Take a Look at Fall 2022 Courses:

WSUA 102AB: Engineering Politics: Partisan Redistricting in American Politics, Neal Allen (Political Science)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • This class is centered on how elections are structured in the United States, with an emphasis on legislative districting and its effect on representation of majorities and minorities in America.  You will learn how geographical analysis software is used to draw districts and you will get to draw your own districts for US and Kansas elections.
  • Course Syllabus
WSUA 102AD: Plugging Into Politics, Alexandra Middlewood (Political Science)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • We will look at ideas of trust in society and government—democracy and civic volunteerism.  This class explores why political engagement has declined over time and how to increase engagement.  Class will include guest speakers and campus activities.
  • Course Syllabus
WSUA 102C: Powerful Narratives: Storytelling and Social Justice, Julie Henderson (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • This class looks at oppression told in literature, media, and the arts from Colonial times to present day.  We will look at literature and art from various Hispanic countries as part of our exploration.
WSUA 102F: Cooking Communities: Food and Culture in the Hispanic World, Rocio del Aguila (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • We analyze food and food representation as potential national symbols and their cultural meaning. Examples of the importance of Hispanic and Latino foods and culinary traditions through the years with particular attention to local communities and the impact of immigrant food. 
WSUA 102J: Fundamentals of Diversity, Chinyere Okafor (Center for Women's Studies)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • Do you want to make an impact in the global workplace? Learn how to think outside the box and engage people from different backgrounds.
  • Syllabus
WSUA 102M: History of Rock and Roll, Jeff Hayton (History)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • We will investigate the emergence and development of rock’n’roll in the Anglo-American world by examining how political, economic, social and cultural trends have informed the creation and use of popular music from its origins in the 19th-century until the present day. In particular, we will focus on how we can use popular music to investigate historical trends and developments.
WSUA 102P: Imagining Climate Change, Mary Waters (English)
 
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • We will consider how imaginative literature might help inform us about a scientific and social topic like climate change, engaging us in debate about it and promoting an ethic of climate change awareness based on critical reflection and shared responsibility.
WSUA 102Q: Criminalistic Methods: What Would Sherlock Holmes Do?, David Klamm (Forensic Science, Criminal Justice)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Through the use of the scientific method--which is often used in forensic science and criminal investigations—we will examine how to apply these elements in creative thinking and resourceful problem-solving skills. Students will also get to practice Criminology.
WSUA 102R:  Exploring WSU in Your Photos and Words, Dan Close (Communications)
 
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • You will explore much of what WSU has to offer and document your experiences using photographs and words to create an illustrated journal. This fun, creative project will be a way to tell your personal story, while learning about the helpful people, places and policies for thriving in college.
WSUA 102S: On Humor, Susan Castro (Philosophy)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • We'll philosophize all the funny out of humor, muck into the politics of the absurd, and get down to some funny business.  Is humor quintessentially human? Is your bank balance a joke? Does laughing at fart jokes demonstrate poor character?  We'll ask all these questions and more, but answer none!
WSUA 102T: This is Us, Who Are You? Family in Modern America, Amy Kalb and Breann Gilkey (School of Social Work)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • We will look at the diversity of families in America. You will be asked to think and talk about how the notion of family has played a role in your own life and formation, as well as reflect upon the literature and research regarding family and current debates and dilemmas.
WSUA 102U: Building a Sustainable Planet, Toni Jackman (Geology)
 
  • Math and Natural Sciences
  • This course aims to help you envision what it would take to “build” a sustainable planet. We’ll look at current environmental issues and controversies as well as covering several key topics in depth. You will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of people and professions involved with these topics and be exposed to a wide range of views.
WSUA 102V: Creation, the Earth, and the Future, Rannfrid Thelle (History and Religious Studies)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • This class explores the “big questions” of creation, which we will look at through sacred stories, myths, and cultural traditions.  The class explores human interaction with nature, and we will explore questions on life, death, nature, fears, and hopes.
WSUA 102W: Chemistry, Environment and the Common Good, Katie Mitchell-Koch (Chemistry)
  • Math and Natural Sciences
  • We'll examine the chemistry underlying the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle on land and in the ocean, water purification, electricity generation, and technologies combatting pollution and climate change.  Students are asked to think about how public policy and technology can be used to mitigate or exacerbate environmental problems.
WSUA 102Y: Sociology of Harry Potter, Jennifer Pearson (Sociology)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • We will consider what a sociological view of the Wizarding World can teach us about our own culture.  Exploring the role of social interactions, institutions, and inequalities in the lives of Harry and other characters provides the basis for cultivating a sociological imagination that helps us better understand our own lives and those around us.
WSUB 102D: Introverts in Society, Christopher Stone (Management)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • What does it mean to be an introvert?  We will explore what “introversion” is, how it works in our society, stereotypes, personality, and the perception of introverts in history and fiction.  If you are an introvert, partially introverted, or are friends with/related to an introvert, this is a great FYS to take. 
WSUD 102A: Superheroes Go to School, Daniel Bergman (School of Education)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Examinations common superhero attributes and narratives, specifically in school or educational settings. Projects are related to personal development and preparation for ongoing learning and growth.
  • Syllabus
WSUD 102B: Race and Ethnicity in Modern America, Aaron Rife, Elizabeth Heilman (School of Education)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • What is race or ethnicity—what do those things even mean? Why does it matter today, and why do people get so upset?  We will engage with scholarship and popular debates on race, ethnicity, racism, and ethnocentrism, all in our modern lives.  And we’ll do it with a certain amount of joy and fun, promise.
  • Syllabus
WSUD 102C: Creativity and Problem Solving, Jim Granada (School of Education)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Enroll in this FYS course to expand your use of creative thinking to solve problems and to nurture the creative being inside you. Have fun tapping your creative potential.
WSUE 102A: Introduction to Technology and Innovation, Samantha Corcoran, Hadley Perkins, Tania Jareen, Nathan Smith, Chris Rees (Engineering)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Learn the design thinking process to develop innovative and creative problem-solving skills! Students build a working prototype that addresses a specific identified need in the community, third-world country, or society at large.
  • Syllabus
WSUE 102B: Innovations of World War II, Samantha Corcoran (Engineering)
 
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • The women and men of WWII banded together to create one of the biggest innovation/invention booms of our time, but how did they pull it off? Students learn about specific inventors, top secret laboratories, learn from failed inventions, and see Wichita’s contribution to the war effort.
  • Syllabus
WSUE 102C: Community Connection: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work, Cindi Mason (Engineering)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Take part in hands-on projects to practice the design thinking process, a value-creation mindset, and teamwork skills. Work in a collaborative team, assess economic and societal impact, and participate in a formal project presentation.
WSUF 102A: Music Really Does Make You Smarter, Jeb Wallace (School of Music)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • Provides students with an opportunity to form a current music advocacy philosophy while developing leadership skills for a variety of music activities and scenarios.
WSUF 102C: Seminar in Creativity and Play: Yes, Really!!!, Ed Baker (School of Performing Arts)
 
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • This course helps you better understand and appreciate the process of Creativity and the value of Play. You will learn techniques for improving the flexibility and originality in your thinking through hands-on activities and, if you do it right, you should have fun.
WSUF 102D: Every Body is Good!, Brittany Lockard (Art, Design and Creative Industries)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities
  • In light of the fact that bodies get labelled as "good" and "bad," we will look at ideas of Capitalism, consumption, the Protestant work ethic, the idea of the body as a temple, the medical industry, diet and wellness movements, and more.  We will explore all these ideas with the premise that every body is "good"!
WSUH 102B: Leadership and Self-Discovery, Peter Cohen and Kennedy Rogers (Public Health Sciences, Office of Student Involvement)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • We will explore personal leadership and your role in your community and university. You will learn about your strengths, areas to develop, and work with others in projects to improve your immediate surroundings.
WSUN 102E: Me and My Place in the World, Carolyn Shaw (Political Science)
 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Explore your own roots and the experiences that have shaped who you are today. Engage with others who have different stories from your own and will examine how you can collaboratively make a difference locally and globally on issues that are important to you.
  • Syllabus
WSUN 102F: Facts, Opinions and Why They Both Matter, Keith Pickus (History)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • We will examine the factors that influence the formation of one's "opinions" and the ways in which "facts" can be used to support them.  You will strengthen your ability to empathize with people who hold opinions different than your own and engage in substantive, informed and respectful discussions about these differences.