Spring 2024 Courses

Focuses on historical origins, cultural adaptations, and contemporary relevance of rhetorical traditions.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

A survey of major works in American Literature from origins to the present. Focuses on historical trends in the development of literature and culture in the Americas with particular emphasis on the United States.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years

Survey of transnational or transatlantic literary traditions, highlighting select historical periods such as Romanticism, and/or movements, such as the Harlem Renaissance.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

An introduction to creative writing with readings in contemporary and emerging literatures. Genres covered may include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplay. This course stresses individual production through process-oriented writing exercises, small group workshops, individual conferences, and creative theory.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

A survey of selected works of British literature from its origins to the present. Focuses on historical trends in the development of the English language and the cultures of Great Britain.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years, Spring, in even years

Explores the history, aesthetic, theory, and practice of digital imaging. Students learn to find, make, and analyze images.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-1)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

A study of thought representing various traditions such as classical and contemporary philosophy, Eastern and Western religion, and issues in recent science. Some basic concepts of logic are also examined. Emphasizes moral philosophy, including ethical relativism, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prepare students to evaluate, design, and conduct research in communication. Develops research-related writing strategies and proficiency.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015(C)

Introduction to the ways that communication creates and maintains culture. Considers a variety of perspectives on the significance of communication. Explores the importance of communication for understanding culture

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduces the fundamentals of public speaking and multimedia applications. Emphasis on speaking/listening competencies in face-to-face and digital environments using online and digital tools.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Examines practices and issues of relational communication and encourages critical awareness of common assumptions. Topics include computer-mediated communication, communicating with machine verbal and nonverbal cues, conflict models, friendship, intimacy, and the interpersonal significance of race, gender, class, and disability.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand

Advanced instruction in composing substantive arguments based on primary and secondary research. Multidisciplinary inquiry-based projects ask students to write for both academic and lay audiences in print and digital forms. Specific research methods, writing technologies, and topics vary by section.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

A study of written and oral communication in technical and scientific environments; emphasizes audience, writing processes, genres of scientific and technical discourse, visual communication, collaboration, professional responsibility, clear and correct expression. Students write and revise several documents and give oral report(s).

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Technical communication from the perspective of a technical writer who works in the private or public sector. Students learn and practice various genres of technical communication, including proposals, reports, instructions, procedures, and policies.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Scientific & Tech Comm (BS), Scientific & Tech Comm (BA), Communication, Culture & Media, English; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

A study of contemporary theories of rhetoric and their application to interpreting and critiquing various forms of persuasive discourse, especially in science and technology.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

The examination and production of everyday texts such as social media, image-texts, web pages, signs, museum exhibits, architecture, and fashion in terms of their theoretical, historical, cultural, and technological contexts.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Focus on film style and genre with an emphasis on study of directors, movements, and aesthetics and their technological, theoretical, and socio-cultural contexts. Includes small lab projects.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Survey of the major mythological systems of the world with particular attention to those areas of commonality among various civilizations. Films may provide contextual background.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer, in odd years
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

An intensive study of the life and works of one or more significant literary figures. This course will also focus on the social and historical contexts that shaped the author's reputation and standing in the literary, theatrical, or cinematic canon.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Examines post-Shakespearean drama and the cultural history of theatre. Courses will focus on a selection of plays each semester, and address a range of topics, including theatre history and performance theory.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Advanced work in poetry writing; workshop format. Students will study contemporary and emerging works in order to enrich and stimulate their own poetic practice. Emphasis on individual production through process-oriented writing exercises, small group workshops, individual conferences, and revision/development.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2510 and UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Close study of significant works in science fiction and fantasy. Examines genre features and usage and attends to a writer's style and methods. Regularly focuses on historical fiction and fantasy using film to help establish literary context.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Addresses conventions and expectations for professional development through projects such as portfolio development and research into contemporary professional and workplace issues. Explores career and graduate school opportunities.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Communication, Culture & Media, Scientific & Tech Comm (BS), English, Liberal Arts, Scientific & Tech Comm (BA), Humanities, Comm and Culture Studies; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

This experiential learning course engages students in the theory and practice of community journalism through immersive participation in the Michigan Tech Lode alongside the study of best practices in journalistic process and craft.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Principles of information selection, editing, layout, and graphics essential to the scheduling, budgeting, and production of various print and digital publications.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2633 or HU 2645

Introduces writing, research, and editing that contribute to a public understanding of science. Possible topics: health, environment, medicine, public policy.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Introduces fundamentals of grant proposal writing and research. Possible topics: writing for nonprofits, grant writing in various disciplines, researching funding resources.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

A study of several important ethical and philosophical issues that arise in medical practice and in biomedical science. Issues may include euthanasia, abortion, the physician-patient relationship, experimentation involving human subjects, and allocation of scarce biomedical resources. General ethical theories and concepts are used to shed light on those issues.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Considers interrelationships between technology and culture. Includes understanding the context within which technologies are developed and used, and how assumptions about technology shape knowledge, practice, and creative action. Issues such as progress, determinism, ethics, gender, race, class, globalization, and "humanness".

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Tutorial, seminar, workshop, or class study of special interest and importance in the humanities. Students should register by section number for the appropriate instructor and topic.

• Credits: variable to 6.0; May be repeated
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Study of writing center theory and practice, including pedagogical and tutoring techniques.

• Credits: 1.0; May be repeated
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

A course especially designed for English majors. In depth exploration of various topics with special emphasis on theory and production. Students will be required to engage relevant secondary sources and theory in a longer, final seminar paper.

• Credits: variable to 6.0
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Provides internship experience directly related to student's course of study. Students conduct work at internship site in addition to academic assignments that encourage them to connect their professional and academic experience. Requires approval of department internship coordinator.

• Credits: variable to 6.0; May be repeated
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of department required

Theories and practices of usability evaluation and user experience design relevant to technical communication contexts. Individual and team projects with emphasis on the development of instructions and procedures.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-1)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): (HU 3120 or HU 3121) and UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Critical and/or applied topics in advanced media, theory and development. Topics may include game design, mobile media, color, photography, film, or graphic design.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2633 or HU 2645

The topics will ordinarily be in-depth examinations of a particular philosopher or philosophical problem, tradition, or historical period. Examples include the philosophy of Kant, the existence of God, American pragmatism, death and dying, and ancient Greek philosophy.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

Senior seminar course extending students' knowledge and skills in a chosen specialty of communication, cultural studies, and media through independent research, project design, media development, or other culminating activity.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Communication, Culture & Media; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2810 and HU 2820 and HU 2830

In-depth examination of selected issues or problems in the study of communication, such as gender and communication, the environment and communication, sound and communication, violence and communication.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Further study of French grammar, vocabulary, and idioms with continued practice of conversation and basic readings in French. Continued study of contemporary French speaking cultures.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2271 or Language Placement French >= 131

Further study of the basics of the German language acquainting students with the essentials of oral and written German, with emphasis on conversational skills. Includes continued discussion of cultures and societies of contemporary German-speaking Europe.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2281 or Language Placement German >= 201

Further study of basic Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and idioms with continued practice of conversation and basic readings in Spanish. Continued study of selected Hispanic cultures.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2291 or Language Placement Spanish >= 131

Intensive review of basic Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and culture. Designed to prepare students with minimum essentials of oral and written Spanish for intermediate and advanced level work. Students completing this course may apply for placement credit.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2291 or Language Placement Spanish >= 201

An introduction to Francophone cultures (in English) in a comparative perspective. Includes a survey of French history and its influence on Francophone societies. Includes study of film and other media and a critical examination of cross-cultural differences between French, Francophone, and U.S. cultures.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Continued study of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French. Includes written compositions, oral presentations, and reading of brief literary texts. Cultural focus on several Francophone regions of the world.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3271 or Language Placement French >= 421

Review of the basics of the German language. Includes study of vocabulary, idioms, and sentence structure to improve conversational and reading abilities, and writing of compositions in German.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3281 or Language Placement German >= 441

Study of German film, news and media. Topics may include feature films, documentaries, and other audio-visual and digital texts. Readings, discussion, and writing in German.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3282 or HU 3283 or Language Placement German >= 561 or CEEB German Language >= 3

Review and continued study of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish. Includes written compositions and oral presentations. Cultural focus on several Spanish-speaking regions. Students completing this course may apply for placement credit.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2292 or HU 2293 or Language Placement Spanish >= 321

Continued study of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish. Includes written compositions, oral presentations, and readings of short literary and documentary texts. Strong cultural focus on several Spanish-speaking regions. Students completing this course may apply for placement credit.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3291 or Language Placement Spanish >= 401

Advanced grammar, composition, and conversation practice. Readings may include texts from literary, social, economic, scientific, engineering, or business discourses in the context of Hispanic cultures. Students completing this course may apply for placement credit.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3292 or Language Placement Spanish >= 480 or CEEB Spanish Language >= 3 or CEEB Spanish Literature >= 3

Study of selected works of literature, culture, and civilization from selected regions of the Spanish-speaking world. May incorporate study of literary genres and historical periods as related to Spain and/or Latin American cultures. Students completing this course may apply for placement credits.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3293 or Language Placement Spanish >= 631 or CEEB Spanish Language >= 4 or CEEB Spanish Literature >= 4

Spanish for Special Purposes is designed for students who anticipate careers in which they will need to interact with Hispanic communities in the U.S. or abroad and who wish to continue study of Spanish language and culture for specific professional purposes. Topics include Spanish for engineering and other sciences, healthcare, business, and legal professions.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3293 or Language Placement Spanish >= 631 or CEEB Spanish Language >= 4 or CEEB Spanish Literature >= 4

Overview of Iberian and/or Latin American literatures and cultures from colonial through contemporary periods, including the arts and popular movements, from a multidisciplinary perspective. Course is repeatable up to six credits.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3293 or Language Placement Spanish >= 631 or CEEB Spanish Language >= 4 or CEEB Spanish Literature >= 4

Individual and society. Critical study of the relationship between the individual and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in French and in English translation. Course offered third year beginning 2010-2011.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3274 or HU 3275

Language and power. Critical study of the representation of politics, economies, and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every third year beginning 2008-2009.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3284 or HU 3285