Miscellaneous - Smarter Degree
Organization
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: promote an understanding of the importance for physical fitness within our society; describe the physiological basis of physical activity; demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of physical fitness, coronary heart disease, nutrition, low back pain, body mechanics, posture, obesity, stress, and the value of planned activity; identify strategies to control emotions and manage stress; describe hypo-kinetic diseases, and various measures of fitness and health assessment.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the concepts of wellness and how these concepts can be incorporated into their lives. This course will guide the student to the understanding that wellness is not a static condition but rather a continual balance of the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual aspects of human need.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Allied Health, Public Health, Health Sciences, or Nutrition (6/23).
Various; distance learning format.
June 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand concepts and applications of ethics; explain the application of the role of ethics in various leadership styles; develop and describe personal ethics and identify personal moral philosophies and values related to ethical leadership: engage in scholarly writing and conceptualization of an ethical leadership topic; evaluate and analyze the ethical implications of complex real-life scenarios considering multiple perspectives, and propose strategic solutions that promote ethical behavior; synthesize and evaluate ethical frameworks and principles from various philosophical traditions, and apply them to evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas within a specific context, such as organizational leadership or professional practice.
Ethical Leadership explores the concepts of ethical theories and how the theories apply in the context of leadership. Leaders and followers face various levels and types of ethical decisions. This learning experience examines the role and application of ethics in various situations and focuses on the ability to assess and evaluate the ethics of others.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics, Business, Management, or Human Resources (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe the history of wine, starting from 5000 BC to present; relate viticulture, geography, and climate to a typical wine profile; describe fermentation processes and the production of various classes of wine; identify the wine classification and appellation system for selected wine regions; identify the main environmental and viticulture inputs into wine making; and delineate the basic elements of wine fermentation and the responsible organisms.
The course provides an overview of the history of wine making and help students understand the chemistry of making wine. Topics include major global wine regions, growing conditions, grape varieties, winemaking styles and chemistry behind wine making throughout different regions.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts, or General Studies (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
December 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate effective listening skills, including active listening and empathetic understanding; enhance verbal communication skills, such as clarity, coherence, and organization of ideas; develop skills in non-verbal communication, including body language, gestures, and facial expressions; cultivate cultural sensitivity and adapt communication styles to diverse audiences; utilize feedback to improve communication effectiveness and resolve conflicts; apply strategies for effective group communication and collaboration; develop emotional intelligence and empathetic communication skills; implement effective communication techniques in professional settings, such as interviews, presentations, and negotiations; and reflect on personal communication strengths and weaknesses and create a plan for continuous improvement.
Major topics include: This course explores the principles and practices of effective interpersonal communication in various personal and professional contexts. Students will develop essential skills for building and maintaining meaningful relationships, resolving conflicts, and navigating communication challenges. The course covers theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and self-reflection exercises to enhance interpersonal communication competence.
In the lower division baccalaureate / associate degree category, 3 semester hours in English, Communication, or Communication Studies (3/24).
Self-study, self-paced.
December 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand the fundamental questions and concepts of philosophy, including the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, and society; evaluate and critically analyze key philosophical texts, theories, and arguments; apply philosophical reasoning and critical thinking skills to real-life situations and contemporary issues; identify and articulate different philosophical perspectives and their implications; engage in respectful and constructive discussions about philosophical ideas with peers; develop written and oral communication skills through essay writing and presentations; demonstrate an awareness of the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped philosophical thought; and recognize the interdisciplinary connections between philosophy and other fields of study.
This course provides an introduction to the major areas of philosophy, exploring fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, and society. Students examine classical and contemporary philosophical texts, engage in critical analysis and discussion, and apply philosophical concepts to contemporary issues. By the end of the course, students will have gained a foundational understanding of the philosophical enterprise and developed critical thinking skills.
In the lower division baccalaureate / associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Introduction to Philosophy (3/24).
Self-study, self-paced.
December 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explore the different frameworks used to understand family dynamics and social change; analyze the impact of diversity and inequalities on family structure, processes, and outcomes; examine the role of social institutions and policies in shaping family life; illustrate how differences in race, class, gender, and geography influence all aspects of social life; develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate research and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios; demonstrate understanding of the relationship between theories and research methods used in the scientific study of marriage and family; and demonstrate an understanding of changing marital values and gender roles in society.
Major topics include: frameworks for understanding family dynamics and social change, diversity and inequalities' impact on family structure, processes, and outcomes; the role of social institutions and policies in shaping family life; how race, class, gender, and geography influence social life; research methods and theories related to marriage and family; and marital values and gender roles in society.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, Public Policy, Social Science, Psychology, or Criminal Justice (3/24).
Self-study, self-paced.
December 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze and critically evaluate the research process, including its purpose, components, and ethical considerations, in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of social science research methods; compare and contrast different research methods and their strengths and limitations, in order to select and justify appropriate methods for specific research questions; apply theoretical frameworks to formulate research questions and hypotheses, demonstrating the ability to integrate theory into the research process; discuss qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observation, to collect data, and analyze and interpret qualitative data in order to generate meaningful insights; design and execute surveys, ensuring ethical considerations, and analyze and interpret quantitative data using appropriate statistical analysis techniques to draw valid conclusions; evaluate statistical results and interpret their significance, considering factors such as practical significance and statistical power, in order to make informed decisions and draw accurate conclusions; assess and apply strategies for establishing causation in social science research, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, in order to understand and interpret causal relationships; and communicate research findings effectively in writing employing appropriate terminology and methodologies.
Major topics include: research methods in social science and focusing on strategies for understanding causation and description. Students will study the research process, theory development, qualitative and quantitative methods, measurement, sampling, data analysis, inferential statistics, multivariate statistics, causation, observational studies, experiments, and natural and quasi experiments. Through readings, writing assignments and practical exercises, students develop the skills necessary to design, execute, and evaluate research studies.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Psychology, Sociology, or Political Science (3/24).
Self-study, self-paced.
June 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion, students will be able to: describe developments in film history, from its origins to the present across an all time periods and national contexts; discuss ideas and values represented in film that reflect the diverse and global society in which we live today; understand how film is an art form, and an industrial, theatrical, and non-theatrical medium; demonstrate understanding of film as a national, international and global medium; and analyze the interaction of film and media with its historical and cultural contexts.
This course will introduce students to the art and technique of filmmaking. Students are expected to learn basic principles of film design and the four foundational elements of film style (e.g. mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound) and be able to visualize a basic story idea Students will become familiar with the ideas and materials needed for the technical skills used for creative expression in this film production.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Filmmaking (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
June 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the development of individual musical artists in relation to their peers, audiences, and the broader society of the time; examine how musical trends and innovations influence the values of citizens and society at the time the music was created; describe and compare a range of music styles, and relate their style characteristics to aspects of cultural history, especially in times of war; identify pieces chosen from each period, draw conclusions about the genre, artist, and approximate date; understand the amazing impact this music has had throughout the United States as well as the rest of the world; and examine, interpret, and explain how personal, political, cultural, economic, and social experiences shaped the history of rock & roll through the 20th century.
The course is designed to help students understand the history of Rock music. The class will survey trends and styles in Rock and Roll, focusing first on the artists and groups who gave rise to this hybrid form of music from its blues roots origins. It will then focus on the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s and the corporate, political, and social backlash against it. Students develop a better musical understanding of the history of early rock-era music and a greater awareness of its musical and cultural significance.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Music History (6/23).
