Courses

This course compares regions, cultures, societies, and economies within and across the Pacific Basin. The course surveys the geography and history of this region, an increasingly important arena in world affairs. From various perspectives, the course also examines contemporary issues, such as economic relations, migration, regional institutions, globalization, democratization, trans-nationalism, and the environment in the Pacific Basin. As a result of taking this course, students will develop an understanding of the historical transformations; develop a critical awareness of social, political, economic and cultural issues within the region over time; develop skills of oral and/or written expression; gain experience of interdisciplinary perspectives; gain critical skills for interpreting visual and/or other representations of peoples and cultures across the region.

Every field of inquiry that deals with data uses methods of descriptive statistics to summarize and describe their data.  Every field of inquiry that deals with data seeks to draw inference beyond the available data.  This course introduces widely-used methods of descriptive statistics and methods of statistical inference through the lens of applied mathematics.  This course is not recommended to students who have taken and passed BIO 205.

An introduction to probability theory with applications to statistics:  basic combinatorics, permutations and combinations, sample space, events, mutual exclusivity, independence, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, random variables, distribution, expectation, variability, Chebyshev’s theorem, joint distribution, binomial distribution, normal distribution, Central Limit Theorem, estimation of and confidence intervals for binomial parameter, Bayesian approach to inference.  Further topics may include theory of sampling, covariance, correlation, least squares, regression.  Note: this is not a statistical methods course of the type that may be expected in areas such as health or social sciences, though it provides a good foundation for such courses.

Computer science is the study of problem-solving strategies called algorithms.  In this course, students will develop the essential skills of programming, examine select algorithms and data structures, and learn the broad strokes of the theory of computing, which includes formal languages, Turing machines, and the notions of universality, computability, and intractability regarding computational problems. 

This course is an introduction to the field of network science with an emphasis on the mathematical aspects and properties of networks. A network is an accessible yet powerful structure used to represent and study relationships. In practice, networks model different phenomena arising in fields such as biology, economics, sociology, computer science, and physics. In this class, we’ll look rigorously at the mathematical structure of networks (this field is often referred to as graph theory), while also considering real world models, such as spread of disease, web link analysis, and financial networks. This course has no prerequisites.

The physics of motion on earth and in the heavens is traced from ancient Greek times through the Dark and Middle Ages, to the Renaissance and Galileo, and to Newton and the Enlightenment. Humanistic, cultural, and historical perspectives are emphasized as is the scientific method/process. Science is shown to be inextricably linked to other human endeavors such as religion, art, politics, music, literature, philosophy, and commerce. High school knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and scientific notation would be helpful. Concurrently, we will explore physics after Newton and up to the contemporary frontier of string/brane theory, covering topics such as relativity and quantum mechanics and utilizing modern physics labs.

(required for first and second year students, optional for third year students.)

This course will examine embedded views of the relationship between humans and their environments in the context and function of music in different times and cultures. Music is commonly both a means of the most profound communication between humans and nature, and an embodiment of cultural understanding and expression of this relationship, of humans’ place in nature. Readings will include examination of music cultures, the expressed views and philosophies of the people in those music cultures, and studies of the ecological systems and ecological impacts of human actions where those people live.

Linear algebra is the study of linear equations, matrices, vectors, linear functions, and vector spaces, as well as the theory and applications of linearity. The central ideas in linear algebra are so powerful that their influence seeps into many other branches of mathematics and statistics, the sciences, engineering, and economics. In this course we will develop a mastery of the particular tools of linear algebra, while making a dedicated effort to understand the concepts behind these tools and the relationships between them.

This course is an introduction to the primary research methods used by social scientists. Fundamental orientations and approaches that underlie social science research will be introduced. Students will learn various qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, data analysis, and results reporting. Emphasis in this course is on students putting these methods into practice by developing real-world research questions and engaging in hands-on research activities.

The first of two courses covering the usual introductory physics topics but re-ordered to follow the timeline of the universe: evolution of the cosmos, evolution of life on earth, and evolution of human social reality. Computer labs will promote modeling and simulation skills using Python. Biological, chemical, medical, or health-related contexts or applications will be used where suitable as are connections to enduring questions of humanity or modes of inquiry. The courses are algebra-based, though a few essential calculus concepts will be introduced via computer labs.

The second of two courses covering the usual introductory physics topics but re-ordered to follow the timeline of the universe: evolution of the cosmos, evolution of life on earth, and evolution of human social reality. Computer labs will promote modeling and simulation skills using Python. Biological, chemical, medical, or health-related contexts or applications will be used where suitable as are connections to enduring questions of humanity or modes of inquiry. The courses are algebra-based, though a few essential calculus concepts will be introduced via computer labs.

This course is an introduction to multivariable calculus. Topics include vectors in the plane and in space, limits and continuity, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, gradient, tangent planes, multivariable optimization and Lagrange multipliers, multiple integration, vector fields, line integrals, divergence, curl, and the theorems of Green, Gauss and Stokes.

Basic ideas of mathematical modeling; first order differential equations, first order systems, and linearity.  Other topics selected from Second order equations, forcing, nonlinear systems, Laplace transforms, numerical methods.

Through the lens of discrete mathematics, this course will serve as an introduction to formal proof writing techniques and advanced mathematics. Proof writing is the powerful process of demonstrating through formal argument that a statement or claim is correct in mathematical language. Topics covered in this class include combinatorics (methods of counting things), number theory (study of integers and prime numbers), and graph theory (theoretical study of networks), with an emphasis on creative problem solving and learning to read and write rigorous proofs. While no formal prerequisite is required, a previous math class at SUA or high school equivalent is strongly encouraged.

This course examines philosophical viewpoints as manifested within selected literary texts. The relationship between the literary form of the text and the philosophical content, as well as the relationship between philosophy and literature, will be explored and conceptualized.

The objectives of this course are to introduce students to the theories and empirical research currently addressing the neuronal basis of human behavior. This combination lecture/seminar-based course, including bioinformatics research projects, will provide introductions to the basic concepts of brain neuroanatomy and biochemistry, molecular neurogenetics, evolutionary psychology, and human genomics, with readings and discussions from selected books, reviews and research articles. Emphasis will be placed on how disruptions of typical brain function, resulting in disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and depression, can reveal how the brain mediates our most fundamental experiences.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

In PUBLIC POLICY, students will learn what public policy is and who makes it. The course focuses upon the policy process, structure, and context of policy-making. Special attention is paid to the institutional and non-institutional actors who make policy and the rules, strategies, culture, and resources that affect the making of policy. The course culminates in the writing of a policy brief that affects problems in the local area. The policy brief allows the students to understand the practical side of public policy-making.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

Social psychology may be defined as the influence of actual, imagined, or implied others on individual cognition, emotion, and behavior. Course content progresses from intra-psychic to interpersonal topics to small-group processes. Students learn and evaluate social psychological research methodology and think critically about course topics and presented research. They also learn to apply theories and concepts to real-world situations as appropriate.

This course provides an overview of the growing field of positive psychology, which is the scientific investigation of positive experiences, positive character strengths, positive relationships, and the institutions and practices that facilitate their development. Consideration will be given to conflicting viewpoints and their respective empirical support, including the benefits of balancing positive with negative emotions, the measurement and development of happiness, and the implications of deliberately attempting to increase it.

This course provides an introduction to a wide variety of psychological disorders and their treatments. Definitions of “abnormality” and methods of disorder assessment are examined. Different perspectives on the causes of disorders as well as their treatments are compared and contrasted. Topics include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a greater understanding of how psychological disorders are discussed both in professional circles and in the lay media.

This seminar is designed to explore the dynamics and interplay of race, socioeconomic status and political and economic interest groups in impacting the differential access, use and outcomes of some groups and countries regarding natural resources and the natural environment. Specifically, the course will focus on how racial/ethnic, economic, cultural and country background impact individual and group access to a healthy and productive natural environment and supporting resources. We will explore alternatives for increasing environmental justice and issues related to access and to increasing the quality of life for disadvantaged groups. Global environmental issues that highlight the questions of justice and injustice also will be examined. An important broad goal of the course will be to integrate social concern for the natural environment with increasing consciousness of race/ethnic, class, gender and country disparities in issues of environmental equity and justice.

For the first time in history, more people live in cities than in rural areas. Cities are the epicenter of many great things, such as entertainment, the arts, parks and recreation, museums, medical care, and employment. They also have more than their fair share of problems, such as crime, poverty, racism, and homelessness. This course examines theories about who governs cities and why and how cities are governed. The course focuses upon the policies that address urban problems. It pays special attention to political institutions, machine politics, informal actors who influence politics, the role of the national and state governments in city politics, and the politics of racial and ethnic minorities in cities. Power, race, and participation are three dominant themes that run throughout this class. Through this course, students will also better understand how culture, demographics, and politics affect California cities. They will devise solutions to major problems in one of the state’s urban areas. Even though this course focuses upon American cities, the lessons learned in it allow students to understand and examine cities throughout the world.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

This course is intended to provide a basic knowledge of regression analysis relevant for carrying out empirical work in the social sciences. Regression analysis is the application of statistical methods to testing social science theories/hypotheses using data. The Classical Linear Regression Model is the main focus of the course. Students will gain experience in collecting data from various sources, analyzing data through regression and statistical analysis, interpreting results and writing research papers.

This course provides an overview of the principal theories of personality and human behavior. A wide range of perspectives on personality are presented and evaluated. Students investigate and evaluate various measures of personality assessment and different methods of researching personality. Basic principles of personality structure and personality development are covered. On completion of the course, students will be able to recognize, critique, compare and contrast various theoretical perspectives on personality, as well as apply these theories to real-world situations.

This course is an overview of the fundamentals of experimental research methods. This course provides the tools for students to understand a variety of experimental research designs and the accompanying descriptive and inferential statistics used to evaluate the data obtained from those designs (which include chi-square, t-tests, analysis of variance, etc.). Students will gain experience in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, interpreting results, and writing research reports.

This course is an introduction to the primary Qualitative Research Methods as they are used in the Social Sciences such as content analysis, interviewing, participant observation, and case studies. The course will introduce students to the main epistemologies and worldviews of qualitative methods, explore what kinds of questions about social behavior qualitative methods are used to answer, discuss ethical issues related to qualitative research and writing, and engage in the application of various qualitative methods to a research question designed by students. Students will also learn how to construct a literature review and write a research report using qualitative research design.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the specialization of developmental psychology. Principles of lifespan development will be discussed and applied to all stages of development, from conception to death. Special emphasis will be placed on biological, cognitive, and psychosocial domains of development. Throughout the course, the influence of contextual factors, such as culture and historical time, will be considered, as well as the utility of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human development. Practical applications of course material to “real world” examples will also be emphasized.

In this course, psychological research methods will be introduced, applied, and critiqued to test the universality of psychological theories developed in North America. Specifically, students will be challenged to critically evaluate the nature of human difference between and within social groups in order to understand and utilize cultural variations as well as to gain insights into and re-examine one’s own culture. Topics will include cultural variations and similarities in perception, cognition, identity, socio-emotional development, health behaviors, and emotional regulation. Diverse cultures and cultural change will also be examined with an emphasis on the east-west contrast.

This course examines how the development of children’s cognitive competence and academic achievement from early childhood to emerging adulthood interface with relevant social educational environments, such as the home, school, and culture/society. This course draws material from social psychology, human development, and educational research. Throughout the course, students will also discuss and debate enduring and current, sometimes controversial, issues in education in order to demonstrate how psychological science can be applied.

This heavily mathematical course with no lab requirement examines the changing conceptions of space and time from classical to modern to contemporary physics. Moving from Newtonian reality to Einstein’s relativity to quantum mechanics to current unification theories, we will explore mathematics as a tool to transcend our faulty perceptions and to reveal new phenomenal, though perhaps not narrative, truth.

The course will provide an overview of the growing field of Sport Psychology, which involves applying psychological science to sports. Topics will cover how sport psychologists assist athletes and teams in setting and achieving sports, fitness, and exercise goals. Topics will also include theoretical foundations of behavior, psychological interventions for performance problems, adherence and maintenance of gains, and the impaired athlete.

This course begins with a brief survey of the history of the main theories of reading as they emerged in the West with Plato and Aristotle. The goal of the course is to help students understand and familiarize themselves with a body of texts written about the role and function of literature within the disciplines. The course includes an examination of the relationship between primary and critical texts in light of movements that took shape in the twentieth century such as Formalism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, and Cultural Studies. The aim of the course is to equip students with the necessary tools to become sophisticated and demanding readers and to sharpen their critical judgment whether or not they intend to pursue graduate studies in the Humanities.