Experimental Courses 2022-2023, P-Z

P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

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P R 323X. Strategic Communication in Agriculture and the Environment . (Cross-listed with AGEDS 323X). Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ENGL 250; junior classification . Effective communication of agricultural and environmental issues. Analysis of attitudes, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and impacts on individual and societal choices. Application in the domains of public relations, mass media, and popular culture.

P R 324X. Brand Storytelling. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: JL MC 201. Combining critical journalism skills with persuasive tactics of public relations and advertising to tell inspiring brand stories. Introduction to transmedia storytelling that tells compelling stories shared with and by diverse audiences.

PHYS 299X. Intermediate Seminar. (1-0) Cr. V. 1-2. S. Conduct research or an independent study on topics in physics and astronomy. Learn science
communication skills that physicists and astronomers use routinely. Offered on a Satisfactory-Fail.
basis only.

PL P 597X. Lab Methods for Plant Pathology Research. (0-2) Cr. 2. Alt. S (offered 2021). Prereq: PL P 408 recommended. Basic laboratory skills in plant pathology research taught through hands-on experience. A variety of phytopathogens and topics explored.

POL S 232X. Business, Government, and the Public Good. (3-0). Cr. 3. S. Exploration of competing theories from different eras about what relationship between government and business optimizes the public good; role of government and of markets; contemporary debates and applications.

POL S 325X. Religion, Law, and Justice. (Climate Change Policy and RELIG 325X). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.  A study of the role of religion in law and justice with a focus on the United States. Examines the history of religious freedom, key contemporary legal cases, and how religious-oriented justice movements engage ethics and the law.

POL S 336X.  Climate Change Policy. (Cross-listed with ENV S 336X). (3-0). Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Three credits in POL S, or ECON 101, or Sophomore classification. Policy-centered approach to climate-change solutions. Investigation, analysis, and evaluation of policy responses to the prospect and occurrence of climate change. Politics of climate-related technological, regulatory, and societal changes. Interaction of social movements, institutions, and economic interests in shaping national and global responses to climate change.

POL S 338X. Dictatorship. Cr. 3. Nature and origins of autocracy; classifications of political regimes. Internal political structure of representative country cases, similarities and differences among dictatorships, transitions from dictatorship to democracy and from democracy to dictatorship.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement

POL S 474X. Policy and Program Evaluation. Dual-list with POL S 574. (3-0).Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification or 6 credits of political science. Integration, application, and utilization of public administration and public policy concepts in the interpretation of results and effectiveness of public programs and the prediction of consequences for policymakers and administrators.

PSYCH 221X. Clinical Psychology. (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: PSYCH 101. Overview of the field of clinical psychology. Readings, small group work, class discussion, lectures, and videos to describe the field of clinical psychology.

PSYCH 349X. Psychology of Sexual Orientation . (Cross-listed with WGS 349X). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: PSYCH 101, 3 additional credits in PSYCH . Development of major human sexual orientation identities (e.g., bisexual, gay, heterosexual, and lesbian) from a research perspective. How persons navigate life contexts (e.g., family, work, relationships) in connection with their sexual identity. Factors that enhance positive sexual orientation identity development.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement.

PSYCH 594QX. Quantitative Behavioral Methods: Signal Detection Theory and ROC Analysis. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: PSYCH 501 or equivalent. Specialized quantitative methods for social and behavioral research problems.

PSYCH 594RX. Quantitative Behavioral Methods: Practical Data Analysis. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: PSYCH 501 or equivalent. Specialized quantitative methods for social and behavioral research problems.

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RELIG 215X. Religion and Popular Culture. (3-0) Cr. 3. Utilize the theoriess, skills and methods of the academic study of religion to learn about religion in popular culture and how popular culture functions as a religion in modern society. Analysis of select films.

RELIG 325X. Religion, Law, and Justice. ( Cross-listed with C J 325X and POL S 325X). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.  A study of the role of religion in law and justice with a focus on the United States. Examines the history of religious freedom, key contemporary legal cases, and how religious-oriented justice movements engage ethics and the law.

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S E 422X. Cloud Computing - Software Development. (3-0). Cr 3. Prereq: S E 309 or S E 339 AND CPR E 381 or COM S 321. A comprehensive view of cloud computing with respect to software development from platforms and services to programming and infrastructure. Virtualization and containerization; cloud computing platforms, with examples from currently available cloud services; cloud services for data analytics, machine learning, and devops; programming frameworks for parallel computing in the cloud; distributed storage in the cloud; Container management. Includes homeworks and programming assignments. The programming assignments will be done in AWS.

S E 439X. Applied Software Design: Theory and Practice. (3-0). Cr. 3. Prereq: S E 309 or S E 319. Software design from an objective viewpoint. Focus on design principles, processes, activities and deliverables. Multiple design challenges are given. Students will learn design as an “optimization” problem with several human and technical factors. Topics include code-, architecture-, and user-level design as well as intelligent and autonomous software design.

SCM 303X. Healthcare Quality Management. (Cross-listed with HCM 303X). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: SCM 301 and credit or enrollment in HCM 301X. Addresses the manager’s role in improving healthcare quality and outcomes, including clinical and organizational improvement, and quality improvement practices. Explores how healthcare delivery systems can better measure outcomes from both patient and organizational perspectives. Analyzes quality improvement programs and examines their adaptability to the healthcare environment

SCM 473X. War and Peace and Supply Chains. (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: SCM 301. Explore how supply chains do or do not support sustainable peace and human flourishing. Topics include how supply chain operations affect peace; how supply chains can be incentivized to encourage peace; how supply chain choices affect peace and what affects these choices; how supply chain certifications affect peace; tools available to supply chain managers to evaluate their decisions with regard to peace; and what business or supply chain models encourage peace.

SCM 503X. Healthcare Supply Chain Management. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Admission into MHAO program. Healthcare supply chain management presents unique challenges for administrators and providers. Exploration of common supply chain management topics in a healthcare context including purchasing, operations, and logistics. Specific topics include operations in a highly regulated environment, professional services outsourcing, clinical integration via information technologies, service process design, capacity management, and quality and process improvement in a healthcare setting.

SCM 526X. Lean Operations in Healthcare. (3-0). Cr 3. SS. Prereq: SCM 503.  Now more than ever, the healthcare industry is committed to providing better but cheaper care services, often characterized by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Toward that goal, the identification and elimination of waste in health care delivery processes are necessary. Lean could be the answer. The course educates on the Lean tools and techniques, enabling the students to look for ways to heal health care from within. The course aims to combine rigor with relevance that prepares practitioners to identify waste in their health care delivery processes and then fabricate processes to reduce or eliminate that waste. Lean methodology has already helped health care organizations to realize many benefits, including reduced patient wait times, shorter hospital stays, decreased risk of medication errors, less inventory, and more patient-focused processes.

SOC 210X. Social & Civic Innovation. (3-0). Cr. 3. S. Learn how to infuse innovation and entrepreneurship into social and civic problems. Students will be introduced to solution-oriented ways of thinking, grounded in sociology, data-driven methodologies, and the design thinking paradigm. Explore real-world case studies and methods in the US and international social contexts. Special attention is given to novel policies, programs, and interventions that address the challenges and opportunities of rural places.

SOC 262X. Data Discovery and Civic Engagement. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Experiential learning course on how to use data presentation and civic engagement skills to address issues in agricultural and rural policy. Data skills include accessing and analysis of public data, and creating effective charts and maps. Engagement skills include facilitating conversations among diverse stakeholders, generating and prioritizing ideas, and managing conflict on divisive issues. Students will produce short policy briefs and civic engagement plans on agricultural and rural issues.

SOC 444X. Sociology of Food and Agricultural Systems. (Dual-listed with SOC 544, SUSAG 554). (3-0). Cr. 3. F. Prereq: SOC 325 or graduate standing. Social organization of food and fiber production, processing, and distribution systems. Sociological comparison of conventional and alternative production systems; gender roles in agriculture and food systems; local, national and global food systems; perspectives on food and agricultural research and policy.

SOC 470X. Agricultural and Rural Policy Internship. Cr. 3-9. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior or Senior classification; major in Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies. Study of the agricultural and rural policy in applied settings. Supervised placement in state and local government agencies, agricultural associations, conservation groups, rural development agencies, or related organizations. Assessed experiential learning component.

SOC 480X. Special Topics in Sociology. (3-0). Cr. 3. S. Alt. Prereq: 6 credits in SOC. Seminar on special topics, research, methods, or theory in Sociology. Students must register for a different topic each time.

SOC 482X. Issues in Agricultural and Rural Policy. (3-0). Cr 3. Prereq: 6 credits in SOC, POL S, or ECON. Seminar on current issues in agriculture and food, natural resources and the environment, and rural communities and economies from a social science perspective.

SPAN 302AX. Mini-Modules for Global Professionals: Tourism and Hospitality. (1-0). Cr. 1. Prereq: SPAN 202, SPAN 297, placement by departmental exam. Introduction to professional communication within specific professional cultures with strong preparation of relevant vocabulary related to professional fields in which high degrees of Spanish are spoken. Taught in Spanish. Each topic may only be taken once for credit.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

SPAN 302BX. Mini-Modules for Global Professionals: Health and Medicine. (1-0). Cr. 1. Prereq: SPAN 202, SPAN 297, or placement by departmental exam. Introduction to professional communication within specific professional cultures with strong preparation of relevant vocabulary related to professional fields in which high degrees of Spanish are spoken. Taught in Spanish. Each topic may only be taken once for credit.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

SPAN 302CX. Mini-Modules for Global Professionals: Criminal Justice and the Law. (1-0). Cr. 1. Prereq: SPAN 202, SPAN 297, or placement by departmental exam. Introduction to professional communication within specific professional cultures with strong preparation of relevant vocabulary related to professional fields in which high degrees of Spanish are spoken. Taught in Spanish. Each topic may only be taken once for credit.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement

WLC 327X. Valencia Through the Centuries.  (3-0). Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: One SPAN course at the 300 level. Exploration of the history and culture of Valencia, Spain and an understanding of its geography, history, politics, people, festivals and pastimes, art, architecture, literature, media and other important areas; insight into various cultural and historical aspects that distinguish Valencia, Spain, from other parts of Spain.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

SPAN 377X. Latina/o/x Life Stories: Memoirs and Oral History. (Cross-listed with US LS 377X and ENGL 377X). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: US LS 211 or ENGL 250. Study and archive Latinx life stories through traditional coursework, digital humanities and community outreach with local schools. Analysis of the extensive realities of Latinx communities in Iowa through the study, writing, tutorial work, and production of memoirs and oral histories.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement. 

STAT 523X. Analysis of Incomplete Data. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F. Prereq: STAT 543. Focus on the theory and methods for missing data analysis. Topics include maximum likelihood estimation under missing data, EM algorithm, Monte Carlo computation techniques, imputation, Bayesian approach, propensity scores, semi-parametric approach, and non-ignorable missing data.

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THTRE 155X. Introduction to Theatrical Drafting. (1-0). Cr. 1. F. Repeatable. An introduction to the basic concepts and techniques utilized in Computer-Aided (CAD) Drafting. Students will learn a variety of techniques utilizing the Vectorworks and/or other drafting software through a series of in-class training and workbook exercises designed to build a foundation of skills that students will require in future theatrical design courses.

TOX 419X. Foodborne Hazards. (Cross-listed with FS HN 419X and MICRO 419X). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: MICRO 201 or MICRO 302, a course in biochemistry. Pathogenesis of human microbiological foodborne infections and intoxications, principles of toxicology, major classes of toxicants in the food supply, governmental regulation of foodborne hazards.

TOX 444X. Aquatic Toxicology. (Dual-listed with A ECL 544X and TOX 544X; cross-listed with A ECL 444X). (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereqs: Graduate student status, or undergraduate status having declared a minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology, or having completed BIOL 211 and BIOL 212. An overview of interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems. Topics include history of aquatic toxicology, methods of toxicity testing, and species responses to toxicants. Emphasis is on aquatic pollutants of emerging concern (e.g., nanoparticles, microplastics). Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

TOX 544X. Aquatic Toxicology. (Dual-listed with A ECL 444X and TOX 444X; cross-listed with A ECL 544X). (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereqs: Graduate student status, or undergraduate status having declared a minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology, or having completed BIOL 211 and BIOL 212. An overview of interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems. Topics include history of aquatic toxicology, methods of toxicity testing, and species responses to toxicants. Emphasis is on aquatic pollutants of emerging concern (e.g., nanoparticles, microplastics). Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

TSM 571X. Safety Laboratory. (Dual- liated with TSM 471). (0-2). Cr 1. Prereqs: Credit or enrollment in TSM 470 or 570. Introduction to equipment, methods, and strategies to measure, evaluate, control, and research hazards and risk in the workplace.

TSM 579X. Advanced Topics in Safety Program Administration. (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate classification. Exploration and analysis of principles, concepts, and techniques related to the administration of occupational safety programs. The focus will be on program continous improvement and enhancement in pursuit of the goal of zero workplace injuries.

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US LS 377X. Latina/o/x Life Stories: Memoirs and Oral History. (Cross-listed with ENGL 377X and SPAN 377X). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: US LS 211 or ENGL 250. Study and archive Latinx life stories through traditional coursework, digital humanities and community outreach with local schools. Analysis of the extensive realities of Latinx communities in Iowa through the study, writing, tutorial work, and production of memoirs and oral histories.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement. 

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V C S 319X. Veterinary Military Practicum. Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. F.S. SS. Prereq: Veterinary Medicine classification; enrollment in Iowa State veterinary curriculum; documented military obligation following graduation. Allows students to gain veterinary experience through military service.

V C S 425X. Rotation in Exotic Pet & Wildlife Medicine Clinical and Surgical Skills. Cr. 2. S. Irr. Prereq:  V C S 405. Opportunity for 4th year veterinary students to learn appropriate restraint techniques, radiographic positioning and interpretation, emergency triage, physical examination, and surgical skills for exotic companion animals (birds, rodents, rabbits, ferrets and pet reptiles) and wildlife. The course will also include rabbit dentistry techniques. The purpose of this course is to give students the tools to be more comfortable in the handling, diagnostics, and treatment of exotic animals and native wildlife species.

V C S 459FX. Small Animal Overpopulation Medicine and Surgery: Capital City Humane Society, Lincoln, NE. Cr. 3.  Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine. A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.

V C S 484X. Clinical Practice in Diverse Communities. Cr. 2. Prereq: Fourth-year classification in Veterinary Medicine. Two week rotation for fourth year veterinary students working with equine patients both in the hospital and field settings. This rotation includes a community service component, which will include lecture time on relevant topics and a veterinary service trip to the Crow Creek Tribal Reservation in Fort Thompson, SD. Five-day trip, providing experience in preparing, setting up, and running an equine and small animal veterinary clinic to serve the tribal community.

V PTH 403X. Inroduction to Pathology II. (Cross-listed with BIOL 403X). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: V PTH 402/BIOL 402. Continuation of pathology topics begun in V PTH/BIOL VPTH 402. How specific organ systems respond to injury using principles and information covered in VPTH 402/ BIOL 402. Study of a set of prototypical diseases that affect humans and animals.

V PTH 476X. Clinical Veterinary Parasitology. Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. S.SS. Irr. Prereqs: V PTH 376, 4th year classification in Vet Med. Two week clinical rotation in clinical veterinary parasitology. Students will investigate parasitic disease with supervision of the instructors. Variable amount of travel to farm or sites will be required. Biosecurity: All students must follow current College policies regarding animal contact following foreign travel.

VDPAM 466X. Preceptorship in Animal Welfare. Cr. 1-6. F.S.SS. Repeatable. Prereq: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine; permission of instructor. Preceptorship in animal welfare with emphasis on animal welfare assessment, policy and problem solving. Mentors include practicing veterinarians, researchers, and/or animal welfare organizations.

VDPAM 562X. Applied Diagnostic Technologies and Medicine for Infectious Disease. (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Enrolled in a graduate program. Introductory epidemiology and/or infectious disease course encouraged. Veterinary medicine background beneficial. Veterinary diagnostics and diagnostic medicine for infectious diseases in animal populations, mostly livestock, and clinical applications. Specific objectives include: understanding diagnostic process; mechanics of laboratory diagnostic methods; test development and validation; optimizing diagnostic outcomes; and applying diagnostic data to disease investigation and/or intervention. Additionally, students are expected to present a diagnostic relevant subject and participate in case review and discussion. On-line or in-person and can be asynchronous from time to time.

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WGS 349X. Psychology of Sexual Orientation . (Cross-listed with PSYCH 349X). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: PSYCH 101, 3 additional credits in PSYCH . Development of major human sexual orientation identities (e.g., bisexual, gay, heterosexual, and lesbian) from a research perspective. How persons navigate life contexts (e.g., family, work, relationships) in connection with their sexual identity. Factors that enhance positive sexual orientation identity development.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement.

WISE 401X. (0-2) cr 1. F.S. Overview of financial and professional skills that will prepare you for success in your postgraduate STEM journey. Exploring opportunities that may lead to your life and career purpose in STEM. Establishing a diverse professional network, identifying mentors, and navigating STEM work environments. Learn about intergenerational communication, maintaining health in your personal and work life, and cultivating your authenticity as a professional. Satifactory-Fail only.

WLC 371X. The Arabian Nights. ( Cross-listed with ARABC 371X). (3-0). Cr. 3. F. S. Focus on the tales of the famous ‘1001 Arabian Nights’ book. Discussions of the narrative tools, supernatural elements, and the culture of the Medieval Middle East. Readings, discussions, and papers in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

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YTH 502X. Foundations of Positive Youth Development. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Repeatable. Fundamentals of positive youth development, theories, and principles utilized in the youth development profession. Ethical, professional, and historical elements of youth development as it has evolved toward professionalization.

YTH 560X. Youth-Adult Relationships. (3-0) Cr. 3. The role of youth-adult relationships in promoting the positive development of youth. Attitudes and activities that support youth engagement and agency. Research and practice of mentorship, youth-adult partnerships, and youth leadership.

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