Course Descriptions

ASB 101 - Introduction to Written Communication

(Credits: 3.00)

Introduction to Written Communication is designed as a freshman-level composition course. Using the latest research available, this course provides instruction and practice in specific methods of developing and improving writing that communicates a clear, coherent, unified and logical message to intended readers. In addition, the course provides instruction and practice in reading and analyzing essays from various disciplines for content and style.

ASB 104 - Oral Communication

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is designed to provide the student with a solid understanding of, and practice in, the speech-making process. The student will receive a thorough foundation in the elements of a successful business presentation.

ASB 105 - American Free Enterprise System

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides the student with an overview of trends in the economic environment, including business formation options, fundamentals of marketing, management principles, human resources and finance. It also relates these trends to the American free enterprise system.

ASB 106 - Environmental Studies

(Credits: 3.00)

This course examines alternatives for reconciling concerns for environmental protection, preservation of ecological integrity, and quality of life on earth. Studies focus on the extent to which human action is changing the delicate balance of natural systems. The course explores ways for making personal contributions toward achieving a sustainable environment now and in the future.

ASB 107 - Psychology of Human Relations

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an integrated behavioral science course emphasizing interactions among people, including an introduction to the concepts and skills of effective human relations on the job. Specific perspectives include perception, personality structure, motivation and performance, personal and organizational communication systems, and individual values and organizational culture.

ASB 110 - Personal and Professional Assessment

(Credits: 4.00)

This course looks at personal and professional assessment as a continuous improvement process. It challenges students to look at their abilities in several areas and to plan for growth and development in areas they identify as needing improvement. The ability to learn is one of the major foci of this course, by the end of which students will understand that learning is a lifelong process and that the ability to learn is directly related not only to their success in education, but also to their success in the workplace. Students will participate in a group community service project as part of this course.

ASB 115 - Introduction to Economics

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides students with an introductory overview of both micro- and macroeconomics. It provides the framework of economics, with emphasis on concepts that directly relate to contemporary experience, ranging from opportunity costs to inflation, and emphasizes the use of problem solving to actively understand concepts. Prerequisite: ASB 151 or equivalent.

ASB 118 - Introduction to American Government and Politics

(Credits: 3.00)

The purpose of this course is to study American government by exposing students to empirical knowledge about the structure and behavior of major political institutions, the environments in which decision-makers operate, and public attitudes and behavior. The course also explores the evolution of political concepts and myths and evaluates their significance in public life.

ASB 120 - Business Law I

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides a fundamental understanding of the legal framework in which businesses must operate. It presents a series of legal principles and illustrates them through application to business situations.

ASB 140 - Contemporary Mathematics for Business

(Credits: 3.00)

This course covers standard business mathematics with real-world applications to equip students with the skills they will need in their careers. The course also covers such topics as the mathematics of business, interest calculations, depreciations, inventory and overhead, modeling word situations with equations, and an introduction to basic business statistics. In addition, it incorporates the use of appropriate computational technology.

ASB 151 - Finite Mathematics

(Credits: 3.00)

This course covers broad mathematical concepts, which can be applied to business, and prepares students for the required quantitative courses (statistics, economics, and finance) in their program. Topics include equations, inequalities and problem-solving, functions and graphs, counting techniques, probability, and basic statistics using the appropriate technology. Prerequisite: ASB 140 or equivalent.

ASB 160 - Introduction to Business Ethics

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the application of ethical decision making to the business environment. Students will explore the balance between preserving ethical standards and maintaining responsibilities with customers, business stakeholders and society.

ASB 201 - Persuasive Writing

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides instruction and practice in writing clearly, ethically and persuasively in the workplace, emphasizing the different styles used for different audiences. Students will do extensive writing and editing, both in class and in collaborative writing workshops. Prerequisite: ASB 101 or equivalent.

ASB 202 - Sociology of Work

(Credits: 3.00)

This course presents the perspective and terminology of the discipline of sociology and its insights into the world of work. It examines the motivations for working, the principal ways of classifying occupations, the factors affecting the placement of individuals in specific occupations, the organizational context of work, and the future of work.

ASB 205 - Accounting I: Financial Accounting

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is an overview of the accounting process, presenting the nature of accounting information and how it is used in managerial decision making. It focuses on basic accounting knowledge and the relationships among balance sheets, income statements, statements of cash flow, and statements of retained earnings. Prerequisite: ASB 151 or equivalent.

ASB 208 - Introduction to Management

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides the student with an overview of the fundamentals of management and leadership and their impact on the modern corporation. The course combines theory and practical application and offers the student an opportunity to learn about the nature of management, leadership, and cultural diversity.

ASB 210 - Human Resource Management I

(Credits: 3.00)

The course develops an awareness of human resources and their management, and its impact on productivity. It examines the roles of mid-level managers, line supervisors and human resources managers, and addresses the changing conditions in the external and internal environment that impact the management of human resources. The course provides a balanced approach, combining principles of behavioral sciences with traditional personnel and labor relations practices.

ASB 219 - American History Since 1900

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides a survey of American history since 1900, exploring themes of liberalism versus conservatism, isolationism versus expansionism, peace versus conflict, and the growing power of federal government versus the rights of citizens. Students develop a broad foundation with which to understand the major political, social, and economic trends that have shaped American society.

ASB 220 - Western Civilization I

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the major social, political, and economic events and themes of Western Civilization. Beginning with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Babylon; continuing on through the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome; then examining Islam, and Byzantium; and ending with medieval Europe, students will evaluate documents as historical sources; compare and contrast the development of various civilizations; analyze art and literature; and discuss politics, culture, and philosophy.

ASB 225 - Western Civilization II

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the major social, political, and economic events and themes of Western Civilization. Beginning with the Italian Renaissance and ending with the spread of capitalism, students will evaluate documents as historical sources; compare and contrast the development of civilizations; and analyze art, literature, politics, culture, and philosophy. Students also will examine the rise of the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, the development of European empires, and the rise of scientific discourse.

ASB 230 - Western Civilization III

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the major social, political, and economic events and themes of Western Civilization. Beginning with the French Revolution and ending with the close of the 20th century, students will evaluate documents as historical sources; compare and contrast the development of civilizations; and analyze art, literature, politics, culture, and philosophy. Students also will examine the rise of Napoleon, the development of the Industrial Revolution, significant political movements (e.g., communism, fascism, and Nazism), the first and second World Wars, and the Atomic Age.

ASB 240 - Humanities I

(Credits: 3.00)

An interdisciplinary overview of the humanities, this course examines the importance of cultural roots to our lives and our society. It examines a broad spectrum of cultures and cultural roots, from the earliest civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia and Africa, to the early Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian and Islamic-Byzantine cultures. Approaching cultural history on three levels -- historical, aesthetic and philosophical -- this course focuses on selected historical periods, major works of literature and art, and fundamental philosophies. It also enables students to discover the influences of these diverse cultural roots on contemporary society and culture.

ASB 245 - Humanities II

(Credits: 3.00)

An interdisciplinary introduction to the humanities, this course examines the importance of cultural roots to our lives and our society. The course approaches cultural history on three levels -- historical, aesthetic and philosophical. It also encompasses a broad spectrum of cultures, beginning in the Renaissance and continuing through the late 20th century. The course examines the importance of the arts and the impact of literature, music, dance and theater on society. The study of these diverse cultural roots will offer students a better understanding of who we are today in the great mosaic of contemporary culture.

ASB 248 - Non-Western Religions

(Credits: 3.00)

An introduction to some of the living religions of the non-Western world, this course opens with an exploration of the nature of religion, its definition and its sacred indigenous ways. It presents a survey of the historical and contemporary religions of India, China, and Japan, and Islam, focusing on the historical and cultural origins of these religions and their founders. The course also inquires into the beliefs, practices, views of reality, morality, and paths of ultimate fulfillment as expressed and lived by the followers of these religious faiths.

ASB 260 - Managing Cultural Diversity

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides the student with an overview of cultural diversity and its impact on the corporate environment. It offers the student an opportunity to learn about the nature of cultural diversity, the challenges in the workplace that affect the participation of employees, and the leadership skills needed for this environment.

ASB 282 - Introduction to Literature: Fiction

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to key terms and concepts in literary studies. Students will use these concepts to read and discuss major works of fiction. By writing both formal and informal responses to the readings, students will learn to apply basic methods of literary interpretation and analysis.

ASB 284 - Introduction to Literature: Poetry

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to poetry as a form of literature and art. Students will look at the craft of poetry including style, language and technique; major themes; major poets; and historical developments of poetry. Through formal and informal responses to poems, students will recognize standard poetic forms and styles and learn to think critically about what makes an author's works meaningful.