Course Descriptions
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 335
Transformative Leadership (3 credits) Transformative leadership is a creative, passionate and authentic,
expression of service inspired by the leadership wisdom of Bennis,
Drucker, Greanleaf, Hesselbein, Hooks, and Quinn. In this course
learners will have the opportunity to identify and develop individually
unique and effective leadership styles and approaches. Through a
combination of inventories, reflection and experiential activities
learners will explore their passion and what constrains their
leadership as well as how they impact and influence others. Learners
also will observe and analyze the leadership styles of leaders with
whom they associate.
Liberal Studies 336
Collaborative Leadership (3 credits) This course is designed to introduce a theoretical framework for
collaborative leadership and the elements of group dynamics that
support and maintain its success. Opportunities to integrate theory and
practice will be provided to assist learners in understanding how
groups function and how they as leaders, impact the ability/behaviors
of the group for solving personal, interpersonal, group and
organizational problems.
Liberal Studies 337
Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration (3 credits) Designed to introduce learners to the study of ADR or Alternative
dispute resolution, this course explores the resolution of conflict
through negotiation, mediation and arbitration. A variety of approaches
for resolving conflict are examined, from the adjudicative
(arbitration, private or special judging, neutral fact-finding), to the
evaluative (peer, lay, judicial, and expert evaluation) to the
meditative. Emphasis is given to the meditative process and its
practice in the development of conflict resolution skills.
Politcal Science 394
Community Power Systems (SS) (3 credits)
Explores the issue of how
political and economic power is distributed and maintained at the local level.
It examines competing theories of power relationships, the way in which
grassroots communities might organize to change the status quo (in various
policy arenas), and the limits to grassroots collective action. These topics are
placed in the context of changes in local institutional arrangements, changes in
the world economy, and increased ethnic diversity. Prerequisite: Junior standing
and 9 units (crs.) in Social Science.
Political Science 350
Political Behavior (SS) (3 credits)
Focus on mass political behavior,
the civic activities undertaken by the general public. Includes a look at public
opinion, survey research, political participation and attitudes, campaigns and
elections, and citizenship. Prerequisite: Political Science 105.
Public Administration 221
Introduction to Public Administration (SS) (3 credits) Historical role of administration in government; techniques and
problems of executive leadership, finance, personnel, planning and
control.
Public Administration 364
Administrative Leadership and Behavior (3 credits)
Leadership criteria,
sources, motivations and possibilities at different organizational levels in
America; tools of leadership for promoting organizational goals; analysis of
effects on societal, political and bureaucratic structures on a cross-cultural
basis. Prerequisite: Public Affairs 221 or Criminal Justice 212 or consent of
the instructor. 364/564
