CHEM 379 LSIC: “Bad” Science Fiction Charles James
The principles of Chemistry, Physics and Biology are illustrated using examples of their violation in the science fiction and monster movies of the 30’s through the 90’s. Examples will mostly come from the Japanese and American cinema such as: Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the Godzilla movies, Gamera movies, It Conquered the World and Reptilicus. Principles covered will include Newton’s Three Laws, Molecular structure, Chemical Change, Conservation of matter, Potential Energy: Mechanical, Chemical and Nuclear, Thermodynamics and rates of chemical change. Charles James is Associate Professor of Chemistry.

CSCI 379 LSIC: Databases for Everything Joe Brownsmith
Databases are a tool for thinking about and organizing data. Databases are widely used in industry, government, universities - organizations large and small, here and abroad. Databases are important, essential, relevant, and useful. We will learn many things about databases using a popular database management system. Databases are a great tool for organizing diverse data collections such as college life info, music, photos, and more. This course is offered in a computer laboratory setting. Dr. Brownsmith has more than twenty years industry experience in designing and developing information systems and database systems. His experience includes many years as a developer and team leader at IBM on large projects such as compilers and data content management. He has created a variety of information systems and products for a diverse customer set including government, insurance, banking, non-profits, large and small companies, and academe.

GERM 379 LSIC: Germany: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Henry Stern
The course will explore the main cultural, historical, political, and social issues confronting the Federal Republic of Germany today. Students will be prepared for discussion of the major issues through an exploration of the German past, including the evolution of the German state, Germany through the 2 world wars, post-war Germany and its reentering the western community, and future prospects for a nation prosperous and progressive yet beset with problems threatening the well-being of the state. To provide students with sufficient historical background the first 2 weeks will be devoted to the early stages of development—pre-Hohenstaufen, Hohenstaufen, Hohenzollern and Hapsburg dynasties.
Henry Stern is Professor of German and has taught at UNCA since 1975. Contemporary Germany is one of his major interests and he has visited Germany over 30 times during the course of his stay at UNCA. He regularly teaches the two courses in German Civilization and is eager to explore some of the topics considered in these courses with a student group that does not consist exclusively of majors or minors, and in a course not conducted in German.

HWP 379 LSIC: Optimal Performance Connie Schrader
This course involves both research and direct encounter with theories and structures for fostering abilities and dissolving barriers. Topics in attention, arousal, focus, stress, and well-being are discussed and practically explored. Practices from both eastern and western perspectives are introduced. This course includes an introduction to biofeedback as a method of gaining insight into one’s internal state. Discussion is an important part of the course. Connie Schrader is a Lecturer in Health and Wellness Promotion. She also teaches extensive in Dance, Arts and Ideas, and the Humanities Program.HWP 379 LSIC: tba Cathy Garbe
Description forthcoming

INTS 379 LSIC: Nuclear News and FAQS Dot Sulock
We will study current news articles about nuclear weapons, nuclear power, and related issues such as terrorism, radioactive waste disposal, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the International Atomic Energy Association, nuclear fusion, and renewable energy. In addition to learning what IS happening in these areas, we will speculate on what SHOULD be happening, why, and how to work in the direction of any recommended changes. Dot Sulock, math teacher, has a passion to help our struggling planet achieve sustainability. She combines interests in religion, international studies, philosophy, and human rights to consider how to help save the world from the dangers of nuclear terrorism, nuclear war, and environmental degradation. She needs your help in this exciting struggle. Only brave realists need apply.

MCOM 379 LSIC: Avatars in Online Communication. Alan Hantz
Online, are we who we say we are? The selection of an avatar to represent oneself presents many questions about identity and self-perception in the interpersonal and group communication settings of the virtual world. Students will examine the use of avatars in chat as wellas online role-gaming. Course will include an extensive research project and presentation. .Dr. Hantz, chair of the Department of Mass Communication teaches media studies, visual image production (still and video), media law, and film courses. He also teaches in the UNCA Humanities program. Dr. Hantz has taken students to Greece and Italy to study digital imaging and humanities. On campus, he is active in UNCA's honors and freshman advising programs.

MCOM 379 LSIC: Panics, Fads, and Social Outbreaks Mark West
Media theorists describe communication as providing our "social skin"; what happens when that skin ruptures? How do fads, panics and social outbreaks get started? We will examine events like "The War of the Worlds" panic, the Hula Hoop craze, UFO and alien abduction "flaps" and purchasing and product crazes. Mark West is a Professor in the Department of Mass Communications.

MMAS 379 LSIC: Decoding Visual Culture Mary Anna LaFratta
This course explores visual messages that are pervasive in our culture. It examines the structure, presentation, and the interactivity of the components of messages and their meanings. Design is presented as an important vehicle for analyzing these modes of communication, and provides the skills necessary to construct your own visual messages. Course assignments are a combination of reading, discussion, writing and creative project using the computer and imaging and authoring software. No previous experience in computers, art or design is required. Mary Anna LaFratta received her Master of Fine Arts in Design and Visual Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to teaching at UNCA she taught art, design, computer graphics, digital video production, and two-dimensional animation. Currently she is an Assistant Professor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences and teaches courses in design, web page and interactive design.

MUSC 379 LSIC: History of Big Band Jazz in the US John Entzi
This course will cover US history and music from approximately 1900 until present. It will cover the rise of the Big Band and its popularity through World War II and its demise right after the War. We will also cover the Big Band in High Schools, Colleges and Universities. Dr. John Entzi, is Visiting Assistant Professor of Music. He was also appointed director of the UNC Asheville Concert Band. In addition to a doctorate of musical arts in trumpet performance from USC, he holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC Greensboro and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. Previously, Entzi was director of concert bands and jazz ensembles at North Carolina State University. Entzi has performed with numerous symphonies, jazz bands and traveling shows. He is an active member of the National Band Association, the International Association of Jazz Educators (President elect for NC), Music Educators National Conference, International Trumpet Guild, and the College Band Directors National Conference. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda and Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity. John Entzi is a former student of the late Dr. Elmer R. White and Dr. A. Keith Amstutz, who is currently professor of Trumpet at USC.

PHYS 379 LSIC: Our Galaxy, The Milky Way Mel Blake
Description forthcoming

PSYC 379 LSIC: Psychology in Story: Psychological Lessons in Film, Fiction, and Narrative Ann Weber
"Psychology in Story" reviews the lessons taught about psychology (true or false) in popular fiction, including movies, television, short stories, science fiction, and other forms. More than in perhaps any other discipline, psychology and psychologists are popular subjects for film and literature. Story-telling is the oldest form of both teaching and entertainment. The psychology taught in stories is frequently accurate, but many times accuracy is sacrificed for the sake of entertainment, cinematic forms, dramatic effect, or the time-limits of a 22-minute television program. Readings (from a psychology-in-movies text, short stories, and a science fiction collection) and a parallel film series will show psychology in stories of humor, drama, science fiction, and fantasy. Psychological topics to be covered include: personality development, cognitive function, behavior change, paranoia, alienation, group dynamics, mental disorders, and psychotherapy. We also examine narrative psychology—the psychology of storytelling—as a strategy for problem-solving, healing, communicating, and getting close to others. We’ll read and tell stories, watch and discuss movies, and discover the “real” psychology behind the fascinating portrayals. The "succeeding at UNCA" component of this LSIC course will involve weekly information sessions, guests, student projects and presentations requiring us to find and use campus resources, including Advising, Health Services, Computer Center, student organizations, and Library Research. Dr. Weber was originally inspired by old movies and science fiction stories to pursue a career in psychology. Images of psychologists as problem-solvers and investigators suggested that the profession could address issues in philosophy, art, animal behavior, relationships, archeology, mathematics, and crime detection. Dr. Weber earned her B.A. in Psychology at Catholic University of Americ, then her M.A. and Ph.D. in Social Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. She came to UNCA in 1978, where she has taught courses on General Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychology of Close Relationships, History and Systems, People & Animals, and Psychology in Film. She has written 20 books including a successful college psychology textbook, as well as articles and chapters on stress management, communication skills, developing humor, and coping with loss and bereavement. In 2005 she received the Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching, the highest teaching award in the state-wide UNC system.

SOC 379 LSIC: The Liberal World: How Liberal Is It, and What Is Liberal? Volker Frank
Departing from the Western Enlightenment period, this course examines the major philosophical and socio-political premises and promises of Liberalism. It subsequently explores late 20th century democracies (West and East and South) in light of their claim—made and delivered more by some than by others—that Liberalism continues to be the planet’s best option for the future. This will include, among others, explorations into the economy, politics, culture, education, the environment. Students will be asked to write several essays focusing on one or the other historic period, as well as geographic location, identified by the instructor.
I have been at UNC-A for ten years, have taught 11 different courses, (several of them are what used to be called General Education courses). I have served, or continue to serve, on a number of committees, among others the Master’s of Liberal Arts graduate council, International Programs Advisory Committee, and University Research Council, which I chaired for one year.