May 17, 2024

College Catalog 2022-2023

College Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Students planning a program of study or concentration are urged to review program requirements and course descriptions before meeting with their advisors. Not all courses listed here are taught every year, and students should consult the Course Schedule on the Wheaton website for information about offerings in a particular semester. Courses are numbered to indicate levels of advancement as follows: 100–199, elementary or introductory; 200–299, intermediate; 300 and above, advanced. Departments often design new courses, either to be offered on a one-time basis or an experimental basis, before deciding whether to make them a regular part of the curriculum. These courses are numbered 098, 198, 298 or 398.

Information is available online through WINDOW about prerequisites that must be completed before enrolling in a course, as well as the curriculum and general education requirements that a course fulfills. Most courses are offered for one course credit; a course credit at Wheaton is the equivalent of four semester hours.

Course Filter
Filter this list of courses using course prefix, course code, keywords or any combination.
Prefix:	Code or Number:	Keyword or Phrase:
Choose Course Prefix	Choose Course Number	Choose Keyword
Find whole word or phrase only.


Music
	MUSC 211 - World Music: Eurasia An ethnomusicological study of music and other expressive arts within human culture. Focus on classical, folk and popular musics from a variety of traditions including Bulgaria, India, Indonesia and Ireland. This course seeks to develop critical skills, theoretical understanding and appreciation for the musical diversity that surrounds us. Credits 1 Notes Offered Fall semester Area Creative Arts Connection 20023 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Global Honors, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 212 - World Music: Africa and the Americas An ethnomusicological study of music and other expressive arts within human culture. Focus on musical traditions and aesthetics of the African continent, including Ewe, Dagbamba, Mande and Shona peoples, vocal traditions of South African and Arab music traditions found in Egypt. The Americas are represented through the diverse musical offerings of Brazil and Native American music cultures found here in the United States. Credits 1 Notes Offered Spring semester Area Creative Arts Connection 20023, 23001 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Global Honors, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 214 - Music Theory III: Applied Theory and Musicianship Approaches to analyzing compositional forms, phrase structure and more advanced harmonic progressions in music of the 18th- and 19th-century Western repertoire. Prerequisites MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Notes Offered Fall semester Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 215 - Jazz Theory The course takes the student from the basic techniques of interval theory, chord construction and inversion through diatonic harmony, chord scale theory, diatonic modes and modulations. Other topics include the original blues progression and its variations, the original “Rhythm” changes form and its variations, John Coltrane’s tri-tonic system of harmony, a study of re-harmonization, song forms, slash chords, hybrid chords, the bebop and pentatonic scales, superimposition on chords and how to read a lead sheet and memorize tunes easily. Students will learn through analysis of popular and jazz standards from the 1930s to the present day. Prerequisites MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 221 - Music and Dance of South Asia A study of the inseparable worlds of music and dance on the South Asian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Nepal and other countries), traversing a stylistic spectrum from popular and folk to high-art classical genres and a range of performance settings encompassing ritual, festival, musical theatre, concert hall and cinema. An ethnomusicological approach places the arts within social, political, historical and religious contexts. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Connection 20032 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Global Honors
	MUSC 222 - West African Mande Dance and Music This course explores the integrated mediums of dance, drumming and song of the Mande people of West Africa, fusing experiential explorations and scholarly sources; balancing warm up, technique, and repertory development with the careful consideration of relevant ethnomusicological literature, historical fiction and African films. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts` Connection 23001 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Global Honors, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 223 - Music of South America and Mexico The study of important Latin American music cultures including Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. These large countries have long histories and have developed complex music cultures including many genres ranging from classical to popular, folk, and ritual performance. Major issues discussed will include syncretization, colonialism, African and European influences, music and gender, music and nationalism, the music business, and to Chicano/a music in Texas and California. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Connection 23003 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 224 - Music of the Caribbean Basin: A Continent of Islands The study of music of the Caribbean region, an area of intense historical interchange, including Spanish-speaking, Francophone and Anglophone cultures. Attention will be given to representative Caribbean islands and also to the music of coastal cities on the Caribbean rim including New Orleans, Veracruz, Cartagena, Bahia, and to Latino/a music in New York and Miami. Major issues discussed will include syncretization, colonialism, African and European influences, music and gender, music and nationalism, the music business, and music as artistic and political discourse. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Connection 23003 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 225 - The Business of Music Abstract: The overarching goal of the course is for the student to come away with a good general understanding of the contemporary components of the music business and a heightened awareness of its evolving history. The course introduces the student to the music business in the United States, the UK, France and other countries, contextualizing the contemporary scene within a study of the history and evolution of the music business internationally over time. Primary texts will address key issues such as copyright, music publishing, marketing and promotion, artist development and management, and the huge influence of evolving technology on the business. We will gain invaluable perspectives by reading biographies and memoirs of key figures in twentieth century music. The course offers opportunities for deep study of particular subspecialties of the music industry, and for both individual and collaborative group work. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Structure/Power/Inequality
	MUSC 235 - Bach, Handel, and the Baroque Style Why is the music of Bach and Handel regarded as the culmination of the musical Baroque? A look at the lives and works of these two composers against the backdrop of the musical, cultural, social, and political history of 17th- and 18th-century western Europe. There are no prerequisites for this course.
	MUSC 242 - Conducting Develops a repertoire of skills necessary for leading effective rehearsals and intelligent performances. Emphasis on learning efficient conducting techniques that will work with singers and instrumentalists. Other topics include rehearsal technique, score reading, performance-related music analysis and ear training. Labs with singers and instrumentalists. Prerequisites One course in Music Theory and a basic knowledge of reading music, or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 252 - Opera A survey of opera’s 400-year history. Topics include: drama and music, singers and vocal styles, characterization, interpretation and staging, and social history. Examples will be mainly major European works, but will also include musical theatre, non-Western genres and film scores. Lecture, discussion, listening, viewing and live performance. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 262 - Vernacular Dance in America The study of American vernacular dance as an indicator of significant historical, social and artistic trends, contextualizing dance in the contemporary cultural climate that both shaped and reflected the influence of dance as an expressive form. Consideration of relevant theoretical works from the fields of dance ethnography, ethnomusicology and culture studies, and experience with the dances themselves through lecture demonstrations. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 275 - A History of Popular Music in the U.S.A. This course will provide an overall history of popular music in America since the end of the 19th century, with emphasis upon mainstream popular music since 1954. Its focus will be the simultaneous independence and interdependence of black and white musical cultures in America, and how this can help us understand our nation’s history in new and different ways. Students will develop listening skills as they learn about the ways popular music styles and genres have mirrored our nation’s social and cultural history. Topics will include blackface minstrelsy, the blues, jazz, country music, classic Broadway song, rhythm & blues, rock’n’roll, folk music, blues-rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, metal, soul, funk, hip-hop, punk, indie-rock, disco, and electronic dance music. Credits 1 Notes Cross listed with WGS 276 A History of Popular Music in the U.S.A. Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 282 - Music and Worship in World Cultures Study of music and dance in religious and spiritual practice in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. We will explore the dialectics between: sacred and secular, virtuosity and devotion, and religious belief and sociopolitical forces, in Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and indigenous African and Native American spirituality. Cross listed with REL 282. Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with REL 282 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Global Honors
	MUSC 292 - Broadway Bound: American Musical Theatre A survey of American musical theatre, focusing on three areas: the African American experience (through shows such as The Green Pastures, Cabin in the Sky, Show Boat, Carmen Jones, Porgy and Bess and The Wiz); Western views of Asia (Madame Butterfly, South Pacific and The King and I); and romantic treatments of American history (The Girl of the Golden West, 1776 and Oklahoma!). Emphasis on film viewing and discussion. Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with THEA 292 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 299 - Selected Topics May be offered from time to time to allow students to study a particular topic not included or not emphasized in regular courses. Credits 1
	MUSC 302 - ‘The Modern Composer Refuses to Die!’: Music in the 20th Century Composer Edgard VarÌ-se’s rallying cry reflects the rebellious spirit of composers who emerged from the decaying European classical and romantic music tradition of the 19th century striving to create new musical languages and ideals. The course will survey the important composers of the 20th century, their music and their interactions with the other arts, in the context of the cultural and political upheavals of that period. Prerequisites MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 308 - Analytical Survey of Western Music Discovering the interactions of time, space, language, timbre and form as they occur in Western European music from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Prerequisites MUSC 115 and MUSC 214 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 309 - Music Nationalism and Identity This course examines the crucial role played by music in the construction of individual, community and national identity in the 19th and 20th centuries. Through the lens of art, folk and popular music traditions, we will study music “revivals”; the role played by music in nationalist movements in Europe, the Americas and Asia; and the culture clashes that occur when musical systems encounter each other. Prerequisites MUSC 211 or MUSC 212 or MUSC 221 or MUSC 222 or MUSC 223 or MUSC 224 or MUSC 225 or MUSC 262 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Structure/Power/Inequality
	MUSC 311 - Western Music II: Classical, Romantic, Modern The study of representative compositions in their historical settings. Lecture, listening, discussion. Prerequisites MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Notes This course was recently offered as MUSC 210. Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities
	MUSC 315 - Politics of Movement This course explores the dynamic issues such as race, gender, class and sexuality through revolving world dance case studies. We look at how definitive dance styles materialize through negotiation and the appropriation of marginalized influences and how people use dance and music to define, reinforce and empower personal and shared identity. Prerequisites MUSC 211 or MUSC 212 and another 200-level Music course, or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Global Honors, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	MUSC 316 - Music, Sound and the Moving Image An exploration of film music from 1895 to the present through classic and contemporary films and film scores by important directors and composers. Considerable viewing, discussion, frequent reading and writing assignments, and creative editing projects using Garage Band and IMovie. Prerequisites MUSC 114 or MUSC 115 and one 200-level Music course or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with FNMS 316 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 325 - Beethoven A study of Beethoven’s life and works, focusing on his evolution as a composer, how he transcended deafness to become one of the most important composers in the Western European music canon, and the historical context in which he worked. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 330 - Arts Administration Students will explore the organization and administrative workings of performing arts groups, including symphony orchestras, choral ensembles, chamber music ensembles, folk, jazz and rock bands, theaters, and festival programs such as Waterfire in Providence, RI, among others. Lectures, individual readings and guest presentations will focus primarily on the non-profit arts organization in the areas of publicity, marketing, fundraising, board relations and programming, as well as managing a concert series or festival, the recording industry, community music schools, the touring artist, and educational residencies. Outside presenters from various area arts organizations will share insight into outreach and programming opportunities and challenges created by race, gender and ethnicity in the current sociopolitical climate. Students will interact with local arts organizations and concentrate on a specific genre for their final projects. Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts
	MUSC 332 - Teaching Music in the United States Introduction to important philosophies in music education, teaching styles, learning strategies and curriculum design. Includes teaching practicum at the Elisabeth W. Amen Nursery School. Prerequisites MUSC 114 Music Theory I: Fundamentals of Harmonic Practice Credits 1 Area Creative Arts Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Creative Arts, Sophomore Experience
	MUSC 398 - Oscar Hammerstein’s Legacy A study of Oscar Hammerstein’s long career from his early success with Jerome Kern’s ‘Show Boat’ (1927) to ‘Oklahoma!’ (1943) and his long collaboration with Richard Rodgers, including his owns ‘Carmen Jones’ (1943). We will examine his works for stage and screen and his far reaching influence on later generations of musical theater lyricists and composers. Credits 1
	MUSC 398 - Tonality at the Fringe This class will explore tonal music from before and after the “common practice period” of the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite the advent of atonal composition in the twentieth century, a wide range of composers did not see the potential of tonality as exhausted. How did the compositional rules of Mozart and Haydn adapt in their hands? Might so-called “pre-tonal” works hold clues about the innovations of late Romantic and jazz composition? This course presumes completion of Music 214. Coursework includes extensive score study and listening. Highly recommended for students considering graduate study in music. Credits 1
	MUSC 399 - Selected Topics May be offered from time to time to allow students to study a particular topic not included or not emphasized in regular courses. Credits 1
	MUSC 402 - Senior Conference A course designed to culminate work done in the music major. Topics, format and instructor(s) will vary, but the course will include weekly seminars and the writing, presentation and discussion of a substantive paper. Credits 1 Notes Required of Music Majors and open to other qualified students by Permission of Instructor. Offered Spring semester
	MUSC 499 - Independent Research Offered to selected majors at the invitation of the department. Credits 1
	MUSC 500 - Individual Research Offered to selected majors at the invitation of the department. Students interested in such a program, which is normally carried out by candidates for departmental honors, should contact the department chair during the junior year or at the very beginning of the fall semester of the senior year. Credits 1
Music Performance
	MUSP 001-008 - Performance Study Private music instruction
	MUSP 010 - Wheaton College Chorale TThe Chorale rehearses three hours weekly, performing two to three times each semester. Repertoire consists of music from various traditions, including major works, standard Western-practice choral literature, folk musics of the world, jazz, gospel and more. Visit the Chorale and Chamber Singers homepage. Auditions are informal and not required for enrollment. Credits .25 Notes Credit (.50) awarded after two semesters of participation. Semesters do not need to be consecutive.
	MUSP 015 - Symphony Orchestra The Symphany Orchestra is open to all Wheaton students who play orchestral string instruments. The orchestra rehearses weekly and presents several concerts each year, both on and off campus. Repertoire includes music from the Renaissance through the 20th century and often involves collaboration with other campus ensembles. Visit the Symphony Orchestra homepage. Credits .25 Notes Credit (.50) awarded after two semesters of participation. Semesters do not need to be consecutive.
	MUSP 020 - Southeastern Massachusetts Wind Symphony The Wind Symphony is open to all Wheaton students who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. The ensemble rehearses weekly and presents several concerts each year, both on and off campus. Repertoire includes standard wind ensemble and concert band literature from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Visit the Wind Symphony homepage. Credits .25 Notes Credit (.50) awarded after two semesters of participation. Semesters do not need to be consecutive.
	MUSP 025 - Wheaton Jazz Band The Jazz Band is open to Wheaton brass and woodwind players, guitarists, bass players, keyboardists, percussionists, drummers and vocalists. Other instruments may be incorporated with permission of the instructor. Repertoire covers a wide range of styles, including swing, bebop, progressive and fusion jazz. The ensemble rehearses weekly, presenting several performances each year. Auditions are informal and not required for enrollment. Visit the Jazz Band homepage. Credits .25 Notes Credit (.50) awarded after two semesters of participation. Semesters do not need to be consecutive.
	MUSP 030 - World Music Ensemble The World Music Ensemble performs music from a variety of world traditions, including Brazilian, Irish and South Indian music. Open to all singers and instrumentalists regardless of background, the ensemble is a workshop for both learning repertoire and for learning how music is taught in different cultural settings. We rehearse weekly and give a public performance at the end of the semester. Visit the World Music Ensemble homepage. Credits .25 Notes Credit (.50) awarded after two semesters of participation. Semesters do not need to be consecutive.
	MUSP 035 - Wheaton Chamber Singers The Chamber Singers are an advanced vocal ensemble open to all students by audition. The group rehearses two hours weekly, performing two to three times each semester. Repertoire consists of music from various traditions, including major works, standard Western-practice choral literature, folk musics of the world, jazz, gospel and more. Visit the Chorale and Chamber Singers homepage. Prerequisites Registration for the pre-application section of this course is required. Eligibility to enroll in this course will be determined at the first day of class. Credits .25 Notes Credit (.50) awarded after two semesters of participation. Semesters do not need to be consecutive.
	MUSP 101-108 - Performance Study Private music instruction
	MUSP 201-208 - Performance Study Private music instruction
	MUSP 301-308 - Performance Study Private music instruction
	MUSP 315 - Recital in: Instrument of instruction Prerequisites 2 semesters of a 300-level MUSP class Credits .5
	MUSP 320 - Recital in: Instrument of instruction Prerequisites 2 semesters of a 300 level MUSP class Credits 1
	MUSP 401-408 - Performance Study Private music instruction
	MUSP 415 - Recital in: Instrument of instruction Prerequisites Any 400-level MUSP course Credits .5
	MUSP 420 - Recital in: Instrument of instruction Prerequisites Any 400-level MUSP course Credits 1
Neuroscience
	NEUR 199 - Independent Study An opportunity to do independent work in a particular area not included in the regular courses. Credits 0.5 - 1
	NEUR 299 - Independent Study An opportunity to do independent work in a particular area not included in the regular courses. Credits 1
	NEUR 399 - Independent Study An opportunity to do independent work in a particular area not included in the regular courses. Credits 1
	NEUR 400 - Senior Seminar in Neuroscience Prerequisites Open to Seniors majoring in Neuroscience or Biology and by Permission of Instructor Credits 1
	NEUR 499 - Independent Research Offered to selected majors at the invitation of the department. Prerequisites Permission of Instructor Credits 1
Philosophy
	PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy An examination of the fundamental problems of Western philosophy via study and discussion of perennially important texts by Plato, Descartes, Hume, and Nietzsche, as well as contemporary thinkers. Topics include appearance and reality, the relation of mind and body, skepticism, relativism, morality and the good life, among others. This course does not assume previous study of philosophy. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 111 - Ethics An introduction to moral reasoning through the study of ethical theories and their application to practical problems such as abortion and human reproductive cloning. Special attention to developing and defending one’s own moral positions. Readings from traditional and contemporary sources. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20015 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	PHIL 121 - Citizen and Society An introduction to social and political philosophy, with special emphasis on the individual’s role in various approaches to the proper constitution of the state. Emphasis will be placed on developing and defending one’s own positions on both theoretical and practical issues. Readings from traditional and contemporary sources. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20092 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 125 - Logic An introduction to categorical, propositional and predicate logic with particular emphasis on methods of discovering and proving the validity of arguments. Designed to improve students’ ability to reason clearly and precisely. Analysis of logical equivalence, soundness and the relation of truth to validity. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20003, 20016 Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Quantitative Analysis Compass Attributes Humanities, Quantitative Analysis
	PHIL 199 - Independent Study An opportunity to do independent work in a particular area not included in the regular courses. Credits 0.5 -1
	PHIL 203 - Ancient Greek Philosophy An introduction to the thought of Plato and Aristotle: knowledge and truth, the nature of reality, the good life and the good society. Attention also to Socrates and the pre-Socratic philosophers. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20039 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Global Honors, Humanities
	PHIL 207 - Modern Philosophy: The Enlightenment This course focuses on some central epistemological, social, and metaphysical issues facing European philosophers in the17th and 18th centuries. Topics include the following: what are the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge; who is entitled to participate in the search for truth; what is the role of God in a rational universe; how do ideas represent external objects; are there innate ideas; are there perceiver-independent objects/properties. Students will focus on critical analysis of texts and careful articulation of arguments. Readings will be drawn from among the following philosophers: René Descartes, Mary Astell, George Berkeley, Mary Shepherd, Francçois Poullain de la Barre, John Locke, and David Hume. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 225 - Philosophy of Religion See REL 225 . Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with REL 225 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Foundation Beyond the West Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 233 - Philosophy and Literature Plato began the ancient quarrel between poetry and philosophy; this course seeks rapprochement. Philosophical examination of the relationship among readers, writers and literary texts, illuminating the nature of the mind and imagination, the domain of ethics and the task of moral philosophy. Topics include existentialism, the paradox of fiction and ethical criticism. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 235 - Friendship Is it possible to be friends with your dog? Can the wicked be friends? How do friendships differ from kinship bonds? Do friends have duties to each other that they do not have to others? In this course we will explore the nature of friendship and its relation to other social bonds. Our focus will be primarily on philosophical texts, but we will also consider sociological and historical analyses, and friendship as depicted in film. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 236 - Aesthetics The branch of philosophy that concerns itself with beauty and art. Examines the main historical and contemporary theories of art and the aesthetic experience. Special emphasis on the nature of aesthetic value, the limits of aesthetic theory and the contributions of aesthetic inquiry to other philosophical fields. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20009, 20089 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 241 - Bio-Ethics A consideration of ethical issues raised by biotechnologies. Possible topics include: laboratory-assisted reproduction and human cloning, enhancement of human traits, designing future children and stem cell research. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20015 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	PHIL 242 - Medical Ethics A consideration of current ethical controversies in medicine. Topics will be drawn from life and death issues, resource allocation, experimentation with human subjects and ethical issues in the practice of health care. Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20084 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	PHIL 245 - Philosophy of Science An examination of modern views about the nature of science. One emphasis is on epistemological issues: scientific knowledge and its distinctiveness, observational evidence and theory construction, and scientific method. A second emphasis concerns issues about science, values and democratic society. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 260 - How Judges Reason A consideration of fundamental issues in the conception and practice of law in the United States. Emphasis on the analysis of forms of legal reasoning; designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the judicial process. Prerequisites Sophomore or higher Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20067 Division Arts and Humanities
	PHIL 265 - Philosophy of Law A survey of key issues in legal philosophy and legal theory, such as the nature of law, the role of the ethical in the law and punishment theory. Materials will draw on the social sciences as well as philosophy to develop a framework for study of legal institutions across cultures. Prerequisites One course in Philosophy Credits 1 Area Humanities Connection 20067 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	PHIL 298 - Capitalism & Social Pathology This course in 19th century Continental philosophy examines the nature of capitalism and modern societies, whether they produce certain social pathologies, and if so, how we should change society to remove them. Our key questions will include: Are modern capitalistic societies rational and capable of providing a flourishing life to all, or are they necessarily alienating, exploitative and self-undermining? What are the primary drivers of social progress and revolution? Should there be solidarity between the women’s and workers’ movements? Do reason and morality cause individual and societal illnesses and dysfunctions? We will read works by Hedwig Dohm, G. W. F. Hegel, Immanuel Kant, Rosa Luxemburg, Friedrich Nietzsche, Lou Salomé, Adam Smith, Clara Zetkin and others. Credits 1 Notes This course is open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, or by permission of instructor. Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 298 - Critical Thinking in the Times of Madness Is critical thinking dangerous? Does it undermine authority? Which mental habits make someone good or bad at critical thinking? What do people think critically about? In this course, we explore critical thinking both as a subject of inquiry and as a tool for investigating a wide range of topics, from free will to friendship, and from social equality to epistemic injustice. Readings are drawn from ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophers and essayists. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 298 - Life, Death, and Meaning In this course we examine whether there is a meaning of life, or rather meaning in life, and the relationship of meaningfulness to other values; whether it is enough to feel that one’s life is meaningful or whether there an objective sense according to which a life can be meaningful no matter how it feels to the person living it; and whether it is it possible to live the life that matters most to you. We will also examine a set of questions that traditionally stand together under the heading of “analytic existentialism”: are persons benefited, or harmed, by being brought into existence; does death matter to the person who dies, and if so, are some deaths worse than others; are we immortal and, if not, would it be desirable to be so; and finally, given our answers to these questions, is pessimism or optimism an appropriate attitude to the human condition? Credits 1
	PHIL 298 - Negotiating with Reason In a successful negotiation, the people involved use discussion and argumentation to find a resolution that serves their individual interests. This course will help students master the critical thinking skills necessary to reason about the complex interplay of interests involved in negotiations in personal and professional life. These reasoning skills extend not only to negotiations but also to academic contexts in which students need to precisely and carefully craft arguments with competing claims and values. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 298 - Philosophy of Immigration Law An exploration of how legal philosophy addresses issues arising from various aspects of immigration. Topics will include statelessness, defining “refugees,” justifying refugee and other immigrant policies, notions of citizenship, and human rights. Background in law is neither required nor expected, and students will learn to analyze both international and national legal provisions bearing on immigration. Credits 1
	PHIL 299 - Independent Study An opportunity to do independent work in a particular area not included in the regular courses. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities
	PHIL 311 - The Nature of Morality The philosophical study of ethics comprises three subdivisions: normative ethics, applied ethics, and metaethics or the nature of morality. In this class we will study metaethics. We will not consider such normative ethical questions as ” is act A morally right or is agent G morally good? Instead we will consider answers to the following questions: What do we mean when we judge “act A is good”? Do moral properties exist in the world in the same way physical properties do? Do objective moral facts exist? How are such facts related to culture? What counts as a moral explanation? What is the nature of moral disagreement? What does it mean to have a moral reason to act? (Previously Ethical Theory) Prerequisites One course in Philosophy Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 312 - Feminist Theory This advanced-level course is designed to explore in depth many of the theoretical frameworks and methodological issues that are touched upon in women’s studies and gender-balanced courses. The course focuses on historical and contemporary writings from a range of perspectives, including liberal feminism, radical feminism, socialist feminism and postmodernism. Special topics such as racism, lesbianism and international women’s issues are also examined. Credits 1 Notes Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Cross-listed with WGS 312 and ENG 312 . Area Humanities Connection 23005 Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	PHIL 321 - Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy A critical examination of recent theories of a just society, including the work of Nozick, Rawls, Habermas, Young and Benhabib. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites One course in Philosophy; PHIL 121 is highly recommended Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars
	PHIL 325 - Metaphysics An investigation of philosophical problems involving space and time, causation, agency, contingency and necessity, and the distinction between mind and matter. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 388 - Tutorial The student will do all the work required for any 200-level course not already taken, plus additional independent work to be arranged in advance with the instructor.
	PHIL 399 - Independent Study An opportunity to do independent work in a particular area not included in the regular courses. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities
	PHIL 401 - Advanced Seminar in Philosophy Topics will vary from year to year, according to the interests of students and members of the department. Required of majors and minors in their senior year, encouraged for junior majors and minors. Credits 1 Area Humanities Division Arts and Humanities Compass Attributes Humanities
	PHIL 500 - Individual Research Selected majors are invited by the department to pursue individual research in preparation for writing an Honors Thesis. Credits 1
Physics
	PHYS 107 - The Physics of Music and Sound For students of music and others. What sound is, how sounds combine, the distinctions between musical and nonmusical sound, the characteristics of sounds produced by different instruments, sound recording and reproduction, and human perception of sound. Includes lecture demonstration. Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with MUSC 107 Area Natural Sciences Connection 20043 Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 110 - Electronic Circuits A laboratory-oriented introduction to modern electronics, which progresses from simple circuits using discrete solid-state components to those using integrated circuits common to computers and control devices. Students will gain insight into the way computers work and learn how to use microcomputers to control simple devices. No previous work in physics or electronics is required. Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Connection 20003, 20022 Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 160 - Geology The origin, evolution and behavior of the Earth, the processes that shape the Earth today and investigation of the geologic record to see how these processes have operated in the past. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, rocks and minerals, the interior of the Earth, Earth history and plate tectonics. Laboratories and field trips to investigate local geology are included. Credits 1 Notes A lab section must be selected with lecture. Area Natural Sciences Connection 20030, 20081 Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 165 - Climate Change, Past and Present A detailed survey of the physical processes which control the long-term state of the Earth’s atmosphere and ocean, including discussion of how climate has changed over the Earth’s history, and how it might change in the future. Emphasis on feedback processes and interactions between physical climate, biology and human society. Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Connection 20030 Division Natural Sciences Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 170 - Introductory Physics I The principles of Newtonian mechanics as applied to solids, liquids and gases. Introduction to heat and thermodynamics. Recommended for students in science, mathematics and engineering dual-degree programs. No previous work in physics is assumed. Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 171 - Introductory Physics II The fundamentals of electric and magnetic phenomena including circuit theory. The theory of oscillations and waves. Introduction to geometrical and physical optics. Recommended for students in science, mathematics and engineering dual-degree programs. Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with PHYS 181 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 180 - Enhanced Introductory Physics I An enhanced version of PHYS 170 , offering students an opportunity to work at a faster pace and/or with more advanced materials. Typically these courses award an additional half credit for the extra work and time required of them. Prerequisites Students should have prior experience with Calculus (in high school or college) or be taking MATH 101 concurrently or by Permission of Instructor Credits 1.5 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 181 - Enhanced Introductory Physics II An enhanced version of PHYS 171 , offering students an opportunity to work at a faster pace and/or with more advanced materials. Typically these courses award an additional half credit for the extra work and time required of them. Credits 1.5 Notes Cross-listed with PHYS 171 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 198 - Rocket Science Space … the final frontier. How do we get there, what should we bring with us, and what will we find? This class will give students a broad background in the challenges and opportunities of space exploration and the commercial development of space. Specifically, the class will focus on the physics of rocketry, orbital dynamics, spacecraft engineering, telecommunications, instrumentation, and planetary geology. Students will use hands-on activities and computer exercises to simulate space mission design and operations. Students coming into the class should be comfortable with using algebra and trigonometry, and expect a fast and challenging introductory class – it is rocket science, after all. Credits 1 Notes Cross-listed with AST 198 Rocket Science
	PHYS 199 - Independent Study Independent study on topics in physics, astronomy or geology not covered by the regular course offerings. Content varies with the interest of students and instructors. Credits 0.5 - 1 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science
	PHYS 225 - Modern Physics Introduction to the special theory of relativity, atomic physics, nuclear physics and elementary quantum theory. This course may be considered to be a third semester of introductory physics. Prerequisites PHYS 171 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Connection 20059 Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 226 - Optics Geometric and wave optics, including reflection, refraction, scattering, diffraction, interference, polarization and nonlinear phenomena. Applications to microscopes, telescopes, spectroscopy, lasers, fiber optics, holography and a variety of modern optical materials. The course includes a significant amount of laboratory work outside of class. Prerequisites PHYS 171 or PHYS 181 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Sciences Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 227 - Remote Sensing A great deal can be learned about the Earth by studying the different wavelengths of light reflected or emitted from its surface. Students will learn the theory, collection and interpretation of remotely sensed data from aircraft and satellites, through hands-on projects related to geology, ecology, human land use and environmental monitoring. Prerequisites PHYS 171 or CHEM 153 orBIO 111 or AST 130 or Permission of Instructor Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 228 - Scientific Computing Computational techniques for solving problems in the physical sciences. Topics include time series analysis, root-finding, and numerical techniques for ordinary and partial differential equations: these techniques are used to solve problems in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, geophysics, climatology, chemistry, and ecology. Appropriate for students with calculus experience, plus some further coursework in either math, physics, chemistry, or computer science. Prerequisites MATH 104 Credits 1 Area Natural Sciences Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 235 - Modern Physics II A continuation of PHYS 225 Modern Physics , this course presents the ideas of quantum mechanics, and applies them to systems such as the hydrogen atom, many-electron atoms, and molecules, systems with many particles, with applications to gases and solids, and solid state systems, semiconductor devices and superconductivity. Prerequisites PHYS 225 Modern Physics and MATH 104 Calculus II Credits 1 Area Natural Science Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 250 - Ancient Astronomies See AST 250
	PHYS 298 - Mechanical and Electronic Design How do we make things that actually work? This course will focus on the physics and engineering principles required to create useful working designs. It is intended for future engineers, artists, architects, and physical scientists, and is a core requirement for the Design and Fabrication LEAPS within the Compass curriculum. The first part of the course will discuss the static stability of structures, simple machines, the strength of materials, and mechanical power and torque. The second part will cover principles of electronics, circuit design, and basic computer programming for embedded systems. All ideas will be mastered through weekly hands-on projects rather than exams and problem sets. Unique elements include the use of mechanical simulation software to analyze designs for structural weakness; the use of Arduino-style microcomputers to learn about electronic circuits; and a final robot design competition. Credits 1 Area Natural Science Division Natural Science Compass Attributes Natural Science
	PHYS 298 - Meteorology and Oceanography Credits 1

Page: 1 <- 4 \| 5 \| 6 \| 7 \| 8 \| 9 \| 10 \| 11 \| 12 \| 13 \| 14

Contract All Courses | Print this page.

Print this Page

Course Descriptions

MUSC 211 - World Music: Eurasia

MUSC 212 - World Music: Africa and the Americas

MUSC 214 - Music Theory III: Applied Theory and Musicianship

MUSC 215 - Jazz Theory

MUSC 221 - Music and Dance of South Asia

MUSC 222 - West African Mande Dance and Music

MUSC 223 - Music of South America and Mexico

MUSC 224 - Music of the Caribbean Basin: A Continent of Islands

MUSC 225 - The Business of Music

MUSC 235 - Bach, Handel, and the Baroque Style

MUSC 242 - Conducting

MUSC 252 - Opera

MUSC 262 - Vernacular Dance in America

MUSC 275 - A History of Popular Music in the U.S.A.

MUSC 282 - Music and Worship in World Cultures

MUSC 292 - Broadway Bound: American Musical Theatre

MUSC 299 - Selected Topics

MUSC 302 - ‘The Modern Composer Refuses to Die!’: Music in the 20th Century

MUSC 308 - Analytical Survey of Western Music

MUSC 309 - Music Nationalism and Identity

MUSC 311 - Western Music II: Classical, Romantic, Modern

MUSC 315 - Politics of Movement

MUSC 316 - Music, Sound and the Moving Image

MUSC 325 - Beethoven

MUSC 330 - Arts Administration

MUSC 332 - Teaching Music in the United States

MUSC 398 - Oscar Hammerstein’s Legacy

MUSC 398 - Tonality at the Fringe

MUSC 399 - Selected Topics

MUSC 402 - Senior Conference

MUSC 499 - Independent Research

MUSC 500 - Individual Research

MUSP 001-008 - Performance Study

MUSP 010 - Wheaton College Chorale

MUSP 015 - Symphony Orchestra

MUSP 020 - Southeastern Massachusetts Wind Symphony

MUSP 025 - Wheaton Jazz Band

MUSP 030 - World Music Ensemble

MUSP 035 - Wheaton Chamber Singers

MUSP 101-108 - Performance Study

MUSP 201-208 - Performance Study

MUSP 301-308 - Performance Study

MUSP 315 - Recital in:

MUSP 320 - Recital in:

MUSP 401-408 - Performance Study

MUSP 415 - Recital in:

MUSP 420 - Recital in:

NEUR 199 - Independent Study

NEUR 299 - Independent Study

NEUR 399 - Independent Study

NEUR 400 - Senior Seminar in Neuroscience

NEUR 499 - Independent Research

PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL 111 - Ethics

PHIL 121 - Citizen and Society

PHIL 125 - Logic

PHIL 199 - Independent Study

PHIL 203 - Ancient Greek Philosophy

PHIL 207 - Modern Philosophy: The Enlightenment

PHIL 225 - Philosophy of Religion

PHIL 233 - Philosophy and Literature

PHIL 235 - Friendship

PHIL 236 - Aesthetics

PHIL 241 - Bio-Ethics

PHIL 242 - Medical Ethics

PHIL 245 - Philosophy of Science

PHIL 260 - How Judges Reason

PHIL 265 - Philosophy of Law

PHIL 298 - Capitalism & Social Pathology

PHIL 298 - Critical Thinking in the Times of Madness

PHIL 298 - Life, Death, and Meaning

PHIL 298 - Negotiating with Reason

PHIL 298 - Philosophy of Immigration Law

PHIL 299 - Independent Study

PHIL 311 - The Nature of Morality

PHIL 312 - Feminist Theory

PHIL 321 - Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy

PHIL 325 - Metaphysics

PHIL 388 - Tutorial