ARTH 100 provides an introduction to the history of art through selected topics. Artistic traditions from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa are typically included. Among the themes addressed in the course are the role of the artist in society, the exchange of artistic ideas between cultures and across geographies, the relationship between art and religion, the history and meaning of iconoclasm, and the impact of technology on art as well as the influence of art on technology. No previous study of art or art history is required for this course. 

CAMS 45 introduces the myths of ancient Greece and Rome as they are represented in the canonical works of Greek and Latin literature and art. Students become conversant in classical mythology by studying the stories of gods and goddesses and heroes and heroines. The course discusses the meaning and function of myths in their historical, religious, and literary contexts. It may also approach the interpretation of myth from different disciplinary perspectives (comparative mythology, critical theory, cultural anthropology, gender theory, history, philosophy, psychology, religion, or rhetoric). In addition, CAMS 45 gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of myth to the flourishing legacy of classical mythology in the literature, art, and culture of subsequent ages. 

In ENGL 104, we'll dive deeper into the Bible than you ever did in Sunday School or Hebrew School. We'll interpret the Bible critically, as we would other literary texts, we'll engage with various cultures of the ancient Near East, across multiple time periods, to understand the Bible's historical context. With special attention to the flood narratives in the book of Genesis and some of the parallel accounts found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, we'll consider how Biblical texts were influenced by cultural exchanges and shaped by the worldview of their original audiences.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

STAT 250* is an introduction to statistics course, with an emphasis on applications relevant to the biological sciences. After successfully completing this course you will understand basic concepts of probability and statistical inference, including common graphical and numerical summaries; notions of sampling from a population of interest, including the sampling distribution of a statistic; construction and interpretation of confidence intervals, test statistics, and p-values; and connections between probabilistic concepts such as normal distributions and statistical inference. Students will recognize various types of data, appropriate statistical methods to analyze them. They will use statistical software to analyze data.

CAS 100B introduces students to principles of effective communication with a specific focus on collaborative communication and group problem solving. The goal of CAS 100B is skill development in effective group communication, with less emphasis on formal public speaking and message evaluation compared to other versions of CAS 100. in group settings.

*STAT 250 will count toward student degree progress for two groups of students (1) as a general education quantification course for students who do not have specific math courses that are required as part of their degree requirements and (2) as a major requirement for some majors. Students with intended majors in business, engineering, or science fields that do not see their intended major listed below and students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies who are still exploring major choices should not register for this pride. The majors listed below have STAT 250 as either an optional or required course in their degree requirements. If you have questions about selecting this pride, email leap@psu.edu and we will ensure it is an appropriate choice for you.

Majors that have STAT 250 as an optional or required course are:

College of Agricultural Sciences

• Food Science
• Forest Ecosystem Management
• Immunology and Infectious Disease
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Plant Sciences
• Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

College of Engineering

• Biological Engineering

College of Health and Human Development

• Biobehavioral Health
• Health Policy and Administration
• Kinesiology
• Nutritional Sciences

College of Nursing

• Nursing

College of Science

• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Forensic Science
• Integrative Science
• Microbiology
• Premedical-Medical
• Premedicine

MIS 250 introduces students to the use of information technologies for business problem solving and decision making by exploring the application of spreadsheet engineering concepts and principles of data management, business modeling, and reporting to business problems.  Students demonstrate their understanding and mastery of these concepts through their application in examinations, practical lab exercises and assignments.  Concepts are contextualized in a broader discussion of information systems management including data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. MIS 250 is not a general education course and may not count toward degree requirements in majors outside of the Smeal College of Business. Students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies who are exploring majors outside of the Smeal College of Business should consider enrolling in a pride that includes two general education courses.

MIS 250 introduces students to the use of information technologies for business problem solving and decision making by exploring the application of spreadsheet engineering concepts and principles of data management, business modeling, and reporting to business problems.  Students demonstrate their understanding and mastery of these concepts through their application in examinations, practical lab exercises and assignments.  Concepts are contextualized in a broader discussion of information systems management including data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. MIS 250 is not a general education course and may not count toward degree requirements in majors outside of the Smeal College of Business. Students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies who are exploring majors outside of the Smeal College of Business should consider enrolling in a pride that includes two general education courses.

SCM 301 is an introductory course that provides an overview of key logistics and supply chain management processes, concepts, and methodologies. Emphasis is given to the framework for supply chain management, the analysis of logistics cost, and service trade-offs among inventory, transportation, and warehousing activities, the strategic role of information technology in supply chains, the use of third-party logistics providers, and the methods of measuring the value of logistics performance. 

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. SCM 301 is not a general education course and may not count toward degree requirements in majors outside of the Smeal College of Business. Students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies who are exploring majors outside of the Smeal College of Business should consider enrolling in a pride that includes two general education courses.

MATH 140* is an important building block in the education of any professional who uses quantitative analysis. This course introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change and creating mathematical models that replicate real-life phenomena. The goals of our calculus courses include to develop the students' knowledge of calculus techniques and to use the calculus environment to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. The concept of limit is central to calculus; MATH 140 begins with a study of this concept. Differential calculus topics include derivatives and their applications to rates of change, related rates, linearization, optimization, and graphing techniques. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, relating differential and integral calculus begins the study of Integral Calculus. Antidifferentiation and the technique of substitution is used in integration applications of finding areas of plane figures and volumes of solids of revolution. Trigonometric functions are included in every topic. 

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

*In order to be registered into MATH 140, students must either have (1) taken calculus in high school, or (2) score a 76 or higher on the ALEKS math assessment. If you select this pride and have not taken calculus in high school, you must complete your ALEKS math assessment by May 1, 2025. The ALEKS math assessment becomes available to students in their New Student Orientation Tasklist in March. For questions, contact us at leap@psu.edu. 

**MATH 140 is a 4-credit course. Students who select this pride will be registered in 7 credits. Tuition estimates on this website are based on enrollment in 6 credits. Students should plan for an additional approximately $850 (in-state resident) or $1,700 (out-of-state resident) in tuition cost for the additional credit.

CHEM 109 is an opportunity for students to conduct novel, cutting-edge research. The research project is a project taken from the research labs of Penn State chemistry faculty. Students will design, plan, and carry out various experiments along with communicating their results - just like a professional scientist.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

This pride is reserved for students from the Eberly College of Science and the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

CMPSC 131* introduces the fundamental concepts and processes of solving computational problems through the design, implementation, testing and evaluation of efficient and robust computer programs.  A central theme to the course is computational thinking which includes a wide range of approaches to solving problems and designing systems that draw upon concepts fundamental to computer science.  This course will be of interest to anyone seeking an introduction to computer science and programming.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

*This pride is reserved for students from the College of Engineering and the Division of Undergraduate Studies. In order to be registered into this pride, students must have either taken Calculus in high school or scored a 76 or higher on the ALEKS math assessment. Students who sign up for this pride must complete their ALEKS Math Assessment by May 1, 2025. The ALEKS is available to students in their New Student Orientation Tasklist beginning in March.

**CMPSC 131 is a 4-credit course. Students who select this pride will be registered in 7 credits. Tuition estimates on this website are based on enrollment in 6 credits. Students should plan for an additional approximately $850 (in-state resident) or $1,700 (out-of-state resident) in tuition cost for the additional credit.

CYBER 100S is an introductory university-level course in computer systems literacy. The history, architecture and operation of computing systems and underlying computing theory are covered. The intent of this course is to ensure that students with diverse backgrounds can gain the information technology fundamental skills and understanding to succeed with subsequent in-depth courses in the Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations curriculum. At the same time the general nature of the introduction may make it useful for other programs that involve education in concepts and skills relating to information and computing systems.

CAS 100B introduces students to principles of effective communication with a specific focus on collaborative communication and group problem solving. The goal of CAS 100B is skill development in effective group communication, with less emphasis on formal public speaking and message evaluation compared to other versions of CAS 100. in group settings.

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the College of Information Sciences and Technology or the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

DS 200 introduces students to data sciences, an emerging discipline focused on the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of data to advance science and engineering, address complex national and global challenges, inform public policy, and improve human lives. It demonstrates how the discipline of data science integrates knowledge and skills in computer sciences, statistics, and informatics (with exposure to application domains such as life science, health science, cyber security, astronomy, etc). Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and case studies, students are introduced to the "big picture" of data sciences including elements of understanding data through exploratory data analysis, testing hypotheses against data, building predictive models, all using real-world examples. The course also introduces students to opportunities to specialize in Applied Data Sciences (with an emphasis on data sciences applications in the real world), Computational Data Sciences (with an emphasis on well-engineered data analytics systems), and Statistical Data Sciences (with an emphasis on advanced statistical theory and methods).

CAS 100B introduces students to principles of effective communication with a specific focus on collaborative communication and group problem solving. The goal of CAS 100B is skill development in effective group communication, with less emphasis on formal public speaking and message evaluation compared to other versions of CAS 100. in group settings.

This pride is reserved for students in the Colleges of Information Sciences and Technology, Engineering, Science, and the Division of Undergraduate Studies. However, DS 200 is not a general education course and students should only enroll in this pride if they intend on majoring in Data Sciences.

**DS 200 is a 4-credit course. Students who select this pride will be registered in 7 credits. Tuition estimates on this website are based on enrollment in 6 credits. Students should plan for an additional approximately $850 (in-state resident) or $1,700 (out-of-state resident) in tuition cost for the additional credit.

EDPSY 14 fulfills a requirement for teacher preparation students and would be of interest to students interested in psychology and those interested in working with children. 

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

Have you been FAANGed?  Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google are the most powerful corporations in the world today; they shape every aspect of our lives. What do they have in common?  They are the latest iteration of electronic media and telecommunications, a communication revolution that began with the invention of radio and the telephone.  COMM 180 explores the evolution and influence of electronic media, from the birth of movies and recorded music to the world-changing development of social media and AI.  You will learn how we became so dependent on our phones and how to achieve a successful career in this new world.  COMM 180 fulfills the social science (GS) requirement and is beneficial for students interested in entertainment, technology, business, advertising, AI or sports media.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

EDSGN 100 Cornerstone Engineering Design provides students with a foundation for engineering design through hands-on team projects that address specified design opportunities. Through this course, students will recognize the role that engineering and design have in improving the health, safety, and welfare of the global community, as well as identifying when a solution is technically feasible, economically viable, and desirable. Students will use a range of design tools and techniques to carry out and communicate their design processes as applied to their projects. Additionally, students will develop and practice professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and ethical decision making. Course delivery will be via faculty-led lessons, hands-on activities, and discussions.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the College of Engineering or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. EDSGN 100 is not a general education course and may not count toward degree requirements for majors outside of the College of Engineering. Exploratory students from the Division of Undergraduate Studies who are exploring majors outside of the College of Engineering should consider enrolling in a pride that includes two general education courses. Email leap@psu.edu with questions.

EDSGN 100 Cornerstone Engineering Design provides students with a foundation for engineering design through hands-on team projects that address specified design opportunities. Through this course, students will recognize the role that engineering and design have in improving the health, safety, and welfare of the global community, as well as identifying when a solution is technically feasible, economically viable, and desirable. Students will use a range of design tools and techniques to carry out and communicate their design processes as applied to their projects. Additionally, students will develop and practice professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and ethical decision making. Course delivery will be via faculty-led lessons, hands-on activities, and discussions.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the College of Engineering or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. EDSGN 100 is not a general education course and may not count toward degree requirements for majors outside of the College of Engineering. Exploratory students from the Division of Undergraduate Studies who are exploring majors outside of the College of Engineering should consider enrolling in a pride that includes two general education courses. Email leap@psu.edu with questions.

MATH 37* discusses topics from combinatorics, probability, and logic. This section will apply these tools to the study of games. Some examples of games that may be analyzed include Yahtzee, sudoku, bingo, and poker. 

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

*Students who have specific course requirements for Math (e.g. students from the colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Business, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, Science, and those in the Division of Undergraduate Studies interested in majors in those colleges) should not enroll in this pride as the course will not fulfill degree requirements. Contact leap@psu.edu if you have questions.

KINES 84 is designed to give students a complete understanding of fundamental principles of fitness, providing the necessary information to understand, plan and implement a complete physical fitness program. Students are expected to explore wellness, disease progression, personal fitness, and performance variables (i.e. stress, nutritional practices). The student will acquire knowledge and critical skills essential to developing an active lifestyle, be able to articulate the interrelationship between fitness and wellness, apply concepts of physical fitness, develop an appreciation for having a physically active lifestyle, describe disease progression and prevention, and be able to alter a personal plan over the lifespan.

In BMB 1, students learn about the scientific process and how science has contributed to the knowledge used in the medical field to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. The course will include a broad survey of the molecular and cellular factors that contribute to an understanding of select human diseases. By the end of the course, students will appreciate how various cellular, metabolic or genetic problems can give rise to a variety of diseases and disorders. The specific diseases covered each semester may vary based on student and instructor interest. Students will ultimately be able to use the knowledge gained in this course to better understand disease processes, and will be able to make better informed decisions regarding their health and well-being or that of a loved one.

NUTR 175N explores factors that influence food intake, how individuals make food choices within their communities, and how these choices impact health and wellness. Topics include an overview of what Americans tend to eat, factors that influence food intake (e.g., economics, food environment, advertising/marketing), and the impact of poverty on food security, hunger, and health outcomes including obesity. This course also discusses how nutrition-policy influences food intake and health and food assistance programs.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

This pride is reserved for students from the College of Health and Human Development and the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

Information, People and Technology presents the high points of an education in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. It opens an intellectual journey through the ideas and challenges that IT professionals face in the world. It will address major questions such as: How can we use technology to organize and integrate human enterprises? How can technology help people and organizations adapt rapidly and creatively? What can we do about information overload?Three perspectives (or facets) address the core issues: information or the basic science of data encoding, transmission and storage; people or the interactions among technologies, institutions, regulations and users; and technology or the design and operation of basic information technology devices. Students completing the course will be confident users and consumers of information technology. Students will develop research and analytical skills to evaluate specific devices and understand how those devices function in larger socio-technical systems. Students will be able to predict and anticipate the impact of new technologies on human institutions as well as understand the potential impact of institutions on the use and design of information technologies.The course employs an action-oriented approach. Students learn by doing-formulating and solving problems drawn from professional contexts, detecting and recovering from errors related to technology use, and locating, reading and studying materials that support their analysis and problem-solving. Students will accomplish this by participating in team-based learning. The course provides students with the opportunity to use, modify, and evaluate software to search for, frame, and express ideas with fluency. A variety of mechanisms are used to assess student performance. These evaluation methods typically include exams, quizzes, homework assignments, group projects, and peer and self-assessments.

CAS 100B introduces students to principles of effective communication with a specific focus on collaborative communication and group problem solving. The goal of CAS 100B is skill development in effective group communication, with less emphasis on formal public speaking and message evaluation compared to other versions of CAS 100. in group settings.

INTAG 100N introduces you to agriculture in developing countries and frames this focus with a discussion of contemporary crucial issues facing agriculture on a global scale, emphasizing global hunger and food security. The primary goal of the course is to inform students about international agriculture, challenging them to think critically and independently about agricultural issues and development, to generate global citizens who are more aware and conversant on important contemporary challenges in the global food, agriculture, and natural resource systems.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

CRIM 100 is an overview of the United States criminal justice system and the major components of police, courts and corrections. Students will engage in reviews of, evaluate and consider legal foundations, types and causes of crime, the development of policing, the influence and evolution of the court process, and rehabilitative and reintegrative components of corrections. Specific topics can include, but are not limited to, the extent of crime in the United States; competing and complementary goals within the criminal justice system; sources of criminal law; interactions between various agencies within the criminal justice system; and the impact of crime on victims. During the course of study of the criminal justice system, students will have various opportunities to examine how age, gender, race and ethnicity impact and are impacted by the criminal justice system at critical phases.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

RPTM 120 provides students with an introduction to how recreation, play and leisure activities impact the health of individuals and communities.  Our leisure and recreation activities are critical factors in our mental and physical well-being, a way we bounce back from life's challenges, a fundamental part of our quality of life. Communities come together around special events, parks, sports and shared experiences indoors and outdoors. We will examine historically and in current society how people make leisure part of their busy lives and enhance their personal health and community life. 

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

The Math and Speech pride provides a unique opportunity for students who are entering degree programs that require calculus, but would benefit from a summer math course prior to enrolling in MATH 110 or MATH 140 in the fall semester. Students who enroll in this pride will be placed in the appropriate math course based upon the ALEKS math assessment score. They will take that math course with CAS 100A - effective speech. Please note the information below if you are interested in enrolling in the Math and Speech pride:

• The pride is reserved for students who are enrolled in colleges that house majors requiring calculus as a degree requirement. This includes majors in the colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Business, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, Science, and Division of Undergraduate Studies students who have an interest in majors within those colleges.
• Students who select this pride should not have taken calculus in high school and must complete the ALEKS math assessment by May 1, 2025. If you do not have an ALEKS score on file by May 1, 2025, we will not be able to register you in the courses for this pride. 
  • Students who have taken calculus in high school or who score a 76 or higher on the ALEKS math assessment should not enroll in this pride.
• If you have questions, email leap@psu.edu.

COMM 100N explores how media (from radio and TV to the internet and social platforms) and society are deeply intertwined. The course explores how media affects our everyday lives but also how it is shaped by technology, culture, economics, and politics. Through accessible case studies across areas like film, music, and sport and interactive hands-on learning, students will learn about the evolving nature of mass media. This is a great course for anyone interested in working as a media producer, whether for a global company like Disney or as an individual digital creator.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

What effect does Instagram use have on our well-being? Why do we choose to watch The Office at the end of a long day? Can anti-smoking media campaigns encourage people to quit smoking? This course introduces students to the social scientific study of the effects of media on individuals and on society. COMM 118 will overview a broad range of media theories that examine now only how media messages influence us but also how we use media to meet our needs. We will discuss media content in many domains, including politics, entertainment, advertising, health, and human-computer interaction.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

Earth 101 investigates a variety of natural hazards and disasters. We use the popular media as a starting point to motivate discussions and development of tools for analyzing the causes of disasters. Using excerpted segments of 'disaster films' in conjunction with scientific treatments, the class identifies the causes, consequences and public perceptions of natural hazards. Small group discussions and cooperative research activities held 'real time' in the classroom are a major component of this course. The goal is to help students develop both an understanding of natural hazards and disasters, and enhance their understanding of scientific approaches to problem solving

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

PLSC 291 is an examination of how human beings get into and out of violent conflicts, and how conflicts transform. The course is interdisciplinary, drawing together perspectives from political science, global and international studies, cultural anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, military history, and war game theory. The course engages with diplomacy, terrorism, nonviolence, genocide, ethnic struggle, the role of gender in conflict, psychology and sociology of human aggression, economics of war and peace, climate change and conflict, and cyber warfare.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

PHOTO 100 is an introduction to the aesthetics, history, and science of photography including practical and critical approaches to the art of photography for beginning students. The course will introduce students to photography as an art form and as an important medium in commercial applications, news and journalism, science, and industry. The course will look at photography in a social/historical context and showcase the work of important photographers. During the course, students examine the impact of technological, economic, and cultural forces on photography and, in turn, the role that it plays in our daily life, culture, and society.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

ENGL 191 explores Science Fiction not only as a literary genre, but also as a means of how humans make sense of the world. Through analysis and discussion of texts students will engage with how Science Fiction provides a space for us to analyze and comment upon world events, popular culture, dis/ability, gender, sexuality, race, and identity. Possible texts include The Stars My Destination, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Neuromancer, and Noor. This course will also analyze the themes and messages presented through visual mediums such as Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer. Science Fiction serves as an excellent genre within which to ask (and answer) the larger question of "What does it mean to be human?" -- a question that becomes more relevant as we grapple with the challenges presented through AI, bioengineering, class and political strife, gender and identity debates, and metaverses.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

SRA 111 is a preliminary course with a broad focus, spanning the areas of security, risk and analysis. In addition to familiarizing the student with basic technical terminology, it will also touch upon social and legal issues, risk analysis and mitigation, crime intelligence and forensics, and information warfare and assurance.This course will motivate students to understand the requirements for security in any government agency or business organization through the use of case studies. Included in this segment are cases related to cyberterrorism, bioterrorism, and critical infrastructure protection. Some concepts to be covered in the area of information security are: confidentiality, integrity, availability, and non-repudiation. Various methods of safe guarding these security concerns will be discussed, such as: single- and multi-factor authentication, encryption, digital signatures, prevention of denial of service attacks, and so forth. This course also covers the principles and the approaches to risk analysis. Here students study vulnerability analysis, crime and intelligence analysis, forensics, techniques for risk assessment and risk mitigation.

CAS 100B introduces students to principles of effective communication with a specific focus on collaborative communication and group problem solving. The goal of CAS 100B is skill development in effective group communication, with less emphasis on formal public speaking and message evaluation compared to other versions of CAS 100. in group settings.

METEO 5 is a non-technical introduction to various severe and unusual weather phenomena, including freezing precipitation, lake-effect snowstorms, blizzards, thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, and flash floods. The final unit treats a wide variety of unusual atmospheric optical phenomena resulting from the interaction of light with raindrops or ice crystals, such as rainbows, glories, and haloes. This course is not appropriate for students who plan to major in Meteorology.

ENGL 15 is a rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts. The goal of ENGL 15 is to help you build on what you already know how to do as you become a more confident reader and writer. You will become more attuned to your goals as a writer, more aware of the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic, and more resourceful in terms of the appropriate delivery of your information, the rhetorical appeals at your disposal, and the needs and expectations of your audience. 

HDFS 101N is an inquiry-based course introduces students to the dynamic world of helping through the exploration of "hot topics"/pressing social issues. Exploration will highlight core themes of lifespan human development, lives in context, and the ethics of care as well as integrate how to use concept maps to understand complex social issues and identify policies and interventions to help. While discussion and exploration of hot topics may extend to address international contexts and applications, exploration will primarily grounded in exploring issues within the U.S. By the end of the semester, students should develop the skills and knowledge needed to independently learn about and find ways to help address the pressing social issues that interest them.

CAS 100A explores how people use techniques of oral communication to address practical, professional and civic problems. It is designed to introduce students to principles of effective public speaking, implemented through the design and presentation of individual speeches. Drawing upon concepts from the study of both rhetoric and communication science, the course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills. 

This pride is reserved for students from the colleges of Communications, Education, Health and Human Development, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Science, and the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

KINES 100 introduces and integrates the philosophical, ethical, historical, cultural, and psychological foundations of kinesiology. Kinesiology is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary area devoted to the study of human movement. Kinesiology is unique in that it covers the "three cultures" of academia: the sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. This foundational, entry-level survey course introduces students to social scientific and the humanistic approaches to sport, exercise, health, wellness, and physical activity. Topic areas include the psychology of exercise and sport, the history of sport and physical activity, and the philosophy and ethics of sport and physical activity. Throughout the course, applications and integration to human health, physical activity, and to health and fitness professions are provided.

A passing glance at a newspaper sports page is enough to confirm how ethically fraught the sports world is. ENGL 234 explores the ethical issues that arise in a culture of competition, and it uses a variety of literary texts to ground that exploration. It seeks to provide students with a nuanced understanding of how dependent sports are on narratives, and how a variety of ethical issues underwrite existing narratives about sports. With a focus on "the big three" (baseball, basketball, and football), the course has a U.S. focus but also has opportunities for students to write about other sports and in non-U.S. contexts.

*KINES 100 is not a general education course and may not help students make degree progress if they are not planning to major in or are exploring majoring in Kinesiology. Send questions to leap@psu.edu. 

Have you ever thought the best way to learn about science is to do it? Would you like to isolate a virus? In this pride, students will learn about the nature of science by taking part in a research project conducted entirely by first-year students. In this Course-Based Research Experience (CURE), you will isolate a virus, called a phage, that infects bacteria. After naming and purifying your virus, you will extract the genomic DNA and take an image with an electron microscope. While you are learning about science, you will also be completing First-Year Seminar requirements for PSU 016. BMB 205S counts as a student’s first-year seminar requirement for students in the College of Science and the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

Science in Literature (SC 142N) examines selected historic landmarks in science (e.g. evolution, atomic energy/weapons, climate change, biotechnology) with a focus on common misconceptions about the facts and practice of science. The course will also examine the development of literary and popular portrayals of science and scientists in their political, economic, social and cultural contexts, paired to these particular scientific developments. By considering past and current scientific problems, students will refine their quantitative and analytical skills. By considering scientific writing, novels, short stories, graphic novels, cinema, poetry, and other forms, students will refine their critical and reflective writing and speaking about both the rhetorical and discursive practices of science writing, and the social and cultural impact of literature in popular understandings of science.

This pride is reserved for students enrolled in the Eberly College of Science or the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

KINES 81 is designed to explore the cognitive foundations of wellness and the social, economic, and cultural factors that may influence wellness. This course explores physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual components of wellness. Students explore the health benefits of exercise, diet, management of lifestyle change, and personal responsibility to achieve lifelong wellness. Students successfully completing KINES 81 will be able to analyze personal health behavior, articulate the importance of prevention, identify the components of a positive healthy lifestyle, describe health risk behavior, grasp the multidimensional nature of wellness, and describe the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining wellness.

The phenomenon called interpersonal communication (CAS 203) encompasses the complexities of interaction between people in any of a variety of situations. The expectations people form prior to a conversation, the messages that they produce using language and nonverbal cues, the ways in which they attach meaning to the behaviors of others, and the systemic qualities of the dyad are all part of interpersonal communication. And interpersonal communication occurs in contexts as varied as strangers sharing a seat on a bus, neighbors passing each other in the street, college roommates or married couples coordinating their lives, and co-workers negotiating office politics. In the home, at school, at work, and in public, interpersonal communication is an intricate process that weaves the fabric of our lives as social beings. This class is designed as an opportunity to explore the complexities of interpersonal communication and to develop a repertoire of interpersonal communication skills.