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LRU 382: COVID Class- A Liberal Arts Exploration of the Coronavirus Pandemic

This guide provides information and resources for the COVID-19 course.

Course Faculty and Guest Speakers

Dr. Taylor Newton, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Devon Fisher, professor of English and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, are co-facilitators for the course.

The course will begin with Dr. Kathryn Tinkelenberg, professor of nursing and director of the MSN program, offering an overview of the science of epidemiology and the responding role of healthcare. Dr. Daniel Grimm, assistant professor of biology and former professional researcher in microbiology and biochemistry, will then walk the class through a detailed understanding of the COVID-19 virus.

Other highlights of the course include:

  • Dr. Jeffrey Delbert, associate professor of communication and author of the forthcoming book Rhetoric and Governance under Trump: Proclamations from the Bullshit Pulpit, unpacks polarized responses to the pandemic and the propagation of misinformation.

  • Dr. Gary Johnson, university provost and professor of English, leads the class in developing an understanding of the current crisis through the lens of literature.

  • Dr. Tunay Oguz, assistant professor of economics, explores the impact of the pandemic on economic systems at both a macro- and micro-level.

  • Dr. Monica Campbell, chair and professor of education and co-director of the Teaching Scholars Program, analyzes the shift to online education, including issues of accessibility and policy.

  • Dr. Veronica McComb, incoming dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and associate professor of history, parses historical accounts of past pandemics to shed light on current events.

  • The Rev. Dr. Mary Shore, rector and dean at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University, dives into theological interpretations of tragedy and suffering.

  • Dr. Ryan Luhrs, assistant professor of music, director of choral activities, and newly appointed conductor of the Hickory Choral Society, reflects on the role of communal singing in times of personal and societal crisis.

  • Dr. Kerrie Fuenfhausen, associate professor of counseling and counseling program coordinator, guides the class in an understanding of the mental health impact of the crisis.