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
Communication and Controversy. Professor Silva.
An introduction to writing and speaking in the disciplines of Communication Arts and Theatre. Students explore contemporary public controversies, particularly in public media and performance, in order to understand the ways in which communication scholarship can enhance our understandings of media, culture, politics, and identity in the American context. This course may be counted toward the major or minor in Communication Arts.
FSECO 201 Communication in a Discipline – Economics
Economics of Discrimination. Professor Martin.
An introduction to the study of wage differentials and other systemic inequalities within and across labor, housing, justice, and education markets in the US. We will explore both neoclassical and political economic models of discrimination while applying these models to case studies and social phenomena. Special attention will be paid to the examination of the causes of the perpetuation of discrimination and oppression based on identity and socioeconomic class. Students will explore the effects of public policy on earnings equality, well-being, education, violence, and other factors associated with oppression.
FSENG 201 Communication in a Discipline – English
Writing & Speaking About Literature. Professor David Miller.
An introduction to the discipline of English, examining critical controversies, methodological practices, and theoretical assumptions as well as novels, poems, and short stories. Readings focus on the historical context of literature as it applies to colonial and post-colonial writings relating to Africa. Critical inquiry stems from two questions: why study literature and what constitutes a valid interpretation of a literary text? Students investigate different approaches to particular texts, including formal, feminist, Marxist, psychological, and anthropological.
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.
FSGEO 201 Communication in a Discipline – Geology
Field Geology. Staff.
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: GEO 108 or GEO 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. Taught by various Global Health Studies faculty.
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.
FSHIS 201 Communication in a Discipline – History
The American Dream. Professor Ribeiro
An introduction to research, writing, and speaking in the discipline of history. Students approach historical thinking by considering the notion of the American Dream. The course focuses on skills central to producing historical accounts as students explore ideas about changing societal values in the United States and representations of American diversity.
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: PHYS 120 or PHYS 102.
FSPOL 201 Communication in a Discipline – Political Science
Public Opinion & Its Problems. Professor Bloeser.
An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of political science. We examine “public opinion” through the study of polls and surveys. Many citizens use the words “public opinion” to signify the independent will of “the people.” For many of these same citizens, “public opinion” is also tied to the results of polls and surveys. We explore how polls and surveys determine the beliefs, values, and preferences of citizens and examine the factors that influence the results of polls and surveys. We also ask whether polls inherently constrain the amount of political influence citizens can achieve when so many rely upon polls and surveys to “reveal” public opinion.
FSPSY 201 Communication in a Discipline – Psychology
Mental Control. Professor Rutledge.
An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of Psychology. Students examine areas in psychology related to the attempted self-control of mental states. The course takes an historical perspective on mental control. Topics covered include the mental control of thought and memory, the mental control of sensation and emotion, and the mental control of motivation and action.