Summer Session
Get ahead or catch up on credits. Select courses ranging from STEM to arts to humanities.
Summer 2022 Dates
- Session I: Monday, June 6 - Friday, July 1
- Session II: Monday, June 6 - Monday, August 1
- Session III: Tuesday, July 5 - Monday, August 1
Current Student Registration Visiting Student Registration
2021 Course Schedule
Courses that satisfy Purchase College Core Curriculum (Core) and SUNY General Education (GenEd) requirements are noted below the course descriptions.
Arts Management
AMG 1100
This introductory survey provides an overview of management principles and entities common in both the nonprofit and commercial sectors, preparing students for upper-level courses in the arts management program. Topics include arts business goals and planning, history of arts management, leadership and organizational structure, programming, marketing and public relations, funding and finance, volunteerism and advocacy, and arts and entertainment law.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Janis Astor
AMG3610
Social media is integral to effective business communication and marketing. Students develop and analyze social media strategies, content and campaigns while gaining a better understanding of how to build individual and organizational brands utilizing social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Snapchat. Other topics include influencer campaigns, budgeting, analytics, and split testing.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Annette Davies
Faculty sponsor: Dawn Gibson-Brehon
Biology
BIO 1510
Introduction to the organ systems of the human body, including the neuromuscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems. The physiological mechanisms of adaptation to exercise are also considered.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Naydu Carmona
BIO 1511
Students learn about both form and function of the human body. Content includes cells and tissues; gross and microscopic anatomy; integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems; and kinesiology. Lab exercises use microscope slides, models, and dissection for a hands-on approach and a practical knowledge of anatomy.
Online Synchronous | 1.5 credits | Instructor: Naydu Carmona
BIO 1520
Introduction to the human body, emphasizing general physiological processes. The body is studied from the viewpoint of homeostasis, concentrating on the relationship of food to the functioning living organism in health and disease. Topics of current interest, controversies, and myths are highlighted.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Naydu Carmona
BIO 1521
Students learn about both form and function of the human body. Content includes neuroanatomy and neurophysiology; senses (vision, olfaction, taste, hearing, equilibrium); and functional anatomy/physiology of the endocrine, urinary, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Lab exercises use microscope slides, models, and dissection for a hands-on approach and a practical knowledge of anatomy.
Online Synchronous | 1.5 credits | Instructor: Naydu Carmona
BIO 1550
Introduction to contemporary biology, covering cell structure and function, genetics, development, and molecular biology. This course is for science majors and premedical students; students with limited high school science and mathematics can satisfy college distribution requirements with BIO 1510 or 1520.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Natalia Starkova
BIO 1551
Lab exercises on cell organization, cell division, genetics, enzyme kinetics, photosynthesis, and development, and the use of light microscopes, spectrophotometer, and chromatography. Required for premedical students, biology majors, biochemistry majors, and environmental studies majors.
Online Synchronous | 1.5 credits | Instructor: Natalia Starkova
BIO 1560
Second semester of an introduction to contemporary biology, covering plant and animal morphology and physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution. This course is for science majors and premedical students; students with limited high school science and mathematics can satisfy college distribution requirements with BIO 1510 or 1520.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Natalia Starkova
BIO 1561
Vertebrate anatomy and physiology, and examination of selected plant and animal phyla through lab exercises, experiments, and field trips. Required for premedical students, biology majors, and environmental studies majors.
Online Synchronous | 1.5 credits | Instructor: Natalia Starkova
Chemistry
FRS 1200
An understanding of scientific principles is essential for an educated and engaged citizenry. This course investigates the substance and process of modern science and its role in society, including the scientific method and nature of scientific inquiry; scientific principles, analysis, and critical thinking; sources of scientific information, critical reading, and evaluation of authenticity; and distinguishing science from pseudoscience. Each course section focuses on a different topic or theme and considers some of the important scientific issues of our times.
Online | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Frank Bellevue
CHE 1550
The principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include the development of an atomic/molecular model, stoichiometry, interaction of light with matter, and the physical behavior of solids, liquids, and gases.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Tatiana Fadeeva
CHE 1551
Emphasizes basic techniques in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Online Synchronous | 1 credit | Instructor: Tatiana Fadeeva
CHE 1560
A continuation of CHE 1550. Topics include chemical kinetics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and the chemistry of representative elements.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Ericka Barnes
CHE 1561
Emphasizes basic techniques in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Online Synchronous | 1 credit | Instructor: Ericka Barnes
Cinema and Media Studies
CMS 3210
Throughout the history of cinema, the comedy film has been one of the most financially profitable genres, producing some of the biggest movie stars. Topics include various comedy film styles and performers, and the role of the comedy film genre within the context of world history, especially during darker periods like the Depression and World War II.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Arts | Instructor: Samantha Marine
CMS 3290
Examines the elements and messages in sports films that make people cheer for the underdog and care about teams, players, and sports. Using both big-budget Hollywood films and documentaries with a small scope, this course explores the ideas of team, sport, and athletics and investigates the grip that sports have on American culture.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Brian Paccione
MSA 3020
In 1991, The Real World pioneered a genre of “unscripted” television that reshaped national media culture, culminating in the reality of the 2016 election. Students study theories of Hall, Habermas and Gramsci to explore how the genre reflects and shapes attitudes of U.S. audiences to surveillance, class conflict, and the performance of truths. Examples include Jersey Shore and American Idol.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Adam Resnick
Communications
COM 2050
Students build foundational skills in writing for a variety of media and purposes: print, digital, and broadcast media, public relations and advertising. Students begin to explore the divergent applications of written communication by analyzing their roles as both consumers of and writers for media. Ethical and legal issues are also introduced.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Allison Kahn
CMS 3150
Investigates celebrity culture through the lens of advertising and public relations. Particular attention is paid to how celebrity culture is created and shaped by various forms of media, ranging from print to social media platforms. Students consider the ways celebrities create change and consider their impact on public and private lives.
Online Asynchronous | 3 credits | Instructor: Annette Davies
Faculty Sponsor: Alysa Hantgan
History
HIS 1450
Dive into a more than 400-year study of “America’s First Great River.” Discover why, where, and how the Hudson River region has had—and continues to have—a vital role in shaping American history and society. The region’s history is examined through a selection of such themes as culture, exploration, art, literature, economics, industry, transportation, international relations, and the environment.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Humanities | GenEd: American History | Instructor: Laura Chmielewski
HIS 1600
An introductory survey of the history of Latin America from colonial times to the present. Topics include geography, indigenous peoples, colonization and nation formation, society, politics, economy and culture of contemporary Latin America, and its place in today’s world.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Languages & Cultures | GenEd: Other World Civilizations | Instructor: Leandro Benmergui
Liberal Studies
LBS 3013
Food preferences differ culture by culture. This interdisciplinary course explores practices and politics of food production, consumption, and regulation locally and globally. After taking a historic look at how food practices have changed, students examine microbial and chemical agents that may contaminate food supplies and learn practical considerations for preventing food scarcity and contamination on small and large scales.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Ryan Andrews
LBS 3017
This course emphasizes the importance of integrating interdisciplinary perspectives in problem-solving, as well as combining academic and experiential learning in confronting real-world challenges. Students will reflect on the meanings and purpose of higher education as a community of learners, will engage in a variety of activities designed to strengthen academic skills, and will address contemporary social issues from cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Social Sciences | Instructor: Alysa Hantgan
LBS 3028
How we treat animals reveals a great deal about who we are, as a society and species. This course examines intersections between animals, humans and society from multiple perspectives (ecology, history, sociology, literature). Using text, media, documentaries and photojournalism, students explore contemporary topics, including animal intelligence and emotions, biodiversity and keystone species, animals in captivity, and zoonotic disease (i.e., Coronavirus).
Synchronous-Asynchronous Combined | 4 credits | Instructor: Lisa Jean Moore
CAP 4800
One-semester project that involves empirical research, library investigation, or an on or off-campus applied learning experience. Regardless of the format, the project will culminate in a significant paper. Course sections are overseen by faculty within each concentration to foster integration of prior coursework, and should be selected in consultation with academic advisors. Required for all liberal studies students.
Synchronous-Asynchronous Combined | 4 credits | Instructor: Ursula Heinrich
Literature
LIT 3400
An examination of the “middle genre,” encompassing the novella and the short novel. Readings provide ample opportunity to sample works embodying the intensity of short fiction and some of the expanded characterization and plot development of the novel. Readings include works by several significant 19th- and 20th-century authors from many countries.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Humanities | GenEd: Humanities | Instructor: Kerry Manzo
Legal Studies
LEG 3480
Sociologists have long understood that the study of censorship can yield an understanding of the structure and values of a society. Modern societies define and enforce limits on expression by defining certain forms of expression as obscene, pornographic, subversive, etc. Censorship in film, literature, and theatre is the major focus.
Synchronous-Asynchronous Combined | 4 credits | Instructor: Linda Gironda
Mathematics
MAT 1060
Students learn basic concepts in quantitative reasoning (number systems, data manipulation, basic statistics), with emphasis on problem solving using computational methods. This course uses a textbook and focuses on applications related to consumer issues to develop computational and problem-solving skills. Students learn to transform data into information and apply quantitative methods to evaluate information and solve real-world problems.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Mathematics | Instructor: Barbara McMullen
MAT 1150
Prepares students with limited backgrounds in high school mathematics for calculus. Topics include absolute values and inequalities, the properties of functions, graphs, logarithms, fractional exponents, and trigonometry.
Synchronous-Asynchronous Combined | 4 credits | Core: Mathematics | Pre-req: Math Fluency 20-28 | Instructor: Nicholas Roberts
MAT 1500
The basic concepts of the differential and integral calculus. Focus is on the applicability of these topics to an array of problems. The first course in a three-semester series.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Core: Mathematics | Pre-req: Precalculus | Instructor: Amy Daniel
MAT 1510
A continuation of MAT 1500. Topics include differentiation and integration of logarithmic, exponential, and inverse trigonometric functions; techniques of integration; arc length; infinite series; and improper integrals. Applications include work, growth, and decay problems and volumes of solids of revolution.
Online Synchronous | 4 credits | Pre-req: Calculus I | Instructor: Nicholas Roberts
MAT 1600
Statistics are used everywhere in the modern world. This course covers descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency, methods of dispersion, and graphs; and inferential statistics, including normal distributions and hypothesis testing, Pearson correlation, and linear regression.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Mathematics | Instructor: Alan Anderson
Photography
PHO 1101
An introduction to the techniques, current practices, and history surrounding digital photography. Editing techniques are covered, with attention to image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and RAW files. Composition, lighting, point of view, and use of narrative are explored. A digital camera is required; cameras may be borrowed, as available, from Campus Technology Services. Students may not earn credit for both PHO 1100 (offered by the School of Art+Design) and PHO 1101.
Online Asynchronous | 3 credits | Core: Arts | Instructor: Deborah Mesa-Pelly
Psychology
PSY 1530
Empirical and theoretical approaches to the basic physiological, cognitive, and social mechanisms underlying behavior. Topics include learning and conditioning; sensation and perception; memory, thinking, and language; psychological development; social processes; and personality and psychopathology.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Social Sciences | Instructor: Lauren Harburger
PSY 2250
An examination of the biological processes by which the sensory systems pick up information from the environment and the psychological processes by which that information is coded, transformed, and integrated to form perceptions. Emphasis is on the visual systems and visual perception. Aspects of perception in the visual arts and music are also discussed.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Natural Sciences | Instructor: Jason Clarke
PSY 2870
Explores the diagnosis, phenomenology, and scientific and clinical understandings of a wide range of mental disorders. Current research is reviewed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the disorders under discussion. Diagnosis is approached from the perspective of the most recent DSM. At various points, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and neuro-scientific viewpoints of psychopathology are represented.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Carina Vocisano-Bruel
PSY 3110
Students hone critical thinking and evaluative skills in examining data, evidence, and assumptions underlying the judicial process and the application of psychological principles. The research and clinical practice of forensic psychology in both civil and criminal law-enforcement settings are studied. The training, roles, and responsibilities of forensic psychologists along with methods of interrogation, criminal profiling, and investigation are also examined.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Jacqueline Fisher
Sociology
SOC 3415
Given the ethnic complexity of society, major social institutions—including education, criminal justice, health care, social services, and business—face many challenges. This course explores the past, present, and future of race and ethnicity in American society, and how immigration, culture, religion, education, and income play parts in prejudice, discrimination, and racial inequalities.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Social Sciences | Instructor: Chrys Ingraham
SOC 3455
Conflict can signal either a disruption in an organization’s operations or an opportunity for change and growth. This course examines the causes, processes, costs, and benefits of social conflict, and methods for conflict resolution. Using sociological theory and research, the relationship of social issues to organizational and institutional conflict is also addressed. Students are given a broad perspective on making conflict an asset organizationally and interpersonally, including 25 hours of coursework needed for conflict-mediation certification. Provides the foundation for an apprenticeship with a conflict-mediation or dispute-resolution center.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Instructor: Chrys Ingraham
SOC3485
Crime and delinquency are analyzed as social phenomena, and their relationship to various social institutions is examined. Students are also given an overview of the theories of crime causation, as well as the nature and role of the police, courts, and prisons in society.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Social Sciences | Instructor: Stephanie Decker
Spanish
SPA 1010
For students who have had little or no previous exposure to the language. Presents the essential structures of spoken and written Spanish by involving the student in situations that concretely represent the concepts of the language.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Languages & Cultures | GenEd: Foreign Language | Instructor: Ager Gondra
SPA 1020
A continuation of SPA 1010. Increased time is devoted to reading and writing. Development of oral skills remains the primary objective of the course.
Online Asynchronous | 4 credits | Core: Languages & Cultures | GenEd: Foreign Language | Instructor: Ager Gondra