NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

381 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS HONR 2000A Honors Seminar: Quarks to Quasars (3 credits) This honors course is an algebra-based survey of developments in physics since the turn of the 20th century. The conceptual basis and historical development of the ideas will be emphasized. Topics include relativity, quantum mechanics, elementary particle physics, gravitation and cosmology, black holes, superstring theory, M-theory, and higher-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theories. Satisfies general education requirements in Math, Science, and Technology. Prerequisite: MATH 1030 or higher or MATH 3020H or MATH 2020H or MATH 2100H. Honors students only. HONR 2000B Honors Seminar: Genes and Schemes (3 credits) This course will examine the science of modern genetics and how this science has inserted itself into the disclosure of contemporary culture. It will discuss the concept of the gene and will explore the way the “disclosure of the gene” has impacted our understanding of ourselves as human beings, as well as public policy issues in criminal justice, ethics, education, and health care. Special consideration will be given to the use and misuse of genetic “explanations” of human behavior, the Eugenics movement, and the nature vs. nurture dispute. This will be a team-taught course by faculty in biology, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Satisfies general education requirements in Humanities. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000C Honors Seminar: History of Economic Development (3 credits) This course will examine the history and evolution of economics as a basic human institution with emphasis on distinctions between growth and development. The challenge of sustainable development will be analyzed within the broader historical context of human rights, environmental consequences, and ideological goals and outcomes. Students will design and discuss alternative economic models for the future that emphasize sustainability. Satisfies general education requirement in humanities. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000D Honors Seminar: The Ever-Changing Family (3 credits) This course will focus on how the concept of the family has changed over the last 80-100 years. Students will examine how the media has been one avenue that has conceptualized the family along with the impact this has on peoples’ roles in families. Through the use of books, film, and television, stereotypes and myths of family functioning, along with debates about what a family “is” or “should be”, will be discussed. Multicultural and non- traditional families will be explored. Satisfies general education requirements in Social & Behavioral Sciences. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000E Honors Seminar: Utopias and Dystopias (3 credits) This course focuses on the dual concepts of utopias and dystopias--ideal visions of society and nightmarish visions of society. Various manifestations of utopias and dystopias in literature, philosophy, film, and mythology will be focused on as students explore the desire of humans to conceive of an ideal society, as well as the advantages and dangers of such conceptions. Satisfies general education requirement in humanities. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000F Honors Seminar: Philosophy and Politics in Film (3 credits) This course provides an introduction to thinking critically about philosophical and political issues by understanding how they can be manifest in popular film. Students will develop greater awareness of how to view film as a vehicle for ideological content. Topics could include, but not be limited to human rights, epistemology, personal identity (including the role of memory), temporality, the philosophy of religion, democratic ideals/plutocratic reality, workers unions, capitalism and gangsterism, the allure of fascism, environmental despoliation, etc. Satisfies general education requirement in humanities. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000G Honors Seminar: Distinguished Fellowships (3 credits) This course will preview a range of distinguished fellowships--Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, Fulbright, and others. Students will be encouraged to target appropriate scholarships and fellowships, learn about the programs, criteria, and conditions of awards. Students will be provided tools and skills which support application and consideration for these awards. These same skills are relevant for pursuit of graduate school and professional career opportunities. Satisfies general education requirements in Social & Behavioral Sciences. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000H Honors Seminar: Famous American Trials (3 credits) This course will examine famous trials in American history that reflect major social changes, cultural conflicts and political struggles from the late 19th century through the 20th century. Satisfies general education requirements in Humanities. Prerequisite: Honors students only. HONR 2000J Honors Seminar: Chick Lit, Chick Flicks (3 credits) This course will examine popular film and literature targeting women. Both contemporary “chick lit” and “chick flicks” feature single, urban women in their late 20s and early 30s navigating the minefields of professional life and romantic relationships. This course will trace the development of woman’s fiction from Jane Austen’s