Sample Electives

Business Related Topics

ADV 205: Principles of Advertising (3)

Principles and practices of advertising in relation to economies, societies, and mass communication.

ACC 230: Survey of Accounting Concepts (3)

Basic concepts in financial and managerial accounting for non-business majors.

BUS 109: Introduction to Business in a Digital Society (3)

A multidisciplinary approach introducing students to the world of business. Digital society, blockchain, industrial internet, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Staying relevant in a global marketplace.

EC 201: Introduction to Microeconomics (3)

Economic institutions, reasoning and analysis. Consumption, production, determination of price and quantity in different markets. Income distribution, market structure and normative analysis.

EC 202: Introduction to Macroeconomics (3)

Determinants of Gross National Product, unemployment, inflation and economic growth. National income accounting and fiscal policy. Aggregate demand, supply management and  monetary policy.

ESHP 170: Startup: Business Model Development (3)

Moving new concepts from idea to prototype in support of developing market value.

ESHP 190: The Art of Starting (3)

Aspects of the entrepreneurial experience. The entrepreneurial mindset and the venture creation process. Foundation for getting a venture started, and understanding of what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

HB 100: Introduction to Hospitality Business (2)

Sectors, segments and disciplines of the hospitality and tourism industries. Impact of travel and tourism. Hospitality trends. Overview of accounting, marketing, and sales.

HDFS 138: Introduction to Financial Literacy (1) - Fall Only

Design, develop, and integrate a comprehensive plan to achieve financial goals. Topics will have an immediate impact on everyday life to achieve financial freedom and success.

HDFS 238: Personal Finance (3)

Strategies, techniques, and resources for the management of personal finance.

HRLR 201: Human Capital and Society (3)

Human capital and society from cultural, organizational, and worker perspectives. Interdisciplinary and professional aspects of human resources and labor relations.

Communication

COM 100: Human Communication (3)

Process and functions of communication. Principles underlying communication behavior. Practice in analyzing communication situations and in speaking and writing.

COM 225: Intro to Interpersonal Communication (3)

Principles and practices of interpersonal communication. Emphasis on effective and responsible interpersonal communication.

COM 240: Intro to Organizational Communication (4)

Theories, systems, structures and processes of organizational communication. Organizational cultures. Communication in multinational organizations and in individual, leadership, supervisor-subordinate and small group situations.

COM 275: Effects of Mass Communication (3)

Major social effects of mass media on audience behavior. Political communication. Media effects on children. Message strategies producing attitude change. Interrelationships between mass media and interpersonal communication.

JRN 108: The World of Media (3)

Introduction to the wide array of the journalism and media industries. Examination of established to emerging media and their content and audiences, content dissemination, policy and management decision- making, theory, history, development and current structure of the media. Role and impact of media on society and vice-versa, careers, law and ethics, media literacy and diversity.

Computers

CSE 102: Algorithmic Thinking and Programming (3)

Fundamentals of computing, algorithms and programming, using a high-level language such as Python.

CAS 117: Games and Interactivity (3)

Development of responsive media and iterative design from physical games to modern interactive software.

Culture & The World

AAAS 100: Pathways into AAAS (3)*

Multifaceted topics and dialogue on race. Race as an intractable and enduring feature of politics and society. Racial formations. Individual identities, collective action, and social structures. Ways that racial categories remain an organizing principle. Core focus on African American, African diaspora, and continental African sites of analysis.

AAAS 200: Black Feminisms: Past, Present and Futures (3)*

*Prerequisite: Completion of WRA 101

AAAS 202: Black Gender Studies: Past Present and Futures (3)*

*Prerequisite: Completion of WRA 101

ANP 200: Navigating Another Culture (2) 

Understanding how cultural differences shape perspectives and behavior. Adapting to a new cultural setting.

ANP 201: Intro to Cultural Anthropology (3)

Origins and diversity of cultural systems. Theories of culture. Patterns of kinship. Religious, economic, and political institutions.

ANP 203: Intro to Archaeology (3)

Theory, methodology, and techniques of archaeology. Applications to questions about past human behavior. History and concepts of archaeology as an anthropological subdiscipline.

ANP 206: Intro to Physical Anthropology (3)

Problems, data, and methods of physical anthropology. Human genetics, hominid evolution, primate studies, human osteology, and human diversity.

ANP 270: Women & Health: Anthropological and International Perspectives (3) - Fall Only

Cross cultural perspectives on the health implications of differing life circumstances for women. Women as health-care consumers and providers. Health and women's life cycles.

CLS 201: Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies (3)

Chicano/Latino studies as an academic field of research and scholarship. Arts, communications, literature and the social sciences.

GEO 113: Intro to Economic Geography (3)

Spatial distribution of resources, population, enterprise, trade, consumption, and production. Interaction of those distributions at local to global scales.

GEO 151: Intro to Human Geography (3)

Systematic study of spatial patterns and processes that have shaped human use and alteration of the world.

GEO 204: World Regional Geography (3)

Economic, political, cultural, environmental, and technological processes and conditions that explain the diversity of world regions.

Environment

ENT 205: Pests, Society & Environment (3)

Nature of pests and their impact on society. Principles of integrated pest management in relation to environmental quality and sustainable development.

FOR 101: Michigan’s Forests (3)

Ecological, social and economic roles of Michigan's forests in historic and contemporary context. Geographic similarities and differences in forest resources.

FOR 202: Intro to Forestry (3) - Fall Only

Historical development of forestry. Forest growth, protection, management, and products. Relationship of national and world economy and policy to forestry. Emphasis on multiple uses of forests.

FW 101: Fundamentals of Fisheries & Wildlife Ecology and Management (3)

Ecological and sociological concepts of fisheries and wildlife ecology and management. Career opportunities.

FW 181: Intro Science, Tech, the Environment & Public Policy (3) - Fall Only

Relation of science and technology to ethics and public policy. Environmental law and public policy. Managing fish, water and wildlife resources at state, national, and international levels. Science and technology in developing countries. Impacts of military technology on environmental policy.

HRT 203: Introduction to Horticulture (3)
 

Concepts and practices of horticulture. Crop selection and management, factors affecting plant growth and development, and plant identification. Field trip required.

Government

PLS 100: Intro to American Politics (3)

The policymaking process in national government, with emphasis on political participation, the presidency, Congress, Supreme Court, bureaucracy, and civil rights and civil liberties.

PLS 140: Intro to Comparative Politics (3)

Comparative analysis of political systems in first, second, and third-world countries. Alternative methods for comparative cross-cultural analyses of political systems.

PLS 160: Intro to International Relations (3)

Dynamics of conflict and cooperation. Processes of foreign policy decision making. Major international economic issues. Basic future trends. Primary analytical approaches for studying world politics.

PLS 170: Intro to Political Philosophy (3) 

Basic questions of political philosophy as considered from ancient to modern times. Primary focus on the origins, defense, and radical critiques of modern liberal democracy.

PLS 200: Intro to Political Science (4) - Fall Only

The science of politics. Theory construction, model building, empirical testing, and inductive inference. Examples from American, international and comparative politics.

Historical Topics

HST 140: World History to 1500 (4) - Spring Only

Similarities and distinctive qualities of civilizations in the pre-modern era. Social, cultural, and economic influences and interactions.

HST 150: World History Since 1500 (4) - Fall Only

The making of the modern world with focus on international relations. Major changes in culture and human understanding of the world.

HST 160: Introduction to Asian History and Culture (4)

History and culture of East, South and Southeast Asia in the early modern and modern periods.

HST 202: U.S. History to 1876 (4)

Major topics and themes in U.S. history from the colonial and revolutionary periods through the Civil War and reconstruction.

HST 203: U.S. History Since 1876 (4)

Major topics and themes in U.S. history from 1876 to the present including such topics as political development, social change, women's history, race and ethnicity.

HST 208: Introduction to African History, Culture and Society (4)

General survey of the history, culture and society of Africa, from around 1500 to the present. Interplay between internal and external socio-economic, political, cultural and religious forces in African societies.

HST 212: National Latin America (4)

Political, economic and social history of Latin America from the 1820s to the present, including relations between Latin America and the United States.

HST 320: History of Michigan (3) - Fall Only

Political, social, and economic development from colonial beginnings to the present.

Language & Arts

ENG 140: Literature and Society (4)

Ways of reading literature in its cultural, social, and historical contexts. Literature in relation to other media and cultural forms. Topics vary.

ENG 142: Introduction to Popular Literary Genres (4) 

Popular literary genres such as science fiction, romance, detective novels, gothic, horror, and spy thrillers, including film and other non-print media. Topics vary.

ENG 153: Introduction to Women Authors (4) 

Writings by women from various racial, socio-economic and historical backgrounds. Women's choices of subject matter and style. Women's redefinition of literary genres.

LIN 200: Intro to Language (3)

Linguistic structure of language. Applications of linguistics to other disciplines. Human and societal aspects of the nature, use, acquisition, and history of languages.

MUS 175: Understanding Music (2) - Fall Only

An active and creative approach to understanding the elements of music in a wide variety of music styles. No prior musical skills required.

THR 100: Introduction to Theatre (3)

Introduction to the technique, vocabulary and appreciation of theatre in its varied forms within historical and contemporary contexts.

THR 101N: Acting I for Non-Theatre Majors (3)

Improvisational exercises, creative exercises, monologue and scene study.

Foreign Language: 

Click here to view foreign languages offered at MSU. Most language classes are 4-5 credits.

Leisure & Recreation

CSUS 273: Introduction to Travel & Tourism (3) 

Overview of the travel and tourism industry. History, scope and management of the tourism system. Tourism demand, destination management, major travel segments, tourism marketing.

Philosophy

PHL 101: Intro to Philosophy (3)

Theories of knowledge, values, and reality. Topics such as objectivity, relativism and cultural diversity, moral responsibility, aesthetic values, the self, existence of God, free will, minds and machines.

PHL 130: Logic and Reasoning (3)

Deductive and inductive reasoning. Topics such as rational argumentation, fallacies, definition, meaning, truth and evidence. Techniques for critical reading and thinking.

PHL 225: Paradoxes (3)

Central philosophical paradoxes and possible solutions. Topics vary and may include paradoxes about existence, infinity, space and time, knowledge, rationality, and truth. Students develop solutions to paradoxes and work out the consequences and costs of those solutions.

Religion

REL 101: Exploring Religion (3)

Religion and religions as historical phenomena. Non-textual and textual religions. Theories of the origins and functions of religion. Exemplary voices from various traditions examined in their historical and doctrinal settings.

REL 150: Introduction to Biblical Literature (3)

A critical survey of biblical texts, including the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and writings found in the Apocrypha/Deuterocanon, that combines historical and literary analysis with attention to the ancient religious context of this literature.

REL 175: Religion in Film (3)

Film representation of religions and spiritual traditions through their representations in film.

REL 185: Introduction to Religion and Nonprofits (3)

History, themes and issues in the intersection of religion, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations in U.S. and global contexts.

REL 220: Religion in America (3)

History, themes and issues of religions in America from precolonial times to the present.

Science-Related Topics (see also Environment)

ANS 110: Intro Animal Agriculture (4)

History of animal agriculture and its relationship to human needs, production systems, marketing, and environmental considerations. Current goals of and limitations affecting U.S. farm animal production. Field trips required.

CJ 210: Intro to Forensic Science (3) - Fall Only

Techniques of crime scene search. Collection and preservation of physical evidence. Class and individual scientific tests. Rules of evidence governing admissibility of physical evidence. Expert testimony.

CSD 203: Intro to Communicative Sciences & Disorders (3)

Survey of research and practice regarding speech, hearing, and language disorders in children and adults.

CSS 101: Intro to Crop Science (3)

Principles of crop production including integrated crop management. Sustainable agriculture. International agriculture. Environmental challenges to crop production.

CSUS 200: Introduction to Sustainability (3)

Introduction to sustainability and personal role in sustainability initiatives. Implications of individual actions for key sustainability challenges. Application of sustainability principles and leadership skills in community.

FOR 204: Forest Vegetation (3) - Fall Only

Identification of common forest trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Field trip required.

FSC 211: Principles of Food Science (3) - Fall Only

Scientific principles, historical perspective, and current status of technology related to food composition, safety, toxicology, processing, preservation, and distribution.

GEO 203: Intro to Meteorology (3)

Fundamentals of meteorology. Energy balance, adiabatic processes, horizontal motion, cyclogenesis, and severe weather.

GEO 206: Physical Geography (3)

Geographic and functional interrelationships within the physical environment: Earth-sun relationships, weather, climate, soils, vegetation and landforms (terrain characteristics).

HNF 150: Intro to Human Nutrition (3)

Nutrient function and metabolism. Food and nutrients in health and disease. Socioeconomic and environmental influences on food and health. Incorporation of healthy food choices into daily living.

Society & Behavior

CEP 260: Dynamics of Personal Adjustment (3)

Theories and issues in psychological adjustment. Dynamics operating within individuals and in their interactions with others. Implications for learning, development, and well-being.

CEP 261: Substance Abuse (3)

Effects of mood-altering chemicals. Treatment approaches and resources. Special emphasis on adolescent users.

CJ 110: Intro to Criminal Justice (3)

Description and analysis of agencies and processes involved in administration of justice in the United States.

EAD 315: Student Leadership Training (3)

Student leadership role, skills, and technique, consistent with the principles and demands of a democratic multicultural society.

HDFS 145: The Individual, Couples and Families (3)

Development of the young adult in the human ecological context. Issues of sexuality, gender, parenting, work and family interface, communication, and resource use. Diversity in relationships and families.

HDFS 211: Child Growth and Development (3)

Physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and ecological aspects of human growth and development from conception through early childhood.

HDFS 212: Children, Youth and Family (3)

An ecosystems perspective on development during childhood and adolescence emphasizing family and community contexts.

HDFS 225: Lifespan Human Development in the Family (3) 

Human development in the family and across the lifespan with an ecological perspective. Relationships between human resource professionals and family systems.

NUR 423: Transitional Needs in Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (3)

Analyze the complex transitional needs of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

PH 101: Intro to Public Health (3)

Core public health philosophies and concepts. Health and disease – measures, determinants, health promotion and disease prevention. Introduction to health care delivery systems. Career opportunities in public health. 

PH 102: Social Justice & Determinants of Health: United States (3)

Introduction to the role of social justice in public health, and the determinants of health, specifically the socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.

PH 103: Social Justice and Health Equity: Global Perspectives (3)

In-depth multidisciplinary exploration of critical transnational challenges in global public health such as food insecurity, the refugee and migrant crisis, slums and the global housing crisis, population growth, complex humanitarian emergencies, global mental health, interpersonal violence, among others. 

PSY 101: Intro Psychology (4)

Mind and behavior from biological, individual, and social perspectives. Scientific and professional aspects of psychology.

SW 200: Intro to Social Work (3)

Social work practice, ethics, and values, in the context of social welfare policy in the United States.

SOC 100: Intro to Sociology (4)

Nature of sociological inquiry. Concepts and principles of sociology. Institutional features of modern society. Structure and dynamics of social organizations.

SOC 214: Social Inequity (3)

Theories of structural social inequality. Formation and change of inequalities among social classes and class structures, gender, and race. Inequalities and their interactions in modern societies. Consequences of inequalities. Current inequality trends.

SOC 215: Race and Ethnicity (3)

Racial and ethnic problems in contemporary society. Prejudice, discrimination, conflict, and racial and ethnic identity and segregation in western and non-western societies.

SOC 216: Sex and Gender (3)

Social structural and social psychological perspectives on gender. Issues related to gender inequality in selected institutions such as economy, family, education, and politics.

SOC 241: Social Psychology (3)

Relationship of individuals to their social environment. Social influences on personality, attitudes and behavior.

WS 102: Navigating Sex & Gender in Everyday Life (2) - Fall Only

Survey of current topics related to women, gender, sexuality, and social justice. Diversity, global perspectives, contextualizing the individual within a complex world.

WS 201: Introduction to Women’s Studies (3)

Foundational knowledge, theories, methods in women's and gender studies and of women's experience historically and across the globe.

Teaching

CEP 150: Reflections on Learning (3)

Students' experiences as learners in comparison to psychological, sociological, and anthropological theories and assumptions about learning and teaching in and out of school.

TE 201: Current Issues in Education (3)

Contemporary and perennial issues in elementary, secondary, and higher education.

ONE CREDIT COURSES OFFERED

FOR 110: Seminar on Contemporary Issues in Forests and the Environment (1)

Role of forests in environmental quality and human well-being.

KIN 101-118: Physical Education activity courses (1)

Examples: Great Lakes Sailing, Aerobic Exercise, General Conditioning, Power Walking, Weight Training, Distance Running, Boxing Conditioning, Golf, Yoga, Tennis, Volleyball, Softball, Wheelchair Sports, Kayaking & Canoeing, and more!

MUS 116: Campus Band (1)

Rehearsal and performance of broad range of band literature chosen from baroque period to the present.

MUS 123: Campus Choir (1)

Rehearsal and performance of representative literature for mixed choir with emphasis on world music.

MUS 125: Glee Club, Men & Women (1)

Rehearsal and performance of broad range of choral literature chosen from medieval period to the present.

NEU 101: Frontiers in Neuroscience (1)

Introduction to the field of neuroscience and recent trends in neuroscience research, including an overview of careers with a degree in neuroscience. Campus and internet resources to achieve academic success and career goals.

OST 401: Selected Topics in Osteopathic Medicine (1)

Classical, current and innovative osteopathic medical trends inpatient treatment and care.

PSL 101: Frontiers in Physiology (1)

Introduction to the field of physiology and recent trends in physiological research, including an overview of biomedical careers. Campus and Internet resources to achieve academic success and career goals.

UGS 110 People, Places & Purpose (1)

Developing effective intercultural and interpersonal skills, analytical and critical thinking in the university experience, identifying campus resources, and determining one's academic and professional goals.

Fall 2024

• Section 301-302: Open to freshmen in DOW STEM
• Section 305: Open to all freshman
• Section 307-308: Intended for first-year residential students
• Section 309-310: Open to freshmen in TRIO
• Section 311-313: Open to freshmen in Detroit M.A.D.E.
• Section 316: Maximize Ability & Resiliency at MSU: Open to all freshmen
• Section 317-318: Open to freshmen in ASP
• Sections 320: Succeed in the United States as an International Student – Open to all freshmen international students
• Section 330-331: Open to all freshmen
• Section 339: Open to freshmen GRPS Scholars
• Section 360: Open to freshmen in Spartan FLI Program
• Section 365-369: Intended for first-year students exploring various majors