Online General Education Courses
Summer Session 2024
Summer 2024 Online General Education Courses
UConn’s Summer Sessions offers many fully online general education course requirements to help you get ahead, save money, or catch-up. Online GenEd classes are taught by UConn instructors and are delivered within an asynchronous or synchronous format.
If you are a student from another school, you can take UConn summer classes online and transfer them to your home institution (you should check with your home institution to ensure transferability). With UConn’s online summer courses, you’re attending classes at one of the nations top-ranked public institutions.
If you require any assistance registering for online GenEd courses or have questions please reach out to us using the Need Help button.
Content Area 1
Below is a sample of Content Area 1 courses that are being offered this year. To view all Content Area 1 courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "CA1 – Arts & Humanities" from the Content Area filter.
Art Appreciation (ART 1000)
ART 1000
Introduction to the visual arts, past and present. The visual language of artists, historical and cultural significance of works of art. Intended primarily for students who are not art majors. CA 1.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open to ART majors.
Grading Basis: Graded
Classical Mythology (CAMS 1103)
CAMS 1103
Origin, nature, and function of myth in the literature and art of Greece and Rome and the re-interpretation of classical myth in modern art forms. Taught in English. CA 1.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Global Urbanization
(GEOG 1200)
GEOG 1200
A broad discussion of the role and structure of cities around the world from the first cities to contemporary times. Special emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms by which cities and ideas about them have been diffused from one place to another and on the changing forces that have shaped cities over time and across space. CA 1. CA 4-INT.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Poetry (ENGL 2401)
ENGL 2401
A study of the techniques and conventions of the chief forms and traditions of poetry in English. CA 1.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011.
Grading Basis: Graded
Language and Mind (LING 1010)
LING 1010
Discussion of nature-nurture debate with specific reference to language acquisition. Pros and cons of Chomsky's Innateness Hypothesis. CA 1.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Problems of Philosophy (PHIL 1101)
PHIL 1101
Topics may include skepticism, proofs of God, knowledge of the external world, induction, free-will, the problem of evil, miracles, liberty and equality. CA 1.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Political Theory (POLS 1002)
POLS 1002
Major themes of political theory such as justice, obligation, and equality, and their relevance to contemporary political concerns. CA 1.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
City and Community in Film (URBN 2400)
URBN 2400
Aesthetics, history, and contemporary relevance of American films that feature the urban, suburban, and/or small town landscape as a major "character" shaping plot and story. Films read closely as texts that make meaning through a range of tools, including narrative, mise-en-scene, editing, camera work, and genre conventions. CA 1.
Also offered as: AMST 2400.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Content Area 2
Below is a sample of Content Area 2 courses that are being offered this year. To view all Content Area 2 courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "CA2 – Social Science" from the Content Area filter.
Principles of Applied and Resource Economics (ARE 1150)
ARE 1150
An introduction to microeconomic analysis with applications to food, nutrition, health, natural resources, and the environment. Topics include consumer and firm behavior, supply, demand, markets, and economic policy. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed ECON 1201.
Grading Basis: Graded
The Process of Communication (COMM 1000)
COMM 1000
A study of modern communication theories and principles useful in understanding how people affect and are affected by others through communication. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Critical and Creative Thinking in the Movies (EPSY 1830)
EPSY 1830
Topics such as logical fallacies, influence, metacognition, problem solving, creative genius, personality, and motivation will be explored. Students will use readings and films to investigate the role and application of these topics on critical thinking and creativity. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Geography (GEOG 1000)
GEOG 1000
Principles, concepts and methods of modern geography are developed both in general form and specific case studies. Examples pertaining to both the human and physical environment will be discussed. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Close Relationships Across the Lifespan (HDFS 1060)
HDFS 1060
Theory and research on topics in the close relationship literature including attraction, relationship development and maintenance, friendship and social support, love, sexuality, intimacy, power, communication, conflict, dissolution and divorce, and bereavement. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1001)
SOCI 1001
Modern society and its social organization, institutions, communities, groups, and social roles: the socialization of individuals, family, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, social class, crime and deviance, population, cities, political economy, and social change. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: May not be taken out of sequence after passing SOCI 3203.
Grading Basis: Graded
Gender and Globalization (WGSS 2124)
WGSS 2124
Construction and reproduction of gender inequality and the gendered nature of global structures and processes. Key topics include women's rights as human rights; women's work; gender, development, and the global economy; migration; religious fundamentalism; reproduction, health, and HIV/AIDS; education; violence against women; and gender, war, and peace advocacy. CA 2. CA 4-INT.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Gender Representations in U.S. Popular Culture (WGSS 3253)
WGSS 3253
Forces in the U.S. that shape and reshape gender in popular culture. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Content Area 3
Below is a sample of Content Area 3 courses that are being offered this year. To view all Content Area 3 courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "CA3 – Science & Technology" from the Content Area filter.
The Science of Food (ANSC 1645)
ANSC 1645
An introductory level course for students interested in the application of science to food. Nutritional and functional attributes of various food constituents are discussed. Issues concerning food processing and food safety are covered. CA 3.
Also offered as: NUSC 1645.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
History of Digital Culture (DMD 2010)
DMD 2010
Key episodes in the history of digital technology and digital media; values and norms that adhere to digital culture. CA 1. CA 3.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
General Psychology I (PSYC 1100)
PSYC 1100
Basic principles that underlie mental processes and behavior; research methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, memory and language. Ordinarily this course should be taken in the fall semester. CA 3.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Fundamentals of Nutrition (NUSC 1165)
NUSC 1165
An introduction to the principles and concepts of nutrition with emphasis on the nature and function of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins, and their application to the human organism. CA 3.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: May not be taken out of sequence after passing NUSC 3171, 3172, 3180, 3233, 3234, 4236 or 4250.
Grading Basis: Graded
Content Area 3 Lab Courses
Foundations of Biology (BIOL 1102)
BIOL 1102
Major biological principles with emphasis on their importance to humans and modern society; designed for non-science majors. CA 3-LAB.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open to students who have passed BIOL 1107, 1108 or 1110. Students may not receive more than 12 credits for courses in Biology at the 1000 level.
Grading Basis: Graded
Principles of Biology I (BIOL 1107)
BIOL 1107
Designed to provide a foundation for more advanced courses in Biology and related sciences. Topics covered include molecular and cell biology, animal anatomy and physiology. Lab exercises include dissection of preserved animals. CA 3-LAB.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Recommended Preparation: A course in high school level chemistry or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1127Q. Students may not receive more than 12 credits in Biology at the 1000 level.
Grading Basis: Graded
Principles of Biology II (BIOL 1108)
BIOL 1108
Designed to provide a foundation for more advanced courses in biology and related sciences. Topics covered include evolution and population genetics, plant physiology and diversity, animal diversity and behavior, and ecology. CA 3-LAB.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Students may not receive more than 12 credits for courses in BIOL at the 1000 level.
Grading Basis: Graded
Content Area 4
Below is a sample of Content Area 4 courses that are being offered this year. To view all Content Area 4 courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "CA4 – Diversity & Multiculturalism" from the Content Area filter.
Contemporary Social Issues in Sport (EDLR 2001)
EDLR 2001
Socio-cultural, economic, political, and other related issues in sport. Sport as a social institution, the impact of sport in American culture, and the impact of American culture on sport. Sport at the youth, intercollegiate, professional, and international levels; how sport at these levels is experienced differently by individuals, communities, organizations, and society. Issues in sport relative to gender, race (ethnicity), differing physical and intellectual ability, sexual identity, and gender identity. CA 4.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Diversity Issues in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS 2001)
HDFS 2001
Critical issues in diversity and multiculturalism in human development, family relations, and professional practice. CA 4.
Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.
Recommended Preparation: HDFS 1070.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Multicultural Psychology (PSYC 2101)
PSYC 2101
General introduction to cross-cultural and multicultural issues and the role psychology has played in understanding the experiences of diverse groups. CA 4.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 1100; PSYC 1101 or 1103.
Grading Basis: Graded
Content Area 4-INT Courses
Peoples and Cultures of the World (ANTH 1000W)
ANTH 1000W
An introduction to the anthropological understanding of human society through ethnographic case studies of selected peoples and cultures, exploring the richness and variety of human life. Encourages students to learn about different cultures and to apply their knowledge to make sense of their own society. CA 2. CA 4-INT.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.
Grading Basis: Graded
French Cinema (FREN 1171)
FREN 1171
The search for traces of a counter culture which grew out of pagan beliefs and remained latent despite the domination of Christianity from the Middle Ages to modern times. Tales of magic and witchcraft, as presented by texts and films. The evolution of exemplary figures like Merlin or Nostradomus. Taught in English. CA 1. CA 4-INT.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Food, Culture and Society (NUSC 1167)
NUSC 1167
Social, cultural, and economic factors affecting food intake and nutritional status. Includes contemporary topics such as world food problems, hunger in the United States, dieting and eating disorders, health foods and vegetarianism. CA 4-INT.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
"E" Environmental Courses
Below is a sample of Environmental courses that are being offered this year. To view all "E" courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "COMPE - Environmental Literacy" from the Content Area filter.
Environmental and Resource Policy (ARE 2434E)
ARE 2434E
Emergence of environmental policies from the local, legal, and regulatory angles. Formalization and structure of environmental policy with a focus on the hurdles, design, and implementation of policy, particularly air and water policy. Suitable for all majors.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Environmental Economics (ECON 3466E)
ECON 3466E
Application of economic reasoning to environmental issues. Topics include air and water pollution and the management of natural resources; market failure and environmental regulation; market-based mechanisms; cost-benefit analysis, environmental valuation, and program evaluation; environmental justice from an economic perspective.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 2201 or 2211Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
General Ecology (EEB 2244E)
EEB 2244E
Fundamental ecological dynamics of communities, populations, and ecosystems, including how humans impact the health and well-being of the natural world, the concept of ecosystem services, and the synergy between conservation of the biota and sustainability. Emphasis in discussion sections is on reading primary literature, problem-solving, scientific method, and sampling techniques.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108.
Grading Basis: Graded
Environmental Engineering Fundamentals (ENVE 2310E)
ENVE 2310E
Concepts from aqueous chemistry, biology, and physics applied in a quantitative manner to environmental problems and solutions. Mass and energy balances, chemical reaction engineering. Quantitative and fundamental description of water and air pollution problems. Environmental regulations and policy, pollution prevention, risk assessment. Written and oral reports.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 1128Q or 1148Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Environmental Conservation (NRE 1235E)
NRE 1235E
Overview of the history of natural resource use and environmental conservation policy development from prehistoric to present times. Examination of the emergence of the 20th century conservation movement in North America and the transition to the environmental movement is used to highlight recurring environmental issue themes such as: private ownership vs. public trust doctrine; commercial trade in natural resources; development vs. protection; sustainability; and the role of society and governments in regulation. Through selected readings and case studies, students are challenged to begin development of their personal ethics regarding the development, conservation and protection of the environment. CA 1.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Environmental Law (NRE 3245E)
NRE 3245E
An overview of environmental law including the common law principles of nuisance, negligence, and trespass. Students will become acquainted with legal research techniques; emphasis will be on federal, state, and municipal programs addressing clear air, clean water, hazardous waste, inland wetlands, coastal zone management, and prime agricultural farm land and aquifer protection.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Open only to juniors or higher.
Grading Basis: Graded
"Q" Quantitative Courses
Below is a sample of "Q" Quantitative Courses that are being offered this year. To view all "Q" courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "COMPQ - Quantitative Competency" from the Content Area filter.
Research Methods in Communication (COMM 2000Q)
COMM 2000Q
The scientific approach as it specifically applies to communication.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: COMM 1000.
Recommended Preparation: MATH 1011Q or equivalent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Statistics I (STAT 1000Q)
STAT 1000Q
A standard approach to statistical analysis primarily for students of business and economics; elementary probability, sampling distributions, normal theory estimation and hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, exploratory data analysis. Learning to do statistical analysis on a personal computer is an integral part of the course.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Students can receive no more than four credits from STAT 1000Q and 1100Q. Students who have passed a 2000-level or above STAT course or who are taking such a course concurrently cannot take 1000-level STAT courses.
Grading Basis: Graded
Elementary Concepts of Statistics (STAT 1100Q)
STAT 1100Q
Standard and nonparametric approaches to statistical analysis; exploratory data analysis, elementary probability, sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, one- and two-sample procedures, regression and correlation. Learning to do statistical analysis on a personal computer is an integral part of the course.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Students can receive no more than four credits from STAT 1000Q and 1100Q. Students who have passed a 2000-level or above STAT course or who are taking such a course concurrently cannot take 1000-level STAT courses.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Statistics II (STAT 2215Q)
STAT 2215Q
Analysis of variance, multiple regression, chi-square tests, and non-parametric procedures.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: STAT 1000 or STAT 1100Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Statistical Methods (STAT 3025Q)
STAT 3025Q
Basic probability distributions, point and interval estimation, tests of hypotheses, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, experimental design, non-parametric procedures.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 1132Q or 1152Q; students may not receive more than three credits from STAT 3025 and 3345. May not be taken out of sequence after passing STAT 3445, 4190, or 4625.
Grading Basis: Graded
"W" Writing Courses
Below is a sample of "W" Writing Courses that are being offered this year. To view all "W" courses offered this summer, please visit our Summer 2024 Course Listing and select "COMPW - Writing Competency" from the Content Area filter.
Mind, Body, Health (EPSY 1450W)
EPSY 1450W
The role of the mind and its effects on subjective well-being (e.g., happiness, stress, depression, anxiety) and the physical body. The past history and current literature supporting the mind-body connection, assessment, and intervention. Implications for understanding mind body health relative to quality of life. CA 2.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.
Grading Basis: Graded
Writing for Allied Health Research (AH 4240W)
AH 4240W
Develop scientific writing skills through completing a scientific research proposal.
1.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; a course in statistics; open to juniors or higher. open only to Allied Health Sciences majors, others with consent of instructor. Corequisite: AH 4239. Not open to students who have passed AH 4241W.
Grading Basis: Graded
Scientific Writing in Animal Food Products (ANSC 3344W)
ANSC 3344W
A writing intensive class integrated with course content in ANSC 3343.
1.00 credits
Prerequisites: ANSC 3343, which must be taken concurrently; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.
Grading Basis: Graded
Media Literacy and Criticism (COMM 3310W)
COMM 3310W
History, analysis and evaluation of technique, content and aesthetic effect of media messages. Cultural, political, economic, and institutional factors that help define the grammar of popular mass media content; social scientific perspectives addressing how audiences learn to comprehend media content including efforts to promote media literacy.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2600; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.
Grading Basis: Graded
American Utopias and Dystopias (ENGL 2276W)
ENGL 2276W
Interdisciplinary approaches to American utopian and dystopian literature of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. CA 1.
Also offered as: AMST 2276W.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011.
Grading Basis: Graded
Research Methods in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS 2004W)
HDFS 2004W
Overview of research methods with emphasis on the social context in which research occurs and is used, and strengths and limitations of social science research methods. Includes topics such as hypothesis formation, measurement of social variables, research ethics, data collection techniques, and interpreting results.
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; HDFS 1070, which may be taken concurrently; open only to HDFS majors, sophomores or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3092, 4004, or 4007.
Grading Basis: Graded
Microbiology and the Media (MCB 3844W)
MCB 3844W
Analysis and comparison of how contemporary microbiological topics such as food-borne diseases and influenza outbreaks are represented in the scientific literature and in popular media.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; at least two MCB courses at the 2000 level or above; open only to Molecular and Cell Biology and Biological Sciences majors; others by permission.
Grading Basis: Graded
Public Communication of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB 3120W)
PNB 3120W
Strategies for effective public communication of science, focusing on accessibly conveying physiological concepts, and considering the role of life scientists as public communicators. Student work may include storytelling, blogging, data visualization, and videography.
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: One 2000-level course in PNB; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open only to Physiology and Neurobiology majors.
Grading Basis: Graded
Exploring Your Community (URBN 1300W)
URBN 1300W
Various aspects of urban and community life emphasizing the interplay of social justice, diversity, individual and social well being. Explores theories, concepts, and methods in community studies. May contain a service learning component. CA 2. CA 4.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011.
Grading Basis: Graded