Courses in Arts and Sciences
A CAS 100 Contemporary Issues in Life Sciences (3)
Topics in selected areas of life sciences. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Does not yield credit towards the major or minor in biology.
A CAS 109 Intermediate Science Research (2)
Students learn research methodology in the natural and social sciences by accessing scientific databases, by using online bibliographic search techniques, consulting doctoral-level research scholars, developing hypotheses and performing experiments to test them, and by writing research papers and making presentations at scientific symposia. It is expected that the students will have done many of these activities in the prerequisite high school course, and in this course emphasis is placed upon the formulation of hypotheses and initiation of experiments in consultation with mentors. Prerequisite(s): completion of one year of an approved course in science research at the high-school level; permission of instructor. Offered summer session only.
A CAS 110 Intermediate Methods of Research (4)
Students learn research methodology in the natural and social sciences by accessing scientific databases by using online bibliographic search techniques, consulting doctoral-level research scholars, developing hypotheses and performing experiments to test them, and writing research papers and making presentations at scientific symposia. It is expected that the students will have done many of these activities in the prerequisite high school course, and in this course emphasis is placed upon performing experiments in consultation with mentors. Students are expected to spend at least three hours per week outside of class. Prerequisite(s): completion of one year of an approved course in science research at the high-school level; permission of instructor; available for year-long course of study only.
A CAS 111 Beginning Fundamentals of Research (2)
Students learn research methodology in the natural and social sciences. Students access scientific databases by using online bibliographic search techniques, consult doctoral level research scholars, develop hypotheses and perform experiments to test them, and write research papers and make presentations at scientific symposia. This course emphasizes the first group of these activities, up to the actual performance of experiments, but some students may go further. Students are expected to spend at least three hours working on class work per week outside of class. May be repeated once for credit.
A CAS 125 Diversity of Voices in Literature and the Arts: Creating Ourselves and Our Cultures (3)
Examines the emergence of American literary and other creative endeavors from the diverse experiences and heritages of the American peoples. The course focuses on creative works that explore and create representations of the self in relation to individual and group identity, and on the ways that cultural values and ideologies influence creative expression.
A CAS 131 Diversity and Equity in America (3)
What are the sources, extent, and consequences of diversity in American society? Using various approaches in the social and behavioral sciences, this course compares the American beliefs about equality with evidence of unequal treatment of groups labeled on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, and religion. The course also considers how group conformity, stereotyping, and prejudice affect individuals in their everyday lives.
A CAS 141 Concepts of Race and Culture in the Modern World (3)
This course considers the complex dynamics of global human diversity from the vantage point of the various social sciences. It explores the use of race, nationality, ethnicity, culture, and gender as focal concepts in the critical analysis of human behavior and interaction in the modern world. Cross-cultural and cross-national aspects of these issues are of central concern to the course.
A CAS 150 Cultural Diversity and the Human Condition (3)
Interdisciplinary study of selected cultures or societies focusing on six themes: family and social structure; religion and cultural values and traditions; art and nature; continuity; change and their global implications; work and play; health, ecology, science/technology. Each semester two or more cultures, including at least one non-Western culture, will be compared and contrasted with each other and with contemporary U.S. experiences. Examples will include Brazil, China, France, India, Mexico, Peru, Russia and West Africa. May be repeated once for credit when content differs. May be taken only by freshmen and sophomores.
A CAS 198 Special Topics in the Humanities (1–4)
Special group studies which provide students and faculty with the opportunity to explore significant themes, issues and problems from a broadly humanistic and interdisciplinary perspective. May be repeated for credit provided the subject matter is not repeated.
A CAS 202 Understanding the Arts (3)
Interdisciplinary course designed to foster an awareness and understanding of the significance of great works of Western art, music and literature. Students will study how to perceive and analyze works of art drawn from various periods. Categories include: architecture, sculpture, painting, music, drama, poetry and fiction.
A CAS 209 Advanced Science Research (2)
Continuation of work undertaken in A CAS 109 or equivalent with emphasis placed upon the completion of experiments in consultation with mentors. Students will consult with their teachers as necessary, but will not meet in a formal classroom period. Prerequisite(s): satisfactory completion of A CAS 109 or completion of two years of an approved science research course at the high school level; permission of instructor; offered summer session only.
A CAS 210 Advanced Methods of Research (4)
Continuation of work undertaken in A CAS 110 or equivalent with emphasis placed upon the communication of results. Students are expected to spend at least three hours per week outside of class. Prerequisite(s): satisfactory completion of A CAS 110 or completion of two years of an approved science research course at the high school level; permission of instructor; students must be enrolled throughout an entire academic year to obtain credit.
A CAS 211 Intermediate Fundamentals of Research (2)
Students learn research methodology in the natural and social sciences. Students access scientific databases by using online bibliographic search techniques, consult doctoral level research scholars, develop hypotheses and perform experiments to test them, and write research papers and make presentations at scientific symposia. In this course emphasis is placed upon performing experiments and the communication of results. Students are expected to spend at least three hours per week working on class work outside of class. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s): completion of A CAS 111.
A CAS 240 Images and Issues of Diversity in the Visual Arts (3)
This course will look at the visual arts produced in selected subcultures and will consider the ways in which such social identities as race, class, gender and age are represented. The course focuses on the relationship of artists and their work to cultural and critical history, on social conditions under which these artists create, and the effect of these conditions on the themes, content, forms and shape of the reality in their art.
A CAS 497/497Z Special Topics in the Humanities (1–4)
Special group studies which provide students and faculty with the opportunity to explore, on an advanced level, significant themes, issues, and problems from a broadly humanistic and interdisciplinary perspective. A CAS 497 and/or 497Z may be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.
A CAS 498 STEM Tutors (3)
Prospective tutors will develop techniques to facilitate group and individual tutoring sessions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics foundation courses offered through the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Course components are: formal training in tutoring processes, study skills, and learning strategies; seminars on related topics; monitored tutoring throughout the semester. Mandatory attendance for all class meetings and seminars. Prerequisite(s): previous enrollment in course(s) to be tutored; personal interview; application with two letters of recommendation. S/U graded.
A CAS 499 Independent Study in the Humanities (1-4)
Independent reading or research on selected topics under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
