|
|
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Courses
|
|
|
Academic departments and programs are generally listed in alphabetical order. All courses are listed under the department or program in which they are offered. Courses which are cross-listed will appear in more than one place.
Course Designations
Courses of instruction are designated by a system of four-digit numbers within each department. The first digit in the number indicates the class standing that a student must attain to be eligible for the course. To interpret the numbering system, students need to know that:
- Courses generally for freshmen are numbered in the series beginning 1000. Freshmen may not register for any course numbered 2000 or above, except by placement or with the permission of the instructor. Similarly, sophomores may not register for courses numbered 3000 or above, or juniors 4000 or above, with exceptions permitted only by the instructor.
- Cross-listed courses are courses appropriate to more than one department or area.
- The number of credit hours per course is indicated below the course title. Courses which may be taken for variable credit (applied music lessons, independent studies, internships, etc.) or which can be repeated for credit are so indicated.
- Prerequisites for each course are so indicated following the description.
- Special Topics, Internships, and Independent Studies courses are listed with numbers separated by semicolons. These courses may be taken in any order.
- The (FR) designation after a number indicates that the course is offered only as a first-year seminar.
|
| |
| |
-
PHI 1114 - Philosophy from the Renaissance to Contemporary Times Credits: 4
An examination of the interconnections between Western philosophy, religion, culture and science from the 15th to the 21st century. The spectrum of topics will be centered on questions such as: what are the characteristics and limitations of human reason, emotion and will? How do we construct knowledge, truth and meaning and how are these constructions used in social and political processes of exclusion? Critical analysis and reflection will be focused on texts by Descartes, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Foucault and Rorty.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2101 - 2050: Utopia-Dystopia Credits: 4
Biogenetic engineering, artificial intelligence and digital industries, the three shapers of what is coined the ‘Fourth Revolution’ make us dream of overcoming the limitations of the human condition. A world of brain-nets and instant knowledge transmission, designer-babies and human-robot fusions are viewed in public discourse as either utopian promise or dystopian decline. But no matter how we anticipate the future, the reality we know will disappear. In this course, we will study the projected transformations of the Fourth Revolution and how they impact human lives. Specifically, we will focus on the following questions: How will artificial intelligence and bioengineered augmentations redefine what it means to be human? Will access to these enhancement technologies divide us into human and ‘transhumans,’ thereby amplifying socio-economic divides? How will our social interactions and communication patterns be impacted by calculative values designed for and by artificial intelligence? How might philosophical and literary conceptualizations of utopia, ‘retrotopia,’ and dystopia help us to step into this new era? Martin Heidegger, Jean Baudrillard, Zygmunt Bauman and other philosophers anticipated some of the problems arising out of technological progress. Engaging with their analysis and commendations, we will formulate our own pathway into the future.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
|
| |
-
PHI 2102 - Philosophy Around the World Credits: 4
A selective study of philosophical concepts from a variety of global traditions, including Native American, South American, African and Asian. Topics of analysis and reflection will focus on questions such us: what is the position of humans and other species in the world? How does philosophy conceptualize community and the individual? How do philosophical concepts contribute to solving problems caused by processes of globalization, war and climate change? Philosophical,religious and literary texts will be studied from thinkers like Deloria, Appiah, Nuccetelli, Thich Nhat Han, Fanon, and Spivak.
McDaniel Plan: International Nonwestern; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 2205 - Law, Morality and the Cinema Credits: 4.0
What is the relationship between our laws and our systems of moral values? How have our ethical beliefs influenced the creation, development and the functioning of our legal system, our statutes and our court decisions? This course explores the contributions of philosophers from Plato to legal theorists such as Finnis and Dworkin. The course will introduce the student to numerous teachings from a host of scholars, philosophers and theorists who have considered ethical theory and its impact on our legal system. The natural law/positive law distinction will be explored, but the course will also consider how our basic rights as set forth in The Bill Of Rights are interpreted by jurists. Emphasis will be placed on the guarantees of the First Amendment to our Constitution, our trial rights as set forth under various amendments to the Constitution and our due process rights as set forth in the Constitution and Bill Of Rights. Various selected movies will be used as a vehicle for enhancing the discussion of the dynamics existing between the law and our moral beliefs.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
|
| |
-
PHI 2206 - Philosophy of Love and Sex Credits: 4.0
Love and sexuality are principal ways that we create meaning in the world, but they are often neglected topics within philosophical discourse. This course will focus on philosophical questions pertaining to the formation of sexual identity, gender roles, heterosexuality, homosexuality, desire, and concepts of love. Throughout the quarter, we will familiarize ourselves with how major figures throughout the history of Western philosophy as well as contemporary philosophers approach these questions. We will also examine 21st century empirical research and first person accounts of experience (in the form of interview data gathered from college-age students). While students will become familiar with how authors respond to philosophical problems, it is hoped that the course will open up a space in which students can develop the ability to think critically about their own lived experience in light of the readings.
McDaniel Plan: International
|
| |
-
PHI 2207 - Reproductive Ethics Credits: 4
There is no question that reproductive choices are deeply personal, private ones. Decisions about whether to have children, and how to raise them, reflect some of our most fundamental values. Progress in medicine and technology, as well as changes in society and culture, however, have increasingly drawn private decisions into the public eye. Developments in genetic engineering have given rise to questions about when, if ever, it is permissible to genetically enhance a developing infant. And projections of the effects of climate change give rise to concerns about whether it is permissible to continue to have children at all.
In this course, we will consider a variety of ethical issues at the intersection of public and private life. We will examine problems at every stage of having a child, from whether or not to genetically enhance children, to whether it is permissible to engage a surrogate, to what rights parents have over their children at all. We will work collaboratively to analyze the issues we face and learn to engage meaningfully with others. In doing so, we will enrich our understanding of the decisions we are faced with when having children, the social and cultural 11 factors which influence these decisions, and the ethical aspect of everyday decisions.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis; Multicultural
|
| |
-
PHI 2210 - Ethics And Business Credits: 4
A consideration of some of the major ethical issues in business: the profit motive and the public good, social responsibility of corporations, environmental concerns, consumer and employee relations, the role of the state, advertising practices, conflict of interest and of obligation, and hiring practices.
Offered as needed.
|
| |
-
PHI 2211 - Issues of Social Justice Credits: 4
A comparative philosophical and religious exploration of theories of justice and specific moral issues. Issues discussed include gender and racial equality, economic welfare, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, war, and animal rights.
Cross-listed with Religious Studies 2211.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 2221 - Minds and Machines Credits: 4
This course seeks to investigate the nature of consciousness – from the awareness of being aware to the kind of phenomenal awareness that a honeybee might possess. The nature of consciousness as the object of scientific investigation, as well as the possibility of reducing consciousness to physical, brain, states, will also be discussed.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 2222 - Philosophy of Art Credits: 4
When Duchamp placed a urinal in the Philadelphia Art Museum and called it ‘Fountain’, did he make it art? Or is it the art world’s response to Duchamp’s act that made it art? Are Christo’s gates in Central Park art? Or is it the process of getting approval, designing, and ultimately placing the gates that is the art? Is Kenny G on the same level as John Coltrane? Is Eminem the equal of Mozart? This course seeks answers to these questions and more.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 2224 - Plato’s Search for Knowledge Credits: 4.0
This course attempts to understand the dialogues of Plato, with their ironic protagonist Socrates, by locating them in the cultural, political and intellectual context of late fifth and early fourth century BCE Greece. Plato was engaged in a struggle to establish philosophy as a superior form of knowledge based on reason and dialectic. He tried to demonstrate that the sources and methods on which others based their knowledge—poetry, politics, religion and rhetoric—were unreliable and dangerous. We will read the dialogues of Plato against other culturally important materials: the epics of Homer, the rhetoric of the sophists, the political thought of Thucydides, Athenian tragedy. And we will measure the success of Plato’s efforts by asking to what extent one can ever hope to transcend one’s cultural context and attain knowledge that is secure, objective, “absolute”—a question as relevant in our own turbulent times as it was in Plato’s.
McDaniel Plan: International, Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2226 - Philosophy Law Credits: 4.00
Law and justice are topics that invade every aspect of our society. Philosophy of Law explores the relationships between these concepts and their impact on society as a whole and the individual. This course approaches these topics in several different ways –textual readings from the philosophers who have made this their focus; reading of actual cases, lecture and discussion the real world workings of our legal system. Students are confronted with current legal cases in order to understand the application of the law, its origin and its consequences.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2227 - Violence and Non-Violence Credits: 4.0
Can violence be warranted as a mean to an end, seeking justice and peace? Is nonviolence an effective option in times of political and social unrest? This course will analyze and reflect on concepts of violence and nonviolence in various traditions and examine historical examples from the United States, Europe and Asia, e.g. the American and French Revolutions, colonialism in Asia, the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia as well as U.S. farmworkers’ strikes and boycotts in contemporary times. Complexity and nuances of debates on the use of violence and nonviolence to bring about political or social change will be explored and discussed.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites International, Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
|
| |
-
PHI 2228 - Philosophy of Violent Media Credits: 4.0
What is the appeal of violent media? The widespread attraction to violent imagery requires a deeper analysis and understanding. Using aesthetic and ethical concepts, this course explores the artistic and moral value of violent media by analyzing various representations of violence. For example, this course will explore violence as it appears in paintings, cartoons, video games, movies, internet clips, and more. Ultimately, students will gain a deeper and new understanding of violent media while challenging the current cultural discourse on violence.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
|
| |
-
PHI 2229 - Asian Philosophy Credits: 4
This course will introduce students to some of the major Asian philosophical traditions. We will explore foundational texts in Confucian, Daoist, Hindu, and Buddhist schools of thought with an eye to how these major traditions influence and respond to each other. In addition, we will discuss the benefits and risks of engaging Asian philosophers by comparing them to Western thinkers. Our guiding questions will be: What is the nature of reality? What is the self? What is the meaning of human existence? And, how should one live? Another major point of focus will be the relation between theory and practice. Many of the authors who we will read do not merely aim at communicating objects of knowledge to the reader; rather, they aim to transform the reader’s very being. This course is unique in that it approaches philosophy as a practice. While
students will become familiar with how authors respond to philosophical problems, it is hoped that the course will open up a space in which students can develop the ability to think critically about their own lived experience in light of the readings.
McDaniel Plan: International; Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2231 - Philosophy and Literature Credits: 4
This course examines works of literature—fiction, drama, poetry—that discuss important philosophical themes and topics: reality, time, evil, fate, death, authenticity, selfhood, and responsibility. In addition to texts from the ancient world (Greek epic and tragedy, Hebrew and Christian scripture), the course will focus on modern works of Western literature from the Enlightenment to the present: authors include Voltaire, Dostoevsky, Mann, Camus, Sartre, Beckett, Borges, Calvino, Murdoch, Kundera, Müller, Silko, Munro and others. Emphasis will be on the historical and cultural context of each work and its relationship to philosophical issues of the time. The course will also examine more general questions: what is the difference between literary discourse and other forms of philosophical presentation? what kind of knowledge does literature offer? how do we determine the intentions of a literary work and its author, and why does that matter? what role does literature play in the development of compassion and ethical response?
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2232 - The Power of Pretty Credits: 4
Throughout the history of western philosophy, femininity has been defined in bodily terms, and closely connected to the ideal of beauty. A woman’s worth has been tied to her physical appearance. The female body has long dominated thinking about women and thus exhibits power over the way that women see themselves; however, there are many counter-examples from the past and today
of women who use their beauty and sexuality as expressions of power. This course will explore the way that women have contested or embraced concepts of feminine beauty. Guiding questions
include: What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to have a female body? How do women ‘perform’ beauty? Is this performance a form of self-expression or is it intended for the masculine gaze?
McDaniel Plan: International; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2233 - Elementary Logic Credits: 4
An introduction to formal logic, propositional and predicate. The study of various forms of inference, theorems, derivations, and proofs.
McDaniel Plan: Quantitative Reasoning.
|
| |
-
PHI 2250 - Bioethics Credits: 4
A study of ethical issues in biology and medicine including health care policies, euthanasia, scientific fraud, and reproductive technologies. This course will explore these and similar issues and case studies and create a
framework for ethical decision making based on philosophical principles.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 2266 - Special Topics in the History of Philosophy Credits: 4
The study of a selected Philosopher or movement in the history of philosophy. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PHI 2291 - Directed Readings Credits: 1
A close reading of a major text in philosophy and/or religious studies. Students will also become familiar with selected critical studies of the text.
Course may be repeated up to four semesters for credit.
|
| |
-
PHI 2295 - Internships in Philosophy Credits: 0-4
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.
|
| |
-
PHI 2298 - Independent Studies in Philosophy Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PHI 3200 - Writing in Philosophy Credits: 4
Focused, direct instruction in the writing skills necessary for successful research papers in Philosophy. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students interests and needs.
McDaniel Plan: Departmental Writing
|
| |
-
PHI 3230 - Buddhist Philosophy Credits: 4
This course explores the historical origins of Buddhism in India and traces its movement to China and Japan. We will examine early Indian Buddhist scriptures and forms of logic with an eye to their influence on Chinese and Japanese Buddhist philosophical schools. The majority of the course is devoted to close readings of the works of major figures within two prominent East Asian Buddhist traditions: Zen and Pure Land. Guiding questions include: What is the nature of reality? What is the self? And, how should one live? Another major point of focus is the relation between religious teaching and practice. Buddhist-inspired literature, poetry, and art will supplement canonical texts.
McDaniel Plan: International Nonwestern, Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 3231 - The Search for Self Credits: 4
How do philosophical concepts of identity impact theories and research methods in psychology? How can mental illness be understood as a response to a complex situation? How are philosophical perspectives on human freedom relevant to psychotherapy? We will delve into these questions through a study of the Existentialist movement in 19th and 20th century European philosophy. Selected philosophers include Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, etc. In the second half of the semester, we will examine how these philosophical theories shaped psychological schools and therapeutic practices. Special attention will be devoted to Existential Phenomenological Psychology, Existential Therapy, and Qualitative Research Methods.
McDaniel Plan: International; Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 3301 - Feminist and Gender Theory Credits: 4
This course examines significant conversations and debates in feminist social and political theory since the mid-twentieth century. The class will read major foundational and cutting edge works by feminist thinkers, analyze the theoretical perspectives they represent, discuss the commonalities and differences between them, and situate them within a genealogy of feminist knowledge. These readings are not all in agreement, but they are drawn together by the joint search for answers to the causes and consequences of gender difference-making hierarchies, and inequalities. Readings are drawn from both local U.S. feminist sources and from feminists around the globe. Our examination of gender takes an intersectional approach, focusing particularly on formations of race, ethnicity/nationality/religion, class, and sexuality. Throughout the course, we will also consider the relationships between feminist theory, contemporary women’s movements, and other social and political movements.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 3302 - Classical Indian Philosophy Credits: 4
A rigorous introduction to the classical Indian tradition of philosophical thought, from its roots in the Vedas and Upanishads to its systematization in the six orthodox (astika) schools. Attention is also given to the “heterodox” views of the Buddhists, the Jains, and the “materialists.”
Offered as needed.
McDaniel Plan: International Nonwestern; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PHI 3304 - Philosophy and Film Credits: 4
A study of film as a cultural item and an analysis of contemporary philosophical film theories. The course will focus on questions such as: How do the media of film shape our perception, discernment and knowledge of the world? How does film promote religious, cultural and political agendas and how does it contribute to cultural discourse? Texts on the art of interpretation and film theory will include works of N.Carroll, Curran, Baudrillard and Wartenberg.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PHI 3305 - Anarchy, Authority, and Autonomy Credits: 4
A practicum in issues in contemporary political philosophy. Students investigate the concepts of and justifications for the legitimacy of a state, justice, rights, liberty and equality from the perspectives of various philosophic traditions.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PHI 3318 - Philosophy of Science Credits: 4
A critical analysis of science as an enterprise that produces knowledge. The course examines the conceptual structures and methods used in scientific investigation and discovery, focusing on the role of scientific laws and theories in the explanation and prediction of phenomena. The relationship between the physical and the social sciences as well as selected issues between philosophy of science and epistemology will be discussed.
Offered as needed.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 3321 - Minds and Languages Credits: 4
How do words get their meanings? How much do the words we use influence or determine the way we think, or even what we think about? For that matter, can I think without language at all? How if I had no language – like a dog or a cat – could I think?
.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PHI 3323 - Environmental Philosophy Credits: 4
This course offers a critical introduction into issues and debates in environmental cultural studies, environmental ethics and environmental political philosophy. The fact of a global ecological crisis, e.g. overpopulation, destruction and transformation of ecosystems, bioaccumulation of toxins, climate changes, etc. are intertwined with cultural and religious values systems as well as political trends and agendas. In this course we will study a) a selective genealogy of the perception of environment in various cultural traditions b) philosophical concepts which analyze and interpret global ecological shifts and crisis and c) cultural concepts of future environments.
Cross-listed with Environmental Policy and Science 3323.
McDaniel Plan: International Western; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 3333 - Philosophical Logic Credits: 4
An inquiry into logics beyond the elementary. The course will cover the proofs of the soundness and completeness of the system studied in 2233, as well as some of the following: multi-valued logic, relevant logic, and Modal logic including deontic and epistemic.
Prerequisites Philosophy 2233
|
| |
-
PHI 3334 - F. Nietzsche: Over(wo)men Credits: 4
Nietzsche’s famous announcement of the “Death of God” and its underlying critique of religion provoked his contemporaries and continues to challenge us today. His anti-Christian phrases permeated 20th/21st century culture as slogans in WWI trenches Nazi parades, bumper stickers of surfer communities in L.A., as quotations in the film “Fight Club,” and as a part of a long list of literary and cinematic items. In this course we will study the premises and consequences of this announcement and critically engage with Nietzche’s vision of the Overman and the Wild Woman. Both symbolize human existence outside of the traditional parameters of religion and mortality and propose the education of a human being who, free of resentment and calculative thinking, affirms life, honesty, creativity and perpetual transformation.
|
| |
-
PHI 3365 - Special Topics In Philosophy Credits: 4
The study of a selected topic in the discipline. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 3366 - Special Topics in the History of Philosophy Credits: 4
The study of a selected Philosopher or movement in the history of philosophy. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PHI 3395 - Internships in Philosophy Credits: 0-4
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.
|
| |
-
PHI 3398 - Independent Studies in Philosophy Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PHI 4465 - Special Topics In Philosophy Credits: 4
The study of a selected topic in the discipline. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis.
|
| |
-
PHI 4466 - Special Topics in the History of Philosophy Credits: 4
The study of a selected Philosopher or movement in the history of philosophy. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
McDaniel Plan: Textual Analysis; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PHI 4492 - Thesis in Philosophy Credits: 4
A directed project of research and writing a major paper on a topic agreed upon by the instructor and the student. The project extends over two semesters, but with four credit hours given with the completion of the thesis for both semesters’ work.
Prerequisites Permission of instructor.
|
| |
-
PHI 4495 - Internships in Philosophy Credits: 0-4
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.
|
| |
-
PHI 4498 - Independent Studies in Philosophy Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PHY 1001 - General Physics I Lab Credits: 0
Laboratory for General Physics I
Co-requisite PHY-1101
|
| |
-
PHY 1002 - General Physics II Lab Credits: 0
General Physics II Laboratory
Co-requisite PHY-1102
|
| |
-
PHY 1004 - Introductory Physics I Lab Credits: 0
Laboratory for PHY-1104 Introductory Physics I
Co-requisite PHY-1104
|
| |
-
PHY 1005 - Introductory Physics II Lab Credits: 0
Laboratory for PHY-1105 Introduction to Physics II
Co-requisite PHY-1105
|
| |
-
PHY 1014 - General Physics I Lab Credits: 0
Laboratory for PHY-1114 General Physics I
Co-requisite PHY-1114
|
| |
-
PHY 1015 - General Physics II Lab Credits: 0
Laboratory for PHY-1115 General Physics II
Co-requisite PHY-1115
|
| |
-
PHY 1101 - General Physics I Credits: 4
This course is the first in the two-semester, introductory, calculus-based General Physics sequence. The course will introduce students to the fundamental ideas that govern kinematics and dynamic motion for both linear and rotational systems, concepts of energy and momentum, simple harmonic motion, wave phenomena and sound, and fluid statics and dynamics. The laboratory component of the course is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in mechanics and must be enrolled in separately.
Co-requisite PHY 1001 General Physics I Lab
MAT 1117 or permission of the instructor.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory.
|
| |
-
PHY 1102 - General Physics II Credits: 4
This is the second course in the two-semester, introductory, calculus-based General Physics sequence. In this course we cover the fundamental ideas of electricity and magnetism, the influence of electromagnetic fields on particles, Maxwell’s equations, circuits and circuit analysis, geometric and physical optics, and Einstein’s theory of relativity. The laboratory component of the course is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in electromagnetism and optics and must be enrolled in separately.
Co-requisite PHY 1001 General Physics II Lab
MAT 1117 or permission of the instructor
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory.
|
| |
-
PHY 1104 - Introductory Physics I Credits: 4
This is the first course in the two-semester, algebra-based, introductory physics sequence. Topics include: The fundamental ideas that govern kinematics and dynamic motion for both linear and rotational systems, equilibrium and elasticity, concepts of energy and momentum, and thermodynamics and fluids. The laboratory component of the course (PHY-1001) is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in mechanics and thermodynamics. The laboratory must be enrolled in separately.
Co-requisite MAT-1107 or permission of instructor and PHY-1004
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1105 - Introductory Physics II Credits: 4
This is the second course in the two-semester, algebra-based introductory physics sequence. Topics include: Oscillatory systems, waves, and sound; properties of light, geometrical optics, and physical optics; fundamental ideas of electricity and magnetism; and circuits and circuit analysis. The laboratory component of the course (PHY-1002) is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in oscillations, light, electromagnetism, and circuits. The laboratory must be enrolled in separately.
Prerequisites PHY-1104 or PHY-1114 and MAT-1107
Co-requisite PHY-1005
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1106 - Understanding the Universe Credits: 4
Did you ever want to understand the inner workings of the universe? If so, then this class is for you! This course will introduce students to the fundamental ideas and experiments that scientists rely on to help explain how everything in the universe works. Possible topics include the potential of extraterrestrial life; the mysterious quantum world of matter and light; symmetries in nature; the beginning of the universe; the existence of dark matter and energy and their connection to the universe’s final fate; the fundamental importance of energy; the lifecycles of stellar systems and stars; and Einstein’s theory of relativity and black holes.
This course may count as a Physics elective.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Embedded Laboratory
|
| |
-
PHY 1107 - Astrobiology: The Origin of Life on Earth and the Potential for Life in the Universe Credits: 4
This introductory Astrobiology course introduces students to the wonders of the universe and to the existence of life itself. The basic principles of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics are related to the formation of life on Earth and to the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. Concepts covered in this course include the formation and fate of the universe, essential features of all living systems, the nature of life on Earth, the geological history of the Earth, and the process of evolution. The search for extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrial intelligence, habitable worlds, and the cosmic cataclysms that threaten our continuing existence will also be discussed. Current NASA missions that are devoted to this pursuit will be highlighted. The lecture material will be augmented by in-class videos and “mini-labs.”
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry Embedded Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1108 - A World Of Light And Color Credits: 4
A survey of the behavior of light and its roles in human experience. Topics include basic light phenomena, wave and photon models of light, color and color theories, light energy, effects of light on living matter, atmospheric effects, optical instruments, human vision, and perception.
Offered as needed.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry Embedded Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1110 - Observational Astronomy Credits: 4
This course is a study of the observational techniques used by astronomers, the constellations, stars and stellar evolution, motion of celestial bodies and cosmology. Approximately 1/3 of the course consists of hands-on activities which emphasize the experimental aspects of the astronomical science, how astronomers collect and interpret experimental data in the laboratory and how they formulate theories about the celestial bodies.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry Embedded Lab; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
|
| |
-
PHY 1113 - Sound, Music, and Hearing Credits: 4
A study of sound in everyday experience. Topics considered include the physical nature of sound, description and measurement of sound, physiological and perceptual aspects of hearing, characteristics of human speech, electronic sound systems, noise, and musical acoustics.
Offered as needed.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry Embedded Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1114 - General Physics I Credits: 4
This course is the first in the two-semester, calculus-based, general physics sequence. The course will introduce students to kinematics and dynamic motion for linear, rotational, and oscillatory systems; concepts of energy and momentum; and wave phenomena, sound, and fluids. The laboratory component of the course (PHY 1101) is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in mechanics. The laboratory must be enrolled in separately.
Co-requisite MAT-1117 and PHY-1014
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1115 - General Physics II Credits: 4
This is the second course in the two-semester, calculus-based, general physics sequence. In this course we cover thermodynamics, the fundamental ideas of electricity and magnetism, the influence of electromagnetic fields on particles, Maxwell’s equations, circuits and circuit analysis, light, and geometric and physical optics. The laboratory component of the course (PHY 1102) is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. The laboratory must be enrolled in separately.
Prerequisites PHY-1114 and MAT-1117
Co-requisite PHY-1015
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1117 - Introduction to Climate Control Credits: 4
This course is an introduction to the science of climate change. We will begin with understanding the natural processes of climate, then consider
the scientific evidence for an anthropogenically warming climate and its impacts now and in the future. We will consider changes necessary to
mitigate and adapt to a warming world – what we can do personally, nationally, and globally, and how our actions now will determine future
impacts.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Embedded Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1121 - Electronics Made Simple Credits: 4.0
This hands-on laboratory course will cover the basic electronics concepts behind simple and complex electronic devices. The course covers analog and digital devices, AC and DC voltage and current and the fundamentals of robotics. Students will learn how to put together electronic components found in circuits and how they all work together in modern electronic devices. Both analog and digital circuits will be built and studied, and students will create their own robot which can sense its environment and communicate with the computer. No previous electronics experience is required, but a solid knowledge of algebra is recommended.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Embedded Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 1122 - Fundamentals of Physical Science Credits: 4
This course introduces the basic principles of physical science for students intending to teach at the elementary or middle school level. It is an introduction to the phenomena, concepts, and theories of physical science, including: matter and its interactions, motion and stability, energy, and waves and their applications. Students will understand not only the physical science content, but also engage in the science and engineering practices and develop an understanding of science as a system through the crosscutting concepts.
McDaniel Plan: Scientific Inquiry with Embedded Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 2001 - Mathematics Physics Lab Credits: 0.00
In this laboratory course students will learn how to use the symbolic mathematics software “Mathematica.” In particular, students will learn basic commands, graphical capabilities, and other features, all in the context of using the software to help solve physics problems.
Co-requisite PHY 2201 Mathematical Physics
|
| |
-
PHY 2201 - Mathematical Physics Credits: 4
This fundamental course for physic majors and minors serves to introduce many of the mathematical tools and ideas needed to solve problems describing physical systems. Topics include integration and differentiation, vector calculus, series, complex analysis, matrices, differential equations, and Fourier analysis. The one-hour per week laboratory component of the course is aimed at familiarizing students with Mathematica.
Prerequisites MAT 1118 Calculus II
Co-requisite PHY 2001 Mathematical Physics Lab
|
| |
-
PHY 2202 - Intermediate Mechanics Credits: 4
This course covers classical Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics as applied to the motion of particles and systems. Specific topics include solutions to Newton’s laws in the presence of retarding forces; conservation theorems; harmonic, damped, and forced oscillations, and resonance phenomena; phase-space diagrams; gravity and gravitational potential; Hamilton’s principle, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations of motion, and generalized coordinates; central force motion and orbits in a central field; linear and angular momentum of a system of particles; and the dynamics of rigid bodies and the moments of inertia.
Prerequisites PHY 2201 Mathematical Physics
|
| |
-
PHY 2203 - Foundations of Modern Physics I Credits: 4
This course introduces student to the foundations of modern physics by studying the experimental and theoretical breakthroughs of great physicists such as Einstein, Bohr, Schrödinger, and Rutherford, to name a few. Topics include special relativity, the wave and particle nature of light and matter, and elementary quantum theory applied to simple systems such as a particle in a box, tunneling, and the hydrogen atom. This course includes an integrated laboratory component to help students develop strong links between theory and practice.
Prerequisites PHY 2201 Mathematical Physics
|
| |
-
PHY 2209 - Investigations in Physics I Credits: 1.00
This course is intended to offer students a formal opportunity to engage in the creative process of putting forward and resolving their own physics questions, which is one of the great things about being a physicist! Investigations have three parts. First, each student must think of and carefully word an interesting question to delve into; then work toward an answer for the Investigation question and, as time permits, any collateral questions that develop from the main line of inquiry; and, finally, compile a report based on the findings of the Investigation and make a short presentation to the class. Investigation questions can be related to any realm of physics that is of personal interest, and projects that merge multiple domains are encouraged.
Prerequisites PHY 2202 Intermediate Mechanics or PHY 2203 Foundations of Modern Physics I or permission of the instructor.
|
| |
-
PHY 2211 - Analog and Digital Electronics Credits: 4
This laboratory-based course is an introduction to analog and digital circuit design and computer interfacing. Specific topics include resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits; DC and AC circuits and their analysis; RC, RL and RLC circuits and resonance; filters; Kirchoff’s laws; operational amplifiers; theory and applications of logical gates; integrated circuits and their applications; digital counters and timers; principles of computer interfacing; and design and construction of practical digital circuits.
|
| |
-
PHY 2212 - From Lenses to Lasers Credits: 4
Optics is an influential branch of physics that deals with the origin and propagation of light as well as it interaction with matter. In this course, students will study how and why optical phenomena occur. We will cover theories that treat light as a bundle of rays (ray optics), as electromagnetic waves (wave optics), and as a stream of particles (quantum optics). We will explore phenomena of reflection, refraction, dispersion, scattering, polarization, interference, and diffraction in terms of these theories. Students will learn about the limitations of ray optics, the improvements in wave optics, and the triumph of quantum optics leading to the study of the laser. This course includes an integrated laboratory component to help students develop strong links between theory and practice.
Prerequisites PHY 2201 Mathematical Physics
|
| |
-
PHY 2295 - Internships in Physics Credits: 0-4
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.
|
| |
-
PHY 2298 - Independent Studies in Physics Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PHY 3200 - Advanced Physics Laboratory Credits: 4
This course will introduce students to advanced skills and analysis techniques essential to gaining a real understanding of how physics is done in the laboratory. Specific laboratories will be based on topics from Mechanics, Modern Physics, and E&M, and may also introduce new and exciting areas from the world of physics. Additionally, this course will also establish for students writing and presentation skills critical to communicating in the field of physics. The writing and presentation component of this course will be tightly coupled to the laboratory component.
|
| |
-
PHY 3301 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism Credits: 4
This course involves a detailed investigation of Maxwell’s equations. Specific topics include applications of Gauss’ law; Poisson and Laplace’s equations; boundary conditions problems; electric displacement and polarization; dielectrics; Ampere’s and Biot-Savart law; scalar and vector potentials; magnetic fields in matter; diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials; Faraday’s law; electromagnetic induction; energy in electric and magnetic fields; and solutions of Maxwell’s equations.
Course includes laboratory.
Prerequisites Physics 2202.
|
| |
-
PHY 3309 - Investigations in Physics II Credits: 1.00
This is the second course in the Investigation sequence. The structure of this course is the same Investigation I, with the expectation that quality of this Investigation will be higher. As in the first course, Investigation questions can be related to any realm of physics that is of personal interest, and students may choose to develop further on previous Investigation projects. Students are free to enroll in this course as many times as they wish, with each successive enrollment appearing on a student’s transcript as a separate class.
Prerequisites PHY 2209
|
| |
-
PHY 3311 - Thermodynamics Credits: 4
Understanding thermodynamics means understanding how energy is allocated in systems from the very simple to the complex. This course covers the laws of thermodynamics, equations of state, thermodynamic potentials, and classical and quantum statistics of gases. At all points of this course, we will consider the connections between theory and application. Specific topics include ideal gases; chemical systems and equilibrium; energy, work, engines and entropy; spin and magnetic systems; and phase transitions.
Prerequisites PHY-2202
|
| |
-
PHY 3312 - Foundations of Modern Physics II Credits: 4.00
This course continues to introduce student to some of the experimental and theoretical breakthroughs that laid the foundations of contemporary physics. We begin the course by studying statistical physics and cover topics such as Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Other topics include atomic structure; Zeeman effect; spin-orbit coupling; molecular structure, bonding, rotation, and vibration; solid state physics, band theory, semi-conductors, superconductivity, and lasers; nuclear structures, models, fusion, and fission; and the standard model of elementary particle physics and beyond.
Prerequisites Physics 2203
|
| |
-
PHY 3313 - Computer Modeling of Physical Systems Credits: 4
This course is an introduction to modeling complex systems through application of computational numerical methods and graphing techniques using the software package Mathematica. Specific topics include: numerical techniques of integration and differentiation, analytical and numerical solutions of systems of differential equations, iterative procedures, symbolic manipulation of equations, use and manipulation of lists, procedural and functional programming, the use of rules in Mathematica, structured programming using loops and lists, and development of computer animations. Students will model systems from a wide range of areas such as Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Prerequisites PHY 2202 Intermediate Mechanics
|
| |
-
PHY 3314 - Astrophysics Credits: 4.0
This course is an overview of current knowledge about the astronomical universe, with an emphasis on the experimental methods and theoretical models used by physicists to study astronomical objects. Subjects include observational properties of stars, methods of observation and analysis of light, nature of stellar systems and interstellar material, principles and models of stellar structure, stellar evolution from protostars to black holes, variable stars, galaxies and fundamentals of cosmology.
Prerequisites PHY 2202 Intermediate Mechanics
|
| |
-
PHY 3365 - Special Topics in Physics Credits: 4
The study of a selected topic in the discipline. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
|
| |
-
PHY 3395 - Internships in Physics Credits: 0-4
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.
|
| |
-
PHY 3398 - Independent Studies in Physics Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PHY 4401 - Quantum Mechanics Credits: 4
In this course, students will investigate the origins of quantum theory, the Schrödinger equation, physical interpretations of quantum mechanics, and solutions to one- and three-dimensional problems including spin. Topics include solving the time-dependent and time-independent Schrödinger equation, development of the uncertainty principle, solutions for the infinite and finite square well problems, study of the harmonic oscillator and free particle solutions. A large part of the course is devoted to developing the formalism of Quantum Mechanics, wavefunctions as vectors in Hilbert spaces, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of operators, commutators of operators and the Dirac notation. Solutions are obtained for the hydrogen problem in 3-D, including the study of the angular momentum and spin operators.
Prerequisites PHY 2203 Foundations of Modern Physics I
|
| |
-
PHY 4465 - Special Topics in Physics Credits: 4
The study of a selected topic in the discipline. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.
|
| |
-
PHY 4491 - Physics Seminar Credits: 1
The senior capstone involves students in novel physics research. This can either be independent research or a project that serves as part of a faculty member’s long-term research agenda. In either case, students will develop their skills as physicists by theorizing about and experimenting on physical systems. Finally, students will write a short research paper describing their project and present their project and results to the department.
|
| |
-
PHY 4495 - Internships in Physics Credits: 0-4
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.
|
| |
-
PHY 4498 - Independent Studies in Physics Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PSI 1101 - Introduction to Political Science Credits: 4
A survey of political systems with an emphasis on theoretical principles of government and the citizen’s relationship to the state. The course will also examine the methodology of the discipline of political science, including various aspects of the political and governmental process.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PSI 1115 - Promises to Keep: Intro to Minority Politics Credits: 4.00
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how minority groups operate within the political system of the United States. The substantive focus of the course will be on the major theories that attempt to explain the roles of minorities in U.S. politics and the ways in which individuals use race as resources for political organization. We will examine the phenomenon of race in the political development of the United States and how minorities have been represented on policy issues that are of particular importance to them. Specifically, we will focus on the three largest minority groups in the country- Latinos, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Some of the detailed topics we will cover include, but are not limited to: basic theories and concepts applied to the study of minority politics, levels of political incorporation among minority groups, obstacles to equal representation, the relationship between the political majority and minority groups, the economic and political resources of minorities, immigration and population trends, and the recent developments that are changing the landscape of identity politics. Finally, we will look at the political attitudes and behaviors of minority populations in order to measure their contemporary political influence.
|
| |
-
PSI 1198 - Independent Studies in Political Science Credits: 0-4
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.
|
| |
-
PSI 2201 - American Political Institutions Credits: 4
An examination of the organization of the American government and its relationships to political life. Such topics as the constitutional context, the importance of interest groups, the influence of the media, voter behavior, and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches will also be considered. Sustained attention and special focus is directed to the development and growth of the modern Presidency.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PSI 2202 - State and Local Government Credits: 4
A comprehensive survey of state, county, and urban politics and administration with emphasis on the evolving federal relationship, the development of strong governors, and the emergence of professional state legislatures. Special attention is given to Maryland problems, prospects, policy dynamics and the environment as well as to the politics of public education.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PSI 2203 - International Law and Organization Credits: 4
An introduction to the history, purpose, environmental policy and scope of international law and organizations. Questions this course attempts to answer include: How does international law affect states, international organizations, non-state actors, and individuals? Who creates international law, and who is governed by it? What is the relation between international and domestic law? What role do international organizations play in the international system? How does membership in international organizations influence states’ abilities to achieve their goals?
Prerequisites Political Science and International Studies 1101.
McDaniel Plan: International Nonwestern
|
| |
-
PSI 2204 - Approaches to International Relations Credits: 4
An introduction to the major theories and approaches for analyzing global developments, studying the structure and organization of the international system, examining the various actors shaping world politics, exploring causes of conflicts and means for conflict resolution, and reflecting on the future of international relations and the role of individuals in the world community.
|
| |
-
PSI 2205 - The European Union: History, Institutions, and Major Policies Credits: 4
This is a one-semester course encompassing all essential features of European integration and the existing European Union.
Offered at the Budapest campus.
|
| |
-
PSI 2206 - American Political Thought Credits: 4.00
This course deals with the origins and development of political ideas in America, with a focus on ideologies including liberalism, republicanism, and racial ideologies. The course also addresses theories including libertarianism, socialism, feminism, and democratic theory. Readings range from the federalist and antifederalist papers, to presidential speeches, to contemporary works of political philosophy. The course gives students a foundational basis to understand and engage critically in American politics and political culture.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PSI 2207 - American Public Policy Credits: 4
An examination of the major theoretical, conceptual, and practical issues in the study of public policy and the policy process, with examples drawn from current issues in American policy. These may include education, civil liberties, political economy, environmental policy, welfare, and energy.
Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
|
| |
-
PSI 2208 - Inventors of Political Ideas: Intro to Political Theory Credits: 4.00
This is an introduction to political theory through the close study and critical assessment of selected original works by leading Western political thinkers. Students will be introduced to the central concepts in political theory including justice, virtue, sovereignty, liberty, equality, state of nature, social contract, democracy, liberalism, and republicanism. We will also explore similarities and differences between the ancients and moderns, especially the relationship between nature or natural law and politics, the relationship between morality and politics, the relationship between the individual and the state, the role of religion in politics, and the equality or inequality of human beings.
McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural and Historical Understanding, Textual Analysis
|
| |
-
PSI 2209 - Roma/Travellers Credits: 4
The course will give an outline of the development of state and European policy towards Roma/Travellers in Europe with a focus on the last twenty years. The course will analyse the nature of social exclusion for Roma and Travellers from the first persecutions to genocide, and from assimilation to social inclusion policies. The course will also explore the activism of Roma/Travellers, and seek to assess whether communities are being empowered and achieving inclusion.
Offered at the Budapest campus.
|
| |
Page: 1 <- Back 10 … 5
| 6
| 7
| 8
| 9
| 10
| 11
| 12
| 13
| 14
| 15
|
|
|
Print this Page