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RVCC No-cost and Low-cost Courses

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Low-cost courses

Low-cost courses at RVCC require textbook and/or access code purchases that cost less than $45/semester for a new copy of the book. When cost is known, it is indicated on the far right column of the low-cost chart. Some courses may require additional purchases of materials other than textbooks which may increase the total cost of course materials.

Course Name Course Code Instructors  (Last Name) Catalog Description Approx. cost of materials
Intro to Cultural Anthropology ANTH 101 Singleton Prerequisite(s):  Placement into ENGL 111 English Composition I with ENGL 070 English Composition I Workshop , or higher.
The course examines cultures around the world so as to provide a better understanding of their similarities and differences. Different world cultures are examined in detail so as to gain a contextual analysis of their world views and adaptations. Emphasis is also placed on the different ways in which anthropologists work to gain their information and interpret the data. There may be an optional field trip to a local museum. (3 credits)		 $25 or less
Foundations of Game Engines ARTS 106 All This course will introduce students to the art and programming aspects of developing for commercial game engines.  The focus will be on the processes and techniques necessary to add creative and advertising components into functional computer game models. Students will work with game development programmers in industry standard software (Unity, Construct) on a series of modular assignments. (3 credits)  
Human Anatomy & Physiology I BIOL 124 All

Prerequisite(s): Two years of college preparatory laboratory science or equivalent.


This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. The course content highlights the chemical, cellular, and tissue levels of organization, and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. In the laboratory, students will examine anatomical models and preserved specimens, and conduct physiological as well as computer-simulated experiments. Completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 125) may be required for transfer of credits. The Honors Option is available for this course. (4 credits)

 $35 for Mastering A&P
Human Anatomy & Physiology II BIOL 125 All

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 124 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I.


This course is an in-depth study of the structures and functions of the general and special senses and the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.  In the laboratory students will examine models and preserved specimens, and conduct physiological as well as computer simulated experiments.  Students that successfully complete this course will be able to identify relevant anatomical structures and integrate this knowledge with a physiological understanding of the systems covered in this course.  The Honors Option is available for this course. (4 credits)

 $35 for Mastering A&P
Plants, Humans & the Environment BIOL 150 All This course explores the relationship between plants, people and the environment. Lectures cover the cultural, economic and political significance of plants to human societies, and the effects of human activities on plants and the environment. Labs provide a first-hand introduction to the current and historical human uses of plants (e.g., food, fuel, shelter, fiber, dyes) in New Jersey and around the world. Students will go on field trips to local natural areas, farms and winery. One weekend field trip is required. (4 credits) $10
General Chemistry I CHEM 103 All

Prerequisite(s): Two years of college preparatory laboratory science or equivalent.
Corequisite(s): MATH 112 - Precalculus I.

This is the first course in a two-course sequence providing an introductory survey of modern chemistry. Emphasis is placed on electronic structure and its relationship to bonding and the periodic table, the physical states of matter, stoichiometry, molecular geometry, gas laws, solutions, and their chemistry. (4 credits)

 $44 - Knewton access for 2 years
General Chemistry II CHEM 104 All

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I and MATH 112 - Precalculus I.


This course is a continuation of General Chemistry I. Emphasis is placed on kinetics, equilibrium behavior, thermodynamics, acids and bases, solubility equilibria, and electrochemistry. (4 credits)

 Knewton access purchased in CHEM 103
Screenwriting COMM 250 All Prerequisite(s): ENGL 111 English Composition I and FILM 101 Art of the Movies: Film Appreciation and Analysis .
This course is an introduction to the art and craft of screenwriting.  Through the study of various screenplays, and the films made from them, the course analyzes the basics of film storytelling, classical screenplay structure, and the significance of narrative, characterization, dialogue and conflict. Students will learn the art of writing visually, the skills of critical analysis and the importance of the rewrite using film vocabulary.  The course will also examine the similarities and differences between the short- and long-form narrative; the documentary and docu-drama script; as well as the business of screenwriting. (3 credits)		 less than $45
Introduction to College Reading & Writing ENGL 060

Darkenwald-Decola

Pipitone

Prerequisite(s): Grade of C in ENGL 050 - Introduction to College Reading and Composition I or appropriate score on placement test.


Introduction to College Reading and Composition II is an intensive and accelerated developmental course designed to provide students with the foundations needed for academic reading and writing. In this integrated reading and writing course students continue to develop a range of strategies for reading different kinds of texts and will practice the stages of the writing process with special attention given to essay organization and sentence structure. This four-credit class meets for four hours each week: two hours in a traditional classroom and two hours in a computer lab. (4 credits)		 Less than $25
Introduction to Literature ENGL 201 Felix

Prerequisite: ENGL 111 English Composition I.

Introduction to Literature examines selected essays and works of poetry, fiction, and drama in ways that develop in-depth analytical and critical reading skills. Open to majors and non-majors, the course is designed for students who desire an introduction to literary study. The course requires students to utilize careful textual analysis, to explore thematic connections among and between texts, and to recognize and apply literary terminology in class discussions, papers and examinations. (3 credits)

 Less than $25
The Short Story ENGL 224 Felix Prerequisite(s): ENGL 111 - English Composition I.
This course is a study of the short story, focusing primarily on its modern form, as expressed by writers of diverse cultures, but also tracing its evolution from ancient roots in oral narratives, myths, legends, folk, and fairy tales to the present. Students explore the basic elements of the genre by reading, analyzing, and writing about short stories, and examining the historical, cultural, and social contexts of their production and reception. (3 credits)		 less than $20
Introduction to Poetry ENGL 226 Bondhus

This course will help students to understand both the craft and the art of poetry; how poems are made and why they are valuable. Texts will range from the lyrics of Sappho to the odes of Pablo Neruda to the newest work of contemporary U.S. poets. A central issue will be defining poetry and the myriad forms that poetry can take. The approach will be interdisciplinary, uniting historical and cultural perspectives to explore the relationship between experience and poetry, and between poetic theory and poetry. Students can expect, therefore, to gain not only a knowledge of the nature, history, and variety of poetry but also greater skill, insight, and pleasure as readers, writers, and thinkers. (3 credits)
 Between $20-$40 approx.
Introduction to Engineering ENGR 105 All The course is designed to help students to develop skills such as: communication, time management, group work. Lectures are supported by videos and guest speakers to expose students to different engineering disciplines and functions. Students will be introduced to all campus resources and services. (1 credit) No more than $30

Environmental Field Study

 ENVI 201 Kelly  Stander

Prerequisite(s): ENVI 101 - Environmental Studies and 12 hours of laboratory science .


An interdisciplinary study of research and field methods related to the science of environmental issues. Students will develop basic scientific research skills, from literature review to report preparation, and will gain hands-on experience with various types of field methods and applications, ranging from soil, air, and water quality analysis, to environmental restoration and planning, using remote sensing and GIS. Regular class trips, including visits to wastewater treatment plant, recycling center, and environmental restoration sites. One weekend field trip required. (3 credits)
 

 Less than $20

 

Advanced Video Editing FILM 278 All

Prerequisite(s):  FILM 267 Digital Video Production: Narrative & Documentary  or FILM 266 Introduction to Video Production-Aesthetics .
In this course, students will explore the historical development of film/video editing theory and apply the various editing styles to video footage generated in the class.  A complete understanding of the impact that editing has on the subtle manipulation of an audience will be gained.  At the same time, students will continue to explore the depth of the current digital editing programs that are commonly found in the workplace. (3 credits)

 less than $20
Rock and Roll History and Culture MUSC 103 Eckhart This is an introductory course which traces the history of Rock N’ Roll music from its rise as a blending of White and African-American music traditions amidst the youth-oriented culture of post- World War II America to its subsequent diversification and internationalization. This history will be viewed in the context of the political, historical, demographic, cultural and technological forces at work in the modern and post-modern world. The course will also encourage the development of qualitative and quantitative listening skills and will incorporate extensive use of recorded musical examples. Students will be expected to complete listening and research assignments. Offered in the fall semester. (3 credits) less than $40