FS 101
FS 200
FS 201
FS 101 Sections
FS 101 02, Multitudes of Microbes
Professor T. Humphreys
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of the microbes within us. Bacteria, viruses, and other microbes serve necessary and sometimes unexpected roles in development, behavior, physiology, and health. Students explore the beneficial relationships between the unseen world and the creatures they inhabit, including us! Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 03, Sharks and Recreation
Professor L. Whitenack
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of how sharks are portrayed in pop culture. Sharks, which elicit fascination and fear, have been linked to the arts for thousands of years, from pottery and paintings to popular entertainment. Scholars have also shown that modern media, such as movies, social media, and music, greatly influence people’s perceptions of sharks, which can affect shark conservation efforts. Students examine the portrayal of sharks in pop culture and modern media, and the link of public perception of sharks to conservation. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 04, Drugs: Molecules of Life and Death
Professor P. Persichini
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of how the discovery and use of drugs have shaped both the life and death of people in modern times. From the turn of the 20th-Century on, students explore the origin of select natural and man-made drugs, the mode of operation of these drugs, and how they have affected humanity in positive and negative ways. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
This section is by invitation only
FS 101 05, Busted or Confirmed: Critical Thinking Mythbusters’ Style
Professor I. Garcia
MWF 11:00 AM 11:50 AM
An exploration of the scientific process and critical thinking skills using the television show, Mythbusters, as a model. In this show, the hosts test popular myths and legends mixing “scientific method and gleeful curiosity.” Students engage in the process of developing and testing questions or hypotheses. Activities include exploring myths – how they develop, whether there is any evidence to support them, and how to communicate such evidence effectively. We develop our own (non-explosive) experiments as a final project. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 06, AI-Generated Text
Professor J. Jumadinova
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of various texts produced by Artificial Intelligence technology. Students learn about natural language tools, including the companies and business models behind them, and investigate the types of texts these tools are able to produce. We also examine misuses, ethical issues, and existing and work-in-progress policies surrounding these technologies. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 07, Fashion, Media, and Culture
Professor I. Sinha Roy
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
A study of the intersections of fashion, media, and culture, in debates about labor, identity, politics, sustainability, and bio-technology. We examine the symbolic and material factors that separate couture from street fashion and define what makes something wearable a sign of (dis)taste, a costume, a cultural form of attire, or even a form of surveillance. Explore how fashion can be both disciplining and liberating in (ad)dressing the body through the diverse lenses of culture, race, age, gender, sexuality, faith, and class. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 09, PogChamp
Professor C. Finaret
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
A celebration of all things gaming. Students explore the emergent culture(s) of gaming, explain how to play certain games (and play them!), and discuss what broader society can learn from gamers. We dive into streaming, gaming disorders, gambling-inspired business models, men and women in gaming, and more. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 11, Friends, Followers, & Fakes: Camaraderie Through the Ages
Professor A. Hart
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of friendship from the ancient world through the digital age. We will consider how friendships form and evolve throughout our lives, how friends influence our experiences and choices, and what happens when our friendships change or end. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 12, Race and Science Fiction
Professor S. Buckner
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
A study of the relationship between race and science fiction. Since the genre’s origins, science fiction has imagined a vast array of utopias and dystopias—the ends of the world as well as its possible new beginnings. Despite its focus on technological innovation, the genre has routinely whitewashed world building, crafting universes where people of color are glaringly absent. Through film and literature, this course asks students to interrogate how science fiction constructs race amidst representations of disaster and futurity. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
Fs 101 13, Natural Resource Conservation
Professor R. Bowden
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
Lab M 1:30 PM 4:20 PM
An investigation of natural resource use and conservation. Northwest Pennsylvania has a diversity of natural resources that provide environmental and economic opportunities to the region. We examine protection and management of forests, farms, wildlife, streams, and wetlands, as well as the economic and social concerns that challenge informed use and long-term protection of valuable resources. In this laboratory and field-based class, students can expect to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors in the diversity of weather enjoyed by this region. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 14, Exploration By Bicycle
Professor I. Carbone
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of the bicycle as a tool for sustainable development and personal growth. In this course, students will research the ways in which bicycles can be used to promote healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyles. Field trips will provide opportunities for students to explore Meadville by bicycle and learn best practices for bicycle maintenance and safety. Students that enroll in this course do not need to own a bicycle; however, those that wish to participate in optional bike rides should have access to a bicycle helmet and have experience biking on roads in urban environments. Students concerned about accessibility should contact the instructor. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 16, History in the News
Professor K. Haywood
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An examination of the relationship between historical narrative and modern events. Our starting point is today’s news. We’re bombarded by articles about catastrophe, triumph, competition, suffering, mystery, and uncertainty. Looking at a series of case studies, we explore how, and by whom, these themes have been studied across time. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 17, History on Film
Professor B. Miller
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
A study of how film is both an alternative and a complement to established methods of studying the past. While interested in the production of film as well as the perception and popular impact of film, the course does not offer a formal history of filmmaking. Through a variety of films this course investigates what film can communicate about the time within which it was composed. This course focuses on specific problems or topics in the relationship between film and history. Possible topics could include the cultural and social organization of twentieth century Europe and the United States. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 18, Puzzles and Problem Solving
Professor C. Werner
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of puzzles, riddles, and logic problems. Students develop problem-solving skills while engaging with examples such as Rubik’s cube, Sudoku, and Wordle. We study the history of puzzles and consider the question of what makes puzzles popular. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 20, Espionage: From Spies to Satellites
Professor A. Poynor
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An exploration of the history and implications of espionage in today’s society. Espionage has been practiced for thousands of years; evolving from the physical infiltration of the enemy to the remote satellite surveillance of the present day. The tensions between the freedom of information, the right to privacy, and the need for security are examined. This seminar emphasizes language, both written and oral, as a tool for exploration, description, and summary.
FS 101 21, The Politics of Memory
Professor S. Mattiace
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An examination of how newly democratic nations come to grips with past periods of political violence. In recent years, many new democracies have struggled with the question of whether to forgive perpetrators of past violence or to seek justice for victims. Through novels, films, individual testimonies, and truth commission reports, we examine the moral, legal, and political consequences of remembering and forgetting in several case studies (e.g., Argentina, South Africa, and Rwanda). Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 24, “I don’t do drugs, I am drugs”; Drugs, Culture, and Creativity
Abbreviated Title: Drugs, Culture, and Creativity
Prof. M. Bertholomey
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An examination of the way drugs and culture interact, from evolving attitudes toward drug use and drug policy, to the way drugs have influenced the creative work of visual artists, musicians, and writers. Students will discuss the physical and cultural impact drugs have – physically and culturally – on individuals, and how society has influenced opinions of those under the influence. Themes of cultural attitudes, racism, medicine, stigma, and creativity will be explored using historical, anthropological, scientific, and artistic resources. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 101 25, Video Games and Human Behavior
Professor C. Normile
MW 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
An examination of the relationship between video games and human behavior. Students investigate the science behind how gaming could influence our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In addition, students explore how the media and politics correctly and incorrectly portrays the science. Topics discussed include the influence of video games on violence and aggression, helping behaviors, and morality among others. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on description, summary, and critical thinking.
FS 200 Section
FS 200 00, Science or Science Fiction?
Professor A. Deckert
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
Exploration of your inner skeptic through investigations of marketing claims for products and fads. In the internet and social media age we are bombarded by targeted advertisements for products, diets and lifestyle fads that claim huge personal rewards. A healthy skepticism is warranted, but debunking or supporting those claims requires us to do our own research and make reasoned arguments. Students will explore several product and lifestyle fad claims to arrive at their own understanding of how reliable the claims are. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on research, formed argument, and critical thinking.
FS 200 02, Music & Comedy
Professor J. Niblock
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM
A survey of genres that highlight the union of music and comedy. Various visual and aural media will serve as the subject material for analysis and discussion. Both comedy and music serve as vehicles for creativity, and each is grounded in discrete theories and techniques. Examination of the two fields will inform ongoing critiques and further consideration of genre, medium, and style. Questions of humor, decency, audience, and taboo will also be addressed. Featured works are chosen from the realms of opera, film, musical theater, sketch comedy, stand-up, musical parodies, animation, political satire, and television. Coursework emphasizes the development of effective oral and written communication skills with a focus on research, formed argument, and critical thinking.
FS 201 Sections
FSBIO 201 01, Investigative Approaches in Biology
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. Two 3-hour meetings per week.
Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIO 219 OR BIO 220 OR BIO 221, and FS 102 or FS 200
FSBIO 201 02, Investigative Approaches in Biology
Professor Humphreys, T.
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. Two 3-hour meetings per week.
Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIO 219 OR BIO 220 OR BIO 221, and FS 102 or FS 200
FSBIO 201 03, Investigative Approaches in Biology
Professor Lundberg, C.
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. Two 3-hour meetings per week.
Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIO 219 OR BIO 220 OR BIO 221, and FS 102 or FS 200
FSCHE 201 00, Research Methods in Chemistry
Professor Chapp, T.
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. Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in CHEM 120.
FSCOM 201 00, Communication and Controversy
Professor Silva, V.
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 02, Fraud and Business Ethics
Professor Waugh, J.
Fraud by employees costs business trillions of dollars globally each year. We will explore the elements of theories about fraud, the role of whistleblowers, internal and external controls, the characteristics of fraudsters and victim organizations as well as different fraud schemes. We will examine how fraud actors are able to work alongside their counterparts while victimizing their employer at the same time. FBI reports and biographical accounts of fraudsters as well as fraud documentaries, scholarly articles, and interactive fraud investigation educational tools will be utilized.
FSENV 201 01, Environmental Problem Analysis
Professor T. Bensel
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.
Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: ENVSC 110.
FSENV 201 02, Environmental Problem Analysis
Professor D. Byrnes
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.
Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: ENVSC 110.
FSGHS 201 00, Topics/Approaches Global Health
Professor P. Runestad
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.
Must be taken on the letter-grade basis.
Prerequisite: GHS 130.
FSHIS 201 00, Controversies in American History
Professor A. Keysor
An introduction to the methodology and practice of writing history. The course focuses on the interpretation of documents, framing of historical questions and construction of historical explanations to better understand key historical disputes throughout American history.
FSMAT 201 00,
Probability Theory
Professor C. Dodge
Credits: 4
An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of mathematics. Students explore mathematical techniques for evaluating the likelihood of given events occurring. A focus will be placed on discrete random variables and combinatorics applied to games of chance. Additionally students will also explore examples of continuous random variables utilizing integral calculus. Students learn to use a software package for mathematical typesetting.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in one of the following courses: MATH 141, MATH 151, MATH 160.