FS 201 Descriptions (Spring, 2015)

FS 201 courses complete the required FS sequence and also count for elective credit in the department offering the course. Because FS 201 forms a bridge between the first-year FS courses and the Junior Seminar, students are expected to take FS 201 in the sophomore year. Some majors and minors require an FS 201 course in that specific program; in these cases, the same FS 201 course may be used to satisfy both the FS requirement and the major/minor requirement.

FSBIO 201 Communication in a Discipline – Biology

Investigative Approaches in Biology. Taught by various Biology faculty.

An investigative laboratory course that emphasizes experimental design, modern experimental techniques and instrumentation, analysis and interpretation of data, and written and oral presentation. The course consists of three multi-week project modules designed to illustrate investigative approaches at different levels of biological organization—molecular/cellular, organismal/physiology, and population/ecosystem. There is an emphasis on independent and cooperative laboratory/field work, and on writing and speaking in the sciences. One two-hour recitation/discussion and three-hour lab period per week. Prerequisite: BIO 220. This course is required for Biology majors and minors.

FSCHE 201 Communication in a Discipline – Chemistry

Research Methods in Chemistry. Professor Van Horn.

An introduction to writing, speaking, and research methods in the discipline of chemistry. Topics include experimental design, statistical analysis of data, ethical conduct of research and selected classical, spectroscopic and chromatographic methods of analysis. Analytical techniques are discussed in the context of laboratory projects that are designed, performed, and interpreted by the class. Taught in the fall semester. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in CHEM 122 or CHEM 112.

FSCOM 201 Communication in a Discipline – Communication Arts

Hollywood Films and Gender. Professor Reilly.

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Communication Arts, with an emphasis on film studies. More specifically, our focus is on Hollywood blockbuster films and their depiction of gender and sexuality. Students discuss these films in formal, theoretical, and historical contexts and examine their marketing strategies and critical reception. The recent popularity of remakes factors into our discussion. Students work to strengthen their ability to form original arguments, find and utilize applicable research, and properly present their claims in written and oral formats.

FSDMS 201 Communication in a Discipline – Dance & Movement Studies

Dance: Ritual of Experience. Professor Reedy.

An exploration of ritual and ceremonial dances from multiple cultural perspectives, drawing upon insights into dance as human thought and as physical, cultural, social, economic, psychological, political and communicative behavior. Of particular interest is the role dance plays in the expression of both resistances to and maintenance of cultural expressions of power and value. Special emphasis is placed on relating each student’s personal experience of dance to the topics covered. Effective writing and speaking within the guidelines of the discipline is emphasized. May count toward a minor in Dance and Movement Studies.

FSECO 201 Communication in a Discipline – Economics

The Political Economy of Africa and the MENA Region. Professor Onyeiwu.

An exploration of the economies of Sub-Saharan and North African countries, with emphasis on the impact of colonization, post-colonial development strategies, globalization, and contemporary economic policies.  Students learn how economic, political, and social factors interact to shape economic development in Africa and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region.

FSENG 201 Communication in a Discipline – English

Section 1: Draining the Text: The Vampire in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Professor Caballero.

An introduction to writing, speaking, and research in the discipline of English. Students apply a variety of critical approaches to a small number of literary texts, develop research and interpretive skills, and present their work in oral and written forms. The focus is on the figure of the vampire in literature in historical and cultural contexts and the ways in which the vampire shifted and changed in the course of nineteenth-century British and American literature and then into twentieth-century cinema.

FSENG 201 Communication in a Discipline – English

Section 2: All-American Redneck. Professor Ferrence.

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of English studies. Students examine the conventions of thinking, writing, and argument within the context of the literary development and application of the rural Southern and Appalachian stereotype of the “redneck.”

FSENV 201 Communication in a Discipline – Environmental Science

Environmental Problem Analysis. Taught by various Environmental Science faculty.

An interdisciplinary analysis of modern controversial environmental issues. Students examine scientific, economic, cultural and political underpinnings of issues. Areas of study address environmental degradation, natural resource use and misuse, human-environmental interactions, and environmental justice. Written assignments and oral arguments and presentations are emphasized. Counts toward the major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110.

FSFRE 201 Communication in a Discipline – French

Speaking of France Today. Professor Wolfe.

An introduction to contemporary French culture and conversation. Topics relating to French institutions and cultural identity are analyzed and discussed. These may include political, economic, and educational institutions and values as well as the arts, media, the workplace, and family life. Intensive conversation practice to improve fluency and build vocabulary focuses on a variety of readings, films, and television news programs chosen to increase understanding of French society today. Assignments include discussion, debate and oral presentations as well as written and oral tests. Recommended for students planning to study in France. One additional oral practice session per week and attendance at French Table. Prerequisite: FRNCH 215.

FSGHS 201 Communication in a Discipline – Global Health Studies

Topics and Approaches in Global Health. Professor Dawson.

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Global Health Studies. Students are introduced to the research methods and modes of communication used in the field of global health and use case studies to investigate different approaches to identifying, analyzing, and responding to global health issues. We read primary and secondary research, interpret data, evaluate tools for communicating effectively to different audiences, and explore various research methods. Ethical, cultural, and interdisciplinary dimensions of global health research and work are emphasized throughout. Prerequisite: GHS 130.

FSMAT 201 Communication in a Discipline – Mathematics

Applications of Wavelets. Professor Weir.

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Mathematics. Wavelet analysis, a relatively new area of study, has connections to a variety of areas including image compression, speech recognition, DNA analysis, and forgery detection. After learning about the mathematics involved, students explore some of these applications in greater detail. In addition to effective oral and written communication in Mathematics, the use of mathematical software packages such as Mathematica and LaTeX is emphasized. This course may be counted toward the completion of a major or minor in Mathematics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 160 with a grade of “C” or better, or permission of the instructor

FSPOL 201 Communication in a Discipline – Political Science

Intelligence Writing. Professor Tamashiro.

An introduction to intelligence writing and briefing. Weekly writing exercises, emphasizing pre-writing, revision, and proofreading, are used to examine descriptive, explanatory, and estimate styles of intelligence work. A variety of open-ended sources used in intelligence research are introduced. The briefing portion of the course develops familiarity with delivering different types of intelligence products. Students are required to analyze written reports, write papers, prepare and present intelligence briefings, and critique other students’ written and oral presentations.

FSPSY 201 Communication in a Discipline – Psychology

Section 1: Disorders of Mind and Brain. Professor Cross.

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Psychology. We explore the evolution of the research and theory on a specific topic in psychology. Through an examination of relevant primary source materials, we demonstrate how questions prompting research on a specific topic, as well as research methodologies, have evolved. The focus for this section is the evolution of thought regarding the identification of, explanations for, and treatment of disorders of mind and brain. Psychology majors are encouraged to take their sophomore seminar in the Psychology Department.  May count toward a major or minor in Psychology. Prerequisite: any course in Psychology or Neuroscience.

FSPSY 201 Communication in a Discipline – Psychology

Section 2: Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, and Body Image. Professor Paulson.

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Psychology. We explore eating disorders, body image, and disordered eating from primarily a psychosocial perspective. Specifically, we explore the messages we get from the media about our bodies and eating, and who is most susceptible to the influence of these messages; the roles that family and peers can play in contributing to the risk for, or resiliency against, developing eating disorders; and what we know about how women, and men, of different racial/ethnic backgrounds experience body image and disordered eating. Both male and female students are encouraged to enroll. Prerequisite: any course in Psychology. Psychology majors are encouraged to take their sophomore seminar in the Psychology Department. May count toward a major or minor in Psychology. Does not count for Social Science distribution.

FSSPA 201 Communication in a Discipline – Spanish

Spanish for Majors and Minors. Professor Herrera.

Designed for students interested in completing a major or minor in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on developing the writing and speaking skills necessary for the student’s successful participation in upper level courses. Special attention is paid to providing the tools for the critical analysis and study of Peninsular and Latin American literature, culture, and civilization. Special attention will also be paid to the student’s specific needs, according to their field of student. Prerequisite: SPAN 225.