2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    May 31, 2024  
HELP
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Course Descriptions & Schedules

A Guide to Understanding Course Description Information

Search for Class Sections

Contact Information:
Registrar’s Office
Enrollment Services Center (SESC)
PO Box 511
605-688-6195
 

MATH (Mathematics)
  

  • MATH 198 - The Mathematics Profession

    Credits: 1
    An overview of the SDSU Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the mathematics profession, careers in mathematics, and effective techniques for pursuing such careers. Notes: Fall semester only, S/U grading, may not be used to satisfy SGR #5 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 199 - Foundations for Calculus

    Credits: 4
    Students who are taking Calculus I during the current semester and are at high risk of failing the course will change their enrollment from MATH 123 to MATH 199 to complete the semester and prepare for Calculus I in the following semester. Students will review and strengthen algebra and trigonometry skills needed for success in Calculus. 


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 199L - Foundations for Calculus Lab

    Credits: 1
    Students who are taking Calculus I during the current semester and are at high risk of failing the course will change their enrollment from MATH 123 to MATH 199 to complete the semester and prepare for Calculus I in the following semester. Students registered for MATH 123L will change their enrollment to MATH 199L.  MATH 199L provides additional support as students review and strengthen algebra and trigonometry skills needed for success in Calculus. 


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 225 - Calculus III (COM) [SGR #5]

    Credits: 4

    A continuation of the study of calculus, including an introduction to vectors, vector calculus, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Prerequisites: MATH 125 . Notes: Course meets SGR #5 .

     


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 230 - Sophomore Seminar

    Credits: 1
    This course will provide students with an introduction to the types of problems they would solve in each of the various broad groups of careers in which mathematics majors typically find employment. Prerequisites: MATH 125 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 245 - Mathematics for Primary Grades I

    Credits: 3
    An introduction designed for students in the early childhood education program to develop an advanced understanding of the nature of mathematics, with an introduction to geometry concepts, measurement, problem solving, probability, statistics, and other topics. This course does not satisfy the mathematics general education requirement nor any mathematics area requirements other than those for a degree in early childhood education. Prerequisites: MATH 103  or MATH 114  or MATH 115  or MATH 120  or MATH 121-121L  or MATH 123  or MATH 125  or STAT 281 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 250 - Introduction to Linear Algebra and Proof

    Credits: 3
    Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, and determinants; logical connectives, quantifiers, and arguments; set operations, index sets, relations, functions, cardinality, and proof techniques. Prerequisites: MATH 121-121L  or MATH 123 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 253 - Logic, Sets, and Proof

    Credits: 4
    Topics include logical connectives, quantifiers, and arguments; set operations, index sets, relations, functions, cardinality, and proof techniques. These topics will be introduced with a emphasis on using them to read, understand, evaluate, and create Mathematical Proofs. Prerequisites: MATH 125  and MATH 250 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 261 - Geometry for Teachers

    Credits: 3
    Axiomatic development of Euclidean and other geometries, coordinate geometry in two or three dimensions, transformational geometry, and informal Non-Euclidean geometry. Required of majors and minors planning to teach.  Prerequisites: MATH 125  and EDFN 101 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 291 - Independent Study (COM)

    Credits: 1-4
    Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meetings depending upon the requirements of the topic.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 292 - Topics (COM)

    Credits: 1-5
    Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually of 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 315 - Linear Algebra (COM)

    Credits: 4
    Course topics include: the theory and applications of systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations and applications. Prerequisites: (MATH 123  and MATH 201) or MATH 225  or MATH 253 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 316 - Discrete Mathematics (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Selected topics from Boolean algebra, set theory, logic, functions and relations, difference equations, recurrence relations, application of algorithms, finite graphs, trees, paths and modeling. Prerequisites: (MATH 123  and MATH 201) or MATH 225  or MATH 250  or MATH 253 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 321 - Differential Equations (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Selected topics from ordinary differential equations including development and applications of first order, higher order linear and systems of linear equations, general solutions and solutions to initial-value problems using matrices. Additional topics may include Laplace transforms and power series solutions. Prerequisites: MATH 125 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 331 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Fourier series, vector analysis, matrices, determinants, and topics selected from: complex variables, partial differential equations, numerical methods. Prerequisites: MATH 321 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 345 - Mathematics for Primary Grades II

    Credits: 3
    A second course for students in the early childhood education program to develop an advanced understanding of the nature of mathematics, with an introduction to the structure of mathematics and its application to teaching Birth to Age 8 mathematics including such topics as logic, number systems, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisites: MATH 103  or MATH 114  or MATH 120  or MATH 121-121L  or MATH 123  or MATH 125  or STAT 281 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 355 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics

    Credits: 4
    Techniques, materials and resources for teaching mathematics to junior high school and high school students. Required of majors and minors planning to teach. May not be used for upper division math elective for majors not in Secondary Teaching Option. Prerequisites: MATH 125 ,   and EDFN 352 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 361 - Modern Geometry (COM)

    Credits: 3
    In this course topics will be chosen from: axiomatic systems, finite geometries, Euclidean plane geometry, transformational geometry, three dimensional geometry, and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: (MATH 123  and MATH 201) or MATH 125 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 371 - Technology for STEM Educators

    Credits: 2
    Provides students pursuing teaching certification in STEM fields with instructional technology tools commonly used in K-12 STEM classrooms.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 374 - Scientific Computation I

    Credits: 3
    An introduction to the use of computers for solving mathematical problems originating in scientific application areas. Topics will include a discussion of rounding errors, and practical aspects of writing programs for problems such as solving nonlinear equations, approximating integrals and finding local minima. Prerequisites:  CSC 150  and MATH 125 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 401 - Senior Capstone

    Credits: 1-2
    Two semester course: In the first semester, students will carry out activities which are designed to refresh mathematics skills and develop skills such as research, writing, and presenting which will prepare them for the second semester in which they will write a major paper under faculty supervision and give a presentation based on that paper.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 413 - Abstract Algebra I (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Introduction to the theory and applications of algebraic structures including groups, rings, and fields. Prerequisites: MATH 315  or MATH 316  or MATH 351 or CSC 251.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 415-515 - Advanced Linear Algebra (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Advanced topics in linear algebra.  This course may cover topics useful in such applications as matrix factorizations, finite element methods, multivariable statistics, stochastic models, and parallel programming for scientific computations. Prerequisites: MATH 315 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 425 - Real Analysis I (COM)

    Credits: 3

    Properties of real numbers, sequences, and series of real numbers, limits of functions, uniform continuity, differentiation, sequences and series of functions, uniform convergence, and theories of integration. Extensions of R^n may be considered. Prerequisites: MATH 225  and (MATH 253  or MATH 351).

     


    Check Course Availability
  
  

  • MATH 432 - Partial Differential Equations (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Fourier series, partial differential equations, Frobenius series, Bessel functions, and transform methods. Prerequisites: MATH 225  and MATH 321 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 433 - Capstone: Mathematics Education

    Credits: 3
    In this course, prospective teachers examine high school mathematics topics from an advanced point of view. The topics include, but are not limited to: real and complex numbers, functions, equations, mathematical induction, and trigonometry. Required of majors planning to teach. May not be used for upper division math elective for majors not pursuing Secondary Teaching Option. Prerequisites: MATH 253  and EDFN 101 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 434 - Assessment in STEM Education

    Credits: 1
    Students in STEM Education programs will cover assessment topics including, but not limited to standards based grading, writing and using rubrics, traditional and non-traditional assessments, collecting data, determining how to use assessment to modify instruction, using data for research, standardized testing.  Students should be in the Secondary Education Certification Program and a STEM major.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 435-535 - Complex Variables I

    Credits: 3
    Algebra of complex numbers, classifications of functions, differentiation, integration, mapping, transformations, infinite series. Prerequisites: MATH 225 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 440 - Mathematics of Finance (COM)

    Credits: 3
    An introduction to the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics. Topics include simple and compound interest, annuities, amortization, sinking funds, bonds, stocks, rates of return, term structure of interest rates, cash-flow duration and immunization. Prerequisites: MATH 225 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 450 - History of Mathematics (COM)

    Credits: 3
    A general presentation of historical topics in mathematics including contributions to mathematics from ancient civilizations; developments leading to the creation of modern geometries, calculus and modern algebra; and contributions of outstanding mathematicians. Prerequisites: MATH 125 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 471-571 - Numerical Analysis I (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Analysis of rounding errors, numerical solutions of nonlinear equations, numerical differentiation, numerical integration, interpolation and approximation, numerical methods for solving linear systems. Prerequisites: MATH 225 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 475-575 - Operations Research (COM)

    Credits: 3
    An introductory overview of the field of operations research including topics from linear programming, simplex methods, network models, nonlinear programming, game theory, Markov Chains, introduction to dynamic programming, queuing theory and simulation. Prerequisites: MATH 315  or MATH 281 and MATH 125 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 491-591 - Independent Study (COM)

    Credits: 1-4
    Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meetings depending upon the requirements of the topic.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 492-592 - Topics (COM)

    Credits: 1-3
    Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually of 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MATH 494 - Internship (COM)

    Credits: 1-6
    Applied, monitored and supervised, field-based learning experience for which the student may or may not be paid. Students gain practical experience; they follow a negotiated and or directed plan of study. A higher level of supervision is provided by the instructor in these courses than is the case with field experience courses.


    Check Course Availability
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

MCOM (Mass Communication)
  

  • MCOM 119 - Mass Communication Fundamentals

    Credits: 2
    This course covers foundational skills for advertising, agricultural communication, journalism, and public relations majors. It emphasizes grammar, style, software, and visual communication. It also provides an overview of curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and career options. 


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 145 - Media Literacy and Ethics

    Credits: 3
    Media Literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and communicate information in a variety of formats. This class explores how the mass media help construct social reality and how media use identifiable techniques to communicate messages. Topics include media theories, ethical principles associated with media programming and the roles of media producers and consumers. A key component for the course is to determine were social responsibility lies in relationship to the mass media.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 151 - Introduction to Mass Communication (COM) [SGR #4]

    Credits: 3
    A comprehensive look at the mass media in the United States and the world. Includes discussions of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, books, movies, recordings, advertising and public relations. Also studies mass media rights and responsibilities, ethics and censorship. Notes: Course meets SGR #4 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 160 - Introduction to Film [SGR #4]

    Credits: 3
    Film as art; themes and inventions; films and society; introduction to the camera. Notes: Course meets SGR #4 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 210-210L - Basic Newswriting and Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Introduces students to gathering, evaluating and writing news.  Lab accompanies MCOM 210. Prerequisites: ENGL 101 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 215 - Sportswriting (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Interviewing, reporting, writing, and editing sports stories combined with an exploration of sportswriting as a career.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 219 - Social Media Strategies

    Credits: 3
    This course explores fundamental strategies for effective social media messaging. Content includes audience engagement, design, ethical considerations, visual storytelling, targeted writing and hands-on projects.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 220-220L - Introduction to Digital Media and Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    An introduction to the basics of digital imagery and design for the news media, and hands-on application of the basics of news media digital communication. Corequisites: MCOM 220L-220.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 265-265L - Basic Photography and Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Basic camera, imaging,​ printing and processing techniques used in making and preparing photographs for publication and presentation, including a discourse and/or practical usage of the beginning aspects of photography. Lab accompanies MCOM 265.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 266-266L - Photojournalism and Studio (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Photography as it relates to the media and the public. Emphasis on the content and design of photo essays, legal and ethical aspects of photography.  Studio accompanies MCOM 266. Prerequisites: MCOM 210  or MCOM 265 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 270 - Data Analysis in Communication

    Credits: 3
    The course is designed to give students a foundational knowledge of statistics and data analysis as it pertains to communication and journalism disciplines. Students will learn how to analyze data using tools that are widely used in industry. Using data to tell a story through data visualization is also covered in this course.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 292 - Topics (COM)

    Credits: 1-3
    Includes Current Topics, Advanced Topics and Special Topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually of ten (10) or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 311-311L - News Editing and Editing Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    The evaluation and editing of news stories, with an examination of editing problems, copy reading techniques, page makeup and design, headlines, picture usage, legal and ethical issues.  Comprehensive experience in a laboratory setting with editing techniques. Students work with associated press wire service copy, electronic page design and layout techniques, picture editing and page composition. Prerequisites: MCOM 210 . Corequisites: MCOM 311L-311.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 316 - Magazine Writing and Editing

    Credits: 3
    Includes overview of the magazine industry, how to write and submit freelance articles. Students write and submit articles for publication and edit a departmental magazine.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 317 - Multimedia Reporting (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Builds on the skills and concepts introduced in Basic Newswriting by providing additional experience in beat coverage, initiating story ideas, news judgment, verifying and developing information, and writing stories for publication, broadcast or online delivery. Prerequisites: MCOM 210 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 331-331L - Video Production and Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Training in field production and post-production skills for television and online media including camera operation, audio acquisition and nonlinear editing.  Lab accompanies MCOM 331.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 333-333L - Broadcast News Reporting and Lab

    Credits: 3
    Broadcast news videography, reporting, writing, podcasting, audio recording, and audio and video editing. Laboratory to accompany MCOM 333. Prerequisites: MCOM 210  and MCOM 331 . Corequisites: MCOM 333L-333.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 336 - Feature Writing (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Writing in-depth feature articles for publication is the focus of this class. It will provide advanced skills and techniques in reporting and writing human interest stories and techniques in reporting and writing human interest stories that appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Prerequisites: MCOM 210-210L .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 339-339L - Publication Design and Lab

    Credits: 3
    This course covers the principles of page design including the editing of photos, typography and graphics for print and online publications. Prerequisites: MCOM 220  or MCOM 225  or MCOM 265 . Corequisites: MCOM 339L-339.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 359-359L - Mobile Media Design and Applications and Lab

    Credits: 3
    This course applies effective digital production principles to a series of increasingly complex projects. Prerequisites: MCOM 220  or MCOM 225 . Corequisites: MCOM 359L-359.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 365-365L - Advanced Photography and Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Exploration of photojournalism and electronic photojournalism. Emphasis on putting together a professional photojournalism portfolio including black and white and color.  Lab accompanies MCOM 365. Prerequisites: MCOM 265 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 366 - Film Narrative

    Credits: 3
    Myths, values and beliefs as expressed in selected films; forms, styles, and directors.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 392 - Topics (COM)

    Credits: 1-3
    A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 394 - Internship (COM)

    Credits: 1-12
    Applied, monitored, and supervised field-based learning experience for which the student may or may not be paid. Students gain practical experience; they follow a negotiated and/or directed plan of study. A higher level of supervision is provided by the instructor in these courses than is the case with field experience courses.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 410 - Advanced Reporting (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Political, scientific, and social issues in in-depth reporting for magazines and newspapers.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 413-513 - International Media (COM)

    Credits: 3
    This course is a survey of international media systems, news and related issues, the role and characteristics of international journalists, and issues facing media around the world.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 416-516 - Mass Media in Society

    Credits: 3
    Rights and responsibilities of the press; relation of the media to individuals and society; role of media in a free society.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 417-517 - History of Journalism

    Credits: 3
    Development, impact and importance of individual journalists and media in U.S.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 419-519 - Women in Media

    Credits: 3
    This course examines contributions of women to the mass media from colonial era to present. It also studies the portrayal of women by the news media and by advertising, and it studies the roles currently played by women in the media and in supporting areas of advertising and public relations. Cross-Listed: WMST 419-519 .


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 430-530 - Media Law (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Study of the sources, processes, content and application of law and regulation in the mass communication context and of the ethics of communications practitioners.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 431-431L - Advanced Media Production and Lab

    Credits: 3
    Capstone of Media Production specialization. Integrates multiple aspects of media production and online delivery of media content. Prerequisites: MCOM 331 . Corequisites: MCOM 431L-431.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 433-433L - Advanced Broadcast News Reporting and Lab

    Credits: 3
    In-depth analysis and production of broadcast news, with training in videography, reporting, writing, podcasting, audio recording, and audio and video editing. Laboratory to accompany MCOM 433. Prerequisites: MCOM 331  and MCOM 333 . Corequisites: MCOM 433L-433.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 434 - Advanced Multiplatform Storytelling (COM)

    Credits: 3
    This course is designed to provide students with a background in the practice, techniques, and theories of newsroom management in a multimedia world. Students further their multimedia storytelling skills through video, audio, online, and interactive journalism applications, study the organization of stories according to news values and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the news producer and reporter.  Prerequisites: MCOM 331-331L  or MCOM 334.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 438-438L - Public Affairs Reporting and Lab (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Covering and writing news on legislation, public policy, and social issues at the local, county, and state level. Includes discussion of freedom of information guidelines.  Lab accompanies MCOM 438. Prerequisites: MCOM 210 . Corequisites: MCOM 438L-438.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 474-574 - Media Administration and Management (COM)

    Credits: 3
    Business practices, newspaper, magazine, and broadcast management.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 485-585 - Science Writing (COM)

    Credits: 3
    This class explores the process of science writing and examines various kinds of science writing through readings, guest speakers, and writing assignments. A key emphasis is how to present scientific information to a lay audience.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 490 - Seminar (COM)

    Credits: 1-3
    A highly focused, and topical course. The format includes student presentations and discussions of reports based on literature, practices, problems, and research. Seminars may be conducted over electronic media such as internet and are at the upper division or graduate levels. Enrollment is generally limited to fewer than 20 students.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 491 - Independent Study (COM)

    Credits: 1-4
    Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meetings depending upon the requirements of the topic.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 492-592 - Topics (COM)

    Credits: 1-5
    Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually of 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.


    Check Course Availability
  

  • MCOM 494 - Internship (COM)

    Credits: 1-12
    Applied, monitored and supervised, field-based learning experience for which the student may or may not be paid. Students gain practical experience; they follow a negotiated and or directed plan of study. A higher level of supervision is provided by the instructor in these courses than is the case with field experience courses.


    Check Course Availability
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

Page: 1 <- Back 10 … 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 … Forward 10 -> 35
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home

  About SDSU
  Academic Calendar
  Admission Policies & Procedures
  Policies & General Academic Information
  General Education Requirements
  Graduation Requirements
  Student Handbook 2020-2021

  Colleges, Departments, & their Academic Programs
  Online, Off-Campus, Distance & Non-Credit Programs
  Degrees & Associated Majors
  Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
  Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Programs
  Academic Advising Guide Sheets - Sample Plans of Study
  Course Descriptions & Schedules
  Explore Majors & Careers
  Professional Licensure & Certification
  Transfer Student Information

  Tuition, Fees, & Financial Assistance
  Student Services & Support
  International Affairs
  University Organization, Administration, & Faculty
  Faculty & Staff Directory
  Campus Maps
  Questions or concerns?

  2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog PDF
  My Personal Catalog