Special Studies (SPST)

SPST 070 IPC Executive Board 0.0 SH [  ]

A non-credit course offered to members of the International Perspectives Conference Executive Board. All board members are engaged in substantive work for at least 25 hours during the semester in preparation for the annual conference. May be taken four times.

SPST 081 PAC Executive Board 0.0 SH [  ]

A non-credit course offered to members of the Public Affairs Conference Executive Board. All board members are engaged in substantive work for at least 25 hours during the semester in preparation for the annual conference. May be taken four times.

SPST 220 Honors Inquiry 1.0 SH [  ]

An interdisciplinary seminar for students, from all fields, who are prepared to engage in high-level discussion and inquiry on a selected topic. May be taken three times up to a total of three semester hours.

SPST 260 Building Learning Communities 1.0 SH [  ]

This course focuses on the theory and practice of developing learning communities. Theory emphasizes stages of group development, communication skills, principles of feedback, and conflict resolution. Practice includes skill development in listening and varied communication techniques. Students will participate in activities that support the development of a cohesive learning community. Non-repeatable.

SPST 261 Learning Communities Abroad: 1.0 SH [  ]

Course focuses on the theory and practice of developing learning communities within the context of another culture as part of an abroad/field program. Theory emphasizes stages of group development and communication skills. Practice includes skill development in communication techniques, as well as participating in and debriefing group building activities. May be taken twice if associated with a different abroad/field program.

SPST 270 International Field Experience 1.0 SH [  ]

An experiential field course offered during a term break as an elective supplement to an associated course scheduled within the term. This course applies content from the associated course in an experiential or project-based learning environment at one or more international locations. Cultural context and global citizenship will be emphasized. Repeatable up to a maximum of 3 SH with restrictions.
Prerequisite: Offered only in association with an Abroad Office approved International Field Experience.
Fee=$500.00.

SPST 271 Project 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

A hands-on course that allows students to gain experience and skills by participating in a project. Topics will vary depending on the project's scope and disciplinary focus. The course may be stand-alone or taken in conjunction with academic course(s). The title will be extended to describe the current topic and is repeatable up to 6 semester hours.

SPST 280 Orientation Seminar 1.0 SH [  ]

The orientation seminar is an opportunity for students to prepare academically, culturally, and logistically for upcoming study abroad and field programs. Offered only in association with study abroad and field programs. Title will be extended to describe the program location. May be taken more than once if associated with a different study abroad or field program.
Prerequisite: acceptance on the associated study abroad or field program.

SPST 281 Reentry 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

This course provides exploration and identification of personal and academic learning, in specific regard to intercultural learning, professional development, and the associated program's academic focus. This course includes intentional reflection and the collaborative development of a related community presentation. Offered only in association with study abroads or field programs. The title will be extended to describe the program location.
Prerequisite: successful completion of the associated study abroad or field program.

SPST 284 Field Studies 1.0-5.0 SH [  ]

Offered only in association with Principia field programs, this course provides an interdisciplinary survey of contemporary issues in the destination city or region. These issues may include geography, cultural history, politics, economics, religion, foreign relations, environment, the arts, etc. The title will be extended to describe the current location. May be offered for variable credit from one to five semester hours. May be taken more than once if associated with a different location.
Prerequisite: acceptance on the associated field program.

SPST 285 Country Studies 1.0-5.0 SH [  ]

Offered only in association with Principia abroad programs, this course provides an interdisciplinary survey of contemporary issues in the destination country or countries. These issues may include geography, cultural history, politics, economics, religion, foreign relations, environment, the arts, etc. May be taken more than once if associated with a different location.
Prerequisite: acceptance on the associated abroad.

SPST 320 Honors Studies 3.0 SH [GEH]

An interdisciplinary seminar for students, from all fields, who are prepared to engage in high-level discussion and both independent and collaborative research on a humanities-related topic. Participants, with instructor input, will establish the course theme at the beginning of the term and will have ample opportunity for scholarly as well as creative exploration and expression.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.

SPST 375 Internship 3.0-9.0 SH [  ]

Offered on an independent contract basis and on some abroad and field programs for students who want practical work experience. Work may include journals, portfolios, interviews, paper writing, service-learning, and field supervision. Available for variable credit from three to nine semester hours. May be taken more than once if the internships differ, up to a total of 15 semester hours.

SPST 405 Capstone Project 2.0-10.0 SH [  ]

Capstone projects are selected in accordance with student qualifications, interests, and needs. Projects must be approved by the student's Individualized Major advisor. The contents will vary, and the title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be repeated up to a total of ten semester hours with advisor approval. Open only to students completing a declared Individualized Major.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
Field of Study Restrictions: Individualized Major Majors only.