Spring 2019 Course Schedule - Updated Hourly

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Public Health

PH 101 - Introduction to Public Health

This course provides students with the key concepts underlying public health as a system and social endeavor. It will explore pressing public health challenges, including communicable diseases, environmental health, social inequalities in health, health care, public responses to emergencies, and reduction of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and violence.

PH 201 - Introduction to Epidemiology

Consent of instructor required. Students will learn and apply basic concepts of epidemiology, using collaborative learning through project activities, case students, peer discussion, and independent research. Students will examine the impact of social conditions and identify factors that account for adverse health at the population level, and use epidemiology to promote positive health outcomes.

PH 370 - Internship

Consent of instructor required. Provides a supervised professional experience off campus. Potential sites include clinical settings, community health centers, government agencies, hopsitals, laboratories, and nonprofit organizations. Includes a weekly seminar. Placement is the students' responsibility, with the support of the Career Education Center and the approval of the department. Arrangements should be made with the student's advisor by the end of the junior year.

Philosophy

PHIL 121 - Philosophy of Religion

Explores a cluster of problems and competing perspectives: the nature of religious language, the evidence for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil, the relationship of faith to reason, and the meaning of death in light of differing analyses.

PHIL 122 - Real-Life Logic

A hands-on introduction to the concepts and methods of logic as they apply in real life. Students learn how to use the 'toolbox' of informal logic to think critically about everyday issues, claims, and arguments, and to detect common argument patterns, logical fallacies, and rhetorical devices in daily social and political discourse.

PHIL 130 - Ethics

Focuses on the theoretical approaches to ethics in the classical Western tradition (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Mill) and in multicultural and contemporary perspectives. Topics include theories of the good, moral relativism, concepts of moral obligation, definitions of virtue, and utilitarian philosophy.

PHIL 131 - Biomedical Ethics

Examines moral questions concerning rights and responsibilities in professional biomedical relationships. Includes issues such as truth-telling, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, patient self-determination, reproductive technologies, euthanasia, eugenics, and broader questions of justice in health care.

PHIL 139 - Environmental Ethics

Explores philosophical issues underlying environmental and ecological controversies. Issues include whether the value of a human being is fundamentally different from the value of other living species or of the environment itself, what role consumer goods and services play in a good life, and whether environmental consciousness conflicts with a good life.

PHIL 152 - Philosopy Through Literature and Film

Examines philosophical themes and issues found in major works of literature and film. Based on a realization that meaning and truth arise through reflection upon everyday lived reality, we explore how one lives, struggles, and creates meaning in one's search for identity, wholeness, and truth by examining works of literature and film through various lenses of critical analysis.

PHIL 223 - Philosophy of Diversity

Investigates the nature of social roles in relation to self-understanding. How is identity constituted? What role have race, gender, and sexuality played in traditional philosophy? Are 'race,' 'gender,' and 'sexuality' natural? Does it matter? How do we understand power and privilege? How should identity and public policy, including law, interrelate?

PHIL 243 - Mind, Politics, and Society: 19th Century Philosophy

Discusses philosophy in the 19th century as it struggles with its disenchantment with modern optimism and raises new questions about political revolution, utopian visions of society, personal despair and human freedom, economic turmoil, control and wealth, and subjectivity and truth. Examines the views of thinkers such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Kierkegaard, and, Nietzsche.

PHIL 350 - Independent Study

Consent of instructor required.

PHIL 355 - Thesis

Consent of instructor required.

Physics

PHYS 105 - Science and Technology in the Everyday World: The Way Things Work

Traces the development of technology, provides insight into the fundamentals of modern science and technology, emphasizes the synergy between the two, and provides practical experience in dealing with real systems and devices found in daily life. Weekly laboratory. Designed for nonmajors.

PHYS 105L - Science and Technology in the Everyday World: The Way Things Work Lab

PHYS 111 - Introductory Physics II

Teaches the fundamentals of physics for students with preparation in algebra and trigonometry. Topics drawn from electricity and magnetism, heat, waves, sound, optics, and modern physics. Three hours of lecture, a three-hour laboratory, and one-hour interactive problem-solving session per week.

PHYS 111L - Introductory Physics II Lab

PHYS 113 - Fundamentals of Physics II

Concentrates on the subjects of electricity, and magnetism and on the concepts of particles and fields. Additional material drawn from kinetic theory, heat, and thermodynamics. Second course in physics for science majors. Three hours of lecture, three-hour laboratory, and one-hour interactive problem-solving session.

PHYS 113L - Fundamentals of Physics II Lab

PHYS 210 - Imaging of Materials

Intended for science majors or physics of materials minors who would like to learn to use an electron microscope and an atomic force microscope to study surface morphology. (Requests to use these microscopes for independent research may be made to the Department of Physics after successful completion of this course.) Three hours of lecture and four hour lab for one-half of the semester.

PHYS 210L - Imaging of Materials Lab

PHYS 305 - Electricity and Magnetism

Examines the fundamental principles of electromagnetic theory through the introduction of Maxwell's equations and discusses electrical and magnetic fields in matter. Stresses applications to contemporary devices.

PHYS 332 - Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure

Covers the wave mechanical treatment of atoms, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, theories of chemical bonding, and molecular structure. Laboratory work comprises spectroscopic and computer modeling studies. Three hours of lecture and a four-hour laboratory per week.

PHYS 332L - Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure Lab

PHYS 333 - Advanced Topics in Modern Physics

Builds on previous work in physics to explore advanced theoretical or experimental topics not covered in other courses. Covers specific topics chosen based on current developments and the interests of the students and faculty involved. Three hours of lecture per week. May be repeated with consent of the Department.

PHYS 370 - Internship

4 or 8 sem. hrs. Provides a supervised professional experience off campus. Placement must be approved by the department. Includes a final oral presentation.

PHYS 390 - Physics Seminar

Required of all physics majors completing PHYS 355 Includes instruction and preparation for technical writing such as a manuscript or senior thesis. Students will prepare and practice several oral presentations, culminating with a seminar on their independent study research open to the entire Simmons community. One hour per week.

Political Science

POLS 101 - Introduction to American Politics

Introduces students to the fundamentals of American government and analyzes important and controversial political issues. Through lecture, discussion, and readings, examines: the Congress, the presidency, the courts, voting behavior, political participation, interest groups, political parties, social movements, civil rights, and civil liberties. A special focus will be on applying theories to current events in American politics.

POLS 102 - Introduction to International Politics

This course introduces students to major topics in international relations: power politics, IR theories of the origins of conflict, war, and cooperation, international trade and markets, international organizations and law, North-South relations, global environmental problems, the commons, globalization, and terrorism. The course will cover contemporary issues in interstate relations.

POLS 104 - Introduction to Comparative Politics

Introduces the study of governments other than the U.S. Countries selected for study include France, Russia, the People's Republic of China, and Egypt. Topics include political culture and socialization, political parties and institutions, the impact of socioeconomic transformations on politics (revolutions, coups d'tat, opposition parties), and the ways regimes respond to challenges.

POLS 168 - Criminal Law

This course investigates crime and punishment in the American Court system. We will explore the function of courts and their role in the legal and criminal justice system. The goal is to introduce students to a broad range of topics on law, courts, and the criminal justice system.

POLS 224 - Human Security: Translationals Issues in a Global World

Examines global security issues involving sub-actors, such as trans-national criminal gangs, terrorist organizations, and transnational issues. This course will focus on the issues of human security, including human trafficking, refugees and stateless peoples, transnational crime, narco-states, piracy, food security, impact of climate change, and threats to public health.

POLS 226 - State and Local Politics

While national politics receives the most media attention, it is actually the lower levels of government that have the greater influence on our daily lives. In demonstrating this influence, this course will specifically focus on the power of state and local government to foster greater social equality in America.

POLS 242 - Colonial & Postcolonial Politics of Africa

Examines political, economic and social development of Africa, with special attention to the legacy of colonialism and the Cold War era and their impact on contemporary national-building projects. Topics include conflict and identity, democracy and development, the state and civil society, military governance, and Africa's role in regional and international politics.

POLS 249 - U.S. Foreign Policy: 1945-Present

Examines the origins of the Cold War in the dramatically altered balance of international forces at the end of World War II. Considers the historic impact of Third World revolutions and the surge toward detente, Also investigate the sudden termination of the Cold War in the Gorbachev era and the emergence of China as an increasingly strong economic, political, and potentially military power.

POLS 350 - Independent Study

Consent of department required. Open to students in political science wishing to do advanced work with a member of the department.

POLS 355 - Thesis

Consent of department required. Required for honors in political science. Includes oral defense with members of the department.

POLS 356 - Feminist International Relations

Analyzes global politics from a feminist and gendered perspective on foreign policies, conduct of war, military, and prospects for development. Explores gender and sexuality in the construction of nationalism and identity, justice for war crimes and human rights abuses, trafficking in persons, resolution of conflict, and terrorism.

POLS 370 - Internship

Consent of department required.

POLS 380 - Fieldwork

Consent of department required.

POLS 556 - Feminist International Relations

Analyzes global politics from a feminist and gendered perspective on foreign policies, conduct of war, military, and prospects for development. Explores gender and sexuality in the construction of nationalism and identity, justice for war crimes and human rights abuses, trafficking in persons, resolution of conflict, and terrorism.

Psychology

PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychological Science

Surveys contemporary approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Covers topics from neurons to neuroses, including perception, memory, social interaction, personality, and mental disorders.

PSYC 201 - Biological Psychology

Considers some of the ways behavior and experience are related to biological processes. Classroom and laboratory topics include brain structure and function, drugs and addiction, brain damage, sleep and consciousness, stress, memory and amnesia, and mental illness. Includes lectures and laboratory sessions.

PSYC 201L - Biological Psyc Lab

PSYC 203 - Research Methods in Psychology

An introduction to methodologies and statistical analyses used in psychological research, including surveys, observation, correlation, and experiments. Lectures and lab activities emphasize critical-thinking in the evaluation of scientific evidence.

PSYC 203L - Research Methods in Psychology Lab

PSYC 220 - The Psychology of Gender

Explores the origins and implications of similarities and differences between women and men. Examines concepts of sex and gender as they relate to social roles, stereotypes, identity, mental health, and sexuality in social and cultural contexts.

PSYC 225 - Special Topics in Psychology

An introduction to a specialized topic within the field of psychology. Offerings will vary. Spring 2019: This course is a survey of the field of sports psychology and all emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social phenomena related to the fields of performance, competition, exercise, and training. We seek in this class to understand the complexity of the psychological experience of an athlete in performance.

PSYC 231 - Abnormal Psychology

Explores the nature and dynamics of psychological disorders including anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and addiction. Emphasizes the issue of individual psychological growth and the interrelationship of normal and abnormal phenomena.

PSYC 232 - Health Psychology

Explores the biological, psychological, and social factors related to health and illness. Includes discussion of the biological factors involved in prevention and treatment; the role of personal factors such as lifestyle choices, stress, addictions, and coping mechanisms; and social factors related to compliance and health care delivery.

PSYC 235 - Developmental Psychology

Considers the theoretical approaches and methodological issues involved in understanding normative development from conception to adolescence. Examines the origins and progression of biological, perceptual, cognitive, social, and emotional systems, as well as the complex interactions among them, via lecture, discussion, demonstration, and observation. Childrearing and education implications are discussed.

PSYC 239 - Psychology of Aging

Focuses on later life and how social forces influence people's experiences with aging. Looks at myths and stereotypes about the aging process, analyzes the mental and physical challenges we face as we age, assessing the continuities and discontinuities in family relationships, and discussing the implications of a growing aging population.

PSYC 243 - Cognitive Psychology

(Previously Memory, Thought, and Language) Examines the mental processes that underlie perception, attention, memory, language, and reasoning from the perspective of psychological theory, experimental findings, and everyday experience.

PSYC 247 - Sensation and Perception

Studies the relationship between the external world and our internal representation of it, the world as we perceive it. Considers the bases of accurate perception, factors contributing to perceptual distortion and disability, the dimensions and processes of consciousness, and the nature of reality.

PSYC 248 - Social Psychology

Examines behavior as it is influenced by other people and social situations. Studies social influence, person perception, interaction, attitude change, and group dynamics.

PSYC 303 - Research in Cognitive Processes

Consent of instructor required. Provides research experience on questions of current interest in attention, memory, thinking, or other areas of cognitive psychology. Discusses issues of design, analysis, ethics, and written communication of research findings. Includes a laboratory component.

PSYC 303L - Research in Cognitive Processes Lab

PSYC 305 - Upper Level Research in Child Development

A survey of the tools psychologists use to investigate age-related changes in developmental processes cognition, emotion, behavior, or relationships. Topics include measurement, research design (e.g., experiments, quasi-experiments, and observations), and the communication of research findings. Both practical and ethical issues related to the use of children as research participants are also discussed. Includes a laboratory component.

PSYC 305L - Research in Child Development Lab

PSYC 331 - Seminar in Clinical Psychology

Consent of instructor required. Introduces the role of the clinician, diagnostic assessment, psychological treatment, and clinical research. Considers psychotherapy as a mode of treatment for disordered behavior.

PSYC 345 - History & Systems of Psychology

Consent of instructor required. Normally open only to seniors. Addresses the intellectual history of controversial themes that cut across the psychology curriculum, such as mind vs. body, nature vs. nurture, and normal vs. abnormal. Challenging readings reveal the basis for our modern theories and practices, highlighting the connections between other courses in the major.

PSYC 350 - Independent Study

Consent of instructor required.

PSYC 355 - Thesis

Consent of department required.

PSYC 380 - Fieldwork in a Psychological Setting

Consent of instructor required. Provides staff-supervised experience to seniors in a variety of service and research settings. Involves exposure to activities such as counseling, psychological testing, special education, human resources, interviewing, psychotherapy, and laboratory research.

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