Summer Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Subject Index
Scroll down page or click on subject to see course offerings
American Experience
American Sign Language
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Civilization (Modern Civilization)
Communications
Criminal Justice
Economics
English
Foreign Languages & Literatures
French
General Science
Graphic Design
History
Information Systems
Mathematics
Non-West
Philosophy
Science - General
Sociology
Spanish
Special Education
Theology
Veritas
Visual & Performing Arts
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
American Experience
AMC 201 American Experience I
An interdisciplinary writing-intensive study of American history, literature, and culture from the pre-Columbian era to Reconstruction (1876). Taken by English, history, and education majors as sophomores, by most others as juniors.
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities or American history requirements.
AMC 202 American Experience II
Continuation of AMC 201, an interdisciplinary writing and research intensive study of American history, literature and culture from late nineteenth-century industrialization and urbanization to the present. No prerequisite for this course.
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities or American history requirements.
American Sign Language
ASL 101 & ASL 102 Beginning American Sign Language I & II
These introductory courses are aimed at developing basic communicative proficiency in American Sign Language, and also offer insight into Deaf culture and Deaf community. These courses do not fulfill Mount St. Mary's University's core language requirement.
Biology
BIOL 110 Introduction to Biology (4 CREDITS)
Designed to provide a broad background in biology as preparation for further studies in the discipline. Familiarizes the student with the major levels and unifying principles of biological organization. Topics covered include evolution, biodiversity and ecology. Lecture and lab.
BIOL 298 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 CREDITS)
This course is the first of a two part sequence that examines the structure and function of human tissues, organs, and organ systems. Topics include the integument, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. The accompanying laboratory will explore these topics in a dissection based approach, coupled with physiological lab experiments. This course fulfills the Organismal area requirement in the Biology major. Prerequisite's: BIOL 110-111, CHEM 101 (CHEM 101 can be taken concurrently).
BIOL 299 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 CREDITS)
This course is the second of a two part sequence that examines the structure and function of human tissues, organs, and organ systems. Topics include the cardiovascular system, digestive system, endocrine system, urinary system, respiratory system, and reproductive system. The accompanying laboratory will explore these topics in a dissection based approach, coupled with physiological lab experiments. This course fulfills the Organismal area requirement in the Biology major Prerequisites: Grade of C- or above in BIOL 298, CHEM 101.
Business
BUS 307 Business Management & Organization (ONLINE)
A study of the principles and processes of management, and the vital role played by the manager in the organization. Practical application includes a semester-long small business case analysis and a field research project.
BUS/IFSY 311 Information Systems (ONLINE - 8 WEEKS)
An introduction to the essential role of information and its management in the modern corporation. Emphasis is on computer-based information systems. Surveys several topics including systems development, database hardware and software concepts, the Internet and e-commerce, and ethical implications of information systems development.
BUS 313 Principles of Marketing (ONLINE)
An examination of the problems faced by the marketing manager in making decisions concerning markets, products, prices, channels, promotion and basic marketing strategy. Findings from the behavioral sciences will be applied to practical marketing problems. Prerequisites: ECON 101-102.
BUS 360 Corporate Finance (ONLINE)
First of a two-course sequence introducing the field of corporate financial management. Major topics to be covered include time value of money, financial statement analysis, risk and expected return, security valuation, cost of capital and capital budgeting. Prerequisite: ACCT 101 or permission of instructor.
Chemistry
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I (4 CREDITS)
An introductory course aimed at familiarizing the student with many of the topics that form the basis of modern chemistry. Among these are atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, gases, and thermochemistry. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: Math proficiency to the level of MATH 102.
CHEM 102 General Chemistry II (4 CREDITS)
A continuation of General Chemistry I. Topics covered include liquids and solids, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and the properties of metals and nonmetals. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in CHEM 101.
CHEM 427 Macromolecules
An introduction to the synthetic and physical aspects of polymers. Topics include the nomenclature, history and general importance of polymers as well as biopolymers, polymeric properties and the polymerization processes. Lecture only. Prerequisite: CHEM 201-202.
Civilization (Modern Civilization)
CVFL 201 Dictators and Their Legacies in Spain, Italy and Germany
An historic study of the rise and fall of Francisco Franco in Spain, Benito Mussolini in Italy, and Adolf Hitler in Germany. This course will also study various cultural products - literary works, films, works of art - from all three countries in order to better understand these dictators' legacies in their respective contemporary countries. Major events and ideologies that shaped twentieth-century Western history will be examined.
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities requirements.
CVSO 201 The West in the Modern World: Ideas, Technologies and Trends
This course focuses on the development of a world capitalist system over the last 150 years. It examines the unprecedented rapid changes in the West in the last century and a half, due largely to industrialization. In the course of the West’s expansion, it has remade the world’s economies into today’s global economic system. This course will explore the historical particulars and the large-scale social patterns that have evolved. This course is part of the four-course Western civilization sequence and can also count as a sociology elective. Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities requirements
Communications
COMM 210 Media and Society (ONLINE)
A foundational survey in the analysis of the major media of human communication, both print and broadcast. Some emphasis on history, law, and ethics.
Criminal Justice
CJUST 110 Introduction to Criminal Justice
A general introduction to the three components of the American justice system: the police, the courts and corrections. Special emphasis on the historical development, procedures, problems and directions for reform of each component. This course is normally a prerequisite for CJUST 317 and 318.
Economics
ECON 101 Foundations of Economics: Macroeconomics
This course introduces students to the field of economics via macroeconomics. Topics include basic concepts such as: efficiency; trade; supply, demand, and how markets function; taxes and price controls; national income accounting, inflation, and unemployment. It also explores how market/capitalist systems work and how countries can foster economic growth. As a Core course, it touches upon economic ideas in the development of the West with the rise of market systems from the Industrial Revolution, the battle between economic systems of capitalism and communism in the twentieth century, to questions of the economic system’s connection to society and culture today. It also covers the recent shift in macroeconomic emphasis from ad hoc attempts to steer the economy with fiscal (tax and spending) and/or monetary policies, to setting the right policy conditions for long run stability and growth.
ECON 102 Foundations of Economics: Microeconomics
This course introduces students to microeconomics: examination of economic behavior of individuals, firms, or markets. It begins with consumer theory, examining why people like goods and services and how they behave. It progresses to firm theory, e.g. production and costs, exploring such concepts as diminishing marginal productivity and economies of scale, as well as examining particular market types such as price takers, monopolies, and oligopolies. The course closes with capital and resource markets (e.g. wages, benefits, income, as well as natural resources). It often includes special applications such as market failures (e.g. externalities, public goods, information problems which are at the heart of many business/government and environmental issues), poverty, health care, education, social security, etc There are no prerequisites for this course.
ECON 360 Global Business and Economics (ONLINE)
This course will examine the challenges of globalization from the perspective of a business manager. Topics will include an analysis of global and national business environments, international trade and investment, the international financial system, and international trade and investment. This includes the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the US Export-Import Bank, the US International Trade Commission, and other agencies. Discussion in class will also include the cultural, ethical, and moral implications of these issues in international law and economics. Prerequisite: Econ 101-102
English
ENNW 370 Latin American Literature
A study of fiction from Mexico and South America. (This course also fulfills the non-Western core requirement.)
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities or English requirements.
ENWI 100 Writing About Literature - The Human Experience
Understand the world through literature by studying some of the very best American and English imaginative writing to date. Through this interactive, hands-on course, you will cultivate a passion for a range of genres, including the short story, the poem, and the play. This class will encourage you to develop lines of inquiry that will lead you to both deepen and extend the range of your thinking and practice the analytical writing skills so essential to success in and beyond college. This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the Veritas core curriculum and serves as an English elective. We will also attend the Maryland Shakespeare Theatre's production of Twelfth Night. This outing is free to students enrolled in the course. This course is not open to entering freshmen.
Foreign Languages and Literatures
CVFL 201 Dictators and Their Legacies in Spain, Italy and Germany
An historic study of the rise and fall of Francisco Franco in Spain, Benito Mussolini in Italy, and Adolf Hitler in Germany. This course will also study various cultural products - literary works, films, works of art - from all three countries in order to better understand these dictators' legacies in their respective contemporary countries. Major events and ideologies that shaped twentieth-century Western history will be examined.
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities requirements.
ENNW 370 Latin American Literature
A study of fiction from Mexico and South America. (This course also fulfills the non-Western core requirement.)
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities or English requirements.
FLWI 103 Russian Folklore (Writing Intensive)
A general survey of Russian folklore that focuses on the beliefs, legends, folktales, ghost stories, and mythological tales of Russian peasants. No knowledge of Russian is required; the course is conducted entirely in English. This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the Veritas core curriculum and serves as a Foreign Languages and Literatures elective. This course is not open to entering freshmen.
FREN 101/VTFR 101/102/VTFR 102 Beginning French I/II
These introductory courses are aimed at developing basic communicative proficiency in French and also offer insight into French-speaking cultures. NOTE: During Mount Summer both courses are offered in a highly compressed, two week format during Summer Session I.
SPAN 101/102 Beginning Spanish I/II
These introductory courses are aimed at developing basic communicative proficiency in Spanish and also offer insight into Spanish-speaking cultures.
Note: During Mount Summer both courses are offered in a highly compressed, two week format during Summer Session I.
SPAN 201/202 Intermediate Spanish I/II
These intermediate courses review material typically covered in a first-year Spanish course. They are aimed at building student proficiency in all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—and enhancing knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking people.
Note: During Mount Summer both courses are offered in a highly compressed, two week format during Summer Session I.
General Science
GNSCI 135 Physical Science: Forensics (4 CREDITS)
This laboratory-based course is designed to introduce the student to the scientific aspects of forensic investigation as well as the ethical issues facing the forensic scientist. Topics include a broad range of forensic procedures such as physical and chemical methods for visualizing fingerprints, ballistics including bullet identification and gunshot residue analysis, blood detection and characterization, testing of controlled substances, DNA profiling, and fiber and hair analysis. Students will experience some of the analytical and instrumental methods used in investigating crimes, with an emphasis on the measurement accuracy and traceability required in criminalistics. Numerous case studies from the literature will be evaluated and the course will culminate in the investigation of a simulated crime followed by student presentations of their investigation to a jury. Integrated lecture and lab.
GNSCI 130 Discovery in Science: Chemistry of Food (4 CREDITS)
This integrated laboratory and lecture course surveys food’s chemical constituents in minerals, carbohydrates, calories, vitamins, proteins, preservatives and flavorings, as well as a variety of cooking and preparation processes with respect to chemistry. Students will also gain an understanding of food borne illnesses. Course will also include the current interest in genetically modified foods and molecular gastronomy, popular with many chefs today. Students will gain a better understanding of the food we eat and how to prepare it safely, nutritionally and tastefully. Integrated lecture and lab. Prerequisite: none
Graphic Design
FAAR 309 Graphic Design 1
Introduces the use of image-based software as a problem-solving tool for communication design. Emphasizes developing and integrating visual skills to communicate with meaning and purpose. Covers the design, layout and proper production of graphic communications.
History
HIST 420/HINW 420 Islamic Civilization
With its emphasis on reading, writing and discussion, this seminar is designed to challenge students who already know much about Islam as well as those who know little but desire to learn about the Muslim faith and culture. Principal themes include Allah's revelations to Muhammad and the divine imperatives of Islam; Islamic literature and arts; Arab contributions to Western culture, and Muslims in the modern world and in contemporary American society.
Information Systems
BUS/IFSY 311 Information Systems (ONLINE - 8 WEEKS)
An introduction to the essential role of information and its management in the modern corporation. Emphasis is on computer-based information systems. Surveys several topics including systems development, database hardware and software concepts, the Internet and e-commerce, and ethical implications of information systems development.
Mathematics
MATH 111 Mathematical Thought and Problem Solving
This course provides students with a mathematical approach to solving problems as well as an introduction to the nature of mathematics. The course seeks to improve facility with computations, mathematical notation, logical reasoning, and verbal expression of mathematical concepts. Content is selected from classical and modern areas of mathematics such as geometry, number theory, algebra, graph theory, fractals, and probability. The delivery of the content takes on a variety of forms, including in-class activities, projects, discovery learning, and lecture.
MATH 247 Calculus (4 CREDITS)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of differential and integral calculus with an emphasis on limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals of elementary functions. Applications to curve sketching, max-min values, related rates and areas will be given. Derivatives and integrals of elementary transcendental functions. Prerequisite:MATH 114 or placement by department. Students that placed into Math 101/102 may not take Calculus until they have completed MATH 114.
Non-West
ENNW 370 Latin American Fiction
A study of fiction from Mexico and South America. (This course also fulfills the non-Western core requirement.)
Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities or English requirements.
HINW 420 Islamic Civilization
With its emphasis on reading, writing and discussion, this seminar is designed to challenge students who already know much about Islam as well as those who know little but desire to learn about the Muslim faith and culture. Principal themes include Allah's revelations to Muhammad and the divine imperatives of Islam; Islamic literature and arts; Arab contributions to Western culture, and Muslims in the modern world and in contemporary American society.
Philosophy
PHIL 211 From Cosmos to Citizen
An investigation of ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary responses to questions concerning the nature of the human reality, the nature and limits of human knowing, human freedom, human happiness or well-being, and the relation of the individual to society.
PHIL 212 From Self to Society (Intro. to Philosophy: Modern and Contemporary)
An investigation of modern and contemporary responses to questions concerning the nature of the human reality, the nature and limits of human knowing, human freedom, human happiness or well-being, and the relation of the individual to society. Different sections of this course explore the following themes: faith and reason; science and nature; the human person; individual and community; and culture and society.
Prerequisite: PHIL 211.
PHIL 301 Moral Philosophy
An inquiry into the nature of the moral good, the structures of moral agency and the proper criteria for making choices that bear on human beings and their well-being. Note: Seniors only
Science - General
GNSCI 130 Discovery in Science: Chemistry of Food (4 CREDITS)
This integrated laboratory and lecture course surveys food's chemical constituents in minerals, carbohydrates, calories, vitamins, proteins, preservatives and flavorings, as well as a variety of cooking and preparation processes with respect to chemistry. Students will also gain an understanding of food borne illnesses. Course will also include the current interest in genetically modified foods and molecular gastronomy, popular with many chefs today. Students will gain a better understanding of the food we eat and how to prepare it safely, nutritionally and tastefully.
GNSCI 135 Physical Science: Forensics (4 CREDITS)
This laboratory-based course is designed to introduce the student to the scientific aspects of forensic investigation as well as the ethical issues facing the forensic scientist. Topics include a broad range of forensic procedures such as physical and chemical methods for visualizing fingerprints, ballistics including bullet identification and gunshot residue analysis, blood detection and characterization, testing of controlled substances, DNA profiling, and fiber and hair analysis. Students will experience some of the analytical and instrumental methods used in investigating crimes, with an emphasis on the measurement accuracy and traceability required in criminalistics. Numerous case studies from the literature will be evaluated and the course will culminate in the investigation of a simulated crime followed by student presentations of their investigation to a jury.
Sociology
CVSO 201 The West in the Modern World: Ideas, Technologies and Trends
This course focuses on the development of a world capitalist system over the last 150 years. It examines the unprecedented rapid changes in the West in the last century and a half, due largely to industrialization. In the course of the West’s expansion, it has remade the world’s economies into today’s global economic system. This course will explore the historical particulars and the large-scale social patterns that have evolved. This course is part of the four-course Western civilization sequence and can also count as a sociology elective. Visiting Students: This course may meet your university's humanities requirements
SOC 100 Foundations of Sociology
A course designed to place sociology’s development as a social science in the evolution of Western thought; it will also cover the elements of social scientific thinking. Major emphasis will be given to the analysis of culture, social structure, socialization, institutions, social inequality and social change. This course fulfills the social sciences requirement for the core curriculum and is normally a prerequisite for all 300- or 400-level courses in sociology.
SOC 320 From Bebop to Hip Hop: Sociology of Modern American Music
A course designed to answer the questions: What can the sociological study of musical styles developed and made popular by African American musicians teach us about such matters as race, social class, gender, and identity? What roles do musicians and the music industry play in our culture? How can we support music education, high quality and accessible live music performances, and the musicians and educators who make it all possible? A special feature of this course is the opportunity to attend live musical performances each week.
Spanish
SPAN 101/102 / VRSP 101/102 Beginning Spanish I/II
These introductory courses are aimed at developing basic communicative proficiency in Spanish and also offer insight into Spanish-speaking cultures. NOTE: During Mount Summer both courses are offered in a highly compressed, two week format during Summer Session I.
SPAN 201/202 / VRSP 201/202 Intermediate Spanish I/II
These intermediate courses review material typically covered in a first-year Spanish course. They are aimed at building student proficiency in all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—and enhancing knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking people.
SPAN 370 Study Abroad - Costa Rica - May 26 to June 29
Students must have preregistered by November 1, 2012 to take this course.
Special Education
SPED 433/MSPED 500 Assessment in Special Education
Provides for the study, interpretation and use of a variety of commercial assessment tools used in the field of special education. Teacher candidates will collect and analyze data obtained in an inclusive classroom or special education setting. The data will be used to construct developmentally appropriate classroom activities. A six-hour field component is required. Prerequisites: SPED 308 and 411.
SPED 434/MSPED 509 Special Education Curriculum Design & Adaptation
Explores ways to modify school curricula to accommodate differences in students’ learning styles. Theoretical bases for curriculum adaptation as well as practical application will be discussed. A six-hour field component is required. Prerequisites: SPED 308 and 411.
Theology
THEOL 200 Foundations of Theology
An investigation of the nature, sources and methods of Christian theology, with attention to classical and contemporary problems.
THEOL 202 The Gospels
An historical, literary and theological study of the Synoptic Gospels, with an emphasis on Mark. Special attention will be given to the Gospel concern for justice, dignity and freedom within human communities of both classical and modern periods.
THEOL 205 Sacraments
A study of the theology of the sacraments, with special attention to the history, development and renewal of liturgical worship. Exploration of the relationship between liturgy and life will illustrate the formative nature of liturgy toward the good and a commitment to its practice.
Veritas
ENWI 100 Writing About Lit: Human Experience
Understand the world through literature by studying some of the very best American and English imaginative writing to date. Through this interactive, hands-on course, you will cultivate a passion for a range of genres, including the short story, the poem, and the play. This class will encourage you to develop lines of inquiry that will lead you to both deepen and extend the range of your thinking and practice the analytical writing skills so essential to success in and beyond college. This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the Veritas core curriculum and serves as an English elective. We will also attend the Maryland Shakespeare Theatre's production of Twelfth Night. This outing is free to students enrolled in the course. This course is not open to entering freshmen.
FLWI 103 Russian Folklore (Writing Intensive)
A general survey of Russian folklore that focuses on the beliefs, legends, folktales, ghost stories, and mythological tales of Russian peasants. No knowledge of Russian is required; the course is conducted entirely in English. This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the Veritas core curriculum and serves as a Foreign Languages and Literatures elective. This course is not open to entering freshmen.
VTFR 101/102 Beginning French I/II
These introductory courses are aimed at developing basic communicative proficiency in French and also offer insight into French-speaking cultures. NOTE: During Mount Summer both courses are offered in a highly compressed, two week format during Summer Session I.
VTMA 111 Mathematical Thought & Problem Solving
This course provides students with a mathematical approach to solving problems as well as an introduction to the nature of mathematics. The course seeks to improve facility with computations, mathematical notation, logical reasoning, and verbal expression of mathematical concepts. Content is selected from classical and modern areas of mathematics such as geometry, number theory, algebra, graph theory, fractals, and probability. The delivery of the content takes on a variety of forms, including in-class activities, projects, discovery learning, and lecture.
VTSP 101/102 Beginning Spanish I/II
These introductory courses are aimed at developing basic communicative proficiency in Spanish and also offer insight into Spanish-speaking cultures. NOTE: During Mount Summer both courses are offered in a highly compressed, two week format during Summer Session I.
VTSP 201/202 Intermediate Spanish I/II
These intermediate courses review material typically covered in a first-year Spanish course. They are aimed at building student proficiency in all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—and enhancing knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking people.
Visual and Performing Arts
FAAR 309 Graphic Design 1
Introduces the use of image-based software as a problem-solving tool for communication design. Emphasizes developing and integrating visual skills to communicate with meaning and purpose. Covers the design, layout and proper production of graphic communications.
Writing Intensive
ENWI 100 Writing About Literature - The Human Experience
Understand the world through literature by studying some of the very best American and English imaginative writing to date. Through this interactive, hands-on course, you will cultivate a passion for a range of genres, including the short story, the poem, and the play. This class will encourage you to develop lines of inquiry that will lead you to both deepen and extend the range of your thinking and practice the analytical writing skills so essential to success in and beyond college. This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the Veritas core curriculum and serves as an English elective. We will also attend the Maryland Shakespeare Theatre's production of Twelfth Night. This outing is free to students enrolled in the course. This course is not open to entering freshmen.
FLWI 103 Russian Folklore
A general survey of Russian folklore that focuses on the beliefs, legends, folktales, ghost stories, and mythological tales of Russian peasants. No knowledge of Russian is required; the course is conducted entirely in English. This course satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement for the Veritas core curriculum and serves as a Foreign Languages and Literatures elective. This course is not open to entering freshmen.
