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July 4, 2008
Friday

 

 

THEMATIC STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
THEMATIC STUDIES

All University College students must complete six credit-hours of Thematic Studies courses.

Thematic Studies courses are interdisciplinary courses about significant problems, themes, or ideas. Thematic Studies courses are numbered UNIV 35xx or 45xx. They are taught in the classroom, online, and as distance education/video-assisted courses.

HONORS THEMATIC STUDIES COURSES

Students who have a GPA of 3.50 on the last twelve credit hours they have taken are honors eligible and may enroll in honors Thematic Studies courses. Contact your college advisor for a permit.

DISTANCE EDUCATION THEMATIC STUDIES COURSES

Distance Education is the principal means of instruction in some courses. Video programs may be a part of these courses. Students may also attend optional discussion sessions led by the instructor.
Course syllabi ,as well as essential information about participating in a telecourse (video-assisted) and/or a teleweb course, are available at  
www.extended.memphis.edu/distanceEd.html
 

 

UNIV 3507

Economics of Social Issues (3)
This course presents applications of introductory economic theory to an array of important social problems. Helps in understanding social issues and how economic theory and analysis can clarify these issues. No economics course prerequisites.

 

UNIV 3519

 

Exploring the Future ** (6) Distance Learning Course
This course is structured around images of the future and focuses upon resources and problems important to a global future. Resources considered are the global human populations, natural resources and the environment, social, institutional, technological, economic, and leadership resources. Problems that the future will pose are considered, specifically, population, food and fresh water, global environment, sociopolitical organization, education, healthcare, and energy. A critical approach to images of the future-oriented actions is emphasized throughout

 

UNIV 3522

 

American Cinema (3) ** Distance Learning Course
Overview of American film history from silent cinema to the present. Considers the place of Hollywood film in American popular culture, the relation of movie technology to film art, and seeks to develop cinematic literacy and the ability to think critically about popular culture.

 

UNIV 3526

 

War and American Society (6) ** Distance Learning Course
Interdisciplinary examination of the concept and effects of war from historical, literary, artistic and philosophical perspectives. Focus on the various ways in which America has dealt with war, from the Revolutionary War to the recent Gulf Conflict, and on the changes in American society that have resulted.

 

UNIV 3527

 

Making the Humane City (6)
Interdisciplinary approach to planning and decision-making issues that challenge American cities: planning process that precedes and follows public and private sector decisions affecting the quality of life in urban communities.

 

UNIV 3531

 

American Experience: Images and Narrative (3)
Organized around "images" and "narrative". Utilizes a variety of cultural materials to
enhance appreciation of the peoples and experiences that define the term "American".

 

UNIV 3533

 

Intro to Modern Asia (The Pacific Century) ** (3) Distance Learning Course
Interdisciplinary examination of the historical and geographic context of the development of Northeast Asia. Relates and compares changes that have swept the region and how individual societies have been affected.

 

UNIV 3534

 

Theatre and Therapy (3)
Traces the therapeutic functions of theater from the ancient practice of shamanistic rituals up to the contemporary applications of psychodrama and drama therapy. Considers the meaning of drama and play in a evolving culture. Practical experience in the therapeutic uses of theater through a series of workshops.

 

UNIV 3535

 

Family Communication (3)
Provides a framework and perspective for analyzing the family as a communication system. It examines the ways in which members of family systems interact in order to develop, sustain and manage their relationships in an era when family issues are at the forefront of national concerns, particularly in governmental, educational and religious arenas.

 

UNIV 3536

 

Americas ** (3) Distance Learning Course
An interdisciplinary approach to viewing the landscapes and peoples of Hispanic America. The course relates to social, historical, political, economic, and cultural aspects of Latin America. Vestiges of the indigenous population, colonialism, and the notion of a third World will be discussed.

 

UNIV 3539

 

The People's Century I (3)
Focus is on the stories of individuals involved in important events of the twentieth century.

 

UNIV 3540

 

Ethics and Professionalism (3)
An analysis of ethical decisions and dilemmas of professional practice. A study of elementary principles of moral philosophy and applying those principles to professional decisions. Learning how to tolerate disagreement, developing respect for ethnic and gender diversity, and gaining a sense of moral responsibility in your professional practice.

 

UNIV 3549

 

The People's Century II (3)
Focus is on the stories of individuals involved in important events of the twentieth century. [A continuation of UNIV 3539].

 

UNIV 3550

 

Clash of Cultures (3)
This course focuses on contacts of a special kind: multi-level, complex, and consequential clashes that have shaped American culture and much of the modern world.

 

UNIV 3580

 

Hebrew and Greek Legacy (3)
Interdisciplinary examination of salient ideas, values, and traditions of ancient Hebraic and Greek cultures, with emphasis on those ideas and values that have most significantly influenced the modern world. Understanding of ideas and values enhanced through comparison with selected non-Western traditions.

 

UNIV 3581

 

Faith/Reason/Imagination (3)
Interdisciplinary examination of religious, rationalist, and aesthetic viewpoints as distinctive ways of understanding what is fundamental to human experience. Exploration of historical development of each of these modes of understanding and examination of tensions that exist among them in modern world.

 

UNIV 3707

 

Baseball in America (3)
The course "Baseball in America" will cover the game’s early history to the present, formation of the National and American Leagues, the Dead Ball Era, establishment of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, key players, racism in the game, including the Negro Leagues, the AAGPBL, as well as baseball in war, film, poetry, and song. The course will also explore how the sport has affected a cross section of America and the world and the business aspects of the game from free agency to radio-television contracts.

 

UNIV 4506

 

The Chinese (3) ** Distance Learning Course
Provides an understanding of the people, history, culture, and government of a civilization more than 5,000 years old. Shows the influence ancient Chinese medicine, art and religion has had on the contemporary world and illustrates the way in which China attempts to balance economical and political development with ancient customs, rituals, and beliefs. Also considers the role which China plays in the global economy - now and in the future.

 

UNIV 4511

 

Holocaust Studies (3)
Synthesizing knowledge and methodologies from several disciplines; contexts and implications of the Holocaust; encompass periods before, during, and after the event to explore questions of human values and responsibility; research paper, journal, writing for oral presentation and essay exam.

 

UNIV 4518

 

Literature of the Americas (6) ** Distance Learning Course
Explores the diversity, similarities and universality of the central themes of Spanish- American and African-American fiction.

 

UNIV 4520

 

Mind/Brain/Intelligence * (3) Honors
Examination of theories, mechanisms, and systems in the cognitive sciences that explain intelligent thought and behavior. Explores the implications of core ideas on ethics, values, public policy.

 

UNIV 4527

 

The Developing Adult (3)
Explores issues involving the developing adult, such as: early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood including understanding social relationships, retirement options and issues, choice in living arrangements and finally, end-of-life concerns.

 

CSED 4205

 

Behavioral Science Aspects of Clothing (3)
I
nterdisciplinary study of clothing and appearance; concepts, methodologies, and applications of behavioral science to clothing. 

 

CSED 4300

 

Family Resource Management (3)
Investigates values, goals, and human and material resources necessary for individuals and families to make informed management decisions throughout the life span.  

 

CSED 4304

 

Trends in Housing and Home Furnishing (3)
Major trends and influences on contemporary residential furnishings as these affect home furnishings merchandising.

 

PHIL 3514

 

Biomedical Ethics (3)
Discussion of ethical problems raised by contemporary medical practices and biological innovations from standpoint of contemporary ethical theories including abortion, euthanasia, behavior modification, human experimentation and genetic engineering.
 

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