First-Year Seminars
First-Year Seminars are small, one-credit hour, elective courses. They offer distinct ways for freshmen to complement their studies.
Seminars are taught by some of the finest scholars in the college and represent the full range of the liberal arts and sciences disciplines. These seminars expose students to a variety of opportunities within the college and may include introductions to majors, career development, current research and special topics.
Fall 2008
AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES
AFR 191: Mapping the African Diaspora Section (87126)
Diaspora: Dispersal of people from the homeland. This freshman seminar course will help students develop a basic understanding of the concept of “diaspora” and an understanding of the breadth and depth of the discipline of Africana studies. We will sample a range of diasporic subjects through lectures, guest lecturers, discussion and films (if possible) so that students have an opportunity to learn how scholars use the tools of their academic disciplines along with interdisciplinary resources to study diasporic issues that range from specific local concerns to broad global perspectives.
Instructor: Stanlie James Tuesday, 12 - 1:15 p.m. (First nine weeks of the semester)
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN STUDIES
APA 191: Freshman Seminar Section (80346)
In this seminar, students will explore introductory concepts related to the education and identity of Asian Pacific Americans. We will also consider issues of identity and education for the growing population of individuals from mixed-racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Instructor: Kathryn Nakagawa Tuesday, 12 - 1:15 p.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
ENGLISH
ENG 191: Great Shorts Section (87246)
This course will introduce a variety of contemporary short stories, poems and brief works of nonfiction. Their only commonality is that they are all excellent "reads," meant to provide you with a sense of the diversity of creative writing being produced in the English language today. You will also be writing your own “great shorts” as a major component of the course work.
Instructor: Amisha Patel Tuesday, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
ENG 191: The N-word: An Anatomy Lesson Section (86934)
It shows up in childhood rhymes and ditties, in minstrel songs and commercial advertisements. It is euphemized, buried in mock funerals, and bleeped from video and audio public broadcasts. Responding to one critic’s challenge “to create an environment for dialogue about the word’s purposes and problems,” this course offers an opportunity to dissect the single word described as “easily the most inflammatory, shocking and historic word in the English language.” Our examination will consider the word’s “continually shifting use” through the discourse of American race relations.
Instructor: Neal Lester Monday, 2 - 3:15 p.m.
SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES
GPH 191: Weather Disaster Section (74685)
We will be examining weather-related disasters, in particular the science behind them (e.g., what causes them), the stories about them (e.g., survival and death), and the oddities in them (e.g., tornado chicken-plucking and frozen people). We will talk about such natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and hail.
Instructor: Randy Cerveny Friday 11:50 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
SCHOOL OF GLOBAL STUDIES
SGS 191: Global Think Tank Section (85264)
The point of the course is to offer an intellectual orientation and introduction to the School of Global Studies. The main idea is to bring together student and faculty scholars to examine and study some of the most important real world issues that affect the globe.
Instructor: Staff Thursday, 10:30 - 11:20 a.m.
HUGH DOWNS SCHOOL OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION
COM 191: Being a Successful Communications Student Section (87087)
This course explores the concepts at the cutting edge of research in the field of human communication. Specifically, the course addresses the topic “Why Communication Matters” for students who plan to major in the field and become intelligent consumers and producers of communication to enrich their lives.
Instructor: Angela Trethewey Monday, 12:40 - 1:55 p.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
COM 191: Being a Successful Communications Student Section (87091)
This course explores the concepts at the cutting edge of research in the field of human communication. Specifically, the course addresses the topic “Why Communication Matters” for students who plan to major in the field and become intelligent consumers and producers of communication to enrich their lives.
Instructor: Angela Trethewey Monday, 2 - 3:15 p.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
COM 191: Being a Successful Communications Student Section (87092)
This course explores the concepts at the cutting edge of research in the field of human communication. Specifically, the course addresses the topic “Why Communication Matters” for students who plan to major in the field and become intelligent consumers and producers of communication to enrich their lives.
Instructor: Bud Goodall Monday, 12:45 - 2 p.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
COM 191: Communication and Changing the Culture of College Drinking Section (87586)
This seminar examines the role of communication in creating and perpetuating the misperception of dangerous college drinking as the norm on college campuses. Emphasis will be placed on examination of the nature of communication, its role in creating and reifying images of college drinking, and the ways in which to change the culture away from one in which excessive drinking is believed to be inevitable. Attention will be paid to the peer pressure of misperceptions and strategies for safe and healthy choices in drinking-related decision making.
Instructor: Linda Lederman Tuesday, 9 - 10:15 a.m. (First 10 weeks of the semester)
SCHOOL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGE
ASB 191: Indigenous Health Sciences and Human Rights Section (87378)
Why are indigenous peoples throughout Latin America (and the world) suffering from preventable infectious diseases? Why have international organizations and governments failed to protect this basic human right in these populations? In this class we will address these questions using a hands-on experiential approach to learning, film and presentations by individuals working on the relationship between basic research on indigenous health in Latin America and human rights.
Instructors: Ana Magdelena Hurtado Wednesday, 11:50 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL LETTERS AND CULTURES
SLC 191: Russian Terrorists Kill the Tsar Section (74408)
Many of the aims and methods of the modern terrorists we face follow precedents set by the Russian “People’s Will” party of radical socialists who publicly sentenced Russian Tsar Alexander II (1818-1991) to death, and then, after several failed attempts, killed him with a grenade on March 1, 1881. Ironically, this assassination was carried out on a Tsar committed to reforms including the emancipation of the serfs and assent to a constitutional form of government. The young people who carried out this act of terrorism are a very interesting group of people. Soviet writer Jurii Trifonos, in his novel about the assassination, called them the “Impatient Ones.” In this course, we will study these “impatient ones,” the man they killed, and the culture they wanted to transform.
Instructor: Lee Croft Friday, 11:50 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
SPA 191: Adventures in Spanish and Portuguese Section (87836)
This freshman seminar focuses on studies in Spanish and Portuguese. It will also explore the range of career possibilities available to students who earn a degree or certificate in one of these languages. A number of renowned professors will share their interest and expertise to help students understand the content of courses on peninsular, Latin American and Mexican American literature and culture, as well as linguistics and Portuguese. This experience will be complemented by visits from academic advisors, who will address career possibilities ranging from academia to the professions, including those afforded by the certificate in translation.
Instructor: Cynthia Tompkins Monday, 2 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
SCHOOL OF JUSTICE AND SOCIAL INQUIRY
JUS 191: Sexuality and Social Justice Section (75279)
Drawing on case studies including public school sexual health education and gay/straight alliance student clubs, we will discuss how young people learn about sexuality. How do music and other forms of popular culture shape the way we understand sexuality? What responsibility do schools have in helping students learn about sexuality? How has the state tried to regulate sexuality? How have social movements attempted to change how we think about sexuality?
Instructor: Madelaine Adelman Thursday, 3 – 3:50 p.m.
KINESIOLOGY
KIN 191: Directions of Kinesiology Section (84763)
This seminar will introduce students to current topics being pursued in the fields of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor development, and psychology of exercise and sport.
Instructor: Lawrence Mandarino Thursday, 4:40 – 5:30 p.m.
SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES
BIO 191: Species, Systematic Biology and Society Section (80463)
Systematic biologists estimate that while only 10 percent of the species living on earth have been discovered, the biodiversity crisis threatens many of them with imminent extinction. This seminar examines the central concepts of systematic biology and the role it plays in science and society.
Instructor: Quentin Wheeler Thursday, 4:40 – 5:40 p.m.
BIO 191: Genes and Behavior Section (72123)
What determines the behavior of animals? Is it nature or is it nurture? How does behavior evolve? This seminar will look at the evolution of behavior by exploring current controversies and debates in biology. We look from the perspective of the selfish gene manipulating organisms for their own reproductive benefits where we become their “robots.” We look at behavior as genetically determined versus molded by the environment. Do we have free will or are we just slaves to our genes and our environment?
Instructors: Robert Page and Katherine O’Clair Wednesday, 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., BA 390
CLS 191: Solving Mysteries in Medical Science Section (72719)
Typically when a patient has certain symptoms of disease, the physician evaluates a wide array of test results to determine the correct diagnosis and potential treatment. This seminar will provide a basic understanding of diagnostic testing performed in the clinical laboratory and present various diseases using the case study approach to solve the cause of the disease.
Instructor: Diana Mass Wednesday, 11:50 a.m. – 12:40 p.m., LSE 204
MIC 191: Impact of Microbes Section (76249)
This course introduces the world and diversity of microorganisms. Each week we discuss a chapter in “Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life on Earth.” We consider the means by which groups of microbes do their thing in unique environments and how we might use these talents to better the earth and our lives. Topics range from the origin of life, cleaning up toxic wastes, epidemic disease, and genetic engineering to the role of microbes in generation of hurricanes and global warming.
Instructor: Roy Curtiss Tuesday, Noon - 1 p.m., LSA L1-11
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
MAT 194: Hollywood Mathematics Section (75860)
A look at the use of mathematics in TV shows and movies, in particular the relevance of mathematical concepts in the planning, scripting, animation, editing and rating of movies.
Instructor: TBD Wednesday, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. (First nine weeks of the semester)
PHILOSOPHY
PHI 191: Justice, Fairness, and the Foundation of Political Authority Section (77183)
In this seminar, we will read and discuss several Platonic dialogues. These will include "Euthypro," "Apology," and "Crito." We will also read Martin Luther King’s, "Letters from a Birmingham Jail" and Robert Paul Wolf’s, "In Defense of Anarchism" and other selected readings. Topics to be discussed include the nature and foundation of morality, the authority of the state and the source of that authority, and whether civil disobedience is ever justifiable. We will also discuss the nature of the Socratic Method and whether it is a valuable way of advancing our understanding of others and the world in which we live.
Instructor: Jack Nelson Wednesday, 10:45 – 11:35 a.m.
PHI 191: On Truth
This seminar is primarily concerned with questions regarding the nature and importance of truth. We will also be concerned with methods of discovering truth. In discussing these topics we will read Harry Frankfurt's, “On Bullshit and On Truth,” selected readings from Michael P. Lynch's, “The Nature of Truth” and Thomas S. Kuhn's, “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.”
Instructor: Cecilea Mun Section (87497): Monday, 10:45 – 11:35 a.m., Coor 3301
Section (87498): Tuesday, 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Section (87499): Thursday, 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
PHYSICS
PHY 191: The Physical Science of Life Section (77263)
The grand challenge scientific question of the 21st century is to understand life - how does it function, how does it regulate itself, how life develops and grows, what is its energy source, and how does it terminate. Rapid progress is being made on these questions and this course will examine life and how we can understand it from the viewpoint of the physical sciences, primarily physics and chemistry. The course will synthesize what we now know and look forward to in the future. Connections will be developed between wellness, growth, disease, birth and death.
Instructor: Otto Sankey Monday, 4:10 – 5 p.m.
PHY 191 The Big World of Nano Section (87479)
We are in the middle of a "Nanoscale Revolution," with research, development, educational and outreach efforts occurring at a frenetic pace in many countries around the world. This course will survey a collection of contemporary issues and problems relating to nanoscale science and technology, including: methods for imaging and manipulating nanoscale objects, novel properties, and emerging applications such as sensors, drug delivery and molecular electronics.
Instructor: Robert Nemanich Monday, 4:10 – 5 p.m.
PSYCHOLOGY
PGS 191: Adaptation and Engagement Section (87028)
Explores psychological research and theory that might promote understanding of how students adapt to university life and become engaged in it. Students will consider how concepts such as stress, coping, social support, person-environment fit, and other concepts might inform a personalized plan for success at ASU.
Instructor: Manuel Barrera Tuesday, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
PGS 191: The American Family as Seen on TV Section (87060)
Examines the contemporary American Family from three perspectives: portrayals on TV, findings in the research literature and students’ own experiences. Students will explore similarities and differences among all three perspectives. Requirements include readings, class presentation, attendance and an exam.
Instructor: William Fabricius Monday, 9:40 - 10:30 a.m.
PGS 191: Motivation of the Mind Section (87029)
Focuses on theories of motivation in academic settings. Questions to be addressed include: What choice do people have about their behavior? What causes a person to persist or give up? Students will apply theories of motivation to everyday life.
Instructor: Christa S. Lynch Tuesday, 1:40 - 2:55 p.m.
PGS 191: Resilience in Everyday Life Section (87027)
This course examines the latest scientific evidence to understand how factors that contribute to resilience in individuals and communities can be developed and applied to the challenges of daily life. Lecture, discussion, and diary-keeping activities.
Instructor: Mary Davis and Morris Okun Thursday, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
PGS 191: The Science of Everyday Life Section (77121)
This course examines examples of fun scientific research and explores how to think scientifically about relevant everyday phenomena with an emphasis in the area of Perceptual Psychology. Course material will include readings from a popular science book. "The Velocity of Honey: More Science of Everyday Life" (2006), by Jay Ingram, in tandem with corresponding research articles, principally ones by Professor McBeath. Topics span the areas of sports, evolution, perceptual illusions, robotics and ESP.
Instructor: Michael McBeath Wednesday, 9:40 – 10:30 a.m.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
REL 191: Native American Creation Stories: The Beginning, Histories and the Future Section (80374)
This course focuses on American Indian narratives that describe the beginnings of reality, the effect such stories have on the peoples' historical experience, and their importance for how the peoples might think about the future. The course will be comparative, assessing the experience of four peoples: the Wabanaki of the Canadian-American Northeast, the Iroquoians of upper New York state, the HoChunk of Wisconsin and Nebraska, and the Pomo peoples of north-central California.
Instructor: Kenneth Morrison Monday, 2 – 2:50 p.m.
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DYNAMICS
FAS 191: Understanding the Family Dynamic Through Literature and Film Section (74300)
This course will examine different values, roles, and patterns of family living portrayed in literature, novels and films. The emphasis will be on group discussion in a small group settings with students clarifying their own thinking about their expectations, hopes and values.
Instructor: Denise Bodman Tuesday, 3 – 3:50 p.m.
FAS 191: Children in a Changing World Section (87598)
An exploration of how a changing world affects children and their development. Through discussion, activities and reflection, students will learn about the ways in which social and technological changes influence children's lives.
Instructor: Richard Fabes Tuesday,Thursday, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. (First three weeks of the semester)
FAS 191: Meet the Family Section (87600)
This course will explore the influence of family on a student’s choice of major and the career options that are most likely to motivate them to be successful.
Instructor: Bethany Van Vleet Friday, 2 - 3:15 p.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
FAS 191: Your Career in a “Helping Field” Section (87601)
This course will explore career options for those desiring to enter a "helping" field. It will focus specifically on research and practice-oriented fields in the social sciences (psychology, sociology, family studies, social work, etc.). Students can expect to participate in self-exploration exercises, to learn from and be connected with professionals in fields of interest, and to learn how to orient their college experiences toward building skill sets appropriate to their career goals.
Instructor: Heidi Haggas Tuesday, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. (First six weeks of the semester)
SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCE
SHS 191: Hearing, Deafness, and Cochlear Implants Section (77886)
This seminar provides a basic introduction to hearing and some of the effects of hearing loss on the perception of sound. It explores new technology designed to provide a sense of hearing to those who are deaf or profoundly hearing impaired, primarily in the context of the award-winning scientific memoir by Michael Chorost, "Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human."
Instructor: Sid Bacon Wednesday, 4:10 - 5 p.m.
TRANSBORDER CHICANA/O AND LATINA/O STUDIES
TCL 191: Introduction to Transborder Studies Section (72386)
It is a brief and summary analysis of the latest ideas and methods concerning the manner in which human populations have created and transgressed political and cultural borders of the Southwest North American region. The instructor will be using and providing his book, "Border Visions."
Instructor: Carlos Velez-Ibanez Monday, 9 – 10:00 a.m.
WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES
WST 191: All About Feminism Section (86801)
Informal discussions on feminism, women’s studies, and women’s various places in American society. Please note: This is a film-based class, so it will meet for three hours a week for five weeks.
Instructor: Mary Margaret Fonow Monday, 4:40 – 7:30 p.m. (First five weeks of the semester)
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