Core Courses -  Fall

Core courses - alternate fall semesters

LST 501 - Being Human
3 Credits

Using perspectives from science, arts, and humanities, we will investigate some of humanity’s oldest and most profound questions. “Who am I as an individual?” “Who am I as a member of society?” Students will read, reflect upon, and discuss some of the great ideas, texts, and modes of creative expression developed by human beings from ancient to present times.

LST 502 - Knowledge and Culture
3 Credits

What is knowledge? What is culture? How does culture affect how we know and what we accept as knowledge? What, if any, is the relationship between knowledge and power? We will explore these and other absorbing questions from a variety of perspectives.

Core Courses - Every Spring

Core course - offered every spring semester

LST 503 - Values and Action
3 credits

How does our personal value system develop? What are its sources? How do the great humanistic and religious thinkers of the past impact our value systems? What happens when different respected moral ways of thinking suggest courses of action that contradict each other? What is the relationship between our personal value system and the social and professional organizations of which we are members? We will explore these questions and the relationship between values and daily life.

Elective for Spring 2013

LST 520: Rochester—From Flour to Flower and Beyond
Dr. Marjory Payne
Tuesdays, 6–8:40 p.m.  +3  Saturday field trips
3 Credits

A multi-disciplinary exploration of the geography, history, arts, science, and culture of Rochester from its founding as a flu milling town, through its involvement in slavery, to its waves of immigration, religious revival, industrial and philanthropic initiatives. Course readings will be supplemented by guest speakers, field trips, films, and performances. Students will gain an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of this city, its rich cultural resources, as well as its socio-economic challenges.

Elective for Summer A 2013

LST 533: Contemporary Topics in Ecology
Dr. William Lammela
May 20 - June 27
Tuesday/Thursday, 6–9:30 p.m.
3 credits

Using case studies, we will research, discuss, and critically analyze current environmental issues, including global warming, ozone depletion, and sustainable agriculture.  We will experience first-hand learning during field trips to local problem areas and the field office of the N.Y.S. Department of environmental Conservation.

Also available through the American Studies Program - with permission of the MALS director:
HIS 554: Public History - online + travel

Elective for Summer B 2013

LST 560: A Consuming Passion- Food in America
Dr. Maryellen Potts
June 20 - Aug 13 online (note: 8 week course)
3 credits

An eclectic survey, this on-line course will look at the history of food and our complex American relationship to it through a variety of perspectives, from the culinary to the literary. Students can expect to engage with food and its relationship to gender, race, economics, science, and more.

Capstone Course

LST 600 - Capstone Course
The capstone course allows a student to pursue a substantial project of his or her own design which synthesizes the knowledge and utilizes the skills learned in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program. The final project can take one of many forms, including but not limited to an original work, an extensive research project, an exhibition or performance. In the design and construction phase of their project, students work closely with one chosen faculty mentor and with the director of the MALS program. All students involved in the semester's capstone course will meet periodically as a community of learners to discuss their work and the issues surrounding its design and completion.

View Recent Capstone Theses and Projects.