.
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1061
CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1062/1072/1072H/1082/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Chemical kinetics. Radioactive decay. Chemical equilibrium. Solutions. Acids/bases. Solubility. Second law of thermodynamics. Electrochemistry/corrosion. Descriptive chemistry of elements. Coordination chemistry. Biochemistry. prereq: Grade of at least C- in 1061 or equiv, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1066; registration for 1066 must precede registration for 1062
CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1066/Chem 1076H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1062
CHEM 1072H - Honors Chemistry II (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1062/1072/1072H/1082/
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced introduction. Chemical kinetics/reaction mechanisms, chemical/physical equilibria, acids/bases, entropy/second law of thermodynamics, electrochemistry/corrosion; descriptive chemistry of elements; coordination chemistry; biochemistry. prereq: 1071H, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1076H, honors student, registration for 1076H must precede registration for 1072H
CHEM 1076H - Honors Chemistry II Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1066/Chem 1076H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Develop laboratory skills as experiments become increasingly complex. Data collection/treatment, discussion of errors, proper treatment of hazardous wastes, experiment design. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1072H
CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 2301/Chem 2331H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Organic compounds, constitutions, configurations, conformations, reactions. Molecular structure. Chemical reactivity/properties. Spectroscopic characterization of organic molecules. prereq: C- or better in 1062/1066 or 1072H/1076H
CHEM 2331H - Honors Elementary Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 2301/Chem 2331H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Important classes of organic compounds, their constitutions, configurations, conformations, reactions. Relationships between molecular structure/chemical properties/reactivities. Spectroscopic methods/characterization of organic molecules. prereq: At least B+ in 1072H, UHP student
CHEM 2302 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 2302/Chem 2332HChem 2304
Prerequisites: Grade of at least C- in 2301
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Reactions, synthesis, and spectroscopic characterization of organic compounds, organic polymers, and biologically important classes of organic compounds such as lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. prereq: Grade of at least C- in 2301
CHEM 2332H - Honors Elementary Organic Chemistry II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 2302/Chem 2332HChem 2304
Prerequisites: At least C- in 2331H, UHP student
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of 2331H. Reactions, synthesis, and spectroscopic characterization of organic compounds, organic polymers, and their role in biologically important classes of organic molecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. prereq: At least C- in 2331H, UHP student
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Structure/function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates. Enzymes. Metabolism. DNA replication and repair, transcription, protein synthesis. Recommended prerequisites: Introductory biology (BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003 or equivalent), organic chemistry (CHEM 2301 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equivalent). Note: CBS students should take BIOC 3022 not 3021.
NSCI 3001W - Neuroscience and Society (CIV, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ethical implications. Readings, personal reflections, class discussions, debates, and formal writing. Development of logical arguments, writing skills, oral presentation skills, and teamwork. Students present/argue both their own personal views and those of others. What it is like to have altered mentation, i.e. a brain disease or disability. Readings/multimedia reports from primary neuroscience literature as well as philosophy, policy, and law literature and popular media.
NSCI 3505W - Mind and Brain (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is intended as an introduction to the new views on the relationship between mind and brain. Over the last several decades, a new view of cognition and neural processing has been developed based on the concepts of al¬gorithm, representation, computation, and information processing. Within this theoretical frame¬work, psychological constructs are computational processes occur¬ring across physical neural systems. We will take a neuroscience and psychological perspective in which the physical neuroscience instantiates but does not diminish the psychological constructs. Although our conceptual framework will be computational, this course will not require or expect any mathematical or computer background. At the completion of this class, you will understand the implications of the physical nature of the brain ? how mentation is explicable from physical processes, and how decision-making arises from those same physical processes. Importantly, you will also understand the limitations of current knowledge and the methodologies being used to push those limitations. This class is not intended as a final step in this understanding, but as a first step into these issues. At the conclusion of the class, you should have sufficient understanding to continue more in-depth reading and study in these issues. There are no official prerequisites. However, I have found that students who have EITHER a strong computational background (computer science, mathematics, economics, physics) OR have taken an introductory neuroscience course (e.g. Nsci 2100) have done better in the class than students with no background. However, I have seen students come in with very little background and do well in the class if they engage with the class and work hard.
PHAR 3206 - Foundations of Health Literacy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phar 3206/Phar 5206
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
In this course, we will focus on health literacy and its implications for patients, health care providers, and the health care system at large. We will discuss the consequences of poor health literacy and practical strategies for improving health literacy. This will include steps that individual patients can take and communication strategies for future health care providers. You will explore disparities in health and health care and the relationship to health literacy. We will discuss cultural competency through both student discussions and a book club and consider the impact on the patient experience. Functional health literacy includes being able to navigate the health care system and health insurance. As a class, we will discuss choosing a health insurance policy and controversies therein.
PHAR 5201 - Applied Medical Terminology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phar 1002/Phar 5201
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Interested in learning the difference between an antigen and an antibiotic? During this course, you will not only increase your medical vocabulary by more than 2500 words at your own pace, you will also learn to identify and articulately describe a wide variety of medical conditions and processes. Communication related to disease states, procedures, and diagnostics in health care can sometimes seem like another language. This course will help you recognize medical abbreviations, relate terms to procedures and diagnostics, and comprehend the meaning of medical terminology by using word elements. If you are interested in the health care field or would like to understand more about your own medical care, this course is a great place to start. Prereq: Basic knowledge of human anatomy/physiology
PHCL 3100 - Pharmacology for Pre-Med and Life Science Students
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Principles/mechanisms of drug action. Major drug categories for different organ systems. prereq: College-level biology, biochemistry or physiology recommended
PHIL 3601W - Scientific Thought (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Science influences us daily, shaping how we understand ourselves and interpret nature. This course is an introduction to how scientists reason about the world, what that means for our lives, and the status of science as a human activity. What is science and what?s so great about it? Is science the ultimate authority on the world and our place in it? This course examines the authority of science, how scientists reason, and science?s status as a human activity. prereq: One course in philosophy or natural science
PHSL 3051 - Human Physiology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phsl 3050/Phsl 3051
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
How major organ systems function (nerve, muscle, circulation, respiration, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, temperature regulation and energy metabolism). Three one-hour lectures, two-hour lab. prereq: [BIOL 1009 or 1 yr college biol], 1 yr college chem
PUBH 3106 - Making Sense of Health Studies
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: PubH 3106/PubH 6106
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
How to critically evaluate health news (and the health research reports on which they are based) to make good, well informed decisions about your health and well-being.
PUBH 3351 - Epidemiology: People, Places, and Disease
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
How diseases are distributed among us. Epidemiology terminology, methods, critical thinking, and analysis. Intended for students interested in a health science career or in a career that may need to evaluate epidemiologic evidence such as health journalism or public policy or litigation. prereq: Undergrad statistics course is recommended
PUBH 3415 - Introduction to Clinical Trials - Online
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PubH 3415/PubH 7415
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Phases of trials, hypotheses/endpoints, choice of intervention/control, ethical considerations, blinding/randomization, data collection/monitoring, sample size, analysis strategies. Protocol development/implementation, interactive discussion boards. prereq: PUBH 3415 enrollees must have one semester of undergraduate level introductory biostatistics or statistics (STAT 3011, EPSY 3264, SOC 3811, BIOL 3272, or instr consent) AND junior or senior standing or instr consent.
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Standard statistical reasoning. Simple statistical methods. Social/physical sciences. Mathematical reasoning behind facts in daily news. Basic computing environment.
ANAT 3001 - Human Anatomy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anat 3001/Anat 3611/Anat 3601
Typically offered: Every Fall
Anatomical relationships. Function based upon form. Clinical applications. Gross (macroscopic) anatomy, histology (microscopic anatomy). Neuroanatomy (nervous system), embryology (developmental anatomy). prereq: [BIOL 1002W or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2002 or equiv], at least soph
ANAT 3601 - Principles of Human Anatomy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anat 3001/Anat 3611/Anat 3601
Typically offered: Every Spring
Anatomical relationships. Function based upon form. Clinical applications. Gross (macroscopic) anatomy, histology (microscopic anatomy). Neuroanatomy (nervous system), embryology (developmental anatomy). prereq: [BIOL 1002 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2002 or equiv], [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 3602 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 3612], at least soph
ANAT 3611 - Principles of Human Anatomy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anat 3001/Anat 3611/Anat 3601
Typically offered: Every Spring
Anatomical relationships. Function based upon form. Clinical applications. Gross (macroscopic) anatomy, histology (microscopic anatomy). Neuroanatomy (nervous system), embryology (developmental anatomy). prereq: [BIOL 1002 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2002 or equiv], at least soph; [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 3602 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 3612] recommended
BIOL 4003 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Genetic information, its transmission from parents to offspring, its expression in cells/organisms, and its course in populations. prereq: Biol 2003/2003H or BioC 3021 or BioC 4331 or grad
GCD 3022 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Mechanisms of heredity, implications for biological populations. Applications to practical problems. prereq: Introductory biology course such as Biol 1009
BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4004/GCD 3033/4005W
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Processes fundamental to cells. Emphasizes eukaryotic cells. Assembly/function of membranes/organelles. Cell division, cell form/movement, intercellular communication, transport, secretion pathways. Cancer cells, differentiated cells. prereq: Completion of Biol 4003 is preferred, Biol2003/2003H or Biol4003 or grad
GCD 4005W - Cell Biology-Writing Intensive (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4004/GCD 3033/4005W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Processes fundamental to cells. Emphasizes eukaryotic cells. Assembly/function of membranes/organelles. Cell division, cell form/movement, intercellular communication, transport, secretion pathways. Cancer cells, differentiated cells. prereq: GCD major, Biol2003/2003H or Biol4003 or grad
MICB 3301 - Biology of Microorganisms
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 2032/MicB 3301/VBS 2032
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathogenesis, immunology, ecology of microbes. Molecular structure in relation to bacterial function/disease. Includes lab. prereq: [Biol 1961 and Biol 2003] or Biol 1009 or instructor permission
MICB 3303 - Biology of Microorganisms (without laboratory)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 2032/MicB 3301/VBS 2032
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathogenesis, infectious disease, immunology, ecology of microbes. Molecular structure in relation to function of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses. prereq: Biol 2003 or Biol 1009 or instructor permission
PHAR 4204W - Drugs and the U.S. Healthcare System (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phar 4204W/Phar 5200/Phar 6200
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Being an empowered patient is important when discussing ethics-driven issues within the U.S. healthcare system. This course will expose students to current controversial issues surrounding medications and national healthcare and help students examine their own role as a participant in this system. Students will learn to draw comparisons between medication use systems around the world and analyze other controversies related to access, choice, and quality of healthcare. During this course, students will explore how their choices, ethics, and behavior affect societal decisions surrounding the availability of medications in the U.S. and what their rights are as a citizen-participant during the healthcare debate. Students are expected to have completed the first-year writing requirement (https://cla.umn.edu/writing-studies/first-year-writing), or equivalent, prior to registering for this class. This is a completely online course with weekly due dates and is offered each Fall and Spring term. For more information, contact phar4204@umn.edu or 612-624-7976.
PHAR 5204 - Drugs and the US Healthcare System
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phar 4204W/Phar 5200/Phar 6200
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Being an empowered patient is important when discussing ethics-driven issues within the U.S. healthcare system. This course will expose students to current controversial issues surrounding medications and national healthcare and help students examine their own role as a participant in this system. Students will learn to draw comparisons between medication use systems around the world and analyze other controversies related to access, choice, and quality of healthcare. During this course, students will explore how their choices, ethics, and behavior affect societal decisions surrounding the availability of medications in the U.S. and what their rights are as a citizen-participant during the healthcare debate. Students are expected to have completed the first-year writing requirement (https://cla.umn.edu/writing-studies/first-year-writing), or equivalent, prior to registering for this class. This is a completely online course with weekly due dates and is offered each Fall and Spring term. For more information, contact phar4204@umn.edu or 612-624-7976.
PHIL 1004W - Introduction to Political Philosophy (AH, CIV, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phil 1004W/V
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Government -- what are its purpose; the limits on its authority; its responsibilities to citizens (and vice versa)? What roles do freedom, equality, rights, property, punishment and justice play here? Join in as we discuss and debate competing views.
POL 1201 - Political Ideas (HIS, CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
PHIL 1001 - Introduction to Logic (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phil 1001/1001H/1021
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Sharpen your reasoning skills through a close examination of arguments. Learn formal methods for representing and assessing arguments, including how to represent informal arguments in formal languages, and how to evaluate whether the premises of an argument entail its conclusion.
POL 1001 - American Democracy in a Changing World (SOCS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 1001/Pol 1001H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation?s founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry. This course fulfills the liberal education requirements for the Social Sciences Core.
COMM 3631 - Freedom of Speech (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Communication theories and principles that underlie the concept of freedom of speech in the United States. A variety of contexts and practices are examined in order to understand how communicative interaction should be described and, when necessary, appropriately regulated.
CSCI 3921W - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Impact of computers on society. Computer science perspective of ethical, legal, social, philosophical, political, and economic aspects of computing. prereq: At least soph or instr consent
GWSS 3415 - Feminist Perspectives on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DSJ)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
History of and contemporary thinking about public policies and legal remedies directed toward domestic violence and sexual assault. How notions of public/private spheres and social constructions of gender roles, agency, and bodies contribute to attitudes/responses.
HIST 3835 - Law in American Life: 1865 to Present
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Centralization of state power, rise of individual rights. Constitutionalization of American law. Passage, promise, abrogation, rediscovery of 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments. Expansion of federal administrative state. Origins of civil liberties. Law and the welfare state. Civil Rights Revolution of 1950s, '60s, '70s. Product liability law. Second half of two-semester survey. May be taken independently.
JOUR 3775 - Strategic Communication Law (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Learn practical legal skills and ethics as they pertain to marketing, public relations and advertising by focusing on the actions of the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications, and the Federal Elections Commission. Learn about the administrative process including adjudication and rule making. Learn through a range of legal, policy and ethics discussions ranging from the First Amendment, the regulation of commercial speech, advertising deception, substantiation of material claims, digital privacy, contesting, political advertising, and controls on native advertising and social media influencers.
JOUR 5552 - Law of Internet Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Digital communication technologies continue to raise a variety of legal issues, including whether and how (and which) traditional media and regulatory laws will apply, and how policy should be applied through regulatory law to enhance and regulate that communication. This course is conducted as a seminar, with an open discussion of legal precedent and the influence of policy on internet and digital communications. This course covers the First Amendment as it applies in a digital era as well as regulatory topics like net neutrality, broadband access, privacy, and copyright.
POL 3225 - American Political Thought (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders? new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women?s rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country?s ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
POL 3308 - Congressional Politics and Institutions (SOCS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 4308/Pol 5308
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
POL 3309 - U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 3309/Pol 4309/Pol 5309
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
POL 4501W - The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court?s interpretation of Articles I, II, and III. This means that we will discuss how the nation?s Court of last resort has helped shape the powers of and constraints on the three branches of our federal government. We will also discuss and analyze the development of law surrounding the separation of powers, the structure of federalism, congressional power over the commerce clause, and the creation and demise of the concept of substantive due process. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the liberal education requirement of Civic Life and Ethics. Effective citizenship in the 21st century requires an understanding of our how government was created, is structured, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over the past two centuries. This course is premised on the notion that such an understanding is best achieved by reading the primary sources that led to these goals ? the opinions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
POL 4502W - The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Today, more than anytime since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, individual liberties are at the heart of controversial debate in the U.S. Groups, from the far left and far right of the political spectrum have pushed free speech towards the boundaries set by the Supreme Court. At the same time, the religion clauses have become as controversial as ever, with corporations and local governments using them in ways they have not been used before. Finally, the right to privacy is at a crossroads as the U.S. Supreme Court considers cases about reproductive rights and personal privacy. Given these issues, this course allows students to read all the major cases where the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the balance of protecting civil liberties versus allowing government to limit or suppress such liberties. Specifically, the course covers the 14th Amendment, freedom of speech, press, religion, and the limits of the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment. It also covers the 2nd Amendment and the right to privacy found in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th Amendments.
SOC 4161 - Criminal Law in American Society
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Purposes of criminal law and of principles of criminal liability, justification, and excuse. Applications to law of criminal homicide, sexual assault, drugs, and crimes against property, public order, and morals. prereq: Soc 3101 or 3102 recommended; soc majors/minors must register A-F
SOC 4162 - Criminal Procedure in American Society
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
How constitutional democracy balances need to enforce criminal law and rights of individuals to be free of unnecessary government intrusion. prereq: Soc 3101 or 3102 recommended; soc majors/minors must register A-F
AAS 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans & Chicanos in the U.S.
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 4231/Afro 4231/AmIn 4231/C
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Structural or institutional conditions through which people of color have been marginalized in public policy. Critical evaluation of social theory in addressing the problem of contemporary communities of color in the United States.
AFRO 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans & Chicanos in the U.S.
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 4231/Afro 4231/AmIn 4231/C
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Examination of structural or institutional conditions through which people of color have been marginalized in public policy. Critical evaluation of social theory in addressing the problem of contemporary communities of color in the United States.
AMIN 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, & Chicanos in the U.S.
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 4231/Afro 4231/AmIn 4231/C
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Structural or institutional conditions through which people of color have been marginalized in public policy. Critical evaluation of social theory in addressing the problem of contemporary communities of color in the United States.
CHIC 4231 - Color of Public Policy: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans & Chicanos in the U.S.
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 4231/Afro 4231/AmIn 4231/C
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Examination of the structural or institutional conditions through which people of color have been marginalized in public policy. Critical evaluation of social theory in addressing the problem of contemporary communities of color in the United States.
JOUR 3776 - Media Law
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jour 3776/Jour 3776H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech, and of the press. Does that mean that journalists can write anything they want, broadcast any video images they choose, or go wherever they like in order to gather news? In this course, we will examine significant court decisions that have defined the legal rights and privileges of journalists. We will look at statutes like the Freedom of Information Act and journalist 'shield laws.' We will consider how new technology raises questions, and challenges, about how to balance First Amendment freedoms with other interests, like privacy and national security. Learn legal rules and principles, and apply them in classroom debate and discussion and in written exercises and examinations. The goal is to understand how the First Amendment and other laws protect the rights of freedom of expression, not just for journalists, but for all of us.
JOUR 3776H - Media Law
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jour 3776/Jour 3776H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech, and of the press. Does that mean that journalists can write anything they want, broadcast any video images they choose, or go wherever they like in order to gather news? In this course, we will examine significant court decisions that have defined the legal rights and privileges of journalists. We will look at statutes like the Freedom of Information Act and journalist "shield laws." We will consider how new technology raises questions, and challenges, about how to balance First Amendment freedoms with other interests, like privacy and national security. Learn legal rules and principles, and apply them in classroom debate and discussion and in written exercises and examinations. The goal is to understand how the First Amendment and other laws protect the rights of freedom of expression, not just for journalists, but for all of us. prereq: Honors
LAW 3000 - Introduction to American Law and Legal Reasoning
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Law 3000/Law 5000
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Law pervades all areas of modern life. Yet it remains mysterious to those without legal training. This course will equip you to better answer such questions by exploring the tools that lawyers use to interpret and apply the law. Students will learn to think like lawyers through a series of contemporary case studies that require reading, writing, thinking, and problem solving like a lawyer. Cases will be drawn from topics such as contracts, torts, civil procedure, property, business law, criminal law, sports law, privacy, and law and science.
LAW 5000 - Introduction to American Law and Legal Reasoning
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Law 3000/Law 5000
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Law pervades all areas of modern life. Yet it remains mysterious to those without legal training. This course will equip you to better answer such questions by exploring the tools that lawyers use to interpret and apply the law. Students will learn to think like lawyers through a series of contemporary case studies that require reading, writing, thinking, and problem solving like a lawyer. Cases will be drawn from topics such as contracts, torts, civil procedure, property, business law, criminal law, sports law, privacy, and law and science.
POL 4403W - Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: POL 4403W / POL 5403
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model, its relevance for other democratic or democratizing countries, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
POL 5403 - Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: POL 4403W / POL 5403
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model, its relevance for other democratic or democratizing countries, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
SOC 3101 - Sociological Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 3101/Soc 3101H
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to a sociological account of the U.S. criminal justice system. We will critically examine the components, dynamics, and effects of policing, criminal courts, community supervision, jails, and prisons. Throughout the course, we focus on sociological understandings of these processes, with particular attention to ethnic, racial, class, and gender inequalities as well as long-term problems associated with the high rate of criminal justice supervision in the U.S. prereq: [SOC 1001] recommended, Sociology majors/minors must register A-F
SOC 3101H - Honors: Sociological Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 3101/Soc 3101H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to a sociological account of the U.S. criminal justice system. We will critically examine the components, dynamics, and effects of policing, criminal courts, community supervision, jails, and prisons. Throughout the course, we focus on sociological understandings of these processes, with particular attention to ethnic, racial, class, and gender inequalities as well as long-term problems associated with the high rate of criminal justice supervision in the U.S. Additional special assignments will be discussed with honors participants who seek to earn honors credit toward the end of our first class session. Examples of additional requirements may include: · Honor students will be expected to interview a current Sociology graduate student working on a LCD topic. Following this, each student will individually be expected to do an in-class power-point presentation explaining how the interviewees? research relates with themes presented in the course. Students will also be expected to meet as a group and individually with the professor four times during the course semester. · Sign up and prepare 3-4 discussion questions in advance of at least one class session. · Work with professor and TA on other small leadership tasks (class discussion, paper exchange, tour). · Write two brief (1-page) reflection papers on current news, or a two-page critique of a class reading · Attend a presentation, workshop, or seminar on a related topic for this class and write a 2 page maximum reflective paper. prereq: [SOC 1001] recommended, Sociology majors/minors must register A-F, honors
SOC 4101W - Sociology of Law (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 4101V/Soc 4101W/Soc 5101
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will consider the relationship between law and society, analyzing law as an expression of cultural values, a reflection of social and political structure, and an instrument of social control and social change. Emphasizing a comparative perspective, we begin by discussing theories about law and legal institutions. We then turn our attention to the legal process and legal actors, focusing on the impact of law, courts, and lawyers on the rights of individuals. Although this course focuses on the US legal system, we will explore issues of the relationship between US law and global law and concepts of justice. prereq: [[SOC 1001] and [SOC 1101 or 3101 or 3102]] recommended, Sociology majors/minors must register A-F
SOC 4101V - Honors: Sociology of Law (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 4101V/Soc 4101W/Soc 5101
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will consider the relationship between law and society, analyzing law as an expression of cultural values, a reflection of social and political structure, and an instrument of social control and social change. Emphasizing a comparative perspective, we begin by discussing theories about law and legal institutions. We then turn our attention to the legal process and legal actors, focusing on the impact of law, courts, and lawyers on the rights of individuals. Although this course focuses on the US legal system, we will explore issues of the relationship between US law and global law and concepts of justice. Additional special assignments will be discussed with honors participants who seek to earn honors credit toward the end of our first class session. Examples of additional requirements may include: - Honors students will be expected to interview a current Sociology graduate student working on a LCD topic. Following this, each student will individually be expected to do an in-class power point presentation explaining how the interviewees? research relates with themes presented in the course. Students will also be expected to meet as a group and individually with the professor four times during the course semester. - Sign up and prepare 3-4 discussion questions in advance of at least one class session. - Work with professor and TA on other small leadership tasks (class discussion, paper exchange, tour). - Write two brief (1-page) reflection papers on current news, or a two-page critique of a class reading - Attend a presentation, workshop, or seminar on a related topic for this class and write a 2-page maximum reflective paper. prereq: honors student, [[SOC 1001] and [SOC 1101 or 3101 or 3102]] recommended, Sociology majors/minors must register A-F
SOC 5101 - Sociology of Law
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 4101V/Soc 4101W/Soc 5101
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will consider the relationship between law and society, analyzing law as an expression of cultural values, a reflection of social and political structure, and an instrument of social control and social change. Emphasizing a comparative perspective, we begin by discussing theories about law and legal institutions. We then turn our attention to the legal process and legal actors, focusing on the impact of law, courts, and lawyers on the rights of individuals. Although this course focuses on the U.S. legal system, we will explore issues of the relationship between U.S. law and global law and concepts of justice. prereq: graduate student
SOC 4171 - Sociology of International Law: Human Rights & Trafficking (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GloS 4406/GloS 5171/Soc 4171/S
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course takes a sociological approach to international law, considering how history, institutions, power, and interests shape the phenomenon. What is international law, where does it come from, and how does it work? What does international law tell us about globalization and nation-states? Does it make a difference in the world? Does it have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of individuals? When is it followed; when is it ignored? This course takes a broad sociological view of international law. We analyze the actors and processes that constitute international law and then focus on particular substantive areas, including human rights, economic development,environmental concerns, trafficking, and drug interdiction. prereqs: 1001 or 3101 or 3102 or instr consent; soc majors/minors must register A-F
SOC 5171 - Sociology of International Law: Human Rights & Trafficking (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GloS 4406/GloS 5171/Soc 4171/S
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course takes a sociological approach to international law, considering how history, institutions, power, and interests shape the phenomenon. What is international law, where does it come from, and how does it work? What does international law tell us about globalization and nation-states? Does it make a difference in the world? Does it have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of individuals? When is it followed; when is it ignored? This course takes a broad sociological view of international law. We analyze the actors and processes that constitute international law and then focus on particular substantive areas, including human rights, economic development,environmental concerns, trafficking, and drug interdiction. prereqs: Graduate student or instructor consent
ESCI 1001 - Earth and Its Environments (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 1001/ESci 1101/ESci 1005/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Physical processes that shape the Earth: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, glaciers, rivers. Current environmental issues/global change. Lecture/lab. Optional field experience.
ESCI 2202 - Earth History
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Big Bang cosmology, plate tectonics, evolution. Formation of Earth. Chemical evolution of Earth, atmosphere, and ocean. Origin/tectonic evolution of continents. Origin of life, its patterns/processes. Long-term interactions between geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. prereq: [2201, 2301] or instr consent
ESPM 1011 - Issues in the Environment (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introductory survey of environmental issues that explores the connections between environmental sciences, policy, and management. You will explore interrelationships between the environment and human society, as well as the underlying social, ethical, political and economic factors that affect those relationships. You will also examine the roles for science, technology, policy, and environmental justice in meeting environmental challenges. Asynchronous online lectures with weekly discussions in small groups.
BIOL 1052 - Environmental Biology: Science and Solutions (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the science behind environmental topics. It delves into the interface of science and policy, environmental decision-making and ethics. Topics include biodiversity, environmental toxicology, food production, and global climate change. Students looking to fulfill the liberal education requirement-Biological Sciences with Lab in this topic should take Biology 1055.
BIOL 1055 - Environmental Biology: Science and Solutions with Laboratory (BIOL, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1050/Biol 1055
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Explores science behind environmental topics. Delves into the interface of science and policy, environmental decision-making and ethics. Topics include biodiversity, env. toxicology, food production, and climate change. In lab students conduct the work of biologists, proposing hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing/interpreting data. This course is intended to engage non-biology majors in the work of biology, studying current biological knowledge through evidence-based discussions of what is currently known, and by addressing science that is unknown to the students (and, at times to the biological community) through the generation and testing of hypotheses, collection and analysis of data, and practice of making data-informed conclusions.
GEOG 1403 - Biogeography of the Global Garden (BIOL, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 1403/Geog 1403H
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The geography of biodiversity and productivity, from conspicuous species to those that cause human disease and economic hardship. The roles played by evolution and extinction, fluxes of energy, water, biochemicals, and dispersal. Experiments demonstrating interactions of managed and unmanaged biotic with the hydrologic cycle, energy budgets, nutrient cycles, the carbon budget, and soil processes.
GEOG 1403H - Honors: Biogeography of the Global Garden (BIOL, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 1403/Geog 1403H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The geography of biodiversity and productivity, from conspicuous species to those that cause human disease and economic hardship. The roles played by evolution and extinction, fluxes of energy, water, biochemicals, and dispersal. Experiments demonstrating interactions of managed and unmanaged biotic with the hydrologic cycle, energy budgets, nutrient cycles, the carbon budget, and soil processes. prereq: Honors
ESPM 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 1425/Geog 1425
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A pre-calculus introduction to the nature of the atmosphere and its behavior. Topics covered include atmospheric composition, structure, stability, and motion; precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones; general weather patterns; meteorological instruments and observation; weather map analysis; and weather forecasting.
GEOG 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 1425/Geog 1425
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A pre-calculus introduction to the nature of the atmosphere and its behavior. Topics covered include atmospheric composition, structure, stability, and motion; precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones; general weather patterns; meteorological instruments and observation; weather map analysis; and weather forecasting.
BBE 4733 - Renewable Energy Technologies (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BBE 4733/CEGE 4513/ChEn 5551
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Energy security. Environmental, economic, societal impacts. Current/emerging technologies for production/use, characteristics of renewable energy, key methods for efficient production. Current/probable future. Impact on sustainable development. prereq: Junior or senior
CEGE 3501 - Introduction to Environmental Engineering (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A quantitative approach to environmental problems, including the development of mass and energy balances and the application of fundamental principles of environmental chemistry and microbiology. Meets the University of Minnesota's liberal education environment theme through the incorporation of environmental function, problems, and solutions throughout the course. prereq: Chem 1062, Phys 1302, Math 1372 or equivalent
CEGE 3541 - Environmental Engineering Laboratory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Laboratory-based course focused on physical, chemical, and microbiological measurements used in analysis of air, water, and solid samples. Applications include water quality, water treatment, wastewater treatment, hazardous waste treatment/remediation, air pollution, and environmental sensing. prereq: CEGE 3501
COMM 4251 - Environmental Communication (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Comm 4250/Comm 5250
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Historical, cultural, material contexts within which environmental communication takes place. Understand environmental communication as well as develop communication strategies that lead to more sustainable social practices, institutions, and systems.
ENGL 3501 - Public Discourse: Coming to Terms with the Environment (LITR, ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course explores significant environmental issues (such as environmental justice, toxic chemicals, climate change) through the analysis of texts from diverse literary genres. It focuses as much on issues of language and meaning as it does on the subjects these texts concern. Students examine the formal dimensions of these texts, as well as their social and historical contexts. In addition, students are introduced to the underlying scientific principles, the limitations of technologies, and the public policy aspects of each of these issues, in order to judge what constitutes an appropriate response to them. Students also learn how to identify and evaluate credible information concerning the environment.
ESCI 3005 - Earth Resources
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Geologic aspects of energy/material resources. Resource size/life-times. Environmental consequences of resource use. Issues of international/public ethics associated with resource production, distribution, and use.
ESPM 3011W - Ethics in Natural Resources (CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Normative/professional ethics, and leadership considerations, applicable to managing natural resources and the environment. Readings, discussion.
ESPM 3607 - Natural Resources Consumption and Sustainability (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Current world trends for industrial raw materials; environmental/other tradeoffs related to options for satisfying demand/needs; global and systemic thinking; provides a framework for beginning a process of thinking critically about complex environmental problems/potential solutions in a diverse global economy.
ESPM 4021W - Problem Solving: Environmental Review (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Roles of governmental agencies, consultants, and private citizens in EIS process. Students read EIS/EAW, analyze their content/scope, and prepare an EAW and EIS according to Minnesota EQB guidelines. prereq: ESPM 2021 and jr or sr
FW 4102 - Principles of Conservation Biology (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Prerequisites: introductory biology course
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to themes/concepts of diverse, dynamic, and interdisciplinary field. Biological/social underpinnings of conservation problems/solutions. prereq: introductory biology course
GEOG 4002W - Environmental Thought and Practice (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Changing conceptions of nature, culture, and environment in Western social/political thought. How our understanding of humans/nonhumans has been transformed by scientific and technological practices. Interdisciplinary, reading intensive. prereq: Jr or sr
LA 3501 - Environmental Design and Its Biological and Physical Context (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Dynamic relationships between environmentally designed places and biological/physical contexts. Integration of created place and biological/physical contexts. Case studies, student design.
PHIL 3301 - Environmental Ethics (ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Philosophical basis for membership in moral community. Theories applied to specific problems (e.g., vegetarianism, wilderness preservation). Students defend their own reasoned views about moral relations between humans, animals, and nature.
SUST 3003 - Sustainable People, Sustainable Planet (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GloS 3304/Sust 3003
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to interdisciplinary Sustainability Studies minor. Scientific, cultural, ethical, and economic concepts that affect environmental sustainability and global economic justice. Key texts. Participatory classroom environment. prereq: Soph or jr or sr
URBS 3751 - Understanding the Urban Environment (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Examine links between cities and the environment with emphasis on air, soil, water, pollution, parks and green space, undesirable land uses, environmental justice, and the basic question of how to sustain urban development in an increasingly fragile global surrounding.
ESPM 3601 - Sustainable Housing--Community, Environment, and Technology (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3601/Hsg 3482
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
How sustainable housing practices build community. How community growth has impacted the environment and how natural events impact our communities. Science and technology required to build high performance houses.
SOC 4305 - Environment & Society: An Enduring Conflict (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GloS 4305/Soc 4305
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examines the interaction between human society and the natural environment, focusing on the contemporary and global situation. Takes the perspective of environmental sociology concerning the short-range profit-driven and ideological causes of ecological destruction. Investigates how society is reacting to that increasing destruction prereq: 1001 recommended or a course on the environment, soc majors/minors must register A-F
AGRO 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro/AnSc 3203/AgUM 2224
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecological/ethical concerns of food production systems in global agriculture: past, present, and future. Underlying ethical positions about how agroecosystems should be configured. Decision cases, discussions, videos, other media.
ANSC 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro/AnSc 3203/AgUM 2224
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecological/ethical concerns of food production systems in global agriculture: past, present, and future. Underlying ethical positions about how agroecosystems should be configured. Interactive learning using decision cases, discussions, videos, other media.
ESCI 3002 - Climate Change and Human History (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 3002/ESci 5102
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Causes of long-/short-term climate change. Frequency/magnitude of past climate changes; their geologic records. Relationship of past climate changes to development of agrarian societies and to shifts in power among kingdoms/city-states. Emphasizes last 10,000 years.
ESCI 5102 - Climate Change and Human History
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 3002/ESci 5102
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Causes of long-/short-term climate change. Frequency/magnitude of past climate changes, their geologic records. Relationship of past climate changes to development of agrarian societies and to shifts in power among kingdoms/city-states. Emphasizes last 10,000 years. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
ESCI 3402 - Science and Politics of Global Warming (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 3402/ESci 5402
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Detection/attribution of global warming using concepts of radiation, climate system, and carbon cycle. Effects on society/biodiversity. National/global efforts/controversy over responses/consequences.
ESCI 5402 - Science and Politics of Global Warming
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 3402/ESci 5402
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Detection/attribution of global warming using radiation, climate system, and carbon cycle. Effects on society/biodiversity. National/global efforts. Controversy over responses/consequences.
ESPM 3612W - Soil and Environmental Biology (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3612W/Soil 5611
Typically offered: Every Fall
Properties of microorganisms that impact soil fertility, structure, and quality. Nutrient requirements of microbes and plants and mineral transformations in biogeochemical cycling. Symbiotic plant/microbe associations and their role in sustainable agricultural production. Biodegradation of pollutants and bioremediation approaches. prereq: Biol 1009 or equiv, Chem 1021 or equiv; SOIL 2125 recommended
SOIL 5611 - Soil Biology and Fertility
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3612W/Soil 5611
Typically offered: Every Fall
Properties of microorganisms that impact soil fertility, structure, and quality. Nutrient requirements of microbes and plants, and mineral transformations in biogeochemical cycling. Symbiotic plant/microbe associations and their role in sustainable agricultural production. Biodegradation of pollutants and bioremediation approaches. prereq: Biol 1009 or equiv, Chem 1021 or equiv; Soil 2125 recommended
GEOG 3379 - Environment and Development in the Third World (SOCS, ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 3379/GloS 3303
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Inequality in the form of extreme wealth and poverty in our world are major causes of environmental degradation. In addition, development failure as well as certain forms of economic growth always led to environment disasters. This course examines how our world?s economic and political systems and the livelihoods they engender have produced catastrophic local and global environmental conditions. Beyond this, the course explores alternative approaches of achieving sustainable environment and equitable development. prereq: Soph or jr or sr
GEOG 3401W - Geography of Environmental Systems and Global Change (ENV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 3401W/5401W
Typically offered: Every Spring
Geographic patterns, dynamics, and interactions of atmospheric, hydrospheric, geomorphic, pedologic, and biologic systems as context for human population, development, and resource use patterns.
GEOG 5401W - Geography of Environmental Systems and Global Change (ENV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 3401W/5401W
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Geographic patterns, dynamics, and interactions of atmospheric, hydrospheric, geomorphic, pedologic, and biologic systems as context for human population, development, and resource use patterns. prereq: grad student or instr consent
HSCI 3244 - Nature's History: Science, Humans, and the Environment (HIS, ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HSci 3244/5244
Typically offered: Every Fall
We examine environmental ideas, sustainability, conservation history; critique of the human impact on nature; empire and power in the Anthropocene; how the science of ecology has developed; and modern environmental movements around the globe. Case studies include repatriation of endangered species; ecology and evolutionary theory; ecology of disease; and climate change.
HSCI 5244 - Nature's History: Science, Humans, and the Environment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HSci 3244/5244
Typically offered: Every Fall
We examine environmental ideas, sustainability, conservation history; critique of the human impact on nature; empire and power in the Anthropocene; how the science of ecology has developed; and modern environmental movements around the globe. Case studies include repatriation of endangered species; ecology and evolutionary theory; ecology of disease; and climate change.