This writing and reading intensive course is a general introduction to the critical perspectives and theories that enliven contemporary cultural studies with attention to various schools of 20th and 21st-century criticism, critical applications, and critical terminology. Theories covered include: Marxism, Psychoanalytic criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Feminist literary studies, Gender studies, Queer studies, Critical Race studies, Post-colonialism, New Historicism, Cultural studies, and Postmodernism. More broadly, this course explores current studies of literature and culture, examining the practices and values of literary and cultural scholars, students, and teachers in order to gain an understanding of the tradition and norms that have emerged from those practices and values, and finally, to consider which of those trends are most valuable for future critical endeavors in the field of cultural studies.

College Success Seminar provides the foundation for an informed and meaningful college experience. In the seminar, students discover how their individual capacities position them for the attainment of their goals within the academic community of the college. The course broadens understanding of key concepts common to integrative learning within higher education settings, particularly focusing on the ways multiple academic disciplines can improve success in applied careers. It empowers students to become informed users of information as well as engage in research and planning for subsequent courses. Students in this course will consider the ways various learning opportunities relate to one another and to the individual's personal, academic, and career goals. College Seminar fosters the self-awareness and intellectual perspective that are the hallmarks of well-educated persons and lifelong, engaged learners. For students in the AA General Studies program, this course will also guide students in developing their twenty credit academic concentration within the associate degree.

In this course, students will investigate research methods relevant to the behavioral sciences. Topics will include the scientific method, research ethics, behavioral measurement, experimental and nonexperimental research design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Students will apply knowledge of research design, ethics, scientific writing, and APA formatting to propose a viable empirical study to address a practical problem.

Many problems in today?s society are complex with no simple method of solving them. The goal of this final general education course is to explore complex themes related to the human experience by making connections across multiple academic disciplines. Several topics will be offered each term and all sections will provide students with the opportunity to hone their research, writing, and presentation skills. Students will use advanced problem-solving skills and methodologies to reflect on the section?s topic, collaborate with peers, and investigate solutions using interdisciplinary research and analysis.