# data[].attributes.body
Leah Carruth
F35
MW 1200-1250
This course will engage students in a variety of strategies to maneuver though the college experience. Adequate understanding of self in terms of personal learning styles, social adjustment skills, and how you interact with others play an important role in the university setting.

# data[].attributes.headline
Avoid the Freshman 15: The Keys to Staying Healthy in College

# data[].attributes.subject
Avoid the Freshman 15: The Keys to Staying Healthy in College

# data[].attributes.body
You-jou Hung (Physical Therapy )
F27
TR 330-420
How much do you know about your health? Are you fit? Are you eating properly? Are you training correctly? Are you maximizing your full potential? In this interactive course, students will learn about healthy diet, supplements, and the normal values of various health/fitness markers (such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, cardiopulmonary fitness, BMI, body composition/body fat, bone mineral density, cholesterol level, and muscle strength/endurance). Students will have hands on experience in testing some of those markers to assess their own health and fitness level. The instructor will further provide guidance to improve students’ health and fitness, or direct the students to proper health professionals as needed. You only have one life to live. Let’s take control and make the most of it!

# data[].attributes.headline
From Mao to Now: China's Recent Past and Present

# data[].attributes.subject
From Mao to Now: China's Recent Past and Present

# data[].attributes.body
Laurie Dickmeyer

F19
MW 1200-1250

This course will introduce students to the recent history of the People’s Republic of China (1949-present) through the discussion of current events, short readings (such as journalistic pieces and short primary sources from the time period under study), and film (such as Wilson Yip’s martial arts film Ip Man and Zhang Yimou’s dramatic film To Live). Topics will include the Chinese Civil War, the early years of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Cultural Revolution, the reforms of the 1970s and 1980s, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, China’s rise to being a world power in the early twenty-first century, and some of the major controversies of recent years. Students will also learn how to utilize important university services such as the library and the Writing Center and will learn strategies for success at college including note-taking, communicating wit h professors, and time management. Assessments will include participation/attendance, a weekly reflection journal (with entries about course content, current events, and college skills), and a short capstone paper (~2 pages) in which students utilize library databases such as Gale Virtual Reference Library.

# data[].attributes.body
Clint Havins
F31
TR 330-420
This course will use the concept of fantasy football and illustrate how it applies in an educational setting. As surprising as it may seem, fantasy football is a huge phenomenon. It seems counter intuitive due to the fact that in order to be a good player (and give yourself the best chance of winning the league), it requires thorough planning, organization, coordination, and research. Although it takes copious amounts of work and effort to be successful, it is a very fun game. That is the draw. When fantasy football is examined through an educational lens, there are many overlapping themes. In order to be successful in either endeavor, the four previously mentioned characteristics are essential. Along with those four, some others are important including, but not limited to, time management, study skills, following established rules, working with others, mapping out a road to success (graduation), and good, old fashioned work ethic (follow through). There are various ways to deliver the material and make quality connections. However, the most intriguing part is the potential to make the learning fun. This course will provide a fantastic opportunity to accomplish this goal while encouraging students to take control of their educational experience and maximize their opportunities for academic success.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to Create a Conspiracy Theory, but Not Get Fooled by One

# data[].attributes.subject
How to Create a Conspiracy Theory, but Not Get Fooled by One

# data[].attributes.body
Kevin Garrison
F50
TR 330-420
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of critical thinking by exploring conspiracy theories. We will research historical conspiracies, learn about cognitive biases, examine how media influence conspiracies, watch The Social Dilemma, write about our own experiences with conspiracies, and explore how people slip into conspiratorial thought. Understanding how people think will provide you with life-long skills to navigate your immediate world of higher education and your professional/personal relationships after you graduate.

# data[].attributes.body
Benjamin Brojakowski
F04
TR 800-850

Social media and social networking have become a common communication tool in contemporary society.  This proposed class will focus on how individuals use social media to establish, maintain, and (possibly) end interpersonal relationships using social media .  I am to teach students ways to create clear and ethical digital messages, use effective self-disclosure, improve their communication privacy management tactics, and understand the benefits and dangers of digital message storage.  These lessons may be used to create trusting relationships with others and learn to manage relational turbulence if/when that trust is violated.  I believe these skills are especially useful for incoming students as they learn to manage relationships with friends, professors, employers, co-workers, and others.  Students will use Porter Henderson Library databases to find contemporary computer-mediated communication, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication research to learn about this topic.  Students will also be required to write brief journal assignments throughout the semester.  The goal of these journal assignments is to correct research with the daily lives and common communication tactics of the students.

# data[].attributes.body
Dessie Davis
F51
MW 1200-1250
Students will explore teaching/coaching as a profession, focusing on the content area of their choice. They will learn what an average teaching’s day includes, research the TEKS for their chosen content area, and reflect on their beliefs about what it means to be a teacher.

# data[].attributes.headline
American Culture & Academic Life (For International Students Only)

# data[].attributes.subject
American Culture & Academic Life (For International Students Only)

# data[].attributes.body
Katie Jones
F54
MW 1200-1250
The purpose of this course is to increase skills and knowledge of American culture among international students and enhance their integration into the university community. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of both national and local culture. In addition, students will be introduced to campus resources and strategies that will help them to be academically successful and to enhance their study abroad experience.  The course will provide opportunities in and out of class for students to navigate a variety of social scenarios and participate in conversation practice activities, apply critical reading skills, and practice written communication.

# data[].attributes.body
Carlos Flores
F36
MW 1200-1250
This class will focus on helping students discover or more completely understand their major and career goals. Using software that identifies students’ values, aptitudes, and aspirations, students will learn what majors and careers are the best “fit,” and they will have a better understanding about the course work and education required to succeed. A great option for students unsure of their major or future career goals.

# data[].attributes.body
Edwin Cuenco
F40
TR 1100-1150
The digital painting using Adobe Photoshop is a crash course into the world of graphic design. Whether you’re a freshman or high school graduate looking for more insight into graphic design and fine arts, or just someone looking to learn something new, everyone will get something out of this deign class. Students will be challenged to develop design solutions using the elements of design while exploring the expressive potential of type and digital imaging to create dynamic, visual compositions. Through hands-on projects, collaborative learning and client-based work—students will learn the language and process for design thinking, gain foundation in visual literacy and understanding of rhythm balance, emphasis, and scale using appropriate design elements such as line, texture, grid, color, and type. In this class, everyone is encourages to express their creativity while working within the constraints of a given assignment, participate in class critiques, conduct visual research and report writing. Creativity and experimentation are highly encouraged.

# data[].attributes.headline
Navigating the University with Special Needs

# data[].attributes.subject
Navigating the University with Special Needs

# data[].attributes.body
Nicole St. Germaine
F16
TR 800-850
This course focuses on helping students with special needs get acquainted with the university. These needs might include autism, hearing or vision loss, mobility impairments, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, chronic physical health problems, mental health issues and more. Going to college is a big adjustment for any student, but it presents an additional burden for students with disabilities because they need to acclimate to a new environment while coping with special needs. This course is designed to acclimate students to the university and community services at their disposal such as services offered by Student Disability Services, as well as other campus services and amenities like advising, tutoring, career counseling, student organizations, and more. The course will also teach advocacy skills for students, most of whom are not used to having to ask for accommodations.

# data[].attributes.body
Trey Holik
F47
MW 1200-1250
Dumb Money is a colloquial term to describe retail investors, those not trained or tied directly to wall street Smart Money. Discord, Redit, Twitter, Facebook, all social media has made the insider information of wall street elites all but obsolete. This course will look at preparing students to be financially knowledgeable and responsible. We will also look at the ‘Robinhood’ effect, the fact that ‘dumb money’ has taken over wall street. Dr. Holik’s stock picks will of course be discussed as well.

# data[].attributes.body
Fred Wilson
DF1
Online
Every newspaper in the US publishes and Astrological column daily but almost none have a weekly Science column. Astrology has no effect on lives but science affects us daily in uncountable ways. Everyone needs to understand the scientific process, the role of science in human affairs, and the potential for abuse and misuse. There is a significant antiscience community out there and that position needs careful analysis, as well.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Look at “Crazy”: Myths, Misconceptions, and Movies

# data[].attributes.subject
A Look at “Crazy”: Myths, Misconceptions, and Movies

# data[].attributes.body
Drew Curtis
F45
MW 1200-1250
Movies and media nave promoted numerous myths of psychopathology. Films may inaccurately portray people with psychological disorders and “crazy” violent killers, scary people in need of isolation, or an entertaining. The goals of this class is to examine the foundations for understanding abnormal psychology and to provide a myth-busting tool kit for approaching films that portray psychopathology.

# data[].attributes.body
David Bixler
F29
MW 1200-1250
Do you like to explore the outdoors? Would you rather hike through a forest than wait in line at Disneyworld?  In this course, students will explore the U.S. national park system, learning about the sights and treasures of nature.  You will learn about the history of the national park system and the challenges if faces today.  You will work with a group of your peers to carefully examine one park that you would like to visit, and then plan a detailed and complete road trip to that national park.  The plan will include a reasonably accurate timeline, food, accommodations, budget, and any special gear requirements.  Ideally, it will be a plan for a trip that you can actually take during your time at ASU.  You will also learn about the ASU campus, attend campus events, and learn how to use the library for doing research.

# data[].attributes.headline
Art and the Earth: Method, Material, Inspiration

# data[].attributes.subject
Art and the Earth: Method, Material, Inspiration

# data[].attributes.body
Devon Stewart and Heather Lehto
F42
MW 1200-1250
Have you ever wondered where Michelangelo got the marble for his statue of David? Or what pigments the artist used to make the vibrant colors of the Sistine Chapel ceiling? The answers to these questions lay at the intersection of art and science. This course explores the close relationship between art and geology from the dawn of image-making (c 40,000 BCE) through the present day, focusing on the materials and inspiration that the Earth has provided to artists.

# data[].attributes.body
Andy Wallace
F30
MW 1200-1250
Interested in Ancient Aliens, Ghost Hunters, Monster Quest, Paranormal Activity, or Zombies? Then this course is for you.  We will emphasize the use of information literacy, oral communication, and writing to discuss and evaluate contemporary pseudoscience topics taken from advertising, cable programming, FaceBook, Twitter, and other media.

# data[].attributes.body
Mario Barrientos
F25
MW 1200-1250
This class will focus on helping students discover or more completely understand their major and career goals. Using software that identifies students’ values, aptitudes, and aspirations, students will learn what majors and careers are the best “fit,” and they will have a better understanding about the course work and education required to succeed. A great option for students unsure of their major or future career goals.

# data[].attributes.body
Nick Negovetich
F56
MW 1200-1250
Gain experience in descriptive writing and speaking by learning about the beer styles of the world. This class will review the brewing process and ingredients used in the production of beer. Availability of raw ingredients and the common brewing practices in the historic brewing centers gave rise to the distinct styles, which are a result of the combination of the ingredients and processes that generate the complex aroma, flavors, and mouthfeel. We will learn how to be accurate and precise in describing our experiences using the beer styles of the world.

# data[].attributes.body
Connie Heimann
F48
MW 1200-1250
Strategies for success in MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) have many commonalities with strategies for success in college.  Being successful in games like World of Warcraft and Everquest require good time and resource management skills as well as abilities to work well with groups, good written communication skills, and the ability to understand and follow written directions.  Coming to college brings a whole suite of challenges to freshmen, especially those who have never lived away from home.  To help ease student’s transition to becoming an autonomous, productive adult, this course will use a problem solving format to help students learn how to think through common problems, learn how to do everyday skills that they may not have before leaving home, and teach skills necessary for both navigating their new environment at Angelo State University and critical life skills that will set them on the path to being an adult.  Students in the course will create “quests” that break down required tasks for various assignments.  Class discussions will include practical information on a variety of topics including time management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, study skills, and using the resources of the university.  We will also discuss topics such as resilience and perseverance, financial health, etc.. Real time problems of the students in the course will drive some of the content of the course.  Emphasis will be on using critical thinking skills to reason out problems.

# data[].attributes.body
Ron Scott
F15
MW 1200-1250
How do we develop the beliefs that we lay claim to? How do those beliefs affect how we act and react to day-to-day decisions? This course will try to address those two questions. The ideas and concepts we will use to examine our beliefs come from Dave Gray’s book Liminal Thinking. The word liminal refers to boundaries, doors, or portals. So, liminal thinking refers to opening doors to new ways of thinking. Specifically we will examine how our beliefs are a result of our experiences, especially those experiences that we pay the closest attention to. The goal is to not only examine how we develop our beliefs but to recognize that our beliefs are constructions that need to be challenged and validated. This course will also look at “learning loops” and how beliefs influence our “actions” which produce “results” that sometimes do not meet our “needs.” By examining our beliefs we can come to a new understanding that can help us navigate times of transition and times when our actions do not give us the results we desire.

# data[].attributes.body
Jonathan Alvis
F49
TR 330-420
The Ram Band is one of the largest and most visible student organizations on the ASU campus. The Ram Band Family is a large and connected group of people from all walks of life that have contributed to the great history and tradition of this organization. While exploring the history and traditions of the Ram Band, learn multiple ways to maximize your time, utilize university resources, achieve at the highest level, and graduate on time while staying involved and helping to write the next chapter in the band’s history. Membership in the Ram Band is not required for this GS course.

# data[].attributes.body
Jason Pierce
F20
MW 12-1250
From the late 19th century to the present the Western has helped define a unique identity for Americans. Values like independence, freedom, fair play, and violence in defense of these values are exemplified in the heroes of western literature and cinema. This class proposes to use westerns from the late 19th century to the present to evaluate what it means to be an American and our place in the world. Students will wrestle with concepts of American power and evaluate if the western was, in fact, a casualty of the Vietnam War as many critics argue. We will begin with Ned Buntline’s popular graphic novels of the late 1800s and end with revisionist Westerns like “Little Big Man” and “The Unforgiven,” and perhaps even global perspectives of Americans as “cowboys.”

# data[].attributes.body
David Faught
F13
MW1200-1250
This course will focus on four things; 1) personal history (narrative as well as visual); 2) family history (helping a parent or grandparent record their personal history); 3) genealogy; 4) the resources at ASU that will help you research and write effectively and efficiently. By the time you finish the course you will have completed video presentations that incorporate pics, videos and audio narration for you and a loved one as well as a 4-generation genealogy chart. As we learn how to organize and present personal and family histories, we will explore the resources that ASU has to offer to help you succeed as a student.

# data[].attributes.body
Doyle Carter
F21
TR 330-420
Whitetail fever is a common condition affecting those who enjoy the hunting and outdoor lifestyle. Symptoms include a desire to learn more about: a) hunter ethics and safety, b) hunting tactics and technologies, and c) wildlife and habitat management practices.  At maturity, whitetail fever is characterized by a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and our natural resources.  This course exposes students to hunting and outdoor research and allows students to share their own knowledge and experience, all in an effort to become mature outdoors-men/women.

# data[].attributes.body
Adam Parker
F22
MW 12:00-12:50
We will explore on campus resources through the topic of outdoor activities and how they relate to health and wellness.

# data[].attributes.body
Sonja Varbelow

F38
MW 1200-1250

This class, you will learn about yourself and the facilities available to you at ASU.  You will begin to find ways to match your interests to a career and align your studies at ASU to match that career.  The immediate goal of this course is to gain clarity about your choice of major.

# data[].attributes.body
Michael Salisbury
F10
MW 1200-1250
The topic used to accomplish the course will be evaluating how societal views have shaped agriculture and the food industry. We will evaluate how emotion, media (social and main stream), and socio economic status impact how we make our decisions and shape our perceptions. The course will also look into the differences by region within our country and how we have differences among countries. Students will use an area of the discussion they have strong personal feeling toward to develop a summary to justify their beliefs both scientifically and socially. Everyone has views about how agriculture and society interact and each student should be able to relate to a topic.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Most Pawesome Class Ever: How to be an Animal Advocate in the Concho Valley 

# data[].attributes.subject
The Most Pawesome Class Ever: How to be an Animal Advocate in the Concho Valley 

# data[].attributes.body
Gabriela Serrano
F59
MW 12-1250
The course will teach students about local organizations dedicated to rescuing animals–organizations, such as Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, PAWS, Angelo State’s own Cat Coalition, etc.– all around the Concho Valley. We will discuss various issues related to animal advocacy within our local community, such as volunteer opportunities, learning how to contribute to adoption events, making the general public aware about the importance of altering pets, and other means of supporting local organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of animals in our community.

# data[].attributes.body
Ellada Gamreklidze
F05
MW 1200-1250
This will be a course designed for ASU’s diverse, international and multicultural student body. It will be focused on bringing together American and international students, familiarizing them with each other’s cultures, traditions and ways of life. Through the discussion of food, fashion, customs, family and other topics, the course will better prepare the freshmen to understand, accept and communicate with each other through their upcoming years as the members of Ram Fam.

# data[].attributes.headline
Career Clarity: Exploration and Development 

# data[].attributes.subject
Career Clarity: Exploration and Development 

# data[].attributes.body
Brook Dickinson

F08
MW 1200-1250

The purpose of this class is to provide tools and experiences to help students make progress in their personal career development. This is a hands on class. Students will be required to complete assessments, attend career development programs and speak to professionals in the career field of the student’s choice.

# data[].attributes.headline
Leading Social Change: Rams Who Make a Difference (MAD Rams)

# data[].attributes.subject
Leading Social Change: Rams Who Make a Difference (MAD Rams)

# data[].attributes.body
Kinsey Hansen / Gina Shipley
F09
MW1200-1250
Making A Difference (MAD): to cause change; to be important in some way. MAD Rams explores how students can engage in leadership for social change. If you want to make a difference, aspire to develop leadership competencies as vehicles for social change, or just want to be part of a group seeking a focus on kindness and humanity, this course is for you.

Through exploration of the social change model this course will dig into critical issues such as basic needs insecurity including food and housing insecurity, inter-social treatment, and other critical issues facing social justice. As a class we will research and identify critical issues of interest, collaborate on strategies for change, and participate in activities that help our friends and communities.

# data[].attributes.body
Kristi White
F18
TR 800-850
Students will focus on discovering their natural talents and developing their strengths. Once strengths are identified, ideas for action will be discussed to promote achievement throughout their life.

# data[].attributes.body
Kristen Lyons and Tamra Kelly
F28
MW 1200-1250
Perspective: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. In our ever changing world, we are constantly challenged socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to see how we interpret the information around us and how it aligns with our current impressions. Using different forms of media, students in this course will explore the meaning of perspective, identify their own viewpoint, learn to challenge their own stance, and respectfully collaborate on similarities and differences in perspective. Each week, the presented activity will challenge the students to check their perspective with the hopes of broadening and opening their point of view while at the same time solidifying their standpoint.

# data[].attributes.headline
Staying awake in the movies as Zombie Protection

# data[].attributes.subject
Staying awake in the movies as Zombie Protection

# data[].attributes.body
John Vinklarek
F43
TR 800-850
In order to have the unique vision of an interactive participate in film, one must learn the processes of visual manipulation. Such processes as editing, framing as well as visual composition are powerful tools used in film. The viewer/participant has a deeper engagement with the film presentation. The viewer is awakened to the reality of film. The greater effort needed for true film engagement awakens the view to the spectacle of film. One becomes alive with the film and sheds the zombie trappings of dead escapism found in many audiences. A summary list of film methods and styles will be covered. The student will be required to research, write, and present critical analysis of standard film examples.

# data[].attributes.body
Erica Bailey
F55
MW 1200-1250
Some days we feel like watching a comedy, and other days we’re drawn to action films or a dramatic TV show. This class will explore how our selection of media is influenced by psychological factors such as mood, emotion, and personality traits. We will also examine how our selection and interpretation of media is impacted by social situations and emerging technologies such as co-viewers, mobile devices, time shifting devices, and social media.

# data[].attributes.body
Steven Brewer
F41
MW 1200-1250
Zombies are everywhere! They have invaded movies, television, video games, and print media and it appears only a shot to the head will stop them. We seem to love these shambling, rotting, brain eating creatures. This course will explore basic neuroscience and neuroanatomy through the lighthearted (or rotting-hearted) lens of Zombies. We will watch and read zombie related media to discuss the behavioral aspects of what constitutes a zombie and relate those behaviors to actual neuroscience. The overarching goal of this course will be to focus on skills you need as a beginning college student (written communication, oral communication, and information literacy) within the context of zombies and neuroscience. The skills you develop in this course are the skills you will need in every college course.

# data[].attributes.body
Shirley Simpson
F34
MW 1200-1250
This course examines the ways in which photos serve as powerful social tools individuals and groups use and misuse for various purposes. Students will ask engaging questions about images they encounter in print and digital formats. How are photos used to enhance arguments, elicit emotion, memorialize events, spark change, sell products, and create a sense of wonder? How are they used to discredit, confront, confuse, distort, distract, and lie?

# data[].attributes.body
Benedict Sum
F58
MW 12-1250
Learn the digital drawing skills you need to effectively create logos, invitations, icons, and other print designs. Whether you’re a freshmen or high school student looking for more insight into commercial art, photography or illustration, or just someone looking to learn something new, everyone will get something out of this design class. Students will be challenged to develop design solutions using the elements of art while exploring the expressive potential of vector illustration to create dynamic, visual compositions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Art and the Earth: Method, Material, Inspiration

# data[].attributes.subject
Art and the Earth: Method, Material, Inspiration

# data[].attributes.body
Devon Stewart and Heather Lehto
F42
MW 1200-1250
Have you ever wondered where Michelangelo got the marble for his statue of David? Or what pigments the artist used to make the vibrant colors of the Sistine Chapel ceiling? The answers to these questions lay at the intersection of art and science. This course explores the close relationship between art and geology from the dawn of image-making (c 40,000 BCE) through the present day, focusing on the materials and inspiration that the Earth has provided to artists.

# data[].attributes.headline
Suddenly…The End: Reading & Writing Short Fiction & Non-Fiction

# data[].attributes.subject
Suddenly…The End: Reading & Writing Short Fiction & Non-Fiction

# data[].attributes.body
Marva Solomon
F60
MW 1200-1250
As Shakespeare said, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” In this course, we will read and write various types of very short stories and essays. Pieces will range from 6-word memoirs to 500-1000 word flash-style writing. We will discover how short fiction and nonfiction pack big meaning in tiny packages and how elements like character, setting, plot, and imagery develop when words are limited. By the end of the course, we will have an electronic portfolio of our responses and creations.