Fall 2026 Offerings!

• Monday (10:50 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  17418	College Reading & Study Skills	Barbara A. Daly-Byrnes	M 10:50 AM - 01:30 PM	Students’ reading is analyzed and training is provided to support comprehension strategies and study skills needed for success in college.

• Monday/Wednesday (8:00 A.M. - 8:50 A.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  16064	Bleeding Blue and Dean's List Too	Shayne L. Koplowitz	MW 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM	"What does it truly mean to be a Blue Devil? This course is all about discovering your place at CCSU—both as an individual and as part of a thriving, spirited community. Through alumni panels, campus partner meetups, and engaging discussions, you’ll connect with fellow Blue Devils, past and present, to explore the traditions, values, and experiences that define CCSU. But it’s not just about school spirit—we’ll also dive into the best study strategies and learning techniques to help you succeed academically. This is more than just a class—it’s your launchpad for an incredible college experience. Get ready to embrace the Blue Devil spirit, unlock your potential, and make the most of your time at CCSU!"
  16057	Once Upon a Time: Using Folklore and Fairy Tale to Navigate College	Kelly L. Jarvis	MW 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM	Although fairy tale and folklore is now considered a part of Children’s Literature, the early variants of many tale we now know and love were written with a Young Adult audience in mind. This course will look at fairy tales as narrative which help young adults navigate the gateway between adolescence and adulthood with a focus on defining boundaries in relationships, negotiating power and powerlessness, understanding the importance of critical inquiry, and embracing the power of storytelling. Tales will be studied as reflections of the cultures which circulate them and used as templates for writing our own stories.

• Monday/Wednesday (10:50 A.M. - 11:40 A.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15381	PowerPoint to Presentation: Teaching and Engaging with Your Audience	Sedina Begic	MW 10:50 AM - 11:40 AM	PowerPoint to Presentation: Teaching and Engaging with Your Audience introduces first-year students to the fundamentals of effective presentations. Students will learn how to design engaging PowerPoint presentations, organize and communicate ideas clearly, and deliver presentations with confidence. Through individual and group presentations, peer feedback, and hands-on practice, students will develop public speaking, teamwork, and audience engagement skills. Course topics allow students to explore areas of personal interest while building practical communication skills applicable to academic, professional, and everyday settings.

• Monday/Wednesday (12:15 P.M. - 1:05 P.M)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15377	Journey to Success: Travel, Exploration and Well-Being in the First Year	Lisa Solari	MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	Using my love for travel, this class will take students on a journey to explore academic skills, personal health, and strategies for succeeding in college. Using “journey” as a metaphor- students will start the semester by “boarding the plane,” they will then “map” out their college trip, learn about “pit stops and refueling” and ultimately prepare their return with recommendations upon finishing their first year “trip.” Throughout their journey they will learn how to overcome detours/roadblocks they might encounter, what resources are available in their new destination on campus, and how to navigate their time at CCSU. Potential topics will include: time management, study habits, stress reduction, campus resources/tour, healthy habits, and goal setting.
  16055	AAA Guide to Accessible, Achievable, and Affordable Study Abroad	Zongxiang Mei	MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	This course is designed for first-year students with a range of perspectives on study abroad. Some may feel highly confident, some may think it’s out of reach, others may be unsure about timing, some may feel peer pressure without knowing if it’s the right fit, and others may worry it’s a unique opportunity they might not have again. Through a comprehensive approach to global learning, this course emphasizes accessibility, achievability, and affordability. Students will follow a step-by-step guide to explore diverse study abroad options, access valuable resources, and connect with peers with firsthand experience. The course includes practical applications of Intercultural Competence Theory (Deardorff), a scholarship essay workshop, and guidance in creating a personalized study abroad plan tailored to each student’s academic and career goals. The goal is not to convince students to study abroad but to empower them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed decisions, broaden their horizons, and enrich their college experience.
  17197	Who are you?	Sarah Horrax	MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	College is all about figuring out who you are now that you are gaining new experiences and challenging the status quo. What are your values? How do you personally navigate this world? How do you overcome the challenges of university life? The Who Are You? course also asks, who are we? - as a community.
  15388	Building Your Best College Life: Foundations for Personal, Academic, and Professional Growth	Maria I. Santilli	MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	This course will focus on the value of building connections; connections with peers, connections to oneself and values, and connections across the campus community. Students will gain knowledge of and practice basic approaches to communication and expression. Challenging students to break outside their comfort zones, they will be assigned to reflect on the impact moments of connection have had on them. Likewise, students will look inward to learn what is most important to them and establish relationships with resources, professionals, opportunities, and strategies to find greater fulfillment in their college experience. Heavily utilizing topical group-conversation, writing & speaking reflection, icebreakers, and in-class group work, students will complete this course with a stronger sense of self, confidence in approaching new situations and individuals, and in its greatest success- a lasting connection with someone new.
  17058	The First-Year Hotel: Checking In to College Life	Taylor Brown	MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	Welcome to your stay at the First-Year Hotel! This course will help new students “check in” to university life by exploring the rooms of academic success, personal growth, and community connection.
  18384	Experiential Leardning in STEM	Nick Delaney	MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	Experiential Learning in STEM fields introduces students to the value of hands-on learning experience and their role in academic and professional development within STEM disciplines. Through a combination of classroom discourse, workshops, speakers, industry case studies and reflective activities, students will explore how experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research, service-learning and industry partnerships, enhance classroom learning and prepare them for successful transitions into the workforce.

• Monday/Wednesday (1:40 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  17067	Honors Foundations	Aimee Pozorski	MW 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM	Dr. Aimee Pozorski is your personal faculty guide to getting the most from your CCSU experience and excelling in the Honors Program. Meet fellow program students and learn how to navigate all of the resources CCSU has to offer. Open to students accepted into the Honors Program.

• Monday/Wednesday (3:05 P.M. - 3:55 P.M)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  17065	Puzzling Through Your First Semester	Jamie Larkin	MW 03:05 PM - 03:55 PM	Transitioning to college can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle—each piece representing classes, responsibilities, and personal growth. This course is designed to help first-semester students navigate that process with confidence and curiosity. Through interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises, students will develop strategies for academic success, time management, and self-advocacy. The course also encourages reflection on personal goals, connection to campus resources, and building a supportive community. By the end of the semester, students will have assembled the essential pieces needed to create a strong foundation for their college journey.
  18114	Curiosity, Creativity, Connections and Purpose: Foundations for Success	Drew Harris	MW 03:05 PM - 03:55 PM	Through experiential exercises, readings, videos and podcasts this class explores the importance of creativity as a foundation for learning, and connections – both personal and between ideas – as essential to getting the most of their college experience. Through developing these skills, students will have a foundation to identify and call upon their purpose in their college experience and beyond.

• Monday/Wednesday (4:30 P.M. - 5:20 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15391	Clean Slate: Creating Your College Identity	Matt D. Landrigan	MW 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	In this class, we will explore what it means to find your identity as a first year college student, and how to view the start of college as a “clean slate”.  We will do goal setting on a range of topics relevant to navigating your first year of college (i.e. adjusting to college studies, navigating a new social life/new friends/roommates, getting involved, and utilizing campus resources, career exploration, etc.).  The prime focus will be on starting fresh and finding your college identity.
  15389	College & Career Readiness	Marvin G. Wilson	MW 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	This course is designed to help you build essential skills and strategies for success in both college and career pathways. Throughout the course, you’ll explore topics such as goal-setting, effective communication, time management, and career exploration. By the end, you’ll have a personalized toolkit that empowers you to thrive in college and pursue a fulfilling career. Whether you’re aiming to excel academically, prepare for internships, or develop long-term career plans, this course provides the foundation you need to succeed.
  15289	Career Exploration: Business	Cristina A. Conte	MW 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like accounting, management, business, finance, and marketing."
  17893	College Reading & Study Skills	Lynne A. DeVito	MW 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	Students’ reading is analyzed and training is provided to support comprehension strategies and study skills needed for success in college.

• Wednesday (1:40 P.M. - 3:20 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15290	Career Exploration: SEST	Nick Delaney	W 01:40 PM - 03:20 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like biology, chemistry, construction management, earth and space science, and more."

• Wednesday (3:05 P.M. - 4:45 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15287	Career Exploration: CLASS	Leah Skinner	W 03:05 PM - 04:45 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like english, psychology, criminology, art, theater, music, political science, and more."
  15382	Cultural Variation Around the World	John M. Stavens	W 03:05 PM - 04:45 PM	This course will explore material and non-material culture around the world. It will delve into the many different aspects of life that make up culture, including but not limited to art, music, language, and food. The many characteristics that make up culture will be examined and compared around the world to explore the diversity of the ways people live.

• Tuesday (3:05 P.M. - 4:45 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15396	Career Exploration:Exploratory	Caroline Marquez	T 03:05 PM - 04:45 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students who aren't quite sure what they want their major to be and would like to explore most!"

• Tuesday/Thursday (8:25 A.M. - 9:15 A.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15379	Exploring AI & Society	Robert S. Wolff	TR 08:25 AM - 09:15 AM	Are you curious to learn about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society now and in the future? Do you enjoy courses taught from interdisciplinary perspectives? Are you ready to explore a variety of AI applications and tools, from conversational models like ChatGPT and Claude.ai to creative content generators like Adobe Firefly and DALL-E, and less well-known aids like Scite AI and Transkribus? This course tackles questions big (what does all of this mean for human society?) and small (what is the Turing test?). Please note we will use a Discord server as part of the class.

• Tuesday/Thursday (9:25 A.M. - 10:15 A.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15392	My Words, My World.	Alicia J. Waring	TR 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM	This class aims to guide students in finding their voice as they transition into Central. Blending the power of spoken word poetry with essential first-year experience insights, this course offers a creative and dynamic space for students to reflect on their personal journeys. Through storytelling and self-expression, students will identify, discuss, and apply the transferable skills they’ve already developed in new and meaningful ways. This course will promote individuality, diversity, and inclusion as students relate to one another and build a community where every voice matters.

• Tuesday/Thursday (10:50 A.M. - 11:40 A.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  16062	You Better Werk!: Exploring University Life Through the Art of Drag	Ashley Green	TR 10:50 AM - 11:40 AM	The art of drag involves an exaggerated performance of gender and has been around in a variety of forms for centuries. But what does it have to do with acclimating to university life? While it is often seen merely as entertainment, drag culture is also about learning to embrace your authentic self, engaging in self-expression, building confidence, and fostering a sense of community. This semester we will be learning about the history and cultural significance of drag, its importance to LGBTQ+ communities, and the ways in which drag has influenced mainstream popular culture. Additionally, we will be using this course to build our own campus community while learning to embrace our inner queens (and kings!) so that we can empower ourselves, find inner strength and creativity, and channel that confidence into academic success here at CCSU.

• Tuesday/Thursday (12:15 P.M. - 1:05 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15291	Career Exploration: SEPS	Nathan T. Bergstrom	TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in either elementary or secondary education."
  15383	Telling Your Story, Con Ganas!	Inez M. Vera	TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	This first-year experience course is all about embracing life’s twists and turns with passion, resilience, and heart. You’ll explore how your personal journey—complete with the triumphs, challenges, and even failures—shapes who you are and where you're headed. Through interactive activities, creative expression, and powerful discussions, you’ll learn to own your narrative and tackle the future con ganas (with determination and drive). This is your chance to write the next chapter of your life, embracing every success and setback along the way. Let’s tell your story together—porque tú puedes! (because you can!)
  17198	FYE for Stem Students	Jia Yeum	TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	This course gives an overview of the math and statistics classes at CCSU, especially for students interested in STEM. You'll explore what math courses your major might need, build a class roadmap, and learn how math connects to real careers. You’ll also get to meet faculty, work in groups to refresh basic math skills, and grow soft skills like public speaking and teamwork. The class also helps you manage your time, understand college expectations, and learn about helpful campus resources like the Learning Center, Career Development, and more.
  17076	Honors Foundations: Preparing for Success in the CCSU Honors Program	Pat Foster	TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM	Dr. Pat Foster is your personal faculty guide to getting the most from your CCSU experience and excelling in the Honors Program. Meet fellow program students and learn how to navigate all of the resources CCSU has to offer. Open to students accepted into the Honors Program.

• Tuesday/Thursday (1:40 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  16060	Get Medieval	Kate McGrath	TR 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM	There are two contemporary, and often contradictory, narratives about the medieval period. In one, the Middle Ages stand in for everything backwards, dirty, violent, and ignorant -- the Dark Ages. In the other, the Middle Ages are a romantic world of knights in shining armor, opulent courts, and beautiful -- and beautifully costumed -- damsels. This course will examine where our ideas about the medieval period come from and how popular media continues to shape our perception of medieval history.
  15390	Creative Arts and the Sea.	Susan H. McGuire	TR 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM	White sails cutting across an azure ocean, or a superstitious sailor’s imagination conjuring up images of mermaids and sea monsters, are all topics for artists to write, sing, dance, or paint. The ever-changing, and constant, nature of the oceans offers opposing perceptions of the sea as peaceful and calm in one instance, but dangerous and cruel in another. Creative Arts and the Sea is a two-credit course which explores the various ways the Sea is represented through Literature (Short Stories, Poetry and Plays), Music, Artwork, Dance and Film. While some earlier historical references of creative arts manifesting sea-imagery will be mentioned, mostly select arts/artists from 18th century through 21st century will be explored. Creative arts strategies are used to demonstrate artistic expressions, and students are encouraged to experiment with their own creativity based on themes of the sea.
  17201	Career Exploration:Exploratory	Lauren Veronneau	TR 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students who aren't quite sure what they want their major to be and would like to explore most!"

• Tuesday/Thursday (3:30 P.M. - 4:55 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  17891	College Reading & Study Skills	Elisabeth G. Peterson	TR 03:30 PM - 04:55 PM	Students’ reading is analyzed and training is provided to support comprehension strategies and study skills needed for success in college.

• Tuesday/Thursday (4:30 P.M. - 5:20 P.M.)

  CRN	Title	Instructor	Time	Description
  15385	Leveling Up: How Video Games and Esports can Guide you Through College	Nicholas Streifel	TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	Video games and Esports have become a ubiquitous part of life for many of us. While many refer to playing games as a "waste of time", the act of gaming has been secretly teaching you dozens of skills. This class will relate the process of learning a new video game to the process of adapting to college life and beyond. Just like how games have tutorials, game mechanics, and a skill ceiling, your professional development can be viewed in the same way. Divided into three distinct parts, students will be able to learn about campus resources, acquire knowledge to better manage themselves, and understand the science behind learning how to improve.
  16058	Capture Your College Journey: Photography for Wellness and Self-Discovery	Cheryl L. Edwards	TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	📸 Capture Your College Journey: Photography for Wellness and Self-Discovery 🌟 Dive into your first year with a unique experience that goes beyond the classroom! This isn't just a photography course—it's your toolkit for a successful college transition, a creative outlet, and a journey into self-discovery. Using the powerful medium of photography, you'll learn to see the world (and yourself!) differently. We'll move past simple snapshots and into mindful observation, helping you focus, de-stress, and truly appreciate your new college environment. What You'll Gain: Mindful Living: Discover photographic principles that double as techniques for calm, clarity, and focus. College Success: Explore essential topics for physical, emotional, social, and intellectual wellness, equipping you to thrive. Creative Confidence: Master basic photo skills while expressing your unique perspective on college life. Zero Stress: No fancy gear needed! Your smartphone or any digital camera is all you need to start creating. Ready to capture your best college life? Sign up and transform your phone into a tool for creativity, wellness, and a confident start!
  17196	Mindset Matters: Shaping a Growth Mindset for Academic Success	Jessica Chamble	TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	This course will provide students with strategies for strengthening their growth mindset. The curriculum will apply concepts from positive psychology and cognitive behavior models to help students shift from a fixed to a growth mindset and realize the power of positive thinking. Through the course, students will develop a “toolkit” of techniques for improved emotional and academic self-management. Topics include reframing strategies, self-motivation, building confidence, minimizing negative self-talk, mental filtration (identifying and challenging these negative thoughts), time and energy management, emotional regulation, and self-care practices to prevent burnout. By the end of the course students will feel equipped to use mindset strategies that promote academic success and overall wellbeing.
  15826	Career Exploration: Business	Monica Rivera	TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like accounting, management, business, finance, and marketing."
  18117	Career Exploration: Business	Jennifer Lentino	TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM	"College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: ✅ Identify their strengths, skills, and passions ✅ Explore diverse majors and career opportunities ✅ Navigate university resources for success ✅ Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like accounting, management, business, finance, and marketing."