Courses Offered through Focus
(You can find descriptions from courses listed on our schedules in this list. NOTE, not all are offered every quarter!!)
Adult Continuing and Literacy Education Department (extension C3544)
ACL105 – University Success Seminar
This course provides strategies that help students learn how to be successful in a college environment, develop a sense of commitment to the National-Louis University community, and gain greater self-awareness of academic and career goals. 2 quarter hours
ACL200 – Strategies for Effective Writing
Process oriented approach emphasizing drafting and composing, focusing on the needs of individual students. Emphasis is placed on topic selection, and organizing ideas with a secondary focus on grammar as needed. Student awareness of strengths and weaknesses is increased to encourage the use of self-monitoring strategies, e.g. editing, proofreading, critical thinking, peer editing, individual conferences. Designed for anyone wishing to build self-confidence in writing projects across the curriculum. Extended time option available to students needing additional contact hours. Successful completion leads to a grade of Pass (P) after one or more quarters; the “X” grade is used if progress is satisfactory but further writing development is recommended. 3 quarter hours
ACL300 – Strategies for Effective Learning
Develops and integrates the basic skills of reading, writing, math, and critical thinking within an academic context that will most directly transfer to the student’s program of study. Emphasizes development of metacognitive strategies that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge presented in content area courses. 4 quarter hours
ACL301 – Perspectives on Prior Learning
Principles and practices of prior learning and its assessment will be surveyed. Learning obtained through personal and professional experiences will be analyzed. Students will prepare a portfolio documenting this prior learning. Prerequisites: Admission to the University and at least 45 quarter hours of previous college coursework. 2 quarter hours
APPLIED lANGUAGE Department (extension C3531)
APL210 – Characteristics of Language in Culture
Introduction to the study of language with focus on general characteristics of language, linguistic analysis, language and culture, linguistic and cultural diversity, language acquisition, and contemporary approaches to language learning. Prerequisites: Not open to students enrolled in ESOL, Writing Skills Development, or Communication Development courses. This course may be used as a humanities elective credit. Counts in the Humanities Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
Interdisciplinary
INT100 – Information Literacy and Library Research Techniques
This course emphasizes the concepts and competencies of information literacy, the evaluation of information, the organization of libraries, the classification of knowledge, and the basic skills of research. This course will introduce the student to library research resources such as electronic journals, full-text databases, the online catalog of print and electronic books, the Internet, and other library materials. Prerequisites: Using a mouse. Using Windows operations and Web browsers. Saving and emailing documents. 2 quarter hours
INT400 – Career Assessment and Planning
An analysis of learning experiences contributing to personal and career growth, preparation of a portfolio describing these experiences. Exercises in goal setting and time management. 2-5 quarter hours
FINE Arts (Art Department extensions C3424, E2343)
LAA101 – Art Appreciation I
Provides a basic introduction to the understanding of art. The student will learn to analyze the formal structure and elements of design of various works of art and learn about the processes and tools involved in its creation. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to look at a wide variety of works of art, gain a visual vocabulary, and examine the relationship of form and content. Counts in the Humanities or General Education elective requirements. 2 quarter hours
LAA 102 - Art Appreciation II
Art Appreciation II examines the understanding of art with an added emphasis on themes in world art, and a focus on the intersection of art and history. Major art historical movements will be discussed along with an overview of the history of museum display to explore issues of context and authenticity.
LAT 301 - How to See a Movie: Learning Visual Literacy
This course teaches students to examine the visual data on a movie screen as they would a canvas and describe the various elements that contribute to the visual (and emotional) effect, understanding and using the vocabulary of visual literacy, such as montage, mise en scene, aspect ration, and editing by eyeline matching. The tools at the disposal of any film artist are studied, including various elements of composition and framing, lighting and camera movement, focus, film stock, manipulation of point of view and duration of shots, as well as broader contribution from decor, costuming and performance. This course may be used as an elective to fill the General Education requirement in fine arts and may also be applied to a film studies major in Fine Arts. Prerequisite(s) none 5 quarter hours.
LAT 302 - Business Ethics in Popular Film
This course examines film dramatizations and documentary studies that relate the conduct of business to standards of ethical behavior. Films studies demonstrates delemmas in starting and operating a business; fair play in human resources and labor relations; corporate power and accountability; treatment of whistle blowers; honesty in high finance and the stock market; and responsible profesisonal conduct of lawyers, doctors and journalists. Students will build on class discussions to identify problems and identify solutions in these works, helping to clearly formulate and articulate their own values. This course may be used as an elective to fulfill the General Educaiton requirement in fine arts of humanities. Prerequisite(s): none. 5 quarter hours.
LAT 303 - Minority Images in Popular Film
This course examines the images and voices of minorities, including people of color, as represented in American film, from the earliest silent films and home-made "race" films through the Blaxploitation era to the present, reclaiming the history and history of African-Americans. Hispanic-Americans and Asian-Americans while tracing the impact of performers like Paul Roberson, Anna Mae Wong, Dolores Del Rio, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sidney Poitier. This course may be used as an elective to fulfill the General Education requirement in fine arts. Prerequisite(s): none. 5 quarter hours
LAT 304 - Banned and Forbidden: Freedom of Speech in Film
This course studies various attempts to limit freedom of speech in popular film, on both the national and local levels. Students follow how interest groups organized to protest in the depiction of racial stereotypes and the frank portrayals of sex and power in Hollywood's Pre-Code era, as well as propaganda films of the Nazi and Soviet periods and recent non-traditional treatments of religious subjects and greater openness about sam-sex subjects. The class traces changing patterns of censorship through landmark films, including "I'm No Angel" (1933), "The Miracle" (1948), "Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), "Boys Don't Cry" (1999), and Battle Royale: (2001). This course may be used as an elective to fulfill the General Education requirement in the arts or humanities. Prerequisite(s): none
5 quarter hours.
LAT 305 - The American Family in Popular Film
The goal of this course is to understand the social, economic, and historical contexts that have shaped our picture of the American family in its many configurations, and to question the ideals and realities that underlie this picture. Both in class and at home, students will study Hollywood depictions of the ideal Family, as well as the specific circumstances that change the dynamics within particular families such as single-parent and immigrant households. This course will also examine how popular film genres challenge the strength of the family even as they confirm it. This course may be used as an elective to fulfill the Fine Arts and Humanities General Education requirement and may also be applied to a Fine Arts major. Prerequisite(s): non. 5 quarter hours
LAT 326 - Women in Theatre
An examination of the role of women in the theatre, placed in an historical and contemporary context. Largely a survey course focusing and plays by, for, and about women. Prerequisites: LAT 220 and LAT 221. Counts in Humanities or Fine Arts Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAT 402 - Teacher! Teacher! Images of Educator in Popular Film
This course traces how popular films form an image of the teacher in the public eye. Starting from a historical review with excerpts from influential films like Goodbye, Mr. Chips and the Blackboard Jungle, the course covers educators in early childhood, middle school and special needs situations, in settings ranging from the one-room schoolhouse to the inner city public school. Films like To Be and To Have, the 5000 Fingers of Dr. T. Conrack, The Miracle Worker, and Stand and Deliver also show models for creating environments that support learning; dealing with classroom discipline and external social problems; developing strategies for alternate styles of learning. This course may be used as an elective to fulfill the General Education requirement in fine arts. Prerequisite(s) none. 5 quarter hours.
LAA320 – African Art
Introduction to the art of the peoples of West and Central Africa through an anthropological examination of the religions, myths, histories, and artifacts created by these peoples. Counts in the Humanities or Fine Arts Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
English (English Department extension E2575)
LAE120 - Essentials of Composition
This course provides instruction and practice in expository, illustrative, and persuasive writing with an emphasis on the process involved in writing clear, expressive text that aims to communicate effectively with a specific audience. The major focus is on how rhetorical considerations inform the writing process and how the decisions a writer makes with respect to purpose, audience, organization of information, and style affect the effectiveness of the written communication. Students will examine their writing, by completing multiple drafts of essays. Counts in the Communications Area of General Education Requirements.5 quarter hours
LAE 125 – Fundamentals of Research Writing
Provides instruction and practice in the process of writing from research. The focus is on formulating and narrowing research topics, discovering and evaluating primary and secondary research sources, and interpreting and communicating findings in a coherent, accurate, readable form. Students will learn the particular writing skills that inform research-based written communication. Discussions and exercises related to the ethical dilemmas inherent is using source material, the advisability of extracting and using information from the World Wide Web, the ways to mine online databases, and the necessity of correctly documenting sources will prepare the student for writing from research. Counts in the Communications Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAE210 – Writing in the Workplace
A comprehensive study of written communication skills required in an organizational environment. Emphasis is placed on workplace documents created through collaborative effort and designed for print or WEB publication. 5 quarter hours
LAE309 – Minority Voices in American Literature
A study of important literary works by representatives of minority groups. Specific focus is determined by the individual instructor and can be limited to a particular group, time period, and/or literary type. Students examine how literature functions as protest and in the search for identity. Prerequisite:LAE102 or equivalent. Counts in the Humanities Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
HUMANITIES (Humanities Dept. extension 3085)
LAH 325 - Death, Dying and Near-Death Experiences - Implications in Health Care
Health Care professionals often encounter patients who report having experienced phenomenon known as near-death experience. This course will explore this phenomenon and provide health care professionals with insight into this experience in order to be better prepared to assist their patients who have had a near-death experience. Prerequisite(s): Admission to National-Louis University. Counts in the Humanities Area of General Education Requirements. (Also offered as AHG325) 5 quarter hours.
LAE315 – Art of the Film
An introduction to film theory and film technique, with some reference to the history of film. Emphasis will be placed on tools used to tell stories in film, e.g., cinematography, editing and sound. Both American and foreign films will be screened and discussed: Intolerance, Metropolis, Citizen Kane, My Darling Clementine, Shoot the Piano Player, The Seventh Seal and 8½ are typical of the films covered. Students will also view movies outside of class and write papers analyzing various aspects of filmmaking. Prerequisite: LAE102 or equivalent. Counts in the Humanities Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
Mathematics (before registering for any math course, be sure to contact the department to check your eligibility Mathematics Department extensions E2302, W4520)
LAM107 – Utilization of Microcomputers
An entry-level survey course providing students with a strong base of knowledge about the broad aspects of microcomputer utilization. Acquisition of rudimentary knowledge of data bases, spread sheets, word processing, and software selection through extensive demonstration and hands-on experience. Not used for math credit. 2 quarter hours
LAM108 – Overview of Computers
Introduction to the concepts of computers, information processing, programming, and the impact of computers on society. An overview of common computer hardware is provided, as well as the history of events leading to the development of the computer industry. Details of data representation and internal operation of computers included. Hands-on laboratory activities. Not for math credit. 2 quarter hours
LAM 113 - Basic Applications of Math
This course extends basic algebra skills to graphing relationships in two variables. It provides a bridge between basic algebra and intermediate algebra. The course develops the graphical, symbolic, and numerical approaches to problem-solving. Topics include: first and second degree equations and inequalities, integer and rational exponents, functions, and systems of equations. Emphasis is placed on developing graphing and algebraic skills in the solutions of problems. This course is not IAI transferable as a general education requirement. This course cannot be used to satisfy mathematics course requirements or mathematics course electives for majors, minors, or concentrations in mathematics. This course counts in the Quantitative Reasoning Area of General Educaiton. Prerequisite(s): Placement or LAM 100B Basic Algebra. Students cannot receive credit for both LAM 113 Basic Applications of Math and LAM 110 College Mathematics. 5 quarter hours
LAM 109 - Statistical Literacy
This course introduces statistical ideas needed by educated people in the twenty-first century. Students are presented with the basic language, symbols, and computational tools of data analysis to explore real-world problems. Use of statistical reasoning to gain insight and draw conclusions from observations is covered. Topics include: experimental design, displaying data, measures of center and spread, normal distributions, percentiles, simple linear regression and correlation, probability laws, and confidence intervals. This course counts in the Quantitative Reasoning area of general education. This course cannot be used to satisfy requirements of electives in majors, minors, or concentrations in mathematics. Prerequisites(s): Placement or LAM 100B Basic Algebra. Students cannot receive credit for both LAM 109 Statistical Literacy and LAM 106 Basic Statistics or both LAM 109 Statistical Literacy and LAM 216 Statistical Methods. 5 quarer hours.
LAM130 – Mathematical Thinking in an Information Age
This course develops conceptual understanding and problem solving, decision making, and analytical skills dealing with quantities and their magnitudes and interrelationships using calculators and computers as tools. Includes representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution and chi-square distributions, and correlation and regression to test hypotheses (maximum one-third of course): using logical statements and arguments; estimating, approximating and judging reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations and inequalities in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. This course applies toward the math concentration. Prerequisite: Placement or consent of department. Counts in the Quantitative Reasoning Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES (Science Department extension E2389)
LAN225 – Human Impact on the Environment
The course covers the effects of human population growth, energy usage, consumption, agriculture, urbanization, past management, and pollution of air and water on ecosystem health and biodiversity. Conservation biology, environmental policy issues, and environmental ethics will also be discussed. Prerequisite(s): None. Not open to students who have previously taqken Ecology and Conservation (LAN 300). 5 quarter hours
LAN215 – Issues in Biology
Introduction to a variety of topics in biology. Basic principles such as the scientific method, cell division, reproduction, classical and molecular genetics are discussed. These enable the exploration of the scientific basis of issues that are currently important to the general public. Laboratory is included. This course cannot serve as a prerequisite to other biology course. Counts in the Physical and Life Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAN220 – Infectious Diseases
The study of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or protozoa. The chosen diseases serve as a model for the study of the way in which microbes cause disease and how they spread in the population. Prerequisite:LAN110, Lan215, or equivalent. Counts in the Physical and Life Sciences Area of General Education Requirements 2 quarter hours
LAN 107 – Scientific Literacy
This course introduces the intellectual tools necessary to access and critically analyze scientific method, how to find scientific information, distinguishing true science from pseudoscience, designing experiments, and analysing data. This course counts in the Physical and LIfe Sciences area of general education. This course cannot be used to satisfy requirements or electives in majors or minors in any natural science field. Prerequisite(s): None. Students cannot receive credit for both LAN 107 and LAN 106. 5 quarter hours
LAN 108 - Focus on the Solar System
This course covers the origin and evolution of the solar system, including the processes that created and shaped features of the Earth, its moon, and the other planets and their moons. Additionally, the origin and physical nature of comets and meteors; the birth, life, and projected death of the sun will be discussed. This course counts in the Physical and Life Sciences Area of General Educaiton as a Physical Science. Prerequisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours
LAN 320 - Human Genome
Students learn about the Human Genome Project and consider its impact on health care and biomedical sciences. Ethical implications and societal issues regarding this knowledge base are considered along with the science and technology behind its meaning and acquisition. Students will sample publicly accessible databases in guided explorations. They will use resources appropriate to life-long learning about health and science in the post-genomic era. Counts in the Physical and Life Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. Prerequisite(s): LAN 110 General Biology, LAN 215 issues in Biology, equivalent course, or instructor permission. 2-4 quarter hours
Psychology (Psychology Department extension E2233)
LAP 205 - Approaches to Psychology
This course explores the five major approaches to psychology; biological, behaviorist, cognitive, psychodynamic, and humanistic; providing a conceptual overview of psychology. The methods, theories, and assumptions of each approach are described and explored. This course fullfills the Behavioral Science Area of General Education requirements only for students in the accelerated degree-completion programs, Applied Behavioral Science, Health Care Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Management, Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Exceptions require Psychology Department approval. Prerequisite(s): Enrollment or pre-enrollment in Applied Behavioral Sciences, Health Care Leadership, and Bachelor of Science in Management degree-completion programs, and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Traditional undergraduates may take the course onlye with the permission of the Psychology Department. 5 quarter hours.
LAP 302 - Psychology of Negotiations
This course covers the psychology of effective negotiation as practiced in a variet of settings. Major concepts and theories of the psychology of bargaining and negotiation will be explored along with the dynamics of interpersonal and intergroup conflict. This course fulfills the Behavioral Science Area of the General Education Requirements only for the studens in the accelerated degree-completion programs: Applied Behavioral Science, Health Care Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Management, Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Traditional undergraduates may take the course only with the permission of the Psychology Department. 5 quarter hours
LAP 308 - Personality Theorists
This course introduces theorists associated with four predominant areas of personality psychology. Theorists from the following four areas are discussed: psychodynamic humanistic/existential, dispositional, and social learning. This course fulfills the Behavioral Science Area of General Education requirements only for students in the accelerated degree-completion programs: Applied Behavioral Sciences, Health Care Leadership, Management, Management Information Systems, and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Exceptions require Psychology Department approval. Prerequisite(s): Enrollment or pre-enrollment in Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems degree-completion programs, and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Traditional undergraduates may take the course only with the permission of the Psychology Department. 5 quarter hours
LAP420 – Social Psychology
Role of group and socio-cultural factors in the development of behaviors of individuals. Attention to group dynamics. Illustrations of how social psychologists study people and formulate theories. Empirical research by students included. Prerequisite: One previous psychology course (Social Psychology/Community Psychology) Counts in Behavioral Science Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
Social Science (SocialScience Department extension E2220)
LAS105 – Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to concepts ad theories of sociology with emphasis on social structure, culture, stratification, minority status, social institutions and the tools of sociology. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAS120 – Introduction to American Politics
Survey of American national political institutions and values: the design of our Constitution; political parties; interest groups, lobbying, and campaign finance; Congress and the presidency; the political role of the media; and the role of the courts in protecting liberty and defining rights. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAS253 - Urban Economics
This course provides an understanding of local governments, for example, municipalities, school districts, city and suburban library boards, and park district boards. It looks at different ways these governments influence economic life by taxing, spending, and regulating. Students will learn how each of these activities affects various groups in the population and how people’s perceptions and evaluation of local governments is shaped by the way public officials and members of the media communicate information about them. Prerequisite: None Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAS300 – Contemporary World Cultures
Comparative cross-cultural study of three selected nations representing different areas of the world. Investigation of varying ideological, political, social and economic factors. At least two of the three nations covered are non-Western. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
LAS405 – Social Problems
Through a multidisciplinary approach using concepts drawn from sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, psychology, and history, students will explore the dimensions and interconnectedness of social problems primarily in the United States. Ways to remedy these problems will be addressed. Prerequisite: Recommended introductory Social Science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
Theatre Arts (Theatre Arts Department extension E2340)
LAT210 – Effective Speaking
Through a series of speeches, students learn to improve their diction, articulation, vocal performance, gestures, poise, and organization of ideas. Counts in the Communications Area of General Education Requirements. 3-5 quarter hours
LAT 326 - Women in Theatre
An examination of the role of women in the theatre, placed in an historical and contemporary context. Largely a survey course focusing on plays by, for, and about women. Prerequisites: LAT220 and LAT221. Counts in Humanities or Fine Arts Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours
