Course Descriptions

MESA 6559 - New Course in Middle Eastern & South Asian Studies

MESA 8993 - Independent Study II

MESA 8995 - MA Research Seminar

Required course for all candidates for the Master of Arts in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies. During this course the final paper, required for the MA, is written. Includes instruction in research methodology, data analysis and a history of academic research on these areas.



Credits: 3

MESA 8998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for MA Research

MESA 8999 - Non-Topical Research, MA

MEST 5110 - Women and Middle-Eastern Literatures

Explores some of the basic issues of women’s identity in Middle Eastern literature. In a variety of readings (poetry, short-story, novel, and autobiography) by men and women, it explores both the image and presence of women in a rich and too-often neglected literature.



Credits: 1 to 3

MEST 5270 - Culture & Society of Contemp. Arab Mid. East

This course will address some of the religious, socio-political, and historical factors that have contributed to the shaping of the Arab Middle East and Arab identity(s) in the modern age. From the rise of Islam in the 7th century A.D., to the Ottoman Empire, to the colonial remapping of the Middle East during the period of the two World Wars,to the Gulf and Iraq wars, this course will help students gain an understanding of modern Arab culture.



Credits: 3

MEST 5620 - The Middle East in Ethnographic Perspective

Survey of the anthropological literature on the Middle East & N. Africa. Begins historically with traditional writing on the ‘middle east’ and proceeds to critiques of this tradition and attempts at new ways of constructing knowledge of this world region. Readings juxtapose theoretical and descriptive work toward critically appraising modern writers’ success in overcoming the critiques leveled against their predecessors.



Credits: 3

MUSI 5330 - Modal Counterpoint

MUSI 5340 - Tonal Counterpoint

MUSI 5380 - Canon and Fugue

MUSI 5410 - Conducting I

MUSI 5420 - Conducting II

MUSI 5810 - Composition

MUSI 5820 - Composition

MUSI 5993 - Independent Study

MUSI 7350 - Interactive Media

A graduate-level seminar in interactive technology for music and multimedia.  Students explore theoretical, creative and practical aspects of programming, composing and performing real-time interactive music with computers. 



Credits: 3

MUSI 7500 - Studies in Pre-Modern Music to 1500

MUSI 7501 - Studies in Early Modern Music 1500 - 1750

MUSI 7502 - Studies in Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Music

MUSI 7503 - Studies in Nineteenth-Century Music

MUSI 7504 - Topics in Twentieth Century Music

MUSI 7505 - Vocal Music

MUSI 7506 - Instrumental Music

MUSI 7507 - Composers

MUSI 7508 - American Music

MUSI 7509 - Cultural and Historical Studies of Music

MUSI 7510 - Cultural and Historical Studies of Music

Selected topics, announced in advance, exploring the study of music within cultural and historical frameworks.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7511 - Introduction to Research in Music

MUSI 7512 - Studies in Jazz Literature

MUSI 7519 - Current Studies in Research and Criticism

MUSI 7520 - Current Studies in Research and Criticism

MUSI 7523 - Issues in Ethnomusicology

Intended as a first intensive experience with ethnomusicology and performance studies, this seminar explores musical ethnography, field research, and a performance approach to both. Addresses issues involving race, class, gender, and identity politics in light of particular topics and area studies.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7524 - Field Research and Ethnography of Performance

Working with and critiquing ideas about ethnography and performativity, students explore epistemological, ethical, and aesthetic issues as they relate to field research, and push the envelope of ‘creative non-fiction’ in the ethnographic realm through writing. A final essay as well as a final performance presentation are required.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7525 - Topics in Ethnomusicology

Studies the field of ethnomusicology. Specific issues and cultural areas addressed depend on the interests of students and the instructor.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7526 - Topics in Ethnomusicology

Studies the field of ethnomusicology. Specific issues and cultural areas addressed depend on the interests of students and the instructor.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7532 - Musical Analysis

Studies various approaches to musical analysis; readings from the most important theoretical literature; and the practical exercises in analysis of music from all periods.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7540 - Computer Sound Generation and Spatial Processing

Studies in sound processing, digital synthesis and multichannel audio using RTCmix running under Linux. Students learn techniques of computer music through advanced composition, analysis of representative works, and programming.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission. The course is intended for graduate students in music.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7543 - Sound Studio

Studies in computer music studio techniques, sound synthesis using a variety of software packages based on the Macintosh platform, and the creation of original music using new technologies.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7545 - Computer Applications in Music

MUSI 7547 - Materials of Contemporary Music

The course is intended for graduate students in music. Topics in contemporary music that will focus on different areas in rotation. Each will involve focused readings, analysis of selected works, and the creation of original compositions that reflect the issues under discussion.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7571 - Instrumental Conducting I, II

MUSI 7572 - Instrumental Conducting I, II

MUSI 7574 - Music in Performance

Provides a venue for students to study how musical performances implicitly or explicitly enact and/or (re)negotiate their historical, cultural, and ideological circumstances. Students examine their premises about the very nature of music as constituted by a given cultural context and evaluate the socio-esthetic bases of their own musical judgments.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7575 - Choral Conducting I, II

Advanced studies in the technique and art of conducting, with weekly experience conducting repertoire with a small choral ensemble.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7576 - Choral Conducting I, II

Advanced studies in the technique and art of conducting, with weekly experience conducting repertoire with a small choral ensemble.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 7581 - Composition

MUSI 7583 - Proseminar in Computer Music Composition

MUSI 7584 - Proseminar in Computer Music Composition

MUSI 8050 - Advanced Studies in Music

MUSI 8060 - Advanced Studies in Music

MUSI 8710 - Advanced Instrumental Conducting I

This course will offer individual advanced training and coaching in instrumental conducting for experienced graduate conductors.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 8720 - Advanced Instrumental Conducting II

This course will offer individual advanced training and coaching in instrumental conducting for experienced graduate conductors.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 8810 - Advanced Composition

MUSI 8820 - Advanced Composition

MUSI 8830 - Advanced Computer Music Composition

MUSI 8840 - Advanced Computer Music Composition

MUSI 8910 - Supervised Research

Reading and/or other work in particular fields under supervision of an instructor. Normally taken by first-year graduate students.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 8920 - Supervised Research

Reading and/or other work in particular fields under supervision of an instructor. Normally taken by first-year graduate students.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 8960 - Thesis

MUSI 8993 - Independent Study

Independent study dealing with a specific topic. Requirements will place primary emphasis on independent research.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 1 to 3

MUSI 8998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research

MUSI 8999 - Non-Topical Research

MUSI 9010 - Directed Readings

MUSI 9020 - Directed Readings

MUSI 9910 - Supervised Research

Reading and/or other work in particular fields under supervision of an instructor. Normally taken by second year graduate students.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 9920 - Supervised Research

Reading and/or other work in particular fields under supervision of an instructor. Normally taken by second year graduate students.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

MUSI 9930 - Independent Research

MUSI 9940 - Independent Research

MUSI 9998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research

MUSI 9999 - Non-Topical Research

MUPF 7930 - Performance - Music Graduate Students

Individual instruction in musical performance for PhD students in music, as an enhancement of their academic program. Prerequisite: music graduate student with permission of department chair.



Credits: 1 to 2

NESC 5330 - Neural Network Models

An introductory course to neural networks research, specifically biologically-based networks that reproduce cognitive phenomena. The goal of this course is to teach the basic thinking and methodologies used in constructing and understanding neural-like networks.
Prerequisites: CS 1110; and BIOM 2101 or permission of the instructor.



Credits: 3

NESC 7030 - Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience

Introduces cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience.  Includes the cellular and molecular biology of neurons and glia, intercellular signaling in the nervous system, and neuronal development and plasticity.  Lectures and directed readings of primary literature. 



Credits: 2

NESC 7060 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Provides a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Stresses the structural and functional interrelationships of the various regions of the brain and spinal cord, and the cellular, molecular, and developmental biology of the nervous system. Laboratory sessions include brain dissections and examination of microscopic material.



Credits: 5

NESC 7200 - Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience

Covers regulatory systems that operate on behavior, including behavioral neuroscience topics (circadian rhythms, drug addiction, neuroethology, social behavior) and cognitive neuroscience topics (physiology of learning and memory, perception, cognition, aging).



Credits: 2

NESC 8010 - Seminar in Neuroscience

Topics of current interest in neuroscience are presented and discussed by both the program faculty and visiting neuroscientists from other institutions.
Prerequisite: Permission of program director.



Credits: 2

NESC 8020 - Seminar in Neuroscience

Topics of current interest are presented and discussed by both the program faculty and visiting neuroscientists from other institutions.
Prerequisite: Permission of program director.



Credits: 2

NESC 8080 - Neuroscience Graduate Student Seminar Series

Students give forty-five minute presentations to their peers each week. Provides a chance for practice and improvement in giving lectures and an opportunity to receive advice from fellow trainees and attending faculty. Gives all members of the program updates on the progress and scientific interests of the students.



Credits: 1

NESC 8150 - Introduction to Research

Laboratory experience acquaints the student with applied theory and current techniques in addressing research problems in neuroscience.
Prerequisite: Permission of program director.



Credits: 1 to 6

NESC 8160 - Introduction to Research

NESC 8170 - Introduction to Research

Laboratory experience acquaints the student with applied theory and current techniques in addressing research problems in neuroscience.
Prerequisite: Permission of program director.



Credits: 2

NESC 8180 - Introduction to Research

Laboratory experience acquaints the student with applied theory and current techniques in addressing research problems in neuroscience.
Prerequisite: Permission of program director.



Credits: 2

NESC 8250 - Molecular Basis of Neurological Disorder

A series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease.



Credits: 2

NESC 8300 - Current Topics in Neuroscience

NESC 8450 - Current Topics in Neuroscience

NESC 8550 - Current Topics in Neuroscience

NESC 8600 - Directed Readings in Neuroscience

NESC 8610 - Directed Readings in Neuroscience

NESC 9998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research

NESC 9999 - Non-Topical Research

NCPR 500 - Personal Financial Planning

Introduces the concepts of the financial planning process, client/planner interactions, time value of money applications, personal financial statements development and assessment, cash flow and debt management, and asset acquisition. Other topics and an overview of practice management concepts will be discussed.
Prerequisites: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Statistics.



Credits: 0

NCPR 501 - Insurance Planning

Introduces students to risk management and insurance decisions in personal financial planning. Topics include insurance for life, health, disability, property and liability risks, as well as annuities, group insurance, and long term care.
Prerequisites: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Statistics



Credits: 0

NCPR 502 - Investment Planning

Provides the student with an understanding of the various types of securities traded in financial markets, investment theory and practice, portfolio construction and management, and investment strategies and tactics.
Prerequisites: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Statistics.



Credits: 0

NCPR 503 - Income Tax Planning

Focuses on principles and current law and practice of income taxation and its impact on financial planning for individuals, couples, and families in their roles as investors, employees, and business owners.
Prerequisites: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Statistics.



Credits: 0

NCPR 504 - Retirement Planning

Focuses on retirement preparation. Includes topics such as the importance of retirement planning, an evaluation of the clients’ needs, an understanding of Social Security and Medicare, and qualified and non-qualified retirement plans.
Prerequisites: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Statistics.



Credits: 0

NCPR 505 - Estate Planning

Focuses on the efficient conservation and transfer of wealth consistent with the clients’ goals. Studies the legal, tax, financial and non-financial aspects of this process, and covers topics such as trusts, wills, probate, advanced directives, charitable giving, wealth transfers and related taxes.



Credits: 0

NCPR 506 - Capstone: Financial Planning

Engages students in critical thinking and decision-making about personal financial management topics in the context of the financial planning process. Focuses on refining and developing skills needed for personal financial planners when working with individuals, families, and business owners in meeting financial needs and objectives.
Prerequisites: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, Statistics.



Credits: 0

NCPR 507 - Professional Leadership Development Seminar

Examines the infrastructure of various selected aspects of agriculture, business, education, engineering, government, industrial, science, medicine, technology, and urban planning, development and zoning. Provides an indepth perspective of the governing entities and skills required to provide effective and creative leadership.



Credits: 0

NCPR 508 - Ethical Issues in Financial Services

Examines and reviews the code of ethics required and set forth by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards, Inc.



Credits: 0