Core, Elective, and Supporting Courses (School of Professional Studies)

Description
Course Descriptions
    Core Courses
    Elective and Supporting Courses

Description

The School of Professional Studies offers a variety of courses that support its undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including Core course, distributed as noted in the description of the SPS undergraduate curriculum, and elective and supporting courses, some of which may be required as part of a particular degree program.  Descriptions for elective and supporting courses not listed below can be found in the various program sections of this catalog. 

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Course Descriptions: Core Courses

Area I: Skills for Life and Work

Writing

ENGL 107 College Composition
Develops skills necessary for effective writing of thesis-centered essays at the college level, including analytical, critical, and argumentative essays. Research and documentation techniques included. Formerly ENG 107 College Composition.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 105 with grade of "C" or better; or placement test proficiency
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

Communication

COM 225 Intercultural Communication
Applies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

COM 290 Public Speaking
Examines theory and practice of public speaking. Students will prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches. Audience analysis, research, speech organization, delivery and effective persuasive strategies will be covered. 
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

SPAN 103 Spanish for the Workplace
Facilitates basic communication in workplace settings with speakers of Spanish. Emphasis is placed on oral communication and career-specific vocabulary and grammar that targets health, business, and public service professions. Upon completion, students will be able to communicate at a functional level with Spanish speakers and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work
Prerequisites: One semester of college Spanish or one year of high school Spanish

Numeracy

BADM 211 Business Mathematics
Explores quantitative concepts, ratios, and analysis commonly used in the various functional areas of business, including human resources, finance, accounting, and marketing. Topics include discounts, markup/markdown, interest, payroll, commissions, and ratios for performance analysis.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

MATH 108 Elementary Mathematical Modeling
Introduces mathematical modeling based on the use of elementary functions to describe and explore real-world data and phenomena. Built on interesting applications of elementary mathematics, students are taught how to construct useful mathematical models, to analyze them critically, and to communicate quantitative concepts effectively. Integrates the use of graphing calculators. Recommended for students planning to major in social sciences. Formerly MAT 108 Elementary Mathematical Modeling.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 101 or placement test proficiency
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

MATH 109 Foundations of Mathematics
Introduces the fundamental principles of various areas of mathematics as they relate to the other liberal arts. Topics may include symbolic logic, sets and combinatorics, probability, introductory descriptive statistics, geometric structures, and finance. Recommended for students who do not plan to take another math course. Formerly MAT 109 Foundations of Mathematics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 101 or placement test proficiency
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

Information Literacy

INT 109 Information Literacy
Technology has brought a vast new world of information resources into the classroom and the University. We are accessing, analyzing and communicating information faster than every before. A measure of success today is how well one can discover, retrieve, evaluate, manage and communicate all forms of data, information and knowledge within a technological environment both ethically and legally. This course introduces Trinity students to the information and technology tools that support the information discovery, analysis and integration that are part of critical thinking and communicating. This includes having a fundamental understanding of the ethical and legal issues.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Life and Work

AREA II:  Understanding the Self and Society

Arts and Humanities

ENGL 215 Major US Writers II
Studies major US literary works in a variety of genres from the late 1800s to the present, including poetry, fiction, and drama. Formerly ENG 252 American Literature II.
3 credits
Core: Understanding the Self and Society

ENGL 267 Multicultural United States Literature
Examines largely contemporary writings by writers representing the diverse cultures in the US with a consideration of the ways in which difference or "the other" may be constructed. Formerly ENG 200 Multicultural US Literature.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art I
Examines the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. It is recommended that the two survey courses (101 and 102) be taken before advanced courses and, if possible, in chronological order. Formerly ART 101 Survey: History of Art I.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art II
Surveys the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. Formerly ART 102 Survey: History of Art II.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

HIS 132 Twentieth Century United States 
Introduces the critical issues of 20th-century United States, including the transition to a post-industrial society, the challenge of the Civil Rights and feminist movements, the development of the modern welfare state, and the consequences of the United States' role as a global superpower. 
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

HIS 155 The 20th Century World
Reviews the global processes of transformation that characterize world history in the 20th century, integrating the experiences of Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Among the topics to be covered are: the two World Wars, the Global Depression, the Cold War, the collapse of the Western dominated imperial order and the rise of nationalism, the effects of modernization and globalization, contemporary global conflicts, and prospects for economic development, democratization, and peace building.     
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society 

RST 290 Religions of the World
Surveys the history of the great religious traditions of the world -- Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Special emphases will be given to the belief systems, ceremonies, and structures of these traditions as they explore the quest for ultimate meaning.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society 

Social Sciences

COM 201 Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication
Offers an introduction to the fundamental theories and principles of interpersonal communication with emphasis on analyzing and assessing the communication skills necessary to create and sustain effective communication in personal and professional relationships.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

ECON 101 Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduces principles of microeconomics and their applications. Topics include supply and demand, operation of markets, consumer and enterprise behavior, competition and monopoly, and microeconomic policy. Formerly ECO 122 Principles of Economics I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Either MATH 108, MATH 109, or other mathematics course of equivalent or higher level
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

ECON 102 Introduction to Macroeconomics
Introduces principles of macroeconomics, emphasizing such topics as national income, unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. The role of policy in affecting macroeconomic outcomes is examined in detail. Formerly ECO 121 Principles of Economics II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and either MATH 108, MATH 109, or other mathematics course of equivalent or higher level
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology
Introduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
Introduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
Core: Understanding the Self and Society

Scientific Understanding

BIOL 101 Introduction to Biology
Explores various aspects of biology from cell structure to metabolism, diversity and ecology. The course consists of two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Recommended for non-science majors. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 101 Introduction to Biology.
4 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society  

ENVS 101 Discovering Planet Earth
Introduces non-science majors to evolution, earth science, and plate tectonics with an emphasis on the mid-Atlantic region. Labs include use of the scientific method, development of observational skills, computer-assisted learning, and several field trips. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ENV 101 Discovering Planet Earth.
4 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society  

Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning

PHIL 245 Ethics I
Introduces the student to social ethics and the concepts of person and community by examining the moral traditions that inform our understanding of the individual. The course traces the focus of ethics from a concern about what kind of person to be to the more modern and narrow concern in how to act in both the public and private domains, acknowledging the ways in which our cultural and historical practices help shape our vision. Formerly PHI 212 The Moral Dimension: Persons and Community.
3 credits
Core Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning

PHIL 253 Business and Professional Ethics
Engages the students in an analysis of cases in business and other professions that appear to present a conflict between the demands of institutional practices and the demands of morality. The course presents a Kantian theory of ethics and investigates the cases within the framework of this theory. Formerly PHI 213 Applied Ethics II: Business and Professional Ethics.
3 credits
Core Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning

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Course Descriptions: Elective and Supporting Courses

Descriptions for elective and supporting courses not listed below can be found in the various program sections of this catalog. 

BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Provides a systematic approach to the study of the human body for students interested in the health care professions. The first part of this yearlong course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions.
4 credits

BIOL 242 Human Genetics
Prepares health care professionals to apply knowledge of genetics to their work experiences.  The course will cover Mendelian genetics as well as population genetics.  Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of genetic testing, derivation of family pedigrees, and genetic defects and diseases.  The course will also address the ethical dimensions of genetic testing and other genetic applications.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 111 or two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology

CHEM 113  Chemistry for the Health Sciences
Introduces students to basic concepts in chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, principles of organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the most important biomolecules. The course also introduces students to the proper use of basic laboratory equipment as well as basic laboratory techniques. Lab experiments are designed to provide the student with the tools to understand connections between theory and results found in the lab.
4 credits

HPNU 111 Professional and Career Success in the Health Professions
Strengthens the student's critical reading skills through close readings of texts on contemporary health care issues. Students will explore the evolution of the various disciplines in the health professions and models of professional socialization. Current issues and trends influencing the health care delivery system, such as increased use of technology, rising health care costs, and maintaining quality in health care agencies are among the topics of discussion. Students will develop proficiency in the use of select electronic data bases, as well as techniques of professional writing.
3 credits
Cross-referenced with CRS 102

ISYS 101 Introduction to Computers
Introduces computers for the novice user. Explaining basic computer concepts and how to use them.
3 credits

ISYS 103 Internet Research
Gives students valuable knowledge and skills on how to use the Internet. It takes students from beginner to advanced concepts on Internet research skills, improved search, exploring and evaluating online content. Students will learn how to use the Internet for research, communication, transferring information and files and storing data. Students will learn the basics of how a web page is constructed such as simple HTML tags, links and including images.
3 credits
Cross-tallied with BADM 145

ISYS 141 Introduction to Programming
Provides an exposure to algorithm development, programming, computer concepts and the design and application of data and file structures. It includes the use of logical and physical structures for both programs and data. 
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 101 or permission

ISYS 201 Computer Applications in Business
Teaches personal productivity skills through the use of common computer applications used in business offices, such as word processors, spreadsheets and Internet browsers.
3 credits
Cross-tallied with BADM 241

ISYS 211 Information Systems in Organizations
Provides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information technology, and application software. The course explains how information is used in organizations and how information technology enables improvement in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
Cross-tallied with BADM 243

ISYS 213 Decision Support Systems
Provides an understanding of organizational systems, planning, and decision process, and how information is used for decision support in organizations. It covers quality and decision theory, information theory, and practice essential for providing viable information to the organization. It outlines the concepts of IS for competitive advantage, data as a resource, IS and Formerly IT planning and implementation, change and project management.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or equivalent
Cross-tallied as BADM 245

ISYS 221 Information Technology I: Hardware
Examines the main hardware components that make computing possible (CPU, memory, motherboard, storage, peripherals, I/O); introduction to system administration tasks. Students learn the basic terms, concepts and functions of system components and gain familiarization in their installation, configuration and troubleshooting.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission of instructor

ISYS 222 Information Technology II: System Software
Examines software concepts - operating systems, window managers, file systems and their operations in computer / network architectures. Installation, configuration, basic networking and troubleshooting are covered.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 221

ISYS 231 Computer Networks
Examines how the underlying hardware and software components in networks of information systems, make it possible to access data and services across remote computers; the overall structure of a network, including description of the functionality of different protocols and standards. The course will cover topologies, protocols, the OSI model, performance issues, and software for LANS/WANS.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission

ISYS 241 Intermediate Programming
Provides a continuation of the development of object-oriented design and implementation using a current programming language. Inheritance, polymorphism, error-handling, I/O, advanced graphical user interfaces, and data representation.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 141 or equivalent
Cross-tallied with CMSC 211

ISYS 243 Web Page Design
Examines publishing on the World Wide Web (WWW). Included topics will be theory on design, navigation, the use of multimedia as well as an overview of security and legal issues. Students will learn HTML and common authoring tools.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 103 or permission of instructor

ISYS 301 Advanced Computer Applications
Covers advanced topics of application software packages that include spreadsheets, databases and project management for business applications. Presentation software is reviewed and hands-on experience with the software is provided.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201

ISYS 311 Database Management Systems
Teaches concepts of database systems and their design and impact on information systems. Studies data structures and their relationships, the relational database model, SQL and database languages.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission of instructor

ISYS 321 UNIX / Linux Fundamentals
Introduces the UNIX/Linux operating systems, their differences from Windows systems and environments in which they are used. Students will learn basic usage of UNIX, its file systems structure, system organization, command set, syntax, UNIX tools, pipes and shells as will as basic administration.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 222 or permission or instructor

ISYS 331 Internet Concepts and Architecture
Teaches the design of internets and intranets. Topics include bridges, routers, switches and gateways - the way in which they work and their functions in a networked environment. An overview of network performance tuning; privacy, security, firewalls and reliability will be given.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 231 or permission of instructor

ISYS 341 Data Structures and Algorithms
Studies the design and analysis of efficient algorithms. Covers the implementation of data structures, including linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees, as well as the sorting, searching, hashing, and merging of data.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 141 or permission of instructor

ISYS 343 Programming for the Internet
Teaches practical web development and programming for business and internet transactions. Covers programming techniques used to create multimedia intensive and interactive web sites.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 243 or permission of instructor

ISYS 345 Dynamic Web Development with Macromedia Flash
Moves students from creating static web pages toward building dynamic, interactive and animated web sites using Macromedia Flash. The course focuses on start-to-finish production of Flash web sites using tools and features such as Macromedia panels and timeline, frame by frame animation and objects and the Flash scripting language, ActionScript.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 243

ISYS 351 Electronic Business
Examines the linkage of organizational strategy and electronic methods of delivering products, services and exchanges in inter-organizational, national, and global environments. Information technology strategy and technological solutions for enabling effective business processes within and between organizations in a global environment are considered.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or permission of instructor
Cross-tallied with BADM 341

ISYS 353 Project Management
Presents an introduction to the principles and concepts of project management, an essential tool for the business professional in both the federal and commercial sectors. The course addresses all aspects of the project cycle. Topics include project initiation, project planning, team selection, project monitoring and control, risk management, and project closeout. Emphasis is placed on how to identify and meet schedule, cost, and technical constraints while focusing on customer needs.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 251 or permission of instructor

ISYS 361 Information Systems Security
Provides the student with an understanding of the rationale for network security. Examines threats originating from internal and external sources, and the value of information to organizations. Explores technologies, security procedures and strategies necessary to protect information.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or permission of instructor

ISYS 431 Network Design and Implementation
Examines the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of networks and their components. The installation and configuration of LAN and WAN networks; monitoring of networks. The course includes the Domain Name System, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, remote access, network protocols and IP routing.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 231 or equivalent

ISYS 498 Independent Study
Provides students the opportunity to purse an independent course of study under the direction of a faculty member.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

ISYS 499 Senior Seminar: Information Systems Analysis and Design
Pursues the analysis and design for a networked environment or information system based on the needs of an organization. Among the areas which students must consider are cost-benefit, quality, connectivity and the impact of their design. Students synthesize and apply their mastery of information systems knowledge through the evaluation, selection and even implementation of different options within an organization.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 351

ISYS 615 Systems Analysis & Design
Examines the system development and modification process, including defining and analyzing requirements, modeling and specifications.  It covers the relationships and roles of clients, users, team members, and others associated with development, operation and maintenance of systems.  Topics include structured and object oriented analysis and design, use of modeling tools and system lifecycles.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 611

ISYS 631 Data Communications & Networks
Provides in-depth understanding of data communications and networks. An emphasis is placed on the requirements and design of network systems in organizations.  The course examines how the underlying hardware and software components in networks of information systems make it possible to access data and services across remote computers; it also examines the overall structure of a network, including description of the functionality of different protocols and standards.
3 credits

ISYS 653 Information Systems Project Management
Covers the factors necessary for successful management of information systems development or enhancement projects.  Both technical and behavioral aspects of project management are applied within the context of an information systems development project.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 611

ISYS 661 Information Systems Security
Examines concepts of modern information systems security from a practical point of view. Topics include secure system design, system vulnerability, threat assessment, intrusion detection, cryptography, and legal and ethical issues in computer security. Emphasis on applications of security and implementation of a secure information system.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 611 and ISYS 631

ISYS 663 Systems Intrusion, Detection & Response
Covers network security management systems that gather and analyze information to identify possible security breaches. It includes intrusions (attacks from outside the organization) and misuse (attacks from within the organization). Students learn the use of vulnerability assessment and scanning technologies to determine the security of a network.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 661

ISYS 667 Data Protection
Introduces basic concepts of cryptology, public key cryptography, hardware and software implementations of cryptographies, data integrity and authentication, protocols for secure mail, www and electronic payments, security aspects of mobile communications, identification schemes, Smart cards and PCMCIA cards.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 661

ISYS 673 Information Security: Risk, Strategies, and Management
Covers the strategies, procedures and policies to manage and mitigate risk in information systems, including risk analysis techniques that can be used to identify and quantify both accidental and malicious threats to computer systems within an organization.  The course also considers what sorts of strategies and policies will help provide cost effective and highly secure systems.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 661

ISYS 675 Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Security
Provides an overview of the legal rights and liabilities associated with operation and use of computers and information. It discusses the key statutes, regulations, treaties, and court cases that establish legal rights and responsibilities as to computer security and information privacy. The course also helps students learn how to reduce their risk of potential legal liability for computer security or information privacy failures, and how to enforce their security and privacy rights against other parties.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 661 or permission of instructor

ISYS 677 Issues & Trends in Information Security Management
Examines how changing technology, business environments and social issues will shape the security requirements of networked information systems and computer systems. The course covers the evolution of current issues and looks at the emergence of new issues that will guide the development of new approaches to information security.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 661 or permission of instructor

PHIL 351 Bioethics for Health Care Professionals
The course will examine legal and moral issues related to health care and related fields.  We will examine and apply basic theories in Bioethics as both an intellectual and practical tradition.  Case studies will be analyzed in light of the Ethical principles of Autonomy, Justice, Beneficence, and Non-maleficence.  We will also examine the applications and consequences of new technology on ethical medical practice such as experimentation on human subjects, physician assisted suicide, abortion, the use of fetal tissue, reproductive technologies, and genetic engineering.
3 credits

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