Adult Degree Program Online Modules

Transcription

1 Creating Your Individualized Study Concentration with Adult Degree Program Online Modules

2 What people are saying about the Adult Degree Program at James Madison University As an instructor, I see the ADP at JMU providing opportunities for students often left on the fringe of higher education to put themselves squarely back into the center of learning. Rob Alexander, Assistant Professor, Political Science It s wonderful to work with students coming back to college to finish what they d started. ADP students tend to have drive and an understandable joy as they move toward earning their bachelor s degrees. Charles Blake Professor and Chair, Political Science I have really enjoyed working with Adult Degree Program students on their senior projects. I have been impressed with their creative project ideas, the depth of their experience, and the overall quality of their projects! Diane Wilcox, Associate Professor, LTLE As a graduate of the Adult Degree Program, I cannot express the importance of having the opportunity to complete my degree while working full time. I am so very thankful for all faculty and staff who work so hard to help make this dream a reality! Jackie Rufo 2

3 Adult Degree Program Class Schedule FALL EXED 416: Overview and Assessment of Autism Disorders EXED 417: Communication, Language, and Sensory Issues in ASD CS 101: Introduction to Computer Science CS 225: Math for Computer Science CS 235: Data Structures CIS 204: Computer Information Systems for Non-Business Majors MGT 405: Special Topics Designing Your Business Venture SCOM 245: Signs, Symbols, and Social Interaction SCOM 334: Alternative Dispute Mediation LTLE 240: Principles of Human Resource Development LTLE 245: Leadership in Organizational Settings ISAT 280: Environmental Issues in Science and Technology PPA 265: Foundations of Public and Nonprofit Management HIST 225: American History AMST 200: Introduction to American Studies ENG 247: Survey of American Literature from the Beginning to the Civil War PSYC 160: Human Growth and Development SPRING EXED 418: Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavioral Supports, Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans CS 135: Computer Programming CS 335: Computer Systems CS 355: Application Development CIS 498: Special Topics Network Security CIS 498: Special Topics Designing Web Systems MGT 305: Management and Organizational Behavior SCOM 248: Intercultural Communication LTLE 370: Instructional Technology LTLE 385: Foundations of Instructional Design ISAT 428: Industrial Ecology PPA 483: Special Topics in PPA Emerging Issues, Tools for Public Management PPA 412: Intergovernmental Relations and Service Delivery SCI 101: Physics, Chemistry, and the Human Experience PSYC 160: Human Growth and Development SUMMER CIS 311: Analyzing Data in Organizations CIS 312: Systems Planning and Analysis MGT 405: Special Topics Introduction to Entrepreneurship SCOM 350: Organizational Communication SCOM 358: Business and Professional Communication Studies LTLE 480: Learning in Adulthood GEOG 300: Population Geography ISAT 480: Selected Topics in Integrated Science and Technology Population and the Envrionment PPA 483: Special Topics in PPA Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation PPA 483: Emerging Issues in Public Policy & Administration: Public Service Ethics 3

4 What is the Adult Degree Program? A university education is about learning to ask and answer complex questions. The JMU Adult Degree Program (ADP) allows highly motivated and self-directed students to pursue the questions about which they are most passionate. ADP students epitomize the intentional intellectual engagement at the core of a great liberal education: focused, rigorous, disciplinary learning, even when integrating multiple disciplines. ADP is not a means to vocational or applied versions of existing degrees; nor does it provide a secondary alternative to (or a light version of) existing majors. It is, instead, a place for students 22 and older to complete their bachelor s degree. It is a place for intellectually curious, reflective, and self-directed students who embrace learning for its own sake. This program is not a place to just get a degree; this is a place to pursue deep learning. What is the Individualized Study major? The Individualized Study major, the academic major for all ADP students, was developed specifically to assist in degree completion for adult learners. Students create unique, interdisciplinary concentrations that meet their own educational needs: advancing professionally, preparing for graduate or professional programs, or planning a path toward a career change. While most ADP students earn a Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS), you also have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Study or a Bachelor of Science in Individualized Study. The Individualized Study major also offers students a distinctive educational opportunity that allows them to integrate other college-level learning such as professional or military experiences into university coursework. Some distinctive features of the Individualized Study major include the following: An interdisciplinary concentration that draws on courses from two or more academic units and is designed to meet each student s individual goals and which does not duplicate a traditional major currently offered by JMU. Independent study classes that allow students to conduct research in areas not included in other courses. Online modules which give adult students the opportunity to complete their degree at JMU when their schedules or locations make attending on-campus classes difficult or impossible. For more information on the Adult Degree Program and the Individualized Study major, visit our website at Introduction to the modules ADP online modules are a more structured way of developing your Individualized Study major concentration as well as enabling you to complete your degree no matter where you live or what your schedule is. Module content was created by academic units at JMU to give you a strong foundation in each particular area. You can combine two or three of the modules to create your concentration, or, if you are able to commute to campus, you can blend them with face to face classes. 4

5 Current online modules include Autism Spectrum Studies, Applied Computing, Business Technology, Entrepreneurship, Professional and Workplace Communication, Human Resource Development, Sustainability, and Public Policy and Administration. How the modules work together To build your Individualized Study concentration, simply combine two or three modules based on your professional, educational, or personal goals. For example: Business Technology + Public Policy and Administration Human Resource Development + Business Technology Autism Spectrum Disorders + Professional and Workplace Communication Computer Science + Business Technology + Public Policy Administration Business Technology + Entrepreneurship Sustainability + Public Policy Administration + Professional and Workplace Communication How the modules work with on-campus classes If you live within commuting distance of the JMU campus, and your schedule allows it, you can also combine traditional face-to-face classes with one (or more) of the online modules for your concentration. Autism Spectrum Disorders pairs well with the coursework needed for students pursuing teaching licensure or those who focus their concentration on psychology. If you re adding classes in photography, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry making, and/or painting to your concentration, Entrepreneurship will give you the skills to get your artsrelated business up and running. Business Technology provides strong skills for sociology, non-profit studies, public administration, political science, or justice studies concentrations. Human Resource Development pairs nicely with a concentration focusing on public administration, kinesiology, health-related areas or integrated science and technology. By completing the Applied Computing module, you will master a fair amount of computer programming skills. In addition, you will learn to write programs applicable to your chosen career field. As a result, this module would complement classes from just about any academic unit or career goal. Completing your degree online Can you complete your degree online through JMU s Adult Degree Program? Yes. If our modules interest you, you have completed all or most of your general education requirements, and you take advantage of other, nontraditional credit earning options, such as independent study classes, CLEP exams, and portfolios of prior learning experience, then you may be able to complete your degree online. Call the ADP office and talk with us. We can discuss your interests and how the online modules could work for you, what you still have left to complete your degree, and how ADP can help you achieve your goals, both educationally and professionally. 5

6 THE MODULES Autism Spectrum Studies 9 credits The Autism Spectrum Studies module is designed for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge of the autism spectrum. Whether you are in the education field, studying for a career in counseling, or an interested parent, grandparent, or friend, this series of classes will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively participate on teams addressing the needs of learners with a disability on the autism spectrum. This module pairs well with the Professional and Workplace Communication and the Human Resource Development modules as well as with on-campus psychology and education classes. Requirements: These classes must be taken in the order listed. EXED 416: Overview and Assessment of Autism Disorders (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block) This course is designed to provide an overview of the current issues involving working with children who have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. Areas covered in-depth will include learning characteristics, current research and factors involved with causation, assessment and diagnosis. We will discuss positive behavioral supports; social skills development; sensory processing, motor planning and sensory integration; and communication and language development as these will be covered in much greater depth in other courses. A range of institutional methodologies and techniques will be emphasized throughout the course. EXED 417: Communication, Language, and Sensory Issues in ASD (3 credits, Fall, 2nd 8-week block) This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the current issues involved in working with children who have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. We will discuss only briefly learning characteristics, current research and factors involved with causation, assessment and diagnosis, and positive behavioral supports to set the stage. The bulk of our time will be spent exploring social skills development; sensory processing, motor planning and sensory integration; and communication and language development. We will consider a range of institutional methodologies and techniques for providing instruction, support and generalization of skills in these areas. EXED 418: Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavioral Supports, Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block) This course is designed to provide an in-depth look at the behavioral challenges those with a disability in the autism spectrum might face and display. Areas addressed will include behavioral characteristics, current research and factors related to behavioral challenges in this population, positive behavioral supports, Functional Behavioral Plan Development, implementation and monitoring. We will cover data collection in relation to assessment and monitoring behaviors. We will review social skills development; sensory processing, motor planning and sensory integration; and communication and language development as these are covered in much greater depth in other courses. A range of institutional methodologies and techniques will be emphasized throughout the course. 6

7 Applied Computing 18 credits Upon completion of the following six courses, students will be able to apply computing principles to writing programs and developing computer applications in the context of their career. This module provides an overview of computer science, object-oriented programming, hardware and software systems, and modern application development. Four of the courses are offered concurrently (101/225 and 335/355), and while it is advised to take these courses together, that is not required. Students are expected to have completed college algebra (MATH 155 or its transfer equivalent) before enrolling in this module. This module complements the other business-focused modules Business Technology, Human Resource Development, Entrepreneurship, and Professional and Workplace Communication to give students a strong foundation in the areas of management and technology in business. It also pairs well with Sustainability and Public Policy and Administration for those students seeking a career in the public sector. CS 101: Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits, Fall, full semester) Overview of the context of computing, computational operations, computational devices, algorithms and data structures, the storage and transmission of data, the presentation of information, and the limits of computing. Students learn about the design and implementation of computational systems, the value of abstraction, problem solving, and the ways in which computation impacts society. CS 135: Computer Programming (3 credits, Spring, full semester) Students in this class will study and practice fundamental computer programming techniques including algorithm development, using variables, decisions, loops, arrays and functions; object oriented design and implementation; testing and debugging techniques; and implementing recursive algorithms. (Prerequisite CS 101) CS 225: Math for Computer Science (3 credits, Fall, full semester) Students will learn mathematical structures that are essential for computer science. Topics include manipulation of logic propositions and quantified predicates, relations and functions, set theory, counting techniques and discrete probability, mathematical induction, and analysis of algorithms. CS 235: Data Structures (3 credits, Fall, full semester) This class studies the theory and application of fundamental data structures such as lists, trees, sets, stacks, queues, and maps. Students will also learn fundamental algorithms such as searching, sorting, and traversal algorithms. (Prerequisite CS 135 and CS 225) CS 335: Computer Systems (3 credits, Spring, full semester) (Starting 2017) Students will learn about hardware, software, operating systems, and networking in this class. Topics include the building blocks of a computer, e.g., the CPU, memory, I/O and storage devices, file and memory management, computer networks, and the integrity and confidentiality of data. (Prerequisite CS 235) CS 355: Application Development (3 credits, Spring, full semester) (Starting 2017) This class covers basic concepts of software development and their application. Topics include the software development process, software requirements and design, web application development, database design, SQL programming, and software testing and validation. (Prerequisite CS 235) 7

8 Business Technology 15 credits Master the basics of the computer systems that support businesses and watch your career thrive. This module introduces you to database design and analysis, web systems development, and computer systems security issues and solutions. This module complements Human Resource Development, Entrepreneurship and Computer Science. Requirements: CIS 204 or its equivalent is the pre-requisite for all other classes in this module. The other classes can be taken in any order once CIS 204 is completed. CIS 204: Computer Information Systems for Non-Business Majors (3 credits, Fall, full semester) An introduction to computer-based information systems. Emphasis is placed on the role of computers in business and society, computer hardware and software, design and implementation of information systems, computer ethics, and collaboration using computers. Students will design and create databases. Not open to business majors or minors. CIS 311: Analyzing Data in Organizations (3 credits, Summer, 1st 4-week block) This course provides an overview of how to work with databases and other data sources in order to access relevant information in a timely and user-friendly manner. It includes discussions of a variety of data representation types, including relational databases, XML documents, and cloud data. Students learn essential database concepts and gain practical experience in querying, reporting, and analyzing data. CIS 312: Systems Planning and Analysis (3 credits, Summer, full semester) Information systems couple both technical (hardware, software, database, telecom) and socioorganizational (business processes, ethics, knowledge, users, developers) subsystems to create rich and available information for the purpose of optimizing business decisions. This course covers the techniques and common tools employed for planning and analyzing these systems. Emphasis will be placed on the system development life cycle, planning and analysis tools, and professional business writing. CIS 498: Special Topics Network Security (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block) This course provides students with a technical grounding in network attack concepts and technologies that are critical to defensive practices, including, but not limited to, penetration testing environments, online threats, and data security. Using hands-on labs and real world exercises, the course examines popular hacking tools such as key logger and phishing attack, evaluates cyber security context, and analyzes incident response solutions. Due to the realness and practicality of this course, students are able to relate acquired knowledge to daily activities. Leading research and industrial reports pointed out that the demand for IT security professionals has surged significantly in the past several years, making it imperative to keep our students across the Commonwealth abreast of such trends. CIS 498: Special Topics Designing Web Systems (3 credits, Spring, full semester) This course is an introduction to the design and development of web pages and web sites. Major topics to be covered include: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML5), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), the principles of design for user experience, responsive design, and JavaScript. Prerequisite: CIS 204 or equivalent knowledge (instructor permission is needed). Not open to CIS majors or minors. 8

9 Entrepreneurship 9 credits Are you thinking of starting a business some day? Do you want to better understand the inner workings of the small business that employs you? Or do you desire to bring innovation to your current job? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this module is for you. Learn the basics of management functions and the formulation, financing, and operation of starting and maintaining a business. This module complements the Business Technology module, and would pair well with the Computer Science and Human Resource Development modules. Requirements: These classes must be taken in order. MGT 305: Management and Organizational Behavior (3 credits, Spring, 2nd 8-week block) A study of management functions, decision processes and human behavior in business organizations. Ethical and political considerations are addressed, as are behavioral science research and its applicability to understanding organizational behavior. MGT 405: Special Topics Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 credits, Summer, 8-week block) A survey of the field of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs and their significance in the American free enterprise system. Emphasis will be on exploring the theoretical framework of the entrepreneurship process and the entrepreneurial personality. MGT 405: Special Topics Designing Your Business Venture (3 credits, Fall, 1st 4-week block) The formulation, financing and operation of new ventures by individual entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial teams will be explored. The course will include a group term project designed to give the students clinical experience in the venture creation process. Having never taught online before, I was a little nervous about how much interaction there would be, but my worries were unfounded. Between verbal questions and the chat feature in the software, the students interacted not only with me, but with each other. I really enjoyed working with the adult students as their experiences give them different perspectives on things. Laura Atkins, Instructor, Computer Information Systems I walked away from JMU seven years ago as a nontraditional student trying to fit into a traditional student box. The Adult Degree Program helped me finish with a concentration that is the most applicable to my career. My Capstone Project was a learning experience that I was able to bring into the workplace. From an ADP Student 9

10 Human Resource Development 15 credits Learn the technology and develop the skills needed to design and implement effective professional development and performance improvement programs and materials for education, business, non-profits and consulting. This module pairs well with Entrepreneurship, Public Policy and Administration, Sustainability and Business Technology. Requirements: LTLE 240 is the prerequisite for the other classes in this module. It is advisable to take the classes in the order listed. LTLE 240: Principles of Human Resource Development (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block) An introduction to the role and scope of human resource development with particular emphasis on required competencies for HRD professionals. Critical moral and ethical issues are introduced. LTLE 245: Leadership in Organizational Settings (3 credits, Fall, 2nd 8-week block) An examination of the principles of leadership and their application to group settings. Emphasis will be placed on the critical appraisal of the facets of leadership through the use of cases and readings. LTLE 370: Instructional Technology (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block) This course covers principles and procedures of a teaching/learning process designed to provide reliable, effective instruction to learners through systematic application of instructional technology. Includes selecting, producing, evaluating and utilizing nonprint media and equipment for application to instructional process. LTLE 385: Foundations of Instructional Design (3 credits, Spring, 2nd 8-week block) The purpose of this course is to apply instructional theory to the creation of instructionally sound education programs and materials. LTLE 480: Learning in Adulthood (3 credits, Summer, 8-week block) A study of the learning processes of the adult learner with an emphasis on adaptations of the instructional process to accommodate the differences inherent in the adult learning environment. Practical applications to actual adult learning situations are included. It s a thrill to see ADP students walk across the stage at Commencement and receive their diplomas. Pamela Hamilton, Director, Adult Degree Program It s never too early, nor is it too late, to think about higher education. John Guo, Assistant Professor, Computer Information Systems 10

11 Professional and Workplace Communication 15 credits Students who include the Professional and Workplace Communication module in their program of study will acquire the skills necessary for effective communication on interpersonal, small group, and organizational levels. Students will develop active listening skills, public speaking skills, an understanding of social and cultural influences on workplace and social interactions, and the ability to use communication to mediate and resolve conflict. This module complements any course of study as it provides essential skills for careers in both the public and private sector. Requirements: COMM 121, 122, or 123 is the prerequisite for any of these courses. The classes may be taken in any order. SCOM 245: Signs, Symbols, and Social Interaction (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block) The study of verbal and nonverbal communication as used in human interaction. Consideration given to the function of symbolic systems in self-concept development, the structuring of reality and social discourse. Attention is directed toward the use of signs and symbols by different ethnic groups, genders, age groups and geographic groups. SCOM 248: Intercultural Communication (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block) The study of human communication in a variety of cultural settings and contexts. Emphasis on developing understanding and analytical skills regarding communication between people from different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds in both domestic and international settings. Consideration of relevance and application to social, business and political environments. SCOM 334: Alternative Dispute Mediation (3 credits, Fall, full semester) Study of conflict resolution processes including mediation, arbitration and negotiation. Consideration of litigation and hybrid dispute processes such as summary jury trial, rent-ajudge and panel evaluation. SCOM 350: Organizational Communication (3 credits, Summer, 1st 4-week block) Students gain a complex understanding of organizing practices by investigating the evolution of how historical events have influenced organizational communication and managerial practices at work. Drawing upon communication theory, students analyze various organizational communication practices such as the management of workers, development of organizational culture, and interaction with larger systems. Learning is complemented by an experiential learning project. SCOM 358: Business and Professional Communication Studies (3 credits, Summer, 2nd 4-week block) Students investigate the nuance and complexity of communication in modern organizational life. A portion of the class is dedicated to the skills involved in a competitive, successful career search. In addition, students develop the skills to become an ethical and effective organizational citizen. 11

12 12 Public Policy and Administration 15 credits The Public Policy and Administration Module gives students a general foundation in the structure of public policy and a basic understanding of the policy process. The classes included in the module provide students with a variety of techniques and skills that are applicable to a number of career fields in the public and private sector, including criminal justice, telecommunications, sociology, and non-profit and family studies. This module pairs nicely with the Human Resource Development, Sustainability, Professional and Workplace Communication and Applied Computing modules. Requirements: POSC 225: U.S. Government is recommended. PPA 265 is the prerequisite for the other classes in this module. The other classes can be taken in any order once PPA 265 is completed. PPA 265: Foundations of Public and Nonprofit Management (3 credits, Fall, full semester) An introductory survey of the principles, functions and processes of public administration with specific emphasis on the political aspects and environment of bureaucracies and the how and why of policy-making within an administrative system. Organizational structure, personnel, budgeting, public relations and government values, traditions and objectives are analyzed. PPA 483: Special Topics in PPA Emerging Issues, Tools for Public Management (3 credits, Spring, full semester) Study of the organizational behavior and management of public and nonprofit agencies from the executive viewpoint. Case studies illustrate administrative behavior and managerial operations in local, regional, state, federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. PPA 483: Special Topics in PPA Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3 credits, Summer, full semester) Study of public policy analysis and program evaluation. Delivers to students rational and alternative techniques for analyzing public policy and models of program evaluation while providing them opportunities to develop analytical skills. PPA 483: Emerging Issues in Public Policy & Administration: Public Service Ethics (3 credits, Summer, 10-week block) This online course examines the ethical dimensions of public service as experienced in governmental and nonprofit organizations. Grounded in empirical and philosophical approaches to public service and to ethical behavior, this course helps students to identify major frameworks for ethical decision making and how these can be applied to several categories of ethical challenges. Stakeholder analysis is used to improve organizational effectiveness and to clarify potential ethical challenges. The course also explores strategies for promoting ethical behavior at the individual, organizational and governmental levels. PPA 412: Intergovernmental Relations and Service Delivery (3 credits, Spring, full semester) The founding fathers envisioned a system of government that would prevent the concentration of power into too few hands. Inevitably, the result was a form of government known as federalism, which allowed for dispersed power among a national government and subnational governments. There are, however, some challenges in governing in the federalist system of government. One is the difficulty of public service delivery in a dispersed federal system. This course will examine the historical origins of federalism in the United States, the benefits and challenges of this system of government and difficulties in public service delivery in areas such as education, emergency, management, social welfare and criminal justice.

13 Sustainability 12 credits The Sustainability module allows students to explore the relationship between human communities and the natural environment from different perspectives. Courses in the module address global issues such as climate change, population issues, and political, economic and human aspects of sustainability. This module pairs well with the Business Technology, Public Policy and Administration, Human Resource Development and Professional and Workplace Communication modules. Requirements: These classes must be taken in the order listed. Students will need high speed internet access, a web cam, and a headset with microphone. ISAT 280: Environmental Issues in Science and Technology (3 credits, Fall, full semester) This course integrates the study of biology, chemistry and statistics within the context of environmental issues that include ozone depletion, acid rain, global warming, waste management and biodiversity. ISAT 428: Industrial Ecology (3 credits, Spring, full semester) Industrial ecology, the science of sustainability, seeks to encourage the development of a sustainable industrial society. This course introduces and examines this relatively new field of inquiry and practice. We address various practical topics which are associated with industrial ecology, including life cycle assessment, design for environment and environmentally conscious manufacturing. GEOG 300: Population Geography (3 credits, Summer, full semester) An introduction to population measurement, sources of population data and modern population problems. Topics include distribution, the changing age structure and migration issues affecting the U.S. At the global scale, topics include distribution, global migration patterns, the refugee crisis and prospects for feeding the rapidly increasing human population. ISAT 480: Selected Topics in Integrated Science and Technology Population and the Envrionment (3 credits, Summer, 10-week block) This course explores the scope, impact, and issues associated with humankind and its impacts on the natural environment. We explore the human dimensions of environmental change over a long arc of human history, from roughly 10,000 years ago to the present day. Basic human demography (mortality, fertility, and population growth) is introduced to understand why and how human population growth expanded so abruptly during the Industrial Revolution and again in the 20th Century; we also critique the concept of carrying capacity as it applies to the human population. We also address how lifestyle choices and the modern consumer economy shapes the relationship of population and society to natural resources, and how lack of access to critical resources (such as freshwater and energy) constrain development in low income countries. I m pleased CIS faculty had the opportunity to participate in the ADP. Our faculty now teach five ADP classes related to information technology. This gives them an opportunity to get extra work and also provides much-needed tech skills to adult students at JMU. Mike Mitri, Professor, Computer Information Systems 13

14 Other online classes for ADP students These classes can be used to fulfill general education requirements for the Individualized Study major (as indicated) or as electives. HIST 225: American History (4 credits, Fall; other semesters as needed, full semester) fulfills U.S. History general education requirement Introduces students to the central themes of American political and social history. Knowledge of our past is necessary in order to understand the present. Thus, we study United States history in order to better understand the major themes and concepts that shape American life today. The course examines the nature and growth of the intellectual concepts that structure American political activity, the operation of democratic institutions and explores the development of American society. The course examines, for example, questions about how Americans have understood justice, what it means to live in a free society, and about how best to understand and achieve the common welfare of American citizens. Because the United States has interacted with many parts of the world throughout its history, the course also stresses the evolution of American involvement in global affairs. SCI 101: Physics, Chemistry, and the Human Experience (3 credits, Spring, 2nd 8-week block) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required for the Natural Science general education requirement This course is a survey of the fundamental principles, concepts, and ideas of chemistry and physics. It gives students the tool kit they need to understand how science affects their lives. Topics include how science works, science vs pseudo-science, energy, the stars and planets, and how science relates to civilization. The course is targeted to non-science majors. Prerequisite: MATH 103, 107, 205, 220, 231, 235 or the transfer equivalent. AMST 200: Introduction to American Studies (3 credits, Fall, full semester) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required in the Humanities general education requirement This course will highlight the student s role in interrogating the cultural and political function of representations of America in literature, history, philosophy, religion, popular culture, music and art. Students will gain an understanding of why definitions of American identity matter and learn about the contemporary debates that inform the discipline of American Studies today. Questions about the changing role of national studies in the face of globalization are central. ENG 247: Survey of American Literature from the Beginning to the Civil War (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required for the Humanities general education requirement A general survey presented chronologically. PSYC 160: Human Growth and Development (3 credits, Fall and Spring, full semester) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required for the Social and Behavioral Science general education requirement An introduction to human development. Emphasis is on life span processes within physical, emotional, cognitive, psychosexual, social, personality and moral development. 14

15 Adult Degree Program MSC 6906 JMU at the Ice House 127 W. Bruce St. Harrisonburg, VA Pamela Hamilton, Director Jackie Rufo, Student Services Coordinator Go ADP Dukes! Chris Mayfield, Assistant Professor, Computer Science