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Sustainable Development and Design (1 credit)

This Â鶹Æƽâ°æ course adds to your NSLC experience by introducing you to the concept of sustainable development. Engineers do a good deal more than build and fix things. As problem solvers, engineers can play a fundamental role in facing development challenges - or in making them worse. In this class, we will examine what drives the need for environmentally and socially sustainable design, and we will explore possible solutions. Some questions we will discuss are: What does it mean to design products that are good for people and for the planet? How do we build products without negative social and environmental impacts? How can engineers apply their skills to address problems in developing countries? This course builds on your NSLC field trips and workshops to explore sustainable engineering with a combination of design exercises, film excerpts and lectures.

Sustainable Development and Design (1 credit)

This Â鶹Æƽâ°æ course adds to your NSLC experience by introducing you to the concept of sustainable development. Engineers do a good deal more than build and fix things. As problem solvers, engineers can play a fundamental role in facing development challenges - or in making them worse. In this class, we will examine what drives the need for environmentally and socially sustainable design, and we will explore possible solutions. Some questions we will discuss are: What does it mean to design products that are good for people and for the planet? How do we build products without negative social and environmental impacts? How can engineers apply their skills to address problems in developing countries? This course builds on your NSLC field trips and workshops to explore sustainable engineering with a combination of design exercises, film excerpts, and lectures.

Artificial Intelligence (1 credit)

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is transforming the way we live, work, and interact with technology. This introductory, asynchronous course provides students with a foundational understanding of A.I., its core principles, and its growing impact across industries. Students will explore key topics such as machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and robotics, gaining insight into how A.I. systems are designed, trained, and deployed. 

Using real-world case studies, students will examine A.I. applications in fields such as healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and automation. The course also covers ethical considerations, including bias in A.I., privacy concerns, and the future of human-A.I. collaboration. 

No prior programming or technical experience is required—this course is designed for students from all academic backgrounds who are interested in understanding A.I. concepts and their implications. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify major A.I. technologies, recognize their societal and business impacts, and critically assess the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence in today’s world. 

International Business and the Global Economy (1 credit)

The course will seek answers to some of the most pressing questions facing today's world. For example, what are the main challenges international businesses face when navigating the increasing patterns of global interdependence and trade? How are goods, people and ideas moving around the world in new ways? If globalization goes beyond our borders, it underscores the fact that problems such as financial crises, conflicts, and environmental concerns are now experienced on a global scale, affecting countries, businesses and communities. This class will be interdisciplinary in nature in order to reflect the challenges international businesses and entrepreneurs face in today's globalized world. This class will therefore examine the intersection of globalization, economic development, political science, the environment and gender issues. Through the use of videos, newspaper articles and other media tools, we will uncover what it means for businesses and individuals to be globally oriented in today's world.

Intelligence and Security Within a Global Framework (1 credit)

This course is designed to introduce students to the role that intelligence plays in international security. The class will begin with exploring the relationship between intelligence and security, examining the different ways nations seek to protect themselves. The course will move on to assess the nature of contemporary threats by focusing on what constitutes a threat and by discussing whether today's threats are more challenging than those of the past. Finally, the class will investigate the tough choices policy-makers are forced to make on a daily basis. Threats, responses, and intelligence are rarely crystal-clear, necessitating a set of very high-stakes decisions by national leaders. The follow-up assignments will allow students to explore these issues in greater depth. Students will finish the course with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of security studies, threat assessment, and intelligence analysis.

Sustainable Development and Design (1 credit)

This Â鶹Æƽâ°æ course adds to your NSLC experience by introducing you to the concept of sustainable development. Engineers do a good deal more than build and fix things. As problem solvers, engineers can play a fundamental role in facing development challenges - or in making them worse. In this class, we will examine what drives the need for environmentally and socially sustainable design, and we will explore possible solutions. Some questions we will discuss are: What does it mean to design products that are good for people and for the planet? How do we build products without negative social and environmental impacts? How can engineers apply their skills to address problems in developing countries? This course builds on your NSLC field trips and workshops to explore sustainable engineering with a combination of design exercises, film excerpts and lectures.

Sustainable Development and Design (1 credit)

This Â鶹Æƽâ°æ course adds to your NSLC experience by introducing you to the concept of sustainable development. Engineers do a great deal more than build and fix things. As problem solvers, engineers can play a fundamental role in facing development challenges - or in making them worse. In this class, we will examine what drives the need for environmentally and socially sustainable design, and we will explore possible solutions. Some questions we will discuss are: What does it mean to design products that are good for people and for the planet? How do we build products without negative social and environmental impacts? How can engineers apply their skills to address problems in developing countries? This course builds on your NSLC field trips and workshops to explore sustainable engineering with a combination of design exercises, film excerpts and lectures.

International Business and the Global Economy (1 credit)

The course will seek answers to some of the most pressing questions facing today's world. For example, what are the main challenges international businesses face when navigating the increasing patterns of global interdependence and trade? How are goods, people and ideas moving around the world in new ways? If globalization goes beyond our borders, it underscores the fact that problems such as financial crises, conflicts, and environmental concerns are now experienced on a global scale, affecting countries, businesses and communities. This class will be interdisciplinary in nature in order to reflect the challenges international businesses and entrepreneurs face in today's globalized world. This class will therefore examine the intersection of globalization, economic development, political science, the environment and gender issues. Through the use of videos, newspaper articles and other media tools, we will uncover what it means for businesses and individuals to be globally oriented in today's world.

Intercultural Communication (1 credit)

This interdisciplinary course examines how globalization and our personal histories and cultural identities shape who we are, how we see the world, and the ways in which we communicate with people from culturally diverse groups and intercultural boundaries. Students will gain an introduction to the concepts, knowledge, and skills that will allow them to interpret the dynamics of cross-cultural interaction and expand their intercultural competency.

Forensic Science (1 credit)

This introductory course, designed for students who are interested in learning the fundamentals of using science to solve crime, provides a basic overview of the crime scene investigation process, and the issues involved in the presentation of forensic evidence in court. Students learn about the identification, documentation, and collection of physical evidence, including fingerprints, shoe impressions, hair and fibers, firearms evidence, and questioned documents. The class discusses the impact of television and other media on the field of forensic science.

Introduction to Game Design (1 credit)

Games are more than just entertainment—they are immersive experiences that blend storytelling, interactivity, and technology. This introductory, asynchronous course explores the fundamentals of game design, providing students with a foundational understanding of how games are conceptualized, developed, and refined. 

Students will learn key principles such as game mechanics, level design, player engagement, and narrative development. Through interactive modules and case studies, the course will examine the psychology behind player behavior, the role of game balance, and the importance of iterative design. Students will also explore various game genres and platforms, from indie games to AAA titles, as well as emerging trends such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (A.I.) in gaming. 

No prior coding or design experience is required—this course is designed for students of all backgrounds who have an interest in understanding the creative and technical aspects of game development. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze game structures, recognize key elements of successful game design, and apply fundamental concepts to their own game ideas. 

Intelligence and Security Within a Global Framework (1 credit)

This course is designed to introduce students to the role that intelligence plays in international security. The class will begin with exploring the relationship between intelligence and security, examining the different ways nations seek to protect themselves. The course will move on to assess the nature of contemporary threats by focusing on what constitutes a threat and by discussing whether today's threats are more challenging than those of the past. Finally, the class will investigate the tough choices policy-makers are forced to make on a daily basis. Threats, responses, and intelligence are rarely crystal-clear, necessitating a set of very high-stakes decisions by national leaders. The follow-up assignments will allow students to explore these issues in greater depth. Students will finish the course with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of security studies, threat assessment, and intelligence analysis.

International Diplomacy and Cross-Cultural Negotiation (1 credit)

Diplomacy has been a significant form of interaction between sovereign entities since antiquity. In our time of tremendous social, political, and economic change, diplomacy persists as a prominent feature of international relations. It has been alternatively reviled as facilitating war and misperception, too antiquated to mitigate global issues, yet also praised as the only useful process for peace and effective communication. In this course, we will explore how scholars and practitioners have viewed diplomacy, offering arguments about its function, practice, limits, and response to change.

Intercultural Communication (1 credit)

This interdisciplinary course examines how globalization and our personal histories and cultural identities shape who we are, how we see the world, and the ways in which we communicate with people from culturally diverse groups and intercultural boundaries. Students will gain an introduction to the concepts, knowledge, and skills that will allow them to interpret the dynamics of cross-cultural interaction and expand their intercultural competency.

Fundamentals of Law (1 credit)

Fundamentals of Law will introduce you to the American legal system, law, the role of the lawyer, and legal writing. We will learn about the structure and function of the legal system, and look at the process of resolving grievances through the courts. Additionally, we will review the key substantive areas in criminal and civil law, highlighting controversial issues in each. Finally, we will learn about the different roles that lawyers and judges can play, as well as their unique ethical obligations. Throughout the course, you will learn how to use legal terminology, conduct legal writing, and examine the many interesting facets of the American legal system.

Intercultural Communication (1 credit)

This interdisciplinary course examines how globalization and our personal histories and cultural identities shape who we are, how we see the world, and the ways in which we communicate with people from culturally diverse groups and intercultural boundaries. Students will gain an introduction to the concepts, knowledge, and skills that will allow them to interpret the dynamics of cross-cultural interaction and expand their intercultural competency.

Introduction to Marine Biology (1 credit)

The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and is home to a vast and diverse array of life. This introductory, asynchronous course provides students with a foundational understanding of marine biology, exploring the organisms, ecosystems, and ecological processes that shape life beneath the waves. 

Students will learn about major marine habitats, including coral reefs, deep-sea environments, estuaries, and open-ocean ecosystems. The course will also cover the adaptations of marine organisms, food webs, ocean chemistry, and the impact of climate change, pollution, and human activity on marine biodiversity. Through interactive modules and case studies, students will examine key topics such as marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and cutting-edge research in ocean exploration. 

Designed for students of all backgrounds, this course requires no prior experience in biology. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe fundamental marine biology concepts, recognize the importance of ocean ecosystems, and analyze current environmental challenges affecting marine life. 

Global Public Health (1 credit)

This course approaches health care as much more than an individual- or local-level activity. Rather, it is embedded in a complex global system of health threats and responses. This arena, global public health, brings together scientific, economic, and political issues, and the outcomes eventually affect billions of lives. We will discuss the historical development of the field, the state of public health around the world, and the prospects for combating current and future health threats. The politics and advocacy movements around certain important issues (like HIV/AIDS) will be a particular focus. Finally, this course is designed to be a college experience and will emphasize the critical analysis and other skills that are required for university-level work.

Intercultural Communication (1 credit)

This interdisciplinary course examines how globalization and our personal histories and cultural identities shape who we are, how we see the world, and the ways in which we communicate with people from culturally diverse groups and intercultural boundaries. Students will gain an introduction to the concepts, knowledge, and skills that will allow them to interpret the dynamics of cross-cultural interaction and expand their intercultural competency.

Global Public Health (1 credit)

This course approaches health care as much more than an individual- or local-level activity. Rather, it is embedded in a complex global system of health threats and responses. This arena, global public health, brings together scientific, economic, and political issues, and the outcomes eventually affect billions of lives. We will discuss the historical development of the field, the state of public health around the world, and the prospects for combating current and future health threats. The politics and advocacy movements around certain important issues (like HIV/AIDS) will be a particular focus. Finally, this course is designed to be a college experience and will emphasize the critical analysis and other skills that are required for university-level work.

Fundamentals of Law (1 credit)

Fundamentals of Law will introduce you to the American legal system, law, the role of the lawyer, and legal writing. We will learn about the structure and function of the legal system, and look at the process of resolving grievances through the courts. Additionally, we will review the key substantive areas in criminal and civil law, highlighting controversial issues in each. Finally, we will learn about the different roles that lawyers and judges can play, as well as their unique ethical obligations. Throughout the course, you will learn how to use legal terminology, conduct legal writing, and examine the many interesting facets of the American legal system.

Psychology and Neuroscience (1 credit)

Students interested in medicine, the behavioral sciences, or life sciences will learn how the structure and function of the nervous system relates to human memory, learning, emotions, and sensations; and how psychologists understand normal and abnormal behaviors in terms of these processes. Over the last twenty years, knowledge of the brain has been greatly enhanced by the development of new neuroscience tools and techniques to examine neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology. Students will learn how to interpret results of brain imaging and neuropsychological tests, which are used to probe the functioning of the human brain in both normal and abnormal states. Students will also learn about the value of animal models to understanding brain structure and function. They will perform simulations of brain and spinal cord of sheep dissections; and study the structure of nerve cells (neurons) and nerve pathways that connect our extremities to the central nervous system via the peripheral nervous system. The neurons of these systems are able to conduct signals based both on electrical current and chemically-mediated neurotransmitter-receptor mechanisms. Students will read primary literature and design experiments to test their own hypotheses on how changes in neurotransmitter levels affect behavior and nervous system development. Students will be able to apply what they learn to what is known about psychological conditions such as addiction, schizophrenia, and depression.

Intercultural Communication (1 credit)

This interdisciplinary course examines how globalization and our personal histories and cultural identities shape who we are, how we see the world, and the ways in which we communicate with people from culturally diverse groups and intercultural boundaries. Students will gain an introduction to the concepts, knowledge, and skills that will allow them to interpret the dynamics of cross-cultural interaction and expand their intercultural competency.

Intercultural Communication (1 credit)

This interdisciplinary course examines how globalization and our personal histories and cultural identities shape who we are, how we see the world, and the ways in which we communicate with people from culturally diverse groups and intercultural boundaries. Students will gain an introduction to the concepts, knowledge, and skills that will allow them to interpret the dynamics of cross-cultural interaction and expand their intercultural competency.

Global Public Health (1 credit)

This course approaches health care as much more than an individual- or local-level activity. Rather, it is embedded in a complex global system of health threats and responses. This arena, global public health, brings together scientific, economic, and political issues, and the outcomes eventually affect billions of lives. We will discuss the historical development of the field, the state of public health around the world, and the prospects for combating current and future health threats. The politics and advocacy movements around certain important issues (like HIV/AIDS) will be a particular focus. Finally, this course is designed to be a college experience and will emphasize the critical analysis and other skills that are required for university-level work.