2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: Social Science

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • DSS-204 BUSINESS ANTHROPOLOGY

    This class applies concepts of anthropology to,business with a special emphasis on the fashion,industry. Students are introduced to research,methods such as ethnography, psychogeography,,participant observation as well as surveys. Case,studies and in-depth retail analysis are utilized,to provide insight into consumer behavior as well,as cultural patterns and trends and their,implications for product design, marketing,,merchandising, and retail display of fashion,accessories. In addition this class will consider,race, diversity and social justice issues in,relation to the consumer and corporate social,responsibility.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: FAD 102

  • DSS-206 INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY IN,FASHION

    In this course, students explore sustainability in,relation to fashion and accessories design through,lectures and case studies. Students prepare a,sustainability manifesto based on a focus of their,choice and an in-depth case study resulting in an,essay with final presentation.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DSS-215 INTRO TO CULTURAL STUDIES

    This course explores the complex web of beliefs,,practices, ideas, and expressions that has shaped,the human world in all times and places. Students,examine power and identity, how popular culture,and mass media influence our beliefs, the power of,subcultures and countercultures, and the complex,ways in which we find meaning in our world. Key,debates within cultural studies will be,considered, covering topics such as defining what,”culture” is, the history and value of “mass,culture,” the meaning of “ideology,” what racism,is and how it works, and the politics of gender,and sexuality.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102

  • DSS-220 UNDERSTANDING AI

    This course examines the core concepts needed to,understand, critically evaluate, and effectively,use artificial intelligence systems. Students move,beyond basic prompting to learn more advanced,techniques like strategic prompting, iterative,refinement, workflow augmentation and model,customization. The course emphasizes a critical,framework for evaluating AI, enabling students to,evaluate issues of bias and intellectual property,,as well as the moral dimension of the social and,individual implications of using AI. The goal is,to enable students to be responsible, informed,,and effective users of AI tools.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DSS-221 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

    This course introduces students to basic,principles and theories of human growth,,motivation, action, cognition, personality, and,social interaction.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102 (Formerly DEN 102)

  • DSS-240 UNDERSTANDING POLITICS

    Political structures, theories, and practices,shape our world, and this course,gives students the tools and knowledge to,understand political issues. Topics include the,supposed,justifications for political authority, reasons,for limiting freedom, arguments for different,kinds of,property distribution, conceptions of justice, and,responding to oppression and inequality. Students,consider live political issues, the arguments and,ideas behind different positions, and come to,their own,informed and reasoned political views.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102 (Formerly DEN 102)

  • DSS-241 SEMIOTICS

    Semiotics is the study of signs, symbols, and,their meaning – it can offer insights into how,visual, textual, and auditory elements communicate,and convey messages, the multilayered way objects,and images speak to us. Topics include semiotic,theories, cultural semiotics, common strategies in,visual culture, and the practical application of,semiotic theories in art and design.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102 (Formerly DEN 102)

  • DSS-285 SPECIAL PROJECT

    The Special Project class is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area being explored.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DSS-285A SP: INTRO TO SUSTAINABILITY

    The Special Project class is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area being explored.,

    ,WINTER 2027,

    ,INTRO TO SUSTAINABILITY,,

    ,,This course is an introduction to sustainability,for art and design students, exploring,environmental systems, material choices, climate,ethics, and life-centered design. Through creative,exercises, case studies, and reflection on,speculative futures, students examine their role,in shaping more just and sustainable worlds.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102

  • DSS-310 ART THERAPY MODELS

    In this course, students explore theoretical,approaches to art therapy historically and the,role of the art therapist in assisting others to,reach their highest potentials. Visual and,diagnostic components, levels of expression and,influences of imagery,are addressed through case studies and art,therapy.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102 and any 200 level Liberal Arts (General Education),subject.