General Studies

An intensive grammar and writing course emphasizing mechanics, sentence development, format, and basic paragraph and essay construction. This course is graded Pass/Fail. Previously GNST 0350.

A review of basic written communication techniques in preparation for English Composition (GNST 1040), with emphasis upon grammar, punctuation, thesis development, organization, and the composition of a five-paragraph essay. Exercises provide a review of correct usage and readings illustrate various rhetorical patterns, such as description, narration, comparison, cause/effect, and persuasion. This course is graded Pass/Fail.

A review of elementary mathematics, emphasizing developing number sense and computational skills. Concepts covered include prime factoring; order of operations; calculations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; measurement and capacity conversion; pre-algebra. This course is graded Pass/Fail. Previously GNST 0900.

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

A course in which students learn to communicate quickly and effectively through the medium of the sketch, a graphic means for recording and transmitting a visual experience or mental image. In mastering the fundamentals of line, form, composition, and perspective, students acquire the techniques of a visual language which are useful in many endeavors.

This course provides an overview of costume history in Western culture from ancient civilizations to the present. Students examine cultural, social, and historical events and analyze their effect on the history of costume and apparel, including the influence of historical costume on fashion today. Students develop a broad fashion vocabulary and become familiar with period costume terminology.

A survey of current and emerging computer-based technology with concentrated studies in selected business applications, including word processing, multimedia presentations, the Internet, and electronic spreadsheets.

An exploration of major designers who have had a sustainable impact, in both couture and ready-to-wear, on today's fashion. Students analyze how key figures in fashion design have influenced the styles and trends in line development of each decade since 1850, with emphasis on the last 30 years.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

A survey of textiles from pre-Columbian, Coptic, Sassanian, Persian, Egyptian, and Peruvian through 20th century Art Deco. Emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze pattern development, materials, and constructions from historic periods. Students research how political, social, and environmental factors influence textile patterns. Lecture, field trip.

A practical analysis of the basic components of textiles and their relationship to performance. Students examine the characteristics of fibers, yarns, methods of fabric construction such as weaving and knitting, and survey dyes, prints, and finishes. Emphasis is placed on performance and the determination of fabric suitability in the apparel design industry.

A college-level course that emphasizes mathematical concepts as problem-solving tools. Basic areas of study include: inductive and deductive reasoning, numeration and number theory, set operations, Venn and Euler diagrams, algebraic equations, statistical measures of central tendency, dispersion, and introductory financial mathematics.

Students learn gemstones from their origins in nature to their use in jewelry. Basic identification of natural, imitation, and lab-grown gems and the history and evaluation of diamonds, colored gems, and pearls are covered. Prerequisite: JDSN 1100

This course surveys the styles and functions of jewelry from primitive times to the present. The status, symbolism, and historical significance of jewelry are explored. A context for modern jewelry design is developed from the synthesis of historical and modern styles. Prerequisite: JDSN 1100

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audience's attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

This course explores the science of creativity and emphasizes a psychological and socio-cultural approach. Students analyze and develop their own creative process through a quarter-long design project.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students' capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative research–skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues. Prerequisite: GNST 1040

A survey course which explores film in America as an art form and charts its historical and technical developments. Students explore the social implications of films and view and analyze film technique, costume design, and set decoration. Contemporary and classic films and filmmakers are studied.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Prehistoric Period through the Middle Ages. Included are the social, economic, cultural, political, and religious influences which have prompted or affected the art of each period. Students examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media, with the goal of their being able to recognize, understand, and discuss various art forms in their broader contexts.

Through analysis and research of a range of practical environmental and industrial design problems, students formulate design solutions, articulate the design process, and make presentations.

A course in moral reasoning. By systematically weighing the claims of personal and social responsibility, ethical principles and ideals, and more obligations and rights, students develop a structured approach to the analysis and resolution of complex moral issues. Emphasis is on examining issues from diverse points of view. Written and oral presentations and classroom discussion focus on major contemporary social, legal, and environmental issues, as well as on the role of ethics in business.

An exploration of important developments from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age in the history of decorative arts, architecture and ornaments, interiors and furniture, textiles, products, and graphic design.

This is an introductory survey course in art and mediums of art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture of selected African, Asian, and Mesoamerican cultures. Students are able to view art through its cultural, religious, and historical context by evaluating the different styles that developed through periods of time and geographical areas of the world.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artists' role in society and the effect of society on art.

This course explores and explains the workings of the human body. Students learn how human anatomy functions to support life, how lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs affect the human system, and how disease and aging progress.

This introduction to laboratory investigations in biology is a one-unit course stressing processes common to living organisms. It helps students understand the concepts of scientific thinking and its connection to their lives. Students conduct online activities that simulate in-lab investigations and real-life events. Topics include organic molecules, cell transport systems, photosynthesis, evolution, classification and identification, plant physiology, and ecology.

Through the study of classical economic principles, students develop a framework for analyzing economic variables and their effects on individuals, business organizations, and economics. Using graphs and models, students also explore and apply fundamental economic concepts such as supply and demand, competition and monopoly, and profit maximization.

Students study the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. The relationships between atomic particles and their affect on bonding, chemical reactions, and matter are explored.

A survey of the arts from a variety of origins, both classical and contemporary, with a particular emphasis on a diversity of fine, performing, and applied art forms. Students attend events that explore the following: pictures, sculpture, music, theatre, cinema, dance, architecture, and literature. Students gain an understanding of the different roles associated with these various art forms and critique these art forms through discussion, oral presentations, and essays, integrating their perceptions into their final projects.

This course is an introductory survey of the art and artists influencing and informing the international visual arts of the late modern and contemporary periods. Beginning with Post-War Expressionism and Pop Art, the course covers the diverse movements of the late 20th century, including Feminist art, Minimalism, and Conceptual art. Students examine the art and architecture of the postmodern, post-pop environment of today, paying special attention to new media and modes of expression such as video, installation, and performance art. Students investigate the intersections of fine art and popular culture as well as explore unique voices from the margins that inform visual culture today.

Students study the global economy and the ways in which changing economic conditions shape local, national, and international policy decisions. They apply classical and contemporary economic theory to achieve an understanding of past and current world events in light of the many economic variables that exist.

Independent research in an area of required study. Students work under the supervision of an instructor, with mutually agreeable goals and assignments. Prerequisite: Second-year standing, 3.0 grade point average and permission of the Department Chairperson and supervising instructor.

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nation's rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, America's eventual emergence as the world's only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a professional resume and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.

This global survey traces the quest for independence and prosperity on the part of emerging economies around the world after WWII. The course examines the varying fortunes of countries as they encountered the crucial questions of political organization, state control, and personal freedom from 1945 to the present. It also examines the issue of environmental sustainability in the face of pressures posed by population, industrialization, and consumerism.

This course emphasizes the understanding and application of statistical methodology. Major topics include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, inferences of sampling, means and proportions, measures of central tendency, correlation, regression, hypothesis testing and methods for displaying, describing, and producing data. Technology applications facilitate in-class activities.

This course explores the principles and strategies of effective written professional communication in the context of the global workplace, current and emerging technologies, and contemporary issues. Students apply sound communication, analysis, and research techniques to the composition of a professional bio, memos, formal reports, and other forms of business communication. The connection between skillful communication, critical thinking, and decision-making is also stressed.

A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.

A course in effective organizational communication, with emphasis on advanced oral communication skills, including interviewing. Students examine the dynamics of individual and group communication as preparation for full-scaled, business-specific informative and persuasive speeches, in which they use computer technology, visual aids, and statistical data to enhance the impact and clarity of their presentations.

A General Studies capstone course which explores issues of a diverse society, global realities, ethical business decisions, and civic responsibility through critical analysis, written and oral clarity, quantitative and scientific inquiry, and research and technological skills. Prerequisites: GNST 3020, GNST 3050, GNST 3500