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 “Encounters with the Other.” This course asks what it means to recognize something outside ourselves as “other.” How do concepts of sameness and difference inform our conception of ourselves and our communities? What happens when we encounter “others”? What does it mean to recognize the “other” in ourselves? 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.

Download Full Syllabus: Encounters with the Other: Introduction to Liberal Studies (pdf)

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 “Encounters with the Other.” This course asks what it means to recognize something outside ourselves as “other.” How do concepts of sameness and difference inform our conception of ourselves and our communities? What happens when we encounter “others”? What does it mean to recognize the “other” in ourselves? 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: Encounters with the Other: Introduction to Liberal Studies (pdf)

Course Description: 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 “Encounters with the Other.” This course asks what it means to recognize something outside ourselves as “other.” How do concepts of sameness and difference inform our conception of ourselves and our communities? What happens when we encounter “others”? What does it mean to recognize the “other” in ourselves? 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: Encounters with the Other: Introduction to Liberal Studies (pdf)

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 “Encounters with the Other.” This course asks what it means to recognize something outside ourselves as “other.” How do concepts of sameness and difference inform our conception of ourselves and our communities? What happens when we encounter “others”? What does it mean to recognize the “other” in ourselves? 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.

Download Full Syllabus: Encounters with the Other: Introduction to Liberal Studies (pdf)

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 “Encounters with the Other.” This course asks what it means to recognize something outside ourselves as “other.” How do concepts of sameness and difference inform our conception of ourselves and our communities? What happens when we encounter “others”? What does it mean to recognize the “other” in ourselves? 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.

Download Full Syllabus: Encounters with the Other: Introduction to Liberal Studies (pdf)

Course Description: This course is intended for students wishing to pursue a major that is housed in the School of Contemporary Arts.

Download Full Syllabus: Not Available

Course Description: This course is intended for students wishing to pursue a major that is housed in the School of Contemporary Arts.

Download Full Syllabus: Not Available

Course Description: This course is intended for students wishing to pursue a major that is housed in the School of Contemporary Arts.

Download Full Syllabus: Not Available

Course Description: This course is intended for students wishing to pursue a major that is housed in the School of Contemporary Arts.

Download Full Syllabus: Not Available

Course Description: This course is intended for students wishing to pursue a major that is housed in the School of Contemporary Arts.

Download Full Syllabus: Not Available

A scientist’s ability to communicate concepts, ideas, and experimental results to others is an important skill that should be developed in concert with the disciplinary knowledge that he/she will learn in science classes. In this course, students will use writing, video production, web pages, PowerPoint, and oral presentations to communicate scientific issues. The ability to use computers to present concepts and ideas and to display data and experimental results is an important skill that all students should develop regardless of disciplinary interest. Students will learn to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and FrontPage to a relatively high degree of proficiency. Students in this course will also read and discuss The Periodic Table by Primo Levi, a holocaust survivor and chemist, who described aspects of his life in metaphorical terms using the chemical elements. In our discussions, we will explore the interplay between cultures described in the memoir and we will learn about the historical background of Italy that is the backdrop of the book.Download Full Syllabus: The Periodic Table (pdf)

Course Description: Have you wondered yet what you'll do with your degree in Business?  The world of business offers many opportunities to suit many interests.  It's not too early to start thinking about your career path and what skills you will need to succeed.  This course will help you perform a self-assessment to determine what might be the best discipline to choose as a major in anticipation of the many career opportunities that await you after graduation and to develop the skills needed to succeed. The course will help students learn to research and write papers, gain confidence in their presentation skills, communicate effectively, work in teams and develop organizational skills.  Guest speakers from various business disciplines will be featured to provide insight into the day-to-day work performed and skills needed to succeed.

The summer reading will be used as an initial starting point for discussion and written assignments.  An overview of all the majors offered and courses required by the Anisfield School of Business will also be discussed.

This course will also be a review of how to acquire marketable job skills before you graduate.  We will hone in on the top ten skills employers want you to learn that will prepare you for finding a good job and a rewarding career.  Examples include using quantitative tools, problem solving and asking and answering the right questions.

We will review and help you discover the right opportunities that suit your interests.  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 backgrounds will supplement reading and research. 

Download Full Syllabus: What you really need to learn in College! (pdf)

You will study leadership and group dynamics from your experiences, leadership at Ramapo College, in history and in the media.  This First-Year Seminar will focus on you as a leader/group member.  During the semester you will analyze the following: how you interact with others, effective leadership skills, your preferences/leadership style and effective communication skills (listening, writing, speaking, etc.).  Since this course is taken during your first semester at college, together we will explore the transitions you will be facing such as: time management, stress management, writing at a collegiate level, adapting to a new environment and diversity (things all leaders face too!).  The goals of this course will be achieved through readings, discussions, group activities, viewing films, research and a project.  The class will also explore leadership opportunities on and off campus.  Throughout the semester, you will grow both individually and collectively as a member of the Ramapo College Community.Download Full Syllabus: The Emerging Leaders (pdf)

Do we ever really know who we really are? This course will explore the concept of self-exploration. In order to analyze and critique ourselves, we must take the initiative to challenges ourselves. This course will challenge your expectations from within. This course is not designed to provide you with answers or critique your soul. It will provide you with guidance and wisdom. Self-exploration can be attained via your fellow peers, as well.
Upon accomplishing this beginning, we must analyze our individual selves by using scholarly sources. We must utilize the scholarly works by Professor , reading his book, The Last Lecture. In addition, this course will assist you in writing your autobiography. Hopefully, the questions and discussions that we have in class will unlock and probe the questions you have always been pondering.
The last component is to discuss how to survive your first time experiencing the Ramapo culture.
This course requires two quizzes, a group project, and a non-traditional avenue for you to express your autobiography. You will also be expected to attend three meetings with the instructor. This is a tool to enhance communication between the instructors, and you.

Download Full Syllabus: Self Exploration from Within (pdf)

Is global climate change real? In this course, we will examine the scientific evidence for global climate change in the modern era, and the natural and human causes of climate change on various time scales. We will examine the probable effects of climate change through the 21st century and beyond, including ‘global warming’ as well as localized cooling, the effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and natural resources such as soil and water. We will look at the human dimension of climate change: the effects on settlements and infrastructure, and health. Finally we will explore the scientific and technological options available to us both now and in the near future that will hopefully enable us to begin to decrease the rate of climate change, as well as the policy and economic considerations that will be required in order for us to adapt to our new environment.

General Education Course: This course fulfills the First-Year Seminar category of the General Education curriculum. Common to all First-Year Seminar (FYS) courses, you will develop critical thinking skills that are basic to college level study, regardless of your area of interest. You will be reading, writing, and participating in thoughtful group discussions with the aim of developing the skills of a scholar. You will learn to support your arguments using a foundation of knowledge and facts rather than from personal opinions and experiences.

First Year Seminar category: This FYS course primarily falls into the Sustainability category; however, it also fulfills the international issues and interdisciplinary studies categories.

College Honors Program: This course is one of the FYS courses in the Honors Program. Download Full Syllabus: Constitutional & Economic Liberties (pdf)

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 TWO video projects during the semester the students will choose a partner and create a television segment discussing a film of their choice. Directions for the project are included on this webpage: http://192.107.108.56/portfolios/b/bressler_z/toolsviz/index.htm

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 ofThe Canon 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 and Television: A Critical Analysis (pdf)

Course Description: Specific topics from high school Social Studies courses are reinforced in Lies My Teacher Told Me, but from an entirely different viewpoint. This book surveys social issues misreported, ideas misrepresented, and encourages students of history to think about not only the facts, but the reporting which embellishes the presentation of certain Social Studies topics that students learned in high school.

Students will be introduced to specific topics such as the Bill of Rights and Reconstruction Amendments, Civil Rights Movement, the conquests of Christopher Columbus, and other events.  They will also 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, a PowerPoint presentation, and a statistical spreadsheet.

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

INTD101-08 is an introductory course that sets the foundation for all other business courses. For example, it introduces the following disciplines: accounting, business communications, business ethics, macro and microeconomics, finance, information technology, management, marketing, quantitative analysis, and other related business subjects. The course covers topics such as types of organization/business, types of business activities, the behaviors of individuals and groups within organizations, the advantages of marketing and advertising in achieving business objectives, recording business transactions, and making sound financial and investment business decisions. Students will learn how to use spreadsheets to prepare budgets and other business reports, and make presentations on current issues relating to market segmentation, advertising and selling techniques, and many other topics of interest. Students will obtain the knowledge and the understanding of business concepts to help them determine if they wish to pursue a business minor that would supplement their major in another program. We designed the course to enable those 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)

This course will provide an historical understanding of the key issues facing students from underrepresented and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds within American higher education. Sociological theories of student development will be applied to address the key factors which contribute to the transitional issues and barriers faced by unrepresented students in college. The class will focus on identifying the personal, academic and social transitional 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 the tools necessary to 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: Key Issues in the Education of Underrepresented Students (pdf)

In this course, we will discuss important controversial topics in science.  The summer reading “The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science” provides a great platform to leap into this discussion and provides a critical background for many of today’s controversial issues in science.
“THE CANON is vital reading for anyone who wants to understand the great issues of our time—from stem cells and bird flu to evolution and global warming. And it's for every parent who has ever panicked when a child asked how the earth was formed or how electricity works. Angier's sparkling prose and memorable metaphors bring the science to life, reigniting our own childhood delight in discovering how the world works. "Of course you should know about science," writes Angier, "for the same reason Dr. Seuss counsels his readers to sing with a Ying or play Ring the Gack: These things are fun and fun is good."      (http://www.natalieangier.com/main.php 5/6/08)
We will spend the first weeks of this course discussing Angier’s “The Canon” and setting up the framework for future discussions/debates.

We will use journal & newspaper articles (i.e. Science Times in NY Times), blogs, videos etc. as background material for in class discussions and to gain an appreciation for alternative points of view.

Download Full Syllabus: Controversial Topics in Science (pdf)

We will examine the role of secrets in various aspects of our lives, starting with their origins in myths and their function in our psychology. Group exercises will illustrate basic concepts within individual consciousness and amongst a group. We will learn to discern when secrets are necessary and when they are oppressive and dysfunctional. We will read a Greek myth and stories from world religions, consider the role of witches and alchemists and magicians, learn how scientific progress has had to overcome secrecy and the appropriation of knowledge for destructive ends. We will discuss common family secrets positive and negative and learn about secret societies whether fraternities/sororities, service organizations, or country clubs. Finally, we will examine commercial secrets of patents and copyrights and the misuse of secrecy by governmental and military authorities.

Download Full Syllabus: Secrets in belief systems (pdf)

This course will provide an historical understanding of the key issues facing students from underrepresented and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds within American higher education. Sociological theories of student development will be applied to address the key factors which contribute to the transitional issues and barriers faced by unrepresented students in college. The class will focus on identifying the personal, academic and social transitional 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 the tools necessary to 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: Key Issues in the Education of Underrepresented Students (pdf)

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)

This course is designed to introduce you to the world of business and the skills needed to succeed.  The world of business offers many opportunities to suit many interests.  It's not too early to start thinking about your career path. This course will help you perform a self-assessment 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 and to develop the skills needed to become successful. The course will help students learn to research and write papers, gain confidence in their presentation skills, communicate effectively, work in teams and develop organizational skills.  Guest speakers from various business disciplines will be featured to provide insight into the day-to-day work performed and skills needed to succeed.

The summer reading will be used as an initial starting point for in-class discussions and written assignments. We will discuss aspects of The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier in class and use these discussions to respond to questions about the book.

The remainder of the course will focus on how to acquire marketable job skills and explore the current top 10 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 10 business careers.  We will review and help you discover the right opportunities that suit your interests.  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 backgrounds will supplement reading and research and provide first hand knowledge of various careers within the business field.

Download Full Syllabus: Majoring in Business - Then What? (pdf)

The course is designed to introduce students to the world of business and the skills needed to succeed. Guest discussion leaders from many facets of business will be featured to provide insight into the day to day work performed and the skills needed to succeed. Students will have a first hand opportunity to hear from and to question business leaders about their functions and responsibilities. The course will help you perform a self assessment to determine what might be the best discipline for you to choose as a major in anticipation of many career opportunities that await you after graduation and to develop the skills needed to become successful. The course will help students learn to perform research, write papers, gain confidence in their presentation skills, communicate effectively, work in teams and develop organizational skills.

The summer reading will be used as an initial starting point for in-class discussions and written assignments. We will discuss aspects of “The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science” in class and use these discussions to respond to questions about the book.Download Full Syllabus: Majoring in Business - Then What? (pdf)

This seminar investigates the link between gender and sports. Through class readings and discussion this course will provide you with an understanding of equality and discrimination in sports and how it relates to gender issues. In addition, we will examine the history of gender inequities in sports, including Title IX, and the impact it had on men and women in sports. This course will also discuss and emphasize how each team member can contribute to and enhance leadership qualities of a team, while simultaneously promoting team unity for success. These attributes will carry over into the future careers of our students.

Also the first three weeks of class we will be discussing your summer reading, “The Canon". You will also be required to do writing assignments in response to questions concerning this book.

Download Full Syllabus: None Available

This course will provide an historical understanding of