Fall 2013 Clusters

Several of the first-year clusters and seminars are linked to “Living/Learning Communities” or LLC’s. Residential students enrolled in these clusters and seminars may choose to live together in an LLC in the Netherlands First-Year Complex. The LLC’s are devoted to particular themes. They allow students to live and study together with students having common interests. In this brochure the LLC’s are marked with icons like this ( ), which stands for the Math/Science/Engineering LLC. When an LLC icon appears next to a seminar or cluster, it means that offering is linked with a Living Learning Community. Students who choose LLC’s are given some priority for Netherlands housing.

Clusters are sets of two or three classes, linked by a common theme, that fulfill general education requirements. Many of the clusters involve activities in New York City. By taking a few courses with the same group of students, you’ll make friends more quickly, form study groups, and come to feel at home on the Hofstra campus.

PSYCHOLOGY

F1: The Psychology of Everyday Life
(Total = 11 s.h.)
Everyday life is filled with complexities that range from the minor to the extraordinary, including life-altering choices that affect our relationships, career options, health and well-being. Especially for first-year college students, it may seem that every aspect of life requires thought and attention, pretty much all at the same time. In this cluster, we examine psychological and philosophical issues affecting everyday life. Topics include personal goals, conformity, stress, relationships, health-promoting versus health-damaging behaviors, self-deception, morality, free will and the meaning of life. You are encouraged to think critically about the topics studied, to understand how they apply to your life, and to express and examine your opinions about current controversies. To this end, students will write (and re-write) in print and in new media, including composing a digital essay and a course blog.

Please note: PHI 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Social Sciences, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.

PSY 1, sec. F1: Introduction to Psychology
CRN: 92053 (4 s.h.)
M/W, 2:55-4:50 p.m., Keith Shafritz

PHI 10, sec. F1: Introduction to Philosophy (HP), CRN: 91190 (4 s.h.)
M/W, 12:50-2:45 p.m., Mark McEvoy

WSC 1: Composition
sec. F1: CRN: 91835 (3 s.h.)
M/W, 9:35-11 a.m., Ethna Lay

or

sec. FA: CRN: 91841 (3 s.h.)
M/W, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Ethna Lay
 
FILM
F2: Film and Philosophy
(Total = 11 s.h.)
This cluster integrates introductory courses in film and philosophy with first-year composition. The film course introduces the basic language of filmic expression and the methodologies of film study, including their influence on television and video. Emphasis is on ways of looking at films and television, the major concepts of theory, the various forms of film and television, and the techniques that determine visual styles. In the philosophy course students consider whether film is a passive mirror of a pre-existing reality, or whether we should think of it as possessing the power to actively construct a reality of its own. Can film be morally or socially dangerous?

In the composition course students will write in a variety of genres about their work in the other two courses.

Please note: RTVF 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities, PHI 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Social Sciences, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
RTVF 10, sec. F2: Introduction to Film and Television Study (AA), CRN: 91757 (3 s.h.)
M/W, 9:05-11:05 a.m., TBA

PHI 10, sec. F2: Introduction to Philosophy
(HP), CRN: 91187 (4 s.h.)
T/TH, 12:10-2:05 p.m., Amy Karofsky

WSC 1: Composition
sec. F2: CRN: 92047 (4 s.h.)
M/W, 12:50-2:45 p.m., Lisa Dresner

or

sec. FB: CRN: 92764 (4 s.h.)
M/W, 2:55-4:50 p.m., Lisa Dresner
 
LAW, POLITICS AND HISTORY

F3: American Politics
(Total = 12 s.h.)
This cluster examines the role of elections in American politics, with particular attention to the presidency and national elections. The question underlying the course is: How do elections influence the nature of representation in American politics? Specific topics include the relevance of the Electoral College in the 21st century; the decline of political parties and the rise of independent voters; and the demands of the 24-hour news cycle on political campaigns. Students study the importance of elections through historical, political and expository windows, and they have special readings and assignments that bridge all three courses.

Please note: HIST 14C and PSC 1 satisfy University graduation requirements in the Social Sciences, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
HIST 14C, sec. F3: American Civilization
(HP), CRN: 92342 (4 s.h.)
M/W, 12:50-2:45 p.m., Michael D'Innocenzo

PSC 1, sec. F3: American Politics
(BH), CRN: 91686 (4 s.h.) T/TH, 10:05 a.m.-noon, Meena Bose

WSC 1: Composition
sec. F3: CRN: 91838 (4 s.h.)
T/TH, 12:10-2:05 p.m., Daisy Miller

or

sec. FC: CRN: 92355 (4 s.h.)
T/TH, 2:15-4:10 p.m., Daisy Miller
 
F4: Law and Economics
(Total = 6 or 9 s.h.)

What is the relationship between law, economics and business? The legal studies in business course examines the sources of American law and the ways in which our legal system affect our business and personal lives. The class focuses on the Constitution, statutory law, common law, and administrative law. The economics course asks: What is capitalism? Why are the property relations and legal and political institutions so crucial to the operation of a capitalist economy? How have the legal forms of business and the overall business structure evolved over time? What challenges do global corporations create for policy makers?

Please note: Both ECO 2 and LEGL 20 are required for all business majors, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
LEGL 20, sec. F4: Introduction to Legal Systems, Environment and Contracts
CRN: 92684 (3 s.h.) T/TH, 12:45-2:10 p.m., Martha Weisel

ECO 2, sec. F4: Principles of Economics
CRN: 91598 (3 s.h.) T/TH, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Massoud Fazeli

WSC 1, sec. F4: Composition
CRN: 94398 (3 s.h.)
M/W/F, 10:10-11:05 a.m., John DeCarlo
 
COMPUTER SCIENCE

F5: Thinking Machines: Math, Logic and Programming (Total = 7 s.h.)

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) aims at developing "thinking machines" — intelligent computer systems that can sense, reason, plan, make decisions and even act "like humans." Recently, advances in robotics and large-scale systems, machine learning, computational linguistics, computer vision, dynamic systems, neuroscience and cognitive science have given computer scientists new hope in the quest to reproduce human intelligence. Researchers are now poised to address the main challenge of creating "general AI." In this cluster we will start the journey by building the foundations in mathematics and computer science on which all computer programs are built, including those that are capable of AI. Along the way, through assigned readings and discussions, we will explore the AI frontiers and highlight the people, ideas and events that shaped AI.

Please note: Priority is given to computer science and computer engineering majors, but non-majors are welcome. CSC 14 and CSC 15 satisfy University graduation requirements in the Mathematics/ Computer Science category.
 
CSC 14, sec. F5: Discrete Structures for Computer Science I (MC), CRN: 90565 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Gerda Kamberova
CSC 15, sec. F5 and FAL: Fundamentals of Computer Science I: Problem Solving and Program Design and Lab (MC), CRNs: 91443 and 91444 (4 s.h.)
Lecture, T/TH, 4:30-5:55 p.m.; Lab, W, 4:30-5:20 p.m., Chuck Liang
 
MUSIC

F6: Elements of Music and Music Theory
(Total = 8 or 9 s.h.)
This cluster is designed primarily for music majors and minors, but is also suitable for advanced music non-majors with strong musical backgrounds. MUS 48 is a survey of the elements of music, the main formal structures and the principal musical genres found in the various style periods of Western music. MUS 69 and 69A are intensive and comprehensive surveys of the fundamentals of music theory. (Students will be placed in either MUS 69 or 69A on the basis of their scores on Hofstra's music theory placement test.) In WSC 1, students write on themes and topics developed in the two music classes.
Please note: MUS 48 satisfies a University degree requirement in the Humanities, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
MUS 48, sec. F6A: Musical Styles and Structures
(AA), CRN: 90121 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 12:45-2:10 p.m., Herbert Deutsch

and

MUS 69, sec. F6A: Music Fundamentals and
Species Counterpoint CRN: 91160 (2 s.h.)
M/F, 11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m., Lisa Behrens

or

MUS 69A, sec. F6A: Music Fundamentals and
Species Counterpoint
CRN: 90487 (3 s.h.)
M/F, 11:15 a.m.-12:40 p.m., Loretta Terrigno

and

WSC 1: Composition
sec. F6A: CRN: 93351 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 9:35-11 a.m., TBA

or

sec. F6B: CRN: 93352
T/TH, 11:10 a.m.-12:35 p.m., TBA
 
F7: This Great Stage
(Total = 9 s.h.)
This cluster is designed for students who are considering a major or minor in drama. It includes DRAM 9 and ENGL 115, both required courses for the major. Students explore representative plays from a wide variety of traditions as an access point to a larger discussion about the development of Western drama from the ancient Greeks to the present day with a particular emphasis on Shakespeare. Assignments focus on sharpening and refining analytical and observational skills through discussion, lecture and writing. By the end of the semester, students will have gained an overview of the history of Western drama and they will have developed their writing skills through integrated assignments.

Please note: ENGL 115 satisfies a University degree requirement in the Humanities, DRAM 9 and ENGL 115 are required courses for the drama major, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
DRAM 9, sec. F7: Play Analysis
CRN: 90905 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 9:35-11 a.m., Christopher Dippel

ENGL 115, sec F7: Shakespeare
(LT), CRN: 90769 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 11:10 a.m.-12:35 p.m., Maureen McFeely

WSC 1: Composition
sec. F7: CRN: 91839 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Patricia Navarra

or

sec. FG: CRN: 92766 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 12:45-2:10 p.m., Robert Vestigo
 
 

F8: Modern Dance
(Total = 8.5 s.h.)
This cluster is designed for incoming dance majors. DNCE 11 focuses on technique in contemporary dance forms, and it is the first course in a four-year major sequence. Along with DNCE 11, students take Rhythmic Training and Accompaniment for Dance, a study of musical concepts as they apply to dance. In the composition class, writing assignments are connected to dance criticism. Students attend a variety of dance and music performances in New York City during the semester.

Please note: DNCE 11 satisfies a University degree requirement in the Humanities, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
DNCE 11, sec. F8: Modern Dance I
(CP), CRN: 92029 (2.5 s.h.) (for dance majors only)
T/TH, 9:35-11 a.m., Stormy Brandenberger

DNCE 11, sec. FA: Pilates Lab
CRN: 92030, M, 10:10-11:05 a.m., Anna Troester

and

DNCE 11, sec. FB: Modern Dance Lab
CRN: 92031, W, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Maxine Steinman

and

DNCE 11, sec. FC: Freshman Performance Lab
CRN: 92032, W, 4-5:25 p.m., Maxine Steinman

and

WSC 1, sec. F8: Composition
CRN: 91837 (3 s.h.), T/TH, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Robert Vestigo

and

MUS 151, sec. F8: Rhythmic Training and Accompaniment for Dance
CRN: 92532 (3 s.h.), T/TH, 4-5:25 p.m., Glen Fittin
 
PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES/ENGINEERING

F9: Pre-Health Sciences
(Total = 11 s.h.)
Most medical, dental and veterinary schools require a solid foundation in science, particularly biology and chemistry. After all, organisms are massive collections of biological molecules executing complex combinations of chemical reactions in a highly controlled and regulated manner. This cluster explores general chemistry, animal form and function, and the interplay between these disciplines in the function of organisms, particularly humans. Throughout the cluster, we consider how various chemical and biological processes are related and influence the human condition. The cluster includes first-year composition (WSC 1), which will emphasize writing in the sciences.

Please note: BIO 12 and CHEM 3A satisfy University degree requirements in the Natural Sciences, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
BIO 12, sec. F9: Animal Form and Function
(NS), CRN: 92300 (4 s.h.)
M/W/F, 9:05-10 a.m., Peter Daniels

BIO 12 Lab, sec. FAL
CRN: 92301, M, 2:20-5:10 p.m., Peter Daniel

or

BIO 12 Lab, sec. FBL
CRN: 92302, T, 2:20-5:10 p.m., Peter Daniel

and

CHEM 3A, sec. F9: General and Inorganic Chemistry
(NS), CRN: 91206 (4 s.h.)
M/W/F, 10:10-11:05 a.m.; TH, 8:30-9:25 a.m., Vandana Bindra

CHEM 3B Lab, sec. FA
CRN: 90012, W, 2-4:50 p.m., TBA

or

CHEM 3B Lab, sec. FB
CRN: 90807, TH, 2:20-5:10 p.m., TBA

and

WSC 1, sec F9: Composition
CRN: 92352 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 9:35-11 a.m., Margaret Stein

or

WSC 1, sec. FI: Composition
CRN: 92765 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 11:10 a.m.-12:35 p.m., Margaret Stein
 
 

F10: Engineering
(Total = 6 s.h.)
This cluster explores the world that humans have designed — the products and processes used in its development. There are three main components of the first-year engineering design course. First, the informed design process connects basic science and mathematics to an eight-step design cycle that enables students to grasp the basics of conceptual engineering design. Second, teamwork is emphasized: Students collaborate on homework and compete with other teams in designing lab projects. Third, communication skills are explored and developed through problem-solving activities and brainstorming sessions. Class sessions are composed of rich media content, including Flash animations, video clips, graphic images, music, and active learning methods to enhance student involvement, learning and change. The six lab projects allow teams to design and build their own prototypes within project specifications and time constraints, develop good interpersonal team dynamics, and improve their oral and written communication skills.

Please note: ENGG 15 satisfies a University degree requirement in the Natural Sciences, and WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students.
 
ENGG 15, sec. F10: Designing the Human-Made World (NS), CRN: 93111 (3 s.h.)
M/W, 12:50-1:45 p.m., Mauro Caputi
and one of the following groups:

ENGG 15 Lab, sec. FAL
CRN: 91253
M, 2:20-4:20 p.m., Mauro Caputi

and

WSC 1, sec. FJ: Composition
CRN: 91842 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 2:20-3:45 p.m., Dan Cole

or

ENGG 15 Lab, sec. FBL
CRN: 91254
W, 2:20-4:20 p.m., Mauro Caputi

and

WSC 1, sec. F10: Composition
CRN: 92763 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 11:10 a.m.-12:35 p.m., Dan Cole

or

ENGG 15 Lab, sec. FCL
CRN: 91252
F, 12:50-2:50 p.m., Mauro Caputi

and

WSC 1, sec. F99: Composition
CRN: 91840 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 2:20-3:45 p.m., TBA

or

ENGG 15 Lab, sec. FDL
CRN: 93032
T, 2:20-4:20 p.m., Mauro Caputi

and

WSC 1, sec. FDL: Composition
CRN: 93246 (3 s.h.)
T/TH, 9:35-11 a.m., Esther Brot