Course Catalog
| Course ID | Course Name | Course Description | Textbook | Credit Hours | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSCI301 | Human Genetics | This interdisciplinary natural science course is addressed to non-majors. It does not require any prerequisites. The course covers basic knowledge of human genetics and molecular mechanisms of inheritance. It bridges understanding of reproductive biology, body chemistry, human health and nutrition, and other natural sciences. An emphasis is on DNA as a molecule of heredity. Students learn structure and function of this fundamental biological molecule, which reinforces understanding of basic chemistry and biology. To illustrate mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, we use case studies of real human genetic traits and disorders. Students will investigate medically important real-life examples of single-gene mutations, including but not limited to: cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, phenylketonuria, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dwarfism, hemophilia, Tay-Sachs, and Huntington’s diseases; and chromosomal disorders such as Down, Turner, Klinefelter, and Patau syndromes. Other genetic traits (e.g. blood groups, albinism, color-blindness, etc.) will be used to illustrate the structure and function of the genetic material. We continue with investigation of mutations at the DNA molecule level, and conclude with the brief survey of modern biotechnology and its impact on human health (recombinant drugs, gene therapy). | There are no textbooks required for this course. | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSCI302 | Drugs, Brain and Behavior | The class will serve as an introduction to neuroscience and pharmacology of the central neural system through understanding the effects of various substances on brain function. We will focus on the biological mechanisms through which psychoactive drugs produce changes in behavior. We will take an in-depth look at commonly abused drugs such as amphetamine and alcohol, and discuss current theories of addiction. In the later modules, we will focus on drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, and how the mechanisms of action of these drugs give us insight into the biological basis of mental illness. | There are no textbooks required for this course. | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSCI303 | Environmental Science | This interdisciplinary natural science course is addressed to non-majors. The course bridges understanding of biology, chemistry, geography, human health and nutrition, and other aspects of natural sciences. An emphasis is on modern natural ecosystems as impacted by human activity on atmosphere, water and soil. Students learn about the fundamentals of energy and matter, cycles in nature, structure and functioning of ecosystems. Examples and case studies reinforce understanding of basics of environmental science and its practical applications. We use case studies of real human impact on soil, water, and atmosphere; industrial pollution, including oil spills, mutagens, pesticides, radioactive contamination. | Title: Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC200 | Death and Dying | This course provides a comprehensive overview of the study of death and dying, covering the key issues and questions in the field. As you review your textbook, you will find coverage of death-related issues ranging from personal confrontations with mortality to the study of large-scale encounters with death such as disaster and terrorism. We look at the personal and social attitudes regarding death, dying and the dead in the U.S. society as well as those of other cultures and times. This class takes an interdisciplinary approach which combines sociological, psychological, anthropological, historical, medical, and spiritual perspectives to investigate the course subject. | Title: Death and Dying Title: The Last Dance | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC201 | Families & Society | This course includes an historical comparative approach to changing structures and functions of the family. It focuses on economic, demographic, and cultural changes on relationships, gender, roles, marriage, and childcare, variations by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. | Title: Families and Their Social Worlds | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC300 | Juvenile Delinquency | This course will explore policing and the legal system with regard to juvenile delinquency. The course will also examine formal and informal institutions that are designed to manage and control young offenders, and various treatment options and treatment strategies. In addition, the class will introduce students to the measurement, definition, and theoretical explanations of youth norm breaking from the 19th to the 21st century. The course will also examine several causes and consequences of violence, school shootings, gang membership, and drug use. | Title: Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC301 | Management Problems in the Family | This course includes analysis and application of theories and topics such as management principles, common problems, the family’s use of resources, management of the individual and the family relationships, discovering how the special needs can confuse and strain the home, evaluating the needs and wants that technology adds to the home and family, and planned and supervised experiences of home management problems. Please check the class schedule at your home institution to see if this class is available for enrollment this term. | Title: Self-Leadership and the One Minute Manager | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC302 | Human Diversity | This course will provide an examination of minority issues in American society. It will focus on helping students develop a conceptual understanding about complex and emotionallycharged issues of diversity. These issues include racism, sexism, classism, religious diversity and many other topics. Students are challenged to think about implications from research and to draw conclusions on their own. | Title: Understanding Human Differences: Multicultural Education for a Diverse America | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC303 | Consumerism in Our Society | In this course, student will examine factors affecting consumer decisions of individuals and families, and consumer issues such as consumer protection, legislation and regulation, and consumer fraud. We are all consumers of goods, services, and environments. Whether it is using our mobile phones or selecting food items at the grocery store, we consume every day and in every part of our lives. The goal of this course is to educate learners to become independent, discriminating, and informed consumers. It seeks to provide all students with knowledge and insight into the conditions of being a consumer in a complex, multi-faceted society by providing basic knowledge in areas such as consumer legislation, personal finances, economics, advertising and persuasion, consumption and the environment, global resources, housing, clothing, price and quality, diet and health. | Title: Consumer Economics | 3 | Syllabus |
| RSOC304 | Appellate Judicial Process | The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the structure, process, procedures and policy making of the U.S. judicial system. Please check with your participating institution to determine whether this course is offered on your campus and when it will be offered. | There are no textbooks required for this course. | 3 | Syllabus |
| Course ID | Course Name | Course Description | Textbook | Credit Hours | Syllabus |