Current Students - Departments - Course Descriptions
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Massage Therapy
MAS 110 Western Massage I (4 credits): This course focuses on forming a solid foundation for the safe and effective practice of western massage methods. Students will learn how to perform and monitor the effects of the basic strokes of Swedish (relaxation-circulatory) massage, contraindications and precautions for their use and proper body mechanics in their application. Proper hygiene and draping techniques, organization and timing of the massage session and communication skills will be covered. Students will be introduced to the body of knowledge constituting the field of massage therapy including the history and current cultural trends. Reflex foot massage and an introduction to thermal modalities will be included. Twenty hours will be devoted to the discussion of pathology. Students will be able to perform a basic, fluid, one-hour full body relaxation-circulatory massage upon completion of this course.
MAT 111 Western Massage II (4 credits): This course is a continuation of Western Massage I moving on to broaden and refine the practice of Swedish relaxation massage including passive range of motion facilitation, therapeutic use of thermal modalities and development of a client-centered treatment plan. Students will learn precautions and methods for working with diverse client populations such as the frail elderly, pregnant, functionally challenged and others with special needs. Students will begin an in-depth study of living anatomy including the use of palpation and postural observation as assessment techniques. An introduction to specific massage therapy methods for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (pain, stiffness, malposture etc.) will be included. In addition students will learn methods and techniques of massaging through clothing including use of a massage chair. Upon completion of this course students will be able to safely and effectively perform relaxation massage therapy with a broad spectrum of client populations including the development of a client -centered treatment plan. Twenty hours will be devoted to the discussion of pathology. (Prerequisite: MAS 110).
MAS 120 Eastern Massage I - Traditional Chinese Medicine Concepts (3 credits): This course is an introduction to the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it pertains to the practice of massage therapy. A primary focus is an introduction to the basic tenets of eastern philosophy and methods of healing. The course covers the fundamental principles of Yin/Yang and Five Element Theory. Integration of the philosophy and methods of TCM with the knowledge of acupuncture points and meridian channels/pathways will enable students to perform a client-centered hands-on acupressure session in accordance with TCM principles of health.
MAS 121 Eastern Massage II - Complementary Methods and Techniques (3 credits): This course expands on concepts covered in MAS 120 and serves to introduce students to the theories and hands-on techniques for the following Asian Healing Arts: Jin Shin Do Acupressure, Tai Yoga Massage, Tai Compress Massage and Chi Nei Tzang (organ chi Massage). An introduction to self –care first aid points, acupressure yoga, Tai chi and breathing exercises will be taught both as a method of personal wellness care and as means of client education.
MAS 210 Western Remedial Massage (4 credits): This course is an amplification of theory and methods introduced in Western Massage II, continuing on to more advanced goal-specific techniques of massage therapy and somatic education. Students will learn restorative approaches for working with individuals performing intense physical activity such as athletes, dancers and laborers. Special applications of massage in athletics for pre and post performance situations will be included. Students will study orthopedic massage theory and methods with a focus on remediation of muscle/joint pain syndromes. They will continue their refinement of palpatory literacy and observation skills and be introduced to procedures for assessing musculoskeletal health. Upon completion of this course students will be able to identify common myofascial pain syndromes, assess for trigger point activity and perform appropriate goal-specific neuromuscular massage therapy. Students will become familiar with the SOAP method of treatment charting. Twenty hours will be devoted to the discussion of pathology. (Prerequisite: MAS 111).
MAS 211 Advanced Topics in Massage Therapy (4 credits): This course integrates theories, methods and techniques of massage therapy and somatic education including an introduction to research methods. Students will learn the basic techniques and protocol for lymph drainage massage. They will be introduced to advanced methods of massage therapy such as myofascial release and muscle energy techniques. Students will refine their ability to assess functional impairments within the locomotor system, identify appropriate methods of treatment and develop a treatment plan. Case studies will be presented and discussed in class. Practice issues in the field of massage therapy (e.g. sexuality, spirituality, ethics) will be discussed. The business and legal aspects relating to professional practice including the marketing of massage services and preparation for state board and national certification exams will be included. Students will choose a project relating to the practice, business or research validation of massage therapy. Students will learn how to evaluate and utilize research evidence in their professional practice. Upon completion of this course students will be prepared to offer their services in a variety of professional and business settings including private practice. (Prerequisite: MAS 210)
MAS 251 Massage Clinical I (1.5 credits): Each student shall be required to directly apply massage therapy techniques to another individual, under the on-site supervision of a person licensed in NYS to practice massage therapy. The clinical experience will include table massage at NCCC's campus massage clinic (60%) ,massage lab (20%) and at a variety of outreach locations (20%). Outreach practice will be primarily non-table massage at local sites such as hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, athletic events and health fairs. Students will learn the essential elements of record keeping including the use of intake forms, SOAP notes and professional communication. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAS 110, 111, and 211 and a grade of C or better in all program courses.
MAS 252 Massage Clinical II (1.5 credits): This course is a continuation of MAS 251. Upon completion of this course students will have demonstrated the competencies necessary for entry level status as a professional massage therapist. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAS 110, 111, 211 and 251 and C grade or better in all program courses.)
Mathematics
MAT 100 Elementary Algebra (3 credits): The study of introductory algebra as preparation for college mathematics. Topics include signed numbers, equations, graphing, exponents, polynomials, factoring, rationales, quadratic equations and the use of calculators. Attention to applications will be throughout the semester. This course earns credit toward graduation but does not fulfill a MAT requirement. Prerequisite: Math placement examination. *Note: MAT 100 Students may not enroll in this class after the successful completion of any course numbered 100.
MAT 108 Technical Mathematics (3 credits): A mathematics course with topics and specific applications geared for students in the technical areas. Topics include scientific notation, the metric system, algebraic operations as applied to linear equations and polynomials, geometric applications, trigonometric applications and an introduction to statistics. Emphasis will be placed on the manipulation and use of technical formulas with coverage of practical applications. Prerequisite: Math placement examination. If student placement tests into or transfers in a higher numbered course, they may not take this course.
MAT 121 Elementary Statistics (3 credits): This is an introductory course that focuses on the computation, comprehension, and applications of descriptive statistics with an introduction to inferential statistics. Topics include the nature of statistics, sampling, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, the fundamentals of probability, binomial and normal distributions, Central Limit Theorem, using the normal distribution to approximate the binomial distribution and confidence intervals. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 100.
MAT 123 Intro Geometry & Trigonometry (3 credits): This course is an introduction to as well as a preparation for the study of geometry and trigonometry. Topics to be covered include lines, angles, constructions, congruency, direct and geometric proofs, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, right triangle trigonometry, vectors and applications throughout. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 100. Students may not enroll in this class after the successful completion of MAT 132, 240, or 241.
MAT 125 Finite Mathematics (3 credits): An intermediate level mathematics course intended for students who are not interested in continuing on to calculus based courses. Topics to be covered include linear functions, matrices, logic and set theory, and probability. Applications of the various topics will also be included. Applications will cover a variety of areas, but the primary focus will be on business world problems. Additional topics may be included based on interests of the instructor and students. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 100.
MAT 128 Elements of Technical Mathematics (3 credits) *Will be retired June 2008: This course covers areas in mathematics with specific applications for students in the technical fields. Topics include the real number system, algebraic operations, linear and quadratic equations, trigonometric equations and graphing. Proportions, the metric system, and scientific notation are also studied. Emphasis will be placed on the manipulation and use of technical formulas, with extensive coverage of practical applications. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 100.
MAT 129 Intermediate Algebra (3 credits): An algebra course designed as preparation for further work in mathematics. Topics include algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, algebraic fractions and equations, rational exponents and radicals, methods of solving quadratic equations, and an introduction to functions. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 100 / 128. Students may not enroll in this class after successful completion of MAT 132, 240, or 241.
MAT 130 College Algebra & Trigonometry I (3 credits): The first of a two-semester sequence intended as a preparation for the study of calculus. Topics include algebraic fundamentals, absolute value, rational exponents and radicals, factoring, rational expressions, complex numbers, linear, quadratic, and other types of equations, in equalities, functions, graphs of linear and quadratic functions, inverse functions, right triangle trigonometry, trigonometric functions of any angle, and the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MAT 129 or placement test evaluation.
MAT 132 Precalculus (3 credits): This course is a continuation of algebraic mathematical topics including mathematical modeling, graphing, functions, linear, quadratic, and polynomial applications, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry and trigonometry, and an introduction to limits. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 129. Student may not enroll in this class after the successful completion of MAT 240 or 241.
MAT 240 Calculus I (4 credits): An introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus with topics including: limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic functions, applications of the derivative to curve sketching, related rates and maximum-minimum problems, indefinite integrals, Riemann sums and the definite integral. Prerequisite: Math placement examination or MAT 132. Students may not enroll in this class after the successful completion of MAT 241.
MAT 241 Calculus II (4 credits): A continuation of the study of calculus began in MAT 240, including applications of the integral to areas and volumes, the calculus of exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, partial fractions, L'Hopital's rule and indeterminate forms. Prerequisite: MAT 240.
Music
MUS 100 Music Appreciation (3 credits): An introduction to interest, taste, and discrimination in music and its relationship to other art forms. Topics include a survey of music forms, instruments of the orchestra, music in national cultures, and biographies of composers.
MUS 103 Music Theory / Composition I (3 credits): A study of the basic topics in music theory as they relate to composition and performance. The course covers basic arranging and composition techniques including the study of scales, keys and pitch, intervals, chords, harmonic progression, melody and modulation.
MUS 104 Music Theory / Composition II (3 credits): A continuation of MUS 103. Emphasis will be placed on chart writing with more advanced compositional and arranging techniques. Advanced concepts in chord voicing's and progressions will be explored. Students will learn melodic and harmonic considerations, including counterpoint and background writing techniques and applications. In addition to traditional manuscript, various electronic mediums for protection will be utilized including synthesizers and computer programs.
MUS 107, 108, 109 Performance Ensemble I, II, III (1 credit each semester): Introductory performance course designed to instruct students in acquiring the necessary skills needed to compose songs in the genres of jazz and some rock and pop. The result will be a performance ensemble, providing students with a forum to display their original compositions, as well as standards in the aforementioned genres. A "fake book" will be used to learn the standards, as is common with such a performance ensemble.
MUS 115 American Popular Music (3 credits): A survey exploring American popular music from colonial times to the present, by means of recordings, films and live performances.
MUS 115 Jazz (3 credits): A study of the origins and development of jazz. Consideration will be given to the place of jazz in the United States and other cultures. There will be ample opportunity for guided listening to a variety of jazz styles.