Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Course Descriptions

Humanities                            HUM

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

HUM 111 - Introduction to Humanities I
IAI: HF 902    1.1    
Introduction to Humanities I (from the Ancient World to 1600) is a basic introduction to the humanities including art, music, literature, philosophy, and history from the ancient periods of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the Renaissance. Differing subject matter and issues will be discussed and analyzed with attention directed to the role of humanities in current society.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 112 - Introduction to Humanities II
IAI: HF 903    1.1    
Introduction to Humanities II (from 1600 to present) is a basic introduction to the humanities including art, music, literature, philosophy, and history from the Renaissance to modern times. Differing subject matter and issues will be discussed and analyzed with attention directed to the role of humanities in current society.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 114 - Introduction to Humanities III: Contemporary Western World
IAI: HF 901    1.1
This course is an interdisciplinary, thematic survey of the history, philosophy, art, music, and literature of the Western World from the beginnings of the 20th century to the present. Using an historical framework extending back to the concept of “modernism” as defined by antiquity through contemporary times, students will examine the connections between earlier concepts of modernism and those of their own time, ultimately recognizing contemporary themes, genres, and relationships within the humanities. Emphasis will be on the relevance of these trends on current society and implications for the future.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 115 - Cultural Pluralism in America
IAI: None     1.1
This course is an exploration of various racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The course will examine the history, communication, and dynamics of minority traditions in America including blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and others. Majority-minority relationships will be analyzed.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 117 - Ethnic Traditions in American Theatre
IAI: F1 909D    1.1
This course involves reading and writing about American plays that dramatize racial and ethnic minorities struggling to construct identities in a society influenced by dominant myths concerning gender, family, success, race, equality, and freedom.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 120 - Hispanic Caribbean Cultural Expression
IAI: HF 904N    1.1
Hispanic Caribbean Cultural Expression is an interdisciplinary survey of the significant intellectual and artistic achievements of selected Latin American cultures through works which may include literature, philosophy, visual art, architecture, music, and film. Selected works will show the transformation from a colonial culture following the European model to a gradual development of a national identity and culture. The selected Latin American culture will be announced in the schedule of classes. The course will be taught in English.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 121 - U.S. Latino/Latina Cultural Expression
IAI: HF 906D    1.1
U.S. Latino/Latina Cultural Expression is an interdisciplinary study of the cultural identities of U.S. Latinos/Latinas. Using an historical framework, students will be introduced to the literary, artistic, and socio-political contributions from this minority to U.S. culture. The class will explore issues of adaptation, marginalization, changing gender roles, and the search for self and place in a bilingual-bicultural society. This class will be taught in English.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 122 - Spanish Cultural Expression
IAI: HF 902      1.1
Spanish Cultural Expression is a chronologically-organized interdisciplinary survey of the significant intellectual, literary, philosophical, visual art, music and other performing art expressions from the major epochs of modern Spain. This class may include a travel experience where the culture will be studied on-site. This class will be taught in English.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours    
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

HUM 125 – Introduction to Non-Western Humanities
IAI: HF 904N   1.1
A guided, interdisciplinary exploration of the humanities, focusing on non-western perspectives and traditions.  Works and issues in art, music, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion and performance will be studied, both within a particular cultural formation (such as Middle Eastern, Asian, African, South American) and also through a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of western cultural expression.  
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 3
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0
    

HUM 210 - Cultural Expression of Gender in the Visual and Performing Arts
IAI: F 2 907D    1.1
Cultural Expression of Gender in the Visual and Performing Arts is the interdisciplinary study of art, architecture, music, theatre performance, and dance that focuses on the experience and construction of gender identity in Western culture.
Prerequisite: None
Recommended: Prior study of or experience in art, architecture, music, theatre performance and/or dance.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 211 - War and Western Humanities Through the Middle Ages
IAI: HF 900    1.1
War and Western Humanities Through the Middle Ages is a survey course which explores the theme of war as represented in the history, art, literature, music and philosophy of the Western World from the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt through the Middle Ages. Special emphasis may be placed on specific conflicts (i.e., The Macedonian Wars, The Peloponnesian War, The Punic Wars, The 100 Years War, etc.) while placing these in the larger context of the theme of humanism and war. The content of the course will lead to considerations of its relevance in the conflicts of the present day and their representations in current art, literature, music, and philosophy.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 212 - War and Western Humanities from the Renaissance to the Present
IAI: HF 901    1.1
War and Western Humanities from the Renaissance to the Present is a survey course which explores the theme of war as represented in the history, art, literature, music and philosophy of the Western World beginning with the Renaissance through modern times. Special emphasis may be placed on specific conflicts (i.e. The Thirty Years War, The French Revolution, The American Revolution, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, etc.) while placing these in the larger context of the theme of humanism and war. The content of the course will lead to considerations of its relevance in the conflicts of the present day and their representations in current art, literature, music and philosophy.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HUM 250 - Leadership Development Studies
IAI: None    1.1
This course is a comprehensive analysis of the traits and values inherent in effective leaders. Speeches, biographies, essays, literary classics and films are examined in a collegial, self-directed environment to facilitate class discussions. Phi Theta Kappa, the national community college honor society, provides text materials and certifies the course instructors.
Prerequisite: Completion of ENG 101 or instructor permission.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

See also Literature, Modern Languages, Philosophy for other courses that satisfy the Humanities requirement for General Education.

Philosophy    PHL


Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

PHL 150 - Introduction to Philosophy
IAI: H4 900    1.1
Introduction to Philosophy is a survey of a selection of major philosophical issues. These may include: the nature of human beings, the possibility and limits of human knowledge, human freedom and responsibility, the nature of religion, the nature of beauty, and the nature of morality. The course will include a survey of philosophers, their works and some of the philosophical methods and tools used in their theorizing.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 153 - Medical Ethics
IAI: None    1.1
Medical Ethics provides an examination of a selection of moral issues that arise in healthcare contexts. These may include: truth-telling and the patient, obligations to treat in times of epidemic, universal entitlement to healthcare, assisted suicide, the AIDS crisis, healthcare reform, surrogate motherhood, and genetic engineering. Also included will be a brief examination of metaethical theories and principles to be used in analyzing the individual moral issues.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 154 - Introduction to Religion
IAI: H5 900    1.1
Introduction to Religion is an introduction to the concept of religion within society, treating the nature, origin, beliefs, practices and roles that religion plays.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 155 - World Religions
IAI: H5 904N    1.1
World Religions is a survey of the major religions of the world. This course will include a philosophical examination of the histories and selected teachings, practices and institutions of major Eastern and Western religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Ilsam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Taoism.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 156 - Religion in American Society
IAI: H5 905     1.1
A survey of the contribution of religion to American culture, including the differences between rural and urban society; the development of religious freedom and the rise of “secular religion.” Examines the emergence of new forms of belief and practice and the variety of religious issues confronting American society today.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 157 - Foundational Religious Texts
IAI: H5 901    1.1
Foundational Religious Texts is the humanistic study of one or more of the foundational documents of the world's major religions, such as the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, the Qur'an (Koran), or the Vedas.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 255 - Logic
IAI: H4 906    1.1
Logic is an examination of the nature of reason and argumentation. The course will focus on developing formal and informal tools and techniques for evaluating arguments and for sharpening one’s own reasoning skills. Topics covered may include: nature of thought, language and meaning, definitions, argument recognition, argument interpretation, informal fallacies, syllogistic and propositional logic.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 256 - Contemporary Moral Issues
IAI: H4 904     1.1
Contemporary Moral Issues combines an extensive treatment of different theories of morality with an application of these theories to a selected group of particular moral issues dominant in contemporary culture. These may include: abortion, homosexuality, corporal punishment, capital punishment, obligations in times of famine, animal rights, and civil disobedience.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PHL 260 – Philosophy of Religion
IAI:  H4 905        1.1
Philosophy of Religion provides a critical examination of the central philosophical issues associated with religion.  Topics may include such things as the existence and nature of a deity, good and evil, miracles, souls, life after death, and revelations and may include such relationships as those between myth and religion, religious experience and justification, faith and knowledge, and between religious beliefs and moral conduct.  
Credit:    3 semester hours       
Lecture:    3        Lab:  0

Speech            SPH


Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

SPH 131 - Fundamentals of Communication
IAI: C2 900     1.1
Fundamentals of Communication is a beginning course in the theory and practice of speech communication. Attention is given to listening, interpersonal and group communication, and public speaking. Students will develop more confidence and skill in oral communication.
Prerequisite: ENG 101-Ready, grade of “C” or higher in ENG 099.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 132 - Public Speaking
IAI: None     1.1
Public Speaking prepares students for effective public address through development of important rhetorical skills, including audience analysis, research, content development, attention devices, and delivery. Students will prepare oral presentations which apply advanced rhetorical theory.
Prerequisite: ENG 101-Ready, grade of “C” or higher in ENG 099.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 141 - Business and Professional Speech
IAI: None     1.1
Business and Professional Speech is designed to serve students who plan on careers in business, industrial, technical or professional fields. Students will learn to make effective presentations for individuals and groups through accurate research, careful organization, and engaging delivery.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 142 - Gender Communication
IAI: SPC 917     1.1
Gender Communication is an introductory examination of the communication differences between men and women. Students will become more aware of how: (1) gender roles influence communication and (2) how gender expectancies are constructed through communication.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 201 - Interpersonal Communications
IAI: SPC 921    1.1
Interpersonal Communications examines the ways in which people relate with each other. Relationships in family, work and social contexts will be examined in order to improve communication skills for satisfying encounters.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 202 - Intercultural Communication
IAI: SPC 916    1.1
Intercultural Communication is a study of communication among people who have different cultural backgrounds. The course will focus on the impact of verbal and nonverbal communications, belief systems, use of power, masculine and feminine roles, and language on intercultural communication. Students will develop communication skills to overcome intercultural barriers.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 204 - Nonverbal Communication
IAI: None    1.1
This course is the study of how humans communicate through the use of body movements, touching, vocal variations, and the use of space, time and objects or artifacts. The course will discuss the effects of gender and culture on nonverbal communication.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

SPH 211 - Group Leadership
IAI: SPC 920    1.1
Group Leadership is a study of leadership techniques and their interrelationship with group dynamics. Students will participate in varied group analyses and problem-solving discussions.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SPH 230 - Fundamentals of Oral Interpretation of Literature       
IAI: TA 916     1.1
Fundamentals of Oral Interpretation of Literature is a basic introduction to the experience of literature through reading aloud and listening to varied genres of prose, poetry, and drama. Interrelationships between literature, reader, and listener are examined to improve oral recitation.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3           
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0


SPH 299 - Communication Education
Internship
IAI: None     1.1
Communication Education Internship provides exceptional communications students the opportunity to team-teach a speech course with a full-time faculty member.
The student attends all class sessions, prepares lectures, manages class exercises,
and offers oral and written reviews of oral performances. The goal of this internship is preparation for a career in communication education. Students may earn a maximum of four credits. This may be repeated one time.
Prerequisite: Instructor consent
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 0    Lab: 2