Course Offerings
(click on a category below for a description of courses in that area)
Economics
EC 101 Economics I (3 credits)
Covers such basic economic concepts as the elements of national income, inflation and unemployment, the economic roles of government, determination of the national income, business cycles, the global economy, and monetary and fiscal policies. EC 101 emphasizes macroeconomics.
EC 102 Economics II (3 credits)
Further explores economic principles emphasizing composition and pricing of national output, distribution of income, trade unions, cost analysis, women at work, income inequality, the pricing factors of production, international trade and finance, and an evaluation of alternative economic systems. EC 102 emphasizes microeconomics.
EC 105 Introduction to Labor Studies (3 credits)
Covers the historical foundations of the American labor movement, the legal framework of labor and management relations, the structure and functions of the labor movement, and collective bargaining.
EC 293 Economics Cooperative Education (3 credits)
Students are employed in approved positions in the economics field. Students may already be employed or may seek the help of the Cooperative Education Department in securing positions. There is, however, no guarantee of placement. In conjunction with employers and faculty, students establish challenging learning objectives. Objectives must be related to the student's major and pursued in the job environment during a 15-week semester equivalent to a minimum of 210 hours. Supervision is provided by the College through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions.
History
HI 101 History of Western Civilization I (3 credits)
Survey of Europe to 1600 with a major emphasis on concepts and movements vital to understanding the modern world. Stresses economic and cultural forces. Major topics include ancient civilizations, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Enlightenment and the beginnings of the Scientific and Industrial revolutions, Reformation and voyages of discovery.
HI 102 History of Western Civilization II (3 credits)
Survey of the evolution of western civilization from 1600 to the present and how we fit into this complex process. Major topics include the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, the impact of Liberalism, Nationalism, and Socialism, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and colonial conflicts of the 19th century, Russian and Chinese Revolutions, World Wars I and II, the Cold War and its aftermath, and the relationship of the United States to the rest of the world.
HI 103 History of Puerto Rico & the Caribbean (3 credits)
Study of the basic characteristics of Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures and their role within contemporary U.S. civilization. The consequences of European conquest, Indian explorations, the slave trade, the Spanish-American War, patterns of land ownership, demography, politics, unemployment, and industrialization are examined in relation to a multi-ethnic world. A research paper is required.
HI 104 History of Latin America (3 credits)
Survey of Latin-American history from pre-colonial times to the present. An examination of the heritage of pre-Columbian indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, and the various patterns of national independence. The present condition of Latin America in the modern world system is analyzed in relation to imperialism and dependency that is blocking further development, as well as the various efforts of Latin-American countries to free themselves from this dependency. A research paper is required.
HI 106 History of the Middle East (3 credits)
Examines the cultural, economic, geographic, historical, political, and sociological development of the contemporary Middle East. Emphasis on the relationship of these factors to the continuing Arab-Israeli situation. A research paper is required.
HI 190 African-American History (3 credits)
Focuses on African-American history from its African origins to the present. Emphasis on the historical importance of the slavery experience, the outstanding contributions made by Blacks during the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the development of White Supremacy. Special attention is given to 20th century Black contributions to American life and thought and to the legacies of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.
HI 201 U.S. History I (3 credits)
Surveys the development of the United States from the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, to the War of Independence, to the Civil War and the end of Reconstruction (1877). Topics include the Federalist Period, American and Southern Nationalisms, and westward expansion. Special attention is given to slavery and the free Black community before the Civil War.
HI 202 U.S. History II (3 credits)
Surveys the development of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. Topics include the rise of industrial corporations, Populism, Jim Crow, Progressivism, the Jazz Age, World War I, the Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, Vietnam, and recent political and diplomatic crises.
HI 220 Introduction to African Civilizations (3 credits)
Surveys major African civilizations from antiquity to the 18th century focusing on the evolution of different cultural, political, social, and economic forces and external encounters with Islam, Christianity, and the Atlantic slave trade.
HI 221 History of Modern Africa: 1800 to the Present (3 credits)
Surveys African history from the 19th century to the present covering social, political, and economic developments during this period. Topics include the slave trade, colonialism, anti-colonial resistance and nationalism, and African independence.
Music
MU 101 Music Fundamentals (3 credits)
Introduction to the mechanics of music. Links theory and actual craft of music. Students acquire the foundations of musicianship in a step-by-step format.
MU 102 College Ensemble (1 credit)
A workshop in performance of traditional and American popular music for singers and instrumentalists open to all students. A study of the elements of basic musicianship and performance, including concert recitals of repertory. Attendance and participation at all performances is required.
MU 106 Appreciation of Music (3 credits)
For those seeking to fulfill the humanities requirement. Emphasizes listening skills and covers the basic elements of music, notation of pitch and rhythm, musical periods, from medieval to today’s hip-hop.
MU 115 Recording and Computer Music (3 credits)
Introduction to music recording through the use of studio recording hardware and software, analog and digital recording, MIDI, computer application, synthesizers, miking, and recording and mixing techniques.
Highly recommended: CIS 101 or equivalent
MU 132 Voice Instruction (2 credits)
MU 146 Instrumental Instruction (2 credits)
MU 148 Guitar Instruction (2 credits)
MU 150 Percussion Instruction (2 credits)
MU 152 Piano Instruction (2 credits)
One-on-one instrumental or vocal instruction for beginning or intermediate students in “classical” styles, American music styles, such as blues, gospel, country, folk, jazz, rock, and pop, as well as music from other cultures. Emphasis on expression, technique, and basic musicianship. Students meet privately with instructors for 30 minutes per week. Two-and-one-half hours of work outside class on assigned warm-ups, exercises, and selected repertoire required. Practice sessions are recorded in the listening and practice journal and reviewed by instructors. NOTE: Private instruction is listed each semester in the schedule as TBA (to be arranged). Weekly lesson times are arranged among instructors and students after registration.
The study of all musical instruments, including voice, is recursive in nature; therefore, students may repeat all private instruction courses up to four times.
MU 160 Music Theory I (3 credits)
Introduction to diatonic harmony for all music majors, including the elements of pitch and rhythm, major and minor scales, major and minor key signatures, functional harmony of all diatonic chords in major and minor keys, voice leading and root position part writing.
MU 161 Music Theory II (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of Music Theory I. The course will cover harmonic progression including cadences, period forms, non-chord tones, diatonic seventh chords, modulation to closely-related keys, and an introduction to chromaticism.
MU 170 Functional Class Piano I (1 credit)
Functional Class Piano I, first semester keyboard, is a course for the development of functional keyboard skills required for a student in MU 160, Music Theory I. Topics include major and minor scales, intervals, diatonic triads and seventh chords, simple chord progressions, major and minor plagal and authentic cadences, and melodic harmonization.
MU 171 Functional Class Piano II (1 credit)
Functional Class Piano II, second semester keyboard, is a course for the development of functional keyboard skills required for a student in MU 161, Music Theory II. Topics include review of concepts learned in MU 160, diatonic chord progressions in all major and parallel minor keys, harmonization of the major and melodic minor scales, resolution of the dominant seventh chord, and harmonization of a melody using all diatonic triads and the dominant seventh chords.
MU 242 Topics in Music (3 credits)
Selected specialized topics, either of a period, genre, or particular artists, in traditional or American music. Topics to be announced. May be repeated up to four times.
Philosophy
PH 101 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
Covers such basic questions as the nature of reality and the origins and limits of human knowledge. Explores selections from both classical and contemporary philosophers.
PH 102 Oriental Philosophy (3 credits)
Introduction to the basic concepts and major classical schools of thought in India, Indochina, China, and Japan. Areas explored include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Vedanta, Hinayana, Mahayana, Ch'an, Zen Buddhism, Carvaka, Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and the School of Naimes.
PH 103 Basic Logic (3 credits)
Introduction to the techniques of proof and persuasion, covering the basics of deductive and inductive reasoning. Emphasis on formal arguments and the detection of invalid reasoning.
PH 104 Ethics (3 credits)
Critical examination of major ethical systems, including analysis of recent ethical thought. An examination of the nature of human values, goodness, rights and obligations, happiness, justice, and duty.
PH 106 Applied Ethics (3 credits)
Practical examination of specific ethical problems, conflicts, and predicaments such as professional responsibility, dishonesty in business, mercy killing, abortion, conflicts between law and conscience, and sexual conduct.
RL 101 Comparative Religion (3 credits)
Survey of our attempt to understand ourselves, nature as a whole, and our social role in the cosmos. All major religions, both Eastern and Western, are examined: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Topics are discussed as they relate to the religious world view, including the ethical dimension of religion, the philosophical attempt to prove God's existence by reason alone, and three contemporary challenges to the Religious Weltanschauung from Freud, Marx, and Einstein. NOTE: Does not promote religion nor proselytize any religious belief in particular.
Political Science
PL 101 Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)
Explores the rudiments of political science, the branches of government, political theory, ideologies, behavior, and socialization, and totalitarianism. Covers the nature of law, sovereignty, international politics, bureaucracy, race relations, and contemporary political issues.
PL 102 American National Government (3 credits)
Study of the principles and processes of American government, civil rights and liberties, political parties, the presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, and judicial review.
PL 103 State and Local Government (3 credits)
Study of the policy-making process in the American states, with emphasis on the role of the states in the federal system, constitutionalism, state governors, state legislative systems, state courts, functions and organizations of county and local governments, intergovernmental relations, and relations among urban governments.
PL 104 Introduction to Law (3 credits)
Study of common-law heritage, constitutional, civil, and criminal law, as well as law of evidence, courts, and civil
PL 170 Honors Political Science (3 credits)
Study of the scope of political science including the major subfields of the discipline covering political theory and philosophy, American government and politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
PL 201 American Constitutional Law (3 credits)
Study of the development of the American Constitution including the powers and growth of the national government. Focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the areas of civil rights, race relations, reapportionment, and basic First Amendment freedom.
PL 202 Public Administration (3 credits)
A study of the functions of the executive branch of government including the politics of the legislative branch and its relationship to the courts. Emphasis on the art of managing public affairs. Focus on finance, organization, and personnel.
PL 203 Comparative Government and Politics (3 credits)
Study of the political institutions of Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the former USSR, Israel, and Canada, with emphasis on differences and similarities.
PL 204 International Politics (3 credits)
Introduction to politics among nations, including various approaches to the study of international relations and questions of nuclear disarmament, war and peace, underdevelopment, international law, international organization and foreign policy. Emphasis on controversial issues, current affairs and problem areas throughout the world.
PL 209 Terrorism and Political Violence (3 credits)
This is an introductory course in terrorism studying terrorist groups and individuals, terrorist origins, goals, dynamics, ideologies, counter-terrorism, and homeland security. Work in this course involves examination of the structure and dynamics of terrorism in America, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Terrorist weapons, strategies and tactics, the hot spots from which they evolve, the ways they operate and receive funding, their use of the media, and theories of counter-terrorism are all covered. The history, present, and future of terrorism are equally emphasized.
Psychology
PS 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
Explores the general principles and theories of psychology, history and methodology, sensation, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, intelligence, personality, and the physiological basis of behavior. Students taking PS 101 Honors must enroll in PS 101 Honors Seminar.
PS 102 Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
Explores human development from prenatal life through late adulthood with an emphasis on the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional patterns of development.
PS 201 Child Psychology (3 credits)
Explores child development from prenatal life through adolescence with an emphasis on biological, motor, cognitive, emotional, moral, and social development.
PS 202 Theories of Personality (3 credits)
Explores personality development through the examination of the major psychoanalytical, behavioral, social-psychological, humanistic, trait, and existential theories of personality.
PS 203 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Explores the history and basic concepts of the psychology of abnormal behavior with an emphasis on the causes, classification, and treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and other maladaptive behaviors.
PS 204 Psychology of Aging (3 credits)
Explores the psychological aspects of late adulthood and aging with emphasis on biological, physiological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes.
PS 205 Social Psychology (3 credits)
Explores the social human behavior among individuals, groups, and cultures with an emphasis on relationships, attitudes, values, prejudice, conformity, interpersonal attraction, aggression, and other social issues.
PS 206 Behavior Modification (3 credits)
Explores behavior modification principles and application with an emphasis on reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, token economy, desensitization, extinction, and shaping and how to apply these techniques in a realistic setting.
PS 207 Educational Psychology (3 credits)
Explores psychological concepts related to the teaching and learning process with an emphasis on contemporary educational research and actual classroom practices. Recommended for students interested in teaching or working in schools.
PS 208 Human Sexuality (3 credits)
Explores the biological, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality. Topics include attraction, love, sexual anatomy, sexual response cycle, sexual differentiation and orientation, sexual reproduction, contraception, sexual behaviors, sexual dysfunctions, and sexually transmitted illnesses. This course is also called SO 208; no credit is given if student took SO 208.
PS 209 Adult Development and Aging (3 credits)
Explores the biological, cognitive, psychological, and social development from early adulthood to late adulthood. Topics include mental health issues, personality, and life transitions such as parenthood, employment, retirement, widowhood, and death.
PS 293 Psychology Cooperative Education (3 credits)
Students are employed in approved positions in the psychology field. Students may already be employed or may seek the help of the Cooperative Education Department in securing positions. There is, however, no guarantee of placement. In conjunction with the employers and faculty, students establish challenging learning objectives. Objectives must be related to student's major, and be pursued in the job environment during a 15-week semester equivalent to a minimum of 210 hours. Supervision is provided by the College through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions. Students attend a weekly, one-hour seminar on campus.
Photography
PT 101 Introduction to Photography (3 credits)
A humanities elective for non-photography majors. Covers the basics of camera work and composition. Familiarizes students with lighting techniques for indoor and outdoor shooting. No darkroom work required. Must have access to an adjustable 35 mm camera. Students provide their own film and photo processing. Field trips are included.
Sociology
SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
Study of the basic concepts in social interaction, analyzing selected aspects of the immediate culture, defining and evaluating the individual personality in inter-group relations, social organization and processes, and elements of social control and deviance in a changing society.
SO 102 Institutional Racism I (3 credits)
Historical approach to the evolution of racism, the identification of racism, and a study of power and control in America’s major institutions.
SO 105 Social Problems (3 credits)
Explores major global social problems from three theoretical perspectives (structural functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist theory) with an emphasis on problems occurring in the United States such as health care, substance abuse, crime, poverty, unemployment, and racial, ethnic, and gender inequalities. Solutions to these problems are also discussed and analyzed. (Note: This course was formerly SO 201.)
SO 107 Sociology of Aging (3 credits)
Deals with the cultural and sociological factors of aging. Emphasis on adult socialization groups, social institutions and the elderly, social problems of the elderly, and programs and prospects for the elderly.
SO 202 Anthropology (3 credits)
Survey of the development of humanity, the meaning of culture, and the interaction between people and cultures.
SO 203 Marriage and Family (3 credits)
Comprehensive cross-cultural treatment of the family, its organizations, and its variations throughout the world. After analyzing the family as a universal social institution, the contemporary American family, using the sociological perspective, is studied.
SO 204 Cultural Comparisons (3 credits)
Exploration of the customs, values, attitudes, world views, and behavior of ethnic groups in Passaic County. Students gain an increased understanding, appreciation, and tolerance of the behavior of people from various cultural and social groups. Especially useful for those who work with people from various ethnic groups.
SO 205 Death and Dying (3 credits)
Explores the biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives of death, dying, and bereavement in our society and around the world. Topics include euthanasia, suicide, terminal illness, funeral and burial rituals, and cultural and ethical values and problems related to death and terminal illness in contemporary society.
SO 208 Human Sexuality (3 credits)
Explores the biological, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality. Topics include attraction, love, sexual anatomy, sexual response cycle, sexual differentiation and orientation, sexual reproduction, contraception, sexual behaviors, sexual dysfunctions, and sexually transmitted illnesses. This course is also called PS 208; no credit is given if student took PS 208.
SO 210 Deviance and Social Control (3 credits)
Introduces theoretical and methodological perspectives on deviance and social control. Discusses social organization of deviance and informal and formal means of social control.
SO 293 Sociology Cooperative Education (3 credits)
Students are employed in approved positions in the sociology field. Students may already be employed or may seek the help of the Cooperative Education Department in securing positions. There is, however, no guarantee of placement. In conjunction with employers and faculty, students establish challenging learning objectives. Objectives must be related to the student's major and be pursued in the job environment during a 15-week semester equivalent to a minimum of 210 hours. Supervision is provided by the College through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions.