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The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description.
4.00 credit hours A study of the nature of proof in mathematics. Specific proof techniques are taught within the context of number theory, set theory, functions, and cardinality.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
4.00 credit hours Vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Gram-Schmidt process and orthogonal transformations. Students may not receive credit for MATH 300 and MATH 255.
4.00 credit hours Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry in two and three dimensions via the axiomatic approach. Other topics include transformations, isometries and symmetries of the plane.
4.00 credit hours A survey of the evolution of mathematical ideas and techniques, examining how historical, philosophical and cultural settings influenced its development. Emphasis on problem solving methodologies and the diversity of mathematicians contributing to the field.
4.00 credit hours First and second order differential equations; algebraic, numerical and graphical solutions; series solutions; Laplace transforms; applications. Students may not receive credit for MATH 315 and MATH 255.
4.00 credit hours Algebra of the complex numbers, geometry and transformations of the complex plane, analytic functions, Cauchy theory of integration, power series and residue theory.
4.00 credit hours Basic laws of probability, discrete and continuous distributions of random variables, mathematical expectation, moment generating functions and transformations, random variables with multivariate probability distributions.
4.00 credit hours An overview of the field of statistical learning. Survey of techniques for predictive analytics including model selection and validation methods, linear and non-linear models and supervised and unsupervised learning. Implementation of all techniques will employ appropriate software.
2.00 credit hours An intensive seminar intended to introduce research methods in mathematics, develop processes for approaching and solving non-routine problems, and exploring advanced written and oral presentation of solutions.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 253 and MATH 280. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Writing Intensive.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
4.00 credit hours Introduction to the theory of rings, fields and groups. Topics include modular arithmetic, polynomial rings, factorization and tests for irreducibility, ideals, quotient rings, morphisms and subgroups.
4.00 credit hours Advanced theory of rings, fields and groups, including symmetric and alternating groups, structure theorems for finite abelian groups, vector spaces, extension fields, finite fields and Galois theory.
4.00 credit hours A study of sets, functions, properties and elementary topology of the real number system, sequences, series, continuity, differentiation and integration.
4.00 credit hours A continuation of the topics from MATH 461 including sequences and series of functions, Riemann and Lebesgue integration, elementary measure theory, and an introduction to basic concepts in functional analysis.
2.00 credit hours A critical evaluation, including modern-day and historical applications, of advanced topics not included in other mathematics courses. Emphasis is placed on reflecting upon and further developing each student’s philosophical view of mathematics as a discipline.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 421 or MATH 461. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Writing Intensive.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
4.00 credit hours Basic principles of structure-property relationships in the context of chemical, mechanical and physical properties of materials. Lecture/Laboratory.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the legal, economic, logistical and technological considerations shaping the day-to-day operations of broadcast media. Special attention is given to the management and programming of TV and radio stations and networks. Among the topics covered include: news and public affairs, sports broadcasting, audience analysis, advertising, programming research and other areas related to both commercial and non-commercial programming practices. Recommended for students interested in careers in radio and/or television.
iCon(s): Engaging Civic Life, Innovating the World.
0.00-2.00 credit hours Hands-on video field production workshop designed to allow students to develop their video production and storytelling skills. Emphasis is placed on news and public affairs content. Instructor consent required for 2 credit hours. This is a graded course, regardless of credit.
0.00-2.00 credit hours Offered to all students who wish to work at the campus radio station, WONC-FM. The following positions are available: music show host, newscaster, news reporter, news magazine host, sportscaster, sports reporter, sports play-by-play announcer, traffic reporter, news writer, copywriter, music research specialist, promotions assistant, production assistant, board operator. Instructor consent needed for 2 credit hours. This is a graded course, regardless of credit.
0.00-2.00 credit hours Hands-on experience on the staff of the college news organization, The Chronicle/ncclinked.com. Students work as writers or editors, web and social media content creators, photographers, artists or designers. Registration for credit requires a minimum of four hours of work on the publication per week. Instructor consent needed for 2 credit hours. This is a graded course, regardless of credit.
4.00 credit hours Digital media writing introduces students to writing on different types of platforms including the web, applications and social media. Students learn to write in a variety of different genres including blog writing, online news and public relations. The course also hones writing and research skills for digital writing.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, U.S. Power Structures. iCon(s): Innovating the World.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the elements of video production and the principles of editing with an emphasis on story as well as technique. Basic camera and microphone operation is introduced and use of video editing software to create video projects is explored. This course is a combination of lectures, demonstrations and projects.
4.00 credit hours Introduction to journalistic writing and reporting techniques. Topics covered include conducting interviews, story selection and research. New technologies and the evolving state of journalism are also discussed.
4.00 credit hours A practical introduction to the legal restraints placed upon media communicators and the ethical concerns raised by various forms of media communication. Includes discussions and material related to the First Amendment, libel, invasion of privacy, freedom of information, copyright, obscenity and political broadcasting. The course is also intended to engage students in a conversation about the ethical issues facing the media today.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Sciences, Ethical Dimensions, U.S. Power Structures. iCon(s): Engaging Civic Life.
4.00 credit hours Basic techniques and responsibilities of a publications editor. Topics include editing for both style and content, working with photos, writing photo captions and writing headlines. Course includes a review of libel law and attention to the ethical dilemmas facing journalists.
4.00 credit hours Examines social media as an evolving, complex system of channels used to communicate, exchange messages and persuade. This class focuses on the crafting of messages for distinct social media channels and audiences. Among the things that we will consider are the uses of social media in advertising, social movements, and political campaigns.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Sciences.
4.00 credit hours The preparation, production and direction of various digital audio program materials (such as commercial spots, news packages, music specials, station promos, podcasts, and dramas). Students learn how to use professional digital audio editing software. Sometimes uses WONC-FM production studios as a laboratory.
4.00 credit hours An introductory course in photo journalism with an emphasis on multimedia. The course is taught as a hands-on workshop. Instruction progresses from basic camera operation to more comprehensive visual storytelling that may incorporate audio, video or other multimedia components.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
4.00 credit hours A continuation of the skills learned in MEDI 222 Video Storytelling I with more emphasis on longer-form video projects. Topics include: advanced camera operation, lighting, composition, editing transitions, mixing and synchronizing audio, graphics, logging video and working with B-roll. Professional editing packages are used to produce long-form projects in formats suitable for delivery over DVD, Web, broadcast television and cable.
4.00 credit hours Explores advanced writing and reporting techniques and the production of multi-source, in-depth articles. Also introduces students to literary and investigative journalism.
4.00 credit hours Analysis of the technological convergence that has occurred in the modern news environment, and the creation of content that is effective across a range of media platforms. Emphasis on analyzing and selecting the proper medium to suit the message.
4.00 credit hours An intensive study of the writing, editing and production of news for radio and television. Students learn to write for broadcast, how to conduct interviews for radio and television and how to integrate audio and video elements into news stories.
4.00 credit hours The research, writing and pre-production of television and motion picture screenplays with an emphasis on script structure and format, plot analysis and character development. The behind-the-scenes relationships with producers, directors, screenwriters and agents are studied. Also discussed: Writers Guild of America formatting guidelines, screenwriting software choices, securing a literary agent, soliciting producers and deciphering options and contracts.
4.00 credit hours (Same as: MUSI 385.) Concepts and techniques of computer music research, composition, and performance. Topics include digital audio signal processing, MIDI, computer programming for music, sound analysis and synthesis, algorithmic processes and various stylistic approaches to making electronic music. Students with advanced programming skills are allowed to focus on software development and those with a stronger interest in musical creation may focus on various software and performance techniques.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Arts. iCon(s): Innovating the World.
MEDI 390 - Special Topics in Journalism and Media Communication
4.00 credit hours Exploration of a topic of current interest. Topics vary depending on student and faculty interest. May be taken more than once with different content. Potential topics include sports media, data visualization, public affairs journalism, etc.
Prerequisite(s): 8 credit hours in communication or media studies.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
4.00 credit hours The preparation and direction of digital audio programs (such as podcasts, commercial spots, station promos, sales presentations, documentaries, etc.) on an advanced level. Students learn the techniques of sophisticated radio and audio production, including field recording, multi-track recording, mixing, editing, mastering, and sound design for other media. Uses WONC-FM production studios as the laboratory.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to television studio production. Students learn about different genres of studio production and have an opportunity to create a variety of programs (a talk show, a newscast and a small individual project). Course meets at the studios of Naperville Community Television (NCTV-17).
4.00 credit hours Students create an in-depth capstone project that brings together a variety of media production skills, knowledge and research methods. The topic is determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Additionally, students create a web portfolio.
MEDI 490 - Seminar in Journalism and Media Communication
4.00 credit hours Exploration of a topic of current interest. Topics vary depending on student and faculty interest. May be taken more than once with different content. Potential topics include sports media, data visualization, public affairs journalism, etc.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
MENA 130 - Introduction to the Middle East and North Africa
4.00 credit hours An interdisciplinary introduction to the diverse philosophical, religious and historical concepts and values of the peoples and cultures of the Middle East and North Africa.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Sciences, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Experiencing Place, Thinking Globally.
MENA 310 - Literary Landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa
4.00 credit hours This interdisciplinary course focuses on works of fiction by authors from the Middle East and North Africa and contextualizes them in Modern Middle Eastern history, aiming to acquire a more intimate understanding of the cultural and intellectual history of the region.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Thinking Globally.
2.00 credit hours The in-depth exploration of a how language, culture and identity are deeply interconnected through the examination of a specific world culture. Repeatable with different content. Taught in English.
LANG 380 - Theoretical and Methodological Foundations for Teaching ELLs
4.00 credit hours An overview of the theoretical foundations of ESL and bilingual education. Students are introduced to the historical, philosophical, political, social and educational issues that have contributed to models serving language minority students. A focus on second language acquisition and its impact on learning is provided. Historical trends and legal issues related to second language learning and bilingual education in the United States are discussed. Taught in English.
LANG 382 - Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching English Language Learners
2.00 credit hours Develops awareness and understanding of various cultural and linguistic factors that are important in addressing the needs of English language learners. Based on theories of cultural studies and intercultural communication, students examine and analyze behavioral expectations and learning styles of learners from different cultural backgrounds and their impact on cross-cultural teaching and learning. Includes 25 hours of clinical experience. Taught in English.
4.00 credit hours A review of language teaching methods and classroom materials for English language learners in settings outside U.S. public schools. Methods of teaching listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are presented and practiced, as well as methods of incorporating Anglophone culture in classroom activities. Includes the development, implementation and evaluation of lesson plans and materials. Taught in English.
2.00 credit hours Extended field experience in settings outside U.S. public schools, involving the observation, facilitation and teaching of lessons under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Assignments include the creation and evaluation of lesson plans. Required: 15 field experience hours. Taught in English.
4.00 credit hours Intensive study of the relationship between language and culture. Content varies from course to course. Fulfills the language requirement for transfer students with a minimum of 51 transferred credit hours at entry. Taught in English.
Prerequisite(s): Transfer student with a minimum of 51 transferred credit hours.
2.00 credit hours Creation, revision and compilation of language teaching artifacts related to the Teaching of English of Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Field. Includes preparatory work for placement in TESOL Institutions. Taught in English.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Career Preparation.
LANG 480 - Senior Language Certification Portfolio Placement Survey
1.00 credit hours Creation, revision and compilation of language teaching artifacts reflective of state course content requirements for secondary language certification. This course is required of all language majors pursuing a major or minor in secondary education or for licensure-only students completing requirements for secondary language teaching. Students must register for and complete this credit before graduation, preferably during the term before student teaching. Taught in English.
Prerequisite(s): 16 credit hours in modern language at the 300-level.
4.00 credit hours Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
4.00 credit hours Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
2.00 credit hours Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
1.00 credit hours Examination of representative artists relevant to each student’s specific instrument/voice; taken one time in conjunction with applied lessons.
4.00 credit hours Introduction to the masterpieces of Western music; a broadly-based grounding in the rudiments of music, aesthetic values; and literature of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern and Postmodern periods.
4.00 credit hours Introductory course that uses a case studies approach to present various global music, exploring the relationship of music and sound to social and cultural life in different countries of the world.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Arts, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Thinking Globally.
2.00 credit hours A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student’s ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the first in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
2.00 credit hours A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student’s ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the second in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
MUSI 196 - Beginning Classical Piano for Non-Majors
2.00 credit hours This class is designed for people who have little to no musical experience, and who want to study piano for fun and well-being. The primary focus of this course is developing an appreciation for music through piano playing. The course covers material ranging from traditional beginner piano repertoire to pop song arrangements using creative methods like ensemble playing and improvisation. Students should expect to practice 30-40 minutes a day, although the load may vary a little from student to student.
4.00 credit hours A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
4.00 credit hours Advanced study of tonal and post-tonal forms. Topics include modes, scales, set theory, recent trends, and rhythm, meter and form in the 20th and 21st centuries.
4.00 credit hours Instruction in English, Italian, German and French diction as it applies to vocal music. Coursework includes use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and the preparation and in-class performance of representative vocal solos in each language studied.
1.00 credit hours A survey of solo vocal literature and composers of the vocal art form from the Renaissance to present day. The student develops an increased understanding of the history and development of the various forms of solo vocal literature.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the study of music as seen from a variety of disciplinary perspectives–education, composition, performance and ethnographic and historical research. The exploration of music including its production and role in everyday social life.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities. iCon(s): Being Human.
4.00 credit hours Aural skills as applied to jazz harmony: recognition of triads, chords, chord progressions and idiomatic rhythmic fundamentals using ear training, singing, dictation and transcription.
4.00 credit hours Music theory as it applies to swing and bebop jazz styles: scale/chord relationships; harmonic notation; sectional song forms; alterations, substitutions and extensions. Stylistic changes that occurred after Bebop: modal and chromatic harmony, poly chords, pedal points, free playing and quartal harmony.
2.00 credit hours The third course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include four octave minor scales and chord progressions and development of early intermediate level technical exercises and repertoire.
2.00 credit hours The fourth course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include intermediate level technical exercises, accompanying, harmonization, and complex score reading.
4.00 credit hours Principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises using the major scales, the dorian and mixolydian modes, the blues scales and form, the ii-V-I harmonic progression, the Aeolian and locrian modes and the minor ii-V-I progression. Transcription, analysis and performance of recorded jazz solos to illustrate these principles.
4.00 credit hours Intermediate and advanced principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises and jazz repertoire utilizing the lydian and phrygian modes, the whole tone scale, harmonic and melodic minor scales, altered lydian modes, pentatonic scales and Coltrane substitutions. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded solos illustrating these principles.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
4.00 credit hours In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encounter musical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music’s histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 258. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Arts.
4.00 credit hours In this course, we sharpen our research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of various global traditions. Through case studies, we examine how world cultures engage with music as models for our own ethnomusicological research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we encounter sounds from diverse global traditions. Throughout, we investigate questions such as: What tools inform us about musical sounds and practices in near and distant places? How do we responsibly engage with the human subjects who inform us about their musical traditions? How does an understanding of diverse global traditions inform our contemporary musicianship?
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Global Understanding.
4.00 credit hours The stylistic evolution of jazz from its origins to the 1950s, examined within its American cultural context. Traces the historical development from early combo jazz through the swing era to the development of bebop.
4.00 credit hours The stylistic evolution of modern jazz after bebop, from the 1950s to the present day, examined within its American cultural context. Traces the historical development of the diverse styles co-existing within the contemporary jazz idiom: bop, third stream, free jazz, fusion and post-bop styles.