Summer 2008 Course Descriptions

All courses below are approved to be taught in Summer 2008; however, some (or all) may not be offered.  The course numbers that are offered, in either Pre-Session, Summer I or Summer II, are linked to the Schedule of Classes. Classes with alternative delivery modes (Web based, cable TV, correspondence, etc) are noted in the Schedule at the section level.  The complete list below is a good indicator of what may be offered over the next few years (contact department about offerings).  For explanations of course elements see the Key to Course Descriptions.

Retailing and Consumer Sciences (RCSC)  Department Info

RCSC 193 -- Internship  (1-12 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 199 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 204 -- Consumers, Fashion, and the Economy  (3 units)
Description:  A study of consumer behavior and fashion adoption processes in contemporary society, the nature of fashion theories, the life-cycle, social and cultural processes and evolution of fashion, and the role of fashion in the global economy in general and in the fashion business industry in particular.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Summer.

RCSC 214 -- Introduction to Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  This course is designed to give a panoramic view of the many facets of the retailing industry through an exploration of all aspects of the retail planning and management model, strategic planning, consumer behavior and career options. We will focus on the changing nature of retailing today and the many complex issues facing retailers in the future.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 293 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 294 -- Practicum  (1-8 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 299 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 304 -- Merchandising Planning and Control  (3 units)
Description:  Study of retail planning and control procedures with emphasis on retail mathematics and computer applications.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 315 -- Retail Promotion and Visual Merchandising  (3 units)
Description:  Study of promotion strategies and the concept of integrated marketing communications in the retailing environment incorporating the changing nature of promotion in a global marketplace. Students will research, create, organize, and present a retail promotion concept and visual merchandising campaign.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 320 -- Product Development and Brand Strategies  (3 units)
Description:  Uses case studies to examine theories, applications, and scientific aspects of strategic brand management in retailing including building, measuring, and managing brand equity. Students will research, create, organize, and present a new product development concept and its brand strategy
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 330 -- Food Retailing Principles  (3 units)
Description:  Study of food retailing principles and promotional techniques unique to food retail establishments; inventory planning and control, buying, pricing, operation, human resources; current global issues affecting the food industry including production agriculture, manufacturing and wholesale distribution; strategic management and food consumption behavior.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, MKTG 361, BNAD 303.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 340 -- Consumer Concepts and Theory  (3 units)
Description:  Study of consumer behavior and the decision making processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products and services to satisfy needs and desires; analysis of quantitative data using SPSS program.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PSYC 230, PSYC 290B or SOC 274, SOC 275.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 350 -- Supply Chain Management  (3 units)
Description:  A study of the supply side of retailing, focusing on purchasing, inventory management, physical distribution and the retail and supplier institutions in the retail channel. There is also focus on the selection, design, and management of effective channels.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  BNAD 303; MKTG 361 or, Concurrent registration, MKTG 361.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 360 -- E-Commerce Technology  (3 units)
Description:  Application of e-commerce technology related to web page design, security, credit authorization, inventory and shipment, and consumer database concerns via computer classroom exercises. Technology as well as strategy issues are discussed.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 376 -- Consumer Rights and Regulations  (3 units)
Description:  Legal and ethical aspects of consumer and business rights and responsibilities in retailing and services. Roles of federal, state, local agencies and safeguards for consumer and business professionals are examined.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE).
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 384 -- Leadership, Ethics, and Management Practices  (3 units)
Description:  Theories and applications of leadership and communication applied to managerial decision-making, planning and control in the workplace. Examination of personal and professional qualities essential for successful internship and career planning. Roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards for professionals and businesses will be examined.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); ENGL 307 or ENGL 308; open to majors only.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 393 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 394 -- Practicum  (1-8 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 399 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 400 -- Retail Strategy  (3 units)
Description:  Development, organization, implementation, and control of retail strategies in the context of the retail mix of product, price, promotion, and distribution. Case studies used to apply the concepts.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  ACCT 200; BNAD 303 or MKTG 361.
Identical to:  MKTG 400.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 415 -- Retail Store Design, Planning and Display  (3 units)
Description:  An advanced course studying, investigating and analyzing retail store design. Students will become aware of inspired selling environments that attract consumers and build branding that have the potential to lead to increased sales volume.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 424 -- Services Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  An in-depth exploration of the marketing of profit-centered services to consumers, highlighting the distinct characteristics of services as compared to physical goods, and the special challenges posed by those characteristics. Strategies employed by service firms to effectively address these special conditions will be studied.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  BNAD 303 or MKTG 361.
Identical to:  MKTG 424.
May be convened with:  RCSC 524.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 446 -- Global Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  Analysis of international market environment and retailing structure, system, issues and trends in the global market, understanding global consumers and developing retail strategies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration BNAD 303 or MKTG 361.
May be convened with:  RCSC 546.
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 450 -- Financial Management for Agribusiness  (3 units)
Description:  Application of financial management principals and tools to challenges and opportunities facing agribusiness firms. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition, allocation, control and transfer of capital resources.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  ECON 300 or ECON 361; 3 units of accounting.
Identical to:  AREC 450; AREC is home department.
May be convened with:  RCSC 550.
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 451 -- Marketing Strategy  (3 units)
Description:  Marketing experience that examines the marketing mix in the context of the multidimensional external environment relying substantially on the case study approach. The phases of analysis, planning, implementation, and control of the marketing function are covered.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  BNAD 303 or MKTG 361.
Identical to:  AREC 451.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 460 -- Retail Database Technologies  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the underlying framework of relational database systems maintained by retail firms. Using a retail firm context, the course will focus on the theory behind databases, the methodology for database analysis and design, how to use Microsoft Access to interact with databases, and the uses for data warehousing and data mining in the retail environment.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 493B -- Retailing and Consumer Sciences  (3-12 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  RCSC 304. Open to majors only.
May be repeated:  for a total of 12 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 493L -- Legislative Internship  (1-12 units)
Description:  Working experience at the Arizona State Legislature; responsibilities draw upon student's area of major expertise and include preparing written and oral reports, summarizing legislative proposals, and providing information to legislators and legislative committees.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 494 -- Practicum  (1-8 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 494R -- Research  (3 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 496A -- Topics in Retailing and Consumer Sciences  (3 units)
Description:  The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 498 -- Senior Capstone  (1-3 units)
Description:  A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 498H -- Honors Thesis  (3 units)
Description:  An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 499 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 499H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 524 -- Services Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  An in-depth exploration of the marketing of profit-centered services to consumers, highlighting the distinct characteristics of services as compared to physical goods, and the special challenges posed by those characteristics. Strategies employed by service firms to effectively address these special conditions will be studied. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper or project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  RCSC 424.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 546 -- Global Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  Analysis of international market environment and retailing structure, system, issues and trends in the global market, understanding global consumers and developing retail strategies. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper or project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  RCSC 446.
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 550 -- Financial Management for Agribusiness  (3 units)
Description:  Application of financial management principals and tools to challenges and opportunities facing agribusiness firms. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition, allocation, control and transfer of capital resources. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper of publishable quality which analyzes a current financial issue or problem in the agricultural sector and selected readings in professional journals.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  AREC 550; AREC is home department.
May be convened with:  RCSC 450.
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 593 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 594 -- Practicum  (1-3 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 599 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 607 -- Topics in Retailing and Consumer Sciences  (3 units)
Description:  Analysis of current major research topics and/or issues facing retail industries.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for credit 4 times (maximum 5 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 634 -- Current Research in Retail Management  (3 units)
Description:  Analysis of research concerning topics related to retail management and planning. Examines theories of institutional change and consumer patronage behavior as well as current research on selected retailer marketing and management strategies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, RCSC 400; MKTG 361 or BNAD 303.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 676 -- Research Paradigms and Methods  (3 units)
Description:  Exploration of philosophical and methodological literature in retailing and consumer behavior, including the nature and execution of research. The course will address the selection of methods, techniques, and procedures for conducting research.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 693 -- Internship  (1-12 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 694 -- Practicum  (1-8 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 696A -- Theoretical Perspectives of Global Consumption and Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  Advanced study of theory and research on global consumption, emphasizing cross-cultural consumer decision-making processes, and their relationship to retailers' strategy development in the international environment.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  RCSC 446 or equivalent; MKTG 361 or BNAD 303.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 696B -- Theory and Research in Non-Store Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  An investigation of retailing that does not involve conventional store facilities including catalog retailing and Internet retailing. The course focuses on theories and concepts that have been used in the investigation of non-store retailing.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MKTG 361 or BNAD 303.
Usually offered:  Spring.

RCSC 696C -- Theory and Research in Services Retailing  (3 units)
Description:  Comprehensive investigation of major theoretical perspectives and empirical research on the marketing of profit-centered services to the end consumer.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MKTG 361 or B AD 303.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 696D -- Interorganizational Issues  (3 units)
Description:  Current theoretical underpinnings of interorganizational exchange relationships are examined. Discussion will focus on the literature pertaining to conflict, communication, power, transaction cost analysis, the political-economy paradigm, and relationship marketing.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall.

RCSC 696E -- Qualitative Data Analysis: Theory, Method and Applications  (3 units)
Description:  The purpose of the seminar is to introduce students to the philosophy of science, theoretical, strategic, and methodological dimensions of qualitative data collection and analysis. Students will read in the foundational disciplines (anthropology and sociology) as well as applications in retailing and other applied disciplines. Books, articles, and how-to volumes will be assigned. The course will focus on workbench issues, enabling students to experience first hand the complexities and delights of the research process. Helping students understand what data to collect, when to collect it, how to collect it, and what to do with it once they've got it are central aims of the seminar. Key techniques employing both interviewing and observational procedures of data collection will be explored. Students will collect their own data, and work with existing databases. Students are encouraged to develop research instruments and collect data germane to dissertation, thesis, or other research projects. This course is designed as a complement to other graduate courses in theory construction, research design, and data analysis.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 696F -- Research Process and Academic Writing  (3 units)
Description:  A basic, “hands on” exploration of the academic research process, encompassing its conceptualization, design, execution, and dissemination phases.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

RCSC 699 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 900 -- Research  (1-8 units)
Description:  Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 909 -- Master's Report  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master's degrees.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 910 -- Thesis  (2-6 units)
Description:  Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 920 -- Dissertation  (1-9 units)
Description:  Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

RCSC 930 -- Supplementary Registration  (1-9 units)
Description:  For students who have completed all course requirements for their advanced degree programs. May be used concurrently with other enrollments to bring to total number of units to the required minimum.
Grading:  Grade of K is awarded for this course except for the final term.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.