CSC 107: Explorations in Agent-Based Modeling with Mark Goadrich
Ever wonder how birds can fly in formation without a leader? How traffic jams occur even without an accident? This spring, consider taking CSC 107: Explorations in Agent-Based Modeling. The course explores how computers and mathematics can be used to model these complex systems through the simple behavior of agents and their interactions over time. Dr. Mark Goadrich will lead students in an examination of the mathematical properties that emerge from these agents and network interactions and discover some underlying mechanisms common across many fields. You will see that one way to understand a system is to use a computer to model and simulate possible outcomes.
As a bonus, this course will also count as mathematics core! There are no prerequisites or computer programming experience expected. After taking this course, your outlook will change regarding the interconnected world, and you will notice small changes in behavior that could potentially have a large impact on the whole system.
ART/COMM 451: Topics in Multimedia Design with Jessica Hawkins
Would you like to expand your skills in print and web design? Did you enjoy COMM 251 and 351? If you answered yes, you should take COMM/ART 451: Topics on Multimedia Design. You will gain problem-solving experiences as you engage in all steps of the design process. Topics in Multimedia Design will provide a comprehensive experience in the basic concepts, problem-solving situations, and design formats typically associated with the creation of a multi-platform advertising campaign, covering both print and interactive strategies.
The projects produced in COMM/ART 451 will be guided by the skill and interests of the individual student, building strong portfolio pieces that reflect your post-graduation goals. Professor Jessica Hawkins will lead students through the challenging and exciting design process as you build your portfolio. It is a perfect opportunity to expand your creativity while solving real-world problems.
REL 340: Religion and Sports with Annie Blazer
If sports, religious views, and the interaction between the two speaks to your interest, the exciting realm of Religion and Sports (REL 340) is the class for you! The course will explore and examine the world of sports and how religious traditions affect them. With Dr. Blazer leading the class, students will scrutinize controversies such as gender and sexuality, sacred wrestling in India, and the role masculinity plays in sports. Sports and religion often converge: Jewish players dominated professional basketball in the 1930’s; the best women’s basketball team in the 1970’s was an all-girls Catholic college; sports stars and religious leaders such as Tim Tebow and Muhammad Ali. Explore these ideas and express your own in this exciting new course this spring!
BIOL/PHIL 290: Bioethics with Chris Ciocchetti
If you would like to think through your position on difficult bioethical issues, consider taking BIOL/PHIL 290: Bioethics, this spring. You will practice moral reasoning by considering cases where society’s views are inconsistent. This course will cover a variety of topics including scientific discoveries, uncertainties, and controversies around abortion, stem cell research, organ transplantation, and distribution of scarce medical resources. If you love to debate, this class is for you.
Bioethics will help you unfold similar ideas and make connections. For example, many people may rush to defend the value of life and the immorality of killing rather than letting someone die when discussing their views on abortion. One would assume that the idea ends with the subject of abortion, but it resurfaces when discussing the distribution of scarce medical resources, ethical research standards in the third world, and development of reproductive technology. This is just one of the many exciting courses being offered next spring, so check out the course offerings online!