Spring 2013 Course Descriptions
ACC3308C
Cost Accounting 4 cr. An examination of the manufacturing function from the view of the cost accountant. Managerial control of the elements of product costs will be studied with an emphasis on cost accumulation systems, both historical and estimated. Topics covered will include standard (estimated) costs, variance analysis, profit planning, cost-volume-profit analysis, and relevant cost analysis for problem solving. Prerequisite: BUS 2203.
ACC 4406
Advanced Accounting 4 cr.
This course examines and analyzes complex accounting topics not previously covered in Intermediate Accounting. Topics covered include: organization, structure, aims and process used by the FASB; basics of consolidated financial statements; current value accounting; basics of consolidated financial statements; accounting for not-for-profit organizations; governmental accounting; and other topics current in the field of accounting. Prerequisite: ACC 3304.
BIO 3009
Environment, Ecology and Society 4 cr.
The course engages students to inquire the linkages between ecological systems, human systems and human perturbations of natural ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on applied environmental issues that currently confront the planet. Students will also discuss the process of biological/ecological inquiry and the nature of science. This course will acquaint students with some of the social, economic, political, and ethical aspects of environmental problems following an introduction to the basic principles of ecology - the study of the interactions among organisms and their physical environment. The future of our society depends on whether Homo sapiens can learn to live in harmony with the global ecosystem so that it can support civilization. Knowing how the world ecosystem works permits more than knowledgeable participation in the great decisions of our day. Consideration will be given to alternative ways of organizing our society in accordance with sound ecological principles. Students will read several topical papers and conduct a semester-long investigation on an approved topic. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core (pending approval).
BUS 2205
Principles of Marketing 4 cr.
The marketing course introduces marketing as a functional area of a business enterprise. You will study numerous marketing concepts and functions, including the marketing concept, the marketing mix, buyer behavior, market segmentation, product position, and marketing research, all within a global context. Prerequisites: BUS 1100, BUS 0091, BUS 0092, BUS 0093.
BUS 2220
Operations Management 4 cr.
The course is designed to provide students majoring in business administration with an overview of the concepts, methodologies, and applications of operations management (OM). The focus of operations in the process of converting or transforming resources into products and services. The principal responsibilities of operations managers lie in making sound, cost-effective decisions that increase the productivity and competitiveness of both manufacturing and service organizations. The process of planning, implementing and monitoring the production allows operations managers to continuously improve in providing high quality goods and services at low cost thereby adding more value for the customer. Prerequisites: BUS 1100, BUS 0091, BUS 0092, BUS 0093, BUS 2203 & BUS 2213. Fulfills X in LS Core.
BUS 4402
Strategic Analysis and Decision Making 4 cr.
BUS 4402 is a capstone course that exposes students to issues that concern the firm as a whole. Through the use of “real-world” case studies and sophisticated practitioner journal articles, students will be called upon to grapple with such strategic issues as sizing up an organization’s standing in the marketplace, differentiating between winning and mediocre strategies, and spotting ways to improve a company’s strategy execution. In this course student teams will meet with the teaching team one hour per week to discuss their analysis of the assigned readings and cases. Prerequisite: BUS 3302. Fulfills X in LS Core.
ECO 1201
An Introduction to Economics 4 cr.
This course is an introduction to how people in society confront the economic problem; i.e., how societies provision themselves. Stress is given to how markets work. Topics include supply and demand analysis, consumer choice theory, cost functions, market structures and aggregate economic relationships. Prerequisite: MTH 1000 or placing out of MTH 1000 on Math placement test. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core.
ENG 1050 (Also offered as WRT 1050)
Introduction to College Writing 4 cr.
Introduction to the rhetorical practices of college-level writing. Emphasizes the interaction of writer, audience, language, purpose, and situation. Fosters an understanding of the ways in which writing, thinking, and learning are related. Sections limited to 15 students each. Intensive concentration during the semester on the student’s own writing examined in class and in conference with the instructor. Satisfies the Institutional requirement in first-year writing. Fulfills FYW in LS Core. Equivalent to WRT 1050. Cannot be taken in addition to WRT 1050. Does not count toward English major or minor.
HIS 1120
History of Western Civilization II 4 cr.
This course examines the major events and developments in European history since about 1600, with particular emphasis upon the political context, the causes and implications of social and economic change, and cultural evolution. This course is not open to students who have received credit for World Civilization II. Satisfies a Humanities distribution requirement. Fulfills H in LS Core.
HSC1104
Introduction to Human Disease 4 cr.
The course will offer an introduction to human disease appropriate for students of all majors. The human body is a masterpiece of art. The more one understands the functioning of the body, the greater appreciation one has for it. Disease states, the body’s natural attempts to right what is wrong and the compensatory actions involved will be discussed. The general mechanisms of disease as well as specific body systems will be discussed from a human-interest point of view. The course focuses on basic medical concepts that are useful to every student and encourages them to become a medical advocate for themselves or for family members. It is so important to understand doctors and your health care plan, to be able to ask important questions, and to know what questions to ask. In addition, the course will cover many diseases that are ‘in the news’ and allow the student to gain some knowledge and insight into the myths and facts surrounding these diseases. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core.
HSS2224C
Leadership in Non-Profits 4 cr.
Students explore issues of personality and individual style within organizations, as they begin to formulate a personal leadership philosophy. Management and leadership definitions, philosophies and concepts are compared and applied to the workplace. The evolving role of the leader is differentiated from traditional management roles - while the effects of the organization’s culture, processes and paradigms on leadership are explored. Leadership issues of vision, influence, empowerment and inspiration are compared to management skills and processes.
MGT 3310
Organizational Behavior 4 cr.
This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed through the Business Enterprise core courses. The course will focus on individual and group level organizational behavior within domestic and international contexts, with specific emphasis on leadership, power, communication, negotiation, organizational change and self-managed team processes. This course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of behavioral theories and provide them with opportunities to apply that learning to inter-personal, group and organizational problems. This is an experiential course and it is recommended for students planning to apply to graduate school in business or related areas. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission. Fulfills X in LS Core.
MGT 3325
Ethics and Social Responsibility 4 cr. Ethics and Social Responsibility provides students with opportunities to examine the meaning of business ethics and the social responsibility of business in light of the numerous high profile challenges that managers face in the current business environment. Varying ethical approaches will be applied to ethical leadership and the management of conflicting values confronting business leaders on a daily basis. The more global issue of balancing principles of good business with principles of ethical behavior in various cultures will be discussed. Students will participate in a significant service-learning project in this course. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission. Fulfills E and X in LS Core.
MTH 1003
Introductory Mathematics for Business 4 cr.
A one-semester course designed to develop algebraic and quantitative problem-solving skills. Students will use algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as matrices and fundamental concepts of probability to solve applied problems selected primarily from the field of business. This course is not open to students who have credit for any math course numbered MTH 1115 or higher. Fulfills Q in LS Core.
PHL 1000
Introduction to Philosophy 4 cr.
A first course in philosophy focusing on classic questions that have stirred the perennial human quest for wisdom. We will explore such questions as: Are humans free or determined? How do the mind and body interact? Is ethics just relative to each person or society? Should there be any limits to the political freedom of citizens? Does God exist? The course will introduce students to the methods and culture of philosophy: sympathetic understanding, critical analysis, fair argumentation, and a persistent desire to know the truth whatever it is. The focus and questions covered will be determined by each instructor. Fulfills PHL in LS Core.
PHL 2420
Asian Philosophy 4 cr.
A philosophical examination of the most influential traditional wisdoms of Asia: Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, and Islamic. Considers the systems of value that emerge from such classics as the Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Analects, Tao Te Ching, and the Tao Te Ching. Clarifies these Eastern systems, where appropriate, by comparing and contrasting them with the value systems of western philosophical and religious traditions. Prerequisite: PHL 1000. Satisfies a second institutional requirement in Philosophy if needed or a Humanities distribution requirement. Fulfills D in LS Core.
POL 1500
Comparative Politics 4 cr.
An introduction to the field of comparative government, this course examines a variety of national approaches to common political problems, such as those of who rules, of how much power is reserved for the government, of how power is transferred, of how decisions are made and who is consulted, of how the government can gain popular support, and of what goals society should pursue. Several Western, Marxist, and Third World government systems will be examined in an historical context. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core.
PSY 2110
Statistical Methods in Psychology 4 cr.
Introduction to analysis of data in psychology. Emphasis on the logic, use, and interpretation of inferential statistics, including the following: correlation and regression, single-sample and two-sample t-tests, analysis of variance and chi square. Prerequisite: PSY1100W, MTH1000 or placing out of MTH1000 on the math placement test. Fulfills Q in LS Core.
PSY 3410
Adult Psychopathology 4 cr.
Examination of basic issues in psychopathology. Focus on description, etiology and treatment of neurosis, character disorder, and psychosis from varying theoretical and clinical perspectives. Prerequisite: PSY1000. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core. .
RTS1100
Christianity in Context 4 cr.
As an introduction to Christianity, this course will investigate a number of the “contexts” in which it began, in which it developed, and in which we find it today. Students will study Christianity in the historical contexts within the ancient world and of ancient Judaism, in the literary contexts of the Christian Bible and its interpretation, in the intellectual context of church history, and in contemporary global contexts. In keeping with the College’s Augustinian identity, mission, and vision, this course will also highlight the contributions of St. Augustine. Satisfies the first institutional requirement in religious and theological studies. Fulfills RTS in LS Core.
RTS 2000
Hinduism 4 cr.
An introductory study of Hinduism that examines cultural, historical, moral, and symbolic aspects of Hinduism, including the origins of Hindu culture, iconography, ritual and the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. Uses primary and secondary sources as well as fiction and videos. Analyzes excerpts from Rig-Veda, the Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita as well as a complete abridged version of the Ramayana. Fiction explores questions regarding Hindu culture before and during the Hindu diaspora, bringing in issues of contemporary Hinduism, inside and outside of India. Satisfies the second institutional requirement in religious and theological studies. Fulfills D in LS Core.
SOC 3060
White Collar Crime 4 cr.
The purpose of this course is to examine various topics and issues related to criminal, deviant and other harmful behaviors committed for economic advantage by both individuals and organizations in the business sector. How do we define white collar crime? How prevalent is white collar crime? What are the sources and motivations of white collar criminal behavior? What are the social and economic costs to local and national communities? How effective are the sanctions utilized to deter and control individual and corporate crimes? How is corporate crime related to governmental crimes and organized crime? Some attention will be given to the international dimensions of this phenomenon as well as to corporate crimes that have affected the Merrimack Valley region. Prerequisite: SOC 1001 or consent of the instructor. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core.
SOC 4300
Social Class in America 4 cr.
The social class structure in America is examined in terms of differences in wealth, prestige, and power. What explanations have been given for the existence of social classes? How have sociologists studied social class differences in the United States? How important are these differences for our day to day lives? What changes in our social class structure can we expect in the future? Prerequisite: SOC 1001 or consent of the instructor. Required for majors and minors. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core.
WRT3700WC
Special Topics in Writing: Travel Writing 4 cr.
This course is designed to introduce students to the art and craft of travel writing. The course will focus on story development, structure, characters, dialogue and style appropriate for travel writing. Additionally the course will focus on the technologies that are a necessary element of all good travel writing. Finally, students will learn how to publish travel writing. Satisfies a Humanities distribution requirement or the Institutional Writing Intensive Requirement. Fulfills W in LS Core.