Liberal Arts and Sciences Cross-Disciplinary Studies
Cross-disciplinary studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences encompass a variety of interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary areas of study as well as courses that cross established departmental lines. Students may enroll in Program courses; declare majors or minors where offered, or develop an Interdisciplinary Studies major built upon Program offerings. Certificates are also available as separate foci of studies beyond a student's major or minor. (see Index for Program courses).
Cross-Disciplinary Programs
African and African American Studies Program
(Minor only) African and African American Studies
American Indian Studies Program
(Minor only) American Indian Studies
Biological/Premedical Illustration Program
(Major or minor) Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration
Classical Studies
(Minor only) Classical Studies
Communication Studies
(Major or minor) Communication Studies
Criminal Justice Studies
(Minor only) Criminal Justice Studies
Environmental Science
(Major or minor) Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
(Major or Secondary minor) Environmental Studies
Honors Program in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Interdisciplinary Studies Program (Major only)
(Degree Tracks: Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies; Classical Studies)
International Studies Program
(Second major or minor) International Studies
Linguistics Program
(Major or minor; graduate minor) Linguistics
Premedical and Preprofessional Health Programs
Sustainability Program
(Minor only) Interdisciplinary Minor in Sustainability
Teacher Education Program
Technology and Social Change
(Minor, graduate minor) Technology and Social Change
U.S. Latino/a Studies Program
U.S. Latino/a Studies is devoted to the study of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans and other groups of people living in the United States who trace their ancestry to the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, and who comprise the fastest growing ethnic groups in America. U.S. Latino/a Studies is to be distinguished from Latin American Studies, which focuses on people living in Latin America. The methodology of U.S. Latino/a Studies is cross-disciplinary, drawing from the methods established inanthropology, sociology, political science, economics, history, literary studies, and other fields.
In addition to the general requirements of a major in Interdisciplinary Studies, a major in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on U.S. Latino/a Studies would require the completion of 24 credits related to U.S. Latino/a Studies such course to be approved by the program director. At least 15 of the 24 credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. These 24 credits in the major focusing on U.S. Latino/a Studies must include the following courses, each of which is worth three credits: LAS 211 (Introduction to Latino/a Studies), Hist 240 (Latino/a History), Psych 347 (Latino/a Psychology), Soc 332 (The Latino/Latina Experience in U.S. Society), and Hist 345 (U. S. Immigration). The student must have an average grade of C in the required courses of the major. Fulfillment of the foreign language requirement with Spanish is strongly recommended, but not required. For a list of other eligible courses and more information on the U.S. Latino/a Studies Program, contact the program director, Dr. Loreto Prieto.
Women's and Gender Studies Program
(Major or minor) Women's and Gender Studies Program
Certificate Programs
Community Leadership and Public Service
(Certificate only) Community Leadership and Public Service Certificate
Latin American Studies
(Certificate only) Latin American Studies Certificate
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
LAS 101. Orientation for Open Option and Preprofessional Students.
(1-0) Cr. 0.5.
F.S.
First 8 weeks. Introduction to all undergraduate colleges. Provides information about university resources and services, assists with a successful academic transition to the university, and helps initiate the process of identifying academic major(s) and eventual career paths. Required of all first-year students in Open Option and Preprofessional Programs.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 103. Frontiers of the Discipline.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Learning Community/ Seminar focusing entirely on the "cutting edge" research activities of faculty members.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 103A. Frontiers of the Discipline: General.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Learning Community/ Seminar focusing entirely on the "cutting edge" research activities of faculty members.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 103B. Frontiers of the Discipline: Humanities.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Learning Community/ Seminar focusing entirely on the "cutting edge" research activities of faculty members.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 103C. Frontiers of the Discipline: Communication.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Learning Community/ Seminar focusing entirely on the "cutting edge" research activities of faculty members.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 103D. Frontiers of the Discipline: Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Learning Community/ Seminar focusing entirely on the "cutting edge" research activities of faculty members.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 103E. Frontiers of the Discipline: Social Sciences.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Learning Community/ Seminar focusing entirely on the "cutting edge" research activities of faculty members.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 125. Connections.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: First year student
Links a large lecture class with a small learning community / seminar. In each case the professor teaching the large lecture facilitates a small weekly seminar. Informal discussions about critical issues of the day connected to lecture topics through films, public lectures and other events which students and the faculty leader attend.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 125A. Connections: General.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: First year student
Links a large lecture class with a small learning community / seminar. In each case the professor teaching the large lecture facilitates a small weekly seminar. Informal discussions about critical issues of the day connected to lecture topics through films, public lectures and other events which students and the faculty leader attend.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 125B. Connections: Humanities.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: First year student
Links a large lecture class with a small learning community / seminar. In each case the professor teaching the large lecture facilitates a small weekly seminar. Informal discussions about critical issues of the day connected to lecture topics through films, public lectures and other events which students and the faculty leader attend.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 125C. Connections: Communication.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: First year student
Links a large lecture class with a small learning community / seminar. In each case the professor teaching the large lecture facilitates a small weekly seminar. Informal discussions about critical issues of the day connected to lecture topics through films, public lectures and other events which students and the faculty leader attend.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 125D. Connections: Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: First year student
Links a large lecture class with a small learning community / seminar. In each case the professor teaching the large lecture facilitates a small weekly seminar. Informal discussions about critical issues of the day connected to lecture topics through films, public lectures and other events which students and the faculty leader attend.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 125E. Connections: Social Sciences.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: First year student
Links a large lecture class with a small learning community / seminar. In each case the professor teaching the large lecture facilitates a small weekly seminar. Informal discussions about critical issues of the day connected to lecture topics through films, public lectures and other events which students and the faculty leader attend.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 140. Advancing Citizenship Together Learning Community Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits.
First semester of required seminar for participants in the ACT (Advancing Citizenship Together) Learning Community. Builds citizenship skills with a focus on women's issues and politics, and includes a service-learning component.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 170. Leadership ISU.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification
An introductory leadership course for first-year and second-year students. Students will gain a basic understanding of leadership skill development and resources available to student leaders at Iowa State University. Course content will be delivered through a variety of methods such as guest speakers, team building exercises, and small group discussions. Students will be expected to complete several out of class assignments to apply the leadership skills they have learned.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 201. Professional Employment Preparation.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Prereq: 2nd semester freshman or transfer student within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Exploration, development, and practice of techniques utilized to develop and implement a comprehensive career plan and conduct a professional internship or employment search with emphasis on preparing resumes, cover letters, application materials, interviewing techniques, and overall professional behaviors throughout the recruiting process.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 211. Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Studies.
(Cross-listed with US LS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
History and current lives of the Latino/a peoples in the United States, including Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and South and Central Americans, as well as information specific to Iowa Latino/as. Through readings, class discussions, writing assignments, guest speakers and community-based learning, students will acquire accurate information and a solid understanding of US Latino/as. Elements of Latino/a culture including historical, sociological, educational, psychological, economic, and political facets.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
LAS 225. Introduction to Asian American Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
An interdisciplinary and chronological examination of Asian American immigration experiences from the early 19th century to the 21st century. Focus on how these immigration histories are accompanied by changing racial constructions. Discussion of racial stereotyping, the model minority myth, identity development, and efforts for social justice.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
LAS 290. Special Projects.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification; Permission of the director of the Catt Center for LAS 290G.: other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
LAS 290A. Special Projects: LAS Ambassadors..
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification; Permission of the director of the Catt Center for LAS 290G.: other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
LAS 290B. Special Projects: Advising Project.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification; Permission of the director of the Catt Center for LAS 290G.: other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
LAS 290C. Special Projects: Pre-Law Project.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification; Permission of the director of the Catt Center for LAS 290G.: other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
LAS 290D. Special Projects: General.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification; Permission of the director of the Catt Center for LAS 290G.: other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
LAS 290G. Special Projects: Catt Center Project.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or sophomore classification; Permission of the director of the Catt Center for LAS 290G.: other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
LAS 291. Service Learning.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student s degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 291A. Service Learning: General.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student s degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 291B. Service Learning: U.S. Diversity Project.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student s degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 291C. Service Learning: International Perspectives Project.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student s degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 298. Internship/Co-op.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services; sophomore classification
Students participating in an internship or co-op on a full-time basis must register for this course prior to beginning their work experience to remain in full-time student status.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
LAS 322. Leadership Styles and Strategies in a Diverse Society.
(Cross-listed with CL PS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
Developing and practicing leadership skills through understanding personal leadership styles, leadership theory and communication theory, including how they relate to gender issues and cultural diversity; exploring personality types, communication styles, and leadership styles, networking and developing mentoring relationships; setting goals and participating in leadership opportunities and service.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
LAS 350. Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits.
LAS 350A. Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies: Interdisciplinary.
(3-0) Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits.
LAS 350B. Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies: Humanities.
(3-0) Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits.
LAS 350C. Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies: Mathematics and Nature Science.
(3-0) Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits.
LAS 350D. Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social Sciences.
(3-0) Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits.
LAS 385. The Holocaust.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
An examination of the religious, social, scientific, and historical contexts for the Nazi destruction of European Jewry. Topics covered include anti-Semitism, German volkish philosophy, eugenics, World War II, the Final Solution, rescuers, and contemporary issues.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
LAS 398. Internship/Co-op.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services; junior classification
Students participating in an internship or co-op on a full-time basis must register for this course prior to beginning their work experience to remain in full-time student status.
LAS 490. Independent Study.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the instructor for LAS 490G; other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
No more than 9 credits of LAS 490 may be applied toward graduation.
LAS 490A. Independent Study: General.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the instructor for LAS 490G; other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
No more than 9 credits of LAS 490 may be applied toward graduation.
LAS 490E. Independent Study: Entrepreneurial Studies.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the instructor for LAS 490G; other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
No more than 9 credits of LAS 490 may be applied toward graduation.
LAS 490G. Independent Study: Catt Center Project.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the instructor for LAS 490G; other topics need: permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
No more than 9 credits of LAS 490 may be applied toward graduation.
LAS 491. Service Learning.
Cr. 1-4.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student's degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
LAS 491A. Service Learning: General.
Cr. 1-4.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student's degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
LAS 491B. Service Learning: U.S. Diversity Project.
Cr. 1-4.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student's degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
LAS 491C. Service Learning: International Perspectives Project.
Cr. 1-4.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Service work as appropriate to the student's degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written project, report, and guided reading.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
LAS 498. Internship/Co-op.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services; senior classification
Students participating in an internship or co-op on a full-time basis must register for this course prior to beginning their work experience to remain in full-time student status.
LAS 499. Internship.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services
Work experience in professional setting appropriate to the student's degree program. Academic work under faculty supervision may include written projects, reports, and guided reading.
