Courses

 

OCEAN Course Offerings

Statistics

An introductory college statistics course. Topics include exploratory data analysis (graphs and summary statistics), data collection experiments, observational studies, sampling basic probability (binomial and normal random variables), and inference (confidence intervals and hypotheses tests). Although correct calculation is important, interpretation of results will be emphasized.  Technology will be used to aid in data analysis. Students will collect, as well as analyze, data.

Prerequisites: strong grades (A's or B's) in mathematics, and preferably completion of Precalculus, but strong students who have completed Algebra II are also encouraged to apply. Because students are required to analyze and interpret data, writing skills are also important.

Oberlin College Course Coordinator: Jeff Witmer, Department of Mathematics, email Jeff.Witmer@oberlin.edu

American History

The OCEAN American history course will develop an interpretive survey of American history from precolonization to the recent present. The course will introduce students to a variety of approaches to the study of history, and develop student capacities to read both primary and secondary materials. Essay writing skills will be developed, and classes will, when possible, be conducted as interactive discussion. Students will write at least one research paper. No formal prerequisites.

Oberlin College Course Coordinators:
Carol Lasser, Department of History, email Carol.Lasser@oberlin.edu
Gary Kornblith, Department of History, email Gary.Kornblith@oberlin.edu

Shakespeare and Performance

The course will study three or four Shakespeare plays in depth, emphasizing their status as texts for performance. Students will study the plays using rehearsal techniques, workshops, and attending and analyzing actual performances, live as available and on film and videotape.

  • Principles
  • Oberlin College Catalog OCEAN English 900 equivalent to English courses at 100-level.

Oberlin College Course Coordinator:
Phyllis Gorfain, English Department, email Phyllis.Gorfain@oberlin.edu

Global Politics: An Introduction to International Politics

An introduction to the core concepts and approaches used in the study of international relations to examine issues and events that shape countries' interactions. Survey of major theoretical approaches (e.g. realist, liberal and constructivist) to understand issues such as international security concerns, global economic relations, the role of decision makers, international organizations and norms.

  • Principles
  • Syllabus
  • Oberlin College Catalog OCEAN Politics 900 equivalent to Politics 120

Oberlin College Course Coordinators:
Kristina Mani, Politics Department, email Kristina.Mani@oberlin.edu
Ben Schiff, Politics Department, email Ben.Schiff@oberlin.edu

College Writing

An introduction to college level writing, this course aims to form a writers community that will explore the various discourses in which class members may participate as college-level writers. The course will approach writing as real communication among group members rather than artificial practicing of skills, and it will include readings on writing processes as well as essays on varied topics. There will be frequent writing assignments and regular review of drafts and revisions, with some attention to research writing, including citation and documentation.  Peer response workshops will be a major feature of the course.

  • Principles
  • Oberlin College Catalog OCEAN Rhet 900 College Writing equivalent to Rhetoric & Composition  101,102,103 or 105

Oberlin College Course Coordinators:
Len Podis, Rhetoric and Composition email len.podis@oberlin.edu

OCEAN expects to expand further its offerings in the future. Suggestions for new courses are encouraged.