Search Results
Your search for courses · during 2025-26 · tagged with SDSC XDept Elective · returned 29 results
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ARCN 246 Archaeological Methods & Lab 6 credits
As a field that is truly interdisciplinary, archaeology uses a wide range of methods to study the past. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the entire archaeological process through classroom, field, and laboratory components. Students will participate in background research concerning local places of historical or archaeological interest; landscape surveying and mapping in GIS; excavation; the recording, analysis, and interpretation of artifacts; and the publication of results. This course involves real archaeological fieldwork, and students will have an opportunity to contribute to the history of the local community while learning archaeological methods applicable all over the world.
During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.
Sophomore priority
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BIOL 321 Ecosystem Ecology 6 credits
Ecosystem ecology involves the study of energy and material flow through systems, including both the biotic (animals, plants, microbes) and abiotic (soil, water, atmosphere) components. Topics include the major elemental cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), patterns of energy flow, and the controls of these fluxes for different ecosystems. Current environmental issues are emphasized as case studies, including climate change, land use change, human alterations of nutrient cycles, and biodiversity effects on ecosystems.
Not offered in 2025-26
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 126 AND one 200 level Biology, Environmental Studies or Geology course with grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 338 Genomics and Bioinformatics 6 credits
The advent of next-generation sequencing technology has revolutionized biology, enabling transformative breakthroughs in fields ranging from agriculture to conservation to medicine. In this course, students will gain experience with the computational and bioinformatics tools needed to analyze “big data,” including sequence searching and alignment, assembly, gene calling and annotation. Students will learn to ask and answer their own scientific questions using sequence data, and to critically assess the conclusions of other genomics and bioinformatics studies. No prior computer programming experience is required. Associated laboratory will focus on wet lab methods for DNA/RNA extraction and preparation as well as computational analysis.
Requires concurrent registration in Biology 339.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 339 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 338, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 or BIOL 321 or BIOL 350 with a grade of C- or better.
- BIOL 339: Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab
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BIOL 352 Population Ecology 6 credits
An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Expected preparation: previous experience with calculus is necessary, but no specific course is required. Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis is recommended.
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 353.
Recommended course: Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 353 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 352, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Spring 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 353: Population Ecology Laboratory
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CGSC 232 Cognitive Processes 6 credits
Cross-listed courses CGSC 232/PSYC 232. An introduction to the study of mental activity. Topics include attention, pattern recognition and perception, memory, concept formation, categorization, and cognitive development. Some attention to gender and individual differences in cognition, as well as cultural settings for cognitive activities. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology/Cognitive Science 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement.
16 seats held for Cognitive Science majors until the day after junior priority registration.
Requires concurrent registration in CGSC/PSYC 233.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a CGSC/PSYC 233 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, CGSC/PSYC 232, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026
- LS, Science with Lab WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PSYC 110 or CGSC 100 or CGSC 130 with grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Psychology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Psychology IB exam.
- CGSC 233: Laboratory in Cognitive Processes, PSYC 233: Laboratory in Cognitive Processes
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CGSC 233 Laboratory in Cognitive Processes 2 credits
Cross-listed courses CGSC 233/PSYC 233. Students will participate in the replication and planning of empirical studies, collecting and analyzing data relevant to major cognitive phenomena. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both CGSC/PSYC 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement.
Requires concurrent registration in CGSC 232 or PSYC 232.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a CGSC/PSYC 233 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, CGSC/PSYC 232, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
- CGSC 232: Cognitive Processes, PSYC 232: Cognitive Processes
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CHEM 348 Introduction to Computational Chemistry 6 credits
This class will introduce students to computational chemistry with a focus on simulations in chemistry and biology. This course will include hands-on experience in running classical molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry programs, an introduction to methods to simulate large systems, and demonstrations of the use of more sophisticated software to simulate chemical and biological processes. It will also include a survey of the current literature in this area, as well as lecture time in which the background necessary to appreciate this growing area of chemistry will be provided.
Requires concurrent registration in CHEM 349.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a CHEM 349 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, CHEM 348, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
Not offered in 2025-26
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed all of the following course(s): CHEM 343 and CHEM 344 with grade of C- or better.
- CHEM 349: Computational Chemistry Laboratory
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DGAH 210 Spatial Humanities 6 credits
Spatial analysis is central to the digital humanities and a valuable methodology within history, literature, archaeology, anthropology, and many other disciplines. This course provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the key concepts, debates, and technologies behind digital mapping in the humanities and social sciences. We will learn technical GIS skills that include visualizing, analyzing, and managing various types of spatial data, digitizing historical maps, interactive web mapping, and basic cartographic design. This course is open to all students, regardless of prior experience, and covers the fundamental skills needed to produce spatial humanities projects within any discipline.
Not offered in 2025-26
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ECON 241 Macroeconomic Growth and Development 6 credits
Why are some countries rich and others poor? What causes countries to grow over time? This course documents different patterns of macroeconomic development across the world and how economic theory explains those patterns. We will draw on both cross-country evidence and individual case studies to understand the role of formal and informal institutions, culture, geography, policy, and other fundamental causes of differences in long run macroeconomic outcomes.
- Spring 2026
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 with grade of C- or better or has scored a 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam or has scored a 6 or better on the Economics IB exam or received a Carleton Economics 110 Requisite Equivalency.
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ECON 285 Computational Economics 6 credits
This course is an introduction to the use of computational methods for the analysis of economic models. After becoming familiar with the programming environment, we will explore the application of computational methods to constrained optimization, econometric estimation, and calibrating, solving, and simulating static and dynamic economic models.
Previous elective courses involving mathematical modeling in economics recommended.
Not offered in 2025-26
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam or received a ECON 110 requisite equivalency and ECON 111 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam or received ECON 111 requisite equivalency OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
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ECON 329 Econometrics 6 credits
This course is an introduction to the statistical methods used by economists to test hypotheses and to study and quantify economic relationships. The course emphasizes both econometric theory and practical application through analysis of economic data sets using statistical software. Prior experience with R is strongly encouraged. Topics include two-variable and multiple regression, interval estimation and hypothesis testing, discrete and continuous structural change, parameter restrictions, model construction, experimental design, issues of functional specification, model overfitting and underfitting, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and multicollinearity.
- Fall 2025, Winter 2026
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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Student must have completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 or received a score of 5 or better on the Macroeconomics AP exam or received an ECON 110 requisite equivalency AND ECON 111 or received a score of 5 or better on the Microeconomics AP exam or received an ECON 111 requisite equivalency or received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam AND MATH 101 or MATH 111 or greater or received a a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Mathematics IB exam or received a Carleton Math 111 or better Requisite Equivalency AND either STAT 120 or STAT 250 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam or equivalents.
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ENTS 120 Introduction to Geospatial Analysis & Lab 6 credits
Spatial data analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning, and related technologies are increasingly important for understanding and analyzing a wide range of biophysical, social, and economic phenomena. This course serves as an overview and introduction to the concepts, algorithms, issues, and methods in describing, analyzing, and modeling geospatial data over a range of application areas.
During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.
- Fall 2025, Spring 2026
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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ENTS 254 Topics in Landscape Ecology 6 credits
Landscape ecology is an interdisciplinary field that combines the spatial approach of the geographer with the functional approach of the ecologist to understand the ways in which landscape composition and structure affects ecological processes, species abundance, and distribution. Topics include collecting and referencing spatial data at broad scales, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), landscape metrics, simulating change in landscape pattern, landscape connectivity and meta-population dynamics, and reserve design.
Not offered in 2025-26
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
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GEOL 210 Geomorphology and Lab 6 credits
A lab and field-focused introduction to water resources–the processes driving the water cycle, the methods used to quantify and understand the flow of water, and the relationship between humans and water. Weekly field trips to nearby locations such as streams, wellfields, caves, and water infrastructure to develop skills including streamflow measurements, water quality monitoring, pump tests, and measuring soil properties. No previous outdoor experience required.
During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.
- Fall 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-Level GEOL course with grade of C- or better.
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GEOL 215 Paleoclimate & Lab 6 credits
This course focuses on reconstructing climate and environmental conditions of the past using local archives of climate. Lab and some class time will be dedicated to group research projects. Weekly laboratories and one Saturday field trip included.
During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.
Extra time for one Saturday field trip
- Winter 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-Level GEOL course with grade of C- or better.
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GEOL 340 Hydrogeology: Groundwater & Lab 6 credits
The principles of groundwater flow through the subsurface, and the functioning of aquifers. Topics include the properties of porous media, hydraulic head gradients, contaminant transport, and fractured and karstified aquifers. Labs will include working with physical sandbox models and soil columns, as well as an outdoor pumping well test (weather permitting). We will simulate groundwater flow using simple numerical modeling, beginning with an introduction to Python coding, and develop an increasingly complex groundwater model over the course of the term. No previous programming experience required. Geology 210 recommended preparation.
During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.
- Spring 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-Level GEOL course with grade of C- or better.
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HIST 231 Mapping the World Before Mercator 6 credits
This course will explore early maps primarily in medieval and early modern Europe. After an introduction to the rhetoric of maps and world cartography, we will examine the functions and forms of medieval European and Islamic maps and then look closely at the continuities and transformations in map-making during the period of European exploration. The focus of the course will be on understanding each map within its own cultural context and how maps can be used to answer historical questions. We will work closely with the maps in Gould Library Special Collections to expand campus awareness of the collection.
Extra time is required for a one-time map show in the library which we will schedule at the beginning of term.
Not offered in 2025-26
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HIST 338 Digital History, Public Heritage & Deep Mapping 6 credits
How do new methods of digital humanities and collaborative public history change our understanding of space and place? This hands-on research seminar will seek answers through a deep mapping of the long history of Northfield, Minnesota, before and after its most well-known era of the late nineteenth-century. Deep mapping is as much archaeology as it is cartography, plumbing the depths of a particular place to explore its diversity through time. Students will be introduced to major theories of space and place as well as their application through technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 3D modeling, and video game engines. We will mount a major research project working with the National Register of Historic Places, in collaboration with specialists in public history and community partners.
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LING 318 Laboratory Phonology 6 credits
Laboratory phonology is the study of sound patterns in language through experiments. We will work together to conduct an original study that tests ideas in phonology using phonetic data. In order to design our own research project, we will explore claims and predictions made in the theoretical literature. As such, this course provides an experimental look at the phonetics-phonology interface. Students will collaboratively develop the experiment design, conduct recordings, take measurements, analyze data, and interpret results. Tools for quantitative analysis will be provided as needed. Students will be able to apply the skills acquired to future quantitative-based research projects.
Not offered in 2025-26
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): LING 217 with grade of C- or better.
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MUSC 227 Perception and Cognition of Music 6 credits
Covers basic issues in auditory perception and cognition with an emphasis on the perception of musical pitch, including sensory discrimination, categorical perception, roughness and dissonance, absolute pitch, and auditory streaming. Other topics to be covered include the processing of language and music, and emotional responses to music. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Music 227 and 228 to satisfy the LS requirement.
A grade of C- or better must be earned in both MUSC 227 & 228 to staisfy the LS requirement.
Requires concurrent registration in MUSC 228.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a MUSC 227 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, MUSC 228, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
Not offered in 2025-26
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One MUSC 100, 200 or 300 Level Course not including Lesson or Ensemble courses OR one PSYC 100, 200, 300 Level Course with a grade of C- or better.
- MUSC 228: Perception and Cognition of Music Lab
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MUSC 228 Perception and Cognition of Music Lab 2 credits
An introduction to the methods of experimental and observational research in music perception and cognition. Student teams will replicate/extend classic experiments in music perception, which will involve reviewing historical and current literature, creating stimuli, running experimental trials, performing statistical analyses of data, and giving a poster presentation of their results.
A grade of C- or better must be earned in both MUSC 227 & 228 to satisfy the LS requirement.
Requires concurrent registration in MUSC 227.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a MUSC 228 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, MUSC 227, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
Not offered in 2025-26
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
- MUSC 227: Perception and Cognition of Music
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PHIL 213 Ethics 6 credits
How should we live? This is the fundamental question for the study of ethics. This course looks at classic and contemporary answers to the fundamental question from Socrates to Kant to modern day thinkers. Along the way, we consider slightly (but only slightly) more tractable questions such as: What reason is there to be moral? Is there such a thing as moral knowledge (and if so, how do we get it)? What are the fundamental principles of right and wrong (if there are any at all)? Is morality objective?
- Winter 2026
- HI, Humanistic Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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PHYS 234 Computer Simulations in Complex Physical Systems 6 credits
The development of techniques to study complex physical systems from a probabilistic and numerical standpoint, focused on cellular automata models. Subject material is applicable to all the sciences and mathematics. Some topics considered are random walks, percolation clusters, avalanches, traffic flow, the spread of forest fires and diseases, and a brief introduction to Bayesian statistics. No computer programming skills are assumed.
Not offered in 2025-26
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 131 or PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 144 with grade of C- or better.
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POSC 230 Methods of Political Research 6 credits
An introduction to research method, research design, and the analysis of political data. The course is intended to introduce students to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry as they are employed in the discipline. The course will consider the philosophy of scientific research generally, the philosophy of social science research, theory building and theory testing, the components of applied (quantitative and qualitative) research across the major sub-fields of political science, and basic methodological tools. Intended for majors only.
- Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): STAT 120 or STAT 230 or STAT 250 or PSYC 200 or SOAN 239 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam.
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PSYC 200 Measurement and Data Analysis in Psychology 6 credits
The course considers the role of measurement and data analysis focused on behavioral sciences. Various forms of measurement and standards for the evaluation of measures are explored. Students learn how to summarize, organize, and evaluate data using a variety of techniques that are applicable to research in psychology and other disciplines. Among the analyses discussed and applied are tests of means, various forms of analysis of variance, correlation and regression, planned and post-hoc comparisons, as well as various non-parametric tests. Research design is also explored.
Requires concurrent registration in PSYC 201.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a PSYC 201 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, PSYC 200, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PSYC 110 or received a score of 4 or better on the Psychology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Psychology IB exam OR CGSC/PSYC 232 and CGSC/PSYC 233 with a grade of C- or better.
- PSYC 201: Measurement and Data Analysis Lab
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PSYC 232 Cognitive Processes 6 credits
Cross-listed courses CGSC 232/PSYC 232. An introduction to the study of mental activity. Topics include attention, pattern recognition and perception, memory, concept formation, categorization, and cognitive development. Some attention to gender and individual differences in cognition, as well as cultural settings for cognitive activities. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology/Cognitive Science 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement.
16 seats held for Cognitive Science majors until the day after junior priority registration.
Requires concurrent registration in CGSC/PSYC 233.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a CGSC/PSYC 233 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, CGSC/PSYC 232, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026
- LS, Science with Lab WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PSYC 110 or CGSC 100 or CGSC 130 with grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Psychology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Psychology IB exam.
- CGSC 233: Laboratory in Cognitive Processes, PSYC 233: Laboratory in Cognitive Processes
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PSYC 233 Laboratory in Cognitive Processes 2 credits
Cross-listed courses CGSC 233/PSYC 233. Students will participate in the replication and planning of empirical studies, collecting and analyzing data relevant to major cognitive phenomena. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both CGSC/PSYC 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement.
Requires concurrent registration in CGSC 232 or PSYC 232.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a CGSC/PSYC 233 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, CGSC/PSYC 232, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
- CGSC 232: Cognitive Processes, PSYC 232: Cognitive Processes
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RELG 155 Hinduism: An Introduction 6 credits
Hinduism is the world’s third-largest religion (or, as some prefer, “way of life”), with about 1.2 billion followers. It is also one of its oldest, with roots dating back at least 3500 years. “Hinduism,” however, is a loosely defined, even contested term, designating the wide variety of beliefs and practices of the majority of the people of South Asia. This survey course introduces students to this great variety, including social structures (such as the caste system), rituals and scriptures, mythologies and epics, philosophies, life practices, politics, poetry, sex, gender, Bollywood, and—lest we forget—some 330 million gods and goddesses.
Not offered in 2025-26
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SOAN 240 Methods of Social Research 6 credits
When sociologists and anthropologists conduct their research, how do they know which method to choose? What assumptions guide their decision? What challenges might they encounter? What are their ethical obligations? In this course, we'll explore a diverse range of methods, from in-depth interviews to large-scale surveys and participant observation fieldwork. Students will also learn how to craft feasible research questions, select the right method, collect and analyze data, and communicate research methods effectively. This course is an essential foundation for SOAN majors, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their comps experience.
- Spring 2026
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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First-year students are ineligible to enroll. Student must have completed one 200- or 300-level SOAN course, along with, (i) either SOAN 110 or SOAN 111 with a grade of C- or better, AND (ii) STAT 120 or STAT 250 with a grade of C- or better, or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam.