Bluffton University

Course descriptions

COURSE NUMBERS
Courses are numbered to correspond with the recommended sequence in which they should be taken. Normally numbers also correspond with the college level at which they are taken. Courses numbered 300 or higher are upper-level courses primarily for juniors and seniors, though open to other qualified students; courses numbered lower than 300 are primarily for first-year students and sophomores. Courses numbered above 500 are graduate level courses. Students are advised to note prerequisites listed in course descriptions and to confer with their academic advisors or the registrar concerning sequence and level of specific courses.

COURSE CREDIT
Bluffton University operates on a semester calendar. All course credit is given in semester hours. The number of semester hours for each course is indicated in parentheses.

COURSE OFFERING SCHEDULE
Course offering notations are provided for planning purposes but are not guarantees. Note that the designation of “even” academic years refers to years beginning with an even number such as 2024-25, while “odd” academic years refers to years beginning with an odd number such as 2025-26. Thus, spring semester of an even academic year could be spring of 2024-25, or spring 2025. Spring semester of an odd academic year could be spring of 2025-26, or spring 2026.

 

Course descriptions

Accounting courses

ACT 151 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING 1 (3)
An introduction to the concepts and uses of financial information, the preparation of financial statements, analysis of the effect of transactions on the financial position of a company and the study of ethics in business situations. Offered every fall semester.

ACT 152 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING 2 (3)
A continuation of ACT 151 with an emphasis on the uses of accounting information, an interdisciplinary approach to managerial accounting concepts of planning, controlling and decision-making and the application of ethics. Prerequisite: ACT 151. Offered every spring semester.

ACT 250 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING 1 (3)
Development and analysis of accounting theory underlying accepted accounting methods and the method of applying that theory will be covered. Financial reporting focus emphasizes the disclosure requirement in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the application of ethics. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered every fall semester.

ACT 251 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING 2 (3)
Continuation of ACT 250 with further study regarding investments, long-term liabilities, taxes, the equity section of the balance sheet, financial statement analysis and the application of ethics. Prerequisite: ACT 250. Offered every spring semester.

ACT 255 COST ACCOUNTING (3)
Emphasizes accounting procedures and principles applicable to the determination of cost of material used, labor employed and overhead expense incurred. Covers analysis and use of the above data in the decision-making process relating to the control of the business firm and the application of ethics. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered fall of odd academic years.

ACT 320 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3)
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) provides students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of integrated accounting software systems. This course will utilize a "hands-on" approach through the use of QuickBooks, a popular software package for small businesses. Students will more deeply explore many of the fundamental accounting concepts, with both a theoretical and practical emphasis, as well as gain a working knowledge of the technical aspects of computerized accounting systems. Note that the software used in this course is not compatible with Mac computers. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered fall of even academic years.

ACT 343 INTERMEDIATE MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING (3)
This course emphasizes theoretical analysis and application of cost accounting systems in business planning, budgeting and decision making, the use of quantitative techniques by management and ethics. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered spring of odd academic years.

ACT 346 AUDITING (3)
This attestation function is developed with the concepts of audit evidence, materiality and risk analysis and the integration of financial and cost accounting, ethics, accounting theory and information systems into a systematic process of obtaining, evaluating and reporting economic events. Prerequisite: ACT 250. Offered spring of even academic years.

ACT 352 GOVERNMENT AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT ACCOUNTING (3)
Accounting recording and reporting for not-for-profit organizations including state and local governments, universities and health care. Emphasis is given to the Comparative Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and various funds. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered alternate years. Offered as directed study.

ACT 361 FEDERAL INCOME TAX ACCOUNTING (3)
An introduction to the concepts of the federal tax laws and regulations pertaining to individuals, sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Tax software will be used to complete tax returns. Topics covered in course: introduction to taxation, basic individual taxation, taxation of business and investment-related transactions, partnership taxation, corporate taxation and U.S. taxation of multinational transactions. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered fall of odd academic years.

ACT 378 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FRAUD EXAMINATION (3)
This course will cover discovering the major methods employees use to commit occupational fraud. Students will learn how and why occupational fraud is committed, how to assess where an organization is at the greatest risk for fraud, how fraudulent conduct can be deterred, and how allegations of fraud should be investigated and resolved. Prerequisite: ACT 152. Offered fall of even academic years.

ACT 401 ACCOUNTING SEMINAR (3)
This course will explore various concepts and topics previously introduced throughout the accounting curriculum in principles, intermediate and advanced courses. This course will not be an extension of technical accounting issues which have been previously explored. Rather, this course will be a culmination of broader concepts necessary for accounting graduates to become productive employees and professional leaders, both within and without their respective organizations. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: CMP 110 or CMP 120 and ACT 251. Offered every spring semester.

Art courses

ART 135 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL ART (3)
This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to visual art for students majoring in other disciplines. Class presentations will include the study of visual art examples: gallery visits, creative engagement projects, video presentations, and critique and response papers. Satisfies Creative Expression competency. Course materials fee: $45

ART 136 EXPLORING VISUAL ART (3)
This discipline-based course will explore different topics in the visual arts. The course may focus on a particular style, theme, medium, or approach to visual art. The topic will vary according to the instructor of a particular section and the term in which it is offered.

ART 202 DESIGN 1 (3)
Concentration on the theories and use of color, analysis of historical compositions and devices and assigned problems that strengthen the student's ability to compose. Course materials fee: $60

ART 204 DRAWING (3)
A series of problems designed to develop confidence in drawing while examining a number of ways of implying space in a two-dimensional surface. Theory is supported by work in the studio and extended through traditional and contemporary visual references. Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach through the use of a sketchbook. Satisfies Creative Expression competency. Course materials fee: $905

ART 205 FIGURE DRAWING (3)
Drawing from the human figure in both conventional and imaginative ways using various media, manners of treatment and modes of modeling forms. Discussion and viewing of historical as well as contemporary work expands perspectives and through studio assignments, students develop a personal approach. Course materials fee: $90

ART 207 DESIGN 2 (3)
Theory and practice of the fundamental principles of design as applied to three-dimensional art and crafts. Introduction to and practical experience in a variety of traditional three-dimensional media including clay, wood, metal, fabric and glass. Projects may include clay relief sculpture, functional wood objects, centrifugal casting, stained glass and batik. The understanding and practical experience gained here is intended to prepare the student for more complex three-dimensional art experiences. ART 202 recommended but not required. Course materials fee: $90

ART 213 OIL PAINTING (3)
An introduction to the material and subject possibilities of painting. The emphasis is on construction, composition, paint handling and color. Individual and group criticism, combined with field trips and discussion of painting ideology, expands the students' perspectives of themselves within historical and professional contexts. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. Course materials fee: $90

ART 214 WATERCOLOR (3)
Specific compositional problems exploring the possibilities of design and expression in watercolor technique. Use of the figure, still-life and landscape as initial references. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Creative Expression competency. Course materials fee: $90

ART 217 CERAMICS 1 (3)
Introduction to work in clay including hand building techniques, use of the potter's wheel, decorating and glazing methods, kilns and firing processes. Practical experience through participation in all phases of ceramic production. Survey of traditional and contemporary approaches to clay focused on promoting individual student response to the medium. Satisfies Creative Expression competency. Course materials fee: $90

ART 223 SCULPTURE 1 (3)
Development of three-dimensional form using processes of addition and subtraction. Construction in wood using basic carpentry skills, lamination and joinery. Involves instruction in cutting, welding and brazing metals. Covers stone and wood carving and mixed media assemblage. Survey of historical and contemporary sculpture with special attention to additive and subtractive approaches to media. Prerequisite: ART 207 recommended but not required. ART 223 and ART 233 may be taken in any order. Offered alternate years. Course materials fee: $90

ART 225 PRINTMAKING 1 (RELIEF) (3)
An introduction to relief printmaking employing basic relief techniques including linoleum cuts and woodcuts. The initial emphasis is on black and white images executed through studio assignments. Introduction to color reduction block printing. Discussion and viewing of historical as well as contemporary work expand perspectives and the student is encouraged to develop a personal approach. ART 225, ART 226 and ART 227 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year. Satisfies Creative Expression competency. Course materials fee: $90

ART 226 PRINTMAKING 2 (INTAGLIO) (3)
Introduction to the medium of intaglio through demonstration. Various methods of making plates, hard and soft ground, drypoint, mezzotint, aquatint and embossment, are explained and demonstrated. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, ART 226 and ART 227 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 227 PRINTMAKING 3 (SILKSCREEN) (3)
Basic techniques in screen printing including direct and indirect stencils. Building and stretching screens as well as darkroom work with enlarger and Kodalith film are demonstrated. prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, ART 226 and ART 227 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

ART 229 PRINTMAKING: ALTERNATIVE DIGITAL PRINT
This course will enable students to investigate a variety of nonstandard means of combining digital imagery and design making with traditional methods, including mixed media, drawing, photography, painting, and collage. Methods utilized include various handmade printing substrates, printing and transfer methods, pre-print alterations, and post-print additions. Experimentation with these methodologies will contribute to the creation of a mature and cohesive body of work by students. Course materials fee: $60

ART 233 SCULPTURE 2 (3)
Development of three-dimensional form using processes of manipulation and substitution. Includes modeling of clay, plaster, wax and Styrofoam with replacement in metal using the lost wax process and other foundry procedures. Mold-making techniques are introduced with further casting in a variety of materials. Survey of historical and contemporary sculpture with special attention to modeling and casting techniques. ART 207 recommended but not required. ART 223 and ART 233 may be taken in any order. Offered every third year. Course materials fee: $90

ART 240 FILM PHOTOGRAPHY (3)
An introduction to photography including camera handling, film exposure and processing, composition, black and white print production and presentation of photographs. Exploration of specialized equipment and techniques. Brief history of photography. Offered alternate years. Course materials fee: $135

ART 242 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3)
This class will serve as an introduction to basic camera and digital darkroom procedures. Discussion of digital camera functions, lens and digital media selection and usage will lead the student into an understanding of camera usage in a wide variety of shooting circumstances. With a progressively expanding understanding of basic photography the student will have the opportunity to explore the use of Photoshop on the computer to render and print final images. High quality printing as well as placing images as appropriately sized e-mail attachments and on Internet sites will be examined. Field assignments require that the student find creative photographic solutions to problems in form and content. Course materials fee: $90

ART 245 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN (3)
This course provides a thorough investigation of the computer as a primary tool for the graphic designer. Fundamental components of design theory and typography are incorporated with problem definition to provide students with valuable experience in the ideation, research, execution and presentation of projects. Students are introduced to industry standard software tools. 

ART 275 DIGITAL IMAGING (3)
This course provides an introduction to digital capture, editing, and printing of raster based design elements. Class discussion and critique focuses on concepts and terminology, design elements and principles, in addition to tools and techniques obtained during the production of creative projects. Students will explore raster-based digital manipulation, compositing and imaging techniques including special photographic effects and custom typographic treatments. Prerequisite: ART 245 or permission of instructor.

ART 280 DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION (3)
This course provides an introduction to the process of illustration through raster and vector based design elements, which continues to build on concepts and skills established in ART 245. Students will develop knowledge of the graphic illustration techniques used in professional illustration. Class discussion and critique focuses continued emphasis on concepts and terminology, design elements and principles, in addition to tools and techniques obtained during the production of creative projects. Prerequisite: ART 245 or permission of instructor.

ART 285 DESKTOP PUBLISHING (3)
This course is designed to further develop the graphic designer's proficiency in desktop publishing techniques and theory. Emphasis is placed on the integration capabilities of industry standard software tools and its contemporary practice in graphic design methods. Class discussion and critique focuses continued emphasis on concepts and terminology, design elements and principles, in addition to tools and techniques obtained during the production of creative projects. Raster and vector based elements are organized in layout programs to create flyers, trade ads, newsletters, brochures and other communication materials. Prerequisite: ART 245 or permission of instructor.

ART 295 HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN (3)
This course surveys the pivotal events and achievements that led to the current state of graphic communication. Students will explore the quest to give form to ideas, traced from the pictographs painted on cave walls to the latest imaginative designs. Through lectures, videotapes, discussions, presentations and research, students are introduced to a collection of influential figures and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication.

ART 317 CERAMICS 2 (3)
Advanced ceramic forming and decorating methods are introduced. Students are challenged to refine selected techniques in pursuit of a personal aesthetic in the medium. Clay bodies, glaze chemistry and kiln design are considered with emphasis on their integral role in the creative process. Prerequisite: ART 217 or permission of the instructor. Course materials fee: $90

ART 327 ART HISTORY 1 (3)
A global and thematic survey of art history from the prehistoric through the 13th century. Offered every third year. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

ART 328 ART HISTORY 2 (3)
A global and thematic survey of art history from the 14th century through the 18th century. Offered every third year. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

ART 329 ART HISTORY 3 (3)
A global and thematic survey of 19th and 21st century art. Offered every third year. Writing enriched course. Prerequisite: CMP 110 or CMP 120.

ART 342 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2 (3)
This course will serve as an advanced study of camera hardware and digital darkroom procedures. Discussion of digital camera functions, lens and digital media selection will lead the student into an understanding of camera usage in a wide variety of shooting circumstances. Students will have the opportunity to explore further development of creative ideas and concepts through project-based assignments, enhanced with various masking and compositing techniques. Archival photograph printing and finishing will also be examined. Prerequisite: ART 242 or permission of the instructor. Course materials fee: $90

ART 345 TYPOGRAPHY (3)
The focus of this course includes the basic principles, practices and history of typography and typographic design. Attention is given to the importance of type as both a functional and expressive element in visual communication. Students develop creative projects in order to apply learned typographic fundamentals to visual communication problems. Prerequisite: ART 245.

ART 350 WEB DESIGN (3)
This course concentrates on the design, development, implementation, testing and updating of effective web interfaces based on principles of graphic design. Students will explore a variety of visual, navigational and structural approaches including styles, navigation systems, visual hierarchy, basic animations, image preparation, and file transferring protocols. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual development and structure, interactivity and design aesthetics. Prerequisite: ART 245

ART 355 UNDERGRADUATE THESIS IN ART AND DESIGN 1 (3)
ART 356 UNDERGRADUATE THESIS IN ART AND DESIGN 2 (3)
This course series is an option for studio Art or Graphic Design majors. Students will work with a thesis panel made up of three art professors for two semesters to research, produce and present a coherent body of work that is of professional exhibition quality. The artistic development process offers students an opportunity to work comprehensively on their ideas and to contextualize their artwork within historical and contemporary issues. Students in this program will be encouraged to explore topics such as social issues, human rights themes, faith-based topics, women's issues, peace and conflict issues, with a focus on activism and social justice, as well as issues more directly related to the language of art.

ART 360 CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION (3)
Creative, marketing, digital and traditional skills are necessary in this course to meet rigorous conceptual/visual standards pertinent to creating a brand and/or a company's identity. Through complex projects and numerous graphic design formats, major aspects of visual identity are emphasized and developed: logotypes, typographic sets, color palettes, photographic and illustration styles, and appropriate project presentation formats. Prerequisite: ART 202, ART 245, ART 275, ART 280, ART 285.

ART 380 STUDIES IN ART (3)
Studio or art history course dealing with specialized medium or topic. With an appropriate theme, this course may be taken as part of the Women’s Studies minor.

ART 385 INTERNSHIP (10 hours maximum)
By arrangement.

ART 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ART (1-3)
Supervised individual problems in selected studio areas, art education or art history research for students who show proficiency and marked degree of independence in other course work. May be repeated. Prerequisite: must have prior work in the course area. Course materials fee if in ceramics: $90

ART 400 ART NOW (1)
A survey of contemporary trends in the visual arts through on-site study of the art resources of a major urban area, typically New York City or Chicago. Visits to museums, galleries, works of public art and architectural landmarks included. Current criticism examined in preparation for the tour with follow-up focusing on individual observations and insights. 

ART 405 PORTFOLIO ORGANIZATION AND REVIEW (.5)
Development of a professional portfolio through selection and refinement of previous studio work with emphasis on organization and presentation.

ART 410 SENIOR EXHIBITION (.5)
Graduating Art, Art & Writing, Art Education and Graphic Design majors are required to present an exhibit of their work in their senior year. Students put together a retrospective selection of their best work.

ART 430 ADVANCED STUDIES IN COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN (3)
This seminar course will focus on the development of creative projects based on advanced typography and color theory. Students will achieve development of unique and personal voices through design processes and refinements of typographic detail, contributing to a higher level of design sophistication. Discussion and verbal reflection in a critique setting will further develop student critical thinking. 

Bluffton enduring values courses

BENV 100 BECOMING A SCHOLAR (3)
This course will help students learn and embody the practices of being a scholar in the context of Bluffton's academic and faith community. Students will develop essential elements of their academic identity through readings and conversations about Bluffton's four enduring values and by constructing a course project. This course is required of all first-year students during the fall semester of the first year. All students who earn an E must retake the course during the following spring semester. Those who earn a D may retake it during the spring semester. Course material fee: $150.

BENV 200 LEARNING IN COMMUNITY (5)
This interdisciplinary course offers students the opportunity to combine classroom instruction, engagement with community resources and project-based learning. A team of instructors provides students the context to understand the community with which they are engaging; significant portions of class time will be spent with community leaders and community organizations. Though the particular disciplinary focus will vary based on the instructors of the course, each version of the course includes a focus on data analytics as a tool for understanding communities. Students will also learn how to best obtain accurate and up-to-date information. Student teams undertake a significant project that responds to their learnings regarding a community issue. This course is typically completed in the sophomore year, though it may be taken in junior year. Prerequisite: BENV 100. Offered every semester.

BENV 300 CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE (3)
This course develops a framework for understanding and appreciating diversity and different cultures and provides a cross-cultural learning experience. Through this experience of immersion in another geographic and cultural setting, students are expected to 1) more fully understand and appreciate a culture other than their own and then reflect critically upon their own location within their cultural context, and 2) examine what it means to be a responsible citizen in the global community and grow in developing an ethic of justice, service and peacemaking. Normally completed during the student's sophomore or junior year. International students meet the cross-cultural requirement by completing SOC 162 Anthropology. Prerequisite: BENV 100. An additional program fee, which varies depending on the experience, will be charged to the student account at the time of spring semester registration. Financial assistance is available.

BENV 400 Enduring Values Capstone (2)
Enduring Values Capstone provides a context for students to examine how their discoveries from the Enduring Values General Education curriculum connect to global themes of poverty and environmental injustice. Using design thinking tools, students will work collaboratively with their peers to consider how their reflections on their college education might impact their future commitments as they continue their lives and vocations. Prerequisites: BENV 200, BENV 300, and Senior standing. Offered every semester.

Biology courses

BIO 105 THE BIOLOGICAL WORLD (4)
This course is a survey of the fundamental concepts of biology for the non-science major. It also explores topics in chemistry that are relevant to understanding the life sciences, such as the basic structure of the atom, covalent and ionic bonds, the structure of biologically-relevant organic molecules, acids/bases and the pH scale, and oxidation/reduction reactions. Biological topics range from biomolecules and cells to environmental issues and the complexity of ecosystems. Laboratory sessions give students hands-on experience, which illuminates topics explored in the lecture sessions. Throughout, the presentation includes the history of the science, the present-day understanding of the science and the impact of scientific knowledge on humankind. Prerequisite: MAT 050 or placement into MAT 100 or above. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Three lectures, one 90-minute laboratory per week. Offered fall of odd academic years and possibly spring of even academic years. Course fee: $50. 

BIO 135 BOTANY (4)
An introduction to the diversity of organisms belonging to the plant kingdom. Organisms are studied from perspectives of structure, function, evolution, ecology and importance to humans. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: none. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered spring of odd academic years. Course fee: $50

BIO 201 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY  (1)
Introduces students to the language utilized in the medical field. Students will learn the general rules helpful when building and analyzing medical words used in a clinical context. Utilizing a systems-based approach, the students will define and interpret medical terms relating to a wide range of medical specialties. One lecture per week Offered every other fall semester.

BIO 205 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4)
A survey of the diversity of invertebrates, from single-celled protozoa to complex insects. Structure, behavior and ecology will receive special focus. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 121. Offered every spring semester. Course fee: $50. 

BIO 230 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1 (4)
An introduction to structure and function of cells and tissues. The focus is on skin, bones and muscles, and how people use and maintain them. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: One of CEM 105, CEM 121, NSC 105, PHY 105, declared Nursing major or declared Medical Laboratory Science major. Not open to first-year students other than declared Nursing or Medical Laboratory Science majors. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency. Offered every fall semester. Course fee: $50. 

BIO 231 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2 (4)
A study of the function and interrelationships of human internal organs. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 230 or permission of instructor. Not open to first-year students other than declared Nursing majors. Offered every spring semester. Course fee: $50.

BIO 299 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (credit varies)
By arrangement.

BIO 301 MICROBIOLOGY (4)
A study of microorganisms emphasizing their structure, metabolic processes, genetics, importance as producers of disease, as well as their many useful functions in the biotic community. The lab emphasizes learning how to work with microorganisms. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CEM 121. Offered every spring semester. Course fee: $50.

BIO 303 GENETICS (4)
A study of the transmission, structure, and functions of genes. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: CEM 121 or permission of instructor. Not open to first-year students without permission. Offered fall of even academic years. Course fee: $50.

BIO 315 IMMUNOLOGY (3)
A study of the human immune system and how it responds to malignant cells, foreign tissue transplants, and microorganisms. Topics include the cells and organs of the immune system, antibody and T-cell receptor structure and expression, major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules, the complement system, cell-mediated effector responses, allergies, vaccines, and autoimmune disorders. Prerequisite: BIO 335 or permission of instructor. Offered spring of odd academic years.

BIO 330 GENERAL ECOLOGY (4)
A study of the relationship among plants and animals and their interactions with the physical environment. The role of humans in nature and their effect on the ecosystem is also emphasized. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 121. Not open to first-year students. Offered fall of odd academic years. Course fee: $50.

BIO 335 CELL BIOLOGY (4)
A study of cells, including structure and function of organelles and membranes, metabolism and energy transformations, hereditary molecules and the cell cycle, DNA replication, transcription, translation, and modern molecular biology techniques used to study cell components. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 121. Offered every fall semester. Course fee: $50.

BIO 385 BIOLOGY INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours, and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

BIO 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOLOGY (1-3)
By arrangement. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing in biology.

Business courses

BUS 245 BUSINESS LAW (3)
A study of the general principles of law which are especially useful in business: contracts, property, credit transactions, negotiable instruments and business organizations. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Offered every spring semester.

BUS 284 GENERAL STATISTICS (3)
A study of applied statistics for sociology and other social, behavioral or natural sciences. This course covers descriptive statistics and statistical inference for parametric and non-parametric situations (z- and t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, linear regression and chi-square), including related computer applications. Prerequisites: MAT 050 or placement into MAT 100 or above. Cross-listed as PSY 284/SOC 284. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency. Offered every semester.

BUS 385 INTERNSHIP (Hours arranged by director, maximum 12 hours)
An internship program allows the student to apply classroom learning to a work experience. Seminars and writing are also a part of the course requirement. By permission of the program director. Credit/no credit. Offered every semester.

BUS 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3)
By arrangement.

 

Chemistry courses

CEM 105 EXPERIENTIAL CHEMISTRY (4)
This course is an overview of chemical principles and scientific practice with an emphasis on learning by doing. Students will gain an understanding of scientific practice through the lens of chemistry, as well as insight into the chemistry behind everyday things. 2 lectures and 2 1.5 hour lab/lecture periods per week. Prerequisite: MAT 050 or placement into MAT 100 or above. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Course fee $50.

CEM 121 GENERAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1 (5)
The year-long sequence CEM 121 and CEM 122 comprise the standard “freshman chemistry” course for science majors and students pursuing medicine or other health-related fields. Topics in CEM 121 include: chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometry, energy relationships, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding and properties of solids, liquids, gases and solutions. Four lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: placement into College Algebra MAT 100 or higher. Most students will have completed high school chemistry. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered every fall semester. Course fee $50.

CEM 122 GENERAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2 (5)
The continuation of CEM 121. Topics: equilibria, acids and bases, precipitation, complex ions, qualitative analysis, rates of reactions, thermodynamics, electro-chemistry, nuclear chemistry, transition metals, nonmetals. Four lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 121. Offered every spring semester. Course fee $50.

CEM 221 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1 (4)
An overview of organic chemistry, with emphasis on nomenclature, structure-reactivity relationships and applications. The laboratory portion of the course emphasizes basic techniques of separation and analysis used in organic chemistry. Proper procedure and waste disposal will be included in the laboratory portion of the course so that the student may become familiar with standard laboratory safety practice. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 122. Offered every fall semester. Course fee $50.

CEM 222 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2 (4)
This course is more in-depth than CEM 221, concentrating on two important skills in organic chemistry: organic structure determination and basic organic synthesis. The first several weeks introduce the use of spectroscopic methods to identify organic compounds. The remainder of the course focuses on understanding organic reactions and using them to construct new molecules. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 221. Offered every spring semester. Course fee $50.

CEM 230 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (4)
Quantitative chemical analysis including acid/base, redox, precipitation and complexation equilibria in real solutions. Gravimetric, volumetric, spectroscopic and electrochemical methods are employed in the related laboratory work. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 122. Offered every spring semester. Course fee $50.

CEM 299 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY (credit varies)
By arrangement.

CEM 311 ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (2)
This course presents advanced topics in chemical bonding and reactivity, emphasizing molecular orbital theory and how it explains the relationship of molecular structure to reaction mechanism. Students will be introduced to computational chemistry as a way of solving chemical problems. Two lectures per week. Prerequisite: CEM 222. Offered spring of odd academic years.

CEM 326 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 1 (5)
The full-year sequence of CEM 326 and CEM 327 is a combination of physical chemistry and modern physics. Topics include thermodynamics, relativity, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, wave nature of particles, atomic and nuclear spectroscopy, nuclear physics/chemistry and introductory quantum mechanics. Five lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. prerequisites: CEM 122, PHY 211, MAT 136 required; MAT 225 and MAT 350 recommended. Cross-listed as PHY 326. Offered fall of even academic years. Course fee $50.

CEM 327 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 2 (5)
The continuation of CEM 326. Five lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CEM 326. Cross-listed as PHY 327. Offered spring of even academic years. Course fee $50.

CEM 330 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (4)
An advanced study of the chemistry of inorganic compounds with emphasis on those in the first transition metals. Lectures stress bonding theory and symmetry. Laboratory work includes synthesis and spectroscopy of transition and main group compounds. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered fall of odd academic years. Course fee $50.

CEM 341 BIOCHEMISTRY (3)
A study of the physical and chemical properties of biological compounds and their function in living systems. Topics include: protein structure, enzymology, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid chemistry and molecular physiology. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: junior or senior status, CEM 221, and one of BIO 230, BIO 335 or CEM 222. Course fee $50.

CEM 360 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS (4)
A study of scientific instrumentation including input transducers, linear electronics and output transducers. Students design and build simple instruments and study the design and operation of commercial instruments. Three lectures, four-hours of laboratory work per week. Prerequisites: CEM 122 and PHY 212. Cross-listed as PHY 360. Offered fall of odd academic years. Course fee $50.

CEM 385 CHEMISTRY INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours, and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

CEM 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN CHEMISTRY (1-3)
By arrangement. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing in chemistry.

CEM 410 SEMINAR (2)
Chemical topics of current interest are discussed. Formal presentations by the students are required. Students not only examine the topics critically but also learn to present them in a professional manner. This course is offered on demand to seniors only.

 

Composition courses

CMP 102 ACADEMIC WRITING (3)
This course is designed to introduce the various elements of academic reading and writing and to develop skills and provide strategies for greater success throughout a student's academic career. Time will be spent decoding and interpreting academic English, both in reading and in writing, and students will be encouraged to explore how language is used in various contexts for academic purpose.

CMP 110 COLLEGE ENGLISH (3)
Designed to help students improve writing and critical thinking skills needed in college. Students analyze and critique written texts in the process of writing several analytical essays. Students work through the research process and write a research essay. Satisfies Writing Well competency.

CMP 120 ADVANCED COLLEGE ENGLISH (3)
Designed to help students improve writing and critical thinking skills needed in college. Students analyze and critique challenging written texts in the process of writing several analytical essays. Students work through the research process and write a research essay. Placement in this class is based on college entrance scores and high school record. Satisfies Writing Well competency.

Communication courses

COM 101 ORIENTATION TO COMMUNICATION (1)
Introduces students to the discipline of communication, including basic concepts and frameworks, key skills and practices, traditional and emerging professional opportunities, and significant ethical and vocational challenge.

COM 110 THEATRE ACTIVITY (.5)
Participation in technical and/or performance roles in Bluffton University productions.

COM 116 ORATORY ACTIVITY (.5)
Preparation for and participation in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratory Contest and other events as might be scheduled.

COM 120 COMMUNICATION FOR THE COMMON GOOD (3)
Provides students the opportunity to develop effective and ethical communication mentalities and skills by studying how people make and share meaning in diverse cultural contexts. Topics will include: listening skills, communication ethics, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, persuasion, global media, and digital media. Satisfies Speaking and Listening competency.

COM 139, 239, 339, 439 COMMUNICATION SEMINAR (0.5)
A weekly discussion of current communication related events and research for students majoring in communication and media. Prerequisite for COM 239: COM 139. Prerequisite for COM 339: COM 239. Prerequisite for COM 439: COM 339.

COM 185 PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PERSUASION (3)
Strengthens students' ethical and social effectiveness in public speaking settings through theoretical and practical knowledge of oral communication and public reasoning practices. The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to become better public speakers, attentive audience members and engaged citizens by increasing their awareness of the ethical, technical and performative dimensions of oral communication, by strengthening their understanding of the logical and persuasive validity of public arguments and by exercising this knowledge during informative, deliberative, transformative and ceremonial public speaking occasions. Satisfies Speaking and Listening compentency

COM 195 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3)
Explores the principles and practices of effective communication in interpersonal relationships. The course will examine such topics as communication apprehension, self-disclosure, listening, conflict and nonverbal communication as well as provide opportunities to develop specific interpersonal communication skills. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Satisfies Speaking and Listening competency.

COM 212 ARGUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY (3)
Provides theoretical and practical training in argumentation with particular attention to political and organizational contexts that demand advocacy, including deliberative and forensic occasions. The role of practical argument in addressing social conflict peacefully and fairly will be considered throughout the course. Prerequisite: COM 120.

COM 220 COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION (3)
Provides an understanding in theory and practice of dialogue, mediation and conflict transformation. Students will learn strategies and skills for understanding and coping with interpersonal, organizational and group conflict which they will practice in roleplay and in reflective analysis. The last segment of the course will focus on congregational conflict.

COM 222 TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION (3)
Provides an opportunity for sustained study of a particular theoretical, critical or professional topic within communication.

COM 270 RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATION (3)
Introduces students to the theory and practice of religious communication in its sermonic, liturgical, deliberative and promotional forms. The course surveys homiletic theory and explores the role of religious language in congregational worship, decision-making and public relations. Attention is given to such current communication issues as the impact of electronic media on religious messages, the use of gendered language in religious texts and the tension between intimacy and inclusiveness in public worship contexts. Students in the class prepare sermons, write letters of admonition, plan congregational worship services and business meetings, and design church promotional materials. Cross-listed as REL 270. Satisfies Speaking and Listening competency.

COM 275 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3)
Assists students in developing those communication skills needed to succeed in the contemporary organizational environment. In addition to examining the dynamics and ethics of professional communication in business and nonprofit organizations, students will learn how to work on cross-functional teams, lead public meetings, conduct personal interviews and prepare a variety of public presentations such as letters, reports and speeches. Throughout the course, attention will be given to such contemporary organizational issues as institutional power, cultural diversity and professional identity.

COM 282 PERSUASION AND INFLUENCE (3)
Examines the science, art and practical application of influence techniques and tactics in real-world interpersonal and group settings. Draws on contemporary research from the disciplines of communication, psychology, sociology, business and rhetoric to understand altering attitudes, beliefs, values and actions of audience members. The course will be framed around six primary principles of ethical persuasion: reciprocity, scarcity, liking, authority, social proof and consistency. Other influence factors considered will include: credibility, personal communicator characteristics, conformity in groups, nonverbal influence, sequential persuasion, deception, motivational appeals and the ethics of persuasion.

COM 300 GENDER AND COMMUNICATION (3)
Inquires into the relationship between communication and gender identity by studying communication theory and theories of gender construction, by taking a historical perspective on similarities and differences between the communication behaviors exhibited by different genders and by investigating varying contexts and their impact on gender and communication. This course seeks to develop in students an appreciation for differences in communication among individuals with different gender identities, some of the causes of those differences, and strategies for the peaceful and just engagement of those differences. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

COM 347 COMMUNICATION THEORY (3)
Explores theories of communication that have been shaped by biblical, classical, medieval, modern and postmodern accounts of symbolic action. Theories examined in the course include prophetic, Pauline, Sophistical, Platonic, Aristotelian, Augustinian, dramatastic, cultural linguistic, structuralist and post-structuralist perspectives. Throughout the course, particular attention is given to the relationship between discourse and social change.

COM 348 COMMUNICATION CRITICISM (3)
Practical application of a variety of communication research methods to understand, analyze and critique communicative artifacts such as public speeches, press releases, editorials, advertisements, sermons and other forms of mass mediated messages. Research methods include neo-Aristotelianism, dramatism, mythic criticism, genre criticism, cultural criticism, fantasy theme analysis, psychoanalytic criticism, ideological criticism, postcolonial criticism, feminist criticism and deconstruction.

COM 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
By arrangement.

COM 425 INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION (1-4)
Provides an opportunity to apply communication skills either in a for-profit organization or a not-for-profit agency. In consultation with an advisor from the communication and theatre department, the student is assigned an organizational supervisor/evaluator at an appropriate business or agency to work at a level commensurate with the student's knowledge and experience. The student works with the organizational representatives to develop a plan that accommodates the needs of the organization and recognizes the level of the student. Communicative skills that may be utilized in this experience include: public speaking, interviewing, writing, editing, human resource management, journalism, broadcasting and leadership in meetings or developing audio/video tools for the organization.

COM 480 COMMUNICATION AND VOCATION (1)
An exploration of paths to mission within the varying life and employment stations occupied by communication and media professionals. Students will learn to articulate the skills, gifts, and commitments they offer to the marketplace. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor.

COM 490 COMMUNICATION IN THE PROFESSIONS (1)
Introduces communication and media majors to the professional opportunities and expectations they will face upon graduation. Specifically, students will develop their personal brand, prepare electronic portfolios as well as learn basics of networking and searching and interviewing for jobs in the communication and media industries. Prerequisites: COM 480 and senior standing.

Computer science courses

CPS 108 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING (3)
This course is an introduction to computer programming which emphasizes the application of fundamental principles to problem solving and programming techniques. Structured programming concepts using the Python programming language are stressed. Some familiarity with computers is assumed. Offered every fall semester.

CPS 112 OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING WITH APPLIED DATA STRUCTURES (3)
This course is a study of the design of data structures and the analysis of the algorithms used to manipulate them. The fundamental concepts studied in this course serve as a foundation for the advanced computer science concepts studied in later courses. Topics include data types, records, recursion, queues, stacks, linked lists, trees, graphs, searching, sorting, algorithm complexity and classes of algorithms. Software engineering principles are introduced. Prerequisite: CPS 108. Offered every spring semester.

CPS 320 NUMERICAL ANALYSIS (3)
This course focuses on the applications of the computer in science and mathematics. Topics include calculation of functions, roots of equations, integration, Fourier analysis, differential equations, Monte-Carlo methods, and curve fitting. Lectures present the concepts of the numerical analysis topics covered and their corresponding algorithms; students are expected to be familiar with the underlying mathematical concepts and the programming methodology necessary for algorithm implementation. Prerequisites: CPS 108 and MAT 136. Typically offered fall of odd academic years.

CPS 322 DATABASE SYSTEMS (3)
This course has its primary focus on the relational model for database organization. Topics include the relational data structure, relational algebra, normalization, integrity, recovery, concurrency and distributed databases. Assignments include team projects involved in the various stages of information systems development: definition, design, implementation, testing, and documentation. Prerequisite: CPS 112. Offered spring of even academic years.

CPS 331 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES AND COMPILERS (3)
This course studies the design and implementation of modern programming languages, compilers, and interpreters. Concepts of data representation, storage allocation, scope, code generation, lexical analysis, and parsing of context-free grammars are examined. Students design and implement a simple compiler. Prerequisite: CPS 112 Offered alternate years.

CPS 333 SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING (3)
This course focuses on the writing of programs that utilize web, network, and operating system services in order to perform a task. Topics include Internet protocols, CGI, RPC, XML, DOM, SOAP, and AJAX. Operating shell programming is also introduced. Prerequisite: CPS 112. Offered alternate years. The use of XML Liquid Studio is made available through a generous donation from Liquid Technologies.

CPS 341 OPERATING SYSTEMS (3)
Students are provided with an examination of the characteristics of modern operating systems and its related software. Topics include process and memory management, scheduling issues, performance metrics, and concurrent programming. Case studies of various operating systems are conducted. Prerequisite: junior standing. Offered alternate years.

CPS 343 NETWORK AND SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION (3)
This course deals with issues involving both network configuration and systems administration. The OSI layered reference model serves as an outline to the course. Topics include the physical architecture of computer networks, networking protocols and services, resource management, directory services, system and network security/privacy, and network and system monitoring. A special emphasis is placed on understanding TCP/IP and various related services (DNS, DHCP, SMTP, HTTP, LDAP). In addition, Windows NT Server is frequently used as a case study. Prerequisite: CPS 112 or as approved by the instructor. Offered alternate years.

CPS 350 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE (3)
Students are provided with an introduction to computer hardware organization, the instruction execution cycle, and the relationship between machine/assembly languages and high-level programming languages. The Intel 8086 family of microprocessors is used to provide opportunities for machine and assembly language programming. Architectural and organizational issues are also addressed. Prerequisite: junior standing. Offered alternative years. 

CPS 352 DIGITAL ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTERS (4)
This course presents a study of digital electronics and an overview of its use in computers. Topics include logic, logic integrated circuits, processors, memory, processor-peripheral communication, and instrument interfacing. Offered alternate years. Cross-listed as PHY 352.

CPS 385 COMPUTER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours, and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

CPS 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (credit varies)
By arrangement.

CPS 399 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (credit varies)
By arrangement.

Criminal Justice courses

CRJ 180 LAW, JUSTICE AND SOCIETY (3)
An examination of the different policy options for the criminal justice system, with particular attention to the connection between law and justice. The limits of law as a means of resolving disputes and maintaining social order are also examined. The course addresses the complex elements of "justice" and the difficulties of administering justice in a democratic society by examining the social construction of law throughout history. The course looks at one particular alternative to the present criminal justice system and administration of law called restorative justice. The third section of the course critically addresses a number of specified legal policies in the United States. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

CRJ 200 INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (3)
A study of the agencies, institutions and processes of the criminal justice system - legislature, police, attorney, courts and corrections; the definitions of crime, legal defenses and limits of the law; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure; kinds and degrees of evidence; cases and materials affecting criminal law, prosecution, defense and the courts.

CRJ 201 INTRODUCTION TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM (3)
A study of the agencies, institutions and processes of the juvenile justice system; historical and social-scientific evaluation of judicial decisions affecting the development and operation of the juvenile justice system from the police investigation to adjudication and final disposition.

CRJ 275 CRIMINOLOGY (3)
A social-scientific, theoretical survey of the nature of crime, including causal factors and theories and procedures in prevention and treatment; evaluation of basic assumptions and philosophies of corrections. Prerequisite: SOC 152. Cross-listed as SOC 275.

CRJ 303 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3)
This course utilizes a variety of perspectives and gives particular attention to the growth and development of the relationship between the individual and government at the federal, state and local levels. Offers an analysis of the historical evolution of the relationship between the states and the Bill of Rights and of the impact of the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment on the application of the Bill of Rights to the states. Provides a study of notable Supreme Court decisions from Marbary and Madison to the leading decisions relating to the criminal justice system. Upper level standing or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as PLS 301.

CRJ 310 CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE (3)
This course focuses on the study of substantive criminal law and criminal procedure in the courts of Ohio and the U.S. Federal system. A case study method is used to analyze criminal law in the United States, the manner in which cases are processed through the criminal system and the influences affecting their outcome. Prerequisites: CRJ 180 and CRJ 200.

CRJ 320 FAMILY VIOLENCE (3)
Violent family life has largely been hidden from public analysis. In this class we critically examine the emergence of intimate violence as a social problem, are exposed to experiences of persons involved with family violence, explore various explanations for violence in families and analyze various prevention and policy measures. In each of these cases, attention is paid to the impact (or non-impact) of demographic factors, such as ethnicity, race and religion, on the occurrence and effect of intimate violence. This course may be taken as part of the Women’s Studies minor.

CRJ 325 INTERVENTIONS IN CORRECTIONS (3)
Survey of the theoretical basis for assessing the social and/or therapeutic approaches to the control and rehabilitation of criminal behavior in a correctional context.

CRJ 340 CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND MEDIATION (3)
This course has three primary goals: 1) to provide students with an overview of the conflict transformation movement; 2) to provide basic introductory training for students in the practice of interpersonal conflict resolution and mediation in a variety of settings; 3) to encourage students to consider the deeper issues that underlie conflict, violence and war in our society, including issues of culture, power and politics. The issues involved in this class concern matters ranging from interpersonal relationships to youth violence and international peace and reconciliation. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.

CRJ 345 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE THEORY AND PRACTICE (3)
An exploration of the philosophy and practice of restorative justice, a new paradigm for how we view and treat criminal events. The course is designed to encourage an in-depth understanding of the needs of victims, offenders and communities in the processing and comprehension of criminal events. The course takes a critical look at the current system of criminal justice and critically examines the alternatives that restorative justice offers. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.

CRJ 350 ENFORCEMENT: THEORY AND PRACTICE (3)
Survey of the police role in American life. Focus shared between the police as a formal organization in patrol and investigative operations and the police as a social, psychological or subcultural type. Primary attention given to the relationship of communal security and consent to governmental authority and to the role of the police in the maintenance of order.

CRJ 351 CORRECTIONS (3)
Survey of the correctional system from both a historical and analytical perspective. The course focuses on a variety of topics including sentencing strategies and punishment rationale in democratic societies, the philosophy and effectiveness of rehabilitation, individual adjustment and inmate organization in both male and female prisons, constitutional issues, access and remedies in addressing prisoner s rights, and emerging restorative alternatives to corrections.

CRJ 360 THE JUSTICE PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR 1 (3)
Students are introduced to the field of criminal justice using a strong field component and focusing on restorative themes. It intentionally considers justice in a broad context including distributive and criminal understandings. The course is intended to help students develop a better understanding of themselves and the field by offering an early field experience (20-25 hours out of class) focused on observation and reflection. The class is for students of criminal justice (major or minor) but is open to any student exploring a possible career in law or criminal justice who has taken the prerequisite courses. Prerequisite: CRJ 180 or CRJ 200.

CRJ 380 INTEGRATIVE STUDIES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (3)
An interdisciplinary study of management, institutional, philosophical or research concerns in selected system-wide problems and topics in criminal justice.

CRJ 385 CRIMINAL JUSTICE PRACTICUM (3-6)
A supervised work/study placement in a setting consistent with the student's interests and career goals. prerequisites: junior or senior status in the major (or related major) and permission of the faculty supervisor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours; with 3 hours credited to general electives and/or a related major (with permission of major professor).

CRJ 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
By arrangement.

CRJ 414 SOCIAL SCIENCE SEMINAR (1)
Students will engage in career development activities, including résumé building, job searching, and interviewing, as they prepare to join the workforce; or become familiar with graduate school admissions exams and applications if they intend to pursue graduate education. Students who have completed PSY 403 or SOC 365 can also explore how to present research findings at conferences and research fairs. Students that desire an internship experience during the following semester can explore that option. Course to be taken during fall semester of senior year. Cross-listed as SOC 414/PSY 414

DIS 050 APPLIED COLLEGE SKILLS (3) (only 2 count toward graduation)
This course stresses reading and writing comprehension and skills. Students learn how to gain support from instructors and classmates, increase knowledge and improve skills needed for success in college, and are helped in their transition to college. The student must earn a grade of C- or above in order to be eligible to enroll for the following semester.

Economics courses

ECN 141 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS (3)
An introduction to the American economy, the nature and method of economics and the economizing problem. Topics include national income, employment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, economic stability and economic growth. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency. Offered every fall semester.

ECN 142 PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS (3)
A continuation of ECN 141. Emphasis is on decision-making by households and resource allocation by business firms. Topics include the different types of market structures, the resource markets, consumer behavior and international trade.
Prerequisite: ECN 141. Offered every spring semester.

ECN 232 INTERMEDIATE MICROECONOMICS (3)
This course applies the principles of economics to an economic analysis of producer and consumer behavior. The emphasis is on indifference curve, isoquant analysis, the theory of price, cost and market structure and their application to current issues. prerequisites: ECN 141 and ECN 142. Offered fall of even academic years.

ECN 233 INTERMEDIATE MACROECONOMICS (3)
This course applies the principles of economics to an economic analysis of unemployment, inflation and economic growth. Emphasis is on determining policies for achieving macroeconomic goals and controversies among various schools of thought. Prerequisites: ECN 141, ECN 142 and satisfactory completion of the department's minimum mathematics requirement. Offered fall of odd academic years.

ECN 347 LABOR ECONOMICS (3)
Emphasis on economics of labor and labor organizations in the contemporary economy: composition of the labor force, union organization, collective bargaining, wage determination, labor law and economic insecurity. Prerequisites: ECN 141 and ECN 142. Offered spring of odd academic years.

ECN 351 PUBLIC FINANCE (3)
Federal, state and local government expenditures, revenues, debt and fiscal administration with emphasis on fiscal problems and policies of the federal government. Prerequisites: CMP 110 or CMP 120, and ECN 141 and ECN 142. Offered fall of odd academic years.

ECN 371 INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT (3)
A study of the theories, policies and institutions of international trade and finance, balance of payment equilibrium and international firms. Prerequisites: ECN 141 and ECN 142. Offered spring of even academic years.

ECN 382 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT (3)
A survey of the experience in both developed and less-developed countries to isolate the socio-economic factors that stimulate or hinder economic development, the implications for natural environment and possible limits to growth due to food or natural resource scarcities, and the application of economic theory to the development process. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: ECN 141 and ECN 142. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Offered fall of even academic years.

ECN 400 ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS SEMINAR (2)
A capstone course designed to be taken near the completion of the undergraduate educational experience in which students conduct a research project to integrate and apply the concepts that they learned during their college experience in analyses of current economic and business issues. Offered as directed study. 

Education courses

EDU 200 INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY (3)
This course is designed to provide a beginning opportunity for students to assess their compatibility with the teaching profession. It serves as an introduction to the history and philosophy of education, school finances, curriculum and the sociology of education. It also provides a study of the characteristics, abilities and educational needs of children and adolescents, both typically developing and those who are diverse in their educational needs. It will provide a study of the structures of American education and special education, educational reform, multicultural considerations in American education and the impact of socio-economic conditions on education. Corequisite: EDU 205. Course fee: $105. Offered every semester.

EDU 205 FIELD EXPERIENCE (1)
Students complete a 40-hour field-based experience during which they assist classroom teachers. Placements with rich cultural, economic and learning diversity are selected. Through these experiences students reflect on the teaching profession, students, families and schools in general and begin to develop a personal philosophy of education. Corequisite: EDU 200 Credit/no credit. Occered every semester. Course fee: $75 (Includes a three-year pre-service teaching permit. May be waived with a substitute teaching license.)

EDU 220 CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT (2)
General and specific topics related to curriculum development and general teaching methods, lesson and unit development, and effective classroom practices including formal and informal assessment for all classrooms. The Ohio Learning Standards are introduced in this course. 5 field hours. Offered every semester.

EDU 283 TEACHING READING THROUGH LITERATURE: PRIMARY EDUCATION (P-5) (3)
This course content is based on the science of reading. During this course, students will read books for children in elementary education classrooms, analyze and criticize their content, illustrations, and possible use, investigate the literature's portrayal of ethnic and racial groups, recognize outstanding authors and artists, learn how quality picture books and chapter books are integrated into the reading/language curriculum as vehicles for teaching reading skills, and develop reading aloud and storytelling techniques to promote literature appreciation. The course will also provide opportunities that support the aesthetics development in and appreciation for visual literacy. Students will learn basic fundamentals of art and principles of design as tools to help make meaning from picture book illustrations. Emphasis is placed on methods that the general classroom teacher can use to communicate with and teach children with diverse learning styles in reading. Students will become sensitive to the concerns of speech and language differences related to culture and environmental issues. Satisfies Critical Analysis Competency. Offered every fall semester.

EDU 285 PHONICS AND WORD IDENTIFICATION (3)
This course content is based on the science of reading. This course will teach methods for using phonics and word identification skills. Students will understand techniques and strategies used to teach children to match, blend and translate letters of the alphabet into the sounds they represent in a systematically integrated, developmentally appropriate instructional program incorporating reading, writing and spelling. Topics to be covered in this course: theory and research, foundations, decoding, encoding, strategies for applications, assessment and evaluation. Prerequisites: EDU 200 and EDU 205. Offered every semester.

EDU 288 DEVELOPMENTAL CURRICULUM: LEARNING AND THE ARTS (3)
This course is designed to provide opportunities that support the aesthetic development in art, music and movement in elementary aged children who are both typically and atypically developing. Students will learn to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices based on knowledge of individual children, the community, curriculum goals and content using a variety of strategies to encourage children's aesthetic development. Topics to be covered in this course: fostering creativity, music and movement (framework and programs), exploration with materials and planning and assessing programs. Curriculum areas addressed in this course use the Ohio Department of Education's competency-based models as a framework. Four clinical hours are required. Prerequisites: EDU 200 and EDU 205 Satisfies Creative Expression competency. Offered every spring semester.

EDU 297 TEACHING READING THROUGH LITERATURE: MIDDLE CHILDHOOD (3)
This course content is based on the science of reading. In this course, students will survey middle childhood level picture books, chapter books, and novels, analyze and criticize their content, illustrations and possible use, investigate the literature’s portrayal of gender roles, ethnic and racial groups, recognize outstanding authors and artists, learn how literature is integrated into the reading/language curriculum, and develop reading aloud and storytelling techniques to promote literature appreciation. This course will also provide opportunities that support the aesthetic development in and appreciation for visual literacy, particularly how picture book illustrations help the reader create meaning. Emphasis is placed on methods that the general classroom teacher can use to communicate with and teach children with diverse learning styles in reading. Students will become sensitive to the concerns of speech and language differences related to culture and environmental issues. Prerequisites: EDU 200 and EDU 205. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency. Offered every spring semester.

EDU 303 COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION (2)
This course includes instruction about the use of computers and other technology for the classroom teacher. Students receive hands-on experience with computers, appropriate software for use in education such as presentation software, educational use of the Internet and other classroom technology such as digital cameras and projection equipment. Prerequisite: EDU 220. Offered every semester.

EDU 305 CONTENT AREA LITERACY/GENERAL METHODS (3)
This course content is based on the science of reading. This is a course to prepare the prospective educator in the study of research-based strategies, methods and materials designed to develop and strengthen content literacy skills. Emphasis is placed on levels of thinking skills, development of technical content vocabulary and techniques for improved comprehension. Materials, methods and provision for individual differences are considered in the context of diagnostic-prescriptive teaching. The student is involved in clinical experience through the development of materials, implementation of plans and the evaluation of textbooks. Topics to be covered in this course: thinking skills, technical content vocabulary, comprehension techniques, diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, lesson planning, textbook evaluation, etc. The general methods sections will emphasize 1) general teaching techniques, strategies and methods for maximizing learning for typical and at-risk students; 2) curriculum development and implementation; 3) communication skills required in the classroom including reading, writing and speaking; 4) the interdisciplinary nature of disciplines; 5) a minimum of 9 hours of planned/supervised public school field experience in the student's teaching field. Prerequisite: EDU 353. Offered every semester.

EDU 306 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS (GRADES 4-5) (3)
This course focuses on curriculum and instruction based on the developmental needs of young adolescents in grades 4 and 5.  The Ohio Academic Learning Standards and model curricula as well as additional resources are used to develop learning experiences that lead to high levels of student learning in science and mathematics.  

EDU 307 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: SOCIAL STUDIES AND LANGUAGE ARTS (GRADES 4-5) (3)
This course focuses on curriculum and instruction based on the developmental needs of young adolescents in grades 4 and 5. The Ohio Academic Learning Standards and model curricula as well as additional resources are used to develop learning experiences that lead to high levels of student learning in social studies and language arts.  

EDU 308 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING (GRADES 4-6) (3)
This is one of two courses required for the Middle Childhood Reading/Language Arts endorsement which is added to the Middle Childhood License. The ELA MC Endorsement prepares Middle Childhood candidates to teach Language Arts/Reading in grades 4-6. Candidates who are seeking this endorsement must complete the MC licensure program with two concentrations other than Language Arts/Reading.

EDU 317 STUDIES IN LITERATURE FOR ADOLESCENTS (3)
Students will investigate in depth one topic in literature each time this course is offered. The topics will parallel Ohio Department of Education Academic Content Standards which include (but is not limited to) literature of the Holocaust, settling the West, literature from different cultures and specific genres such as fantasy, science fiction, poetry and biography. Students will be expected to apply their skills of analysis and criticism to the readings as well as apply their knowledge of the literature to the development of classroom-relevant teaching units. The course is intended for students with a concentration in language arts/middle grades and for students seeking integrated language arts licensure for adolescents/young adults.

EDU 321 PRIMARY (P-5) CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: MATHEMATICS (3)
This course focuses on curriculum and instruction based on the developmental needs of children in elementary education classrooms. The Ohio Academic Learning Standards and model curricula as well as additional resources are used to develop learning experiences that lead to high levels of student learning in mathematics. Offered every spring semester.

EDU 322 PRIMARY (P-5) CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: SCIENCE (3)
This course focuses on curriculum and instruction based on the developmental needs of children in elementary education classrooms. The Ohio Academic Learning Standards and model curricula as well as additional resources are used to develop learning experiences that lead to high levels of student learning in science. Offered every fall semester.

EDU 323 PRIMARY (P-5) CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: SOCIAL STUDIES (3)
This course focuses on curriculum and instruction based on the developmental needs of children in elementary education classrooms. The Ohio Academic Learning Standards and model curricula as well as additional resources are used to develop learning experiences that lead to high levels of student learning in social studies. Offered every fall semester.

EDU 324 FOUNDATIONS FOR TEACHING VISUAL ARTS (3)
Provides lecture, studio and field-based experiences for teaching art in public schools using methods and materials in the public school art program. Involves laboratory experiences in art resources and program planning. Includes a review of studio art development and art education knowledge to identify the student’s proficiency for performance as an art teacher. Includes 40 field hours. Prerequisites: EDU 220 and sophomore standing. Recommended: EDU 353. Offered as needed.

EDU 332 SOCIAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION (3)
A critical examination will be made of selected historical, philosophical and social problems and promises relevant to contemporary education. The intent is to provide students with readings and discussions which will encourage and enable them to establish a set of personal beliefs and commitments. The course is built around the idea that being reflective and critical is of strategic value as we seek to become enlightened about the problems and promises of modern education. 5 hours of clinical experience. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisite: admission to Educator Preparation. Offered every semester.

EDU 333 URBAN EDUCATION SEMINAR (1)
Students will engage with education and culture in an urban environment. They will visit schools and participate in discussions with community members and will: engage in critical reflection on the development of students’ own system of values by directly engaging an urban community through the lens of Bluffton’s enduring values and the resources provided by education, geography and sociology. 15 hours of field experience. Prerequisite or co-requisite: EDU 332. Course fee: $350. Offered every semester.

EDU 334 OHIO IN THE UNITED STATES (1)
This course focuses on the major historical developments, geographic and cultural features, and political and economic institutions and developments in Ohio as it relates to the United States. It also includes content focused on how a 4th grade social studies teacher plans for effective student learning.

EDU 335 TEACHING AND ASSESSING READING (3)
This course content is based on the science of reading. This course will explore theories and instructional strategies for teaching reading. The focus will be on the principles supporting literacy development, how to help children identify new words most effectively in context, the acquisition of a reading vocabulary, the comprehension of text and the components of effective reading and writing instruction using formal and informal educational assessment. This course is also designed to familiarize prospective classroom teachers with concepts and techniques of reading assessment with emphasis on: 1) developing and administering formal and informal reading assessment tools; 2) assessing student performance in different reading situations; 3) making instructional decisions based on reading assessment results; 4) selecting appropriate reading assessment methods; 5) using self-evaluation as a way of involving students in assessing their own learning. Prerequisite: EDU 220 and EDU 286. 10 field hours. Offered every semester.

EDU 353 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES (3)
The focus of this course is a survey of psychological theories and principles as they apply to teaching. Topics include using science to inform classroom practices, behavioral and cognitive learning theory, cognitive processes, motivation, and individual differences and diversity, teacher behavior, and constructivist theory and practice. A portion of the course is devoted to classroom management theories, models, and techniques. A case study approach is used to place an emphasis on application of key concepts and skills. This course is required for all licensure areas and must be taken prior to admittance to Student Teaching. Prerequisites: EDU 200, EDU 205, EDU 220 and PSY 110. Offered every semester.

EDU 356 EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTICUM: PRESCHOOL (3)
Students in this course will develop and implement an integrated curriculum that focuses on children's needs and interests, taking into account culturally valued content and children's home experiences. Topics of study will be selected in terms of conceptual soundness, significance and intellectual integrity. A part of this course is field work in preschool. Students will use individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children, to encourage positive social interaction among children, to promote positive strategies of conflict resolution and to help children develop personal self-control, self-motivation and self-esteem. Establishing effective communication and collaborative, positive relationships with families will be encouraged. Administering a preschool will be a component of the course. Topics to be covered in this course: theories for interaction, physical environments supporting interactions, planning and assessing programs, licensing, certification, accreditation, professional considerations, working with parents, financing the program and nutrition. 15 field hours. Prerequisites: EDU 200 and EDU 205. Offered every fall semester.

EDU 358 EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAMMING (3)
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills related to early childhood development, program development, working with families and working with other professionals. 5 field hours. Required for the PreK Special Needs Endorsement. Offered every semester.

EDU 360 HEALTH METHODS (2)
Methods and use of materials that can be utilized in a school health program, K-12, will be examined, practiced and assessed. Consideration will be given to the planning, organization and administration of age and developmentally appropriate health activities. Curriculum scope and sequence will include evolution of elementary and secondary health programs, introductory activities, fundamental understanding of healthy living skills and developmental stages and healthy social/emotional development, suicide awareness and prevention; safety training and violence prevention, and social inclusion. 10 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: admission to the Educator Preparation Program.

EDU 365 PHYSICAL EDUCATION METHODS (2)
Methods and use of materials that can be utilized in a school physical education program, K-12, will be examined, practiced and assessed. Consideration will be given to the planning, organization and administration of age and developmentally appropriate physical education activities. Curriculum scope and sequence will include evolution of elementary and secondary physical education programs, introductory activities, fitness development, fundamental skills and developmental stages, educational movement, rhythmic activities, games of low organization, tumbling and gymnastics, and lead up games to team sports. 15 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: admission to the Educator Preparation Program.

EDU 378 INTERNSHIP (1-2)
On-site experiences with an education related agency. Placements may include private or public schools, infant programs, preschools, after school programs, adult education programs, agencies that serve persons with disabilities, etc. Approval by department chair and instructor required prior to placement.

EDU 384 CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICUM (1)
A 40-hour practicum in an early childhood setting in which students will collaborate with children, teachers and other professionals. Sites can include preschools, child development centers and other agencies that deal specifically with the early childhood environment. Students will gain practical experience with working with young children and learning fundamental aspects of operations/management of such facilities. Offered every semester.

EDU 401 A/YA SPECIAL METHODS: LANGUAGE ARTS (2)
EDU 403 A/YA SPECIAL METHODS: SOCIAL STUDIES (2)
EDU 404 A/YA SPECIAL METHODS: MATH (2)
These courses provide the prospective adolescent/young adult educator with methods and materials for language arts, life sciences or physical sciences, integrated social studies, or integrated math. Topics covered in these courses: development, implementation and evaluation of educational programming for A/YA language arts, integrated social studies or integrated math. Additional topics include federal and state curriculum models and assessment models, classroom assessment strategies (formal and informal), use of technology, individualizing instruction, development of integrated units, collaboration and consultation. The focus will be on maximizing student learning. 25 clinical experience hours. Prerequisite: junior standing. EDU 401 offered alternate spring semesters. EDU 403 and EDU 404 offered alternate fall semesters.

EDU 405 MIDDLE CHILDHOOD METHODS: LANGUAGE ARTS (2)
EDU 406 MIDDLE CHILDHOOD METHODS: SCIENCE (2)
EDU 407 MIDDLE CHILDHOOD METHODS: SOCIAL STUDIES (2)
EDU 408 MIDDLE CHILDHOOD METHODS: MATHEMATICS (2)
These courses provide the prospective middle childhood educator with methods and materials for reading and language arts, math, social studies or science classrooms. Each student will take two methods sections based on areas of concentration. Topics covered in these courses: development, implementation and evaluation of educational programming for middle childhood reading and language arts, math, social studies or science classrooms within the Ohio Department of Education Academic Content Standards and federal curriculum guidelines, classroom assessment strategies (formal and informal), uses of technology, individualizing instruction, teaming, development of integrated units, collaboration and consultation. The focus will be on maximizing student learning. Prerequisite: junior standing and admittance to the educator preparation program. 20 clinical experience hours for each of the two classes. EDU 405 and EDU 406 offered alternate spring semsters. EDU 407 and EDU 408 offered alternate fall semesters.

EDU 416 PRE STUDENT TEACHING SEMINAR (1)
This seminar is taken the semester prior to student teaching. It includes a 40 hour intensive field experience. The class serves as a transition from student to educator and provides the potential educator the opportunity to begin the experience of full-time classroom planning, instruction and assessment. It includes the Ohio Department of Higher Education mandated curriculum that prepares candidates for their educator career. Support for planning and submission of the edTPA is provided. Students will also compile a credential file. Prerequisite: admittance to student teaching. Offered every semester.

EDU 441 INTENSIVE FIELD EXPERIENCE: PREKINDERGARTEN (8)
This experience includes a professional development day and an intensive field experience. The professional development day will provide an overview of the intensive field experience and provide details of the state requirements for licensure, including the Value-Added Dimension, Teacher Performance Assessment e-portfolio, Resident Educator Licensure, the Ohio Opiate Crisis, and the Code of Conduct for the Profession. Students will also compile a credential file. The intensive field experience includes 10 weeks in a PreK classroom (including at least 10 hours in an early intervention PreK classroom). Credit/No credit. Offered every semester.

EDU 443, EDU 450, EDU 451, EDU 452, EDU 454 OR SED 453 STUDENT TEACHING (13)
Student teaching provides supervised experiences in applying the principles and techniques learned in the professional courses to actual classroom situations under the guidance and direction of a cooperating teacher. Student teachers spend full days in their assigned public classroom for 12 weeks during their senior year. Registration is limited to candidates who are formally accepted into educator preparation and who have applied for admission to Student Teaching. Acceptance into Student Teaching is based on completing the requirements specified in the Student Teaching Handbook (available from the education department). Student teachers register for one of the following sections: Primary (P-5) (EDU 443), Middle Childhood (EDU 450), Adolescent/Young Adult (EDU 451), Multi-Age Visual Arts (EDU 452), Multi-Age Health and Physical Education (EDU 454) or Intervention Specialist (SED 453). Prerequisite for adolescent/young adult and multi-age: all professional education courses and licensure area course work. Prerequisite for elementary education, intervention specialist and middle childhood: all major requirements as listed in the licensure program outlines. 12 weeks/full days. Credit/No Credit. Course fee: $460. Offered every semester.

English courses

ENG 103 ESL: ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT (4)
An English language course for high intermediate non-native English speakers with a special emphasis on academic English and culture.

ENG 108 ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (3)
An English language course for high intermediate to low advanced non-native English speakers. The language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are well covered. English for a new cultural setting and English for academic work are emphasized.

ENG 111 SHALITH ACTIVITY (.5)
Activity credit for editing and production of student literary magazine.

ENG 113 BRIDGE: THE BLUFFTON JOURNAL STAFF (1)
Literary journal student staff will participate in editing and publishing Bridge literary magazine. Projects include reading and selecting literary submissions, editorial input, layout and graphic design of the literary magazine. Student staff members will learn deadline-driven production skills applicable to publishing, corporate writing, marketing, public relations, copywriting and the new media marketplace. Enrollment by permission of instructor.

ENG 115 FUNDAMENTAL READING AND WRITING SKILLS (3)
This course is designed for future educators to enhance and develop their reading and writing skills to better meet the challenges of today's K-12 classroom. Emphasis will be placed on increasing recognition and mastery of Standard American English (SAE), expanding academic vocabulary, developing formal writing skills, and improving reading speed and accuracy. Tasks will often focus on those frequently required for preservice and inservice teachers.

ENG 160 APPROACHES TO LITERATURE (3)
An introduction to the methods and practices of literary study at the college level. Includes reading, discussion and writing about primary texts and introduction to secondary materials and research strategies. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

ENG 180 THEMES IN LITERATURE (3)
Exploration of ideas within the context of imaginative literary works. The themes will vary from year to year and according to instructor. Examples: humankind's search for meaning, crime and punishment, nature, the city, love. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

ENG 202 CREATIVE WRITING: FICTION (3)
An introduction to the craft of fiction, taught in a workshop format. Students will write and critique their own short fiction and read some fiction and theory. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

ENG 203 CREATIVE WRITING: POETRY (3)
An introduction to the craft of poetry, taught in a workshop format. Students will write and critique their own poems and read poetry and poetics. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

ENG 205 CREATIVE WRITING: NONFICTION (3)
An introduction to the craft of writing literary essays and creative nonfiction. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

ENG 207 PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL WRITING (3)
This course introduces students to writing conventions and discourse strategies for producing both formal and informal documents in a variety of workplace settings. Offered alternate years.

ENG 210 TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES: THEORIES AND ISSUES (3)
An introduction to theories and concepts that inform English teaching when students are not native English speakers. Students will understand the similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition, within the context of the United States. They will become familiar with the terminology and definitions, historical and legal precedents of programs for students learning a second language and educational issues related to language minority students, including how a student's culture may impact learning and performance in and out of the classroom.

ENG 220 TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES: INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND ASSESSMENT (3)
Students will develop skills in the development of lessons for teaching new language learners that reflect Ohio's grade-level learning outcomes. They will apply research findings as they select, adapt and create a wide variety of resources that are appropriate for the second language learners with whom they work. TESOL students will also develop knowledge of and skills in the assessment of second language learners. They will use age-appropriate assessment procedures, interpret data to make instructional decisions, communicate assessment results to students and their caregivers, and develop strategies to help their students use assessment information to make decisions about their learning.

ENG 240 SURVEY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE (3)
A chronological survey of American literature from the colonial period through the 20th century. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisite: CMP 110 or CMP 120. Satisfied Critical Analysis Competency through Spring 2023. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency beginning fall 2023.

ENG 243 STUDIES IN AMERICAN LITERATURE (3)
Repeatable. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

ENG 250 INTERMEDIATE CREATIVE WRITING (3)
Students will gain skills in creative writing through producing new works and studying formal techniques in craft and style. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: One of ENG 202, ENG 203, ENG 205, ENG 207 or permission of instructor.

ENG 252 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS (3)
An introductory course emphasizing the phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics of the English language with examples from other languages as well. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

ENG 256 SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE 1 (3)
A chronological survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 18th century. Offered alternate years. Satisfied Critical Analysis competency through spring 2023. Satisfies Exploring the Past Competency beginning fall 2023.

ENG 257 SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE 2 (5)
A chronological survey of English literature from the 19th century to the present. Offered alternate years. Satisfied Critical Analysis competency through spring 2023. Satisfies Exploring the Past Competency beginning fall 2023.

ENG 261 STUDIES IN ENGLISH LITERATURE (3)
Repeatable. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

ENG 265 STUDIES IN MODERN LITERATURE (3)
Repeatable. Offered alternate years.

ENG 271 ENGLISH GRAMMAR (3)
A systematic study of the grammar of standard English based upon insights from several linguistic traditions, including that of transformational grammar. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

ENG 282 STUDIES IN THE NOVEL (3)
Repeatable. Offered alternate years.

ENG 302 ADVANCED WRITING: FICTION (3)
Advanced writing in fiction. Taught mainly in workshop format, this course extends and develops students’ writing skills and knowledge of the resources of the genre. Offered every third year. 

ENG 303 ADVANCED WRITING: POETRY (3)
Advanced writing in poetry. Taught mainly in workshop format, this course extends and develops students' writing skills and knowledge of the resources of the genre. Offered every third year. 

ENG 305 ADVANCED WRITING: NONFICTION (3)
Advanced writing in nonfiction. Taught mainly in workshop format, this course extends and develops students' writing skills and knowledge of the resources of the genre. Offered every third year. 

ENG 312 LANGUAGE VARIATION (3)
This course introduces students to the dialects of American English and to international forms of English known as world Englishes. The nature and evolution of pidgin and creole forms of English are explored, as are such linguistic phenomena as code switching and diglossia. The meanings of language and dialect are examined and relevant material from selected non-English languages is introduced to illustrate course concepts and to show contrasts between English and other languages. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

ENG 321 STUDIES IN POETRY (3)
Repeatable. Offered alternate years.

ENG 331 ENGLISH COLLOQUIUM (3)
Study of a special topic or classification of literature. Examples: African-American literature, literary criticism. These seminars are restricted to an enrollment of 15 students. Prerequisite: upper-class standing or permission of instructor. Repeatable. Offered alternate years.

ENG 367 SHAKESPEARE (3)
Study and discussion of Shakespeare’s major works. Prerequisite: upper-class standing or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years.

ENG 385 TESOL PRACTICUM (2 or 3)
A minimum 30 hour practicum in a school based setting (K-12) with a cooperating teacher who is TESOL credentialed by the Ohio Department of Education. Bluffton University supervision is provided by a supervisor with TESOL credentials and experience in a TESOL classroom. Prerequisites: ENG 210, ENG 220, ENG 271, ENG 312. Credit/No credit.

ENG 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
By arrangement.

ENG 401 CRITICAL THEORY (3)
A survey of modern critical theory and issues with emphasis on primary theoretical and philosophical texts. Various theoretical approaches will be considered, as well as issues relating to the canon, to authorial intention and to the value of theory itself. It is expected that students will apply their understandings of modern theoretical approaches in ENG 402. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.

ENG 402 RESEARCH SEMINAR (2)
Introduces the student to research procedures and methodologies, which will result in an original research thesis on a literary topic. The course will include methods of research, preparation of a prospectus, writing a research document and presenting research orally. The study may focus on literature, language, communication or drama.

ENG 425 INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Editorial work through independent study by which a student may earn credit. Assignments may include work with student publications, the Bluffton University public relations office or local newspapers. By arrangement.

ENG 430 WRITING SEMINAR (2)
Completion of a major writing project with close supervision and feedback. The project may be in a single genre or a combination of genres organized by some theme or topic. Submission of the project (or parts of it) to appropriate magazines/journals with the goal of publication.

Finance courses

FIN 353 MONEY AND BANKING (3)
A study of the economic nature of money, banks and other depository institutions and the Federal Reserve System. Emphasis is given to understanding transactions involving the interaction of commercial banks and Federal Reserve System in impacting the money supply. Prerequisites: ECN 141, ECN 142, ACT 151 and ACT 152, or permission of the instructor. Offered every fall semester.

FIN 366 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE (3)
An introduction to the financial markets and the basic finance functions of the business firm. Topics include risk and return on investment, short-term and long-term financing, financial analysis and planning and capital investment. Prerequisites: ECN 141, ECN 142, ACT 151, ACT 152 and junior status. Offered every fall semester.

FIN 367 FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (3)
An examination of the basic principles of investment, securities analysis and the construction of an investment portfolio. Application of the basic principles will be used from the viewpoint of the individual investor as well as the institutional investor. Prerequisites: ECN 141 and ACT 152. Offered spring of odd academic years.

FIN 375 PRINCIPLES OF INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT (3)
The course is designed for students who have little or no knowledge of insurance. The course offers an introduction into the fields of insurance and risk management including property and casualty, life, health and auto insurances. The course introduces students to the principles of insurance and risk management including how to identify, assess and control risk. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Offered every fall semester.

FIN 376 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE (3)
The course is designed for students who have little or no knowledge of insurance. The course offers a foundation of knowledge regarding commercial property and liability insurance. Topics would include understanding personal and business property risks and the various types of insurance products used to reduce that risk. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Offered spring of odd academic years.

GEO 111 PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY (3)
Study of people, nations and theatres of current events in their physical environment in order that the student may more accurately analyze social and political problems. Recommended for state teaching certification in social studies but does not count for the history major.

GRK 111, GRK 121 NEW TESTAMENT GREEK 1, 2 (3 each)
An introduction to the elements of New Testament Greek with emphasis on the mastery of basic forms, vocabulary and syntax. The class combines the formal, systematic approach with the inductive approach to language learning with reading in the Gospel of John. The two semesters are designed to be taken in immediate sequence. Students are also introduced to the culturally conditioned structures of thought reflected in the Greek language. Students completing the course will be able to read simpler portions of the New Testament at sight and more difficult portions with the aid of a lexicon. Offered by special arrangement as a directed study .

HEB 111, HEB 121 OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW 1, 2 (3 each)
An introduction to the Hebrew language of the Old Testament. The two semesters are designed to be taken in immediate sequence. Students study the basic grammar of the language and read short portions of a wide number of Old Testament books. Students completing the course will be able to read simpler portions of the Old Testament at sight and more difficult portions with the aid of a lexicon. Offered by special arrangement as a directed study .

Health, Fitness and Sport Science courses

HFS 110 INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE SCIENCE (3)
Provides an introduction to exercise science and the theory of movement and play. Assists the professional in acquiring the skills necessary to appreciate the values of movement. Includes a study of the qualifications and professional preparation of the exercise science major. Covers aims and background of modern programs. The psychological implications of movement education are included. First-year student or sophomore standing.

HFS 112 INTRODUCTION TO SPORT MANAGEMENT (3)
This is a foundational course designed to introduce the student to the sport management profession. It will provide an overview of the sport industry including but not limited to organizational structures, event and facility management, sport communication, and interscholastic, intercollegiate and professional athletics.

HFS 117 INTRODUCTION TO SPORT MEDICINE (3)
This course will focus on two categories. One category will be a head to toe evaluation emphasizing initial care and prevention of athletic injuries. Risk factors and mechanisms of athletic injuries are identified. Lab experiences are provided in taping, wrapping and usage of various modalities. The second category will be on CPR and First Aid. Students will earn their American Red Cross Certification by the end of the class.

HFS 120, 130 TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS 1, 2 (3 each)
These courses emphasize personal mastery of the psychomotor skills and cognitive material of selected sport activities as well as the ability to analyze skill techniques. Instruction concentrates on the point of view of the participant as a prospective player. Satisfies Living Well competency.

HFS 135 GAMES AND PROGRAM PLANNING (3)
Focuses on individual, dual, low-organization activities, quiet games, table games and social mixers usable in programming in a recreation setting.

HFS 145 RECREATION ARTS AND CRAFTS (3)
Involves designing for and working with various craft media including paper, metal, metal enamel, clay and other ceramic materials, plastic and weaving materials for children through adulthood in various recreational settings. Course materials fee: $67.

HFS 155 ADVENTURES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION (1-2)
Designed to develop introductory skills in a variety of outdoor recreation adventure opportunities in areas such as: fishing, whitewater rafting, skiing, kayaking, backpacking and high/low ropes course. Counts toward Living Well competency. Students may earn a maximum of 6 hours of credit in HFS 155. Students are allowed to retake the same topic for additional credit. Course materials fee (depending on content): $50-$85.

HFS 160 DRUG EDUCATION (2)
This course focuses on the problem of drugs in our society. Pharmacological, physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of drugs, the addiction process, treatment and prevention are studied. The course emphasizes that we are all drug educators, regardless of the profession we choose.

HFS 170 SPORT COMMUNICATION (3)
Sport Communication examines the relationship between sports and media within our cultural context by exploring the different means sport communication impacts the way individuals and groups percieve various cultural issues. Through practical experiences, students will be introduced to the various communication skills needed in the sports industry and be given the opportunity to participate in debate, mock press conferences, one-on-one interviews, and other situations where speaking and listening competencies are needed to interact with and/or represent a sports organization. Satisfies Speaking and Listening competency beginning fall 2023.

HFS 201 FITNESS ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES (3)
This course is designed to prepare students for careers in the health and fitness industry. Fitness assessment is a crucial beginning step for all exercise programs. Students will learn how to properly screen a client for physical activity readiness, select appropriate tests and assessments for a client, and conduct assessments in all areas related to physical fitness.

HFS 205 LEADERSHIP (3)
Studies principles of leadership and their application in the development of recreation programs. Topics such as goal setting, strength identification, value clarification and leadership throughout the lifespan will be explored. Satisfies Living Well Competency.

HFS 215 OUTDOOR RECREATION (3)
Study of basic techniques and resource availability for camping, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering and related activities. Review of the interest in outdoor recreation and its impact upon facilities and environment.

HFS 220 PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CONCERNS (3)
Examines individual health habits and the normal developmental pattern for humans from conception through old age. The course emphasizes discussions and decisions about sexuality, marriage, selection of mate and proper nutrition and fitness. Communicable and chronic disease recognition and prevention and community/national health responsibility are explored. Satisfies Living Well competency.

HFS 225 COMMERCIAL RECREATION (3)
This course deals with the private sector of recreation opportunities, including industrial corporations, establishment of private corporations, profit camps, sports clubs and the use of public land by private endeavors. Offered alternate years.

HFS 230 SPORT PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Sport psychology is the psychological study of individuals in relation to sports and sport environments. Psychological principles are used to provide a foundation for understanding athletes, coaches, teams, fans, opponents and the mental aspects of sports. The focus is on performance enhancement through the use of mental skills training.

HFS 235 FACILITY MANAGEMENT (3)
An in-depth exploration into planning, constructing, equipping and managing a variety of recreation facilities. Funding and fundraising is also explored. Offered alternate years.

HFS 240 COACHING METHODS (3)
This course examines the profession of coaching and involves studying the functions, techniques and methods of coaching boys’ and girls’ interscholastic/intercollegiate athletic teams. Organization and administration of athletic (and exercise science) programs are studied with sociological implications considered.

HFS 245 ADMINISTRATION OF CAMPS (3)
This course deals with the development and implementation of successful camping programs and the total camp operation.

HFS 255 COMPETITIVE STRENGTH TRAINING AND EXERCISE (2)
This course will provide both classroom and practical experience in the analysis of personal fitness and nutritional habits. The student will learn to correlate exercise science related coursework and practical skills of strength training and exercise. Satisfies Living Well competency.

HFS 266 PERSONAL WELLNESS AND EXERCISE (2)
This course is designed to teach students about the general health benefits of exercise. Students will learn about exercise benefits and how they relate to areas such as mental health, personal health, and disease prevention. Students will also learn psychological and affective behaviors to increase exercise adoption and adherence. Satisfies Living Well Competency.

HFS 270 SPORT ETHICS (3)
Students will explore the ethical presuppositions of competitive athletics and their connection both to ethical theory and to concrete moral dilemmas that arise in actual athletic competition. Students will examine the ethics of genetically enhancing athletic abilities, the morality of cheating, the ethics of strategic fouling and the impact of performance-enhancing drugs on the legitimacy of records. Students will be challenged to consider the morality of competition in sports, the ethical aspects of violence in sports and the arguments in defense of intercollegiate sports.

HFS 301 BIOMECHANICS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (3)
This course focuses on the development of techniques of human movement analysis from structural and functional points of view. Principles of mechanics as they apply to the analysis of human motion will be drawn from joint movements and sport skills to illustrate these types of analyses. Prerequisite: junior or senior status. Offered alternate years. 

HFS 305 EVENT MANAGEMENT (3)
This course introduces students to special event planning processes and techniques. Emphasis is on creating, organizing, identifying sponsors, marketing and implementing campus and community events. Offered alternate years.

HFS 310 KINESIOLOGY (3)
The science of human movement encompasses the anatomical and mechanical aspects of movement as they relate to sport, games and dance. Prerequisite: BIO 230, junior or senior standing. 

HFS 315 THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SERVICE (3)
Involves a study of leadership skills, techniques and adaptation of recreation activities for persons with disabilities. Offered alternate years.

HFS 321 APPLIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY (4)
This course is designed for upper-level health and fitness career-oriented students. During this course students will explore multiple systems of the body and how they are affected through acute and chronic bouts of exercise. Additionally, students will learn how to modify exercise principles based on a variety of diseases and fitness conditions. Students will participate in laboratory experiments and conduct research in a collaborative environment. Three lectures, one 2-hour laboratory per week.

HFS 350 SPORT AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 1 (3)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the many opportunities that exist for the professional administrator in sport management. A discussion of the foundation of sport management, career and employment opportunities, and essential skills needed in management aids the student in the development of his/her own personal philosophy of sport management in the 21st century. Offered alternate years.

HFS 355, 356 STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING 1, 2 (3 each)
This course is designed for students preparing for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’ s (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification or for students wishing to gain additional practical application of exercise science, strength training and programming. This course will introduce key principles of resistance training and conditioning to maximize strength, speed, cardiovascular and flexibility training based on concepts learned in physiology, anatomy, kinesiology and psychology. Prerequisites: BIO 230 and HFS 310 or HFS 320.

HFS 360 ISSUES IN COACHING (3)
This course examines the various issues both past and present that today's coach, both at the interscholastic and intercollegiate level, will have to deal with. The importance of program organization and philosophy formation will be studied as it relates to dealing with issues.

HFS 375 SPORT AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 2 (3)
This course will provide students with extensive discussions of the foundational aspects of the profession and current topics from the field. Throughout the course, students will discuss the significance of sport as an international social institution. Students will learn the relevance of sociological, cultural, historical, political and psychological concepts to the management of sport. Students will learn the necessary professional skills and attitudes of sport managers and ways in which the globalization of sport continues to affect sport management professions.

HFS 385 INTERNSHIP (1-15)
On-site experiences with an agency that delivers leisure services. This may include public recreation park agencies, voluntary or social agencies, correctional institutions, industries, therapeutic agencies, serving persons with disabilities or commercial recreation opportunities. Approval of department chair and instructor for non-recreation majors.

HFS 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-4)
Individual readings, research and/or field study of a recreation issue, problem, service system or activity pattern. Can include individual growth of the student in a particular area. Approval of department chair and instructor for non-recreation majors.

History courses

HIS 200 FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN CIVILIZATION (3)
A chronological overview of American history from exploration and colonization through the Civil War. Emphasis is placed on the growth and development of American society. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 201 THE MAKING OF CONTEMPORARY AMERICA (3)
A chronological survey of American history from Reconstruction through the 1980s. Emphasis is placed on the impact of industrialization, growth of the United States as a world power and the development of state capitalism. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 210, WORLD HISTORY 1, GLOBAL FOUNDATIONS (3)
A survey of world history from the Agricultural Revolution through the Age of European Expansion. Focus will be on the origins of the non-western societies and their cross-cultural interactions. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 212, WORLD HISTORY 2, THE AGE OF GLOBAL CONTACT (3)
A survey of world history from the Age of European Expansion through post-Colonialism and globalization. Focus will be on the rise of Imperialism, Capitalism and Revolution in a globalized world. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 252 OHIO AND THE OLD NORTHWEST (3)
A selective study of important themes in Ohio and regional history beginning with the Mound-builders and extending through the period of colonization, Indian removal, the Civil War and the 20th century. Opportunities for individual exploration into local history are provided and field trips supplement lectures, readings and discussion. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Exploring the Past Competency 

HIS 300 HISTORY: THEORY AND APPLICATION (3)
For majors and interested non-majors, this course combines a focus on historical methodology with its application in local archival sources. A variety of themes and topics are considered, including great controversies, philosophies of history and the relationship of the historian to society. Having surveyed some key historiographical concepts, students then turn to the practice of social history, applying the emphasis and research methods of social historians to sources in local history.

HIS 301 STUDIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
A specialized course of study focusing upon a significant theme or topic in American history, such as African-American history. Recommended background in American history. May be taken more than once with different topics. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 302 STUDIES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY (3)
A specialized course of study focusing upon a significant theme or topic in European history. Recommended background in European history. May be taken more than once with different topics. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 305 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
A chronological survey of African American history from early colonial period through the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s. It begins by exploring the arrival of slavery and examining the problem that slavery posited in colonial life. The course moves on to examine the development of slavery in its classic form in antebellum America, with particular focus on different historo-graphical approaches, before moving on to survey African American life in the Jim-Crow south and the creation of segregation. Finally, the course concludes with a careful treatment of the great migration of rural blacks to the urban north and then an analysis of the freedom struggles of the later 20th century. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 310 U.S. WOMEN’ S HISTORY (3)
A chronological survey of U.S. women’ s history from the 17th to the 20th century. Primary themes throughout the course include work and family, class and race, public and private, and religion and politics. Examines how women’ s history and status have been defined by these categories and how each has changed over time and differed for women from diverse cultures and communities. This course may be taken as part of the Women’ s Studies minor.

HIS 312 EUROPEAN WOMEN’ S HISTORY (3)
This course will survey European Women’ s lives from the High Middle Ages through the Early Modern Period. Students will discuss the ways that religious, political and cultural authorities controlled women as well as the ways that women exercised agency within those restrictions. The course will examine the diversity and similarity of women’ s experiences depending on their age, social status, religion, country of origin or time. This course may be taken as part of the Women’ s Studies minor. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 320 CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION (3)
This course offers a chronological survey of the causes, course and impact of the American Civil War and the Era of Reconstruction that occurred in its wake. A variety of related topics and themes will be considered, included key military developments, the particular impact of the war on American gender and race relations, and the war as a major step in the development of total war. In addition, the course will survey the dramatic postwar political and social events emanating from the emancipation of four million slaves. The course includes one overnight field trip to a battlefield. No prerequisite. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 325 THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II (3)
The period from 1929 to 1945 were arguably the key, critical years in the history of twentieth-century America. At the beginning of this era, this country was an inward-focused nation with a skeletal military, a minimal diplomatic corps and was largely content to remain isolated from world affairs. Sixteen years later it had developed one of the largest militaries on the globe, had triumphed in a world war, and stood ready to play a dominant role in the international arena. In 1929 most Americans regarded the federal government as a distant entity, mostly irrelevant to their daily lives. Less than two decades later, they felt its presence in a multitude of ways: in their paychecks, their pensions and as a fundamental safeguard of their welfare. These rapid transformations had occurred only through a series of traumatic economic and military shocks: a major depression that left Americans starving in the streets, and an unprovoked military attack that devastated its navy and plunged it into the major global cataclysm of the century. For all these reasons, any student of US history needs to come to grips with the critical period of 1929 to 1945, when America endured the trials of the Great Depression and global war. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 329 WORLD WAR I AND THE RISE OF EXTREMISM IN EUROPE (3)
This course explores the causes, course, and aftermath of World War I (1914-1918) in Europe. The course starts with the political and industrial revolutions at the onset of the “long nineteenth century” that transformed European economies, politics, and society. In particular, students will focus on the rise of ideologies such as Social Darwinism, racism, and militarism that came to inform European politics in the course of the nineteenth century and how these ideologies contributed to the outbreak of World War I. Students will explore the course of World War I in depth through the lens of ordinary soldiers on the front and civilians on the home front to gain a deep understanding of the devastating consequences of the first industrialized war that paved the way for extremist politics on the political right and left. In the last part of the course, students will explore the final phase and the aftermath of World War I that gave rise to Communist Russia and National Socialist Germany. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 331 NAZI GERMANY AND THE HOLOCAUST (3)
This course explores the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust form 1933 to 1945. The course explores key aspects of the Nazi state (1933-1945), including the situation of both Jews and non-Jews in Germany and Europe, the centrality of race and ideology, the motivations of perpetrators and the response of victims, the evolution of the Nazi death camps, and the intersection between war and genocide. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 332 COLD-WAR GERMANY AND EUROPE (3)
This course examines the history of postwar Germany within the European context from 1945 to the present. In particular, it focuses on how World War II gave rise to the Cold War and how specific events such as Stalin’s dominance of Eastern Europe in 1945, the division of Germany, the 1960s student movement, and the emergence of domestic terrorism decisively shaped Germany and modern Europe. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 340 REGIONAL AND NATIONAL STUDIES (3)
A specialized course of study on a particular topic or civilization significant in world history. Course topics may include Russia, Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, China and the Far East, etc. Announcement of the course topic is made prior to registration. May be taken more than once with different topics. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 345 FOOD: A HISTORY (3)
This course explores world history through the lens of food and culture from prehistory to the present. Students explore when and why a variety of international cuisines evolved within a particular historical context and how these food traditions continue to shape contemporary culture even as they intersect with globalization and the industrialization of food. Students will learn how factors like religion, politics and conquest, geography and climate, abundance and scarcity shaped the food culture and practices of myriad peoples around the globe. This three-credit-hour course includes an occasional lab. Students will prepare historical and contemporary dishes of the respective cuisine (i. e. Jewish, African, Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern, European etc.) covered in any given week. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HIS 359 MENNONITE HISTORY AND THOUGHT (3)
The course surveys the history and meaning of Mennonitism from its inception to the present. Topics may include Mennonite origins in the Anabaptist Reformation of the 16th century, Mennonites in colonial North America, the movement westward with the frontier, the Quickening of the 19th century, the schisms of the 19th and 20th centuries, the impact of such American phenomena as revivalism and fundamentalism on Mennonite thought, the Mennonite response to war and the character of Mennonite theology. Emphases on particular topics may vary from one term to another. Cross-listed as REL 359. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

HIS 380 HISTORY INTERNSHIP (2-4)
A supervised work/study experience with a historical society, museum, archives or other institution providing an opportunity to apply classroom learning through research, planning exhibits, organizing collections or other “public history” activities.

HIS 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN HISTORY (1-4)
By arrangement; topic to be proposed by the student.

HIS 400 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3)
A course providing practice in research and writing using primary source materials. The course focuses on research methodology and the preparation of a seminar paper. A common theme in either American or European history is selected each year, and individual student research findings are shared. For juniors and seniors. Topic alternates between American and European history. May be taken more than once with different topics. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisite: CMP 110 or CMP 120.

Honors courses

HON 120 HONORS SEMINAR: BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW & HERMENEUTICS (3)
Introduction to Biblical Worldview and Hermeneutics emphasizes the ability to read and understand Biblical texts in a discerning way and to explore their potential for shaping a contemporary worldview. By the end of the semester, successful students will be able to produce interpretations of Biblical texts informed by the texts’ literary and historical contexts and the students’ own social locations. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Reading the Bible competency.

HON 130 ART AS TRANSFORMATION (3)
This course will introduce students to the function of art as a vehicle of human development, transformation, and activism. The course will discuss Paleolithic and tribal art, Outsider and religious art from the Christian, Hindu and Buddhist traditions and contemporary Western art. The course will also look at present-day street art and performance art as activism with a focus on human rights and the freedom of expression and worship. The course includes a semester-long, hands-on art project. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

HON 200 HONORS SEMINAR: RHETORIC AND ARGUMENTATION (3)
This seminar engages students in Bluffton’s Honors Program with essential questions regarding how meaning is made from texts (including spoken and written texts), the nature of rhetorical influence, and the development of critical and analytical skills. This course will introduce students to the evaluation of rhetorical arguments for their validity, logical soundness and persuasive appeal. The course will also include the examination of current rhetorical discourse in political and local arenas and techniques for developing and deploying effective arguments through a variety of communication mediums. Within the seminar format students will engage with rhetorical theory, lead conversations, and practice a variety of types of communication practices intended to influence others. Prerequisites: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Speaking and Listening competency.

HON 210 HONORS SEMINAR IN THE HUMANITIES (3)
This seminar engages students in Bluffton’s Honors Program in a historic and literary consideration of a major theme that is significant to the humanities. Students will consider the shifting social, political, and philosophical order in light of the changing meanings and portrayals of the theme in literature and in historic figures and events. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

HON 220 GREAT WRITING: THE DREAM OF A COMMON LANGUAGE (3)
Students will read, discuss and respond to great works of literature (from wide range of places and perspectives, but mainly from the last two centuries) that explore the dream of human flourishing and the many obstacles to realizing that dream. We will pay particular attention to how language and narrative shape consciousness, our ability to interpret and influence events and social conditions, and the ways fiction and poetry examine global and universal issues through the local and particular. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

HON 230 THE HISTORY OF CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE (3)
Students will read and analyze a selection of the most important papers relating to the effect of human carbon dioxide emissions on climate, beginning with the identificaion of the greeenhouse effect in the 19th Century and moving through significant papers from the 20th Century that detail the global significance of this challenge. Students will be asked to identify useful contemporary papers for future editions of the course. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

HON 240 SEARCHING FOR ALIENS (4)
This course investigates the scientific methods used to find habitable exoplanets and, potentially, the confirmation of extraterrestrial life. Topics cover relevant concepts in astronomy, physics, chemistry and biology with laboratory exercises designed to reinforce these ideas. As humanity asks whether we are alone in the universe, we will ask what implications the answer has for our understanding of ourselves and society. Prerequisites: Placement at or above MAT 100/MAT 114 and good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency.

HON 250 FROM APOCALYPSE TO ZOMBIE (3)
Apocalypses are a genre with ancient roots and modern currency. In this course, students will first explore apocalypticism in the ancient world and in biblical and related literature. Students will then survey the after-lives of these texts within apocalyptic movements in early Judaism and Christianity, rabbinic Judaism, medieval Christianity, and Islam. Finally, students will assess the robust influence of apocalyptic thought on contemporary worldviews by analyzing apocalyptic themes in films and novels, the rhetoric of climate change, "doomsday cults," and the zombie as a cultural symbol. By the end of the semester, students will produce interpretations that assess ancient and modern apocalyptic visions of social transformation both locally and globally. Prerequisites: REL 100 or permission from the instructor and good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

HON 260 PERSONAL FINANCE (3)
An introduction to the topics of personal finance, including personal budgets, taxes, maintaining good credit, evaluating major purchases (car/house), insurance, health care expenses and retirement planning. By the end of the course, successful students will have prepared a personal finance plan. Satisfies Living Well competency. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program.

HON 270 FAITH AND FICTION (3)
Students will read, discuss, and respond to literary texts that engage significant religious issues. Through these texts, students will engage with fiction that warmly affirms faith commitments and that offers wrenching questions about belief. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

HON 310 JUNIOR HONORS: IN SEARCH OF PURPOSE (3)
This course is an applied philosophy class for the students in the Honors Program. By applying different theoretical frameworks that we have learned (in school and in life) the course will explore how our insights fit into the many “-isms” of history and what that might mean as we try to find our way in living the good life. Each week, we will read a conventional theory about the nature of the good life and hear from one or two students who have some connection to that theory. Students will share their insights, stories, pieces of artwork, and food in an effort to help us understand a bit more about what it means to live well. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

HON 313 WHITHER THE SACRED? CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION (3)
Using the lens of the sociology of religion, this course examines change and continuity in religion and spirituality from the global to the local. Despite many predictions describing the complete secularization of the world, religion and spirituality persists, though with many changes. In this course, we examine social scientific approaches to religion with a focus on religious change and persistence in life-span development (with a particular focus on emerging adulthood), the resurgence of religious nationalism in the United States, the role of gender and religion in Islam, and patterns or religious expression and participation worldwide. Students cannot get credit for this course and SOC 314. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

HON 320 NAZI GERMANY & THE HOLOCAUST (3)
This course explores the history of the Holocaust, the German state's effort during World War II (1939-1945) to murder Jews along with other alleged enemies of the regime. We contextualize the rise of national Socialism and Adolf Hitler within major historical developments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; we explore key aspects of the Nazi state (1933-1945), including the situation of both Jews and non-Jews in Germany and Europe, the centrality of race and ideology, the motivations of perpetrators and the response of victims, the evolution of the Nazi death camps, and the intersection between war and genocide. The class engages a key problem of our time, namely that of prejudice, stereotyping and racism and how these pernicious forces work to precipitate violence. It challenges students to use a historical lens to recognize their own responsibility, especially in their local communities, to become agents of change as they learn to recognize and challenge prejudices and racism in its many contemporary manifestations. Prerequisite: Good standing in the honors program. Satisfies Exploring the Past competency.

LAS 205 VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Students who have participated in voluntary service for a significant period of time prior to attending college or during their college career may apply for academic credit for this experience. Maximum credit granted 12 semester hours.

Mathematics courses

MAT 050 BASIC MATHEMATICS (3) (only 2 count toward graduation)
Students review and apply basic computational and algebraic concepts and skills. Problem solving is a major focus of the course, including basic applications to geometry. Scientific calculators are required. Offered every spring semester.

MAT 100 COLLEGE ALGEBRA (3)
This course presents concepts and skills typically found in a college algebra course including development of real number systems, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations and inequalities, and solving mathematical problems that model real world situations. Numerical, algebraic and graphical representations are used throughout the course. Graphing calculators are required and are used to accommodate numerical and graphical solution techniques in addition to traditional paper and pencil methods. prerequisites: MAT 050 or three years of high school mathematics and qualification for placement. Offered every fall semester.

MAT 114 PRECALCULUS (4)
A study of families of elementary functions and their important properties: power functions, polynomials, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their inverses. Numerical, algebraic and graphical representations of each family are included. Polya's problem-solving methods are used to solve mathematical problems that model real-world situations. Graphing calculators are required and are used extensively. Prerequisites: MAT 100 or placement into MAT 114. Offered every fall semester.

MAT 115 BUSINESS CALCULUS (3)
A study of functions and applied differential calculus for economics, business and other social sciences. Emphasis is on spreadsheet analysis of common elementary situations. Other topics covered include systems of linear equations and an introduction to linear programming. Prerequisites: MAT 100 or placement into MAT 114 or above. Offered every spring semester. 

MAT 135 CALCULUS 1 (5)
A study of fundamental concepts and applications of the differential calculus of one variable, as well as introductory integral calculus. Polya’s problem-solving methods are used to solve mathematical problems that model real-world situations, and which require methods of differential calculus for their solution. The historical roles of Newton and Leibniz are discussed. Graphing calculators are required and are used extensively. Projects that require use of computer algebra systems such as Mathematica or Maple are included. prerequisites: MAT 114 or four years of high school math and qualification for placement. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency. Offered every semester.

MAT 136 CALCULUS 2 (5)
A study of fundamental concepts and applications of the differential calculus of one variable, as well as introductory integral calculus. Polya’s problem- solving methods are used to solve mathematical problems that model real-world situations and which require methods of differential calculus for their solution. The historical roles of Newton and Leibniz are discussed. Technology (spreadsheets, graphing calculators and online resources) are used extensively.  Prerequisites: MAT 135 or its equivalent. Offered every spring semester.

MAT 211 INTRODUCTORY GEOMETRY (3)
A study of classical theorems from plane Euclidean geometry. Discovery methods and inductive reasoning are used with a computer geometry program as a tool to discover relationships. A variety of proof methods are compared and contrasted as discovered relationships are proven. The historical contributions of Greek, Indian, Arab and European mathematicians are discussed, particularly those of Euclid, Pythagoras, Desargues, Pappus, Archimedes, Heron, Bhaskara, Fermat and Ceva. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisite: MAT 135. Offered every spring semester.

MAT 220 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS (3)
This course introduces the student to general methods of discrete mathematics on topics selected from sets, relations and functions, graphs, trees, matching problems, counting techniques and recurrence. An algorithmic approach to problem solving is a common thread that ties these various topics together. Historical contributions of mathematics to graph theory and discrete mathematics are discussed, particularly those of Cantor, Euler, Fibonacci, Hamilton, Gauss, Boole and Russell. Prerequisite: qualification for placement at the calculus level. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency. Offered every fall semester.

MAT 225 MULTIVARIATE CALCULUS (3)
A development of vector calculus, partial derivatives and multiple integrals, properties of vectors and transformations on coordinate systems, line and surface integrals, and projects that make use of systems such as Mathematica or Maple for three-dimensional display is included throughout the course. Prerequisite: MAT 136. Offered every spring semester.

MAT 230 LINEAR ALGEBRA (3)
A study of vector spaces and subspaces, linear transformations, matrices and determinants, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices. Real world problems are modeled and solved using whatever methods are appropriate paper and pencil, graphing calculator or computer algebra systems. Prerequisite: MAT 135. Offered every spring semester.

MAT 312 ADVANCED GEOMETRY (3)
This course uses a formal axiomatic development to study both Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. The course includes a significant amount of mathematical history particularly as the discovery of non-Euclidean geometry relates to the development of modern mathematics of the past century. Formal proof is a major focus of this course. Prerequisite: MAT 211. Offered fall of even academic years.

MAT 332 ABSTRACT ALGEBRA (3)
A study of groups and rings using properties of sets, equivalence relations and number theory. Historical contributions of mathematicians to number theory and algebra are discussed, particularly those of Diophantus, Fermat, Euler, Lagrange, Abel, Cayley, Cauchy, Galois, Jordan, Noether, Germain, Artin, Dedekind and Sylow. Prerequisite: MAT 230. Offered fall of odd academic years.

MAT 340 PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS (3)
A study of the theory of probability and inferential statistics, including both discrete and continuous probability distributions. The distributions studied include the binomial, geometric, Poisson, normal, gamma, exponential, chi-square, t and F distributions. Includes random sampling, estimation theory, unbiased estimators and some study of tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation. Historical contributions of mathematicians to probability and statistics are discussed, particularly those of Bayes, Bernoulli, Chebyshev, Gauss and Poisson. Prerequisite: MAT 136; MAT 225 recommended. Offered every spring semester.

MAT 350 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND MODELING (3)
A study of differential equations generated from modeling nature and the physical world using analytic, numeric and graphical techniques. The course begins with the study of elementary differential equations and introductory models in classroom and computer laboratory settings, then more complex general mathematical models are introduced. Calculator and computer technology are used extensively. Group and individual projects are required. Prerequisite: MAT 136. Offered fall of even academic years.

MAT 360 OPERATIONS RESEARCH (3)
A study of introductory topics in operations research: linear programming, integer programming, network models and applications to the transportation problem and the Program Evaluation and Review Technique, Markov chains, queuing theory and simulation. Computer technology is used extensively. Group and individual projects are required. Prerequisite: MAT 230. Offered fall of even academic years.

MAT 380 MATHEMATICS AND METHODS SEMINAR (2)
This course includes both contents and methods. Content topics discussed are ones that can be adapted to either elementary or secondary levels and relate to “mathematics enrichment.” The course also includes discussion of professional behavior topics and students study the K-12 reform curriculum of the NCTM standards, the integrated mathematics curriculum vs. the traditional mathematics curriculum, other current trends in mathematics education, and the future of mathematics education. In addition, the course includes selected topics from the history of mathematics. Offered fall of odd academic years.

MAT 385 MATHEMATICS INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours, and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

MAT 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MATHEMATICS (2-5) (By arrangement)
Two courses of independent study in mathematics are required for graduation with honors in mathematics; also available by proposal from any student majoring in mathematics.

MAT 401 ANALYSIS 1 (3)
This course is intended as a first course in analysis following multivariate calculus. The study of sets, sequences and mappings becomes a foundation for more theoretical study of real and complex analysis. Topics include: axiomatic development of the real numbers, countability, convergence and divergence of sequences and series, limits of functions, continuity, and a first introduction to set topology (open and closed sets, metric spaces, separability, compactness and uniform continuity).  Prerequisite: MAT 225. Offered fall of odd academic years.

Media courses

MED 222 TOPICS IN MEDIA (3)
Provides an opportunity for sustained study of a particular theoretical, critical or professional topic within media.

MED 225 WRITING FOR THE MEDIA (3)
Focuses on news gathering and writing for print, broadcast and new media. In addition to learning journalistic research and writing techniques, students become acquainted with practical aspects of publishing including an introduction to desktop publishing. Philosophical and ethical issues are addressed in the course. Lab experiences include field trips, guest lectures and writing for blufftonwit.com. Prerequisite: CMP 110 or CMP 120.

MED 226 MEDIA PRODUCTION PRACTICUM 1 (1)
Provides practical experience working on staff for The Witmarsum and 96.1 The Wit FM. Students are expected to produce original media content, such as writing, videography, photography, sports broadcasts, podcasts, audio feature stories for regular distribution either online or live broadcasts. Can be repeated.

MED 230 STUDIES IN CINEMA (3)
Surveys the history, elements, common themes and the art of watching films. The course examines the role cinema plays in our culture and how our culture shapes cinema, explores ethical and spiritual considerations in relation to a variety of film genres and offers different methods of film analysis for study.

MED 240 MEDIA AND CULTURE (3)
The course offers an investigation of the history, technologies and cultural implications of all forms of commercial media in American society. This course is designed to develop in students an appreciation for the cultural significance of the media, an understanding of key theoretical issues in media studies and awareness of key approaches of reading media texts. Writing-enriched course. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

MED 242 SOCIAL MEDIA (2)
Explores the unique challenges of communication via social media. The course will examine the cultures contained within popular social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X and Pinterest, and the ways those cultures shape and affect the messages contained within them. The role of social media in the professional world will be discussed with particular emphasis on how students should present themselves in these media. Satisfies Living Well competency.

MED 277 PUBLIC RELATIONS (3)
Introduces strategic issues and effective practices of communication between organizations and their constituencies. Includes the study of public opinion research, media relations, public communications campaigns, consumer identity and representational ethics. Students gain practical experience in writing news releases, conducting surveys and designing integrated campaigns. Prerequisite: COM 120.

MED 352 GENDER, RACE AND MEDIA (3)
Explores the ways that media shape understandings of ourselves and others as gendered and raced human beings. Students will study theoretical explanations for these relationships through the frameworks of critical theory and cultural studies to better understand specific media texts. In addition, students will examine various methods of media criticism and investigate how these methods can be deployed to challenge and resist damaging media representations.

MED 375 ADVANCED MEDIA WRITING (3)
Refines students’ writing skills developed in MED 225 Writing for the Media with emphasis on writing leads, features, editorial/op-ed and investigative pieces. This course will also explore advanced techniques for researching stories, conducting interviews and converging content across media platforms. Stories assigned and produced in the class may be used for publication with The Witmarsum. Prerequisite: MED 225.

MED 415 TELEVISION CRITICISM (3)
Explores a variety of critical approaches to understanding television programming. Students will study and apply methods of media criticism, critical theory, and cultural criticism to better appreciate the role of televised media content in our current cultural context. In addition, students will be challenged to critically engage with television as a critical text and to become careful interpreters of televised artifacts.

MED 425 INTERNSHIP IN MEDIA(1-4)
Provides an opportunity to apply communication skills either in a for-profit organization or a not-for-profit agency. In consultation with an advisor from the communication and fine arts department, the student is assigned an organizational supervisor/evaluator at an appropriate business or agency to work at a level commensurate with the student’s knowledge and experience. The student works with the organizational representatives to develop a plan that accommodates the needs of the organization and recognizes the level of the student. Communicative skills that may be utilized in this experience include: public speaking, interviewing, writing, editing, human resource management, journalism, broadcasting and leadership in meetings or developing audio/video tools for the organization.

Management courses

MGT 354 PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (3)
A study of management of the modern firm based on the classic managerial functions of planning, organizing, leading and control with an emphasis on using team-based learning structures. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: CMP 110 or CMP 120, and ECN 141 and ECN 142  or NTR 225; and junior status. Offered every semester.

MGT 355 PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (3)
The study of management issues and analytical problem-solving techniques in the areas of manufacturing and service management. Prerequisite: MGT 354. Offered spring of even academic years.

MGT 359 ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3)
This course brings together, examines and develops the knowledge required to successfully organize, create and manage a business endeavor. The student will explore the feasibility of an idea through the use of a business plan. Prerequisites: ACT 151, MGT 354 and MKT 356 or permission of the instructor. Offered fall of odd academic years.

MGT 364 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (3)
The study of the personnel field in the modern organization, dealing with the areas of recruitment, training, employee relations, compensation, health and safety and separation. In addition, the impact of government regulations and the demands of society will be analyzed. Prerequisite: MGT 354 or permission of the instructor. Offered every spring semester.

MGT 380 CORPORATE STRATEGY (3)
This senior capstone course requires the student to synthesize what has been learned in the separate functional fields of business. Students will utilize knowledge from previous course work in business, strengthen oral and written communication skills, develop critical thinking ability and develop the ability to work in groups. A major portion of the class will be devoted to case studies in business. prerequisites: MGT 354, MKT 356, FIN 366 and senior standing, or permission of the instructor. Offered every spring semester.

Marketing courses

MKT 325 E-COMMERCE (3)
This course will provide an understanding of the technical skills, the business concepts and strategies and the social issues surrounding one of the fastest growing areas of the Internet. The course will explore the impact the Internet has made regarding the exchange of goods and services, the organizational form and legal issues. It will also explore the problems created by electronic commerce such as privacy, security, intellectual property and legal liability issues. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: ECN 141 and MKT 356.Offered spring of odd academic years. 

MKT 356 PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING (3)
An examination of the functions of marketing and marketing institutions with emphasis on market structures and pricing, distribution channels and the management of marketing function. Prerequisites: ECN 141 and ECN 142 and junior status. Offered every fall semester.

MKT 357 MARKETING RESEARCH (3)
An introduction to information gathering, research design, sampling techniques, data collection processes and analysis of data used in marketing decisions. prerequisites: MKT 356 and BUS 284. Offered spring of even academic years.

MKT 358 CONSUMER BEHAVIOR (3)
Consumer behavior is the study of the decision-making process involved in acquiring, consuming and disposing of goods, services, experiences and ideas. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: ECN 141 and MKT 356. Offered fall of odd academic years.

MKT 360 SALES (3)
An introduction to sales techniques, cases, sales management, recruiting, evaluation and control within the marketing environment. Prerequisite: MKT 356. Offered fall of even academic years.

MKT 362 ADVERTISING (3)
An introduction to the field of advertising and its relationship to marketing. Consideration is given to all facets of an advertising campaign. Areas covered include: target marketing methods, basic media selection, promotion, creativity and production. Prerequisite: MKT 356. Offered spring of odd academic years.

MKT 363 MARKETING MANAGEMENT (3)
Covers marketing decision-making and interaction among different function areas of marketing to better develop marketing strategies that define target markets and build a marketing mix. Prerequisites: MGT 354 , MKT 356 and senior standing. Offered as directed study.

MLS 385 MEDICAL LABORATORY INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours, and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

Music courses

MUS 005 MUSIC THEATRE WORKSHOP (.5)
Preparation and performance of staged opera and musical theatre works, both in their entirety and in excerpts. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership.

MUS 010 CHAMBER MUSIC -01 (.5), -02 (0)
Small instrumental (e.g. Flute Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Quartet, String Quartet) and vocal ensembles which perform varied repertoire both on and off campus. Ensembles are formed based on student interest. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership. Counts toward Creative Expression competency.

MUS 021 CONCERT BAND -01 (.5), -02 (0)
The Concert Band consists of traditional woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentation, which performs a varied repertoire at several on-campus performances each year. Membership is open to any campus/community instrumentalist desirous of playing. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership. Counts toward Creative Expression competency.

MUS 022 JAZZ ENSEMBLE -01 (.5), -02 (0)
A select ensemble which studies and performs music in various contemporary popular idioms, including jazz improvisation. Membership based on auditions; conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership. Counts toward Creative Expression competency.

MUS 023 LIMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA -01 (.5)
A semi-professional community orchestra which performs a series of nine concerts each year. One three-hour rehearsal per week. Audition required. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership.

MUS 024 UNIVERSITY CHORALE -01 (.5), -02 (0)
The University Chorale is a large mixed ensemble focused on diverse repertoire including global, contemporary and traditional sacred and secular music. This group participates in both on- and off-campus performances and special events and is open to all students. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership. Counts toward Creative Expression competency.

MUS 033 CAMERATA SINGERS -01 (.5), -02 (0)
The Camerata Singers is a select chamber choir which performs primarily sacred music in concert performances both on-campus and in the region. This ensemble tours extensively. Much of its varied repertoire is performed a cappella. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership. Counts toward Creative Expression competency.

MUS 034 CHORAL SOCIETY -01 (.5), -02 (0)
Choral Society performs a large choral/orchestra work each semester. The fall semester is the annual performance of Handel's Messiah. The spring semester performance is during the Bach Festival concert. Membership is open to any campus or community member. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership.

Nursing courses

NRS 101 INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL NURSING (1)
This course will provide an introduction to the science and art of the profession of nursing. The conceptual framework for the Bluffton University Nursing Program will be introduced, including the overarching themes and key concepts that are threaded throughout the curriculum. The history of nursing in the United States will be presented. The current state of the nursing profession including licensure and nursing professional roles will be discussed. A discussion of the role of the nursing profession in the overall scheme of health care delivery and the development and use of a systems-thinking approach will also be addressed. The central concepts of the nursing discipline – person, health, nursing, environment, teaching-learning provide the context for teaching and learning. Cultural awareness is also integrated throughout the course. Course material fee: $60. Offered every fall semester.

NRS 102 INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL NURSING (1)
This course expands on the content offered in Introduction to Professional Nursing I. The current state of the nursing profession including licensure, certification and nursing professional roles will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on development of knowledge regarding the Ohio Board of Nursing, nursing law and rule as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code, and the Ohio State Nurse Practice Act. National testing as provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and compact licensure will be discussed. A review of the role of the nursing profession in the overall scheme of health care delivery and the development and use of a systems-thinking approach by nurses as healthcare professionals in the contemporary healthcare market will also be addressed. The importance of cultural awareness in the practice of professional nursing will be discussed. Students will also participate in clinical lab activities that will cover the nursing skills of donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, taking vital signs, medical terminology, basic drug calculation skills and basic medication administration principles. Prerequisite: NRS 101. Offered every spring semester.

NRS 301 GLOBAL HEALTH AND INTERCULTURAL CARE (3)
The course will introduce students to the basic concepts of health from a global perspective emphasizing how society and culture shape health and health perspectives; methods to reduce morbidity and mortality from disease; and the global efforts to improve health. Health profile data and outcomes for the United States and other nations will be compared and contrasted to identify current trends and issues. The course will also analyze the role of the professional nurse in the design and provision of culturally competent and appropriate care across all types of health care settings. Concepts related to intercultural health including disease transmission, health policy and health-care economics are emphasized. Offered every fall semester.

NRS 302 EPIDEMIOLOGY FOR NURSES (3)
This course is designed to provide nursing students with a basic knowledge and understanding of epidemiology as the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in human populations. Improving health by altering personal and environmental risk factors will be a major focus. The various fields of epidemiological analysis and research will also be introduced. Offered every spring semester.

NRS 401 TRANSITION TO BACCALAUREATE NURSING (1)
This course provides the RN an introduction to the professional BSN nursing role. There is a focus on nursing and the related theories that impact the discipline and healthcare delivery practice settings. Contemporary role expectations are examined as the foundation of professional nursing. Current reports and nursing literature will be reviewed to examine current nursing education programs as well as role competencies as defined by the major nursing organizations. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered every fall semester.

NRS 402 RESEARCH IN NURSING: EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE (3)
This course provides the RN the opportunity to examine the components of the research process and the methodologies used to collect data. Evidenced-based practice is explored as a foundation for safe, effective nursing care. Students will complete a research project proposal/change project demonstrating understanding of the concepts discussed in the classroom. Students will also examine current research to become an effective consumer of research. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered every fall semester.

NRS 403 POPULATION BASED CARE (4)
This course provides the student with a theory and practicum base for community-oriented nursing practice. The student will discuss the importance of promoting and protecting the health of the community using principles of health promotion and disease management through the use of community health principles. Community assessment, epidemiologic factors, political action, case management and environmental factors are used to direct evidence-based practice. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered every fall semester.

NRS 404 MANAGING CARE ACROSS THE HEALTH CONTINUUM (4)
This course is designed to provide the RN with the opportunity to examine the various leadership roles and responsibilities within healthcare today. Emerging management roles are also discussed. Basic principles of leadership, management, policy, change, finance, interdisciplinary collaboration and practice settings are presented. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered every spring semester.

NRS 405 HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (3)
This course focuses on the design of current healthcare delivery as well as the financial environments in place today. Students will discuss types of organizations and care levels provided. Financial management, reimbursement, regulatory processes, healthcare policy and healthcare reform. Basic healthcare budgeting methods will be presented. Political and economic factors that influence and impact nursing practice will be emphasized. Students will discuss how financial management impacts safety, patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, and quality of care. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered every spring semester.

NRS 406 NURSING INFORMATICS (2)
This course is designed to prepare the RN to apply computer technology to the management of patient, family, group or community information as well as discuss possible uses for informatics in the future development of nursing practice. Ethical and legal issues pertinent to healthcare delivery will be presented. The student will have the opportunity to compare and contrast current applications in use in practice and education. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered fall of even academic years.

NRS 407 CARING FOR AN AGING POPULATION (2)
This course focuses on the care of older adults across the health continuum as well as assisting elders to maintain wellness. Current theories are examined with regard to physical, psychological, legal and social aspects of aging. The student will compare and contrast assessment data that reflect normal aging changes compared to pathology. Chronic and complex health issues are presented with emphasis on community resources, interdisciplinary team management and quality of life. End-of-life care for individuals and families is also presented. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Offered fall of odd academic years. 

NRS 408 CURRENT TRENDS AND ISSUES IN NURSING (3)
This course focuses on contemporary trends in health care delivery and nursing practice. Students will use previous knowledge and current information to examine the role of today’s nurse in health care delivery and management. Regulatory issues will be discussed as they impact delivery of patient care, quality of care and cost of care. Relevant legislative issues will also be presented – law and pending issues. Prerequisites: admission to BSN program, RN certification and BUS/PSY 284. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency. Offered every spring semester.

Natural science courses

NSC 105 THE CHEMISTRY OF EVERYTHING (3)
The elements of chemistry will be explored, with an emphasis on “household chemistry” involving materials that might be found at home. Topics to be covered include acid-base and oxidation-reduction chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, and how chemists move between the macroscopic and microscopic. Environmentally relevant topics will be integrated into the discussion.

NSC 106 HUMAN BIOLOGY TODAY (3)
This course covers issues related to human biology. Possible topics emphasized include genetics and genetic engineering, how humans fit into the historical scheme of life, human variation, human health and nutrition, the systems of the human body, cell division and cancer, human population dynamics, immerging infectious diseases and human impact on the Earth’s ecosystems. The specific topics emphasized may vary from term to term. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

NSC 107 THE SCIENCE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE (3)
This course offers insight into the science behind our current understanding of the Earth’s climate system both past and present. By examining the workings of Earth’s climate, students are offered insight into the potential for current human activities to alter climate with its biological and economic consequences. The major topics covered include an explanation of the current functioning of Earth’s climate and its impact on biota. We also investigate long term fluctuations in climate driven by orbital factors, shorter term fluctuations (glacial events) and recorded/historical climate changes. The relationships between climate and flora, fauna and human activity is examined. Throughout, the presentation includes the history of science, present day understandings of science, linkages between branches of science and the impact of scientific knowledge on humankind. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

NSC 109 ENERGY (3)
One of the most important challenges facing society in the 21st century involves the development of new ways to obtain energy from our environment and technologies to transform and use this energy. This course explores the topic of energy in many of its important forms. The course starts by examining the classical physics of energy. Various forms of potential and kinetic energy, such as motion, heat, light and electricity, and the energy of atoms are studied, as well as the theories and techniques of energy transformation. The course leads to an investigation of alternative energy sources, such as solar, biomass and wind power and will look at questions of sustainability, economics and societal impact of these new energy technologies. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

NSC 210 GEOLOGY AND SOILS (4)
This course is an introduction to geology: the scientific study of the Earth’s physical structure and processes. Topics covered include the rock cycle, plate tectonics, geological time, weathering, erosion, volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes and the formation and properties of soils. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered fall semesters of even calendar years.

NSC 220 HYDROLOGY (4)
This course is an introduction to hydrology, the scientific study of the distribution, movement and management of water, in a conservation context. Topics covered include the physical and chemical properties of water, the hydrological cycle, fluid dynamics, freshwater resources, past and present threats to these water resources, and water treatment. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered spring semesters of odd calendar years.

Nutrition courses

NTR 101 INTRODUCTION TO DIETETICS PROFESSION(1)
This course is an introduction to the dietetics profession. Topics include the educational and credentialing requirements, professional associations, career areas of employment and the need for continuing education, ethics and leadership across the career spectrum.

NTR 105 INTRODUCTION TO FOODS (3)
This course provides an introduction to foods and food preparation within the context of societal concerns related to health and wellness. Lecture emphasizes the human ecological model and how environmental interaction has evolved and changed with time (food safety, biotechnology, food technology, food production, sustainable living). Lab emphasizes basic techniques of food preparation. Two lectures, three hours of laboratory work per week. Suitable for majors and non-majors. Satisfies Living Well competency.

NTR 210 FOOD SCIENCE (4)
A study of scientific principles related to food and food preparation. This course promotes an understanding of the composition of food and food products and the principles of food preparation leading to palatability, maximum nutrient retention and food sanitation. Three lectures, three hours of laboratory work per week.

NTR 225 FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION (3)
A study of the nutritional needs of the human body for good health. Specific attention is given to understanding the nutrients and their chemical characteristics, functions in the body and food sources. The nutritional requirements of the individual student are emphasized in an attempt to understand the relationship between diet and health. Suitable for non-majors. Satisfies Living Well competency.

NTR 235 CONSUMER AND CULTURAL FOODS (2)
This course will provide students with the ability to explore various foods commonly seen at restaurants, grocery stores, and various menus and apply content learned in NTR 225 regarding macronutrients and micronutrients and apply this to evaluating foods.

NTR 236 SPORTS NUTRITION (2)
This course will introduce the students to the physiological changes that occur to an athlete and how this increases the demand for many nutrients. Both macro and micronutrient needs of the athlete as well as sport specific nutrient needs of athletes are reviewed. Students will develop an understanding of the knowledge behind designing meal plans for athletes and the rationale behind supplementation.

NTR 250 NUTRITION EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION (3)
Principles and theories of learning, behavioral modification, cognitive theory, counseling theories and implementing and evaluating learning will be presented. Grounded in behavioral change models and theories, this course will provide students an opportunity to learn how to develop a nutrition counseling program for clients. Students will also become familiar with the ADIME model for standardized nutritional diagnosing utilizing case studies. Prerequisite: NTR 225. Satisfies Speaking & Listening competency.

NTR 284 SPECIAL STUDIES SEMINAR (1)
Study by tour of careers in food and nutrition. Class is by special arrangement of the faculty.

NTR 305 QUALITY FOOD PRODUCTION (4)
This course will give students and introduction to the priciples and practices of large-scale foodservice production management. The course prepares students to achieve ServSafe manager level sanitation certification and the ability to acknowledge critical control points within production. This course reviews the basic food production conversions for quantity production as well as the development of standardized recipes. Three lectures, three hours of laboratory work per week. Prerequisite: NTR 210.

NTR 310 FOOD SERVICE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (3)
This course is a concentrated study of the application of food service systems theories to the operation of food service in commercial and non-commercial settings. The study will consist of learning the basic principles of management, which refer to planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling the organization. Management is not just an element in foodservice, but also clinical, community, private practice and many other areas of nutrition and dietetics practice. Special emphasis will be placed on financial management, marketing, personnel management and the data that is required for managers to make decisions in their operations. Prerequisite: NTR 305. 

NTR 325 LIFECYCLE NUTRITION (3)
A study of nutrition related to critical periods throughout the life cycle. Nutritional needs during infancy, childhood, adolescence, athletics, pregnancy and in aging are included. Consideration is given to related physiological, psychological and socio-economic factors. Prerequisite: NTR 225.

NTR 335 PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION AND POLICY (2)
An overview of public health nutrition and the organization of public, private and non-profit community nutrition services. In addition, basic principles of epidemiology and the legislative policy making process is examined. Students utilize current information technologies. Offered fall semesters, odd years. Prerequisite: NTR 225.

NTR 340 HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (3)
This course focuses on human pathophysiological processes and their effects on homeostasis. Topics include the etiology, pathogenesis, physical signs and symptoms, and complications of diseases, disorders and conditions. Prerequisites: BIO 230 and BIO 231.

NTR 351 RESEARCH IN FOODS AND NUTRITION (3)
A study of the basic research process as it applies to food and nutrition research. Qualitative and quantitative research will be studied, as well as analyzing and interpreting research publications. Students set up and conduct their own research using methods studied in this class. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: CMP 110 or CMP 120 and NTR 210.

NTR 370 ADVANCED CLINICAL SKILLS (2)
This class is a study of the elements of nutrition assessment and the development of a skill set that includes anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and diet factors. Students will build upon previous basic nutrition knowledge and develop their ability to apply assessment methods in various nutrition subject areas. A strong emphasis is placed on utilization of blood values, as well as various body markers, to identify malnutrition. Students will be expected to leave this course with competent skills in calculating macronutrients and utilization of the exchange system.

NTR 375 MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY 1 (4)
A study of the nature and etiology of disease, the relationship of nutrition to health and disease processes and the use of nutrition therapy in the treatment of disease. The nutrition care process and state-of-the-art documentation methods will be utilized. Prerequisites: BIO 231. Lecture plus clinical experience.

NTR 376 MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY 2 (4)
The second of a two-course sequence, this one continuing the study of nutritional management in the treatment of disease. The nutrition care process and state-of-the-art documentation methods will be utilized. Prerequisite: NTR 375. Lecture plus clinical experience.

NTR 385 INTERNSHIP (3-4)
Supervised work experience providing opportunity for application of principles and theory learned in the student’s major course work. Internship objectives, contact hours and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours of credit. Open to juniors and seniors.

NTR 386 ADVANCED NUTRITION (3)
This course provides an in-depth study of nutrients and their role in physiological processes. An analysis of selected topics in human nutrition with an emphasis on current research is also presented. Prerequisites: NTR 225 and BIO 231.

NTR 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
By arrangement.

NTR 400 SEMINAR IN WELLNESS (1)
A study of selected topics and professional development in the field of wellness. Not open to first-year students.

PCS 380 PROJECT (3)
An upper-level project involving the application of peace and conflict studies to the student’s major. The project may be an internship, a practicum or an independent study. If the student’s major includes a field work or internship component or a seminar, this project could be a part of such an experience, on approval of the PCS advisor and the faculty member supervising the major course. Offered on demand. 

PENG 385 PRE-ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

Physics courses

PHY 105 THE PHYSICAL WORLD (4)
This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the fundamental concepts of physics. It also presents some earth and space science topics. Laboratory sessions give students hands-on experience, which illuminates topics explored in the lecture sessions. Throughout, the presentation includes the history of the science, the present-day understanding of the science and the impact of scientific knowledge on humankind. Prerequisite: MAT 050 or placement into MAT 100 or above. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered every fall semester. Course fee: $50.

PHY 150 ENGINEERING SEMINAR (1)
This one-hour course is designed to introduce students to the many different fields of study in engineering. Students will listen to guest speakers and/or read through the scientific literature. Typically offered every spring semester.

PHY 202 ASTRONOMY (4)
An introductory course in astronomy. Lectures discuss sky cycles, astronomical tools, star evolution, galaxies, the solar system. Lab involves observation with naked eye, binoculars and telescopes. Three lectures, three hours of laboratory per week. The student must be flexible concerning lab time because observations are dependent upon weather and when the desired objects appear in the sky. Observations might be early evening, middle of the night or early morning. Prerequisite: placement into MAT 100 or above. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered spring of odd academic years. Course fee $50.

PHY 203 EARTH SCIENCE (4)
A survey course in geology/earth-science with emphasis on interpreting environment-shaping processes in terms of physical and chemical properties. Three lectures, one two-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: PHY 105, PHY 211, CEM 121 or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years. Course fee: $50.

PHY 211 PHYSICS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 1 (5)
The sequence PHY 211 and 212 form the standard year of calculus-based physics for science and engineering students. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, oscillations and waves, sound and light. Four lectures, two-hours of laboratory work per week. Students who have not had high-school physics, calculus or CEM 121 may wish to consult with the professor before attempting this course. Satisfies Scientific Inquiry competency. Offered every fall semester. Course fee $50.

PHY 212 PHYSICS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2 (5)
The continuation of PHY 211. Four lectures, two-hours of laboratory work per week. Prerequisite: CMP 110 or CMP 120 and PHY 211. Offered every spring semester. Course fee: $50.

PHY 299 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS (credit varies)
By arrangement.

PHY 326 THERMAL/MODERN/NUCLEAR/QUANTUM 1 (5)
Cross-listed as CEM 326.

PHY 327 THERMAL/MODERN/NUCLEAR/QUANTUM 2 (5)
Cross-listed as CEM 327.

PHY 340 ENGINEERING STATICS (3)
Engineering Statics uses vector methods, free-body diagrams and equilibrium equations to understand systems in two and three dimensions. Topics include force systems, centroids and centers of gravity, loads, trusses, and internal and frictional forces. Prerequisites: PHY 211, MAT 350. Offered fall of even academic years.

PHY 352 DIGITAL ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTERS (4)
Cross-listed as CPS 352.

PHY 360 LINEAR ELECTRONICS (4)
Cross-listed as CEM 360. Offered fall of odd academic years.

PHY 365 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (3)
A study of Maxwell’s equations and their applications. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: PHY 212, MAT 225, MAT 350. Offered on demand.

PHY 370 QUANTUM MECHANICS (3)
Formal development of the methods of quantum mechanics and its application to simple atomic and molecular systems. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: PHY 327. Offered on demand.

PHY 375 ANALYTICAL MECHANICS (3)
Introduction to advanced analysis of Newton’s laws of motion and classical mechanical systems, covering oscillating systems, gravity, and Hamilton’s and Lagrange’s equations. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 211, MAT 350. 

PHY 385 PHYSICS INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

PHY 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS (1-3)
By arrangement. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing in physics.

PHYT 385 PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours, and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

Political science courses

PLS 100 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE (3)
This course covers the scope and methods of the study of political science and examines the basic concepts and theories in the discipline. Traditions and approaches in the field and their application to the various subdivisions of political science are covered. Intended to help develop within the student the critical ability to analyze and evaluate political issues and questions. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

PLS 251 AMERICAN POLITICAL PROCESS (3)
A study of the historical evolution of American political institutions. Appropriate attention is given to the theory of American federalism, constitutional safeguards, the political role of minorities and the contemporary challenges to democratic government. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

PLS 272 GLOBAL POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
A study of international nation-state behavior since World War II. The course surveys political forces that operate in the contemporary international system such as ideology, nationalism, international law and economic interests. Selected current issues in international politics are identified for in-depth study and discussion. Such issues might include the Middle East conflict, the arms race, revolution in Central America, international development, protecting world resources, the struggle of Black Africa, nuclear proliferation and related issues. This course is one of the core courses in the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. 

PLS 285 COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
An introductory course in comparative politics designed to introduce the student to the systematic study of nations and their political systems, to provide a solid base of information about political systems of selected countries and to develop analytical skills so that each student is able to compare any two nations with regard to political culture, political socialization, structure and institutions of government and public policy. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.

PLS 301 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3)
This course utilizes a variety of perspectives and gives particular attention to the growth and development of the relationship between the individual and government at the federal, state and local levels. Offers an analysis of the historical evolution of the relationship between the states and the Bill of Rights and of the impact of the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment on the application of the Bill of Rights to the states. Provides a study of notable Supreme court decisions from Marbary and Madison to the leading decisions relating to the criminal justice system. Upper level standing or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as CRJ 303.

PLS 385 POLITICAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP (variable)
By arrangement.

Project management courses

PMM 161 INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT (3)
This course introduces students to vital project management concepts including foundational principles and the life cycle of projects. Students will also develop an understanding of how individual projects, and the larger programs they make up, fit within the context of an organization.

PMM 272 PROJECT PLANNING (3)
This course focuses on providing students a deep understanding of the rudiments of project planning: scope, time, cost, resources, risk and quality. Students will also learn how to leverage resources and how managing risk, quality and stakeholder expectations are critical to the definition of project success. Prerequisite: PMM 161 or concurrent enrollment.

PMM 373 PROJECT EXECUTION, MONITORING & CONTROL, IMPLEMENTATION & CLOSURE (3)
This course covers project execution, monitoring and control, implementation and handover, DevOps and project closure. This course is intended to finalize a student’s preparation for their Advanced Project Management Practicum. Prerequisite: PMM 272

PMM 385 ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM (3)
This course is intended as a culmination of a student’s work in the project management concentration. Students will work in groups to manage a simulated project from scope to completion - encountering and overcoming challenges and complications along the way. This course will also provide students with an overview of the product life cycle, governance and other topics to help contextualize project work. Prerequisite: PMM 373.

PRMD 385 PRE-MEDICINE INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Supervised work experience applying principles and theory from student’s major courses. Internship objectives, contact hours and specific requirements are to be arranged with supervising faculty prior to the course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 internship credit hours within the mathematical and natural sciences.

Psychology courses

PSY 110 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3)
An introduction to the study of behavior covering the many and varied areas of psychological inquiry, including “world views,” methodology, biological contributions to behavior sensation, perception, learning, motivation, personality, abnormal and social psychology, among others. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

PSY 230 TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS (3)
An introduction to the study of psychological measurement and valuation. Individual and group tests in the areas of intelligence, achievement, aptitudes and personality are introduced. Test administration, scoring and interpretation are included. Prerequisites: PSY 110.

PSY 235 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
This course is the study of human growth and development across the lifespan, from conception to death. Major theories and research findings, historical and current, are examined as they relate to physical, cognitive and psychosocial aspects of human development. Prerequisites: PSY 110.

PSY 240 INTERVIEWING: THEORETICAL AND SKILL BASED APPROACHES (3)
An introduction to the process of helping individuals through the use of interviewing and counseling techniques. A range of theoretical perspectives will be examined regarding this process. Addresses interpersonal communication and multicultural issues. Focuses on the development of skills using case studies, videos and role playing. This course is open to all majors and may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or SWK 120 or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as SWK 240.

PSY 250 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
The study of facts, theories and attitudes concerning abnormal behavior. Various ways in which individuals deviate from the norm in their thinking, feeling and behaving are discussed from the perspectives of psychologists’ major theories of personality. Possible causes of abnormal behavior and approaches to treatment and prevention are also presented. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

PSY 258 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
The psychological study of individuals in relation to groups and society. This course offers insight into the dynamic interaction between persons and their social environments and various social problems related to such interaction. Topics include group dynamics, attitude development and attitude change, aggression and violence, and helping behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or permission of instructor. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. This course is cross-listed as SOC 258.

PSY 284 GENERAL STATISTICS (3)
Cross-listed as BUS 284/SOC 284. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

PSY 310 PERSONALITY (3)
A survey of theory and research on the development and modification of personality characteristics. Lecture and lab. Prerequisites: PSY 110, psychology major or minor, or permission of instructor, upper-division standing.

PSY 315 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
This course combines concepts in the physical and natural sciences with the basic principles of behavior, It introduces strides made in neuroscience during the past decade and unravels some of the mysteries of how the brain controls behavior. It includes vocabulary and descriptions of the most recent research tools for studying and visualizing the brain. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

PSY 325 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Focuses on a significant theme or topic in psychology that supplements regularly offered electives. Possible topics could include aging, cognitive sciences and religion, psychology of women, psychology of gender, psychology of racism and child psychopathology. Courses in particular topics will be offered based on student demand. May be taken more than once with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 110.

PSY 360 BASICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (3)
This course presents the nature of the scientific method and research applied to the analysis and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. An introduction to the basic techniques of social research as well as data analysis and interpretation will be presented. Students will learn how to use SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) to analyze and interpret quantitative data. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisite: SWK 120 or PSY 110 or SOC 152. Cross-listed as SOC 360/SWK 360.

PSY 370 PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND COGNITION (3)
A study of the fundamental principles of conditioning and learning ranging from Pavlovian conditioning through cognitive processes including concept formation, verbal learning and memory. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

PSY 385 PRACTICUM (3)
By arrangement.

PSY 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
Provides the student with an opportunity for empirical investigation or extensive reading in an area of one's own choosing. By arrangement and permission.

PSY 403 RESEARCH SEMINAR (3)
Students will obtain approval from the Institutional Review Board for research projects developed in the Basics of Social Research class. Students will collect and analyze their own data and write a research report. Students will deliver a formal conference style oral presentation of the work. Prerequisite: PSY 360, psychology major or minor.

PSY 412 PSYCHOLOGY, FAITH AND ETHICS (3)
This course is a concluding seminar for psychology majors. Areas of convergence and divergence between psychological and spiritual approaches to the human condition are explored, and various models of integration are presented and discussed. This course also reviews the ethical principles identified by the American Psychological Association as important in working with humans, either in research or in areas of applied psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 110, junior or senior status, and psychology major or minor.

PSY 414 SOCIAL SCIENCE SEMINAR (1)
Students will engage in career development activities, including résumé building, job searching and interviewing, as they prepare to join the workforce; or become familiar with graduate school admissions exams and applications if they intend to pursue graduate education. Students who have completed PSY 403 or SOC 365 can also explore how to present research findings at conferences and research fairs. Students that desire an internship experience during the following semester can explore that option. Course to be taken during fall semester of senior year. Cross-listed as SOC 414/CRJ 414

Religion courses

REL 100 INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW (3)
An introduction to each of the four main ways that modern theologians have attempted to understand the Bible (biblical studies, ethics, theology and spirituality) through the exploration of the biblical foundations of each approach. Students consider the distinctiveness and the relationships between these different approaches to the biblical text in an Anabaptist context. The course emphasizes the ability to read and understand biblical texts in a discerning way and to explore the text’s potential for shaping a contemporary worldview. The Sermon on the Mount provides a focal text for the course. Satisfies Reading the Bible competency.

REL 115 WORLD RELIGIONS (3)
An introduction to the major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism and Islam. The course attempts to understand these world wisdom traditions on their own terms through a consideration of their origins, history, sacred texts and religious practices. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 230 CHRISTIAN WORSHIP (3)
An examination of how persons and groups have expressed Christian faith through worship. The course includes a historical survey of worship practices, a comparative study of current worship practices in various traditions and an examination of how the various arts are used in and contribute to worship. Offered on demand.

REL 242 SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (3)
The goal of this course is to expose students to biblical spirituality and historical models of spirituality. In addition to fulfilling the conventional requirements of a typical academic course, students are encouraged to cultivate spiritual devotion in their own personal and corporate lives. Class assignments require more than academic performance. They also challenge students to reflect deeply on and to develop disciplines that will enhance their spiritual lives. Prerequisite: REL 100. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 245 SPIRITUAL FORMATION (3)
This course will explore core concepts that explain the focus and purpose of Christian teaching. Forces that give shape to teaching and learning contexts, including how developmental, social, mental, and cultural dynamics affect spiritual growth. Application will then be made to curricular theory as it relates to ministry across the earlier years of life, but family and intergenerational ministry will also be addressed. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 248 PRINCIPLES OF YOUTH MINISTRY (3)
This course will provide a basic introduction to youth ministry in the church and other relevant ministry settings. The theology of youth ministry and its subsequent programmatic implications will be explored. Adolescent growth and development and youth culture will be addressed to find implications for practical and effective ministry approaches. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 250 INTRODUCTION TO OLD TESTAMENT (3)
An introduction to the literature of the Old Testament with emphasis on the primary text. Students read and analyze material from a broad spectrum of biblical texts in the effort to understand the main components of the biblical story and the nature of the literature in the Old Testament. The course emphasizes the ability to read and understand biblical text in a discerning way and to explore the text’s potential for continuing to shape a modern world view. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 252 INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT (3)
An introduction to the literature of the New Testament with emphasis on the primary text. Students read and analyze material from a broad spectrum of biblical texts in the effort to understand the main components of the biblical story and the nature of the literature in the New Testament. The course emphasizes the ability to read and understand biblical text in a discerning way and to explore the text’s potential for continuing to shape a modern world view. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 270 RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATION (3)
Cross-listed as COM 270.

REL 273 CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY (3)
The course surveys central doctrines of the Christian faith and develops a few doctrines in more depth. Topics include the nature and work of Christ, the nature of the church, eschatology, religious authority and creation. Emphasis on particular topics may vary. The overall focus of the course is to present these doctrines both from the perspective of the church of the so-called Constantinian synthesis and from peace church perspectives. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 274 CHRISTIAN ETHICS (3)
The first part of the course demonstrates how much of mainstream ethics reflects the church of the so-called Constantinian synthesis and then provides a peace church view of Christian ethics. The second part of the course applies this learning to the spectrum of issues that confront Christians in the modern world. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 275 HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY (3)
A history of the Christian church from the death of Jesus Christ through the 16th century. Special attention is paid to the rise of bishops, the formation of creeds, the Great Schism, the Constantinian Shift, the monastic era, pre-reformation free church movements and the reformation in its Anglican, Radical, Protestant and Catholic forms. Prerequisite: REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 276 WAR, PEACE AND NONVIOLENCE (3)
This course surveys biblical teachings on war and peace and survey the variety of theological understandings throughout the history of the Christian church. The course treats both individual and international dimensions of peacemaking. Sophomore standing required. Prerequisite: REL 100. This course is one of the core courses in the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 312 EXEGETICAL STUDIES (3)
An investigation of one particular book or selection of text in the Bible. Occasionally the focus is on ancient texts outside of the Bible that are of particular importance for understanding the origins and nature of Christian and/or Jewish faith. The focal areas include (but are not limited to) the Psalms, the prophets, women in the Old Testament, the Gospel of John, the letters of Paul, the book of Revelation and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The topics alternate and are announced prior to registration. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Prerequisite: the appropriate introduction course (REL 250 or REL 252) or permission from instructor. With an appropriate topic, this course may be taken as part of the Women’s Studies minor.

REL 320 HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (3)
An investigation of one area of church history or Christian theology. Topics vary across the entire range of Christian history and are announced prior to registration. While not limited to the following, topics might include the history of monasticism, the theology of Martin Luther, the theology of John Calvin, Radical Reformation, black theology, liberation theology, feminist theology, atonement theology. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: CMP 110 or CMP 120 and REL 273 or REL 274 and sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years. With an appropriate topic, this course may be taken as part of the Women’s Studies minor.

REL 322 METHODS OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (3)
Examines various approaches to how Christians today read and interpret the Bible. Explores problems and possibilities associated with interpreting the Bible and looks at various principles and methods of interpretation that have been proposed. Examines how to read the Bible devotionally and how to lead Bible studies in a variety of settings, such as in youth groups, residence hall Bible studies and Sunday school classes. Prerequisite: REL 100. Offered alternate years. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 334 FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (3)
Addresses fundamental ministry issues on the personal and professional level, including one's call to ministry; the theological principles of ministry; the balance of priestly and prophetic roles in the ministry; and the character, integrity and ethics of the ministering person. The course examines identity issues, congregational systems theory and collegiality issues, both in terms of gender issues and working in multiple staff situations. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: CMP 110 or CMP 120 and REL 100. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 359 MENNONITE HISTORY AND THOUGHT (3)
Cross-listed as HIS 359. Satisfies Religious Understanding competency.

REL 385 PRACTICUM (1)
Students carry out an assignment in a church or other institution under the supervision of a minister or other director. Students meet with supervisor and teacher on a regular basis. May include readings and writing assignments as appropriate. For upper-level students.

REL 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3-5)
By arrangement.

REL 395 RELIGION SEMINAR (1)
Seminar serves as capstone to the religion department majors and minors and enables students to integrate the learning from prior religion courses. Each participant in the seminar makes a presentation to the seminar which depicts her or his religious world view in conversation with these learnings. Seminar presentations emphasize integration, synthesis and analytical thinking. Prerequisite: upper-level standing.

Supply Chain Management courses

SCM 300 FORECASTING AND LOGISTICS (3)
This course provides a broad overview of the planning and execution of customer demand. It is divided into two parts: forecasting and logistics. In the first segment, the course covers planning and forecasting. In the second segment, the course covers the three major building blocks of logistics networks: transportation, warehousing and inventory. Prerequisite: None required, MGT 355 recommended.             

SCM 349 SOURCING AND OPERATIONS (3)
This course provides an overview of sourcing and operations. It is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will learn the key components of sourcing: supplier selection, supplier segmentation, make vs. buy decisions and supplier relationships. In the second part, students will learn both the Lean Inventory methodology and the Six Sigma methodology. Prerequisite: SCM 300                      

SCM 400 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CAPSTONE (3) 
This course asks students to apply the skills they have learned in their business and supply chain management education to a series of challenges. In the first part, students solve challenges in logistics, operations, planning and sourcing faced by a fictional company. In the second part, students will be tasked with addressing a real supply chain problem and will work in groups to produce a solution which will consist of a report and a presentation. Prerequisite: SCM 349.

                        

Special Education courses

 SED 228 INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH MILD AND MODERATE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (3)
This course is an introduction to the broad spectrum of abilities of students aged 3-21 with mild to moderate disabilities. A study of the history, definition, characteristics, assessment and services is covered as well as family, social and legal aspects. Numerous philosophical and practical perspectives are integrated into current practices of diagnosis and intervention as they relate to the specific needs of persons with disabilities in the community, school and world of work. Topics to be covered in this course: schools, society and achievement; special programs; labels and children with mild and moderate disabilities; cognitive and academic characteristics; social-emotional characteristics; individualizing instruction; services, curriculum and instruction; research-based and traditional approaches to teaching; inclusion and collaboration; early intervention and preschool intervention programs. Prerequisite: PSY 110.  Offered every semester.

SED 230 DIAGNOSIS AND EDUCATIONAL PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN (3)
This course focuses on information and practical experiences relating to assessment and remediation of children with mild/moderate educational needs. Topics to be covered include formal and informal criterion-referenced assessment, individualized educational plans, multidisciplinary approaches, parental roles, report writing, collaboration. Prerequisite: SED 228. Offered every fall semester. 

SED 235 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS (3)
This course introduces speech and language acquisition of the typically and atypically developing child. It also presents a survey of various disorders and their effects on receptive (listening and reading) and expressive (oral and written) language functions and learning. Students become familiar with the diagnostic tools and the professional vocabulary in order to communicate effectively with other professionals. Emphasis is placed on methods that the regular classroom or intervention specialist can use to communicate with and teach children with diverse learning styles in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students become sensitive to the concerns of speech and language differences related to culture and environmental issues. 5 clinical experience hours. Prerequisite: SED 228. Offered every spring semester.

SED 344 INTERVENTION SPECIALIST CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION (2)
This course is designed to assist prospective intervention specialists and special education minors in understanding teacher and student behaviors, discipline in the educational process and communication techniques as they apply to good classroom management. In addition, students will explore techniques for maximizing learning in a variety of classroom settings, building students' self-concepts and understanding the use and abuse of power. Prerequisites: junior standing and all major requirements as listed in the professional preparation outline for intervention specialist and SED 228, SED 230, SED 235 and SED 380. Offered every spring semester.

SED 380 METHODS AND MATERIALS (MC/AYA) (2)
This course is designed to develop teacher competency to analyze learners and to plan to the “least restrictive environment” for students with mild to moderate educational needs. Candidates will develop skills in designing, implementing and evaluation appropriate educational interventions in the areas of language, math, reading, social studies, science, behavior, and social skills. Attention will also be given to occupational orientation and transition planning. Topics to be covered in this course: communicating for student success; managing the classroom environment; assessing student progress; planning for successful instruction, effective teacher behaviors; student-mediated learning; reading, language arts, mathematics and content instruction; instruction in social and independent living; working with families. 10 field experience hours. Prerequisite: SED 228. Offered every fall semester.

 SED 383 EARLY INTERVENTION PRACTICUM (3)
This course is designed to meet partial requirements for the PreK Special Needs endorsement. It includes course content focusing on the needs of pre-school children with moderate to intensive educational needs and also includes a 50 hours of clinical practice in an early intervention classroom. Prerequisite: SED 228. Offered every May term.

SED 384 METHODS/MATERIALS FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS WITH MILD/MODERATE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (3)
This course is designed to develop teacher competency, to analyze learners and to plan the “least restrictive environment” for the student with mild to moderate educational needs. Candidates will develop skills in designing, implementing and evaluating appropriate educational interventions in the areas of language, math, reading, behavior and social skills. Candidates will develop knowledge and skills in designing lessons, classroom environments, community-based instruction and transition planning. 10 field hours. Prerequisite: SED 228. Offered every spring semester.

SED 453 STUDENT TEACHING - INTERVENTION SPECIALIST (13)
Student teaching provides supervised experiences in applying the principles and techniques learned in the professional courses to classroom situations under the guidance and direction of a cooperating teacher. Student teachers spend full days in their assigned public school setting for 13 weeks during the senior year. Credit/no credit. Prerequisite: SED 228. Course fee: $460. Offered every semester.

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology courses

SLPA 101 INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY (3)
This course is designed to introduce students to real-life issues in speech pathology and audiology. The purpose of this class is to help students understand what it would be like to have a communication disability.  They will also begin to understand how to prevent, identify, evaluate, and rehabilitate communication disorders in clinical and school settings.  Students will also think seriously about understanding, compassion and seeking justice for persons with speech, language and hearing challenges. Offered every fall semester.

SLPA 210 ANATAOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SPEECH, HEARING AND LANGUAGE MECHANISMS (3)
This course will examine the anatomical and physiological bases for speech, language and hearing development and use. Students will specifically study the respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, auditory, and neurological structures and functions of the human body. Prerequisite: SLPA 101. Offered every spring semester.

SLPA 216 PHONETICS (3)
This course examines the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet symbols and phonetic theory in analyzing, categorizing and transcribing the sounds of the world’s languages, focusing on American English and its various dialects.  Prerequisite: SLPA 101. Offered fall of odd academic years.

SLPA 220 SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCE (3)
An introduction to speech and hearing physiology and the instrumentation used to measure physiologic aspects of speech and hearing. Topics include a basic understanding of the acoustic theories of speech production and hearing, experience in acoustic instrumentation, recording and analysis equipment and procedures, an overview of speech perception and clinical application. Auditory anatomy and physiology and basic auditory psychoacoustics will be covered. Prerequisites: SLPA 101. Offered spring of odd academic years. 

SLPA 305 ARTICULATION AND PHONOLOGY (3)
This course examines articulatory and phonological patterns with an emphasis on birth through the early teen years. Content areas include identification of normal articulatory and phonological development, review of methods of assessment and treatment for the development of individualized remediation plans to expedite intelligibility gains, cross linguistic and universal patterns of acquisition, morphophonology, metaphonology, historical and contemporary normative data issues, and interrelation of normal phonological development with other areas of language growth. prerequisites: Admission to SLPA program, SLPA minor, or instructor approval. Offered fall of even academic years.

SLPA 310 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY (3)
This course studies the various careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. This course focuses on the ethical and professional standards expected as established by the Ohio Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology as well as the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Students will learn the steps in ethical decision making. In addition students will be taught the necessary skills for successful observation, professional clinical writing, and clinical management skills. Strategies and the importance of confidentiality and HIPAA requirements will reinforced. prerequisites: Admission to SLPA program, SLPA minor, or instructor approval. Offered spring of even academic year.

SLPA 343 NEUROSCIENCE OF COMMUNICATION (3)
This course explores the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord and their link to various neurological and developmental disorders.  Topics of study include microscopic anatomy, blood supply to the brain and spinal cord, sensory, systems, the cerebellum, and subcortical and cortical regions. Imaging techniques and discussion of neurological disorders, such as seizure disorders and speech disorders will also be covered. Students will gain an appreciation of the three dimensional structure of the brain and spinal cord as well as a basic understanding of its functional capacity. The course will consist of lectures and discussions. Prerequisites: SLPA 210. Offered spring of odd academic years.  

SLPA 344 AUDIOLOGY (3)
The study of the classification of hearing disorders and the behavioral and electrophysiological measurement of hearing, including subjective and objective testing procedures. Prerequisites: SLPA 210. Offered fall of even academic years.

SLPA 345 AURAL REHABILITATION (3)
The study of the fundamental aspects of auditory rehabilitation, including individual and group amplification systems, auditory training, speech reading and counseling with children and adults. Prerequisites: SLPA 344. Offered spring of even academic years. 

SLPA 370 CLINICAL OBSERVATION (1)
This course provides a supervised clinical experience in which the student clinician observes individuals who have various speech, language, or hearing impairments under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. This course is required as the field experience for Speech-Lang Pathology majors and is designed to introduce students to general therapy and assessment procedures across the disciplines. Students will gain practical clinical skills in goal writing, objectives, therapy and lesson plans, diagnostic reports, SOAP notes and evidence based practice.

SLPA 384 SPEECH DISORDERS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN (3)
This course focuses on the nature, assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders in children and adults. Students review the developmental, anatomical and physiological aspects of speech sound production, learn the causes of speech sound disorders, and differentiate the characteristics of developmental, sensory, motor and neurological speech sound disorders. Prerequisites: SLPA 210. Offered spring of odd academic years.

SLPA 385 LANGUAGE DISORDERS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN (3)
This course on language disorders focuses on a basic understanding of pediatric and adult language differences, delays and disorders related to language-learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorders, aphasias, dementia and traumatic brain injury. Prerequisites: SLPA 210, SLPA 216. Offered fall of even academic years.

Sociology courses

 SOC 152 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (3)
What sociologists do and how they think; the study of the interaction of individuals and groups with their physical and social environment; consideration of basic concepts, theories and major principles of explanation used by sociologists. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

SOC 162 ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
The comparative study of culture and the development of human beings with an emphasis on primitive societies, past and present. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

SOC 185 WOMEN IN SOCIETY (3)
This course examines the roles, status and contributions of women in social institutions including the family, work place, health system, politics, religion and education. While the course focuses on American society, international perspectives are introduced. The course utilizes guest speakers with expertise in appropriate areas. Examples of topics include the contemporary women’s movement (1960-present), the roles of women in changing family structures, the “feminization of poverty,” the impact of changing laws regarding domestic violence, the status of women in organized religion and special concerns of women of color. Offered every other year. This course is cross-listed as SWK 185. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

SOC 210 SOCIAL STRATIFICATION (3)
This course on human behavior in the social environment focuses on theories of social stratification and inequality. Students will explore various interpretations of the causes and consequences of inequality within the United States. The course profiles community organizing as a tool for addressing and reducing inequality. As an experiential learning course, students will participate in simulations and other group learning experiences.

SOC 225 RACE & ETHNICITY IN AMERICAN SOCIETY (3)
A course studying the data, causes and social patterns of differences due to race and minority status as well as the means available to achieve a less-prejudiced social order. Interdisciplinary sources are used. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.

SOC 240 ETHNOGRAPHY AND CULTURE (3)
An introduction to ethnographic methods and cultural analysis. The course will operate on two interrelated dimensions, one focused on the history of ethnography and cultural analysis in anthropology and sociology, the other focused on practical techniques of qualitative research, including specific skills in qualitative research design, methods, and data analysis. The course includes an ethnographic research project. This course is taught by a Goshen faculty member.

SOC 258 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
The psychological study of individuals in relation to groups and society. This course offers insight into the dynamic interaction between persons and their social environment and various social problems related to such interaction. Topics include group dynamics, attitude development and attitude change, aggression and violence, and helping behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as PSY 258. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.

SOC 264 SOCIAL THEORY (3)
An examination of basic intellectual traditions and paradigm regarding society, including normative beliefs and values, as well as scientific theories of social relations and culture from the 18th century to the present. Emphasis on selected early and contemporary theorists. Prerequisite: SOC 152.

SOC 275 CRIMINOLOGY (3)
Cross-listed as CRJ 275.

SOC 284 GENERAL STATISTICS (3)
Cross-listed as BUS 284/PSY 284. Satisfies Critical Analysis competency.

SOC 310 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY (3)
A survey of environmental sociology including theories of human-environment interaction, a history of various environmental movements and other developments with significant ecological implications, cross cultural comparisons of human-environment relations, and questions of justice with relation to who decides about resource use and who suffers the effects of environmental degradation. This course is taught by a Goshen faculty member.

 SOC 315 RELIGION IN CULTURE AND SOCIETY (3)
An analysis of the social, cultural, and political contexts that profoundly affect religious institutions and expressions, and upon which religion has an influence. Course includes such topics as meaning and belonging, modern individualism, dynamics of religious collectives and the impact of religion on social change. This course is taught by a Goshen faculty member.

SOC 330 SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL CHANGE (3)
This course begins with a history of social justice and social change as concepts in the field of sociology and then sees how this foundation influenced contemporary social justice practitioners and theorists. Particular attention is given to social movements, the role of organizing and civil society. Theory is integrated into practical social justice methodologies and community-based learning. Particular attention is paid to issues of power and powerlessness in domestic and/or international contexts. Prerequisite: SOC 152. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.

SOC 340 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY (3)
This course will focus upon significant themes or topics in sociology that will supplement our regularly offered courses. Possible topics could include environmental sociology, sociology of religion, sociology of war & violence, and sociology of the family. Courses will be offered based upon student needs and demand. May be taken more than once with different topics. Prerequisite: SOC 152.

SOC 350 URBAN SOCIOLOGY (3)
In this course students explore their connection to an increasingly urban world by examining patterns of urban settlement, theories of urbanism and the “community question,” and the problems and possibilities of urban life through the perspectives of urban planning. The course includes a focus on the roles of race, class, gender and nativity as factors influencing social interaction and use of space in urban environments. This course is taught by an EMU faculty member.

SOC 360 BASICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (3)
Cross-listed as PSY 360/SWK 360. 

SOC 365 SEMINAR IN SOCIAL RESEARCH (3) 
Utilizing the expertise of the professor (e.g. ethnography, quantitative analysis with large survey datasets, mixed-methods), this course sill synthesize theory, the philosophy of science in sociology, and method while introducing students to advanced methodological techniques. Students will choose a topic, complete a literature review, and design and pilot instruments using divers methodological techniques. This course will be taught alternately by Bluffton, Goshen and EMU faculty members. Prerequisites: SOC 284 and SOC 360.

SOC 409 FIELD EXPERIENCE (3)
A supervised work/study placement in a setting consistent with the student’s interests and career goals. Prerequisites: junior or senior status in the major (or related major) and permission of the faculty supervisor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours; with 3 hours credited to general electives and/or a related major (with permission of major professor). Student will generate a journal and a paper analyzing their experience in consultation with the instructor.

SOC 414 SOCIAL SCIENCE SEMINAR (1)
Students will engage in career development activities, including résumé building, job searching, and interviewing, as they prepare to join the workforce; or become familiar with graduate school admissions exams and applications if they intend to pursue graduate education. Students who have completedPSY 403 or SOC 365 can also explore how to present research findings at conferences and research fairs. Students that desire an internship experience during the following semester can explore that option. Course to be taken during fall semester of senior year. Cross-listed asCRJ 414/PSY 414

 SOC 430 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (3) 
This course provides an examination of structral patterns of injustice around environmental harms and benefits. We examine the history and construction of environmental problems and paradigms and the development of an environmental justice discourse brought about through social movements. Through selected case studies, we explore an array of issues, including climate justice, electronic waste trade, water rights, urban greenspace, “natural” disaster, internal colonialism, pollution and war.

Spanish classes

SPA 111, SPA 121 BEGINNING SPANISH 1, 2 (3 each)
Introductory Spanish courses with emphases on audio-bilingual skills. Students will study vocabulary and grammar needed to communicate orally and in written text. The cross-cultural component of these courses will be met via an experiential activity in an off-campus environment. These experiences are designed to introduce students to culturally relevant aspects of Spanish-speaking communities. Course fee: $25.

SPA 225 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH (3)
Rapid, intensive review of grammar; selected prose readings. Language laboratory as required by the instructor. Prerequisite: SPA 121 or placement in course through exam. Course fee: $25.

SPA 240 SPANISH CONVERSATION: STORY OF THE SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD (3)
Advanced conversation with emphasis on the human geography of contemporary Spanish speaking societies. The class will focus on telling stories of life in the Spanish speaking world. Historical forays will be used to cast light on current realities. Prerequisite: SPA 225 or consent of instructor.

SPA 242 SPANISH CONVERSATION: MUSIC, FILM AND POPULAR CULTURE IN THE SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD (3)
Advanced conversation with emphasis on Latino/Hispanic popular culture in Latin America, Spain and the Diaspora. Students will listen to and learn music, view and critique films and overhear conversations as windows into contemporary culture. Prerequisite: SPA 225 or consent of instructor.

SPA 244 SPANISH CONVERSATION: CONFLICT AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD (3)
Advanced conversation with emphasis on the struggle for cultural, political and economic survival of communities with roots in the Spanish speaking world. Particular emphasis will be placed on areas of current conflict. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Prerequisite: SPA 225 or consent of instructor.

SPA 307 ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION (3)
Advanced composition with emphasis on syntax and style combined with a review of specific areas of grammar. Achievement of a high level of oral and written fluency. Analysis and discussion of contemporary texts of Hispanic prose. The texts will provide the students with a means to understand very difficult conceptual distinctions between English and Spanish and, when there is no graspable concept involved, to learn particular differences between the two. Writing-enriched course.

SPA 311 SURVEY OF PENINSULAR SPANISH LITERATURE (3)
A survey course designed to acquaint the student with the most important works of Peninsular Spanish literature. Analysis and discussion of major works from medieval period to the present. Prerequisite: SPA 225 or consent of instructor.

SPA 312 SURVEY OF SPANISH AMERICAN LITERATURE (3)
A survey course designed to acquaint the student with the most important works of Spanish American literature from the colonial period to the present. Prerequisite: SPA 225 or consent of instructor.

SPA 314 SPANISH TEACHING METHODS (3)
This course provides the prospective Spanish educator with methods and materials for teaching Spanish in elementary and secondary school settings. Methods, materials, and practices related to curriculum instruction are the focus of this course. Topics covered in this course: development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programming for the Spanish classroom. Additional topics include federal and state curriculum models and assessment models, classroom assessment strategies (formal and informal), use of technology, individualizing instruction, development of integrated units, collaboration and consultation. Course is taken before student teaching semester.

SPA 385 SPANISH INTERNSHIP (1-3)
Allows the student to apply classroom learning to work in a Spanish-language setting, with an on-site supervisor and overall supervision and evaluation by Bluffton faculty (Spanish instructor and/or department chair).

SPA 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
By arrangement.

Social work courses

SWK 120 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3)
Introduces social work as a field that intersects with related professions and institutions such as nursing, education, criminal justice, ministry, psychology and public health. This course examines various U.S. and global social issues and problems. Students are challenged to work with a diversity of people and strive for social justice. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

SWK 141 SOCIAL & ECONOMIC JUSTICE (3)
This course introduces students to the institutional systems developed in the United States and world wide to meet human needs. The course includes a historical survey of the development of social welfare and examination of society’s response to major social issues such as poverty and discrimination. The relationship between societal values and social welfare policies is examined as well as current trends likely to affect the future of social welfare, such as the globalization of corporations and the growth of consumerism. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

SWK 185 WOMEN IN SOCIETY: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (3)
This course examines the roles, status and contributions of women in social institutions including the family, work place, health system, politics, religion and education. While the course focuses on American society, international perspectives are introduced. The course utilizes guest speakers with expertise in appropriate areas. Examples of topics include the contemporary women’s movement (1960-present), the roles of women in changing family structures, the “feminization of poverty,” the impact of changing laws regarding domestic violence, the status of women in organized religion and special concerns of women of color. This course is cross-listed as SOC 185. This course is the core course in the Women’s Studies minor. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.

SWK 240 INTERVIEWING: THEORETICAL AND SKILL BASED APPROACHES (3)
Cross-listed as PSY 240. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or SWK 120 or permission of instructor.

SWK 264 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT (3)
This course focuses on the interactional effects of social institutions, diverse groups and individuals. The community as the milieu in which individuals, families and groups function is examined from an ecological perspective. The implications of this knowledge for social work practice are examined. 

SWK 280 CHILD WELFARE SERVICES (3)
A survey of the child welfare field, examining the range of in-home, foster-care and institutional services, along with related policy issues. Looks at the various organizations and their structures and procedures concerned with child welfare issues, including the legal system. Issues of state regulation for protecting children will be studied as well as approaches to child advocacy. This course is to serve social work majors exploring their interests in the field and for non-majors whose careers will have them relating to the child welfare system.

SWK 301 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 1: MICRO (3)
This first course in the social work practice sequence presents a generalist model for the sequence. The emphasis is on developing skills in the use of communication techniques including interviewing, individual and family needs assessments, developing and implementing service plans, identification of formal and informal resources and beginning practice evaluation. Prerequisites: PSY 235 and SWK 264. Course fee: $60.

SWK 302 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 2: MEZZO (3)
Introduces theory of group dynamics including communication, group formation, member roles and group functions. Develops skill in the use of small group technique for personal, small group and environmental change.

SWK 303 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 3: MACRO (3)
Further development of social work methodology with populations-at-risk using techniques of community needs assessment, socio-political processes and coalition building and outcome evaluations. Focuses on building macro-practice skills through a supervised services program development or community development project. Prerequisite: SWK 302 or concurrent with SWK 301.

SWK 360 BASICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (3)
Cross-listed as PSY 360/SOC 360. 

SWK 372 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY AND ANALYSIS (3)
The focus of this course is on evaluation and critical analysis of social welfare policies, programs and services. Students are introduced to a framework for analyzing social needs and social problems and methods of service delivery. Practical implications in social welfare policy for social workers are emphasized, incorporating the roles and skills that comprise the “practice of policy.” Prerequisite: SWK 141.

SWK 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SOCIAL WORK (1-3)
For advanced students capable of self-motivated study in an area of the student's interest and not covered in the social work curriculum. Requires the agreement of a faculty member to monitor and consult on the study. Prerequisite: faculty consent.

SWK 401 FIELD WORK (12)
Educationally directed field experience in a social agency under the supervision of an agency supervisor and the direction of a faculty member for 448 clock hours. The student is expected to implement the theory and knowledge gained throughout the curriculum and demonstrate the practice competencies learned in the practice sequence. Prerequisites: SWK 301, SWK 302, SWK 303 and SWK 372. Corequisite: SWK 404. 

SWK 404 FIELD WORK SEMINAR (1)
A weekly seminar concurrent with field work to facilitate integration of theory with practice. Corequisite: SWK 401.

SWK 405 SOCIAL WORK SEMINAR (3)
This course completes the social work practice sequence and the social work curriculum and marks a shift from programmed learning to self-directed learning. Students engage in research to acquaint themselves with a selected field of practice. Emphasis is on ethical issues and decision-making in practice, as well as some of the broad issues in social work and professional life. It provides an opportunity for students to integrate their learning and bridge the gap from classroom to job or graduate school. Prerequisite: senior status.

Technology courses

TEC 110 INTERNET HISTORY, TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY  (3)
The impact of technology and networks on our lives, culture, and society continues to increase. The infrastructure needed was designed, engineered, and built over the past 60 years. This course will explore the Internet and show students how it was created, who created it and how it works.

TEC 115 INTRO TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (3)
Information technology continues to be one of the most important topics in the modern workforce. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of the field and teach them a range of valuable professional skills including how to set up operating systems, how to troubleshoot problems and build a computer. 

TEC 235 NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS (3)
This course will teach students how networks work and how to set up and secure networks. By the end of this course, students will be able to manage and maintain a range of different network types. Prerequisites: TEC 115 and TEC 110.

TEC 255 GOOGLE CLOUD COMPUTING FOUNDATIONS  (3)
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of cloud computing, infrastructure and networking. It will also explore how the cloud is used in a range of situations including IT, app development and machine learning. By the end of the course, students will know what the cloud is and how to use it effectively. This course uses the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and was built in concert with the Google Cloud Learning Services team. Prerequisites: CPS 108 and CPS 112.

TEC 265 WEB PROGRAMMING AND DEVELOPMENT  (3)
This course is an introduction to the underpinning technologies involved in web programming and development. Building upon and understanding of HTML, CSS and Javascript, students will explore more advanced topics including responsive web design, HTTP protocol and server-side interfacing using AJAX, JSON and RESTful web API's.

TEC 369 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3)
A survey of an organization’s information needs and the tools and strategies required to satisfy and manage those needs. Prerequisites: MGT 354 and MKT 356 . Offered fall of even academic years.

TEC 370 OPERATING SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURE (3)
Operating systems are a key part of how humans interface with technology. Therefore, understanding how operating systems work is vital to understanding how computers power our world. This course will teach students the fundamentals of operating system structure and prepare them to adminsiter both Windows and Linux-based systems. Prerequisites: TEC 115 and CPS 112.

TEC 385 TECHNOLOGY PRACTICUM 1   (credit varies)
A supervised work/study technology placement in a campus or business setting consistent with the student’s interest and career goals. Students enrolled in the practicum also meet one hour monthly to discuss their experiences with one another and with the instructor. Credit/no credit. Students can recieve a maximum of 12 hours credit for an internship(s) or a practicum(s). Offered every semester.

TEC 400 TECHNOLOGY, ETHICS AND SOCIETY  (2)
Students explore, both individually and in small groups, emerging technologies and the literature on technology as it relates to society. Instructors emphasize the social, ethical and political implications of current and emerging digital technology. Through readings, discussions and projects, students consider selected issues. Students also use technology for communication, research and discussion, both to reinforce technology skills and to stimulate a dialogue about the impact of technology on human interaction and culture. Writing-enriched course. Prerequisites: TEC 105, and junior standing or permission of instructor.  Offered every third year. 

TEC 425 INFORMATION SECURITY AND DATA PROTECTION (3)
This course will teach students how to help defend agaisnt digital attacks and how to keep valuable information and critical systems safe. This course will cover most of the material required for the CompTIA Security+ Exams. However, as that exam is intended for professionals two or more years into an IT career students will not be fully prepared after completion of the course. 

TEC 450 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAPSTONE (3)
Students will learn how to solve systemic problems across all layers of an organization’s IT ecosystem and guide transformational change. By the end of this course students will be able to solve IT problems as they arise and prevent those problems from happening in the future. Prerequisites: TEC 255, TEC 370, TEC 425, and PMM 161.

TEC 485 TECHNOLOGY PRACTICUM 2   (credit varies)
A supervised work/study technology placement in an off-campus setting consistent with the student’s interest and career goals. Students enrolled in the practicum also meet one hour monthly to discuss their experiences with one another and with the instructor. Credit/no credit. Students can recieve a maximum of 12 hours credit for an internship(s) or a practicum(s). Offered every semester.

Theatre courses

THE 135 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE (3)
This introductory course aims to increase students’ understanding, appreciation and critical perceptions of theatrical performance through script analysis, performance evaluations and engagement with a creative process. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

THE 136 THEATRE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE (3)
This course examines theoretical, practical, ethical and aesthetic elements of theatre created to promote social justice. Students will research and practice performance methodologies that promote civic dialogue. The course includes the collaborative creation of an original piece of theatre by the class. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

THE 201 PLAY PRODUCTION (3)
Aids the student in preparing a play for performance. The course deals with script selection and analysis, character analysis, set, lighting, costume and makeup design. The student will select a one-act play on which to apply the various principles necessary for production preparation. Laboratory experience required through technical work on the current campus theatre production.

THE 224 DRAMA IN EDUCATION (3)
Students learn to incorporate drama skills and activities into programming and curriculum for children and youth. Process-oriented drama is used to explore subject matter, strengthen drama skills, strengthen conflict resolution skills and enhance critical thinking. After participating in professor-led dramas, students will design their own drama labs and lead them with the class as well as with a group of elementary school children.

THE 250 SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE (3)
Study of a special topic in theatre production, theory, history or dramatic literature.

THE 257 PERFORMANCE STUDIES (3)
Explores performance as a mode of inquiry through the study and performance of aesthetic texts. By analyzing, practicing and performing prose, poetry, drama and personal narrative texts, students will become more expressive, self-reflexive, dynamic communicators. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

THE 258 ACTING (3)
Introduces the theory and technique of acting. Students participate in the use of the voice and body in short scenes from plays. Satisfies Creative Expression competency.

THE 302 PLAY DIRECTION (3)
Guides the student through the creative process of preparing a one-act play for performance. Course includes casting, rehearsing and performance, followed by a written evaluation of that experience including audience response. Student directors create a prompt book and direct scripts of choice approved by instructor. One-act plays are performed for college audience during “Night of One-Acts.”

THE 326 HISTORY OF THEATRE (3)
Surveys stagecraft and acting from the Greek theatre to the present. This includes a study of one or more plays from each major era.

THE 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
By arrangement.

VARSITY ATHLETICS (1)
Each varsity athlete and student support personnel (trainers, managers and student assistant coaches) is eligible to receive one academic credit per academic year for participating in collegiate athletics with a maximum number of 4 total credits during their athletic career.  Two-sport athletes may only receive credit for one sport each academic year. Credit is credit/no credit.  Credit must be assigned during the traditional season of each sport.  In the event that any sport (for example basketball) goes through two semesters, students may elect which semester to receive the credit.  Student athletes can earn this one hour credit each year by the following means: completing the entire sporting season by attending practices, meetings, competition and year end banquet. If an athlete becomes injured during the season, he or she must continue to attend practices, meetings, and competitions (as required by the head coach) to be eligible for credit. 

VAP 101 VARSITY FOOTBALL
VAP 102 VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
VAP 103 VARSITY MEN'S SOCCER
VAP 104 VARSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER
VAP 105 VARSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL
VAP 106 VARSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
VAP 107 VARSITY MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
VAP 108 VARSITY WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
VAP 111 VARSITY BASEBALL
VAP 112 VARSITY SOFTBALL
VAP 113 VARSITY MEN'S TRACK
VAP 114 VARSITY WOMEN'S TRACK
VAP 115 VARSITY CHEERLEADING

July 2024