At its best, theatre helps us understand who we are; it can explain, examine, ridicule, or celebrate the human condition. Gender is a fundamental aspect of personal and social identity. It is a biological, psychological, and cultural category of paramount importance. In addition, gender is often a criterion for social stratification and differing political treatment, as well as a favored symbol for expressing essential values and beliefs.

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.

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

Courses on topics of interdisciplinary or thematic nature 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.

Advanced level internship experience. Internship sites are usually off campus, generally part-time, and often without pay. This advanced level experience provides the opportunity for juniors and seniors to gain valuable internship experience in an area not directly related to their major, explore career options, and earn academic credit for the experience. See the office of Career Services three to six months prior to the time an internship is planned. Requires a 2.3 GPA. Students must register for credit prior to the start date of the internship.

Independent reading and/or research which does not fit appropriately within other departments. Must be under the direction of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

Work with a team to explore a realistic, open-ended and multifaceted project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Tasks may include research, design exploration, design refinement, prototyping, documentation, customer discovery, marketing, or program management. This course provides disciplinary expertise to a capstone engineering project. Consent of instructor required.

Viterbo University was founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. This entry-level course examines that heritage and what it means to be and behave like a Franciscan. These courses will use the works of Saints Francis, Clare, and Rose of Viterbo as a foundation for exploring the universitys core values of hospitality, integrity, contemplation, stewardship and service. Students may not earn credit for more than one VUSM course at the 100 level. FVT