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Synthesis
Understanding
and
Scheduling LBST 499,
the
Liberal Studies
Synthesis Course
What Is the Synthesis Course?
There are different ways of thinking. Synthetic reasoning is one of
the most valuable for understanding important issues in life. Synthesis is
a way of putting things together, of combining parts into wholes. It is
knowing how to look at a problem from different perspectives and then
developing your own unified viewpoint.
LBST 499 Senior Synthesis is a required Liberal Studies course that enhances your ability to think in this way.
Although there is only one synthesis course number-LBST 499, the course has many sections and these offer you a wide range of topics and professors. Each section typically takes a challenging intellectual issue and studies it from multiple perspectives.
Why Is Synthesis Important?
Synthesis matches the way the real world thinks. In the university it
is traditional, and often convenient, to divide our thinking into
departments-like chemistry, philosophy, marketing, theater, or nutrition.
Each academic discipline has its own way of asking questions, collecting
information, and explaining life. At times, they can seem worlds apart.
Outside the university, however, life is seldom so neatly segmented. When a problem or issue arises, we draw on everything we can, from every source-and then seek a synthesis. To mention only one example, when we discuss whether or not to build nuclear power plants, we would probably want to know not only about science but also about economics, health, politics, and ethics.
In fact, most really important questions force us to think in a broad, interdisciplinary way. You could make your own list of current issues-the plight of the homeless, guarding the environment, promoting racial harmony, insuring economic security, coping with world hunger, providing quality health care. No single discipline, no one undergraduate major gives us the whole answer. We need everyone, and all of our perspectives together, if we hope to act wisely. As you near the end of your college education, it's good to have one course that reminds us of our connectedness.
Synthesis is a chance for you to interact with students from other majors. You've gained expertise in looking at the world from the perspective of your major. Here is an opportunity to share this with others, to combine it with insights they bring from their majors, and move toward a deeper, richer understanding of a topic that concerns us all. It's a good way to finish a college education and begin the rest of your life.
What Will Synthesis Be Like?
Topics can range from traditional favorites like Shakespeare's England
to the hottest current issues like the cost of health care or the emerging
global economy. A section might ponder questions relating to race and
gender; others might study the environment or war and peace. One class
could tackle an aspect of science and technology while another is
exploring the world of the arts, religion, the changing American family,
or the food we eat; the list is endless. Virtually any complex issue is a
potential topic. You can expect that 30 to 35 sections will be offered
each semester.
The distinctive feature of Synthesis is that the topic, whatever it is, must be approached from multiple perspectives. Synthesis, by its very nature, is an interdisciplinary endeavor.
Teaching styles and class assignments will vary depending on the topic, the professors, and the students. You can expect to read a variety of sources; you won't find a single textbook with all the answers. Since all students in the class will have at least two and a half years of college experience, the professor may very well ask you to accept more responsibility for the course and to share your knowledge and insight with others.
How Will I Decide Which Section To Take?
You should know yourself pretty well by now. What interests you? Which
topics arouse your curiosity? This isn't necessarily a time to stick with
the most familiar. A spirit of adventure is altogether appropriate. You
might choose a topic that you've never had a chance to explore before-and
may not again. Conversely, you might choose a topic because you've already
done some thinking about it and know you can make a contribution to the
group's study. Your adviser will be glad to help you think about different
options.
In order to broaden your experiences, you
are encouraged to enroll in synthesis sections taught by instructors
outside your major field.
Other Questions and Answers about LBST 499
Do I Need Any Specialized Knowledge for
this Course?
Most sections of LBST 499 are accessible to students from all majors.
They assume that you have completed nearly all your other Liberal Studies
courses, that you are making good progress in your major, and that you
bring a certain maturity and wisdom gained from your previous college work
and life experience. If an occasional section does require specialized
knowledge, this will be clearly indicated in the published description.
The primary needs for this course are an inquiring mind and a commitment
to learn together.
A Lot of These Sections Look Exciting.
Can I Take More Than One?
Unfortunately, no. The university has only enough resources to provide
one Synthesis experience per student.
If I Find It Necessary to Repeat LBST
499, Must I Select a Section with the Same Topic?
No. You may choose any available section regardless of the specific
topic.
Is LBST 499 Taught in the Summers?
Yes, a limited number of sections is offered.
Who Chooses the Topics for LBST 499?
Professors who want to teach the course submit proposals to the
Liberal Studies Committee for approval. This twelve-member group includes
three students as well as faculty and academic administrators.
If a Topic Is Offered Once, Will It
Always Be Available?
No. Some titles may be repeated, but you can expect the list of topics
to change almost every semester as different professors take advantage of
the opportunity to teach the course.
Scheduling LBST 499
How Soon Am I Permitted to Schedule LBST
499?
You may take the course during any one of your last three semesters at
IUP. Put another way, you must have completed 73 semester hours as a
prerequisite for the course. (You need the 73sh before you actually enter
the classroom, but not necessarily before you sign up during
registration.)
If I Have the Chance, Should I Take LBST
499 this Semester or Wait?
To a certain extent, this is your choice. But you need to take your
other graduation requirements into account when making this decision.
Waiting until the very last semester to look for a place in LBST 499 is
risky. You are wise to give yourself at least two opportunities to secure
a seat. Especially if you know you are going to be off campus for an
internship or student teaching during part of your senior year, it makes
good sense to see if it is possible to schedule LBST 499 during the last
half of your junior year.
How Do I Register for the Course?
Read the section-by-section descriptions that are available online
using the University Registration and Scheduling Assistant (URSA) website.
All sections of LBST 499 are listed together under Liberal Studies (LBST)
in the alphabetical schedule of courses. You may review explanations about
topics, typical assignments, and find out who the professors are as well
as when the courses are offered. After you have reviewed the course
offerings and their times and identified some sections that attract you,
log on to the secure area to register.
Because each section has a different topic, you will need to be careful to use the correct course reference number (CRN) for the section you are selecting.
What If I Can't Get My First Choice?
Class enrollments are limited because we want you to be able to
participate fully. It is possible, therefore, that you may not get your
first choice. That's okay. You undoubtedly have more than one interest,
and you can choose and enjoy one of the other sections.
Where Do I Drop/Add LBST 499?
To
the extent that LBST 499 sections are open, you may add and drop these
sections via the Banner registration system. To add a closed section, see
the Liberal Studies Office, 103 Stabley.
For additional information or help with questions, see your academic adviser.
Paper copies of this brochure are available
from the Liberal Studies Office, 103 Stabley, IUP, Indiana, PA 15705.
Last Modified Friday February 08 2008