2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: 26-27 Catalog

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • 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.

  • DSS-314 GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUALITY AND SOCIETY

    This course is an introduction to an intersecting,range of theories, issues, and topics within the,field of gender and sexuality studies. The class,will explore the historical context of feminist,responses to patriarchal structures and a number,of sexual identities beyond the historical,male/female division, including lesbian, gay,,queer, transgender, inter-, and asexuality. These,frameworks of understanding will be used to deeply,consider a wide range of issues in terms of,relationships, social practice, political,policies, and art and culture.

    Credits: 3

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

  • DSS-319 ANTHROPOLOGY: PEOPLE & RESOURCES

    This anthropology class explores the issue of,resource distribution, acquisition and use across,the world from historical to contemporary,perspectives. Specifically, the class looks at,all the variables that impact, create and/or,shape inequality in the world. ,There will be an overview of the field of,anthropology and the concept of “the economy.” To,better understand how people have created wealth,and power over time various theoretical and,empirical works will be utilized. Capitalism,,colonialism, slavery, genocide, decolonization,,environmentalism, and creative entrepreneurship,will be studied, including how people make a,living. The tension between different,perspectives on the economy and what/who,influences/shapes/controls it will be explored. ,Finally, how people reduce, reuse, and recycle,materials in their personal and professional lives,will be studied.

    Credits: 3

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