Efficiently Using Resources to Promote the Fulfillment of Individuals and Society

In this Critical and Creative Thinking seminar, students develop their skill in the use of logical argument, the interpretation of evidence, and the analysis of underlying assumptions to understand current issues in economics. We review the basic assumptions and logic of classical microeconomics and macroeconomics in light of their modern critique through sustainability. Specific topics will vary from one offering to the next, but frequent themes in the course are the social responsibility of business, the importance of local versus global markets, equality of economic opportunity, the distribution of wealth and income, the role of government in the economy, the conservation of natural resources, and the goals of an economic system. (4 credits) Prerequisite: STC 108.

Discovering the Orderly Patterns and Relationships at the Basis of Nature’s Functioning

Statistics offers powerful quantitative tools based on the underlying orderliness of Nature to support improved decision-making in business and environmental management. Statistics is the art and science of finding meaningful patterns and relationships in data (data analysis), generating useful data (data production), and drawing valid conclusions from data (statistical inference). In this course you will learn how to use key graphical and numerical tools of data analysis, how to effectively present your findings, and evaluate the validity of your conclusions. Environmental applications and case studies will be emphasized. Topics include: graphical and numerical tools for summarizing and describing data, modeling data with probability distributions, sampling and surveys, designing experiments, hypothesis testing for means and proportions, correlation analysis, and modeling relationships using regression analysis. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 153 or equivalent.

Using the Self-Referral Mechanism of Financial Statements to Structure an Organization’s Progress and Prosperity

Accounting systems provide financial information to guide management planning, decision-making, and control. Financial statements are essential for reporting to management, stockholders, creditors, and the government. Topics include fundamentals of bookkeeping, internal control, generally accepted accounting principles, inventory valuation, receivables and payables, depreciation, amortization, stocks and bonds, inflation accounting, and the interpretation and analysis of financial statements. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MATH 153 or MATH 170 or MGT 314

Choosing a Career to Maximize Inner and Outer Fulfillment

The course has a practical focus on career discovery and implementation. In the framework of Consciousness-Based principles for success, students consider their own skills, abilities, and objectives, and learn to design a career that utilizes their talents and creativity for maximum effectiveness, achievement, and evolution. They design an action plan to implement their career goals, and then work with the best Internet resources to research occupational interests, business and service organization profiles, and industry trends. Students learn networking strategies, including interviews, and using the telephone and Internet for extending their professional networks. They also develop scripts for introducing themselves and describing their achievements and capabilities with confidence in various formats, writing about themselves in the cover letter, resume, and portfolio, and speaking about themselves and what they can offer to potential colleagues, funding agencies and employers. (variable credits) Prerequisite: third year of undergraduate study

Maximizing the Intelligent Use of the Environment by Focusing on Environmental and Resource Policy

Ideal for both Management and Sustainable Living students, this course shows how creating an environmentally sustainable operation can provide opportunities for increasing profits. Using case studies, students learn how to apply the core principles of sustainability in agriculture, business, manufacturing, government and other activities, so that it is both profitable and beneficial to the environment. The course is project-based and covers sustainability in all areas of society from both local and global perspectives. The role of ISO 14001, responsible investing, and environmental advocacy organizations, in the transition to sustainable living, will be made clear. Students will interact with city and industry leaders and managers to create budget and return-on-investment projections for transformation to sustainable practices. (4 credits)

Increasing the Flow of Wealth through Attunement with the Laws of Nature

Many of the old models used in both micro and macroeconomics are based on a world view that is not sustainable. Students will learn the new models that are emerging as the standards for life in a sustainable civilization—these include local living economies, alternative monetary systems, ecological economics, other forms of capital such as environmental, human, social and organizational. Students will use these concepts to design a society that mimics nature and does not consume and discard the resources upon which true wealth is based. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MGT 220

This course sequence provides a technical analysis of how generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are applied in the presentation of published financial statements. The interplay of government, the accounting profession, and the conceptual framework of accounting at the basis of formulating GAAP demonstrate how collective consciousness interacts within itself to create steps of social evolution. References are made to technical statements and pronouncements that are the sources of GAAP, covering a variety of specific topics such as accounting for leases, pensions, and inter-period income tax. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MGT 315 Financial Accounting