Courses

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.

Winter Term information

184A: The Mathematics of Gerrymandering

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

Introduction to gerrymandering--drawing legislative or congressional district maps in such a way as to advantage a particular party or group--with an emphasis on quantitative methods. Methods for detecting gerrymandered maps will be discussed, including compactness measures, the Efficiency Gap, and the Mean-Median difference. Methods for creating gerrymandered maps will also be discussed, and students will practice doing so in small examples. No specific prerequisites other than a willingness to engage with quantitative methods.

184B: Personal Finance

Course Time: 10:30am-noon and 2:00-3:30pm MTRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

This course aims to equip young adults with essential knowledge and skills crucial for effectively managing their financial lives. It focuses on four key areas of personal finance: 1. Managing Money: Emphasizing the importance of financial planning, budgeting, informed decision-making regarding money, and understanding various financial products available to consumers. 2. Financing Large Items: Educating students on comprehending credit mechanisms, utilizing credit wisely, and avoiding excessive debt. Additionally, it covers strategies to optimize savings for maximum financial growth. 3. Utilizing Financial Markets: Exploring diverse investment avenues and guiding students on making investments aligning with their objectives, such as retirement planning, to ensure their money works for them effectively. 4. Managing Risk: Teaching students how to utilize financial tools, such as insurance, to shield themselves against potential risks. This course places significant emphasis on providing age-relevant knowledge and practical advice. Its primary goal is to empower students to make sound financial decisions and cultivate prudent financial behaviors for the long term. This course is designed for two groups of students: those seeking a better understanding of their personal financial situation and those preparing for a career in financial planning.

184C: Data Analysis Using Excel and SQL

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

In order to make predictions, draw conclusions, or inform our decision-making process, we often collect, transform, combine, and inspect data to perform analysis. This course focuses on how to perform these steps using the features of the Excel spreadsheet software as well as a relational database system. Excel topics include importing common file formats, workbook structure, data types, formula design, cell referencing, filtering, sorting, conditional formatting, functions (numerical, date/time, text, lookup, statistical, decision-making), Pivot Table, charts, Solver, and more. In addition, students will discover how large quantities of data are often stored in tables of relational database systems. Students will learn how to define tables, insert/remove data, and establish relationships between tables using primary and foreign keys. Moreover, students will learn how to write queries in the Structured Query Language (SQL) that join, sort, filter, prune, and aggregate data in order to answer specific questions about datasets.

184D: Dark (the Netflix series) and Evil in German Culture

Course Time: 9:10am-noon MTWRF
Fees:
Prerequisites: None

During the short days of January, we will make our way through the sci-fi Netflix series Dark and, through it, look at the dark side in/of German culture, from ogres in fairy tales to 20th-century world wars. Reading short stories and considering philosophical arguments in the context of Dark, we will ask questions about the attractions of evil, the nature of time, and the limits of our hopes and responsibilities in the face of a sometimes dark world. Through the series and encounters with writers from the German cultural sphere like Freud and Nietzsche, we will think about how experiments in thought and fantasy like time travel and the eternal return can help both to illuminate the darker sides of life and to see the darkness in its lighter sides. Students will be able to choose their own formats and topics for their projects, which explore more deeply some of the questions we raise, whether scientifically, sociologically, or existentially.

184E: New Play Production Workshop

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: Instructor permission required to enroll.

New Play Production Workshop will host OBIE winner and Academy Award nominated playwright/screenwriter José Rivera for a workshop to continue developing his play-in-process, Lunar Rhapsody. Set on an outdoor basketball court on the night of a lunar eclipse, Lunar Rhapsody explores human nature and existence, relationships, dreams, and understandings of the miraculous and the otherworldly. Enrolled students my participate as actors, stage managers, or crew members. Guided by Rivera and Dr. Sloan, students will learn and employ skills in script and character analysis, dramaturgy, rehearsal, design, performance, production, and event planning. Students will also gain valuable knowledge about playwriting and new play production, and have the opportunity to participate in additional workshops. The course will culminate in a staged reading in Kerr Theatre at the end of the winter term. This Winter Term experience will precede a full production of A Lunar Rhapsody in Moore Theatre as part of DePauw's mainstage theatre season in April. Winter Term participants will be eligible to audition/interview for participation in that production.

184G: Mediating Conflict - Certificate

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

This on-campus Winter Term will give students the opportunity to receive the industry standard 40-hour mediation training and receive a certificate for that work from the Peace and Conflict Studies program, as well as engage some of the complexities of the work like simulations and discussions on mediator ethics, difference and cultural aspects of engagement, and power dynamics. This course provides a highly marketable skill set including understanding and analyzing conflicts, conflict engagement and de-escalation skills, problem-solving, leadership, empathy skills, and the ability to understand group and human dynamics. We will develop simulations together so students can practice with the kinds of conflicts they anticipate facing in their future lives like family or relationship conflicts, client or customer conflicts, conflicts within activist and organizing groups, supporting clients towards negotiation as lawyers, conflicts within health care settings, etc.

184H: Campanology

Course Time: 9:00am-noon MTWRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

Students will learn about the history and practice of bell ringing. Bells have been used for music and communication since ancient times. Part of the course will involve reading and discussing bell-related literature (for example, Poe's 'The Bells' and Sayers' 'The Nine Tailors'). Another aspect of the course will look at the physics of bells and their unique harmonics, as well as mathematical patterns in the ringing of bells. A major component of the course will be learning to ring music on English handbells, with the goal of giving a small concert at the end of the term. The class will also experience carillon music and change-ringing through trips to nearby bell towers. Students will give a presentation on an aspect of the history of bells, and will also be evaluated on their contribution to class discussions, rehearsals, and the final performance. No prior musical skills will be required.

184J: Calculus I Preparation

Course Time: 12:00-3:00pm MTRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

This course is intended to review the basic concepts from College Algebra to help students entering Calculus I Spring 2025. Topics include: exponents, order of operations, factoring, and simplifying polynomial, rational, and radical expressions. As well as linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, inverse, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions.

184K: Medical Terminology

Course Time: TBD
Fees: $125
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course, however having completed Anatomy and Physiology (KINS255 and KINS256) will be an advantage.

This course will focus on medical terminology as language used to describe anatomical structures, procedures, conditions, processes and treatments in the medical field. The course will provide a foundation for medical and health science language. The aim of this course is two fold. First, to provide the terminology and language used in the fields of anatomy and physiology as well as medical sciences. Further, to provide DePauw University students with the opportunity to fulfil a common prerequisite course in preparation for educational pathways in health sciences. The course will use publisher Cengage MindTap online learning modules for this course. Students will work through each of the body systems and focus on mastering the language necessary to describe how each system works and practice problem sets within each body system. For each body system, a brief overview of structure and function will be provided and assessed. The course will also include a general summary of medical specialties, pathology, diagnostic tools and treatment procedures.

184M: Psychopathology in Film

Course Time: 10:00am-noon and 1:00-3:00pm MTRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: PSY 100 is preferred, but not required.

What defines a psychopath? Is multiple personality disorder for real? Join us in this course for a trip through Hollywood's depictions of some of the most mythologized psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, bipolar disorder, and certain personality disorders including narcissistic, antisocial, and borderline. Critically explore depictions of mental disorder in modern film and the extent to which they capture our emerging understanding of dysfunction, as well as the stereotypes and stigma that typically surround mental illness. In this exploratory course, students will learn about the origins and symptoms of various types of mental disorder. Students will also learn about the clinical method of assessment, as it relates to diagnosing psychological disorders based on samples of behavior. Thus, the course emphasizes learning to think like a mental health practitioner or "clinician" in the process of assessment and diagnosis of psychopathology.

184N: Applied Introduction to Digitization

Course Time: 10:30am-3:30pm MTWF*
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

Applied Introduction to Digitization is a practical, hands-on course aimed at educating students about use cases related to the digitization of objects and spaces. Such technologies are increasingly popular in a variety of industries and are no longer for the technical elite. They offer accessible barriers to entry and can be leveraged by curious consumers. Implemented as short rotations, the course will explore three digitization technologies: photogrammetry, 360 virtual tours, Matterport digital twins. For each technology, pedagogy will begin with workshop-style instruction in the Tenzer Technology Center, and then students will practice their skills with real-world projects on campus. Students will also work with other types of digital media, including, but not limited to, 3D model sharing platforms, building websites, and perhaps creating and editing audio and video stories. Only basic computer skills are assumed; neither programming nor computer science skills are required; no formal course prerequisites; students from all majors and all class levels are encouraged to enroll. This is an on-campus course with no additional fees, but we may have the opportunity to take a nearby field trip.

*Officially meets MTWF at 10:30 am; however, students will work in class or on their own for several hours each day Monday through Friday, with a lunch break around noon.

184P: Civic Engagement & Social Justice for Bonners

Course Time: 9:00am-noon TWRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: Only open to first-year Bonners.

In this intensive three-week course, students will delve into the intersections of civic engagement and social justice. Through a critical examination of pressing societal issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, education disparities, and poverty, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these topics. Students will analyze the root causes and systemic structures perpetuating these issues, while also exploring potential solutions and avenues for advocacy. Identity and place will serve as recurring themes throughout the course, prompting students to reflect on their own backgrounds, privileges, and biases, as well as how these factors intersect with larger societal structures. By the end of the course, students will emerge with a heightened sense of civic responsibility, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to actively engage in their communities and advocate for social change.

184Q: Leading in Business and Beyond

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

This course provides an in-depth exploration of leadership theories, diversity, equity, inclusion, and the intersection of environmental, social, and governance responsibilities in the realm of business and leadership. This course will provide insights into self-leadership, leadership of others, leadership of functions, and leadership of organizations. the course will also provide insights into organizational strategy and how organizations can use diversity as a strategic competitive advantage.

184R: Korean Culture and Media

Course Time: 9:00am-noon TWRF
Fees: $20
Prerequisites: None

This course delves into Korean culture and media, with a focus on popular phenomena such as K-Pop, K-Drama, contemporary films, and media artists. Through these explorations, students will gain a deeper understanding of Korea's cultural impact on the global stage and the diverse perspectives within its media landscape. Additionally, students will be introduced to basic Korean language and history, providing essential context for a more comprehensive understanding of Korean culture and media.

184S: Antibiotic Stewardship and You

Course Time: TBD
Fees: $40
Prerequisites: None

Antibiotic Stewardship and You: Taking Charge in the Fight Against Superbugs. This intensive 3-week course delves into the critical issue of antibiotic resistance, a growing threat to global health. Students will explore the mechanisms behind resistance, its public health impact, and the strategies necessary for effective antibiotic stewardship. Emphasizing personal responsibility, the course will challenge students to consider their role as global citizens in combating antibiotic resistance. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands- on lab activities, students will not only learn about the science behind antibiotic resistance but also develop the ethical and professional skills needed to contribute to the solution. By understanding the importance of responsible antibiotic use and stewardship, students will be prepared to take actionable steps in both their professional practice and personal lives to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. The course will include lectures, readings, discussions, case studies, lab activities, and hands-on projects focused on antibiotic stewardship.

184U: Business Humanities Curriculum Internship

Course Time: 9:00am-1:00pm MTWRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

DePauw has been awarded a NEH Grant titled: "Business Meets Humanities: A Liberal Arts Curriculum". The main goal of the project is to develop new courses and new modules that integrate humanities with business education. The guiding idea is that the humanities are not a haven for those who prefer not to think about money, markets, finance, and the business assumptions that define and direct global capitalism, but also that business education is not a haven for those who would prefer not to engage the deep and complicated roles that business, markets, and finance have in shaping outcomes, defining the good life, and ordering societal and individual values. Students in this Winter Term course will work closely with other students and six DePauw faculty to develop new modules and new courses that integrate business and the humanities in creative ways.

184UU: Business Humanities Curriculum Internship

Course Time: 9:00am-1:00pm MTWRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

DePauw has been awarded a NEH Grant titled: "Business Meets Humanities: A Liberal Arts Curriculum". The main goal of the project is to develop new courses and new modules that integrate humanities with business education. The guiding idea is that the humanities are not a haven for those who prefer not to think about money, markets, finance, and the business assumptions that define and direct global capitalism, but also that business education is not a haven for those who would prefer not to engage the deep and complicated roles that business, markets, and finance have in shaping outcomes, defining the good life, and ordering societal and individual values. Students in this Winter Term course will work closely with other students and six DePauw faculty to develop new modules and new courses that integrate business and the humanities in creative ways.

184V: Paranoia in Hispanic Crime Fiction

Course Time: 10:00am-noon and 1:00-3:00pm MTRF
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

Cultural theorists posit that to understand collective paranoia, you can adopt their perspective and gain unique insight. But, at what point do you stop imitating the process and just become paranoid? And who is to say what is delusional in a post-truth world? To answer these questions and more, this class will study works of crime fiction, a genre known for using techniques that encourage a hypervigilant experience. In learning more about major Spanish, Chilean, and Argentinean historical events, students will contextualize the works and map out how twentieth-century sociopolitics continue to haunt these nations today. As Spanish novelist Andreu Martin writes, "The [crime] novel is an analysis of the past--the today is a cataclysm--an unsolvable secret that induces us to voraciously read page after page and upon revealing itself, allow us to understand our world a little better." The class is conducted in English; the readings are translations.

184W: Songwriting Bootcamp

Course Time: TBD
Fees: $15
Prerequisites: Students with instrumental or vocal musical experience and/or training, or students with a background in creative writing such as poetry are likely to be served well by the course but enrollment is not limited to poets and musicians.

Students will gain a more informed knowledge of songwriting by studying its form and meaning, its various types and genres, its methods of composition, its relationship to technology and its position in the marketplace. Students will also have the opportunity to improve listening, critical and analytical, and writing skills through listening to songs and discussing and writing about songs and song craft and the place of popular song in our culture.

184X: From Script to Screen

Course Time: 10:30-11:30am and 1:30-3:30pm MTWR
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to television directing, focusing on both the studio operations and technical directing. Students will engage in experiential learning, taking them through the entire directing process. Students will direct a live five-minute interview show, providing an opportunity to manage the complexities of live television production. In the Director's Project, students will: Direct a live interview, mastering the fast-paced nature of live TV. Students will have to: Demonstrate proficiency in operating production equipment on cue. Lead a crew of 12 people, each with specific role, while employing professional TV directing language and techniques.

184Y: Once Upon a Time: Origin Stories and Ourselves

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

Why do we place significance on beginnings--our origin stories? How does understanding our diverse and often multilingual heritage shape our perceptions of the past, present, and future? In this course, we will examine how these stories influence identity, values, and cultural perspectives. We'll analyze how origin stories manifest in various contexts, including superhero films like Black Panther and Wonder Woman, ancestry records, genealogy tests, brand marketing, myths, folklore, and especially your own cultural narratives. Activities are designed to spark curiosity, enhance critical reading skills, expand academic vocabulary, and boost confidence in using academic language for discussing texts, films, and data.

184Z: The Gold Standard in Sport

Course Time: TBD
Fees: None
Prerequisites: None

An examination of elite athletics through three lenses encompassing coaches, athletes, and organizations who pursue the highest of performance goals: The Olympic Gold Medal. What separates the ordinary from the extraordinary? What are the benefits and at what cost does one follow this path? What happens behind the scenes to support Gold Medal campaigns? Through reading, case studies, guest speakers, and research, students will consider the deep commitment required for individual success, the ethical implications for coaches of elite athletes, and the institutional team required by the process.

May Term information

184A: Scientific Progress and Revolutions

Course Time: TBD
Fees:
Prerequisites: None

The course "Scientific Progress and Revolutions" delves into the transformative ideas presented by Thomas S. Kuhn in his seminal work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn challenges the traditional view of scientific progress by introducing the concept of paradigm shifts--radical changes in the foundational frameworks that guide scientific inquiry. In this context, a "paradigm" refers to the set of fundamental assumptions, thought patterns, and methodologies widely accepted by the scientific community. Kuhn argues that, rather than a steady accumulation of knowledge, science undergoes periodic, revolutionary transformations following paradigm changes, reshaping its trajectory.