COURSES

LIST 500 Perspectives on the Liberal Studies (3) This course prepares degree candidates for thinking and writing at the graduate level. It invites students to consider what we mean by "liberal studies." It emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary discourse and analysis. The mentor will normally propose a theme (examples: "Globalization," "Faith," "Justice," "The Divine & the Human," "Women in History & Society") and lead participants in exploration of the theme from various perspectives. Participants will complete a variety of written assignments that will be critiqued by either the mentor alone or by mentor and participants. Such critique will help participants refine their writing styles and practice essential skills of citation and bibliography preparation. (Fall 1, Winter 1 and Summer 1)

LIST 501 Contemporary Ethics (3) Several courses will be offered on a rotating basis. Each will explore contemporary moral dilemmas and issues. The professor's area of expertise will determine the materials used for discussion and analysis. (Fall 2, Winter 2 and Summer 2)

LIST 601 Rise of Western Traditions (3) Examines ancient civilizations, the Greeks, the Romans and medieval society in Europe , emphasizing the origins and development of fundamental concepts and values in Western culture. Specific topics and readings will vary from term to term, depending on the professor.

LIST 602 Western Transformations (3) Focuses on transformations in Western religion, politics, society, industry and cultural expression from the Renaissance to the middle of the nineteenth century. Specific topics and readings will vary from term to term, depending on the professor. (Fall, Winter, Summer)

LIST 603 Western Societies since 1850 (3) Examines change in Western societies since the mid-nineteenth century, emphasizing values, political institutions, industry, science, technology, global conflict, Western domination over less developed cultures and Western efforts to cooperate and coexist with other cultures in today's world. Specific topics and readings will vary from term to term, depending on the professor. (Fall, Winter, Summer)

LIST 701 Critical Issues in Today's Diplomacy (3) Examines various issues that have transformed diplomacy since World War I. Likely topics include the nuclear rivalry between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War era, the role of middle powers after 1945, the nature and impact of Islamic jihad, the arguments for and against free trade, hard and soft power in relations between states, and the impact of international organizations, NGOs and multinational corporations on diplomacy. Professor Krysiek, Department of History. (Occasionally)

LIST 702 Democracy, Terrorism and Conflict (3) Examines the contemporary challenges to the consolidation of democracy in the twenty-first century posed by terrorism and socio-ethnic conflict. The attempts to spread a global model of neo-liberalism, based on the establishment of political democracy and liberal market economies, are being opposed by both transnational forces as well as groups within certain nations. This opposition has resorted to the use of violent techniques that threaten the overall stability of the Post-Cold War system. Professor Rodriguez, Department of Political Science. (Occasionally)

LIST 706 The New Europe (3) Analyzes the development and contemporary status of the European Union through the study of political and economic integration. Focuses on issues such as creation of the single market, the single currency, enlargement issues and the common policy areas (including trade, agriculture and common foreign and security policy). Also considers the future of the European Union as a major global actor and partner of the United States . Professor Rodriguez, Department of Political Science. (Occasionally)

LIST 712 Challenge of the "Other" World (3) Study of the politics and economics of the developing world. As the post-industrial West becomes increasingly reliant on the natural and human resources of the developing regions, the stable development of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America becomes a strategic necessity for global stability. Examines development theories (modernization, dependency, bureaucratic authoritarianism and neo-liberalism) and outcomes in order to understand the sources of cultural, political and economic conflict within developing countries today. Professor Rodriguez, Department of Political Science. (Occasionally)

LIST 714 Islam and America : Past, Present and Future (3) Explores the growing presence of Islam in the United States and considers the role of Muslims in contemporary American society. We examine in particular the paradox posed by Muslim traditions of tolerance and coexistence and the manifest tendency among some Muslims to use violence and terror against America and the West. Professor Krysiek, Department of History. (Occasionally)

LIST 721 The Arts as Commodity (3) This course will look at art and music in the context of the emerging patronage system of the Renaissance and Early Baroque periods. What impact did the commercial sponsorship of the Medicis and other powerful families, urban competitions such as that between Florence and Siena , entertainment demands of Florence , Mantua , Ferrara and Venice have on the style, aesthetic and subject matter of painting, sculpture, instrumental and vocal music in the late 15th through 17th centuries? How did artists balance their urge for artistic license with the demands of an emerging market? Professor Andrew Rosenfeld, Department of Visual and Performing Arts (Occasionally))

LIST 722 Medieval Origins of Western Life (3) Places the emphasis on those who prayed, those who fought and those who worked during Europe 's Middle Ages. What was life like in medieval monasteries, castles and cities? How did Europe 's cathedrals express the dominant values of the day and affirm the creativity of Europeans living in the era some have called "the dark ages"? Professor Krysiek, Department of History (Occasionally)

LIST 723 Folk Music of the Mediterranean World: A Living Legacy (3) Focuses on the place of music in the lives of the people who have inhabited lands adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea . Special emphasis will be given to Spanish and Italian folk music. Professor Andrew Rosenfeld, Department of Visual and Performing Arts (Occasionally)

LIST 730 God and Artist in Islam (3) Artistic expression in the Muslim world recognizes God as Creator and conveys divine order in our world. Far from seeking fame and fortune, the artist in the Islamic world tends to be anonymous and humble. These tendencies are explored and refined in a seminar study of Islamic visual arts, architecture, literature, music, calligraphy and crafts manufactured for domestic use. Professor Krysiek, Department of History (Occasionally)

LIST 740 Inuit Life and Traditions-Yesterday and Today (3) Examination of the traditions, life and customs of the Inuit ("Eskimo") who survived in the Arctic as hunters and whalers. During the twentieth century, the Inuit have struggled to maintain their cultural identity as Western life challenged their customs and resource development threatened to alter their environment. The course focuses on Inuit myths, beliefs, legends and art as it explores the phenomenon of cultural encounter from the Inuit perspective. Also discusses the future of Nunavut , the Inuit territory that Canada established in 1999. Professor Krysiek, Department of History (Occasionally)

 LIST 750 Gospel of Mark: Interpreting the Scriptures in Today's World (3) This course assumes no previous study of Old or New Testaments. It intends to introduce the student to the history, literature and modern methodology of New Testament study via the Gospel of Mark. Historical, literary, sociological and feminist criticisms of New Testament literature will be studied and be applied to Mark's Gospel by the students with the final aim for the students to write and present a paper in which they integrate not only the above criticisms, but also incorporate their own questions and answers about Western interpretation of New Testament literature. Professor Mary K. Birge, SSJ, Department of Theology (Occasionally)

MALS 800 Thesis Preparation (3) The degree candidate explores his or her chosen field of interest, guided by a faculty mentor of the candidate's selection. The mentor must hold an advanced degree, know that candidate's field of interest and be approved by the program coordinator. This course normally concludes with the candidate's production of an annotated bibliography or an expository essay with bibliography. (As needed)

MALS 801 Master's Thesis (3) Guided by a mentor, the candidate completes the degree program by writing a thesis and defending it publicly before a panel of examiners. The mentor must hold an advanced degree, know that candidate's field of interest and be approved by the program coordinator. The mentor works with the program director to identify examiners and schedule the candidate's defense. (As needed)