CCAF GEM Program

CO 1110—Oral Communication
This course introduces students to the theories and principles of oral communication by focusing on effective public speaking and listening. Students learn to select and research topics, organize information, choose appropriate oral and nonverbal language, and orally present ideas to classmates.

WR 1010—Writing in the Liberal Arts and Sciences I
The goals of this course are, first, to develop the students’ critical and analytical thinking skills in the context of a sound rhetorical approach to written communication; and, second, to instill a fundamental sensitivity to and facility with language. Areas of study include the nature of the writing process, situation and audience, problem definition, invention techniques, thesis statements, organization, drafting, revisions, and the fundamentals of editing. Assignments follow thematic sequences leading students from experience‐based, issue-oriented arguments to the essentials of formal academic research. This course is offered every semester and is required of all students to meet institutional graduation requirements.

WR 1020—Writing in the Liberal Arts and Sciences II
The goal of this course is to teach academic research as a tool for critical thinking that provides the basis for well-developed arguments. This course requires synthesis, analysis, and application of information through writing in a variety of rhetorical forms for a variety of audiences. Students are asked to research and discuss a variety of social issues through the use of selected readings from modern essayists and the available library resources. This course is offered every semester and is required of all students to meet institutional graduation requirements. Writing in the Liberal Arts and Sciences I. Students must earn a grade of C or better to fulfill the College Writing requirement.

MT 1020—College Algebra
This course is designed for students who need additional preparation for

MT 1510—Pre-Calculus
The course will focus on the application of algebra to real world problems including introductory algebra topics such as: factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations, graphing linear, quadratic, and other polynomial functions, rational functions, and solving systems of equations. Emphasis will be on conceptual understanding, learning in context, and solving real world problems using graphical, symbolic, and numeric representations.

MT 1100—Quantitative Reasoning
The goal of this course is to develop students’ ability to think critically about quantitative statements and information. In this course, students will have opportunities to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of numerical evidence and logical arguments, to apply mathematical methods in the context of real-world problems, and to study and employ strategies and methods for how to manipulate, understand, analyze, and interpret quantitative information. Students who do not need to take a higher-level mathematics course should find this an interesting way of meeting the Quantitative Literacy requirement. Students who do not need to take a higher-level mathematics course should find this an interesting way of meeting the Quantitative Literacy requirement.

PS 1000—Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination
In overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination, we will examine the forces that promote unity, theories and concepts related to prejudice and discrimination, and specific strategies to reduce conflict and promote respect and understanding among diverse populations. This course was created as a collaborative effort of faculty in criminal justice, education, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology, and has a strong applied (project‐based) component.

PS 1110—Introduction to Psychology
A survey course in the fundamentals of psychology. A wide range of topics are covered such as the biological bases of behavior, learning, motivation, human development across the lifespan, emotion, cognition, intelligence, personality, social interaction, abnormal behavior, methods of therapy, and stress and adjustment.

SO 1110—Introduction to Sociology
This course introduces students to the dynamic and varied discipline of sociology. It provides an overview of major concepts, perspectives, and methods used in sociological inquiry. Students are encouraged to look at society and its institutions in new ways, and to identify and challenge social injustice.

PL 1100—Making Sense of the World: Philosophy, Literature and Democracy
With today’s emphasis on scientific and technological knowledge, it is often easy to neglect or even dismiss the vital role of the humanities in helping us to interpret and understand the experiences that define the human condition by providing us with a context for ethical and moral reflection and deliberation.
With a focus on two key areas within the humanities, philosophy and literature, this course examines one of the most important struggles in the course of human development and history: the struggle to achieve a more just society and world. Bringing together works from both disciplines, readings will chart the development of our democratic ideals, demonstrating the role of philosophy and literature in shaping our most important ideas of human dignity and justice.

EN 1930—Survey of American Literature
A survey of the works of major writers of literature and literary movements in America. Beginning with Native American voices, this course will progress through the 18th and 19th centuries to modern times. Though this course focuses on the major writers and movements, it does not ignore the importance of some unrecognized voices that have shaped American literature.