Curriculum

Completing your B.A. degree in Liberal Studies, you can focus your academic work around one of the three concentrations listed below. For more detailed information on the faculty support and possible selections of courses for these concentrations, read the curricular samples. Contact AUS to discuss your personal goals and interests.

Environmental Studies

The goal of the Environmental Studies concentration is to prepare students for work in green-related jobs, to increase their understanding of environmental justice issues, to explore techniques of place-based urban sustainability and to enhance their appreciation of the natural world. After graduation, your work opportunities may include jobs in government agencies (Forest or Park Service), environmental start-up companies, nonprofits and/or environmental education/therapy programs. You may also pursue graduate studies in a wide range of areas. The Environmental Studies concentration combines science, policy, social justice issues, psychology, spirituality, leadership and outdoor skills with a deep appreciation and awareness of the natural world.

Curricular Sample (with Brazilian Ecosystems)

Global Studies

The goal of the interdisciplinary Global Studies concentration is to provide students interested in contemporary world issues with a solid grounding in ideologies, problems and solutions to transnational phenomena such as trade, debt, outsourcing, environmental concerns, militarization and global terror, together with an exploration of ways to achieve true democracy and global justice. The focus will be on the late twentieth century and opening decade of the 21st century—that is, the "Age of Globalization" that emerged in the wake of imperialism, postcolonialism and the Cold War. Following graduation, you could pursue work in any of the following areas: nonprofit organizational studies, international activism, leadership in a global society, environmental interests and concerns, cross-cultural studies, history, literature and/or philosophically-focused studies. The Global Studies concentration also helps build the knowledge and skills you need for both completing your B.A. and preparing you for graduate work.

Curricular Sample #1 (with Europe in Transition)

Curricular Sample #2 (with Comparative Women's and Gender Studies in Europe)

Curricular Sample #3 (with Arts and Culture in Mali, West Africa)

Spiritual Studies

The goal of the Spiritual Studies concentration is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the human psyche, the study of religious traditions and how to live a spiritual life. It is a good choice if you wish to continue a path into the helping professions, ground your politics in a spiritual context or seek to deepen your spiritual life. Both classwork and field-based learning connect the interior life of the soul to the needs of the world through spirituality. With a concentration in spiritual studies, you may go on to work for spiritual or religious-based organizations, start your own practice focused in a particular sector or gravitate towards activism. In addition, you may continue to pursue your interest in a related field through graduate work.

Curricular Sample #1 (with Buddhist Studies in India)

Curricular Sample #2 (with Buddhist Studies in Japan)