This course teaches students the basic writing skills needed for college success, including grammar and composition. Students practice sentence construction (in the context of short writing assignments), paragraph construction, and the organization of ideas. They build on these basic skills by planning, writing, and revising short essays and experiencing writing as a multi-step process. The course also teaches several types of, purposes of, and audiences for general essays. Required for the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

Students develop critical thinking skills in writing, reading, and speaking through the context of multiple points of view about cultural identities. Prerequisite: C- or better in SLA100 or score of 8 or higher on essay portion of SAT or ACT. Required for the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.

Component of first year experience; incorporates academic strategies and orientation to college life and resources. Fall and spring semesters. Corequisite: SLA100 or SLA101. 1 credit.

An exploration of the foundational roles of faith and spirituality in human growth and development and in the shaping of human cultures. Opportunity to engage with the spiritual traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This course is strongly recommended for the first semester of enrollment. Fall and spring semesters, J-Term. 3 credits. Fee.

A capstone seminar which provides students an opportunity to examine personal values in relationship to society. Students reflect on their discipline, pursuit of knowledge, and personal life philosophy. Seniors only. Fall, spring and summer, J-Term. 3 credits.

This course introduces students to major themes in American history such as cultural diversity, democracy, and economic growth. Also covers historical analysis, research methods, and a variety of social studies disciplines as they are used in history. 3 credits.

An introduction to geographic thought with emphasis on the importance of geographical factors in history and politics. Spring semester. 3 credits.

Introduction to critical thinking and research skills related to historical inquiry through the lens of the study of the ancient past. Study of ancient societies in the Near East and Europe and the major themes and questions related to them, emphasizing the development of social groups, gender expectations and perceptions, early economies, political organization, and all aspects of developing culture. In combination with SHY226, counts toward ancient Western Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall semester. 3 credits.

Examines the causes of the Civil War and the war itself, and concludes with the Reconstruction era. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. 3 credits.

Survey of the history and culture of the West beginning with the fall of the western Roman empire to the Renaissance (c. 400-1400). Explores the development of society, economics, and culture with additional emphasis on issues related to gender and religious life. Students develop their research, writing, and critical thinking skills through materials and student/teacher interaction. In combination with SHY120, counts toward ancient Western Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Spring semester. 3 credits.

After the disaster of the Black Death, Europe recovered but also reformed itself. The major developments of this period included the recovery of ancient learning and new artistic expression, division in Western Christianity, the growing power of the state, and the expansion of Europe as part of a new world system. This course examines the lives of ordinary Europeans as well as rulers. In combination with SHY327, counts toward modern Western Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Writing Intensive course. Prerequisite: SHY106. Fall semester. 3 credits.

Explores the major themes and questions in Europe from the French Revolutionary period to the twenty-first century. The roles of gender, class, and the relationship of evolving culture to society are key connections. In combination with SHY325, counts toward modern Western Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Prerequisite: SHY325. Spring semester. 3 credits.

Covers American and early United States history from the Revolutionary era through the Era of Good Feelings (1763 to 1820). The course explores the formation of and challenges to constitutional government, including the growth of republicanism, federalism, and Jeffersonian democracy. Regional and cultural conflicts are central themes of this course. Satisfies the U.S. Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Prerequisite: SHY103 or SLA101. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.

Students read historical works related to the course theme and go through the steps of developing and carrying out a research project in a topic related to the course theme. Prerequisite: 6 credits upper-level SHY coursework. Spring semester. 3 credits.

By arrangement. Repeatable for credit. Permission required. Variable credit.

Lesson planning for the teacher of elementary social studies, based on Pennsylvania Academic Standards, is stressed. Instructional techniques for the teaching of history, geography, civics, and economics to diverse learners receive major focus. Focus is on professionals and professional organizations, the use of curricular materials and technology, and inclusion strategies for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Field experience is a required component of this course. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Prerequisite: SED202. Spring semester. 3 credits.

Lesson planning for the teaching of citizenship education, based on the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, is stressed in this class. Instructional techniques for the teaching of history, geography, civics, and economics to diverse learners receive major focus. Exposure to professionals and professional organizations, the use of curricular materials and technology, and discussion of ethical behavior and classroom management complete course. Corequisite: SED304. Prerequisite: SED201. Fall semester, even-numbered years. 3 credits.

This is a companion course for all secondary methods courses. In this early field experience, pre-service students work with secondary content specialist teachers in area schools for one day per week per term. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Corequisite: SED222, SED314, SED319, SED320, or SED323. Pass/Fail only. Fall and spring semesters. 1 credit. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

During the Gilded Age and Progressive Eras (1877-1920) the United States recovered from the sectional strife of civil war only to face the demands of rapid industrialization and class division. Robber barons, populists, reformers, labor radicals, and street urchins all make appearances in this period. Course approaches the era topically, with short assignments designed to encourage historical thinking and information fluency. Prerequisite: SHY103 or SLA201. Spring semester, ADP session 3. 3 credits.

A survey of the politics, events, and individuals involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, focusing on the post-Second World War era. May be taken as Political Science elective. Satisfies the U.S. Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Upper level students only. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. 3 credits.

This course explores a variety of selected topics in American history, from the era of Progressivism to the present day. Students explore topics or time periods in depth, master interpretations of the topic or era, and use primary sources and historical works to carry out guided research. Prerequisite: SHY103 or SLA201. Spring semester, even-numbered years. Repeatable for credit. Satisfies the U.S. Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. 3 credits.

The enduring legacy of the 1960’s; the sixties as an historic period of culmination in U.S. politics; movements, ideologies, and pressures of the social and political movements of that era. Satisfies the U. S. Cultures requirement of Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall semester, even-numbered years. 3 credits.

World War II transformed all world relationships in just over a decade. This course traces the rise of prewar tensions and of expansionistic pressures, followed by in-depth discussion of the political, social, and military consequences of war. The course will give particular attention to state violence against civilians, especially the Holocaust or German-instigated murder of European Jews. Fall semester. Offered online. 3 credits.

An overview of the cultural, political, and economic history of the African continent. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. 3 credits.

Survey begins with Peter the Great and continues through the break-up of the Soviet Union. Emphasis on research and writing. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Spring semester. 3 credits.

Traces the development of Mexican society and culture from pre- Colombian times to the present. Presents both a chronological and a thematic approach, dealing especially with the clash of cultures in Mexican history. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. J-term. 3 credits. Fee.

This course focuses on the multifaceted dimensions of the modern Middle East, beginning with an historical overview of the ancient and medieval periods preceding it. The course examines the complex religious, cultural, and economic characteristics of the three major regions of the Middle East, and researches the roots of Middle Eastern tensions today. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

Surveys the political, economic, social, and cultural development of Latin America from the beginning of the independence period to the present. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.

This course introduces students to major themes in American history such as cultural diversity, democracy, and economic growth. Also covers historical analysis, research methods, and a variety of social studies disciplines as they are used in history. 3 credits.

An introduction to geographic thought with emphasis on the importance of geographical factors in history and politics. Spring semester. 3 credits.

After the disaster of the Black Death, Europe recovered but also reformed itself. The major developments of this period included the recovery of ancient learning and new artistic expression, division in Western Christianity, the growing power of the state, and the expansion of Europe as part of a new world system. This course examines the lives of ordinary Europeans as well as rulers. In combination with SHY327, counts toward modern Western Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Writing Intensive course. Prerequisite: SHY106. Fall semester. 3 credits.

Covers American and early United States history from the Revolutionary era through the Era of Good Feelings (1763 to 1820). The course explores the formation of and challenges to constitutional government, including the growth of republicanism, federalism, and Jeffersonian democracy. Regional and cultural conflicts are central themes of this course. Satisfies the U.S. Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Prerequisite: SHY103 or SLA101. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.

World War II transformed all world relationships in just over a decade. This course traces the rise of prewar tensions and of expansionistic pressures, followed by in-depth discussion of the political, social, and military consequences of war. The course will give particular attention to state violence against civilians, especially the Holocaust or German-instigated murder of European Jews. Fall semester. Offered online. 3 credits.

Places the Holocaust and other cases of genocide in comparative historical and cultural context. Investigates factors that cause genocide, the use of survivor testimony in documenting genocide, and the role of the international community in responding to acts of genocide. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. ADP session 3. 3 credits.

Students will learn teaching methodologies for presenting Holocaust history and information to achieve a variety of objectives. Master’s program session 6. Offered online. Prerequisite: SED201 or equivalent. Permission required. 3 credits.

This course is offered to students who minor in Genocide and Holocaust Studies to complement campus events, address specialized areas of study, and promote study away from campus. ADP session 4. 1-3 credits. Repeatable for credit.

By arrangement. Repeatable for credit. Permission required. Variable credit.

A study of Christianity’s origins within Judaism, its gradual separation from and increasingly polemical stance toward its ‘mother religion’, and the return to a position of mutual respect and dialogue between the traditions since Vatican II. Offered as needed. Offered online. 3 credits.