Fredonia Foundations Classes By Themes

American History / American Fictions (ENGL 124)
Students will explore, through literature, primary historical texts, and/or other genres and media, central U.S. myths and cultural narratives. Individual sections will examine particular themes chosen by the instructor.

American History / Foundations of Social Justice (ETHN 202)
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in the study and practice of social justice in American society, historically and at present, and in comparative global perspective. The course can include social justice topics as related to: racism; classism; religious oppression; sexism; heterosexism; transgender oppression; ableism; ageism; and environmentalism. The course will also engage students in the process of putting thought into practice by introducing various research methodologies such as quantitative, qualitative, and cultural studies approaches. Students will explore the course concepts, coupled with research methodologies, to identify and analyze social problems and to use information to formulate and engage in problem-solving strategies for social change. 

American History / American Pasts (HIST 170)
American Pasts is a critical examination of a narrative of American History. The focus of the course will vary semester to semester, but this course will help students develop an understanding of American History by analyzing sources and events from different perspectives. Refer to the History Department website for specific topics/focus.

American History / Law and Society (POLI 276)
Examination of basic concepts of law, and how these have changed over time; and of the interrelationships of American law to the social settings in which it is made, and which it in turn influences.

American History / Understanding the Law (POLI 277)
An examination of Anglo-American legal principles based upon the analysis of court cases and hypothetical fact situations. The range of topics covered includes criminal law and procedure, legal remedies, torts, and contracts. The course highlights the historical development of these principles and values that are explored through simulations and structured debates.

American History / Foundations of Social Justice (WGST 202)
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in the study and practice of social justice in American society, historically and at present, and in comparative global perspective. The course can include social justice topics as related to: racism; classism; religious oppression; sexism; heterosexism; transgender oppression; ableism; ageism; and environmentalism. The course will also engage students in the process of putting thought into practice by introducing various research methodologies such as quantitative, qualitative, and cultural studies approaches. Students will explore the course concepts, coupled with research methodologies, to identify and analyze social problems and to use information to formulate and engage in problem-solving strategies for social change. 

Arts / Music Appreciation (MUS 115)
Introduction to music in a wide range of styles and historical/cultural contexts: materials of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, musical structure and design, and musical style); various performance media. Major composers of each musical epoch discussed, musical examples listened to in class. Covers 19th century Romanticism; medieval, renaissance, and baroque music; the 20th century, popular and world music, jazz and Modernism.

Arts / What Makes Music Great? (MUS 280)
Much of the critical discourse about music centers on separating the “great” from the average. This is a course about greatness in music. In it we will discuss the mythologies and commonly perceived criteria that define cultural importance or technical greatness in music. We will look for common rhetoric across many different genres and will deal with popular images of music in film and criticism, the technical parameters of “great” music, and the interpretation of music.

Humanities / Fundamentals of Communication (COMM 101)
The course provides a broad introduction to the field of communication focusing on both interpersonal and mediated communication. The course goal is to help one think critically about everyday interactions and to "discover" the degree in which the content and forms of communication contribute to creating meaning, and shaping personal and social realities. The process of meaning-making will be examined to help one become a more effective communicator, especially in situations where communicators experience "difference" with others within and across cultures.

Humanities / Reading Humanity (ENGL 144)
Students will explore constructions of humanity and enduring questions about the human experience through inquiry into thematic readings of literature, film, and/or other genres and media.

Humanities / Stage/Screen (ENGL 227)
Through drama or film, students will explore significant questions and issues related to being human.

Humanities / Latinx History & Culture (ETHN 225)
An interdisciplinary approach to historicizing the Latinx experience in U.S. history. The course examines the political and cultural dynamics of Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans, and Dominicans within an historical context sensitive to changes and continuities in American history.

Humanities / Latinx History & Culture (HIST 225)
An interdisciplinary approach to historicizing the Latinx experience in U.S. history. The course examines the political and cultural dynamics of Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans, and Dominicans within an historical context sensitive to changes and continuities in American history.

Humanities / Critical Thinking (PHIL 106)
The course concerns the study and practice of critical thinking through analysis of issues in theoretical philosophy, applied philosophy, and the public sphere more generally. By applying critical thinking skills to controversial issues and dramatic examples, students will engage in careful thought and hone their analytic skills. The primary feature of the course is the consideration of an abundance of issues, examples, and applications from philosophy and everyday life, ranging from human nature to the courtroom and political debate, and from advertising to current moral and social issues.

Humanitites / Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 115)
Discussion of some central problems in philosophy such as the existence of God, the ultimate nature of reality, the conditions for knowledge, the question of free will versus determinism, and the foundations of morality. How should one live? Why would God allow evil? How much can we know about the world around us? Do we have free will? Can we survive death? Such questions are universal and fundamental to all humanity.

Humanitites / Life and Death (PHIL 258)
The class explores fundamental issues relating to life and death. In particular, it looks at what constitutes life and what, if anything, makes life good. It also investigates what constitutes death and whether death is bad. Using these notions, the class then analyzes particular moral issues surrounding life and death, such as the moral status of the following practices: abortion, suicide, euthanasia, capital punishment, and war.

Natural Sciences / Biology, Health and Medicine (BIOL 109)
The course will provide an introduction to human biology and health focusing on genetics (DNA) and biochemistry (proteins). The course will cover the replication and expression of genetic information and the roles of these in diseases. Students will learn about infectious and inherited diseases. The course will cover how scientists have studied diseases and developed treatments for them and what work is currently being done to develop new treatments to disease. The course will have discussions on areas of bioethics.

Natural Sciences / Human Biology (BIOL 110)
Human Biology broadly focuses on biological processes important to humans. Students learn about the organization of tissues and organs in the human body, fundamentals of human genetics, physiological processes like blood clotting, and human evolution. In addition, we delve into the biology of important social issues like science communication, genetically modified organisms, genetic disease markers, and vaccines. An overriding focus on science as a process is a unifying theme throughout the course.

Natural Sciences / Foundations of Biology (BIOL 111)
Intended to develop an understanding of the operation of biological systems and an acquaintance with basic biological concepts and principles.

Natural Sciences / Chemistry and the Environment (CHEM 113)
Basic chemical principles are presented, emphasizing their relationship to environmental problems. The course considers the chemical nature of various substances and their impact on the environment. This course focuses on the processes scientists use and developing critical thinking skills to analyze scientific data and claims.

Natural Sciences / General Chemistry I (CHEM 115)
General Chemistry provides students with an understanding of atomic structure, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, electronic atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding, intermolecular attractions and gas laws. These basic concepts allow one to understand aspects of our everyday life such as how iron rusts, why things dissolve, and how calories are determined in food. The course also introduces some of the most exciting discoveries in science. This course demonstrates how it often takes a collection of scientific analytical data to provide clues to the identity of any unknown, emphasizing the idea that science does not always provide complete and unequivocal answers to all questions at one time. The course also provides context for ways to critically analyze scientific data and theories. General Chemistry is also rich in mathematical problem solving that requires high order thinking and analysis.

Natural Sciences / Blue Planet (GEO 160)
Planet Earth formed as a ball of fire, but now is 70% water. Where did all this water come from? How does it shape our world? This course dives into these questions. We consider the chemical and physical properties of sea water, and how these waters circulate. The oceans represent the heart of our Blue Planet and their effects - waves, tides, shoreline processes, marine biology, and economic impact - play a critical role in our future.

Natural Sciences / Thirsty Planet (GEO 175)
The course investigates ancient and modern water supplies, studies surface and underground watersheds, evaluates risks to water quantity, quality and distribution systems, reviews water law and regulation, and reflects on the role of water resources in war and terror, food and transport, scenery and beauty.

Natural Sciences / Weather and Climate (GEO 180)
Introduction to the transitory and long-term physical, chemical, and dynamic states of the atmosphere, measurement of weather factors, weather forecasting, regional climates, climatic change, weather and climate modification, and practical aspects and applications of weather and climate. 

Natural Sciences / Introduction to Astronomy (PHYS 118)
An introduction to the study of astronomy, from the early historical development of astronomy as a science to our modern understanding of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. The mathematics will be at the level of high school algebra and geometry.

Other World Civ / Global Pasts (HIST 150)
Global Pasts is a critical examination of a narrative of Global History. Subjects and pedagogical methods of instruction will vary from semester to semester, but professors will help students develop an understanding of other world civilizations by analyzing sources and events from different perspectives in one or multiple non-Western societies. Refer to the History Department website for specific topics/focus.

Social Sciences / Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 205)
Study of the organization and functioning of the contemporary American economic system with emphasis on the problems of resource allocation. Topics covered include supply and demand, elasticity, price and output determination in various market situations, competition and public policy, income distribution, and alternative economic systems.

Social Sciences / Psychology and Sociology in Music Education (MUED 251)
Study basic principles of educational psychology and sociology, including learning processes, motivation, communication, and classroom management. Introduction to research-validated instructional strategies for teaching students within the full range of abilities. Study the special education process and state and federal special education laws and regulations. Study of the rights and responsibilities of teachers, staff, students, parents, community members, school administrators, and others with regard to education, and the importance of productive relationships and interactions among the school, home, and community for enhancing student learning.

Social Sciences / Politics in American Life (POLI 120)
We take a critical examination of the American political system through the lens of current and topical controversies. When major issues arise, what areas of the political system become involved, and how do they respond? Who gets to shape the political response? When do social classes or groups have an impact? When are the institutions themselves reshaped by the dynamics of the controversies?

Social Sciences / Foundations in Psychology (PSY 129)
Basic concepts, methods, and points of view in psychology. Specific topics span the range from biological to personal to social determinants of behavior.

Western Civ / Art in Culture: Prehistory to 1400 (ARTH 101)
A chronological survey of art from prehistory to the end of the Middle Ages (c. 1400), with an emphasis on art in the western tradition. The course will focus on the dynamic relationship between artistic form and cultural context.

Western Civ / Great Books (ENGL 221)
In this course, students read a selection of foundational texts from within the Western tradition and its Others. They will learn how to identify, analyze, and evaluate the various claims and concepts elaborated from within it and about it. More specifically, they will gain insights into how the western tradition was formed, how this formation hinged on the inclusion and exclusion of certain (changing) "others,” and how its legacy continues to inform the geocultural and geopolitical present. At the same time students will learn how to differentiate between the various linguistic and cultural singularities that make up the umbrella term “Western Civilization,” thus becoming aware of problems of transmission and translation as well as of the logic of generalization as such. The interdisciplinary focus of the course will moreover allow students to synthesize and integrate these questions within a more widely conceived framework than can be provided within their own respective majors.

Western Civ / Western Pasts (HIST 160)
Western Pasts features history courses which focus on Europe. The focus of the course will vary semester to semester, but this course will help students develop an understanding of Western Civilization by analyzing sources and events from different perspectives. Refer to the History Department website for specific topics/focus.

Western Civ / Social and Political Philosophy (PHIL 265)
The proper form of human association, the just balance of economic, political, and social power, and the nature of the relationship between the state and the individual are explored in the works of prominent historical and contemporary theorists. The course examines the nature of social commitment as viewed by major political philosophies.

American History / Becoming Americans (ENGL 127)
Students will delve into historical and recent American literature, across multiple genres and in relation to multiple institutions and media, that relates to the experience of “becoming Americans.”

American History / American Identities (ENGL 296)
An exploration of the historical construction of American gender, ethnicity/race, and class; their present status; and their literary and cultural representations. Focusing on the intersections between these categories of identity, the course will utilize an interdisciplinary approach, integrating materials from such fields as literary studies, history, gender studies, ethnic studies, geography, sociology, music, and art.

American History / African American Studies (ETHN 206)
Study of the intellectual and social origins of the discipline known as African American Studies. Key concepts, themes, and theories of the discipline will be discussed in the class.

Arts / Musics of the World (MUS 233)
Non-technical introduction to ethnomusicology. Survey of musical styles from around the world emphasizing how music reflects and influences society.

Foreign Language / Essential Arabic (ARBC 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course ARBC 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / American Sign Language (ASL 115)
Introduces the student to three major areas of learning to use a signed language. First, deaf culture is explored. Second, manual communications as a language is surveyed. Third, the practical application of sign language as a method of communication is stressed and practiced. In class and out of class practice is emphasized.

Foreign Language / Essential Chinese (CHNS 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course CHNS 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / Essential French (FREN 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course FREN 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / Intermediate French I (FREN 215)
The course Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural materials will provide cultural awareness and cross cultural proficiency to the students.

Foreign Language / Intermediate French II (FREN 216)
The course Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural materials will provide cultural awareness and cross cultural proficiency to the students.

Foreign Language / Essential German (GERM 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course GERM 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / Essential Italian (ITAL 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course ITAL 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / Essential Russian (RUSS 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course RUSS 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / Essential Spanish (SPAN 110)
Students develop essential communicative skills and cultural awareness necessary in order to interact with people from that culture, whether it is in their home country or in the United States.
In order to take this course, students must have scored a level 2 or 3 in the approved placement test or have taken the introductory course SPAN 100 at Fredonia.

Foreign Language / Intermediate Spanish I (SPAN 215)
The course Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural materials will provide cultural awareness and cross cultural proficiency to the students.

Foreign Language / Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN 216)
The course Increases proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. Further development of vocabulary and grammar. Selected cultural materials will provide cultural awareness and cross cultural proficiency to the students.

Humanities / Social Justice and the Written Word (ENGL 274)
A study of the ways in which writers and others use the written word as a form of social critique and to effect social change.

Humanities / World in Cinema: Special Topics (LANG 180)
With a thematic approach, the course will introduce students to the films of a specific country(ies) and/or culture(s). The films will be analyzed as art objects and serve as a text through which students will learn about the history, beliefs, and socio-political issues affecting the culture(s). Films will be watched in the original version with subtitles in order to expose students to the language in which they were shot. The course can be repeated as its content changes.

Humanities / Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 218)
This class looks at the nature of morality, across and within specific cultures from various parts of the world. Specifically, it looks at the status of moral sentences, what morality is about (right, good, and virtue), and specific moral issues.

Humanities / LGBTQ Literature & American History (WGST 210)
This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of LGBTQ American identities, combining historical and literary analysis and methodologies. We will examine major events, developments, themes, and concepts within LGBTQ American history from the nineteenth-century to the present. Sexual orientation and gender identity will also be examined in relation to other marginalized identity positions and systems of privilege and oppression.

Natural Sciences / Environmental Biology (BIOL 115)
Study of basic relationships between the environment and humans. Discussion of constraints and relationships in nature from points of view of the physical and life sciences and investigation of how people make decisions to utilize the environment as a resource from the viewpoint of the social sciences. Attempts to link natural and social sciences for awareness of multifaceted nature of environmental problems.

Natural Sciences / The Easth As A System (EDU 226)
In today’s world, with increasing global population, shifting climate and a growing demand for raw materials and energy, a basic understanding of the earth as a system is more important than ever. ESS aims to illustrate the interconnectedness and complexities of the planet’s principal subsystems of hydrologic, atmospheric, biologic and geologic processes and their impact on shaping the planet and the lives of humans.

Other World Civ / International Media (COMM 385)
An introduction to the study of international and domestic media systems around the world. Students will understand and appreciate how different countries and cultures use the media in unique ways and learn of different systems of ownership, financing, regulation, and programming. Key international media issues will also be discussed. Media examples (primarily films) will be used to show how cultures are portrayed by their media. 

Other World Civ / Global Perspectives (ENGL 167)
Study of a range of world literature, across multiple genres, that relates to the experience of the process of “Border Crossings.”

Other World Civ / Global Perspectives (HIST 152)
Global Perspectives focuses on the history of non-Western regions of the world. Subjects and pedagogical methods of instruction will vary from semester to semester, but professors will help students develop an understanding of other world civilizations by using a global and multicultural perspective, focusing on long-term processes and individual patterns via case studies drawn from Africa, the Americas, and Eurasia. Refer to the History Department website for specific topics/focus.

Other World Civ / Democracy Across Societies (POLI 241)
This course focuses on how we compare different societies from a political perspective. Issues such as economic development, political system, government structure, representation, political culture, and state capacity are discussed by examining in greater depth particular country cases from both the industrialized and developing world as well as those with different degrees of democratic practice and values.

Other World Civ / Our Populated Planet (SOC 230)
An introduction to social demography, the course provides an overview of the three basic demographic processes: fertility, mortality, and migration. It evaluates the relationships among these population processes and their interaction with population structures and characteristics, such as age, sex, marital status, race/ethnicity, social class and religion. It also examines contemporary social issues associated with the population processes, including equality, aging, urbanization, women and household structure, economic development and environmental concerns.

Other World Civ / Economics in global History (SSED 205)
The course provides an introduction to micro- and macroeconomic concepts and global economic history with a special emphasis on the ability to weave those basic tools of analysis into the presentation of a narrative of global history.

Social Sciences / Transnational Crime (CRMJ 250)
This course will examine the topic of transnational crime in our globalized world. Students will be introduced to various types of transnational crimes including drug trafficking, stolen property, counterfeiting, human trafficking, fraud and cyber-crime, commercial vices, extortion and racketeering, money laundering and corruption, and international terrorism.

Social Sciences / World Affairs (POLI 150)
Studies key reasons for how and why countries behave as they do in international politics taking into account the world diversity in politics, cultures, historic trajectories and different levels of economic development. International Relations and Political Science theories and the research methods in the Social Sciences are applied to enhance the understanding of complex global issues such as human rights violations, ethnic conflict, large migration flows, environmental decay, human insecurity, and terrorism with an emphasis on world’s increasing interdependence.

Social Sciences / Sport in Diverse Societies (SPMG 230)
This course examines the philosophical and sociological foundations of sport in a global society. Through lecture, small and large group discussions, film, personal reflection, and research, students will explore the cultural contributions, challenges and outcomes diverse populations have provided to global sport. Students will be challenged to reflect upon how sport has been influenced by various cultures and diverse groups to develop their own personal philosophy and explore current issues in sport through this historical lens.

Western Civ / Spanish Civilization/Culture (LANG 188)
A comprehensive introduction to aspects of Spanish civilization and culture: geography, history, social customs, political movements, literature and art. In English.

Western Civ / Science and Civilization (PHYS 205)
A survey of major scientific discoveries, the effect that these discoveries have had on the progress of civilizations, and the relationship between culture, and science.