This course introduces students to recent debates surrounding the nature of psychological investigation in relation to morality. Some of the questions the course will address are as follows: What is distinctive about moral motivation Is morality an instinct How does a psychological understanding of moral behavior differ from a philosophical one Can morality be adequately explained as an evolutionary adaptation What is the nature of moral emotions, such as shame and guilt The final third of the course explores some of the moral debates that arise from the psychological explanation of, and therapeutic approach to, morality. Students may not earn credit for more than one VUSM course at the 400 level. Prerequisite: any LDW and SJE course or transfer student placement, WCII course. TEL

The Ethical Life develops students ethical reasoning to examine real-world ethical dilemmas, using a four-way model built upon truth, consequences, fairness, and character. This course, Expanding Our Moral Horizons, concentrates on exploring different levels of moral problems. By looking at the complex and sometimes competing demands of different moral domains - from the intimacy of personal relationships to the world of geo-politics - this course investigates a variety of ways that philosophy can help orient students to the reality of the moral orders around us and how we fit into them. Students may not earn credit for more than one VUSM course at the 400 level. Prerequisite: any LDW and SJE course or transfer student placement, WCII course. TEL, PMI

Viterbo University mission related topics offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. See registrars office current class schedules Web page for specific semester description. TEL

Multicultural America Literature addresses questions of cultural difference through analysis of contemporary hyphenated-American narratives by authors such as Toni Morrison and Jhumpa Lahiri. Students will examine how character choices and options are culturally shaped and socially bordered. Against the background of dominant white culture, students will explore the common ground among these cultures-conflicts between genders and generations as well as assimilation pressure. Students will also compare their own cultural identities with those represented in the narratives they analyze. Prerequisite: ENGL 104 or C or higher in 105 or C or higher in 195, any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. LDW, LA

Viterbo University mission related topics offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet. LDW

Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a mission seminar faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

This course familiarizes students with the social, economic, psychological, and political issues that challenge contemporary women locally and internationally. It also encourages students to further their personal progress toward understanding and dealing constructively with womens issues. Cross-listed with WMST 100. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM or transfer student placement. LDW

This course will give students theoretical tools to understand Latin America from an interdisciplinary perspective. Using a wide range of cultural products, students will examine the region beyond a descriptive approach by looking into its socio-historical formation. Among other topics, students will examine class, race, and gender as well as political tradition and intellectual history. Cross-listed with LASP 200. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. LDW

Viterbo University mission related topics offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. See registrars office current class schedules Web page for specific semester description. Following in the Franciscan tradition and Viterbos value of service, this seminar asks students to actively participate in civic engagement and connect course content to those experiences. Students will engage in activites designed to foster the common good while reflecting on their values and practices of community, service, and collaboration. Collaborations with community partners will allow students to demonstrate community engagement and responsibility. Students must complete 25 hours or 10 instances of service in the full-semester version of the course. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. SCG

The Ethical Life builds upon students ethical reasoning to examine moral values and explore real world dilemmas. Students will examine virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify and analyze their own ethical values and apply ethical principles to clarify a range of issues. Students may not earn credit for more than one VUSM course at the 400 level. Prerequisite: any LDW and SJE course or transfer student placement, WCII course. TEL