Manufacturing Degree Curriculum

This course introduces some fundamental forms of numbers used throughout all levels of math. You'll focus on each of these specific types of numbers and how to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with each. You'll also study different types of measurement units found in math, such as the English and metric measuring systems, and how to make conversions between them. You'll learn the relationship among number types and how to use them interchangeably. Finally, you'll come to understand how to use operations with these different number forms to solve real-world problems.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Solve real-world problems involving whole numbers
• Solve real-world problems involving fractions
• Solve real-world problems involving decimals
• Compare the English and metric systems of measurement
• Explain ratios, proportions, and percents
• Solve problems using basic operations, factors, multiples, powers, and roots

This Reading Skills course provides tips and techniques to make you a better reader. You can collect important information from your reading by previewing and scanning reading material. You’ll build your vocabulary by learning to recognize multiple-meaning words and find context clues. By dissecting the individual paragraphs of what you read,you can find central ideas and supporting details. You’ll study the various ways authors organize writing, such as compare/contrast, examples/explanations, chronological order, and cause/effect. You’ll learn to make inferences, draw conclusions, and identify key details in a reading. You’ll also explore the imagery used in poetry, along with the fictional elements of characterization, setting, plot, conflict, and theme.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Interpret a text by previewing and scanning
• Create effective writing
• Interpret works of fiction and poetry

In this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. Starting Your Program is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you, get help when you need it, understand the Code of Conduct, and improve your study skills and time management. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner

(1 CREDIT)
Manufacturing is a thriving industry. Nearly every product you consume has been manufactured in some way and every advancement in technology is leading to more and more opportunities in this critical field. To understand how the manufacturing industry works, you'll first need to learn the basics. This course will guide you through the "who, what, when, how, and why" behind the manufacturing industry, laying a valuable foundation for the rest of your studies. You'll also get a brief introduction to different manufacturing methods then you'll study more in-depth as your learning progresses.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Identify relevant components and roles in manufacturing
• Identify the steps of the manufacturing process and manufacturing documents
• Compare different manufacturing techniques

(3 CREDITS)
In this course, you’ll describe the process of writing, as well as the parts of speech and how to use them. You’ll then explain various types of punctuation, rules for capitalization and spelling, and documenting sources for research. You’ll construct complete, correct sentences and well-organized, coherent paragraphs and recognize how to plan, develop, revise, and present your work. Finally, you’ll prepare for the various kinds of writing most likely needed for a job.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Describe the process of writing, as well as the parts of speech and how to use them
•  Explain various types of punctuation, rules for capitalization and spelling, and documenting sources for research
• Construct complete, correct sentences and well-organized, coherent paragraphs
• Recognize how to plan, develop, revise, and present your work
• Prepare for the various kinds of writing most likely needed for a job

(3 CREDITS)
This course provides an overview of visual communication skills necessary to successfully complete the wide range of courses in technology programs that require learning to read and interpret technical drawings. You'll learn print reading, interpretation of symbols and abbreviations, dimensioning, tolerancing, and the application of these skills to actual print reading. The course also contains an overview of computer-aided drawing and its role in modern technology.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Describe perspective drawing, projection drawing, and features of mechanical parts
• Differentiate between the various concepts of dimensioning and tolerancing
• Point out the various symbols and abbreviations used in technical drawings
• Categorize the purposes of CAD technology and the different elements in it
• Distinguish between the different sketching methods and their importance
• Analyze the geometries and print-reading applications involved in various drawings and prints
• Categorize the various types, layouts, specifications, and codes in construction drawings

(3 CREDITS)

In this course, you'll learn the essential math skills necessary for future success in an AS technology program. The course of study includes a review of basic math functions, including trades-based examples, the metric system, formulas, introductory algebra, applied geometry, and some practical applications of trigonometry.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Define basic math skills to solve real-world skilled trades–related problems
• Illustrate your ability to effectively use the metric system
• Identify your knowledge of formulas to solve problems
• Identify algebraic concepts to solve problems
• Solve perimeter, area, and volume for a variety of geometrical shapes
• Define basic trigonometry functions such as sine and cosine to perform trades-related calculations

(3 CREDITS)
This course will introduce you to concepts that affect your daily life, including applications and devices you encounter throughout your day. You’ll review various types and properties of bodies in motion, how things move, the rate at which they move, and items affecting their motion. You’ll learn how to describe these properties and relationships through both text and calculations. You’ll also explore properties and sources of heat, temperature changes, and modes of transmission. You’ll be tasked with calculating unknown variables for heat-related problems and investigating heat-related substances and devices, such as engines. After you complete this course, you’ll better understand musical sounds and how sound waves work. You’ll also be able to classify matter, while looking at laws that govern how matter interacts. The technology and products you use every day result from nuclear and organic chemistry. You’ll review the development and properties of electricity, magnetism, currents, and circuitry.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Explain mechanics and properties of matter
• Describe heat and its effects on matter
• Analyze sound
• Apply the principles of chemistry
• Describe light
• Determine what scientific principles apply to electricity and electronics

(3 CREDITS)

 

Microsoft® Office allows people to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. This course will teach you how to use three popular tools from the Microsoft® Office Suite — Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. In this course, you'll learn how to use Word™ to create and edit text documents, insert figures and tables, and format pages for a variety of uses. You'll then learn how to use Excel® to organize and format data, including charts, formulas, and more complex tables. Next, you'll learn how to use PowerPoint® to create and deliver slide shows. Finally, you'll complete a graded project, which will test the skills acquired in Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

 

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

 

• Create various Microsoft® Word™ documents.
• Produce a thorough Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet.
• Identify the basic skills needed to use Microsoft® PowerPoint®.
• Synthesize what you’ve learned by integrating Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

(3 CREDITS)
Welcome to your course on industrial safety. This course is designed to help industrial workers to know why safety is so important as well as to alert them of probable hazards and dangers associated with their workplaces. You'll be familiarized with accident prevention techniques, fire safety methods, and the use of personal protective equipment. You’ll be provided with sound, practical knowledge about the hazards and safety measures associated with the handling of chemicals, pressurized gases, molten metals, and electrical equipment. This course enables you to perform safety practices involved with the handling of manufacturing materials, industrial machinery, and various other electrical installations.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Analyze the structure of workplace safety and the methods to curb them
• Point out the types of chemical hazards, their safety measures and prevention processes
• Distinguish between the various catastrophes caused by fire and the methods used for stopping them
• Categorize the safety measures and equipment associated with welding and cutting systems
• Report the various safety measures involved in working with electricity
• Show the various safety measures required in the handling of materials
• Point out the various hazards associated with machines and the importance of control equipment
• Categorize the importance of using quality electrical equipment and its related safety measures

(3 CREDITS)
In this course, you will explore the computer-aided drafting and design system, AutoCAD. AutoCAD provides a variety of features and functions including file and entity creation; drawing organization; displaying, modifying, and annotating drawings; data exchange and output methods. This course will provide an overview of general commands, as well as advanced commands to draft projects.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Identify the procedures of creating simple line drawings through the fundamentals of drawing window
• Prepare drawing layers in AutoCAD
• Classify the procedures of creating drawing template through various commands in the AutoCAD
• Show the methods of creating and modifying plot layouts and scale viewpoints through commands
• Categorize how to create tables, text, and fields through various commands
• Summarize the procedures of polylines in drawing complex shapes and objects
• Point out the methods of creating groups and blocks in AutoCAD
• Categorize the functions of AutoCAD DesignCenter in context to attributes, blocks, and tool palettes
• Prepare a 3D wireframe box model
• Show how the polysolid, pyramid, torus, and cone shapes are drawn in AutoCAD
• Create a drawing using various AutoCAD tools and settings

(3 CREDITS)
This course provides an overview of the manufacturing process. In it, you'll learn about the parts that make up a manufacturing system, the steps involved in manufacturing, the various materials used in manufacturing, and the management systems used to ensure a well-functioning manufacturing process. You'll also learn about nontraditional machining tools and processes, such as water jet cutting and laser cutting. Finally, you'll learn about the different types of metal cutting tools used in the manufacturing process.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Explain the basics of the manufacturing process
• Distinguish between the types of manufacturing materials and their properties
• Summarize the various manufacturing processes
• Show the importance of management systems and the utilization of modern techniques in the manufacturing process
• Distinguish between the various types of nontraditional machining technologies
• Categorize the different types of metal cutting tools

(3 CREDITS)

Algebra is the mathematical language used to interpret and represent patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations. Algebra is an essential tool used in business, science, and computer technology. Throughout this course, you’ll be introduced to algebraic concepts, along with real-world application problems from a variety of fields. In addition to providing a springboard to the discovery of underlying mathematical properties, these applications illustrate the importance of mathematics in your world.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Solve algebraic equations, linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations
• Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
• Solve polynomials
• Apply algebraic operations to rational expressions and rational equations
• Solve problems involving radicals and complex numbers
• Solve quadratic equations, rational inequalities, nonlinear equations, and nonlinear inequalities
• Calculate exponential and logarithmic functions
• Solve binomial expansions, sequences, and arithmetic and geometric series
• Prepare for the final exam

(3 CREDITS)
Learn about the various methods of organizing material for a professional setting. Compose business documents using the ABC method such as memos, emails, outlines, reports and proposals, descriptions, and organizing materials. Discover how to improve your grammar skills.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Recognize how to use words correctly and effectively
• Produce a well-constructed interoffice memo, workplace email, and business letter
• Produce a brief business report based on findings obtained using research techniques and methods of documentation
• Produce an informal report that lists findings of an investigation and provides recommendation for issues raised in the findings
• Describe procedures for creating proposals, descriptions, instructions, and manuals for the workplace
• Create a detailed proposal designed to solve an internal human resource issue

(3 CREDITS)
In this course, you’ll learn the standard rules and practices used to generate detailed parts drawings and assemblies, and how to apply AutoCAD software to the actual execution of the drawing process. You’ll also learn to visualize objects in the views that are required for orthographic projections, rules for correct dimensioning and tolerancing, and where to locate dimensional information for standard machine elements.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Point out the basics of AutoCAD and the methods used to create orthographic projections
• Analyze the requirements needed to use AutoCAD for implementing sectioning and dimensioning drawings
• Distinguish between the methods used to create advanced drawing techniques, tolerancing, and threads
• Analyze the procedures and features required to create assembly and pictorial drawings
• Create a set of drawings using AutoCAD for the mentioned scenarios to show your skills

(3 CREDITS)
This course will introduce you to the computer numerical control (CNC) technology and programming. Throughout your studies, you'll learn about the basic history and purpose of CNC machines. When you complete the course, you'll have a working knowledge of basic word address programming, CAD/CAM, and machining and turning centers. You'll be able to explain the applications of EDM, laser, oxyfuel, plasma, waterjet, wood, stone, and plastics cutting technologies. You'll end the course with lessons on conversational programming and statistical process control.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Describe the evolution of CNC systems and the application of the mathematical concepts of geometry and trigonometry to the operation and programming of CNC systems
• Discuss basic word address programming and the impact of CAD/CAM on the CNC programming landscape
• Describe the operating and programming of machining centers
• Describe the operation and programming of turning machines
• Demonstrate knowledge of alternate machining technologies of Electrical Discharge Machining and Laser; Oxyfuel, Plasma and Waterjet; Wood, Stone and Plastics cutting technologies
• Discuss how to use conversational programming to produce a part program that controls a machine tool
• Identify how statistical process control is used to ensure that production processes are efficient, repeatable, and consistent
• Prepare a presentation meant to introduce apprentice-level employees of select CNC concept

(3 CREDITS)
This course will help you learn the fundamentals of quality control. You’ll learn how to perform many of the duties that quality technicians perform daily. You’ll also learn about quality systems and quality philosophy, which should help you in communicating quality issues. In addition, you’ll gain an understanding of how quality control statistics are collected, charted, and interpreted. You’ll apply your knowledge of measurement and data collection every day as a quality technician.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Analyze the methods used by technicians to manage, maintain, and inspect total quality
• Categorize the elements of engineering drawings and the methods involved in them
• Point out the basic measuring tools used in the industry
• Categorize the basic measuring methods used in the industry
• Differentiate between the ways in which the various advanced methods and tools help the industry
• Point out the ways in which a sampling plan benefits an industry
• Analyze the ways in which technicians use SPC to control the output of a process

(3 CREDITS)
In the course, the word tool refers to devices used in manufacturing industries. These devices, or tools, include cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gages, and so on. The specific types of tools used in a particular manufacturing plant depend on the product the plant produces. Tool design involves the definition of a need for a tool, analysis of that need, collection of data for the design, preliminary design, final design, toolmaking, application, and testing. To be a tool designer, a person needs a working knowledge of the following major subject areas: mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and geometry), engineering drawing, manufacturing processes, machine tools, and properties of engineering materials. Today, tool designers use computers to prepare tool drawings and to design tools.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Analyze the structure of the tool designing process and the elements involved in it
• Identify the factors ruling the selection of workholding devices in the process of designing
• Categorize the steps needed in designing fixtures and jigs
• Distinguish between the pressworking tools and the various processes where they are used in their design
• Explain the principles of bending, forming, drawing, and forging in the designing of dies
• Identify the various principles involved in the designing of gages
• Categorize the methods of tool design

Essentials of Psychology

 

(3 CREDITS)

This course covers the psychology of biology and behavior, consciousness, memory, thought and language, intelligence, personality and gender, stress, and community influences.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
• Describe the science of psychology, basic structure and function of the human nervous system, and basic structure and function of the sensory system
• Explain various states of consciousness, learning theories, and thought processes and development
• Summarize the nature of human motivation and development, the human development cycle, and approaches to understanding and assessing personality
• Prepare an essay on the topic of conditioning, memory, or motivation and emotion
• Recognize psychological disorders and available treatments
• Explain social psychology as it relates to attitudes, influences, behaviors, and stress
• Use critical thinking skills to determine the likely causes of behaviors of individuals and groups discussed in case studies

 

World Civilizations

 

(3 CREDITS)
This course serves as an introduction to many of the major events of the fifteenth through twenty-first centuries. It also examines the causal relationships between events and trends all across the globe.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Identify the causes and consequences of global trade and its conflicting worldwide impact
• Describe the impact of social and industrial revolutions, fifteenth century onward, on various nations
• Recognize the conditions that led to the World Wars, decolonization, and the Cold War
• Summarize post–World War II effects on the economic and political structures around the world
• Discuss an event that occurred after the fifteenth century and had an impact on a world civilization
• Explain the effects of World War II on the world population

 

Introduction to Sociology

 

(3 CREDITS)
In this introduction to the field of sociology, you’ll learn about social structure, forms of power, and social relationships, as well as deviance, crime, and social control. You’ll explore issues of identity and inequality regarding class, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and sexuality. Social institutions including the family, religion, education, work, and the media are examined, as well as the topics of health, politics, social movements, globalization, and social change.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
• Examine foundational concepts and theories of sociology and recognize how they inform research
• Analyze the ways in which culture, social structure, and power influence daily life
• Evaluate the effects of socialization, interaction, deviance, and social control on human behavior
• Develop an essay reflecting on the importance of cultural traditions amid increasing globalization
• Examine the ways in which class, race, gender, and sexuality influence identity and inequality
• Distinguish the various social institutions and issues in the current global system
• Develop an essay examining the ways in which social inequality informs social change and movements

(3 CREDITS)
This course focuses on the use of the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GDT) system in the design and manufacture of detailed parts and assemblies. You’ll learn how to use and interpret GDT drawing symbols. You’ll also learn how to adjust manufacturing and inspection processes to meet the requirements of GDT specifications.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Evaluate the use of the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing methods and specifications used in modern manufacturing

(1 CREDIT)
In this course on lean manufacturing techniques, you'll describe the history of lean and continuous improvement including the Toyota Production System. You’ll learn about the history of continuous improvement in the United States and how it's used today. You'll also discover the foundation and principles, methods, and tools used in lean. These include standard work, 5S, the visual workplace, direct observation, value stream mapping, team-based continuous improvement, mistake-proofing, and gemba walks.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Define the basics of lean manufacturing
• Describe a history of lean and continuous improvement (CI) based upon the Toyota Production System
• Define the key lean and continuous improvement (CI) fundamental principles and philosophies and why it's critical to get everyone aligned
• Identify continuous-improvement methods and tools and when to use them

Programmable Logic Controllers

 

(3 CREDITS)
A factory assembly line, an amusement park ride, and a dishwasher have one important thing in common: they all use programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in their operations. A digital computer used to automate electromechanical processes, the PLC was invented in 1968 for the American automotive manufacturing industry. A PLC can handle multiple inputs and outputs, operate in a wide temperature range, and resist electrical noise, vibration, and impact. It’s an example of a real-time system, since output results must be produced in response to input conditions within a limited time. Though a relatively recent invention, the PLC has revolutionized many aspects of modern industry.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Distinguish the various hardware components, systems, and codes used in PLCs
• Analyze the basic functions of programming and wiring diagrams in PLCs
• Point out the fundamentals of programming timers and counters in PLCs
• Analyze the functioning of programming control instructions and data manipulation in PLCs
• Categorize the various functioning of arithmetic operations, sequencer, and shift register instructions in PLCs
• Analyze the installation process and troubleshooting of PLC as well as the control process systems

 

Fluid Power

 

(3 CREDITS)
This course is a comprehensive overview of hydraulics and pneumatics, including the basic scientific principles and concepts necessary for understanding the operation and applications of hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems. Students learn power system controls, system schematics, and essential troubleshooting practices.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Point out the various constituents and the operations associated with hydraulic power systems
• Categorize the various types of actuators, pumps, and hydraulic motors
• Report the various utilizations of conductors, conditioners, and fluids in hydraulic systems
• Analyze the various types of pressure control valves, flow control valves, and directional control valves
• Point out the usage of symbols and graphics in the different components of hydraulic systems
• Categorize the functionalities of fluid power instruments and the maintenance of hydraulic systems
• Show the properties of different types of compressors and auxiliary equipment
• Categorize the compressor system according to its installation process, design fundamentals, operation, and troubleshooting
• Analyze the concept of fluid power and fluid flow as well as the pneumatic components
• Point out the requirements, installations, troubleshooting, and safety procedures of the pneumatic systems
• Report the various pneumatic control systems as well as the components of system integration

 

Industrial Plastics

 

(3 CREDITS)
Plastics have become vital in many areas of our lives, and the plastics industry is always expanding and changing. This industry needs technical professionals who are knowledgeable about the many materials, processes, applications, and technological advancements in plastics. The course provides you with a solid foundation in the chemistry, properties, testing, designing, processing, fabricating, tooling, and manufacturing of various types of plastics.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Discover the 19th century and present-day plastics industry including the development of polymers
• Describe the importance of basic statistics and testing on the plastics industry
• Examine the major influences of ingredients and different plastics on machining and finishing
• Discuss the processes for molding and extrusion with plastics
• Discuss laminating, reinforcing, and casting processes in plastics
• Discuss thermoforming, expansion, and coating processes in plastics
• Discuss fabrication, decoration, and radiation processes in plastics
• Examine the considerations in designing plastics products

 

Materials Management and Inventory Control

 

(3 CREDITS)
Throughout this course, you’ll learn how to perform many of the duties a materials management technician performs daily on the job. You’ll also learn about production scheduling and material planning and how each factors into production management and control. You’ll be introduced to purchasing, ordering, and inventory control procedures that can be incorporated into your daily work routine.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills
• Analyze the stages of production scheduling with emphasis on material management, production, MPS, and MRP
• Recognize the importance of CRP and PAC in relation to MRP
• Categorize the uses and applications of an inventory management system
• Show the functions of advanced processes in inventory with importance to distribution, production, and JIT
• Analyze the importance of quality management and product control in determining the success of businesses

Introduction to Literature

 

(3 CREDITS)
Every piece of literature is simply a story. If you think about it, life is just a series of stories. We ask questions like “How was your weekend?” “How did she fall?” “Why did they travel there?” The impulse to share information, to tell a story, and to explain what happened is as old as humankind. You can read literature to escape, to travel to a far-off land, or to participate in a time and life now gone forever. Moreover, reading increases your vocabulary. Reading improves your ability to write because the more you read, the more good writing you’re exposed to; it helps you learn and it can also help you communicate better with those around you. No matter what your job or situation in life, literature can enrich your experience and understanding, add to your vocabulary, and help you to grow as a person.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Explain how to effectively read fiction for both knowledge and enjoyment
• Identify different styles and forms of poetry
• Use what you've learned in this course to discuss, write about, and understand literature
• Prepare a critical interpretation of fiction or poetry based on what you've learned in this course
• Discuss how literary dramas differ from fiction and poetry
• Identify different strategies of critical literary analysis

 

Art Appreciation

 

(3 CREDITS)
In this course, the student will gain an understanding of artistic media, historical periods and artistic movements, the roles of the artist and the viewer, and the principles of art criticism.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
• Define the language, visual elements, and principles of design of art
• Identify two-dimensional media
• Identify three-dimensional media
• Explain the evolution of art from ancient Mediterranean cultures through eighteenth-century Europe
• Identify features and popular examples of art throughout the history of African, Asian, Pacific, and American cultures
• Compare the genres of the Modern and Postmodern eras of art from around the world

 

Music Appreciation

 

(3 CREDITS)
Welcome to your course on Music Appreciation. In this course, you'll practice the skill of active listening. Learning to listen differently will allow you to experience all kinds of music in a new way. Most listeners are familiar with how music makes them feel, and we often say we like a particular piece of music because it has a “good beat” or a beautiful melody. This course will allow you to go deeper. You'll identify what the composer might have been trying to convey and listen for the way elements of musical composition and performance make each piece unique.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Identify the building blocks of music a composer can use to create a piece, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form, and timbre
• Differentiate between the music of the baroque era and the musical styles of previous time periods
• Recognize the major characteristics of classical music, including form, melody, and instrumentation
• Describe the musical trends and innovations that occurred during the romantic era
• Relate musical styles of the early twentieth century to comparable movements in art and literature
• Explain the evolution of American popular music in the twentieth century
• Recognize the influence of world music on modern western composition
• Write an essay researching composers' influence in their respective genres

(1 CREDIT)
In this course, you'll learn the personal qualities that employers look for in their employees, such as integrity and dependability. You'll review the baseline responsibilities common to most jobs and the importance of employee handbooks in a successful work environment. Strategies required to be productive and adapt to change are also covered. You'll examine the interpersonal skills needed to ensure positive interactions with diverse populations through various channels of communication and gain strategies for overcoming communication barriers. An understanding of the importance of teamwork, different roles of team members, characteristics of leadership, and strategies for overcoming conflict employed by successful teams are critical elements of interpersonal interactions. You'll gain an understanding of critical workplace skills. These include time management, prioritization, the decision making process, the problem-solving process, and open-mindedness, as well as learning how to interact with customers in a professional manner.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

 

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Explain personal, interpersonal, and workplace qualities and skills that are essential to effective work environments