Ready to study policy and community development?
The curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge of social institutions, civic engagement, diversity/equity/inclusion/belonging, law, government, policy and politics in the first year through introductory courses. You will then take a series of higher level courses where you analyze problems, evaluate solutions, apply skills and reflect on learning and practice.
Richelle Winkler
- Professor of Sociology and Demography, Social Sciences
- rwinkler@mtu.edu
- 906-487-1886
- (On Academic Leave Fall '24, Spring '25)
Requirements
Introductory Courses (16 credits)
Introduction to departmental requirements, relevant university resources, careers in social sciences and history, skill expectations, and portfolio development; assessment of current knowledge.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sustainability Sci and Society, Social Sciences, Anthropology, History
Introduction to key public policy and public management concepts and issues.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
This introductory course will explore questions by examining the physical, social, and spatial systems that influence how and where we live, work, and play in the ever-changing industrial and post-industrial city.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
An introduction to economics. The microeconomics portion covers consumer choice, the firm, value and price theory, and distribution theory. The macroeconomics portion covers national income analysis, fiscal policy, money and monetary policy, the commercial banking system, and the Federal Reserve System.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1020 or MA 1030 or MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1135(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Social Institutions (Choose one of the following)
Introduction to the field of cultural anthropology with a focus on human diversity, patterns of culture and human organization, globalization, and social change.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
This course introduces students to concepts, problems, and case studies that make up the study of human geography: the spatial differentiation and organization of human activity, environmental sustainability, and the role of space and place in our everyday lives.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Introduces students to the way that sociologists think about different components of society. Topics include the family, religion, markets, organizations, political systems, and educational systems. Also covers the source of individual values, beliefs, and attitudes.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Intro to Government, Law, and Politics (Choose one of the following)
Outlines the principles and logic of American Government and politics and explores contemporary issues in national and state government.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Examining the civil and criminal justice system to explain how law informs yet is shaped by political, economic, and social forces. This course covers issues such as individual rights, the jury system, tort law, legal reform movements and constitutional interpretation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Policy and Community Development (21 credits)
A critical assessment of social and cultural processes associated with group-based or categorical patterns of inequality. Examines the creation, persistence, and attempts at reduction of structured inequality based on categorical factors such as social class, race, ethnicity, and gender. May explore other significant sources of social inequality.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Advanced anthropology course that focuses on cultural, social structural, historical, and environmental analyses of sustainable development. Students engage with relevant social theory and practical applications in sustainable development case studies.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Policy and Governance Electives (Choose two of the following)
This course offers a general introduction to American foreign policy formulation and execution. It considers how US foreign policy institutions function to address current foreign policy challenges. The goal of this course is to provide students with the tools for understanding America's place in the world and its foreign relations.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
An introduction to the field and study of International Relations (IR). This course will cover major IR theories and current topics in global politics including: globalization, terrorism, human rights, and environmentalism.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Key public policy and public management concepts are introduced and applied to the student's field of interest.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
A broad survey of how environmental policy making actually works in the U.S. Covers both environmental policy processes and politics, and the major environmental policies themselves for control of air pollution, water pollution, hazardous wastes, and other major environmental problems.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Explores criminal and social justice policies including policing and control of crimes involving violence, drugs, sexual offenses, and terrorism. Sentencing, effects of mass incarceration, and inequalities based on race and class will also be examined in student writing and debate.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course provides an overview of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and how it is being implemented with particular consideration for interaction with government and the non-profit sector.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course examines the policies and technologies affecting the production, transportation, and use of energy. It focuses on U.S. domestic energy policy and places it in the context of the global energy system. The course aims at providing a holistic view of energy systems connecting technological options with societal and environmental concerns.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
A sustainable and systematic approach and critique to tourism planning and development. Students assess issues of inequity, exploitation, and environmental impacts in tourism planning, modes of redress and resistance, and develop solutions in hypothetical and applied scenarios.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-2-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): (SS 2450 or SS 2100 or SS 2400 or SS 2700) and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Community Development Electives (Choose one of the following)
Compares the embedded nature of culturally defined food production and consumption habits: the crux of nature meeting and mixing with culture. The course features classic food system scholarship as well as emerging topics and contemporary case studies.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Landscape is a lens through which scholars study people, environment, and place. The concept transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students will read and discuss different approaches to landscape, with special focus upon anthropological, geographic, and historical perspectives.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course investigates relationships between the world's population, population change, population distribution, resource consumption, and environmental, health, and social consequences. Addresses local and global relationships and the population processes (mortality, fertility, and migration) involved.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
An exploration of the social, cultural, political, and economic history of Detroit from the era before European contact through the present. The course will combine lectures, discussion, activities, examinations and an analytical essay in order to investigate the history of Detroit from a variety of perspectives.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course examines economic, environmental, and social problems associated with deindustrialization in postwar North American cities and the strategies adopted to ameliorate them. Major topics include segregation and housing, environmental regulation, environmental justice, industrial heritage, and economic and urban development policy.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Introduces advanced students to scholarly literature on industrial communities and its methods through reading and discussion of selected articles and case studies. Students will acquire skills in oral history, archival, field, and community-based research.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Covers the geographies of ethnic identity and nationalism, national identity and territory, borderlands and diasporas, national separatism and the variety of ways in which cultural difference asserts itself.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Justice Electives (Choose one of the following)
This course provides a social science overview of issues of race, inequality, and social justice in America. Topics will include the idea of race and the history of race relations, understandings of the economic, political, and cultural causes and consequences of racial inequality, and the study of social movements to address racial inequality.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
Exploration of contemporary Native American and Indigenous communities worldwide, using a cross-cultural and comparative approach, with some historical context. Topics examined include the legacy of settler colonialism, issues facing Indigenous communities today, and Indigenous renewal and resistance, with emphasis on Native North America.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course explores from an anthropological perspective themes concerned with the increasing interconnectedness of world cultures and economies after 1400. Focusing on Western expansion and the establishment of global networks in the Modern Era and tracing the social, political, and economic interactions that have shaped our contemporary world.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course examines the diverse, but interconnected, cultures of Latin America. The class will examine the sources and patterns of particular cultural traditions, while at the same time understanding the trajectory of social, political, and economic transformations throughout the region.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Connects topics from human, physical, and environmental geography to relevant work in science fiction and fantasy, how popular culture shapes understandings of nature and place, and how geography is used in media to exert and challenge power.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Seminar focused on the rights and liberties guaranteed by US Constitutional amendments. Students learn constitutional theory and interpretation on topics of privacy, speech, media, religion, criminal justice, and gender/ethnic equality. Constitutional Law I is not required.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Explores criminal and social justice policies including policing and control of crimes involving violence, drugs, sexual offenses, and terrorism. Sentencing, effects of mass incarceration, and inequalities based on race and class will also be examined in student writing and debate.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Examines the relationship between science, technology, society, and the environment. Topics may include effects of technologies such as computers, biotechnology, and chemicals on society and nature, science and technology policy, and the history of technology and its global consequences.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course focuses on the histories, theories, and practices of environmental justice in local, national, and global contexts. Topics to be explored include environmental racism, industrial facility siting, sustainable development, as well as food, energy, and climate justice.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course focuses on concepts that are fundamental to energy policy: energy security and energy justice. It introduces students to the three main views of energy security (supply, demand, and energy services). In addition, the course provides a critical perspective of evaluating energy decision-making through the lenses of justice.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This course reviews the history and evolution of the construct of race as a psychological and historical construct. The course will emphasize a theoretical and conceptual approach toward understanding the foundations of racialized world views. The historical and contemporary implications for policy and practice are considered.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 2000 and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Interrelations of gender and culture, including comparative analysis of constructions of gender. May examine different societies and/or different historical periods.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Economics Electives (Choose one of the following)
The circular economy is an emerging cross disciplinary field of study that maps a transition from current linear and unsustainable practices, role of consumers, policy, business models, bioeconomy, design, innovation and technological accelerators.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Analysis of the determinants of the level of output, employment, prices, and economic growth with an emphasis on fiscal policy and monetary policy.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 and (MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1121 or MA 1161) and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Studies economic decision-making for actions occurring over time. Covers decision tools for comparing alternatives, public project evaluation, risk and uncertainty, mutually exclusive decisions, multiple objective decisions, interest rate calculations, cash flow analysis, depreciation and taxes, cost of capital, capital budgeting.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Engineering Management, Marketing, Management, Management Information Systems, Accounting, Finance; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Economic analysis of how democratic governments generate revenue (primarily taxation) and make expenditure decisions and how such decisions impact the welfare of individuals. Topics include market failures, voting processes, income redistribution programs, efficiency and incidence of taxation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Studies the economics of nonrenewable resources (energy and minerals) and renewable resources (water, fisheries, forests and species). Discusses the economics of land use change, macroeconomic topics such as economic growth, sustainability and green accounting.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (EC 2001 or EC 3002 or FW 4080) and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Economic analysis of labor markets and human resources. Topics include the supply and demand for labor, wage determination, human capital theory, returns to education and training, causes of wage differentials, and economic effects of discrimination.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Social Analytics (16 credits)
**NOTE: SS 3625 Policy and Decision-Making Analysis, a new required course, is scheduled to be available in the Spring of 2023. Check back later in the Fall of 2022 for the course listing. Please consult with your academic advisor for course details.
Students are introduced to various social science research methods and design. Covers scientific reasoning, developing questions, sampling, ethics, and quantitative and qualitative data collection using experiments, content analysis, survey, interview, oral history, statistics, GIS, comparative analysis, and archaeology.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Introduction to geospatial sciences and technologies that are widely used for mapping and analyzing geographic patterns of human activities. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection, spatial data editing, georeferencing, spatial analysis, cartography, and spatial problem solving.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years, Spring, in even years
This course provides students with a working knowledge of how public policy decisions are made, the policy analysis tools that support decisions, and practice applying the knowledge to conduct a policy analysis project.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): SS 2620(C) and SS 2001(C) and (PSY 2720(C) or MA 2720(C) or SS 2720(C))
Statistics (Choose one of the following)
**NOTE: SS 2720 Statistics for the Social Sciences, is scheduled to be available in the Spring of 2023. Check back later in the Fall of 2022 for the course listing. Please consult with your academic advisor for course details.
Introduces students to quantitative analysis of social phenomena. Emphasizes understanding and proper interpretation of graphs; data quality; measures of central tendency, dispersion, and association; the concept of statistical significance; and interpretation of basic OLS regression. Introduces statistical software.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Sciences & Arts, College of Business
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1020(C) or MA 1030(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
An understanding of statistical concepts and ability to conduct statistical analyses (using both hand calculation and SPSS) as used in Social and Behavioral Sciences research. Topics include descriptive statistics, correlation, and inferential statistics through ANOVA.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Factors
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C)
Introduction to the design and analysis of statistical studies. Topics include methods of data collection, descriptive and graphical methods, probability, statistical inference on means, regression and correlation, and ANOVA.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mathematics
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1020 or MA 1030 or MA 1120 or MA 1032 or MA 1031 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Research Methods (Choose one of the following)
A general introduction to survey methods. Students will learn the basics of survey design from questionnaire construction to the measurement of complex social science concepts. Students will also demonstrate their ability to conduct an original survey through a class project.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Covers applied methods used in conducting empirical research in the social sciences. Topics include research design, hypothesis testing, measurement of concepts, and computer-based data analysis. Assumes familiarity with Social Sciences concepts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): SS 2720 or PSY 2720 or MA 2720 or BUS 2100
Advanced application of Geographic Information Systems in social sciences as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection, advanced spatial analysis, and scripting.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): (SS 2050 or FW 3540 or GE 3250 or GE 4540 or SU 3540 or SU 4010 or SU 4012) and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Field-based course that surveys basic concepts of ethnography and applies them in a class research project. Provides practical experience in field observation, interviews, field notes, and write-up of research.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
An introduction to the principles and methods of epidemiology to understand the distribution and determinants of health in a population. Topics include basic epidemiological statistics, study design, and sources/impact of bias and error.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Project-based course enabling students to identify statistical methods and analysis using R and SAS. Topics include exploratory data analysis, classical statistical tests, sample size and power considerations, correlation, regression,and design experiments using advanced programming techniques.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715
Introduces techniques and procedures to estimate and test economic and financial relationships developed in business, economics, social and physical sciences.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (EC 2001 or EC 3002 or EC 3003) and (BUS 2100 or MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710) and (MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121)
Introduction to experimental design, general research methodology, computer analysis and interpretation of data. Emphasizes issues and methods involved in psychological research. Topics include experimental design and validity, choosing appropriate data analysis techniques, statistical analysis, and APA writing style.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Psychology, Human Factors; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PSY 2000 or HF 2000) and (MA 2720 or PSY 2720)
Professional Communications (6 credits)
**NOTE: SS 4040 Civic Communications, a new required course, is tentatively scheduled to be available in the Spring of 2023. Check back later in the Fall of 2022 for the course listing. Please consult with your academic advisor for course details.
This applied course gives students practice producing professional communications for policymakers, community leaders, and other decision-makers - translating research for decision-making by writing policy briefs, creating infographics, visualizing data in charts, tables, and other graphics, and giving professional presentations to the public.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): SS 2001 and UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Communications Electives (Choose one of the following)
Introduces the fundamentals of public speaking and multimedia applications. Emphasis on speaking/listening competencies in face-to-face and digital environments using online and digital tools.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Examines practices and issues of relational communication and encourages critical awareness of common assumptions. Topics include computer-mediated communication, communicating with machine verbal and nonverbal cues, conflict models, friendship, intimacy, and the interpersonal significance of race, gender, class, and disability.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
A study of written and oral communication in technical and scientific environments; emphasizes audience, writing processes, genres of scientific and technical discourse, visual communication, collaboration, professional responsibility, clear and correct expression. Students write and revise several documents and give oral report(s).
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
This experiential learning course engages students in the theory and practice of community journalism through immersive participation in the Michigan Tech Lode alongside the study of best practices in journalistic process and craft.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Introduces writing, research, and editing that contribute to a public understanding of science. Possible topics: health, environment, medicine, public policy.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Introduces fundamentals of grant proposal writing and research. Possible topics: writing for nonprofits, grant writing in various disciplines, researching funding resources.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Examines the sources of creativity and the ways that it has been used to change cultural values, feelings, beliefs, and practices. A project-based course that cultivates and applies creative action toward cultural change.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Examines models for communicating risks associated with environmental, safety, and health hazards. Considers the diverse roles assumed by the public under each of these models and means of ensuring that risks are communicated fairly, honestly, and accurately.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Leadership (6 credits)
**NOTE: SS 3730 Advocacy, Organizing & Conflict Resolution, a new required course, is scheduled to be available in the Spring of 2023. Check back later in the Fall of 2022 for the course listing. Please consult with your academic advisor for course details.
Teams and Leadership Electives (Choose one of the following)
Introduction to the use and application of psychology in the workplace. Focus is on the development of employees and the management of work groups and organizations.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 2000 or HF 2000
How can we make better decisions? Using examples from medicine, politics, law, business, and daily life, we review "descriptive" (psychological), "normative" (rational), and "prescriptive" (decision-engineering) theory. Topics include judgment, cognition, emotion, risk, uncertainty, heuristics, biases, and applications.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 2000 or HF 2000
Develops individual and group problem-solving skills using active, hands-on learning. Emphasizes problem identification and problem solution under conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty. Stresses creativity, interpersonal skills and skill assessment, communication, group process and teamwork, and action planning.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Covers concepts of human relations and organizational behavior through the study of people's behavior at work. Develop understanding, attitudes, and skills leading to increased personal effectiveness.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Assesses students' current knowledge, abilities and values relevant to leadership and guides students in developing and implementing plans for new leadership abilities.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Practice and Experience (4-10 credits)
A rural sociology course analyzing the sustainability of rural communities (socially, environmentally, economically, and culturally). The course involves participatory research conducted together with a local community organization. Students practice research skills while making a difference in improving community life.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Assessment of learning and preparation for post-graduate work, professional training, or graduate school.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sustainability Sci and Society, History, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Policy & Community Development; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Research Practice Electives (Choose one of the following)
**NOTE: You can also meet this elective by successfully completing an Undergraduate Research Internship Program (URIP) or a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). Please consult your advisor for details.
**NOTE: ENT 4900/10 requires consent of your academic advisor and depends on your project.
An undergraduate research experience for students to work with a faculty mentor to undertake research, creative work, or community-based project. The student typically signs up for 1-3 credits per semester. Requires GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
Second course in psychological research methodology and statistics, both experimental and non-experimental. Students design, execute, interpret, and report psychological research.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Psychology, Human Factors; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PSY 2000 or HF 2000) and PSY 3000
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world projects or problems of significance to industry, government and communities. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives and planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading teams to accomplish project goals. This course is for students who are not participating in Enterprise to fulfill their capstone requirements.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world projects or problems of significance to industry, government and communities. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives and planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading teams to accomplish project goals. This course is for students who are not participating in Enterprise to fulfill their capstone requirements.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Experiential Learning Electives (Choose one of the following)
**NOTE: ENT 2950/2960, 3950/3960, and 4900/10 requires consent of your academic advisor and depends on your project.
Internship, on or off campus, providing appropriate practical, professional experience in an area related directly to a student's course of study. Students work under professional supervision. Requires a written evaluation of the work.
- Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: Permission of department required
Students participate in a colloquium in Washington D.C., offered as part of an academic internship program, that includes a range of prominent speakers, information interviews, and a capstone reflection. This course will have a program fee attached that is equal to the room and board fee charged by the Washington Center.
- Credits: variable to 3.0
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: Permission of department required
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems. Second-year students are responsible for achieving some prescribed objectives, as defined by their Enterprise team.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems. Second- year students are responsible for achieving some prescribed objectives, as defined by their Enterprise team.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems. Third-year students will practice designing approaches to solve problems and develop procedures to achieve specified project objectives.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems. Third-year students practice designing approaches to solve problems and develop procedures to achieve specified project objectives.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world projects or problems of significance to industry, government and communities. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives and planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading teams to accomplish project goals. This course is for students who are not participating in Enterprise to fulfill their capstone requirements.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world projects or problems of significance to industry, government and communities. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives and planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading teams to accomplish project goals. This course is for students who are not participating in Enterprise to fulfill their capstone requirements.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior