Riverland Community College

This course is designed for students who do not plan to major in science. The primary, organizing themes of the course are centered upon learning the basic concepts and theories of life science integrated with issues of current interest and analyzing the current issues from the perspective of ethical and civic responsibility. Biological concepts and theories included in the course are the scientific method, biological molecules, cell biology, evolution, classification, genomics and genetics, ecology and environmental issues, and emerging infectious diseases.

MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)  

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This semester course requires students to read, understand, and appreciate the different periods of English literature.  The significant works of major English authors from the time of Chaucer to the present are studied.  Authors include Chaucer, Shakespeare, Donne, Milton, Swift, Pope, Blake, Wordsworth, Keats, Browning, Yeats, Joyce, Eliot, and Auden, but are not limited to just these.  Terminology associated with literary analysis will allow students the insight into the human experience through literature. Critical reading, thinking, and writing skills are emphasized. Previous course work in literature is recommended.

MNTC (Goals 6/HU and 9 EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 Lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts

This course focuses on the study of classical and modern philosophical developments and provides an introduction to the basic methods and topics of philosophy. Students study the historical dialogue of philosophical arguments in such fields as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts

This course introduces the student to fundamental ethical principles developed throughout the history of philosophy through the study of classical and modern writings. Students are encouraged and challenged to apply such principles to contemporary issues. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts

This course provides an overview of central issues in medical ethics. Students investigate the nature of ethics and ethical theories and principles before moving on to examine such topics as medical research and technological developments in medicine. The course will provide both historical and contemporary background on a number of ethical issues in the health-care field and will consider proposed answers to what we should do about the questions they raise. Course delivery may include the presentation and discussion of various ethical and health-care perspectives. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 credits - 3 lecture, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts

This course engages the student in reading and activities intended to explore some of the most fundamental philosophical issues of social justice. Topics include an inquiry into the nature of the state, duties and rights of citizens, and the proper role of the criminal justice system. Philosophical analysis will take place in order to demonstrate the underpinning assumptions and theories behind such issues approaches. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lect)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts

This course is a study of the United States national government in all of its aspects with special emphasis placed on constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This honors course is an enriched study of the United States national government in all of its aspects with special emphasis placed on constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.  This course will require students to become involved with their community and to engage in direct political action.  Honors courses emphasize independent inquiry, informed discussion, and direct application within small transformative classes which feature close working relationships with instructors. 

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course examines contemporary political issues arising in the United States.  The course will examine the origins of the issues as well as the institutional and political responses to those issues.  In doing this, the class will examine basic governmental institutions, as well as political actors in both the public and private spheres.  Additionally, the class will examine how ordinary citizens can affect national, local and private actions with regards to the issues examined.

 (3 Cr lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course is designed to focus on current issues in modern American government and politics.   Topics will include United States national government, constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.  MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (1 Cr - 1 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This honors section of Developmental Psychology is an enriched exploration of human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development.  In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.  This class will also include active interactions with members of various developmental groups.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course provides an in-depth and comprehensive discussion of how the social environment influences and is influenced by the individual.  Topics include (but are not limited to): conforming behavior, attitudes, persuasion, self-perception, aggression, prejudice, pro-social behavior and interpersonal attraction.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course focuses on the nature, dimensions, causes, and characteristics of selected social problems in modern society. The sociological perspective and critical thinking will be emphasized in examining theories, research, and programs for the prevention and reduction of social problems. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course focuses on the theory and practice of public communication including individual and group presentations.  This course emphasizes audience analysis, organization, content development including topic selection and speaking ethics.  Students will prepare and deliver a variety of both individual and group presentations and demonstrate an ability to apply research from diverse sources.  Students should expect to reduce speech apprehension and develop self-confidence in their ability to communicate in public.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 1 - Communication

This honors section of Fundamentals of Speech is an enriched study of the theory and practice of public communication including individual and group presentations.  This course emphasizes audience analysis, organization, content development including topic selection and speaking ethics.  Students will prepare and deliver a variety of both individual and group presentations and demonstrate an ability to apply research from diverse sources.  Students should expect to reduce speech apprehension and develop self-confidence in their ability to communicate in public. Honors courses emphasize independent inquiry, informed discussion, and direct application within small transformative classes and feature close working relationships with instructors.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 1 - Communication

This course will present an overview of theatre as an art, including a brief history of theatre as well as aspects of directing, acting and designing for the stage.  The study of the 20^th century art form of film will conclude the semester, focusing on American film and filming techniques from an historical perspective.  Students will have the opportunity to study the influence of film and theatre on American culture through the viewing of specific films and plays. 

MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts