Liberal Studies Course Descriptions

LS 300 Liberal Studies Readings and Portfolio Development

Students learn how to develop a personal portfolio that will function as a metacognitive record of their intellectual and experiential development in the liberal studies program. Readings that explore the values of the liberal arts are discussed to foster development of critical thinking skills and an understanding of the interrelationships among the liberal studies disciplines. Prerequisite: EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

LS 301 Readings and Portfolio Writing

This course introduces students to writing skills of the 21st century workforce. Research methods, proposal writing, professional communication, and argumentative writing will be covered to give students the skills to complete more advanced coursework. Students will compile a portfolio of readings and writings as well as professional documents to plug in digitally to the 21st century workforce. (6)

LS 400 Liberal Studies Internship

Senior students are placed in an internship with a cooperating employer in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by a supervising professor and a representative of the employing firm. May be fulfilled through portfolio assessment by students with significant work history. Prerequisite: senior status and approval of chairperson of liberal studies. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

LS 420 Senior Seminar

Senior students examine ways to integrate learning in the two chosen concentrations. Using computer technology, students conduct research to identify a suitable topic for a major thesis paper requiring scholarly support in both concentrations. When the thesis is completed, students are required to present and defend it orally to the class and the instructor prior to submission in writing. Prerequisites: EN 102LS 300, and senior status. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, WI. (3)

LS 421 Project

Students investigate a selected topic in the major field. The goal is to demonstrate independent research and present scholarly results in writing of commendable quality. Prerequisite: approval of the dean of the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. (3)