Preparing for Registration

Summer 2023
Getting Oriented
Your advisor will help you make the best choices for your fall semester. You do not have to plan out
your schedule in advance. This packet will help you prepare for that meeting by introducing you to
aspects beyond your academic major that will be important to your Alma education.

Step One: Will you be taking First Year Seminar?

If you are a first-time college student, you will take First Year Seminar (FYS) in the fall. FYS is the
gateway to the rest of the Core Curriculum—the part of your Alma education that is outside of the major
you chose. The Core ensures you have a broad set of thinking and problem-solving tools when you
graduate. In FYS, you are introduced to theses skills. You also explore ideas about education that are at
the center of the college’s mission. Transfer students are not required to take FYS.

Step Two: What college-level proficiencies will you need to plan for?
Whether you are new to college or a transfer student, your advisor will want to review whether or not
you have already met college-level proficiency standards in three areas: writing, mathematics, and world
languages. You can find details about each of these in this packet.

• Mathematics (p. 7)
• Writing (p. 9)
• World Languages (p. 10)

Step Three: What subjects are you interested in studying?

If you have already decided that there are some subjects you might want to study in college, your
advisor will help you set up a first-term schedule that puts you on the right path for those fields. Feel
free to explore the major requirements on the web. If you attended the pre-registration session or
watched the video, you can log into the system to see pre-loaded 4-year plans for different majors.
However, it is not necessary to do so. Your advisor will be able to help you identify the right classes for
any pathway you are considering.

If you are undecided, don’t worry! You do not need to know your major yet. Your advisor will talk to
you about some of your interests and will use that information to help you figure that out while also
making progress on the Core curriculum.

Step Four: What do you want to Explore?

An Alma education means having a broad set of tools, not just the tools you develop in a major. In the
first two years, you will develop this breadth by taking one class each in four Explore areas: Arts, Self &
Society, Science, and Equity & Justice (JEDI). Every semester, there are different options offered. Before
your advising session, explore the course offerings for Fall. You can find a list of these courses and their
descriptions on the next few pages. Before your meeting, note the options in each area that appeal to
you.

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EXPLORE: MAKING AND UNDERSTANDING THE ARTS
Arts Explore courses are designed to ensure all students at Alma College have explored the arts from two
perspectives—creative makers and critical thinkers. These courses expose students to the creative
process and the risk-taking that is part of creative thinking and innovation.
Art 101: Drawing I
Through observation, this class will concentrate on
the essential elements of drawing, its materials, and
its methods. This is an introductory level class that
prepares the student for higher levels of visual
problem-solving. Course fee.
Art 120: Two-dimensional Design
Investigation of foundational elements and principles
of visual design as the basic building blocks for
visual art and communication. Critical thinking skills,
as they apply to studio art, are explored using
traditional and digital techniques. Course fee.
Art 140: Ceramics
Introduction to direct forming processes in clay; hand
building and wheel-throwing. Investigation of the
uses of slips, glazes, underglazes and other methods
of surface enrichment. Participation in class kiln
firings. Course fee.
Art 150: Three-dimensional Design
Introduction to studio work with an emphasis on
exploring a variety of materials in three dimensions
and in solving visual and spatial problems. Line,
volume, mass, scale, composition, plane, as well as
other elements of design will be utilized in
investigating form. Course fee.
DAN 146: Viewing and Doing
Investigation of dance as an art form. Involves
movement awareness, improvisation, exploratory
exercises and movement games designed to build
trust. Collaboration with class members to create a
performance atmosphere is an integral part of the
course. Students design environments dealing with
the theatrical aspect of dance.
DAN 147: Dance Fundamentals
This course introduces basic movement concepts,
aesthetics, and qualities. It also covers the beginnings
of modern dance, ballet, and jazz. The course will
develop movement sequences based in all three
techniques and differentiate vocabulary. Short
writing assignments will complement studio
requirements. Offered every fall term.
DES 101: Design Fundamentals
Work in a hands-on studio environment exploring
how design principles, information hierarchy, layout,
and typography contribute to meaning. Learn to
harness a problem-solving framework to address
project-based challenges across a variety of media.
Develop an understanding of the tools and
terminology of design practice.
ENG 132: Disturbing Dramas
This course promotes an appreciation of the literature
produced for the stage. It pays particular attention to
how drama simultaneously reflects and reshapes the
traditions it inherits and the concerns of its own time.
Students will read plays from a wide range of periods
and cultures and will attend multiple live
performances. Finally, working in small groups,
students will write and stage a brief drama that
embodies their own reflections on current events.
ENG 133: Fairy Tales
Explore the art-making of fairy tales from diverse
cultures in thematic "threads" starting from the 14th-
century, applying both analytical and creative
approaches. Analyze not only the narrative crafting
of the tales, but also the authorial and socio-cultural
factors that influence designs and messages. Connect
analyzing with story creating exercises to see how
imagination can break or work with literary
conventions and social doctrines.
ENG 190: Creative Writing
Introduce the creative writing process through an
exploration of multiple genres. Foster creative
experimentation, radical wordplay, observation,
reflection, and an understanding of the conventions
and creative possibilities of different genres,
including poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.
No prior creative writing experience is required.
THE 101: Introduction to Theatre
An exploration of theatre as an art form and how
dramatic literature becomes theatre.
THE 125: Acting I
Introduction to acting through participation in
exercises that emphasize moment-to-moment acting
from the actor's impulse in contact with a partner.
Culminates with class performances.
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EXPLORE: SELF & SOCIETY
Self & Society Explore courses are designed to ensure all students at Alma College can think critically
about how to make, understand, and evaluate evidence-based arguments about the self and the social
world.
ECN 111: Principles of Macroeconomics
Introductory survey of macroeconomic theory and
national policy. Supply and demand analysis and
solutions to basic economic problem of scarcity in
the American economy. Examines relationship
between national income and its determinants with
emphasis on role of fiscal and monetary policies in
stabilizing national economic performance.
ECN 112: Principles of Microeconomics
Introductory survey of microeconomic theory.
Principles of consumer demand; production,
exchange and distribution in capitalist economies;
labor and resource markets; international trade and
exchange rate theory and policy.
HST 101: World History Survey II
Introductory overview of modern world history since
the 16th century, emphasizing developments within
Europe and interaction with the rest of the world.
Focuses on topics such as the origins of European
expansion in the first "global age," rise of absolutism,
Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, age of
revolution and industrialization, modern imperialism,
origins and impact of the World Wars, and the Cold
War and its aftermath.
HST 105: American Century, 1877-present
Political, economic, social, and intellectual issues
from Reconstruction to the present. Focuses on 1877-
1990.
HST 138: Europe in Upheaval
Analysis of causes and course of World War I;
Russian Revolution and Stalinism; interwar
diplomacy, crisis of democracy, and Great
Depression; Fascism and Nazism; special focus on
causes, course, and impact of World War II.
PHL 103: Critical Thinking
Introduction to Logic. Elementary semantics,
common fallacies in inference, the analysis of
arguments, and the logic of induction and deduction.
Emphasis primarily on reasoning as it occurs in
everyday contexts.
PHL 111: Western Philosophy I
Survey of major ideas which have helped shape the
Western tradition and the thinking of contemporary
persons. The timeframe covered includes the
beginnings in Greece to Renaissance, including
meeting of Greek and Christian worldviews.
POL 121: World Conflicts & Problems
Examines a selection of world conflicts in terms of
their causes and prospects for war, control or
settlement. Explores world-wide problems, needs and
efforts among states to deal cooperatively.
PSY 120: Foundations in Psychology
Learn why people think, feel, and act as they do.
Explore the mind, brain, and body connection.
REL 100: What is Religion?
Develop an understanding of religion as a human
phenomenon, focusing on three interrelated
questions: What is religion? How can we study
religion? And of course, Why?
SPN 151: Hispanic Peoples and Geographies
Topics-based approach to developing intercultural
awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all
four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the
ACTFL Novice-high/Intermediate-low proficiency
levels. This is a high-beginner course, appropriate for
students who have completed 1-year of high school
Spanish. Course fee. Prerequisite: Minimum 1-year
high school Spanish or SPN 111.
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EXPLORE: APPLYING SCIENTIFIC THINKING
Self & Society Explore courses are designed to ensure all students at Alma College understand and can use scientific
thinking and the scientific method. All science explores include a lab and scientific experimentation.
BIO 121: Foundations of Biology
Foundational concepts of biology are introduced
through a combination of activities, case studies,
presentations and discussions, and hands-on
laboratory experiences. Students explore the
essentials of metabolism, basic cell membrane and
organelle structure and function, biosynthesis, DNA
replication, cell division, reproduction, and
Mendelian genetics within broader biological
contexts such as human ecology and health,
environmental issues, and evolution. The laboratory
component provides students with practical
experiences that develop laboratory skills and that
employ the scientific method and basic data
analyses. Laboratory. Course fee.
CHM 115: Chemical Analysis
Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry in a
context of chemical analysis. Intended for students in
the sciences. Includes the periodic table, elements,
ionic and covalent compounds, stoichiometry,
atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy, gases,
pH and acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions.
DR and academic credit will only be awarded to one
of CHM-103 or CHM-115. Laboratory. Course fee.
ENG 105: Our Environment
Examination of humans and their relationship to the
natural environment. Explores current status of
environmental problems, controversies and solutions.
Laboratory. Course fee.
GEO 101: Physical Geology
Overview of physical Earth processes including rock
and mineral formation, weathering and erosion,
volcanism, seismicity and glaciation. Topics focus on
central theme of plate tectonics. Also included are
tectonic mechanisms responsible for structural
change and landforms. Laboratory. Course fee.
PHY 121: Introduction to Physics I
Calculus-based treatment of one and two-
dimensional mechanics, vectors, force, work, energy,
momentum, torque, and static equilibrium. Offered
every Fall. Laboratory. Course fee.
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EXPLORE: JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (JEDI)
JEDI Explore courses are designed to ensure all students at Alma College have the perspective-taking
skills necessary to think, work, communicate, and collaborate in ways that account for a diversity of
backgrounds, identities, experiences, ideas, and values.
.
CSC 115: Algorithms and Justice
Social media algorithms decide what we see and
what we don't see. Machine learning algorithms try
to predict what we want-or what we deserve. What
do we mean by "algorithms"? How do they affect our
daily lives? How do algorithms reproduce, or resist,
biases that exist in our society? How do humans
communicate these algorithms to the computers that
enact them? This course explores all these questions.
No previous programming experience is expected;
we will spend some exploring algorithms with the
Python programming language.
EDC-151 Intro to Special Education I
An introduction to the historical, theoretical, and
legal perspectives that guide special education
services in school settings. An overview of the
continuum of services for students with special needs
which are designed to increase access to learning
and improve educational outcomes. 2 credits. For
Explore credit, you must also take EDC 152 in the
Winter term.
HST 100: World History I
Introductory overview of ancient world history from
Paleolithic times until the sixteenth century,
emphasizing how early civilizations developed and
their relationships with each other. Goals include
familiarizing students with the major (shared and
unique) characteristics of early societies, highlighting
the continuity and change as societies developed
around the globe.
HST 104: The Making of America to 1877
Examines American history from colonial times to
Reconstruction; concentration on political,
constitutional, social, economic and intellectual
problems.
HST 107: American Foreign Relations
Introductory survey of the rise of American power on
the international stage from the 1890s to the present.
Examines the expansion of its economic, political,
and cultural influences in the world through trade
and wars, and the spread of American values.
HST 125: Famous Trials in American History
Explore some of the most prominent and
controversial criminal trials in American history from
the 17th century to the present. Analyze how law
and justice have been shaped by political, economic,
and social factors. Learn how legal contests reveal
conflicts over issues central to American identity and
history: immigration and assimilation; religion and
politics; civil liberties and security; race and justice.
IPH 180: Weathered to Death
Interrogate the long-held assumption that healthy
aging is biologically determined—and possible for all
to achieve. Explore the biological impact of chronic
stress and how it applies to the broader theme of
systemic oppression, a relationship that is called
“weathering.” Students will critically examine health
outcomes data in marginalized groups resulting from
the stresses of “ordinary life in an unjust society.”
PHL 120: Feminist Philosophy
Examination of recent feminist studies in philosophy
and religion. Focus on method, style, approach and
arguments of the feminist critique.
PHL 126: Introduction to Values
Exploration of moral values, nature of moral
judgments, and bases for moral decisions. Practice in
decision making. Study of such controversial
contemporary issues as capital punishment, abortion,
privacy, death with dignity, racism and sexism. Focus
on person as individual and member of society.
SOC 101: Principles of Sociology
Identify sociology as a tool to widen perspective and
understanding, employ basic sociological concepts
in the observance of social behavior, and identify the
basic social institutions and their functions.
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MATHEMATICS
All students at Alma College must demonstrate college-level proficiency in mathematics. Some students
meet this proficiency by taking a college-level class (MTH 110 or higher) or earning equivalent college-
level credit through AP, IB, or dual enrollment. It is also possible to demonstrate proficiency by taking
the proficiency test and scoring 275 or higher on the exam. This guide will help you think through which
options are right for you—but your advisor will also review all of these options with you in your advising
session.

1. Are you pursuing a major requiring more math or interested in studying college-level
mathematics? If so, review the course guide and consider what math classes are the right choice
for you.

2. Are you confident in your college-level math abilities, but not planning on studying a field that
requires more math? If so, you are a good candidate for taking the math proficiency exam.
Complete the proficiency test request form that was emailed to you, and you can take the exam
over the summer. This means you will have your score before the start of term and can know
whether or not you need to plan to take a math course in the Winter or in your second year.

3. If you are not confident that you are already proficient in college-level math, then work with your
advisor on whether or not a math class is a good choice for your first term—and which math
class is the best fit for your academic interests. Use the course guide to find the right class for
your interests.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MTH-110 Liberal Arts Mathematics
Exploration of the beauty, ubiquity, and power of
mathematics in the context of real-world
applications. Not intended for majors in mathematics
or sciences.
MTH 113 Applied Calculus
Introduction to differential and integral calculus.
Focuses on applications; theory held to a minimum.
Examples from business and the natural and social
sciences. Background in trigonometry not needed.

MTH-111 College Algebra with Applications MTH-116 Elementary Statistics

Establishes problem-solving and critical thinking
skills through applications. Topics include number
systems, algebraic expressions and equations, and a
variety of functions including linear, quadratic,
exponential, and logarithmic. Intended for students
who will take courses in the calculus sequence or
will encounter quantitative reasoning in multiple
courses.
MTH-112 Pre-Calculus
Foundational concepts for the study of calculus.
Investigates polynomial, rational, exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Explores
the ideas of functions and graphs, with emphasis on
concepts and skills central to calculus. Credit for
MTH-112 or competency is required for some
courses [e. g. CHM-115, MTH-120, PHY-112].
Introduction to modern elementary statistics and
applications. Focuses on statistical reasoning and
data analysis. Includes statistical design of
experiments, estimation, hypothesis testing,
regression, correlation and other selected topics.
Useful for most majors.
MTH-121 Calculus I
Introduction to the calculus of one variable. Includes
limits and continuity, the derivative and applications,
the integral and applications, infinite series and
sequences. The first course in the calculus sequence.

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MATH COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS BY MAJOR INTERESTS
* means that this course is required for the major. If I student is not yet ready for the required course, the
other options listed will prepare them for the required course.

Art and Design Healthcare Administration

MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics MTH 116: Elementary Statistics

Biochemistry History
MTH 111: College Algebra MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
MTH 112: Pre-Calculus MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I*
Integrative Physiology & Health Science
Biology MTH 111: College Algebra
MTH 116: Elementary Statistics MTH 112: Pre-Calculus
MTH 111: College Algebra MTH 121: Calculus I
MTH 112: Pre-Calculus
MTH 113: Applied Calculus Mathematics
MTH 112: Pre-Calculus
Business MTH 121: Calculus I*
MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
MTH 113: Applied Calculus Music
MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
Chemistry
MTH 111: College Algebra New Media Studies
MTH 112: Pre-Calculus MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
MTH 121: Calculus I* MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics

Communication Nursing
MTH 116: Elementary Statistics MTH 116: Elementary Statistics

Computer Science Philosophy

MTH 111: College Algebra MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
MTH 112: Pre-Calculus
Physics
Economics MTH 111: College Algebra
MTH 116: Elementary Statistics MTH 112: Pre-Calculus
MTH 113: Applied Calculus MTH 121: Calculus I*

Elementary Education Political Science

MTH 116: Elementary Statistics MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
MTH 111: College Algebra Psychology
MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
Engineering Science
MTH 111: College Algebra Sociology
MTH 112: Pre-Calculus MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
MTH 121: Calculus I*
Theatre & Dance
English MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
World Languages & Cultures
Environmental Studies MTH 116: Elementary Statistics
MTH 116: Elementary Statistics MTH 110: Liberal Arts Mathematics
MTH 113: Applied Calculus

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WRITING
All students at Alma College must demonstrate college-level proficiency in writing. Students meet this
proficiency by earning a C or higher in a college-level class or earning college-level credit through AP, IB,
or dual enrollment. Students may opt to take only one course, ENG 101, or a sequence of two courses,
ENG 100 and ENG 101. This guide will help you think through which options are right for you—but
your advisor will also review all of these options with you in your advising session.

1. Did you already earn credit for ENG 101?

If you took the AP Language and Composition exam and received a 5 or transferred in writing
courses from another college, you may have already received credit for ENG 101.

2. How prepared do you feel to read and write at the college level?
In college, much of your writing will be based on reading. The two skills are deeply connected.
If you have struggled in the past with reading and writing, have a history of negative experiences
with writing essays, little experience writing essays longer than 2-3 pages, or have other
experiences that leave you feeling less prepared to be successful in your writing in college, you
are a good candidate for ENG 100. This class is also an excellent choice if you find focusing on
complex reading challenging. Taking ENG 100 and ENG 101 offers you a full year of support in
college-level reading and writing. ENG 100 is only offered in the Fall, so if you think you might
be interested in talking ENG 100, be sure to talk with your advisor about this option.

3. When should you take ENG 101?

All first-year students have to take ENG 101 in the first year, but unless you opt to take ENG 100
first, you can take it either semester. Your advisor can help you determine which semester is the
best option for you.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ENG 100: Reading for Meaning
Learn and implement strategies for reading and
meaning-making in a variety of written texts and
genres. Explore the different ways of knowing that
students will encounter in the Alma College
curriculum through readings, discussions, and short
writing assignments. Emphasize the connections
between reading, writing, and critical thinking. (First-
year status or permission, offered only in fall, not to
be taken concurrently with ENG 101)
ENG 101: Writing with Purpose
Develop rhetorical awareness and college-level
writing skills, including critical use of sources.
Carefully consider diverse viewpoints and skillfully
articulate one's own ideas in conversation with
others. Explore purposes for writing and refine the
writing process. Read and compose evidence-based
arguments on civic and academic issues that matter.

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WORLD LANGUAGES
All students at Alma College must demonstrate a novice-high level of proficiency in a language other
than English. The novice-high level is equivalent to completing two semesters of study at the college
level. Students meet this proficiency by taking a college-level class or earning college-level credit
through AP, IB, or dual enrollment. Students may also demonstrate proficiency through a passing score
on a proficiency exam. This guide will help you think through which options are right for you—but your
advisor will also review all of these options with you in your advising session.

1. Do you want to continue learning a language you have studied before?

If you have at least one year of German, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, or French, you may be able to
start in the second-semester course for your language. Some of these courses also fulfill Explore
requirements!

If you have studied two or more years of Spanish, review the course guide and consider what
Spanish classes are the right choice for you. All intermediate and advanced Spanish courses also
fulfill Themes requirements and the Global & Cultural Awareness badge.

2. Do you want to start learning a new language?

You can meet the proficiency standard by taking two semesters of Arabic, Chinese, German,
French, or Spanish.

3. Do you already have novice-high proficiency in a language other than English?

If you have studied at least two years of language in high school and feel confident in your
abilities, you may already meet the proficiency standard. If you do not otherwise plan to study
the language further, then complete the proficiency test request form that was emailed to you.
You can take the test during the scheduled exam times in the Fall.

FALL COURSES

ARB 180: Beginning Arabic II
This is the second semester of Arabic, appropriate for
a student who has previously studied 1-2 years of the
language.
CHN 111: Beginning Chinese I
This is the first semester of Chinese, appropriate for
those who have not yet studied the language.
FRN 111: Beginning French I
This is the first semester of Chinese, appropriate for
those who have not yet studied the language.
for a student who has previously studied 1-2 years of
the language. This course also fulfills the Explore Self
and Society requirement.
SPN 253: Sport, Health, and Wellness
Topics-based approach to developing intercultural
awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all
four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the
ACTFL Intermediate-low/Intermediate-mid
proficiency levels. This is an intermediate-level
course, appropriate for students who have completed
3 or more years of high school Spanish.

GRM 111: Beginning German I
This is the first semester of German, appropriate for
those who have not yet studied the language.
SPN 111: Beginning Spanish I
This is the first semester of Spanish, appropriate for
those who have not yet studied the language.
SPN 151: Hispanic Geography and Peoples
This is the second semester of Spanish, appropriate
SPN 275: Spanish Civil War in Film and Text
This course explores the historical background and
socio-political context of the Second Republic and
the Civil War in Spain. Students will engage with a
variety of literary and non-literary texts, music, and
film to explore how the war was reflected and is
remembered through different media. Appropriate for
students who have completed AP or IB coursework
in Spanish.

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Additional Things to Consider

Your advisor will have access to all your answers to the New Scot Survey. These are some of the other
factors your advisor might want to talk to you about as you set up a schedule.

1. If you said you were decided on a major, how certain are you that this is your path? Do you
want to keep the door open to several different options in the first year?

2. If you said you were undecided, what are some academic and personal interests that we can use
to start exploring subjects that might good matches for you?

3. Do you have a performance scholarship that requires you to take a course in Dance, Theatre,
Art, or Music?

4. If you have taken other college-level courses or expect to earn credit through AP Exams, it is a
good idea to have a list of those handy during advising. We will have any courses already
transferred in listed in our system, but some things might not have come in yet.

5. If you already have ideas about courses you want to take in the Fall, either because you have
been exploring major requirements online or found courses in this packet that you are interested
in, be sure to share them with your advisor.

6. What questions do you have for your advisor?

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