Jan Term 2026 Courses

Students learn the basic principles of advertising design and production in tandem with the use of industry-standard hardware and software programs, including the Adobe Creative Suite.

Focuses on special topics in advertising such as timely, evolving, ethical, and/or international issues immediately relevant to the advertising industry. Prerequisite: ADV 1300. Restricted to advertising majors.

Prerequisite: ADV 1300. Restricted to advertising majors.

Focuses on special topics in advertising such as timely, evolving, ethical, and/or international issues immediately relevant to the advertising industry. Restricted to advertising majors and minors.

Restricted to advertising majors and minors.

Offers bio–cultural perspective on food that blends biological and medical information about human nutrition and development with an exploration of the global markets and cultures of eating.

Examines the effects of war, looting, and collecting practices on the visual culture of the ancient world. Looks at the ways ancient wars and looting caused art objects to be destroyed or relocated, but also inspired the creative repurposed, collecting, and even creation of other arts. Investigates the devastating effects of modern wars and looting on archaeological sites and analyzes how contemporary collecting practices both contribute to and raise awareness against cultural heritage destruction

A survey of the history of photographic media from 1940 to the present, with particular emphasis on the still photograph in its various uses as art, document, aide-memoire, amateur pursuit, and social practice. Examines photographic images and image-makers in relation to the social historical contexts in which they are produced, the evolution of photographic technologies, and the idea of the photographic image as it appears in and is transformed through TV, video, film, conceptual art, and new media.

From ancient cave paintings, first written forms, and hieroglyphs to today’s computer imaging, emoji, and video, artists and designers create meaningful, expressive, and political artworks through image and text. This course invites students to survey materials and processes used by artists working in various mediums. Process and materials investigations foster the analysis of thought-provoking artworks combining word and image.

Drawing from life objects and concepts. Work in class is supplemented by outside assignments and readings. Emphasis placed on space, materials, analysis of form, and critical judgment.

An introduction to the major concepts of biological thought for the nonscience major. Includes the equivalent of one laboratory session per week. BIOL 1300 is not open to students with prior credit in BIOL 1301 or BIOL 1401

A study of the legal environment governing business entities, operations, and relationships to provide a legal foundation for careers in business. Topics may include introduction to the US and comparative legal systems, dispute resolution, torts, contracts, ecommerce and data privacy, business entities and governance, employment law, administrative law, intellectual property, securities law, international business, and business acquisitions.

Prerequisites: BLI 1110 and BLI 1210. Reserved for Cox majors.

Introduces the theory and practice of public speaking, including rhetorical principles, evidence, nonverbal communication, and visual aids.

Students learn how to conduct professional research utilizing primary and secondary data, statistics, and analytic software.

Prerequisites: C or better in CCPA 2310 (or CCPA 3300) and CCPA 2327, and WRTR 1312 (or an equivalent transfer course).

Meteorology is the science and study of the earth’s atmosphere and its interaction with the earth and all forms of life. Meteorology seeks to understand and predict the properties of the atmosphere, weather, and climate from the surface of the planet to the edge of space. Appropriate for all interested undergraduates.

Primarily for science majors, premed students, and engineering students. Introduces the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry, including stoichiometry, the structure of matter, energy relationships involved in the transformation of matter, the dynamics of such transformations, and some descriptive chemistry of the important elements. Prerequisite to all advanced courses in the department. Withdrawal from CHEM 1303 requires withdrawal from CHEM 1113. Prerequisites: C- or higher in CHEM 1302, appropriate equivalent credit for CHEM 1303, or a passing grade on the Chemistry Placement Exam

Prerequisites: C- or higher in CHEM 1302, appropriate equivalent credit for CHEM 1303, or a passing grade on the Chemistry Placement Exam.

Primarily for science majors, premed students, and engineering students. Continuation of the introduction to the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include solution chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, and organic chemistry. Prerequisite to all advanced courses in the department. Withdrawal from CHEM 1304 requires withdrawal from CHEM 1114. Prerequisites: C- or higher in CHEM 1303.

Prerequisites: C- or higher in CHEM 1303.

Designed to satisfy the requirements of the chemistry major and health-related professions student. The first term deals primarily with aliphatic chemistry, with special emphasis on stereochemistry. The second term emphasizes aromatic substances and the chemistry of biologically relevant molecules. Prerequisites: C- or higher in CHEM 1303, CHEM 1113, CHEM 1304, CHEM 1114.

Prerequisites: C- or higher in CHEM 1303, CHEM 1113, CHEM 1304, CHEM 1114.

Basic concepts of probability and statistics useful in the solution of engineering and applied science problems. Topics include probability, probability distributions, data analysis, sampling distributions, estimation, and simple tests of hypothesis.

Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 1337, MATH 1338.

Provides a first introduction to the exciting field of data science using applications and case studies from various domains (e.g., social media, marketing, sociology, engineering, digital humanities). Introduces data-centric thinking, including a discussion of how data is acquired, managed, manipulated, visualized, and used, to support problem-solving. The fundamental practical skills necessary are taught in class, and each step is illustrated with small examples. Tools presented in this course include SQL and Excel, along with other state-of-the-art tools. No prior knowledge of statistics, math, or programming is necessary.

This course focuses on aspects related to the learning process, such as education theories, characteristics of learners, nature and measurements of abilities, motivation, and successful classroom practice.

Stresses acquisition of basic skills: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Five classes per week. Prerequisites: C- or better in FREN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisites: C- or better in FREN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Stresses acquisition of basic skills: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Five classes per week. Prerequisites: Reserved for students who have no previous French experience or fewer than two years of French and the appropriate placement exam score. Approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisites: Reserved for students who have no previous French experience or fewer than two years of French and the appropriate placement exam score. Approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

A contemporary topic is treated in historical perspective. Sample topics include the Arab-Israeli conflict, oil and the politics of energy, and Islamic fundamentalism.

Introduces topics and approaches to the study of ethnoviolence, including specific disciplinary approaches such as sociology, communication studies, postcolonial studies, film studies, political science, and human rights. Students meet twice a week, once with the entire class, and once in groups of 20 to take a more sustained disciplinary approach to the question depending on the background of the individual instructor. Some lectures are delivered by guest speakers

An introduction to the 1994 Rwanda genocide that seeks to understand not only its origins but also its sociological, ethical, and human rights implications.

Students review and learn fundamental aspects of basic Italian linguistic and grammatical structures (regular and irregular verbs in the present, present perfect, imperfect, future, conditional, and present subjunctive). Students attend three lecture meetings and two lab meetings, in which they further develop their linguistic and cultural awareness of Italian and build their vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills through communicative, interactive activities and assignments, including written compositions, oral presentations, and conversational practice. ITAL 1402 is also offered online through Intersessions as a 5-week, fully online course in which students meet synchronously virtually on a weekly basis for speaking activities, but complete the majority of the course asynchronously online. Prerequisite: C– or better in ITAL 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL Second Language adviser is required for enrollment. Students who have not met the course prerequisites for ITAL 1402 or do not have the appropriate placement exam score should contact the WLL Second Language adviser.

Prerequisite: C- or better in ITAL 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Offers a communicative and interactive approach and stresses the acquisition of basic listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, idioms, and accurate pronunciation. Students attend three lecture meetings and two lab meetings, in which they read and listen to authentic materials, prepare written compositions and oral presentations, have conversational practice, and explore various aspects of Italian culture and cross-cultural comparisons between Italy and the United States. ITAL 1401 is also offered online through Intersessions as a 5-week, fully online course in which students meet synchronously virtually on a weekly basis for speaking activities, but complete the majority of the course asynchronously online. Prerequisites: ITAL 1401 is designed for students with no previous knowledge of Italian or for those were placed into 1401 by the Italian placement exam. Students seeking to enroll in ITAL 1401 who have not met the course prerequisites or do not have the appropriate placement exam score should contact the WLL Second Language adviser.

Prerequisites: Designed for students with no previous knowledge of Italian or those placed into 1401 by Exam. Students who have not met the course prerequisites or do not have the appropriate placement exam score should contact the WLL Adviser.

Inequalities, absolute value, graphs, functions, basic analytic geometry, polynomials, logarithms, exponentials, linear equations, and mathematics of finance. Prerequisite: high school algebra. Intended only for students planning to take MATH 1309. If students have existing credit (transfer or otherwise) for any mathematics course with an SMU undergraduate course catalog number, they may not enroll in MATH 1303 without departmental permission.

Prerequisite: HS algebra. Intended for students planning to take MATH 1309. If students have existing credit (transfer or otherwise) for any MATH course with an SMU catalog number, they may not enroll in MATH 1303 without departmental permission.

Introduces students to musics from a diverse range of cultures, in addition to themes and issues in contemporary musical research. The first portion of the course provides a general introduction to case studies of music traditions from around the world, highlighting the contexts of music production in cultural and geographic regions. The final portion of the course applies this cultural knowledge in analytical contexts to broader discussions of indigeneity, nationalism, diaspora, traditions, and globalization.

Explores the pervasive use of technology in today’s society, the impact of technology on daily life, and the tie between technology and ethical responsibility. Students learn how their lives are being shaped by technology and how they in turn help shape technology.

Basic concepts of probability and statistics useful in the solution of engineering and applied science problems. Topics include probability, probability distributions, data analysis, sampling distributions, estimations, and simple tests of hypothesis.

Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH 1338 or equivalent.

A general introduction to the central questions of philosophy. We will discuss topics from such areas as the theory of knowledge, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, ethics, and political philosophy. Typical questions might include: Can we know the world outside our minds? Is it rational to believe in a God who allows evil to exist? Do the laws of physics allow for human freedom? Is morality more than a matter of opinion? Can there be unequal wealth in a just society? Readings will include classical authors such as Plato, Descartes, Locke, Hume, and Mill, as well as contemporary philosophers. The focus of the course will be on arguments for and against proposed solutions to key problems of philosophy.

For science and engineering majors. Covers vector kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, gravitation, rotational motion. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1337 or MATH 1340.

Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1337 or MATH 1340.

An analysis of contexts, causes, and consequences of Latino political participation. The focus is on Latinos in the Southwest with some attention to other racial and ethnic groups elsewhere in the U.S.

Broad introduction to psychology as a behavioral science with special emphasis on cognition, development, learning, social, personality, physiological, and clinical psychology (psychopathology and psychotherapy).

A study of the theories, causes, assessment, and treatment of abnormal behavior, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, and other forms of psychopathology in adults. There is an examination of the continuum of normal and abnormal behavior, with consideration of historical and cultural perspectives, ethical concerns, and research methodologies in understanding psychological disorders.

A survey of how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved in adults. Topics may include attentional processes, perception, verbal learning, and memory.

Develops insight into the interconnectedness of the fundamentals of language and their application to communication. Provides rudimentary linguistic skills (vocabulary and grammar) and an acquaintance with the Spanish–speaking world – tools that allow further study of Hispanic cultures. Focuses on the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Each course is comprised of a fundamentals module (MWF) and an applications (TTH) module. Enrollment is required in both. Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or who have 2 years or less of Spanish. A student may not receive credit for both SPAN 1402 and SPAN 1502. Prerequisite: C– or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisite: C- or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Develops insight into the interconnectedness of the fundamentals of language and their application to communication. Provides rudimentary linguistic skills (vocabulary and grammar) and an acquaintance with the Spanish–speaking world – tools that allow further study of Hispanic cultures. Focuses on the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Each course is comprised of a fundamentals module (MWF) and an applications (TTH) module. Enrollment is required in both. Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or who have 2 years or less of Spanish. A student may not receive credit for both SPAN 1402 and SPAN 1502. Prerequisite: C– or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisite: C- or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Develops insight into the interconnectedness of the fundamentals of language and their application to communication. Provides rudimentary linguistic skills (vocabulary and grammar) and an acquaintance with the Spanish–speaking world – tools that allow further study of Hispanic cultures. Focuses on the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Each course is comprised of a fundamentals module (MWF) and an applications (TTH) module. Enrollment is required in both. Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or who have 2 years or less of Spanish. A student may not receive credit for both SPAN 1402 and SPAN 1502. Prerequisite: C– or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisite: C- or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Develops insight into the interconnectedness of the fundamentals of language and their application to communication. Provides rudimentary linguistic skills (vocabulary and grammar) and an acquaintance with the Spanish–speaking world – tools that allow further study of Hispanic cultures. Focuses on the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Each course is comprised of a fundamentals module (MWF) and an applications (TTH) module. Enrollment is required in both. Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or who have 2 years or less of Spanish. A student may not receive credit for both SPAN 1402 and SPAN 1502. Prerequisite: C– or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisite: C- or better in SPAN 1401 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

For students who are relatively comfortable expressing their personal needs and describing their immediate environment in Spanish. Moves students toward fluency through significant vocabulary expansion and mastery of advanced verbal and sentence structure. To varying degrees, attention is devoted to cultural competence and to the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Prerequisite: C– or better in SPAN 1402/SPAN 1502 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisite: C- or better in SPAN 1402 or SPAN 1502 or the appropriate placement exam score. Students meeting these requirements will be able to enroll. Otherwise, approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Develops insight into the interconnectedness of the fundamentals of language and their application to communication. Provides rudimentary linguistic skills (vocabulary and grammar) and an acquaintance with the Spanish–speaking world – tools that allow further study of Hispanic cultures. Focuses on the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Each course is comprised of a fundamentals module (MWF) and an applications (TTH) module. Enrollment is required in both. Prerequisites: Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or fewer than two years of Spanish and the appropriate placement exam score. Approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisites: Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or fewer than two years of Spanish and the appropriate placement exam score. Approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Develops insight into the interconnectedness of the fundamentals of language and their application to communication. Provides rudimentary linguistic skills (vocabulary and grammar) and an acquaintance with the Spanish–speaking world – tools that allow further study of Hispanic cultures. Focuses on the four linguistic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Each course is comprised of a fundamentals module (MWF) and an applications (TTH) module. Enrollment is required in both. Prerequisites: Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or fewer than two years of Spanish and the appropriate placement exam score. Approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

Prerequisites: Reserved for students who have no previous Spanish experience or fewer than two years of Spanish and the appropriate placement exam score. Approval from the WLL adviser is required for enrollment.

A non-calculus based introduction to statistical methods, and how to use statistical concepts in decision making. Topics include descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, elementary probability theory, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. Introduces the use of Excel for statistical analysis.

Basic concepts of probability and statistics useful in the solution of engineering and applied science problems. Covers probability, probability distributions, data analysis, sampling distributions, estimation, and simple tests of hypothesis. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 1338 or MATH 1340.

Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 1338 or MATH 1340.

Analyzes the processes of building competitive advantage and strategy execution in single- and multi-business firms, with emphasis on industry evolution, the boundaries of the firm, and global competition. Prerequisites: ACCT 2301; ACCT 2302; FINA 3320; ITOM 2308; one from the following: CS 4340, OREM 3340, STAT 2301, STAT 2331, STAT 4340; MATH 1309 or MATH 1337; MKTG 3340 or ADV 1341; and MNO 3370. Restricted to Cox majors.

Prerequisites: ACCT 2301; ACCT 2302; FINA 3320; ITOM 2308; one of the following: CS 4340, OREM 3340, STAT 2301, STAT 2331, STAT 4340; MATH 1309 or MATH 1337; MKTG 3340 or ADV 1341; and MNO 3370. Restricted to Cox majors.

Basic work in acting, voice, and movement for the nonmajor. Relaxation, concentration, imagination, and the actor’s exploration and use of the social world.

A graded course designed to help students improve reading efficiency, executive functioning, and lifelong learning skills.

Restricted to Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors.

This course introduces the field of psychology, with emphasis on how people deal with the problems and challenges of everyday life. Students learn about classical and contemporary theories, recent research, and applications of the science of psychology to everyday situations.

Students examine how personal mindsets, choices, behaviors, and outcomes impact their lives, other people’s lives, and their communities. Through coursework grounded in the Assets-Based Community Development Model, students are challenged to think critically about the effect of values, beliefs, and identities on how they engage with others and their communities at large. In a semester-long community engagement project, students learn about themselves and others, apply class content to a community need, and reflect on the experience through a process that can benefit them throughout their lives.

An introduction to 1994 Rwanda genocide that seeks to understand not only its origins but also its sociological, ethical, and human rights implications.

Explores film adaptations of Greco-Roman history and literature by looking at the classical works upon which they are based in conjunction with current scholarship.

Significant aspects of Russian thought and culture at its various stages of development are presented and illustrated by examples from literature, folklore, prose, drama, journalism, architecture, the fine arts, and music.

Teaches students the foundations of university-level writing. By the end of the course, students will have developed competency, clarity, coherence, and organization in their writing. In order to prepare students for more advanced critical reasoning in WRTR 1313, this course serves as a foundation for learning effective writing and analytical reasoning skills. Students learn the basics of argument and the use of rhetorical strategies in written materials and develop skills in critical reading. Students examine and analyze an array of source materials within and outside the classroom. Students must earn a C- or better to pass this course.

Teaches students to analyze arguments by employing high order critical thinking skills. Students learn to identify sound from faulty premises, detect logical fallacies, distinguish strong from weak conclusions, evaluate sources and become information literate. To demonstrate an understanding of the techniques of critical reasoning, students write essays, conduct research, and engage in a variety of additional university-level writing assignments. Students who have already taken another course that fulfills the Critical Reasoning requirement cannot take this course. Prerequisites: C- or better in WRTR 1312, WRTR 2303, or WRTR 2305, or appropriate transfer credit. 

Prerequisites: C- or better in WRTR 1312, WRTR 2303, or WRTR 2305, or appropriate transfer credit.