WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Human genetics, raising teenagers and the role of police in American society are just some of the topics that will be addressed in several new and/or unique classes being offered at Missouri State University-West Plains for the 2013 spring semester.
Human Genetics (BMS 230) is a three-credit-hour class scheduled for 6 to 7:20 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings designed for students considering careers in the medical field, physical therapy, sports medicine and dentistry, to name a few, as well as anyone with an interest in genetics. The course, taught by per course faculty member Dr. John Bouck, will provide a survey of genetic principles in humans, with an emphasis on molecular genetics and human genetic abnormalities causing diseases and behavioral changes. A portion of the course will require students to read, report on and discuss current topics in human genetics. Students must have successfully completed Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences (BMS 110), Principles of Biological Science (BIO 102) or General Biology I (BIO 121) to enroll in the class.
The Department of Child and Family Development is offering two new online classes – Raising Teenagers Without Losing Your Mind (CFD 197 2L) and The Dos and Don’ts of Single Fatherhood (CFD 197 1L). The first, a two-credit-hour class, will explore the complex dynamics of raising teenagers. Strategies and techniques for building effective communication and conflict resolution skills will be explored, and participants will consider a wealth of practical suggestions for handling even the most difficult common teenage issues, according to Associate Professor of Child and Family Development Dr. Renee S. Moore. The second, a one-credit-hour class, will consider the challenges and rewards of fatherhood from a single parent perspective. The course will offer practical suggestions for working with children, new spouses, siblings, ex-spouses and many other outside influences, Moore said.
Police in American Society (CRM 250) is a three-credit-hour class devoted to exploring and critically analyzing the history, roles, practices and dilemmas associated with policing in America. A wide range of topics will be examined, including managerial philosophies of police departments, officer training and recruitment, police misconduct and the use of force, and officer stress and burnout. The class will be offered from 5:30 to 8:20 p.m. Thursdays and taught by Municipal Court Judge William Hass, a per course faculty member. The class is one of four being taught on site at Missouri State-West Plains that meets requirements for Missouri State University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology, which can now be completed online.
Introductory Reading in Literature (ENG 230) is a three-credit-hour online class for non-literature majors who enjoy reading poetry, fiction and drama written in English, according to Associate Professor of English Anthony Priest. Students must have successfully completed Writing I (ENG 110) to take this class.
University officials also will begin offering students the opportunity to earn college credit for service learning projects through the new Academic Service Learning (IDS 250) class. Students will have the opportunity to work with faculty in one of the campus’ four academic divisions or pursue an approved off-campus project to serve the campus or community in creative, intellectual ways, according to Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jerry Trick. Due to the expansive, one-on-one nature of the class, there is no set meeting time for the class or the number of credit hours that can be earned; however, interested students must complete an application process through the academic affairs office. Call 417-255-7272 for more information.
WINTER INTERSESSION CLASSES
Although not new, academic officials are offering four classes during 2013 winter intersession Jan. 7-11 that may be of interest to area residents and students alike.
Beginning Watercolor Painting (ART 098) is a one-credit-hour class that will acquaint students with the essential materials and techniques of transparent watercolor painting through exploration of color value, composition, the technique of wet on wet, dry brush, washes and layering. It will be offered 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day during the session.
Two classes will take students to explore portions of northern Arkansas. The Boston Mountains Field Experience (GRY 197 X1) is a one-credit-hour field-based course that introduces students to the physical and human geography of the Boston Mountains sub-region of the Interior Highlands region of northwest Arkansas. Students will visit such sites as Jasper, Buffalo River Valley Overlook, the Buffalo National River, Hawksbill Crag, Ponca, Steel Creek, Kyle’s Landing, Lost Valley and the Elk Education Center, according to Associate Professor of Geography/Geology John H. Fohn II.
The class will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, in Melton Hall Room 209 for the lecture portion of the course, then students will travel to the areas being studied Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 8 and 9. Field work will be from noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 9. A university van will accommodate 10 students, and personal vehicles may be used. Lodging has been arranged in Jasper. Students will be responsible for their gear, food, lodging and other expenses, Fohn said.
The Eureka Springs Field Experience (GRY 197 X2) is a one-credit-hour introductory course addressing the human geography and physical geography of Eureka Springs, Ark. It will introduce students to the fundamentals of historical geography and contemporary tourism as they apply to this north-central Arkansas community. Students will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, in Melton Hall Room 209 for a quick overview of the class, then travel to that community for field work from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 to explore historical buildings, art galleries and various shops. Students will spend Thursday evening at the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs. Students will be responsible for their food, lodging and other expenses.
Area residents can learn more about the impact music has made in film during Music and the Movies (MUS 197) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day of the intersession period. Led by per course music instructor Nancy Fohn, who also is a full-time music teacher and the drama club sponsor at Richards School, the course will teach students about the use of music in the movies, either as background or an integral part of the story. Clips from various films will be shown to demonstrate the power of music and how some songs become popular to the masses through their use in film.
In addition, students will discuss the use of classical music in the movies, as well as movies about musicians, Nancy Fohn said. A brief history of movie making will be included, and the course will wrap up with information about the use of music in children’s movies. Fohn said no musical or theater background is required for the course.
Current and readmitted students can begin registering for 2013 spring semester classes during early registration Nov. 19-27. Registration times are based on number of hours completed. Area residents, as well as current students who did not register during early registration, can begin registering for classes Nov. 28 during regular registration, which will continue through Jan. 13.
For a complete look at the 2013 spring semester schedule, visit http://grizzlyden.missouristate.edu/Schedule.htm. A printed copy of the schedule will be available Nov. 2.
For more information about admissions and registration procedures, call the admissions office at 417-255-7955 or toll free at 1-888-466-7897 or visit the university’s website, http://wp.missouristate.edu/.