Liberal Studies Department
Undergraduate course Descriptions
Communications
CO 100 Fundamentals of Communication (4)
Speech Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Processes, Public Speaking. Introductory courses in communication that provide students with an understanding and appreciation of basic cognitive, linguistic, and sociocultural foundations of human communication processes in various contexts: interpersonal, small groups, public speaking. This class emphasizes the practice and improvement of students’ communication skills. Satisfies Speech Communication GUR.
CO 204 Print Journalism (4)
Introduction to the craft and practice of print journalism. Opportunities for publication will include the APU Journal. Prerequisite: LL 101.
Cultural Studies
CS 201 Introduction to Cultural Studies (4)
Women’s Studies, Hipsters, Hucksters, Hopefiends, and H-Bombs, Selected Topics. Examination of culture as a field of mediation between people’s everyday lives and the broad structures of the whole society, drawing from the disciplines of communication studies, literary criticism, anthropology, sociology, cultural history, women’s studies, political economy, and others.
CS 301 Advanced Cultural Studies (4)
Popular Culture, Body Image, Mass Media and Society, Women’s Studies, Selected Topics. Focus on particular topics in cultural studies drawing on work from the areas of communication, literary criticism, anthropology, sociology, historical and women’s studies, and political economy.
CS 427 History and Culture of Alaska Natives (3)
A survey of Aleut, Yup’ik and Inupiat Eskimo, Athabascan, and southeastern peoples and cultures. Entrance into Alaska, prehistory, and traditional adaptations including economic, social, and ideological components. Historic contact, culture change, contemporary position, and ongoing concerns are also examined.
Fine & Performing Arts
FP 100 Introduction to Fine Arts (2)
University Ensemble, Piano, Dance, Studio Arts, Acting, Photography, Guitar, Voice, Selected Topics. Students engage in activities customarily associated with the practice of the particular art being offered in the menu. Through direct experience, students are expected to develop aesthetic sensibility as well as some technical proficiency.
FP 300 Advanced Studies in Fine Arts (2-4)
Native Dance, Jazz Studio, Studio Arts, Guitar, Piano, Voice, Portrait /Nature Photography, Selected topics. Students will engage in the advanced practice of the particular art being offered in the menu. Through direct experience, students will continue to develop their aesthetic sensibilities and technical proficiencies.
General Studies
GS 100 Computer Applications (2)
Introduction to computers for the novice. Prepares the student for the many courses that require computing skills to complete assignments.
GS 101 Working with Students in Residence Halls (1)
Introduction to Student Development theory with major emphasis on residence life community and the role of the Resident Advisor. Required for students interested in becoming Resident Advisors.
GS 102 Fitness for Life (2)
Students learn the basics of exercise physiology, cardiovascular and muscular conditioning, diet, nutrition and weight control, health risk factors, and stress management. Emphasis is on self-evaluation and personalized program planning to maintain fitness throughout life.
GS 132 Orientation: Introduction to Active Learning (4)
Introduces first year students to APU’s educational philosophy. Focuses on topics central to the definition and understanding of the self. Through regular reading assignments in primary texts, the writing of papers, and classroom discussion, students are challenged to explore their own ideas and assumptions. Begins the portfolio process.
GS 133 Critical Thinking (3-4)
Develops and sharpens the specific analytical thought tools that are used in all academic disciplines, beginning with reading skills. Recognition of argument forms and reasoning methods, and the ability to use these constructively, will be practiced in written and verbal dialogue.
GS 135 Self & Society in Context: A Quest for Wisdom (4)
This course provides an experience of the ideal of holistic learning. Through immersion in rich texts and activities, the dialectic and passion of interdisciplinary scholarship is fostered. The goal is to provide a model of inquiry for students in quest of knowledge and wisdom, and to further empower them as active learners.
GS 205 Portfolio Development: Initial documentation (1)
Preparation of a resume, autobiography, goals statements, and educational plan. Optional class for students who are preparing the portfolio for junior year review. Required for students who wish to apply for Assessment for Credit of Prior Learning. Initial steps of both processes are identical. CR/NC grades only.
GS 206 Portfolio Development: The Competencies (1)
Students developing their portfolios for junior year review by departments will receive guidance in addressing each of the GUR competencies, preparing essay (or other) responses, and selecting appropriate documentation. They will also address the major competencies and update their own educational plan. When each of these has been addressed, the portfolio will be forwarded to the respective major departments. CR/NC grades only.
GS 207 Portfolio Development: Assessment for Credit of Prior Learning (1)
For students who want to apply for assessment for credit of prior learning with respect to one or more specific course(s). Assistance in how to demonstrate and document mastery of the objectives and competencies expected in specific courses as laid out in their syllabi. Students receive credit for this module upon completing the process of assembling materials for at least one course. CR/NC grades only.
GS 301 Internet Academic Research (4)
Techniques of academic research on the Internet. Exploration of E-mail, PPP sites, Telnet resources, Usenet groups, and www. Prerequisites: Basic computer knowledge and Internet access. CR/NC grades only.
History
HI 201 Introduction to Historical Studies (4)
World History I, World History II, U.S. Government, History of Alaska, Selected topics. Introductory courses that provide the foundations for understanding the evolution of cultures, societies, politics, and economies. Through readings and projects, these courses develop awareness of the past, of causes and effects, and of alternative interpretations. Satisfies Humanities GUR.
HI 301 Advanced Studies in History (4)
Selected Topics in U.S. History, Selected Topics in World History, Environmental History, Public History Research. In-depth courses, either focusing on particular areas of the world (Latin America, Modern Europe, China) or with certain topics (U.S. and Vietnam, Radical Politics in the U.S., Ancient Greece/Rome, Ethnohistory). Projects will emphasize critical/analytical thinking and historical research methods. Some classes may require prerequisites.
Humanities
HU 100 Introduction to the Humanities (4)
Music History, Theater, Music Theory for non-majors, Art History, Selected Topics. Examines notable examples in the development of one of the arts. Basic structural elements of the art and a study of factors, cultural and historical, which have influenced the development of the form. Satisfies Humanities GUR.
HU 300 Advanced studies in Humanities (4)
Post-Modern Philosophers, The Beat Generation, The History of Jazz, The Surrealists, Elders Ways of Knowing, Poetry & Philosophy of German Romanticism, Selected topics. Advanced or specialized studies in one or more of the following areas: Philosophy, Theatre, Music, Art, Cultural History; Literature in combination with one or more areas; Religion in combination with one or more areas.
Language & Literature
LL 098 Basic Language Skills (4)
Extensive practice with the basics of English vocabulary, spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation, and sentence development. Introduction to pre-writing techniques and paragraph development. Some time will be devoted to practice with reading college level tests. Placement by examination. Credit may not be applied toward a certificate or degree program.
LL 100 Basic Writing (4)
Practice in composing expository essays using a variety of modes with attention to process: pre-writing, composing, revising, and editing. Emphasis on writing as a way of learning. Selected readings in nonfiction. Prerequisite: LL 098 or placement by examination.
LL 101 Argumentative Writing (4)
Communication approach to writing which focuses on logically defining and supporting a thesis according to structures of argumentation. Introduction to library research/term paper style format as a way of providing support. Selected readings in nonfiction. Prerequisites: LL 100 or placement by examination.
LL 113 Yup’ik I (4)
Introduction to Yup’ik with emphasis on basic conversation, sounds of the language, the writing of the system, and basic grammatical analysis.
LL 114 Yup’ik II (4)
Continuation of Yup’ik I.
LL 119 Chinese I (4)
Introduction to reading and writing of contemporary Chinese with standard Mandarin pronunciation, with an emphasis on conversational skills in most useful situations while learning grammar, sentence structures, etc.
LL 120 Chinese II (4)
An extension to Chinese I with more emphasis on sentence structures. Continuing to strengthen conversational skills in more complicated situations. More characters will be introduced and vocabulary enlarged.
LL 131, 132 Japanese I, II (4, 4)
Introduction to contemporary Japanese with an emphasis on basic conversation, sounds of the language, the writing system, and basic grammatical analysis.
LL 141, 142 French I, II (4, 4)
Conversational French with an introduction to grammatical structures, reading, and writing.
LL 151, 152 Russian I, II (4, 4)
Introduction to spoken Russian with grammar study and an understanding of the Cyrillic alphabet for reading and writing.
LL 161, 162 Spanish I, II (4, 4)
Focus on oral Spanish with grammatical foundations and practice in reading and writing.
LL 171 American Sign Language I (4)
An introduction to American Sign Language that provides students with the foundation for understanding the development of ASL as a culture as well as a form of communication. Students will learn the basic signs and forms of ASL, when and where to use these forms and why.
LL 201 Writing for Discourse Communities (4)
Introduction to a variety of discourse communities and their respective codes and conventions, with intensive work in a selected area. Development of a personal bibliography which becomes the basis of the student’s reading and research and provides a model for essays. Rhetorical analyses of texts. Documented research project required. Prerequisites: LL 101 or placement by examination.
Ll 202 Introduction to Creative Writing (4)
Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Drama, Film, Selected topics. Investigation and practice of the genres, forms and techniques of imaginative writing. Examination of important work by writers practicing in the major genres. Relationship between writing and publishing.
LL 203 Business and Technical Writing (4)
Study of the principles of written communication in general business and professional activities, and practice in the preparation of such documents as abstracts, proposals, reports, and correspondence. Research paper required.
LL 206 Introduction to Literature and Language (4)
World Literature, Myth and Folklore, Poetry, Epic, Short Story, American Literature, Novel, Selected topics. Examination of works of literature with attention to various genres as well as literary techniques, relevant social/cultural contexts, and prominent critical theories.
LL 231, 232 Japanese III, IV (4,4)
A continuation of LL 132 at a more advanced level. Oral practice and additional work in reading and writing. Prerequisite: LL 132. Offered as needed.
LL 241, 242 French III, IV (4,4)
A continuation of LL 142 at a more advanced level. Intensive practice in conversation and oral presentations and in longer reading and writing assignments. Prerequisite: LL 142. Offered as needed.
LL 251, 252 Russian III, IV (4,4)
A continuation of LL 152 at a more advanced level. Oral practice and additional work in reading and writing. Prerequisite: LL 152. Offered as needed.
LL 261, 262 Spanish III, IV (4,4)
A continuation of LL 162 at a more advanced level. Practice in oral use of language and the introduction of readings from modern standard authors. Prerequisite: LL 162. Offered as needed.
English Language Instruction
Some English Language Instruction (ELI) courses are offered on an "as needed" basis for international students requiring additional English language proficiency. These courses cover conversation and speaking skills, listening and pronunciation, reading, grammar, and writing. Most of the courses are numbered 70 through 99 and do not count toward a degree. The courses are not listed in published course schedules, as they are available only to those international students whose test results indicate additional skills are required.
LL 302 Advanced Creative Writing (4)
Fiction, Drama, Non-Fiction, Film, Poetry, Selected topics. Investigation and practice at an advanced level of the genres, forms and techniques of imaginative writing: a major project, such as a chapter, book-length collection of poems, a one-act play, etc. Works by established or experimental writers in the genres will be examined, including their writings about the creative process itself. Student writing projects will be completed with publication in mind.
LL 406 Advanced Studies in Literature and Language (4)
Major Authors, Area Literature, Period Literature, Linguistics, Selected topics. Advanced studies in literature are grounded in critical theory and cultural and historical contexts. Studies of language rely on current theories in the field.
Liberal Studies
LS 201 Liberal Studies Seminar I: Ways of Knowing (4)
The sophomore seminar for the Liberal Studies Department is designed for Liberal Studies Majors (but is open for all students) to introduce them to "ways of knowing" in the academy, focusing on social scientific thought, the humanities, and the arts. Students design a project, which establishes connections, theory, and practice outside the classroom.
LS 202 Liberal Studies Seminar II: Introduction to Humanities (4)
How the various disciplines which constitute the humanities relate to one another and larger issues of human concern, critical theories that affect how we regard these areas. Direct experience with elements of cultures, including music, art, literature, drama; reflection on the relevance of such direct knowledge in relation to problems that humans continue to face. Requirement for Liberal Studies majors.
LS 203 Liberal Studies Seminar III: Introduction to Social Sciences (4)
Survey of the history, development, and relationships between the social sciences, including anthropology, communication, linguistics, history, political science, and psychology. Methodologies of social science research. Exploration of at least one discipline in greater depth. Requirement for Liberal Studies majors.
LS 204 Liberal Studies travel course (2-4)
Designed to provide an opportunity to enhance course work for lower division students in the Humanities and Social Sciences with travel to relevant locations in Alaska, in the lower 48, and internationally. Examples of Liberal Studies Travel courses include: A Land Called Holy (travel to Israel), Screenwriting (travel to Hollywood, CA), Where’s Arthur? (Travel to Britain), and Classical and Catholic Rome.
LS 280, 380, 480 Directed Study (1-4)
Individual study under the guidance of a faculty member (by permission only).
LS 385 Junior Practicum (3-12)
Practical work experience in an area related to the concentration under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor.
LS 401 Directed Studies Seminar (1-4)
Guided study of a topic (or topics) in the humanities or social sciences in a group seminar format.
LS 402 Liberal Studies travel course (2-4)
Designed to provide an opportunity to enhance course work for upper division students in the Humanities and Social Sciences with travel to relevant locations in Alaska, in the lower 48, and internationally. Examples of Liberal Studies Travel courses include: A Land Called Holy (travel to Israel), Screenwriting (travel to Hollywood, CA), Where’s Arthur? (Travel to Britain), and Classical and Catholic Rome.
LS 499 Senior Project (12)
Students draw on interest and previous learning to create a product that caps their APU experience. May range from an academic paper to a film, collection of creative writings, etc. Students will work with one or more Liberal Studies faculty members, as well as others inside or outside the university community.
Philosophy
PH 201 Introduction to Philosophy (4)
Introduction to basic elements of philosophy, its history, foundational principles, theoretical and practical issues in the field of philosophy.
PH 202 Introduction to Ethics (4)
This course will be an introduction to the theoretical and practical issues in the field of philosophical ethics. Satisfies Ethics and Religious Values GUR.
Religious Studies
RS 105 Introduction to Catholic Studies (I, II, III – 1 credit each)
These courses provide a foundational survey of Roman Catholic beliefs and practices. They represent a series of interrelated five to six-week one-credit courses over three sessions. They will survey the Catholic Understandings of God, the bible, the church, Mary, the saints, liturgy, sacraments, devotions as well as Catholic teachings pertaining to personal, social and ecological morality, and other issues. Each course will not presume that anyone has taken others. Students interested in completing all three courses may begin this series at any point. One course will be offered during each Fall; another, each Spring.
RS 201 Topics in Religion (4)
World Religions, Spiritual Environment. The courses listed under this menu provide introductions to the spiritual traditions of the world. Active learning projects are incorporated into the course requirements. Students are encouraged to explore how these traditions influence political, economic, cultural and social forces in the contemporary world. (formerly listed as ER 201). Satisfies Ethics and Religious Values GUR.
RS 301 Advanced Studies in Religion (1-4)
Biblical Ethics, Biblical Studies, Christianity, Judaism, Jesus: The Historical Person and Christological Reflection, North American Religious History, Jewish Christian Dispute and Dialogue. These courses examine fundamental texts, history and past and/or present concerns in religious experience, interpretation or speculative thought. Each course will introduce students to the theoretical approaches, forms of critical analysis, and research methods of their respective content. The courses will engage students with basic critical techniques and provide opportunities to explore relevant examples in the national and local believing and scholarly communities. Specific topics with course description will be printed in class schedules for the term in which the course is offered. (Formerly listed as ER391 and ER 301)
RS 303 Advanced Topics in Biblical Studies (1-4)
These offerings provide advanced study of one or more biblical texts. These courses generally presume that students have already taken one of the following or similar courses: ER 301: Biblical Studies or Introduction to the Old Testament or Introduction to the New Testament. Specific course descriptions will be printed in class schedules for the term in which the course is offered. (formally listed as ER 303)
RS 305 Advanced Catholic Studies (2-4)
American Catholic History, Catholic Theology and Practice, Catholic Witness in Alaska, Church East and West, Reformations, Vatican II and Beyond. These offerings provided by the Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology examine history, doctrines, beliefs, practices and expressions of Catholicism. Some courses give special attention to the American Catholic experience. Others will focus on individual thinkers or defining moments in church history. (formerly listed as ER 305)
Social Sciences
SS 105 Introduction to Social Sciences (4)
Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Social Psychology. Survey course introducing the study of the social sciences — those disciplines that deal with all aspects of the group life of human beings and that represent an extensive body of theory about the nature, growth, and function of human societies. Satisfies Social/Behavioral Science GUR.
SS 305 Advanced Studies in Social Sciences: Selected Topics (4)
In-depth study of topics in the various social sciences. Methodologies used for quantitative and qualitative research are practiced in research projects.
