An introduction to the basic concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Topics include geographic data acquisition, data management, cartography, and methods of geospatial analysis. Laboratory exercises and projects focus on applications of GIS in understanding and managing the environment. Laboratory course.
From big cats and terrible lizards to leviathans and legendary kaiju, the “monster” has played a critically important role in our understanding of the world and our place within it. That perspective, in turn, has informed our attitudes toward–and our exploitation of–megafuana throughout history and in the present day. This course is a multi-disciplinary exploration of the role that dangerous and gigantic beasts have played in shaping humanity: our psychology, our spirituality, our arts, and our environmental ethic. What would our world become without such fantastic beasts?
This course combines the study of public policy with the study of major environmental problems. Students will explore public policy concepts and the instruments used in environmental regulation. Topics will include air and water quality issues hazardous waste and risk management, natural resources and biological diversity. The course will also discuss the impact of environmental groups and citizen activism on this highly complex area of public policy. Not open for credit to students who have completed POLS 208 or POLS 313.
A capstone experience for Environmental Arts and Humanities majors. An examination of selected environmental issues from a variety of perspectives in the natural and social sciences and humanities. Special emphasis on student research on the Domain and in the region.
This course provides a capstone experience for the Environment and Sustainability major. Major components include independent student research projects and an examination of selected environmental issues from a variety of perspectives in the natural and social sciences.
This course, which calls for involvement in some faith-based or otherwise engaged form of appropriate activity or service, offers students a capstone opportunity to examine their spiritual experiences and religious beliefs in the context of active engagement with environmental issues in a variety of ways. Reflection on the engagement experience, expressed both in written form and through oral presentation, is required.
Film Studies
Reading and discussion of significant texts from various disciplines including important theoretical analyses of American cultural and intellectual life.
An introduction to processes dependent on the lens as an imaging device, including wet-lab photography, digital photography, video editing and installation-based sequencing. The course incorporates the fundamental theoretical, technical and aesthetic principles of working with photography as an expressive medium. Assignments include darkroom laboratory work, studio projects, discussions, written analyses, and class presentations.
An introduction to media involving spatial and temporal dimensions, including sculpture, video, sound, installation, computer-aided design, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fabrication. The course incorporates the fundamental theoretical, technical and aesthetic principles of composition in space and time. Assignments involve design of sound; video production; computer modeling; traditional and non-traditional sculpture techniques.
An introduction to media involving spatial and temporal dimensions, including sculpture, video, sound, installation, computer-aided design, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fabrication. The course incorporates the fundamental theoretical, technical and aesthetic principles of composition in space and time. Assignments involve design of sound; video production; computer modeling; traditional and non-traditional sculpture techniques.
This seminar course involves the production of video, sound, and the moving image. Students pursue a combination of advanced assignments and self-directed projects aimed towards furthering the study of these art forms through a focused set of methods and technologies. This course can be repeated twice for credit.
An introduction to the use of film as a medium for expressing political themes. Concepts of world and comparative politics (war, terrorism, human rights, repression, conflict, economic development, migration) are used to analyze feature films from around the world. The course also addresses the relationship between politics and art and the artist. Visiting filmmakers and scholars contribute their perspectives. Not available to students with credit for POLS 111.
Finance
This course addresses the concepts underlying corporate finance and equity markets. Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, security valuation, capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, and working capital management.
This course addresses the concepts underlying corporate finance and equity markets. Topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, security valuation, capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, and working capital management.
This course examines investment theory and its applications. Topics include equity valuation, equity trading, portfolio theory, asset pricing models, performance evaluation, and efficient market hypothesis.
This course introduces students to fixed income securities, derivatives contracts, and the use of these contracts in trading and risk management. Topics include yield curve, duration, types of fixed income products, structured financial instruments, futures, forward contracts, swaps, and options. This course cannot be taken for credit by students who have already completed ECON 362.
Examines the real-world applications of finance theory and helps students develop financial modeling skills. Topics include the dividend discount model (DDM), financial statement modeling, discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, the leverage buyout (LBO) model, merger modeling, bond valuation, and portfolio optimization.
This course examines theory, concepts, and tools for advanced security analysis focusing on equities. Topics include financial statement analysis, security valuation, equity research, financial modeling, and portfolio analysis and management. Open only to seniors pursuing majors in finance.
This course examines theory, concepts, and tools for advanced security analysis focusing on equities. Topics include financial statement analysis, security valuation, equity research, financial modeling, and portfolio analysis and management. Open only to seniors pursuing majors in finance.
Forestry
An environmental survey course which addresses the important features, processes, and issues of forested landscapes. Topics include major tree species, forest biology and ecology, tree structure and function, silviculture, forest management, forest products, and U.S. forest policy and laws. The focus on North American forests is set within a context of global forest issues. Lab exercises emphasize fieldwork, utilizing the diverse array of local forest types present on the Cumberland Plateau and nearby Appalachian Mountains. Lecture, three hours, laboratory and field trips.