May 20, 2024  
ARCHIVED 2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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ARCHIVED 2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

The courses listed herein   have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees.  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.
 

Environmental Studies
  

  • ENV 105 - The Science of Climate Change

    3.00 credit hours
    An examination of the scientific understanding of climate change. Includes a thorough study of the evidence that the climate is changing; at detailed analysis of our current best understanding of how the global climate system works, including the possible causes of the rapid climate change now taking place, and the connection between human activities and the changing climates. Time permitting, an examination of the impacts of climate change and the options available to ameliorate the changes now underway.

    Core: Science.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • ENV 106 - Introduction to Environmental Science

    3.50 credit hours
    (Same as: BIO 106 .) This course is an overview of biological and physical processes that affect the environment in the context of current environmental issues. Topics include population, community, ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, water and air pollution and natural resource management. Laboratory required.

    Core: Science (Lab).


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • ENV 120 - People and Nature

    3.00 credit hours
    This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Studies from a humanities perspective. Students read some of the most important books by American authors about the complicated and changing relationships between people and the rest of nature. These classic environmental texts offer insights into perceptions and uses of nature. This course aims to help students interpret arguments about environmental issues and understand their social, historical and political context.

    Core: Humanities.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • ENV 225 - Environmental Ethics

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: PHL 225 .) After a brief examination of philosophical ethical frameworks, the following will be considered: the history of environmental ethics; the problem of the “moral status” of nonhuman animals and other aspects of nature: the environment and “the good life,” ethical issues related to population growth, sustainability, diminishing/vanishing resources and the use of cost benefit analysis in environmental policy.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • ENV 248 - American Environmental History

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as:HST 248 .) This broad survey of American history from an environmental perspective examines the ways that different groups of Americans adapted to and changed the landscape, and analyzes their ideas about nature. Major themes include the new perspective of environmental history, reading the landscape, the role of region in America and knowing nature through labor.

    Prerequisite(s): One humanities or social science course.
    Core: Humanities or Social Science.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • ENV 300 - Modern Environmental Issues

    3.00 credit hours
    This is the capstone course for the Environmental Studies program. Led by professors from different departments with guest appearances by additional members of Environmental Studies faculty, this is an interdisciplinary course that integrates principles and approaches from the sciences, humanities, and social sciences to better understand modern environmental issues. In this course, students examine different ways of thinking about nature and the environment, and seek to understand the complex social, cultural, political, economic, and scientific causes of environmental problems in order to evaluate potential and alternate social and policy solutions. Students also consider the ethical relationship between humankind and the natural environment and the relevance of various ethics and values to environmental decisions.

    Prerequisite(s): One of ENV 120 , BIO 106 /ENV 106 , BIO 151  or HST 248 /ENV 248 .
    ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  
  

Film
  

  • FLM 140 - Introduction to Film and Screen Studies

    3.00 credit hours
    An introduction to the critical analysis of film through an examination of the technical, formal and stylistic aspects of cinematic production.

    Prerequisite(s): ENG 115  or ENG 125 .
    Core: Humanities.
    IAI: F2 905


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FLM 290 - History of American Film

    3.00 credit hours
    A survey of the major developments in American cinema from the invention of motion pictures to the present, with emphasis on directors, aesthetic innovations, technological advances, government policies and business practices. Major focus on Hollywood studios with some attention to independent, experimental and “art” film.

    Prerequisite(s): FLM 140 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • FLM 390 - Film Theory and Criticism

    3.00 credit hours
    The study of key theoretical models and strategies for analysing, assessing and interpreting film as text, as cultural document, and as aesthetic experience. May include theories of spectatorship, genre, production systems, performance, as well as feminist, queer and postcolonial perspectives.

    Prerequisite(s): FLM 140 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FLM 490 - Special Topics in Film and Screen Studies

    3.00 credit hours
    An intensive study of an area within film or screen studies. Courses could focus on the films of one nation, director or genre; screen adaptation; music and moving images; animation; the history of television or a particular program; recent screen technologies; etc.

    Prerequisite(s): FLM 140 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.

Finance
  
  
  

  • FIN 350 - Corporate Finance

    3.00 credit hours
    An introduction to corporate financial management. Topics include financial statement analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, bond and stock valuation, common stock/debt financing, risk and return, cost of capital and capital budgeting.

    Prerequisite(s): ACC 201 ; ECN 250 ; ECN 252 ; ECN 241  or MTH 341  and MTH 342 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • FIN 370 - Wealth Management

    3.00 credit hours
    This is a broad-based course in personal financial planning and personal finance intended for students interested in taking a first step toward careers in personal financial advising as well as students who seek to better manage their own financial affairs. Topics include the financial planning process, personal investing, mutual funds, retirement planning, tax planning, insurance planning, estate planning, investment advising, professional ethics and conduct and personal financial responsibility.

    Prerequisite(s): FIN 350 .
    ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FIN 385 - International Finance

    3.00 credit hours
    Theory and applications in the realm of financial decision making in the international sphere. Topics may include the global financial environment, foreign exchange risk management, financing international transactions and asset management including short-term and long-term multinational corporate finance decisions.

    Prerequisite(s): FIN 350 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FIN 390 - Seminar: Special Topics in Finance

    1.00-3.00 credit hours
    Topics vary depending on student interest and faculty expertise. Topics and prerequisites are announced in advance and placed in the course schedule. May be repeated with different content.

    Prerequisite(s): FIN 350  is normally required.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • FIN 400 - Investments and Portfolio Management

    3.00 credit hours
    A broad survey of investments and portfolio management. Topics include stock and bond market analysis and valuation, portfolio analysis and management, efficient markets, international financial markets and derivative securities.

    Prerequisite(s): FIN 350 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FIN 425 - Financial Institutions

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of measuring and managing the risks faced by financial institutions. Topics include the organizational and regulatory structure of the financial services industry. The risks measured may include interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, off-balance sheet risk, liquidity risk, insolvency risk, foreign exchange risk and sovereign risk. The risk management methods may include liability and liquidity management, deposit insurance and capital adequacy, product or geographic expansion, and the use of derivatives.

    Prerequisite(s): ECN 360  and FIN 350 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FIN 450 - Advanced Corporate Finance

    3.00 credit hours
    The theory and practice of corporate finance. Study of selected topics in corporate finance including capital budgeting, capital structure and dividend policy, mergers and acquisitions and financial analysis and planning.

    Prerequisite(s): FIN 350 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FIN 475 - Derivatives: Markets, Pricing and Applications

    3.00 credit hours
    This course deals with financial instruments known as derivatives and their use in managing risk and creating leverage. The derivatives market consists of financial contracts in the form of options, forwards, futures, swaps, debt-related securities and many other types of related instruments. These contracts are used by corporations, investment funds, individuals and governments to control risk arising from fluctuating interest rates, exchange rates, stock prices and commodity prices. They are also used by investors and financial institutions to leverage investment positions. This course is designed to expand understanding of derivative related financial instruments and their use in investment and corporate financial management. Upon completion of the course, students will have a clear understanding of derivative markets, the theory of pricing derivative securities and the use of derivatives in practice.

    Prerequisite(s): FIN 350 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

First Year Experience
  

  • FYE 100 - First Year Experience

    1.00 credit hours
    An introduction to the college academic experience at North Central College. Students begin their academic journey by tackling a current issue and discussing possible responses using several disciplinary approaches. Required for first year students in Fall term.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.

French
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  • FRN 220 - Readings in French

    1.00 credit hours
    Weekly reading and discussion of texts in French. Repeatable with different content.

    Prerequisite(s): Intructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 250 - Techniques in French Composition

    3.00 credit hours
    Emphasis on improving proficiency through grammar review, advanced writing and discussion of short texts.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 203 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • FRN 310 - Style and Structure in French Composition

    3.00 credit hours
    Emphasis on improving oral and written proficiency through the study and discussion of core texts. Students develop a sense of the various techniques that contribute to style and use these techniques in their own writing.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 250 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 320 - Le Francais Commercial

    2.00 credit hours
    An introduction to French company organization and related activities (employment, correspondence, simulated transactions), with emphasis on the language skills needed to function effectively in a French business setting.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 325 - Survey of French Literature - Medieval to 17th Century

    3.00 credit hours
    An overview of major works of French literature from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 326 - Survey of French Literature - 18th to 21st Century

    3.00 credit hours
    An overview of majors works of French literature from the 18th century to the present.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 327 - Survey of French and Francophone Women Writers

    3.00 credit hours
    An introduction to the works of women writers from Medieval France to contemporary France and Francophone cultures.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 330 - History of France

    3.00 credit hours
    The development of French culture and civilization from its origins to the beginning of the Fifth Republic.

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


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 331 - Contemporary France

    3.00 credit hours
    The institutions and social structures of France from the establishment of the Fifth Republic to the present.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .
    Core: Social Science.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 338 - Vichy France

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of France under the Nazi occupation in World War II, including a focus on collaboration, rescue and resistance, survival and memory.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .
    ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 370 - Francophone Africa

    3.00 credit hours
    An exploration of the socio-cultural changes in Francophone Africa resulting from colonization and independence, as reflected in contemporary and traditional literature.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310 .


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 380 - French Cinema

    3.00 credit hours
    The history and development of French cinema from the Lumiere Brothers to the present.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310  and one other 300-level French course.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 390 - Topics

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Repeatable with different topic.

    Prerequisite(s): One 300-level French course or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • FRN 420 - Medieval French Literature

    3.00 credit hours
    A selection of genres, authors, and texts from various periods in the French Middle Ages.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310  and one other 300-level French course; or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 470 - Humor in French Literature

    3.00 credit hours
    A study of comic modes throughout French literary history, with an emphasis on theoretical approaches to the questions that literary humor raises.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310  and one other 300-level French course; or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 480 - French Theatre

    3.00 credit hours
    An in-depth study of the major developments in French theatre, from the 17th century to the 20th.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310  and one other 300-level French course.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • FRN 490 - Seminar

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced study focusing on a specific literary or cultural topic, with emphasis on student-directed inquiry and the development of individual projects and presentations. Repeatable with different topic.

    Prerequisite(s): FRN 310  and one other 300-level French course.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

Gender and Women’s Studies
  

  • GWS 100 - Introduction to Sex, Gender and Sexuality

    3.00 credit hours
    “Gender” as practice, performance, and representation has differed for women and men according to race, class and other divisions throughout time. This interdisciplinary course places critical focus on “gender,” or the cultural invention and representation of femininity and masculinity. Lectures and discussions examine areas such as: appearance, health, relationships, birth control and pornography; access to political institutions and power; gender in the workplace; sexuality and sexual orientation; gender representation in popular culture; the impact of women’s perspectives on research, knowledge, history and other cultural institutions; feminism and cultural politics.

    Core: Humanities or Social Science.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

  • GWS 220 - Family

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: SOA 220 .) The sociological study of the family. Topics examined from a structuralist/feminist perspective includes the history of the family, the relationship between work and family and the impacts of class and race on family structure.

    Core: Social Science.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 230 - Gender in the Judeo-Christian Traditions

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: REL 230 .) The study of how gender affects religious practices, beliefs and experiences in Christianity and Judaism.

    Core: Humanities.
    ACR: Religion and Ethics.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 235 - Sexuality and Christianity

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: REL 235 .) An examination of contemporary Christian approaches to sexuality in a dialogue with secular philosophies of sexuality.

    Core: Humanities.
    ACR: Religion and Ethics.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 250 - U.S. Women’s History

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: HST 250 .) A survey of American women’s history from colonial times to the present. An examination of women’s legal and political status, educational and occupational opportunities, family relations and health with special attention on how and why lives and experiences of women have changed over time. An exploration of the history that women share as a group as well as differences among specific groups of women.

    Prerequisite(s): One humanities or social science course.
    Core: Humanities or Social Science.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 280 - Women and Literature

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: ENG 280 .) An examination of the broad spectrum of women’s writing-across time, cultures and genres-studying the literary and political significance of the female voice in creative and critical texts. Through an exploration of texts which may include the poems of Sappho, the speeches of Queen Elizabeth I, the plays of Lillian Hellman, the novels of Toni Morrison, the films of Kathryn Bigelow, to the theoretical writings of Luce Irigaray, students will also delve into the ways that literature provides a space to interrogate the intersections between gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability/disability and class.

    Core: Humanities.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 301 - Human Sexuality: A Clash of Values

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: BIO 300 .) In traditional topics in human sexuality (e.g., natural essence of sexuality, reproductive biology, sex research, marriage and other arrangements, reproductive issues), there is a clash of values both within a culture and between cultures. This course includes such controversial issues as religious perspectives, pornography, the media, prostitution and female circumcision. The latter components serve to explore problems resulting from the clash of values.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
    ACR: Intercultural.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 312 - Women and American Politics

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: PSC 312 .) Study of women as citizens, candidates and office holders within the American political system. Topics include, but are not limited to, social movements, electoral politics and interest group activities.

    Prerequisite(s): One of PSC 101 , GWS 100  or LEV 121 .
    ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 350 - Gender and World Religions

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: REL 350 .) An analysis of feminist thought in non-Western religious traditions. The course discusses women’s redefinition of traditional concepts, rituals and practices in a number of religious traditions across the globe.

    Prerequisite(s): REL 100  or a course in non-Judeo-Christian tradition.
    ACR: Religion and Ethics and Intercultural Seminar.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 370 - Feminisms

    3.00 credit hours
    A rigorous study of theories and histories of multiple intellectual and activist movements categorized under the term “feminisms.” The course examines feminisms not just as scholarly modes of inquiry but as activist leadership methodologies.

    Prerequisite(s): GWS 100  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 375 - Theories of Gender and Sexuality

    3.00 credit hours
    A rigorous study that draws on the academic field of queer theory to consider gender and sexuality as constructed categories with powerful material consequences. The course also grapples with a) the question of what it means to be an ally to oppressed populations and b) controversies about the notion of a relationship between biology, genders and sexualities. The course includes a significant comparative element, considering theories of gender and sexuality across cultural and national borders.

    Prerequisite(s): GWS 100  or instructor consent.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 389 - Gender and the Mass Media

    3.00 credit hours
    (Same as: SPC 389 .) The critical analysis of the complex relations between gender and the mass media. Special emphasis is placed on the social construction of gender, representations of the body, and the cultural significance of the media.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 390 - Intercultural Seminar in Gender and Women’s Studies

    3.00 credit hours
    Specialized topics considered from a global, intercultural and/or multicultural position through the lens of gender and women’s studies. Content defined by the individual instructor.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
    ACR: Intercultural.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 395 - Leadership, Ethics and Values Seminar in Gender and Women’s Studies

    3.00 credit hours
    Specialized topics exploring the concepts of leadership, ethics and values through the lens of gender and women’s studies. Content defined by the individual instructor.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
    ACR: Leadership, Ethics, and Values.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GWS 490 - Seminar

    3.00 credit hours
    Advanced study of an interdisciplinary subject within a seminar format. Content will vary from year to year.

    Prerequisite(s): GWS 100 ; one 300- or 400-level course.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  

German
  
  
  
  
  
  

  • GER 203 - Conversation and Composition I

    Focuses on the continued development of oral and written proficiency. Students write and rewrite several short compositions.

    Prerequisite(s): GER 202 .
    IAI: H1 900L


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  
  
  

  • 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.
  
  

Global Studies
  

  • GLS 160 - D-Term Study Abroad

    2.00-3.00 credit hours
    Provides students with an opportunity to pursue a field of study outside the United States at an introductory level. Each course requires some pre-departure and post-study abroad sessions; time spent out of the country may vary from 10 to 21 days. Destinations and content change according to instructor. Repeatable with different content. Consent of instructor required.

    Core: May count towards Humanities or Social Science depending on the topic.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
  

  • GLS 177 - Topics in Global Awareness

    1.50-3.00 credit hours
    Intensive study of a cultural topic designed to help students develop a sense of global systems and interdependence in the context of a particular discipline. Content defined by the individual instructor. Repeatable with different content.

    Core: May count towards Humanities or Social Science depending on the topic.


    Click here for the schedule of classes.
 

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