Signature Course Descriptions

This section is called “An Easy A” because it will focus on words that begin with the letter A. This collection of words is selected to provide you with a simple, memorable, and effective vocabulary you can use to achieve success in your college career and attain the freedom you desire and deserve in your life. The goal of your education and your relationships and your career and, ultimately, your entire life is freedom: the freedom from causes of oppression (externally-imposed and self-inflicted fear, ignorance, and selfishness) and the freedom to use what you’ve learned and achieved to understand and manage fear, ignorance, and selfishness for the benefit your friends, family, colleagues, and community.  

This course is designed to help you succeed as a college student. We will address issues related to the successful transition from high school to the university, campus resources, college-level study skills, time management, interdependence, goal-setting, multiple intelligences, and other issues relevant to your journey as a college student. We will engage in collaborative learning activities, reading and class discussion, field investigations, writing, reflection, and presentation. Our objective is to use this class to stay on track and directed on a path toward graduation and self-worth.

Whitetail fever is a common condition affecting those who enjoy the hunting and outdoor lifestyle. Symptoms include a desire to learn more about: a) hunter ethics and safety, b) hunting tactics and technologies, and c) wildlife and habitat management practices.  At maturity, whitetail fever is characterized by a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and our natural resources.  This course exposes students to hunting and outdoor research and allows students to share their own knowledge and experience, all in an effort to become mature outdoorsmen/women.

This course will provide an overview of the resources and opportunities available for students with disabilities at ASU, as well as discuss the culture of disability, disability and the civil rights movement, the ADA, and career opportunities for those interested in helping the disabled population.

The class will use the idea that Agriculture Production is Driven by society and their expectations. During the class we will explore campus involvement how it will improve marketability of the student upon graduation. We will also cover information literacy, introduce them to financial literacy concepts, career development, and cover all things advising and academic support ASU has to offer. 

This course emphasizes the use of information literacy, oral communication, and writing skills for distinguishing science from pseudoscience. Contemporary topics taken from advertising, news, and other media are investigated and discussed to develop an understanding of scientific inquiry.

Dinosaurs loom large in our popular culture and, though these depictions are captivating, reality is even more fascinating than science fiction. In Dinosaur Science students will explore the origins of dinosaurs, their immense diversity, their demise, and the dinosaur relatives that still live with us. An emphasis will be placed on understanding how paleontologists use fossils to reconstruct the past and on dispelling often held misconceptions about dinosaurs.  

Seminar on various contemporary topics. This course is designed to introduce incoming freshmen to the intellectual and cultural environment of the university and the impact it will have on their lives as students. Freshman Seminars incorporate various integral elements in order to facilitate first-year students’ transition from high school to college-level learning. Emphasis will be on communication, critical thinking, and information literacy. Open to all majors; restricted to and required of first-time-in-college students.

Introduce students to the field of sport and exercise psychology. Emphasis placed on application of theory and training techniques for improved mental and physical performance. 

Strategies for success in MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) have many commonalities with strategies for success in college. Being successful in games like World of Warcraft and Everquest requires good time and resource management skills as well as abilities to work well with groups, good written communication skills, and the ability to understand and follow written directions. Coming to college brings a whole suite of challenges to freshmen, especially those who have never lived away from home before. To help ease students’ transition to becoming autonomous, productive adults, this course will use a problem-solving format to help students learn how to think through common problems, learn how to do everyday skills that they may not have before leaving home, and teach skills necessary for both navigating their new environment at Angelo State University and critical life skills that will set them on the path to being an adult. Students in the course will create “quests” that break down required tasks for various assignments. Class discussions will include practical information on a variety of topics including time management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, study skills, and using the resources of the university. We will also discuss topics such as resilience and perseverance, financial health, etc. Real-time problems of the students in the course will drive some of the content of the course. Emphasis will be on using critical thinking skills to reason out problems.

The purpose of this course is to increase skills and knowledge of American culture among international students and enhance their integration into the university community. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of both national and local culture. In addition, students will be introduced to campus resources and strategies that will help them to be academically successful and to enhance their study abroad experience. The course will provide opportunities in and out of class for students to learn about American culture and values, apply critical reading skills, practice oral and written communication, and get involved in campus life.

Complete the YouScience assessment. Assist students in starting college, choosing a major and a career.

Everyone Lies. Does everyone lie often? How do we know when we are being lied to? Unfortunately, people do not show signs of deception by their nose growing. In this course we will discuss and read material related to deception, its occurrence in various contexts, its effects, and abilities to detect deception. Students in this course will discuss deception and pathological lying, read selected literature, write about deception, and watch video segments that will enhance understanding of deception and promote successful academic skills.

This course guides students through the social environment of college, focusing on personality and how personality will impact job performance, group work, and college life.  

This class will center around helping students discover, or more completely understand, their major and career goals. Using software that identifies students’ values, aptitudes, and aspirations, students will learn what majors and careers are the best “fit,” and they will have a better understanding about the course work and education required to succeed. This course is a great option for students unsure of their major or future career goals. Emphasis will be placed on advancing communication and information literacy skills, along with the transition to success at Angelo State University.

This course provides an introduction to the people, various cultures and regional demarcations in Africa. 

This interdisciplinary course will utilize the superhero movie industry to discuss issues of international business, contract law, marketing, and representation of race/gender. Students will learn not only about behind-the-scenes considerations in the movie industry, but also business in general.

Get rich quick, in an over-a-lifetime way. 

This course explores the depths of outdoor recreation. Course participants will immerse themselves in the field of study through research, lectures, and several group activities. Participation in this course will provide students the opportunity to practice written communication, time management, critical thinking, information literacy, and social responsibility.

The thirst for success is hard to quench for many. In this course, students will explore sports champions and the unique and various avenues taken in their journey for gold. Students are encouraged to share personal experiences and class findings through experiential exercises and written/oral presentations.

This course will use an online assessment ( YouScience) to help the student determine personal interests and aptitudes. In addition strategies for academic success will be
developed.

This course will go over why it is important to vote, how to register to vote, how to request absentee ballots, how to vote early or the day of, and how to make informed decisions when electing representatives to office.

Normally attributed to Enrico Fermi, the question of ‘where is everyone?’ is more relevant today than when it was first asked about 70 years ago. In this course, we will learn about Fermi’s Paradox and then explore some of its potential solutions. A connection between these and campus life at ASU will be made with an emphasis on how students can solve their own Fermi Paradox.

This course is designed to assist first year student-athletes or those interested in athletics post grad with a successful transition to Angelo State University both academically and athletically. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect with, and hear from a variety of individuals throughout Angelo State Athletics and the Angelo State University Community. Students will be challenged to examine their experiences, while promoting self-awareness to take notes, develop and submit assignments. The information presented in this course will help provide a foundation for the student to become an active, successful, member of their given team, the Angelo State academics and athletics community.

Making A Difference (MAD): to cause change; to be important in some way. MAD Rams explores how students can engage in leadership for social change. If you want to make a difference, aspire to develop leadership competencies as vehicles for social change, or just want to be part of a group seeking a focus on kindness and humanity, this course is for you.

Through the examination and application of the social change model of leadership this course will dig into critical issues such as basic needs insecurity including food and housing insecurity, inter-social treatment, and other critical issues facing social justice. As a class, we will research and identify critical issues of interest, collaborate on strategies for change, and participate in activities that help our friends and communities.

The purpose of this class is to provide tools and experiences to help students make progress in their personal career development. This is a hands-on class. Students will be required to complete assessments, attend career development programs, and speak to professionals in the career field of the student’s choice.

Are you a true crime junkie? Do you like to follow true crime podcasts, television shows, books, and anything you can get your hands on? This is the course for you!

This course will utilize true crime podcasts to dive into the world of crime. We will examine 7 true crimes. Some of the cases are still unsolved to this day. You will need to put your detective skills to work and figure out who you think committed the crime. Who knows? Perhaps we will find a clue that can help solve a cold case!

This course will discuss what goes into knowing the rules and philosophies to officiate the game of football. Also, we will discuss how an official prepares for the game and what work is involved on a weekly basis during the season and off-season. 

This course uses the YouScience program to identify your personal strengths and career paths that match both your skills and your interests.  

This course is designed to give students a taste of the basics of video production. Students will have access to Ram TV production resources such as field cameras and video editors

The course examines the influence the Western genre of films has had on the USA.

This course is designed to support students who are the first in their family to attend a college or university and help to navigate the transition in Angelo State University. 

An introduction to the scientific and artistic aspects leading to the development of the beer styles of the world. This course will focus on the ingredients, processes, and methods used in the brewing world to develop the complex flavors and aromas of different beer styles. Historical perspective on the origin of numerous styles and modern interpretation of these styles will be discussed. 

Adulting 101 provides students with the tools they need to succeed that aren’t traditionally taught in a classroom setting: Interpersonal communication skills, what to do when you hit rock bottom personally, professionally, and financially, how to manage your time efficiently, how to effectively bridge the gap from high school to college and college to your chosen industry. Lessons will be immediately applicable so that they may elevate their current success. 

Angelo State University is a multicultural campus with over 200 students coming from over 20 countries, not counting faculty and staff. This course is designed to help you learn the meaning of culture, get to know them, not necessarily personally, but through learning about their cultures, traditions and lifestyles. For instance, what kind of food is authentic to what countries and what does it mean? What fashion is in style there and why? What is considered polite and what is considered rude? Broadening your horizons will help you become a more integral part of the Ram Fam and make your student life as well as future endeavors a more cosmopolitan experience.

Do you love the great outdoors? Do you love the oceans, forests, deserts and mountains? Are you interested to know more about how to protect nature and reduce your environmental footprint? Whether you have a green thumb or could kill a cactus, this class will cover all kinds of “green” topics while also growing your skills and knowledge to boost your success as a new student at Angelo State University. The goal of this course will be to develop basic skills you will need to be successful in all college courses, through activities and discussions that focus on topics such as sustainability, community gardening, going green, and environmental stewardship. 

The course provides a never-give-up approach to lead with enthusiasm and optimism and improve your team and culture.

An introduction to the idea of how to “Get Rich Slowly.” A guide to investing and personal finance, risk assessment, loans, and avoiding scams.

According to American College Health Association (ACHA), only 61.6% of college students were at a healthy weight, 48.7% of students met the federal guidelines for aerobic physical activities, and only 37.6% of students met the federal guidelines for muscle strengthening activities. The goal of the course is to help freshmen develop a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and exercise regimen. In this interactive course, students will learn about healthy diet, supplements, and the normal values of various health/fitness markers (such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, cardiopulmonary fitness, body mass index, body composition/body fat, and muscle strength/endurance). More importantly, students will have hands-on experience in testing some of those markers to assess their own health and fitness level. The instructor will further provide guidance to improve students’ health and fitness, or direct the students to proper health professionals as needed.

Seminar on various contemporary topics. This course is designed to introduce incoming freshmen to the intellectual and cultural environment of the university and the impact it will have on their lives as students. Freshman Seminars incorporate various integral elements in order to facilitate first-year students’ transition from high school to college-level learning. Emphasis will be on communication, critical thinking, and information literacy. Open to all majors; restricted to and required of first-time-in-college students.

This particular 1181 course will use the concept of fantasy football and illustrate how it applies in an educational setting. As surprising as it may seem, fantasy football is a huge phenomenon. It seems counterintuitive due to the fact that in order to be a good player (and give yourself the best chance of winning), it requires thorough planning, organization, coordination, and research. Although it takes copious amounts of work and effort to be successful, it is a very fun game.

When fantasy football is examined through an educational lens, there are many overlapping themes. In order to be successful in either endeavor, the four previously mentioned characteristics are essential. Along with those four, some others are important including, but not limited to, time management, study skills, following established rules, working with others, mapping out a road to success (graduation), and good, old-fashioned work ethic (follow through).

The Ram Band is one of the largest and most visible student organizations on the ASU campus. The Ram Band Family is a large and connected group of people from all walks of life that have contributed to the great history and tradition of this organization. While exploring the history and traditions of the Ram Band, learn multiple ways to maximize your time, utilize university resources, achieve at the highest level, and graduate on time while staying involved and helping to write the next chapter in the band’s history.

Life Skills

This course explores the requirements to become a teacher in Texas, how to determine which certification area is right for you, the TEKS associated with that certification area, and how to take that into account when planning your degree at ASU.

This course will focus on four things:

1. Personal history (narrative as well as visual)
2. Family history (helping a parent or grandparent record their personal history)
3. Genealogy
4. The resources at ASU that will help you research and write effectively and efficiently.

By the time you finish the course, you will have completed video presentations that incorporate pics, videos and audio narration from you and a loved one as well as a 4 generation genealogy chart. As we learn how to organize and present personal and family histories, we will explore everything that ASU has to offer to help you.

Students will watch historical films that represent key moments in the American past as a means to better understand the intersection of entertainment, theatre, and U.S. history. 

So You’re an Adult Now will examine what it means to be an “adult” as a new college student at Angelo State University. Students will learn how to break the ice and make friends, how to get involved and excel, budgeting & financial aid, and the many resources available to help them adjust to adult life at ASU. Students will also hear from community members who support the student of Angelo State University. 

Want to have less stress and more success in college? There’s no secret formula, but there ARE many habits, strategies, and skills you can learn to make your semesters at college easier to manage. Here are some of the questions we’ll look at in this course: - “How can I keep organized the hundreds of online files I’ll create over the next four years?” - “How can I save money each week?” - “When should I email my professor, and when should I not?” - “How do I write college-level papers?” - “Which citation generators are more accurate?” - “What is the difference between MLA and APA?” - “What can I do to reduce my testing anxiety?” - “What do I do if I have roommate issues?” - “What daily habits can I adopt to strengthen my physical and mental health?” - “How can I find time to enjoy my hobbies when my weekly schedule is so packed?” This course will encourage you to improve your organizational and life habits; develop your reading, writing, and thinking skills; and adopt methods of learning that will serve you well beyond your first semester of college. 

Habit OUTCOME

1. Be Proactive - Students assume responsibility for their own choices. They take initiative to solve their problems rather than passively accepting circumstances that work against them.
2. Begin With the End in Mind - Students develop a clearly defined “life plan” and “graduation plan” and an orientation toward purposeful living, as opposed to the aimlessness that afflicts so many students and leads them to overstay college.
3. Put First Things First - Students prioritize their time and activities to align with the goals in their “life plans.”
4. Think Win-Win - Students become collaborative, breaking out of the shell of isolation that makes so many of them feel helpless.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood - Students develop communication skills critical to taking part in the college community and to building relationships, including writing and presenting ideas persuasively.
6. Synergize - Students value different cultures and capitalize on the multiple perspectives they are exposed to in college to produce new and creative solutions.
7. Sharpen the Saw - Students overcome the near-universal tendency to lose balance and “burn out” under the intense pressure of many priorities.

A study of film history and methods as an exercise in critical thinking.

This course is designed to help foster an interest (or greater interest) and provide a brief but comprehensive history of livestock breeding in the United States to freshmen seeking to determine their career path of greatest interest.