Catalog Descriptions for Liberal Studies Courses
One course in the arts and society ….
LBST 1101. The Arts and Society: Dance. (3) An introduction to dance in the context of the arts and society. Exploration of the similarities among selected folk and ethnic dance traditions from around the world in terms of functionality; how 20th century American concert dance, social dance, and popular entertainment dance reflect those traditions; socio-political issues evidenced in choreography through lectures, discussion, film video, and live dance performance. (Fall, Spring)
LBST 1102. The Arts and Society: Film. (3) An introduction to the art of film in the context of the arts and society. Analysis of the elements of narrative and documentary film, including works made for television. Examines the role of Hollywood, international, and independent cinema (including television) in reflecting, shaping, and critiquing society. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
LBST 1103. The Arts and Society: Music. (3) This course is an introduction to music in the context of the arts and society. Students will survey the position of music in selected cultures from around the world. Emphasis will be placed on music in the United States and Europe. Students will experience a wide range of ideas and styles and move toward thoughtful, critical, and creative listening. Through this course students will gain a deeper understanding of the place of music in reflecting, shaping and critiquing society. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
LBST 1104. The Arts and Society: Theater. (3) An introduction to theater in the context of the arts and society. Analysis of the elements that make up theatrical events. The place of theater in reflecting, shaping, and critiquing society. (Fall, Spring)
LBST 1105. The Arts and Society: Visual Arts. (3) An introduction to the visual arts in the context of the arts and society. The analysis of visual culture in a variety of media and genres in different historical periods and geographic locations. The function, meaning, and politics of individual works of art and art movements. Also addresses the role of art as a site for the articulation of value systems, including gender, class, and race. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
One course in the western tradition ….
LBST 2101. Western Cultural and Historical Awareness. (3) All sections of this course explore a major aspect of western culture. Particular attention is given to an examination of the constructed nature of the present through a close examination of the past and the ways that selected institutions, ideas, or practices change over time and spread in human society, producing both continuity and novelty. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
One course in global understanding ….
LBST 2102. Global and Intercultural Connections. (3) All sections of this course examine two or more cultures in their own contexts and in the contexts of the global conditions and influences that impact all major world cultures today. Particular attention is given to an analysis of the complex nature of globalization and to a consideration of both its positive and negative impacts. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
One course dealing with ethical issues and cultural critique ….
LBST 2211. Ethical Issues in Personal, Professional, and Public Life. (3) An analysis of the conceptual tools needed to make informed, responsible judgments based on the ability to think critically and knowledgeably about issues of personal, professional, and public ethics and morality. The study of a variety of ethical views and ethical issues. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
LBST 2212. Literature and Culture. (3) This course examines the connections between literature and culture. Students are offered the opportunity to examine the roles that literature plays in reflecting, shaping, and challenging cultures. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
LBST 2213. Science, Technology, and Society. (3) The role of science and technology in society. The appreciation and understanding of science and the public policy issues related to science and technology. Issues such as science vs. pseudo-science, the ethics of science and technology, the methods of the sciences, the importance of major scientific discoveries, and public expectations of the sciences. (Fall, Spring)
LBST 2214. Issues of Health and Quality of Life. (3) A study of individual and social aspects of health. Analysis of individual health and illness behavior and theory; the social, political, and economic contexts of health and illness; and the broad cultural, ethical, and religious understandings of health and illness. (Fall, Spring)
LBST 2215. Citizenship. (3) A study of the concept of citizenship as it has evolved in different cultures with an emphasis on scholarly understandings of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Includes an examination of the ethical dimensions of citizenship in political, social, and religious contexts. The course includes a service component that allows students to explore the relations of citizenship and public service. During the semester the course meets a total of 27 hours for classroom lectures and discussions and requires completion of 25 hours of voluntary service in the community. (Fall, Spring)
