FS 201 Descriptions (Fall, 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 Guldan

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.

FSENG 201 Communication in a Discipline – English
Section 1: Common Language, Uncommon Lives: Anglophone Literature and Linguistic Identities
Professor Hellwarth

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of English. Students investigate the conventions of communication in the discipline and the methods by which practitioners position their work within larger disciplinary contexts. English was one of the most widespread of the colonial languages during the 19th century and is currently used by many countries as an official or semi-official language. Existing alongside many African, South Asian, and Caribbean languages, English has been both influenced by, and has influenced, language use at many levels. We consider a variety of Anglophone literatures that focus on language and cultural diversity and explore the historical, cultural, and political contexts within which Anglophone literatures are produced. We focus on contemporary Anglophone texts by writers including Chinua Achebe, Naruddin Farah, J.M. Coetzee, Michael Ondaatje, Jean Rhys, and Jamaica Kincaid. Prerequisite: FS 102. Must be taken on a letter-grade basis.

FSENG 201 Communication in a Discipline – English
Section 2: Writing Wrongs: Literary Representations of Injustice
Professor B. Slote

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of English.  Students apply a variety of critical approaches to a small number of texts, develop research and interpretive skills, and present their work in oral and written forms.  We examine stories, novels, and poems that portray injustice—private and public misdeeds unpunished by law or other meaningful censure—and consider the historical, moral, and interpretive demands that come with representing and reading about this experience.

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: please note that FSFRE 201 (French) is no longer offered. Students who need FSFRE 201 to complete their major or minor should consult with the Modern and Classical Languages department about how to fulfill the requirement.

FSGEO 201 Communication in a Discipline – Geology
Field Geology
Professor T. Schwartz

Applied principles and field methods in geology and environmental geology. Students are exposed to critical analysis and communication in the geosciences through field and laboratory projects involving topographic maps, aerial photographs, geologic maps, rock and soil properties, subsurface drilling and geophysical data, and computer applications. Geologic mapping and hazards, landfill siting, environmental pollution, and oil exploration issues provide context for the projects. Field work or laboratory, one period. May include a multi-day field trip. Prerequisite: Geology 108 or 110. May count toward a major or minor in Geology.

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: Global Health Studies 130.

FSHIS 201  Communication in a Discipline – History
Reconstructing the Past: The Battle of Poitiers (1356) and the Hundred Years War
Professor Lyons

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of history.  Students learn the methods of historical inquiry by participating in an exercise in historical reconstruction and interpretation of the Battle of Poitiers, one of the decisive engagements between the English and the French in the dynastic struggle for the French throne.  Among the disputed questions considered are the exact location of the encounter, the disposition of troops, the identity of the participants, the role and nature of the leadership, the effectiveness of weaponry, the character of chivalric tradition, and the tactics of medieval warfare. Open to first-year and sophomore students only.

FSMLG 201  Communication in a Discipline – Modern Languages
Academic Communication in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Professor Lewis

An introduction to research and communication in the disciplines of Modern Languages. Through close work with a small number of texts and cultural topics, students engage with the norms and processes of research, including the development of appropriate topics; the location, evaluation, use, and citation of secondary sources; the incorporation of these sources into their own analyses; and the communication of these analyses in writing and speech as part of a scholarly conversation. While given in English, our study prepares language majors for research in the target language, including in the Junior/Senior Seminar and Senior Project. Prerequisites: Two language courses at Allegheny College or permission of the instructor.

FSPHY 201 Communication in a Discipline – Philosophy
Professor K. Wolfe

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Philosophy. Students engage with a specific philosophical text, author, topic area or problem: details change with each offering of this seminar (please ask instructor concerning details). Research methods, written assignments, and oral arguments and presentations are emphasized. Counts toward the major in Philosophy.

FSPHY 201 Communication in a Discipline – Physics
Investigative Approaches in Physics
Professor Poynor

An investigative laboratory course that emphasizes experimental design and analysis, interpretation of data, and written and oral presentation. This course stresses independent and cooperative laboratory work. Writing and speaking in the physical sciences is emphasized through written, oral and poster presentations. Prerequisite: Physics 120 or Physics 102.

FSPSY 201 Communication in a Discipline – Psychology
Social Psychophysiology: The Interface of Mind, Body, and Social Interaction  
Professor Pickering

An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Psychology. We explore the evolution of 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. This section focuses on physiological methods/techniques and how they can be used to examine stress, health, emotion, and intergroup interaction. 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.

FSSPA 201: please note that FSSPA 201 (Spanish) is no longer offered. Students who need FSSPA 201 to complete their major or minor should consult with the Modern and Classical Languages department about how to fulfill the requirement.