Liberal Arts Core

Course Descriptions by Category

Category 1: Core Competencies
Category 2: Civilizations and Cultures
Category 3: Fine Arts, Literature, Philosophy and Religion
Category 4: Natural Science and Technology
Category 5: Social Science
Category 6: Capstone

Category 1: Core Competencies          

A. Reading and Writing (3 hours required)

620:005 College Reading and Writing (3 hrs.)
Recommended for students who have ACT English and Reading scores of 18-26; students who have ACT English scores of 17 or less are advised to take 620:002 first. Emphasis on critical reading and the writing of a variety of texts with attention to audience, purpose, and rhetorical strategies. Attention to integrating research materials with students' critical and personal insights. Satisfies the Liberal Arts Core writing and reading requirement. No credit if prior credit in 620:015 or 620:034. Prerequisite: UNI's high school English admissions requirement.

620:015 Exposition and Report Writing (3 hrs.)
Conducting source-based research in the academic disciplines; writing and editing research reports; and using writer’s handbook and style manual to prepare scholarly manuscripts. Satisfies the Liberal Arts Core writing and reading requirement. Prerequisite: combined ACT English and Reading scores of 54 or above or 620:005 or consent of department.

620:034 Critical Writing About Literature (3 hrs.)
Study of techniques of various literary forms including poetry, drama, and fiction. Attention to processes and purposes of critical and scholarly writing and to documentation. Introductory course for English Department majors and minors. Prerequisite: combined ACT English and Reading scores of 54 or above, or 620:005.

B. Speaking and Listening (3 hours required)

48C:001 Oral Communication (3 hrs.)
Development of speaking and listening skills by studying the process and theory of communication and by applying communication principles to various speaking situations.

C. Quantitative Techniques and Understanding (3 hours required)

800:023 Mathematics in Decision Making (3 hrs.)
Survey of mathematical ideas of particular use in analyzing information and forming and analyzing hypotheses. Topics include logical statements, probability, statistics, graphs, interest, and matrices.

800:060 Calculus I (4 hrs.)
The derivatives and integrals of elementary functions and their applications. Prerequisite: 800:046, or 800:043 and 800:044, or equivalent.

800:064 Elementary Probability and Statistics for Bioinformatics (3 hrs.)
Descriptive statistics, basic probability concepts, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, elementary concepts of survival analysis. No credit for students with credit in 800:072. (Variable)

800:072 Introduction to Statistical Methods (3 hrs.)
Descriptive statistics including correlation and curve fitting. Intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including estimations and hypothesis testing. Students with credit in 800:172 should not enroll in 800:072.

800:092 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling (3 hrs.)
Components of mathematical modeling. Formulation, interpretation, and testing of models. Prerequisite: four years of college preparatory mathematics, or 800:046, or 800:043 and 800:044.

D. Personal Wellness

440:010 Personal Wellness (3 hrs.)
Concepts of exercise science, nutrition, stress management, contemporary threats, and decision making. Assessment, application, and participation in lifetime fitness and skill activities.

Category 2. Civilizations and Cultures

A. Humanities (6 hours required)

680:021. Humanities I -- 3 hrs.
The Ancient, Classical and Medieval Worlds

680:022. Humanities II -- 3 hrs.
The Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment

680:023. Humanities III - 3 hrs.
The Age of Revolution to the Present

B. Non-Western Cultures (3 hours required)*

680:121. Russia/Soviet Union -- 3 hrs.
Interdisciplinary examination of the culture, history, geography, economy, political system, and society of Russia and the Soviet Union.

680:122. Japan -- 3 hrs.
Introductory study of Japan: geographical setting, historical background, cultural heritage, social and political systems, and economic development and importance.

680:123. Latin America -- 3 hrs.
Historical, political, social, and cultural elements that form the civilization of Latin America. No credit if student has credit in 780:120. May not be taken for credit on history majors or minors.

680:124. China -- 3 hrs.
Historical treatment of significant elements of Chinese culture and major aspects of modern China's transformations since the mid-19th century.

680:125. India -- 3 hrs.
Historical treatment of significant elements of Indian culture and major aspects of modern India's transformation under British rule and since independence.

680:127. Middle East -- 3 hrs.
Interdisciplinary examination of significant elements of Middle East culture and society: current patterns, tensions, and contributions.

680:128. Africa -- 3 hrs.
Interdisciplinary examination of contemporary African society and culture: historical heritage, problems, prospects and importance.

680:132/990:132. Native North America -- 3 hrs.
Ethnographic survey of socio cultural systems developed by Native Americans north of Mexico; emphasis on relationships that exist among ecological factors, subsistence techniques, social organizations, and belief systems and impact interactions with European and U.S. societies had on Indian lifestyles. (Same as 990:132.)

680:137/990:137. Native Central and South America -- 3 hrs.
Ethnographic survey of socio cultural systems developed by foraging and horticultural peoples of South America; emphasis on relationships that exist among ecological factors, subsistence techniques, social organizations, and beliefs systems from holistic, comparative and cross-cultural perspectives. (Same as 990:137.)

*780:120 may substitute for the non-Western Cultures requirement, 3 hours

Category 3: Fine Arts, Literature, Philosophy and Religion

A. Fine Arts (3 hours required)*

420:034. Survey of Dance History -- 3 hrs.
Survey of dance history from primitive times to the present with emphasis on the relationship of dance and dance forms to the societies in which they developed and other art forms and the contributions of leading dance personalities.

490:002. The Theatrical Arts and Society -- 3 hrs.
Audience-oriented introduction to the dramatic arts, including the live theatre, film, and television, and their interrelationships with society. Arranged lab also required. Lab fee.

520:020. Our Musical Heritage -- 3 hrs.
Exploration of music within the context of evolving Western culture. Music fundamentals and vocabulary. Repertories from the medieval world through the post-Romantic era.

520:030. Music of Our Time -- 3 hrs.
Major trends in traditional and experimental art music, American popular music (from ragtime to rock), ca. 1900 to the present.

600:002. Visual Inventions -- 3 hrs.
Studio course: experiences in critical responses to the visual arts through active involvement with various creative processes and media; relationship of the visual arts to other fields of human endeavor.

600:004. Visual Perceptions -- 3 hrs.
Lecture course: experiences in critical responses to the visual arts through analyses of artworks and artistic processes; relationship of the visual arts to other fields of human endeavor.

*590:011 may substitute for the Fine Arts requirement for all music majors, 3 hours

B. Literature, Philosophy, or Religion (3 hours required)

620:031. Introduction to Literature -- 3 hrs.
Understanding and appreciation of the basic forms of literature through close reading of literary texts, including works originally written in English. An option in the Liberal Arts Core; does not count for credit on any English Department major or minor. No credit if prior credit in 620:034.

640:024. Religions of the World -- 3 hrs.
Living religions of humankind with emphasis on their relevance to interpretations of existence, the problem of meaning and values, and human destiny.

650:021. Philosophy: Basic Questions -- 3 hrs.
Introductory exploration of questions concerning nature of self, reality, meaning, knowledge, truth, faith, value, and obligation.

720:031. Introduction to Francophone Literature in Translation -- 3 hrs.
Understanding and appreciating basic forms of French-language literatures in English translation through close reading of literary texts. May be counted for credit in French minor.

740:031. Introduction to German Literature in Translation -- 3 hrs.
Understanding and appreciating basic terms of German language literatures in English translation through close reading of literary texts.

770:031. Introduction to Russian Literature in Translation -- 3 hrs.
Understanding and appreciating basic forms of Russian language literature in English translation through close reading of literary texts.

790:031. Introduction to Portuguese & Hispanic Literatures in Translation --      3 hrs.
Understanding and appreciating basic forms of Portuguese and Spanish language literatures in English translation through close reading of literary texts. May count toward Portuguese minor and dual major.

Category 4. Natural Science and Technology

Students are required to take a course with a scheduled laboratory from either Life Sciences or Physical Sciences or another laboratory course offered by the College of Natural Sciences.  (Only 6 hours are required for students who meet the liberal arts core laboratory requirement with a course other than one listed in Life or Physical Sciences.)

A. Life Sciences (3 or 4 hours required)

For all courses listed under Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, with the exception of 990:010, a student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.  (College of Natural Science majors may meet the Life Sciences requirement by completing 840:051 or 840:052.)

820:032* Inquiry into Life Science (4 hrs.)
Inquiry-oriented introduction to concepts and processes drawn from chemistry, earth science, and physics using active investigation for those considering elementary education major. Integrated lecture/lab for 4 periods; plus 1 hour arranged. For elementary education majors only. Prerequisite: student must have satisfied university entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

840:012 Life: The Natural World (3 hrs.)
Energy studied as driving force for both living and non-living processes on earth. Emphasis on energy flow within the ecosystem including its capture in photosynthesis, its drive of biogeochemical cycling and cellular metabolism. For Biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

840:013* Life: The Natural World - Lab (1 hr.)
Activities illustrating basic life science concepts regarding energy flow within ecosystems, biodiversity, and their interrelationships with human activities. Lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

Prerequisite or corequisite: 840:012.

840:014 Life: Continuity and Change (3 hrs.)
Introduction to contemporary topics in biology. Emphasis on study of gene structure and function and applications of biology to human concerns. For Biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

840:015* Life: Continuity and Change - Lab (1 hr.)
Process of science and application of biology to human concerns stressed through student activities involving basic life science concepts encompassing cell structure and function, human genetics, and disease transmission. Emphasis on assisting students in understanding role of biology in our present society. Lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

Prerequisite or corequisite: 840:014 or equivalent.

990:010 Human Origins (3 hrs.)
Introduction to physical and prehistoric development of humankind, including primate and human evolution, modern races, and the archaeological cultures of the world.

B. Physical Sciences (3 or 4 hours required)

* Lab Course
** Lab Course if 4-hour option elected

For all courses listed under Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, with the exception of 990:010, a student must have satisfies University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.  (College of Natural Sciences majors may meet the Physical Sciences requirement by completing 860:044, 860:070, 880:054, or 880:130.  Design, Family and Consumer Sciences majors may meet the Physical Sciences requirement by completing 860:044.)

820:031* Inquiry into Physical Science (4 hrs.)
Explorations of fundamental concepts of modern biology through active investigation. Content includes ecology, energy, diversity, and life cycles using a standards-based teaching approach. Integrated lecture/lab for 4 periods, plus 1 hour arranged. For elementary education majors only.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

860:010** Principles of Chemistry (3-4 hrs.)
Basic concepts of chemistry, the periodic table and its relation to atomic structure and chemical properties. How the understanding of changes in matter and energy is important in both living and non-living systems. Work of the chemist and the interactions of chemistry with other activities of humankind. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. May be taken without laboratory for 3 hours. No credit for student with credit in any college chemistry course.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

860:011 Molecules and Life (3 hrs.)
Basic concepts of chemistry, with an emphasis on the structure and function of molecules in living systems. Discussion, 3 periods. No credit for student with credit in any college chemistry course. Prerequisite(s): student must have satisfied university entrance requirements in English and Mathematics. (Offered Fall and Spring)

870:010** Astronomy (3-4 hrs.)
Introduction to Universe, solar system, stars, and galaxies, including apparent motions of bodies in the sky; development of astronomy and its impact on humankind.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

870:021 Elements of Weather (3 hrs.)
Meteorological elements and their applications to environment; interpretation of weather maps and weather data; forecasting and briefing on daily weather. Discussion, 3 periods. No credit for those who have completed 870:121.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

870:031* Physical Geology (4 hrs.)
Introduction to physical environment, emphasizing materials of the Earth and processes that lead to changes within and on the Earth. Lab emphasis: rocks and minerals, geologic processes, and landscape development. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

880:011* Conceptual Physics (4 hrs.)
Energy; temperature and heat; waves and sound; electricity and magnetism; light and color; atomic and nuclear structure of matter. Emphasis on observation, interpretation, and conceptual understanding of physical phenomena. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Students may not earn credit in both 880:011 and 880:012.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

880:012 Physics in Everyday Life (3 hrs.)
Basic laws and concepts of physics introduced and demonstrated through operation of everyday devices and systems. Emphasis on understanding physical principles behind working of modern technologies and interplay between science and technology. Students may not earn credit in both 880:011 and 880:012.

Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

970:026** Physical Geography (3-4 hrs.)
Explanation of patterns of solar energy receipt, atmospheric pressure, winds, and precipitation around the Earth. Emphasis on how solar energy, water, and crustal movements interact to determine characteristics of natural environments on Earth. Prerequisite: student must have satisfied University entrance requirements in English and Mathematics.

Category 5: Social Science

Required: one course from group A, one course from group B, and one course from group A, B, or C. (Students cannot count both 970:010 and 970:040 toward the Liberal Arts Core.)

A. Group A: Sociocultural and Historical Perspectives

900:023 American Civilization (3 hrs.)
Interdisciplinary study of American civilization as a developing society, culture, and nation over four centuries. Through an integration of history, literature and the arts, major themes, and their interrelationships within the American experience will be identified and analyzed. Liberal Arts Core credit for all students.

970:010 Human Geography (3 hrs.)
Interaction between peoples and their environments. Spatial patterns and processes of population distribution, characteristics, and movement, human environmental impact, and economic activity.

970:040 World Geography (3 hrs.)
Reasons for and consequences of variations over surface of the earth of cultural, economic, physical, and other attributes of places.

980:001 Introduction to Sociology (3 hrs.)
Scientific approach to analysis and understanding of culture, human groups and institutions, personality, self, and social control.

990:011 Culture, Nature, and Society (3 hrs.)
Introduction to cross-cultural perspective on human behavior. Consideration of the nature of society and culture among diverse human groups, from hunter-gatherers to industrialized city dwellers, by examination of their technologies, economic systems, family life, political structures, art, languages, and religious beliefs and practices. Emphasis on non-Western societies.

B. Group B: Individual and Institutional Perspectives

31F:010 Human Identity and Relationships (3 hrs.)
Use of social science theories and research to understand the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural influences on human identity, development of self, and interpersonal relationships. Emphasis on methodologies for obtaining valid research information and application of such information to facilitating positive individual growth and effective interpersonal relationships.

400:001 Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs.)
Provides a foundation for psychological understanding. Course requires either (1) participation as a subject in psychological research, or (2) an alternative acceptable to both the student and the department which provides a similar educational experience.

920:024* Introduction to Economics (3 hrs.)
Overview of economics, including how a market system functions and how national income, output, and employment are determined. Primary focus (though not exclusively) on U.S. economy. No credit for students who have credit or are concurrently enrolled in 920:053 or 920:054. May not be used for credit on major or minor.

942:014 Introduction to American Politics (3 hrs.)
Processes and functions of American government in relation to concepts of American democracy and to practices of other governments. (Formerly 940:014.)

943:024 International Relations (3 hrs.)
Survey of various approaches to international relations with special
emphasis on application to historical and contemporary cases. Not open to students who have credit in 940:026. (Formerly 940:124.)

*Satisfactory completion of both 920:053 and 920:054 by all non-business majors and Business teaching majors, through UNI or transfer, may substitute for 920:024.

C. Group C: Topical Perspectives

450:041/900:041 Social Welfare: A World View (3 hrs.)
Comparative study of social welfare (social insurance, public welfare, charity and philanthropy, social services, and mutual aid) in the United States, and selected nations from five regions of the world as defined by the International Congress of Schools of Social Work (African, Asian, European, Latin American, and North American regions).

450:045/900:045/980:045 American Racial and Ethnic Minorities (3 hrs.)
Survey of several American minorities, including Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans. Multi-disciplinary study of these groups with particular emphasis on geographic origins, linguistic traditions and current modes of economic subsistence. Introduction to folkways and mores of each group. (Same as 900:045 and 980:045.)

900:020 Women, Men, and Society (3 hrs.)
Examination of key issues of gender. Attention to variety of topics including ethical issues and gender roles, gender-role stereotyping, male and female roles, sexuality, gender roles in non-western and minority cultures, and gender roles in United States institutions (e.g., in the nuclear family, religion, and the work place).

900:080 Conflict and Social Reconstruction (3 hrs.)
Critical analysis of conflict in social relations. Employs systems framework to examine stress, alienation, reciprocity, social support and social reconstructions. Exploration of interpersonal, organizational and community conflict with emphasis on race, gender, and class. Includes simulations and small group activities.

900:090 Children and Youth: Issues and Controversies (3 hrs.)
Use of social scientific theoretical frameworks and data to examine causes, consequences, and policy implications of issues and controversies affecting children and youth.

940:020 Contemporary Political Problems (3 hrs.)
Analysis of selected contemporary political issues. Focus may be on the local, state, national, or international level.

980:060 Social Problems (3 hrs.)
Analysis of nature and range of social problems arising in modern industrial society. Consideration given to conditions creating them and methods by which society seeks to cope with them.

Category 6: Capstone

010:159 Analysis of Contemporary Social Issues (3 hrs.)

Application of critical thinking skills and insights from various social science and liberal arts disciplines to the analysis of such contemporary issues as crime, health care, civil liberties and international conflict.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Back in the Valley: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 21st Century (3 hrs.)

Use of experiential and service learning to explore and practice the concepts of community as well as to identify current social issues in the community outside UNI.  Current issues will be studies in the framework of the philosophies of Dr. King.  Course study involves an analysis of the life and work of Dr. King to identify critical elements of the social change(s) with which he was associated, to extrapolate the positions he might take on issues confronting us today, and to determine the relevancy of Dr. King's positions for today.  In this process, students will construct a personal meaning for responsible citizenship in a society with democratic ideals.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Being National: National Identity in Europe, America, and Beyond (3 hrs.)

What is national identity and where does it come from?  This course challenges students to critically examine the varied ways that national identity is constructed and experienced around the world, and how they themselves are embedded within a particular national identity and culture.  Taught as part of the Capstone and the Holocaust Program in Krakow, Poland, and on the UNI campus.  Prerequisite:  junior or senior standing.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Blues and Jazz in African American Literature and Film (3 hrs.)

Multidisciplinary study of African American experiences in Spirituals, Blues, Gospel, Ragtime, Jazz, Rap/Hip-Hop, film, and literature.  Emphasis on how African American expressive cultures (in this case music) serve as a vehicle for the African American experiences in film and literature across time and space in the United States.  Application of Spirituals, Blues, Jazz, and Rap theories to reading and understanding African American music, film, drama, fiction, and poetry.  Through critical theory of the Blues and Jazz the student discovers why and how African American filmmakers and writers use music as a black code, a narrative strategy, a theme, and an ideological stance of resistance and survival in their works. 

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Building Communities: Developing Intentional Family Spaces (3 hrs.) Students are challenged to think critically about changing space needs of diverse families in various residential/professional situations. They explore how changes in the "family" impact their decision-making as members of the community.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Communication Disorders and Society (3 hrs.)

An educated person should know something about the lives and challenges of those in their family and community. The purpose of this seminar is to help students learn more about the lives and social challenges that may affect the life of a person with a communication disorder. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Creativity and the Transformation of Culture (3 hrs.)

Explores creativity from a Systems Perspective—as achievement resulting from a confluence of the Individual, the Domain, and Society. Investigates creativity’s role in the transformation of culture; provides students opportunities to enhance personal creativity. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Democracies (3 hrs.)

Treats the variety of theories, forms, and practices of democracy around the world, as well as the future of democracy, from several disciplinary perspectives. Specific focus of the course varies section by section.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Globalization, Cultural Pluralism, and International Security (3 hrs.)

This course will address several key issues related to globalization and cultural pluralism and the impact on the overall quality of human life and international security in the 21st century.  Special emphasis will be given to environmental, religious, ethnic, and international migration issues.  Case studies from Europe (including Russia), Latin-South America, Asia, and Africa will be taken from an interdisciplinary perspective.

010:159 Greece: From the "Cradle of Democracy" to Today (3 hrs.)

A three-week, summer study-abroad and experiential learning course in Greece that allows students to experience Greece and its diverse cultural heritages from the perspectives of geography, history, religion, material culture (i.e., visits to archeological sites, museums, monuments, churches, etc.) and contemporary Greeks. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Leadership and Professional and Civic Competencies (2 hrs.)

This course focuses on leadership and ethical responsibility for professional and civic roles. Activities include critical analysis of examples from local and national newspapers.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Lies and Lying in Personal and Professional Life (2 hrs.)

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Living in our Techno-social World (3 hrs.)

Students explore the complex relationships between technology and society. Through assigned readings, class discussion, and collaborative research projects, students will discover how social systems affect the nature and use of technology and how the nature and use of technology affect social systems.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Local Issues: Advocacy and Civil Engagement (3 hrs.)

In groups students will complete and in-depth study of a selected issue of local concern.  All class members will plan and conduct a Community Dialog on a separate issue.  Course offers regular in-class interaction with persons who currently or have held elective office, serve as lobbyists, or are community activists.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Medicine, Morality, and Society: The Social Construction of Health and Illness (3 hrs.)

Guided by an interdisciplinary perspective, this course draws on students' previous university experiences and develops their understandings of how race, class, gender, and sexuality shape the construction, distribution, and experience of illness and how the dynamics of health, illness, and medicine are likely to change as the 21st century unfolds.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Minority-Majority Group Relations in the U.S. (3 hrs.)

This course explores multidisciplinary perspectives concerning U.S. minority-majority group relations, focusing upon the interaction of mainstream U.S. culture with minority groups which have experienced a history of exclusion or oppression in U.S. society. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Genocide: Case Studies (3hrs.)

Aims to develop knowledge about genocide through study of the Holocaust and two other recent genocides.  In doing so, the course intends to (a) build students’ understanding, based on multidisciplinary perspectives, of the international community’s developing conceptions of and responses to genocide; and (b) investigate courses of action available to them, as citizens of the 21st century, to mobilize themselves and their communities to respond to current and future crises.

010:159 Obesity and Diabetes: Science, Sociology and Economics (2 hrs.) Over the last 20 years Americans, as well as the result of the world, have been gaining weight at an alarming rate. As a consequence, diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and kidney failure have become more prevalent. This class will discuss the possible origins and examine potential solutions for two pathologies, obesity and diabetes.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Prehistory of Environmental Impact (3 hrs.)

Global warming proves recent human effects on the physical world. Using archaeological and biological evidence, this course surveys the human role in environmental modification through prehistory and examines how knowledge is validated by evidence and archaeological reasoning.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Sacred Space (3 hrs.)

010:159 Science and Pseudoscience: Critiquing the World Around You (3 hrs.)   

Daily, we are bombarded with interesting and novel breakthroughs and findings, for which these claims may or may not be true.  This course builds off of students' knowledge to apply critical thinking and scientific analysis to controversial topics from various disciplines in the world around us. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 Socio-Economic Reality of Central America (2 hrs.)

An experiential learning course for students interested in the socio-economic realities of Central America.  The course allows the student to work alongside citizens in a developing country.  Business people and citizens involved in all aspects of the Nicaraguan life will provide information through separate sessions and meetings with the students.  Looking at a different culture while living and working along side the citizens gives students a more personal view of how to be sensitive to other socio-economic realities.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 The Washington Center Internship Program (3 hrs.)

Provides meaningful internships in our nation’s capital.  Opportunities exist for all majors in government, business, and nonprofit sectors. Scholarships and UNI financial aid help offset program costs; housing arranged.  Includes internship, academic course, and a weekly “forum” activity.  Develop leadership skills, build resume, and explore career opportunities.  Deadlines apply.  Arrangements made through UNI’s Cooperative Education/Internship Program.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

010:159 The Water Planet (3 hrs.)

Water on Earth has a paradox of being one of the most abundant natural resources on the planet yet also one of the most precious.  This course investigates the inter-connected role water, as a natural resource, plays at the junction between the social and physical environments of Earth.  Topics include issues of water resources related to scientific, engineering, political, cultural, economic, and legal matters.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

48C:128g Ethics in Communication (3 hrs.)

Exploration of ethical dimensions and dilemmas in communication. 

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

230:186g Studies in Cultures and Languages of Kazakhstan (3 hrs.)

Interdisciplinary study of cultures, historical events, geography, economic developments, social and political patterns from ancient times to today in the region of Central Asia now known as Kazakhstan.

410:160g Community and Public Health (3 hrs.)

Examination of the major public health issues facing the US and world population.  Investigation of major public health initiatives, public policy, and ethical issues related to public health. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

490:106 Theatre in Education (3 hrs.)

Application of theatre performance and improvisation techniques to the teaching of a specific curricular topic intended for young audiences. The curricular topic of focus changes each time the course is offered.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

640:173 Bio-Medical Ethics (3 hrs.)
Application of principles and analytic methods of ethical theory to contemporary issues in medical practice and research. Topics include fundamental concepts of health and disease, life and death; rights and obligations of medical practitioners and their patients; informed consent and confidentiality; abortion and euthanasia; reproductive and transplantation technologies; and health policy and the provision and rationing of health care.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
(Same as 650:173.7)(Offered Fall and Spring)

640:194(g) Perspectives on Death and Dying (3 hrs.)
Multidisciplinary study of death, dying, and bereavement across cultures, religious and ethnic groups, and historical periods, with attention to ritual and memoir, ethical dilemmas at the end of life, and psychology of mourning.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (Same as 650:194g.) (Offered Fall and Spring)

740:148(g) The Holocaust in Literature and Film (3 hrs.)

Examination of the different perspectives and developments of Jewish and non-Jewish voices in response to the Holocaust experience in literature and film within the context of the German-speaking cultures and beyond.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (Variable)

820:140 Environment, Technology, and Society (2 hrs.)
Emphasis on relationships and interactions of physical, biological, technological, and cultural components of environment. Study of selected interdisciplinary problems. Elaborates on student’s previous university experience and develops environmental literacy.

Prerequisites: student must have satisfied university entrance requirements in English and Mathematics; completion of both Life Sciences and Physical Sciences requirements; junior or senior standing.
(Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer)

820:150 Science, Mathematics, and Technology in the Americas (3 hrs.)
Surveys the unique contributions made by indigenous and immigrant populations to the development of science, mathematics, and technology in the Americas. Interdepartmentally team-taught. Prerequisites: junior or senior status or consent of instructor.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (Variable)