Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) Program in Community Leadership

Course Descriptions

COR 510: Moral Leadership (3 credits)
This course introduces students to a philosophy of education that provides the skills necessary to assume a prominent place in shaping the vision, mission and activities of their employers and professions. This course is also designed to help students study the importance of systematic reform of political, economic and social services, in remedying the problems that plague urban school systems, social services and society generally. It also helps them understand the importance of openness to new analyses and strategies for change in addressing social problems.

COR 600: Organizational and Professional Ethics (3 credits)
This course explores the ethical dilemmas faced by leaders in nonprofit organizations, business, education, and other professions. It examines the concept of professional ethics applied to an organizational structure. Ethical theories and organizational decision making strategies are discussed. Students are challenged to process ethical dilemmas through thought and actions that promote socially responsible professional behavior, social justice, and the human dignity of each individual involved. Students participate in experiential exercises and analyze case studies to apply theories and concepts to real world situations. (To be taken with the final 12 credits.)

LAS 542: Cultural Studies & Heritage Conservation (3 credits)
This course examines the multiplicity of cultures and perspectives in America as they relate to stewardship for cultural conservation on a local, national, and global scale. Cultural heritage includes languages, artifacts and materials, places, spaces, traditions, rituals, and anything significant enough for individuals to consider its management, preservation, and accessibility.  

LAS 555: Policy & Policy Analysis (3 credits)
This course investigates the political and ideological factors of policy development, implementation and evaluation.  Topics include institutional and political influences, social benefits and costs, intended versus unintended consequences, and other issues.

LAS 590: Special Topics (3 credits)
Applicable courses of special interest may be offered on a semester-by-semester basis.

LAS 603: Culture, Ecology, & Religion (3 credits)
This course explores various religious perspectives on the meaning and value of the natural world and the relationship of human beings to nature. A consideration of the connection between the natural and the sacred in selected traditions such as Native-American religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judeo-Christian traditions, eco-feminism, and deep ecology.

LAS 613: Social Justice & Ethics (3 credits)
This course explores political, sociological, and ethical perspectives of justice and social change. Topics include class, gender, race, and other differences as they relate to equality, power, privilege, social stratification, etc.

LAS 620: Cross-Cultural Conflicts in our Communities (3 credits)
This course examines the cultural, social, economic, and political forces that underlie conflicts in our communities. Exploring the impact of gender, racial, ethnic and linguistic diversity serves as a starting point for mediating these conflicts. Topics such as violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and discrimination are discussed. Strategies for improving relationships and developing partnerships with parents, citizens, and business and community leaders are explored.

LAS 638: Sustaining Our Environment (3 credits)
This course examines the interconnections between the natural and man made worlds, and the roles played by humans in designing, constructing, and/or managing natural and built environments.

LAS 679: Independent Research (3 credits)
Students will coordinate with their advisor to choose a topic, research and complete a culminating paper. (This course may be taken alone or as a prerequisite to LAS 680. LAS 679 may be taken twice if research topics differ sufficiently for each course section. LAS 679 should not be completed until a majority of coursework has been completed.) 

LAS 680: Thesis (3 credits)
Completing an in-depth study of a topic of interest expands understanding of the process of conducting research at the graduate level. An interdisciplinary team of faculty provides opportunities to share and critique findings. A formal presentation of the thesis is the culminating activity for this project. Written approval of the research director or adviser and of the Dean is required. Prerequisite: LAS 679. (LAS 680 should not be completed until a majority of coursework has been completed.) 

LAS 690: Special Topics (3 credits)
Applicable courses of special interest may be offered on a semester-by-semester basis.

LAS 670: Seminar with Supervised Field Experience in Community Service (6 credits)
The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to design, implement and present outcomes of a major project (service or research) to make a community more sustainable. The project requires students to apply knowledge acquired in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program with their professional and/or life skills. Projects should yield significant outcomes with a final presentation of the highest quality for a public presentation.