REGISTRATION | COSTS | LOCATION | OFF-CAMPUS COURSES | ONLINE COURSES
Course Descriptions
ANTH | BIOS | COMS | ENGL | FLFR | FLST | GEOG | HIST | ILAS | PHIL | POLS | PSYC |WOMS
PLEASE CALL 815-753-5200 for permit course information. Course details may change. For the most up-to-date information, please see our online listings: www.niu.edu/clasep/courses/bgs/index.shtml
FROM B.G.S. Director Judy Santacaterina: ATTENTION B.G.S. MAJORS Please note that the deadline to apply for May 2010 Graduation is December 1. Students apply for graduation right on “MyNIU”. For more graduation information please go to undergrad commencement www.convocenter.niu.edu. Course titled with a computer that the class is offered online.
Primatology
ANTH 341
Anthropology 341 will focus on all of the non-human primates, especially monkeys and apes. We will look at history, biology and particularly individual and group behavior. Lecture, numerous videos and three all-day observation field trips to the Brookfield Lincoln Park zoos (Transportation provided by NIU) will comprise our Saturday sessions.
Study of non-human primates, both living and extinct. Focus on primate biology in its broadest sense. Topics include primate taxonomy, behavior, natural history traits, ecology, reproduction, feeding and locomotor adaptations, anatomy, and paleontology.
Judith Calleja. ANTH 341 (3 credit hours)
Biology of Land Plants
BIOS 305
This blended online course will survey all of the major groups of land plants but will not cover the algae or fungi, since they are not really plants. We will look at the anatomy, morphology, a bit of physiology, and the evolution of the groups. We will use modern groups in a sequence so that they parallel past evolutionary stages and show how each successive structure or physiological process which evolved gave that particular group a selective advantage over the previous group. Lecture and lab material are integrated into a seamless presentation of PowerPoints with a narration for each image.
Land plants studied in an evolutionary sequence. Basic anatomy, morphology, and physiology. Emphasis on the probable selective advantage of structures unique to each group of plants. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.
This section not available for credit in the Biological Sciences major.
Ronald Toth. BIOS 305 (4 credit hours)
Plant Physiology
BIOS 411
This course focuses on physical and chemical life processes going on inside plants. We shall look at questions concerning growth and development of plants, plant hormones, and responses to light. The second part of the course will discuss translocation and water movement in plants, and several lectures will be devoted to plant metaboilism and photosynthesis and how light energy is utilized. The course will be suitable for BGS students with an interest in plant biology.
Physical and chemical aspects of the functions of higher plants.
This section not available for credit in the Biological Sciences major.
Gabriel Holbrook. BIOS 411 (4 credit hours)
Criticism of Public Rhetoric
COMS 401
After a brief review of the principles of rhetorical criticism, this course will examine both 20th century examples of major public speakers including Martin Luther King Jr., John Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Barbara Jordan, Ronald Reagan, and 21st- century speakers such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Extensive class discussions of video and textual presentations by each speaker.
Consideration of specific methods of rhetorical analysis and evaluation of public rhetoric representative of contemporary thought.
Ferald Bryan. COMS 401 (3 credit hours)
The American Short Story
ENGL 374
This course is devoted to the “classic” stories from nineteenth century masters such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Kate Chopin to contemporary works by innovators like Z.Z. Packer and Sherman Alexie. We will focusing on the basic elements of fiction—character, plot, setting, theme, and style—as well as on the cultural and historical context of the pieces in order to analyze, interpret, and appreciate these complex pieces of prose.
Shaping and development of the modern short story as a literary form by American writers, from the early 19th century to the present.
Dee Anna Phares. ENGL 374 (3 credit hours)
Masterpieces of French Literature in Translation
FLFR 371
“The greatest pleasure, after love, is talking about it.” —Louise Labé (1523-1566). This survey of French literature in English translation begins with the great masterpieces of the Middle Ages and Renaissance and ends with postcolonial literature of the late 20th century. Looking at themes of love, seduction, and desire, this course explores pleasure in literature while encouraging students to derive pleasure from literature. Looking at literary texts as products of their historical moments, this course will situate the great masterpieces of the past in their cultural and literary contexts. Evaluation in the course will be based on class participation, response papers, and a short research paper (5-7 pages).
Study of masterpieces of French literature in translation from the Middle Ages to the modern period with emphasis on their social and cultural context; introduction to critical analysis.
No background in French is required to take this course.
Elizabeth Erbeznik. FLFR 371 (3 credit hours)
Special Topics in Literature I: Africa in Spain/Spain in Africa
FLST 481
Migration has occurred since the beginning of time all over the world. This courses focuses on one interesting case study, namely, the migration that has taken place between Spain and Africa, notable for its changing direction (Africa to Spain, Spain to Africa) and for its length, from the Middle Ages to today. We will look at medieval after the Arab invasion as reflected in short stories written in the Middle Ages. We will study the Spanish incursions into North Africa and colonization of Equitorial Guinea, particularly as presented in two short novels by Galdos and the paintings of Fortuny. Finally, we will most closely examine modern-day immigration of Africans to Spain, as portrayed in several films and other media. Questions addressed throughout the course include: whose home is it? who belongs? who (or what) is excluded? Postcolonial and migration theories will be introduced as tools to guide students in their analyses.
Study of a major author, genre, theme, period, or literary movement. Topics announced. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours as topic changes. PRQ: Consent of department.
Emily Knudsen-Vilaseca. FLST 481 (3 credit hours)
Maps and Mapping
GEOG 256/556
Though maps have been used by civilizations for well over 5,000 years, practically all aspects of mapping today involve computers—from 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.
Shannon McCarragher. GEOG 256/556 (3 credit hours)
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. PRQ: GEOG 256 or consent of department.
For graduate students with little formal background in GIS or computer mapping. Principles, components, and uses of geographic information systems. CRQ: GEOG 556.
Philip Young. GEOG 359/557 (3 credit hours)
Workshop in GIS
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 of 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. PRQ: GEOG 557 and consent of department.
Philip Young. GEOG 468/568 (3 credit hours)
The Ancient Near East
HIST 300
This course will explore the early history of the cradles of western civilization (Mesopotamia and Egypt), the Holy Land, Bronze Age Greece, and the Persian Empire to the conquest of the region by Alexander the Great (c. 3000 – 334 BC). Students will attend lectures and discussions (the latter of which will take place roughly every other week), and be expected to participate actively in the class. The instructor will base the student’s grade on a combination of a take-home midterm, where the students will have the choice of four questions on which to write an approximately five-page response; a five-to-seven page paper based on ancient sources already assigned for the class; participation in discussion sessions; and an in-class final examination. Each of these components will count for 25% of the student’s grade.
Introduction to the peoples and cultures of Babylonia-Assyria, Egypt, Syria-Palestine, and Persia. From the Early Bronze Age through the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Jason Hawke. HIST 300 (3 credit hours)
Internship
ILAS 390
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. PRQ: Consent of major department and college; junior or senior standing.
Judy Santacaterina. ILAS 390 (3 credit hours)
Modern Philosophy
PHIL 322
Does God exist? Do we have free will? Are the mind and body distinct? What is it for one thing to cause another thing to happen? Can we ever know anything? If you're interested in these questions, you have a lot in common with the great philosophers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In the aftermath of the scientific revolution in Europe, many ancient ways of thinking about the world were overtuned, and new, deep questions arose. The questions are still with us today. In this class, we'll consider the historical answers to these questions with an eye towards beginning to answer them for ourselves.
An examination of selected writings of major philosophers from the 16th to the 18th Century, drawing especially on the work of Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant.
Geoff Pynn. PHIL 322 (3 credit hours)
Political Psychology
POLS 301
Political psychology as a field is defined largely by its preoccupation with the role of human thought, emotion, and behavior in politics. Political psychology speaks to so many aspects of political phenomena - from American politics, to comparative politics, to international relations. Political psychology is important to understanding how ethnic identities contribute to state conflict and how voters react to the particular traits of leaders or campaign rhetoric, for example. The topics we will cover deal mainly with American politics.
Examination of the social connections that form the basis of citizen views about politics. Emphasis on group identities, political information processing, cognition, and the role of emotions in American politics. Not available to students who have credit for POLS 407.
Rebecca Hannagan. POLS 301 (3 credit hours)
Government in Metropolitan Areas
POLS 302
Our overriding focus will be placed on gaining a full appreciation of the power struggles that take place in metropolitan politics between different levels of government, within governmental institutions, and between local government institutions and the private sector. Students will also study and become more expert on several salient issues in metropolitan politics today, such as, hunger in America, school vouchers, crime, urban sprawl, environmental injustice, and traffic congestion. Grading will be on a total points system and “take-home exams” are the primary testing instrument employed. There will be one required textbook.
Examination of the political and structural elements of government in metropolitan areas. Emphasis on the impact of public and private influences exercised through the network of government agencies upon urban regions. PRQ: At least sophomore standing or consent of department.
Scot Schraufnagel. POLS 302 (3 credit hours)
The American Chief Executive
POLS 308
This course lays out the historical roots of the modern presidency and examines the leadership role of the President in such areas as administration, legislative affairs, and national security. We will also take a look at various scandals in presidential history and we will follow the Obama administration as it continues to push for passage of its major legislative proposals in Congress prior to the midterm elections of 2012.
Examination of the nature and evolution of the modern presidency and the leadership role of the president in such areas as administration, legislative affairs, and national security. Topics may also include selection, impeachment and presidential reputation. PRQ: At least sophomore standing or consent of department. Recommended: POLS 100.
Mikel Wyckoff. POLS 308. (3 credit hours)
Personality
PSYC 332
Consideration of basic factors in personality and the role of personality in the study of behavior. A critical examination of the theories and concepts of personality traits including historical theories, temperament, development of one's potential, implications of culture, continuity and change across time.
Consideration of basic factors in personality and the role of personality in the study of behavior. Discussion and critical examination of contemporary studies in personality, with emphasis on experimental evidence.
Joanne Messina. PSYC 332. (3 credit hours)
Current Debates Seminar: Women and Gender
WOMS 436
This course gives students an opportunity to analyze current issues regarding women and gender as they appear in the news and popular media every day.The goal is to bring an analytical eye to the presentation of images of women and men, and the accompanying assumptions about roles and biology. The issues discussed will be far ranging, and determined in part by what shows up in the media this semester. What the issues have in common is not their topic, but rather their topicality. The purpose of this course is to connect current events to larger, more theoretical discussions of gender, biology and the interplay of the two. As this course will consist primarily of discussion, rather than lecture, each student will be provided the opportunity to influence the direction of this course.
Examination of issues in contemporary politics, culture, and society related to women and gender from an interdisciplinary perspective. PRQ: Junior or senior standing or consent of director.
Alisa Von Hagel. WOMS 436. (3 credit hours)