Courses

University Studies includes interdisciplinary and Competence Program courses that fall outside the major departments. A major is not offered in University Studies.

Course Catalog

Courses in University Studies

Academic Excellence Seminar

This course is designed to support students in their development as learners through readings, reflective writing, and class discussion. Topics covered include active reading, taking good notes, preparing for exams, and time management. Students will be encouraged to explore their strengths as scholars, to address their weaknesses and to become more engaged in the learning process.

Designing Your Life

The course uses design thinking to address the 'wicked problem' of designing your life and career. This class offers a framework, tools, and most importantly a place and a community of peers and mentors where we'll work on these issues through assigned readings, reflections, and in-class exercises. The course employs a design thinking approach to help students from any major develop a constructive and effective approach to finding and designing their lives and vocations after DePauw.

The Discovery Process in Science and Mathematics

This course introduces students to multiple scientific disciplinary perspectives in the context of exciting discoveries in science and their impacts. The course has multiple modules taught by different faculty members from at least three different science and math departments. Each module examines a disciplinary approach to hypotheses, data collection, and interpretation so students can experience and understand the discovery process. Faculty members coordinate transitions between these modules as well as assessment across modules, and students compare and contrast the disciplinary approaches to gain a more sophisticated understanding of how science is conducted in different fields. The course also emphasizes the relevance of the discoveries to students' lives.

Sustainability Seminar

In this discussion-based course, students learn the interdisciplinary science behind environmental problems by reading current and classic papers from a variety of scientific journals. The specific topic or topics are chosen by the class during the first session and then are explored over the course of the semester. Scientific writing and speaking skills are developed throughout the semester.

Science Research Professional Development I

This course guides students in finding and contacting potential research mentors, learning how to search for and read primary sources, finding funding and internal and external research opportunities, writing research proposals, documenting effectively and managing their time on research projects, and other skills that students in all science and math disciplines can use to increase their opportunities for original research. Students will also receive feedback on written research proposals.

Campus Topics

Campus Topics is a colloquium devoted to a major campus event. Participants meet approximately seven times through the semester to discuss materials related to the event and they complete a project, which may involve preparing the campus for the event, participating in it, or reflecting on its impact.

Quantitative Reasoning in Current Events

University Studies 201 will focus on the examination and analysis of several current events from quantitative and problem solving perspectives. Students will use a variety of mathematical skills including statistics, dimensional analysis, algebra, finance, probability and risk analysis to investigate and discuss topics ranging from environmental pollution to professional athletics.

Foundations of Librarianship

This class introduces you to the value and organization of libraries and librarianship. Topics include types of libraries and their functions in society, types of librarian roles, and issues facing the institutions and profession. Particular attention is paid to how marginalized communities are impacted in these spaces. This is a small discussion-based class. One class meeting per week focuses on readings and discussions, while the other is a conversation with DePauw alumni who are practicing librarians.

Independent Study

Independent work in the liberal arts with attention to interdisciplinary perspectives.

Science Research Professional Development II

This course guides students in finding job and graduate/professional program opportunities for after graduation, translating their research skills to resumes and CVs, writing personal statements, and interviewing. The course further develops skills in effective communication of research, including identifying audiences and choosing appropriate language, crafting narratives, designing appropriate visual displays, and writing compelling abstracts. The course includes sample presentation and writing activities to practice these skills.

Topics

An exploration of particular topics or issues within the liberal arts from a disciplinary or interdisciplinary perspective.

Courses in University Studies

New Student Orientation

Non-credit orientation programs for new students, including first-year, transfer and exchange students.

Courses in the Competence Program

Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning

This course is designed to develop students' ability to reason with quantities through solving problems in arithmetic, algebra, probability, statistics, logic and geometry. Students explore attitudes about and approaches to quantitative work, and learn effective study techniques. The course helps prepare students for the Q course requirement. May not be counted toward a major in Mathematics. May not be taken Pass/Fail.

Courses in Extended Studies

Off-Campus Extended Studies Course

Faculty-led domestic and international study and service courses that provide students opportunities to explore and experience other cultures, learn in new environments, develop skills not readily acquired elsewhere, and deepen their understanding of the global community. Curricular offerings earn .5 course credit and count toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement; co-curricular offerings do not carry academic credit but do count toward the Extended Studies requirement.

On-Campus Extended Studies Course

An on-campus course offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.

Independent Project

D. Domestic Off-Campus, I. International Off-Campus, N. On-Campus. Student-designed individual or group projects. Students initiate a project by submitting a proposal endorsed by a faculty member who has expertise in the area of the research or creative work and who is available to provide guidance on the project. Proposals are reviewed by the Committee on Experiential Learning and may also require approval by the Institutional Review Board for projects that involve human subjects or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for projects involving research on animals. (0 course credits. Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.)

Faculty-Led Project

D. Domestic Off-Campus, I. International Off-Campus, N. On-Campus. Faculty-designed projects that involve students working as collaborators. Results are often presented at research poster sessions, academic conferences, performances or shows. (0 course credit. Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement)

Short-Term Internship

D. Domestic Off-Campus, I. International Off-Campus, N. On-Campus. A full-time, short-term internship. In consultation with staff members at the Hubbard Center, students initiate contact with prospective hosts and develop materials for applying for and carrying out an internship, including resume, cover letter, and learning contract. (0 course credit. Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement)

Courses in University Studies

Topics

An introductory, interdisciplinary study of a specific problem or series of ideas in the liberal arts. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Courses in University Studies

First-Year Seminar

This course explores an interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary topic, with an emphasis on reading, class discussion and writing. Topics vary. Open to first-year students only.

Introduction to Public Health

An examination of the principles and practice of public and global health. While the course introduces a range of health issues, assigned readings and student projects focus on a cluster of specific topics. These topics may include, among others: health-related ethical issues; the global burden of disease; acute and chronic diseases; epidemiology; social and cultural determinants of health; population-based health; health and the environment; sexually transmitted diseases; and the U.S. healthcare system.

Topics

An exploration of particular topics or issues within the liberal arts from a disciplinary or cross-disciplinary perspective. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Courses in University Studies

Prindle Selected Topics in Ethics

Prindle reading courses are designed to give students an opportunity to take a focused mini-course on a subject or issue that speaks to issues of ethical concern. The offerings are multi-disciplinary and topics will vary significantly depending on the professor and their disciplinary home.

Courses in University Studies

Summer Internship

This non-credit summer internship is for students participating in an on-campus summer research internship or an individually arranged external internship that is connected to the student's academic program. An internship must involve a minimum of 200 hours at the internship site and must be clearly related to the student's academic program. Enrollment requires approval of a learning contract by a faculty sponsor in the student's academic program and the internship director. The academic component of the internship is detailed in the learning contract, and may include readings, on-site journals or reflections, and a final internship report. Internship categories: A. Health Science; B. Legal/Political; C. Museum/Public History; D. Music Business; E. Business; F. Computer Science/Technology; G. Science Research; H. Education; I. Pastoral; J. Mental Health; K. Mass Media; M. Coaching; N. Sports Science; P. Non-Profit; Q. Arts.

Internship Readings

This one-credit reading course is designed for students with an approved independently designed internship. It must be taken concurrently with the two-credit Independently Designed Internship course (UNIV 299).

Independently Designed Internship

This course is designed for students with an approved independently designed internship. Students who enroll for this course must also enroll for UNIV 298: Independent Study for Independently Designed Internships.

Courses in the Competence Program

Practicum for Oral Communication Consultants

The study of advanced communication skills, especially those used in coaching, counseling and appraising communications, such as reports, class discussions, interviews, oral readings, etc. Role plays in class and directed practice with clients in the Speaking and Listening Center use principles studied. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May not be taken pass/fail.

Practicum for Writing Consultants

Development of advanced composition skills through readings on composition theory and peer evaluation of writing. Experience in tutoring under direct supervision. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Practicum for Quantitative Reasoning Consultants

Development of tutoring and problem-solving skills through readings, solving problems and discussion. Experience in tutoring under direct supervision. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Courses in University Studies

Subject Tutor Training

UNIV 315 Subject Tutor Training provides training for students who serve as department tutors. Topics include: establishing a productive tutoring climate; helping without doing the client's work; conducting a tutoring session strategically; working with International Students and English Language Learners; and being aware of different styles of learning. Faculty members from the sponsoring department will augment instruction with appropriate curricular material. Each student will work with a faculty member from the sponsoring department and the instructor of the tutor training course to develop a learning contract that outlines the tutors responsibilities and learning goals. The contract must be approved by the chair of the sponsoring department.

Inclusive Excellence Practicum

This course provides students with the tools necessary to excel as a subject tutor. Students will develop an understanding of inclusion and its necessity in the instructional process as we seek to value and engage one another in a way that recognizes and celebrates our diversity. The assignments are selected to help reflect on crucial issues and apply understanding of the course content in real and tangible ways. The primary modes of instruction include class discussion and reflective writing. Students who have applied for and been accepted as a STEM Guide, department tutor, or other student assistant in instruction will meet every other week to learn and reflect on best practices in peer instruction. Topics addressed include: the peer tutoring model, effective tutoring strategies, working with groups, problem-solving, cultural competence (working with international students, first-generation students, and others), implicit bias, and effective communication.

Tutor Fellow

May be repeated for up to 0.5 credit. To be enrolled in this course, students must have successfully completed UNIV 300, 301 or 310 (the S, W and Q training courses) or 315 (approved in November). Students are expected to tutor for 3-5 hours per week. In order to take this class students must be sponsored and evaluated by a faculty member in the content area in which they will tutor. They will also set up learning contract with the faculty sponsor that might include such appropriate tasks as writing a paper/keeping a journal of their tutoring work or research projects that they will submit to the faculty member sponsoring them. Students who repeat the course for credit must create a new learning contract each semester.

Fellowship Application Writing Workshop

This workshop is open to students from all classes who would like to learn how to write personal statements, cover letters, proposals for travel and study abroad, and other essays typically required for nationally competitive scholarships and awards. Each week, students will write a short essays in answer to an application prompt (e.g.,"'Describe an experience or activity that strengthened your commitment to a particular major or career path"). Students will workshop essay drafts in class, revise these drafts, practice interview skills, and work one-on-one with consultants in the W and S Centers. The final product for the class will be a portfolio of well-revised application essays, including a strong personal statement and an equally strong study, travel, or research proposal.

Topics: Important Books

In this one-quarter credit seminar, students will discuss each week a different historically influential text. There will be two co-supervising faculty present, changing each week, to oversee and evaluate student discussion, but not to teach. Each week students' performance in discussion will be graded by the co-supervising faculty. Students who miss a class will write a paper as make-up work. The course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

Independent Interdisciplinary Senior Project

The senior capstone experience for Independent Interdisciplinary majors who do not complete the capstone experience through one of the academic departments included in the major.