LSIS-Integrated Studies

LSIS 2413. Celestial Insights.3 Credit Hours.

This course explores questions about the natural world and how astronomy is/has been used in culture. Students learn about Moon phases, seasons, blue skies, eclipses, and tides and their relation to astronomy. The course investigates how cultures kept time by the Sun and Moon, astronomical derivations for the names of days, and reasons behind changing times for moveable feasts. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3013. Effective Communication.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. Students will enhance their interpersonal and professional communication skills in this course. Special attention is paid to recognizing the role of listening in communication, in addition to enhancing verbal, nonverbal, written, and presentation skills. Throughout the course, students will apply these concepts to real world situations and reflect on the impact of communication in their personal and professional lives. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3053. Digital Literacy & Data Analysis.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course is designed to increase students' knowledge and application of digital and quantitative data literacy. Students will also be introduced to principles of ethical decision-making. Using applied activities and analyses, students will learn how to utilize these skills in the real world and the workplace. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3123. Applied Budget & Finance.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course serves as an introduction to fundamental financial principles utilized in business today. It is increasingly important for nonfinancial managers to be able to understand financial terms at a nontechnical level. This course provides students with an understanding of financial terminology and accounting methods so that they can effectively explain the financial implications of decisions made within the business. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3143. Marketing and Brand Management.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. Focuses on marketing and marketing strategy planning, examining the "Four Ps" (Product, Place, Promotion, and Price). The course integrates topics such as international marketing, social media, and ethics throughout the units. The course will also cover brand management concepts, discussing how branding should result in increased sales, as well as how branding integrates into the other areas of marketing. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3203. Diversity in the United States.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or permission from an academic advisor. An examination of current issues of race, gender, class, and culture utilizing a combination of empirical data, historic records and conceptual reflection. (F, Sp, Su) [III-SS].

LSIS 3223. Social Justice Leadership.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission from academic advisor. An interdisciplinary examination of issues related to social justice and leadership. The concepts of race, class, gender, and ability are addressed from a variety of historical, conceptual, and theoretical perspectives relating to the study of social difference. Also includes an analysis of social movements and strategies for community engagement. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3243. Leadership in LGBTQ Studies.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or permission from an academic advisor. An introduction to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, (LGBTQ+) and marginalized individuals based on their sexual/romantic orientation. Empirical data is utilized to holistically explore the experiences of this community as a means of understanding factors and limitations in leadership. (F, Sp, Su) [III-SS].

LSIS 3263. Multiculturalism in the Workplace: Global Challenges.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing or departmental permission. An examination of psychological and organizational challenges that leaders experience in a multicultural or multinational workplace. Includes case studies and discussions to illustrate theories and research findings for developing positive employee engagement strategies. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3413. History of Astronomy in Culture.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing or departmental permission. An exploration of the historical methods and uses of astronomy in cultures throughout the world, with examples from six continents and islands in the Pacific. (F, Sp)

LSIS 3433. Positives and False Positives: Identifying Archaeoastronomy Pseudoscience.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing or departmental permission. An introduction to the critical assessment of well-founded archaeoastronomy research in comparison with examples of popularized, but unsupported pseudoscience. (F, Sp)

LSIS 3473. Concepts and Methods for Astronomy in Culture.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing or departmental permission. This course focuses on the mechanics and methods of Cultural Astronomy and teaches proper data collection and publication. The underlying concepts of astronomy are introduced, and students are familiarized with research instruments such as sighting compasses, inclinometers, and theodolites. (F, Sp)

LSIS 3523. Healthcare Finance.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course serves as an introduction to the concepts of healthcare finance. Course content includes fundamentals of finance, principles of accounting, planning, budgeting, financial statement preparation, and capital analysis. This course will provide students with an understanding of financial management and accounting methods to make effective and efficient decisions applicable to the healthcare industry. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 3603. Introduction to Aerospace and Defense.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course provides an overview of topics needed by decision makers in the aerospace and defense field. Topics related to the development and history of the field, technology, intelligence, weapons, procurement, strategy, and future trends will be examined. Students will be exposed to a range of ideas and competencies needed by policymakers in a variety of aerospace and defense organizations. (F, Sp)

LSIS 3613. Software and Information Technology Systems.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course provides students with an overview of core computer technology concepts common to complex modern organizations. Students will be exposed to a range of software and information technology topics needed by managers and decision-makers in a variety of organizations, including core ideas of software, data storage, collaborative work systems, web-based applications, data security, hardware, networks, and programming. (F, Sp)

LSIS 3953. Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Departmental permission and approximately 70% of program core complete. This course requires students to locate, critique, and integrate literature/concepts to demonstrate their understanding of the foundational principles of interdisciplinary studies and their primary area of concentration. During the course, students will complete a series of assignments that will be used in the development of a comprehensive ePortfolio, which will be constructed and finalized in LSIS 4953. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4033. Innovative Problem-Solving.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course is intended to empower students to think clearly and analytically about information and beliefs. Students will be prepared to recognize bias and common fallacies in reasoning and evaluate informational resources. An introduction to innovative thinking and creative decision-making will help position students to tackle problem-solving at the personal, academic, and career levels. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4113. Group & Organizational Communication.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. Designed to support students in the development of interpersonal and employment-related business communication skills as an integral component in the field of business administration. Topics covered include foundational communication principles; communication planning; oral, written, and electronic communication; formal report-writing and presentation; and employment communication. Students will apply their knowledge on these topics by completing written, spoken (recorded), and team-discussion-based coursework. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4133. Human Resources Administration.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course is designed to implement the administration of Human Resources within all types of organizations. The theoretical review covers the aspects related to the analysis of work and job design while discussing behavioral aspects that affect Human Resources performance. The practical approach will review recruitment, selection, training, career development, performance management, compensation, labor relations, rules, and regulations. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4173. Business Ethics and Legal Environment.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course will help students develop an understanding of the law and its application to the business environment. Emphasis will be on recognition of legal problems, critical thinking, and ethical analysis. Few can conduct business without having to consider and deal with legal, ethical, and social responsibility issues. This course prepares students for reasoned decision-making in the workplace. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4263. Understanding Race in American Society.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission from CLS academic adviser. An exploration of the major theoretical perspectives used to explain racial issues in the United States. Identifies common racial/ethnic assumptions through an examination of how race or ethnicity is portrayed in the media with a comparison of current research findings relating to inequality. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4273. Understanding Educational Inequality in the U.S..3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission from CLS adviser. An examination of inequality within the American educational system from K-12 to higher education utilizing demographic data and analyzing current research on inequality based upon race, class, and gender. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4283. Class and Economic Inequality in America.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission from CLS adviser. An examination of how social class and socio-economic status (SES) operate in American society, including how media and research findings depict economic and social inequality in the United States. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4293. Exploring Race and Gender in Film.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with LSIS 5293) Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission from CLS academic adviser. An exploration of race and gender in film during the post-civil rights period. Examines the effects of inequality and inclusiveness through the cinematic lens and analyzes the evolution of film relating to the depiction of race and gender issues. No student may earn credit for both 4293 and 5293. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4303. Leadership and Governance for Social Entrepreneurs.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing and LSAL 4163, or permission from PACS adviser. Explores leadership and governance through the perspective of organizational directors and corporate officers. Examines the processes of vision and mission casting, the setting of organizational direction, strategic planning through executive leadership, and the creation of founding documents and policies, all with the "design culture" in mind. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4323. Budgeting for Social Entrepreneurs.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing and LSAL 4163, or permission from PACS adviser. An exploration of economics, finance, and accounting from the perspective of commercial, nonprofit, community service and government service entities. Topics include basic accounting principles and the organization of financial statements, the fundamentals of financial investing, and the impact of interest on an organization's planning. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4343. Case Studies in Social Entrepreneurship.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing and LSAL 4163, or permission from PACS adviser. An exploration of social innovation and entrepreneurship presented through the historical examination of organizations that have utilized innovative methods and strategies to address social issues. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4483. Calendars, Culture, and Cosmos.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course details the many ways in which contemporary timekeeping is founded upon astronomy. It explores early derivations by cultures learning to keep time by observing movements of the Moon and Sun and traces this development to contemporary timekeeping systems. The calendars of many present cultures are examined in depth. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4493. Contemporary Cultural Astronomy.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course explores the many ways that astronomy plays a role in contemporary popular culture. It focuses on cultural examples and ways that people are inspired to react to astronomical events. It will instill an understanding of the effects of astronomy in culture and examines 21st Century ceremonies at sites such as Chaco Canyon, Machu Picchu, and Stonehenge. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4513. Healthcare Operations Management.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. Healthcare operations management integrates scientific principles of management to determine the most efficient methods to support patient care delivery. Healthcare in the United States is continuously innovating, reducing costs, and improving quality. Topics include managed care, health plans, value-based payments, quality improvement, information technology, statistical analysis, supply chain management, and healthcare finance, among other important aspects of management. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4533. Healthcare Program Evaluation.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course facilitates the development of knowledge and skills essential to understand and apply the concepts, principles, processes, models, and assessment strategies imperative to plan, design, implement, and evaluate a healthcare system, education program, or prevention program. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4603. Applied Statistics for Data Analytics.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course provides students with an overview of core concepts and techniques in statistical data analysis. Students will be exposed to a range of statistical and data analytic techniques needed by managers and decisionmakers in a variety of organizations. Students will gain understanding of the core ideas of validity, the empirical method, statistical testing, and insight into quantitative data analysis. (F, Sp)

LSIS 4613. Considerations for Future Aerospace and Defense.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission. This course provides an overview of the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on the development of national strategy and doctrine, international political environment, contemporary and future procurement, and future developments in technology and planning. Students will learn about the key players in the industry, the challenges and opportunities, and the role of aerospace and defense in national security. (F, Sp)

LSIS G4623. Principles of Lean Thinking.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing. Explores the interdependencies of Lean process improvement tools and the business culture elements required for companies to evolve from mediocrity to excellence. Students will be challenged to capture current state conditions of processes and suggest improvements based on the mentalities of Lean (Continuous Improvement + Respect for People). Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is included. (F, Sp)

LSIS 4700. Advanced Topics in Integrated Studies.1-9 Credit Hours.

1 to 9 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission from CLS adviser. May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit nine hours. Specific course content will be defined each time the course is offered. A problem-oriented approach to interdisciplinary studies. Reading and research, arranged and directed in consultation with the instructor in specified areas of integrated studies. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4953. Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: LSIS 3953 and Departmental Permission. The practicum course for the Interdisciplinary Studies program requires students to create a comprehensive ePortfolio, which showcases their key learnings about effective communication, digital literacy, data analysis, innovative problem-solving, and their primary area of concentration. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 4960. Directed Readings.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing and permission from PACS adviser and instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit four hours. Designed for upper-division students who need opportunity to study a specific problem in greater depth than formal course content permits. (Irreg.)

LSIS 4970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission from PACS adviser. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

LSIS 4990. Independent Study.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of PACS adviser and instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Contracted independent study for a topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

LSIS 5033. Ethnographic Field Research and Writing.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LSTD 5003, or permission from graduate advisor. This course is an applied exploration of ethnographic research methodology through the development of a research question, immersion with a person or group of people, and completion of a final paper. Research skills addressed include participant-observation, listening, and critical thinking to develop both insider (emic) and outsider (etic) perspectives about sociological and cultural issues. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5093. Literature Review Development.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LSTD 5003, or permission from graduate advisor. An applied exploration of the literature review process. Research skills practiced include: conducting academic literature searches, selecting sources, and documenting salient research related to a specified problem statement, background to the problem, research questions, and methodology. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5113. Critical Readings in Interdisciplinary Studies.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LSTD 5003 or permission from graduate advisor. The course is an analysis of critical texts in interdisciplinary research selected to expand creative thought and insight about the world in which we live and to provide a basis for future application of interdisciplinary study and reasoning. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5133. Advanced Interdisciplinary Foundations.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing, LSTD 5003 and LSTD 5013 or permission from graduate advisor. The course is an introduction of Thomas Kuhn's paradigm concept and its utility to both describe and guide knowledge acquisition in academic disciplines. Topics include the origins of the paradigm concept, the history and nature of scientific discovery, and the application of the paradigm concept to non-physical science academic disciplines. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5203. Diversity and Leadership in the United States.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LSTD 5003, or permission from graduate advisor. Study of theories of leadership, identity, race, gender, disability, and oppression, issues of diversity and inclusion, challenges of underrepresented populations in the United States, and our responsibilities as leading diverse populations. Explores concepts, principles and case studies in ethics in the social science, particularly business ethics. Students examine core values of social conditioning, short-term profiteering, and the need for affiliation. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5233. Global Challenges in Leadership.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LSTD 5003, or permission from graduate advisor. This course is an exploration of global leadership challenges based on individual, organizational, and multi-cultural scenarios. Issues examined include cultural diversity, the role of women in global context, social and economic disparities, development of a global mindset and global leaders, leading multinational and culturally diverse teams, and challenges of expatriate leadership. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5243. LGBTQ Leadership.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An exploration of LGBTQ leadership and associated issues in social, corporate, and political organizations. Topics include current and historical LGBTQ leaders, challenges associated with anti-LGBTQ bias, and implementation of diversity policies in organizations. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5253. Cultural Communication in Leadership.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LSTD 5003, or permission from graduate advisor. A critical look at the value and necessity of cross-cultural communication in human development and interdisciplinary learning for quality interpersonal relations in communities and the workplace. The course will survey major theories of cultural communication and their intersections with race, gender, sexuality, and economics and will apply these concepts to real-world scenarios. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5263. Significance of Race in Society in the United States.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An exploration of the major theoretical perspectives used to explain racial issues in the United States. Identifies common racial/ethnic assumptions through an examination of how race or ethnicity is portrayed in the media with a comparison of current research findings relating to inequality. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5273. Overcoming Educational Inequality in the United States.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An examination of inequality within the American educational system from K-12 to higher education utilizing demographic data and analyzing current research on inequality based upon race, class, and gender. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5293. Exploring Race and Gender in Film.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with LSIS 4293) Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An examination of race and gender in film during the post-civil rights period. Explores the effects of inequality and inclusiveness through the cinematic lens and analyzes the evolution of film relating to the depiction of race and gender issues. No student may earn credit for both 4293 and 5293. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5333. Volunteer Program Development.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing, LSTD 5003 and LSTD 5013 or permission from the instructor. Introduction to volunteer program planning and development. Topics include assessing an organization's volunteer needs; planning and implementing recruiting, screening, placement, and training strategies; and mobilizing volunteers to meet organizational goals. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5373. Volunteer Management.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing, LSTD 5003 and LSTD 5013 or permission from graduate advisor. Examination of the affective use of volunteers in a variety of organizations. Topics include motivating, monitoring, and supervising volunteers, and the retention of volunteers through appreciation and recognition strategies. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5403. Introduction and Research Methods for Archaeoastronomy.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An introduction to the interdisciplinary research field of archaeoastronomy, the study of prehistoric astronomical knowledge. Topics include research methods, examples of astronomical associations with prehistoric architecture, and cultural insights of prehistoric peoples acquired through the field. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5423. Archaeoastronomy of Chaco Canyon and Cahokia.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. A review of archaeoastronomy research at two prehistoric cities in North America. Topics include the evidence for cosmological references in architecture and monumental architecture at Chaco Canyon and Cahokia and the foundational interpretive context provided by published historic period ethnographic information ("ethnoastronomy") for selected culture groups. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5433. Astronomy Traditions of the First Nations in the United States and Canada.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An exploration of indigenous astronomy and how it has been used by First Nations in the United States and Canada. Historical examples of how astral phenomena were interpreted and employed will be discussed. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5443. Latin American Archaeoastronomy.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An exploration of Mesoamerican and Latin American calendrical systems and the importance of astronomy to the design of cities and monumental structures. Surveyed sites include Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Tenochtitlan, and Cuzco. Emphasis is placed on the methods used to conduct archaeoastronomy research based on evidence provided by contributing academic disciplines. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5463. Archaeoastronomy Beyond the Americas.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. A survey of astronomy as documented through traditional world cultures during the historic period and the astronomical associations with monumental prehistoric structure design. Site locations discussed include the British Isles, Egypt, China, Polynesia, and Australia. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5483. Ethnoastronomy.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course is an examination of how astronomy has been utilized by various cultures throughout history. Topics include ethnoastronomy, cultural interpretations of astral phenomena, and astronomical beliefs relating to creation and religion. (F, Sp)

LSIS 5493. Fieldwork in Archaeoastronomy.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing, LSIS 5403, LSIS 5423, and departmental permission. A practical application of archaeoastronomy survey fundamentals. Includes a contextual and site literature review and one-week onsite field survey led by departmental faculty. Students will engage in preliminary collaborative data interpretation and have the option to pursue a post field-school publication of their research findings. Survey site will change annually with focus on Chaco Canyon, NM outlier Great Houses. (Su)

LSIS 5700. Advanced Topics in Integrated Studies.2-9 Credit Hours.

2 to 9 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing. May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. Intensive research on a topic related to the student's program of study; variable topics. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5920. Internship in Integrated Studies.2-6 Credit Hours.

2 to 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing, LSTD 5003, and permission of dean. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. 450 hours of field experience directly related to study focus in the MALS program. Requirements include journal, reports, written summary, and comprehensive examination over these materials. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5960. Directed Readings.2-9 Credit Hours.

2 to 9 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing, LSTD 5003, and completion of first concentration core course; or permission of the dean. May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit 9 hours. In-depth study of literature on a topic related to the student's program of study; variable content. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing, LSTD 5003, and completion of first concentration core course; or permission of dean. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

LSIS 5980. Research for Master's Thesis.2-9 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing, LSTD 5003, LSTD 5013, and completion of first concentration core course; or permission of dean. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Research and writing of a thesis for completion of CLS graduate degrees. (F, Sp, Su)

LSIS 5990. Independent Study.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing, LSTD 5003, and completion of first concentration core course; or permission of dean. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Contracted independent study for a topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)