Summer 2024 New & Trending Online Courses

The College of General Studies, in partnership with the academic departments, is excited to announce the following courses in new, online formats - asynchronous or hybrid. 
 
Browse through the list below to find the courses that fit your academic needs and interests.
 
Online courses fill up fast. Register Now! 
 
HIST 1060-7510  A Global History of Piracy
Instructor: John Boonstra
Class size: 25 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer  6-WEEK-2 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This is an exploration of the ancient and global history of piracy. 

Using primary historical documents (written by and about pirates) as well as the accounts of modern historians, we will discuss a range of topics such as the role of piracy in the building of empires, the later struggle of merchants and their allies to eradicate piracy through bloody campaigns of capital punishment, and the meanings of the pirate as represented in popular culture through the ages.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); General Education Requirement for Global Issues, Cross-Cultural Awareness, and Historical Analysis

Interested in History?  Visit the Department of History »

HIST 1706-7510  Drugs In Global History
Instructor: Marcy Ladson
Class size: 25 students
Frequency: Summer 6-WEEK-1 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course examines the global development of the modern "pharmaceutical era" through historical, anthropological, and sociological analyses. 

It traces the ever-increasing role played by chemical substances in shaping conceptions of health, treatment, and society itself from the early modern period until the present day.  Topics include pharmaceuticals as an arena for competing and complimentary interests, the social character of drugs (both legal and illegal), the blurred lines between medicinal and recreational use, and the evolvement of government and scientific regulation of medications.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design), Health Services BA elective, and Health Services BS elective; General Education Requirement for Global Issues and Historical Analysis

Interested in History?  Visit the Department of History »

MATH 0031-7510  Algebra
Instructor: Bob O'Mara
Class size: 20-25 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / 12-WEEK Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course covers basic algebra skills. Linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions are included. Systems of linear equations are also covered.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); Natural Sciences BS Standard Track; General Education Algebra Requirement

Interested in Mathematics?  Visit the Department of Mathematics »

MUSIC 0211-7510  Introduction To Western Art Music
Instructor: Rika Asai
Class size: 25 students
Frequency: Summer 6-WEEK-2 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This class will examine the history, culture, and practice of '''classical''' music. We will explore the technical workings of music and learn what to listen for in a wide variety of musical styles. We will also discuss the values and meanings of music in different social and political contexts. No prior knowledge of music is necessary and there is no requirement to read music to succeed in the course.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); General Education The Arts Requirement

Interested in Music?  Visit the Department of Music »

RELGST 0105 / HIST 0125-7510  Religions Of The West
Instructor: Joel Brady
Class size: 25 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer 6-WEEK-1 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course is a historical introduction to the religious traditions that developed in ancient Near East and the Mediterranean. Our major emphasis is on the history of the religious traditions that emerged in late antiquity in this area and which continue to be major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will also touch on Zoroastrianism.

We focus on key concepts, historical developments, and contemporary issues. Throughout the course, we also examine interactions among these religious traditions. In the last part of the course we examine the issue of globalization and the spread of these religions around the world as well as the presence of "non-Western" religion in the "West." The course also serves as an introduction to the academic study of religion and provides a foundation for further coursework in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. No prior knowledge of any of the religions studied is expected or assumed.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); General Education Requirement for Global Issues, Cross-Cultural Awareness, and Historical Analysis

Interested in Religious Studies?  Visit the Department of Religious Studies »

RELGST 0505 / HIST 0755-7510  Religion In Asia
Instructor: Margarita Delgado Creamer
Class size: 25 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer 12-WEEK Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course serves as an introduction to the major religious traditions of South and East Asia. During the course of the semester, we encounter Hinduism and Jainism; the native Confucian, Daoist (Taoist), and popular traditions of China; and the Shinto, folk and new religions of Japan. Buddhism, which originated in India but later spread to East Asia, is examined in its relation to the history of both Chinese and Japanese religions.

We approach these traditions through lectures and discussion based on Chinese classical and popular literature, secondary scholarship, and films, which inform us about cultural and historical context, beliefs, practices, and personal experience. In the process we expect to learn something about the ways in which non-Western religious traditions see themselves and their world on their own terms, and to see how/if they can complement our own worldviews.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); General Education Cross-Cultural Awareness Requirement

Interested in Religious Studies?  Visit the Department of Religious Studies »

RELGST 0715 / Phil 0473-7510  Philosophy Of Religion
Instructor: Brock Bahler
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Summer 6-WEEK-1 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course examines topics central to philosophy of religion, including arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of religious experiences, the relation between faith & reason, the personal and cultural usefulness of religion & religious practices, and religious responses to evil (theodicy). Members of the class will develop a working knowledge of the issues by reading and discussing traditional and contemporary scholarly texts.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design)General Education Requirement for Historical Analysis, Philosophical Thinking or Ethics, and Specific Geographic Region

Interested in Religious Studies?  Visit the Department of Religious Studies »

RELGST 0710 / SOC 00399 / JS 0710-7510   Sociology Of Religion
Instructor: Johnathan Zisook
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Summer 6-WEEK-1 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course will compare and contrast major classical and modern sociological theories of religion, including discussion of the renewed focus on religion in mainstream, general theory.  Attention will be narrowed to a focus on the relation between religions, states and individuals in comparative and historical perspective.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design)General Education Social Science Requirement

Interested in Religious Studies?  Visit the Department of Religious Studies »

SOC 0438-7510  Sociology Of The Family
Instructor: Amy Kirk
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Summer 6-WEEK-2 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course introduces students to the sociological perspective on the family and analyzes how the structure and nature of family life are shaped by larger historical and social forces.  We will look at how changes in the economy and technology affect the family; how ideas concerning gender roles affect male/female relationships and the socialization of children; how race, ethnicity, and class shape family life; and the wide variety of family forms, historical and contemporary.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design)General Education Social Science Requirement

Interested in Sociology?  Visit the Department of Sociology »

URBNST 0518-7510  Smart Cities: Frontiers in Urban Analytics & Big Data
Instructor: Chihuangji (Herbert) Wang
Class Size: 25 students
Frequency: Spring / Summer 6-WEEK-2 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

The growing importance of big data and urban analytics are contributing to cities becoming 'smarter'. Smart city planning requires creating data structures and methods of framework to gather, store, and analyze information that can inform planning practices and policymaking.

This course will outline the frontiers in urban data science, including the ethical and analytical considerations that underpin the smart city paradigm. Students will gain practical experience with analyzing, modelling, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data using R and RStudio. 

The course is designed to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds, and while no prerequisites are required some familiarity with statistical methods and coding is beneficial. The course emphasizes a geographical perspective in addressing urban topics (including infrastructure, transportation, and sustainability), empowering students to contribute to future urban planning practices and policymaking.

What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); Certificate - National Preparedness Homeland Security

Interested in Urban Studies?  Visit the Urban Studies Program »


* The following online Communications classes are reserved exclusively for CGS students until April 1st, 2024.     

COMMRC 0300-7510  Communication & Society
Instructor: John Gareis
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer 12-WEEK Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course is an introduction to basic theories, models, and concepts in interpersonal, small group, organizational and intercultural communication.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); Certificate - Communication; General Education Requirement for Oral & Professional Communication and Social Science

Interested in Communication courses?  Visit the Department of Communication »

COMMRC 0320-7510 Mass Communication & Society
Instructor: Joshua Beatty
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer 6-WEEK-2 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of mass communication research and to the history and development of various media (TV., Radio, newspapers, magazines, etc.).


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Media & Professional Communication BA core course, Liberal Studies BA (self design); Certificate - Communication, Corporate/ Community Relations, Digital Media, and Writing for the Professions; General Education Requirement for The Arts, Oral & Professional Communication, and Historical Analysis

Interested in Communication courses?  Visit the Department of Communication »

COMMRC 0530-7510  Interpersonal Communication
Instructor: Katherine Margolis
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer 6-WEEK-1 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to theories and models of human communication in the face-to-face communication context.  Focus of learning is on skill development; lecture, discussion, and practice of communication skills are used to facilitate student learning.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design) and Health Services BA Community Health Assessment Track; Certificate - Communication; General Education Requirement for Oral & Professional Communication

Interested in Communication courses?  Visit the Department of Communication »

COMMRC 1102-7510  Organizational Communication
Instructor: Katherine Margolis
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Fall / Spring / Summer 6-WEEK-2 Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 
Students in this course are provided with an overview of the relationship between communication and organizing processes. The course emphasizes theories, principles, and concepts of organizational communication.  Students learn to analyze the communication which occurs in organizations to recognize sources of communication breakdown and develop an awareness of strategies for prevention and/or resolution of communication on breakdown.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design); Health Services BA Managing Health Services Programs and Projects Track, Media & Professional Communication Corporate/ Community Relations Track; Certificate - Corporate/ Community Relations and Managing Health Services Programs & Projects; General Education Requirement for Oral & Professional Communication 

Interested in Communication courses?  Visit the Department of Communication »

COMMRC 1122-7510  Media Criticism
Instructor: Meredith Guthrie / Josh Beaty
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Summer 6-WEEK-1 Session / Fall / Spring  
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 
This course is designed to introduce students to major trends in media criticism (e.g., Psychoanalysis, genre analysis, feminist theory, and cultural studies). Course readings and discussions will focus on television tests. 


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design) and Media & Professional Communication BA Digital Media Track; Certificate - Communication and Digital Media; General Education Requirement for Diversity and  Writing

Interested in Communication courses?  Visit the Department of Communication »

COMMRC 1181-7510  Health Communication
Instructor: Ellen Cohn
Class size: 20 students
Frequency: Summer 12-WEEK Session
Class Format: Web / Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings)
 
(Formally COMMRC 1730) This course provides a broad introduction to the emerging field of health communication. Students will become cognizant of some of the critical issues in health-related interactions. Using texts and examples of clinical discourse, the course will examine theories of health communication, including scholarship on provider-client communication, intercultural health care, models of illness, and alternative health practices. Students will have opportunities to conduct their own analysis reflecting on current health communication practices.


What does this course count for in CGS: Major - Liberal Studies BA (self design) and Media & Professional Communication Corporate/ Community Relations Track elective; Health Services BA core course; Certificates - Community Health Assessment and Managing Health Services

Interested in Communication courses?  Visit the Department of Communication »