Academics

This team-taught First Year Seminar will introduce students to the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of the School of American and International Studies: American studies, anthropology, history, international studies, literature, philosophy, political science, and world languages. Our disciplinary areas are various, but all are part of a liberal arts curriculum and concern the human experience in its local and global context.

This course will prepare students for the kind of academic inquiry expected at college and seeks to foster openness including a willingness to challenge assumptions and to acknowledge error. It strives to introduce students to the complexities of cultural interaction and foster the ability to think critically about such encounters. The goal is transformation, not mere transmission of knowledge-we seek to instill in our students a lifelong love of learning so that they will become active learners who own their education.

Our theme for this course is "Insiders vs. Outsiders." This course asks what it means to be an outsider or an insider. How do we define some people and concepts as "outside" and others as belonging? What does it mean to be an authentic insider and how do we recognize ourselves as either outsiders or insiders? We will consider these and related questions as we investigate how the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups represented in the School of American and International Studies explore such issues.

This course will meet weekly. During the first half of the class period we will meet as one large group where different ideas, topics, and methodologies from the several disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of AIS will be presented to the whole class. During the second half of the class period we will meet in individual sections to discuss the issues presented to the whole class, often from the particular disciplinary viewpoint or focus of that section.

Download Full Syllabus: Introduction to Liberal Studies: Insiders vs. Outsiders (PDF)

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This team-taught First Year Seminar will introduce students to the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of the School of American and International Studies: American studies, anthropology, history, international studies, literature, philosophy, political science, and world languages. Our disciplinary areas are various, but all are part of a liberal arts curriculum and concern the human experience in its local and global context.

This course will prepare students for the kind of academic inquiry expected at college and seeks to foster openness including a willingness to challenge assumptions and to acknowledge error. It strives to introduce students to the complexities of cultural interaction and foster the ability to think critically about such encounters. The goal is transformation, not mere transmission of knowledge-we seek to instill in our students a lifelong love of learning so that they will become active learners who own their education.

Our theme for this course is "Insiders vs. Outsiders." This course asks what it means to be an outsider or an insider. How do we define some people and concepts as "outside" and others as belonging? What does it mean to be an authentic insider and how do we recognize ourselves as either outsiders or insiders? We will consider these and related questions as we investigate how the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups represented in the School of American and International Studies explore such issues.

This course will meet weekly. During the first half of the class period we will meet as one large group where different ideas, topics, and methodologies from the several disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of AIS will be presented to the whole class. During the second half of the class period we will meet in individual sections to discuss the issues presented to the whole class, often from the particular disciplinary viewpoint or focus of that section.

Download Full Syllabus: Introduction to Liberal Studies: Insiders vs. Outsiders (PDF)

[ return to top ]

This team-taught First Year Seminar will introduce students to the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of the School of American and International Studies: American studies, anthropology, history, international studies, literature, philosophy, political science, and world languages. Our disciplinary areas are various, but all are part of a liberal arts curriculum and concern the human experience in its local and global context.

This course will prepare students for the kind of academic inquiry expected at college and seeks to foster openness including a willingness to challenge assumptions and to acknowledge error. It strives to introduce students to the complexities of cultural interaction and foster the ability to think critically about such encounters. The goal is transformation, not mere transmission of knowledge-we seek to instill in our students a lifelong love of learning so that they will become active learners who own their education.

Our theme for this course is "Insiders vs. Outsiders." This course asks what it means to be an outsider or an insider. How do we define some people and concepts as "outside" and others as belonging? What does it mean to be an authentic insider and how do we recognize ourselves as either outsiders or insiders? We will consider these and related questions as we investigate how the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups represented in the School of American and International Studies explore such issues.

This course will meet weekly. During the first half of the class period we will meet as one large group where different ideas, topics, and methodologies from the several disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of AIS will be presented to the whole class. During the second half of the class period we will meet in individual sections to discuss the issues presented to the whole class, often from the particular disciplinary viewpoint or focus of that section.

Download Full Syllabus: Introduction to Liberal Studies: Insiders vs. Outsiders (PDF)

[ return to top ]

This team-taught First Year Seminar will introduce students to the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of the School of American and International Studies: American studies, anthropology, history, international studies, literature, philosophy, political science, and world languages. Our disciplinary areas are various, but all are part of a liberal arts curriculum and concern the human experience in its local and global context.

This course will prepare students for the kind of academic inquiry expected at college and seeks to foster openness including a willingness to challenge assumptions and to acknowledge error. It strives to introduce students to the complexities of cultural interaction and foster the ability to think critically about such encounters. The goal is transformation, not mere transmission of knowledge-we seek to instill in our students a lifelong love of learning so that they will become active learners who own their education.

Our theme for this course is "Insiders vs. Outsiders." This course asks what it means to be an outsider or an insider. How do we define some people and concepts as "outside" and others as belonging? What does it mean to be an authentic insider and how do we recognize ourselves as either outsiders or insiders? We will consider these and related questions as we investigate how the various disciplines and interdisciplinary groups represented in the School of American and International Studies explore such issues.

This course will meet weekly. During the first half of the class period we will meet as one large group where different ideas, topics, and methodologies from the several disciplines and interdisciplinary groups of AIS will be presented to the whole class. During the second half of the class period we will meet in individual sections to discuss the issues presented to the whole class, often from the particular disciplinary viewpoint or focus of that section.

Download Full Syllabus: Introduction to Liberal Studies: Insiders vs. Outsiders (PDF)

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Course Description: The Contemporary Arts Interdisciplinary Seminar is a team-taught course designed to introduce students to the four disciplines represented in the School of Contemporary Arts: Communication Arts, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Art and the World We Live In
This class will explore and analyze where the arts and the physical world intersect. This will be accomplished by reviewing the work of a diverse group of artists and the techniques they use in their creative process. We will also explore the nature of human artistic expression. This will include consideration of both how and why human beings create. These studies, and the discussions they inspire, will help us consider a number of questions. The fundamental questions we will ask and attempt to answer are:

• How do artists change the world in which they live?
• How does the world we live in impact our creative impulses and artistic expression?
• How do artists integrate, collapse, or extend the work of scientists, academics, and philosophers?
• What are the moral and political realities facing artists whose work extends toward the social or political spheres?
• How do we situate the work of artists who operate intentionally on the periphery of acceptable conduct?

Using elements that students can observe or experience in their own lives, students will create projects that express their own ideas. Formal concerns common to all the disciplines, such as rhythm, form, interpretation, composition, stylization, etc. will be analyzed as they apply to the different disciplines, and they will be used in the creation of individual and group projects.

Art in the World We Live In will be presented in a large lecture/viewing format, providing a common knowledge base for all sections. These will be followed by smaller group sessions where the large presentation will be discussed and analyzed. Collaborative and individual projects will be assigned and graded in the smaller groups. Use of technology (web-based, digital photography, video equipment, etc.) and project realization will be emphasized to enhance group communication, writing and creative skills.

Download Full Syllabus: Contemporary Arts' First-Year Topics (PDF)

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Course Description: The Contemporary Arts Interdisciplinary Seminar is a team-taught course designed to introduce students to the four disciplines represented in the School of Contemporary Arts: Communication Arts, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Art and the World We Live In
This class will explore and analyze where the arts and the physical world intersect. This will be accomplished by reviewing the work of a diverse group of artists and the techniques they use in their creative process. We will also explore the nature of human artistic expression. This will include consideration of both how and why human beings create. These studies, and the discussions they inspire, will help us consider a number of questions. The fundamental questions we will ask and attempt to answer are:

• How do artists change the world in which they live?
• How does the world we live in impact our creative impulses and artistic expression?
• How do artists integrate, collapse, or extend the work of scientists, academics, and philosophers?
• What are the moral and political realities facing artists whose work extends toward the social or political spheres?
• How do we situate the work of artists who operate intentionally on the periphery of acceptable conduct?

Using elements that students can observe or experience in their own lives, students will create projects that express their own ideas. Formal concerns common to all the disciplines, such as rhythm, form, interpretation, composition, stylization, etc. will be analyzed as they apply to the different disciplines, and they will be used in the creation of individual and group projects.

Art in the World We Live In will be presented in a large lecture/viewing format, providing a common knowledge base for all sections. These will be followed by smaller group sessions where the large presentation will be discussed and analyzed. Collaborative and individual projects will be assigned and graded in the smaller groups. Use of technology (web-based, digital photography, video equipment, etc.) and project realization will be emphasized to enhance group communication, writing and creative skills.

Download Full Syllabus: Contemporary Arts' F`irst-Year Topics (PDF)

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Course Description: The Contemporary Arts Interdisciplinary Seminar is a team-taught course designed to introduce students to the four disciplines represented in the School of Contemporary Arts: Communication Arts, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Art and the World We Live In
This class will explore and analyze where the arts and the physical world intersect. This will be accomplished by reviewing the work of a diverse group of artists and the techniques they use in their creative process. We will also explore the nature of human artistic expression. This will include consideration of both how and why human beings create. These studies, and the discussions they inspire, will help us consider a number of questions. The fundamental questions we will ask and attempt to answer are:

• How do artists change the world in which they live?
• How does the world we live in impact our creative impulses and artistic expression?
• How do artists integrate, collapse, or extend the work of scientists, academics, and philosophers?
• What are the moral and political realities facing artists whose work extends toward the social or political spheres?
• How do we situate the work of artists who operate intentionally on the periphery of acceptable conduct?

Using elements that students can observe or experience in their own lives, students will create projects that express their own ideas. Formal concerns common to all the disciplines, such as rhythm, form, interpretation, composition, stylization, etc. will be analyzed as they apply to the different disciplines, and they will be used in the creation of individual and group projects.

Art in the World We Live In will be presented in a large lecture/viewing format, providing a common knowledge base for all sections. These will be followed by smaller group sessions where the large presentation will be discussed and analyzed. Collaborative and individual projects will be assigned and graded in the smaller groups. Use of technology (web-based, digital photography, video equipment, etc.) and project realization will be emphasized to enhance group communication, writing and creative skills.

Download Full Syllabus: Contemporary Arts' First-Year Topics (PDF)

[ return to top ]

Course Description: The Contemporary Arts Interdisciplinary Seminar is a team-taught course designed to introduce students to the four disciplines represented in the School of Contemporary Arts: Communication Arts, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Art and the World We Live In
This class will explore and analyze where the arts and the physical world intersect. This will be accomplished by reviewing the work of a diverse group of artists and the techniques they use in their creative process. We will also explore the nature of human artistic expression. This will include consideration of both how and why human beings create. These studies, and the discussions they inspire, will help us consider a number of questions. The fundamental questions we will ask and attempt to answer are:

• How do artists change the world in which they live?
• How does the world we live in impact our creative impulses and artistic expression?
• How do artists integrate, collapse, or extend the work of scientists, academics, and philosophers?
• What are the moral and political realities facing artists whose work extends toward the social or political spheres?
• How do we situate the work of artists who operate intentionally on the periphery of acceptable conduct?

Using elements that students can observe or experience in their own lives, students will create projects that express their own ideas. Formal concerns common to all the disciplines, such as rhythm, form, interpretation, composition, stylization, etc. will be analyzed as they apply to the different disciplines, and they will be used in the creation of individual and group projects.

Art in the World We Live In will be presented in a large lecture/viewing format, providing a common knowledge base for all sections. These will be followed by smaller group sessions where the large presentation will be discussed and analyzed. Collaborative and individual projects will be assigned and graded in the smaller groups. Use of technology (web-based, digital photography, video equipment, etc.) and project realization will be emphasized to enhance group communication, writing and creative skills.

Download Full Syllabus: Contemporary Arts' First-Year Topics (PDF)

[ return to top ]

Course Description: The Contemporary Arts Interdisciplinary Seminar is a team-taught course designed to introduce students to the four disciplines represented in the School of Contemporary Arts: Communication Arts, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Art and the World We Live In
This class will explore and analyze where the arts and the physical world intersect. This will be accomplished by reviewing the work of a diverse group of artists and the techniques they use in their creative process. We will also explore the nature of human artistic expression. This will include consideration of both how and why human beings create. These studies, and the discussions they inspire, will help us consider a number of questions. The fundamental questions we will ask and attempt to answer are:

• How do artists change the world in which they live?
• How does the world we live in impact our creative impulses and artistic expression?
• How do artists integrate, collapse, or extend the work of scientists, academics, and philosophers?
• What are the moral and political realities facing artists whose work extends toward the social or political spheres?
• How do we situate the work of artists who operate intentionally on the periphery of acceptable conduct?

Using elements that students can observe or experience in their own lives, students will create projects that express their own ideas. Formal concerns common to all the disciplines, such as rhythm, form, interpretation, composition, stylization, etc. will be analyzed as they apply to the different disciplines, and they will be used in the creation of individual and group projects.

Art in the World We Live In will be presented in a large lecture/viewing format, providing a common knowledge base for all sections. These will be followed by smaller group sessions where the large presentation will be discussed and analyzed. Collaborative and individual projects will be assigned and graded in the smaller groups. Use of technology (web-based, digital photography, video equipment, etc.) and project realization will be emphasized to enhance group communication, writing and creative skills.

Download Full Syllabus: Contemporary Arts' First-Year Topics (PDF)

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This course is designed to introduce students to the college experience, and more specifically to Ramapo College life.  It will follow two paths.  The first, more traditional, track will expose students to the values and goals, the resources and demands of a college education, and provide them with a variety of tools to make the most of your college experience here at Ramapo.The second component of the course will lead students from an examination of their identities to an understanding of how these identities (role, culture, nation, gender, class), exist and intersect in a matrix of cultural economic and political relationships.

Students will analyze the philosophical premise of these identities and explore their similarities and differences through the contemporary works of women writers, films, and lectures.

The course will be organized around themes found in works by women writers from various countries and cultures. Students will become aware of global feminist issues as they emerge in the literary production of contemporary women writers of different nationalities.  A comparative analysis will show how nationality, as well as gender, race and class cut across women's definitions of themselves, their person and public lives, and affect their literary production.

The course will also acquaint students with some of the important literary movements of the twentieth century as if they are exemplified in the works listed below.

Download Full Syllabus: World Cultures from Women's' Perspectives (PDF)

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Course Description: The Digital Image: Documenting Your First Year Experience is designed to introduce first year students to the world of photography and digital imaging. Students will gain an understanding of the communicative powers of photographic images as consumers and as image-makers. The technology of digital imaging will be introduced – from digital cameras to digital processing and presentation using the appropriate software.

Special emphasis will be placed in communicating and sharing (both visually and verbally) the unique experiences of first year students in a college environment. Photography is a powerful tool for communication and, as such, specific photography and writing assignments will allow students to express ideas and beliefs about their world.

Critique of student work, exposure to the world of photography in the fine and applied, relevant readings, research and presentation assignments will also complement the class.

Finally, the summer reading will be addressed through class discussions and written responses and will serve as a starting point for more interdisciplinary group discussions relating to world affairs and events.

Download Full Syllabus: The Digital Image: Documenting Your First Year Experience (PDF)

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Course Description: The natural world can be examined on the basis of the balance of energy and also from a standpoint of symmetry and order. Natural physical laws state that energy is conserved and disorder (or chaos) prevails in naturally occurring processes. Energy is required to produce order or to reverse the tendency towards chaos. In this course we will learn the relationship between energy and order and we will be introduced to the concepts of energy and order with regards to the finite reserves of fossil fuels on our planet. We will also examine how order and disorder are related to life events by reading Primo Levy's masterful memoir about his experiences before and after World War II.

Download Full Syllabus: Energy, Order, and Chaos (PDF)

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Course Description: The goal of this course is to establish a basic foundation of knowledge about the world and international issues. At the end of this course you will better understand the relevance of international issues to individuals in the United States including yourself as students of Ramapo College.  The course is structured in a manner that encourages you to think critically and objectively about the political, economic, and social environments of the countries and peoples of the world and will help develop the ability to discuss these observations as they relate to global affairs.  You should emerge from the course with improved research, writing and analytical skills, a firm grasp of several substantive issues and a familiarity with fundamental concepts in the study of global affairs – in short, skills and knowledge that will help you flourish at Ramapo College and beyond.

Download Full Syllabus: Perspectives on Global Affairs (PDF)

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Course Description: The theme of this class is self exploration. When you look at a reflection in water it is often distorted, as is with our own perceptions of many things in our day to day lives. We are raised with ideas that have been passed down from our society and the notion of challenging these concepts is often controversial. The aim of this course is to challenge your preconceived notions about what we perceive versus what is actual. Do you have the courage to think outside the box and look at yourself and others more closely? During this class we will read three books that deal with the interpersonal styles of ourselves and others. We will evaluate how we interact with those around us and what their responses are to us. The class will also delve into where we acquired these attributes through reading, discussion, writing and a research project.

Download Full Syllabus: Reflections of Yourself and Others: A Psychological Perspective (PDF)

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Course Description: This course is designed to introduce an appreciation of film as an art form. We will be discussing the artistic and technical choices filmmakers make in producing a film. We will be viewing some of the most highly acclaimed and respected films in history, giving the student a chance to analyze, critique, and discuss the films among their peers.

We will view films from different genres to contrast and compare different styles of filmmaking. Students will be responsible for writing journal-like papers on each film. After viewing every film, we will have an open forum style discussion for opinions to be shared. There will be a video project during the semester the students will choose a partner and create a television segment discussing a film of their choice.

The summer reading will be used as an initial focal point for in-class discussions and for written assignments during the first few weeks of the semester. We will discuss aspects of “Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong” by James Loewen as a group and we’ll use these discussions to write thoughtful responses to questions about the book. Our discussions will likely involve opinions and viewpoints that differ from your own; however, we’ll learn to steer away from feelings about the subject based upon anecdotal evidence and instead use factual data and background to support our positions.

Download Full Syllabus: Film: A Critical Analysis (PDF)

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Course Description: Michael Moore is a well-known political commentator. He has produced and directed documentaries such as Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine and has written non-fiction books such as Dude, Where's My Country? and Stupid White Men. Fahrenheit 9/11 holds the record as the highest-grossing documentary, and Moore has been widely embraced by the American public.

Despite Moore's prestige, he has been criticized by others due to his methods of distributing information. Moore has deliberately altered facts in his books and movies in order to present a biased point of view.

Authors David T. Hardy and Jason Clarke published, Michael Moore is a Big Fat Stupid White Man. This book provides specific events where Moore has twisted the truth when discussing political issues, including the effects of 9/11, gun control, politics and other major issues, all with footnotes and a list of references used. In addition to revealing Moore's deceptions, the authors also present the other side of the story.

Students will also be introduced to specific historical topics such as the Bill of Rights and Reconstruction Amendments, Civil Rights Movement, the conquests of Christopher Columbus, and other events.

Students will become acquainted with operating Microsoft Programs including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. In addition to assigned readings, students will be expected to complete mandatory projects including a research paper, two PowerPoint presentations, and a statistical spreadsheet.

Download Full Syllabus: American History: An Alternative View (PDF)

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Course description: Introduction to Business (INTD101-08) is an introductory course that sets the foundation for all other business courses. It introduces the following disciplines: accounting, economics, finance, information technology, management, and marketing. The course covers topics such as: starting and running a business, types of business activities, the behaviors of individuals and groups within organizations, business ethics and social responsibility, recording business transactions, understating the functions of financial institutions and markets, and making sound financial and investment business decisions. Students will learn how to use spreadsheets to prepare budgets and business reports, and they will develop the skills required for making PowerPoint presentations on current issues such as the government spending and business functions, unemployment, the housing market, the role of banks and other financial institutions, the impact of globalization and technology on businesses, and many other topics of interest. The course will help students apply business theories and concepts to gain a better understanding of current business issues and how they affect consumers. We designed the course to enable students who are intended business majors to explore all avenues of business from a national perspective to an international/global perspective. For students who simply wish to have an insight of the principles of business and complete their general undergraduate education, this course will provide the basic concepts required to fulfill those needs.

Download Full Syllabus: Introduction to Business (PDF)

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Course Description: The Color of Silence is an experiential course designed to assess how art making is effected by meditation. Every class session will begin with meditation in the Spirituality Center. This will consist of 5 minutes of instruction, silence, and then a few minutes for questions concerning meditation. We will walk as a group to the Berrie Center Design Studio where students will work on and talk about a series of projects that attempt to answer the core question: what is the color of silence? Sessions will conclude with informal sharing and critiques. There will be several field trips to visit regional spiritual centers and museums, including the Ruben Museum in Manhattan, which has one of the best collections of Himalayan Art. During the semester several relevant films will be screened during special evening sessions.

Download Full Syllabus: The Color of Silence (PDF)

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Course Description: Human beings are unique organisms, most would agree; but exactly what is unique about our species is not commonly understood by most people.  This course explores how humans interact with the biological world of which they are a part and the adaptive character of our species.  By exploring such topics as the biology of race, climate change, conservation issues, and the spread of disease, the special nature of human origins will become apparent, as well as our role in the natural world and our impact on the environment on which we depend.

Download Full Syllabus: Being Human: Why are we so special? (PDF)

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Most members of the Ramapo Class of 2015 will be planning their retirement from the work force around the dawn of the year 2050. Most will be 57 years of age or older then and will have seen the world change drastically from what it is as they begin this course.“The Universe in 2050” will examine what scholars today are predicting the world will be like in 2050. Students will research scholarly prognostications, evaluate them, and ascertain whether or not these predictions will impact their future careers and professions.

• Students will examine whether Arctic Rim nations will become more prosperous, powerful and politically stable while countries near the Equator will face catastrophic fresh water shortages, a massive aging population, and uninhabitable megacities.
• Another theory that will be tested is whether, because of globalization, the world is becoming flatter thus rendering the United States almost powerless to maintain it superpower status.
• Artificial intelligence, it has been predicted, will be in 2050 one billion times more powerful than all human intelligence is today.
• In 2050, the United States will have a population 100 million larger than it has today and Whites will be the largest minority in the population.
• Nanotechnology now in its infancy will develop exponentially allowing programmed molecular assembly to produce almost anything out of raw materials.

In this seminar students will assess the feasibility of scholarly predictions and analyze the impact they may have on the students’ future careers and professions.

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Course Description: We will begin by examining family and psychological messages about money, thrift, spending, planning and time horizons and learn the basics of personal financial management. Budgets with all income and expenses both current and for 2020 will including planning for contingencies. Via readings, media reports, speakers and exercises, students will learn the smart use of commercial products such as banks, insurance, credit cards, student and car loans and investments. We will cover various governmental tax policies and payroll deductions and the basics of bankruptcy and credit repair. Common scams and institutional Wall Street and big bank manipulations will be explained plus resources for consumer information. Finally, interpersonal financial dynamics with partners, parents, and friends will be explored. You should plan for at least three hours preparation for each class meeting.

Download Full Syllabus: Your Money and Your Life (PDF)

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Course Description: Human Communication (Theme:  The Individual in Society)

This (FYS) course will develop an opportunity for self-discovery, self-realization, establishing new relationships, an awareness and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity.  Emphasis will be placed on educational goals by providing a variety of learning skills, critical thinking skills, and enhancing intellectual and individual independence.

Download Full Syllabus: Human Communication (PDF)

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Course Description: As first year students, you will be encountering many new experiences. As a result, this course is designed to help you acclimate to the transformations you may experience as new college students and valuable members of society.

This course will focus on the modifications that take place within a society as well as the transformations that evolve within singular individuals. The purpose of delving into personal, localized, and global change is to create an avenue for the analysis of ways in which societal and individual transformations impact each other.
In this course, students will ask themselves, "Is change always good or necessary?" and "How do things such as culture, gender, economic status, race, and sexuality affect one's environment?" Students will explore how these and similar can occur by considering what they value as independent and critical thinkers, and by analyzing changes that have taken place throughout history and in their own personal lives.

Throughout the semester, we will examine media, pop culture, wealth, politics, and other issues that may or may not influence transformation amongst individuals and their environment. Access to the internet will prove to be integral to this course, as it enables us to research the past and present, while offering various genres of information.

Students will be expected to engage in class discussion as well as complete response and research papers, resulting in a final presentation about a self-chosen topic on transformation.

Download Full Syllabus: Transformations: Dr. Jekyll and You (PDF)

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Course Description: College is a time to figure out who you are. You are ending one important chapter of your life and beginning a new one, so it’s a perfect time for you to figure out what your story is and where it fits with the rest of the world. This course will use psychological theories and concepts to explore different aspects of who you are. There will be five major “themes” to the course: self-identity, culture, career, relationships, and location. We will discuss how all of these themes affect who you are. You will read from multiple sources and will demonstrate your learning through a variety of methods (papers, presentations, and projects).

Download Full Syllabus: The Psychology of Self-Identity (PDF)

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Course Descripion: Individuals' self perception, whether positive or negative, directly impacts their level of success. During the 1940's Abraham Maslow, a well known psychologist wrote a paper entitled, "A Theory of Human Motivation", where he discussed the hierarchy of needs for human development. The primary focus of this course is to examine Maslow's hierarchy of needs (self-actualization, esteem needs, social needs, safety needs & physiological needs) to explore how these needs relate to an individuals' self image. This course will utilize a range of mediums to analyze self-image including a variety of literary works, articles, magazines, advertisements, television and films. This is an ideal course for students to further recognize and understand their personal needs/ goals, which will ultimately aid them in reaching their full potential.

Download Full Syllabus: Know Thy Self: Self Image & Success (PDF)

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Course Description: We will begin by examining family and psychological messages about money, thrift, spending, planning, and time horizons and learn the basics of financial management. Budgets with all income and expenses both current and for future time lines will include planning for contingencies. Via readings and speakers and exercises, students will learn the smart use of commercial products such as banks, insurance, credit cards, student and car loans and investments. We will cover various governmental tax policies and payroll deductions and the basics of bankruptcy and credit repair. Common scams and institutional manipulations will be explained plus resources for consumer information. Finally, interpersonal financial dynamics with partners, parents, and friends will be explored.

Download Full Syllabus: Your Money and Your Life (PDF)

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Course Description: This First-Year Seminar is an introduction to one of history’s ultimate forms of power: seduction. Based on Robert Greene’s book, The Art of Seduction is designed to equip you with some of the academic, social, and technological skills required to successfully manage the challenges of college – and beyond. Accordingly, the course is arranged in three parts; you must analyze and understand each step along this path in order to advance. The semester begins with an extensive review of the summer reading, followed by a thorough exploration of the psychological “seductive character,” and finishes with a comprehensive critique of the “seductive process.” Ignore any of the parts and you will be an incomplete seducer.

Download Full Syllabus: The Art of Seduction (PDF)

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Course Description: “College is a place where a student ought to learn not so much how to make a living, but how to live.” ~Dr. William Nolen. This class will focus on identifying the personal, academic and social issues which may prevent a student from being successful in college and provide an opportunity for the development of a better understanding of self to strengthen their ability to successfully navigate the college experience. Students will be provided with tools necessary to stay on course throughout their college career, take personal responsibility for their success while encouraging student interest in promoting self-awareness and self-concept, personal development and academic success. Through articles, guided journals, case studies in critical thinking and assessment, the course will encourage students to participate in a community of learners, to strengthen their own critical thinking skills, and to communicate more effectively both orally and in writing.

Download Full Syllabus: Getting On Course (PDF)

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Course description: This seminar examines the questions raised by the relationships between the individual and the community. Throughout the course the exploration of what it means to be an individual and what defines a community will be illustrated in the context of modern society. Students will participate in a semester-long study and discuss ideas concerning the responsibilities and the dilemmas that living together continually produces. Readings, writing assignments, and hands-on activities will be used to broaden critical thinking and communication skills. Various issues that arise in relation to examining our social nature, and developing a personal approach to issues in our everyday lives that requires us to balance the claims of membership in a community with individual rights will be presented during seminars. The summer reading will provide initial background as we begin to form ideas and opinions of what it means to be an individual and in defining community. We will utilize Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong as an initial basis for class discussions and for the purposes of gaining experience in college-level writing

Download Full Syllabus: Social Responsibility: Individual & Community (PDF)

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Course Description: This First-Year Seminar introduces the dos and don’ts of the “power game.” Based on the book by Robert Greene, The 48 Laws of Power is exactly that – 48 laws to recognize, analyze, and apply in an ever-changing society. At work, in school, in a relationship, on the street, or on the 11 o’clock news, these laws deal with methods of negotiation (Law 4), mutual respect (Law 12) and, the cornerstone of power, reputation (Law 5). All 48 laws provide an understanding of the strategies used by others, the tactics to live by or avoid.

Download Full Syllabus: The 48 Laws of Power (PDF)

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Course description: Once upon a time in America, eating was easy: you grew crops and raised livestock or knew the farmer who did, you ate seasonally, and you preserved food for the off-season. Fast forward about a hundred years to 2010. We live in an age of industrialized farming, when most of the corn we eat is genetically modified and the meat is from animals hopped-up on growth hormones and antibiotics. We can have strawberries and tomatoes in December, and delicacies imported from all over the world. And we’re given conflicting advice about what to eat and what to avoid. Despite low-fat, low-carb or raw foods diets, we’re getting heavier and sicker. In this course, we’ll take a look at where our food comes from, what’s in it, and maybe even sort out what we should be eating. Students will keep a food diary and do independent “field trips” to the supermarket to find out where those bizarre-looking exotic fruits in the produce section come from.

Download Full Syllabus: Eating in America (PDF)

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Course description: The purpose of this course is to engage students in discussions and activities tackling the concept of global citizenship - its meaning for today’s college students and the meaning within our local communities. The topic will be addressed through three themes:

The course will first look at the two contrasts: local – global and community – individuals (students). The discussion will be geared toward the concept of community and toward creating awareness of the social environment in which we operate/exist today. The second theme will focus on becoming an agent of social change in the community through adopting some traits of global citizenship and identifying other means. The students will have opportunity to examine and discuss the meaning of global citizenship within their communities. The third theme will include discussion on education as the means of students’ empowerment. This theme will largely assist in identifying the means for action as global citizens through focusing on development of students’ agency in their community. The theme will focus on acquiring knowledge, skills and understanding of one’s position and potentials within society; as well as building the connections/bridges within and among communities.

A variety of methods will be used in the classroom to create an environment open to different learners and encourage critical examination of their position and potential for expanding their knowledge, skills and motivation. Specifically, through the use of hands-on activities, interactive lectures, various media and reading materials, small group work, and class discussions the select issues will be examined and explored for the possibilities of youth activism.

Download Full Syllabus: Global Citizenship: Making the Meaning for Today’s College Students (PDF)

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Course description: This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of “technological hot topics” by examining case studies, current events, and legal precedents with regard to computers, technology, and law. Topics will often contain some sort of controversy, ethical dilemma, or legal issue within. Students will become acquainted with the case by reading it, analyzing the issue or controversy involved within the case, and forming and defending an opinion about it. During the latter weeks of the course, student groups will develop and lead a discussion on a “hot topic” of their choice as a final class project.

Download Full Syllabus: Ethics and Issues in Information Technology (PDF)

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As first year students, you will be encountering many new experiences. As a result, this course is designed to help you acclimate to the transformations you may experience as new college students and valuable members of society.

This course will focus on the modifications that take place within a society as well as the transformations that evolve within singular individuals. The purpose of delving into personal, localized, and global change is to create an avenue for the analysis of ways in which societal and individual transformations impact each other.

In this course, students will ask themselves, "Is change always good or necessary?" and "How do things such as culture, gender, economic status, race, and sexuality affect one’s environment?" Students will explore how these and similar can occur by considering what they value as independent and critical thinkers, and by analyzing changes that have taken place throughout history and in their own personal lives.

Throughout the semester, we will examine media, pop culture, wealth, politics, and other issues that may or may not influence transformation amongst individuals and their environment. Access to the internet will prove to be integral to this course, as it enables us to research the past and present, while offering various genres of information.

Students will be expected to engage in class discussion as well as complete response and research papers, resulting in a final presentation about a self-chosen topic on transformation.

Download Full Syllabus: Tranformations: Dr. Jekyll and You (PDF)

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Course description: This course will introduce students to the concept of intercultural education and provide an understanding of the key issues that exists within intercultural education in our society. The course is designed to promote understanding for other cultures, advocacy for human rights and the promotion of equal opportunities in education for all. Students will gain knowledge on educational reform efforts within various communities. Students will be introduced to landmark cases on justice and equality that defend equity within intercultural education and have the opportunity to offer recommendations on school reform. Student will develop an understanding of their role as citizens to promote and encourage fairness and a more humane society, to defend equal opportunities, to consider human diversity in ethnic, racial, social and religious, as a source for cultural enrichment and to learn to develop positive productive responses to the diverse populations in their own communities. Through articles, guided journals, case studies in critical thinking and assessment, the course will encourage students to participate in a community of learners, to strengthen their own critical thinking skills, and to communicate more effectively both orally and in writing.

Download Full Syllabus: Advocacy and Intercultural Education (PDF)

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Thinking about a career in education? This First Year Seminar course is designed for students who are considering a career in the field of education. Beginning with a look at where education has evolved from, this seminar will examine current trends in education; the training and certifications required to become an educator and a look into the schools and classrooms of the future. Various career options will be explored as well as the day-to-day responsibilities of the K-12 teacher, becoming an administrator, the Special Education educator, etc.  Special attention will be given to examining the Teacher Education Program requirements at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Guest speakers will include professionals in the field of education. Students participating in this course will have the opportunity to interview educators and observe various classroom environments. In addition to the summer reading and assigned text, this course will utilize specialized readings from professional journals and resources.

Download Full Syllabus: From Student to Educator: The Opportunities and Challenges of a Career in Education (PDF)

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Course Description: This First-Year Seminar, entitled “The Trouble with Doubles: Personal Identity and Other Modern Dilemmas,” will explore the self and the other—both what defines the self and what distinguishes the self from the other—through the lens of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and related texts. When Mary Shelley published Frankenstein almost two hundred years ago, she distilled a set of cultural issues that not only troubled her contemporaries but continue to haunt us even to this day. The figure of the double embodies many of these issues. In this course, the double serves as convenient shorthand for issues as diverse as monsters, the unconscious, identity theft, impersonation, passing, cloning, plagiarism, and other forms of splitting and replicating the self. Frankenstein and related texts place these issues in familiar debates, such as nature v. nurture and personal freedom v. social responsibility. Exploring these and other topics, the seminar will begin with Frankenstein and then turn to an eclectic set of mostly twentieth-century texts from multiple disciplines, genres, and media. These texts will include gothic and crime novels, melodramatic and science-fiction films, a psychoanalytic essay, and even an academic policy. The seminar will end with student research projects on twenty-first-century topics inspired by these texts.

Download Full Syllabus: The Trouble with Doubles: Personal Identity and Other Modern Dilemmas (PDF)

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Course description: It is never too early to start thinking about your career path. The world of business offers many opportunities to suit many interests but what are you interested in? This course will help you perform self-assessments to determine what might be the best discipline for you to choose as a major in anticipation of the many career opportunities that await you after graduation. It will also focus on how to acquire marketable job skills and explore the current top careers for business graduates. We will discover the top ten skills employers want you to learn while you are in college as well as explore the top business careers. Career options will be analyzed with a detailed job description, typical work environments, salaries, and outlooks for growth and advancement. Guest speakers from various business disciplines will be featured to provide insight into the day-to-day work performed and skills expected of college graduates.

Download Full Syllabus: Majoring in Business – Then What? (PDF)

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This course is designed to introduce students to the college life via two different experiences: student development and academic challenge. The first will provide students with a variety of tools to make the most of your college experience here at Ramapo. The academic component of this course will be an interactive, discussion-based class in which we will explore the social and cultural meanings of gender through the lens of American popular culture. This course will study the ways in which pop culture impacts our lives and our society. We will critically examine how the media constructs gender roles of men and women and how these constructs become cultural norms. We will learn about gender as a set of culturally (not biologically) constructed behaviors that are deemed appropriate for men and women. Class readings (and viewings) will come from traditional feminist texts, essays, blogs, films, and even YouTube, to illustrate the portrayal of gender in contemporary society. Come prepared to discuss and think critically about gender and its relationship to race, class, sexuality and other identities. Finally, the course offers a foundation of information and a framework of thought useful in more specialized gender studies courses and in everyday life.

Download Full Syllabus: Gender and Pop Culture (PDF)

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Course description: This seminar will focus on the topics of intercultural understanding and the meaning of these terms for today’s college students. The seminar will first address the topic of understanding the “cultures”, our own and the ‘others’, and discuss practical applications of this knowledge. The topics will them move to the intercultural understanding within the diverse communities in which we live and work today (specifically focusing on the US). Through the use of interactive tools, the seminar will explore the meanings of intercultural understanding within the framework of intercultural competence, social justice, and international development.

During the semester, students will explore various perspectives on developing intercultural understanding and competence through a mixture of reading assignments, short videos, interactive tools, and guest speakers. The seminar will heavily rely on small and large group discussions and the use of various intercultural training tools as a starting point for student reflections on the intercultural experiences and learning. In addition, students will develop individual creative projects, enhance their writing skills, and participate in experiential component of their FYS seminar on campus.

Download Full Syllabus: Education for Intercultural Understanding (PDF)