Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
Spring 2013
UNIV 1301 26339 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (LC)
Instructor: Andrea Berta
747-7622
Peer Leader: Laura Guerra
Advisor: Silvia Rodriguez
747-7329
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-6702
EDUC 318 0930 1020 MWF
EDUC 213A
anberta@utep.edu
UGLC
laguerra@miners.utep.edu
AAC
smartinez24@utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
Fictional Women Detectives
This course will focus on fictional women detectives in short stories, novels, and movies. We will look at the
mysteries they solve and the lives they lead. In these mysteries, we will have the opportunity to read exciting stories
and examine how society has changed over the years. Students in this course will not only read about, watch,
discuss, and write on fictional women detectives but also hear from true-life women detectives and writers. These
detectives, both fictional and real, are generally smart, perceptive, hardworking, organized, and loyal and would
serve as good role models for incoming freshmen.
Andrea Berta started work at UTEP in 1985 as a tutor with the Tutoring and Learning Center and began teaching in
1986. She has taught reading, freshman composition, study skills, business communication, and technical writing. In
1999, she began teaching University 1301 with the theme of Fictional Women Detectives. In addition to reading
detective fiction, Ms. Berta enjoys reading science fiction.
UNIV 1301 28829 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Karina Calderon
747-8021
Peer Leader: Benedico Garcia
Advisor: Karina Calderon
747-8021
Librarian: Juan Sandoval
747-6713
UGLC 334 1030 1150
MW
AAC 112
kacalderon@utep.edu
UGLC bhgarcia@miners.utep.edu
AAC 112
kacalderon@utep.edu
LIB 212
jasandoval@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 26231 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Karina Calderon
747-8021
Peer Leader: Priyanka Parthiban
Advisor: Karina Calderon
747-8021
Librarian: Juan Sandoval
747-6713
UGLC 208 1030 1150
TR
AAC 112
kacalderon@utep.edu
UGLC pparthiban@miners.utep.edu
AAC 112
kacalderon@utep.edu
LIB 212
jasandoval@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 23248 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Karina Calderon
747-8021
Peer Leader: Tomas Espinoza
Advisor: Karina Calderon
747-8021
Librarian: Juan Sandoval
747-6713
UGLC 208 1200 1320
TR
AAC 112
kacalderon@utep.edu
UGLC teespinosa@miners.utep.edu
AAC 112
kacalderon@utep.edu
LIB 212
jasandoval@utep.edu
Rhetoric in Popular Culture
Students will examine the use of rhetoric in the media by analyzing the languages and visuals used by prominent
figures in the media, new media, and popular culture. The genres of speeches, reports, movies, songs, and literature
will be explored. Students will learn to develop their critical thinking skills and will gain a deeper understanding of
the use of rhetoric in America by analyzing the social, political, and economic impact rhetoric has upon society and
their lives. Assignments will be based on an awareness of audience, subject matter knowledge, and rhetorical
strategies. Students will learn to strengthen their academic performance as productive college students and active
community members by developing research, critical thinking, writing and public speaking skills.
Karina Calderon earned a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Rhetoric & Writing Studies from UTEP. She has
taught courses in the English Department in expository composition, research and critical thinking, and public
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Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
speaking. She has also worked as a contractual writer and ghost writer for businesses in the greater El Paso area. Ms.
Calderon has been part of the UTEP community for over 10 years.
UNIV 1301 23247 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Vanessa Claudia Garcia 747-6815
Peer Leader: Tiffany Garcia
747-6144
Advisor: Vanessa Claudia Garcia 747-6815
Librarian: Les Arms
747-6701
UGLC 344
AAC
1030 1150 TR
cvgarcia@utep.edu
UGLC 212 tgarcia4@miners.utep.edu
AAC
LIB 217
cvgarcia@utep.edu
laarms@utep.edu
Science is not just for geeks: Discovering the importance of STEM fields
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions have often been viewed as challenging
fields of study, pursued by people that are extremely good at mathematics or might be socially awkward.
Misconceptions like these can discourage students from pursuing a career in STEM fields and portray to the public a
view that science is a boring or hard subject. In this course you will learn key concepts that will help you appreciate
the importance of science in our daily lives and will help you understand current science and technology events. You
will also explore career options that interest you and how they can be associated with STEM subjects. In addition,
through a variety of reading and hands on activities you will acquire important research, critical thinking, and
problem-solving skills that are essential for academic and professional success.
Claudia Vanessa Garcia is the first member of her family to receive a college degree. She earned her B.S. in
Biology and her M.A. in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and has worked at this institution in
several positions including University Studies Peer Leader, Graduate Research Assistant, and University Recruiter.
She currently holds the position of Program Advisor/ Lecture. In 2007 her passion and background in science and
education granted her with the opportunity to receive a research fellowship which funded her graduate education and
provided her with the opportunity to conduct research in Antarctica. Her education and employment experience have
made her aware of the underrepresentation of minorities in STEM careers as well the obstacles that discourage
students from obtaining higher education degrees. These issues have motivated Claudia Vanessa to work in a
profession where she can positively impact and mentor these populations, either through research or education. In
her spare time, she enjoys painting, playing the piano and taking ballroom dance lessons.
UNIV 1301 24560 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (LC)
Instructor: Nancy Hill
747-6722
Peer Leader: Rebecca Jauregui
747-6144
Advisor: Vanessa Antunez
747-8723
Librarian: Nancy Hill
747-6722
UGLC 334
LIB 221
0830 0920 MWF
nhill@utep.edu
UGLC 212 rvjauregui@miners.utep.edu
AAC
LIB 221
vanessaa@utep.edu
nhill@utep.edu
Thinking Boldly With Star Trek
Star Trek is one of the most popular expressions of American science fiction literature. In this class, we will
examine common themes in classic science fiction stories and Star Trek episodes with related themes. Students will
see how science fiction both addresses contemporary scientific ideas and social concerns and contributes to the
development of new ideas and perspectives. Students will watch episodes of Star Trek, read classic science fiction
stories, and respond to them with opinion papers, critical questioning, research, and academic writing. Students will
build on their viewing, reading, and class discussions by selecting topics for research papers about some issue
treated in the series. They will watch and analyze relevant Star Trek episodes, read related science fiction stories,
and find, evaluate, and use primary and secondary sources to construct brief scholarly papers and oral presentations.
Nancy Hill, Associate Director for Technical Services at the UTEP Library, has a BA in English Literature from
Michigan State University, an MLS from the University of Michigan, and course work in history at UTEP. Before
coming to UTEP, Mrs. Hill worked at academic and corporate libraries in Missouri, Virginia, and several countries
in the Middle East. Along with her specialization in the technical aspects of librarianship, Mrs. Hill has
had extensive experience in teaching information literacy and research skills.
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Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
UNIV 1301 26316 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 334 1200 1320
TR
Instructor: Cinthia Jimenez
747-5290
AAC 116
cjimenez@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Esther Gonzalez
UGLC egonzalez39@miners.utep.edu
Advisor: Cinthia Jimenez
747-5290
AAC 116
cjimenez@utep.edu
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-6702
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 26689 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 334 1330 1450
TR
Instructor: Cinthia Jimenez
747-5290
AAC 116
cjimenez@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Gabriela Enriquez
UGLC
genriquez8@miners.utep.edu
Advisor: Cinthia Jimenez
747-5290
AAC 116
cjimenez@utep.edu
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-6702
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
Technology and Change
Students will examine how businesses utilize social media (SM) platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.,
in order to be more efficient and productive. Students will examine the practices and processes conducted before
and after the integration of SM technologies, predominantly into the Human Resource field. Students will also
examine the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing SM tools and the measures businesses need to take in order to
avoid any negative repercussions. In this course students will also improve their academic skills in order to facilitate
a successful academic career. Students will learn how to proactively respond to the changes and transitions they
face as entering students by practicing the basic academic skills taught in this course.
Cinthia Jimenez received her BA in Business Computer Systems from New Mexico State University (NMSU) at
Las Cruces in 2005. She received her MBA in Human Resource Management from American InterContinental
University in 2006. She has a certificate in Library and Information Technology from NMSU-Dona Ana
Community College. She currently holds the position of Program Advisor/Lecturer. She is a program advisor at the
Academic Advising Center and a liaison for the Philosophy and History Department. She started teaching
University 1301 for the Entering Student Program in Spring 2010. Mrs. Jimenez is also the advisor for Sigma Alpha
Lambda.
UNIV 1301 25810 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 208 0730 0850 TR
Instructor: Kimberly Kilpatrick
747-5547
UGLC 104
kimcastillo@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Maria Ramson Ruiz
UGLC mpransomruiz@miners.utep.edu
Advisor: Vanessa Antunez
747-8723
AAC
vanessaa@utep.edu
Librarian: Harvey Castellano
747-6734
LIB 213
hcastell@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 23169 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (LC)
Instructor: Kimberly Kilpatrick
747-5547
Peer Leader: Paloma Pelayo
747-6143
Advisor: Vanessa Antunez
747-8723
Librarian: Harvey Castellano
747-6734
UGLC 208
UGLC 130
0900 1020 TR
kimcastillo@utep.edu
UGLC 214 ppelayo@miners.utep.edu
AAC
LIB 213
vanessaa@utep.edu
hcastell@utep.edu
The Art of Communication
The focus of Ms. Kilpatrick's UNIV1301 seminar courses is effective communication at many levels: intrapersonal,
interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. With her academic interests predominately within the realm of
communication, Ms. Kilpatrick actively implements assignments and activities that help students sharpen their skills
in effectively communicating with others.
Ms. Kimberly Kilpatrick received both her BA, with honors, and MA in Communication from the University of
Texas at El Paso. She has worked in both the UTEP Entering Student Program and Communication Department as
a lecturer. Ms. Kilpatrick began teaching at UTEP in fall 2001 as a full-time lecturer of both Communications 1301
and University 1301 classes.
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Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
UNIV 1301
13884 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (LC)
UGLC 334
1330
1450
MW
This section is part of a Global Learning Community with Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.
Students must have passed or be concurrently enrolled in ENGL 1311 to register.
Instructor: Joanne Kropp
Peer Leader: Branden McNelly
Advisor: Edgar Palacios
Librarian: Luke Jastrzebski
747-5111
747-6532
747-6723
UGLC 332
jtkropp@utep.edu
UGLC bamcneely@miners.utep.edu
AAC
epalacios@utep.edu
LIB 320
ljastrzebski@utep.edu
Stories Across Cultures: Mobile Worlds and the Politics of Belonging
Amongst Communities in Australia and the United States
This collaborative course focuses on the themes of diaspora and migration and the personal stories that tie
immigrants to broader Australian and American cultures. The term diaspora can be understood to mean persons
who are displaced as a result of religious, cultural, political, and socio-economic reasons. Examples of people that
fall under this definition in Australia are immigrants from China and South Asia, and refugees seeking
asylum. Migration to the United States has occurred under numerous conditions resulting from conquest, forced
relocation, religious persecution, and contemporary socio-economic and political issues. Groups that fall under this
definition in the United States include Native Americans, Africans, Chinese, South Asians, and Latinos. Students
will read stories of the diaspora as well as stories of arrival represented in short stories, fiction films, and
documentaries. Additionally, students will deepen their understanding and appreciation of the ways in which
diaspora, migration, race, racial discrimination, and resistance to racial discrimination have shaped and continue to
shape social thought and institutions in both countries. The goal of the 2013 Global Learning Community is to
explore the significance of stories told within and across cultures by groups of people who have been displaced.
Together students at both universities will investigate their own backgrounds and experiences for a better
understanding of the “stories” that exist in two classrooms on opposite sides of the globe. This Global Learning
Community is an exciting project that provides a virtual space where students at both universities can better
understand the impact of globalization and the process of migration. Students from both universities will enhance
their use of technology as they share their research findings via videoconferences, Web 2.0 social networks,
documentaries, and other multimedia projects.
Ms. Joanne Kropp has a BA in Drama with a minor in Social Work from Texas State University, a MA in History
from The University of Texas at El Paso. Her Masters thesis won both the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding
Thesis Award and The University of Texas at El Paso’s Outstanding Thesis Award in the Humanities and Social
Sciences. Ms. Kropp is the Associate Director of Academics in the Entering Student Program and is a PhD
candidate in the History PhD program at UTEP. Her fields are World History, Latin America, and Borderlands.
Since 2001 she has taught open enrollment and Honors courses in American History, World History, Latin
American History, and Women’s Studies. Her UNIV 1301 topics are: “Voices of Protest: Protest Movements in the
U.S., 1950-1980,” “Afghanistan: Global Crossroads,” and “Entradas, Empires, and Nations: Borderlands History to
1865.” Her research interests include gender, legal history, environmental history, economic history, and revolutions
and rebellions. She also serves as a co-advisor for the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is on the Advisory
Board for the Allegro Dance Company.
UNIV 1301
25785 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (BI)
UGLC 208
0930
1020
MWF
This section is restricted to ESOL students.
Instructor: Michelle Pena
Peer Leader: Liliana Sanchez
Advisor: Michelle Pena
Librarian: Virginia Rassaei
747-6673
747-6673
747-5687
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
UGLC lsanchez18@miners.utep.edu
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
LIB 102B
vrassaei@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 25875 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Michelle Pena
747-6673
Peer Leader: Tillie Alvillar
Advisor: Michelle Pena
747-6673
UGLC 208
1030 1120 MWF
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
UGLC tmalvillar@miners.utep.edu
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
4
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
Librarian: Virginia Rassaei
747-5687
LIB 102B
vrassaei@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 23167 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 208 1130 1220 MWF
Instructor: Michelle Pena
747-6673
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Pedro Covarrubias
UGLC pcovarrubias@miners.utep.edu
Advisor: Michelle Pena
747-6673
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
Librarian: Virginia Rassaei
747-5687
LIB 102B
vrassaei@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 26340 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 208 1330 1450 MW
Instructor: Michelle Pena
747-6673
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Daniela Mendez
UGLC dmendezazuela@miners.utep.edu
Advisor: Michelle Pena
747-6673
AAC 134
penam@utep.edu
Librarian: Virginia Rassaei
747-5687
LIB 102B
vrassaei@utep.edu
Eating, Breathing and Beautifying Ourselves Sick
We live in a very contaminated world and hear about it in the news every day. However, when we hear about
contamination we only think about air, soil and water contaminants. We rarely stop to think about contaminants in
the food we eat and in the everyday products that we use for beauty or cleaning our homes. Many would never
imagine that those contaminants are what affect us most each and every day. Students in this course will not only
analyze, read and investigate about the issues mentioned above, but they will also take into account issues that deal
with their success in college. Amongst those success strategies are effective time management, note-taking, exam
preparation, critical thinking and reading, and career guidance, amongst others. Also, students will participate in
UTEP and community events, thus helping them become part of the greater UTEP/El Paso community.
Vivimos en un mundo muy contaminado y escuchamos de ello todos los días en las noticias. Cuando pensamos en la
contaminación usualmente solo pensamos en la contaminación del aire, suelo y agua. Casi nunca penamos en los
contaminantes en la comida ó en los productos que usamos para embellecernos o limpiar nuestra casa. También
muchos no pensarían que esos contaminantes son los que nos afectan màs cada día. Los estudiantes en este curso no
solo aprenderán e investigaràn acerca de los temas mencionados, si no también aprenderán acerca de estrategias para
el éxito tales como manejar el tiempo efectivamente, tomar notas, preparación para exámenes, pensar y leer
críticamente, y orientación de carreras, entre otros temas. También, los estudiantes participaran en eventos de UTEP
y la comunidad, así ayudándolos a ser parte de la gran comunidad de UTEP, El Paso y Cd. Juárez.
Michelle Peña holds degrees from UTEP in Education and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a
concentration in environmental sciences. Michelle currently holds a position as an academic advisor and a lecturer
within the Academic Advising Center and the Entering Student Program at UTEP. Her research interests are in
environmental science and social and environmental injustice within the border area. Michelle was named a
National Science Foundation teaching scholar, and served in El Paso’s public schools as a science and math teacher
before coming to UTEP. She also obtained a certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages while
teaching in the public school sector. She currently teaches University Seminar 1301 in both English and Spanish,
thus serving our El Paso area students and also our Latin American freshmen populations.
Michelle Peña tiene una licenciatura de UTEP en Educación y una Maestría en Ciencias Interdisciplinarias con una
concentración en ciencias ambientales. Michelle actualmente tiene una posición como asesora académica para el
Centro de Asesoria Academica (Academic Advising Center) y también imparte clases de Seminario de Universidad
(University Seminar 1301) para estudiantes de nuevo ingreso en Ingles y en Español, así sirviendo a nuestros
estudiantes locales y de Latinoamérica. Sus temas de interés e investigación se concentran en injusticia ambiental y
social en el área fronteriza de México-Estados Unidos. Fue nombrada “Teaching Scholar” por la Fundación
Nacional de Ciencias. También, obtuvo una certificación en ESOL (Ingles para Parlantes de otros Idiomas). Antes
de venir a UTEP, Michelle impartía clases de ciencias y matemáticas en escuelas públicas en el área de El Paso.
UNIV 1301 24911 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Rosa Rodriquez
747-7310
UGLC 208
AAC 20
1330 1450
TR
rrodriquez@utep.edu
5
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
Peer Leader: Cynthia DeSantiago
Advisor: Rosa Rodriquez
Librarian: Angela Lucero
UGLC
cjdesantiago@miners.utep.edu
747-7310
AAC 20
rrodriquez@utep.edu
747-5685
ajmartinez5@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 28715 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Rosa Rodriquez
747-7310
Peer Leader: Dinorah Vazquez
Advisor: Rosa Rodriquez
747-7310
Librarian: Angela Lucero
747-5685
UGLC 208
1500 1620
TR
AAC 20
rrodriquez@utep.edu
UGLC divazquez2@miners.utep.edu
AAC 20
rrodriquez@utep.edu
ajmartinez5@utep.edu
The Human Condition
Students will be introduced to basic concepts and terminology in psychology and literature. These concepts will be
utilized to examine characters in fiction in order to gain an understanding of the Human Condition and its impact
in social, cultural, and personal contexts. Students will learn to develop their critical thinking skills and will gain a
deeper understanding of Psychology and critical analysis of literature. Students will learn to strengthen their
academic performance as productive college students and active community members by developing skills in the
areas of research, collaboration, critical thinking, writing and presentation skills.
Rosa Rodriquez-Gonzalez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Teacher Certification for English
Language Arts and Reading from the University of Texas at the Permian Basin in 1998. She taught High School
English in the public sector for 3 years. Rosie joined UTEP in 2008 and also became a certified teacher in Early
Childhood Education. She worked with Project BEST, a bridge program designed to assist students in becoming
college ready and transitioning to higher education. She served as the English Teacher, Coordinator, and
Curriculum Coordinator for the program.
She received her M.ED. in Early Childhood Education from the
University of Texas at El Paso in 2009. She currently serves UTEP students as an Academic Advisor at UTEP’s
Academic Advising Center and as Lecturer for UNIV 1301.
UNIV 1301 26232 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Nancy Shaffer
747-8955
Peer Leader: Jovan Abrego
747-6144
Advisor: Alejandra Sifuentes
747-7304
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-6702
MAIN 201
WORR 101
1030 1150 TR
nshaf@utep.edu
UGLC 212 jdabrego@miners.utep.edu
AAC
LIB 216
asifuentes3@utep.edu
eltorres@utep.edu
Discovery of Poetry
This course offers you the challenge of discovery. We explore the voices inside poems—what they say, how they
say it, and what that can mean to us as we experience poems. Our special emphasis is on the voices of American
poets of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with opportunities to read, discuss, analyze and write poetry.
Poetry writing, however, is optional, and a student’s choice. If you don’t want to write poetry, it’s still a great
course for developing understandings of how to unravel many seeming complexities of poetry. Also, importantly, in
this course we explore and develop many study skills necessary for survival in the university’s academic
environment, and explore the myriad opportunities for students at UTEP to participate and succeed.
Nancy A. Shaffer, MFA, holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Texas El Paso
with specialties in both poetry writing and short fiction. In addition, she holds a B.A. in Political
Science/International Relations from the University of Michigan, and lived overseas for many years as a part of the
United States Foreign Service. She has taught many courses at UTEP since 1996 including Creative Writing,
Introduction to Poetry, First Year Composition, University Seminar, Developmental Reading, and both
Developmental and Technical Writing, all in fields where she actively continues research. In addition, she loves to
read and write poetry and learn new things, and to share the excitement of that with her students.
UNIV 1301 23265 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Terri Storey-Gore
747-6522
EDUC 318 1230 1320 MWF
EDUC 211C tlstoreygore@utep.edu
6
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
Peer Leader: Mary Cruz Contreras
Advisor: Edgar Palacios
Librarian: Harvey Castellano
UGLC
mcontreras15@miners.utep.edu
747-6532
AAC
epalacios@utep.edu
747-6734
LIB 213
hcastell@utep.edu
Mosaics: Reflections of the Myths of American Life
Through selected readings and academic research, we will examine various cultural perspectives and their
importance to the development of becoming a successful college student. Many entering students find themselves
transitioning from a micro-culture to macro-culture, often experiencing isolation. This course will attempt to
explain and examine the culture of “otherness” based on race, class, gender, and ethnicity, demonstrating the
benefits of maintaining cultural identity while engaging in the macro-culture.
Terri Storey-Gore is a full time Lecturer at The University of Texas at El Paso where she teaches for
Developmental English, including both reading and writing, and for the First Year Composition Program. Her recent
work with the D.E. team has focused on teaching with technology, developmental reading and writing course
redesigns, including a hybrid bridge lab course which helps students transition from developmental writing to First
Year Comp Courses, and currently works on an on-line, in-house course in developmental writing, as well as
presenting on these subjects at Developmental English conferences. She teaches developmental reading and writing,
hybrid lab courses, University Studies, two levels of First Year Composition, and has taught Speech, Drama
Literature, and Literature survey courses. She also directed a public school writing lab for three years.
UNIV 1301
23166 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 334
1200
1320
MW
This section is part of a Global Learning Community linked with John Jay College , New York
Instructor: DeAnna Varela
Peer Leader: Mariel Cano
Advisor: Suzanne Ashour
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-7065
747-6584
747-6702
UGLC 344
dkvarela@utep.edu
UGLC mcano8@miners.utep.edu
AAC
seashour@utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
American Beauty: Questioning and Challenging the Standards
This course will explore, analyze, and dispel the beauty myths set by popular media outlets in the United States for
women and girls. Topics will include the depiction of females in mainstream media such as film, television, and
print, alternatives to popular media choices, and personal identity. In addition we will analyze key social institutions
and systems of power and oppression that influence media images, with emphasis placed on diverse perspectives
related to gender, class, race, sexuality, ability, and culture. This course will emphasize developing key reading,
writing and critical thinking skills.
Professor DeAnna Kay Varela holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin, a
MA in Communication and Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies, both from the University of Texas
at El Paso. Professor Varela holds a fulltime appointment as lecturer with the UTEP Entering Student Program. In
2012 she was awarded the University of Texas Regents Outstanding Teaching Award for her commitment to
teaching and mentoring students. Her research interests include social justice movements and activism, cultural
studies, and contemporary women and girls’ issues.
UNIV 1301 26686 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Owen Williamson
747-7625
Peer Leader: Nancy Watters
Advisor: Sergio Contreras
747-5361
Librarian: Juan Sandoval
747-6713
EDUC 318 0830 0920 MWF
EDUC 209 omwilliamson@utep.edu
UGLC nlwatters@miners.utep.edu
AAC
scontreras@utep.edu
LIB 212
jasandoval@utep.edu
Food for Thought: The Rhetoric of Food and Eating
This course will strengthen students’ academic skills and will help with students’ transition to university life by
offering them a “taste” of what it is to be a university student. Based on the assignments in Dianne Jacob’s textbook,
Will Write for Food, students will explore university-level writing and rhetoric within a context with which they are
all very familiar: that of food and eating. Students will do primary research on their own diet and their favorite foods
7
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
and eateries, and will write restaurant reviews, recipes and blogs for public consumption. In class they will also
explore questions of how food functions rhetorically in public, personal and political contexts. Students will receive
considerable support in the course. The course will be taught by an instructional team consisting of an instructor,
student peer leader, and university librarian. In addition, students will work closely with others, forming friendships
with classmates. The goals, instructional team and class size all combine to make University 1301 a course designed
to promote college success.
Owen Williamson earned a B.A. in English at the College of St. Thomas (now University of St. Thomas) in
Minnesota, and a M.A. in Professional Writing and Rhetoric at UTEP. He worked for a number of years in Texas as
a certified Social Work Associate, and later taught ESOL in Kansas before being hired as a Lecturer for the
Developmental English Department at UTEP. He is an author and translator, and has published a large number of
articles and translations in English and Spanish on a wide variety of subjects. Among his research interests are
classical, post-classical and Marxist rhetoric, Byzantine history, Latin American history and politics, and the use of
online social networks in university teaching. In his free time he is an amateur radio operator, and during summers, a
National Weather Service volunteer Skywarn severe weather spotter.
UNIV 1301 28714 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Sycora Wilson-James
747-6088
Peer Leader: Lara Gil
Advisor: Kaay Miller
747-7306
Librarian: Sebastian Diaz
747-6721
UGLC 334 0930 1020 MWF
UGLC 132
sajames@utep.edu
UGLC
lygil@miners.utep.edu
AAC
akmiller@utep.edu
LIB 322
sdiaz@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 26690 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Sycora Wilson-James
747-6088
Peer Leader: Belem Ortega
Advisor: Kaay Miller
747-7306
Librarian: Sebastian Diaz
747-6721
UGLC 210 1030 1120 MWF
UGLC 132
sajames@utep.edu
bdamador@miners.utep.edu
AAC
akmiller@utep.edu
LIB 322
sdiaz@utep.edu
UNIV 1301 26687 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
UGLC 336 1130 1220 MWF
Instructor: Sycora Wilson-James
747-6088
UGLC 132
sajames@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Roxana Rodriguez
UGLC rjrodriguez5@miners.utep.edu
Advisor: Kaay Miller
747-7306
AAC
akmiller@utep.edu
Librarian: Sebastian Diaz
747-6721
LIB 322
sdiaz@utep.edu
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
This course will explore the changes and challenges of Higher Education over the last three decades and examine
how Higher Education as a whole is affected by current social, political, environmental, financial, and scientific, etc.,
arenas. Students will take from this course an understanding of, and appreciation for, a global education and its
value. This course is taught in both lecture and discussion format.
Ms. Sycora A. Wilson-James received her BA from Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, in Social Science and
a M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA. Ms. Wilson-James has been
involved in many aspects of Student Affairs as an undergraduate, graduate, and in her professional career including
residence life, new student orientation, academic advising, service learning, and student disability services. She has
been at UTEP since April 2000 when she began as the Program Coordinator for the Louis Stokes Alliance for
Minority Participation program; a multi-million dollar grant funded by the National Science Foundation which
awards research opportunities to undergraduates majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
She was an Academic Advisor/Lecturer and served as the Peer Leader Coordinator for the Entering Student Program.
She teaches University 1301: Seminar in Critical Inquiry; themes include “Holidays, Traditions & Celebrations”,
and “College Life: past, present, future”. She also teaches University 2350: Interdisciplinary Technology and
Society, with a theme of ‘Cyber U: Technology and Higher Education’. Ms. Wilson-James’ professional interest in
Higher Education is to develop a theory on the socialization of African-American women in college.
8
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
______________________________________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO PRE-BUSINESS MAJORS:
The Modern Business Adventure
These courses focus on the theme of a modern business enterprise. Students will gather, organize and analyze
information in order to understand the functional areas of a successful business enterprise. Students will hone
writing skills and oral presentation skills by writing short papers and working in teams to create and deliver
presentations. Networking and corporate presentations will allow students to learn from professionals and better
understand the expectations of the business community. Critical thinking skills will be enhanced through in-class
case studies and use of business periodicals.
UNIV 1301
28653 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (BC) UGLC 336
1030
1120
MWF
This section is restricted to Pre-Business majors.
Instructor: Paulina Cano
Peer Leader: Gabriela Guerena
Advisor: Paulina Cano
Librarian: Lilia Fernandez
UNIV 1301
747-7764
747-7764
747-6716
BUSN 103
pcano@utep.edu
UGLC gaguerena@miners.utep.edu
BUSN 103
pcano@utep.edu
LIB 216
lfernand@utep.edu
28651 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (BC) UGLC 334
0730
0850
TR
This section is restricted to Pre-Business majors.
Instructor: David Sterling
Peer Leader: Daniela Dominguez
Advisor: David Sterling
Librarian: Lilia Fernandez
UNIV 1301
747-7776
BUSN 103
dsterlin@utep.edu
UGLC
ddominguezarriaga@miners.utep.edu
747-7776
BUSN 103
dsterlin@utep.edu
747-6716
LIB 216
lfernand@utep.edu
23246 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (BC) UGLC 334
0900
1020
TR
This section is restricted to Pre-Business majors.
Instructor: David Sterling
Peer Leader: Mary Cruz Contreras
Advisor: David Sterling
Librarian: Lilia Fernandez
747-7776
BUSN 103
dsterlin@utep.edu
UGLC mcontreras15@miners.utep.edu
747-7776
BUSN 103
dsterlin@utep.edu
747-6716
LIB 216
lfernand@utep.edu
Mr. David Sterling has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from UTEP and a Masters of
Information Technology from UTEP. He is currently an ESP Lecturer/Advisor for the College of Business
Administration. He has received The Excellence in Instruction Award in 2007 and 2009 and is currently an advisor
for The Regional Economic Development Association and The Business College Council. He teaches University
1301 and 2350 and advises over 300 students for the College of Business. In addition, he directs workshops and
other student related events hosted by the College of Business. Mr. Sterling was an advisor at the Academic
Advising Center for many years prior to moving to the College of Business (COBA), where he has helped develop
new advising procedures. He has served on various university-wide committees, including the Banner User Group,
Probation/Suspension Committee, Marketing Committee, and University College Personnel Committee. He was an
assistant to the TSI Coordinator for UTEP.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO PRE-ENGINEERING MAJORS:
Foundations of Engineering for the Problem Solvers!
9
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
Engineers are problem solvers! In the following courses you will learn to use the basic tools of engineering problem
solving, no matter what kind of engineer you intend to be. We will explore engineering innovation, creative and
critical thinking, and hands-on applications, making real-world connections to the magic of engineering and
mathematics. Fundamental engineering competencies, technical and professional, will be introduced, developed,
and practiced, to include working in teams, generating ideas, communication, and trouble-shooting. The outcome for
this course is to apply these competencies to solving engineering problems and to see how these same competencies
can be applied to solving any kind of life problem.
UNIV 1301
25219 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (EC)
CRBL C001 1500
1620
TR
This section is restricted to Pre-Engineering majors.
Instructor: Michael Everett
Peer Leader: Eira Karina Chico
Advisor: Michael Everett
Librarian: Debjani Mukhopadhyay
UNIV 1301
747-8684
CRBL C001
747-6144
UGLC 212
747-8684
747-6715
CRBL C001
mleverett@utep.edu
LIB 215 dmukhopadhyay@utep.edu
28716 Seminar/Critical Inquiry (EC)
mleverett@utep.edu
ekchico@miners.utep.edu
CRBL C001
1030 1150
MW
This section is restricted to Pre-Engineering majors.
Instructor: Irene C. Tejeda
Peer Leader: Carlos Juaregui
Advisor: Michael Everett
Librarian: Les Arms
747-6779
747-8684
747-6701
CRBL C001 itejeda@utep.edu
UGLC crjauregui@miners.utep.edu
CRBL C001 mleverett@utep.edu
LIB 217
laarms@utep.edu
Irene Tejeda has a MA in Business Management/Human Resources from Webster University. Ms. Tejeda is
currently a Professional Advsior/Lectuer with the College of Engineering. She has been actively involved in
working with bi-national groups on the U.S.-Mexico border over the past ten years, specifically exploring binational management and the use of applied human resource management to examine successful practices in the
Paso del Norte region. Irene Tejeda has participated in several bi-national efforts through EPA as well as various
universities. Irene has a particular interest in building working teams that bring people of various backgrounds and
sectors to bi-national, tri-regional work groups. An area of special interest is how regional stakeholders work
together within both existing institutions and newly forming ones. She enjoys the interaction and working with new
ideas that students bring to various environmental, bi-national, and tri-regional issues.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
UNIV 2350 – THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS WHO
HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST 30 CREDIT HOURS AND HAVE PASSED ENGL 1312
UNIV 2350
26691 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
EDUC 301
1030
1150
TR
Computer access required.
Instructor: Charles W. Gaunce
Peer Leader: Cris Martin
Librarian: Charles W. Gaunce
747-8939
747-8939
LIB 214
cgaunce@utep.edu
UGLC cnmartin@miners.utep.edu
LIB 214
cgaunce@utep.edu
Technology and Society
This UNIV 2350 course is a journey into thinking critically about how modern American culture travels through and
among various technologies, how those technologies induce changes into the culture, and how the adoption of some
technologies, and the rejection of others, leads to results that produce various winners and losers among the
population.
Dr. Charles Gaunce has a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, a M.A. in Library and Information Studies from
the University of Oklahoma, and a J.D.(Juris Doctor) from the University of Tulsa. Dr. Gaunce is currently the Law
10
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
Librarian in the UTEP Library Reference Department. His research interests include the process of research, the
political process, social adaptations, and technological innovations. Dr. Gaunce practiced law full time for over
twenty years and in that capacity encountered a broad spectrum of legal issues including homicide litigation,
personal injury litigation, worker’s compensation representation, patent litigation, and environmental litigation. His
experiences led him to pursue research in the education field. He has been licensed to practice law in Minnesota,
Colorado, and Oklahoma, and he maintains a current license to practice law in Oklahoma.
UNIV 2350
24748 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: Beau Pihlaja
Peer Leader: Andres De La Vega
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
UNIV 2350
747-5290
747-6702
UGLC 130
bspihlaja@utep.edu
UGLC adelavega@miners.utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
25812 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: Beau Pihlaja
Peer Leader: Naomi Ruvalcaba
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
UNIV 2350
747-5290
UGLC 130
bspihlaja@utep.edu
747-6143
UGLC 214nruvalcaba@miners.utep.edu
747-6702
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
26187 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: Beau Pihlaja
Peer Leader: Alba Dominguez
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
UNIV 2350
747-5290
UGLC 130
bspihlaja@utep.edu
UGLC
aedominguezarriaga@miners.utep.edu
747-6702
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
28654 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: Beau Pihlaja
Peer Leader: Patricia Valdez
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-5290
747-6702
UGLC 130
bspihlaja@utep.edu
UGLC pkvaldez@miners.utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
Taking Calls in Mumbai: Technologically Mediated Intercultural Communication
What impact does technology have on intercultural communication? Does it enable it? Inhibit it? Improve it?
Complicate it? What issues do individuals and groups face when they attempt to communicate cross-culturally via
the internet for instance? What implications does this have on businesses, for example, that rely on computer
mediated communication (CMC) to interact with international business partners? These are the questions that will
occupy us throughout UNIV 2350: Intercultural Communication and Technology. Students will use this theme to
address the goals of UTEP’s UNIV 2350 course goals. Students will study issues in intercultural communication, the
history and development of CMC, issues in intercultural CMC all through the study of specific cases related to
international business.
Beau Pihlaja is a full time lecturer with UTEP’s Entering Student Program. Mr. Pihlaja has a masters of divinity
with an emphasis in cross-cultural communication and a masters of theology from Trinity International University.
He is also a PhD. candidate in UTEP’s Rhetoric and Writing Studies Program. He is a fellow with SUNY’s COIL
Institute. During 2008-2009 he taught masters-level seminars in a small ecclesial college in Bangalore and in several
other cities throughout India. He continues to visit and teach there periodically. His research interests include
political theologies, Christianity in south Asia, south Asian philosophy, secularism, secularization theory, and
trinitarian theology. He currently resides in El Paso, TX with his lovely wife Charity, son Asher, and daughter
Cressida.
UNIV 2350
14377 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc (DP)
11
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
This course is restricted to RN-BSN students. Departmental approval required.
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: Debbie Sikes
747-8263
dlsikes@utep.edu
Peer Leader: Angela Ortiz
UGLC
aortiz22@miners.utep.edu
Librarian: Harvey Castellano
747-6734
LIB 213
hcastell@utep.edu
Expanding the Technological and Professional Horizons in Health Care
By using technology, this course provides students with foundational knowledge in health care locally and
nationally. Concepts related to communication, cultural awareness, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration
with health care professionals, health-illness continuum, ethics, and health trends in the 21st century through the
advance of technology are presented. Students will examine the impact technology has had on their life as well as
their behaviors as a consumer and/or provider. Readings, discussion boards, electronic database access, and
Blackboard to assist in the learning process will be used. This course is designed for RN-BSN students.
Debbie Sikes received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missiouri in Nursing and a Master’s of
Science degree from the Univerisity of Texas at El Paso in Nursing Education. Ms. Sikes has served as the Director
of the RN-BSN online program at UTEP for the past 3 years. Ms. Sikes has practiced nursing for over 26 years in
numerous healthcare settings including hospital, outpatient clinics, school health, and nursing education. She is
continuing research related to the use of Standardized Patients and students’ satisfaction in Objective Structured
Clinical Examinatons. She has presented her programs at conferences throughout the country. Her interests include
the use of technology related to healthcare and nursing administration. She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau
International, the honor society for nursing and currently serves as the Delta Kappa Chapter treasurer.
UNIV 2350
23271 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: DeAnna Varela
Peer Leader: Alejandro De la Pena
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
UNIV 2350
747-7065
747-6702
UGLC 344
dkvarela@utep.edu
UGLC
ade29@miners.utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
24635 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: DeAnna Varela
Peer Leader: Viridiana Anguiano
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
UNIV 2350
747-7065
UGLC 344
dkvarela@utep.edu
UGLC
vanguiano@miners.utep.edu
747-6702
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
24745 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc
100% Online. Computer access required.
Instructor: DeAnna Varela
Peer Leader: Angela Vaughn
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
WIN UNIV
2350
747-7065
747-6702
UGLC 344
dkvarela@utep.edu
arvaughn@miners.utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
28656 Interdisciplinary Tech/Soc BUSN 326
0800 1300 MTWRF
Online MWF, meets in classroom TR. Computer access required.
Instructor: DeAnna Varela
Peer Leader: Angela Vaughn
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
747-7065
747-6702
UGLC 344
dkvarela@utep.edu
arvaughn@miners.utep.edu
LIB 216
eltorres@utep.edu
Professor DeAnna Kay Varela holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin, a
MA in Communication and Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies, both from the University of Texas
at El Paso. Professor Varela holds a fulltime appointment as lecturer with the UTEP Entering Student Program. In
2012 she was awarded the University of Texas Regents Outstanding Teaching Award for her commitment to
12
Office for Undergraduate Studies - Entering Student Program
teaching and mentoring students. Her research interests include social justice movements and activism, cultural
studies, and contemporary women and girls’ issues.
UNIV 2350 23270 Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Instructor: Sycora Wilson-James
747-6088
Peer Leader: Ramiro Pinon
Librarian: Sebastian Diaz
747-6721
EDUC 301 0900 1020 TR
UGLC 132
sajames@utep.edu
UGLC rpinon2@miners.utep.edu
LIB 322
sdiaz@utep.edu
Ms. Sycora A. Wilson-James received her BA from Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, in Social Science and
a M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA. Ms. Wilson-James has been
involved in many aspects of Student Affairs as an undergraduate, graduate, and in her professional career including
residence life, new student orientation, academic advising, service learning, and student disability services. She has
been at UTEP since April 2000 when she began as the Program Coordinator for the Louis Stokes Alliance for
Minority Participation program; a multi-million dollar grant funded by the National Science Foundation which
awards research opportunities to undergraduates majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
She was an Academic Advisor/Lecturer and served as the Peer Leader Coordinator for the Entering Student Program.
She teaches University 1301: Seminar in Critical Inquiry; themes include “Holidays, Traditions & Celebrations”,
and “College Life: past, present, future”. She also teaches University 2350: Interdisciplinary Technology and
Society, with a theme of ‘Cyber U: Technology and Higher Education’. Ms. Wilson-James’ professional interest in
Higher Education is to develop a theory on the socialization of African-American women in college.
13