General Studies

The College offers not only departmental or single-discipline courses but also a variety of interdisciplinary courses which may not fall into the classical disciplines.

Academic Enrichment (AAE)

AAE 097.	Transitions Program/Academic Enrichment
	1 credit
	Permission
Designed to encourage self-confidence and determination, this course provides students with the skills that can aid in the successful transition from high school to college-level work. The class addresses both the academic and behavioral skills necessary to succeed and provides students with a number of self-assessment tools for use throughout their time at Alma. Does not count toward the credits required for graduation. Pass/fail only.

First-Year Preterm Seminars (PTS)

Open to new students, these one-credit seminars are given during Preterm Orientation.

First Year Studies (FYS)

FYS 180.	Interdisciplinary Seminar I
	2 credits

A two-semester seminar sequence focusing on the interdisciplinary nature of important and timely social, scientific and cultural issues. First semester focuses on the description and analysis of an important and timely issue while the second semester emphasizes individual and/or team research projects based on their first semester experience. Priority enrollment for first-year students. Note: Students are expected to take both semesters of this linked sequence.
FYS 181.	Interdisciplinary Seminar II
	2 credits

A two-semester seminar sequence focusing on the interdisciplinary nature of important and timely social, scientific and cultural issues. First semester focuses on the description and analysis of an important and timely issue while the second semester emphasizes individual and/or team research projects based on their first semester experience. Priority enrollment for first-year students. Note: Students are expected to take both semesters of this linked sequence.

Foreign Service (FOR)

Advisor: Dr. Hulme.

The interdepartmental major in Foreign Service prepares students for careers in the State Department or for graduate work in international relations, geographic area studies and foreign service. Requirements should be discussed with the advisor since they change as departments change their course offerings; most of the courses are in economics, history and political science.

FOR *440.	Seminar
	4 credits
	Permission
Integration and application of work taken in various required courses. Problems considered will be determined by the international climate at the time the course is given.
FOR *500.	Senior Thesis
	4 credits
	Permission
Individual research culminating in the preparation of a major paper. Work should be initiated during the Fall Term of the senior year.

Health Studies (HSS)

HSS 201.	Health, Medicine and Humans (NS-1)
	4 credits
	MTH 099
Topics in physiology, health and medicine including a laboratory experience which emphasizes diagnostic testing. Sample topics include circulation, respiration, digestion, reproduction and excretion.

Honors Program (HNR)

HNR 180.	First-Year Honors Seminar
	2-4 credits

Open to students accepted into the Alma College Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Program. As the foundational course in the Honors Program, the First-Year Seminar explores variable topics from a multi-disciplinary and integrative perspective while addressing essential issues of liberal education.

Humanities (HUM)

HUM 180.	Topics in Humanities
	4 credits

Courses in the humanities, such as interdisciplinary studies, which do not fit within current departmental boundaries. Topics include History of French Film (AH-4) and German Masterpieces in Translation (AH-2).

Physical Science (PSC)

PSC 101.	Basic Physical Science (NS-2)
	4 credits
	MTH 099, Placement
An introduction to the fundamental definitions and concepts of physics and chemistry which will enable those with no previous background in physical science to proceed into a regular introductory physical science course (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology).

Non-Departmental (STC)

Non-Departmental courses are offered during Spring Term along with a large number of departmental courses. An announcement of current Spring Term course offerings is issued each January. The following non-departmental courses have been offered. They do not count toward departmental majors.

STC 003.	Cross-Cultural Learning in Scotland
	4 credits	Fee TBA
	Permission
International experience emphasizes active involvement with Scottish people both at home and at work. Students will carry out a research project which takes advantage of the site.
STC 005.	Interdisciplinary Seminar in Cross-Cultural Learning
	4 credits	Fee TBA
	By Application
Cross-cultural learning experience offered in a significantly different culture. Consideration of the history, social structure, and geographic setting of the culture. Participation in community-oriented service. Location/country varies.
STC 006.	Serious Games: Simulation in the Social Sciences
	4 credits

Introduction of concepts in the social sciences and the use of simulations/games in teaching and research. The class: (1) examines the rationale for gaming and simulations; (2) participates in large-group games, small-group games and computer simulations; and (3) designs simulations/games for topics of interest.
STC 007.	Understanding Relief Efforts
	4 credits	Fee TBA
	Permission
Service learning course. Introduction to relief efforts of local and global non-profit organizations (American Red Cross, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Community Cafe and Hands to Honduras). Students perform service for local organizations, complete a service project and construct Web pages about their experiences. Journal required. Location varies.
STC 009.	The Holocaust: Causes, Legacies (AH-4)
	4 credits	Fee TBA
	Permission
Team-taught service learning course. Exploration of causes and legacies of the Holocaust. Includes restoration of a Jewish cemetery in Poland. Through interaction with members of a local Jewish community, visits to former centers of Jewish culture and tradition (Berlin, Prague, Krakow), students gain first-hand experience.
STC 012.	New Zealand Experience
	4 credits	Fee TBA
	Permission
Students spend Spring Term studying natural history, flora and fauna, economics, politics, culture and other aspects of New Zealand.
STC 013.	Dr. Faustus: Reworking the Legend (AH-2)
	4 credits

An examination of the Faustian character, as detailed in Marlowe, Goethe, Thomas Mann and in numerous other modern adaptations for book and stage.