Sociology
Sociologists study all social relationships among people - everything from how two individuals make sense of a conversation to how cultures spread across the globe. Learning sociology opens our eyes to how our social setting influences us and how we can influence our social setting. The sociological imagination enables us to transform individuals’ personal troubles into social issues by spotting and interpreting trends.
At Lasell, the focus is on applied sociology, which means that there is an emphasis on thinking critically about social problems, oppression and social injustices, and on developing skills that can be applied to bring about positive social change. Students investigate the relationship between individuals and society with a particular focus on inequalities related to race or ethnicity, social class, gender, disability, sexuality and other socially constructed identities.
Because sociology courses explore various social institutions, such as family, education, social movements, and the economy, a sociology major is good preparation for careers in many different fields. Skills emphasized in the major prepare students for careers in social services, politics and policy development, education, community organizing, social research, advocacy, public relations, and nonprofit administration and program development. The undergraduate sociology major also prepares the capable student for graduate programs in social work, management, public health, law and criminal justice and, of course, sociology.
Through application of Lasell's Connected Learning philosophy, sociology majors have ongoing opportunities to connect concepts discussed in the classroom with practical application gained by working directly in the field through service learning or social justice activism. In their first year, all students take an introductory course in human service theory and participate in at least one service-learning or social justice project. During their first one-semester internship, students work for a community organization, which may be an advocacy nonprofit, legislative office or grassroots organizing effort, or it may be an agency, that provides services or a therapeutic environment for its clients. A concurrent seminar provides the academic groundwork for this internship, and a required course in basic counseling skills gives students an introduction to valuable interviewing and intervention techniques. Finally, as the culminating capstone experience in their senior year, students engage in a two-semester, intensive internship placement, also accompanied by concurrent seminars each semester. Through their internship experiences and their academic course work, students develop and practice professional skills and master the writing styles needed for careers in public affairs or social services or for graduate school.
By planning early in consultation with an academic advisor, students may be able to reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree in Sociology to 3 or 3½ years.
Academic Standards for Sociology Majors
- Students must earn a grade of C or above in each of the following courses:
PSYC101 Psychological Perspectives
SOC101 Sociological Imagination
HS101 Human Services: Systems & Skills
HS210 Case Management and Counseling
SOC331 Research methods in the Social Sciences OR
PSYC331 Experimental Design in Psychology - Students must receive a grade of C-minus or above in any required Psychology, Sociology, or Human Services course (course with one of these three prefixes) or any course that serves as a substitute or alternative for such a requirement).
- The foundation seminar and internship courses (HS215 and HS217) are taken as a unit, and failure to receive at least a C in either of these courses will require the student to repeat both.
- The senior level internship courses (HS415 and HS417) and seminar courses (HS425 and 427) form yearlong courses. Failure to receive a minimum grade of C in any one of these courses will result in the student having to repeat the entire sequence, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete the major program of study in Sociology.
Goal 1: Knowledge in the Discipline
Upon completion of the major program of study in Sociology, students will be able to:
- describe key concepts and theories within the field of Sociology
- use sociological theories to explain human behavior on individual, small group, and societal levels
- demonstrate knowledge of professional codes of ethics
Goal 2: Service learning and social justice
Upon completion of the major program of study in Sociology, students will be able to:
- engage in action to address the issues of justice by raising awareness or advocating for change
- reflect on the results of service
- recognize and describe social injustice
- analyze issues that cause social and economic disparities
Goal 3: Scientific reasoning
Upon completion of the major program of study in Sociology, students will be able to:
- demonstrate facility with different research methodologies
- demonstrate ability to apply quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis
- develop a substantiated argument
Goal 4: Communication within the discipline
Upon completion of the major program of study in Sociology, students will be able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in professional sociological writing
- write a senior thesis
- deliver a professional presentation
Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
BUSS334 | Nonprofit Management | 3 |
HS415 | Advanced Internship I | 3 |
HS417 | Field Intervention Strategies | 3 |
HS425 | Advanced Internship II | 3 |
HS427 | Systems & Organizational Change | 3 |
MATH208 | Statistics | 3 |
PSYC220 | Social Psychology | 3 |
SOC101 | Sociological Imagination (KP) | 3 |
SOC221 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |
SOC223X | Social Movements | 3 |
SOC301 | Race & Ethnicity | 3 |
SOC307X | Action & Social Justice | 4 |
SOC310 | Sociological Perspectives | 3 |
SOC331 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 4 |
Choose 1 from the following: | ||
SOC102 | Women and Gender in Social Context(KP) | 3 |
SOC214 | Family Diversity | 3 |
Choose 1 from the following: | ||
ECON103 | Economics of Social Issues | 3 |
SOC207X | Wealth & Poverty | 3 |
Choose 1 from the following: | ||
CJ303 | Domestic Violence | 3 |
ENV303 | Environmental Justice | 3 |
SOC212 | Wellness & Society | 3 |
SVL219X | Cultural Competence in Social Justice | 3 |
Linked Credits: 2 credits
Major Requirements: 55 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements: 21-27 credits
Unrestricted Electives: 38-44 credits
Minimum credits required for graduation: 120
BUSS101 - Contemporary Issues in Business
This course is designed to familiarize students with various aspects of the business world. Areas covered include: private enterprise, forms of ownership, legal aspects, management, marketing, human resources, operations management, labor relations, and finance. In addition, students become aware of how business functions are integrated into an organization to achieve specific goals.
BUSS201 - Financial Accounting
This course provides students with an applied knowledge of the fundamental accounting process and procedures used in business. Students learn how to identify and record business transactions. In addition, students learn how to create financial statements, as well as how to become intelligent users of financial information.
BUSS202 - Managerial Accounting
In this course, students gain experience in the development and use of information within an organization. Course topics include: cost terms; production costing; cost allocation for planning and control; cost behavior patterns; cost-volume-profit relationships; budgeting; inventory planning and control; pricing decisions; and aspects of investment decisions. Prerequisite: BUSS 201 with a grade C or better.
BUSS203 - Financial Management
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of finance. Various techniques of analysis that reveal the relationships of risk, return, and value are demonstrated. Topics include: financial reporting; long- and short-term forecasting; managing working capital; capital budgeting; and the nature of corporate securities and debt-equity mix. Prerequisites: BUSS 202 with a grade C or better & ECON 102.
BUSS205 - Legal Environment of Business
This course provides a working knowledge of everyday law as it applies to business and personal needs. The focus is primarily on contract law and property law.
BUSS207 - Fundamentals of Financial Planning
This course provides the foundation for understanding and using financial planning techniques. This framework is the basis for all financial decisions large and small. Topics covered are personal financial planning, consumer credit, budgeting, investments, and banking procedures. Risk analysis regarding portfolio management and tax liabilities is also examined.
BUSS208 - Financial Statement Analysis
This course examines financial statements and other financial reports with a view towards using accounting information in making investing, lending and other potential management decisions. Students explore methods of constructing, comparing and analyzing these statements and reports and the various uses of such analyses. Prerequisite: BUSS202 with a grade C
BUSS209 - Computer Applications in Business
This hands-on course is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of computer applications in business. Strong emphasis of the course is on building competencies in industry-standard spreadsheet and database software applications.
BUSS210 - Federal Income Taxes
This course provides students with a basic understanding of fundamentals of federal income tax laws as they apply to individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit taxable entities. It explores the broad range of tax topics, emphasizing the role of taxation in business decision-making process, tax research, and tax planning. - Prerequsite: BUSS201 with a grade C or better
BUSS211 - Fundamentals of Financial Modeling
In this course, students will build applications and models in Excel to support financial analysis and decision-making. Students will begin by building financial documents using basic Excel applications and functions. They will then move into more advanced skills that include time value of money and statistical functions, text and date usage, regression, conditionals, data tables and random number generation. All techniques will be applied to the most common financial applications and models including present value, cost of capital, financial statement forecasting, and valuation. Also included are the preparation of charts and graphs for use in professional presentations and reports. Problem-solving cases will serve as the foundation for the course. Prerequisite: BUSS 202 with a “C” or better.
BUSS212 - Management Information Systems
This course takes a managerial approach to information technology concepts and applications. Given the pervasiveness of computer technology in today's world, professionals in various fields of endeavor often have a major responsibility for determining an organization's information needs and for designing and implementing information systems that support those needs. Students study concepts and issues related to information technology with the goal of understanding how it can be effectively used to improve an organization's overall effectiveness and increase its level of success. Prerequisite: BUSS 101, HEM 101, HEM 102, SMGT 102, or FASH 101.
BUSS213X - Excel for Business
Excel is an electronic spreadsheet program used for storing, organizing and manipulating data. Excel and other programs have become critical to today's business as the volume data generated has exploded. This introductory course will assist you in developing/furthering your Excel skills.
BUSS220 - Marketing
In this course, the fundamentals of marketing are explored for practical application in today's business environment. The process of creating value for customers by utilizing the tools of marketing -- market segmentation, targeting and positioning, marketing research and communications, product development, channels of distribution, and pricing -- are explored with a project-based, interactive approach. Additionally, there is a service learning component included in this course that enables students to further apply the course concepts while working to advance a participating non-profit organization. Prerequisites: BUSS101, HEM101, HEM102, FASH101, or SMGT102; ECON101.
BUSS224 - Organizational Behavior
In this course, students study individuals within the context of the organization using a behavioral approach. Group dynamics and intergroup dynamics are emphasized in relation to productivity and work satisfaction along with the examination of specific aspects of organizations that influence behavior. Areas covered include: structure, leadership, and change. Teaching modalities include case studies and role-playing. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOC 101.
BUSS231 - Entrepreneurship & Venture Creation
Entrepreneurship drives global innovation and economic growth. This course exposes business students to the study of entrepreneurship and the venture creation process. Topics include analyzing new business opportunities, developing business propositions, new venture planning and financing, marketing activities, financial controls, and other topics relevant to the entrepreneurial process. Students interact with faculty, local entrepreneurs, and small business owners/managers. As a culmination activity of this course, students are responsible for the development and presentation of a business plan. Prerequisite: BUSS 101.
BUSS232 - Operations Strategy
This course examines how operations can be used as sources of competitive advantage. The class will focus on understanding the need to formulate an operational strategy (long-term plan) and making strategic operational decisions. The old view of operations management as the task of maintaining a comparatively static production or service facility has given way to one characterized by a need for renewed flexibility, relentless improvement, and the development of new capabilities at the operating unit level. As a result of this changing environment, the skills required of operations managers have changed as well. This course is based primarily on case studies supported by conceptual frameworks. Prerequisite: BUSS101
BUSS233 - American Enterprise Experience
This course studies the American enterprise experience from colonial times until the present. The course touches upon the business component of the American experience beginning with the individual artisan-merchant through the great innovators and organizers of the 19th and 20th centuries and beyond. The historical events, cultural changes, social upheavals, and political shifts that have influenced the development of the American business environment are the core of the study. Prerequisite: BUSS 101, HEM 101, FASH 101, or SMGT102
BUSS235 - Ethics in Business
This course analyzes ethical issues that arise in a wide range of contemporary business practices, both domestically and globally. It is designed to stimulate critical thinking on ethical issues, corporate social responsibility, and professional challenges encountered in business. The course material enables students to recognize and manage ethical issues and to develop their own standards of integrity and professionalism as applied to the business world. Prerequisite: BUSS101, HEM101, HEM102, FASH101, or SMGT102
BUSS237 - Contemporary Global Leadership
In this course, students analyze what it means to be a global leader in the 21st century and identify the skills necessary to be successful in an increasingly global business climate. Students explore this question personally, collectively, and globally in a creative and collaborative atmosphere. Students examine classic as well as contemporary theories of leadership and how they apply to the dynamic global business culture. The course provides students with the opportunity to acquire perspectives and skills essential to successful management in the emerging markets that are increasingly becoming key contenders in world commercial enterprise. Prerequisite BUSS 224.
BUSS301 - Intermediate Accounting I
This course builds on concepts developed in Financial Accounting. Concentration is on the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to the preparation of financial statements with an in-depth review of cash, receivables, inventories, and plant assets. The course also covers the concept of the time value of money and the application of present value techniques to accounting valuations. Prerequisite: BUSS 202 with a grade C or better.
BUSS302 - Intermediate Accounting II
This course is designed to continue the concepts of financial accounting and present a more thorough analysis of the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Included in this course are earnings per share calculations, lease accounting, and pension accounting. The cash flow statement is also studied. Prerequisite: BUSS 301 with a grade C or better.
BUSS304 - Working Capital Management
This course explores working capital management, credit management, working capital funding, and the major sources of financing debt and equity. Students undertake financial analyses of theoretical models and real-world firms and organizations, recommend financing strategies, and present their findings by using management reporting methods. Prerequisite: Prerequsite: BUSS203 with a grade C
BUSS305 - International Accounting
This course addresses significant accounting matters experienced by multinational companies. Accounting matters include currency transactions and translational transfer price, and management planning and control. Prerequisite: BUSS 301 with a C or better.
BUSS306 - Accounting Information Systems
The course teaches conceptual, analytic and technical skills necessary to work efficiently and productively as an accountant or auditor in a computerized environment. The course focuses on today’s typical business that is heavily dependent on information and how the business entity collects enormous volumes of data, stores that data and when needed, transforms that data into usable business information. The course involve hands on use of Microsoft Excel’s spreadsheet skills and will further develop these skills to use Excels more advanced functions suitable for data storage and analysis. Hands on use of Microsoft Access is also utilized to teach data modelling skills. Prerequisite: BUSS 202 with a "C" or better.
BUSS307 - International Finance
This course studies the ways and means to reduce financial risk involved in international financial management. The course deals with the interrelationship between the international monetary environment and financial planning for corporations with overseas operations. It analyzes the effects on international financial planning of such factors as exchange rate fluctuations, currency restrictions, and tax regulations. It intensively examines financial aspects of multinational business including foreign investment, trade, and transfer of funds. Prerequsite: BUSS203 with a grade C
BUSS308 - Government & Not-for-Profit Accounting
This course introduces financial accounting and reporting issues related to state and local government and non-profit organizations, including universities and health care facilities. Prerequisite: BUSS 201 with a grade C or better.
BUSS309 - Fraud Examination
This course covers techniques for identification and detection of asset misappropriation schemes and fraudulent financial statements, who commits fraud and why, and controls to prevent and detect problems. Prerequisite: BUSS 201 with a "C" or better.
BUSS310 - Advanced Financial Management
This course builds on the concepts introduced in BUSS 203 and focuses on financial decisions made within corporate environments. Emphasized are financial risk and return, capital budgeting, valuation, capital structure, working capital management, and distribution policy. Current topics in financial management will also be included. Prerequisite: BUSS 203 with a “C” or better.
BUSS311 - Investments
This course explores fundamentals of investing. The strategies used to create money from financial capital are thoroughly examined. Financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures, options, and commodities are explored. The measurement tools used to assign risk and rate of return, performance, and value are covered. Students learn how to develop, analyze, and maintain a portfolio. Regulatory and ethical issues are examined and considered in the decision-making process. Prerequisite: BUSS 201 with a "C" or better.
BUSS312 - Risk Management
The basics of risk management are covered in this course. Problems of liability and personal loss exposures of a business are examined. Private insurance programs such as health and life insurance, and employee benefit plans are examined and assessed. Prerequisite: BUSS 203with a "C" or better.
BUSS313 - Business Negotiations
This course examines various negotiating tactics and techniques as they relate to different situations and environments. Particular attention is paid to buyer-seller communications, including negotiations of contracts and agreements. Students study the strengths and weaknesses of strategies used by both buyers and sellers. Prerequisites: BUSS 201, BUSS 220 and MATH 104.
BUSS315 - Emerging Global Markets
This course focuses on developing skills, strategies and insights crucial to conducting successful business operations in the emerging markets of Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa including the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Globalization offers these countries the opportunity for unprecedented economic development. By participating in the international marketplace, emerging countries increase their chances of raising wages and incomes, accumulating wealth, and reducing poverty. These countries also provide opportunities for companies, mostly from developed countries, to extend their markets. In this course, students study the institutions of emerging markets that are relevant for managers; explore the differences in the contexts and roles of various actors (such as the government and NGOs); analyze opportunities and risks presented by emerging markets; and analyze the strategies of firms dealing with emerging markets. Prerequisite: BUSS101
BUSS319 - Cost Accounting
Study of a typical firm’s cost data and how that data can transformed into information for business analysis and decision making. Topics include how to identify fixed versus variable cost, cost volume profit analysis, flexible budgeting, Activity Based Costing and standard cost systems with detail variance analysis. Process and job order costing systems are examined in terms of how these systems are used to accumulate cost to determine accurate product or service costs and why this is necessary in setting product/service selling prices to maximize profits. Other topics include the numerous cost allocation processes that take place in the typical manufacturing and service industries, and transfer pricing within companies that are doing business internationally. Prerequisite: BUSS 202 with a "C" or better.
BUSS320 - Consumer Behavior
This course examines the behavior of individuals and markets in relation to the purchase decision, including post-purchase evaluation and consumption. A behavioral science approach is taken. Prerequisite: BUSS 220.
BUSS321 - Property and Liability Insurance
This course explores the fundamentals of commercial property and liability insurance including contracts, rating, underwriting, regulation and financial analysis of insurers. Prerequisite:BUSS 203 with a "C" or better.
BUSS322 - Marketing Communications
This course focuses on a broad view of advertising dealing with planning, creation, and execution in relation to the marketing cycle. Topics include: organization and operation of the advertising agency; publicity; public relations; behavioral sciences as applied to advertising; budgeting; and planning. Prerequisite: BUSS220
BUSS323 - Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits
This course provides the students with an understanding of the retirement planning process. Students develop an ability to counsel others on retirement and employee benefit decisions. Topics covered are social security, qualified retirement plans, corporate profit sharing plans, health insurance, group life insurance, group disability insurance, and deferred compensation. Prerequsite: BUSS 203 with a "C" or better.
BUSS324 - E-Business
This course explores, in detail, how the Internet has revolutionized the buying and selling of goods and services in the marketplace. Topics include Internet business models, electronic commerce infrastructure issues, designing effective web sites, payment and security issues, and the legal and ethical challenges of electronic commerce. Students work in the course will culminate in the development of an e-business plan and webpage. Prerequisite: BUSS101
BUSS325 - Sales Principles
This course analyzes salesmanship in modern business with emphasis placed on the principles and techniques of individual selling styles in both retail and wholesale markets. Topics covered include: dramatization of the sale presentation; the selling role; buyer characteristics and motivations; modern sales practices; corporate sales planning; sales-force policies; time and territory management; forecasting, budgeting; and expense control. Prerequisite: BUSS 220.
BUSS327 - Life, Health, and Disability Insurance
This course studies financial implications of death, disability and retirement, as well as the types of life insurance and annuity contracts and their uses. Regulations of life and health insurers, insurer operations and functions, legal aspects, group and individual life and health insurance products including medical, disability income and long-term care policies are covered. Prerequsite: BUSS203 with a grade C
BUSS328 - Entertainment Marketing
This course will provide students with a framework for understanding the dynamics of several major sectors within the entertainment industry. Students will compare and contrast successful entertainment marketing strategies with traditional product-based companies. Entertainment Marketing surveys the strategy, techniques and communication media employed to market the range of entertainment available to the American audience. The course examines the organizations and people who conceive, create and distribute video, film, print, interactive and new technology within the framework of the entertainment promotion landscape. The course demonstrates how advertising, publicity, promotion, research and overall marketing campaigns are created and the impact on the creative and business operations of entertainment companies.The objective of this course is to give students an understanding of the marketing issues faced by entertainment companies, highlighting the experiential nature of the products and the fast-pace of change within the industry. Prerequisite: COM216 or COM302
BUSS329 - New Product Development
New products and services are crucial to successful growth and increased profits in many industries. A major goal of this course is to help students learn to use an analytic decision-making approach in developing and marketing new products and services that meet customer needs in the consumer, industrial, and service settings. At the end of the course, the student should understand the role of decision models in analytic marketing decision-making; be able to follow the basic steps in opportunity identification, design, testing, and implementation; and know how to read and interpret new product and service market research. Prerequisite: BUSS 220.
BUSS330 - Managing Change
This course examines the unique problems associated with managing organizations during mergers, reorganizations, and other times of change. Strategies to cope with change, as well as induce it, are examined. Prerequisite: BUSS 224.
BUSS331 - Money and Capital Markets
The course offers an extensive examination of the money and capital markets and their importance to the US and global economy. This course will provide students with analytic tools to assess risks faced by investors and savers interacting through financial institutions and financial markets, as well as strategies for assessing and controlling these risks. The course places a heavy emphasis on the study of interest rates due to its importance in all capital markets and as one of the key determinants of the price of any financial asset. Prerequisite: BUSS203 with a "C" or better.
BUSS332 - Cross Cultural Management
This course explores the process of cross-cultural management and the challenges of working internationally. The course focuses on international organizational behavior and human resource issues and practices in global organizations. The course is divided into three parts. The first focuses on understanding the cultural roots of behavior in organizations, the second on the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management issues that are relevant to international managers, and the third seeks to prepare students for international assignments. Prerequisite: BUSS 224.
BUSS333 - Estate Planning and Trust
This course provides students with the knowledge base and analytical skills needed for effective financial planning and administration. Topics include wills, lifetime transfers, trusts, gifts, estate reduction techniques, tax implications in estate planning, business and inter-family transfers, dealing with incompetency, post mortem techniques, and the role of fiduciaries. Prerequsite: BUSS 210 with "C" or better and BUSS 207 with "C" or better.
BUSS334 - Nonprofit Management
Managing in the nonprofit sector is different than in the for-profit sector. In this course students explore businesses that do not intend to maximize profit and retain it for future expenditures. Managers must operate under more regulated conditions and must be well prepared to interact within the public sector. Not-for-profit managers must be well versed in public policy and other regulations that affect them. Students engage in projects with non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: BUSS 101, HEM 101, FASH 101, or SMGT 102.
BUSS336 - Human Resource Management
This course examines the staffing function of management including planning, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, appraisal, compensation, labor laws, and organizational development. The course also addresses current issues affecting the human resource manager, including the changing work force and need to increase productivity, as well as changes in the area of unions and affirmative action. Both class discussions and case studies are used to prepare students for the personnel and related tasks involved in a management position. Prerequisite: BUSS 224.
BUSS337 - Managing the Growing Company
This course focuses on the challenges and opportunities of managing a growing entrepreneurial venture. Using practical management techniques, students address the management of rapidly growing entrepreneurial firms. Through a variety of learning activities, including case studies, reading, and visiting entrepreneurs, students examine companies, often family-run, during dynamic transition. The course specifically addresses the challenges faced by companies in various stages of growth and the exceptional challenges of rapid growth. Prerequisites: BUSS 201 & BUSS 231.
BUSS341 - Social Media Marketing
This course takes an in-depth look at social networks, social media platforms and online advertising to offer students an advantage in many positions involving marketing, consulting and brand management both on the buyer and seller side of social media. Students with an interest in entrepreneurship will also find the course useful as new businesses often rely on social media marketing. The course covers a number of topics including the differences and interaction between traditional and social media; two-sided markets and social media platforms (including verticals such as gaming, shopping and entertainment); basic theory of social networks online and offline (graph theory, sociology, information diffusion); consumer behavior and digital media; social Media Analytics and Monitoring; brand strategies on social media; best marketing practices for paid and unpaid social media; B2B marketing and social media. Prerequisite: BUSS220.
BUSS403 - Advanced Accounting
This course examines specialized topics in financial accounting. Problems associated with the partnership form of business organization, including partnership formation, division of income and losses, changes in ownership, and partnership liquidation are reviewed. Topics also include the subject of business combinations with emphasis on consolidated financial statements of parents and subsidiaries and elimination of intercompany transactions, accounting for foreign operations, and fund accounting as it relates to municipalities. Prerequisite: Prerequsite: BUSS 302 with "C" or better and Senior Standing
BUSS406 - Financial Strategy
This is a capstone course utilizing lecture, discussion, and case analysis to define the process of financial management. The course of study presents the concepts of the advanced capital budget centering on decision-making concerning capital structure, dividend policy, leasing, mergers and acquisitions, reorganization, and international finance and exchange rates. Prerequisite: BUSS 203 with a "C" or better & senior standing.
BUSS408 - Auditing
This courses examines the impact of auditing on constituencies external and internal to organizations, especially stockholders and management. Students examine the role of both the independent public accountant and the internal auditor, and study various control and reporting techniques involved in auditing. Prerequisites: BUSS 302 with C or better, and Senior standing.
BUSS420 - Marketing Research
This course examines the process and tools involved in collecting, coding, and analyzing data. The course further integrates the application of computer software in compiling and interpreting statistical data in relation to marketing decisions, such as those related to market segmentation and distribution. Prerequisites: BUSS 220, MATH 208.
BUSS422 - Global Marketing
The complexity of operating in the global marketplace makes many demands on the marketer. The globalization of marketing takes place after the company has international experience in multiple markets. The three fundamental areas of corporate globalization are covered in this course: (1) integrate sourcing, production, and marketing; (2) allocate resources to achieve a balanced portfolio and growth; and (3) coordinate marketing activities across countries and regions. Importing, exporting, and licensing considerations are explored. Prerequisite: BUSS 220 with a C or better.
BUSS425 - Special Topics in Entrepreneurship
This seminar offers an in-depth exploration of advanced entrepreneurship topics of current interest and importance. Using case studies and actual entrepreneurial ventures, students explore entrepreneurship with a focus on leadership, marketing, development, management, and growth of new business ventures. Students learn the practical skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur and how to apply best practices for planning, initiating, and growing new companies. The course also emphasizes the analysis and evaluation of actual entrepreneurial ventures. Subjects vary from semester to semester. Prerequisites: BUSS 337 and Senior standing.
BUSS431X - Branding Strategy
The purpose of this course is to create an understanding of the role of branding in driving business growth and the larger role of brands in popular culture. Students will study examples of both for profit and non-profit brands from the 20th and 21st centuries to see what constitutes success and how brands stay relevant in terms of social, cultural, and technological trends. Students will learn the key processes entailed in developing a brand strategy and the elements that drive brand admiration. Students will apply these principles utilizing a project-based approach for a brand in development or an established brand in need of repositioning. Prerequisite: BUSS220
BUSS432 - Marketing Strategy
This course is designed to facilitate the formulation and implementation of marketing strategy. The course integrates topics covered in the more junior marketing courses. As part of the learning experience, students engage in a simulation program with teams taking charge of a company within a competitive environment. Prerequisite: BUSS220 with a C or better.
BUSS440 - Business Policy
This capstone course requires students to apply a broad knowledge of management and administrative techniques to specific situations. An emphasis is placed on strategy formulation and implementation. The case study method is used. This course culminates in a formal professional presentation to members of the advisory board. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Senior standing, Marketing/Management or Accounting/Finance Majors.
BUSS497 - Mgmt & Mrkt Internship Seminar
This internship is scheduled to take place during the student's senior year (juniors are permitted with permission). Students serve as interns for a total of 144 hours in a position related to their field of study, The hours are completed concurrently with weekly class meetings and course work. Detailed reports, reflective excersizes, weekly journal entries, a final comprehensive project, and other written requirements are submitted during and at the conclusion of the internship. The internship supervisor monitors each student's performance and visits each internship site as needed.
BUSS498 - Internship Seminar Acct/Fin
A critical component of the internship experience is participating in a weekly seminar where students discuss and reflect on their experiences to gain a broader view of the workplace, contemporary issues and organizational trends, as well as their own developing abilities and career interests. This one credit course covers professional issues as they arise during the student's internship. Some of the topics covered include: supervision, boundary issues, self-care, stress management, and professionalism. Students are required to write a weekly reflective journal on their internship experience. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, and a 2.0 cumulative average in all business prefix courses. Separate sections are offered for different business majors. Must be taken concurrently with BUSS 499.
BUSS499 - Internship Accounting/Finance
The internship is scheduled to take place during the senior year. Students serve as interns for a total of 150 hours over a 12-week period, done concurrently with on-campus course work as shown in the curriculum for each program. Detailed reports, a journal, and other written requirements are submitted during and at the conclusion of the internship. The internship supervisor monitors each student's performance and visits each internship site as needed. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, and a 2.0 cumulative average in all business prefix courses. Separate sections are offered for different business majors. Must be taken concurrently with BUSS 498.
CJ101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (KP)
This course is an overview of the history, philosophy, ethics, and legal issues related to the criminal justice system. The course provides an overview of the criminal justice system, focusing on critical decisions with an emphasis on contemporary issues, controversies, and trends.
CJ103 - Principles of Human Rights
This course takes a global perspective defining human rights, reflecting on violations of these rights, considering arguments in support of human rights, and examining various new initiatives designed to protect human rights in different countries in all parts of the world. This course focuses on issues pertaining to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights such as slavery, personal security and equality before the law, freedom of marriage, freedom of assembly, and freedom of movement.
CJ201 - Criminology
In this course, contemporary criminological theories are analyzed and evaluated with an emphasis on the social construction of crime, criminal offending, and victimization. Theories of crime are distinguished from theories of criminality. Assessments of theoretical advances, including theory integration and general theories of crime are examined. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC 101, or SOC 101
CJ202 - Juvenile Justice
This course focuses on the history and philosophy of juvenile justice, landmark court cases, police handling of juveniles, the juvenile court, the deinstitutionalization of status offenders, and juvenile rehabilitation. Prerequisites: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC101, or SOC 101.
CJ203 - Juvenile Delinquency & Gangs
This course examines juvenile delinquency in relation to the general problem of crime. There is consideration of factors and theories that attempt to explain delinquency, gangs, and status offending. The course also examines delinquent subculture, and programs for control and prevention. Prerequisite: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC 101 or SOC 101.
CJ205 - Forensics
This course provides an introduction to the modern methods used in the detection, investigation, and solution of crimes. Practical analysis of evidence such as: fingerprints and other impressions, ballistics, glass, hair, handwriting and document examination, and drug analysis are studied. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.
CJ206 - Drugs & Society
This course examines the social origins and consequences of the use and abuse of consciousness-altering substances (including alcohol) within American society. It considers how society defines drug use, drug abuse, and social harm, as well as how society responds to drug use and abuse. Included is examination of socio-historical perspectives on drug consumption and control, the structure of legal and illegal drug markets, the relationship between drugs and crime, and competing models of drug policy and enforcement. Prerequisite: CJ 101, PSYC 101, SOC 101, or LS101
CJ207 - Criminal Investigations
This course examines the fundamentals of criminal investigation including scientific aids, interviews, interrogations, collection and preservation of evidence, methods of surveillance, follow-up and case preparation. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.
CJ210 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice
This course provides special subjects in Criminal Justice in order to satisfy interests of both faculty and students. Examples of such topics are: restorative justice, global violence against women, or computer crime.
CJ211 - Terrorism
No other issues generate as much discussion and controversy as the contemporary debate over "terrorism". But what is terrorism? And how should we respond to it? This course examines terrorism with a critical eye, looking at the different ways that the subject is framed by various disciplines and examines the ways that terrorism has been presented, debated, and analyzed. The course addresses the social-political conditions that spawn terrorist organizations, examines terrorism in a historical context, and looks at methods of terrorism. The course explores the psychological processes that create a terrorist, the psychological impact of terrorist activities, and explores counter-terrorism strategies through creative problem-solving.
CJ213 - Ethics in Criminal Justice
The field of criminal justice operates most effectively when it relies on a core of ethical principles to guide discretionary actions. If criminal justice professionals are to maintain our personal integrity in light of organizational and social demands can be difficult. As criminal justice professionals our choices and policies emanate from our personal beliefs and values. In principle we intend to come to an understanding of what various ethical considerations can assist us to make the right decision when exercising our discretion. Prerequisite: CJ101 or LS101 & ENG102
CJ303 - Domestic Violence
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of the law relating to domestic violence. In addition the course examines the existence of violence among family members and in relationships in today's society. Topics include child abuse, partner abuse, and elder abuse. Prerequisite: LS 101, CJ 101 or any introductory social science course.
CJ305 - Crime & Popular Culture
Crime is considered a major social problem in our country, but our understanding of crime and justice are derived more from indirect mediated images than direct personal experience. Popular culture, distributed through mass media and composed of popular news and entertainment, is a major source for shaping this understanding, especially when it comes to crime a staple of mass media. This course will examine images of crime and justice in popular culture and consider the sources of these popular culture accounts of crime and justice. It also will evaluate the influence popular culture has on our understanding of crime and criminal justice policy. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing , CJ 201 & ENG 102
CJ309 - Children & Violence
This course examines the psychological, criminal justice, and legal issues surrounding children who experience violence in their lives, either as victims or perpetrators of violence. Topics include child maltreatment, pedophilia, online child predators, school victimization, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, child sex offenders, and youth homicide. Prerequisite: PSYC 221, PSYC 223, CJ 201, or LS 204.
CJ312 - Corrections
Corrections is the vast collection of persons, agencies, and organizations that manage convicted criminals. This course examines theories of punishment, the history of corrections, classification and sentencing schemes, prisons, probation and parole, and alternative sanctions. It also explores corrections-related personnel issues, legal issues, and specific concerns dealing with race, age, and gender. Prerequisite: CJ101 or LS101 & Sophomore standing
CJ313 - Police & Society
This course examines policing from a variety of perspectives. The philosophical foundations of social control in relation to policing, as well as the emergence, organization, and structure of police systems are examined. There is also an examination of the relationship between the police and the public in different historical, political, and economic contexts. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
CJ314 - White Collar and Organized Crime
This course addresses the definition, detection, prosecution, sentencing, and impact of white collar, occupational, and organized crime. Special consideration is given to the role of federal law and enforcement practices due to the frequent national and international scope of these types of crimes.
CJ315 - Global Technology & Crime
In this course the advances in technology developed in crime investigation will be examined, like crime mapping. The impact of technology and media on international crime and new globally-oriented cooperative enforcement strategies will also be examined. Students will gain a better understanding of crime control in a global society.”
CJ316 - Criminal Procedure
Criminal procedure refers to the process whereby the criminal law is enforced. Major topics to be covered in this course include: the exclusionary rule, search and seizure, identification, interrogation, trial rights, sentencing, and due process. Special emphasis is placed upon how the rules of procedure affect the components of the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.
CJ317 - Comparative Justice Systems
This course analyzes differences in global approaches to law enforcement, criminal procedure, criminal law, corrections, juvenile justice, and prevention. The material provides a worldwide overview of cultural and legal traditions that are related to crime. Through cross-cultural comparisons, the course examines whether due process rights must be sacrificed in order to achieve crime control effectiveness and efficiency. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.
CJ318 - Violence & Aggression
This course investigates and analyzes aggression and violence as forms of individual, group, and societal behavior. It includes an assessment of anthropological, biological, philosophical, political, and sociological theories of violence. Prerequisite: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC 101 or SOC 101 or Permission of Dept Chair
CJ319 - Victimology
This course presents an overview of the history and theories of victimology. Students analyze victimization patterns with special emphasis on types of victims and crimes. The course also examines the interaction between victims of crime and the criminal justice system, the victim’s rights movement, and services offered to victims of crime. Prerequisite: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC 101 or SOC 101.
CJ321 - Probation, Parole & Other Sanctions
This course examines the development and application of traditional forms of conditional and unconditional prison release, as well as a variety of new intermediate or alternative sanctions. Different sentencing options are evaluated to determine which, if any, of the theories of criminology or philosophies of sentencing are satisfied by their use. Current research and analytical perspectives are examined. Prerequisite: CJ 101, LS 101, or SOC 101.
CJ323 - Justice, Class, Race & Gender
This course explores issues unique to individuals of different classes, gender, and/or races or ethnic groups. The course focuses on these issues specifically in the context of the American criminal justice and legal systems. Issues of diversity relevant to all aspects of the criminal justice system are examined. Prerequisites: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC 101 or SOC 101, Sophomore standing.
CJ331 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice
"The course is an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research using the field of criminaljustice as the backdrop. The purpose of this course is to provide the background that will help thestudent to read, understand, and critique data and studies in the field. Students will acquire aworking knowledge of programs like excel to collect and also analyze federal and other statisticalstudies. Required for all CJ majors.Prerequisite: MATH 208
CJ335 - Sexual Violence Advocacy
This sexual violence class uses the Boston Area Rape Crisis Curriculum to teach students how to recognize, advocate for and support survivors of sexual assault in an advocacy capacity. Through articles, role plays, videos and active participation, students will learn the importance of identifying the impacts and symptoms of sexual violence and will receive training in how to lend support and offer a myriad of resources to survivors of sexual violence. The class will explore historical and cultural components of sexual violence as well as activist movements led by student survivors to change the landscape of how sexual violence is perceived and addressed on college campuses. Turning our lens toward college campuses, students will develop and institute a service project designed to change or inform sexual violence on college campuses. Upon successful completion of the course as defined by the professor, students will receive 30 hours of sexual violence training which they can use to leverage internships and professional opportunities. This class is designed to inform, educate and professionally prepare students who may encounter sexual violence survivors in their work such as human services, legal services, education, athletic training, law enforcement and psychology.
CJ441 - Topics in Crime & Public Policy I
This course is the first portion of the Capstone course offered in the fall semester to introduce seniors to a general understanding of policy studies. Students examine what policy analysis consists of, stages of policy analysis, and assessment of policy change. The class examines current policy issues in Criminal Justice such as community policing, sentencing, and minority overrepresentation in prison populations. The course examines various research strategies, design and methods and addresses research problem definition and how to produce a state of the art policy paper and literature review. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: PSYC 331,CJ331 or SOC 331.
CJ442 - Topics in Crime & Public Policy II
In this part of the Capstone course offered in the spring semester, the student can use the field internship placement as the target for the individual policy analysis paper. The student can acquire data available at the agency or use generally available data from different sources to answer a policy question that can be applied to the agency the student works in or to similar agencies. The student is required to submit a detailed policy analysis and produce a paper and project to be presented at the Connected Learning Symposium. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: CJ 441, SR Standing & CJ331X or SOC331.
CJ443 - Justice Studies Internship & Seminar I
This course provides an opportunity for participants to be in an individually arranged, college-supervised internship for 120 hours during the fall semester in a professional work setting related to the student’s interest. Each student is monitored throughout the internship by the faculty advisor and attends a corresponding classroom seminar each week. Prerequisite: Dept Chair approval.
CJ444 - Justice Studies Internship & Seminar II
This course provides an opportunity for participants to be in an individually arranged, college-supervised internship for 120 hours during the spring semester in a professional work setting related to the student’s interest. Each student is monitored throughout the internship by the faculty advisor and attends a corresponding classroom seminar each week. Prerequisites: CJ/LS 443, Senior standing and Dept Chair approval.
ECON101 - Principles of Econ-Micro
This course is an introduction to the principles of the economic behavior of individuals, firms, and industries in the mixed economic system. Topics include consumer demand; elasticity; supply and costs of production; the allocation of economic resources; international trade; and the role of government in promoting economic welfare.
ECON102 - Principles of Econ-Macro
This course explores basic functions of the United States economy viewed as a whole and policies designed to affect its performance. Topics include economic scarcity; causes of unemployment and inflation; money and monetary policy; the impact of government taxation and spending; and the federal debt. Some consideration is given to international economic problems and to contrasting economic systems. Prerequisite: ECON 101.
ECON103 - Economics of Social Issues
This course examines a broad range of social issues from an economics perspective. Designed for non-business majors, the course provides an introduction to economic reasoning and to some basic economic concepts which are then used to analyze a variety of social problems. Possible topics include poverty, unemployment, agriculture, discrimination, crime, pollution, education, health care, social security, and third world development.
ECON206 - Global Economic Development
The goal of this course is to introduce the main issues of global economic development. Students will explore the problems facing developing countries of the world as they attempt to industrialize, develop their economies and raise the standards of living of their people. The course will address the following broad questions: What is the meaning of Economic development? Why some countries are rich while others are poor? What would explain the success of such East Asian countries as China? What are the key constrains that prevent poor countries, especially those in the African continent, from achieving progress? What are the strategies that poor countries can adopt to foster development?
ECON207 - Vietnam Immersion
This fall semester course is linked to two weeks of service-learning in Vietnam during the winter break. The course introduces students to the Vietnamese society today. It covers basic elements of Vietnamese politics, economic development, culture, history, language, literature, and arts. The experience in Vietnam includes working for non-profit organizations that deal with social problems. This course fulfills the Multicultural Area of Inquiry. Students must apply and may only register with the permission of the Vietnam program director.
ECON301 - International Trade & Finance
This course examines theory, tariffs, and import quotas; adjustment mechanisms, foreign exchange, and exchange controls are also covered. Additional topics include the theory of comparative advantage, the causes and consequences of imbalances in the balance of payments or exchange rates, and the evolution of the international monetary system. Prerequisites: ECON 101, ECON 102.
HS101 - Human Services: Systems & Skills
This course encourages an examination of one’s own value system, motivations and interests in relation to the wish to pursue a career working with people. Students are introduced to the history and development of the field: the concept of the social welfare system; resources and services offered by a range of community agencies; a model to understand social and psychological problems; and interventions to address social needs interventions range from individual case management and counseling to community organizing and planning. The course highlights a social justice basis for human service work. A service learning requirement enables students to examine their interests and apply the concepts learned in class.
HS103 - Navigating Human Service Systems
This course explores the many systems and agencies involved in providing social services. The course brings in guest speakers from several agencies, the Court Clinic, and includes field trips to a Court House, Hospital, and other settings. 1 credit. Pre-requisite: PSYC101, SOC101 or CJ101
HS210 - Case Management & Counseling
This course introduces students to interviewing skills used by counselors and case managers and to the types of counselor responses that can be effective in human services work. Students learn to assess clients and interventions at the micro, meso and macro levels and explore issues of professional ethics and values. Students also examine cultural contexts as they impact the client, counselor, and client-counselor relationship. Some of the contexts may include race, class, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and immigration status. The course relies heavily on in-class exercises. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, HS 101 with a C or better.
HS215 - Foundation Internship
This internship provides human service students the opportunity to experience field work. Training in the skills by which students can offer direct and indirect assistance to the client population is provided. Prerequisites: HS 210 with a grade of C or better; and permission of Internship Coordinator. Corequisite: HS 217.
HS217 - Foundations of Ethical Fieldwork
This seminar is taken concurrently with the Foundation Internship (HS 215). The seminar provides a forum for discussing common human service experiences, including pathways to professional careers and practice related issues, and includes an introduction to ethical issues such as confidentiality and privacy in the context of an examination of ethical dilemmas. It also gives students an opportunity to build skills necessary to offer direct and indirect assistance to clients at internship sites. Students review professional and research literatures in relation to a topic connected to the internship experience. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: HS 210 with a grade of C or better; and permission of the Internship Coordinator required. Co-requisite: HS 215.
HS415 - Advanced Internship I
Seniors who have met program requirements spend 125 hours in an approved supervised internship. Prerequisites: HS 215, HS 217, with a grade of C or better; and permission of the Internship Coordinator; Co-requisite: HS 417.
HS417 - Field Intervention Strategies
This seminar is taken concurrently with Advanced Internship I (HS 415). Students integrate theory learned throughout their college career with their fieldwork experience. The seminar further develops professional behaviors such as record keeping, creating and maintaining supervisory relationships, conflict resolution, and job effectiveness. Students are also offered an opportunity to analyze cases and tasks assigned to them in their field placements, providing a theoretical framework for understanding them. There is an intensive examination of the ethical considerations involved in working with clients. Students identify and develop a research topic and conduct an extensive review of current literature on a topic related to their internship. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: HS 215, HS 217 with a grade of C or better, and permission of the Internship Coordinator; Co-requisite: HS 415.
HS425 - Advanced Internship II
This seminar is a continuation of HS 415. Students spend 125 hours working in an approved supervised field site. Prerequisite: HS 415 with a grade of C or better; Co-requisite: HS 427.
HS427 - Systems & Organizational Change
This capstone seminar is a continuation of Field Intervention Strategies (HS417) and is taken concurrently with Advanced Internship II (HS425). Building on knowledge and skills gained throughout the Social Sciences program, students continue to integrate theory with practice through seminar discussion and internship-related experiences. There is an increased focus on the delivery of services, examination of ethical dilemmas, and analysis of the broader systems in which services are delivered and policies are formulated. Students also have an opportunity to explore career development issues through examination of the graduate school and employment processes. This course has been designated as a writing intensive course and also has a strong public speaking component. Prerequisites: HS 415, HS 417 with a grade of C or better; and either PSYC 331 or SOC 331. Corequisite: HS 425.
MATH106 - Algebraic Operations
This course is intended to strengthen students’ ability in algebra. The course begins with introductory topics such as operations with real numbers, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations and systems of equations. This course also includes an introduction to rational expressions, radicals and rational exponents.
MATH107 - College Geometry
This course is an introduction to the essentials of Euclidean geometry. Topics covered include: reasoning in mathematics, the relationship between algebra and geometry, analytic geometry, proofs and constructive triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons, surfaces and solids and historical notes about famous geometricians. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing.
MATH109 - Modern Mathematics (KP)
This course is an introduction to mathematics developed in the last 100 years. The course connects recently-discovered mathematics with current, real-world problems. Aesthetic elements of mathematics are emphasized. Topics may include the mathematics of voting, sharing, touring, games, networks, scheduling, money, symmetry, fractal shapes, descriptive statistics and probability. The course is appropriate for students majoring in Communication, Criminal Justice, English/History/Humanities-with Secondary Ed, English, Environmental Studies, Fashion Design, History, Hospitality and Event Management, Humanities, Human Services, Law and Public Affairs, Legal Studies, Psychology, Sociology, or Sport Management. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or through placement testing.
MATH116 - Merchandising and Financial Mathematics
This course focuses on retail mathematics. Topics include simple and compound interest, the time-value of capital, annuities, amortization, sinking funds, bond and investment, business problem-solving and decision making. Other topics include profit, loss, and break-even analysis, pricing, inventory, and merchandise planning. The course introduces basic theories of statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or through placement testing.
MATH203 - Precalculus
This course prepares students for the study of calculus, physics and other courses requiring precalculus skills. Included is a review of algebra, coordinate geometry, the solution of systems of equations, and the analysis and graphing of linear, quadratic, inverse, polynomial, and rational functions. There is a thorough treatment of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. An important goal is for students to develop a geometric understanding of functions and their properties. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing. Restrictions: not open to students who have completed 205, 206, or any 300 level mathematics course successfully.
MATH205 - Calculus I
This course is an introduction to limits, continuity, and methods of differentiation. Application to problems in business management and physical science is emphasized. Prerequisite: MATH 203 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing. Restrictions: not open to students who have completed MATH 206, or any 300 level mathematics courses.
MATH206 - Calculus II
This is a continuation of Calculus I, covering integration, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, maxmin problems, derivatives and integrals of trigonometric functions and differential equations with applications to business, biological sciences, and physical sciences. Prerequisite: MATH 205 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing. Restrictions: not open to students who have completed MATH 320, MATH 328, or MATH 330.
MATH207 - Applied Trigonometry
This course is an in-depth study of trigonometry with attention to theory, proofs, modeling, and history. Trigonometric and related functions are used to model, analyze, and solve real-life problems. Applications are chosen from disciplines such as agriculture, architecture, astronomy, biology, business, chemistry, earth science, engineering, medicine, meteorology, and physics. Topics covered include a review of trigonometric functions, right triangle trigonometry, analytic trigonometry, vectors and dot products, complex number theory, trigonometric forms of complex numbers, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric models, Gaussian and logistic growth models, conic sections, and polar equations of conics. Prerequisite: MATH 205 with a grade of C or better.
MATH208 - Statistics
This is an introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on applications in business and the social and biological sciences. Topics include: data analysis, and graphical methods of describing data, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing and ENG 102.
MATH210 - Math Applied to Science
This course provides a review of fundamental mathematical concepts such as probability and trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and explores the ways that these topics and techniques have been applied to investigations in architecture, calculus, exponential growth and decay, logarithmic scales, earthquake analysis, astronomy, biology, medicine, genetics, radiocarbon dating, chemistry, and Newtonian physics. The course is designed to demonstrate the power and utility of mathematics and explores the development of mathematics during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, especially in Greek, Hindu and Arabic cultures. Prerequisite: MATH 205 with a grade of C or better.
MATH212 - Finite Mathematics
The focus of this course is to develop mathematical models and to demonstrate the utility of various mathematical techniques that are most applicable to the creation of computer algorithms. Topics include functions and models, linear regression, solving systems of linear equations using matrices, matrix algebra and Leontief Input-Output models, linear programming (graphical and simplex methods), principle of duality, estimated and theoretical probability and Markov Chains. Applications are derived from current real world data and require mastery of Microsoft Excel and graphing calculator technology. Prerequisite: MATH 206 with a grade of C or better.
MATH215X - Discrete Math
Topics will include logic, proofs, algorithms, counting, recurrence relations, graph theory, trees, networks, Boolean algebra, and automata.Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 205
MATH301 - Mathematical Modeling
Mathematical ModelingPrerequisite: C or better in MATH 205, 206, and 208
MATH304 - Mathematics for Educators
This course engages students in mathematical concepts through examples, investigations, and active problem solving explorations. Content is drawn from subject matter knowledge required for elementary and early childhood licensure, with emphasis on number theory and operations. This course is for students seeking elementary or early childhood licensure. Concurrent enrollment in ED 335 is required.
MATH307 - Calculus III
This course is an introduction to sequences and series, parametric and polar curves, vectors and vector functions, partial derivatives, multiple integration, and vector calculus. Prerequisite: MATH 206 with a grade of C or better.
MATH320 - Differential Equations
This is an introduction to the many ways of solving various types of differential equations with emphasis on theory, methods of solution and applications. Topics include solutions of first, second and simple higher order differential equations, homogeneous and non-homogeneous equations, solutions of systems of differential equations using the theory of matrices, and determinants. Prerequisite: MATH 206 with a grade of B- or better.
MATH325 - Linear Algebra
This is an introductory course in linear algebra blending the requirements of theory, problem solving, analytical thinking, computational techniques, and applications. Topics include in-depth treatment of matrix algebra, linear systems, vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants and computer methods, as well as applications and modeling of real phenomena in transportation systems, archaeology, economics, communications, demography, weather prediction, connectivity of networks, graph theory, and fractals. Prerequisite: MATH 206 with a grade of C or better.
MATH328 - Mathematics Applied to Management
This course explores the art of mathematical modeling of managerial decision problems and the science of developing the solution techniques for these models. Topics include management science techniques used in today’s businesses, e.g., break-even analysis, presentation models, linear programming, transportation and assignments problems, decision theory, forecasting and inventory models, Markov analysis, and solution of nonlinear models in business using calculus-based optimization. Prerequisite: MATH 206 with a grade of C or better.
MATH330 - Mathematical Modeling
This is an application-oriented course on how to solve real word problems from the social, medical and life sciences, business, and economics by setting up a mathematical model of the situation and then developing techniques for analyzing these models and solving them. Topics include the modeling process, linear models, financial models, modeling using proportionality, fitting linear and nonlinear models to data graphically, the least-squared criterion, linear programming models, modeling using the derivative, matrix and probability models, Markov chain models, and modeling interactive dynamic systems. Prerequisite: MATH 206 with a grade of C or better.
MATH338 - Mathematical Statistics
In this introduction to statistical theory, the roles probability and statistics play in business analysis and decision making are investigated. Topics include probability distributions, statistical inference, sampling distribution theory, and applications. Prerequisite: Math 206 with a grade of C or better.
MATH399 - Mathematical Applications
In this capstone course, Students investigate mathematics from a variety of fields and choose a topic for a mathematics project in their Field of Application. Mathematical methods for analysis, modeling, prediction, and/or problem solving are discussed. Students demonstrate knowledge of a substantial area of mathematics and present their work at a department seminar or the Connected Learning Symposium.
MATH499 - Internship
The internship seminar is a work or research experience where students combine theory and practice.
PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives (KP)
In this course, students learn to think like psychologists as they study classic and contemporary topics in human behavior, feeling, and thought. Students learn to apply psychological perspectives of thought, including biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and behaviorist, to better understand the human experience. Students will learn to use these perspectives to explore how individual behavior is influenced by and influences one’s biology, family, community and society. Topics may include human development, personality, psychopathology, human relationships, language, memory, perceptual processes, and intelligence, among others.
PSYC104 - Positive Psychology
Historically, much of Psychology has focused on decreasing maladaptive emotions and behaviors (neurosis, disorders, stress, aggression, etc.). This focus has largely ignored more optimal functioning like happiness, optimism, and life satisfaction. In recent decades more scientific research has aimed at promoting and sustaining psychological health. The emerging field of Positive Psychology is the study of how human beings prosper and overcome adversity. Its goal is to identify and enhance human strengths and virtues and allow individuals and communities to thrive. This introductory-level course will detail the history of this emerging field and focus on current research in social and positive psychology on happiness, virtue, and personal development. The course will explore research that has helped highlight factors that promote and sustain psychological health. Additionally, we will look at tools and techniques that have been shown to help cultivate thoughts and behaviors that effectively contribute to well being. This coursewould substitute for PSYC101 (Psychological Perspectives) whenever that class is needed as a pre-requisite for an upper-level class but can be taken in addition to PSYC101.
PSYC111 - Generations in America
This course offers a social-developmental, multidisciplinary overview of issues related to the expanding age population in the United States. Students examine aging stereotypes, characteristics of aging populations, and the impact of age-related forces on individuals in American society. The course is geared toward students in a variety of disciplines and provides a knowledge base that can be applied to other areas of study.
PSYC201 - Psychology of Drugs & Behavior
The course examines the relationship between drugs and behavior, including evidence about the effects of drugs on the brain. Several classes of drugs, including chemically or psychologically addictive substances, psychoactive and therapeutic agents, as well as recreational drugs, are examined. Drug use is related to psychological variables such as personality structure and interpersonal relationships, and theories of addictive processes and factors influencing drug use are examined, as are treatment strategies. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC202 - Psychology of Personality
This course introduces students to a variety of the most important theories of personality: i.e., Freud, Jung, Adler, Rogers, and others. Case studies are examined with the intent of making theories more practical and useful. Prerequisite: Any 200 level psychology course.
PSYC205 - Human Sexuality
This course is designed to introduce factual information about gender identity and gender role theories, sexual preference and sexual orientation, and psychosexual development. The course examines issues related to research on human sexuality and behavior, as well as sexual education, sexual disorders, and societal impacts on sexuality. Students are challenged to think critically about many issues surrounding human sexuality and all of its manifestations. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC206 - Special Topics in Psychology
This course provides for specialized offerings in psychology in order to allow faculty and students to explore issues that meet special interests. Courses could be offered at the 200, 300, or 400 levels, depending on work required and announced prerequisites.
PSYC209X - Psyc of the Black American Experience
This course is an introduction to the psychological experience of Blacks in the United States, including the historical, sociopolitical, and cultural influences that shape personality and mental health in community, family, and individual contexts. Connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and Black America will be examined with respect to culture, belief systems, and values. At the same time, we will also explore the many differences in history, culture, and experience within numerous groups and individuals of African-descent in the U. S. Prerequisite: PSYC101
PSYC218 - Dynamics of Small Groups
This class examines the basic theory and application necessary to understand and facilitate small groups. Topics may include group types, formation, roles and stages; group process; cultural awareness; group interventions and ethics within the field of psychology and human service; therapeutic value of groups; and the family, classroom, and peers as small groups. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOC 101.
PSYC220 - Social Psychology
This is an introduction to the study of social interactions from a psychological perspective. Research reviewed focuses on topics such as: social perception, group interaction, attitude formation, attitudinal change, aggression, conflict, and pro-social behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC221 - Child Development
This course examines the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional development of the child from birth to adolescence. The contributions of social and cultural experiences as well as the role of biological factors in development are examined as are major theories of development. Students are introduced to the research approaches used to study human development and may be required to carry out observations in various settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC222 - Social Psychology in Film
This course uses film to examine social psychological concepts and research and provides an opportunity for students to explore how people influence and are influenced by their social relationships, communities, and larger society. Films illustrate a range of social encounters that are examined from a social psychological perspective. Topics include conflict, love, personal and group behavior, prejudice, roles, privilege, and oppression. NOTE: This course meets the social psychology requirement for Social Sciences majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOC 101.
PSYC223 - Adolescent Psychology
This course provides a survey of contemporary knowledge of the human brain, examining normal developmental brain processes and common brain functions. The course also covers common disorders and emphasizes understanding the impact of atypical brain development and the consequences of brain trauma. Intervention strategies and treatment are included. Prerequisite: PSYC101
PSYC240 - Sport Psychology
This course examines settings such as school, recreational, and professional where sport activities occur. It covers topics such as motivation, anxiety, competition, cooperation, gender issues, and age and developmental level in relation to sport activities. Behavioral problems such as substance abuse and eating disorders, along with psychological factors in prevention and treatment of injuries are included. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC241 - The Psychological Life of Girls & Women
This course utilizes intrapersonal, psychosocial, and sociocultural perspectives to explore the psychological strengths and problems experienced by girls and women. Topics may include the mental health system, eating disorders, depression, women in families, violence against women, friendship, identity and diversity, immigrant experiences, biological influences, sexuality, issues at school and in the workplace, leadership, and research bias. Literature is examined critically for gender, racial, ethnic, and sexual preference biases, power dynamics, and limitations imposed on both females and males by gender imperatives. Prerequisite: PSYC 221 or PSYC 223, or permission of the instructor.
PSYC242X - Health Psychology
This course is a comprehensive study of the relationship between behavior and health including psychological factors in the development of and coping with disease. Students will learn about the biological, psychological, and social context of health and illness with a focus on maintainance of physical and emotional wellness. Topics covered may include stress, addictions, nutrition, eating disorders, adjustment, pain, pediatric health, aging and/or the psycholgocial impact of specific diseases.
PSYC302 - Biological Basis of Behavior
This course examines current research in the fields of biology, neuroscience, and psychology that explain the role of neural mechanisms in evoking and controlling human behavior. Topics include: thirst and hunger, sleep and arousal, sexual behavior, emotion, aggression, learning, memory, and mental disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC304 - Sensation & Perception
It is estimated that our five senses take in 11,000,000 bits of information per second, yet we weed out much of this information. Our unique ability to sense but selectively perceive allows us to survive and live our life without being bombarded by information. In this class, students will experience and examine how humans sense and perceive the world. Topics covered will include the sensory pathways, perceptual processing, and how we create meaning from our senses. We will discuss the orienting senses, skin senses (such as touch and pain), chemical senses (such as smell), hearing, vision, and the perception of time. Perceptual processes will include physiological, psychophysical, ecological, motivational, and computational. Pre-requisite: PSYC101
PSYC306 - Special Topics in Psychology
This course provides for specialized offerings in psychology in order to allow faculty and students to explore issues that meet special interests. Courses could be offered at the 200, 300, or 400 levels, depending on work required and announced prerequisites.
PSYC307 - Forensic Psychology
This course deals with the application of psychological knowledge to the judicial process and the criminal justice system. Topics covered include effects of defendant, juror and case characteristics on verdicts, variables affecting eyewitness accuracy, identification and testimony, and the role of forensic psychologists in competency and criminal responsibility assessments as well as criminal profiling. Prerequisite: CJ 201 or PSYC 101.
PSYC316 - Psychology of Diversity
This course explores diversity and its relation to identity, relationship, and power. Areas of diversity that may be a focus of the course include race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, disabilities, aging and/or health status. Students study diversity on micro, meso and macro levels including perspectives on individual and group identity, prejudice and discrimination, and psychological well-being. Students are challenged to explore their own identities and the assumptions they make about various forms of diversity. Prerequisites: Any 200 level Social Science course.
PSYC318 - Abnormal Psychology
This course examines the wide range of personality and behavioral disorders. Both traditional and contemporary theories of psychopathology are reviewed. Emphasis is also placed on the tools, techniques, and process of both the diagnosis and the treatment of various disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 202 or PSYC 220.
PSYC322 - Abnormal Child Development
This course examines common psychological disorders that affect children and adolescents. Students review factors that contribute to emotional, behavioral, cognitive and social problems in children and adolescents, as well as specific diagnostic criteria of psychological disorders. In addition, treatment of childhood disorders is discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 221.
PSYC323 - Brain Function & Dysfunction
This course provides a survey of contemporary knowledge of the human brain, examining normal developmental brain processes and common brain functions. The course also covers common disorders and emphasizes understanding the impact of atypical brain development and the consequences of brain trauma. Intervention strategies and treatment are included. Prerequisite: PSYC101
PSYC328 - Cognitive Processes
This course studies the ways that humans learn, remember, communicate, think, and reason. Emphasis is on the role of experimental data in development and evaluation of cognitive theories. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 & MATH 208
PSYC331 - Experimental Design in Psychology
This laboratory course covers concepts of the scientific method in psychology including the logic of experimental and correlational designs, issues of control, sampling, measurement of variables, ethical issues in research, use of online professional search procedures, and writing in APA style. As part of the lab, students carry out an experiment and learn to use SPSS to create a database and perform statistical analyses. Prerequisites: MATH 208 and either PSYC 101 or SOC 101 or permission of the instructor.
PSYC333 - Research Assistantship
This course is designed to enable 1-3 students to assist a faculty member who is engaged in research. The faculty member mentors the student(s) through the research process. The process may involve some or all of the following components: Literature review of previous research on the topic, development of the research proposal and project design, development of any materials needed for the research, completion of IRB application, follow-through with the IRB recommendations and approval process, implementation of the research, analysis of the data, and presentation of the work through writing, conference presentation, or Lasell presentation. Prerequisites: SOC 331 or PSYC 331 and Permission of Department Chair. Students may enroll in the course for up to two semesters.
PSYC345 - Assessment of Individual Differences
This course studies a wide variety of tests and measurements used to assess intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and personality in clinical and counseling psychology, in education, and in business. Consideration of the history and theory of these tests is complemented by discussion of practical concerns related to their selection, their administration, and their interpretation in specific settings. Prerequisites: MATH 208 and PSYC 101.
PSYC406 - Special Topics in Psychology
This course provides for specialized offerings in psychology in order to allow faculty and students to explore issues that meet special interests. Courses could be offered at the 200, 300, or 400 levels, depending on work required and announced prerequisites.
PSYC714 - Psyc of Sport, Injury & Rehabilitation
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the theory and application of psychology of sport, injury, and rehabilitation. Topics covered include cognitive appraisal, emotional response, behavioral response, motivation, mental skills training and use, psychological antecedents of injury, adherence to rehabilitation/exercise, sociocultural factors and psychology of injury, and research methods related to the psychology of sport, injury, and rehabilitation.
SOC101 - Sociological Imagination (KP)
This course is designed to help students develop their ability to think critically about the world around them using the framework of sociology. Students explore the relationship between individual and society – how personal experience is shaped by social forces, but also how society is created and changed through individual interaction. The focus is on the interrelationships of groups, social organization, and social institutions such as education, religion, family, and the economic and political order.
SOC102 - Women and Gender in Social Context(KP)
his course is designed to help students develop a critical framework for examining feminist thought and gender-related social processes. Through the lens of the Sociological Imagination the course examines the ways in which sex and gender are socially constructed, how that shapes group and individual behavior and the ways in which power manifests in inequality and exploitation, as well as the agency of individuals and groups to bring about change.
SOC206 - Food and Culture
In this course, students study "food ways"; that is, how food and eating reflects and impacts social life. The course examines the beliefs, rituals, norms, and subcultures associated with food choice. Further, we look at food in the larger contexts of politics, the economy, and cultural survival. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or PSYC 101
SOC207X - Wealth & Poverty
Why are millions of people poor in this rich country? Why are the richest 1% getting so much wealthier? One focus of the course is how the rules of the economy have changed in the last 30 years to favor wealthy individuals and corporations. How can unjust economic policies be changed? The second focus of the course is on the power of the federal government to outlaw some exploitive practices and promote shared prosperity. The US Senate in particular has a powerful influence on economic inequality, for better or for worse. Students will evaluate Senators’ policy positions related to wealth and poverty, and articulate their own opinions about controversial economic policy debates.
SOC208 - Special Topics in Sociology
This course examines different topics from a sociological perspective with the goal of allowing faculty and students to explore issues that meet special interests. Courses could be offered at the 200, 300, or 400 levels, depending on the required and announced prerequisites.
SOC212 - Wellness & Society
This course explores the social dimension of health and illness. Both health and illness vary across times and cultures – and this is related to how we define “normal”. Our wellbeing is also closely related to our position in society – socio-economic status, race, gender, class, ethnicity, and physical ability impact life chances, lifestyles, access to care, and attitudes towards health and illness. This course therefore covers the social distribution of illness; health disparities; global comparisons in the health of populations; the social construction of illness; the structure of health care systems and institutions; and various historical and contemporary health care debates.Prerequisite: SOC101 or PSYC101
SOC214 - Family Diversity
This course explores the meaning of "family" in a historical and cross-cultural context - it looks at the way families and households are constructed, and at how these institutions are impacted by social forces including demographic, ideological, and economic changes in societies. Family diversity is discussed in the context of social constructions such as race, class, and gender. Current themes in family sociology that are covered include, amongst others, sexuality, marriage, parenting, violence, divorce and remarriage, and family policy. Prerequisite: SOC 101.
SOC221 - Contemporary Social Problems
This course examines conditions and issues that result in tension and disorder. Examples are drawn primarily from American society include: labeling and social control of deviants, oppression of minorities, poverty, violence, ageism, and ecological concerns. Prerequisite: SOC 101.
SOC223X - Social Movements
You are breathing clean air right now thanks to the environmental movement. Maybe you can vote thanks to the Civil Rights or women’s suffrage movement. And don’t forget the labor movement, the folks who brought you the weekend! What inequities and crises in today's society will social movements address next? In this course, students will study contemporary social problems and the solutions that can be found by people gathering together into movements for change. This course will bring US and global movements to life through videos, photos, stories, interactive exercises, writing and discussion. By the end of the course, students will understand the strategic choices that contribute to movement success or failure in solving social problems.
SOC301 - Race & Ethnicity
This course examines the sociological constructs of race and ethnicity with a primary emphasis on people living in the United States. Topics include: the origins and consequences of racial/ethnic discriminations; immigration policies; movements for integration and separatism; the role of class, religion, and gender on issues of race/ethnicity; the impact of widely differing cultural heritages on our national life: and specific present day problems and trends including relationships betwen people of different racial and ethnic identification. Prerequisite: Any 200 level Social Science course.
SOC307X - Action & Social Justice
How can students make a difference? Small student groups waging brief action campaigns have won victories on racism, climate change, education budget cuts, sexual assault and many other social justice issues . In this hands-on course, students will together pick one injustice, develop achievable goals, and design and carry out a pressure campaign. Working in teams, students will practice persuasive communication with off-campus decision-makers, nonprofit organizations working on the same issue, the media, and the public, as well as with the Lasell community. Students will learn many skills needed for future community engagement: strategizing, meeting facilitation and group decision-making, public relations and social media advocacy, lobbying, coalition-building and event planning. Injustices confronted in this course will vary from semester based on student interest as well as on social justice issues arising in the community. Pre-requisites: PSYC101 or SOC101 or permission by instructor.
SOC308 - Special Topics in Sociology
This course examines different topics from a sociological perspective with the goal of allowing faculty and students to explore issues that meet special interests. Courses could be offered at the 200, 300, or 400 levels, depending on the required and announced prerequisites.
SOC310 - Sociological Perspectives
This course introduces classical and contemporary perspectives in sociology. Theories are examined as explanatory tools in the understanding of social structure and social change, and as reflections of the societal conditions from which they emerged. Theories are evaluated in terms of their applicability to contemporary issues in society. Prerequisites: Any 200 level Sociology course and Junior or Senior standing.
SOC331 - Research Methods in the Social Sciences
This laboratory course introduces students to the basic methods used in sociological research. Topics include scientific method, measurement, sampling, experiments, survey research, and qualitative approaches such as content analysis and field studies, and ethical issues in conducting research. As part of the lab, students learn to use SPSS to perform statistical analysis and to access and draw upon large data sets. Students learn to use professional online search procedures and write reports in accepted professional formats. Prerequisites: MATH 208 and either PSYC 101 or SOC 101 or permission of the Dept Chair.
SOC333 - Sociology Research Assistantship
This course is designed to enable 1-3 students to assist a faculty member who is engaged in research. The faculty member mentors the student(s) through the research process. The process may involve some or all of the following components: Literature review of previous research on the topic, development of the research proposal and project design, development of any materials needed for the research, completion of IRB application, follow-through with the IRB recommendations and approval process, implementation of the research, analysis of the data, and presentation of the work through writing, conference presentation, or Lasell presentation. Prerequisite: SOC 331 or PSYC 331 and permission of Department Chair. Students may enroll in the course for up to two semesters.
SOC335 - Social Policy
This course examines historical and contemporary factors influencing the making of social policy and introduces the student to processes used to identify and solve social problems. Special attention is given to the relationships of values to social policy and the impact of social policy decisions on the provision of social and human services. Approaches to the analysis of social policy are examined. Prerequisite: Any 200 Level Sociology course or permission by the department chair.
SOC406 - Selected Topics in the Lives of Women
This capstone course examines topics important to the study of women’s issues. Representative topics that might be covered include violence against women, women in public life, social policy related to women, women and work, and reproductive issues. Prerequisite: one of the following: SOC 102, PSYC 303, or HIST 203.
SOC408 - Special Topics in Sociology
This course examines different topics from a sociological perspective with the goal of allowing faculty and students to explore issues that meet special interests. Courses could be offered at the 200, 300, or 400 levels, depending on the required and announced prerequisites.
SVL104 - Seminar for Writing Tutors
In this course, students are trained as peer writing tutors and work two hours per week with peer tutees. Students participate in weekly seminars and individual tutoring supervision; preparation involves assigned readings and both reflective and analytic writing on the tutoring experience.
SVL108 - SVL: Tax Volunteer
This course consists of study and training in federal income taxation, as well as tax return preparation using IRS software for electronic filing. Students also learn how to file Massachusetts returns electronically and conduct research on selected federal and state income tax issues. After passing a proficiency test at the conclusion of the training, students receive an IRS certificate. The test is provided by the IRS and requires the students to recognize tax status and income issues in the preparation of appropriate tax returns. Upon being certified by the IRS, students can prepare basic tax returns in the program without personal liability. Using computer software, students prepare and electronically file taxpayers’ returns as a community service. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
SVL111X - Service-Learning to Make a Difference
This one-credit intergenerational service course will include residents from Lasell Village as well as students at Lasell College. We will explore a pressing social problem -- such as sustainability/going green, immigration -- or the upcoming national presidential election. The group will decide together on the issue and we will partner with an organization to provide a service to that organization. Class will be held at Lasell Village.
SVL115 - Service Learning
This course is linked to three- or four-credit courses across the curriculum. Course content includes both 15 – 20 hours of community service and related written and/ or oral assignments. Students wishing to enroll in an SVL Linked-Credit course must have the permission of the instructor. Restrictions: Students may enroll for only one SVL Linked-Credit in a given semester; students may complete up to, but no more than, three SVL Linked- Credits towards completion of the bachelor’s degree. To receive credit and a grade for an SVL linked option, students must receive a passing grade in the host course. The SVL Linked-Credit cannot be taken pass/fail, and cannot be linked to a course that is taken pass/fail. This credit counts toward an unrestricted elective. It does not satisfy other degree requirements unless authorized by an academic department.
SVL201 - Service Learning Internship
The Service-Learning Internship provides individually arranged participation in a community-based or other non-profit organization in which the student provides 100 hours of meaningful service to that organization. Students may also be placed at a for-profit organization to work on a service project for the community. The primary area of responsibility rests with the student in identifying and pursuing the internship, with support of the Center for Community-Based Learning (CCBL). Students meet regularly with the Director of the CCBL to discuss the internship. Evaluation of the internship is based on the students' reflections about that experience, a site visit, and communication with the internship site supervisor. Students may do six credits of service-learning internships. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing and the approval of the Director of the CCBL and the agency representative are required. This internship fulfills unrestricted elective credit; it does not supplant any internship requirement within a major.
SVL202 - Introduction to Community Organizations
This course provides a forum for community service house residents to explore challenging service opportunities. The residents have opportunities to examine past service experience in order to identify more clearly with a cause or find an area about which they wish to learn more. They also have opportunities to research service needs for Greater Boston or for their hometowns, and to challenge themselves to envision events that would meet those needs. The course explores different ways of gaining insight into and knowledge of the service-learning field through discussion, peer-led activities, reflection, learning circles, and guest speakers. The materials and discussion serve to empower the residents to find and/or initiate meaningful service events. Open only to service house residents. Pass/Fail.
SVL203 - Env Service-Learning in Ecuador
This fall semester course is linked to ten days of service-learning and study in Ecuador during January break. The course is designed to educate students about the history, people, culture, politics, eco-systems, climate, and language of Ecuador. The experience in Ecuador includes group accommodations in home-stays or lodges, full days of travel, outdoor manual labor and reflective intellectual work. We learn through service alongside community members at foundations, schools, government agencies, and local businesses. The goal of both the course and the experience is to immerse students in the culture of Ecuador, while exploring the natural environment and the impact humans have over time. Students must apply and may only register with the permission of the Ecuador program director.
SVL204 - Seminar in Speech Tutoring
In this course, students are trained as peer speech tutors. They participate in bi-weekly seminars and individual tutoring supervision. In addition, students keep journals of their weekly tutoring experience one hour per week in the Academic Achievement Center. Preparation involves assigned readings and both reflective and analytic writing on the tutoring experience. The weekly seminar is a discussion-based training/coaching class where students have the opportunity to share training/coaching class. They are provided with special guidelines, oral communication tutoring tips, problem-solving strategies, and communication skills to improve their oral communication knowledge and tutoring skills. Here, they also get the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences from tutoring speech. Permission of instructor required.
SVL206 - Student Academic Counselors
This course provides upper class Social Science majors with the opportunity of mentoring two or three first year social science majors during their first semester at Lasell. The student counselors meet with a faculty member once every two weeks to plan activities for the students they are mentoring during the week in between meetings. They meet with their tutees in the planned activity every other week. The student counselors evaluate each activity, and at the end of the semester write a summative evaluation reflecting on the mentoring process and making recommendations for improving the experience. One goal is to develop a portfolio of activities and interactions that help first year students evaluate the match between themselves and the major and become identified with the social science department academically.
SVL207 - Seminar for Accounting Facilitators
In this course, student facilitators are trained to work with the instructor in support of the connected learning project of Monopoly in Financial Accounting - BUSS 201. The student facilitators participate in the weekly classes by providing individual and group instruction and supervision. The facilitators also work with students as they complete their project providing the necessary tutoring to enhance the students learning of accounting.
SVL209 - Seminar for Math Tutors
This course is about learning to tutor, and tutoring to understand mathematics in depth. It targets Math Minors (and other students who are strong in math) and trains them as tutors/mentors for peers who need extra math help. Students maintain a journal of their weekly tutoring experience (one hour a week in the Academic Achievement Center) and participate in a weekly MATH SENSE seminar, which is a discussion-based training/coaching class. They are provided with special guidelines, math tutoring tips, problem solving strategies, and communication skills to improve their math knowledge and tutoring skills. Here, they also get the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences from tutoring math. Permission of the instructor required.
SVL212X - Promoting Activism
The class offers students the unique opportunity to profoundly alter the landscape of their own community. The class will explore and develop a grassroots college-based social justice and human rights movement designed to directly impact and improve the experience of their local, city and state communities. Using, by example, the current and very public efforts by students nationwide to enact social change around sexual and domestic violence on college campuses, the students will create and implement their own multi-pronged campaign to inspire a cultural shift on their own campus, the larger Newton community and statewide with respect to domestic and sexual violence. With guidance and support from local and statewide activists and using a human rights lens, the students will innovate programs, community collaborations and other efforts to increase education and prevention with respect to sexual and domestic violence perpetrated on college campuses. Using the power of your voices and your activism, this exciting class will transform the very community in which you live, learn and socialize.
SVL214X - Tanzania: Shoulder to Shoulder
The basic service mission of this trip is to offer two weeks of English as a second language to grades one through seven in a rural Tanzanian school. What we offer, in terms of service, is essentially three things: we provide mentoring in basic English (and some math) skills to all students in a rural Tanzanian elementary school As part of the course we will develop a working ESL-type curriculum to use in the school. Since we also model small group and active learning, we will develop lesson plans and strategies for our mentoring. Our experience in Uganda is that many teachers are quite interested in our techniques and approaches, and often they will adapt them to their classroom teaching. We also provide a relationship which, ideally, we will develop over time – but even in a single visit our students provide role modeling, coaching, and encouragement to students whose exposure to the world beyond their immediate experience is somewhat limited. Much of the rest of the work in this course is an introduction to African, and Tanzanian, culture, history, and issues. Students will be expected to do considerable reading, to help design and deliver the curriculum, and to reflect on their experience in writing (most likely via a journal and a final reflection paper). The majority of the work of the course will take place during the trip itself, from mid-May to early June. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
SVL217X - Civic Engagement Practicum
This course is designed to enable a small group of students (4-8) to work with a community partner and a faculty member to engage in an academically-based investigation that meets an existing need as identified by the community partner. The faculty member designs the academic component, providing readings and at least 1 credit hour of academic content per week. The faculty member also mentors the student(s) through the research and practical process of providing an analysis and/or deliverable to the community partner. The process may involve some or all of the following components: Literature review of previous research on the topic, needs assessment, development of a research proposal and project design, completion of an IRB application, follow-through with the IRB recommendations and approval process, development of research/marketing/analysis materials, data analysis, and presentation of the work through writing, conference presentation, or Lasell presentation. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Students may enroll in the course for up to two semesters.
SVL219X - Cultural Competence in Social Justice
This course explores issues related to cultural competence – having the attitude, knowledge, and skills to effectively connect and work with people of different cultures. This course will help students foster a sense of self-awareness about various identity dimensions (e.g., their culture, sexual orientation, sex, gender, ethnicity, race, and religion), and examine the ways these aspects of identity influence their perceptions of and interactions with others. Students will analyze course readings, films, online resources from various colleges, and participate in experiential exercises, in order to engage course content both intellectually and emotionally. In addition, students will collaborate in small groups to design and deliver programs and interventions to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Lasell. This course is highly participatory.
SVL301 - Service learning Internship
The Service-Learning Internship provides individually arranged participation in a community-based or other non-profit organization in which the student provides 150 hours meaningful service to that organization. Students may also be placed at a for-profit organization to work on a service project for the community. The primary area of responsibility rests with the student in identifying and pursuing the internship, with the support of the Center for Community-Based Learning. Students meet regularly with the Director of the CCBL to discuss the internship. Evaluation of the internship is based on the students' reflections about that experience, a site visit, and communication with the internship site supervisor. Students may do six credits of service-learning internships. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and the approval of the Director of the CCBL and the agency representative are required. This internship fulfills unrestricted elective credit; it does not supplant any internship requirement within a major.
Lori Rosenthal
Assistant Provost; Professor of Psychology
Office: Plummer
Email: lrosenthal@lasell.edu
Jesse Tauriac
Associate Professor of Psychology; Director of the Donahue Institute for Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion
Office: 70 Maple/IC3
Email: jtauriac@lasell.edu
Zane Zheng
Professor of Psychology and Chair of Academic Research at Lasell University; Research Director, Psi Chi
Office: Plummer Rooms 9 & 10
Email: ZZheng@lasell.edu
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