May 03, 2024  
ARCHIVED 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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ARCHIVED 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Curriculum

The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Courses are subject to change through normal academic channels, and information about new courses approved after publication of this catalog can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar or from appropriate departments. Typically, 13.5 hours per week of combined class and study time are expected for each three credit hour course.

The frequency of offering each course is determined by the department or division as demand indicates. Course numbering is intended to reflect the level of preparation which a student should have to enroll in a specific course, but courses are not numbered according to difficulty within a hundred series. Courses numbered below 100 affect the cumulative grade point average, but are not applied to the 120 credit hours required for graduation at North Central College.

Course Descriptions

Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description.

If a course qualifies as an Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Education course, then an IAI code appears to the right of the course title. The letter codes are C (Communications), F (Fine Arts), H (Humanities), L (Life Sciences), M (Mathematics), P (Physical Sciences) and S (Social Behavioral Sciences). Note that some courses meeting NCC general education requirements are not approved by the IAI. Students intending to transfer to another school participating in the IAI are strongly encouraged to take only courses approved by the IAI for general education core requirements.
 

German
  
  

  • GER 310 - German Life and Culture after World War II

    3.00 credit hours
    Offers students an introduction to life and culture in East and West Germany after World War II. Specific focus is placed on the founding of the countries, the Cold War, the 1953 uprising, the Berlin Wall, Communism and unification.

    Prerequisite(s): GER 203  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GER 320 - German History and Culture

    3.00 credit hours
    A survey of major sociological, political and artistic events in German-speaking lands from their origins to the present.

    Prerequisite(s): GER 203  or instructor consent.
    Core: Humanities.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • GER 330 - The Weimar Republic

    3.00 credit hours
    A contextualized study of the life and culture during the Weimar Republic in Germany. Special attention is given to the literature, film and visual art of the period.

    Prerequisite(s): GER 203 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GER 350 - German Film

    3.00 credit hours
    This course introduces students to the history and development of German film. Films are analyzed within their historical epoch, but also as cultural documents problematizing aspects of German life and history.

    Prerequisite(s): GER 203  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GER 370 - Berlin: A City in Flux

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of the dynamic German city, from its time as the capital of the Prussian kingdom, its cultural and economic rise in the German Empire, through its changes in the Weimar Republic, during the Third Reich, throughout its division during the Cold War and finally after German unification in 1990.

    Prerequisite(s): GER 203 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GER 390 - Topics

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Course topics may include studies on specific authors, such as Bertolt Brecht, periods and epochs, such as Expressionism or Exile Literature, or specific themes. Repeatable with different topic.

    Prerequisite(s): One course in German at the 300-level.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • GER 490 - Seminar

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Topics may include studies on specific authors, such as Bertolt Brecht, periods and epochs, such as Expressionism or Exile Literature, or specific themes. Repeatable with different topic.

    Prerequisite(s): One course in German at the 300-level.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

Japanese
  

  • JPN 101 - Elementary Japanese I

    3.00 credit hours
    Introduction to the basic structures of the Japanese language through aural-oral practice and drills. A good command of kana syllabaries (hiragana and katakana) and the ability to reproduce about 100 kanji (Chinese characters) is expected by the end of the Elementary Japanese sequence.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • JPN 201 - Intermediate Japanese I

    3.00 credit hours
    Emphasis on further development of listening and speaking skills. The introduction of basic grammar is completed by the end of the Intermediate Japanese sequence. Introduction of vocabulary and kanji is accelerated.

    Prerequisite(s): JPN 103 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  
  
  

  • JPN 301 - Third-Year Japanese I

    3.00 credit hours
    Development of reading and writing skills, with continued emphasis on listening and speaking. Introduction of intermediate-level grammar, vocabulary and kanji.

    Prerequisite(s): JPN 203 or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • JPN 390 - Topics

    3.00 credit hours
    An advanced course in a selected topic. Topics may include Japanese in the workplace, Japanese literature, Japanese films, Japanese culture and history or advanced grammar. Repeatable with different content.

    Prerequisite(s): JPN 302  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • JPN 410 - Reading and Grammar II

    3.00 credit hours
    Further development of reading proficiency with continued emphasis on expansion of grammatical understanding, vocabulary and kanji. The reading texts may include short stories, advertisements and articles from magazines and newspapers. Practices of reading strategies are incorporated. Repeatable with different content.

    Prerequisite(s): JPN 390  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • JPN 451 - Writing and Grammar II

    3.00 credit hours
    Further development of fluency in written and oral Japanese through reading and writing various types of texts. Continued emphasis on grammatical understanding, vocabulary and kanji. Repeatable with different content.

    Prerequisite(s): One 400-level Japanese course or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • JPN 490 - Seminar

    3.00 credit hours
    The content-based study of a selected topic. Special emphasis on student-directed inquiry and the development of individual projects and presentations. Repeatable with different content.

    Prerequisite(s): Study abroad in Japan or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

Spanish
  
  
  
  

  • SPN 177 - Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica

    6.00 credit hours
    Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • SPN 202 - Intermediate Spanish II

    3.00 credit hours
    A continuation of Intermediate Spanish I, with emphasis on study of complex grammatical structures. Special focus on oral communication.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 201 .
    Core: Humanities.
    IAI: H1 900L


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 250 - Spanish Conversation and Composition I

    3.00 credit hours
    Emphasis on conversational and communicative skills; focus on improvement of written proficiency intensive practice in writing various types of prose (descriptive and narrative); includes grammar review.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 202 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 277 - Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica

    6.00 credit hours
    Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • SPN 310 - Spanish Conversation and Composition II

    3.00 credit hours
    Emphasis on literary and film analysis while continuing to build on communicative skills; focus on improvement of written proficiency through intensive practice in writing various types of prose (expository and research); may include some grammar review.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 250 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 322 - Spanish for the Professions

    3.00 credit hours
    Oral and written practice focused on the special terminology of various professions including business, the health professions, social services and legal/law enforcement. Emphasis is placed on simulation of real life situations and methods of communication. For advanced level students.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 325 - Survey of Peninsular Spanish Literature

    3.00 credit hours
    An overview and analysis of the principal literary periods of Spain from the Middle Ages through the present. Special emphasis is placed on selected works, authors and schools of thought.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 327 - Modern Spanish Theatre

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of representative dramatic works from Spain from the period of La generación del 98 to the present. Emphasis is placed on dramatic theory with regard to Spanish history, literary analysis and experimental performance.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • SPN 333 - Civilization and Culture of Spain

    3.00 credit hours
    An overview of the history, customs, institutions, cultural patterns and heritage of the Spanish people from earliest times to the present.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .
    Core: Humanities.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 335 - Survey of Latin American Literature

    3.00 credit hours
    An overview and analysis of the principal literary periods of Latin America from the pre-Hispanic era to the present. Special emphasis is placed on selected works, authors and schools of thought.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 337 - Latin American Short Story

    3.00 credit hours
    Traces the development of the short story genre in Latin America from its origins in the nineteenth century through the Boom authors and into present day. Special emphasis may be placed on particular periods and national movements of authors.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 377 - Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica

    6.00 credit hours
    Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 390 - Topics

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced courses in a selection of topics. Topics may include study of a literary genre, movement, author, Hispanic linguistics or some aspect of Hispanic culture. Repeatable with different topic.

    Prerequisite(s): SPN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • SPN 477 - Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica

    6.00 credit hours
    Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • SPN 490 - Seminar

    3.00 credit hours
    In-depth study of a literary genre, movement, author or a topic on Hispanic culture or language. Repeatable with different topic.

    Prerequisite(s): A minimum of one Spanish literature course at the 300-level; senior standing or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

Music
  

  • MUS 101 - Music Theory I

    3.00 credit hours
    Study of basic notation rules, triads in root position, triads in first and second inversions voice leading rules, phrase structure, cadences, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 108 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 102 - Music Theory II

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of non-harmonic tones, dominant seventh chords, altered non-harmonic tones and seventh chords. This course includes the study of basic harmonization techniques using triads and seventh chords as well as the study and analysis of standard music literature. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 109 .

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 101 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 108 - Aural Skills I

    1.00 credit hours
    Introduction to basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing and ear training. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 101 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 109 - Aural Skills II

    1.00 credit hours
    Continued basic work with sight singing, ear training, triad recognition and melodic and rhythmic dictation. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 102 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 110 - Cardinal Chorus

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    Cardinal Chorus is dedicated to the study and performance of a wide variety of choral repertoire and to the development of foundational choral and vocal skills such as sight-reading, tone color, choral diction and blend and balance. Each term includes at least one public performance. No audition required, but a voice placement will take place as part of the rehearsal process each term.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 111 - Concert Choir

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    The North Central Concert Choir performs a varied repertoire in three formal college concerts as well as occasional off-campus appearances and tours. Membership is by audition and open to all North Central students with consent of instructor.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 112 - North Central Express

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    Membership in the North Central Express is limited to 16 members and is by audition only. Auditions are held the second week of Fall Term. Repertoire is of a popular nature and performances are staged and choreographed. This group has frequent off-campus performances.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 113 - Naperville Chorus

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    The Naperville Chorus is dedicated to the performance of large-scale musical works, with orchestral accompaniment and professional soloists. Membership is open without audition to anyone with previous singing experience.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 114 - Concert Winds

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    Concert Winds performs a wide variety of music, including new music and works from the standard repertoire. Concert performances are scheduled both on and off campus. Auditions are held for placement within sections and for the select ensemble, Chamber Winds.

    Prerequisite(s): Ability to play appropriate instrument.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 115 - Big Band

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    The 20-member Big Band performs a wide variety of large-ensemble jazz and popular music. Each year the ensemble performs at least three concerts on campus. Audition is required.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 116 - Women’s Chorale

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    The study and performance of choral music for women’s voices. Each term culminates in one or more public performances; tours and special events are also scheduled. Audition is required.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 150 - Listening to Music

    3.00 credit hours
    Introduction to the masterpieces of Western music; a broadly-based grounding in the rudiments of music, aesthetic values; and literature of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary periods.

    Core: Humanities.
    IAI: F1 900


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 156 - The World of Music

    3.00 credit hours
    Introductory course with examples drawn from the musics of the five continents: Asia, Africa, Europe and North and South America.

    Core: Humanities.
    IAI: F1 900


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 181 - Jazz Improvisation I

    3.00 credit hours
    Fundamentals of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises using the major scales and the dorian and mixolydian modes. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded jazz solos are used to illustrate these principles.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 102 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 182 - Jazz Improvisation II

    3.00 credit hours
    Principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises and jazz repertoire utilizing the ii-V-I harmonic progression, the blues scale and form, the aeolian and locrian modes and the minor ii-IV-I harmonic progression. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded jazz solos illustrating these principles.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 181 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 201 - Music Theory III

    3.00 credit hours
    Study of altered dominant chords, modulation to closely related keys, borrowed chords and diminished seventh chords as they apply to the form and analysis of standard music literature. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 208 .

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 101  and MUS 102 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 202 - Music Theory IV

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of extended chords, modulations to foreign keys, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan sixth chords and the tone row. A study of harmonization and modulations are applied to the analysis and form of standard music literature. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 209 .

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 101 , MUS 102  and MUS 201 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 205 - Opera Workshop

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    A basic study of performance techniques for the singer of musical theatre and opera, designed to give students experience in singing and acting through study and active participation in works of the musical stage. This course is repeatable.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 208 - Aural Skills III

    1.00 credit hours
    Intermediate work with sight singing, ear training, melodic and rhythmic dictation, seventh chords and harmonic dictation. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 201 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 209 - Aural Skills IV

    1.00 credit hours
    Continued intermediate work with sight singing, ear training, triad recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation, seventh chords and harmonic dictation. Introduction of modes, intervals beyond the octave and hearing of forms. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 202 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 211 - Piano Lessons

    0.00, 0.50, 1.00 credit hours
    Available to all students. May be repeated. Students may take hour lessons for 1.0 credit with permission of the instructor. 1/2 hour lessons=0.5 credit; 1 hour lessons=1 credit; 0 credit option only for students who have reached 12 credit hour full time limit.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 221 - Voice Lessons

    0.00, 0.50, 1.00 credit hours
    Available to all students. May be repeated. Students may take hour lessons for 1.0 credit with permission of the instructor. 1/2 hour lessons=0.5 credit; 1 hour lessons=1 credit; 0 credit option only for students who have reached 12 credit hour full time limit.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 231 - Instrumental Lessons

    0.00, 0.50, 1.00 credit hours
    Available to all students. May be repeated. Students may take hour lessons for 1.0 credit with permission of the instructor. 1/2 hour lessons=0.5 credit; 1 hour lessons=1 credi;. 0 credit option only for students who have reached 12 credit hour full time limit.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 241 - Jazz Combo

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    A performance student chamber ensemble open to instrumentalists and vocalists with an interest in the improvisational art form of jazz. Audition is required.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 245 - Vocal Jazz Lab Ensemble

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    A vocal workshop ensemble open to all students interested in the improvisational jazz as presented in a multi-voice setting. Audition is required.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 258 - Introduction to Musical Styles and Ideas

    2.00 credit hours
    Introduces the study of music in the extended common practice including bibliography, listening, score reading, music terminology, critical reading and writing skills. The course will survey selected music genres (polyphonic choral, chamber and symphonic music, opera) and discuss the development of musical style from medieval through contemporary practice.

    Core: Humanities.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 260 - Jazz Harmony I

    3.00 credit hours
    Music theory as it applies to Swing and Bebop Jazz styles. Scale/chord relationships; harmonic notation; standard sectional song forms; alterations, extensions and substitutions.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 102 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 261 - Jazz Harmony II

    3.00 credit hours
    Music theory as it applies to the stylistic changes which occurred in jazz after Bebop. Modal and chromatic harmony, polychords, pedal points, free playing and quartal harmony.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 260 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 281 - Jazz Improvisation III

    3.00 credit hours
    Intermediate principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises and jazz repertoire utilizing the lydian and Phrygian modes, sectional forms, the diminished mode and the whole tone scale. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded jazz solos illustrating these principles.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 182 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 282 - Jazz Improvisation IV

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises and jazz repertoire utilizing the harmonic and melodic minor scales, altered lydian modes, pentatonic scales and Coltrane substitutions. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded jazz solos illustrating these principles.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 281 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • MUS 301 - Music History I

    2.00 credit hours
    The study of Western music from ancient times through the Renaissance period.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; MUS 258 or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • MUS 305 - Jazz History I

    3.00 credit hours
    The stylistic evolution of Jazz from its origins to 1945, examined within its American cultural context. Traces it historical development from early Combo Jazz through the Swing era to the development of Bebop.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 102  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 306 - Jazz History II

    3.00 credit hours
    The stylistic evolution of modern jazz after Bebop; from 1945 to the present day, examined within its American cultural context. Traces the historical development of the diverse styles-Bop, Third Stream, Free Jazz, Fusion-co-existing within the contemporary Jazz idiom.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 305  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 307 - Chamber Ensemble

    0.00-0.50 credit hours
    A variety of instrumental and vocal chamber ensembles, such as brass and woodwind quintets, string quartet, world music ensemble or a cappella groups. Changes annually.

    Prerequisite(s): Audition or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 311 - Piano

    0.00, 0.50, 1.00 credit hours
    Available to qualified juniors and seniors who have demonstrated the stipulated proficiency in their major performing area by passing with distinction a Jury-Exam at the end of the sophomore year where each plays approximately 15 minutes of memorized music. 1/2 hour lessons=0.5 credit; 1 hour lessons=1 credit; 0 credit option only for students who have reached 12 credit hour full time limit.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 211 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 321 - Voice

    0.00, 0.50, 1.00 credit hours
    Available to qualified juniors and seniors who have demonstrated the stipulated proficiency in their major performing area by passing with distinction a Jury-Exam at the end of the sophomore year where each sings approximately 15 minutes of memorized music. 1/2 hour lessons=0.5 credit; 1 hour lessons=1 credit; 0 credit option only for students who have reached 12 credit hour full time limit.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 221 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 322 - Woodwind Techniques

    1.50 credit hours
    A study of the performance techniques of the flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. Students study teaching techniques appropriate for the instruction of the instruments at various levels.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 201 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 323 - Brass Techniques

    1.50 credit hours
    A study of the performance techniques of the trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba. Students study teaching techniques appropriate for the instruction of the instruments at various levels.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 201 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • MUS 324 - String Techniques

    1.50 credit hours
    A study of the performance techniques of the violin, viola, cello and bass. Students study teaching techniques appropriate for the instruction of the instruments at various levels.

    Prerequisite(s): MUS 201 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
 

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