Foundation Seminars
The Foundation Seminar courses are designed to build and strengthen writing, speaking, mathematical, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
Foundations Seminar I
ENGL 120 (3)
This course introduces students to the theories and practices of academic writing. Students will demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity in reading and writing, compose inquiry based arguments, and perform writing as a process. Must be passed with grade of C or better.
Foundations Seminar II
FOSEM 150: Speech Fundamentals (3)
Cross Reference: COMM 101
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of public speaking for the purpose of developing skills and methods that will enable students to present themselves and their ideas in an effective manner. Extensive practice in speech organization and delivery. Designed for the beginning speaker.
Foundation Seminar III: Symbolic Languages
Foundation Seminar III is offered as course numbers FOSEM 201, 202, 203, and 205. Topics are offered fall, spring and summer terms. Students may take any one of the following:
FOSEM 201: Music (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 and FOSEM 150 or COMM 101
This course is an introduction to music as a distinct mode of communication. Course topics include treatment of basic elements of music as relevant and as a source of knowledge; and continuing practice in reading, listening, writing and speaking as related to the concept of music.
FOSEM 202: Art (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 and FOSEM 150 or COMM 101
This course is an introduction to the visual arts as non-verbal communication calling for skills of perception and expression different from, but analogous to, the verbal arts. Course topics include instruction and experience in the modes of communication proper to such arts as painting, sculpture, architecture, film and mass communication; and continuing practice in reading, listening, writing and speaking as related to the visual arts.
FOSEM 203: Mass Communication (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 and FOSEM 150 or COMM 101
This course is an introduction to the field of communications with a special focus on elements of mass media: the information delivery systems, their functions and the uses to which they are put by society. Course emphasis is on a theoretical and conceptual basis for the functioning of mass communication in society, such as technology and change, diffusion of information, freedom and responsibility, and mass culture.
FOSEM 205: Business Communications (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 and FOSEM 150 or COMM 101
The business community demands business communication to be clear, concise, courteous and correct. In addition, the ever-changing technological environment demands business executives to present information in a variety of electronic formats. This course examines the techniques for communicating effectively and efficiently in business situations. A project applying to the student’s current work situation is required.
Foundations Seminar IV - Mathematics
FOSEM 200: Mathematics (3) or Higher Level Mathematics
Prerequisite: ENGL 120, and FOSEM 150 or COMM 101
This course provides an exposure to the richness of mathematics through a unique examination of its history, creators and cultural influences. Various branches of mathematics will be surveyed. Formulas and calculations will be required. There is no mathematics prerequisite for this course.
Additional Courses
Foundation Seminars
FOSEM 100: Adult College Seminar (1)
Offered fall and spring terms
This course examines various theories of adult learning, focusing on learning strategies, study skills and analysis of individual teaching and learning styles . Discussions includes challenges adult students face while balancing personal and professional commitments during their academic career. Information will be covered regarding options for earning credits for prior learning. Studen's beginning their education or transferring less than 30 credit hours are required to attend this seminar.
FOSEM 110: Portfolio Development (1)
This course will introduce the theory and practice of creating a portfolio to obtain credit for prior learning. Students will be guided on how to document and verify college-level learning through a conceptual and systematic approach based on their personal and professional experiences. Students wishing to develop a portfolio must complete this seminar.
FOSEM 301: Ideas, Methods and Resources (3)
The course considers varied approaches to the study of the humanities, surveys available resources and guides each student in designing a research project.
FOSEM 348: Applied Research I (3)
This is part I of a two-semester term course. Students will be introduced to research methods, data collection and analysis, applying these tools within their work environment to improve a problem. Students will design a project based on research, propose a plan of action and address the causes operating within the problem that will make a positive impact for the organization.
FOSEM 349: Applied Research II (3)
This is part II of a two-semester term course. Students will be required to write and present the final research project that states the problem, describe the methodology used to address the problem, explain the conclusion and cite the source material used to support the project.
FOSEM 350: Senior Seminar (3)
The purpose of this seminar is to allow students to integrate the various skills they have learned throughout their college studies. Students will be required to develop an independent research project focusing on critical thinking skills. A selected topic of inquiry will be the emphasis of the seminar. Students should plan to enroll in this course after senior status has been achieved.
History/Humanities
The History/Humanities requirements examine the inter-relationship of historical, social, philosophical, cultural, political, artistic, and economical approaches through various epochs of history.
HISHU 251: History/Humanities I (3)
The first of a series of four courses that examine the close relationship between the historical and artistic achievements of mankind, this course considers briefly the methods of historical knowledge and the nature of man as perceiver and creator. It then examines prehistoric cultures and the great Neolithic civilizations and concludes with a study of classical Greece.
HISHU 252: History/Humanities II (3)
This course provides a study of major trends in European culture from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century. Emphasis will be placed on the inter-relationship of historical, political, philosophical and artistic developments with special attention given to representative figures in each period.
HISHU 253: History/Humanities III (3)
This course provides an analysis of United States history and culture through lecture and experience with American art works. The approach will be topically oriented, including such representative areas as industrialization, war, race relations, technology, depressions, imperialism and the formation of the American character.
HISHU 254: History/Humanities IV (3)
The course deals with the concept of world history: the diversity of human experience and the unity of human destiny. Discussion will focus on highlights of the achievements of various peoples and epochs of history leading to the development of a world-wide civilization.
Theme Course (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 120
Courses that focus on a specific topic or issue that engages students to critically and creatively think. Students will also integrate different knowledge and ideas from multiple perspectives.
Interpretation of Texts (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 120
The close reading and analysis of texts with attention to selected interdisciplinary themes. Involves reflecting on the text in all aspects to determine and identify different strata of meaning.
See the listings in the Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Department of History and Political Science, Department of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, Department of Religious Studies,and Department of Sociology Anthropology, and Criminal Justice for additional course descriptions.
( ) = credit hours / / = classroom hours
