Summer 2021 Online Core Course Initiative Cohort

College of Arts & Sciences

PHIL 220: Asian Philosophy (Core D1)

Geoff AshtonCourse Instructor: Geoffrey Ashton, Associate Professor

This course examines the historical development and contemporary debates of some of the main philosophical traditions of Asia. The topics include metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions raised in Hindu, Buddhist, Daoist and Confucianist philosophies. References will also be made to the larger cultural and political issues that are relevant in these traditions today.

PHIL 240: Ethics (Core D3)

Nick LeonardCourse Instructor: Nick Leonard, Assistant Professor

This course critically analyzes ethical arguments and various positions on contemporary ethical issues. The course will be composed of three focus areas: Ethical Theory, Social Issues, and Ethics of Everyday life. Approximately one-third of the course will be devoted to each area.

POLS 100: Introduction to Politics — Ideas and Institutions (Core E)

Elisabeth Jay FriedmanJeffrey PallerCourse Instructors: Elisabeth Jay Friedman, Professor; Jeffrey Paller, Associate Professor

This course is part of a two-semester sequence designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the study and practice of politics. We will investigate individual and collective political beliefs in conjunction with political practices, noting that frequently the two do not cohere to one another. Collective political beliefs are frequently known as ideology; where does ideology come from and how does it function in different locations? The course will also provide an introduction to international and domestic political institutions. Institutions become the framework for solving political dilemmas, yet invariably these institutional frameworks are good at dealing with some issues and dynamics, but less capable at dealing with others. How do political institutions in various places assist and hinder the political process? Besides examining the US system, students will be introduced to the varied ideas about and practices of democracy in other countries. Students will use the methods of comparative political analysis to develop expertise in one country. Throughout the semester, students will engage in debates representing the complexities of world politics, as well as engage in deeper study of pressing contemporary issues.

SOC 150: Introduction to Sociology (Core E)

Stephanie SearsCourse Instructor: Stephanie Sears, Associate Professor

This course introduces students to the basic concepts, theories, and methods in sociology. It surveys such issues as: culture, socialization, family, social inequality, race and ethnicity, sexism, deviance, and social change.

School of Management

BUS 304: Management & Organizational Dynamics (Business Core)

Courtney MastersonThomas MaierCourse Instructors: Courtney Masterson, Associate Professor; Tom Maier, Associate Professor

Covers the theory and practice of management and organizational dynamics with emphasis on meeting the challenges of a changing work place environment. Topics include: the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling and the study of personal and group behavior in organizations. Course themes are: diversity in the work place, globalization, ethics and social responsiveness, changing technology and effective management of these challenges.