May 21, 2024  
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG] See drop-down menu above to access other catalogs.

Course Descriptions


Note: See Addenda to the 2017/18 Catalog  as that information supersedes the published version of this catalog.

The course descriptions include all courses that are taught for academic credit at the university. They are arranged in alpha-numerical sequence by course subject code.

See How to Read Course Descriptions  for additional information.

At present, the majority of the 500-600 level courses are offered in the evening hours. Students should be aware that not all courses are offered in the evening or every semester. Students who are only able to enroll in classes 4 pm or after should consult the appropriate department chairperson for information about the availability of evening sections of courses required in a specific major, concentration and/or minor. Students are urged to consult “Available Course Sections” through InfoBear each semester to determine when specific courses are offered.

 

 

 

Physical Education

  
  • PHED 523 - Strength and Conditioning Laboratory

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHED 204 or PHED 555; and consent of instructor
    This course consists of a study in the procedures used to train and coach athletes to enhance their musculoskeletal fitness through anatomy-based strength and conditioning. Specific emphasis will be placed on power lifting, Olympic-style lifting, dynamic flexibility, plyometrics, agility training, and sports specific training. May be repeated once for credit. Lecture, laboratory and out-of-class observation and fieldwork will be conducted weekly.

  
  • PHED 526 - Sport Law

    (3 credits)
    This course will give the sports professional an understanding of the legal system as a whole and the unique legal problems and responsibility faced in managing a sports activity. The sports professional will be educated to identify potential legal liability, to avoid unnecessary legal risks and to minimize legal loss exposure.

  
  • PHED 534 - Critical Pedagogy in Physical Education

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Matriculation in the Physical Education, MS program; or consent of instructor
    Students will examine critical pedagogical philosophies and strategies while analyzing socialization process in schools. Students will also learn how to develop critical awareness and take transformative action in schools. Offered fall semester.

  
  • PHED 543 - Foundations of Resistance Training

    (3 credits)
    This course will provide students with knowledge of the effects of various heavy resistance training protocols on musculoskeletal integrity, metabolic capacity and various specific tissue characteristics in the human body. Thus, the course necessarily considers micro-anatomical and physiological variations associated with general strength-conditioning programs, body building, Olympic lifting, power lifting, circuit training, isotonic and isometric resistance training.

  
  • PHED 544 - Applied Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science

    (3 credits)
    Students will utilize a number of laboratory techniques to assess fitness capabilities and health status of normal subjects. Focus will be on standardization of procedures and collection of reliable and valid data. An additional concern will be clear representation and interpretation of classical techniques used to routinely assess physical fitness in the laboratory. Offered summer session.

  
  • PHED 545 - Physical Conditioning and Training in Sports and Exercise

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: An introductory course in exercise physiology or consent of instructor
    This course is designed to provide the sport practitioner, e.g., the coach, athlete, team trainer, and physical educator, with a basic understanding of the physiologic principles underlying the physical conditioning process. Methods of planning, implementing and evaluating training programs will be the main focus of attention.

  
  • PHED 546 - Applied Biomechanics and Movement Analysis

    (3 credits) Cross Listed with ATTR 548
    This course provides students with a knowledge and understanding of the mechanical concepts underlying performance of motor skills. Focus is on analytic techniques, which allow students to analyze skills and effectively consume complex skill analyses conducted by others. Offered fall semester, alternate years.

  
  • PHED 547 - Biomechanics of Resistance Training

    (3 credits)
    This course provides an understanding of mechanical principles in performing biomechanical analyses of human movement on resistance training exercises for general populations and athletes.

  
  • PHED 551 - USA Weightlifting Certification - Sport Performance Coach

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and current CPR Certification
    This course is designed to provide the strength and conditioning student/coach with the opportunity to test for an entry level USA Weightlifting Certification. Students will learn the progressions of the Olympic Lifts, the associate accessory lifts, and the training mechanics in order to apply for certification I as a Sport Performance Coach. Offered summer session.

  
  • PHED 552 - USA Weightlifting Certification Level I Coach

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and current CPR Certification
    This course is designed to provide the strength and conditioning student/coach with the opportunity to test for the entry level USA Weightlifting Certification. Students will learn the progressions of the Olympic Lifts, the associate accessory lifts, and the training mechanics in order to apply for certification as USA Weightlifting Level I Coach. Offered summer session.

  
  • PHED 553 - USA Weightlifting Certification - Local Referee

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and current CPR Certification
    This course is designed to provide the strength and conditioning student/coach with the opportunity to test for an entry level USA Weightlifting Certification. Students will learn the progressions of the Olympic lifts, the associate accessory lifts, and the training mechanics in order to apply for certification I as a Local Referee. Offered summer session.

  
  • PHED 555 - Strength and Conditioning Practicum

    (3 credits)
    This course consists of a study of the procedures used to train people to enhance their musculoskeletal fitness through progressive resistance exercise. Specific emphasis will be placed on bodybuilding, power lifting, Olympic Style Lifting, dynamic flexibility, plyometrics and agility training. One hour of lecture and two hours of laboratory will be conducted weekly over the entire semester. Offered every semester.

  
  • PHED 560 - Adventure-Based Physical Education

    (3 credits)
    This course is designed for those who are new to adventure education and who work in a setting where the group process and debriefing are important. Some of the techniques to enhance group process are the following: goal setting, refection, decision making and debriefing. The curriculum will include adventure basics, philosophy and theory, including challenge by choice and the full-value contract, ground activities, low elements and high elements. Participants should be in relatively good health and able to perform moderate physical activity.

  
  • PHED 571 - Social Issues in Sport

    (3 credits)
    This course will focus on advanced sociological study of sport and physical activity. Students will consider timely issues in sport from a sociological perspective and consider how these issues affect professionals working in sport and physical activity.

  
  • PHED 572 - Psychological Issues in Sport and Physical Activity

    (3 credits)
    Students will investigate current literature and applied practice in the sub-discipline of Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. Individual variations in behaviors across sport and physical activity settings will be considered from a psychological perspective. Anxiety, motivation, and the importance of social-environmental factors will all be examined in the course.

  
  • PHED 575 - Educational Dance in the School Setting

    (3 credits)
    This course will provide a comprehensive review of current literature, research, methods and materials for teaching creative, cultural and social dance in the school physical education setting, grades K-12.

  
  • PHED 579 - Qualitative Data Analysis in Physical Education

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Matriculation into Physical Education, MS program; or consent of instructor
    This course addresses techniques important to the development of effective data analysis techniques for novice qualitative researchers in physical education.

  
  • PHED 581 - Selected Topics in Physical Education

    (1-3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Course prerequisite may be specified depending on the nature of the topic
    Special topics of current relevance in physical education will be offered from time to time. The topic to be addressed will be announced in pre-registration publications. May be taken more than once, with consent of advisor, for a maximum of six credits.

  
  • PHED 588 - Competitive Weight Lifting

    (3 credits)
    This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to learn the details of competitive weightlifting. Participants will learn the aspects of program design, training methods, volume and intensity rational, as well as the rules and regulations of competition. The students will attend a sanctioned competition either as a coach or participant. This course may be repeated once for a maximum of six credits.

  
  • PHED 595 - Internship in Physical Education

    (3-9 credits)
    Prerequisite: 12 graduate credits in physical education and consent of advisor
    An internship offers qualified students the opportunity to gain substantial practical experience within their major. Placements are designed to complement a student’s program concentration. This course may be repeated up to nine credits.


Physics

  
  • NSCI 529 - Space, Time and Motion

    (3 credits)

    Throughout history, humans have grappled with questions about the origin, workings, and behavior of the universe. This seminar begins with a quick tour of discovery and exploration in physics, from the ancient Greek philosophers on to Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Einstein’s work then serves as the departure point for a detailed look at the properties of motion, time, space, matter, and energy.

    The course considers Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, his photon hypothesis, wave-particle duality, his General Theory of Relativity and its implications for astrophysics and cosmology, as well as his three-decade quest for a unified field theory. It also looks at Einstein as a social and political figure, and his contributions as a social and political force.

    Scientist-authored essays, online interaction, videos, and web resources enable learners to trace this historic path of discovery and explore implications of technology for society, energy production in stars, black holes, the Big Bang and the role of the scientist in modern society. Offered online by the American Museum of Natural History. For more information about this course and associated fees, please contact the College of Graduate Studies.

  
  • NSCI 530 - The Solar System

    (3 credits)

    This course provides an overview of what we know about the Solar System: how it began and evolved, its components and their properties, and how these elements interact as a system.  However, much of our knowledge remains incomplete, and so unanswered questions and mysteries figure prominently in the story. This course addresses our scientific understanding of the Solar System, how we know what we know and many hotly debated questions at the cutting-edge of scientific research. Offered online by the American Museum of Natural History. For more information about this course and associated fees, please contact the College of Graduate Studies.

  
  • PHYS 102 - Modern Physics for the Humanist

    (3 credits)
    The principal theme of this course is 20th-century attempts to understand the basic laws of nature and their relationship to us. Among the topics to be considered are classical physics, the theory of relativity, atomic structure and quantum theory along with their implications for philosophy and technology. Offered alternate years. (CNSN; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 107 - Exploring the Universe

    (4 credits)
    This course will explore the sun, stars, their life cycles, and the galaxies. Theories of the composition and origin of the solar system, the universe and life will be studied. Students observe celestial objects including the moon, sun, planets star, nebulae, and galaxies using the university’s observatory. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory and several viewing sessions weekly. Offered annually. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 108 - The Physics of Music

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: Mathematical Reasoning core curriculum requirement (CMAR)
    Music represents a unique discipline where “art” and “science” meet together and interact on equal footing. This course covers generation and transmission of sound, the ear’s response to sound, and sound generated from various musical instruments. There will also be an introduction to room acoustics, sound synthesis, sound analysis and basic fundamentals of musical construction. Lecture and lab will be combined, meeting for a total of six hours per week. Offered alternate years. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 135 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in physics allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Offered fall semester.

  
  • PHYS 136 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in physics allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Offered spring semester.

  
  • PHYS 180 - Energy and its Social Uses

    (3 credits)
    The basic physical laws of energy are presented. Environmental consequences of solar, fossil, hydro and nuclear energy generation are analyzed. Offered annually. (CNSN; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 181 - Elements of Physics I

    (4 credits)
    The language and methods of physics as illustrated in mechanics, heat and sound are studied. Applications of fundamental principles of physics to all branches of physical science are examined. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period weekly. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 182 - Elements of Physics II

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 181
    Principles of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics are studied. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period weekly. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 183 - Aviation Physics

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 181
    Principles of physics will be applied to topics in aviation science. This course will use the fundamental physics principles taught in Elements of Physics I (PHYS 181) and apply them to aviation science. The course will also apply topics introduced in a traditional second semester course such as heat, electronics and electricity to the field of aviation. Furthermore, the course will cover aerodynamics in depth. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory weekly. Offered spring semester. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 199 - First Year Seminar

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to all freshmen with a writing placement score of 3 or above or a SAT score of 500 or above. Students with 24 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived.
    First Year Seminars (FYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that introduce students to academic thought, discourse and practices. FYS courses prepare and orient students toward productive and fulfilling college careers by actively engaging them in a specific academic area of interest. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while learning to work both collaboratively and independently. These courses will fulfill the First Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one FYS course may be taken for credit. (CFYS)

  
  • PHYS 243 - General Physics I

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: MATH 151 or MATH 161/161E, which may be taken concurrently
    This is a calculus-based beginning course in physics that emphasizes the study of kinematics, dynamics and heat. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory weekly; or six hours of combined lecture and lab taught in a studio style, weekly. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 244 - General Physics II

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 243
    This course is a calculus-based study of electricity, magnetism and light. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period weekly; or six hours of combined lecture and lab taught in a studio style, weekly. (CNSL; CQUR)

  
  • PHYS 286 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
    Sophomore Honors Colloquium in physics allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered fall semester.

  
  • PHYS 287 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
    Sophomore Honors Colloquium in physics allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.

  
  • PHYS 298 - Second Year Seminar (Speaking Intensive)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101, and the speaking skills requirement. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
    Second Year Seminars (SYS) are speaking-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their speaking, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)

  
  • PHYS 299 - Second Year Seminar (Writing Intensive)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101 and ENGL 102. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
    Second Year Seminars (SYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)

  
  • PHYS 382 - Physics Research Seminar

    (1 credit)
    The purpose of this seminar is to expose undergraduate students to current physics research - including that being done by Bridgewater State University faculty - and to develop their repertoire of research skills (e.g. literature searches, reading and discussing scholarly/peer reviewed journal articles, grant writing and peer review). Invited speakers will include Bridgewater State University faculty, local physics researchers and graduate students. May be taken two times for credit. The course is graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered fall semester.

  
  • PHYS 383 - Physics Teaching Seminar

    (1 credit)
    The purpose of this seminar is to expose undergraduate students to a variety of current issues related to physics education. They will be introduced to different pedagogical techniques specific to physics by studying published research as well as by hearing presentations by invited speakers. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits for different topics. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.

  
  • PHYS 396 - Research Problems in Physics

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Not open to freshmen; formal application required
    The student will conduct an individual research experience over one semester or multiple semesters in collaboration with a faculty member. At the end of each semester, a written progress report must be submitted for review by the supervising faculty member and a presentation is made to the physics faculty and students. This course may be repeated for a maximum of three credits.

  
  • PHYS 401 - Modern Physics

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 244 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    This course covers theory of relativity, atomic structure, quantum theory, nuclear physics and elementary particles. Students perform modern physics experiments, emphasizing modern instrumentation and professional lab report writing in conjunction with theory presented in lecture. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period weekly. Offered fall semester. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 402 - Quantum Mechanics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 401 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    Quantum Mechanics develops a wave function formulism of matter, the Schrodinger equation, and its underlying mathematical structure. The Schrodinger equation is applied to the electron, the hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms and radiation. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 403 - Mathematical Physics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: MATH 162; and PHYS 244 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    Vector analysis; matrices, linear differential equations; Sturm-Liouville theory; Fourier series; orthogonal functions; Laplace transform. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 408 - Astrophysics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 401 or consent of instructor
    Stellar atmospheres and interiors; generation and transport of energy; stellar evolution, pulsars, blackholes and quasars; galactic structure; cosmology. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 409 - General Relativity and Cosmology

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 401 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    Students learn Einstein’s general theory of relativity, and the role differential geometry and general covariance play in physics in this course. The class includes significant discussions of modern cosmology, experimental evidence for relativity, and the results of current and ongoing astrophysical measurements. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 414 - Experimental Physics

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 401
    This class introduces students to advanced experimental techniques of physics. Students will perform historically ground-breaking experiments using modern equipment. There will be one lecture and two two-hour laboratory sessions per week. Offered spring semester. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 422 - Computer Simulation in Physical Science

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 243 and PHYS 244 or PHYS 181 and PHYS 182; or consent of instructor
    The course introduces methods of computer simulation and its diverse applications. The course is project-oriented. Projects may include planetary motion, chaotic systems, fractal phenomena, random systems, and thermal systems. Methods include the numerical solution of differential equations and Monte Carlo techniques. The course emphasizes structured programming and is recommended for science majors as an introduction to programming. No background in computer programming is required. Two hours of lecture, and one two-hour laboratory period weekly. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 433 - Thermal Physics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 401 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    Thermodynamics, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics are covered in this course. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit. (CWRM)

  
  • PHYS 435 - Optics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
    This lecture (theory) course encompasses electromagnetic theory, ray/geometric optics limit, wave optics and interference phenomena, Fourier optics and modern optical techniques and applications in advanced labs and research laboratories. A final optics project will be required along with professional paper and presentation. Three hours of lecture weekly. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate credit.

  
  • PHYS 437 - Optics II

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
    This course will use discrete ‘off the shelf’ optical components used in research and industrial settings. The experiments encompass those in the ray optics and wave optical limits (interference phenomena) through basic Fourier Optics. Theoretical foundations will be included, however, the emphasis is placed on lab experiments, quantifiable results and lab reports. Advanced optical equipment from BSU optical research programs will be introduced and, when possible, used. A final optics project will be required along with professional paper and presentation. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period weekly. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 438 - Electricity and Magnetism

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 244 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    This course covers the theory and applications of the fundamental equations of electromagnetism. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 439 - Mechanics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 244 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    Vector treatment of forces, torques: dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; work and energy; momentum; small oscillation theory; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of dynamics are covered in this course. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 442 - Digital Electronics I

    (4 credits)
    Prerequisite: College-level course in physics or consent of instructor
    Digital Electronics emphasizes the theory and experimentation of digital (and some analog) electronics for the Computer Science major and/or working scientist in the lab. Boolean algebra of switching circuits, binary logic circuits, digital computer logic circuits, as well as analog to digital, digital to analog, and programmable electronics (FPLAs and microprocessors) for data acquisition and control are covered. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period weekly. Offered alternate years. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • PHYS 458 - Advanced Electricity and Magnetism

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 438 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    This course is a continuation of PHYS 438. Maxwell’s equations and their connection to special relativity are explored. The propagation of electromagnetic radiation predicted by Maxwell, the transfer of energy determined by Poynting’s theorem, and the relativistic generalization of the Larmor formula for the radiation by accelerated charges will be studied. This course prepares students for graduate work. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 459 - Advanced Mechanics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 439 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    A more in-depth study of mechanics than PHYS 439 is offered. This course prepares the student for graduate work. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 460 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 402 with a minimum grade of “C-“
    The frameworks of both the wave function and matrix formalisms of quantum mechanics are developed, adding depth to and extending topics from PHYS 402, including time dependent and time independent perturbative techniques and applications. This course prepares students for graduate work. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 485 - Honors Thesis

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth and Departmental Honors students; formal application required
    One-hour weekly meetings with the thesis director will culminate in an honors thesis. With the consent of the Departmental Honors Committee and the thesis director, this course may be extended into a second semester for three additional credits depending upon the scope of the project. Whether the final version of the thesis qualifies the student to graduate with honors will be determined by the Departmental Honors Committee. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of six credits. Offered fall or spring semester.

  
  • PHYS 490 - Engineering Statics and Dynamics with CAD

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 243 and PHYS 244 and PHYS 403
    This course is designed to meet the needs of students pursuing engineering and/or applied physics opportunities as part of the Professional Physics with Applied Physics Concentration. The engineering design principles, physics and mathematical foundations of rigid (statics) and moving (dynamics) bodies are covered with an emphasis on applied, engineering systems. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and computation of these systems are included with introductory incorporation of SolidWorks CAD software. Offered alternate years.

  
  • PHYS 498 - Internship in Physics

    (3-15 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    The internship offers students an opportunity to gain laboratory experience in industrial or government laboratories, or academic laboratories at other institutions. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Offered either semester.

  
  • PHYS 499 - Directed Study in Physics

    (1-3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    Directed study is open to juniors and seniors who have demonstrated critical and analytical abilities in their studies and who wish to pursue a project independently. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of six credits. Offered either semester.

  
  • PHYS 502 - Research

    (3 or 6 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    Original research undertaken by the graduate student in their field. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Directed or Independent Study” in the “College of Graduate Studies” section of this catalog. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

  
  • PHYS 503 - Directed Study

    (1-3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    Directed study is designed for the graduate student who desires to study selected topics in a specific field. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Directed or Independent Study” in the “College of Graduate Studies” section of this catalog. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

  
  • PHYS 560 - Special Topics in Physics Teaching

    (1-3 credits)
    Special topics of current relevance in physics education. The topic to be addressed will be announced prior to registration. May be taken more than once with the consent of the advisor.

  
  • PHYS 591 - Special Topics in Modern Physics

    (3 credits)
  
  • PHYS 593 - Special Topics in Secondary School Science

    (3 credits)
    An introduction to the environmental and energy-related physical science topics presented in the secondary school science curricula. Special emphasis will be placed upon the science content found in these curricula materials. Lectures, seminars, laboratory work, workshops and model classes will be included in this course. This course may be repeated for different topics.

  
  • PHYS 594 - Special Topics in Middle School Science

    (3 credits)
    This course is an introduction to middle school science programs. Special emphasis will be placed upon the science content found in these curricula materials. Lectures, seminars, laboratory work and model classes will be included in this course. This course may be repeated for different topics.

  
  • PHYS 597 - Special Topics in Elementary School Science

    (3 credits)
    An introduction to elementary school science materials. Special emphasis will be placed upon the study of the science content included in these materials. Lectures, laboratory work, seminars, workshops, and model classes will be included in this course. This course may be repeated for different topics.


Political Science

  
  • POLI 135 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Offered fall semester.

  
  • POLI 136 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum enrollment is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.

  
  • POLI 172 - Introduction to American Government

    (3 credits)
    The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the range of research on American political institutions and processes. Students will examine the constitutional underpinnings of American government, the role of political parties, interest groups and the media in the system. Students will also explore the changing character of political institutions: the presidency, Congress and the courts. (CSOC; CUSC)

  
  • POLI 199 - First Year Seminar

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to all freshmen with a writing placement score of 3 or above or a SAT score of 500 or above or who have completed ENGL 101. Students with 24 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived.
    First Year Seminars (FYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that introduce students to academic thought, discourse and practices. FYS courses prepare and orient students toward productive and fulfilling college careers by actively engaging them in a specific academic area of interest. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while learning to work both collaboratively and independently. These courses will fulfill the First Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one FYS course may be taken for credit. (CFYS)

  
  • POLI 250 - Research Design and Quantitative Methods in Political Science

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: One core curriculum requirement in Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning
    This course provides students with a foundation for reading and assessing the quality of published research in the social sciences, with particular emphasis on the research techniques common in political science and public administration. It introduces the concepts of theory development, hypothesis testing and statistical significance, and provides students with the rudimentary skills, from literature review searches through data analysis necessary to conduct their own research. Writing is emphasized. (Formerly POLI 350) (CSOC; CQUR)

  
  • POLI 260 - International Relations

    (3 credits)
    This course introduces modern world politics, with emphasis on change and continuity in the structure and processes governing relations within the international community. Emphasis will be placed on the nation-state dilemmas facing the global community. Offered either semester. (CSOC)

  
  • POLI 274 - Western Political Thought - Plato to the Present

    (3 credits)
    This course covers the principal ideas and philosophies of politics articulated by philosophers and political thinkers since ancient times. The student will be introduced to many of the age-old and puzzling questions of how people can best govern themselves using legal, institutional and behavioral approaches. Offered annually. (CSOC; CWRT)

  
  • POLI 275 - Comparative Government

    (3 credits)
    This course covers political behavior and government systems in Great Britain, France, Russia, etc. Offered annually. (CGCL; CMCL; CSOC)

  
  • POLI 277 - American Government: State and Local

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172
    This course focuses on state government and politics with emphasis on Massachusetts affairs. Offered either semester. (Formerly POLI 305) (CSOC; CUSC)

  
  • POLI 279 - Introduction to Public Administration

    (3 credits)
    The relationship of the administrative branch of government to other branches in the making and implementation of public policy; theories of government organization for efficient administration; problems of budgeting, personnel, merit systems, type of agency organization, popular control over the bureaucracy. Offered either semester. (CSOC; CUSC)

  
  • POLI 280 - Politics and Government of Ireland

    (3 credit)
    This course explores the politics and government of Ireland. It begins with an overview of America’s longstanding relationship with Ireland, followed by an investigation into the development of Irish political and social identities. The course also covers the relationship between church and state, electoral politics, political institutions and conflict and cooperation in Northern Ireland. Typically offered alternate years. (CGCL; CSOC)

  
  • POLI 285 - Law and the Judicial Process

    (3 credits)
    This course provides an introduction to law and the judicial process in the United States and around the world. It examines different types of legal systems and sources of law; various competing theories of jurisprudence and legal methodology; the organization, operation, and powers of courts; the selection and retention of judges; and the role of the legal profession in society. Particular emphasis will be placed on legal reasoning and the judicial decision-making process in a variety of issue areas, including administrative, environmental, constitutional, criminal, civil, and statutory law cases. (CSOC; CUSC; CWRT)

  
  • POLI 286 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
    Sophomore Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum enrollment is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered fall semester.

  
  • POLI 287 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
    Sophomore Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum enrollment is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.

  
  • POLI 298 - Second Year Seminar (Speaking Intensive)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101, and the speaking skills requirement. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
    Second Year Seminars (SYS) are speaking-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their speaking, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)

  
  • POLI 299 - Second Year Seminar (Writing Intensive)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101 and ENGL 102. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
    Second Year Seminars (SYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)

  
  • POLI 301 - Model Senate Practicum

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172 and consent of instructor
    Students will role-play as United States senators. Each student will become familiar with the issue positions of his or her assigned senator, the senator’s voting behavior, and the characteristics of the senator’s state and constituents. Students will develop an understanding of the United States senate’s power and the rules and procedures that govern its day-to-day operations. All students will participate in both the Floyd M. Riddick Model Senate at Stetson University and the High School Model Senate at Bridgewater State University. One credit per semester; may be taken up to four times.

  
  • POLI 302 - Moot Court and Mock Trial Practicum

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172 and consent of instructor
    This course involves students adopting the roles of both lawyers and witnesses in “mock” civil and criminal cases, and/or participating as lawyers arguing cases before appellate courts in “moot” court competitions. Students will be expected to participate at local, regional, and national competitions, and in doing so will acquire first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be both an attorney arguing a case before a judge, and a witness on the stand providing testimony. In addition, students will gain valuable experience in preparing opening statements and closing arguments, writing briefs, cross-examining witnesses, and providing authentic, credible testimony. One credit per semester; may be taken up to four times.

  
  • POLI 304 - Citizenship and Community Leadership

    (3 credits)
    This course explores three fundamental questions: 1) What do we mean by “citizenship” and why do we care about “good” citizenship?; 2) What is the nature of leadership and how do we develop strong, effective leaders?; and 3) How might we effectively engage citizens and public leaders together in democratic governance to produce solutions to social, economic, and political problems? A service-learning course requirement will guide the student toward discovery of the role of citizenship in strengthening and improving communities. Students will also be expected to attend campus events that are related to civic education, community leadership and political affairs. (Formerly POLI 201)

  
  • POLI 329 - Leadership in Human Resources

    (3 credits)
    This course focuses on selected topics in the study and practice of public personnel administration. It is designed as an overview of the central topics in the field, including recruitment and selection, employee compensation and motivation, personnel appraisal, workforce training and development, and labor-management relations. Current issues and new directions in public and nonprofit sector personnel management will also be explored and discussed. Students will develop an appreciation for the dynamic political environment as it influences human resources managers and the statutory and constitutional restrictions that distinguish public personnel management from its counterpart in the private sector.

  
  • POLI 341 - Constitutional Law and Politics: The Powers of Government

    (3 credits)
    This course offers a close analysis of the structure and power of those institutions comprising the U.S. national government. Legal decisions pertaining to judicial, congressional, and executive power, as well as the doctrines of separation-of-powers and federalism, will be carefully examined. The course concludes with an examination of the Constitution’s protection of economic liberty and property rights.

  
  • POLI 342 - Constitutional Law and Politics: The First Amendment

    (3 credits)
    This course examines major court decisions involving disputes pertaining to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In particular, cases regarding freedom of speech, the press, religion, and the right to associate will be extensively studied. The course also considers the broad limits placed on the government by the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.

  
  • POLI 343 - Constitutional Law and Politics: Liberty and Equality

    (3 credits)
    This course addresses the scope of the individual’s rights to liberty and equality under the fifth, ninth, and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. It examines the evolution of legal doctrine regarding the unequal treatment of individuals by public and private actors, including discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, class, age, and (dis)abilities. The course also analyzes the scope of liberty and privacy in the United States, with particular attention devoted to procedural and substantive due process, sexual freedom, procreation and child-rearing, the right to die, and personal information and workplace privacy.

  
  • POLI 344 - Constitutional Law and Politics: Rights of the Accused

    (3 credits)
    This course addresses how the U.S. Constitution – particularly the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth and 14th Amendments – along with state and federal statutes, protect individuals being processed by the criminal justice system. Issues and case law pertaining to searches and seizures, compelled self-incrimination, grand jury indictment, trial by jury, speedy and public trials, double jeopardy, the right to counsel, cruel and unusual punishment, and due process will be rigorously examined.

  
  • POLI 359 - International Law

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 260 and POLI 275; or consent of instructor
    This course will explore the nature of international law, its theoretical underpinnings and the actors it involves. In doing so, it will incorporate theoretical debates concerning the extent to which international law truly is “law,” and the challenges state sovereignty raise for compliance and enforcement. To put the mechanics of international law into context, the course will also examine specific applications, such as international human rights and environmental law, international criminal issues and the laws of war. Offered alternate years.

  
  • POLI 364 - Political Communication

    (3 credits) Cross Listed with COMM 364
    Prerequisite: Restricted to juniors or above; or consent of instructor
    This course surveys political communication with an emphasis on forms, characteristics, and functions within political campaigns and institutional governance. Specific attention will be given to communication of the three branches of government. Students will gain a broad knowledge of how political communication can shape expectations and interpretations of current events, political actors, and the political process.

  
  • POLI 366 - Terrorism and U.S. National Security

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 260 or consent of instructor
    The primary objective of the course is to explore the phenomenon of terrorism and how the United States attempts to address it as a central element of national security policy. Students will explore a wide variety of themes related to national security. Terrorism, particularly its international dimensions, will be placed in the context of national security and global politics.

  
  • POLI 367 - Political Psychology

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172
    This course surveys major theoretical approaches and empirical research in the interdisciplinary field of political psychology, a discipline that employs experimental methods and core concepts from psychology as tools to help understand political processes. The basic outline of the course is as follows: first, it introduces important concepts from psychology, offering new ways of thinking about subjects as varied as personality, social group dynamics and the ways in which emotion influences political decision making. Second, it applies these concepts to various topics within political science, including the media and political advertising, race, gender and ethnicity, ideology and the formation of political attitudes an opinions as a means of providing a distinct perspective on how to account for various political phenomena. And third, it explores the various research designs utilized in political psychology with a heavy emphasis on experimental methodology. Offered alternate years.

  
  • POLI 368 - American Political Thought

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172 or consent of instructor
    This course examines the principal issues and ideas of the American colonial, revolutionary, and founding periods and their influence on, and relevance to, contemporary American politics.

  
  • POLI 372 - Legislative Process and Procedure

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172
    This course is an examination of the United States Congress. Emphasis is placed on internal structure and operations, congressional rules and procedures, party leadership, committee system and seniority, external influences on Congress, incentives for congressional behavior, and constitutional limitations.

  
  • POLI 375 - American Political Parties and Interest Groups

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172
    This course is an examination of American political party organizations, political leadership, finance, campaign techniques, the historical development of the American party system, party identification, legal controls over parties, the functions and methods of pressure groups and their interaction with policy makers, the role of surrogate organizations such as the media and political consultants, the significance of political parties and pressure groups for democratic ideology, and the problems of political leadership in a democracy.

  
  • POLI 376 - Urban Politics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: POLI 172 and POLI 277
    This course emphasizes both the formal and informal political institutions and processes in American cities and suburbs, including governmental structures, political parties, interest groups, and service delivery systems. Special attention is given to the multiethnic and multicultural context within which urban politics in the United States takes place.

 

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