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Lasallian Education

 

SMU Home < Twin Cities Campus < Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional Programs < Bachelor’s Completion Programs < B.S. Integrative Studies Print  |  Email
Course Descriptions
B.S. Completion: Integrative Studies

Required Integrative Studies Core Courses: 12 credits

IN301 Integrative Studies
3 cr

This core course introduces and defines the concept of integrative thinking and promotes its application to complex problems. It examines how various disciplines have traditionally defined themselves and how new fields of study emerge from the integration of those disciplines.  Additionally, the course provides opportunities to explore ways in which each field of study employs its characteristic questions, values, and perspectives to address complex issues.

IN302 Learning, Creativity, and Self-Discovery
3 cr
Prerequisite: IN301
This course presents an overview of the important elements of the learning process and explores the integrative relationships among learning, creativity, and self-discovery. Emphasis is placed on the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to support lifelong and life-wide learning in a complex world. Learning styles are examined and assessed. The process of reflective writing to connect experience/informal knowledge, academic study, and personal growth is also covered.

IN303 Information and Society
3 cr
Prerequisite: IN301
This course investigates sources of information, ways to access information, and the integration of information toward a purpose. In addition, emphasis is placed on the ethical uses of information as well as the evaluation of information for credibility, bias, and relevance. Differences among data, information, knowledge, and wisdom are examined.

IN405 Individualized Study I    
3 cr
Prerequisites: IN301, IN302, IN303
This course outlines a step-by-step process for designing an individualized study on a self-selected topic. Relevant related disciplines and emerging fields are identified, information and resources are outlined, and a learning plan is developed and written.

Required Communication Courses: 6 credits

CM 309  Professional Writing
3 cr
This course provides strategies for developing a clear, concise professional writing style. A variety of writing formats, including business letters and memos, formal research proposals, and reports are addressed.   Voice, style, audience, purpose and the writing process, including strategies for editing and revision, are examined in the context of interpersonal and ethical dimensions.

CM310  Oral Communications
3 cr
Communication skills pertinent to organizational settings form the foundation of this course. Students practice a methodology for speech design and delivery, interpersonal communication skills, networking skills, and effective meeting strategies.

CM 409  Technical Writing
3 cr

This course deals with expository writing for a select audience. Students learn documenting techniques and will analyze and interpret scientific data for written briefs, reports, proposals and other technical communication pieces. CM309 may be taken instead of this course.

Required Ethics Course: 3 credits

Choose from one of the following courses:

MG 305  Managerial Ethics
3 cr

This course introduces students to the important moral issues that arise in various organizational contexts.  It examines the social, political, and economic environments within which moral issues occur.  The ethical concepts and reasoning skills relevant for resolving moral dilemmas are presented.

MG 306 Information Ethics
3 cr
This course provides a foundation in the moral and ethical issues of doing business in the technological age.  Topics include the role of information in an organization, ownership of information, and the rights of the corporation and the rights of the employees.  Moral and political implications of doing business globally in an economically sustainable and culturally sensitive way are also covered.

HS 330 Ethical Issues in Human Services
3 cr
In this course, ethical reasoning and ethical frameworks are applied to human services professional practice.  An awareness of one's own values related to human services standards and professional codes of ethics for human service professionals are explored.

PS 401 Police Ethics
3 cr
This course reviews various ethical philosophies to be used as a foundation for analysis and discussion of current ethical issues facing peace officers.  Strategies to deal with these issues, the effect of departmental expectations upon conduct and the impact of officer behaviour upon the community are discussed.

Required Capstone Course

MG490
Bachelor of Science Capstone (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Final semester of program
This course integrates knowledge and skills developed in previous courses and provides an opportunity to apply them to a selected topic.  Each student selects an issue currently confronting the field of study or profession, clearly defines the issue using appropriate references and resources, and creates a paper and presentation which addresses the issue.  The topic must be suitable for formal presentation to a business or professional organization and the student will present the completed work to classmates.

Integrative Studies Elective Courses: 12 credits

Choose at least 6 credits from among the following Integrated Studies courses. Additional electives may be among other Integrative Studies courses, suggested BS courses or any other BS completion courses with advisor approval.

IN 320  Topics in Science & Technology
3 cr
This course explores the relationships between science/technology and society. An historical perspective informs reflections and critiques of how recent and current scientific and technological developments and thinking are integral to most areas of study.

IN 330  The Arts and Social Change
3 cr
This course examines the role and responsibility of the performing, visual, and literary arts in creating social identity and change. The role of the artist, the controversy around censorship, and examples from both historical and contemporary societies are explored.

IN340  World Cultures and Global Perspectives
3 cr
This course overviews the history and geography of major world cultures, knowledge of which is essential to facilitate business and personal interactions in a contemporary society that relies upon international commerce.  

IN 406  Individualized Study II   
3 cr
Prerequisite:  IN405
This course utilizes learning circles to facilitate the implementation of individualized learning plan developed in IN405. Within the learning circles, ongoing progress on the individualized study will be noted, and identified topics will be discussed to enrich learning through community.

IN 407 Individualized Study III  
3 cr
Prerequisite: IN406
This course offers an additional opportunity to plan and implement an individual study on a self-selected topic. Learning circles are utilized to facilitate implementation and to enrich learning through community.
 
IN 325 Exploring Issues in Culture and Diversity 
3 cr
This course examines culture and the multiple viewpoints and experiences of others, and covers theories for living and working with integrity in a global society. Methods of combining ideas from different subject areas into an integrative approach to address the problems inherent in real-life issues related to diversity are explored.

Other suggested electives:

MG 401 Principles of Management
3 cr
This course explores the concepts and theories of management and their application in today's managerial environment.  It examines the essential functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. MG307 may be taken instead of this course.

MG 405  Organizational Culture and Change
3 cr
This course focuses on the ability of leaders to understand and manage organizational change.  It addresses a broad-based understanding of the nature, function, and complexities of organizations.  Ways of dealing with change are developed from sometimes disparate views of organizations.

MG 418  Strategic Management
3 cr
This course emphasizes short- and long-term planning that is vital to a healthy, changing organization. Topics include the strategic management process, the strategic management model, company mission analysis, environmental impacts, ethical and social responsibilities, and strategy and implementation control.

MG 420  The Future of Organizations
3 cr
This course addresses various unpredictable and ambiguous situations encountered by modern organizations.  It emphasizes sensitivity to changing socio-economic conditions and challenges to existing patterns and beliefs.  Methods to recognize the ways in which organizations change, and develop skills to guide these organizations in the future are studied.

MG 445  Entrepreneurship
3 cr
This course examines what it takes to start, nurture and grow a business.  Topics include resource gathering, business plan preparation, utilizing innovation and creativity in growing a business, risk evaluation, and leadership skills.

PS 405  Violence as a Culture
3 cr
This course examines the historical perspectives of violence, causes of violence, why violence is perpetuated in many environments and how it impacts society.




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