HS121 Introduction to the Humanities
HS 121 introduces multiple ideas, disciplines, and forms of making meaning. It serves as an introduction to humanist inquiry, focusing on critical thinking, the analysis of ideas, formulating questions, and the interconnectedness of knowledge and the various disciplines.
The philosophical, historical, theological, psychological, and sociological narratives created by humans form the structure of our lives. Human Thought and Action investigates the human meaning-making impulse and the articulation of human ideas and experiences through various disciplines.
HS 121 is an interdisciplinary inquiry into human thought, action and reaction. In this course, teachers and students will examine the way that humanist knowledge and processes have influenced humankind’s perception of self through millennia. As a prerequisite for the upper-level humanities courses, HS 121 focuses on significant forms of knowledge and ontological questions. Students will be challenged to reflect upon and discuss definitions of group problem-solving activities, “community,” cultural literacy, and the importance of human action and witness to a culture.
Through study of specific texts, students will explore the way that humans have borne witness to their experiences and sought to find meaning in them in various ways. Students will explore different views on the human experience through familiar activities – close reading of primary and secondary texts, class discussions, inquiry journals and take-home essays and transactional writing, participation in public events in the MIAD community, field trips, and on-site research. Critical inquiry is at the heart of all activities in HS 121.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: WR100

HS338 Special Topics: Integrated Humanities and Sciences
HS 338 is an advanced-level course that examines a topic through both humanistic and scientific (and/or a social science) perspectives. The course challenges students to look across disciplines to determine relationships between them when examining an issue. Through intensive reading, writing, and research, students will analyze and interpret course material.
Although each discipline in the humanities and sciences is unique in scholarship and approach, this course will take a particular topic and help students utilize the relationships between disciplines to achieve a greater understanding of a designated topic. Students will draw knowledge and experiences from a variety of sources. They will use logical thought, research and language to make meaning and develop their own perspectives.
As an advanced-level course, HS 338 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will feature interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than the mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will be presented with readings and lecture material from a range of disciplines. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials and methods.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: HS320

HS340 Topics in Humanities
Topics in Social Sciences: World Cultures is an advanced-level course that provides students with the opportunity to investigate different cultures and subcultures from our global society. Investigations are broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. Recent offerings have included: The Peoples of Oceana, African Cultures and American Subcultures.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: HS220

HS360 Topics in Cultural Studies
Topics in Culture and Psychology provides students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of one or more aspects of human behavior. In-depth study is enhanced through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. Offerings include: Human Sexuality, Child Development and Psychology, Ecopsychology and others.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: HS220

HS380 Topic in Social Science (Service Learning)
HS380 is an interdisciplinary course with a service learning component and is designed as the synthesis of a student’s four-year humanities and sciences experience. In HS380 students will study a topic in depth (i.e. cities, families, borders, aging, literacy) and be presented with many opportunities for interdisciplinary investigation. Through intensive reading, writing, research, and oral assignments students will analyze an issue in order to evaluate how social groups function and work toward resolution. Topics will be dealt with through scholarly and community investigations that may include sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, natural science, and history.
In HS380 students will have the opportunity to examine a social issue in depth, from a variety of perspectives. The coursework will focus on the historical and philosophical background of a given topic, and will help students learn how to assess a variety of approaches to social systems through an examination of the nature of service in the community.
In the study of social sciences we examine patterns in our personal lives, in the communities where we live, and in a larger global context in order to understand their connections. Through the in-depth study of a particular topic students will be able to analyze an issue in order to evaluate how social groups function and work toward resolution. HS380 includes a service learning component that is connected to the topic being studied. This work will take place in the larger community, and will allow students to examine the information they are learning through thinking and acting in an interdisciplinary and multicultural context.
As an advanced level course, HS380 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will not focus on the mere assimilation and recall of fact. Students will be presented with readings and lecture material from a variety of sources. Because HS380 is conducted in a seminar fashion, students will be expected to assume considerable responsibility for course materials and processes.
In keeping with the cooperative and collaborative nature of the course, instructors are encouraged to invite other instructors and individuals from the community to contribute to seminar workshops and critiques.
Credits: 4.0
Prerequisites: HS320

SC220 Introduction to Biology
The Introduction to Natural Sciences is a sophomore level course required of all students for graduation. In this course students will study the nature of the scientific method and examine basic biological, ecological and environmental concepts. These examinations are broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments.
In SC220 students will study the nature of the scientific method and examine significant biological concepts. SC220 will explore science and natural world themes in order to:
1. Understand science as a way of questioning, testing, and explaining the world;
2. Science and technology as a reciprocal relationship that evolves through time;
3. Enable students to make educated decisions regarding biological and environmental issues;
4. Enable students to function as responsible citizens of the world.
This course is designed with the understanding that coursework will feature interpretation, analysis and critical thinking rather than the mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: HS121 and WR200

SC320 Topics in Natural Sciences
SC320 is an advanced-level course that examines one of the many fields of Natural Sciences. These fields include Botany, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Ichthyology, Invertebrate Zoology, Limnology, and Ornithology. These topics in Natural Science will rotate on a yearly basis. Students will study the nature of scientific inquiry, the methods, theories, discoveries, technology, and language important to a specific field of science. Students will also study the recent contributions this field of science has made in the scientific community and how these contributions affect society.
As an advanced course, SC320 builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in SC220. It is designed with the understanding that the coursework will focus on interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than on mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will examine a field of natural science through readings and lecture material from a variety of sources and from a range of scientific and critical opinion. The material and assignments will vary depending upon the field of natural sciences taught.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: SC220

SC321: Topics in Natural Sciences – Field Experiences
NOTE- THIS IS A 1.5 CREDIT COURSE, and it is has been offered in summer, but we anticipate a course in each fall and spring semester in the near future.
SC321 is an advanced-level course that examines one of the many fields of Natural Sciences. These fields can include Botany, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Ichthyology, Invertebrate Zoology, Limnology, and Ornithology. These topics in Natural Science will rotate on a yearly basis.
In an SC321 course, students will have the opportunity to examine closely a particular field of Natural Sciences. As an advanced course, SC321 builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in SC220. It is designed with the understanding that the coursework will focus on interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than on mere assimilation and recall of factual material. In these courses, students will apply theoretical knowledge, with direct inquiry and hands-on activities and investigations in the field. These courses rely heavily on field work, direct inquiry and self-directed independent research culminating in a peer-reviewed presentation of the findings. This course can be retaken with change in topic for a 6 credits maximum.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: SC220

SC350: Seminars in Natural Sciences
This courses are designed as a seminar, in which students will be in charge of taking the wheel and steering the ship. Students will demonstrate achievement of course objective through overall performance as a seminar participant and as a seminar leaders. Independent research and inquiry on selected issues will revolve on the main topic of the seminar and will lead to a colloquium/discussion series throughout the semester. These courses are offered as either Natural Sciences elective (SC350) or as a Cultural Studies, Humanities elective (HS360) and the student can allocate the credit as necessary for her/his advancement in the selected program of study. This course can be retaken with change in topic for a 6 credits maximum.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: SC220