Course Descriptions

Writing 104 Exposition Focuses on writing skills, plus the larger elements of the expository essay: the development of a central thesis, the organization of material and the responsible use of supporting detail.

BLS 411, 412 Religious Perspectives I and II Examines basic religious concepts in the Hebrew-Christian tradition by focusing on two major quests: 1) humans in quest of faith; 2) humans in quest of community. These quests deal with Judaism, Catholicism and Protestantism from a historical perspective as well as with contemporary mainline expressions. Secondary communal expressions, including the Shakers, Rappites and contemporary cults are to be studied. The mystery and meaning of being human and the creation versus evolution controversy are analyzed. A better understanding of death and of life after death is sought in order that we may understand better the nature and meaning of life.

BLS 413, 414 Intellectual Traditions I and II Surveys the major intellectual traditions of civilization from the ancient world through the Renaissance, including the Ancient Near East, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The second portion of the class surveys the major intellectual traditions of civilization from the Renaissance to the present, including the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Marxism, Liberalism and Darwinism. Students will compare and contrast these intellectual traditions and assess their contribution to the modern mind.

BLS 415, 416 Psychology I and II Surveys the study of human behavior which includes the psychology of perception, learning, motivation and emotional development. Theory and current research data are presented, although the thrust of the course is to translate theory into personal and work-related applications. Emphasizes interpersonal relationships, interpersonal communication and personal performance and productivity in the personal-social environment.

Interpersonal Communication 355 - Effective Organizational Communication Understanding and application of the tools of communication in an organization. Topics include information flow, motivation and influence, power, leadership transactions, networks, channels, teamwork and territoriality.

BLS 420 Integrated Project Engages the student in the scientific method: that of identifying a problem, determining methods of research to solve the problem, performing the research and documenting the results. The student will perform the research for the problem during this semester.

Sociology 235 Research Design in Behavioral Research Covers the major research designs used in behavioral research. Topics studied include the relationship between theory and research, conceptualization, operationalization, hypothesis and model development and sampling. Specific data-gathering techniques covered include survey designs, field studies, case studies, projective techniques, diaries, secondary analysis, simulations, unobtrusive measures, sociometric and experimental techniques.

BLS 421, 422 Cultural Geography I and II Provides students with the basic framework needed for a better understanding of the world in which they live. Promotes understanding and provides insight into the cultural similarities and differences that permeate our planet and why these situations exist. Examines the concepts of cultural regions, cultural diffusion, cultural ecology, cultural integration and cultural landscapes. Establishes a sense of urgency in our need to understand and accept these cultural differences for the survival of the human race.

BLS 423, 424 Behavior Science Application I and II Focuses on the application of behavioral science principles by examining people's behavior in work-related organizations from a managerial perspective. Factors affecting individual and small group effectiveness will be explored through content and experiential learning. Examines the basic concepts of communication, motivation and perception, and factors affecting intergroup and total organizational effectiveness.

BLS 425, 426 Environmental Science I and II Explores topics in environmental science, including ecological concepts and environmental pollution. Introduces students to the interdisciplinary nature of problems related to the environment. The biological, chemical and physical aspects of these problems will be emphasized. However, the accompanying social, political and economic issues will also be considered.

BLS 430 Integrated Project The student will prepare the rough draft with findings of the independent study project for presentation during summer semester.

BLS 431, 432, 433 Fine Arts I, II, III A chronological survey from the Greek period through the Renaissance, 1600-1800, and 1800 to present day. The student will gain an understanding of various artistic products of these periods. Styles of music and fine art which encompass and exemplify the ideas and beliefs of these periods will be explored.

Perception and understanding of the various common elements of the period will be stressed.

A sensitivity for the ever-changing concept of beauty as well as the development of an arts vocabulary will be emphasized.

BLS 434, 435, 436 Literature of the Western World I, II, III Examines the dramatic and non-dramatic literature of the classical, medieval and Renaissance periods, establishing the traditions and sources of ideas and forms of the Western world.

Surveys the major movements and authors of the 17th and 18th centuries. Prepares for the reading of modern dramatic and non-dramatic literature.

Focuses on reading and understanding 19th and 20th century dramatic and non-dramatic literature as a mirror to our present society and ourselves.

BLS 440 Integrated Project The final written document of the independent study project will be completed spring semester.

BLS 499 Integrated Project Continuous enrollment in BLS 499 is required for all students who have not submitted the final approved independent study project by the end of the summer session following completion of the academic courses for the program. A $100 advising fee will be charged each term until the project is completed and approved.