LEAP Prides

VBSC 50S introduces you to current concepts in the maintenance of animal health and application of scientific information to health-related decision making. You will have an opportunity to apply biomedical sciences to disease prevention programs in companion animals, food animals, and horses. The course will emphasize the biology of infectious diseases, immune response, and toxicology.  You will have an opportunity to investigate the wide variety of careers in animal health and biomedical sciences. VBSC 50S fulfills the first-year seminar requirement for students in the college of Agriculture Sciences and students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Offered only to incoming students, AURORA Outdoor Orientation Programs ease the college transition. The ORION expedition takes first-year students on a five-day backpacking expedition through the Pennsylvania wilderness. Participants gain not only backpacking skills from trained upperclassmen, but insight into college life in a relaxed environment. The classroom component introduces students to health and wellness topics such as: eating well on campus, group dynamics, time management, and mental and emotional wellness. Students earn all 3 GHW credits required to graduate (KINES 89), as well as 3 GWS. No previous backpacking experience required! For more information, call: (814) 865-3890 or visit: findAURORA.psu.edu 

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Offered only to incoming students, AURORA Outdoor Orientation Programs ease the college transition. The ORION expedition takes first-year students on a five-day backpacking expedition through the Pennsylvania wilderness. Participants gain not only backpacking skills from trained upperclassmen, but insight into college life in a relaxed environment. The classroom component introduces students to health and wellness topics such as: eating well on campus, group dynamics, time management, and mental and emotional wellness. Students earn all 3 GHW credits required to graduate (KINES 89), as well as 3 GWS credits. No previous backpacking experience required! For more information, call: (814) 865-3890 or visit: findAURORA.psu.edu 

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Through Business Problem Solving , students will gain a well-rounded level of competency in the use of spreadsheet software as a tool. Students will develop problem-solving strategies while gaining insight on the tactical use of spreadsheets. Concepts are contextualized in a broader discussion of information systems management including data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends. This is a required course for all majors in the Smeal College of Business.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

Through Business Problem Solving , students will gain a well-rounded level of competency in the use of spreadsheet software as a tool. Students will develop problem-solving strategies while gaining insight on the tactical use of spreadsheets. Concepts are contextualized in a broader discussion of information systems management including data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends. This is a required course for all majors in the Smeal College of Business.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

Through Business Problem Solving , students will gain a well-rounded level of competency in the use of spreadsheet software as a tool. Students will develop problem-solving strategies while gaining insight on the tactical use of spreadsheets. Concepts are contextualized in a broader discussion of information systems management including data security, ethical issues, social media, distributed (cloud) services, and emerging trends. This is a required course for all majors in the Smeal College of Business.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

Business Statistics introduces basic statistical concepts and models within the framework of business problems and applications. Students learn about the usefulness of business statistics in decision making, how to perform basic statistical and analytical procedures, and how to interpret, critically evaluate, and analyze data.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100B fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

This lecture-lab course is designed to introduce students to the process and practice of chemical research via a cutting-edge project taken from one of the chemistry research labs at Penn State.  Student teams will learn, discuss, and apply key chemistry concepts that drive the project as well as design and execute experiments that aid in the investigation of the project’s goals and questions. They will also embark on their lifelong journey as scientific communicators by learning how to present their findings through presentations and concise writing.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

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

This course 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.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the College of Engineering or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

This is an introductory course in computer systems literacy. The history, architecture and operation of computing systems and underlying computing theory are covered.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100B fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the College of IST or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

Introductory multidisciplinary survey course. This course covers technical subjects such as basic aspects of machine learning, analyzing big data and visual analytics.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100B fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for students in the College of IST, the College of Engineering, or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

This introduction to educational psychology provides students with an understanding of the major concepts, principles and theories, and related research of learning and teaching. The research on learning and teaching is a primary emphasis, with clear connections made to diverse real-world contexts such as home, family life, informal and formal teaching and learning settings, as well as the influence of mass media and digital technologies on the learning process.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

EDSGN 100 provides an introduction to engineering design processes, methods, and decision making using team design projects; design communication methods including graphical, verbal, and written. EDSGN 100 is not required of students who intend to major in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Effective Speech (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. The course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills.

This pride is reserved for students in the College of Engineering or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

EDSGN 100 provides an introduction to engineering design processes, methods, and decision making using team design projects; design communication methods including graphical, verbal, and written. EDSGN 100 is not required of students who intend to major in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Effective Speech (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. The course aims to foster habits of ethical self-reflection alongside practical speaking skills.

This pride is reserved for students in the College of Engineering or the Division of Undergraduate Studies. 

Leaders, in whatever context, make difficult decisions, distribute scarce resources, direct and influence the conduct of others, and represent the goals of the enterprise they lead. Thus they ought to exemplify prudence, fairness, integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity, and morally upright behavior. This course investigates these concepts and the moral dilemmas that arise in developing or applying them. It also explores, philosophically as well as practically, the ways leaders might identify ethical challenges, analyze them, imagine possible solutions, and be motivated to do the right thing. Students may read a variety of literature, from classic plays and novels, to prominent philosophical texts, to recent studies of ethics and leadership.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride explores the role of music in narrative film. It is not a history of film music, although our approach will in some respects be historic. The purpose is for students to gain an understanding of the role of music in film, to observe various artistic approaches to the use of music in film, and to examine how music interacts with the other elements of sound—sound effects and dialogue—in an artistically unified sound track that, in turn, accompanies and interacts with the movie's visual component to create a compelling and satisfying work of art. 

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

KINES 84Z is designed to give students a complete understanding of fundamental principles of physical fitness with an appreciation for disease prevention. Students are expected to explore wellness and disease, and variables which may affect performance over the lifespan. In this course, students acquire knowledge and critical thinking skills essential to the development of a healthful and active lifestyle and to develop an appreciation of a physically active lifestyle. In the linkage between KINES 84Z and BMB 1Z, students make connections between disease and lifestyle through health, wellness, and biochemical and molecular changes. Please note: this pride is not intended for students who intend to major in Kinesiology.

This course is designed to give undergraduate students an introduction to the various issues, trends, and historical perspectives pertaining to communication within U.S. domestic and international cultures. The focus is on topics such as language, identity, prejudice, and intergroup relations on a domestic/ international level. It integrates social and behavioral sciences and humanities disciplines so that students can compare and contrast what different disciplines bring to a topic. 

RPTM 120 will provide 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.  

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

HIST 144 provides an in-depth study of World War II, which brought many new aspects to modern warfare: civilians were the majority of casualties, deliberate air attacks were made on cities, research brought the advent of new technologies, and several of the global belligerents represented the participation of militaristic totalitarian states where dictators had risen to power with considerable popular support. Thus, topics of the course include: the origins of the war; political and economic struggles leading to the conflict; actions of both Axis and Allied military forces; broad violence in the forms of rape and genocide; and the aftermath of the struggle.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

IST 110 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.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100B fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

In ESL 15, students practice strategies for reading and writing academic texts in order to participate successfully in their university classes. They learn to (a) define topic, purpose, audience, and appropriate organizational structure for written compositions; (b) revise and reshape their writing to improve ideas, organization, language use, and word choice; (c) identify and correct structural and grammatical errors within their written texts; and (d) find sources, take notes, and cite other writers, using the library to conduct research and avoid plagiarism.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride is reserved for undergraduate students who are intermediate-advanced level non-native speakers of English. Students will become familiar with the various stages in the process of writing and develop strategies for reading and writing various models of American academic discourse.

Art History 100 provides an introduction to the history of art from prehistory to the present, through selected topics, rather than a comprehensive survey. Areas covered include prehistoric art, art of the Near East and Egypt, ancient Greek and Roman art, medieval art culminating with the Gothic, Renaissance art both in Italy and northern Europe, Baroque and Rococo art, and modern developments often highlighting Romanticism, Impressionism, Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop, Feminist, and contemporary art.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Fundamentals of Home Landscaping offers broad coverage of the environmental, human, technological, and aesthetic issues associated with residential landscape design. Beginning with the way we perceive, manage, and design the landscape, the course examines the arrangement of land, water, plant forms, and structures for their best use and greater enjoyment. Relying on actual procedures and underlying principles utilized by experienced residential landscape designers, the course will introduce students to basic design principles, concepts, specific procedures for preparing site plans and associated documents. The course will also explore designing with and general care of plants, assorted hardscape types, and how to properly assess a site. From choosing trees, shrubs, groundcovers that are correct for the site to properly installing patios, decks, and walkways, students will be presented with the varied ways plants and hardscape are installed and maintained. The course will conclude with students completing a design for a residential site.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

The Mass Media and Society is an overview of the interaction between mass media and society. By drawing from selected topics, the course pays particular attention to the social influences (e.g., economics, politics, technology, law and culture) that shape media messages. Among others, the course examines the nature of media controllers as well as the character of users and consumers of media products. By so doing, students are informed about the overall structure and scope of the mass media and led to understand the power and influences associated with media messages and practices. By the end of the semester, each student should have a better understanding of the dynamic nature of the mass media in an information society.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Aside from working and sleeping, individuals in the United States spend more time consuming media than any other single activity. By the time the average person reaches the age of 65, he or she will have spent over six full years of life watching television - not to mention the additional time spent reading newspapers and magazines, listening to the radio, using the Internet, and playing videogames. Given the centrality of media in the lives of most people, it is imperative that we understand and critically explore the variety of ways in which we perceived and are influenced by media messages. The purpose of COMM 118 is to introduce students to the study of the effects of media on individuals and on society. This course will overview a broad range of media theories that have examined media as a social force, that have explored factors that affect individuals' selection of and perceptions of media messages, and that have studied how media affect viewers' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. These theories will be used to examine a variety of different types of content, including media violence, portrayals of race and gender, politics, advertising, and entertainment, among others. Students will be assessed by exams on these theories and topics, by group-based writing assignments, and by an assignment requiring students to locate, identify, and critically evaluate media content that illustrates the theories and issues covered in class.

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

How do individuals, firms, and governments make decisions?  What determines price? Are monopolies always bad?  This course is designed to develop the basic concepts and techniques of Microeconomic theory and is applications.  Considerable emphasis is placed on the basic principles of economics, methods of economic analysis, price determination, consumer behavior, theory of the firm, and the market structures.  ECON 102 is an introduction to microeconomic analysis and policy.  Students will analyze issues clearly and critically.  

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

This pride explores the intersection of ethical leadership and public argumentation. In PHIL 119, students will explore philosophically as well as practically the ways leaders might identify ethical challenges, analyze them, imagine possible solutions, and be motivated to do the right thing. In CAS 215, students will investigate the practical process of building good arguments, researching sound evidence, constructing legitimate argumentative claims, and participating in live debates—all skills essential to being a leader in a changing world.

The Paterno Fellows pride is reserved for students who aspire to be part of the Paterno Fellows program. To register for the Paterno Fellows pride and/or for more information, please contact Adie Polk at aludwar@psu.edu.  

PHOTO 100 provides an introduction to the aesthetics, history, and science of photography including practical and critical approaches to the art of photography. This course introduces students to photography both as an art form and as a key method of visual communication in today's society. Students will be exposed to various photographic techniques and learn to create stronger, more compelling photographs.

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Fitness Theory and Practice is a course designed emphasize the fundamental principles of physical fitness and skills necessary to implement a personalized fitness program that will evolve over the lifespan. Students also consider factors which affect their performance in executing a fitness plan such as nutritional concerns, the impact of stress, choice of proper equipment, matching personal goals to proper execution, and personal motivation. In their pursuit of an active and healthy lifestyle, students assess personal health, fitness, and wellness using pre/post intervention strategies, and engage in physical exercise to practice concepts presented in the course training techniques. 

Effective Speech (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. CAS 100A fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

In METEO 5, students will learn about the fundamental principles that govern various types of severe and unusual weather. Concepts are taught in a descriptive manner without relying heavily on mathematics, so the material is highly accessible to students with a wide variety of backgrounds.  The class frequently draws upon examples of significant historical and recent severe weather events.  The course has four major themes:  hazardous cold-season phenomena, hazardous warm-season weather, hazardous weather triggered by mountainous terrain, and atmospheric optical phenomena (such as rainbows and halos).

Rhetoric and Composition (ENGL15) an intensive, 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. Thus, in this course, we will focus specifically on analyzing verbal and visual texts (our reading) as well as on producing such texts (our writing), always in terms of rhetorical principles. ENGL 15 fulfills 3 credits of the writing and speaking requirement for general education.

Have you ever thought the best way to learn about science is to do it? Would you like to isolate a virus? In BMB 205S, 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. At the end of the summer, we will send the genomic DNA for sequencing, and it will be used in further scientific study and contribute to the body of scientific knowledge. If you would like to continue working on the project, there will be opportunities to continue research in the Fall and Spring semesters through other CURE courses. BMB 205S counts as a student’s first-year seminar requirement.

SC 125N charts the history of disease both as a subject of scientific inquiry and a cultural and religious phenomenon. We will begin with early Greek and Egyptian attempts to understand disease as a foreign entity attacking the body and end in the twenty-first century with current ideas surrounding the use of antibiotics, vaccines, and emerging threats throughout the world. Along the way we will discuss the impact of significant epidemics - for example, Bubonic Plague, Syphilis, and Influenza - as well as changing scientific thinking of both how to deal with disease and how to understand the natural world. In tandem with the historical background key scientific ideas necessary for studying disease - including current understanding of the microbial world, microscopy techniques, and modern gene theory - will be presented to the students through classroom instruction and virtual laboratories.

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

This pride explores the link between the human experience across the lifespan and how different careers impact individuals throughout the lifespan. In HDFS 129 you will be introduced to concepts, theories, and research on human development as it occurs over the life span and in context. Each stage of our lives brings with it unique developmental tasks and challenges. In HDFS 101 you will learn about how social institutions support individuals across the lifespan and the specific careers that exist to assist individuals negotiate challenges and barriers.