A summary of the classes which I have taken during the course of my education:
Graduate School (SLU):
IF 575 Contemporary Issues in Informatics (3)
This course will be focused on contemporary issues in informatics. Students will use cases, recent scholarly and popular press media to explore some of the issues at the forefront of informatics, such as ethics, data privacy, analytics, and visualization. This course will be designed as a way to spark advanced discussion on the topic of informatics, allowing students to go more in depth into contemporary application of informatics. This course will occur in three phases. Phase 1 of the course will involve interaction inside of the virtual classroom to stimulate discussion. Phase 2 of the course will involve ongoing reflection and discussion in the virtual classroom, resulting in a reflection paper that focuses more in-depth on one of the topics covered in the course.
IF 525 Project Management (3)
This course introduces students to the processes involved with managing a corporate level project from its beginning through implementation and ongoing maintenance. The course will cover current project management methodologies and processes, which include plan assessment, strategy formulation, implementation, quality control, and administration. In addition, the student will develop and review project plans for a corporate level project. The goal of the class is for the student to be able to understand and communicate the basics of managing projects, as well as the competitive advantage these projects bring within the business and industry.
IF 500 Informatics Foundations (3)
A multidisciplinary introduction to the informatics principles that support knowledge discovery and dissemination – the ways data are collected, organized, analyzed, represented, managed and communicated. Selected topics include basic information representation, processing and analysis, organizational informatics, current applications and trends in informatics, legal issues in informatics, the roles and responsibilities of informatics professionals, and informatics impact on the evolution of society.
IF 505 Programming & Problem Solving (3)
A survey of the computer programming concepts used to solve problems within the study of informatics. The course will emphasize logical problem analysis, program development techniques, data organization and user interface concepts used to develop informatics applications.
Bachelor's Degree (SLU):
Computer Science
CST 130 Information Systems and Technology (3)
This course introduces how information systems and computer technology interrelate to collect, manipulate, and disseminate data and information within the context of business and industry. Students examine the main concepts of computer hardware and software, the survey of methodologies employed by business firms to harness the power of information technology for strategic purposes, the fundamental information systems design and development processes, and the impact of information systems on the individual, organization, and society.
CST 140 Programming Logic and Design (3)
This course will prepare students for analysis and application of logic techniques used in structured computer programming. The course covers a range of topics including data representation, data validation, array processing, comparing and branching conditions, structures, file processing, and interactive logic. Pseudocode and hierarchy charts will be used to help students understand and express structured logic.
CST 315 Social, Professional and Ethical Issues in Computing (3)
This course provides a survey of the impact that computers and information technology has on society. It examines the roles and responsibilities that computer and information technology professionals have in directing current and emerging technologies.
CST 320 Principles of Event Driven Programming (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in CST 140. This course introduces the necessary skills and methodologies needed to program in an event driven programming language. Students learn about properties, methods, and events as they relate to an object and its interface. Students will design, develop, and code GUI based applications that solve computer information technology based business problems.
CST 330 Concepts of Database Analysis and Design (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in CST 270 or 295 and CST 160, 310 or 320. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database analysis, design, and implementation with emphasis on the relational model. The course will cover databases used in today's networked client-serve applications. Topics include ANSI SQL, data normalization, tables, queries, reports, forms, security, replication, data layout, and backup/recovery.
CST 360 Networking and Telecommunications I (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in CST 140. This course introduces students to computer networks and telecommunications for today's computer information technology professional. The course will cover basic network terminology, the different types of networks, and the components that comprise a network. Specific topics include the OSI model, network protocols, network operating systems, network hardware, and network topologies. Additionally, this course will examine telecommunications and the role it plays in information exchange.
Organizational Studies
PST 485 Portfolio Pro Seminar (1) Prerequisite: Senior status; this course is taken the last semester in the senior year of the major. A seminar course in which each student assembles and presents a degree program portfolio. The portfolio will consist of designated course projects that were completed throughout your degree program. The seminar will allow students to reflect on personal and professional development and create a formal display of knowledge and skills. The student is evaluated on the format of the portfolio and participation in the seminar. A pass/no pass grade will be given upon completion of the portfolio seminar.
OSTD 480 Organizational Theory & Practice (3)
Prerequisites: ENGL 190, CMMK 121, CST 295, OSTD 300, OSTD 320 or 330, OSTD 410, PST 320, PST 340 or PSYK 425, Senior Status. An overview of how organizations work including theory, research, and application. Students will gain a deeper understanding of organizational structure, culture, communication, and strategic planning processes within the internal and external environment. Current trends will also be discussed. Students will complete cases and engage in experiential exercises to facilitate critical thinking and the application of course content to organizational settings. The final course project will integrate knowledge and skills in the area of organizational theory with systematic problem solving skills to assess and diagnose an organizational problem. This course is the Capstone Course for the OS Major.
PSYK 477 Occupational Health and Stress (3)
Prerequisites: PSYK 101 and CST 295. This course focuses on issues involved in the development and maintenance of a healthy workforce, with an emphasis on physical, mental, and emotional health. Some of the topics to be addressed include: occupational stress and stress management, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and its role in workplace health, the interplay between employee well-being and organizational effectiveness, and the use of Employee Assistance Programs in organizations. The course will also provide students with specific tools, strategies, and techniques for managing stress and evaluating the health of their organization.
OSTD 410 Concepts and Theories of Leadership (3)
Prerequisites: OSTD 300 and Senior Status within the OS major. Promotes leadership development through the study of leadership theory and concepts and encourages the practical application of leadership at all levels. It includes analysis of historical approaches to leadership and focuses on influential contemporary leadership perspectives such as Servant Leadership, Situational Leadership, Transformational Leadership, and Principle-Centered Leadership. Through an examination of leadership theory and research, self-assessments and reflection, and application to the work environment, students will create a personal leadership development plan.
OSTD 300 Organizational Foundations (3)
Prerequisites: CMMK 121, CST 295 and ENGL 190. An introduction to the Organizational Studies (OS) and the Organizational Leadership & Technology (OLT) majors. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their major area of study. Students will learn more about OS and OLT, including the history behind organizational behavior as an area of study. Students will also gain a context in which to conceptualize the major, using an open systems framework. Students will become more familiar with library resources, references and writing, and presentation skills needed for successful completion of the courses in the OS and OLT majors. The course will be taught using lecture, discussion, and experiential exercises and will promote the synthesis of knowledge across the OS and OLT curricula.
OSTD 320 Interpersonal Relations in Organizations (3)
Prerequisites: OSTD 300. An examination of the knowledge and skill necessary to perform effectively in professional relations. Students will gain a deeper understanding of interpersonal relationships in organizations framed in ethical contexts related to perception, impression management, managing diversity, self disclosure, coaching, conflict management, influence, power, and politics. Students will complete self-assessments and engage in skill-building activities to learn how to effectively manage relationships within organizations while using Communication Improvement Plans.
PST 310 Accounting Concepts for Professionals (3)
Prerequisites: OSTD 300. An introduction to major concepts in the areas of financial and managerial accounting. Students will gain a deeper understanding of financial statements, accounting mechanics, accrual accounting, financial planning, variance analysis, internal controls and financial analysis. The final course project will require students to utilize knowledge and skills in the area of financial and managerial accounting to manage the financial data of a fictional organization.
PST 320 Human Resources in Organizations (3)
Prerequisites: OSTD 300 and junior status. An examination of human resource management functions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the legal environment and equal employment opportunities; job design and analysis; recruiting, orientation, and training; performance appraisal; compensation systems; labor relations; collective bargaining and grievance processes; and health and safety in the workplace. The final course project will require students to conduct in-depth research in the area of human resource management (HRM) and apply HRM theory and research to a not-for-profit organization.
PSYK 425 Motivation and Self-Management (3)
Prerequisites: PSYK 101 and CST 295. This course provides an overview of motivation and self-management as it specifically relates to employees in the workplace. Some of the topics to be addressed include: basic theories of employee motivation, rewards and punishments, motivational triggers, emotional intelligence, time management. The course will also emphasize specific strategies, tools, and techniques to assist students in evaluating and improving the way in which they interface with their work environments.
General Education
PST 100 Learning Strategies, Processes and Resources (3)
The purpose of this class is to explore personal and environmental factors associated with academic success. Students will use a variety of resources that will enable them to be more self-directed, effective, efficient learners.
BIOL 293 Diversity and Health Disparities (3)
ARTH 100 Approaching the Arts: Visually (3)
Presents an introduction to the world of the visual arts with the goal of developing an understanding of important themes, functions, media, and visual characteristics found in art. Acquaints beginning students with fundamental principles of artistic design to further aesthetic enjoyment of works of art using examples of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other media from the major periods of art history. Students will experience and learn about art both in class and in person in museums and galleries.
HIST 111 Origins of Modern World to 1600 (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 190. This course surveys the history of the modern world to the seventeenth century, focusing upon the early civilizations of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Students will study selected political, social, economic and intellectual issues, and also be introduced to traditions and religious belief systems that are practiced and shared among societies and that have inspired world societies. Students will participate in small group discussions, present an analysis of a primary source document, write a short summary and evaluation of one biography, article or monograph, and complete two essay examinations. This course will prepare students for Origins of the Modern World, 1600 to the Present and for upper division history courses, and will provide necessary information for studies in other disciplines, such as literature, philosophy, theology, fine arts, and the social sciences.
PHIL 105 Intro to Philosophy: Self and Reality (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 150. This course will focus primarily on the writings of Plato and Aristotle as central figures in that historical period when Western humanity began to use and to develop reason systematically as an instrument for understanding the world and its place in that world. Students will be introduced to the Greek contributions to logic, metaphysics, and ethics.
THEO 100 Theological Foundations (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 150. This course seeks to educate students from all the undergraduate programs in a critical discourse with human experience, biblical origins, historical foundations, and historical developments of the Christian tradition. It provides opportunity for human enrichment through creative questioning, awareness of Christian cultures, access to other cultural and religious contexts through comparative study, and a balanced appreciation of Christianity as a vital element in our global heritage. Students will be introduced to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures with an emphasis on important texts and theological issues. Students will explore how historical and literary criticism help in understanding fundamental theological concepts such as God, revelation, faith, creation, covenant, and salvation history. In post-biblical developments students will study the early experience of Christians, especially as they learned to articulate their faith in Christ and thereby developed their understanding of the triune God. The manner in which these and other theological developments are taught varies according to the method and strengths of the instructor. Students will be challenged to acquire the targeted skills of reading, writing and speaking theologically. They will also be encouraged to consider how critical, careful and creative theological questioning can deepen their understanding of the human condition.
MATH 120 College Algebra (3)
Prerequisites: MATH 114 or Math Assessment. Polynomials; rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; conic sections; systems of equations; and inequalities. Students will be required to purchase a graphics calculator.
POLS 110 American Politics (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 150. This course introduces the student to the basic principles of American systems of government, exploring relations of citizens to government and the structure, organization, powers and procedures of government agencies. Political decisions affect our everyday lives, so this course will explore how these decisions are made. Topics to be covered include elections, voting behavior, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, public policy, and current events.
CST 295 Principles of Data Analysis (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MATH 120. This course examines the concepts, techniques and methods used in the description and analysis of data and in statistical inference. Topics presented in this course are directed towards the analysis of experimental and survey data. Data analysis software will be used as a tool to collect, organize and process data.
PHIL 205 Ethics (3)
Prerequisite: PHIL 105. This course undertakes a systematic analysis of fundamental problems and issues involved in questioning whether and how moral discourse can be rationally grounded; the utilitarian-duty ethics debate; questions concerning different levels of moral discourse; competing notions of justice and the relationship between morality and religion.
PST 190 Survey of Economics (3)
Analysis of how individuals, firms and nations make choices given limited resources. Determinants of decision making in market economies. The political economy of income, employment, and inflation in the aggregate. The role of government and the Federal Reserve.
ENGL 400 Business and Professional Writing (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 190. This course is an introduction to principles of effective writing in business, science, and other professions through letters, memos and reports. In this course, students will investigate different kinds of and occasions for business and professional writing. Students will learn to effectively communicate by knowing their audience, understanding their subject matter and by expressing themselves with clarity and distinction. Each student will explore the role writing plays in their professional career. Students will consider problems and solutions that can and will arise from their writing in their professional life. Writing in class will be public writing, meaning; it will be shared and discussed with the entire class. These in class editing sessions will require full class participation and interaction.
Associate's Degree (Southwestern Illinois College):
General Education
Process of Composition
ENG 101 - Advanced Strategies in Rhetoric and Research
Contemporary Multicultural American Literature
Intermediate Algebra
Engineering Math
Health
PHYS 151 - Physics I
Physics I - Laboratory
CAD & Design
CAD 120 - Introduction to CADCAD 201 - Architectural Drafting (Architectural Desktop)
CAD 204 - Manufacturing Drawing
CAD 206 - Electrical
CAD 230 - 3D Drafting and Animation
CAD 208 - Piping and Instrumentation (P&ID)
GE 251 - Surveying
CAD 203 - Civil Drafting (Microstation)
Internship
McKendree College/University:
Introduction to Christianity
Psychology
Accounting
Writing
Literature
History
