1 Agricultural, Food & Environmental Systems

This pride is designed to allow academically talented students to participate in a living/learning community that focuses on the science of the entire food, fiber, and natural resource systems, including environmental, animal and plant sciences.  In addition to earning 6.5 credits toward graduation, students participate in special activities: trips to conservation and environmental sites, as well as agriculture-related production, research and industry facilities; program lunches with senior faculty members and administrators; a weekly lecture series with distinguished Penn State scientists and alumni; regular scheduled trips and activities at Shavers Creek Environmental Center; and several activities to explore the numerous educational and career possibilities in our college.  Students interact closely with the college’s internationally acclaimed faculty, who are available to discuss academic goals, career opportunities, and research projects.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.201
Schedule # 131107

Be a Master Student! –
    (Agriculture 150S.201, 2 credits, TR 9:35 - 12:25, 215 Armsby)
Introduction to Outdoor Pursuits –  
    (KINES 089.201  [GHA], 1.5 credits, W 9:00 – 6:00 PM Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center)
Rhetoric and Composition –  
    (English 015.208 [GWS], 3 credits, MTRF 2:20 - 3:50, 002 Deike)

2 American Life through Language, Literature and Film

What does it mean to be an American?  Students in this pride will discuss what being “American” means, in the broadest sense.  Literature from the United States, Spanish America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Brazil, along with contemporary U. S, Latin American, and Canadian films, will be the basis for exploring a variety of cultural traditions in North and South America.  How do literature and film create a sense of place and culture?  How do we understand the issues of language, race, ethnicity, class, and religion in relationship to “American-ness”?  These are the critical issues students will explore in this LEAP pride. 

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.202
Schedule # 131110

The Literatures of the Americas
    (Comparative Literature 005.201 [GH; IL], 3 credits, MTWR 11:10 – 12:25, 202 Osmond, plus one meeting per week to view films)
Rhetoric and Composition
    (English 15.237, 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 315 Willard) 

3 Bioethics 

This pride will consider ethical issues relating to modern research which impacts human life.  Students will examine questions of ethics in relation to biotechnology research and implementation, genetic engineering, medicine, animal and human rights.  Important philosophical approaches to ethics will form the foundation of these critical discussions.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.203
Schedule # 131113

First-Year Seminar: Introduction to Bioethics –
    (Philosophy 083S.201 [GH, FYS], 3 credits MTWRF 9:35 AM to 10:50, 169 Willard)
Rhetoric and Composition –
   (English 015.225 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 to 12:25, 202 Ferguson)

4 Business Ethics and Society 

Public credibility and communication skills are crucial to business success.  This pride will help you focus on these essential issues from the very start.  In Social and Ethical Environment of Business, you will learn about principles and practices of business ethics, including personal and corporate responsibilities to the consuming public. BA242, Social and Ethical Environment of Business, is a required “Entrance to Major” course for all Smeal College of Business majors.  Effective Speech (a required General Education course) will reinforce the principles identified in personal ethics, and give you opportunities to practice and develop your communication and leadership skills.  The integrated subject matter in this pride will help you learn to work constructively with others in both academic and professional life.

(Open to all first-year students. PSU 006 meets the first-year seminar requirement for students in The Smeal College of Business Administration)

Leap 097.204
Schedule # 131116

Social and Ethical Environment of Business –
    (Business Administration 242.201, 2 credits, TTh 11:10 - 12:25, 110 Business, M 9:35 - 10:50, 08 Business)
Business Administration First-Year Seminar –
    (PSU 006.201, 1 credit, WF 9:35 - 10:50, 08 Business)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.201 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF, 12:45 - 2:00, 105 Business)

Leap 097.205
Schedule #  131119
Social and Ethical Environment of Business –
    (Business Administration 242.202, 2 credits, TTh 11:10 - 12:25, 110 Business, M 12:45 - 2:00, 08 Business)
Business Administration First-Year Seminar –
    (PSU 006.208, 1 credit, WF 12:45 – 2:00, 08 Business)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.208 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 2:20 - 3:35, 369 Willard) 

Leap 097.206
Schedule #  131128

Social and Ethical Environment of Business –
    (Business Administration 242.203, 2 credits, TTh 11:10 - 12:25, 110 Business, M 11:10 - 12:25, 08 Business)
Business Administration First-Year Seminar –
    (PSU 006.203, 1 credit, WF 11:10 - 12:25, 08 Business)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.209[GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 - 10:50, 365 Willard)

5 Business Information Systems

Information systems applications are essential to the success of every modern business organization.  This pride will help you focus on how this technology affects business performance.  In Business Information Systems (MIS 204), you will learn about principles of information technology, develop some new skills, and learn how these technologies are transforming the practice of business in the US and globally.   CAS 100B (a required General Education course) will reinforce the principles of effective communication, and give you opportunities to practice these principles with assignments that are often linked to your MIS and First-Year seminar courses.  The PSU 006 First Year Seminar will help you learn about the different majors in business, and help you make important decisions to successfully begin your Penn State education. 

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.207
Schedule #  131134
Introduction to Business Information Systems - 
    (Management Information Systems 204.201, 3 credits, MWF 9:35 – 10:50, and by appt., 09 Business)
Business Administration First-Year Seminar
    (PSU 006.202, 1 credit, TR 9:35 – 10:50, 09 Business)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.202 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10-12:25, 121 Thomas)

Leap 097.208
Schedule #  131137
 
Introduction to Business Information Systems - 
    (Management Information Systems 204.202, 3 credits, MWF 11:10 – 12:25, and by appt., 09 Business)
Business Administration First-Year Seminar
    (PSU 006.204, 1 credit, TR 11:10 – 12:25, 09 Business)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.211 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35-10:50, 121 Thomas)

6 Education

This pride will allow students to learn about careers in education, identify and utilize campus and community resources, develop strategies to facilitate the learning process, and apply those strategies for academic success.  Classroom, support services, and administrative career possibilities for students will be introduced.  Additionally, students in this pride will discuss and write about current topics in education, and learn about effective teaching strategies and what makes a good teacher.  The pride will utilize different teaching strategies  (small and large group discussion, lecture, technology, and peer teaching).  Enrolling in this pride will fulfill the first year seminar requirement and assist students in successfully developing an academic, social, and personal foundation at Penn State.  

(This pride is limited to students enrolling in the College of Education and the Division of Undergraduate Studies.)

Leap 097.209
Schedule #  131140
Education First-year seminar –
    (Education 100S.201, 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 107 Rackley)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.235 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 105 Business)

Leap 097.210
Schedule #  131143
Education First-year seminar –  
    (Education 100S.202, 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 105 Chambers)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.234 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 319 Willard)

7 Engineering

This combination of courses allows new engineering students to complete an important design course and satisfy the General Education speech requirement. The two courses are a natural combination. Engineering Design requires the presentations of design principles in class. Effective Speech emphasizes the principles of presenting problems, solutions, and processes.   Students will apply and integrate what they learn in both courses through activities such as developing speeches about their design projects.

(For students in the college of engineering only. Engineering Design and Graphics 100 is not required of students who intend to major in Architectural Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. We suggest that students interested in the Engineering pride be eligible for Math 140, Calculus with Analytic Geometry.)

Leap 097.211
Schedule #  131146

Introduction to Engineering Design –
    (Engineering Design and Graphics 100.201, 3 credits, M 8:00 – 10:50, 307 Hammond; TR 8:00 – 10:50, 315 Hammond; WF 8:00 – 10:50, 312 Hammond)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.209 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 12:45 – 2:00, 209 Thomas)

Leap 097.212
Schedule #  131149

Introduction to Engineering Design –
    (Engineering Design and Graphics 100.203, 3 credits, M 12:45 – 3:35, 307 Hammond; TR 12:45 – 3:35, 315 Hammond; WF 12:45 – 3:35, 312 Hammond)  
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.202 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 209 Thomas)

8 Fitness for Student Lifestyles

Fitness Theory and Practice is a pride in which students will learn about the science of fitness.  This theoretical knowledge will then be put to use in a laboratory setting as students first evaluate their present fitness levels and then create and implement a personal fitness program.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.213
Schedule #  131152

Fitness Theory and Practice – 
    (Kinesiology 061S.201 [GHA], 3 credits, MWF 12:45 – 2:00, IM Building, TR 12:45 – 2:00, 010 Business)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.219 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 269 Willard)

9 Human Development in Childhood

Children change dramatically as they interact with the world.  These changes occur as a result of a complex interplay between a child’s nature (genetics) and nurture (environment).  This course will present information on all facets of development to show how a child’s development is rooted in natural selection pressures for survival and adaptation.  From this class, you will learn not only the basic fundamentals of infant and child development, but also how to apply this information to real life.  Students will reflect on childhood experiences that influenced the adults they became. This pride will be valuable for students with interests in education, psychology, and human development.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.214
Schedule #  131155

Infant & Child Development –
    (Human Development and Family Studies [GS] 229.201, 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 127S Hend-S)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.224 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10-12:25, 105 Rackley)

10 Information Sciences and Technology 

The Information Age in which we live demands informed problem solvers with a passion to change the world using inspired solutions and humanized technologies.  In addition to excellent communication skills and a strong interdisciplinary background, today’s leaders in business, government, health care, education, law enforcement, the arts, etc., must possess a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, networks, databases, telecommunications systems, wireless technology, and the Web.  The courses in this pride will show you how to assess your current knowledge in these areas and will introduce you to the resources needed to move your skills to the next level. In addition, IST 110 is a General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) selection and CAS 100B is a General Education Writing/Speaking (GWS) selection. 

(Open to all first-year students.)


Leap 097.215
Schedule #  131158
Information Sciences and Technology –
    (Information Sciences & Technology 110.201 [GS], 3 credits, MTWRF 12:45 – 2:00, 203 IST Building)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.210 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 173 Willard)

Leap 097.216
Schedule #  131161
Information Sciences and Technology –
    (Information Science & Technology 110.202 [GS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 203 IST Building)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100B.212 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 370 Willard)

11 Life Sciences

This pride will tackle the basic concepts common to all organisms, including the chemical reactions required for life to exist, the universal code of inheritance, and how this encoded genetic information is transmitted between generations.  It includes a hands-on lab experience.  Effective speech will assist in an exploration of the vast diversity of organisms, from bacteria through vertebrates.  Students will prepare oral presentations on the characteristics and diversity of one of the kingdoms of life.  This program allows students who are interested in majoring in the life sciences (including some majors in agriculture and health and human development) to complete the required introductory biology course and fulfill the General Education speech and first-year seminar requirement.  Additional activities may include meetings with faculty members in the life sciences; a tour of the Penn State Electron Microscope facility; and an off-campus trip to Stone Valley Recreation Area.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.217
Schedule #  131164
Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity – 
(Biology 110S.201 [GN], 4 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 222 Thomas; MW 2:20 – 3:35, 308 Boucke: TR 2:20 – 5:10, 108 Mueller.)

Effective Speech –
       (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.220 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 120 Thomas)

12 Mass Media

Students will learn about each area of the mass media (news media, films and advertising) by examining how the media influence students’ understanding of reality. Students will examine the relationship between the diverse groups in the United States and the mass media. Students will discuss, among other things,  how these diverse groups are portrayed in the American mass media, what images are presented by the media, how closely these images reflect reality and how they affect our perceptions. Weekly discussion groups will  inspire students to think critically and actively about issues related to the mass media and diversity.  Some discussion will be based on film.  Instructors from both courses will foster open dialogue about the  role the mass media play in our multicultural society.  This LEAP Pride will satisfy general education and first-year seminar requirements.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.218
Schedule #  131167
Mass Media and Society – 
(Communication 100S.201 [GS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 112 Thomas)

Effective Speech –
(Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.207 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 2:20 – 3:35, 111 Thomas)

13 Musical Style in Historical Contexts

This general survey of art music in western society highlights important composers and stylistic developments.  Great works of music from the middle ages through the present day are examined in the context of their times.  A brief technical summary at the beginning of the course helps students develop an understanding of musical art.   Students will not learn to read music, but they will develop a vocabulary (chords, scales, etc.) for understanding the art and craft of musical composition.  Musical styles considered will include historical eras from medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th century periods.  Popular music is often added to illustrate continuity in musical creativity. 

(Open to all first-year students)


Leap 097.219
Schedule #  131170
An Introduction to Western Music – 
(Music 005.201 [GA], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 117 Music Building I.)

Rhetoric and Composition –
(English 015.220 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 004 Deike)

14 Philosophy and Speech

This pride will critically explore issues that lie at the very foundation of all fields of study--the humanities, sciences and mathematics, social sciences, and professions.  These issues are not only central in thought, but also central in life, no matter what one's career:  What makes life meaningful?  How should I live?  What is a good life?  What is reality, and how can competing views of the place of human beings in nature be compared and assessed?  What are knowledge and truth?  What does it mean to think logically?  This pride teaches students how to think carefully about these unavoidable issues.

(Open to all first-year students)


Leap 097.220
Schedule # 131173
Basic Problems of Philosophy –
    (Philosophy 003.201 [GH], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 116 E E West)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.210 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 369 Willard)

15 Philosophy, Art and Film

This pride will critically consider the nature of arts, aesthetic experience, and art criticism through an examination of film.  What makes something a work of art?  What makes a film great?  Is beauty merely in the eye of the beholder?  How does aesthetic experience differ from ordinary daily life, and why is it important?  What does aesthetic experience teach us about ourselves and our world?  How does film differ from other media, and how does film as art differ from film as advertisement or film as nightly news?  What is the social, political, and economic significance of film?  We are awash in film and video.  How and what do they do to us?  We live in a culture of images.  This pride provides students an opportunity to understand that fact and critically assess it. 

Leap 097.221
Schedule #  131176
Philosophy, Art, and Film –
    (Philosophy 005.201 [GH], 3 credits MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 174 Willard)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.216 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 010 Business)

16 Philosophy and Media Ethics

This pride examines basic ethical and methodological issues in the media--from investigative journalism to television talk shows, from music videos to corporate reports, and from network news to Web sites.  What is objectivity? What is bias?  Is the news found or made?  Does advertising inform or manipulate?  Is there an obligation to provide truth or only to entertain?  What are the limits, if any, of a public's right to know, the confidentiality of a source, or techniques of persuasion?  Is the private ownership of modes of information a danger or strength?  This pride explores these issues that lie at the heart of all public communication.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.222
Schedule #   131179
Introduction to Ethics in Media and Journalism –
    (Philosophy 123.201 [GH], 3 credits, MTWRF 2:20 – 3:35, 222 Thomas)
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.211 [GWS], 3 credits MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 014 Life Science)

17 Photography and Writing

This pride helps students develop appreciation for art and photography while cultivating essential writing skills and fulfilling two General Education requirements.  Introduction  to Photography explores the aesthetics of photography, emphasizing twentieth century photographic vision and applications.  In English 015, you will apply the aesthetic concepts you're learning in a series of papers,  including definition, narrative, evaluation, and proposal.

(Open to all first-year students who are not majors in Visual Arts. Students may bring their own digital cameras for PHOTO 100 if they so desire. 2 to 3 Megapixel resolution is recommended. Students are NOT required to bring their own cameras. Students who do not bring a digital camera may borrow one from Media Services as needed throughout the summer. Traditional film cameras will not be used for PHOTO 100. Tripods will be available for students to use during assignments.)

(Open to all first-year students)


Leap 097.223
Schedule #  131182
Intro to Photography –
    (Photo 100.201 [GA], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 302 Patterson)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.226 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 2:20 – 3:35, 308 Willard)

18 Security and Risk Analysis

Corporations, government agencies, and other twenty-first century organizations need educated workers who have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to assure information confidentiality and integrity while assessing and mitigating risk.  Professionals in the area of security and risk analysis use a foundation in information technology and social, economic, and policy issues coupled with creative problem solving techniques to address such issues as transnational terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, risk mitigation, and security and crisis management.  The courses in the pride will provide a basic introduction to these topics.  In addition, SRA 111 is a General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) selection and CAS 100B is a General Education Writing/Speaking (GWS) selection.  

(Open to all first-year students.)

Leap 097.224
Schedule #  131185
Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis –
    (Security & Risk Analysis 111.201 [GS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 203 IST)

19 Speech and Writing

Solid communication skills are essential for success in all fields--that is why Penn State has three required courses in writing and speaking. This pride enables you to complete two of those courses in a single unified experience. Both courses will explore topics that encourage critical thinking, speaking, and writing. You will study the basic rhetorical principles of argumentation, invention, arrangement, and style. You will experience the differences between spoken and written presentations. Activities will include collaborative projects and group presentations. You will apply library and computer technology for communication and research. This combination allows you to develop a solid grounding in the writing, speaking, thinking, and research skills essential for your success at Penn State and in your career.

(Open to all first-year students)

Leap 097.225
Schedule #   131188
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.212 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 124 Thomas)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.230 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF, 9:35 – 10:50, 203 Sackett)

Leap 097.226
Schedule #   131191
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences  100A.213 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 010 Life Science)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.233 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 320 Willard)

Leap 097.227
Schedule #  131194
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.214 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 112 Thomas)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.221 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 12:45 – 2:00, 124 Thomas)

Leap 097.228
Schedule #  131197
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.215 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 120 Thomas)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.215 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 2:20 – 3:35, 107 Rackley)

Leap 097.229
Schedule #  131200
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.216 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 269 Willard)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.227 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 127 S. Henderson)

Leap 097.230
Schedule #  131221
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.217 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 271 Willard)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.217 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 2:20 – 3:35, 004 Deike)

Leap 097.231
Schedule #  131227
Effective Speech –
    (Communication Arts & Sciences 100A.218 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 271 Willard)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.218 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 111 Sackett)

20 Theatre

Aside from the joys of exploring a particular art form, acting often provides students with opportunities to explore self-expression and to practice other methods of behavior than those they employ habitually. "Living truthfully in imaginary circumstances" can help develop empathy and understanding and increase one's abilities to deal effectively and responsively in stressful situations by increasing one's powers of observation-particularly seeing and listening. Finally, acting can help students conquer their fear of public presentation.

(Open to all first-year students.)

Leap 097.232
Schedule #  131230
Fundamentals of Acting –
    (Theatre 102.201 [GA], 3 credits, MTWRF 11:10 – 12:25, 06 Arts)
Rhetoric and Composition –
    (English 015.203 [GWS], 3 credits, MTWRF 9:35 – 10:50, 234 Arts)