Course Descriptions - Traditional Undergraduate

Traditional Undergraduate

Courses

Communication

• COMM 380 - Documentary Production

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  3 hours
  Designed to have students produce, direct, write, and edit a documentary project. The class will emphasize the three stages of production: pre-production, production, and post-production, specific to the documentary process. While the focus will be on producing their own documentary project, students will participate in studying classic and current documentaries along with researching documentary history and documentary directors. Prerequisite(s): COMM 175  and COMM 290 . UG
• COMM 390 - Multimedia Practicum

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  3 hours
  As a capstone experience, students will propose a multimedia project appropriate to his/her area of concentration.  Approved projects must meet departmental criteria and learning outcomes specified for each concentration. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior status. UG
• COMM 398 - Dramatic Practicum

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  1-6 hours
  Credit will be granted to persons who make major contributions to a theatrical production on campus. Participation may include acting, assistant directing, lighting, set design/construction, etc. Up to six credit hours may be earned in this manner. Determination of credit and major contribution is to be judged by the faculty member directing the production. Each practicum hour will require approximately four working hours per week. UG
• COMM 399 - Special Topics in Communication

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  3 hours
  Each “Special Topics” course will explore in-depth one particular topic within one of the major areas of study: Radio, Journalism, Theatre, Corporate Communication, Television and Video Production, and Film Studies. “Special Topics” courses will rotate among these six areas of study. UG
• COMM 410 - Media Management

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  3 hours
  Survey of management issues most commonly encountered in broadcast media management. Projects cover management issues exclusive to media and day-to-day management, including sales management, financial statements, and planning of needed advertising for radio stations. Also discussed are regulatory issues and laws; FCC regulations; rule-making procedures that govern the broadcast industry; and how policies evolve from changes in society, politics, technology, and the marketplace. Explores media research methods, including market research by station managers; research methods of Arbitron, Nielsen and other media research organizations. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite(s):  Junior or Senior status. UG
• COMM 430 - Public Relations Research Methods

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  3 hours
  This course will establish a strong foundation for communication students to understand professional research methodologies. Students will learn how to use principles of scientific research to establish, monitor and evaluate communications programs. The course will cover research planning; theory; design including sampling, surveys, experiments, focus groups, content analysis and participant observation; qualitative and quantitative analysis; and reporting of research with advanced technologies. Alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite(s): COMM 100 , COMM 132  and any communication major status or by permission of the instructor. UG
• COMM 450 - Senior Seminar

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  2 hours
  Designed to integrate previous studies in speech communication, this course stresses refinement of students’ analytical abilities and public-speaking skills by providing opportunities for individual projects. Other considerations include preparation for graduate school and career options. Prerequisite(s): COMM 105 , COMM 305 . UG
• COMM 457 - Communication Theory

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  3 hours
  The purpose of this course will be to provide an in-depth look at some of the dominant theories being used in the study of human communication today. Some of the topics to be covered will be symbolic interactionism, rhetorical sensitivity, coordinated management of meaning, systems theory, and information processing. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite(s): A total of at least 15 hours in the major, or approval of the instructor. UG
• COMM 460 - Philosophy of Human Communication

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  3 hours
  Reading and detailed study of the theories of principal rhetoricians from ancient to modern times. Attention will be given to research techniques in rhetoric; students will conduct a major research project. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite(s): A total of at least 15 hours completed in the major, or approval of instructor. UG
• COMM 466 - Communication Internship

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  0-6 hours
  The student will intern under the supervision of a professional in an off-campus organization. The internship must be served in an area appropriate to the student’s course of study. A minimum of 60 clock hours per credit hour must be spent on site. Students must be registered during the term of the internship. It is the student’s responsibility to secure an internship and obtain departmental approval prior to beginning the experience. Students must have junior status or higher to earn internship credit. UG

Computer Science

• CSIS 107 - Computational Engineering

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  3 hours
  Same as ENGR 107 . Every semester. Prereq/Corequisite(s): MATH 147 . Laboratory experience. UG
• CSIS 110 - Digital Citizen of the 21st Century

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  2 hours
  Study of computing and ways it shapes and influences 21st century citizens and society. Provides basic understanding of computing capability and limitations for more informed discussion of issues. Topics may include: news, entertainment, media, identity, communication, relationships, financial transactions, intellectual property, privacy, security. UG
• CSIS 112 - Technology Today

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  2 hours
  Study of a variety of technologies that are commonly found in entertainment, computer, navigation, and communication systems. Will also emphasize applications of these technologies and comparison of alternatives for informed selection. Example topics could include GPS, cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, DVD drives, and data security. UG
• CSIS 120 - Introduction to Programming

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  2 hours
  A gentle introduction to programming for students with no previous computer programming experience. Students will write many small computer programs to practice problem solving and programming methodology. Problems will be taken from a variety of application domains. Builds a foundation for subsequent programming courses. UG
• CSIS 130 - Intro to Cybersecurity Defense

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  2 hours
  This course introduces basic concepts of cybersecurity and information assurance. The course introduces students to the global characteristics of cybercrime, security principles, technologies, and prodecures to defend networks. Through interactive, multimedia content, lab activities, and multi-industry case studies, students build technical and professional skills to pursue careers in cybersecurity. UG
• CSIS 150 - Programming: Control Structures

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  3 hours
  First in a sequence of programming courses designed to build professional programming skills. Covers control structures used in many programming languages for expressing procedural solutions to problems. Control structures include sequence, selection, repetition, recursion, and functions. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 107 , CSIS 120 , or permission of instructor. UG
• CSIS 204 - Career Seminar

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  1 hour
  Computing career planning and professional preparation through a variety of topics including: curriculum options/planning, senior capstone experience reports, alumni and industry speakers, internship/job opportunities, professional organizations, and workplace ethics. Prerequisite(s): at least six hours of CSIS course work. UG
• CSIS 227 - System Administration

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  3 hours
  Study of hardware and software installation, setup, configuration, and administration for individual computer systems. Includes basic coverage of Windows and Unix services. Also includes system security planning and administration. Will be carried out in an experimental lab environment. UG
• CSIS 230 - ServerOps

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  3 hours
  This course is a study of server architecture, administration, and disaster recovery. This course will also address storage, security, and troubleshooting. Prereq/Corequisite(s): CSIS 130 . UG
• CSIS 245 - Database Fundamentals

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  4 hours
  Study of database management systems and their application to information systems. Includes database design, access, and update using a relational database management system. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 107 , CSIS 120 , CSIS 150 , or BSNS 271 . Includes lab. UG
• CSIS 246 - SQL Programming

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  2 hours
  Study of SQL with a focus on DML. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 107 , CSIS 120 , CSIS 150 , or BSNS 271 . UG
• CSIS 247 - Database Design and Administration

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  2 hours
  Study of database management systems and their application to information systems. Includes database design and management using a relational database management system. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 246 . UG
• CSIS 250 - Programming: Data Structures

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  3 hours
  Continuation of CSIS 150  with a transition to Java. Covers implementations and application of common data structures including stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and others. Introduction of algorithm analysis and computational complexity for comparison and selection of alternative algorithms including searching and sorting. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 150 . UG
• CSIS 260 - Shell Programming

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  3 hours
  Basic Linux shell programming. Students will learn and practice: editing files with vi, using built-in bash commands, and writing bash shell script programs for improving productivity and automating system administration tasks. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 107 , CSIS 120 , or CSIS 150 . UG
• CSIS 280 - Introductory Topics in Computing

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  1-3 hours
  Selected topics of interest in computing. Provides flexibility and responsiveness in a dynamic and rapidly changing field. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor. UG
• CSIS 311 - Discrete Mathematics

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  3 hours
  Same as MATH 311 . Prerequisite(s): MATH 137  or MATH 147 ; CSIS 107  or CSIS 150 ; or consent of instructor. UG
• CSIS 327 - Network Fundamentals

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  3 hours
  Study of computer networks. Focuses on networking hardware and software including switches, routers, and network interface cards. Also includes both wired and wireless network communication media. The layered model of network communication provides structure for the discussion of the many protocols and services. Lab focuses on installation, setup, configuration, and administration of network devices and server based services such as DHCP, DNS, X.500, NFS, web server. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 227  or CSIS 250 . UG
• CSIS 330 - Web Development

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  3 hours
  Programming for the world wide web. Uses a variety of tools for editing, debugging, and testing web programs. Emphasizes programming languages and frameworks commonly used for both browser side and server side scripting. Includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 150 . UG
• CSIS 331 - Computing Foundations for Scientists

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  3 hours
  Introductory computational science course designed for natural science majors early in their undergraduate experience. Will make young scientists more knowledgeable users of computer technology and software tools in their practice of science. Foundational computer science knowledge includes modeling and simulation, data representation and accuracy, algorithms, data structures, databases, abstraction, and performance. Scientific applications are sampled from biology, chemistry, engineering, and geology. Mathematics and instrumentation topics crossing scientific disciplines are also included. Course will encourage students to discover similar types of problems between the sciences. Prerequisite(s): Completion of MATH 131  and an ACT Math score of 24 or SAT Math score of 580 or higher is required, (26 or higher is recommended), and general computer use skills. UG
• CSIS 332 - Linux System Administration

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  3 hours
  This course provides students with necessary skills to administer Linux based systems. Topics include installation, configuration, and management with focus on security. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 130 , CSIS 327 . UG
• CSIS 333 - Windows Server Management

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  3 hours
  This course provides students with necessary skills to administer Windows based systems. Topics include installation, configuration, and management of Windows servers and systems with focus on security. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 327 . UG
• CSIS 334 - Cyberlaw and Ethics

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  3 hours
  This course concentrates on government regulations, frameworks, and ethics affecting cybersecurity professionals. Topics include GLBA, FERPA, HIPPA, and GDRP. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 130 . UG
• CSIS 335 - Incident Handling

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  3 hours
  Students will learn risk assessment, security documentation processes, how to respond to cyber security related incidents and threats, and chain of custody protocols leading to an understanding of critical infrastructure protection (CIP). Prerequisite(s): CSIS 130 , CSIS 332 , and CSIS 333 . UG
• CSIS 340 - Human Computer Interface

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  3 hours
  Study of the properties of high quality user interfaces. Emphasizes graphical user interfaces and components such as menus, forms, and reports. Relates psychological theories of human perception and cognition that contribute to the design of efficient human computer interfaces. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 120  or CSIS 150 . UG
• CSIS 350 - Programming: Object Oriented

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  3 hours
  Continuation of CSIS 250  with a focus on object-oriented aspects and program design. Covers encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance. Also includes techniques to aid to developing modular programs with simple design. An emphasis on designing is covered. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 250 . UG
• CSIS 354 - Numerical Analysis

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  3 hours
  Same as MATH 354 . Prerequisite(s): MATH 261 , MATH 351 , and CSIS 107  or CSIS 250 . UG
• CSIS 355 - Agile Methodologies

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  3 hours
  Study of the software development process tasks including analysis, design, development, testing, and deployment. Emphasizes object oriented analysis, design, and programming. Focuses on agile methodologies and principles, Scrum in particular. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 120  or CSIS 150 ; CSIS 227 , CSIS 245 , or CSIS 246 . UG
• CSIS 381 - Systems Programming

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  4 hours
  Deals with development of system programs. These are typically utilities dealing with operating system data or programming language support. They are usually written with fairly low-level languages such as assembly or C, which have access to system APIs. Example utilities with the operating system might include security programs, command interpreters, or disk utilities. Example utilities with language systems might include text editors, assemblers, linkers, code formatters, or code generators. Lab includes an introduction to assembly language programming. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 250 . UG
• CSIS 394 - Cybersecurity Co-Op/Internship

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  1-4 hours
  The student will be under the supervision of an off-campus organization. A minimum of 60 clock hours per credit hour must be spent on site. The internship must provide opportunity to gain experience and apply knowledge and skills from related course work. A presentation and final report are required. Course may be repeated, within the same or additional semesters, for a cumulative total of 4 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 130 , CSIS 327 , CSIS 332 , CSIS 333 , CSIS 334 , and CSIS 335 . UG
• CSIS 403 - Management Information Systems

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  3 hours
  Same as BSNS 403 . UG
• CSIS 404 - Senior Seminar

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  1 hour
  Covers case studies and discusses ethical issues related to computing. Also includes preparation of presentation and report for capstone experience. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite(s): Senior Status. UG
• CSIS 427 - Security Fundamentals

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  3 hours
  Study of the security planning and administration of a computer network. Includes security update application, malware protection, intrusion detection, firewall organization and policy management. Focuses on a multi-layer approach to network security. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 245 , CSIS 327 , and junior standing . UG
• CSIS 431 - Human Factors in Cybersecurity

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  3 hours
  The study of human behavior and social engineering on cybersecurity and cybercrime. Attention will be given to reducing human error and developing techniques to mitigate risk. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 130  and CSIS 334 . UG
• CSIS 432 - Ethical Hacking

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  3 hours
  This course will cover the discovery and reporting of system vulnerabilities and solutions. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 130 , CSIS 230 , CSIS 327 , CSIS 332 , CSIS 333 , CSIS 334 , and CSIS 431 . UG
• CSIS 445 - Big Data

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  3 hours
  Continuation of CSIS 245  and focuses on the issues associated wtih the extremely large databases of the day.  Topics may vary. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 245  or CSIS 246 . UG
• CSIS 450 - Programming: Design Challenges

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  3 hours
  Continuation of CSIS 350  with a focus on design patterns and principles. Study of designs and software refactoring that better adapt to requirements change. Covers examples with larger numbers of interacting classes, and coordinating concurrent objects. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 350 . UG
• CSIS 455 - Agile in Practice

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  3 hours
  Practice of the knowledge and skills of agile methodologies acquired in CSIS 355  by working on a significant semester length software development project as a team member. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 355 . UG
• CSIS 475 - Theory of Computation

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  3 hours
  Covers the detailed comparative analysis of algorithms and their computational complexity. May also include formal language theory including finite automata, Turing machines, context-free grammars, and decidability. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite(s): CSIS 250  and CSIS 311 . UG
• CSIS 480 - Topics in Computing

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  1-3 hours
  Selected topics of interest in computing. Provides flexibility and responsiveness in a dynamic and rapidly changing field. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor. UG
• CSIS 485 - Great Issues in Computing

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  3 hours
  Study of recurring major issues of computing such as parallelism, optimization, concurrency, large data sets, security/privacy, and communication. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing. UG
• CSIS 491 - Research Problems in Computer Science

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  0-3 hours
  The student will be assigned to a faculty advisor for the project. Together, the student with the faculty advisor will select the computing research topic. Research will be completed by the student under the supervision of the faculty advisor. A presentation and final APA report describing the research topic, methodology, and results are required. Course may be repeated for a cumulative total of 3 credit hours.
    Prerequisite(s): Consent of the research faculty advisor. UG
• CSIS 492 - Software Development Project

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  0-3 hours
  A project faculty advisor will be assigned. Together, the student/team with the faculty advisor will select the software development project. The student/team will develop or modify a software system by applying knowledge and skills acquired from previous experience and course work. While this may require learning some new aspects of computing, the project goal is to develop usable software. A system demonstration plus a project report describing the system and development process are required. Course may be repeated for a cumulative total of 3 credit hours.
    Prerequisite(s): Consent of the project faculty advisor. UG
• CSIS 494 - Internship in Computing

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  0-3 hours
  Designed to allow the student to integrate principles learned in the classroom by working in a business setting. The program is under the joint planning and supervision of the business involved and the department faculty. Course may be repeated for a cumulative total of 3 credit hours.
    Prerequisite(s): Consent of the internship faculty advisor. UG
• CSIS 496 - Cybersecurity & Network Seminar

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  2 hours
  This course is geared toward fulfilling several continuing education units required by some certification bodies. This course may be taken multiple times. UG

Criminal Justice

• CJUS 243 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

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  3 hours
  This introductory course examines the American criminal justice system from the commission of a crime to the release of the offender in the community. The focus of the course will be on the three main components of the system: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The nature and relationships of the various criminal justice agencies will be explored in detail, as well as major theoretical concepts, models, and perspectives. UG
• CJUS 316 - Corrections

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  3 hours
  This course is an examination of the people, systems, practices, policies, and problems of the correctional community, at the local, state, and federal levels. This course will include an analysis of the historical development of corrections, including community attitudes and resources, treatment programs, trends, and changes in the field, based on the philosophies of state and national governments. Various sentencing options, including the death penalty, will also be examined. UG
• CJUS 325 - Police and Society

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  3 hours
  This course will examine the philosophy, history, and agencies of law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels. An analysis of the role and responsibilities of law enforcement in a democratic society will be investigated, as well as such contemporary issues as corruption and brutality. UG
• CJUS 327 - Urban Justice Policy

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  3 hours
  This course will serve as a field-study to focus on evolving urban justice policy and its impact, both historical and contemporary, within the domains of courts, corrections, policing and community reentry. Students will interact with every element of an urban criminal justice system, gaining valuable understanding of these areas through case studies, guest speakers and other active learning assignments. UG
• CJUS 335 - Research Methods for Social Work & Criminal Justice

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  3 hours
  A survey of the research principles and skills in the fields of social work and criminal justice. Topics include a survey of qualitative and quantitative design, sampling, data collection and analysis techniques, and ethical practice. This course is designed to educate students to critically analyze published research for implementation of evidence-based social work and criminal justice practice, as well as to apply research principles to new areas of study. UG
• CJUS 343 - Criminal Law

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  3 hours
  An examination of the historical, constitutional, and legal principles applicable to substantive criminal law. This course will focus on an analysis of the definition of criminal law, elements of the major crimes, general principles of criminal responsibility, punishment, and the conditions or circumstances that may excuse an individual from criminal liability or mitigate the punishment. Legal reasoning, research, and case analysis will also be examined as well as the limitations of the criminal law. UG
• CJUS 350 - Terrorism

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  3 hours
  This course focuses on understanding terrorism. Content covers the historical, political, economic, and global environment and context of threat. Both international and domestic threats are covered along with protocols for reducing or eliminating those threats. Terrorist groups, militant organizations, and individual crime are studied. UG
• CJUS 360 - Criminal Procedure

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  3 hours
  An examination of the historical, constitutional, and legal principles applicable to criminal procedure. This course will focus on the procedural aspects of the criminal law pertaining to police powers in connection with the laws of arrest, search and seizure, the exclusionary rule, civil liberties, eavesdropping, confessions, and related decision-making factors. Analysis of such precedent cases as Miranda v. Arizona, Terry v. Ohio, and Escobedo v. Illinois will also be pursued. UG
• CJUS 365 - Crisis Intervention

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  3 hours
  Designed to provide a framework for intervention with individuals, families, groups, and communities in crisis. Ethical, theoretical and practical skills necessary for crisis assessment and resolution will be examined. Specific attention is given to populations-at-risk, including women, ethnic and racial minorities, and persons with disabilities. In addition, issues related to mental and physical health, life transitions, and global matters are studied. Research and evaluation in crisis intervention settings are also presented. UG
• CJUS 373 - Criminology

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  3 hours
  The focus of this course is on the causation of crime and delinquency. Classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime causation will be explored, as well as violent, property, white-collar, organized, and public order crimes. An examination will also be made of the extent and measurement of crime, delinquency, and victimization. UG
• CJUS 375 - Behavioral Profiling

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  3 hours
  This course focuses on understanding human behavior and the effects of anti-social, psychopathic, and sociopathic personalities. Attention will be given to violent criminal behavior as well as less serious behavioral expressions of psychopathy. Psychological and criminological elements of profiling will be discussed. This course will also introduce psychological assessment and readiness for professional careers in this field. UG
• CJUS 380 - Fundamentals of Emergency Management

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  3 hours
  Same as SOWK 380 . UG
• CJUS 394 - Juvenile Justice

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  3 hours
  This course focuses on the role of delinquent minors in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This involves an examination of theories of juvenile delinquency and an examination of the problems of juveniles: family issues, economic issues, school issues, risk and protective factors in delinquency, juvenile rights and responsibilities, drugs, and gangs. Institutions and programs that serve juveniles will also be examined. UG
• CJUS 400 - Field Placement I

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  6 hours
  Limited to Criminal Justice majors in the senior year. Students are required to serve 270 hours of field experience in police, probation, correctional, or other criminal justice oriented agencies. The Criminal Justice Program Coordinator must approve specific placements. Prerequisite(s): CJUS 401 . UG
• CJUS 401 - Field Placement Seminar

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  1 hour
  Designed to prepare criminal justice majors for field placement. This course is an orientation to field placement including professional ethics and responsibilities, résumé-writing, applying and interviewing, record keeping, confidentiality, and personal safety. This course must be taken in the semester preceding enrollment in CJUS 400  Field Placement. Students will meet weekly for one hour. Prerequisite(s): All core courses in the criminal justice curriculum except CJUS 400  or permission from the Criminal Justice Program Director. UG
• CJUS 405 - Field Placement II

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  3-6 hours
  This course must be taken during the senior year and is limited to Criminal Justice majors. Students will be required to serve 135-270 hours of field experience in police, probation, correctional, or other criminal justice-oriented agencies. The Criminal Justice field coordinator reserves the right to affirm or deny specific placements. This course will be taken after CJUS 400 . Prerequisite(s): CJUS 400 , CJUS 401  and permission of adviser. UG
• CJUS 410 - Crime Scene Investigation

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  3 hours
  This course focuses on crime scene investigation from the initial crime scene assessment to the courtroom. The course will discuss evidence gathering and handling. Content includes investigation using drugs, hairs, fibers, paints, patterns, fingerprints, firearms, blood, body fluids, and DNA. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate proper handling procedures and experiment with laboratory techniques. This class will include lecture and laboratory sessions. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 101 , CJUS 243 . UG
• CJUS 440 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice

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  3 hours
  Contents of this course will vary as instructors present different developments, problems, issues, and controversies in the field of criminal justice. This course will only be offered periodically. Prerequisite(s): CJUS 243  or permission of instructor. UG
• CJUS 450 - Fundamentals of Police Training

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  3 hours
  This course covers the foundational curriculum taught in police training programs. Content includes basic policing protocols and skills including, report writing, drug enforcement, courtroom testimony, interviewing and interrogation, use of force, firearm safety and use, traffic law, patrol procedures, vehicle stops, and accident investigation. This course requires physical readiness for police qualification. This course is limited to senior Criminal Justice majors in the Law Enforcement Concentration. Prerequisite(s): CJUS 243 , CJUS 325 , MSCI 121 , MSCI 122 , MSCI 221 , MSCI 222  UG

Earth and Space Sciences

• ESS 105 - The Dynamic Earth

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  4 hours
  An introduction to the Earth’s surface and interior, the dynamic processes that from them, and their impact on human society. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, rivers, glaciers, deserts, climate, soils, and more from Earth’s geologic, atmospheric, and oceanographic systems. UG
• ESS 106 - Geology & Geography of North American Regions

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  2-3 hours
  Selected field studies of North American regions. UG
• ESS 108 - Introduction to Weather and Climate

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  1 hour
  A broad introduction to meteorologic topics including composition and structure of the atmosphere, analysis of weather data, atmospheric motions, principles that govern weather and climate, and weather’s impact on humans. Credit cannot be given for both ESS 108 and ESS 109 . UG
• ESS 109 - The Earth’s Weather

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  3 hours
  A study of weather and climate of the Earth. Credit cannot be given for both ESS 108  and ESS 109. UG
• ESS 130 - Astronomy

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  4 hours
  An introduction to the structure and origin of the universe. Includes the study of the solar system, stars, galaxies, black holes, quasars, etc. Laboratory introduces the student to various techniques used in astronomical studies. The planetarium and observatory are utilized. UG
• ESS 140 - Earth/Space Sciences for Teachers

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  4 hours
  Introduces teacher candidates to the origin and nature of the universe, solar system, and Earth, including its physical and biological nature and history. Content of the course includes Earth’s water, landforms, materials, and oceans. Laboratory will emphasize observational astronomy; the use of the planetarium; identification of minerals, rocks, and fossils; local geology; and map reading in forms useful for the teacher. A field trip is included. Prereq/Corequisite(s): EDUC 195 . UG
• ESS 200 - Earth’s Natural History

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  3 hours
  An introduction to the natural history of Earth, including both physical changes and life of the past. Topics include fossil preservation, the history and patterns of life forms, fundamentals of stratigraphy and the interpretation of layered rock sequences, with special emphasis on the natural history of North America. Prerequisite(s): ESS 105 . UG
• ESS 222 - Earth’s Landscapes and Natural Hazards

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  3 hours
  The study of Earth’s surface processes, the landforms they produce, and associated natural hazards. Topics include streams, glaciers, deserts, shorelines, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and more. Analysis of landforms using maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery is emphasized in order to understand geomorphic processes. Prerequisite(s): ESS 105 . UG
• ESS 302 - Mineral Science

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  4 hours
  An introduction to the study of minerals, including their chemical compositions, atomic structure, physical, chemical, and optical properties, and their importance to Earth processes. Emphasis is placed on minerals that are important due to their abundance, economic value, or scientific merit, with the goal of understanding the processes that form and modify the Earth’s natural materials. Laboratory emphasizes hand specimen, optical, and other techniques of mineral description, identification, and use. Field trip over Fall Break to Ontario, CA. Prerequisite(s): ESS 105 , CHEM 103 . UG
• ESS 332 - Water Resource Issues

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  3 hours
  This course is a study of Earth’s water resources from scientific and social perspectives, including the water cycle, surface and groundwater flow, contaminants, water supply and demand, water quality, management, and conservation in the U.S. and around the world. This course surveys environmental, economic, social, and cultural aspects of floods, droughts, and water usage, including emphasis on clean water access in the developing world. Prerequisite(s): Prior completion of a lab science course is required. UG
• ESS 340 - Global Natural Resources

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  3 hours
  The origins of natural resources, how culture influences the use of natural resources and how their use influences cultures, recycling of natural materials, and the impacts of processed materials on the environment. Resources to be explored include oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and alternative energy sources, water, soil and fertilizers, wood, road salts, aggregates and construction materials, and industrial and precious metals. Economic and socio-political factors governing mining, production and recycling of materials within various cultures. The origins and environmental effects of acid rain, ozone depletion, top soil erosion, and climatic alteration associated with the use of natural resources are explored. The implication of Christian theology on these issues. Prerequisite(s): Completion of one laboratory science or consent of instructor. UG
• ESS 346 - Tools of Astronomy

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  3 hours
  Application of astronomical concepts and extensive use of observational equipment. Instruction in the use of the planetarium as an educational tool. Current topics in astronomy. Prerequisite(s): ESS 130  or ESS 140 . UG
• ESS 357 - The Rock Cycle and Ore Deposits

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  4 hours
  The compositions, textures, distributions, and origins of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Topics emphasize the processes that form each of these as well as economic deposits found within them. Multiple-day overnight field trip. Prerequisite(s): ESS 302 . UG
• ESS 360 - Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems

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  3 hours
  Spatial analysis using handheld receivers of satellite positioning information (GPS) combined with a multilayered geographic mapping and analysis program (GIS) designed to integrate many sources of information to address various physical and social problems. UG
• ESS 366 - Geologic Structures and Tectonics

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  4 hours
  The nature and origin of Earth’s deformed rocks considered at scales ranging from atomic to global and their implications for tectonics. Topics include non-tectonic structures, faults, folding, brittle and ductile features, mountain building, regional geology of North America, stress and strain in Earth materials, and more. Laboratory emphasizes solving structural problems, understanding geologic maps, and interpreting geologic history. Field trip over Spring Break to the southern Appalachians. Prerequisite(s): ESS 105 , MATH 131   UG
• ESS 375 - Optical & Electron Microscopy

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  3 hours
  An analytical course focusing on various techniques of microscopy. Topics discussed include: basic principles of optics and light, interactions of light and matter, characteristics of electron beam-specimen interactions, image formation and interpretation, sample preparation, secondary electron imaging, back-scattered electron imaging, and semi-quantitative chemical analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Microscope techniques will include standard optical microscopy, polarizing light microscopy, reflected light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 ; PHYS 122  or PHYS 202 , or consent of instructor. UG
• ESS 385 - Chemistry of Earth Processes

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  4 hours
  The distribution and significance of elements and chemical compounds in Earth’s systems. Topics emphasize the origin of elements, behavior of trace elements, radioactive decay and geochronology, states of matter and thermodynamic stability, aqueous equilibria, and more. Laboratory consists of a semester-long project on the chemistry of natural waters, and includes analyses for major elements by wet chemistry, spectrophotometric methods, titration, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and more. Local day-trips to field areas. Prerequisite(s): ESS 105 , CHEM 104 . UG
• ESS 390 - Seminar in Earth & Space Science

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  1/2 hour
  Professional development and special topics of current interest in the Earth and Space Sciences. Required every year students are in the program. UG
• ESS 394 - Physics of the Earth

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  3 hours
  An introduction to the application of physics to the study of Earth systems. Methods of geophysical study of geologic structures and processes, and geophysical exploration for natural resources and environmental analysis. Fundamental techniques of geophysical data collection and analysis. Field experiences. Prerequisite(s): MATH 147 , ESS 105 ; and PHYS 121  or PHYS 201  . Corequisite(s): PHYS 122  or PHYS 202 . UG
• ESS 399 - Topics in Earth & Space Science

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  1-3 hours
  Selected topics in the earth and space sciences, e.g., Oceanography, Advanced Paleontology, Isotope Geology, Advanced GIS, Regions of the United States, Advanced Hydrogeology and Contaminant Transport, Physics of the Earth, Geostatistics, etc. May be repeated. UG
• ESS 492 - Research

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  1-3 hours
  Detailed study of an area of the student’s interest, involving library, laboratory, and/or field work. Paper required. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. UG

Economics

• ECON 110 - Principles of Economics

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  3 hours
  An introduction to economic reasoning and analysis, with special emphasis on the market process as a system of social coordination. This course will address microeconomic topics such as opportunity cost, and comparative advantage as well as the macroeconomic issues of inflation, unemployment, and monetary and fiscal policy. UG
• ECON 308 - Comparative Economic Systems

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  3 hours
  An examination of the alternative forms of economic organization that exist around the world. Areas of emphasis will include the existing variations in the democratic capitalist framework, the ongoing process of transition in formerly socialist nations, the emergence of new sources of competition within the global economy, and the interaction between economics, politics, and culture in various societies. UG
• ECON 311 - Intermediate Microeconomics

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  3 hours
  An exploration of the neoclassical theories of consumption and production. Additional topics will include game theory and strategic behavior, the economic impact of technological development and organizational innovation, the role of the government in maintaining competition, and the relationship between Christian thought and economic methodology. Prerequisite(s): ECON 110 . UG
• ECON 312 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

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  3 hours
  An examination of alternative theoretical frameworks of the national economy, with particular emphasis on the contrast between short-run and long-run models of aggregate economic behavior. Additional attention will also be devoted to current controversies in macroeconomic theory, policy, and performance. Prerequisite(s): ECON 110 . UG
• ECON 345 - Economics of the Public Sector

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  3 hours
  An examination of the role of government in market economy, both in a positive and a normative sense. Major topics will include the theories of market failure and public choice; the economic impact of various taxes, expenditure programs, and regulatory actions; and alternative rationales for the expansion in the size and scope of government in the United States and other nations over time. UG
• ECON 362 - Financial Markets and Institutions

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  3 hours
  A survey of the financial organizations of society, including the functioning and characteristics of money and credit, investment banking, trust companies, and commercial banking, with emphasis on the Federal Reserve System. Current money and banking problems are evaluated in conjunction with the theoretical concepts studies. Prerequisite(s): BSNS 355 , ECON 110 . UG

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