Courses

BIO 241: Biological Data Analysis

Biologists use data to understand life. This course will introduce you to the kinds of data biologists collect, how they summarize those data, and how they use statistics to interpret data and tell a biological story. We will explore data using the computer tools that biologists use, and you will analyze data by writing code. You will work with real biological datasets and questions as you explore summary statistics, common statistical tests in biology, and graphical representations of biological data.

CHEM 102: Forensic Science

Asynchronous
Hilary Gaudet

In this course, students will learn the basics of forensic science. Topics will include criminal justice; crime scene investigations; microscopes; human remains identification; autopsy and the role of the medical examiner; forensic anthropology; forensic entomology; analysis of organic material; analysis of hair, fiber and botanical materials; forensic toxicology ; forensic serology; DNA analysis; fingerprints; forensic properties of glass and soil evidence; firearms, ballistics, tool marks and arson; handwriting analysis and computer forensics.

CHEM 198: Digital Dilemmas: Exploring Ethics in AI and Computing

Asynchronous
Nicholas Almeder

Explore the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that arise from modern computing. This course covers foundational theories in ethics, specific case studies in technology, and the impact of computing decisions on society. Students will engage in discussions about privacy, algorithmic bias, digital rights, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The course aims to foster critical thinking skills and encourage responsible behavior in a technology-driven world.

CW 150: Foundation of Creative Writing

Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Kent Shaw

In this introductory creative writing workshop, we will read contemporary short fiction, poetry, and one-act plays with a focus on the rich myriad of writers whose works sometimes defy category altogether. Writing exercises will offer parameters that help you to develop your voice and content, but will not initially pre-determine form. Attention to language and ingenuity of expression will help you to push out of what playwright Mac Wellman refers to as the “already known” as you write your way to a developing aesthetic and form that suits what you want to say.

EDUC 260: Teaching & Learning

Monday–Friday
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Katie Volk

Teaching and Learning focuses on the intersection of theory and educational practice. Through readings, discussions and field experiences, students will examine their beliefs as well as myths and metaphors related to teaching and learning. Students will be introduced to state and national standards, debates about teacher effectiveness and evaluation, and components of the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers. Students will develop equity mindsets that promote culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. The course is designed to provide students with foundational concepts, and skills, needed to be successful in the classroom. The course reviews theories of development in light of learning theories and principles of teaching. Factors affecting development, teaching and learning will be examined, including health, family, race, culture, and SES. Questions will be raised as to “who owns learning.” NOTE: This course emphasizes reflection and is not a “methods” course emphasizing technical writing. It is a course for those who are seriously interested in grappling with questions about teaching and learning.

ENG 101: Writing for Freedom

Asynchronous
Ada Thomas

Frederick Douglass wrote “liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist.” We often think of writing as an exercise in constraint. Yet, throughout history, writers have written their way to freedom—for themselves and for their communities. Writing requires structure, but it also entails liberation. In this course, we will investigate the manner in which writing paves the way to freedom once we harness the power of our unique voices, and develop the skills to effectively convey knowledge in different contexts. Students will develop skills in expository, analytical, and argumentative writing, as well as narrative writing. Class sessions will incorporate writing workshops and peer review sessions. We will supplement our work by reading “freedom texts” from a variety of genres, and discussing language, power, and identity as they inform writing.

FNMS 298: Health Ethics in Film and Pop Culture

Monday–Friday
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Amanda Gray

Film and pop culture can inform – and misinform – controversial issues in health ethics. This course explores health ethics topics depicted in popular films and other pop culture media, including abortion, biomedical research, end-of-life care, euthanasia, genetics, public health, and the patient-healthcare provider relationship. In addition to popular box office films, we will explore various pop culture media including documentaries, sci-fi television shows, medical dramas, literature, and music.

GER 241: Kafka and the Kafkaesque

Asynchronous
Laura Bohn Case

This course examines Kafka’s life and major works in the historical and social context of early-20th-century Central Europe. Central themes are: generational conflicts, the function of humor and parody in his writings, modernity in and as crisis, the figure of the outsider as well as the “foreign,” the eccentric, the illogical, the uncanny–the Kafkaesque. Several film adaptations that attempt to visualize Kafka’s imaginative depths will also be studied.

GER 341: Kafka and the Kafkaesque

Asynchronous
Laura Bohn Case

This course examines Kafka’s life and major works in the historical and social context of early-20th-century Central Europe. Major themes are: generational conflicts, the function of humor and parody in his writings, modernity in and as crisis, the figure of the outsider as well as the “foreign, the eccentric, the illogical, the uncanny”, or simply the Kafkaesque. Several film adaptations that attempt to visualize Kafka’s imaginative depths will also be studied. Taught in GERMAN.

HISP 101: Introductory Spanish I

Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Montse Perez

A course conducted by intensive oral method for students with no preparation in the language. Its goal is to provide introductory knowledge of Spanish while developing the fundamental skills: understanding, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness. By completing this course students will be ready for taking HISP 102 Introductory Spanish II.

HIST 198: Introduction to Public History

Asynchronous
Dana Polanichka

From national parks to documentary films, archives to podcasts, museums to video games, social activism to historical reenactment, and much, much more—“public history” encompasses all forms of history that happen outside the classroom. This course explores debates, best practices, and careers in the growing field of public history. Assignments will allow students to focus on media, historical periods and topics, regions, and careers of their choosing. This is an ideal course for anyone who loves history but does not necessarily want to become a teacher.

MGMT 278: Jump Start Your Career Search in Business

Asynchronous
Leanna Lawter

This course will help students master the building blocks for a successful internship or job search. The course will cover self-presentation (resume and cover letter tactics and LinkedIn) researching industries and companies, networking, and the interview and selection process. Students who complete the course will have a strong understanding of the job search process and an action plan to conduct a successful job search.

MGMT 298: Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Asynchronous
Tammi Redd

This course is an intensive, short-term course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to start and grow a business. The bootcamp will focus on providing practical experience in designing a business model canvas, conducting market research, and identifying funding strategies. Students will identify a business idea or concept and develop a competition-quality pitch to present virtually before a panel of local entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business professionals. By networking with and receiving feedback from peers and practicing entrepreneurs, students are given the opportunity to enhance their entrepreneurial mindset by developing valuable networking skills. Interested students will be encouraged to submit their final business pitch to a regional competition in the spring.

MGMT 388: Business Internship for Credit

Asynchronous
C.C. Chapman

A business internship is an experiential learning opportunity where you can practice the skills and expertise you have acquired in your classes in a real-world environment. An internship for academic credit allows you to grow professionally and personally by using your internship as a platform for developing learning objectives and reflecting on how you have (or have not) accomplished those learning objectives. This course focuses on guiding your learning in your internship to promote reflection and further your understanding of how our liberal arts and business education are valuable tools in your future career.

MUSC 208: Songwriting

Asynchronous
Del Case

An introduction to the processes, materials, and aesthetic issues involved in creating and analyzing songs within the post-1960 folk/singer-songwriter traditions. Coursework will include both creative and analytical assignments. The course will culminate in a public performance and the recording of a studio demo. Enrollment by permission of instructor.

NURS 200: Fundamentals of Nursing and Health Assessment

Monday–Friday
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Marianne Williams

Fundamentals of Nursing and Health Assessment introduces the student to the clinical skills and assessment techniques necessary to provide care to patients across the lifespan. This course provides an introduction to nursing and the roles of the nurse. Concepts related to nursing care are integrated throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, high-quality care. The laboratory and simulation center will afford practical experience in the application of the principles and skills taught in the theory portion of this class. Students will be expected to demonstrate beginning competency in the application of the nursing process, nursing skills, and physical examination. Variations in nursing care for individuals of different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds will be explored.

REL 162: Perspectives on Death and Dying

Asynchronous
Laurie Cozad

Study of the grief process. Exploration of cross-cultural rituals surrounding death and speculation from various religions on immortality, resurrection and reincarnation. Investigation of end-of-life moral questions.

RUSS 298: Russian and Ukraine

Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In February of 2022, Russia invaded neighbor Ukraine, an internationally-recognized separate country since 1991. Vladimir Putin argued that Ukraine was culturally the same as Russia, and had always been a part of Russia. He also claimed that his attack would be a mere strategic strike limited to a few Eastern portions of Ukraine. All three of these statements are false. How and why? Let us look into the culture and history of this complicated relationship.

THEA 102: Public Speaking

Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Jennifer Madden

Public Speaking will help students achieve greater confidence and expertise as communicators while further developing their unique voice and style. We will examine all aspects of the communication process: how to compose effective, interesting speeches, establish meaningful connections with audiences of any size and utilize the critical art of persuasive speaking. Students will engage in debates, mock interviews, conflict resolution exercises, and deliver various presentations, ranging from informal to formal. By the end of this course, students will be able to speak with increased ease and deliver engaging, informative presentations to various audiences.

WGS 102: Introduction to LGBT+ Studies

Asynchronous
Monica Rey

Sexuality is an important part of human life and society, but despite claims that we were all “born this way,” its meanings and social significance have changed over the course of history. This class offers an introduction to that history, looking at the rise of sexuality-based classifications in law and medicine, the development of sexual identity politics, and the intersections of sexuality with gender, race/ethnicity, and class. We will examine the history of social movements for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other minority gender/sexuality groups’ rights, and we will ask how that history shapes LGBT+ politics in the U.S. today.