Description of Liberal Studies Courses

LBST 550 Special Studies in Liberal Arts (1-3) Liberal studies in conjunction with special activities and events such as seminars, conferences, fieldwork, lecture series, research, and travel. Repeatable, but only a total of three hours may apply to the 33 hours required in the MALS degree. Credit varies, and the instructor together with the director of the MALS program will determine the amount of credit. Prereq: Consent of the instructor.

LBST 590 Interdisciplinary Topics in Liberal Studies (3) A seminar in which students will draw upon their educational experiences to develop interdisciplinary responses to a problem or issue in contemporary life. Course parallels LIBA 497 in the undergraduate curriculum and will be offered in concert with sections of that class but with additional requirements suitable for the awarding of graduate credit.

LBST 601 Language (3) A study of the complex abstract system that links meanings with sounds and symbols. Beginning with the question "what is language?" this course explores all aspects of language study, including how children learn language; how languages change; how regional dialects vary. It provides an interdisciplinary survey of basic concepts and applications to understand the subconscious knowledge speakers have. The course will provide an opportunity for students to upgrade their interdisciplinary academic writing skills if necessary. A humanities core course in the MALS program.

LBST 602 Nature and Nurture (3) An introduction to the neurogenetic revolution currently gaining momentum in the biological and social sciences.  The course examines research and theory from the fields of evolutionary psychology, behavioral genetics, and behavioral endocrinology as challenges to the anti-biological perspectives on human social behavior found in traditional social science.  Such issues lend themselves well to the most important purpose of the course:  developing the skills, worldview, and values of a critical thinker.  A social sciences core course in the MALS program. No prerequisite.

LBST 603 American Values: Contemporary Debate (3) An examination of current controversies involving the evolution and effects of values in American culture, including equality, materialism, personal responsibility, and rights. Explores the relationships between cultural and economic forces with respect to such social problems as poverty, crime, racial friction, and family disorganization. A social sciences core course in the MALS program. No prerequisite. Cross-listed as SOC 603.

LBST 604 The American West (3) Participants in this course will study how Americans view and interpret their nation's history with particular attention to the American West. Topics will include the frontier experience, regionalism, and cultural diversity. Writings, films, photographs, music, and art will be basic course materials. Interpretations of major historians will be considered. A humanities core course in the MALS program. No prerequisite. Cross-listed as HIST 604.

LBST 605 Temporality in the Sciences (3) An intensive analysis of the role of time in the development of science. An interdisciplinary study assuming several distinct temporalities that form a nested hierarchy proceeding from the level of electromagnetic radiation to the mind of man. Investigates each temporality and its contribution to our overall understanding of the physical world. A science core course in the MALS program. No prerequisite. Cross-listed as GEOL 605.

LBST 606 After Darwin (3) A study of the consequences of Charles Darwin's theories as they pertain to the humanities including history, literature, philosophy, religion, and civics. Includes a discussion of the methodologies of humanities research. A humanities core course in the MALS program.

LBST 607 Metals Through the Ages (3) The development of metallurgy and the use of metals against the backdrop of history. Properties of metals and the challenges facing people as metals came into use over time. Mining, mining activities, and trade of metals. A science core course in the MALS program. No prerequisite.

LBST 608 Cathedrals (3) The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of and an appreciation for the relationships among art, architecture, music, spirituality, sociology, economics, science, and technology by studying the cathedrals and other great churches of medieval Europe. A science core course in the MALS program. No prerequisite.

LBST 609 Readings in Contemporary Science and Mathematics (3) This course is designed to introduce graduate students who are not necessarily scientists to the literature of modern science and mathematics. Students will select, read, report on and discuss books from reading lists provided by the instructor in five different areas of science and mathematics.  This is a Science Core for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program or an elective in the Master of Science in Education program. No prerequisite.

LBST 610 Capstone Course, Graduating Seminar in Liberal Studies (3) The objective of this course is to give students in the MALS program an opportunity to create a meaningful synthesis of their core courses and electives.  The organizing topics for this course can be varied.  This course along with one other 600 level elective constitutes one of the options for the final six hours of the MALS called the Capstone Experience.

LBST 680 Topics in Liberal Studies (3) Examination of topics germane to the liberal arts but not included in the regular graduate course offerings. Specific topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in the schedule of course offerings.

LBST 690 Independent Work in Liberal Studies (1-3) Directed study or research in a specific area of liberal studies. Topic of investigation is selected to meet the needs and interests of the student, subject to the availability of graduate faculty to supervise the work. Not to be taken more than twice by master's degree candidates without prior permission of graduate advisor.

LBST 697 Capstone Project in Liberal Studies I (3) The first of two courses involving intensive study of a topic within liberal studies, selected with the student's faculty advisor and approved by the members of the MALS faculty advisory committee. Combined with the LBST 698, the study should yield a written work of sufficient length and quality to warrant a total of six hours of graduate credit, although projects such as artistic creations, computer programs, theatrical productions, and community service programs also may be acceptable. Final grade recorded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory only. Prereq: acceptance to MALS program; permission of student's graduate advisor.

LBST 698 Capstone Project in Liberal Studies II (3) The second of two courses involving intensive study of a topic within liberal studies, selected with the student's faculty advisor and approved by the members of the MALS faculty advisory committee. Combined with LBST 697, the study should yield a written work of sufficient length and quality to warrant a total of six hours of graduate credit, although projects such as artistic creations, computer programs, theatrical productions, and community service programs may also be acceptable. Final grade recorded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory only. Prereq: acceptance to MALS program; permission of student's graduate advisor.