June, 2012

Dear Centre First-Year Student,

It is a pleasure to welcome you as a Centre student!

This document is designed to provide you with important information you need to choose your fall term classes. Please read this entire document. After doing so, you should be ready to complete and send us your course selection form.

The usual first-year class schedule for the fall term consists of four academic courses. One of those courses will be Humanities 110 or Humanities 111, a common course for all first-years. Your other three courses are chosen from the following areas:

Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Other courses

In choosing your three other courses, keep in mind the following:

1. If you need to establish basic skills in mathematics, you will need to take MAT 110 Mathematics in Our Society or MAT 140 Differential Calculus with Review (depending on your placement) sometime before the end of your sophomore year.

2. If you need to establish basic skills in a foreign language, you will need to study a foreign language through the first-year level. This requirement normally should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

3. Students must take at least one course in mathematics or foreign language beyond the basic skills level, or a computer science class. This requirement should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. NOTE: Students who have met the basic skills requirement in both math and foreign language are not required to take a course in both at Centre. One course beyond the basic skills level in only one of those areas (or a computer sciene course) is required.

4. Choose at least one course in an area that you are considering as a possible major. Major requirements are listed in the online catalog: http://www.centre.edu/registrar/catalog/catalog.html.

5. There is additional important information that will help you choose specific courses in the sections below listing descriptions of courses for first-year students.

After reviewing all these materials, you should complete the course selection form and either email or fax it to us by July 11:

email : sharon.duncan@centre.edu

fax : 859-238-6226

The course selection form is available online at

http://web.centre.edu/regist/Form/courseselectionform2012.docx (Word version) or
http://web.centre.edu/regist/Form/courseselectionform2012.pdf (PDF version)

If you have any questions about these materials, please feel free to call us at 859-238-5360.

Later in the summer, you will be registered in specific courses based on the choices you made on the course selection form. You will be able to view your schedule of classes online on or around August 2. When you arrive on campus for orientation, you will discuss your registration with your academic advisor. Any necessary changes to your schedule of classes can be made at that time.

Please remember to see that your final high school transcript is sent to the Admission Office if you have not done so already. Your final high school transcript provides us with important information that will help us in placing you in appropriate courses at Centre.

We look forward to working with you as you begin your career at Centre. In the meantime, we wish you the best for a pleasant, relaxing, and productive summer.

Sincerely,

DESCRIPTIONS OF COURSES FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

HUMANITIES

Humanities 110/111 is the first course in a two-course core requirement in humanities for all first-year students.  It also serves as preparation for the sophomore-level courses in English, philosophy, and the fine arts. First-year students are required to register for HUM 110. Some students will be placed into HUM 111, a writing-intensive section.

HUM 110 Introduction to Humanities-I
A study of literature, philosophy, and the fine arts in classical Greek and Roman civilization with special attention given to ethical and aesthetic values. Emphasis is placed on writing, analysis, and discussion.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students may choose any of the following introductory social studies courses to fulfill College requirements and/or pursue potential major interests. To fulfill general education requirements, all students must take a history course (one of HIS 110, 120, 230, 240) and one other social studies course (one of ANT 110, ANT 120, ECO 110, GOV 110, SOC 110). Students with social studies related professional interests should note the following:

1. PreLaw and PreBusiness Preparation. Students interested in law or business professions can begin study in any of the first-year offerings in social studies listed below. These courses all serve as introductions to majors useful in both law and business professions.

2. PreInternational Preparation. Students interested in professions involving international fields can begin study in any of the first-year offerings in social studies below. Students should also evaluate their foreign language skills and consider building on those skills with additional language courses.

INTRODUCTORY COURSES IN SOCIAL STUDIES

HIS 120 Development of the Modern World-II
An examination of the most important issues and events from the mid-19th century to the present in a global context. Such issues as the origins and consequences of the world wars, the Great Depression, the emergence and collapse of the totalitarian orders, and the impact of Western colonization on the non-Western world are discussed.

HIS 240 Development of the United States-II
Second half of a survey of the major trends, conflicts, and crises of a society characterized by growth and change from the Age of Discovery to the present. The internal and external aspects of the United States are examined in an effort to encourage a clearer perspective of our history in its global context.

ECO 110 Introduction to Economics
An introductory course in economic theory with attention given to the construction of simple economic models which deal with consumer behavior, production, pricing, distribution, monetary theory and national income determination.

GOV 110 Introduction to Politics
An introduction to political values and institutions as they have evolved in historical context. Emphasis is placed on the examination of classic texts in political thought and their relevance to contemporary political life.

SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology
A survey of the concepts, theoretical orientations, and classic studies of sociology. Students conduct a small field research project.

ANT 110 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to the perspectives and methods of cultural anthropology. Topics covered include the nature of culture, the relation of culture to language, the importance of the environment for human societies, and a cross-cultural examination of family structure, social organization, political and economic systems, religion, arts and folklore, and the impact of social and cultural change.

ANT 120 Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology
An introduction to major topics in physical anthropology and archaeology, including studies of human biological and cultural evolution, conflicting theories over the genetic and cultural bases of human behavior, history and methodology of archaeology, and on-going debates and new directions in these areas of anthropology.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

To fulfill general education requirements, all students must complete one life science course (one of NSC 120, BIO 110, BIO 210, PSY 110) and one physical science course (one of NSC 110, NSC 140, CHE 117, CHE 131, CHE 135, PHY 110, PHY 117).

Following is a brief description of the majors offered in the division of science and mathematics:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The study of life at the cellular and molecular levels, including chemical reactions, cellular structure, and the central role of DNA.

Biology. The study of living organisms at all levels of organization from cellular structure to ecological interactions.

Chemistry. The study of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Major topics include the structure of matter, reactivity patterns, and the synthesis and analysis of chemical species. Laboratory work is extensively used to develop and illustrate theoretical concepts.

Computer Science. The study of algorithms for the solution of problems in a wide variety of application areas. This includes the design and implementation in an appropriate programming language as well as analysis of efficiency, correctness, and reliability.

Mathematics. Development of quantitative and analytic problem solving skills in a wide range of disciplines. The study of mathematics provides a setting for the development of clear, logical, and creative thought processes.

Chemical Physics. A study of the fundamental aspects of chemical reactions. Concepts studied include energetics of chemical reactions, interaction of radiation with matter, and the relationship between molecular structure and reactivity. Chemical physics is, therefore, central to the understanding and control of chemical reactions.

Physics. The basic science which seeks to understand matter and energy, and to discover fundamental laws which allow us to understand our universe. Physics thus has important applications to other sciences as well as to more applied fields such as medicine and engineering.

Behavioral Neuroscience. The study of the biological bases of behavior. This includes the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in behavioral expression of humans and other animals as well as the ecological and evolutionary foundations of behavior.

Psychology. The study of behavior and mental processes as they are affected by learning, social environments, motivation, gender, personality, and development.

The College offers several courses designed to fulfill the science requirements for non-science majors: NSC 110, 120, 140, CHE 117, and PHY 170. Only NSC 120 is offered and available to first-years this fall.

Students planning possible majors in one of the sciences should note the following guidelines when selecting science courses for their first year:

1. PreHealth Profession Preparation. Students preparing for professional schools in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy should take at least one of the following courses in the fall: BIO 110, CHE 131, CHE 135, or PHY 110. CHE 135 is designed for students with at least two years of high school chemistry. It combines the material in the first two terms of college chemistry. NOTE: Because preparation for these professions requires more chemistry than biology and physics, many students begin their college-level science study with chemistry (either CHE 131 or 135). For more information about course scheduling specifically for medical school, please go to: http://web.centre.edu/workmanj/MEDWEBSITE/Pages/SCHEDULE.htm.

If a specific area is a likely major, follow the advice below.

2. Potential majors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) should take CHE 131 in the fall or spring of their first year (or CHE 135 in the fall).

3. Students planning a major in Biology should take at least one of the following courses in the fall of their first year: BIO 110 or CHE 131 or CHE 135.

4. Potential majors in Chemistry should take CHE 131 or 135 in the fall. They can also start with CHE 131 in the spring of their first year.

5. Potential majors in Chemical Physics should take CHE 131 or CHE 135 or PHY 110 in the fall. (Students with strong backgrounds in calculus and physics may be placed in PHY 210 instead of PHY 110).

6. Students planning a major in Physics should take PHY 110 or PHY 210 in the fall of their first year. (Students with strong backgrounds in calculus and physics may be placed in PHY 210 instead of PHY 110). Also, MAT 171 should be completed by the beginning of the sophomore year.

7. Possible majors in Psychology or Behavioral Neuroscience should take PSY 110 and BIO 110 during their first year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

8. If you need MAT 110 to establish basic skills in math, the only science course that you can take in the fall is PSY 110. All other science courses require that you have met the basic skills requirement in math.

9. Potential majors in Computer Science should take CSC 117 in the first year, either fall or spring term. Possible majors in Mathematics should complete MAT 171 by the beginning of the sophomore year.

INTRODUCTORY COURSES IN THE SCIENCES

BIO 110 Biodiversity, Evolution, Ecology
An introduction to biology through the integrating theme of evolution. The first third of the course is a phylogenetic survey of the biodiversity which forms the bases of biological study. The second third introduces the unifying principles of evolution responsible for the origin of this diversity. The course concludes with an exploration of the ecological processes that govern the organization of populations, communities and ecosystems. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or basic skills in math.

PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology
A comprehensive survey of the basic concepts involved in the study of behavior and applications of these principles. Laboratory work is required.

PHY 110 Introduction to Physics
An introduction to college physics not requiring calculus. Topics include mechanics, gravitation, planetary motion, electricity, the Bohr atom, and radioactivity. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or math basic skills.

CHE 131 Atomic and Molecular Structure
An introduction to modern ideas of atomic and molecular structure. Topics to be studied include the electronic and nuclear structure of the atom, chemical bonding, the periodic properties of the elements and their compounds, and experimental methods for determining atomic and molecular structure. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or math basic skills.

CHE 135 Accelerated General Chemistry
An accelerated coverage of general chemistry for students with strong high school chemistry preparation. Many topics, such as stoichiometry and gas laws, are only briefly reviewed. Topics treated in more detail include atomic and molecular theory, chemical bonding theories, kinetics, equilibrium processes, acids and bases, and chemical thermodynamics. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or math basic skills. (NOTE: CHE 135 is designed for students with at least two years of high school chemistry.)

NSC 120 Natural Science
An integrated treatment of the major principles of the natural world. The course follows the evolution of life from the early Earth through complex social interactions and the position of humans in the world. Topics include the nature of life, cellular structure and function, the organizing principles of biological evolution, the unity and diversity of life, and the complex interactions between and among species, communities, and individuals. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or basic skills in math. NSC 110 is not a prerequisite for NSC 120.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The ability to communicate in a foreign language, a deeper understanding of cultural differences, the advantages of international study, and a global vision are key ingredients of the college experience. Foreign language learning deals with enlarging your perspective and relates to numerous areas of expertise: appreciation of a different culture and literature, world history, international relations, diplomacy, and international business.

The determination of a specific language course will depend on the results of your placement test and your interests. You may take a language different from the one you take the test in. If you are starting a new language or feel you are still close to a beginner level, you are encouraged to study foreign language in your first year. It is possible to wait until the sophomore year to take foreign language, but if you think you might be a major in a foreign language, in art history, international studies, or plan to take advantage of certain off-campus study opportunities, it is helpful if you study language in your first year. It is possible to major in a foreign language at Centre if you start out as a beginner in your first year. Please note that first-year foreign langauge study involves two, four-credit courses, one in the fall and one in the spring. You cannot start beginning language study in the spring, only in the fall. (A grade of C- or higher is required in the second course to meet the basic skills requirement.)

MATHEMATICS

MAT 110 Mathematics in Our Society
An introduction to applied mathematics devoted to solving contemporary problems from diverse disciplines. This course helps students develop logical thinking skills and improve quantitative skills, particularly with linear equations (in the context of decision-making) and with exponential and logarithmic models (in the context of finance). Offered fall and spring.

MAT 140 Differential Calculus with Review
This is the first course in a two-course sequence that provides both an in-depth review of functions and an introduction to differential calculus. In particular, limits and derivatives are introduced as tools used to analyze the behavior of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or placement. Offered fall only.

MAT 170 Calculus-I
An introduction to single variable calculus reviewing the real number line, inequalities and absolute value, and discussing functions and graphing, limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, the Mean Value Theorem, applications of the derivative, antiderivatives, Riemann sums and the definite integral, the Fundamentals Theorem of Calculus, and applications of the integral. Prerequisite: Placement. Offered fall only.

MAT 171 Calculus-II
The techniques of single variable calculus are applied to inverse trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Also included are further techniques of integration, indeterminate forms, improper integrals and infinite series. Prerequisite: MAT 170 or placement. Offered fall and spring.

MAT 230 Calculus-III
An extension of the concepts of function, limit, derivative, and integral to three-dimensional space and vector spaces. Topics include vector algebra, elementary differential geometry of curves and surfaces, limits, continuity, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals, Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. Prerequisite: MAT 171 or placement. Offered fall and spring.

OTHER COURSES

ARH 260 Survey of Western Art-I
An introduction to the language and processes of art history. Focus is placed on the understanding of historical periods–their social, political, and aesthetic values–through the interpretation of the visual arts. ARH 260 emphasizes the arts of the West from prehistory through the High Middle Ages.

ARS 110 Introduction to Drawing
This course requires no previous instruction in art. It emphasizes charcoal drawing from direct observation, concentrating on still life as a subject. The aim is to give students proficiency in the fundamentals of proportional measuring, perspective, composition and modeling form with light and shade. In addition to studio work, students learn by studying and copying from master drawings. As students gain proficiency, other materials or subjects may be introduced, such as the use of paint or outdoor landscape drawing. Periodic class discussions and written assignments help students learn visual analysis and a general approach to the criticism of art.

CSC 117 Introduction to Structured Programming
An examination of the ideas behind the operation of computers and the Internet, with an emphasis on programming. Students learn to use selection, repetition, function definition, structured types, and standard libraries to build useful programs. Topics include databases, the basic operation of the Internet, and related social, legal, and ethical issues. Prerequisite: MAT 140 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.

DRA 117 Acting-I
An introduction to the basic theory, techniques, and history of European and American ensemble training for the actor, from the work of Constantin Stanislavski to the present. The course begins with exercises designed to improve performance technique, progresses to character analysis and development, and finally focuses upon scene rehearsal and performance. Students read and analyze texts, learning to evaluate them as compositions for performance.

DRA 150 Intro to Technical Theater (four credit hours)
An introduction to the foundation concepts of theatrical production. Topics covered include: theatrical architecture, scenic production, lighting production and theatrical organizational structures.

DRA 134 Foundations of Dramatic Literature-II
A survey of Western dramatic literature from the eighteenth century to modern times.

ENG 210 British Literature-I
First half of a survey of major works of British literature from the medieval period to the 20th century, with emphasis upon understanding and evaluating literary works in their historical and cultural backgrounds. Together with ENG 230, provides a general introduction to prosody, the vocabulary of literary analysis, and the varieties of literary criticism.

ENG 230 American Literature
Survey of major works of American literature from its beginnings to the 20th century, with emphasis upon understanding and evaluating literary works in their historical and cultural backgrounds.

ENG 380 African American Literature
Survey of major works of African American literature emphasizing the 20th century but drawing on materials from earlier in the tradition, with emphasis upon understanding and evaluating literary works in their historical and cultural backgrounds. Authors explored may include Chesnutt, Washington, Du Bois, Toomer, Johnson, McKay, Hurston, Hughes, Wright, Ellison, Brooks, Baldwin, Wilson, Morrison, Wideman, Butler, Walker, and Whitehead.

MUS 110 Fundamentals of Music
An introduction to music theory, including standard music notation, key signatures, and recognition of simple chords and chord symbols. Designed for those with little or no previous training in music.

MUS 120 Materials and Structure of Music / MUS 121 Musicianship-I (one credit hour)
An introduction to the music of the "common practice period" (European music from about 1650-1900) as well as more recent music based on similar principles (much of 20th-century popular music). Topics include diatonic harmony and voice-leading, melodic organization, and simple forms. Students develop fluency in analysis and in composing imitative style exercises using computer notation. Students normally enroll in MUS 121 (a skills lab) concurrently. Prerequisite: Sufficient grounding in music fundamentals.

REL 110 Biblical History and Ideas
A study of the historical setting and development of the Israelite and early Christian communities, their literatures, and their thought, as reflected in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament.

REL 120 History of Christian Thought
An introductory study of Christian thought in relation to its intellectual and societal context from its beginnings in the Apostolic Period to the present day, with an emphasis on certain individuals and movements in the ancient church, the Middle Ages, the reformations of the 16th century, and the Enlightenment, and with an assessment of their contributions to the present positions of Christian thought.

REL 130 Eastern Religious Traditions
A survey of religious traditions of South and East Asia. Focus will be given to the beliefs, practices, historical interaction, and cultural significance of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Daoism, Confucianism, and other Asian religions.

WRITING PLACEMENT AND BASIC SKILLS

A. Placement

First-year students are initially placed into one of two groups, based on ACT or SAT scores:

1. Students with an ACT English score of 24 or less, or with a score of 580 or less on the critical reading SAT will be placed in Humanities 111, a four credit, writing-intensive version of the Humanities 110 course required for all first-year students.

2. Students with an ACT English score of 25 or above, or with an SAT critical reading score of 590 or above, will be placed in Humanities 110.

B. Basic Skills

It is essential for entering students to understand that the College's basic skills requirement in writing cannot be met at entrance, as it can be in mathematics and foreign language. Nor does a passing grade in Humanities 110 or 111 satisfy the writing requirement. Rather, at the end of the fall term, the writing performance of all first-year students is evaluated, including both those who were required to take Humanities 111 in the fall, and those who were not. This evaluation is performed by a faculty writing committee. Students whose writing this committee judges to be competent will be notified that they have met the writing requirement. Students whose writing falls short of competency will be required to submit a satisfactory three-paper portfolio to the Writing Committee at the end of the spring term of the first year or pass a writing course (ENG 170) by the end of the sophomore year.

For a complete list of Centre's degree requirements, consult the online catalog at:

http://web.centre.edu/regist/catalog/degree.html

MATHEMATICS BASIC SKILLS AND PLACEMENT

What math course is best for you? What are the math requirements at Centre?

Your academic interests determine the best math course for you. Each major identifies whether a math course is required or recommended. If you have not established basic skills in math, then you must take a math course. In addition, all students must complete a course beyond the basic skills level in either mathematics or foreign language, or a computer science course.

How is basic skills in math established?

You establish basic skills in math if either your SAT math score is 580 or higher or your ACT math score is 26 or higher. Students with an ACT math score of 24 or 25 or an SAT math score of 540-570 are reviewed by the math program and may or may not be granted basic skills in math based on several criteria, including math placement test score and high school math courses and grades.

If you do not meet these requirements, how may you establish basic skills?

You must take MAT 110 or 140 and obtain a grade of C- or higher. We recommend that most students who have not established basic skills take MAT 110 in the fall or spring of the first year; some students who request MAT 140 are permitted to take that course provided they score appropriately on the math placement test.

If you study math at Centre, how are you placed in your first math course?

A committee of math faculty individually places each student based on the results on the math placement tests, math courses and grades from high school, standardized test scores, rank in high school class, and the math course requested. AP scores are typically not available until after initial placements have been made, and may result in a placement change later in the summer.

•  Most students who have not established basic skills are placed in MAT 110. This course is taught every fall and spring.

•  Some students who have not established basic skills may be placed in MAT 140. This is the first part of a two-course sequence integrating precalculus and calculus topics. The follow-up course, MAT 141, is taught every spring.

•  Students who have established basic skills are placed in MAT 140, 170, 171, or 230. It is not unusual for students to be placed in courses that they have had in high school. The math committee recommends a specific placement, but students make the final decision. A representative from the math committee is available during orientation to speak with students about their placement.

•  Since the introductory mathematics courses are sequential in nature, you should pay special attention to the timing if you are planning to take more than one math course at Centre. Not all math courses are offered every long term. MAT 110, 140, and 170 are only offered every fall; MAT 141 is only offered every spring; MAT 171 and 230 are offered every fall and every spring.

NOTE: You are not required to study math at Centre if you have met the basic skills requirement in math and you plan to study foreign language at the intermediate level (second year) or higher. The decision to continue studying math is often determined by your major interests. Some majors require additional math and others do not.

COURSES IN APPLIED MUSIC

Centre currently offers courses in applied music for those students who wish to pursue an academic or personal interest in these areas. All of these courses are one credit hour courses. First-year students are eligible for enrollment in the courses listed below:

Keyboard (piano, organ, harpsichord )

Strings (violin, viola, cello, bass)

Woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, or bassoon)

Brass (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, or French horn)

Percussion

Voice

Guitar (classical or rock)

Banjo

Mandolin

Ensembles: choirs (Centre Singers, Centre Women's Voice, Centre Men's Voices), orchestra, brass, jazz band, percussion, or Kentucky music.

NOTE: There is an extra fee of $300 for registration in applied music (music scholarship holders pay $150). There is no charge for participation in musical ensembles.

All applied music courses are taken for academic credit. Music ensembles are graded on a pass/unsatisfactory basis only. Students have the option of taking the other courses either on a regular letter-graded basis or on a pass/unsatisfactory graded basis.

Students choosing an applied music course will be contacted by the music department at the beginning of the fall term. You may also visit the Centre music website for names and contact information about applied music instructors (www.centre.edu/majors/music.html).

If you are interested in enrolling in an applied music course and/or ensemble, check the appropriate blank(s) on page 2 of the course selection form. In addition, please list any experience you have had which relates to that study.


COURSES IN MILITARY SCIENCE

The College offers a one-hour Army military science course available to any student interested in the subject, interested in military careers, or required to take the course as part of their Army ROTC program. The course may be taken in addition to the normal load of four courses. The course is offered Tuesday evening, 7:30-9:00 p.m. If you wish to take this course, please mark the appropriate spot on page two of the course selection form. Course description:

AMS 110 Introduction to the Army (one credit hour)
This introductory level course is designed to give students an appreciation for the role the Army currently plays in our society. The course covers the history of the Army and the roles and relationships of the Army within our society. The course also covers some of the basic skills necessary for today's leaders to include oral presentation, time management, map reading, basic rifle marksmanship and squad tactics. Offered on a pass/unsatisfactory basis only, except for officially enrolled Army ROTC students.

MODERN DANCE CLASS

The College offers a one-hour modern dance class. There is no fee for the class which meets 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. The course may be taken in addition to the normal load of four courses. If you wish to take this course, please mark the appropriate spot on page two of the course selection form. Course description:

DRA 114 Beginning Modern Dance Technique (one credit hour)
An introduction to the study of modern dance. Classes include basic dance warm-up exercises designed to stretch and strengthen various muscles throughout the body, and simple movement combinations designed to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and rhythm. The class is supplemented by the viewing and discussion of videotapes of works by modern dance choreographers.