Faulkner University

Course Descriptions For Master Of Liberal Arts

MLA 5310 Introduction to Liberal Arts
This course examines ancient, medieval, and modern concepts of liberal learning along with key themes central to a liberal education. Attention is given to differing theories about liberal learning and various manifestations of this intellectual endeavor.

MLA 5320 Research and Rhetoric
This is a core course of the Master of Liberal Arts degree. The course examines the various resources, tools, and methods of research for writing within the liberal arts while also attending to the history and use of different rhetorical approaches in the craft of writing.

MLA 5330 Community and Culture
This course examines the social theory of the ancient, medieval, and modern worlds, including the various concepts of the ideal society. The focus will be on culture and civil society rather than the State. Special attention is given to the notion of culture as “religion externalized.”

MLA 5340 Justice, Law, and Government
This course examines ancient, medieval, and modern concepts of justice, along with theories on how that justice is to be achieved, particularly through the use of political power. Special attention is given to differing theories concerning the source of law and their implications of the exercise of government authority.

MLA 5350 Self and Society
This course examines the ancient, medieval, and modern concepts of the self and society, along with theories on interaction and tension between the self and society. Attention is given to differing theories concerning the relationship and their implications for various resolutions.

MLA 5360 Vice and Virtue
This core course considers the dilemma of good and evil in human life through a study of the moral codes and philosophical systems. Attention is given to the attempt to distinguish between right and wrong action as well as right and wrong desires and thinking. Source material is drawn from ancient through modern writings in theology, literature, and philosophy.

MLA 6310 Directed Readings
This course is an in-depth study of a problem, topic, idea, author, or era. The course is a contracted study between you and the professor of record. The student working with the best-qualified professor will establish a reading list, a list of written assignments, and deadlines. The course can be taken twice for six hours total.

MLA 6320 – Graduate Seminar
Various topics are offered by different faculty as needed and interest warrants. The course can be taken twice for six hours total.

MLA 6300 Thesis
The MLA thesis is the culmination of the academic program. The thesis should reflect a broad knowledge of the curricular content and display original investigation of the themes, issues, or texts studied in the program.

Colloquium
The MLA Colloquiums are non-credit informal seminars, but are required of all MLA students. The topics support the general curricular content and purpose of the MLA program and are presented by various Faulkner faculty members or outside guest lecturers. At least one colloquium is offered each fall and spring semester.