Description: Social media have influenced and altered patterns of human communication and interaction. This course explores social media dynamics including communication in a networked public culture, interpersonal communication online, privacy and information security, social media production and work, media ecologies, and managing media and information in a networked and highly connected world. Cr. 3.

Description: This course focuses on the nature of crime and problems concerning its measurement and distribution. The course examines some of the popular images of crime in the media and elsewhere, the creation and utility of official and unofficial crime statistics, and theories about the causes of crime. No prerequisites. A grade of C or better is required in this course in order to continue in the major. Cr 3.

Description: This course explores theoretical and practical issues of modern systems of social control, including punishment, policing, prisons, parole, probation, and the role of the state in social control. The history of Western social control systems is stressed, with emphasis on race, gender, and class effects. Students are required to engage in experiential learning. Prerequisites: CRM 100 or permission. Cr 3.

Description: Through readings, writings, and creative projects we'll investigate how dance intersects with other art forms, viewing and analyzing the work of important artists in the fields of ballet, modern, musical theatre, social dance, and visual art. Discover how dance as an art form influences culture. No dance experience required. Prerequisites: College Writing. Cr 3.

Description: Building on the fundamentals learned in ENG 100 (the writing process, revision, and critical reading), ENG 102 focuses on argumentative and research-based writing. Students learn that academic work is a process of inquiry by engaging in academic modes of reading and writing (analysis, synthesis, critique, and argument) to address questions about critical issues. Students engage in independent research, learning how to make connections between sources and how to add to those connections by articulating their own perspectives and positions. Students develop a comprehensive information literacy that they can apply throughout their college career. Prerequisite: ENG 100 or equivalents. Cr 3.

Description: The primary emphasis is to teach students how to become more knowledgeable and independent over personal financial matters. Topics such as obtaining financial aid, managing student loans, career and education planning, budgeting, credit cards, stock market investing, real estate, behavioral finance, retirement planning, and insurance will be covered. Upon completing the course, students will be able to make better financial decisions using computer-based simulations and software that facilitate financial planning methods such as what-if analysis, sensitivity analysis, and scenario planning. Offered every semester. This course is open to all USM students. When taken by business or accounting majors, this course will give general elective credit. Do not take if previously completed BUS 201 Personal Finance as this is the same class. Repeat rules apply. Cr 3.

Description: This course will familiarize students with the diversity of people and places in the world by examining the physical, political, and cultural geography of different regions of the world. Emphasis will be given to development of regions within a global framework. This course will add to the general education of students by developing their geographic skills and by enhancing their geographic awareness and knowledge of the world through various aspects of global diversity. Cr 3

Description: Mindfulness is about paying attention without judgment to what is being presented to us in our lives. The core of this course will be mindfulness and meditation practices taught by a myriad of practitioners including renowned pioneers in the field Jon Kabat Zinn and Dr. Herbert Benson. Students will study the results of research that show benefits of practicing Mindfulness. Students will learn a variety of techniques increasing awareness around the stress response, relaxation response leading to the cultivation of a meaningful mindfulness meditation practice. After learning these practices, students will explore ways to integrate mindfulness into work, family, health, and relationships, particularly into teaching, nursing, social work, and counseling health professions building resilience and eliciting the relaxation response. Cr 3.

Description: This course will enable the student to look critically at reproductive health options through the lifespan. Through readings, podcasts, PowerPoint presentations, and online discussions, we will weigh evidence related to alternative, complementary, and natural approaches to managing reproductive health issues. The course will follow a life span, growth, and development approach. Course topics will include natural family planning methods, holistic contraception, infertility and pregnancy issues, holistic birth support skills, and holistic care of the newborn after birth. In addition, adult reproductive issues will be covered including menopause, erectile dysfunction, and sexuality in aging. The student will participate online via the discussion board, online quizzes, short essays, and complete an assignment to create a holistic teaching page related to a reproductive health topic. Cr 3.

Description: This course explores the realm of holistic health, emphasizing the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Specific techniques and therapies will be introduced including, but not limited to, nutrition, stress management, meditation, therapeutic movement and massage, music, and others. The primary goal is to bring greater self-confidence, increased knowledge, and self-responsibility about health into each student's life. Cr 3.