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Course Descriptions
BIOS | GEOG | PHIL | POLS | WOMS
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)
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)
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)
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)