General Education Courses

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using the content of environmental studies as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing and forming hypotheses will be addressed using the concepts of environmental studies.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using the content of environmental studies as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing and forming hypotheses will be addressed using the concepts of environmental studies.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course focuses on introductory science processes using the content of physical properties of matter as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the processes of science. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using physics concepts including mass, density, displacement and buoyancy.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course focuses on introductory science processes using the content of physical properties of matter as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the processes of science. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using physics concepts including mass, density, displacement and buoyancy.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using biology content as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using selected concepts in biology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using biology content as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using selected concepts in biology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using the content of forensics as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using the concepts of forensics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using the content of forensics as a vehicle to establish an appreciation of the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using the concepts of forensics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using the content of astronomy as a vehicle to establish an introduction to the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using the concepts of astronomy. Topics will include stellar motions in the sky, the solar system, and important historical deaf-scientist contributions to astronomy. Contemporary astronomy issues will be explored including the discovery of planets outside our solar system and the search for non-Earth life.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course covers introductory science processes using the content of astronomy as a vehicle to establish an introduction to the scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving. The basic processes of observing, collecting data, classifying, comparing, analyzing, and forming hypotheses will be addressed using the concepts of astronomy. Topics will include stellar motions in the sky, the solar system, and important historical deaf-scientist contributions to astronomy. Contemporary astronomy issues will be explored including the discovery of planets outside our solar system and the search for non-Earth life.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides students with fundamentals of cellular biology. Topics include chemical components of cells, cell structure and function, membrane transport, osmosis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, plant histology and structures, plant organs and reproduction, and plant essential nutrients. Principles governing genetics, gene expression, and reproduction are introduced. Laboratory methods used to make observations and collect data are practiced. Recording observations and analysis of data are emphasized in formal written laboratory reports. Laboratory activities complement classroom activities.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides students with fundamentals of cellular biology. Topics include chemical components of cells, cell structure and function, membrane transport, osmosis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, plant histology and structures, plant organs and reproduction, and plant essential nutrients. Principles governing genetics, gene expression, and reproduction are introduced. Laboratory methods used to make observations and collect data are practiced. Recording observations and analysis of data are emphasized in formal written laboratory reports. Laboratory activities complement classroom activities.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides students with fundamentals of cellular biology. Topics include chemical components of cells, cell structure and function, membrane transport, osmosis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, plant histology and structures, plant organs and reproduction, and plant essential nutrients. Principles governing genetics, gene expression, and reproduction are introduced. Laboratory methods used to make observations and collect data are practiced. Recording observations and analysis of data are emphasized in formal written laboratory reports. Laboratory activities complement classroom activities.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides students with fundamentals of cellular biology. Topics include chemical components of cells, cell structure and function, membrane transport, osmosis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, plant histology and structures, plant organs and reproduction, and plant essential nutrients. Principles governing genetics, gene expression, and reproduction are introduced. Laboratory methods used to make observations and collect data are practiced. Recording observations and analysis of data are emphasized in formal written laboratory reports. Laboratory activities complement classroom activities.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: An introductory course in principles of physics related to light, reflection and refraction. These principles are applied to the behavior of spherical and plano mirrors, prisms and lenses. The usefulness and application of dioptric power, the lens maker's equation, image and object dimensions and focal length measurements are addressed. Also included is study of the electromagnetic spectrum. Emphasis is on geometrical (ray) optics. Includes a comprehensive laboratory experience that supplements and closely follows classroom instruction.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: An introductory course in principles of physics related to light, reflection and refraction. These principles are applied to the behavior of spherical and plano mirrors, prisms and lenses. The usefulness and application of dioptric power, the lens maker's equation, image and object dimensions and focal length measurements are addressed. Also included is study of the electromagnetic spectrum. Emphasis is on geometrical (ray) optics. Includes a comprehensive laboratory experience that supplements and closely follows classroom instruction.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Principles of Physics is designed to provide a broad background in general physics. Students are provided with hands-on laboratory experience in a supervised setting. Topics, which are presented in a lecture/lab format, include motion, Newton's Laws of Motion, forces, and analysis of vectors.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Principles of Physics is designed to provide a broad background in general physics. Students are provided with hands-on laboratory experience in a supervised setting. Topics, which are presented in a lecture/lab format, include motion, Newton's Laws of Motion, forces, and analysis of vectors.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is an introductory algebra-based physics course focusing on mechanics. It is designed to develop and enhance knowledge and skills necessary for success in college-level physics courses. Topics covered will include uncertainty, propagation of error, significant figures, unit conversion, translational motion in one and two dimensions, circular motion, kinematics and dynamics (both translational and angular), torque, and angular motion. This course includes in-class mechanics laboratories.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is an introductory algebra-based physics course focusing on mechanics. It is designed to develop and enhance knowledge and skills necessary for success in college-level physics courses. Topics covered will include uncertainty, propagation of error, significant figures, unit conversion, translational motion in one and two dimensions, circular motion, kinematics and dynamics (both translational and angular), torque, and angular motion. This course includes in-class mechanics laboratories.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course introduces basic human genetics, basic human evolution and the relationship between 21st century discoveries in genetics and current human evolution dogma. The history of scientific discovery in both fields is paired with a study of current concepts in molecular biology and bridges between genetics and evolution are explored. This presentation/discussion/laboratory course includes topics in human reproductive history, cytology, embryology, molecular biology of the gene, the origin of life, human origins, heredity, genetic variations, population genetics, biotechnology, and old world and new world evolutionary theory.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course introduces basic human genetics, basic human evolution and the relationship between 21st century discoveries in genetics and current human evolution dogma. The history of scientific discovery in both fields is paired with a study of current concepts in molecular biology and bridges between genetics and evolution are explored. This presentation/discussion/laboratory course includes topics in human reproductive history, cytology, embryology, molecular biology of the gene, the origin of life, human origins, heredity, genetic variations, population genetics, biotechnology, and old world and new world evolutionary theory.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Interactive course designed to provide students with both tools and confidence to become more literate in the sciences. Students select and analyze contemporary social issues and/or problems that have a basis in science utilizing basic processes of scientific inquiry. Sample topics include the following: infectious disease processes; traditional vs. alternative medicine; biogenetics; life-style; euthanasia; environmental resources and management; world population trends; and, stem cell research. Following a definition of the issue/problem, students formulate research questions and share their collective findings. They then complete weekly topic summaries where positions are articulated. Topic-related laboratory exercises and community interactions provide hands-on lab opportunities to experience contemporary science and technology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Interactive course designed to provide students with both tools and confidence to become more literate in the sciences. Students select and analyze contemporary social issues and/or problems that have a basis in science utilizing basic processes of scientific inquiry. Sample topics include the following: infectious disease processes; traditional vs. alternative medicine; biogenetics; life-style; euthanasia; environmental resources and management; world population trends; and, stem cell research. Following a definition of the issue/problem, students formulate research questions and share their collective findings. They then complete weekly topic summaries where positions are articulated. Topic-related laboratory exercises and community interactions provide hands-on lab opportunities to experience contemporary science and technology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Introduces basic human development and maturation from a multi-disciplinary perspective. In this course, the fields of human anatomy and physiology are merged with developmental psychology for the purpose of examining the human life cycle from a holistic perspective. Changes that take place in the structure and function of the human body are studied over nine stages of the human life span. Concurrently, psychological and cognitive development are discussed, beginning with conception and ending with death processes.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Introduces basic human development and maturation from a multi-disciplinary perspective. In this course, the fields of human anatomy and physiology are merged with developmental psychology for the purpose of examining the human life cycle from a holistic perspective. Changes that take place in the structure and function of the human body are studied over nine stages of the human life span. Concurrently, psychological and cognitive development are discussed, beginning with conception and ending with death processes.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will provide students with a general overview of the fundamental concepts and principles of modern astronomy. Topics covered will include properties of stars, their birth, life cycle, and death, galaxies, black holes and the evolution of the universe. Laboratory assignments that observe the night sky will occur at the RIT Observatory in addition to laboratories during class.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will provide students with a general overview of the fundamental concepts and principles of modern astronomy. Topics covered will include properties of stars, their birth, life cycle, and death, galaxies, black holes and the evolution of the universe. Laboratory assignments that observe the night sky will occur at the RIT Observatory in addition to laboratories during class.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will focus on the physical and interacting biological properties of the planet Earth and introduce students to the concept of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Topics of study will include introductions to geology, astronomy, oceanography, biodiversity, and evolution. Students will learn about the delicate balance of weather and water and wildlife in the ecosystems in which humans have evolved and are now influencing in significant ways. Indoor and outdoor lab activities will introduce students to scientific data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students will have the opportunity to become directly involved in solutions to our current environmental problems such as pollution, water quality degradation and recycling through various types of social activism.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will focus on the physical and interacting biological properties of the planet Earth and introduce students to the concept of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Topics of study will include introductions to geology, astronomy, oceanography, biodiversity, and evolution. Students will learn about the delicate balance of weather and water and wildlife in the ecosystems in which humans have evolved and are now influencing in significant ways. Indoor and outdoor lab activities will introduce students to scientific data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students will have the opportunity to become directly involved in solutions to our current environmental problems such as pollution, water quality degradation and recycling through various types of social activism.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students will study the normal structure and function of the eleven human organ systems. They will use this knowledge to explore the mechanisms of selected diseases relevant to today’s society from each of the eleven systems. From there, students will investigate and evaluate current treatments for each disease. The organization of the human body at the cellular and tissue levels will also be discussed, leading into a survey of cancer. Laboratory exercises and case studies will allow students to apply the course content to a potential real-world scenario.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students will study the normal structure and function of the eleven human organ systems. They will use this knowledge to explore the mechanisms of selected diseases relevant to today’s society from each of the eleven systems. From there, students will investigate and evaluate current treatments for each disease. The organization of the human body at the cellular and tissue levels will also be discussed, leading into a survey of cancer. Laboratory exercises and case studies will allow students to apply the course content to a potential real-world scenario.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is an introductory course in nutritional science concepts and application to current nutrition issues. This course covers the study of specific nutrients and their functions, the development of dietary standards and guides and how these standards are applied throughout the lifecycle. Students learn to analyze their own diets and develop strategies to make any necessary dietary changes for a lifetime of good health. Current health and nutrition problems and nutrition misinformation will be discussed. Online sections are asynchronous. Students are assessed by learning activities such as: weekly quizzes and discussion boards, homework assignments, and a final diet analysis project. In person sections are synchronous lectures and class discussions. Students are assessed by learning activities such as: exams, homework, assignments and final project analysis.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is an introductory course in nutritional science concepts and application to current nutrition issues. This course covers the study of specific nutrients and their functions, the development of dietary standards and guides and how these standards are applied throughout the lifecycle. Students learn to analyze their own diets and develop strategies to make any necessary dietary changes for a lifetime of good health. Current health and nutrition problems and nutrition misinformation will be discussed. Online sections are asynchronous. Students are assessed by learning activities such as: weekly quizzes and discussion boards, homework assignments, and a final diet analysis project. In person sections are synchronous lectures and class discussions. Students are assessed by learning activities such as: exams, homework, assignments and final project analysis.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will provide an introduction to the integration between exercise and nutrition-related topics by exploring the intimate link among nutrition, energy metabolism, and human exercise response. The course content will sort fact from fiction and help students and practitioners obtain the knowledge they need to give sound advice to athletes and active individuals.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will provide an introduction to the integration between exercise and nutrition-related topics by exploring the intimate link among nutrition, energy metabolism, and human exercise response. The course content will sort fact from fiction and help students and practitioners obtain the knowledge they need to give sound advice to athletes and active individuals.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course presents an overview of the multiple, intersecting histories and aesthetic practices of photography between 1800 and 1915 and its applications in fine art, snapshot, documentary, scientific, commercial, and propaganda in a global perspective. Course lectures include the medium’s pre-history and the development of photography as a modern art form. Students will learn about different photographic processes as well as the multiple interpretations of notable images from the era, and will analyze connections between science, culture, history, and photography.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course presents an overview of the multiple, intersecting histories and aesthetic practices of photography between 1800 and 1915 and its applications in fine art, snapshot, documentary, scientific, commercial, and propaganda in a global perspective. Course lectures include the medium’s pre-history and the development of photography as a modern art form. Students will learn about different photographic processes as well as the multiple interpretations of notable images from the era, and will analyze connections between science, culture, history, and photography.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course examines the intersections of race, civil rights, and photography in the United States. Students will learn critical concepts in the field of photography, such as visibility, performativity, and the gaze. Students will also learn to critically engage with, deconstruct, and analyze issues of race and civil rights in the production and dissemination of photography. Students will uncover a spectrum of historical and co-occurring debates about the significance of vision in marking race in the context of the United States. Questions we will ask throughout the class are: How does photography contribute to the construction of race? How does the photograph function as evidence of the markings and conservation of race in America? Students will explore a variety of photographic practices, including vernacular photography and daguerreotypes from the nineteen-century. We will examine 1960s photojournalism and the documentary work of photographers like Gordon Parks, and investigate activist photography of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers, and Black Lives Matter. Finally, students will investigate the works of contemporary artists, such as Lorna Simpson, Carrie Mae Weems, Lyle Ashton Harris, and Joshua Rashaad McFadden.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course examines the intersections of race, civil rights, and photography in the United States. Students will learn critical concepts in the field of photography, such as visibility, performativity, and the gaze. Students will also learn to critically engage with, deconstruct, and analyze issues of race and civil rights in the production and dissemination of photography. Students will uncover a spectrum of historical and co-occurring debates about the significance of vision in marking race in the context of the United States. Questions we will ask throughout the class are: How does photography contribute to the construction of race? How does the photograph function as evidence of the markings and conservation of race in America? Students will explore a variety of photographic practices, including vernacular photography and daguerreotypes from the nineteen-century. We will examine 1960s photojournalism and the documentary work of photographers like Gordon Parks, and investigate activist photography of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers, and Black Lives Matter. Finally, students will investigate the works of contemporary artists, such as Lorna Simpson, Carrie Mae Weems, Lyle Ashton Harris, and Joshua Rashaad McFadden.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Multimedia Arts Workshop will situate multimedia arts within related global, social, historical, and theoretical perspectives. As a special topics shell course, students will use critical thinking and analysis toward the development of skills in multimedia arts. Potential topics include: motion graphics, animation, 360 immersive video, cinematography, documentary art, interactivity, etc. This course may be repeated, topics may not.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Multimedia Arts Workshop will situate multimedia arts within related global, social, historical, and theoretical perspectives. As a special topics shell course, students will use critical thinking and analysis toward the development of skills in multimedia arts. Potential topics include: motion graphics, animation, 360 immersive video, cinematography, documentary art, interactivity, etc. This course may be repeated, topics may not.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Multimedia Arts Workshop will situate multimedia arts within related global, social, historical, and theoretical perspectives. As a special topics shell course, students will use critical thinking and analysis toward the development of skills in multimedia arts. Potential topics include: motion graphics, animation, 360 immersive video, cinematography, documentary art, interactivity, etc. This course may be repeated, topics may not.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Multimedia Arts Workshop will situate multimedia arts within related global, social, historical, and theoretical perspectives. As a special topics shell course, students will use critical thinking and analysis toward the development of skills in multimedia arts. Potential topics include: motion graphics, animation, 360 immersive video, cinematography, documentary art, interactivity, etc. This course may be repeated, topics may not.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Philosophy is about the rigorous discussion of big questions, and sometimes small precise questions, that do not have obvious answers. This class is an introduction to philosophical thinking where we learn how to think and talk critically about some of these challenging questions. Such as: Is there a single truth or is truth relative to different people and perspectives? Do we have free will and, if so, how? Do we ever really know anything? What gives life meaning? Is morality objective or subjective, discovered or created? We’ll use historical and contemporary sources to clarify questions like these, to understand the stakes, to discuss possible responses, and to arrive at a more coherent, more philosophically informed, set of answers.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Philosophy is about the rigorous discussion of big questions, and sometimes small precise questions, that do not have obvious answers. This class is an introduction to philosophical thinking where we learn how to think and talk critically about some of these challenging questions. Such as: Is there a single truth or is truth relative to different people and perspectives? Do we have free will and, if so, how? Do we ever really know anything? What gives life meaning? Is morality objective or subjective, discovered or created? We’ll use historical and contemporary sources to clarify questions like these, to understand the stakes, to discuss possible responses, and to arrive at a more coherent, more philosophically informed, set of answers.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course examines ethical questions that arise in the course of day-to-day individual and social life. Some consideration will be given to ethical theory and its application to such questions, but emphasis will be on basic moral questions and practical issues. Examples of typical issues to be examined are: What are the grounds for moral obligations like keeping promises or obeying the law? How do we reason about what to do? Examples of typical moral issues that may be introduced are capital punishment, euthanasia, abortion, corporate responsibility, the treatment of animals, and so forth.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course examines ethical questions that arise in the course of day-to-day individual and social life. Some consideration will be given to ethical theory and its application to such questions, but emphasis will be on basic moral questions and practical issues. Examples of typical issues to be examined are: What are the grounds for moral obligations like keeping promises or obeying the law? How do we reason about what to do? Examples of typical moral issues that may be introduced are capital punishment, euthanasia, abortion, corporate responsibility, the treatment of animals, and so forth.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to improve everyday reasoning skills. Critical thinking means evaluating the reasons for our actions and beliefs. Ideally, we think our actions are rational, not arbitrary. But one does not have to look far to discover disagreement and apparent irrationality. What accounts for this? This course investigates how to argue effectively, how to evaluate evidence and reasons, and how to marshal good evidence and reasons in order to arrive at reliable knowledge and justified action. It covers common mistakes that people make in causal, statistical, moral, and everyday reasoning, and it teaches how and when it pays to be skeptical, reflective, and critical.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to improve everyday reasoning skills. Critical thinking means evaluating the reasons for our actions and beliefs. Ideally, we think our actions are rational, not arbitrary. But one does not have to look far to discover disagreement and apparent irrationality. What accounts for this? This course investigates how to argue effectively, how to evaluate evidence and reasons, and how to marshal good evidence and reasons in order to arrive at reliable knowledge and justified action. It covers common mistakes that people make in causal, statistical, moral, and everyday reasoning, and it teaches how and when it pays to be skeptical, reflective, and critical.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.