General Studies The General Studies program gives breadth as well as depth to a college education. It provides students with opportunities to see the broad view of human civilization, experience great ideas and art and learn the science and math skills that no contemporary leader or individual thinker can be without. Through training in writing and other communication skills as well as in learning to work independently, to think critically and constructively, to handle quantitative data, to respect cultures worldwide and to develop habits of responsible leadership, this program develops the whole person. It is a major focus of a college career from beginning to end -- challenging students, preparing them for both leadership and independent thought, and, most of all, deepening and enriching their lives. GST 110. THE GLOBAL EXPERIENCE 4 sh This first-year seminar examines public responsibility in a global context. It explores some of the implications created by cultural and natural diversity and the possibilities for human communication and cooperation within this diversity.The course emphasizes student and faculty creativity through active and collaborative learning; the seminar is writing intensive. First-year students only. Offered fall and spring. GST 281. THE LIBERAL ARTS FORUM 2 sh Students will work with the Forum, a student-run and SGA-funded organization, to select speakers, host their visits and prepare for conversations with them through reading, writing papers, making presentation and joining discussions. Offered fall. GST 282. LIBERAL ARTS FORUM 2 sh See description for GST 281. Offered spring. GST 300-499. ADVANCED INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINARS These seminars are the capstone of the General Studies Program. Students work with faculty to examine an issue or topic from multiple viewpoints.The subjects of these seminars are chosen by individual faculty members and vary from semester to semester. More than 25 different topics are offered each academic year.The diverse topics reflect the expertise and interests of faculty from across the campus, and allow students a wide range of choices.These courses require advanced critical thinking skills: students must weigh multiple opinions, evaluate theoretical and ethical positions and define and defend their own personal standpoints.Taken in the junior or senior year, these seminars are writing intensive, requiring students to write frequently and in a variety of ways. Prerequisite: successful completion of sophomore writing test. Selected recent seminars These topics may, or may not, be offered in the future. GST 338. AMERICAN ADOLESCENCE 4 sh This interdisciplinary seminar explores the male and female experience of coming of age in America. We will study major psychological and sociological theories of adolescence and examine how the transition from childhood to adult life is represented in literature and film. Counts toward the Women's/Gender Studies minor. GST 346. CHILDBIRTH 4 sh This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the topic of childbirth from a personal, biomedical, psychosocial, cultural and historical perspective. Students will write a scholarly paper and work in teams to research particular areas related to childbirth. Counts toward the Women's/Gender Studies minor. GST 348. LIFE STORIES 4 sh This course helps students identify the "life stories" they are living. It draws on literary, psychological, religious and philosophical resources. Daily writing assignments from Sam Keen's Your Mythic Journey will culminate in a personal story which remembers the past, reflects on the present, envisions a future, and clarifies personal beliefs and values. Contemporary films such as "A River Runs Through It" and conversations with community partners will serve as additional catalysts for writing one's story. GST 365. QUEST FOR WHOLENESS 4 sh This course is a two-semester mentorship which meets once a week to create a space where learning and life can be integrated from the perspective of the humanities.The work of the year concentrates on the professional and personal, on work and relationships, on inner development and service to others.The inquiry touches all seven domains of life: personal, interpersonal, familial, institutional, cultural, planetary and the encompassing sphere of mystery. GST 369. MEN AND MASCULINITY 4 sh This course will take an in-depth look at how various cultures (Western and non-Western) have defined masculinity. Sources of investigation will include literature, the media and social institutions such as the family, religion, politics, leisure and others. The course will explore how men conceptualize their bodies and spirits, and how they practice relationships with other men, women, parents and progeny. Counts toward the Women's Studies/Gender Studies minor. GST 384. THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION AND FILM 4 sh This course will explore the details of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the way it has been presented in film. Special emphasis will be placed on the study of the assassination as a film genre and any residual effects on the world of motion pictures. GST 401. LATINOS IN THE U.S. 4 sh This course is conducted in Spanish. The diversity of the culture, history and social, economic and political situation of the Latino population in the United States is studied through literature, film, music, current articles on the subject and direct contact with the population when possible. Readings will be assigned in Spanish and English. This course continues to develop students' language skills toward the proficiency goals required of all majors. Prerequisite: successful completion of SPN 310 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with SPN 335. GST 420. SCIENCE & RELIGION: BRIDGING THE GAP 4 sh This seminar is an exploration of the complex and fascinating interplay of these two ways of knowing. We will study the fundamental uncertainties that form borders to the reach of science and seek to build bridges to the realms of religious experience. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING 1 unit The Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) asks students to practice close observation of the world around them and to reflect insightfully on those observations. Exposure to diversity helps students see the interrelationships between academic studies and other experiences. The requirement may be met through one of the following ways: (1) field-based courses: study abroad, internships/co-ops, practicums and student teaching; (2) independent research conducted under the direction of a professor; (3) 40 hours of pre-approved service/volunteer activities (see Kernodle Center for Service Learning); (4) 40 hours of pre-approved leadership activities (see Leadership Development Office); and (5) 40 hours of pre-approved individualized learning activities (see Career Center).