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General Bulletin 2004-2006

The Miami Plan for Liberal Education

Descriptions of Thematic Sequences (PAGE 2 OF 6)

BOT 3 Plant Ecology.

Provides an understanding of how plants interact with the environment, other plants, and other organisms. Included is study of the evolution of plant traits that are important in these interactions and factors that influence plant distributions at global and local scales. Several levels of organization are covered, including individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, and landscapes.

  1. BOT/MBI/ZOO 115 Biological Concepts (MPF) (4), or
    BOT 191 General Botany (MPF) (4); and
  2. BOT 204 Evolution of Plant Biodiversity: Genes to Biosphere (4); and
  3. BOT401 Plant Ecology (3), or
    BOT/GEO 431 Plant Geography (3), or
    BOT/GEO 432 Ecological Foundations of Vegetation-—
    North America (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Botany.

BOT 4 Plant Structure and Development.

In order to appreciate the unique role that plants play in the world's ecosystems, it is important to understand plant structure and development. This sequence allows students to consider plants from the molecular and cellular level to the tissue and organ level. It illustrates how evolutionary forces have resulted in exquisite adaptations in plant form and function.

  1. BOT/MBI/ZOO 116 Biological Concepts: Structure, Function (MPF) (4), or
    BOT 191 General Botany (MPF) (4); and
  2. BOT 203 Introduction to Plant Cell and Molecular Biology (4); and
  3. Introductory Plant Anatomy (3), or
    BOT 312 Plant and Fungal Diversity (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Botany.

CHM 1 Chemistry of Environmental Measurements.

Enhances theoretical knowledge toward understanding environmental chemical issues and provides a foundation for learning followed by systematic investigation of advanced concepts in chemistry. Allows accomplished students to take alternative courses.

  1. College Chemistry (4), or
    CHM 142, 145 College Chemistry, or
    College Chemistry Laboratory (3, 2), or
    CHM 142.M, 161 Inorganic Chemistry, Quantitative
    Analysis (4, 2); and
  2. CHM 231 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (4), or
    CHM 241, 244 Organic Chemistry,
    Organic Chemistry Laboratory (3, 2), or
    CHM 251, 254 Organic Chemistry for Chemistry Majors,
    Laboratory (3, 3); and
  3. CHM 363, 364 Analytical Chemistry,
    Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (3, 2)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

CHM 2 Chemistry of Life Processes.

Enhances theoretical knowledge toward understanding biochemistry and provides a foundation for learning followed by the systematic investigation of advanced concepts in chemistry. Allows accomplished students to take alternative courses. Prerequisite: CHM 141, 144 or 151, 153 (all Foundation courses); alternative courses require additional prerequisites.

  1. College Chemistry (4), or
    CHM 142, 145 College Chemistry, or
    College Chemistry Laboratory (3, 2), or
    CHM 142.M, 161 Inorganic Chemistry,
    Quantitative Analysis (4, 2); and
  2. CHM 231 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (4), or
    CHM 241, 244 Organic Chemistry,
    Organic Chemistry Laboratory (3, 2), or
    CHM 251, 254 Organic Chemistry for Chemistry
    Majors, Laboratory (3, 3); and
  3. CHM 332 Outlines in Biochemistry (4), or
    CHM 432 Fundamentals of Biochemistry (4), or
    CHM 433 Biochemistry (4)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

CLS 1 Classical Civilization.

Combines a general introduction to classical civilization and an in-depth encounter with Greco-Roman civilization, focusing on elements that provide opportunities for observing differences between modern and ancient civilization. Uses literature, monuments, legal documents, art, and sculpture to examine key examples of social organization, including the status of women, legal structures, and urban organization.

  1. CLS 101 Greek Civilization in its Mediterranean Context (MPF) (3), or
    CLS 102 Roman Civilization (MPF) (3), or
    CLS 121 Introduction to Classical Mythology (MPF) (3); and
  2. CLS 210.C Roman Cities (3), or
    CLS 210.E Eureka: Monumental Discoveries in the Attics of Antiquity (3), or
    CLS 210.J Art and Archaeology of Egypt (3); or
    CLS 210.R Race and Ethnicity (3), or
    CLS 235 Women in Antiquity (3), or
    ART 381 Greek and Roman Architecture (3); and
  3. CLS 310.D Democracy and Identity in Ancient Athens (3), or
    CLS 310.E Conflict in Greco-Roman Eqypt (3), or
    CLS 310.I Ancient Imperialism (3), or
    CLS 310.T Arts and Empire in the Classical World and Russia (3)
    CLS 321 Justice and the Law (3), or
    CLS 322 Growing Old in Greece and Rome (3), or
    ART 382 Greek and Roman Painting (3), or
    ART 383 Greek and Roman Sculpture (3), or
    Greek and Roman Decorative Arts (3); or
    REL/ Women's Religious Experiences in the Ancient Mediterranean World (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Classics. Majors in the departments of Art and Comparative Religion must select a minimum of nine hours outside their department of major.

CLS 2 Classical Literature.

Provides an overview of Greek or Roman literature, then examines in detail the historical evolution of specific genres, such as tragedy, drama, and epic. Attention to historical forces that brought these genres into existence and those forces that affected their growth and development.

  1. CLS 101 Greek Civilization in its Mediterranean Context
    (MPF) (3), or
    CLS 102 Roman Civilization (MPF) (3), or
    CLS 121 Introduction to Classical Mythology (MPF) (3); and
  2. CLS 210/RUS 250 Classical Tradition in Russian Poetry (3); or
    CLS 211 Greek and Roman Epic (3), or
    CLS 212 Greek Tragedy (3), or
    CLS 213 Greek and Roman Comedy (3); or
    CLS 215 Roman Historians (3); and
  3. CLS 310.P From the Lair of the Cyclops to the Surface of the
    Moon: Travel and Self-Definition in Antiquity (3), or
    CLS 310.T Arts and Empire in the Classical World and Russia (3)
    CLS 316 Greek and Roman Lyric Poetry (3), or
    CLS 317 Greek and Roman Philosophical Writers (3), or
    CLS 331 From Epic to Romance (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Classics.

COM 1 Relational Communication and Development in Modern Society.

Explores how people use verbal and nonverbal communication to define, negotiate, and change their interpersonal relationships. Seeks to enhance an appreciation of the importance of context and diversity by exploring cultural and individual difference variables, employing a transactional perspective, and examining diverse relational situations.

  1. COM 136 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
    (MPF) (3); and
  2. COM 336 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3); and
  3. COM 338 Communication in Conflict Management (3), or
    COM 434 Nonverbal Communication (3), or
    FSW/ Couple Relationships: Diversity and Change (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Communication. Majors in the Department of Family Studies and Social Work must select a minimum of nine hours outside their department of major.

COM 2 Rhetorical Theory and Application.

Develops an understanding of the relationships among speakers, messages, and audiences in a variety of contexts. Begins by exploring theoretical bases of informative and persuasive messages, then moves into finer analysis of issues and ideas in particular rhetorical situations.

  1. COM 135 Public Expression and Critical Inquiry (MPF) (3); and
  2. COM 239 Rhetorical Theory (3); or
    COM 241 Methods of Rhetorical Criticism (3); and
  3. COM 332 Argumentation and Debate (3), or
    COM 335 Public Discourse in Western Thought (3), or
    COM/HST 389 Great Issues in American History (3), or
    COM 438 Political Communication (3), or
    COM 447 Mass Media Criticism (3).

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Communication.

COM 3 Contexts of Mass Media.

Focuses on ways the mass media have developed and the ways scholars have sought to explain the impact of media on society and society's impact on media. Explores how the media are historically situated and how political, economic, social and cultural structures, and decisions have led to the type of media that have developed in this country and around the world.

  1. COM 143 Introduction to Mass Communication Theory and
    Issues (MPF) (3); and
  2. COM 215 Electronic Media History (3); and
  3. COM 354 Media and Society (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Communication.

CSA 2 Computer Programming.

Because computer information systems usually are not developed by single individuals, it is likely that you will participate on a development team during your professional life. With this sequence, you are in a unique position to understand, assist, and contribute to the development of information systems that improve your own and your colleagues' way of work. Prerequisite: Ability to program.

  1. CSA 174 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem Solving (3); and
  2. CSA 271 Object-Oriented Programming (3); and
  3. CSA 274 Data Abstraction and Data Structures (3) or
    CSA 275 Data Processing and File Design (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Computer Science and Systems Analysis.

CSA 3 Mathematical and Computer Modeling.

Enhances your ability to approach applied problems in a quantitative way. Use your knowledge of calculus, probability, statistics, and computing to develop quantitative models of problem situations from a variety of areas. The first course provides an introduction to quantitative modeling, using calculus. All elements of the problem situation are represented as constants. The second course uses probability and statistics to create stochastic models in which some elements of the problem are represented as random variables. The third course introduces the use of computers to create simulation models of the problem situation.

  1. CSA 273 Optimization Modeling (3); and
  2. CSA 372 Stochastic Modeling (3); and
  3. CSA 471 Simulation (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Computer Science and Systems Analysis.

DSC 1 Quantitative Concepts for Managerial Decision Making.

Enhances analytical capabilities and provides breadth and depth of course work in decision science methodology. While its contextual orientation is business, the techniques and processes discussed and ways of thinking developed are applicable to every field. The underlying aim is improved decision making and action through thought that is informed by statistical and management science methodologies.

  1. DSC 205 Business Statistics (4); and
  2. DSC 305 Applied Regression Analysis in Business (3); and
  3. DSC 321 Quantitative Analysis of Business Problems (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems.

DSC 2 Applied Business Statistics.

Enhances analytical capabilities and teaches fundamental concepts of statistical thinking. Provides breadth and depth of course work in business statistics methodology. While the academic area of business forms its contextual orientation, the techniques and processes discussed and ways of thinking developed are applicable to every field. The underlying aim is improved decision making and action through thought that is informed by statistical analysis.

  1. DSC 205 Business Statistics (4); and
  2. DSC 305 Applied Regression Analysis in Business (3); and
  3. DSC/STA 365 Statistical Quality Control (3), or
    DSC 442 Design of Experiments in Business (3), or
    DSC 444 Business Forecasting (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems.

ECO 1 Economics of Labor Markets.

Provides an understanding of how labor markets work, the impact and/or need for employment related public policies, and why employment outcomes (wages, benefits, hours worked, retirement ages) differ across time and people. Primarily provides understanding from an economic perspective.

  1. ECO 201 Principles of Microeconomics (MPF) (3); and
  2. ECO 361 Labor Economics (3); and
  3. ECO 462 The Economics of Compensation, Discrimination,
    and Unionization (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Economics.

ECO 2 Markets, Institutions, and the Role of Government.

In some situations, competitive markets fail to allocate resources efficiently. In some instances, production is concentrated in the hands of a few firms that may restrain output and raise prices. In other cases, market prices fail to fully reflect the costs or benefits associated with the consumption or production of certain goods. This arises in the case of externalities or government in ensuring allocative efficiency.

  1. ECO 201 Principles of Microeconomics (MPF) (3); and
  2. Two from the following:
    ECO 321 Economic Institutions and the Competitive
    System (3), or
    ECO 385 Government and Business (3), or
    ECO 331 Public Sector Economics (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Economics.

ECO 3 Business Cycles, Economic Welfare, and Macroeconomic Policy.

Concern for the material well-being of individuals motivates the study of aggregates since fluctuations in these aggregates and changes in their growth rates significantly affect welfare. Focuses on possible government initiatives to influence the behavior of economic aggregates and enhance welfare. Addresses rationale for government intervention, practical difficulties associated with actual implementation of policy, and evaluation of policy. Macroeconomic history and current policy discussions provide many applications. Provides understanding of motives, pitfalls, and history of macroeconomic policy.

  1. ECO 202 Principles of Macroeconomics (MPF) (3); and
  2. ECO 317 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3); and
  3. ECO 418 Monetary Theory and Policy (3), or
    ECO 419 Business Cycles (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Economics.

ECO 4 Exchange, Growth, and Development in the Global Economy.

Evolution of the modern world economy has been influenced not only by technical and institutional changes within national economics but also by interactions among them. Substantial international flows of people, goods, capital, and technology, since the beginning of the modern era, have helped to set the terms for development of national patterns of economic growth and specialization. Introduces formal analysis of international economic relations in the areas of trade, financial flows, and government policies, and then encourages examination of international economic developments in various historical and institutional settings.

  1. ECO 344 International Economic Relations (3); and
  2. Two from the following:
    ECO 341 Economic History of Modern Europe (3), or
    ECO 342 Comparative Economic Systems (3), or
    ECO 347 Economic Development (3)

Note: Not open to majors in the Department of Economics.

ECO 5 Sustainable Systems.

Sustainability requires that business and resource use be conducted in ways that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders today, while protecting, sustaining, and enhancing human resources and the environment for the future. Provides scientific, philosophic, and economic principles necessary to appreciate a sustainable system. Sequence of four courses.

  1. BOT 131 Plants, Humanity, and the Environment (MPF) (3), or
    ZOO 121 Environmental Biology (MPF) (4), or
    GLG 121 Environmental Geology (MPF) (3); and
  2. GEO 271 Conservation of Natural Resources (3); and
  3. PHL 376 Environmental Philosophy (4); and
  4. ECO 434 Environmental Economics (3)
    Note: Not open to majors in the departments of Geography, Philosophy, and Economics. Majors in the departments of Botany, Zoology, and Geology must select a course outside the department of their major at the first level.

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