30000

LAS 30003 IDS: CONTRASTS IN THE ARTS (3)

An examination of subject areas from different historical periods in which the idea of variation is perceived in the fine arts, with an emphasis on visual arts, music, and dance. Also explored is the concept of improvisation as variation as found in painting, music, and film, as well as an examination of common themes with their various interpretations. Cross-listed with MUS 30003 Contrasts in the Arts.

LAS 30012 WRITING AND CRITICAL THINKING IN THE LIBERAL ARTS (4)

Engages students in exploring and understanding different ways of knowing through activities, readings, and discussion in four breadth areas. Students strengthen skills in reflective and critical thinking, written and oral communication, problem-solving, information literacy, and research writing as they explore knowledge and values in the interdisciplinary context of the liberal arts. Students apply new and experiential knowledge in everyday life as they learn to examine multiple points of view and evaluate sources.

LAS 30155 IDS:DISABILITY AS A CULTURAL VARIABLE (3)

This course will engage the different definitions of disability in a variety of sociopolitical and cultural contexts. From the beginning, this course will encourage students to become aware of their own personal values and beliefs as they relate to disability and societal perspectives. It explores how those who embrace "disability identities," emanating from their unique human experience, stake claims for psychological well-being and social change in the face of stereotyping and expectations of "normality."  Prerequisite: PSY 12053 General Psychology. Cross-listed with PSY 30155 Disability as a Cultural Variable.

LAS 30223 IDS: READING RELATIONSHIPS (3)

This course unpacks the theme of human relationships -- romantic, filial, obsessive, and otherwise -- through the reading of such works as Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', Louise Erdrich's 'Love Medicine', and Andre Aciman's 'Call Me by Your Name', viewed through the lens of history and shifting cultural values. Cross-listed with ENG 30223 IDS: Reading Relationships.

LAS 31100 IDS: BASEBALL LITERATURE (3)

An examination of a variety of literary works written about baseball from its inception to the present, focusing on the ways the represent or call into question the social, historical, and political currents that produced them. Readings may include Malamud's The Natural, Greenberg's The Celebrant, and the poetry of former Kansas City Royals pitcher Dan Quisenberry.  Cross-listed with ENG 31100 Baseball Literature.

LAS 31454 LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3)

Understanding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and + identities goes beyond the wish to respect human rights. Such education is an essential step to contribute actively to the construction of an inclusive society. The exploration of this subject must be motivated by the wish to understand LGBTQIA+ as a culture per se, to discover its subcultures and to get acquainted with the main issues encountered by the members of this community throughout their lifespan. Through an evidence-based theoretical framework related to the field of psychological science, this course promotes the development of an academically informed cultural sensitivity with the hope that it will result in ethical decision-making for professionals of all disciplines.  Prerequisite: PSY 12053 General Psychology. Cross-listed with PSY 31454 LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Psychology.

LAS 32513 INTEGRATING THE DISCIPLINES (4)

This course explores the relationships among the subjects of knowledge, work and meaning. Students seek to integrate ideas and approaches of several disciplines in both individual and group projects.

LAS 33523 IDS: ENVIRONMENTAL LITERATURE (3)

An examination of a variety of literary works from several genres, focusing on the portrayal of physical environments and the connections between these environments and human spheres of influence. This course will explore how human beings relate to the natural world, and how that relation influences the way we read texts and the world around us, Authors to be studied might include Leopold, Thoreau, Defoe, the Brontes, Wordsworth, Merwin, Snyder and Kingsolver. Cross-listed with ENG 33523 Environmental Literature.

LAS 34000 IDS: TOMBS/TALES ANCIENT SCOTLAND (3)

Course reviews the written and material record of continuous settlement in the Orkney Islands, dating back 5000 years. Topics include a select review of archaeological evidence for Neolithic and Bronze Age sites as well as the contemporary socio-cultural structure of the Islands from a literary and anthropological perspective. Cross-listed with ENG 34000 Tombs/Tales Ancient Scotland and SOC 34000 Tombs/Tales Ancient Scotland.

LAS 34023 PROTEST LITERATURE (3)

A study of the literature of social protest, emphasizing the relationship between aesthetics and politics, or the political purposes of literature. This course will examine how various authors assault the status quo of an often inhumane, brutal, and repressive society. Readings might include works by Richard Wright, Upton Sinclair and Nelson Algren. Cross-listed with ENG 34023 Protest Literature.

LAS 35011 EDUCATIONAL PLANNING (1)

States plans for current educational, personal and vocational goals, listing all completed and planned courses, outlining courses in major area of study and containing list of all courses fulfilling breadth areas in liberal arts education.

LAS 36673 IDS: TEACHING THROUGH FILM (3)

Explores film to promote understanding of cultural diversity.  Examines the power of media effects and the use of cinematography as a catalyst for public dialogue and political change.  Evaluates the practice of visual learning techniques and digital storytelling as a pedagogical tool.

LAS 37223 IDS: AESTHETICS (3)

A philosophical examination of the arts and aesthetic experience. This course explores theories of beauty and drama from ancient and contemporary theorists. Students apply aesthetic theories to analyze works of art in multiple domains from different perspectives. Cross-listed with ENG 37223 Aesthetics.

LAS 37623 IDS: MADNESS: MULTIFACETED APPROACH (3)

Interdisciplinary seminar which interrogates the literary, artistic, and cultural representations of madness across culture and time. Cross-listed with ENG 37623 Madness: Multifaceted Approach.

LAS 38000 INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE RESEARCH (1)

An introduction to basic concepts and tools used in online information research. Emphasis is placed on effective techniques for accessing and searching research databases, subject specific databases, and other specialized online resources. Strategies for critically evaluating information will also be discussed. 

LAS 38123 IDS: INTEGRAL THEORY (3)

An investigation of the body, mind and spirit in self, culture and nature as developed by Ken Wilber and the Integral Institute. Students explore truth in the domains of philosophy and eastern spirituality and consider ways to improve their well-being.

LAS 38223 IDS: EXISTENTIALISM IN PHILOSOPHY AND ARTS (3)

An examination of key existentialist thinkers. Readings include Kierkegaard, Nietzsch, Sartre, and others. After a survey of existentialist philosophers, students explore works of art from an existentialist perspective.  Cross-listed with ENG 38223 IDS: Existentialism in Philosophy and Arts and PHL 38223 IDS: Existentialism in Philosophy and Arts

LAS 39000 CROSS CULTURAL ISSUES INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (4)

Provides theoretical and practical resources to examine and understand international cross-cultural issues. Guides search for understanding and comprehension of the many dimensions of a culture, enabling greater insight into how societal considerations effect the conduct of social interactions both within specific organizations and countries and on an international basis. Includes analysis of how a country's history, culture, economic paradigms, legal system, spiritual heritage and social development influence business, personal and inter-cultural relationships.

LAS 39014 THE INDIVIDUAL IN SOCIETY (4)

Reflects on the Social/Civic and Value/Meaning breadth areas. Begins to view these areas and places within society in critical vein. Relationships are made between values and ways one acts upon these values in society. Question rights and responsibilities of individual and how these conflict with rights and responsibilities to society.