2016-2017 Samford University Catalog 
    
    May 04, 2024  
2016-2017 Samford University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Healthcare Administration - Undergraduate

  
  • HCAD 401 - Healthcare Financial Management and Budgeting (3)


    Introduction to healthcare finance and accounting concepts. Focus on the basic conceptual framework, vocabulary, and concepts to effectively communicate with finance professionals in a healthcare organization. Offered: Fall.
  
  • HCAD 402 - Law and Policy for Healthcare Managers (3)


    Overview of important healthcare laws and policies. Seminal cases are used to enhance the understanding of historical healthcare laws. Includes an overview of the policymaking process with examples of externally and internally developed policies. Offered: Fall.
  
  • HCAD 403 - Human Resource Management for Healthcare Professionals (3)


    Introduction to the essential role of human resource management within healthcare organizations. The course focuses on the fundamental concepts and practical tools necessary for managing healthcare employees. Prereq: HCAD 302 . Offered: Fall and Summer.
  
  • HCAD 404 - Patient-Centered Care for Healthcare Professionals (3)


    Introduction to patient-centered care focusing on improving outcomes through quality improvement. Offered: Fall.
  
  • HCAD 420 - Insurance and Reimbursement for Healthcare Professionals (3)


    Overview of health insurance products and managed care approaches to the financing and delivery of healthcare services. Students explore the reimbursement and payment mechanisms. Offered: Spring.
  
  • HCAD 421 - Healthcare Administration Internship (3-6)


    Field-based application of knowledge and skills to enhance competency attainment in healthcare organizations under the supervision of a preceptor. A minimum of 6 credit hours must be earned to fulfill major requirements, but the course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Six hours are required to fulfill HA Internship requirements. Up to 3 additional credit hours may be used to fulfill degree elective requirements. Prereq: Permission of program director. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • HCAD 422 - Healthcare Administration Capstone (3)


    Students undertake a project based upon hypothetical or factual materials to resolve an organizational issue using knowledge and skills from all courses in the program. Prereq: Permission of program director. Offered: Spring.
  
  • HCAD 499 - Independent Study (1-3)


    Individualized academic work for qualified students under faculty direction. Opportunity to study a specialized topic not covered in regularly scheduled courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prereq: Permission of program director. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Healthcare Administration - Graduate

  
  • MHCA 500 - Healthcare Systems (3)


    In-depth analysis of all aspects of the US healthcare delivery system, including the funding system and regulatory structure. In-depth exploration of the history of healthcare delivery in the United States. Distinguishing factors in the US healthcare delivery system and other global healthcare delivery systems are explored. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 501 - Healthcare Statistics and Research Methods (3)


    Examination of complex healthcare issues from a management perspective using decision analysis tools. The course emphasizes data collection, analysis, and interpretation based upon appropriate statistical analysis, evidence-based practices, and scientific research methodology. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 502 - Healthcare Information and Informatics Management (3)


    Examination of medical records and applied IT management issues and strategies through the study of health information and health informatics theories, concepts, and practices. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 503 - Healthcare Management (3)


    Study of general management knowledge and skills for healthcare professionals to address management needs in healthcare and healthcare delivery organizations. In-depth analysis of administration approaches appropriate in private and public sector healthcare organizations. Analysis of management theories, principles and concepts. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 510 - Healthcare Financial Management and Budgeting (3)


    Study of the use of accounting and financial planning in healthcare organizations. Emphasis is placed on the application of finance theory in the decision-making and problem-solving. This course provides a conceptual and practical knowledge of healthcare finance. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 511 - Healthcare Policy and Law (3)


    Study of the process used to create internal and external policy. Overview of important healthcare laws that impact the management and administration of healthcare organizations. Cases will be used to enrich students’ understanding of the laws and concepts. Development of skills and strategies utilizing the analysis and synthesis of policy into daily organization operations. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 512 - Healthcare Economics (3)


    Study of the terminology, principles, and concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. An in-depth analysis of resource management and allocation is explored in relation to the delivery of healthcare in the US. This course provides an appreciation for the uniqueness of the healthcare market compared to the free market. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 520 - Healthcare Project Management (3)


    Study of project management theories, concepts, and principles. Content will fulfill the education requirements for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. Offered: Summer.
  
  • MHCA 521 - Healthcare Human Resource Management (3)


    Examination of theory and best practices used to manage people along the continuum in healthcare organizations. Offered: Summer.
  
  • MHCA 522 - Healthcare Leadership and Professionalism (3)


    In-depth exploration of different leadership styles and theories. This course provides opportunities for students to hone personal skills in both leadership and professionalism. Interaction with professionals from the industry through guest lecturers, workshops, conferences, and networking events. Offered: Summer.
  
  • MHCA 600 - Healthcare Patient Safety and Quality (3)


    Overview of best practices used to manage the quality improvement efforts of an organization in delivering care. This course focuses on the application of continuous process improvement principles and tools within healthcare organizations. This course provides the requisite knowledge for Yellow Belt Certification. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 601 - Healthcare Ethics (3)


    Study of principles and theories of ethics. Emphasis placed on ethical decision making in the context of Christian principles and practices. In-depth exploration of unethical incidents in healthcare management, governance, research, and patient care delivery. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 602 - Healthcare Organizational Dynamics and Governance (3)


    Study of organization theory, behavior principles, and concepts of an in-depth understanding on healthcare organizational dynamics. The course examines the governance in healthcare organizations including board composition, member roles and responsibility, ethics, and healthcare governance theories. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 610 - Healthcare Strategic Management and Marketing (3)


    Overview of strategic management concepts, tools, and skills to understand all phases of the process. Emphasis placed on understanding the roles marketing plays in the strategic management of healthcare organizations, and how to identify and address marketing opportunities and problems using a variety of tools and strategies. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 611 - Healthcare Administration Graduate Capstone (3)


    Examination of the role of healthcare administrators in managing and resolving healthcare organizational issues through the completion of a capstone project. Students utilize knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired throughout the program to demonstrate mastery of program competencies. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 612 - Healthcare Administration Graduate Internship (3)


    Field-based exploration of knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to master competencies to become a high performing healthcare manager. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Offered: Spring and Summer.
  
  • MHCA 699 - Independent Study (1-3)


    Individualized academic work for qualified students under faculty direction. Opportunity to study a specialized topic not covered in regularly scheduled courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Offered: Fall and Spring.

History

  
  • HIST 200 - Global Perspectives (4)


    Examination of the development of Western Civilization in its global setting since 1500, through its political, social, economic, and scientific evolution. Required of history majors. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • HIST 217 - Early America to 1877 (4)


    Social, cultural, and political overview of American history from its colonial beginnings through the end of Reconstruction. Required of history majors. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • HIST 218 - Modern America since 1865 (4)


    Social, cultural, and political overview of American history from 1865 to the present. Required of history majors. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • HIST 300 - The Historian’s Craft (4)


    Introduction to historiography and historical methods and techniques covering the use of primary and secondary sources, note-taking, citation (including Turabian), and Internet sources. Includes completion of a substantial research paper based on both primary and secondary sources, especially as preparation for further upper-division work. Seminar format; required of history majors. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • HIST 301 - Colonial and Revolutionary America to 1789 (4)


    Examination of colonial America focusing on European background; economic, political, and cultural growth; and the American Revolution.
  
  • HIST 302 - The New Nation, 1789-1860 (4)


    Examination of the growth of the United States from the constitutional era through the onset of the sectional conflict.
  
  • HIST 305 - The Civil War and Reconstruction (4)


    Advanced study of the forces and events involved in the coming of the great American conflict, the war years, and Reconstruction.
  
  • HIST 306 - The Emergence of Modern America, 1865-1929 (4)


    Survey of aspects that helped define terms for the politics, economics, and culture of the early 20th century, such as the rise of heavy industry; the businessman as new folk hero; business consolidations and urbanization; “New Immigration” and “Social Darwinism;” and the clash of protests from organized labor, Populism, Socialism, and the Social Gospel.
  
  • HIST 307 - The Great Depression and World War II (4)


    Examination of American social, cultural, and political history during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.
  
  • HIST 308 - Contemporary America: Media and Politics (4)


    Survey of media, politics, and culture since the end of World War II. Cross-listed with JMC 308 .
  
  • HIST 312 - Medieval Intellectual History (4)


    Survey of intellectual, religious and political trends from the year 1000 through 1500 with particular attention to the rise of the papacy, the revolution of scholasticism, and the challenges of early reformers. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 313 - Reformation Europe (4)


    Study of the dynamic forces loosed in the Reformation, with cultural, intellectual, theological, and political emphases.
  
  • HIST 314 - The Enlightenment (4)


    Survey of political, social, and religious developments of the Enlightenment period. Includes a study of primary and secondary texts that contribute to 17th and 18th century intellectual history and the development of Western Europe. Offered: Fall, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 315 - American Intellectual History (4)


    An in-depth study of the historical interpretations of American intellectual life from the colonial period through the progressive movement in the early 20th century. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101 . Offered: On rotation.
  
  • HIST 316 - Modern Intellectual History (4)


    Survey of the relationship between intellectual and political trends that gave rise to Liberalism, Marxism, and Fascism between the 18th and the 20th centuries.
  
  • HIST 317 - Nationalism (4)


    Advanced study of 19th-century and 20th-century European history focusing on the rise of nationalism and its consequences.
  
  • HIST 322 - Early 20th Century Europe (4)


    Advanced study of the political, economic, military, and cultural aspects of European history and Europe’s international relations, 1900-1945.
  
  • HIST 323 - Recent European History (4)


    Advanced study of late 20th century European history since 1945. Emphasis on the political, economic, military, and cultural aspects of Europe and Europe’s international relations.
  
  • HIST 326 - Modern Russia (4)


    Review of Russian and Soviet history from the emancipation of the serfs to the present. Focus of lectures is on politics, international relations, and ideologies; focus of most of the required reading and research papers is on Russian culture, broadly defined.
  
  • HIST 331 - Ancient Near East and Greece (4)


    Review of the characteristics and contributions of this region from the rise of civilizations and the development of society in Sumeria, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syria- Palestine, Asia Minor, and Greece.  

     

  
  • HIST 332 - Roman Republic and Empire (4)


    Study of the growth of Roman civilization, with emphasis on Rome’s political, cultural, and religious contributions.
  
  • HIST 335 - Modern Middle East (4)


    Study of the emergence of modern nation-states in the Middle East, beginning with the framework of the Ottoman Empire. Course focuses on political and social problems since 1800.
  
  • HIST 336 - Modern Africa (4)


    Broad cultural history of Africa and the Middle East.
  
  • HIST 340 - Riots, Rebellions, and Revolutions (4)


    Examination of radical social change through comparison of various revolutions (e.g., English, American, French, Russian, and Chinese). Cross-listed with POLS 348 . Offered: Jan Term, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 341 - China to 1644 (4)


    Examination of the major political, social, economic, and cultural developments of Chinese civilization through 1644, and evaluation of the impact of these developments on world history.
  
  • HIST 342 - Modern China (4)


    Examination of the major political, social, economic, and cultural developments of Chinese civilization since 1644, and evaluation of the impact of these developments on world history.
  
  • HIST 343 - Modern Japan (4)


    Examination of the major political, economic, and social developments of Japan since 1868.  

     

  
  • HIST 344 - Two Koreas: Colonialism, the Cold War, & Historical Memory (4)


    Examination of Japanese colonialism in Korea, the Korean War, the Cold War in East Asia, and the development of separate socio-political institutions in North and South Korea. Prereq: UCCA 102 . Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 345 - Christianity, Imperialism, and Identity in Asia (4)


    Introduction to the way in which China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have responded to Western imperialism.
  
  • HIST 346 - Monsoon Asia (4)


    Broad cultural history of China, Japan, India, and Indonesia.
  
  • HIST 347 - The Vietnam War (4)


    Study of the Vietnam War, its origin, and its impact on American society.
  
  • HIST 350 - Modern Latin America (4)


    Survey of modern Latin American history, with particular attention to social and cultural forms, racial and ethnic interaction, and the region’s political trajectory. Includes study of contemporary issues such as popular nationalism, drug trafficking and terrorism, human rights, and the interrelation of free trade and democratic government. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 351 - Modern Mexico and Central America (4)


    Seminar on Mexican history, with particular emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 355 - Colonial Latin America (4)


    Study of the indigenous cultures of the Americas from pre-Columbian times to the present. Introduces ethnohistorical methodology and topical readings including first-hand accounts of (and by) Native Americans. Offered: Fall, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 361 - Bridging London (4)


    Field-based exploration of the geography of London and its environs. Students investigate historical development, commerce, naval power, imperialism, colonialism, scientific achievement, industrial revolution, financial systems, economic frameworks, transportation, governance, urban design, community, culture, society, ethnicity, international significance, and the intersection between globalization and urbanization. Cross-listed with CLAS 361 , GEOG 361 , JMC 361 , POLS 361 , SOCI 361 .
  
  • HIST 362 - Early Modern England (4)


    Study of English political, social, and cultural history from 1485 through the Glorious Revolution.
  
  • HIST 363 - Modern England (4)


    Study of the development of the English nation and empire since 1750.
  
  • HIST 370 - Suburban Nation: Gates, Golf Courses, and Ghettos (4)


    Addresses the fundamental questions: How did the United State become such a suburban nation? How has this pervasive suburban landscape changed over time, both in design and meaning? Using a variety of sources (film, fiction, and historical essays), the course considers the evolution of the suburban landscape from the colonial to the contemporary era. Cross-listed with GEOG 370  and SOCI 370 . Offered: Fall, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 390 - Monarchs, Bishops, and Martyrs: The English Reformation (4)


    Study of historical and religious factors of the English Reformation. Course is taught in London with visits to historical sites. Cross-listed with POLS 390  and RELG 390 . Offered: Jan Term, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 391 - Exploring North American Landscapes: From Wilderness to Walt Disney World (4)


    Exploration of the human and physical geographies of the United States and Canada. Drawing from diverse texts, the course explores the evolution of the North American landscape. Topics to be covered include: conversion of the New World wilderness, frontier mythologies, the evolution of the American city, and the cultural impact of suburbia. Cross-listed with GEOG 391 . Offered: On rotation.
  
  • HIST 395 - Giants of Asia: China and India in the 21st Century (4)


    Focuses on exploring these two giant countries and understanding their emergence as important world powers in the 21st century. The course investigates the physical environment, history, culture, economy, and politics that help shape these two countries. Cross-listed with GEOG 395  and POLS 395 . Offered: Fall, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 398 - The Alabama Constitution: 100 Years of Controversy (4)


    Examination of the creation, structure, and interpretation of state constitutions. Special attention paid to the 1901 Alabama Constitution and issues surrounding the document as well as to current and past reform movements. Cross-listed with JMC 398  and POLS 398 .
  
  • HIST 399 - London Study Topics (4)


    Special courses designed for and offered at the Daniel House London Study Centre.
  
  • HIST 400 - Special Topics in History (4)


    Unique, one-time courses offered either by visiting professors or as experimental advanced courses by members of the department.
  
  • HIST 401 - Oral History (4)


    Special topics study of local, state, and regional folk cultures through oral histories.
  
  • HIST 402 - The History of American Women (4)


    Study of women who have made a significant impact on mainstream American history and also of the role and status of ordinary women. Includes consideration of the forces that have been exerted on American society by women as a group and the forces that have been exerted upon women.
  
  • HIST 403 - The Civil Rights Movement (4)


    Advanced study of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
  
  • HIST 404 - Food and History (4)


    Study of historical and contemporary systems of food production, distribution, and consumption, as well as the cultural significance of food. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101 . Offered: On rotation.
  
  • HIST 407 - The Old South (4)


    Study of the antebellum South. Special consideration given to race, slavery, and the evolution of sectionalism.
  
  • HIST 408 - The New South (4)


    Study of the South from Reconstruction to the present.
  
  • HIST 409 - History of Alabama (4)


    Political, social, and cultural examination of Alabama in a regional and national context.
  
  • HIST 410 - The American Presidency (4)


    Examination of the historical evolution of the American presidency, with particular emphasis on the expansion of presidential powers during the 20th century.
  
  • HIST 433 - Baptists: Their History and Theology (4)


    Survey of Baptist history from its beginnings in colonial America to the present. Cross-listed with RELG 433 .
  
  • HIST 434 - Folklore: Europe to America (4)


    Study of the pre-history of European peoples in the context of 19th century awakenings of nationalism. Emphasis on the legends, mythologies, and folk literature of Germanic, Slavic, and Celtic areas, as related to their impact on the course of recent history. Includes cross-comparisons with Native American folk culture.
  
  • HIST 438 - The Family, Sex, and Marriage in Modern Europe (4)


    Examination of the development of the European family from the Industrial Revolution to contemporary times. Emphasis on the evolution of marriage, parent-child relationships, and the role of wider kin in family formation.
  
  • HIST 445 - Constitutional History of the United States (4)


    Review of the development of the basic concepts of American constitutional law. Cross-listed with POLS 445 .
  
  • HIST 447 - The Development of American Law (4)


    Review of the development of American Law. Cross-listed with POLS 447 .
  
  • HIST 448 - Seminar in Legal Studies (4)


    This seminar is a cooperative effort between the Department of History and Cumberland School of Law. This interdisciplinary course will give students the opportunity to explore various topics related to the intersections between law, history, and culture. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101 . Offered: On rotation.
  
  • HIST 449 - History, Culture, and Colonialism (4)


    Overview of important theoretical works on history, culture, and society. Emphasis will be given to such topics as the construction of national identities, the mobilization of culture for a number of different purposes, and the tension between national and transnational identities. Prereq: UCCA 102 . Offered: Fall and Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 470 - Internship (4)


    Student internships in local, state, national, and international offices and agencies under supervision of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prereq: Permission of the instructor and department chair.
  
  • HIST 471 - Legal Studies Internship (2-4)


    The Legal Studies Internship is a cooperative effort between the Department of History and a public or private law-related office. The purpose of the Internship is to give students the opportunity to apply their education to actual work situations. The student intern works under the overall supervision of a licensed attorney affiliated with the Department of History’s Legal Mentoring Program. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101  and instructor permission. Offered: Fall, Jan Term, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • HIST 473 - Civic Engagement Internship (2-4)


    The Civic Engagement Internship is an experiential learning experience for history and global studies students interested in working with non-profit organizations engaged in service to the community. This internship seeks to enhance traditional modes of learning through civic engagement. Students will gain extensive experience applying principles of civic engagement and major-disciplinary knowledge and skills to community-identified problems. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101  and instructor permission. Offered: Fall, Jan Term, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • HIST 474 - Public History and Museum Studies Internship (2-4)


    The Public History and Museum Studies Internship is an experiential learning experience for history and global studies students interested in careers working in museums or other public history venues. An internship is an excellent opportunity for a student to apply knowledge gained through course work in history courses to a hands-on work experience. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101  and instructor permission. Offered: Fall, Jan Term, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • HIST 479 - Rise of the British State (4)


    Examination of the emergence of the national government in Britain over the last 500 years through the lens of government’s growing impact on citizens’ daily life. Cross-listed with POLS 479 . Offered: Jan Term, in London.
  
  • HIST 490 - War and Environment (4)


    Study of U.S. military policy and engagements from the colonial period to the present with an emphasis on the ways these conflicts have impacted the U.S. and global landscapes. Prereq: UCCA 102 . Offered: Fall and Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 491 - History and the Environment (4)


    Study of the way humans have interacted with and altered the natural landscape over time, emphasizing the active role nature plays in shaping human history. Prereq: UCCA 102 . Offered: Fall and Spring, on rotation.
  
  • HIST 492 - Law and the Environment (4)


    Using the rich history of the United States as a case study of a global process, this class explores two parallel and interlinked transformations: the rise of a capitalist consumer society and the movement from customary and local controls to stateenforced environmental law. Prereq: UCCA 102  or UFWR 101 . Offered: Fall.
  
  • HIST 495 - Senior Seminar (4)


    Intense examination of selected topics in history with emphasis on directed research and writing. Topics vary. Required of all history majors, usually in their senior year. Juniors with a GPA of 3.50 or better in history courses may register with the instructor’s written permission. Prereq: HIST 300 . Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • HIST 497 - Independent Studies in History (4)


    Directed readings and research involving a particular field or period of history designed to give preparation in special areas not fully covered in regular course offerings. Prereq: Permission of the instructor and department chair.

Human Development & Family Life Education

  
  • HDFE 200 - Professional Perspectives in Family Science (2)


    Exploration of career calling in the field of family science. Examination of the historic development, interdisciplinary nature, and integrative perspectives in the field. Students will formulate individual plans for education and career calling. Students will investigate professional opportunities within business, education, research, and service agencies. Grading is pass/fail. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • HDFE 202 - Marriage and the Family (4)


    Overview of theories and research methodologies related to the study of relationships in modern personal and family living. Topics covered include dating, marriage, stages of family life, intrafamily relationships (e.g. husband-wife), parenting, the role of family and extended family, as well as micro and macro level influences on family issues. Offered: Fall and Spring.  

     

  
  • HDFE 290 - Introduction to Child Life (2)


    An introduction to the field of child life taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist. This course encompasses the six required topics set forth by the Child Life Council: Child Life Documents; Scope of Practice; Impact of Illness, Injury, and Health; Family Centered Care; Therapeutic Play; and Preparation. Offered: Summer.
  
  • HDFE 300 - Parenting (4)


    Exploration of emotional, physical, and sociological aspects of parenthood, with special attention on the needs of children. Introduction to parenting philosophies, theories, and programs, including developmental parenting throughout the lifespan, family diversity, and challenges to contemporary parents and their children. Focus on parent education programs and how the family life educator can present and use these programs. Offered: Fall.
  
  • HDFE 310 - Counseling Foundations (4)


    Emphasis on (1) orienting students to the field of counseling, with its different settings and variety of activities, and (2) equipping the student with basic understanding of counseling techniques and basic skill proficiency intended to serve the student well in many aspects of interpersonal interaction. Prereq: HDFE 202 . Offered: Fall, on rotation.
  
  • HDFE 322 - Family Life Education (2)


    Introduction to the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education, in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs. Students observe family life education in practice, and then critique and develop their own curriculum presentations. Emphasis on process-oriented teaching methodology. Prereq: HDFE 202 . Offered: Fall.
 

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