Liberal Arts Courses

See the list below to view courses offered through these programs of study. Specific course offerings, including selected topics course titles and descriptions, can be viewed for fall, spring and summer terms.

Liberal Arts encompasses a broad range of courses. This listing represents course subjects that are not applied toward other SPCS majors or degrees, but individual degree requirements determine whether a specific class will count toward a degree or certificate.

Courses in Liberal Arts Programs

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  • ADED 200U Experiential Learning and Portfolio Preparation

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of experiential learning, portfolio assessment and other alternative methods of earning college credit. Students gain confidence in critical thinking, organizing, and writing and a clearer sense of educational goals. In preparation for submitting a portfolio, students learn how to identify and assess learning that has occurred outside of the classroom, develop a narrative, and document their learning. This class is required for students planning to request credit by portfolio assessment.
  • ADED 201U Portfolio Submission and Assessment

    Credit Hours: 0

    Description
    For students who wish to seek credit for prior learning through the Portfolio program.
  • ADED 301U Knowledge Management: Seminar Across the Disciplines I

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Develop advanced reading, writing, and research techniques, using a variety of disciplinary approaches. It will require students to read a range of primary and scholarly texts related to the content of the course, synthesizing them in assignments of varying medium, length, and purpose. It will also require them to locate, evaluate, and incorporate a wide range of research sources. Explicit writing instruction will be central to the course.
  • ADED 302U Knowledge Management: Seminar Across the Disciplines II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Build upon the skills developed in ADED 301U, culminating with a significant research project. It will require students to read a range of primary and scholarly texts related to the content of the course, synthesizing them in assignments of varying medium, length, and purpose - including a research-driven essay and presentation. Explicit research instruction will be central to the course.
  • ANTH 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ANTH 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ANTH 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • ART 212U Art Appreciation

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to the arts, designed to broaden students' background.
  • ART 300U Color Photography

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to technical considerations and development of artistic expression with color materials. Student work discussed in context of larger aesthetic history of color photography. Focus placed on new media and electronic darkroom.
  • ART 301U Introduction to Photoshop for Photographers

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    An introduction to using Photoshop as a digital darkroom and a powerful means of processing images using digital and traditional photography. Topics will include navigation and tools, selections and layer masks, history palette and history brush, file formats, color correction, digital zone system, and image resolution.
  • ART 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ART 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ART 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • ART 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ARTS 126U Drawing Materials and Techniques

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction for both beginners and more advanced students to explore a wide variety of drawing materials and techniques. The materials introduced will include graphite, charcoal, pastels, ink, conte, and silverpoint. Techniques covered will be hatching and cross-hatching, stippling, additive and subtractive drawing, working with washes, monoprinting and more. Students will work representationally for the majority of the semester. The objective is for students to explore a wide range of drawing possibilities as a means of expressing themselves visually.
  • ARTS 127U Watercolors

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of the use of traditional and experimental watercolor painting techniques. Landscape, still life, and architecture will serve as the subjects of the students' paintings. Students will also work on abstract and non-objective projects. Previous painting and drawing experience is not required. Effort and attendance are essential to the student's success.
  • ARTS 305U Digital Photography

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    This course is designed as an introduction to creative digital photography as a fine art. Students will learn the basics of camera controls, exposure, lighting, and composition. The class will participate in discussions on the concept of a digital aesthetic. The software program Adobe Photoshop will be used as a digital darkroom preparing images to print. Topics will include digital adjustments and output along with digital printing. The genres of portraiture, nature, action, and landscape will be explored through hands-on assignments. A digital camera with manual adjustments for exposure is required.
  • ARTS 398U Selected Topics in Art

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ARTS 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • BIOL 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • BIOL 399U Directed Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • BIOL 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • BIOL 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ECON 398U Selected Topics in Economics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ECON 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ECON 507U Labor Economics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A survey course that introduces students to the general economic principles that guide the nation's economy and influences HRM. Topics will include such things as inflation, exchange rates, consumer price index, and supply and demand. Focus will placed on how economic variables influence such things as supply of labor, compensation, recruitment, and retention.
  • ECON 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • ECON 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ENGL 201U Critical Writing and Research I

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    This course focuses on academic writing, critical reading, and research. Throughout the semester, it will require students to write on a range of topics for a variety of purposes and audiences, emphasizing writing as a process. It will also introduce a broad array of texts that are intended to improve students' critical reading skills. Finally, it will include training in research and proper methods of documentation.
  • ENGL 202U Critical Writing and Research II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    This course focuses on academic writing, critical reading, and research, building on the skills developed in ENGL 201U. Throughout the semester, it will require students to write essays of varying length and purpose, culminating in a research-driven persuasive essay. It will also introduce a broad array of cultural texts that are intended to improve students' critical reading and analytical skills. Finally, it will include additional training in research and documentation.
  • ENGL 331U Twentieth-Century American Literature

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Development of literary form and thought from American experience.
  • ENGL 340U Black Women Writers

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of literary careers of Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker and Toni Morrison.
  • ENGL 349U Tracking Contemporary Trickster

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    What do Hermes, Brer Rabbit, Q, and the serpent of Genesis have in common? All might be considered tricksters—boundary-breaking characters that sometimes play the harmless idiot, sometimes play the malevolent jokester, and almost always teach us something about ourselves. We’ll seek out tricksters throughout cultural history and apply our understanding of the archetype to identifying contemporary tricksters in unexpected places.
  • ENGL 354U The Global Short Story

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Covers the short story in a global context, examining the ways authors from a variety of eras and cultures have approached short fiction. From the dark romanticism of Hawthorne to the magical realism of Marquez - and many stops in between - the course features works with a broad range of themes, styles, and techniques, all to demonstrate the ways that short fiction has been a unique laboratory for literary experimentation and innovation. The course places an emphasis on class discussion.
  • ENGL 355U The Voice of Hip Hop in America

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of the evolution of hip hop culture, specifically rap music, and the way it reflects and responds to American society more broadly. Includes analysis of musical and poetic techniques within the music, as well as the socio-historical context that has shaped the culture.
  • ENGL 368U Creative Writing

    Credit Hours: 3

  • ENGL 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1-6

  • ENGL 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1-6

  • ENGL 502U Business and Professional Communication

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduces a rhetorical approach to the techniques and types of communication in professional contexts, including correspondence and reports. Designed to strengthen skills in effective business and professional communication in oral and written modes across multiple media. Prepares students to write professionally for audiences within and outside a corporation or nonprofit enterprise.
  • ENGL 554U The Global Short Story

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Covers the short story in a global context, examining the ways authors from a variety of eras and cultures have approached short fiction. From the dark romanticism of Hawthorne to the magical realism of Marquez - and many stops in between - the course features works with a broad range of themes, styles, and techniques, all to demonstrate the ways that short fiction has been a unique laboratory for literary experimentation and innovation. The course places an emphasis on class discussion.
  • ENGL 555U The Voice of Hip Hop in America

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of the evolution of hip hop culture, specifically rap music, and the way it reflects and responds to American society more broadly. Includes analysis of musical and poetic techniques within the music, as well as the socio-historical context that has shaped the culture.

     

    Prerequisites

    MLA 500U

  • ENGL 555U The Voice of Hip Hop in America

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of the evolution of hip hop culture, specifically rap music, and the way it reflects and responds to American society more broadly. Includes analysis of musical and poetic techniques within the music, as well as the socio-historical context that has shaped the culture.
  • ENGL 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • ENGL 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • FIN 360U Financial Management

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Analysis and examination of finance and budget decision making in organizations.
  • GEOG 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • GEOG 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • GEOL 322U Global Impact of Climate Change

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Rapid climate change is causing an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. This is a truly global problem that requires international research and collaboration to resolve. The USA is a major producer of the atmospheric "greenhouse" gases that make a significant contribution to this global "anthropogenic" warming. Students investigate the global environmental impact of anthropogenic climate change, explore the science that explains our observations, and are challenged to find solutions that offset the impact of climate change on poor, marginalized and at-risk communities around the world.
  • GEOL 398U Selected Topics in Geology

    Credit Hours: 1

  • GEOL 399U Independent Study in Geology

    Credit Hours: 1

  • GEOL 522U Global Impact of Climate Change

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Rapid climate change is causing an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. This is a truly global problem that requires international research and collaboration to resolve. The USA is a major producer of the atmospheric "greenhouse" gases that make a significant contribution to this global "anthropogenic" warming. Students investigate the global environmental impact of anthropogenic climate change, explore the science that explains our observations, and are challenged to find solutions that offset the impact of climate change on poor, marginalized and at-risk communities around the world.
  • GEOL 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • GEOL 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • GSCI 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • GSCI 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • HIST 305U Richmond Across The Centuries

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Survey of history of city of Richmond as it developed between 1660 and 1960.
  • HIST 312U Great Issues in American History

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introductory course explores three central issues in American history: revolution and formation of constitutional government, causes of Civil War and process of Reconstruction; and rise of United States to role of world power.
  • HIST 330U Road to the Presidency

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    The process of selecting an American president provides a window through which one can explore the political, social, cultural, and economic climate of the nation. By studying how the process was constructed and how that process has changed over time, in the context of specific noteworthy elections, memorable elements of the electoral process that have impacted presidential elections becomes apparent.
  • HIST 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • HIST 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • HIST 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • HIST 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • HUM 300U Applied Ethics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Examination of ethical choices, omissions, dilemmas and crises faced by individuals and organizations in the nonprofit, government, corporate, media, technology, environmental, and sports sectors. Use of ethics theories and the law as a framework to analyze case studies. This course will foster skills in ethical reasoning by encouraging students to analyze critically the consequences of individual and collective actions.
  • HUM 398U Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • HUM 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • HUM 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • HUM 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • IDST 304U Understanding Culture and Language I

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Understanding Language and Culture I is designed to offer students an examination of the importance of language as the most critical component of a peoples' common culture and the key to understanding it. In the context of our pluralistic American society and the rapid globalization taking place in today's world such understanding of the relationship between language and the perspectives, practices, and products of cultures is increasingly important politically, economically, and socially.
  • IDST 305U Understanding Language and Culture II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Understanding Language and Culture II is designed to offer students an examination of the importance of language as the most critical component of a peoples' common culture and the key to understanding it. In the context of our pluralistic American society and the rapid globalization taking place in today's world such understanding of the relationship between language and the perspectives, practices, and products of cultures is increasingly important politically, economically, and socially.
  • IDST 310U The Examined Life

    Credit Hours: 6

    Description
    Exploring human behavior and the uniqueness of the human condition.
  • IDST 395U The Realm of Ideas IV: The Capstone Seminar for the Liberal Arts Major

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    The capstone seminar for the Liberal Arts major: The culminating academic experience for liberal arts majors; emphasis on demonstrating through a substantive paper understanding of the connections among the liberal arts; also emphasis on relevant experiential learning opportunities.
  • IDST 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • IDST 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • IDST 495U Capstone Course: Senior Seminar

    Credit Hours: 6

  • IDST 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • IDST 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • ISTY 301U Understanding the Global Village

    Credit Hours: 6

    Description
    Interdisciplinary course focusing on the trends in an increasingly interdependent yet fragmented world.
  • ISTY 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • JOUR 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • JOUR 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • LDSP 200U Introduction to Leadership

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to history and theory of leadership, to critical thinking and methods of inquiry as they bear on subject of leadership, to ethics of leadership, to basic leadership competencies, to relevant leadership contexts, and to leading groups and individuals.
  • LDSP 278U Communication in Leadership

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Applied course to aid in the personal development of listening, writing, and speaking skills. Examination of leadership communication in organizational, group, and public contexts. Students will analyze their personal leadership styles and develop leadership communication skills through team projects and classroom exercises.
  • LDSP 302U Leadership and Ethical Action

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Examines current ethical issues such as privacy, legal dilemmas, work place ethics, and trends in corporate and governmental ethics. Applied ethics course where students will attempt to resolve ethical dilemmas faced by leaders in specific situations common to various work place environments. Focus on understanding ethical meanings, contexts, paradigms, and models associated with executive decision making. Emphasizes critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills as students read, analyze, debate in small groups, and make formal presentations.
  • LDSP 310U Leadership and Ethical Decision Making

    Credit Hours: 3-6

    Description
    Role of leader in commerce and service is examined.
  • LDSP 348U Conflict Management and Group Dynamics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Examines the factors that contribute to the performance of effective groups. This includes exploring the kinds of interactions and human experiences typical in organizations and groups, how those interactions and experiences can facilitate achieving collective ends, and how they can impede accomplishing those ends. In addition, the causes of conflict and conflict-resolution strategies are covered via experiential exercises and research projects.
  • LDSP 358U Historical Perspective of Leadership

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Analyzes leadership through the centuries by examining well-known leaders throughout history. Discusses the evolution of leadership thought through the ages. In addition, the role of long-term social, political, economic forces will be examined. Emphasis will be on application to actual leaders within their respective contexts.
  • LDSP 368U Leadership in the Global Environment

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Explores leadership within a global context weighing issues such as culture, laws, language, and other differences. This course provides practical insights into leadership in the global environment. Topics covered include an analysis of global leading across cultures in modern societies.
  • LDSP 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • LDSP 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • LDSP 478U Strategic Thinking for Leaders

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Provides the necessary skills for the individual to begin thinking more strategically about their respective industries. This course provides an understanding of how strategic thinking relates to design, planning and implementation of strategies and tactics meant to accomplish the organization's goals and objectives.
  • MATH 103U Finite Mathematics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Logical thinking and problem-solving using sets, logic, numeration and mathematical systems, real number system, algebra, counting methods.
  • MATH 105U Foundations of Mathematics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Fundamentals of algebraic and geometric methods supporting data analysis for decision-making in social sciences, life sciences, and business. Course builds on material presented in MATH 103U including algebra, geometry and basic statistics.
  • MATH 140U Algebra with Applications

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Sets, functions, exponents, logarithms, matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, inequalities, binomial theorems, sequences, series, complex numbers and linear programming.
  • MATH 150U Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Concepts and applications of algebra and trigonometry. Topics include graphics, transformations and inverses of functions, linear, exponential, logarithmic, power, polynomial, rational and trigonometric functions.
  • MATH 265U Applied Statistics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Fundamentals of statistical methods supporting data analysis for decision-making in social sciences, life sciences, and business. Descriptive statistics measuring central tendency and dispersion, basic probability, random variables, sampling distributions and statistical inference, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation.
  • MATH 270U Applied Calculus

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Course content includes limits, continuity, differentiation, partial differentiation and integration of single and multi-variable functions with applications to managerial, life and social sciences.
  • MATH 300U Critical Thinking and Analysis

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data for decision-making in the business, law, governmental, and non-profit sectors. Application of common algebra, statistics, and basic calculus to solve common classes of problems.
  • MATH 307U Quantitative Methods in Social Science

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    This course introduces the skills needed in order to analyze data pertaining to the HRM field such as retention patterns, compensation differences, performance measurements, etc. Topics covered will include descriptive statistics as well as regression and analysis of variance. Focus will be placed on finding answers to HRM questions and problems using a quantitative approach.
  • MATH 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • MATH 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MGMT 341U Principles of Management

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Fundamentals of management emphasizing application of scientific methods to solution of business problems; illustrations from various types of organizations, including manufacturing and service industries, government, charitable, and other social institutions.
  • MGMT 342U Managing Business Processes

    Credit Hours: 4

    Description
    Analysis, design, control, and improvement of business processes producing goods and services in business, legal, government, and non-profit organizations. Quantitative metrics and models to analyze operations, plan capacity, manage bottlenecks, and improve process flow rates for improved financial results. Cases and problems in process analysis, statistical process control, inventory, waiting lines, lean operations.
  • MGMT 345U Business Literacy

    Credit Hours: 6

    Description
    Providing an overview of the issues facing those involved in domestic and international commerce.
  • MGMT 398U Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MGMT 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MKT 321U Marketing

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Activities by which the planning and exchange of ideas, goods, and services are explained from inception to final consumption. Analysis of markets and their environments, development of marketing strategy, evaluation and control of marketing programs.
  • MKT 398U Selected Topics in Marketing

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MKT 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MLA 500U Research Methods

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Research Methods introduces a range of research methodologies used in humanities and social science fields. Covers literary, cultural, and historical methods of inquiry along with empirical qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Addresses digital research and information literacy through reading, interpreting, and evaluating scholarship. Provides approaches to planning, implementing, and evaluating research. Also emphasizes writing skills, relevant computer technologies and library use.
  • MLA 506U Technology and the Humanities

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Explores emerging methods in the digital humanities as well as the intellectual context surrounding them. This project-based course will require students to identify an area of inquiry and apply digital humanities methods, such as mapping, text mining, and database construction. Students will then synthesize their findings in a multi-media presentation.
  • MLA 507U Social Sciences Seminar

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    An interdisciplinary graduate seminar in the social sciences. Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit.
  • MLA 510U Great Trials in American History

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    This class investigates the great trials of the American judicial system in an effort to explore the emergence of the current justice system, including the development of trial record keeping, strategy and skills; the effect of the contemporary culture on the outcome of trial proceedings; and the divisive impact of some trials on the population of the United States. We will observe the impact of child testimony, media influence, jury bias, political influence and religious beliefs in the courtroom. The course will also consider the great orators in American law and their influence on trial outcomes and the development of the justice system.
  • MLA 570U Independent Research

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MLA 580U Leading Cooperative Teams

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Exploration of the intricacies of internal and external team dynamics and how to manage them in a highly interactive environment. Introduction and application of leadership theories to real-time scenarios developing the necessary skills to build successful teams in an ever-changing global world.
  • MLA 581U High Performance Leadership

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Study of the historical, psychological, and behavioral models of leadership, particularly in elite organizations and environments. Through case studies and identification of one's own leadership profile, tools necessary to lead groups, teams, and organizations will be explored.
  • MLA 582U Leadership Development in Sport

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduces students to the characteristics of the next generation of leaders in the field of sport, both domestic and abroad. Includes theoretical and practical approaches to leadership in sport, focusing on the characteristics of successful leaders in sport, past and present.
  • MLA 582U Leadership Development in Sport

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduces students to the characteristics of the next generation of leaders in the field of sport, both domestic and abroad. Includes theoretical and practical approaches to leadership in sport, focusing on the characteristics of successful leaders in sport, past and present.

     

    Prerequisites

    MLA 500U

  • MLA 597U Supervised Internship

    Credit Hours: 1-3

    Description
    Internships are completed under the guidance of an on-site supervisor and a faculty sponsor, who, in combination with the student, will create a framework for learning and reflection.
  • MLA 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • MLA 599U Seminar in Liberal Studies

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Discussion of selected readings designed to assist student's drawing meaningful closure to the MLA program. Each student will develop a final project growing out of theme, interest or topic that has served to integrate student's program. Sharing of preparation and results of the projects will be an essential component of the course.
  • MUS 111U Appreciation of Music

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    For general student. Introduction to listening; present-day repertory and its historical development.
  • MUS 398U Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • MUS 399U Independent Study in Music

    Credit Hours: 1

  • MUS 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • MUS 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PBAD 338U Decision-Making in Public Administration

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Assists student to recognize decision-making process in public management/administration and to develop techniques to ensure timely decisions with accountability for action. Emphasis on determining methods of controlling administrative decisions within an organization while fostering atmosphere that allows decision making at appropriate level of organization.
  • PBAD 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • PBAD 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PBRL 398U Selected Topics in Public Relations

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PBRL 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PHIL 302U Thinking About the Paranormal

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A recent Gallup Poll shows that about three in four Americans hold some paranormal belief - in at least one of the following: extrasensory perception, haunted houses, ghosts, mental telepathy, clairvoyance, astrology, communicating with the dead, witches, reincarnation, and channeling. How reasonable are these beliefs? Can they be supported or discounted via modern science or are they purely a matter of faith or personal opinion? What makes one belief or explanation more reasonable than another? Is it immoral to hold beliefs that are not supported by strong evidence? This course examines these and other questions.
  • PHIL 303U Beyond Death

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Is there any evidence to support claims of life after death? This course will begin with a critical examination of some of the purported evidence, based on claims of: Reincarnation, Mediumship, and Near Death Experiences. Philosophical underpinnings of the question will also be studied: What could count as evidence of life after death? What specifically about ourselves do we believe (or want to believe) survives death? What is a human soul? Finally, an examination of the psychological and moral implications of the belief in life after death will be made: Is it necessary or helpful for alleviating anxiety concerning death? Is there anything morally wrong with maintaining beliefs that are not supported by empirical evidence? Is belief in immortality necessary for a meaningful life?
  • PHIL 304U Asian Philosophy

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Serves as an introduction to some of the methods, issues, & theories associated within major Asian philosophical religious systems, focusing on: Hinduism, Early Buddhism, Taoism, & Zen Buddhism. Perennial issues which will be addressed in the course include: the Nature of the Sacred, the relationship between the Sacred and: the self, life and death, happiness and meaning, and morality. The course will compare and contrast approaches and answers to these issues between these traditions, as well as between these systems and “Western” philosophy and religion. In addition to the content of the course, students should find the analytic “tools” utilized in the course helpful in all courses of study requiring critical thinking as well as in assessing the plethora of arguments and pseudo-reasoning which pervade everyday life.
  • PHIL 305U The Problem of Evil

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Traditionally in western philosophy of religion, the problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the existence of evil (or suffering) in the world with the existence of an omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnibenevolent (all-good) God. Proponents of the problem assert: if God exists and has all these attributes, then there would be no evil; yet evil (i.e., tremendous suffering) clearly exists. In this course, we will examine various versions of this problem as well as various traditional and contemporary responses to it. Moreover, since the problem of reconciling evil/suffering with a conception of "the Sacred" extends beyond monotheism, we will also examine approaches to this general and deep problem from other major world religions.
  • PHIL 306U Religion and Science: Examining Life's Biggest Questions

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Throughout history, humans have appealed to religion to understand the universe and our place in it. In the eyes of many, modern science has taken over this role. But, are science and religion locked in a mortal struggle, or are they completely separate domains of the human experience, or are there actually points of concordance between the two? This course examines the relationship between religion and science, exploring the apparent conflicts in their methodologies and answers to life's biggest questions, including: the origin of everything, the nature of the self, the prospects of life after death, the existence of nature of the ""Sacred,"" the foundation of morals, the essence of a ""meaningful life,"" and the role of faith and reason in our lives.
  • PHIL 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PHIL 502U Thinking about the Paranormal

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A recent Gallup Poll shows that about three in four Americans hold some paranormal belief - in at least one of the following: extrasensory perception, haunted houses, ghosts, mental telepathy, clairvoyance, astrology, communicating with the dead, witches, reincarnation, and channeling. How reasonable are these beliefs? Can they be supported or discounted via modern science or are they purely a matter of faith or personal opinion? What makes one belief or explanation more reasonable than another? Is it immoral to hold beliefs that are not supported by strong evidence? This course examines these and other questions.
  • PHIL 503U Beyond Death

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Is there any evidence to support claims of life after death? This course will begin with a critical examination of some of the purported evidence, based on claims of: Reincarnation, Mediumship, and Near Death Experiences. Philosophical underpinnings of the question will also be studied: What could count as evidence of life after death? What specifically about ourselves do we believe (or want to believe) survives death? What is a human soul? Finally, an examination of the psychological and moral implications of the belief in life after death will be made: Is it necessary or helpful for alleviating anxiety concerning death? Is there anything morally wrong with maintaining beliefs that are not supported by empirical evidence? Is belief in immortality necessary for a meaningful life?
  • PHIL 504U Asian Philosophy

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Serves as an introduction to some of the methods, issues, & theories associated within major Asian philosophical religious systems, focusing on: Hinduism, Early Buddhism, Taoism, & Zen Buddhism. Perennial issues which will be addressed in the course include: the Nature of the Sacred, the relationship between the Sacred and: the self, life and death, happiness and meaning, and morality. The course will compare and contrast approaches and answers to these issues between these traditions, as well as between these systems and “Western” philosophy and religion. In addition to the content of the course, students should find the analytic “tools” utilized in the course helpful in all courses of study requiring critical thinking as well as in assessing the plethora of arguments and pseudo-reasoning which pervade everyday life.
  • PHIL 505U The Problem of Evil

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Traditionally in western philosophy of religion, the problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the existence of evil (or suffering) in the world with the existence of an omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnibenevolent (all-good) God. Proponents of the problem assert: if God exists and has all these attributes, then there would be no evil; yet evil (i.e., tremendous suffering) clearly exists. In this course, we will examine various versions of this problem as well as various traditional and contemporary responses to it. Moreover, since the problem of reconciling evil/suffering with a conception of "the Sacred" extends beyond monotheism, we will also examine approaches to this general and deep problem from other major world religions.
  • PHIL 506U Religion and Science: Examining Life's Biggest Questions

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Throughout history, humans have appealed to religion to understand the universe and our place in it. In the eyes of many, modern science has taken over this role. But, are science and religion locked in a mortal struggle, or are they completely separate domains of the human experience, or are there actually points of concordance between the two? This course examines the relationship between religion and science, exploring the apparent conflicts in their methodologies and answers to life's biggest questions, including: the origin of everything, the nature of the self, the prospects of life after death, the existence of nature of the ""Sacred,"" the foundation of morals, the essence of a ""meaningful life,"" and the role of faith and reason in our lives.
  • PHIL 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PHIL 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PHYS 398U Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PLSC 001N TOPICS IN CONSPIRACY OR COINCIDENCE

    Credit Hours:

  • PLSC 205U Introduction to American Government

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A multimedia, high-tech approach to the study of basic roles, structures, and functions of American political institutions; and introduction to American political process.
  • PLSC 207U Virginia Government and Politics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A multimedia, high-tech approach to the study of Virginia government at state, county, municipal, and special district levels emphasizing legislative, executive, and judicial organization; and state politics and intergovernmental relations.
  • PLSC 301U The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

    Credit Hours: 6

    Description
    Exploring the history and importance of civic participation in the American tradition. Service learning component.
  • PLSC 302U Modern Conservative Political Philosophy

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    An examination of the concepts of modern conservative political philosophy, their importance and influence.
  • PLSC 303U Metropolitan Problems and Politics

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Analysis of and practical involvement with major issues affecting metropolitan governments.
  • PLSC 398U Selected Topics in Political Science

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PLSC 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PLSC 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • PLSC 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PSYC 101U Introductory Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Scientific principles of behavior. Survey emphasizing psychological methods and research involved in understanding human behavior.
  • PSYC 190U Child Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Introduction to biological, social, cognitive, and emotional processes of development during prenatal to preadolescent developmental periods.
  • PSYC 302U Psychology of Terrorism

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    In the past decade, terrorism has emerged as a dynamic force dramatically impacting individuals and social systems. During this course we will review the history of terrorism, seek to understand the radicalization of terrorists, investigate the immediate and long-term reactions to acts of terrorism and explore the social and psychological implications of the war on terrorism.
  • PSYC 303U Psychology of Gender

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Overview of current theory and empirical research on gender, exploring origins of gender identity and impact of gender on systems, individuals, attitudes, and behavior.
  • PSYC 304U Psychology of Relationships

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    This course in social psychology is designed as an overview of the fundamental areas of the psychology of intimate and non-intimate relationships between people and the effects of these relationships on them. How and why are interpersonal relationships formed? What effects do they have on us? What do individuals do to relationships? Such questions will be explored in the course.
  • PSYC 305U Stress and Its Management

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Physiological and psychological aspects of stressors and the stress response. Review of principles, research, and methods of stress management.
  • PSYC 306U Benign Bigotry: Psychology of Subtle Prejudice

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Focuses on the social problems concerning diversity and the prejudices in today’s society. The topics will range from racism, to gay rights, with the examination in hostility, bigotry, and prejudice. The microscopic investigation includes the current research, along with the problems and challenges in today’s society. This course will explore the feminist movement, racism, and the “neutrality zone.” It will also zero in on the perceptions of underground prejudice and the internal conflicts that are present. The course will differentiate between the societal beliefs and misconceptions that contribute to human behaviors.
  • PSYC 307U Psychology of Faith

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Study of reflections in faith, personal behavior, and social well-being. Topics include questions that college students encounter in basic psychology class. Is there a connection with faith psychology and other issues that have been taught? This class offers information concerning recent research within the major areas of psychological science and with the values of society. Investigations will be about the ideas of human nature and individual learning. Course will investigate behavior and attitudes and will look at science and spiritually. It will also identify major insights regarding human behavior and attitudes about positive belief systems and their individual intuition concerning their approach.
  • PSYC 308U Psychology of Intuitive Development

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Intuition has remained an emerging cloud of mystery for centuries. Whether you have read about intuition from the earliest philosophers or the views of psychologists, it has still remained important in everyday decision making. If it is a gut feeling, a hunch or an inner knowing that canĄt be explained, this study of the intuitive ability encompasses intelligence and is being recognized as a perception within the bodyĄs psycho-physiological system. The psychology of intuitive development demonstrates the subconscious, or ""heart intelligence"" that can be cultivated and is essential for success in decision making, sensory and analytic process.
  • PSYC 313U Social Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Critical overview of current theory and research in social psychology, with emphasis on conceptual and empirical work on social cognition, social influence, affective processes, attraction, altruism, aggression, and group dynamics.
  • PSYC 327U Organizational Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Examination of industrial/organizational theories and psychological principles as applied to the workplace. Will examine job analysis, the screening, selection, training and development of employees, the performance appraisal process, motivation and job satisfaction, stress, leadership, and organizational development.
  • PSYC 337U Psychological Development Through the Life Cycle

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Developmental changes and psycho-biosocial processes from adolescent through adult life.
  • PSYC 338U Forensic Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Forensic Psychology is designed to give students an understanding of the interaction between our legal system and psychology. Roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists will be examined. Topics covered will include criminal profiling with a focus on serial killers; the insanity defense; criminal competencies; child custody cases; eyewitness and expert testimonies; civil commitment for dangerous offenders; and victimization. Graduate students will write an 8-10 page research paper on a controversial topic in forensic psychology and will develop and deliver a 15-30 minute presentation to the class on the research paper.
  • PSYC 339U Abnormal Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Abnormal Psychology offers students an examination of theories and psychological principles underlying the study of abnormal psychology, the field, research methods, classification models, ethics and legal issues.
  • PSYC 340U Getting Away with Murder

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Examines deception, manipulation, and malingering within the context of violent and anti-social acts. There will be an emphasis on the psychological, social, and biological factors associated with extreme violence among clinical and non-clinical (normal) populations. The development of criminal behavior and moral development will be explored. Techniques for detecting deception and preventing manipulation will be examined.
  • PSYC 398U Selected Topics in Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

  • PSYC 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • PSYC 502U Psychology of Terrorism

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    In the past decade, terrorism has emerged as a dynamic force dramatically impacting individuals and social systems. During this course we will review the history of terrorism, seek to understand the radicalization of terrorists, investigate the immediate and long-term reactions to acts of terrorism and explore the social and psychological implications of the war on terrorism.
  • PSYC 530U Organizational Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Students to gain a broad understanding of many areas critical to effective human resource management. Further, the graduate level course will allow an in-depth understanding of many social sciences grounded theories and practices as applied to the real world business setting. The course will help students when faced with real world decisions including: determining selection strategies and selecting valid tools, how to drive performance and development with a performance appraisal tool, how to assess needs and train for results, how to develop and select effective leaders, how to design teams and deal with conflict, how to impact morale through satisfaction and motivation strategies, and how to manage and cope with work-related stress. The ultimate intention of the course is to equip students with the knowledge and tools they will need to positively impact their organizations.
  • PSYC 538U Forensic Psychology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Forensic Psychology is designed to give students an understanding of the interaction between our legal system and psychology. Roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists will be examined. Topics covered will include criminal profiling with a focus on serial killers; the insanity defense; criminal competencies; child custody cases; eyewitness and expert testimonies; civil commitment for dangerous offenders; and victimization. Graduate students will write an 8-10 page research paper on a controversial topic in forensic psychology and will develop and deliver a 15-30 minute presentation to the class on the research paper.
  • PSYC 540U Getting Away with Murder

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Examines deception, manipulation, and malingering within the context of violent and anti-social acts. There will be an emphasis on the psychological, social, and biological factors associated with extreme violence among clinical and non-clinical (normal) populations. The development of criminal behavior and moral development will be explored. Techniques for detecting deception and preventing manipulation will be examined.
  • PSYC 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • PSYC 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • RELG 200U Patterns of Religion

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Methodologies for study of religion, recurring themes and issues, religious expression in both individual and communal focus.
  • RELG 301U The Bible as Literature

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A non-confessional study of the diverse genres of Biblical literature, viewing passages in historical context to understand the multiple layers of the intended message: period about which written, the time of the writer, and the time of the recipient. Within Biblical exegesis, primary emphasis is given to literary and historical criticism.
  • RELG 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • RELG 399U Independent Study in Religion

    Credit Hours: 1

  • RELG 501U The Bible as Literature

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    A non-confessional study of the diverse genres of Biblical literature, viewing passages in historical context to understand the multiple layers of the intended message: period about which written, the time of the writer, and the time of the recipient. Within Biblical exegesis, primary emphasis is given to literary and historical criticism.
  • RELG 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • RELG 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • SOC 101U Introductory Sociology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Fundamental concepts and principles of sociology; culture, socialization, social structure, stratification, social control, institutions, population, and social change.
  • SOC 305U Deviance

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Social deviance at micro-sociological level, sociological explanations for and current methods of dealing with such behavior. Drug and alcohol abuse, sexual deviance, suicide, mental illness, and child and spouse abuse.
  • SOC 309U Social Problems

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Personal-social disorganization and maladjustment: physical and mental handicaps; economic inadequacies; programs and methods of social treatment and control.
  • SOC 310U Criminology

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Laws, prevalence and distribution of crime; theories of crime; types of criminal behavior; police actions; court actions; the penal system.
  • SOC 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • SOC 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • SOC 598U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 3

  • SOC 599U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • SPAN 100U Practical Everyday Spanish

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Multifaceted course designed to appeal to individuals interested in using Spanish language for business or for travel.
  • SPCH 101U Principles of Speech Communication

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Confidence in delivering public speeches. Logical structure of ideas, effective use of language, application of evidence to arguments. Classroom speeches and critiques.
  • SPCH 105U Interpersonal Communication

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Analysis of complex and interacting factors that contribute to effective transmission of ideas; emphasis on understanding underlying principles.
  • SPCH 206U Group Communication

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Modern theory and methodology; student participation in group discussion relating theory to specific communication problems.
  • SPCH 222U Business and Professional Speech

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Making business presentation and giving corporate advocacy speech. Application to workplace of skills in listening, problem solving, interviewing, conducting meetings.
  • SPCH 328U Gendered Relationships--An Overview

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Investigation of relatively informal interpersonal and social relationships between same and opposite genders in friendships, romantic relationships, families and the workplace. Central organizing theory base is that of interpersonal communication theory. Seminar style where student participation is maximized.
  • SPCH 329U The Dark Side of Communication

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    The ‘Dark Side’ is a metaphor used to examine the immoral, abusive, dysfunctional, destructive and even criminal dimensions of interpersonal communication. This course relies on scholarly research to ignite discussion and debate on the value of the dark side paradigm in our daily lives. Some of the topics include infidelity, bullying, intimate partner abuse, jealousy, stalking, child abuse, parent abuse, deception, and secrets. Students are expected to read a significant amount of social scientific research and research one area of the Dark Side. This is an online course, therefore students need to have a reasonably sophisticated level of computer literacy in order to effectively participate.
  • SPCH 340U Cross Cultural Communications

    Credit Hours: 3

    Description
    Studies dynamics of cross-cultural communication. Emphasis on familiarizing students with issues relating to diversity and improving student's skills is communication across cultural barriers.
  • SPCH 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • SPCH 399U Independent Study

    Credit Hours: 1

  • THTR 398U Selected Topics

    Credit Hours: 1

  • THTR 399U Independent Study in Theatre

    Credit Hours: 1