General studies courses are interdisciplinary in nature and are intended to provide a broad introduction to the liberal arts. They are taught by faculty from all departments and programs of the University. All general studies courses are designed to offer challenging and exciting perspectives on the interconnections of our knowledge and experience. One very important general studies program is the Freshman Seminars, which is required for all full-time, degree-seeking freshmen on the St. Louis campus.

General Studies Committee:

• John Watson, Chair; Art
• Paula Hanssen, International Languages and Cultures
• Sally Howald, Communications and Journalism
• Carol Hoyt, Learning and Communication Arts
• Michael Salevouris, History, Politics, and International Relations
• Jeff DePew, Biological Sciences
• Keith Welsh, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
• Robin Assner, Ex officio, Director of Freshman Seminar Program; Art Department
• Lori Diefenbacher, Ex officio, Coordinator of Experiential Learning; School of Education

General Studies Course Listings

FRSH 1200 Freshman Seminar (3)

These interdisciplinary seminars for freshmen combine academic inquiry with supplemental programs that foster students' educational and personal development during the first year of college. Topics vary and include interdisciplinary offerings in the humanities, arts, and sciences. Classes are small and require substantial student participation. Emphasis is on developing and improving fundamental academic skills, including critical thinking and communications (the ability to write, read, listen, and speak effectively).

GNST 1300/1308 Technology, Science, and Society (2-4)

Interdisciplinary study that focuses on contemporary problems that arise out of our increasingly complex technological and scientific environment. Subject matter will be timely and often controversial. A central goal is to acquaint students with the insights and methods of diverse disciplines and train them to think critically about universal challenges that confront humanity. When the course is offered as GNST 1308, it will satisfy the General Education goal for "Scientific Understanding." May be repeated for credit if content differs.

GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts (2-4)

An interdisciplinary study in history and the humanities. Each unit of this course focuses on a single city in a particular historical era and on its total cultural context (art, literature, philosophy, politics, music, and theatre). A major goal is to deepen the student's understanding of civilization, human values, and individual creativeness. GNST 1400 is coded for "Historical Consciousness" and "Humanities." May be repeated for credit if content differs.

GNST 2000/2004/2005/2006 Topics in the Liberal Arts (1-3)

Focuses on a great book, individual, idea, or interdisciplinary theme in the liberal arts. Content is balanced with critical inquiry, emphasizing a search for the interrelatedness of ideas, values, and consequences. When the course is offered as GNST 2004 it will satisfy the General Education goal for "Humanities." GNST 2005 will be coded for "Values," and GNST 2006 for "Cultural Understanding." May be repeated for credit if content differs.

GNST 2200 Transfer Student Seminar (3)

These interdisciplinary seminars for transfer students combine academic inquiry with the development and improvement of fundamental academic skills, especially critical thinking and communications (the ability to write, read, listen, and speak effectively). Classes are small and require student participation. Topics vary from seminar to seminar and year to year. Prerequisite: transfer student status.

GNST 2500 Honors Seminar (3)

An interdisciplinary honors seminar designed for freshman and sophomore students. The course addresses significant issues and topics using a combination of great books and contemporary writings. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

GNST 3500 Liberal Arts Seminar (3)

An interdisciplinary seminar for upper-division students. Topics will be chosen at the discretion of the instructor and announced on a semester-to-semester basis. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

GNST 4000 Senior Overview (0-6)

The overview is a final project for a Self-Designed Interdisciplinary Major (SIM) candidate and demonstrates the student's mastery of the chosen area of study. This final project can take many forms, a thesis, a performance, a practicum or other appropriate project. An overview which involves a performance, a practicum or another kind of project must also include a written component.