LS 101US:  Gods & Monsters – John Townsend-Mehler (offered Fall 25)

What happens when science doesn’t just explain the world—but changes how we see ourselves in it?

In this section, we’ll explore how science—broadly defined—not only helps us understand the universe but also shapes how we see ourselves within it. Through an engaging mix of readings and films, we'll examine how scientific ideas influence culture, identity, and belief. Along the way, we’ll tackle questions about the nature of science itself, its relationship with religion, and how it affects the way we interpret the world. You’ll have opportunities to sharpen your critical thinking, develop your voice through writing and discussion, and deliver presentations that express your own perspective. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about its broader impact, this course will challenge and inspire you.

 

LS 101US: Critical Thinking:  Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Charlie Pinkava (offered Fall 25 and Spring 26)

What does it mean to think deeply and live thoughtfully?

In this section, we’ll use Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance as a launchpad to explore critical thinking—not just as an academic skill, but as a way of engaging with the world. Through reading, reflection, and discussion, you'll learn how to question assumptions, evaluate ideas, and apply thoughtful reasoning to your studies and your everyday life. Whether you're new to college or just ready to see things from a new perspective, this course invites you on a philosophical journey toward clarity, curiosity, and intellectual independence.

 

LS 101US: Resilience – Teresa Greenwood (offered Fall 25 and spring 26)

Description Coming Soon!

 

LS 101US: Interdisciplinary Ways of Knowing – Debby Greene (offered Fall 25 and spring 26)

Description Coming Soon!

 

LS 101US: Curiosity Killed the Cat – Jennifer Hill (offered Spring 26)

What does it mean to truly thrive—not just survive—in today’s world?

In this section, we’ll dive into the power of curiosity, creativity, and imagination as essential tools for shaping our identities and expanding our intellectual horizons. Through lively discussion and critical inquiry, we’ll explore how asking bold questions can transform the way we understand ourselves and others. If you’ve ever wondered about the deeper value of asking “why,” this class offers a space to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and embrace curiosity as a driving force in both personal growth and academic discovery.

 

LS 103: Gateway to Sustainability – Paul Edlund (offered Fall 25 and Spring 26)

This course is a gateway to the study of sustainability with all its complexities and all its controversies. It seeks to introduce students to the historical and philosophical background of discussions of sustainability, and what they mean to a lasting place for humans on Earth. It seeks to acquaint students with important economic, legal, policy, and regulatory environments within which conversations about sustainability occur. It encourages students to think about specific hotpots, or case studies, such as water and energy, around which sustainability revolves. Finally, it arms students with the theoretical, methodological, and political tools to begin envisioning a sustainable future for Earth’s human and nonhuman inhabitants.

 

LS 104: Intro to Global Health – Kayte Kaminski (offered Fall 25)

This course will introduce the core concepts, principles and functions of global health. It will provide an overview of health determinants, methods for measuring population health and trends in global health and disease. The course will examine how sociocultural, educational, nutritional, environmental, economic and political factors influence the global patterns of disease and health inequities – including both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Explore questions such as: How do sociocultural, educational, nutritional, environmental, economic, and political factors and globalization influence the worldwide patterns of disease and health disparities?  Who works in global health and what do these people do?  How can I get involved through MSU and beyond?  The course will discuss key actors working together to improve global health, and career areas in this field.  All majors welcome; no pre-requisites.

 

LS 194D: Intro to Africana Studies – Jelani Mahiri (offered Fall 25)

This course focuses on the idea of “modernity” and how people of African descent have been incorporated into modern nation-states and their nation-building projects. The course builds on interdisciplinary strategies for research, writing, representation and social action to address a few broad questions: What contributions have people of African descent, blacks, made to the world? How have these contributions been incorporated into various national and international projects – of race-making, of nation-building, of creativity, of struggles for justice and democracy?

 

In this course, students will be introduced to ideas, concepts, methods and themes from Critical Race Theory, Black Feminist Thought, history, anthropology, literature, film, art and other disciplines to explore these broader issues. Our focus will be comparative and urban oriented. After an introduction to the history and major course themes, we explore (sequentially) the experiences and struggles of blacks in the US, Brazil, South Africa, and Senegal. The intention of this comparative framing is to provide students with a broad sense of the experiences of blacks around the globe, to highlight the various modern projects within which peoples of African descent are situated – their commonalities and differences, and to understand the different ways that blacks have struggled, and continue to struggle toward liberation, justice, equality, self-determination and a “good life.”