School of Multidisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities
113 Bowman
Kent Campus
https://www.kent.edu/multidisciplinary-studies
Undergraduate Programs
Minors
- Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Jewish Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Studies
- Paralegal Studies
- Religion Studies
- Studies in Globalization, Identity and Space
- Women's Studies
- World Literature and Cultures
Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Certificates
School of Multidisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty
- Barnes, Andrew S. (2001), Associate Professor, Ph.D., Princeton University, 1999
- Holt, Suzanne L. (1984), Professor, Ph.D., Kent State University, 1994
- Kessler, Chaya (2009), Senior Lecturer, M.A., Youngstown State University, 2005
- Odell-Scott, David (1990), Professor, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 1989
- Paar Conroy, Amanda M. (2013), Associate Professor, J.D., Cleveland State University, 2005
- Peterson, Mary S. (2016), Associate Professor, J.D., Bowling Green State University, 1987
- Stacher, Joshua A. (2008), Professor
- Vachon, Lauren (2012), Assistant Professor, M.F.A., Kent State University, 2013
Arts and Sciences (AS)
AS 10095 SPECIAL TOPICS 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) This program, administered by the dean, is intended to encourage interdisciplinary study to cover areas not treated adequately in traditional coursework and to make available promptly the new and significant experience of the faculty.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-5 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 10096 SCIENCE EXPERIENCE 1 Credit Hour
Students will gain experience in research methods via participation in mentored hands-on science research projects. Each student will work on an individual basis in consultation with their assigned research mentor. Laboratory safety training is provided and required for the projects. Students must have completed or be co-enrolled in at least one college level (or advanced placement) class in a relevant STEM discipline.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Laboratory
Contact Hours: 3 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP
AS 20071 INTRODUCTION TO GENDER AND SEXUALITY STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
Provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of gender and sexuality, with particular focus on the tenants of the field (e.g., intersectionality, anti-oppression, social justice).
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 20095 SPECIAL TOPICS 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit)This program, administered by the dean, is intended to encourage interdisciplinary study, to cover areas not treated adequately in traditional coursework and to make available promptly the new and significant experience of the faculty.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-5 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 30092 INTERNSHIP (ELR) 1-12 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Students participate in internships under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 3-36 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
AS 30095 SPECIAL TOPICS 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) This program, administered by the dean, is intended to encourage interdisciplinary study to cover areas not treated adequately in traditional coursework and to make available promptly the new and significant experience of the faculty.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-5 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 30171 THEORIES OF GENDER AND SEXUALITY 3 Credit Hours
Provides students the opportunity to explore in finer detail the theories and approaches used in the study of gender and sexuality (including feminisms, queer theory, critical theories, intersectionality, anti-oppression, social justice), and to address the influence of such theoretical approaches in further research on the subjects of gender and sexuality and by informing social change and deliberations by individuals and movements concerning gender and sexuality.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 30189 STUDY ABROAD: SPECIAL TOPICS (ELR) 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) A Kent State faculty-led study abroad experience that integrates traditional classroom learning with experiential activities and site visits outside the United States.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: International Experience
Contact Hours: 1-3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
AS 30196 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Registration requires prior approval from the College of Arts and Sciences office.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 1-3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 30290 STUDY AWAY: SPECIAL TOPICS (ELR) 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) A Kent State faculty-led out-of-classroom experience that integrates traditional classroom learning with experiential activities and site visits within the United States.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Study Away
Contact Hours: 1-3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
AS 30798 GENDER AND SEXUALITY RESEARCH FORUM (ELR) 3 Credit Hours
Allows students to do research in areas of gender and sexuality that connects to their own interests, which will be presented in public settings such as panels and presentations.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture, Research
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 2 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
AS 40095 SPECIAL TOPICS 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) (Cross-listed with AS 50095 and AS 70095) This program, administered by the dean, is intended to encourage interdisciplinary study, to cover areas not treated adequately in traditional coursework and to make available promptly the new and significant experience of the faculty.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 41099 CAPSTONE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY STUDIES (ELR) 3 Credit Hours
Students will be expected to design and implement an individualized exploration that demonstrates the interactions of theory and application, ideas and practice, and is reflective of the tenets of the interdisciplinary field of gender and sexuality.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture, Research
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 2 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
AS 43001 LEGAL INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES 3 Credit Hours
(Cross-listed with AS 53001 and AS 73001 and LIS 60619 and LIS 80619) Fundamentals of legal research methods and major sources of American legal literature in print and electronic formats as used in other disciplines. Students learn how to formulate a research plan based on legal analysis of issues using relevant, authoritative legal resources.
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 50095 SPECIAL TOPICS 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) (Cross-listed with AS 40095 and AS 70095) Topic to be announced in the schedule of classes booklet. Repeated registration permitted when content varies.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-5 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 50096 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION 1-6 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit)Pursuit of a subject matter beyond normal course coverage, supervised by a graduate faculty member.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 1-6 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 53001 LEGAL INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES 3 Credit Hours
(Cross-listed with AS 43001 and AS 73001 and LIS 60619 and LIS 80619)Fundamentals of legal research methods and major sources of American legal literature in print and electronic formats as used in other disciplines. Students learn how to formulate a research plan based on legal analysis of issues using relevant, authoritative legal resources.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 60092 INTERNSHIP 1-6 Credit Hours
(Repeatable credit) Students participate in internships under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 3-18 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
AS 61000 METHODS AND APPROACHES TO MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
Methods and approaches to graduate-level multidisciplinary studies.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 61001 LIBERAL STUDIES RESEARCH PAPER 1-3 Credit Hours
Learning to write a graduate-level research paper.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP
AS 61095 LIBERAL STUDIES SEMINAR 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) An interdisciplinary seminar designed for candidates in the liberal studies program. Topics will vary.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 61098 LIBERAL STUDIES ESSAY 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) The preparation of an essay of approximately 50 pages on a topic related to the student's program of study for the Master of Liberal Studies degree.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Research
Contact Hours: 3 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
AS 70095 SPECIAL TOPICS 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) (Cross-listed with AS 40095 and AS 50095) Topic to be announced in the schedule of classes booklet.
Prerequisite: Doctoral standing; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-5 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 70096 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION 1-6 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Pursuit of a subject matter beyond normal course coverage, supervised by a graduate faculty member.
Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 1-6 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
AS 73001 LEGAL INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES 3 Credit Hours
(Cross-listed with LIS 60619 and LIS 80619) (Slashed with AS 43001 and AS 53001) Fundamentals of legal research methods and major sources of American legal literature in print and electronic formats as used in other disciplines. Students learn how to formulate a research plan based on legal analysis of issues using relevant, authoritative legal resources.
Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Integrative Studies (IGST)
IGST 40099 SENIOR PROJECT (ELR) (WIC) 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable twice for credit) Senior Project is a thesis or independent study done under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students need written approval of faculty advisor, faculty member's unit, or director of the Center for Comparative and Integrative Programs in order to enroll in this course.
Prerequisite: Senior standing in a multidisciplinary program in the center for comparative and integrative programs; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Senior Project/Honors Thesis
Contact Hours: 1-3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement, Writing Intensive Course
IGST 40192 INTERNSHIP IN INTEGRATIVE STUDIES (ELR) 3-6 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Internship.
Prerequisite: Special approval from the director of the center for comparative and integrative programs.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 9-18 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
Jewish Studies (JWST)
JWST 11001 INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
Introductory exploration and examination of the diversity of Jewish life, culture, religion and society from antiquity to the present.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 20011 INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE OR OLD TESTAMENT 3 Credit Hours
Introduces students to the modern study of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the history and religion of ancient Israel. Designed to help students to understand the development of the Hebrew Bible in its ancient context. The course approaches the Hebrew Bible from historical, comparative, literary, anthropological and archeological perspectives in an effort to illuminate the world of its authors. No prior knowledge of the Bible, Judaism or Christianity is required.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 30092 INTERNSHIP IN JEWISH STUDIES (ELR) 3-6 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Internship in Jewish studies.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 9-18 other
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
JWST 30100 JEWISH WOMEN IN THE MODERN WORLD 3 Credit Hours
Course explores the lives and experiences of Jewish women from diverse communities and traditions, in relation to a wide array of divergent cultural contexts within the modern world.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 30200 JEWS, BASEBALL AND AMERICAN SPORTS 3 Credit Hours
Chronicles the experience of Jewish players and performers in American sports. Course explores the issues of religious and ethnic prejudice that Jewish athletes endured, challenged and overcame.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 30300 CHILDREN OF THE HOLOCAUST: PERPETRATORS AND VICTIMS 3 Credit Hours
Examination of the children directly affected by the Holocaust (whether as victims, perpetrators, heroes, rescuers or survivors) and the impact these children had on the Holocaust and on history.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 30301 HOLLYWOOD AND THE HOLOCAUST 3 Credit Hours
This course will examine the history of how Hollywood, starting in the 1930s, dealt with the rise of Nazism and its impact on the Jews of Germany and of Europe. In addition, we will be dealing with the large numbers of Holocaust-related films that reached the movie houses starting in the late 1940s to the present.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 40095 SPECIAL TOPICS IN JEWISH STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Topics vary per course offering as published in the Schedule of Classes.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
JWST 40096 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Student-initiated experience in an area of interest not covered by a regular course offering and with the guidance of a Kent State faculty member.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 3-9 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBTQ Studies (LGBT)
LGBT 20020 INTRODUCTION TO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
Introduction to the field of LGBTQ Studies as well as an introduction to critical issues in LGBTQ lives.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 30095 SPECIAL TOPICS IN LGBTQ STUDIES 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Study of special topics related to LGBTQ Studies.
Prerequisite: LGBT 20020.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 30120 LGBTQ RIGHTS AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES 3 Credit Hours
This course will explore the current political, legal, and social climate in the United States for LGBTQ individuals. The main objective of this course will be to provide students with the skills and tools to engage intelligently in discourse about LGBTQ issues, rights, history, activism, and lives.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 30135 LGBTQ REPRESENTATIONS IN POPULAR CULTURE 3 Credit Hours
This course will explore the representations or portrayals of LGBTQ people in popular culture. Popular culture includes pulp fiction, television, news media, social media, films, and other media.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 30196 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN LGBTQ STUDIES 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Individual investigation in areas of interest not covered in courses.
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and special approval.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 3-9 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 31138 LGBTQ RESEARCH METHODS (ELR) 3 Credit Hours
Explores different qualitative and quantitative methodologies through applied research on LGBTQ-related topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
LGBT 40095 SPECIAL TOPICS IN LGBTQ STUDIES 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) This course will provide new and emerging topics for students to study.
Prerequisite: LGBT 20020 or LGBT 41198.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 40192 PRACTICUM IN LGBTQ STUDIES (ELR) 3-6 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Guided study of various aspects of the LGBTQ experience through involvement in the community, government agencies, non-profits, educational institutions, and other areas.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 8-18 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
LGBT 40201 TRANSGENDER STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
Explores transgender studies, which addresses theories, practices, laws and other cultural expressions of sexed embodiments, gender identity and gender expression.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LGBT 40202 QUEER THEORY 3 Credit Hours
Explores theories related to sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Paralegal Studies (PLST)
PLST 18000 INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS 3 Credit Hours
An overview of the legal system and the role of a paralegal professional. Includes legal terminology, types of laws, research, litigation, interviewing and office management.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 28001 LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 3 Credit Hours
In-depth analysis of the legal research process, development of legal writing skills, opportunities to utilize research and writing skills are integrated into the course.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 28003 FAMILY LAW AND PROCEDURE 3 Credit Hours
Designed to acquaint the student with family law substance and practice. Covers definitions, terminology, topical areas and the philosophy underlying family law practice.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 28004 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF LITIGATION 3 Credit Hours
Provides an introduction to the rules of civil procedure, statutes of limitation, and discovery. Included in this course is a discussion of the role of the paralegal in preparation for litigation.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 28007 ESTATE AND PROBATE ADMINISTRATION 3 Credit Hours
A study of legal principles applicable to wills, organization and jurisdiction of probate court, estate administration in probate and tax considerations in estate administration.
Prerequisite: PLST 18000.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 30000 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS AND ASSESSMENT 3 Credit Hours
The Federal and State environmental regulations including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, Solid and Hazardous Waste regulations (RCRA) and the Superfund Legislation require the utilization of trained environmental professionals to conduct Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). The focus of this course is to introduce students to the methods and approaches for conducting environmental research and study of industrial sites with respect to environmental policies and regulations. The enforcement of regulations utilize environmental professionals who serve in governmental agencies, work in private environmental companies that provide assessments and consultations for industries, and who are employed by industries that seek qualified employees to conduct assessments, and provide professional guidance for industrial regulatory compliance.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 35001 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR PARALEGALS 3 Credit Hours
Acquaints the student with the various federal and state statutes, administrative rules and case law that govern environmental regulation. International environmental law is also studied.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 35003 HEALTH LAW 3 Credit Hours
Makes the student familiar with legal topics in the field of health care including federal and state statutes governing the health care industry in the United States. Specific topics include insurance, privacy, malpractice, fraud, Medicare, Medicaid, health records, labor law-related issues and clinical research.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 35005 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR PARALEGALS 3 Credit Hours
Provides a foundation in the areas of labor law, employment law, and employment discrimination law. Requires in-depth study of constitutional, statutory, administrative, and case law at both the federal and state level.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 35007 ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAW 3 Credit Hours
Acquaints the student with the various sources of law that govern energy production and the harvesting of natural resources in the United States. Statutory, administrative, and case law at the federal and state levels are explored.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 36792 INTERNSHIP IN PARALEGAL (ELR) 3-12 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Work experience under the direction of supervising faculty members in the following entities: private law firms, legal service/legal aid offices, law departments or corporations and government agencies.
Prerequisite: PLST 18000 and PLST 28001 and PLST 28004.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 21-84 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
PLST 38003 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCESS 3 Credit Hours
The substantive and procedural aspects of administrative law are covered in this course. Specific topics include the regulation of public utilities, transportation agencies, employment, food and drugs and the environment.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 38005 TORT LAW 3 Credit Hours
Focus is on tort and personal injury law. Specific topics include intentional torts, negligent torts, strict liability, vicarious liability, product liability and business torts. Defenses to tort and product liability are also discussed.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 38006 APPLIED LEGAL RESEARCH AND LITIGATION (WIC) 3 Credit Hours
Provides for intense case analysis and preparation of argumentative memorandum, including writing of factual memoranda, file summaries and advocacy letters.
Prerequisite: PLST 28001.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
PLST 42701 EVIDENCE AND E-DISCOVERY 3 Credit Hours
Addresses the various issues concerning the use of evidence in the pre-trial, trial, and post-trial phases of litigation. The course will address the traditional rules and issues associated with litigation practice as well as the new issues concerning electronic discovery of evidence and the use of that evidence.
Prerequisite: PLST 2800 and PLST 28004.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 42705 BANKRUPTCY LAW I: BASIC FUNDAMENTALS 3 Credit Hours
Provides an outlay of the fundamentals of bankruptcy law including the basic rules of the Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 forms of bankruptcy. This course will also cover other topics such as the bankruptcy petition, the role of the bankruptcy trustee, and discharge from bankruptcy.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 42706 BANKRUPTCY LAW II: CREDITOR-DEBTOR RELATIONS 3 Credit Hours
Addresses issues not addressed in PLST 42705 including Chapter 9, Chapter 12, and Chapter 15 bankruptcy as well as the problems associated with gaining and collecting on a judgment. International bankruptcy issues will also be addressed.
Prerequisite: PLST 42705.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 42708 REAL ESTATE LAW 3 Credit Hours
Provides a general outlay of real estate law in the United States. Students will learn the substantive and procedural aspects of gaining and protecting property rights. Real estate contracts, financing, zoning, and landlord-tenant issues will also be covered.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48002 CONTRACT LAW 3 Credit Hours
Intended to provide the student with an in-depth analysis of basic contract law as such related to contact information, performance and remedies. Also intended to familiarize the student with the sources of law that define contracts with an emphasis on reading and understanding case law. The student also develops a vocabulary of legal terms so that the student may assist the legal practitioner in the representation of clients in business transactions and in disputes.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48300 LAW OF CORPORATIONS AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS 3 Credit Hours
Covers the formation, operation and dissolution of various kinds of business organizations. Subjects covered include sole proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, the law of agency and employment agreements.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48401 PATENT LAW 3 Credit Hours
Provides the student with an in-depth analysis of the law pertaining to patents, stressing the ability of the owner to protect their rights through filing, registration and use. International issues concerning registration, use, and trade agreements are also covered.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48403 PATENT PROSECUTION 3 Credit Hours
Students learn to craft patent claims in various types of patent applications that would be submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Students also learn the mechanics of various types of patent applications including traditional applications, provisional applications, divisional applications and continuing applications. Students also gain an understanding of the various post-grant proceedings.
Prerequisite: PLST 48401; and sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48404 COPYRIGHT LAW I 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with PLST 58404) Intended to provide the student with an in-depth analysis of the foundations of the law pertaining to copyrights. Stresses the ability of the owner to protect such rights through use and registration. Also discusses the links to patent law, trademark law and the law of trade secrets.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48407 TRADEMARK LAW 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with PLST 58407) Intended to provide the student with an in-depth analysis of the law pertaining to trademarks and trade secrets. Stresses the ability of the owner to protect such rights through use and registration. Also discusses the links to patent law and copyright law.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 48408 TRADEMARK PROSECUTION 3 Credit Hours
Covers the substantive and procedural aspects of trademark prosecution at the state, federal, and international levels. Special attention will be paid to the topics of drafting the trademark application and conducting searches of existing trademarks in the United States and abroad.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 58404 COPYRIGHT LAW I 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with PLST 48404) Intended to provide the student with an in-depth analysis of the foundations of the law pertaining to copyrights. Stress the ability of the owner to protect such rights through use and registration. Also discusses the links to patent law, trademark law and the law of trade secrets.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PLST 58407 TRADEMARK LAW 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with PLST 48407) Intended to provide the student with an in-depth analysis of the law pertaining to trademarks and trade secrets. The course will stress the ability of the owner to protect such rights through use and registration. The course will also discuss the links to patent law and copyright law.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Religion (REL)
REL 11020 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS (DIVG) (ELR) (KHUM) 3 Credit Hours
A study of the religious impulse as it manifests itself in the plurality of beliefs, practices and institutions of the world religions.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Diversity Global, Experiential Learning Requirement, Kent Core Humanities, Transfer Module Humanities
REL 12020 INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT LITERATURE 3 Credit Hours
Course introduces students to the literature of the New Testament and to the early Christian communities in which the works were formulated. Of focused interest is the critical study of the content of the texts, with close consideration of the historical and literary influences on the composition and reception of the gospel traditions as regards their presentations of the life, ministry and person of Jesus, and the letters of Paul. The post-Pauline pastoral epistles, and various later works included in the collection are briefly examined.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 21021 MOSES, JESUS AND MOHAMMAD (DIVG) (ELR) (KHUM) 3 Credit Hours
An in-depth exploration of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, considering the circumstances of each tradition's beginnings, the influence of the identified founder, and the cultural diversities evident in the history of each of the distinctive religious traditions, as well as the inter-connectedness and influence of each of three religions upon the others. Course concludes with a consideration of the contemporary situations faced by the traditions, including their engagements with modernity and one another as global historic traditions in a changing world.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Diversity Global, Experiential Learning Requirement, Kent Core Humanities, Transfer Module Humanities
REL 31065 COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE 3 Credit Hours
Examination of the phenomena of religious experience, its structure, ramifications and expression in myth and ritual.
Prerequisite: REL 11020 or REL 21021.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 31075 RELIGION AND WOMEN 3 Credit Hours
Course serves to provide students with an opportunity to examine the status of women as concerns authoritative texts, politics, doctrines and institutions through the critical study of the history, texts and artifacts of selected traditional religions with the use of multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approaches concerning the experience, contributions, topics and status of women – both historically and in contemporary contexts.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 40095 SPECIAL TOPICS IN RELIGION STUDIES 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Special topics seminar in religion studies.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 40096 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Individual investigation in religion studies.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 3-9 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 41010 RELIGION, VIOLENCE AND TERROR 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with REL 51010) Course explores a variety of religions focusing on the themes of violence and terror. The examination employs different academic approaches to selected historic examples and their underlying causes.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 41091 SEMINAR IN ADVANCED COMPARATIVE RELIGION 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with REL 51091) Variable content course that is an advanced examination of pivotal issues, schools and theorists in the study of religion and the future of comparative studies.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 42091 RELIGION IN THE MODERN WORLD 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with REL 52091) (Repeatable for credit) An inquiry into the influences of modernity in the conception, valuation and-or interpretation of religious convictions, beliefs, symbolizations, institutions and artifacts (including texts). The study of Religion in the Modern World is a complex undertaking offering multiple foci with multiple attending disciplines and approaches to the inquiry. Given the plurality of foci and approaches, instructors may choose to address any number of the common topics associated with the evolution of religions in the modern world. Examples include: religion and science -- from cosmology (Gallio, Newton, to black holes) to the origins and evolution of the human species (Darwin), or religion and society, or religion and the modern state, or religion and industrial society, or religion in a modern world of pluralism and multicultural societies as well as the religious reactions against science, modern multicultural societies, the modern state and the changing legal status of women, minorities, and children, and the rise of fundamentalism.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 51010 RELIGION, VIOLENCE AND TERROR 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with REL 41010) Course explores a variety of religions focusing on the themes of violence and terror. The examination employs different academic approaches to selected historic examples and their underlying causes.
Prerequisite: Graduate studies.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 51091 SEMINAR IN ADVANCED COMPARATIVE RELIGION 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with REL 41091) Variable content course that is an advanced examination of pivotal issues, schools and theorists in the study of religion and the future of comparative studies.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
REL 52091 RELIGION IN THE MODERN WORLD 3 Credit Hours
(Slashed with REL 42091) (Repeatable for credit) An inquiry into the influences of modernity in the conception, valuation and-or interpretation of religious convictions, beliefs, symbolizations, institutions and artifacts (including texts). The study of Religion in the Modern World is a complex undertaking offering multiple foci with multiple attending disciplines and approaches to the inquiry. Given the plurality of foci and approaches, instructors may choose to address any number of the common topics associated with the evolution of religions in the modern world. Examples include: religion and science -- from cosmology (Gallio, Newton, to black holes) to the origins and evolution of the human species (Darwin), or religion and society, or religion and the modern state, or religion and industrial society, or religion in a modern world of pluralism and multicultural societies as well as the religious reactions against science, modern multicultural societies, the modern state and the changing legal status of women, minorities, and children, and the rise of fundamentalism.
Prerequisite: Graduate studies.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Women's Studies (WMST)
WMST 20101 INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN’S STUDIES: TRADITIONS, TRAJECTORIES, TROUBLES 3 Credit Hours
The course introduces students to Women's Studies - what it studies, how it came into being, what happened next. In focus are its traditions, its consequential contexts of struggle and protest, its pioneers, the multiple fields from which they came to this fresh-born academic hub. The course examines worldwide spread of WMST programs, their variant, evolving interests and work, the hounding, keenly felt disruptions and conflicts. We sample key scholarship with staying power; we peruse pieces across an interdisciplinary range; we visit early ideas now fallen out of favor, relegated to archives and/or bins. We also, importantly, consider how rifts and various troubles led to crucial metamorphoses as well as new fields.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
WMST 30001 FEMINIST THEORY 3 Credit Hours
An examination of important historical and contemporary works of feminist theory and their influence on the development of feminist thought and practice in the United States and worldwide. Issues including race, ethnicity and sexuality are addressed.
Prerequisite: COMM 35912 or CRIM 37411 or ENG 21002 or ENG 33013 or ENG 33014 or GER 41332 or HIST 31075 or AFS 33110 or AFS 37100 or AFS 37200 or PHIL 31040 or POL 40470 or SOC 42315 or WMST 20095 or WMST 30000 or WMST 30095 or WMST 30100; and junior standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
WMST 30002 FEMINIST RESEARCH METHODS 3 Credit Hours
Explores different qualitative and quantitative methodologies through applied research on WMST-related topics as well as on topics informed by feminist standpoints and thought/theory. Provides sturdy foundation for undergraduate students whose aims include undergraduate research, graduate school, and/or actual fieldwork.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
WMST 30091 KEY CONVERSATIONS THROUGH WOMEN'S STUDIES (DIVD) 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) A critical investigation of the position and category of women from a cross-cultural, historical and interdisciplinary perspective, with special emphasis on major themes and issues in women's studies. Issues including race, ethnicity and sexuality may also be addressed.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Diversity Domestic
WMST 30095 SPECIAL TOPICS IN WOMEN'S STUDIES II 1-5 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) Study of selected topics in women's studies organized around historical and theoretical issues and movements. This includes contemporary feminist theory, suffragist movement and third wave feminism.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1-5 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
WMST 30100 HISTORY OF WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES 3 Credit Hours
(Cross-listed with HIST 31075) An exploration of the political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural forces that have shaped women's lives, women's thought, perceptions of womanhood and feminism, from 1607 to the present in what is now the United States.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
WMST 30196 WOMEN STUDIES INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION 1-3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) The design and completion of a scholarly research project related to women's studies, and the presentation of findings at the end of the term. Arrangements must be made in the semester prior to registration.
Prerequisite: Special approval by instructor.
Schedule Type: Individual Investigation
Contact Hours: 3-9 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
WMST 40992 PRACTICUM IN WOMEN'S STUDIES (ELR) 3 Credit Hours
(Repeatable for credit) An assignment at a private, public or nonprofit organization that centers on women's issues such as education health and policy making. Arrangements must be made in the semester prior to registration.
Prerequisite: Special approval.
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 9 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
WMST 41199 CAPSTONE IN WOMEN'S STUDIES (ELR) 3 Credit Hours
The capstone project is a guided undertaking that serves as culmination of students’ experiences. The emphasis is 'putting it all together,' integrating the Women’s Studies minor into 'the bigger picture': major(s), other concentrations, research, envisioned graduate study and/or vocation. WMST Capstone can be taken junior or senior year, contrived/structured by students in consultation with faculty advisor(s), ideally advisors from major and minor. Net outcome may be paper--senior thesis for students who desire such--presentation, curated portfolio of prior academic work.
Prerequisite: Junior Standing.
Schedule Type: Project or Capstone
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement
WMST 44321 PIVOTAL PRAXIS: EXPERIMENTS IN ACTIONABLE FEMINISM 3 Credit Hours
This course engages students at the pumping heart of the whole feminist story: its actual work. For feminists on the ground, pivotal praxis is feminism: getting the vote, demanding equality, wrangling through contentious issues, women’s marches and campaigns. In a word: practice. Experiments in practical, actional feminism. Our study probes ideas that hit streets as well as ideas born of “done things.” Under scrutiny are scenes: socio-political, cultural spaces wherein women enact change, determine outcomes recognized as feminist. These include but are not limited to the realpolitik of suffrage vs. anti-suffrage, consciousness-raising, the famed national women’s convention in Houston, internet activism, transversal coalition-building across boundaries/borders. The course provides opportunity for students’ own experiments and exercises in feminist praxis.
Prerequisite: None.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter