Office of the Registrar

Approved Experimental Courses for Fall 2008

This course explores the dynamics of language and identity in the Nordic region in three specific areas: 1) formation of national identity, 2) preservation of cultural identity, and 3) creation of boundaries and bridges between cultures in contemporary multicultural Scandinavia. On-site study in Scandinavia. In English. No prerequisites. (4)

Approved Experimental Courses for Fall 2007

This course will explore how to deal with obstacles that prevent organizations from improving their performance and reaching desired organizational goals. Students will engage in projects and activites designed to stimulate thinking that identifies system constraints, explores how to exploit those constraints to improve processes, and to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace. (3)

A survey of current climate change research. Students will develop and apply a fundamental understanding of earth systems through evaluation of geologic and other scientific evidence for long- and short-term climate change. (4)

How does Political Science approach analysis of the political world? This course covers the approaches borrowed and developed by the discipline, research design, and qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct research. Upon completion, students should be able to critique, understand and conduct research about politics. (4)

Approved Experimental Courses for Spring 2007

This is a course designed for juniors and seniors. Students will explore life and work after college, specifically career opportunities, graduate school options, cover letters, resume writing, interviews, and job search techniques. This course does not meet general university requirements or psychology major or minor requirements. (1)

Approved Experimental Courses for J Term 2007

An introduction to the many facets of the major cultures of the ancient Near East, and its modern interdisciplinary study. The course addresses the history, art, language and literature of such areas as Mesopotamia, Persia, and Syro-Palestine, their society and daily life, religion and world views, their role in the Bible, and their rediscovery and influcences on the modern world. (4)

Students are invited to step through the looking glass and create virtual worlds and computer animations using a 3D interactive programming environment called "Alice." This course will provide "people-friendly" learning environment for students of all backgrounds to explore object-oriented programming concepts and skills. No programming experience is required. (4)

International monetary theory, balance of payments and foreign exchange markets. Different exchange rate arrangements and their adjustment mechanisms. The international monetary system and international capital movements. Role of international capital movements on the domestic economy. Current policy issues. Prerequisite: ECON 102 or consent of instructor. (4)

This course studies mathematical modeling techniques and their application to a wide variety of social and cultural phenomena. (4)

Approved Experimental Courses for Fall 2006

This required 2-credit course will be taken concurrently with the 4-credit course "Contemporary Chinese Culture and Society" and will provide a structured academic approach to the study tours and lectures provided by the program. Focusing on minority experience, rural life and environmental and development issues, the course will introduce students to unique features of life in Western China.

This course will focus on the political incorporation in the US policy of communities of color by looking and studying the evolution of US citizenship status among various cultural groups. (4)

Approved Experimental Courses for Spring 2006

This course emphasizes the molecular and cellular biology of neurons as a foundation for understanding how the nervous system drives behavior. Topics will include neuronal structure and function; gross organization of the brain; synaptic communication; sensory and motor systems; higher functions such as learning, memory, cognition and speech; mental illness; and genes and behavior. Pre-requisite: BIOL 162. (4)

Study of the significant geologic features, processes, and history as illustrated by selected National Parks. Relationship between human history and geology and the impact of geology on our lives will be included. (4) Freshman Only.

Approved Experimental Courses for J Term 2006

This course is desinged to use modern chemical methods to isolate and study natural compounds that may be medicinally active. Examples will be drawn from natural prescriptions traditionally used as therapeutics by indigenous people. Chemical concepts fundamental to structure-function relationships will be highlighted while interdisciplinary and intercultural dimensions will be explored. The class will be based primarily in UBC (Vancouver BC) with field trips in and around Vancouver. Initial staging and concluding work will take place at PLU. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 and instructor's consent. (4)

Computer-based Geographic Information Systems, digital maps, and data sources. The creation, interpretation, and analysis of digital maps from multiple data sources. Analysis of spatial information from sciences, social sciences, and humanities using sets of digital maps. Includes labs. Pre-requisite: Previous science (geoscience preferred), math or computer science course or consent of instructor. GEOS 330 or familiarity with maps recommended. (4)

Today's headlines boil over with controversies: urban poverty, the role of religion in public life, an exploding prison population, alcohol and drug abuse. This course examines our nation's early attempts to tackle these social and political challenges, investigating movements for the abolition of slavery, women's rights, temperance, prison reform, and the "Social Gospel," among others. (4)

Who are your ancestors and what was their experience like when they came to this country? This class will explore the similarities and differences of the "immigrant experience" of Latinos, Europeans, Africans, and Asians to the United States, the shifting causes and patterns of immigration and the various responses to immigrant peoples by native-born Americans. (4)

An examination of major ethical theories (to include Aristotle, Kant, Mill) and their applications to current moral issues in warfare and the military, including: laws and customs of war, military culture and the warrior ethos, the role of the military in international affairs, and terrorism. Significant use of real-world cases and discussion of the ethical ramifications of warfare. (4)

A study of musical sound using physical methods; vibrating systems, simple harmonic motion; wave motion; complex waves; wave generation in musical instruments; physiology of hearing; architectural acoustics; electronic recording and reproduction. Laboratory and group hours. No prerequisities in physics or mathematics beyond the PLU entrance requirements are assumed. (4)

Investigates economic and social issues related to, and successful strategies for facilitating math literacy. Contains both classroom and service experience in math education. Pre-requisite: Math 152 and permission of instructor. (4)

Approved Experimental Courses for Fall 2005

Surveys the history of the American economy from pre-Columbian Indian societies through the English mercantilist system, the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War to the end of Reconstruction. Investigates influence of warfare, slavery and the social standing of women on economic trends. (4)

Students will investigate how life on human life on earth and - through scientific/technological innovations - the earth itself witnessed fundamental change during the 20th century. Major events of the century will serve as touchstones for explaining processes leading from nationalism to postmodern globalization, as expressed through political, economic, biological, artistic, and other lenses. (4)

Designed for international students, this course focuses on refining listening and speaking skills to prepare students for active participation in university classes and activities. Emphasis will be placed on vocabulary development, pronunciation, accent, and intonation. (4)