PDF reflects print version of the catalogue (beginning to East Asian Languages and Cultures)Liberal Studies
Office of Advanced and Professional Programs
Mark Taper Hall 355
(213) 740-1349
FAX: (213) 740-5002
Email: mls@college.usc.edu
www.usc.edu/college/mls
Director: Susan H. Kamei, Associate Dean of Advanced and Professional Programs
Faculty
Professor: William G. Thalmann, Ph.D.*Research Assistant Professor: Travis Longcore, Ph.D.
Lecturer: Tok Thompson, Ph.D.
Master of Liberal Studies
A multidisciplinary degree program, the Master of Liberal Studies (M.L.S.) is designed for motivated, college-educated individuals who wish to further their intellectual growth and pursue graduate work part-time in the evenings.The program centers on the major forces that are revolutionizing the way we conduct our professional lives, rather than on the individual liberal arts disciplines. In this way, subjects covered in the program's courses have immediate relevance to the problems and challenges of contemporary society. In particular, the program emphasizes some of the most fundamental dynamics shaping the contemporary world: urbanization and globalization, changing cultural landscape, and technological and environmental transformations.
The M.L.S. is a year-round program consisting of nine 3-unit courses. The degree requires an introductory course and a summative project. Seven elective courses are chosen in consultation with the student's advisor and/or M.L.S. program director.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is based upon possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. When possible, interviews will be conducted with applicants. Two letters of recommendation, a writing sample and a personal statement of purpose are required.
Degree Requirements
Course and Summative Project Requirements
Nine courses (27 units), including the introductory interdisciplinary research course, LBST 500 (3 units), and the summative project, LBST 585 (3 units), are required.Courses of Instruction
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
Master of Liberal Studies (LBST)
LBST 500 Introduction to Liberal Studies: Methods of Knowing (3, FaSpSm) Introduction to research methods in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences; then methods for applied interdisciplinary research. Graded CR/NC.
LBST 510 Cities and Globalization (3, FaSp) Contemporary urban theory and comparative urban analysis. Emphasis on the role of globalization in shaping urban form and problems. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 512 Language in a Globalizing World (3, FaSp) Examination of the relationship between language and geopolitical change, endangered and minority languages, and the public policy implications of multilingualism and multiculturalism. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 514 Ideas of Nature in American Culture (3, FaSpSm) Examination of how Americans have used nature to think about themselves, environmentalism, American identity, gender/class relations, the American West, and the mythology of Los Angeles. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 520 Tradition and the Modern World: A Focus on Ireland (3, FaSpSm) Studies the continuing interplays between tradition and novelty; between locale and globalization; and between heritage and post modernity with a focus on Ireland. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 540 Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise: Dante's Divine Comedy (3, FaSpSm) In-depth reading and analysis of Divine Comedy, in order to develop appreciation for changing values from medieval, to Renaissance and contemporary culture. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 542 The Culture of Comedy (3, FaSp) Historical and synchronic ideas of comedy. Ways in which philosophers, artists, and everyday individuals adapt in our ever-changing world. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 544 Representations of Los Angeles (3, max 9, FaSp) Study of literary, artistic and/or dramatic expressions of Los Angeles and its inhabitants in modern and historical literature, art, photography, film, television, and architecture. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 570 Ecology of Night (3, FaSpSm) Explore the world of night. Human perception of the stars and the role of night in history. Impact of artificial lighting on non-human species and habitat. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 571 Food, Fashion and Furniture: Commodities in the Global Economy (3, FaSpSm) Analysis of commodities from origin to consumption illustrates the global impact of everyday choices. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 572 Controversies in Science, Medicine and Ethics (3, FaSp) Focus on how scientific developments drive ethical issues in medicine. Exploration of ethical dimensions of issues such as stem cells, genetic engineering and reproductive technology. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 574 Advances in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (3, FaSp) How DNA directs an organism's development and how our DNA can be "read" to understand human diversity, diseases, defects, and evolution. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 585abz Master's Project (3-3-0, FaSpSm) A summative research project completed in consultation with the student's committee. Departmental approval. Graded IP/CR/NC.
LBST 590 Directed Research (1-12) Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Prerequisite: LBST 500.
LBST 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Current issues, trends, and developments in liberal studies. Prerequisite: LBST 500.