MLS 401 | VISIONS OF THE SELF | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A study of the differing visions of the self as presented in significant documents from the history of ideas. Materials selected from classic texts of literature, philosophy, theology, psychology and social science.
MLS 402 | PERCEPTIONS OF REALITY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A survey, beginning with ancient Greece and ending with the modern world, of models of universal order as developed by natural scientists and literary and visual artists.
MLS 403 | THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A chronological and thematic study of the location of self within American culture. Readings chosen to reflect both dominant and dissenting ideas at specific points of American history.
MLS 404 | THE CITY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A topical examination of the urban experience using the methods and sources of both historians and social scientists. Topics include surveys of various images of the city, utopian and dystopian visions, and the uniqueness of the modern city.
MLS 405 | REPRESENTATIONS OF THE BODY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course will examine how the human body, which seems to be a natural, universal fact, is also a deeply cultural symbolic construction whose analysis yields insights into structures of power and consciousness.
MLS 406 | EXPLORING OTHER CULTURES | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Examination of the history, traditions, values and institutions that have shaped the lives of people in another culture. Analysis of the "terms of encounter," that is, the perspectives that students assume as they seek to encounter the "other." Variable topics.
MLS 407 | SELF,CULTURE AND SOCIETY IN CONTEMPORARY JAPAN | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Interdisciplinary examination of the political, economic and social order of contemporary Japan. Relationship of individuals and groups to the social order, as they create the reality of diversity and possibilities for change.
MLS 409 | ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Environment and Society" is a 400-level interdisciplinary core course on the environment. The course might include such topics as cultural diversity in time and place with regard to the human view of the natural world, various approaches to environmental ethics, philosophical and religious influence in conceptions of the earth as environment, the relationship between scientific measurement and the social constructions of the natural world, the science and politics of climate change, race and gender considerations in environmental politics, and environmental consciousness in literature and the arts. The instructor's own disciplinary interests will play a prominent role in the course construction, but the course will draw from the sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. As in all MLS courses, the instructor will use the course assignments to work with students on enhancing graduate-level intellectual skills through reflexive pedagogy.
MLS 419 | CHICAGO: THE 21ST CENTURY | 2 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Chicago: Towards The 21st Century.
MLS 427 | TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Variable topics relating to cross-cultural communication, culture and media, cultural difference in communication, and communication issues in multiculturalism. Consult current course schedule for topic.
MLS 428 | TOPICS IN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Variable topics relating to communication issues in organizational settings, including power, institutional culture and change, training, and multicultural factors. Consult current course schedule for topic.
MLS 440 | FEMINIST THEORIES | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A discussion and assessment of the various theories concerning the place of women in society, including theories that have advocated a more positive role for and valuation of women than those of the dominant society. The course will take both an historical and a topical approach. Cross-listed as WGS 300 and WGS 400.
MLS 441 | WOMEN ACROSS CULTURES | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A critical analysis of the roles of women in societies around the world, with special emphasis on economics, politics, and culture. Focus is on African, Asian and Latin American cultures and non-dominant groups within Western Societies. Topics vary each quarter.
MLS 442 | ETHICS AND THE ECONOMY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course will present the thinking of social scientists, philosophers and theologians on the impact of religious values on the origin and development of American capitalism, and their possible relevance to contemporary discussions of business ethics. Cross-listed as GSB 650.
MLS 443 | WORK, LEISURE AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
The course examines the nature and meaning of work and leisure in Western culture, and the relationship of work and leisure to contemporary issues associated with the concept "Quality of Life''. Cross-listed as SOC 475.
MLS 445 | GENDER AND COMMUNICATION | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A review of the differences in communication patterns between women and men. Topics covered include language and language usage differences, interaction patterns, and perceptions of the sexes generated through language and communication.
MLS 447 | GENDER AND SOCIETY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Attention to the growing literature and empirical research on changing patterns in economic, psychological and social outcomes for women and men. Consideration of various theories of gender differentiation and inequality.
MLS 448 | WORK AND LEISURE IN THE FUTURE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
The latter half of the 20th century has seen great change in the meaning, form and value assigned to work and leisure in society. Many of these changes have come to be characterized as inevitable consequences of life in post-industrial society. This course: 1) seeks to identify the factors that are shaping the future of work and leisure and 2) will explore futuristic scenarios that challenge the position of "work as a central-life meaning.
MLS 449 | TOPICS IN NON-FICTION WRITING | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics addressed in different versions of the course may include writing for magazines, science writing, travel writing, writing in humanities and social science research, etc. Consult current course schedule for topics.
MLS 450 | CHICAGO: ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DEVELOPMENT | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A study of urban architecture in Chicago from 1833 to 1984, including the role of planning, the purpose of open space, the place of tradition, the impact of modern design theories and evaluation of contemporary developments.
MLS 451 | TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics In American Politics.
MLS 452 | BUSINESS, SOCIETY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A study of the basic ideas, aspirations and values which shape personal, social, cultural, economic and environmental systems. We will identify and critique the organizational systems serving society's needs today; specifically how they contribute to---or detract from-- the goals of Sustainable Development, and to identify points of intervention for systemic change.
MLS 453 | POLITICS, MEDIA AND EVERYDAY LIFE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
An examination of various ways in which the mass media influence our perceptions of reality. Political, social and cultural implications of media processes are assessed. Cross-listed as PSC 321.
MLS 455 | COMMUNITY AND THE CITY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
The course explores the possibilities for community life within urban settings. It emphasizes the development of network relations and cross-cutting ties.
MLS 456 | THE USES OF AUT0BIOGRAPHY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Study of selected autobiographical writings to serve as models for self-expression.
MLS 458 | ISLAM AND THE WEST IN THE MODERN WORLD | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
An examination of the economic, cultural and political interactions of Europe and the Islamic World.
MLS 459 | WRITING IN THE PROFESSIONS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Improves writing skills useful in semi- and non-technical professions; emphasis on style, tone, awareness of purpose and audience; effective memo, proposal and report design.
MLS 460 | THE DILEMMA OF THE MODERN AGE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
The crisis of the individual's place in society is exposed through social sciences, philosophy, literature, art and music. The distinctive features of and responses to modern culture-individualism, alienation and depersonalization-are illuminated through multiple perspectives.
MLS 461 | MODERN POETRY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Studies in 20th-century English and American poetry. Cross-listed as ENG 466.
MLS 462 | TOPICS IN BUSINESS ETHICS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Seminar In Business Ethics. Cross-listed as PHL 640 and GSB 640..
MLS 463 | NATIONALISM AND INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course will explore the social origins and development of national identities. How these identities have been manipulated to serve specific competitive interests in the past two hundred years will also be discussed. Cross-listed as PSC 342 & INT 365.
MLS 464 | THE CULTURE OF AMERICAN CATHOLICS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
How has the unique experience of immigration shaped the American Catholic Church from the colonial period to the 21st century? How did the idea of "the Church" as an authoritative hierarchy come about in the mid-20th century, and how has that notion been challenged by immigrant communities, as well as artists and intellectuals? Drawing on the disciplines of history, sociology, anthropology, cultural theory, literature and the arts, this course looks at those who built the Church and those who challenged and changed it. Cross-listed as REL 384 and CTH 384.
MLS 467 | SELECTED TOPICS ON WOMEN IN LITERATURE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics vary; see schedule for current offering.
MLS 468 | SELECTED TOPICS: WOMEN, SELF AND SOCIETY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics vary; see schedule for current offerings.
MLS 473 | TOPICS IN LITERATURE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics addressed in different versions of the course may include various themes, movements and genres in British, American and World Literature. Consult current course schedule for topic.
MLS 474 | WOMEN AND ART | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Examines the work of the most significant women artists from the Renaissance to the present. It will also investigate how women have been represented in Western art by both male and female artists. Cross-listed as HAA 366.
MLS 475 | TOPICS IN CONTEMPORARY FILM | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
An examination of recent films and their relation to broader tendencies in contemporary culture. Topics vary, see schedule for current offerings.
MLS 476 | CHICAGO IN FICTION AND FILM | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course examines novels and short stories written by Chicagoans during the 20th century. It also includes a few film adaptations of these works.
MLS 477 | FEMINIST ETHICS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Critiques of mainstream empirical and philosophical works and of Carol Gilligan's work on ethics will include discussions on the women's voice in morality, the nature of theories by women vs. men, the formation of plural positions concerning care versus justice, and alternative ethical stances. Cross-listed as WGS 310/410 and REL 322.
MLS 478 | THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A review of research and theory on women including sexist biases and methodology, feminist therapy, violence against women, and gender differences in the development of power and sexuality. Cross-listed as PSY 561 and WGS 470.
MLS 480 | MAJOR AUTHORS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
An examination of major writers in the English and American literary traditions. Topics vary; see schedule for current offerings.
MLS 481 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART HISTORY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Explorations in the history of art from ancient Egyptians to contemporary art. Topics vary.
MLS 482 | ECOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY AND ETHICS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course explores the ecological crisis from a religious/ethical perspective, examining the dangers posed for humanity and the planet. It considers the new cosmology developing from science, especially physics, and its dialogue with philosophy, myth and religion. Cross-listed as REL 320.
MLS 483 | CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTH AND DISEASE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A multidisciplinary examination of the cultural factor that help form notions of the well and sick states of the human body. Included will be such topics as the social/religious history of epidemics, healing in Western and non-Western medicine, etc. Sources will be drawn from the history of medicine, anthropological and sociological works, philosophy and literature. Cross-listed as REL 320.
MLS 484 | ZEN MIND | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course examines the philosophy, art, literature and religious practice of Zen Buddhism. It explores Zen's influence in both Japan and America. Cross-listed as REL 342.
MLS 485 | INEQUALITY IN AMERICA | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This course examines the nature and extent of inequality in American society and explores various psychological, political, social and economic theories which attempt to explain the existence of this phenomenon. Cross-listed as PSC 324.
MLS 486 | TOPICS IN POPULAR CULTURE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Examines a specific dimension of popular culture using interdisciplinary theories and methods. Possible topics include Food in Film, The Ideology of Romance, or perhaps the popular culture of a decade like the 1950s or 1960s. Topics vary.
MLS 487 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN HISTORY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics vary.
MLS 488 | TOPICS IN WORLD RELIGIONS | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Topics in World Religions.
MLS 489 | TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Various topics in the field of sociology.
MLS 490 | SPECIAL TOPICS AND CONTROVERSIES | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Occasional offerings of particular contemporary relevance by visiting professors. Topics vary.
MLS 497 | INDEPENDENT STUDY [NON-CAPSTONE] | 1-4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Independent study in an area that does not lead directly into the thesis or capstone. Students may also register for this course on a topic indirectly related to their thesis or capstone if they will subsequently take MLS 498, in which the student directly prepares to write the Integrating Project/Thesis. The MALS and IDS Program requires that students taking independent studies follow a specified format of meeting frequency, activities, and scholarly production. This format is available on the program web site or from the MALS and IDS office. Registration is by permission of the Director of the MALS and IDS Program and the instructor of the independent study.
MLS 498 | INDEPENDENT STUDY | 1-8 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Independent study undertaken as preparation for thesis or practicum capstone options. This course is optional preparation for MLS 499, Capstone. The MALS and IDS Program requires that students taking this course follow a specified format of meeting frequency, that they produce a review of literature related to their thesis or practicum, an annotated bibliography, and the required Formal Proposal for the thesis or practicum. Registration is by permission of the Director of the MALS and IDS Program and the permission of the instructor who serves as the thesis or practicum director.
MLS 499 | CAPSTONE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
Capstone for students doing a thesis, practicum or enhanced portfolio essay. Students may register for this course after the Formal Proposal for the thesis or practicum, or the Enhanced Portfolio Essay Proposal, has been approved. Students are normally expected to complete their capstone projects within the quarter in which they take this course. This course carries four hours of credit. Registration is by permission of the Director of the MALS and IDS Program and the permission of the instructor who serves as the student's capstone director.
MLS 500 | CAPSTONE | 4 quarter hours
(Graduate)
A seminar offered occasionally to guide groups of students working on their capstone projects.
MLS 501 | CANDIDACY MAINTENANCE | 0 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This 0-credit hour course is available to graduate students who are not registered for a course in a given quarter but need to maintain active university status. Enrollment in this course is limited to three quarters and requires permission of the graduate director. Enrollment in this course allows access to the library and other campus facilities. This course does not carry an equivalent enrollment status and students in it are not eligible for loan deferment or student loans. This course is not graded. (0 credit hours)
MLS 502 | CANDIDACY CONTINUATION | 0 quarter hours
(Graduate)
This 0-credit hour course is available to master's degree candidates who are actively working toward the completion of a thesis, project, or portfolio. Enrollment in this course is limited to three quarters and requires thesis/project advisor and graduate director approval and demonstration to them of work each quarter. Enrollment in this course allows access to the library and other campus facilities. This course carries and requires the equivalent of half-time enrollment status. The student may be eligible for loan deferment and student loans. This course is graded as pass/fail. (0 credit hours)