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CLA Learning Communities - 2008

 

Social Issues, Social Change

Sociology is the study of group life and those parts of our individual lives that are affected by social interaction. This community explores sociology from two different perspectives - from current trends in U.S. family structure to the social origins of jazz, the great American art form.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

10:00-10:50, MWF

Soc 1201 Sociology of the Family (3)

9:30-10:45, TTh

Mu 1005 Jazz Studies (3)

12:00-12:50, MWF

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (4-6)

Soc 1201 Sociology of the Family: The family as a basic social institution: similarities and variations in family systems, their interrelationships with other institutions, and patterns of continuity and change.

Mu 1005 Jazz Studies: Evolution of jazz; social problems in America that fostered its origin and continues to shape its development.

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American Society

The presidential candidacies of Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama remind us that for many race and gender remain dividing rods in American society. This set of courses will provide an opportunity to relate current events to trends in society and the diverse experiences of Americans.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

11:00-11:50, MWF

Soc 1101 Introduction to Sociology (4)

10:00-10:50 , MTWTh

Educ 1100 Human Diversity (3)

or

WS 1000 Introduction to Women’s Studies (3)

11:00-12:50, Th

 

2:00-3:15, TTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (3-5)

SOC 1101  Introduction to Sociology: Introduction to sociological concepts and their application.

EDUC 1100  Human Diversity: Cultural, physical, socially constructed, and psychological differences in people. Social, political, and economic implications of human diversity in modern society. Practicum in community agency.

WS 1000 Introduction to Women’s Studies : Women's studies as an interdisciplinary field of study; overview of the many issues related to current and changing role and status of women. International perspectives.

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Global Awareness

Today’s college graduates are expected to be aware of the interrelationships of cultural groups and individuals across the globe. Explore the geographical patterns that influence our lives and the interconnections between geography, culture and human behavior. Whether you are interested in the fields of anthropology, geography, or environmental studies or simply want to increase your global awareness, this community is an excellent choice.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

8:00-9:15, TTh

Geog 1202 World Regional Geography (3)

9:00-9:50, MWF

Anth 1604 Cultural Anthropology (4)

11:00-12:50, TTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (3-5)

Geog 1202 World Regional Geography: Geography of human groups in diverse settings. Emphasis on cultural diversity, regional development, and human and environmental forces shaping regional patterns and processes. Geographic analysis of selected regions and countries.

Anth 1604 Cultural Anthropology: Introduction to representative cultures of the world and to concepts and methods of cultural anthropology, focusing on range of variation and degree of uniformity in human behavior and in cultural adaptations.

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The Great Debaters

Words are powerful. They inspire action, sway opinion, and create controversy. This community provides an opportunity to hone your own oratory skills while being exposed to some philosophical masters of debate. A great selection for students interested in communication, law or business or for any student who wants to challenge her/himself to explore multiple points of view.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

11:00-11:50, MWF

Phil 1001 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

1:00-1:50 MWF

Comm 1112 Public Speaking (3)

11:00-12:15 , TTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (4-6)

Comm 1112 Public Speaking: Application of the theoretical bases of rhetoric to the public speaking situation.

PHIL 1001 Introduction to Philosophy: Introduction to philosophical heritage through examination of several classic philosophical problems such as the existence of God, nature of knowledge, free will versus determinism, and the relation of mind to body.

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Communication & Culture

iPods, Oprah, and TV poker - cultural studies is a fascinating, interdisciplinary field that examines the things we use and the people we talk about. This community provides an engaging combination that will increase your awareness of how you communicate with others and examine what popular culture communicates about us.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

1:00-1:50, MWF

Comm 1222 Interpersonal Communication (3)

11:00-11:50, MWF

Cst 1101 Introduction to Cultural Studies (4)

10:00-11:50, TTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (3-5)

Comm 1222 Interpersonal Communication: Analysis of the role communication plays in interpersonal relationships.

CSt 1101 Introduction to Cultural Studies: Examines how cultural practices relate to everyday life by introducing students to each of the four core areas of the Cultural Studies minor: Identity Politics, Media Cultures, Cultures of Space & Place, and Cultures of Science, Technology, & Medicine.

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Place, Space and Grace

Education is a powerful tool in bridging gaps between groups of people. Here’s the first of many opportunities you will have to increase your understanding of one such gap, namely religion. This community ties together exploration of various world religions with how geographical resources influence the development of human societies and, in turn, belief systems.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

9:30-10:45, TTh

Geog 1304 Human Geography (3)

12:00-12:50, MWF

Phil 1007 Philosophy & World Religions (3)

8:00-9:15, TTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (4-6)

Geog 1304 Human Geography: Ecological basis of human existence. Human population patterns and cultural diffusion. Agricultural geography. Political geography. Geography of language, religion, and ethnic groups. Effects of urbanization; economic geography

PHIL 1007 Philosophy and World Religions: Comparative philosophical examination of teachings and practices of several major world religions selected from ancient polytheism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and various Native American and African religions.

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Law & Society

From best selling mystery novels to top-rated television shows like CSI, people are fascinated with the topics of crime and punishment. Here’s an excellent opportunity to explore the principles of American government and the criminal justice system within the context of broader societal concerns.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

12:00-12:50, MWF

Soc 1301 Introduction to Criminology (4)

12:00-1:50, TTh

Pol 1011 American Government and Politics (3)

2:00-2:50, MWF

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (3-5)

Soc 1301 Introduction to Criminology: Analysis of social justice with emphasis on criminal justice system in United States. Nature and extent of crime; social factors related to criminal behavior.

POL 1011  American Government and Politics: Principles of American national government. Survey of American governmental system, structure, operations, and services; constitutionalism, federalism, civil liberties, parties, pressure groups, and elections.

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On the Road to Enlightenment

Interested in studying abroad within the next few years? A first step in preparing for that experience is to develop a curiosity about different countries and cultures. This community provides an opportunity for you to explore the world through past events and great literary works. Read more about UMD study abroad opportunities at www.d.umn.edu/ieo/.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

2:30-3:15, TTh

Engl 1582 Introduction to World Literatures (3)

3:00-3:50 , MWF

Hist 1207 Dawn of Modern Europe (3)

11:00-11:50, MWF

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (4-6)

Engl 1582 Introduction to World Literatures: Sampling of literary works mainly from Middle East, Africa, Far East, and South America.

Hist 1207 Dawn of Modern Europe: Early history of the modern era: Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Reason, French Revolution and its impact, Napoleonic era.

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Here's looking at you, kid?

Ah, that classic line from the movie Casablanca. It communicated so much in just a few words. Through film, stories are told, places are visited and common experiences are created. This community includes two popular freshman courses which will actively engage you in an interdisciplinary approach to exploring effective communication.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ1120 College Writing (3)

12:00-12:50, MWF

Comm 1000 Human Communication Theory (3)

11:00-11:50, T and

11:00-12:50, Th

Th 1051 Introduction to Film (3)

2:00-3:50, TTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (4-6)

Comm 1000 Human Communication Theory: Introduction to fundamental concepts, models, and theories of human communication. Issues concerning verbal and nonverbal symbolic processes, language and meaning, and the relationship between communication and understanding. Communication processes and problems in various contexts.

Th 1051 Introduction to Film: History and genres of film; how movies are made. Watching and analyzing films and developing an articulate and discerning viewpoint.

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American Media & Literature

Critics have long accused the mass media of "dumbing down" our cultural lives in their appeal to the lowest common denominator. Here’s your opportunity to e xplore whether that premise is true as you also “smarten up” your life through literary analysis of the selected works of some of America’s best writers.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

9:30-10:45, TTh

Comm 1500 Media & Society (3)

8:00-9:15, TTh

Engl 1001 Great American Authors (3)

10:00-10:50, MWF

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

TBD

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (4-6)

Engl 1001 Great American Authors: Introduction to American authors important for their artistic mastery and/or significant role in American literary history.

Comm 1500 Media and Society: Manipulative influence of contemporary media on American society. Examples drawn from campaigns, commercial advertising, and editorials.

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Interpersonal & Societal Relationships

Discover the strategies sociologists use to study the pressures and expectations that grow out of our relationships with other people while honing your own interpersonal skills. This community combines two popular disciplines, communication and sociology, and will provide an engaging introduction to the liberal arts.

Course Title (# of credits)

Time, Days

Writ 1120 College Writing (3)

12:00-12:50, MWF

Comm 1222 Interpersonal Communication (3)

12:30-1:45, TTh

Soc 1101 Introduction to Sociology (4)

10:00-10:50, MTWTh

CLA 1001 LC Integrative Seminar (1)

11:00-11:50, TTh

Choice of additional Liberal Education course(s) (3-5)

Comm 1222 Interpersonal Communication: Analysis of the role communication plays in interpersonal relationships.

SOC 1101 Introduction to Sociology: Introduction to sociological concepts and their application.

Learning Community Reply Form | Printable Learning Communities PDF