Anatomy & Physiology I
JUNIORS OR SENIORS ONLY The lab portion of this course will concentrate on the relationship between anatomical form and function, human physiology, and medical problem solving as an application of anatomy and physiology. The lab portion of the course is intended to challenge students to find anatomical landmarks on a variety of specimens; to increase understanding of respiratory, cardiovascular and muscle physiology; and to think critically about how altered anatomy or physiology results in disease.
Rhetoric and Public Speaking
An introduction to the art of public speaking, focusing primarily on the construction and critique of persuasive discourse. Students study the classical rhetorical tradition as a continuing influence on the contemporary theory and practice of persuasion.
University Physics
This course is the first of a two-semester sequence organized according to the major unifying principles of physics. It is a general study of conservation laws, Newtonian dynamics, and special relativity. The material is presented at the level of elementary calculus. There is one laboratory period per week in addition to classwork. These courses are recommended for all students majoring in the physical sciences or completing the 3+2 engineering program. Co-requisite: MATH 135. Offered Fall semester only. Fulfills NS-L Distribution.
Applied Statistics
An introduction to statistics with emphasis on applications. Topics include the description of data with numerical summaries and graphs, the production of data through sampling and experimental design, techniques of making inferences from data such as confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests for both categorical and quantitative data. The course includes an introduction to computer analysis of data with a statistical computing package.
Eco-pioneers: The Great Work of Their Lives
In our universal search for purpose and meaning, we can all draw inspiration from the stories of great lives lived. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the oldest and most widely read wisdom texts, tells us that we all have a “sacred duty”, born out of our unique qualities and particular circumstances. In this class, we will look at the “sacred duties” of eco-pioneers: practical visionaries whose life work helps us reframe our relationship with nature and develop solutions to our most pressing environmental problems.
Permaculture Design Certific
Students will learn an internationally recognized 80-hr 'hands-on' curriculum on how to design human systems that mimic natural systems, using a minimum of energy and resources, and creating real abundance and social justice. We will discuss and utilize permaculture (ecological design) ethics, principles and practices to design integrated systems. As we learn to read the landscape, we will explore solutions to climate change on the home and community scale. Students will gain empowerment with hands on skills redesigning the campus Permaculture Garden during the practicum.
Ornithology
This course provides students with a basic understanding of avian biology. We learn about the diversity of birds through an exploration of avian evolution, physiology, taxonomy and ecology. Students are expected to become proficient in field identification of Northern New York birds by sight and sound, as well as their natural history. Lab focuses on indoor identification of birds using museum study skins, and outdoor identification of local birds in a variety of habitats by sight and sound. One recommended full-day weekend field trip at the end of the semester.
A Historical Approach to Peace Studies
Why does looking at the past so often lead people to believe that humans are inherently violent and wars are inevitable? How have people used nonviolent means to respond to conflicts and social injustice? What is necessary to create and maintain peace, beyond simply trying to minimize violence? How are animals and the environment relevant to peace for humans? To answer these and other questions, we'll study historical and recent examples of nonviolent activism, movements, and other efforts to promote peace. We'll also examine
Way of the Gods: Shinto in Modern Japan
Shinto or the “Way of the Gods” has long been viewed as the “archaic indigenous religion” of Japan. This course explores how, in fact, Shinto is an invented religion that changed radically throughout modern Japanese history as it evolved from local cults worshipping kami to state Shinto and new religious movements in the pre-war period to its modern guise today as religious organizations independent of state control.
The Cold War
The United States and the Soviet Union were the rival superpowers in the Cold War, but European, African, Asian, and Latin American and Caribbean nations also were enmeshed in the conflict, sometimes in “hot” wars that killed hundreds of thousands of people and devastated communities and natural environments. In class lectures, discussions, and research-based presentations, this course explores answers to such questions as: What caused the Cold War, and could it have been avoided?