Liberal Studies

LBST 111  (6)  Ways of Knowing I

A team-taught interdisciplinary learning community exploring important works in Western and other traditions before 1800. In small seminars students investigate ideas crucial to contemporary culture and develop essential abilities in writing and critical and creative thinking. LBST 111 and LBST 112 together satisfy the Degree English Requirement. (3:2:1)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.

LBST 112  (6)  Ways of Knowing II

A team-taught interdisciplinary learning community exploring important works in Western and other traditions after 1800. In small seminars students investigate ideas crucial to contemporary culture and develop essential abilities in writing and critical and creative thinking. LBST 111 and LBST 112 together satisfy the Degree English Requirement. (3:2:1)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.

LBST 210  (6)  Modern Culture's Ancient Sources

An exploration of the modern legacy, in Western culture, of ancient Greek, Roman and Biblical poetry, drama, art, philosophy and science. In seminars students and faculty examine classical views of such topics as justice, human nature, war, love, sexuality, faith, and rationality. Contemporary texts may be read for comparison. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 310 or LBST 210. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Second-year standing.

LBST 211  (3)  Ways of Seeing I

An examination of how the arts and sciences use visual observation and interpret visual data and materials, with a theme (distinct from that of LBST 212) such as the human body, life and death, visual rhetoric, science fiction, advertising and media, games and gaming, or film and culture. (1:1:1)

Prerequisite: None.

LBST 212  (3)  Ways of Seeing II

An examination of how the arts and sciences use visual observation and interpret visual data and materials, with a theme (distinct from that of LBST 211) such as the human body, life and death, visual rhetoric, science fiction, advertising and media, games and gaming, or film and culture. (1:1:1)

Prerequisite: None.

LBST 214  (3)  Wonder and the Order of Nature

A discussion-based course focusing on changing conceptions of the natural world and our relation to it in nineteenth-century European thought; Nature becomes inspiration for poets, artists, philosophers, and scientists in their attempts to understand nature, knowledge, and humanity itself. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 314 or LBST 214. (0:3:0)

Prerequisite: None.

LBST 231  (3)  Strangers and Friends in Western Culture

An interdisciplinary exploration, through seminar discussion and experiential learning, of the dualisms of friend and foe, familiar and unfamiliar, host and guest in the European artistic and intellectual tradition. Topics may include the representation of strangers and friends in art and literature; and the nature and ethics of hospitality. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 331 or LBST 231. (0:1.5:1.5)

Prerequisite: A course in Liberal Studies, English, or Philosophy.

LBST 232  (3)  Modernity and Postmodernity

An examination of selected topics in twentieth-century modern and postmodern thought, emphasizing art, science and their interrelationships. Examples include relativity, Western physics and Eastern philosophy, modern and post-modern art, feminist film, and the ethics of reproductive technologies. LBST 232 was formerly called LBST 421; credit will not be granted for both courses. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 332 or LBST 232. (0:3:0)

Prerequisite: None

LBST 290  (3)  Special Topics in Liberal Studies (Abroad) I

Interdisciplinary study, employing seminar-based pedagogy, of art, architecture, literature, music, philosophy and science, treated through exposure to and discussion of key primary works presented in the geographical and historical context of the countries in which they emerged. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.

LBST 291  (3)  Special Topics in Liberal Studies (Abroad) II

A continuation of LBST 290. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: LBST 290.

Co-requisites: LBST 290

LBST 292  (3)  Special Topics in Liberal Studies (Abroad) III

A continuation of LBST 291. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: LBST 291.

Co-requisites: LBST 291

LBST 310  (6)  Modern Culture's Ancient Sources (Advanced)

An advanced exploration of the modern legacy, in Western culture, of ancient Greek, Roman and Biblical poetry, drama, art, philosophy and science. In seminars students and faculty examine classical views of such topics as justice, human nature, war, love, sexuality, faith, rationality. Contemporary texts may be read for comparison. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 210 or LBST 310. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Either: second-year standing including a course in Liberal Studies, Philosophy, or English with a min. "B-"; or third-year standing; or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 311  (3)  Ancient Times, Ancient Ways

A detailed examination of selected topics arising during the period before 300 CE, with special emphasis on art, science and their interrelationships. Examples include Greek music and mathematics, gender in the ancient world, sculpture and conceptions of ideal humanity, and the comparison of Western and other traditions. (0:1.5:1.5)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 314  (3)  Wonder and the Order of Nature (Advanced)

This seminar-based course focuses on Nature as the inspiration for nineteenth-century poets, artists, philosophers, and scientists in their attempts to understand nature, knowledge, and humanity itself. There will be some in-depth examination of an aspect of these orientations to Nature. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 214 or LBST 314. (0:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 320  (6)  Medieval and Renaissance Thought: Imagination, Reason, Faith

An exploration of the rich world of medieval and Renaissance thought and its modern legacy. In seminars students and faculty examine such topics as Dante's poetry, Machiavelli's politics, Hildegard's music, Galileo's science, Descartes' philosophy, and medieval Islamic writing. Contemporary texts may be read for comparison. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Either: second-year standing including a course in Liberal Studies, Philosophy or English with a min. "B-"; or third-year standing; or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 321  (3)  The Emergence of European Culture

A detailed examination of selected topics arising during the period from 300-1700 CE, with special emphasis on art, science and their interrelationships. Examples include Christian mysticism, the Middle Ages in film, early music, the witch craze, Renaissance art and architecture, astronomy and the physics of motion. (0:1.5:1.5)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 322  (3)  Special Topics in Western Culture: The Italian Renaissance I

An interdisciplinary treatment of cultural currents in the Italian renaissance, covering such areas as painting and sculpture, literature, music, political philosophy and science. Normally delivered through the travel study format in Florence, Italy. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 323  (3)  Special Topics in Western Culture: The Italian Renaissance II

A continuation of LBST 322. Normally delivered through the travel study format in Florence, Italy. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: LBST 322 or permission of instructor(s).

Co-requisites: LBST 322 or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 331  (3)  Strangers and Friends in Western Culture (Advanced)

An advanced interdisciplinary exploration, through seminar discussion and experiential learning, of the dualisms of friend and foe, familiar and unfamiliar, host and guest in the European artistic and intellectual tradition. Topics may include the representation of strangers and friends in art and literature; and the nature and ethics of hospitality. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 231 or LBST 331. (0:1.5:1.5)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 332  (3)  Modernity and Postmodernity (Advanced)

An examination of selected topics in twentieth-century modern and postmodern thought, emphasizing art, science and their interrelationships (from cultural relativism, to modern and postmodern art, to physics and Eastern mysticism) with focused in-depth treatment of a topic. LBST 332 was formerly called LBST 421; credit will not be granted for both courses. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 232 or LBST 332. (0:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 390  (3)  Advanced Special Topics in Liberal Studies (Abroad) I

Advanced, seminar-based, interdisciplinary study of primary works of art, architecture, literature, music, philosophy and science, presented in the geographical and historical context of the countries in which they emerged. Where possible, students facilitate LBST 290 tutorials. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 391  (3)  Advanced Special Topics in Liberal Studies (Abroad) II

A continuation of LBST 390. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: LBST 390.

Co-requisites: LBST 390.

LBST 392  (3)  Advanced Special Topics in Liberal Studies (Abroad) III

A continuation of LBST 391. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: LBST 391.

Co-requisites: LBST 391.

LBST 400  (6)  Senior Project in Liberal Studies

Students write a thesis on a topic approved by a supervisory committee. The Fall semester involves directed reading, preparation, peer discussion and approval of outlines and preliminary writing. The bulk of the writing takes place during the Spring semester, the thesis being presented at the Spring Conference. (0:1:0 for 30 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to Liberal Studies major program (this requires third year standing, with 6 credits in English or equivalent and min. GPA of "C" over the last 24 credits attempted), and completion of LBST 320 or permission of instructor(s); Co-requisite: LBST 410 and 420 or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 410  (6)  The Enlightenment and Its Aftermath

Critical exploration of influential ideas in Western art, literature, philosophy, science, music and politics from 1700 to 1900 CE. Through seminar discussion of key works by Enlightenment, Neo-Classical and Romantic thinkers, students investigate such issues as revolutionary politics, human rights and women's rights, biological and social evolution, empire and colonialism. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 430 or LBST 410. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third year standing or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 411  (3)  Age of Reason, Age of Empire

A detailed examination of selected topics arising during the period from 1700-1900 CE, with special emphasis on art, science and their interrelationships. Examples include evolutionary biology, the emergence of geology, liberal politics and socialism, Wagnerian opera, Impressionism in art, and Forbidden Knowledge from Prometheus to Pornography. (0:1.5:1.5)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 412  (3)  Special Topics in Western Culture: Victorian England

An interdisciplinary treatment of cultural currents in the Victorian period in England, covering such areas as visual art, literature, music, social and political philosophy and natural science. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format in England. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 420  (6)  The Modern Experience and Beyond

Critical exploration of influential ideas in Western art, literature, philosophy, science, music and politics since 1900. Through seminar discussion of key works by important modern thinkers, students investigate issues revealing radical shifts towards contemporary cultural perspectives, including individual alienation, the problem of meaninglessness, feminist consciousness, and modernity and its discontents. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 440 or LBST 420. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 421  (3)  Modernity and Postmodernity

Detailed examination of selected topics arising during the twentieth century, with special emphasis on art, science and their interrelationships. Examples include relativity, Western physics and Eastern philosophy, modern and post-modern art, Canadian women writers, feminist film, contemporary music, political anarchism and the ethics of reproductive technologies. (0:1.5:1.5)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 422  (3)  Special Topics in Western Culture: Bloomsbury

An interdisciplinary treatment of the impact of the Bloomsbury group on twentieth century modernism in England, covering such areas as visual art, literature, social thought, music and philosophy. Normally delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format in England. (2.5:5:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of instructor(s).

LBST 430  (6)  Modern Western Culture I

An interdisciplinary, seminar-based exploration of the Western tradition, sharing curriculum and classes with LBST 410. Intended for those desiring an elective in Liberal Studies, this course does not count towards the Liberal Studies Major or Minor requirements. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 410 or LBST 430. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 440  (6)  Modern Western Culture II

An interdisciplinary, seminar-based exploration of the Western tradition, sharing curriculum and classes with LBST 420. Intended for students desiring an elective in Liberal Studies, this course does not count towards the Liberal Studies Major or Minor requirements. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 420 or LBST 440. (3:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 442  (3)  Great Minds, Great Ideas

An exploration of the achievements and legacy of an important thinker, artist or scientist who has made creative, revolutionary and lasting contributions to human understanding. Examples include Aristotle, Confucius, Aquinas, Ibn Rushd, Hildegard, Dante, da Vinci, Newton, Kant, Austen, Marx, Darwin, Eliot, Woolf, Einstein, Gandhi, Wittgenstein, de Beauvoir and Foucault. (0:3:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LBST 490  (3)  Directed Study in Liberal Studies I

Supervised individual or small group work on specific topics. Students will agree with a faculty member on materials and assignments, and meet regularly in seminars to discuss progress. Arrangements are subject to approval by the faculty supervisor, department Chair and dean. Delivered through the Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (1:0:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of instructor.

LBST 491  (3)  Directed Study in Liberal Studies II

Supervised individual or small group work on specific topics. Students will agree with a faculty member on materials and assignments, and meet regularly in seminars to discuss progress. Arrangements are subject to approval by the faculty supervisor, department Chair and dean. Delivered through Liberal Studies Abroad travel study format. (1:0:0 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: LBST 490.