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First-Year Courses

MUSIC 1328 Creative Ethnomusicology
This course introduces a diverse students from the University of Pittsburgh and SCI Fayette to music genres from the world. Drawing on examples from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean, this course provides students with the analytical tools with which to better comprehend the intertextual nature of sound. Post/colonial studies, race, and gender studies offer a theoretical lens for analyzing the musical traditions in context. Lectures frame the genres within broader theoretical narratives informed by cultural modes of perception and physical reactions to sound. Giving space to develop and share aesthetic emotions, the course fosters a learning environment in which students work individually and in collaborative groups to create informed projects inspired by aspects of the musical traditions covered in the course.
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MUSIC 1366 Hymns And Hiphop: Sounds Of Islam
From its inception, the Islamic tradition has placed a heavy emphasis on the word and on listening to the word, and has developed a rich and ambiguous relationship to sound. This course draws on theological, historical, anthropological and theoretical perspectives to investigate the this relationship. We discuss various scholarly approaches to the senses, the relationship between listening and power, and  the changing conceptions of what it has meant to listen in Islamic culture. In particular, we discuss how new media technologies and popular culture have transformed sound in Muslim communities, and how the ongoing "war on terror" has refashioned Islamic soundscapes.
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MUSIC 1398 Blueswomen: Women And Vocalists In The Jazz And Blues Tradition
This course is concerned with music of, by, and about women from a cross-cultural perspective.  Topics include, but are not limited to, traditional and ritual music, music as empowerment, sexual aesthetics, women as composers and per formers, and feminist music criticism.
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NPHS 1520 State and Local Framework for Emergency Preparedness
All response to crisis begins locally.  NPHS 1520 presents ways in which states, regions and localities have implemented response planning for their jurisdictions.  It also explores boundaries between federal and state law, and how, for example, decisions are made for evacuation versus sheltering in place.  Case studies and models for drafting response plans will be offered and rehearsed, as well as templates for planning and allocation of resources.
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NPHS 1530 Analysis, Intelligence & Decision Tools for Emergency Preparedness
Efforts to professionalize the emergency management workforce include familiarizing the next generation with modern decision support software and analytical tools now used in planning and responding to crises.  These include discrete- and agent-based simulation, geographical information systems, pattern recognition, virtual reality and predictive modeling tools.  This course will offer introductory experience with these tools in realistic crisis scenarios.  NPHS 1530 also will explore realities that are changing the delivery of emergency services to a model based on distributed versus centralized operations.
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NROSCI 0080 Brain And Behavior
This course analyzes the relations between brain function and overt behaviors.  Topics include:  the control of movement, sensory processing, mechanisms controlling sleep, arousal, and other circadian rhythms, hunger and thirst, learning and memory, the biological bases of neuropsychiatric disorders, and the functioning of the cerebral hemispheres.  Many clinical disorders will be discussed including language disorders, amnesia, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and Alzheimers disease.  
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NROSCI 0081 Drugs And Behavior
This course provides a general background in the fields of neuroscience and psychopharmacology.  The course examines the behavioral effects and biological mechanisms of action of the major groups of psychoactive compounds, including stimulants, depressants, narcotics, and hallucinogens.  Drugs used in the treatment of common psychiatric neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and Parkinson's disease, will also be discussed. Remaining Seats for AC Neurons & Chemicals only.  
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NROSCI 1000 Introduction to Neuroscience
This course examines the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of the central and peripheral divisions of the nervous system.  Specific topics covered include neuronal function, synaptic transmission, sensory processing, movement, sleep and wakefulness, hunger, thirst, caloric and body fluid homeostasis, recovery of function after brain damage, and various neurological and psychiatric disorders. ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS: (BIOSC150 or 170 or 715 or 190 or BIOL101 or 110) and (BIOSC160 o r180 or 191 or 716 or BIOENG 1071 or BIOL102 or 120) and(CHEM101or110or710or760or960orCHEM111or410)and(CHEM 102or120or720or770or970)or(CHEM420and440)or(CHEM112and114); MINGRADE C for listed Courses
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PERS 0101 Persian (Farsi) 1
The greatest part of the first term will be devoted to the presentation and practice of the basic sound patterns of the language, its fundamental sentence patterns, and sufficient vocabulary to illustrate and practice them. An introduction to the writing system will be offered together with the opportunity to acquire elementary writing and reading skills.
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PHIL 0010 Concepts of Human Nature
An introduction to some ways in which ethical and social thought has been influenced by different views of human nature. Readings are from such authors as Plato, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, and Freud.  
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PHIL 0080 Introduction To Philosophical Problems
An introduction to some classical problems of philosophy. Topics vary, but might include skepticism, free will, the existence of god, and the justification of ethical beliefs.
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PHIL 0200 History of Ancient Philosophy
The aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the main achievements and leading ideas of ancient Greek philosophy up to classical times. Emphasis will be on understanding and evaluating the arguments and ideas of the Greek philosophical tradition. Combined Section:
CLASS 0300
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PHIL 0210 History of Modern Philosophy
An introduction to the philosophical period from Descartes through Kant. Special attention is given to at least one rationalist, one empiricist, and Kant.
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PHIL 0350 Philosophy and Public Issues
The aim of this introductory undergraduate course is to encourage systematic and clear thought about issues of public importance by philosophic reflection which emphasizes the implications of different moral and political theories for these issues.
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PHIL 0380 Women and Philosophy
Primary objectives will be to acquaint students with the history of the relation between women and philosophy in the Western tradition and to teach students to think and write clearly.
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