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Course Descriptions
ANTH | BIOS | COMS | ECON | ENGL | GEOG | HIST | ILAS | POLS | PSYC | SOCI | STAT
Course titled with a computer denote that the class is offered online
INDIANS OF NORTH AMERICA
ANTH 303
Students will learn about the history of native groups throughout North America with Powerpoint lectures, streaming videos, small group online discussions, website exercises and three face-to-face classroom meetings. The course will highlight the social, economic and religious life of North American Indians as well as look at their great variety of languages and artistic patterns. The effects of European colonialism will be examined along with the history of the American era resettlement of tribes and twentieth-century cultural and economic revival movements.
303. Description and analysis of the cultures of native peoples of North America. Social, economic, and religious life; languages and arts of representative North American Indian groups.
Judith Calleja. ANTH 303 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1 (Ref. #14417) meets at NIU-Naperville on Thursdays, 9/10 -12/10, 6:30 9:15 pm.
ARCHAEOLOGY THROUGH FICTION
ANTH 313
Have you always wanted to find out what archaeology is really like without the heat and the dust? Do you enjoy reading mystery stories and other types of fiction? Archaeology Through Fiction gives you a chance to sharpen your investigative skills and learn the details of archaeology at a selection of sites around the world. Each of the books we read is set in a place where archaeologists are working. Sometimes it is the central theme of the book, and in each book we explore the archaeology of the real place and the fictional plot. You will find out how much of the archaeology is real (often a surprising amount), the places and people that are fictional and those who living or historic individuals.
There are no prerequisites for this class, which counts as lower division hours for an Anthropology major or minor.
313. Introduction to ancient world cultures, including Egypt, the Middle East, Rome, Europe, and North America through novels that use archaeological data and characters. Topics include assessing the accuracy of data, borrowing from scholarly literature, and connections to current controversies over looting, site destruction, and the faking of antiquities.
Winifred Creamer. ANTH 313 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1 (Ref. #15216) meets at NIU-Naperville on alternating Saturdays 8/29 -12/5, 6:30 9:15 pm.
PHYSIOLOGY
BIOS 493/700
This is an online version of Physiology which is the first part of a proposed Physiology-Anatomy course. The physiology component of the course presents the functional design and homeostatic mechanisms of organ systems. It is designed to provide the opportunity to receive an in depth introduction into Human Physiology using an on line format. Lectures are presented as narrated power points that incorporate animated material to help students visualize complex concepts.This course provides the physiology necessary to enter some professional programs such as nursing and nutrition. Course content includes the major organ systems of the body. During the lectures the students stay engaged as they are tested on content during the presentation. Formal testing is also occurs online.
493. Physiology Lectures, discussions, and reports on topics of special interest in a particular field of biology. Topics may be selected in one or more fields of biology to a total of 6 semester hours toward any one degree. PRQ: Consent of department.
700.Physiology. Lectures, discussions, and reports on topics of special interest in a particular field of biology. One to 9 semester hours as scheduled; each field may be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours.
Sonya Conway. BIOS 493/700 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1. Meets online 9/8 12/8 with 3 face-to-face meetings on 9/8, 10/20, 12/8 at NIU-Rockford; 6:30 9:15 p.m.
PERFORMANCE IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION
COMS 309
309. Multidimensional approach to oral communication. Emphasis on developing effective speech habits: voice production, voice quality, and articulation. Oral communication in speech performance for radio/television, teaching, and other professions where oral performance is particularly important.
Kasmira Scarbrough. COMS 309 (3 credit hours)
Section UE1. (Ref. #14431) meets at Waubonsee Community College on Saturdays 9/12 -12/12, 9:00 12:00 noon.
MEDIA WRITING
COMS 355
A basic introduction to writing for various media. Students will learn how to write to inform the public (news, public service announcements, press releases, etc.), and how to write to persuade (advertisements for radio and TV). Students will put together scripts in professional format for each assignment so they will leave the class with a portfolio of their work to show potential employers. A great class for students of all majors who want to brush up on writing skills and learn how to write in a clearer, more concise way.
355. Writing for visual and aural presentation in the broadcast media with emphasis on program continuity, commercials, public service, and promotional campaigns.
Aimee Barrows. COMS 355 (3 credit hours)
Section QE1. (Ref. #14769) meets at NIU-Rockford on Mondays 8/31-12/7, 6:30 9:15 p.m.
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
COMS 361
This course enables students to practice the various communication skills required in business settings. Students will write resumes and cover letters, and will participate in oral communication projects, including interviews and presentations. Group communication will also be practiced and analyzed.
361. Development of communication skills commonly used in governmental, corporate, and nonprofit agencies. Emphasis on report generation, information interviewing, and the presentation of proposals.
Jessica Baldwin. COMS 361 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1. (Ref. #14419) meets at IIT Rice Wheaton on Wednesdays 9/9-12/9, 6:30 9:15 p.m.
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
COMS 361
This course integrates communication theory and explores the various forms of communication skills required in business settings. Students will become skilled at written forms of business communication including: memos, email messages, proposals, cover letters and resumes. Students will study the challenges of international and cross-cultural business communication. Students will also gain experience in group work and planning various oral forms of communication including presentations and interviews.
361. Development of communication skills commonly used in governmental, corporate, and nonprofit agencies. Emphasis on report generation, information interviewing, and the presentation of proposals.
Kimberly Gatz. COMS 361 (3 credit hours)
Section QE1. (Ref. #14420) meets at NIU-Rockford on Thursdays 9/10-12/10, 6:30 9:15 p.m.
PRINCIPLES OF ADVERTISING
COMS 370
Communication 370 "Principles of Advertising" Covers the history of advertising and the advantages and disadvantages of various media in advertising ranging from newspapers, radio, television, and direct marketing to the Internet. Also includes principles of print, electronic, and interactive media for planning, conducting, and evaluating persuasive advertising campaigns.
370. Communicative, persuasive, and social functions. Focus on advertising media, messages, strategies, creative planning, execution, and societal effects.
Charles Larson COMS 370 (3 credit hours)
Section DE1. (Ref. #14428) meets at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Saturdays 9/12-12/12, 9:00 12:00 noon.
HEALTH ECONOMICS
ECON 370
Health has evolved into a multidisciplinary concept; the study of the concept has broadened beyond the realm of physicians and epidemiologists and now includes economists. This online course will examine this universal concept from an economists perspective, which will include an analysis of market for health care, the social determinants of health, the role of the government, the role of the private sector, and an evaluation of the efficiency of public policy. The centerpiece of this course will be to promote learning through effective communication. Evaluation in the course will be based on online discussions, online tests, and presentations. We will have three meetings in a traditional classroom format; attendance at these meetings is mandatory and an integral part of the course requirement.
370C. Health Economics. Topics of current importance to consumers, resource owners, business, and government. May be repeated once as topics change. PRQ: ECON 260 and ECON 261
Sowjanya Dharmasankar. ECON 370 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1. (Ref. #14794) Meets online 9/8-12/8 with 3 face-to-face meetings on Wednesdays, 9/8, 10/13, 10/20 at Elgin Community College; 6:30 9:15 p.m.
READING DRAMA
ENGL 306 / ILAS 342
This course examines selected plays from classic and contemporary world dramatic literature with critical emphasis on character development, textual analysis and each play's overall dramatic arc. Playwrights include Shakespeare, Chekhov, Ibsen, Ionesco, Pinter, and Albee. This course will allow students with varying degrees of dramatic experience to discover, analyze, and explore these various works of dramatic literature in a hands-on and practically engaging way.
306. Study of individual plays and of drama in its cultural context. Emphasis on student's ability to read, view, and appreciate drama.
Margaret Knapp. ENGL 306/ILAS 342 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1. (ENGL 306 Ref. #14577; ILAS 342 Ref. #14936) meets on Mondays 8/31-12/7, 6:30 9:15 at NIU-Naperville, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
LITERATURE AND OTHER DISCIPLINES
ENGL 360
This course in literature and theology will contextualize ancient and modern literary texts within themes contained in the Bible and Koran. The course will be organized around the three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and a search for their commonalities. Emerging topics may include the flood, the afterlife, light and darkness, temptation, suffering, and justice. Weekly online discussions, reading journals, a short research paper (5 pages) and final class presentations. Reading list: Gilgamesh, Night, Holy Bible (New Revised Version), Don Quixote, Doctor Faustus, The Life of St. Anthony, Arabian Nights, and the Koran. Extra credit field trip to a mosque, synagogue, and church.
ENGL 360. Interrelationships between the study of literature and other disciplines. Pertinence of other disciplines to literature, for example, literature and psychology, literature and sociology, literature and philosophy, and literature and theology. Topics announced. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours when subject varies.
Katherine Wright and Chris Webb. ENGL 360 (3 credit hours)
* Section YE1 (Ref. #14418) Meets online 9/10 - 12/10 with 3 face-to-face meetings on Thursdays, 9/10, 10/22, 12/10 at NIU-Hoffman Estates; 6:30-9:15 p.m.
* Section YE2 (Ref. #15374) Meets online 9/10 - 12/10 with 3 face-to-face meetings on Thursdays, 9/10, 10/22, 12/10 at NIU-Hoffman Estates, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
THE ENGLISH NOVEL TO 1900
ENGL 470
ENGL 470. Development of the English novel in the 18th and 19th centuries, including works by such representative authors as Defoe, Richardson, Fielding, Austen, Thackeray, the Brontλs, Eliot, and Hardy..
Brian May. ENGL 470 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1 (Ref. #14430) meets NIU-Naperville on Wednesdays 8/26-12/9, 6:00 8:40 p.m.
MAPS & MAPPING
GEOG 256/556
Though maps have been used by civilizations for well over 5,000 years, practically all aspects of mapping today involve computersfrom the collection of real-world data by GPS or satellites to drafting and printing. Rather than study the history of maps and mapping, we will instead study the concept of maps as tools of modern communication and visualization. This course is also the starting point for NIU's certificate of undergraduate study in GIS (in addition to applying toward the B.G.S.) and is required for several further courses in geography. Mandatory introductory face-to-face class meeting.
256. Introduction to maps as models of our earth, tools of visualization, and forms of graphic communication. Use of satellite and aerial imagery, land surveying, and geographic information systems in map production. Thematic maps and how they are used. Map design for informational and persuasive purposes.
556. For graduate students with little formal background in mapping. Maps as models, tools of visualization, and forms of graphic communication. Processes of map production, including imagery and surveying. Principles of map design.
Paul Sill. GEOG 256/556 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1 (GEOG 256 Ref. #15198; GEOG 556 Ref. #15199) meets online 9/10 12/10 with a mandatory introductory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Naperville on Thursday 9/10, 6:30 9:15 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOG 359/557
Have you ever asked yourself, "Where in the world am I?" GEOG 359 may help you answer that question with an introductory study into the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In this online course, we develop skills in GIS, its components, and how it applies to our surrounding environment. This course is a primer for those who are interested in learning more about the dynamic and ever-changing world of GIS and its career applications.
359. Study of the fundamental principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasis on the development of these systems, their components and their integration into mainstream geography. Prerequisites & Notes: GEOG 256 or consent of department.
557. For graduate students with little formal background in GIS or computer mapping. Principles, components, and uses of geographic information systems.
Phil Young. GEOG 359/557 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1 (Ref. #15194) meets online 8/26 12/13 with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Wednesday 8/26, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
TROPICAL ENVIROMENTAL HAZARDS
GEOG 408 / 508
Tropical Environmental Hazards will focus on the interactions between earth surface systems and the physical and social environment. The global distribution of natural hazards is not uniform. Not only do the characteristics of the hazards vary, but the underlying populations, cultures and societies affected by them also contain wide variance. With this in mind, this course will focus on Southeast Asian countries and their associated hazards such as tsunamis, floods, and tropical storms. The goal is to yield a greater understanding of regional geography, differing adaptation mechanisms of societies and also greater understanding of some of the natural hazards within Southeast Asia. Essential elements of the course will include discussion board debates and analysis, webquest exercises, and a final research report on a Southeast Asian disaster of your choice.
408. Examination of natural hazards with a focus on Southeast Asia. Tsunamis, monsoons, typhoons, flooding, droughts, and urban hazards are explored. Interactions among the following three major systems are analyzed with respect to shaping these hazards: the physical environment, social and demographic characteristics, and components of the built environment.
508. Examination of natural hazards focusing on Southeast Asia. Tsunamis, monsoons, typhoons, flooding, droughts, and urban hazards are explored. Interactions among three major systems are analyzed with respect to shaping these hazards: the physical environment, social and demographic characteristics, and components of the built environment.
Mace Bentley. GEOG 408/508 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1 (Ref. #14464) meets online 9/8 -12/11.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOG 459 / 559
A Geographic Information System (GIS), composed of multiple map layers of a place, can facilitate problem-solving in a variety of social, environmental, and business settings. This course will apply GIS to examples from these different settings. Methods of integrating land, environmental, demographic, and business information will be demonstrated. In addition to applying to the B.G.S., this class also counts toward NIUs certificate of undergraduate study in GIS.
459. Study of the conceptual framework and development of geographic information systems. Emphasis on the actual application of a GIS to spatial analysis.
559. Study of the conceptual framework and development of geographic information systems. Emphasis on the actual application of a GIS to spatial analysis.
Rich Greene. GEOG 459/559 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1 (Ref. #14421) meets online 9/12 -12/12 with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Saturday, 9/12, 9:00 a.m. 12 noon.
WORKSHOP IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOG 468 / 568
What are the essential building blocks required to create an effective Geographic Information System? This online course will use GIS software for the creation, manipulation and presentation of data. The methodology will be a blended set of lessons and exercises which will include design, data capture, quality control, data management and 3D. Students enrolled in the Homeland Security Program, GIS Certificate or B.G.S. degree plan may be interested in taking this course.
468. Problems and techniques of GIS prototype development. Emphasis on GIS development and spatial database management for public sector applications such as land parcel mapping, emergency services, facilities management, and homeland security. The processes of design and production, editing and quality control, and final implementation of an operational product are stressed through applied projects. PRQ: GEOG 359 and consent of department.
568. Problems and techniques of GIS prototype development. Emphasis on GIS development and spatial database management for public sector applications such as land parcel mapping, emergency services, facilities management, and homeland security. The processes of design and production, editing and quality control, and final implementation of an operational product are stressed through applied projects.
Phil Young. GEOG 468/568 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1 (Ref. #15196) meets online 8/27 12/13 with a face-to-face meeting at NIU-Naperville on Thursday 8/27 from 6:30 9:15 p.m.
WAR IN THE MODERN WORLD
HIST 325
325. History of warfare in the Western world from the age of Frederick the Great to the present.
Robert Hagaman. HIST 325 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1 (Ref. #14423) meets at NIU-Naperville on Wednesdays, 6:30 9:15 p.m. 9/9 12/9.
INTERNSHIP
ILAS 390
ILAS 390. Internship. Work as an intern in an off-campus agency in activities related to one of the majors in the college. Reading and paper preparation under the supervision of a faculty member in the college. May be repeated once. S/U grading.
Judy Santacaterina. ILAS 390 (3 credit hours)
Section PDE1. Meets at NIU-Hoffman Estates. Phone 753-7961 for permit information.
AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION
POLS 304
It is nearly impossible to pick up a newspaper, watch TV, or read the Internet and not come across some sort of poll. We poll everything, from how well we think the president is doing to who will win the World Series. In this course, we will study those polls. How are they conducted? What, if anything do they tell us? What are potential problems with polls? How accurate are they? In addition to polling, we will analyze public opinion. How smart is the American voter? Do Americans have opinions on many issues? How are opinions formed? How stable are preferences? Where does the American public stand on economic issues, social issues, and foreign policy? To answer all of these questions, we will give special attention to the 2000 and 2004 elections. Students will be required to take a midterm and a final exam, and will also complete an assignment in which they analyze public opinion data. An optional paper will also be assigned.
304. American political values, attitudes, and beliefs, the factors that influence their development, and the role of public opinion in American democracy. Survey research methods, including sampling, questionnaire design, and data collection methods. PRQ: At least sophomore standing or consent of the department. Recommended: POLS 100.
Mattnew Streb. POLS 304 (3 credit hours)
Section DE1. (Ref #14477). Meets at NIU-Hoffman Estates, on Mondays, 6:30 9:15 p.m., 8/31 -12/7.
POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS
POLS 307
Presidential candidates are good at proposing programs to fix the nations problems, but new occupants of the White House soon discover that their proposals go nowhere unless Congress can be persuaded to use its legislative powers to create and fund the new programs. President Obama is no exception. Will Congress, for example, support the Presidents goal to make fundamental changes in Americas health care system, and in our system for generating energy? Although primarily a course dealing with the U.S. Congress, its elected members, and its organizational structure, POLS 307 will also focus on the Obama White House and the manner in which our legislative and executive branches of government interact to create important new programs and policies or, at times, to generate gridlock. For additional information about course requirements please contact the professor at mwyckoff@niu.edu.
307. Principles, organization, procedures, and activities of the U.S.Congress. Topics include elections,legislators and their districts, legislative committees, party leadership positions, and legislative-executive relations. PRQ: At least sophomore standing or consent of department. Recommended: POLS 100.
Mikel Wyckoff. POLS 307 (3 credit hours)
Section CE1. (Ref. #15263). Meets at NIU-Naperville on Thursdays, 6:30 9:15 pm, 9/10 -12/10.
BEHAVIOR DISTURBANCES IN CHILDREN
PSYC 315
The course is taught by a Licensed Therapist with over 20 years in the field and combines the literature with real-life experience related to psychological problems in children. This course will focus on the major forms of atypical development in childhood and adolescence. These include developmental and learning problems (e.g., autism, mental retardation), disorders of behaviors (e.g., ADHD and oppositional disorder), and disorders of emotion (e.g., anxiety and depression). You will learn about the defining characteristics, associated features, possible causes, theoretical formulations, research evidence, and current approaches to intervention and prevention for these disorders.
315. Disturbances in children involving intellectual, emotional, and expressive behaviors as well as selected therapeutic procedures and their relationship to psychological theories and research. PRQ: At least sophomore standing and PSYC 102, or consent of department.
Phillip Krasula. PSYC 315 (3 credit hours)
Section UE1. (Ref. #15261). Meets at Waubonsee Community College on Tuesdays, 6:30 9:15 pm, 9/8 -12/8.
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
PSYC 316
316. Introduction to the study of pathological behavior. The development, maintenance, and treatment of problem behavior discussed from theoretical, empirical, and clinical perspectives. PRQ: At least sophomore standing and PSYC 102, or consent of department.
Phillip Krasula. PSYC 316 (3 credit hours)
Section UE1. (Ref. #15262). Meets at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Wednesdays, 6:30 9:15 pm, 9/9 -12/9.
DEVIANCE IN SOCIETY
SOCI 380
This course examines the principal topics in the sociological study of deviance. These topics include the construction and vindication of deviance and the processes of becoming deviant, being deviant, and leaving deviance. The class will feature a series of lectures supplemented with class discussion, and the final grade will be based on performance in three examinations, maintenance of a deviance journal, and participation in class.
380. Social deviance as a concept, including theory and research in mechanisms of social control, the social construction of norms, and norm violation as well as societal reactions to deviant behavior. The process of becoming a deviant, deviant subcultures, and their impact on individuals and society.
David Luckenbill. SOCI 380 (3 credit hours)
Section DE1. (Ref. #14939). Meets at Elgin Community College on Wednesdays 9/9 12/9, 6:30 9:15 p.m.
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
STAT 301
An introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including probability, theoretical and empirical distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation, and single classification analysis of variance procedures. Not available for credit toward the major in mathematical sciences. Not used in major GPA calculation for mathematical sciences majors.
301. Introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including probability, theoretical and empirical distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation, and single classification analysis of variance procedures. Not available for credit toward the major in mathematical sciences. Not used in major GPA calculation for mathematical sciences majors. Prerequisites and Notes: PRQ: MATH 206 or MATH 210 or MATH 211 or MATH 229.
Claudine Myers. STAT 301 (3 credit hours)
Section YE1. (Ref. #14689). Meets online 9/8 12/8 with face-to-face meetings at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Tuesdays 9/8, 10/20, 12/8, 6:30 9:15 pm.
Section YE2. (Ref. #14690). Meets online 9/9 -12/9 with face-to-face meetings at NIU-Rockford on Wednesdays 9/9, 10/21, 12/9, 6:30 9:15 pm.