2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Tag: General Education Elective Course

  • LIT-490 INDEPENDENT STUDY

    Independent Study is available to students who are,at Junior or Senior level standing with a,cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above.,The student may receive approval to work in an,area or on a project that is not otherwise offered,or addressed in the regular curriculum. An,Independent Study should include opportunities for,individual student voice and provide a space for,diverse perspectives. Students may receive credit,toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours.,The student must submit to the chairperson of the,department in which they wish to study, an,Independent Study Proposal of 150 words (no less),of the student’s plan for study and her/his reason,for choosing to study independently. Once the,department chairperson provides approval and the,instructor for the Independent Study is,determined, the faculty member must write an,Independent Study Syllabus with education goals,,learning outcomes, meeting dates, course,expectations, timelines, and due dates. Art,Education candidates must pass DAE 490 with a,grade of ‘C’ (2.00) or higher to qualify for,certification.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • SCI-220 BIOLOGY

    This course will introduce students to biological,processes and the biodiversity of life on Earth. ,The objective is to provide a solid understanding,of the scope and origins of biodiversity on our,planet. The focus is on organisms (protists,,fungi, plants, and animals) and their structure,,function, growth, evolution, and distribution.,This course will highlight similarities between,systems at varying levels of ecological,organization, the so called “repetition of,design”, and invite creative interpretations of,the natural world.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102

  • SCI-230 MATH SKILLS

    This course offers art and design students an,understanding of algebra (proportions,,ratios, equations), calculator use in,problem-solving, and fundamentals of trigonometry,and statistical analysis. This course will develop,students’ mathematical reasoning skills with an,emphasis on problem solving. Course content may be,applied to the analysis of data in the social,sciences, business, K-12 education arenas, and,throughout the art and design fields.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102

  • SCI-232 MATHEMATICAL ART

    Students explore the foundations of trigonometry,to experience graphing in the polar coordinate,plane. Students use angles and trig functions to,create visual representations of mathematical art,while making strong connections to the,relationship of visuals and trigonometry. Students,are also exposed to 3D Geometry through graphing,on spheres and recognizing how 3-dimensional,graphs are used in technology and visuals.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102

  • SCI-234 ACOUSTICS – THE SCIENCE OF SOUND

    Acoustics – The Science of Sound introduces,students to the principles and applications of,sound through an interdisciplinary approach,,bridging science, art, and culture. The course,examines the physical properties of sound waves,,psychoacoustics, and environmental acoustics,,encouraging students to explore how sound,interacts with various environments and materials.,Students engage in hands-on projects to understand,and apply acoustic concepts. Field trips to,Detroit’s rich cultural and performance spaces,,such as the Detroit Opera House and Michigan,Central Station, provide experiential learning,opportunities to explore real-world acoustics and,sound design. No prior experience in acoustics or,sound design is required.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102

  • SCI-236 SCIENCE OF COLOR

    Beginning with the mechanics of perception and the,biological workings of our visual faculty,,students will gain an understanding of how and why,we see what we see. Color is more than a spectrum,of reflected light frequencies that can be fixed,to names. Through hands-on exercises and keen,observation, students will discover that color,acts in context.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102

  • SCI-320 MEMORY, SLEEP, AND DREAMS

    In this course, students study topics that,include differing memory abilities, the,importance placed on dreams by other cultures,,and how artists are influenced by sleep and,dreams. Memory studies include theories of brain,activity and computer simulation, including,their application to personal memory habits.

    Credits: 3

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

  • SCI-321 THE BRAIN: PSYCHOLOGY, ART & BEHAVIOR

    Does it matter how your brain produces the rich,sensory array of the world surrounding you? As an,artist, what can you control of the visual,activities that seem so automatic? This course,examines the experimental steps leading up to the,most recent model of brain function, including,information from MRI imaging, questions about,brain plasticity (the ability to reprogram cell,functions), and the ways experience changes the,brain.

    Credits: 3

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

  • SCI-322 PSYCHOLOGY OF PERCEPTION

    How do we see and what are we seeing? What are the,mechanics of the eye, the activities of the brain,,the roles of illusion, and the function of images,in the mind and in communication? This course uses,the neurobiological model of the brain to explore,discoveries in perception and to explore the,complexities of visual imagery.

    Credits: 3

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

  • SCI-326 TECHNOCULTURE

    This course explores the intersection of,technology, culture, art and design.,Students will investigate how technological,advancements shape cultural narratives, influence,artistic practices, and redefine our understanding,of identity, culture, and made objects.

    Credits: 3

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