Cluster Courses for 2023–2024 Spring

BirdTok

We combine birding and TikTok by clustering Bird Biology (BIO 120) and Digital Media Essentials (BC/SCSM-150). It is an interdisciplinary approach to learning about Ornithology and social media content creation. Students equipped with their smartphones, binoculars and scopes work as community scientists observing birds while collecting and reporting data. Students also work as TikTok content creators using the platform as community journalists exploring all things avian. They learn by doing while thinking critically about birding and digital media. BIO 120 meets the scientific discovery IP requirement.

Course

Title

Credits

Instructor

Meetings

Location

BIO 120C 01
C: Biology of Birds (SD)
4
Duerr, Kerri
MWF 12:50 PM1:50 PM
HSC 200
SCSM 150C 01
C:Digital Media Essentials
4
Weaver, Bradley
MWF 8:10 AM9:10 AM
MCC 275

 

 

Linking Learning to Living: A Study in the Diversity of Human Learning

This cluster discusses the analysis, comparison, and integration of learning theory applied to teaching and learning practices. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of human learning and includes studies of the various disabilities. Recent research on human learning fields including psychology and the neurosciences is presented. Observed performance of principles learned within the cluster is required through a practicum conducted in diverse settings and other disciplines outside of class hours. The course is required for students majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education, Child and Family Studies, Music Education and Secondary Education minors. Strategies presented can be used in other professions of society; non-majors are welcome.

Course

Title

Credits

Instructor

Meetings

Location

EDU 231C 01
C:Educational Psychology
4
Cole, Todd
TR 7:40 AM9:10 AM
OM 305
EDU 231C 02
C:Educational Psychology
4
Cole, Todd
TR 9:20 AM10:50 AM
OM 305
SED 201C 01
C:Foundation Special Education (ST)
4
Grubic, Mary Anne
MWF 8:10 AM9:10 AM
OM 305
SED 201C 02
C:Foundation Special Education (ST)
4
Chomas, Suzanne
MWF 9:20 AM10:20 AM
OM 305

 

 

Mind Games: How Decisions Are Made

This course will explore decision making from a mathematical perspective and from a psychological and neuroscientific perspective. We will explore of how to make various types of decisions optimally and we will explore how people actually make decisions, how typical human decisions deviate from optimality, and how we can use mathematically modelling to understand human decision making.

Course

Title

Credits

Instructor

Meetings

Location

CLU 271 01
Mind Games: How Decisions Are Made
4
Blumenthal, Adam
Fields, Eric
MWF 3:10 PM4:10 PM
HSC 152

 

 

Prejudice and Discrimination in the United States

This cluster will study the derivation of prejudice and discrimination by examining social psychological theory and research, literature, and events in American history. PSY 213 will explore the causes of prejudice as well as the impact of prejudice on members of minoritized groups. English 141C will study events in American history that resulted from ideologies of discrimination and prejudice by reading and analyzing an assortment of fiction, nonfiction, drama, film, and poetry. We will cover topics such as Japanese Internment, Jim Crow, Indian Removal, the AIDS Crisis, and modern-day violence against people of color. Both courses will focus on racism, sexism, and homophobia in the United States, as well as other issues related to social identity, power, and privilege throughout U.S. history. In the process, we will learn how a combination of psychological and literary knowledge can deepen our understanding of U.S. history and where we are as a diverse society today.

Course

Title

Credits

Instructor

Meetings

Location

ENG 141C 01
C: America's Hidden History (HC)
4
Cowen, Trisha
MWF 10:30 AM11:30 AM
OM 305
PSY 213C 01
C:Psychology of Prejudice (ST)
4
Pataki, Sherri
TR 9:20 AM10:50 AM
HSC 166

 

 

The Birds and the Bees (SD)

Course

Title

Credits

Instructor

Meetings

Location

CLU 199 01
The Birds and the Bees (SD)
4
Krantz, Patrick
Duerr, Kerri
TR 11:00 AM12:30 PM
HSC 200