Course Descriptions
Liberal Studies 230
Introduction to Leadership (3 credits) This course will introduce students to a variety of theories and issues involved with leadership, including power and influence; vision, values and ethics; effecting change through teams and coalition; and the importance of embracing diversity. Examples will be drawn from a broad range of contexts, including organizations, education, politics, and communities
Liberal Studies 301
Contemporary Global Issues and Problems (3 credits)
This course explores
the ethical and religious dimensions of several global challenges in
contemporary international society: (1) the expanding role of religion as a
motivation for violence as well as a force for justice and peace; (2) the
increasing deterioration of the global environment; (3) international efforts to
protect human rights in countries where there is systematic oppression or
genocide; and (4) the chronic gap in wealth between rich and poor nations.
Liberal Studies 302
The Web of the Future: Workplace and Communication Trends (3
credits) Examines the history, operation, economics, and applications of computer
technology and its significance in contemporary life. Consideration is given to
a careful description of present technology and what some of the main decisions
are that must be made if humanity is to utilize and control this technology.
Liberal Studies 304
Research and Report Writing in the Humanities (3 credits)
Enables the
student to develop increased skills in using library resources for exploring a
specific topic in the humanities, in taking notes on the data, and in evaluating
such data. Students are expected to refine writing skills, and present the
results of their research in a substantial paper written in a form suitable for
publication.
Liberal Studies 305
Religious and Ethical Values in American Society (3 credits)
This course
examines the role of religion in American public life historically and in recent
times. It provides a perspective on the meaning of the separation of church and
state as understood by the Founding Fathers, as interpreted by Supreme Court
over time, and in current political debates. The course also analyzes a variety
of ethical and religious perspectives that underlie contemporary cultural
conflicts over the proper direction of some of our most important social
institutions-the family, schools, and the legal system. Finally the course
explores the moral and religious arguments surrounding four critical
issues-abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and affirmative action-and what
public policies should result from these positions.
Liberal Studies 306
Popular Culture in Mass Media (3 credits)
This course will examine key
issues related to popular culture and its representation in different media. In
an attempt to focus and organize our consideration of this rather nebulous
phenomenon, we will approach the course theme in three ways. First, we will
discuss some narratives about popular culture. Second, we will then study the
role of narrative in popular culture (and its importance in how we make sense of
the world in general). Third, we will explore a couple of the most prevalent
"pop culture" genres such as a gangster film, a mystery novel and others.
Liberal Studies 309
Development of Scientific Ideas (3 credits)
Encourages analysis and
understanding of the ideas that have effected scientific developments over the
last two thousand years. Examines the growing ability of scientists to
understand the phenomenon of nature; specifically, it peruses seminal ideas in
astronomy, biology, physics and other sciences. Addresses broad scientific ideas
and notes their practical significance for man.
Liberal Studies 310
Laboratory Experiences in Science (3 credits)
Provides students with the
opportunity to perform interdisciplinary, independent experiments in the
physical sciences. Purposes of such activity will be to recreate the methodology
and processes of the scientific method and explore its relevance in today's
society.
Liberal Studies 311
Environmental Issues (3 credits)
Introduces students to the complexities
of environmental problems confronting today's global citizens. Focuses on a
series of environmental issues that are, and have been, difficult to resolve.
Readings, audiovisual materials, and discussions on three or more environmental
controversies are employed to illustrate the many aspects of each issue that
should be explored. Students investigate a problem of their choice for
presentation to the class in written or oral form. A field trip extends
ecological background and provides additional information on a major issue
addressed in the course.
Liberal Studies 318
Ethics and Decision Making in Organizations (3 crs)
Analysis of the influences on decision making in a variety of organizational contexts and the impact on individuals and society. Students will investigate how culture, science and technology, religion, politics and the economy affect the decisions made at a variety of levels in organizations, and the effects of those decisions. Particular focus will be on resolving ethical dilemmas which might result from value conflicts, such as between social and responsibility and financial interests.
Liberal Studies 410
Capstone Seminar (3 credits) Designed as a culminating or “capstone” learning experience, this
course focuses on the integration of concepts and ideas from previous
Liberal Studies courses.
Liberal Studies 411
Senior Research Seminar (3 credits)
The Senior Research Seminar provides
an overview of approaches to research and the assumptions that underlie each.
Particular emphasis is given to the correspondence between research methods and
epistemological orientation. Students develop a research questions and perform a
preliminary literature review around a topic of their choice. This course is the
prerequisite companion course to Liberal Studies 412, the Senior Research
Project. Prerequisite: Liberal Studies 300 or 304.
Liberal Studies 412
Senior Research Project (3 credits)
The Senior Research Project guides
the student through the completion of a research project. Working with a mentor
or adjunct faculty member and the instructor, the student conducts the
appropriate research and presents the conclusions in an acceptable format and
style. The successful completion of this project is contingent upon upper level
thought processes - analysis, synthesis, summarization and drawing conclusions -
as well as competence in reading, writing and speaking. This course is the
companion course to Liberal Studies 411, Senior Research Seminar. Prerequisite:
Liberal studies 411, Liberal Studies 300 or 304.
