First Year Experience
Course Descriptions
SELECTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JUNE 6 TO HAVE PREFERENCES HONORED.
Fall 2011
HONORS LIVING and LEARNING COMMUNITY (LLC) SECTIONS:
The Honors RLCs are limited to students who have applied and been accepted into the Marietta College Honors program. If you plan to apply you should rank these two sections as your top choices. Then rank your top three non-honors courses. If you are in Leadership or if room is available in your one of your top choices of FYE you will be enrolled in it in addition to your Honors FYE.
#1 HONR 101-01 HONORS SEMINAR (History or Global) and (Literature) HIST 121-01: History of World Civilizations: 1815 to Present, HONR 211: Honors Literature In HIST 121 members of the RLC will embark on a survey of the important events, people, and ideas in world history in the modern era. The course emphasizes the formation and destruction of European empires, technological and social developments throughout the world, and current world problems related to historical issues. In HONR 211 students will take a literature-based approach to the study and writing of expository essays with attention to the development of research and analytical skills. In order to enrich the connection between the two courses attention will be given to literature that examines these questions through a study of recent world history and literature/film of and about the nation of Vietnam."
#2 HONR 101-02 HONORS SEMINAR (Social Analysis or Leadership and Ethics) POLS 103: American National Government, HONR 112-01: Honors Communication In POLS 103 the LLC will provide students with some basic material in understanding of constitutional background, principal structural features, citizen participation, political processes, and major institutions of American national government. We will emphasize critical analysis of current political and governmental events, and application of course concepts to these events. In HONR 212 students will gain the ability to translate ideas into articulate language which is essential to critical thinking and to the work done in any profession. Writing and speaking ability grows out of and is enhanced by the reading and research skills that are likewise essential in the workplace and an important part of a meaningful life. This learning community will use our encounters with politics as a context through which we can develop critical thinking, advocacy, and communication skills.
Basics of Composition Learning Communities:
If you scored below 18 or below on their ACT Verbal or 449 or below on the SAT Verbal you must rank these two sections as your top two choices. Then you may rank your top three courses NOT connected with a WRIT 101 or COMM 101.
One of the fundamental skills needed not only in college, but in the world of work is the ability to write well. In order to help all students succeed in this important area Marietta College requires all students who scored a 18 or below on their ACT Verbal or 449 or below on the SAT Verbal to take WRIT 060 their first semester in college. Over the past three years, the WRIT 060 learning community has been very successful in helping students connect what they learn in Basics of Composition to writing papers for other courses. Most importantly it has helped students develop confidence about writing skills.
Enrollment in these courses are required for and restricted to those with a 18 or below on their ACT Verbal or 449 or below on the SAT Verbal.
# 3 GEOL 101: Environmental Geology (Scientific Inquiry), WRIT 060: Basics of Composition, FYE 102-02: College Life & Leadership Lab
Members of the Writing Rocks! learning community are enrolled in both GEOL 101 (Environmental Geology) and WRIT 060 (Basics of Composition). In Environmental Geology students are introduced to the science of geology as it relates to human activity. We explore how geology touches our everyday lives by examining topics such as the geological aspects of pollution and how geologic processes and hazards influence human activities. In the laboratory students have hands on experiences in the identification of minerals and rocks, recognition of surface features on topographic maps, and integration and interpretation of this data. Natural Disaster movies will provide an opportunity for class discussion over pizza. In Basics of Composition students develop literacy skills through reading and writing about texts associated with geology and the natural world. Students in Basics of Composition also discuss and develop their drafts on assignments for the Environmental Geology course
#4 SOCI 194 Comparative Studies of Injustice (Global/Diversity or Leadership/Ethics), WRIT 060: Basics of Composition, FYE 102-02: College Life & Leadership Lab
The Comparative Studies of Injustices class will study, examine, compare, and analyze two of the most important, famous, and contemporary struggles against injustice in the world: the fight to end Jim Crow (racial segregation) in the United States vs. the fight to end Apartheid (racial separatism) in South Africa. This course will focus on the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Nelson Mandela (both Nobel Peace Prize recipients) to understand and appreciate both movements. Racial injustices suffered by people of color in the United States are interconnected with injustices perpetrated on other people of color throughout the worlds. Please keep in mind the following quote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere” –MLK
The course will provide the students with exposure to important human rights and civil rights concepts encouraging them to think about what they would have done during these difficult times. The course will give a whole new meaning to the famous quote: “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” –Anonymous
LIVING and LEARNING COMMUNITY (LLC) SECTIONS (Residence Halls will be assigned after enrollment in the courses is completed):
#5 ASN 194: Asia Today: Current Events in East and Southeast Asia (Global) This LLC is particularly appropriate for students interested in living and/or working in an international environment or studying abroad sometime during their time at Marietta College. Students considering a major in International Leadership or International Business would also benefit from this LLC. This seminar takes a current events approach to raise students' awareness of business, culture, education, the environment, health, and politics in east and southeast Asian nations. Based on current coverage in the global media, certain countries are likely to receive more attention, such as Cambodia, China, Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Students will make extensive use of domestic and international English-language newspapers and NGO (non-government organization) and government websites to gather information used in the seminar. Students will also take POLS 130. Issues in International Politics is designed to serve as an introduction to the study of world politics through major issues in today’s international system. It will cover political theories and concepts used by political scientists and policy makers. The objectives of this course are to provide students with the ability to apply these concepts and gain a better understanding of the processes and interactions of actors in global politics, thus better understanding the impact of international events and issues upon our day-to-day lives. This class will cover a broad range of issues such as conflict, terrorism, globalization, economic interdependence, international cooperation, diplomacy, and political ideology. In general the course is designed to help you achieve a better understanding of the world around you.
It is our hope that this learning community will help deepen your understanding of cross-cultural relations and conflicts, as well as sources of bridging such divides.
# 6 BIOL 101 – Modern Biology, BIOL 105 - Introductory Biology Lab and WRIT 101 – English Composition (Scientific Inquiry) This LLC is perfect for students planning on majoring in Biology, Health Science, Biochemistry, or interested in a pre-medicine track. Students will live together and explore the world through a biological lens while reading and writing about science in literature. Topics include an introduction to fundamental concepts in biology such as ecology, evolution, heredity and DNA, human reproduction, and some physiological concepts.
# 7 FOUNDATIONS of EDUCATION LLC: EDUC 110 – Principles of Education (Leadership & Ethics) and EDUC 130 – Technology in the Classroom – This LLC is perfect for students who are confident that teaching is their career goal. Students will live together and through the two courses will explore the foundations of what it means to be a classroom teacher. Education 110 examines the historical, social, and philosophical foundations of education, including critical evaluation of contemporary educational trends, leading to clarification of individual teacher’s beliefs, values andethics involved in purposes, content, methods, and appraisal of teacher’s role in public schools. Course includes basic school law and its influences, education policy and its influences, andthe socio-cultural interplay of schools and society.Education 130 emphasizes the uses of computer, laser video, CD-ROM, and telecommunications applications in pre-K-12 classrooms. Students gain working knowledge of hardware, software, and multimedia, as well as an understanding of how technology has impacted schools and society. Course also examines copyright and legal issues pertaining to print and non-print media. Open to all students consider all levels: elementary education, middle school, or Adolescent/Young Adult licensure.
____#8 EGRG 101: Engineering Reasoning
Engineers are required to reason through complex engineering issues by application of critical thinking skills applied with the appropriate intellectual disposition. Specific student learning outcomes for
this course include increased understanding and application of critical thinking skills and an increased awareness of the ethical implications often associated with decision making.
This LLC is for students accepted into the pre-Petroleum Engineering Program. Students will live together and take EGRG 101. As part of this Living/Learning Community students will have opportunities to develop study groups and explore the field of petroleum engineering through field trips, Career Center presentations, and through discussions with peers, faculty, and professionals.
Enrollment in this course is limited to accepted pre-Petroleum Engineering majors.
#9 GEOL 104 – Dinosaurs and WRIT 101 English Composition (Scientific Inquiry) This LLC, appropriately titled, DINOSAURS: FACT AND FICTION, will give students an opportunity to earn a general education credit in scientific inquiry while living together and exploring the question, “How does what we know about dinosaurs compare to the depiction of dinosaurs in works of fiction From Jurassic Park to Journey to the Center of the Earth we develop popular visions of dinosaurs. From the scientific community we learn fossil facts. This course introduces the classification of more than 30 common genera of dinosaurs known by their fossilized remains. Trace evidence such as footprints, coprolites, eggs and nests provides information to discuss their behavior as well. Through dinosaur models, colored slides of Marietta College dinosaur expeditions and actual dinosaur bones students will explore the fact behind the fiction. Actual dinosaur bones and data are used in the optional GEOL 105 lab. (one section)
#10 HIST 230 - World War II and WRIT 101 - English Composition (Historical Perspctives) This LLC, is appropriate for students considering a history major or minor or simply interested in the history of World War II. While living together, students will have the opportunity to explore what happened during World War II. HIST 230 will provide a general overview of the socio-political and military history of the Second World War (1937-1945), including the causes, primary leaders, and enduring consequences of the conflict. In WRIT 101 alternative histories will be explored by reading counterfactuals that ask such questions as “What would have happened had Hitler's army occupied Great Britain during World War II?”
#11 LEAD 101 – Foundations in Leadership (Leadership & Ethics) This LLC is for students accepted into the Leadership program. Students will live together and take LEAD 101. As part of this Living/Learning Community students will have opportunities to explore the connection of leadership across the liberal arts through attendance at fine arts events, speaker series, and other on-campus events. It is the foundations course in leadership studies. It includes exploration of introductory themes: the academic study of leadership, definitions, ethics, power, and the tension between individualism and community. Enrollment in this course is limited to students who have been accepted into the Leadership program.
#12 MASS 101 – Media and Society and COMM 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication – In this LLC, titled, FROM TWITTER TO HDTV: LET’S TALK, students considering majors or minors in Communication and Media Studies will live together and explore the question: “How can we become critical consumers and creators of media?” Effects of both mass media and social media on the social and political behavior of the American people will be examined.
#13 MASS 230 – Introduction to Public Relations and COMM 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication - This LLC is designed for students thinking about a career in Public Relations, working with non-profits, or majoring in business. Students will live together and explore the place and practice of public relations in today’s world. Introduces students to the fundamental practice of contemporary
public relations. Covers practitioners roles and functions within organizations, historical foundations of the practice, basic theories and principles that apply, and legal and ethical considerations. Introduces
the four-step strategic planning process.
#14 MNGT 280 – Introduction to Sports Management and COMM 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication – This LLC titled, The Business of Sports, provides students with an introduction to sports management while living together. All students will acquire an understanding of the importance of management concepts and principles and their application to the sports industry, become familiar with the technical language associated with the field, and learn when and where to seek and find more information about sports management issues. Issues in human resource management, financial management and business policy as they affect sports management are also discussed.
Each year recruiters in the business community rank oral and written communication abilities as key skills needed for succeeding in business. Through integrated assignments students will have the opportunity to develop their abilities to articulate the ideas explored in sports management. Through research and outlining students will learn to write effective informative and persuasive speeches. Work on verbal and nonverbal communication helps students master the delivery skills needed to present the speeches orally.
#15 SPMT 194 - ATHLETICS AND INJURY: READING, WRITING, AND WRAPPING: Introduction to Sports Medicine, WRIT 101: English Composition,
Why did the NFL make that new concussion rule? Why do so many baseball pitchers have Tommy Johns’ surgery? Why do some ankle sprains need walking boots, and others can just be taped up? What is arthroscopic surgery? While other professions are struggling, sports medicine professionals are in high demand. This course will critically examine some of the current trends in sports medicine, ethics in sports medicine, and will examine a variety of sports medicine professions by listening to current student panels, alumni and professional panels, the television shows “House” and “Scrubs,” and by looking at different literature on the subject. Important to every major is the ability to write effectively. By linking this section of FYE to a section of WRIT 101, we will also improve the participants’ writing skills through integrated assignments in a supportive environment. Enrollment in this course is limited to those students interested in exploring athletic training careers.
First YEAR SEMINARS (non residential)
#16 ART 101 - Drawing i (Fine Arts) All great art begins with the fundamentals. Designed to orient first year students to the major, this course provides an overview on the fundamentals of drawing. Assignments focus on perspective, line, form, and composition used for representational studies from nature and still life. Enrollment in this course is limited to students planning to major in Art or Graphic Design.
#17 CHEM 131/CHEM 133 – General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I This FYE designated learning community will cover topics such as: principles of chemistry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, and solutions. Atomic and bonding theories, and fundamental laws of chemistry explored from a historical perspective. Problem solving emphasized. It will also provide a laboratory experience emphasizing techniques and basic principles concerning topics from CHEM 131. This FYE is intended for biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, geology, health science, for students requiring the course for a minor or as a graduate/professional school prerequisite.
#18 EDUC 110 - Principles of Education (Leadership & Ethics)Historical, social, and philosophical foundations of education, including critical evaluation of contemporary educational trends, leading to clarification of individual teacher’s beliefs, values andethics involved in purposes, content, methods, and appraisal of teacher’s role in public schools. Course includes basic school law and its influences, education policy and its influences, andthe socio-cultural interplay of schools and society.Enrollment in this course is intended for those interested in students interested in exploring an Education major.
#19 MUED 110 - Introduction to Music Education (Leadership & Ethics) This course introduces the student to the historical, social and philosophical foundations of music education including critical evaluation of contemporary trends leading to a clarification of an individual teacher's philosophy of music education and professional ethics. The course includes an introduction to basic law and educational policy in the US and the socio-cultural interplay of schools and society. Enrollment in this course is intended for those students interested in exploring a Music Education major or a Music major or minor.
#20 PHYS 221 - General Physics I (Scientific Inquiry) Main topics covered include the principles of kinematics and dynamics for particles and rigid bodies; applications of Newton’s laws of motion to linear, rotational, and oscillatory motion; conservation of energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum. This course is appropriate for students majoring in engineering or the physical sciences.
#21 THEA 194: History of Technical Theatre (Fine Arts) The simple act of telling a story has never been simple. A good story always benefits from things that help us get into the story. This course explores the high-tech theatre devices from the early Greeks and the technical evolution to our modern trends of moving scenery, lighting, sound, flying actors (Spiderman anyone?), and everything in between. Students will get to see and work with some of the latest technology.