College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
CLA Administration
306A Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8981
E-mail: cla@d.umn.edu
Web page: www.d.umn.edu/cla
Dean: Susan N. Maher,
306C Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8981
Associate Dean: Gerald L. Pepper,
306D Kirby Plaza, 218-726-7274
Administrative Director: Cheryl Tillman,
306E Kirby Plaza, 218-726-6505
Associate Administrator: Molly B. Larson,
306A Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8981
Accountant: Maria Rinne,
306F Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8545
Development Officer: Adam Meyer,
306L Kirby Plaza, 218-726-6708
Technology Program Director: Peter J. Angelos,
306O Kirby Plaza, 218-726-7350
Web site: http://www.d.umn.edu/cla/tech/
Information Technology Professional: Dan Lackore,
324 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8359
The College of Liberal Arts emphasizes the foundations of knowledge and techniques of analysis and expression essential for lifelong learning. Critical thinking, imagination, curiosity, and healthy doubt tempered by wisdom, tolerance, and a sense of humor are attributes of the truly educated individual. The college is dedicated to accomplishing diversity through greater representation of minorities and women in the faculty, staff, and student population as well as through the integration of materials relating to cultural diversity in the curriculum.
The college faculty is committed to the advancement of knowledge through scholarly research and other creative activities. Faculty members are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary teaching agendas thus providing students with rich and varied instructional opportunities. The college’s vitality is maintained through the faculty’s commitment to their own research and teaching and dedication to University and community service.
Students are provided the opportunity to develop competence in a particular field of knowledge by learning its principles, history, and perspectives. Skills in written composition and oral communication through public speaking and persuasion are the backbone of the curriculum. Opportunities are provided for study in a wide variety of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The CLA offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree and a master of advocacy and political leadership.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/cla/IS
Professor: CLA Associate Dean (director)
Advisor: Pam Spencer (CLA SAAC)
The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed to meet the needs of students whose interest and career goals fall between the academic disciplines offered at UMD. With the assistance of interested faculty, these students create majors which do not fit in the conventional compartments and departments. This major is by application only. Contact the CLA Student Affairs & Advising Center for details.
Admission
See the Policies and Procedures section of this catalog for current information http://www.d.umn.edu/catalogs/current/pol_proc/admission_proc.html.
College Honors
At UMD, a maximum of 15 percent of the graduating class can graduate with college honors. In CLA, the top 3 percent of the graduating class is designated summa cum laude, the next 5 percent magna cum laude, and the next 7 percent cum laude.
At the beginning of each year, GPAs necessary to achieve these honors are posted in the CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center. The GPAs are based on those of the previous spring semester’s graduating class. To be eligible for honors, students must earn at least 30 credits at UMD.
For more information visit: http://www.d.umn.edu/~clasa/policies/collegehonors.php.
Dean’s List of Academic Excellence
Each semester, CLA students are recognized for high academic achievement by being placed on the CLA Dean’s List of Academic Excellence. A memo is placed on their transcript indicating this achievement. To be eligible for this honor, students must have a 3.50 minimum term GPA and 12 graded credits. Incomplete's, Ns, and Fs disqualify a student from eligibility.
For a listing of students who have received this recognition visit: http://www.d.umn.edu/~clasa/policies/collegehonors.php.
Department Honors
Honors are awarded to graduates who have successfully fulfilled the additional requirements of the special honors program in the department offering their major programs. For information, see American Indian studies, communication, English, foreign languages and literatures, geography, history, philosophy, political science, sociology-anthropology departments listed below.
Scholarships
CLA Scholarship - This scholarship is given annually to two students who have demonstrated high academic achievement in, and commitment to, the liberal arts. Students must have completed 60 credits of coursework and have an overall GPA of 3.25 or above. Applications are available through the CLA Dean’s Office during spring semester.
CLA Board of Advisers Scholarship - This is awarded to a CLA student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership potential and financial need. The current members of the alumni board have distinguished themselves in business, law, education, civic engagement, and the military, and all of them cite their liberal arts education as the firm foundation that has served them well in their careers.
Baccalaureate Degrees
CLA offers the bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree involving traditional liberal arts studies.
For information about other possible minors available to students pursuing the B.A. degree, see Labovitz School of Business and Economics, School of Fine Arts, College of Education and Human Service Professions, and Swenson College of Science and Engineering.
Pre-Professional Programs
The college offers programs and special advising services for students who plan to enter professional schools in law (see Department of Political Science). Variations in curriculum may be arranged upon agreement between the student, preprofessional adviser, and the admissions office of the pertinent professional school.
Pre-Law
Because entrance requirements differ among law schools, prospective law students should obtain information from the law schools to which they expect to apply as early as possible. Students should be aware that successful completion of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for admission to most law schools. The Department of Political Science and the Career Services office maintain files on law schools and provide LSAT materials to students. They also hold informational meetings during the year with representatives of law schools.
Admission to law school requires a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree or its equivalent. Well-balanced bachelor of science and bachelor of business administration programs are accepted as the equivalent of the B.A. degree by most law schools.
Because law schools do not recommend any particular major, pre-law students may find a variety of majors useful, including economics, history, political science, philosophy, cultural studies, English, sociology, psychology, mathematics, physical sciences, anthropology, geography, journalism, communication, modern languages, international studies, and women’s studies.
Each student’s education should be as broad as possible. Electives should be chosen in areas outside the major field to develop and demonstrate multiple competencies in varying subject areas and methods.
Law schools attach special importance to training that helps students express themselves forcefully, effectively, and accurately in the English language. Whatever the specialty, a professional career in law requires the communication of ideas and information through words. Success in law school, as well as in subsequent professional practice, depends to a great extent on a capacity for effective writing and speaking. Therefore, students are encouraged to take courses that require considerable reading, writing, and analytical thinking, and they should develop through coursework or activities their capacity for expressing themselves orally. Knowledge of the principles of accounting is also helpful.
B.A. Requirements
Completion of at least 120 degree credits, including the liberal education program, an approved major for the B.A., a second field of study (either a minor or another major), and elective credits. Majors which do not require a second field of study are: English (literature, language and culture), environmental studies, interdisciplinary studies, and urban and regional studies.
Advanced writing requirement: WRIT 31xx course or equivalent (3 cr). Majors exempted from this requirement are: English, writing studies, philosophy (if an additional Phil 3xxx course is taken) and communication majors who are minoring in journalism.
SSP 1000—UMD Seminar (1 cr). Transfer students with 24 or more credits and current UMD students who change colleges in CLA are exempt from this requirement. New first-year students with 24 or more PSEO credits may request to be waived from this requirement.
UMD Undergraduate Degree Requirements: http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/UndergraduateDegreeRequirement.html
Academic Standing
Good Academic Standing
CLA requires students to maintain a cumulative University GPA of at least a 2.00 and to earn a term GPA of at least 2.00 each semester. Students' records are reviewed after each term. All probationary students are encouraged to talk with their academic advisor or advisors within the CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center (SAAC) to determine an individual plan for improvement and are required to submit a Midterm Progress Report form. The form is available within the CLA SAAC site at clastudent.org.
Academic Warning
Students who do not achieve a term GPA of at least 2.00 are placed on academic warning. They will be monitored by CLA.
Academic Probation
Students whose cumulative GPA is below good academic standing are placed on academic probation. Students have one semester to attain good academic standing (2.00 cumulative GPA).
Immediate Academic Dismissal
Students with a first-term GPA below 1.00 are subject to immediate dismissal.
Academic Dismissal
Students whose cumulative GPA remains below good academic standing after one term of academic probation are subject to academic dismissal. The associate dean along with the CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center decides either to dismiss or to extend a student’s probation. Only students whose cumulative GPA is below 2.0 will be dismissed. Dismissed students are notified immediately and their registration for the next semester, financial aid, and on-campus housing contract are canceled. Students are encouraged to seek academic advisement from the CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center regarding future academic plans.
Readmission
Readmission to CLA will be granted when one year has passed since academic dismissal or good academic standing was achieved through enrollment in UMD's Continuing Education program. Students seeking admission to Continuing Education contact Continuing Education directly. Coursework taken outside the University of Minnesota system will be considered. For additional information please visit: http://www.d.umn.edu/registrar/reenroll.html.
CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center (CLA SAAC)
310 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8180
E-mail: clasa@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.clastudent.org
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Jayme B. Battaglia, 310 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8180
Undeclared Student Advising Services Coordinator:
Michele Hatcher, 310 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-7583
Director of New Student Programs and Advisement:
Suzanne Lyndon, 310 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-6783
Assistant Academic Adviser:
Gail Mentzel, 310 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-7635
Director of Records and Advisement:
Pam Spencer, 310 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-8563
The CLA SAAC offers academic advisement for all levels of students, including freshmen through seniors, re-enrolling students, academic probation or dismissal. For information and advice on academic matters (such as academic standing; re-enrollment or admission; advising; academic programs; change of major/minor, college, or adviser; or grievance and appeal procedures), contact the office. CLA and UMD forms are also available.
Undeclared Students
CLA requires students to declare a major once they have reached 45 semester credits. This includes both completed and in-progress credits. Undeclared students who reach this credit plateau have a CLA Declare Major hold placed on their record. The hold is removed once a major is declared. Students may request a one-time release of the hold by filing a Plan for Major Declaration form. For more information, contact the CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center.
90 Credit Benchmark
To prepare for graduation, students who have 90+ credits in-progress are required to verify the major(s) and minor(s) on their records with the CLA SAAC and plan for all remaining degree requirements. The CLA SAAC notifies all students of this requirement through their U of M e-mail account. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor regularly to review their degree requirements. Seniors should also access the Office of Financial Aid and Registrar web site for more degree information.
Departments
American Indian Studies
116 Cina Hall, 218-726-8771
E-mail: amind@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/~amind/
Executive and Office Administrative Specialist:
Joan M. Johnson
Professor: Tadd Johnson; Assistant Professors: Jill Doerfler, Linda Grover
American Indian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic department offering coursework committed to broadening the knowledge of the world views, histories, languages, literatures, cultures, arts and contemporary experiences of American Indian nations and peoples. As American Indian nations maintain a distinct, political relationship with the federal government rooted in historical treaties, congressional laws, and executive orders, AIS promotes an awareness for and understanding of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. AIS strives to protect the integrity and identity of the indigenous populations of North America and to create an intellectual learning environment conducive to critical and creative thought.
The core of the program includes study in Ojibwe language, historical and contemporary foundations, politics and law, art and literature, and societies and cultures. Majors and minors develop skills in analytical and critical thinking as well as verbal and written communication. They acquire knowledge of historical and contemporary American Indian experiences, cultures, and (inter) governmental affairs. Additionally, students may focus their area of study in Ojibwe language.
Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of professional fields, including social services, for-profit or non-profit organizations, tribal and local or state government, criminal and social justice fields, tribal economic development, and business and management. In addition, some graduates pursue advanced degrees in law, health, business, social work, education, museum studies, and fine arts.
Honors requirement: Student must have a 3.75 GPA in the major.
Communication
465 AB Anderson Hall, 218-726-8576
E-mail: comm@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/comm/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Sue Brockopp
Professors: Gerald L. Pepper, Michael J. Sunnafrank; Associate Professors: Aaron R. Boyson, Ryan C. Goei, David C. Gore, Linda Krug, Elizabeth J. Nelson, Deborah S. Petersen-Perlman, Michael Pfau; Assistant Professors: Lawrence M. Bernabo, Rebecca de Souza, Edward P. Downs, Hairong Feng, Judy M. Nelson; Instructors: Angela Blais, Kristin Carlson, Jean Farrell, Barbara Titus, Nora Twite, Trista Vucetich Anderson
At the core of the communication discipline is a concern for the relationship between symbolic action (speaking, writing, etc.) and social change. This program emphasizes the breadth and diversity of the communication field, with an integrated focus that spans social scientific and cultural/history methodologies. Student will develop conceptual and research competence in the areas of interpersonal communication, mass media and rhetorical theory and practice.
Honors requirements: Candidates must be communication majors with a 3.30 GPA in all communication course and 3.00 overall. Students write an honor-quality paper sponsored by a communication faculty member and approve by two additional communication faculty. Candidates apply before the end of the first four weeks of their senior year. Contact the department head or academic adviser for more information.
English
410 Humanities, 218-726-8228
E-mail: engl@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/engl/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Michele L. Larson
Professors: Martin F. Bock, Susan N. Maher, Joseph C. Maiolo, Linda Miller-Cleary; Associate Professors: Katherine L. Basham, Carol A. Bock, Paul D. Cannan, Carolyn Sigler, Krista S. Twu; Assistant Professors: Evan Brier, Hilary Kowino, John D. Schwetman, Rochelle Zuck.
UMD’s English program is designed to instruct students in critical reading and analytical thinking, to familiarize them with significant literature, and to prepare them to become responsible citizens and productive members of society. In keeping with the English department mission, all English majors are actively involved in the pleasures and challenges of reading, interpreting, and creating a variety of texts, from literary classics to contemporary graphic fiction, from the Anglo-American canon to multicultural, postcolonial, and feminist expansions of that canon, from fiction, poetry, and drama to autobiography, film and new media writing. English faculty and courses are thus committed to expanding and deepening our understanding of what counts as "literature," and to involving students in a range of literary activities and experiences. These include scholarly research and analysis, creative writing, oral presentation, online discussions, collaborative projects, publishing internship, teaching assistantships, and civic-engagement learning. Students may major or minor in programs leading to the B.A. or the B.A.A. teaching degree. Depending on career goals, English majors should choose one of the following three tracks.
Liberal Arts track – This track combines survey, genre-based, major-figure, and linguistic courses focusing on the study of literature as a humanities discipline.
Literature, Language, and Culture – This track enhances career opportunities in fields such as business, writing, publishing, public relations, and government service.
Pre-Graduate Studies track – This track prepares students for graduate study in English, American and world literatures linguistics, and related fields.
Honors requirements: Candidates must have a 3.20 overall GPA and 3.40 in the major. An honors paper or creative writing project must be completed in a 5xxx course or through independent study. Completed projects and papers must be approved by a sponsoring faculty member and the department honors committee. Students who wish to qualify for honors must contact the department at least one semester before graduation.
Foreign Languages and Literatures
457 Humanities, 218-726-7951
E-mail: flglt@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/fll/main/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Lori Roberts
Professor: Eileen M. Zeitz; Associate Professors: Milan Kovacovic, Maureen Tobin Stanley, Gesa Zinn; Assistant Professors: Juli Caceres-Garcia, Kristen Hylenski, Dana Lindaman; Instructors: Milagros Gomez, Michael J. Mullins, Andrew Snustad
The department offers majors and minors for the B.A. degree in French Studies, German Studies, and Spanish. (The B.A. in French Studies is currently offered through the Interdisciplinary Studies major.) Students admitted previously can still complete the B.A.A. teaching degree in French, German, and/or Spanish. The Department also offers, when feasible, instruction in Chinese, Russian, and other languages; as well as instruction in Swedish through the Study in Sweden Program (also when feasible).
Honors requirements: Department honors will be granted to students according to the following process. Students who achieve a 3.30 GPA in upper division language courses at UMD will be invited by program faculty to submit a portfolio of excellent work done in the language for consideration by faculty in the program. The faculty then will decide if honors is to be awarded based on that portfolio.
Geography
329 Cina Hall, 218-726-6300
E-mail: geog@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/geog/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Linda A. Klint
Associate Professors: Pat Farrell, Olaf Kuhlke, Tongxin Zhu; Assistant Professor: Randel Hanson, Michael T. Mageau, Adam Pine; Instructors: Kate Carlson, Susan Hartley
GIS Lab Coordinator: Stacy Stark
Research Associate: Steven Graham
Environmental Studies
Associate Professors: Pat Farrell, Olaf Kuhlke, Tongxin Zhu; Assistant Professor: Michael T. Mageau (director)
Urban and Regional Studies
Assistant Professor: Adam Pine (director)
The department offers majors and minors in geography and environmental studies, major in urban and regional studies, and a minor and certificate in GIScience. These three degree programs provide professional and academic preparation for careers related to geography and environmental studies and planning, and for graduate work in these areas, or teaching in secondary schools. The programs offer a full range of regional and topical courses, including human geography; urban planning; political and gender geography; physical geography; soils geography; water resources and hydrology; ecosystems; environmental studies; conservation and planning; geographic information sciences including map design and graphic methods, animated and multimedia maps, geographic information systems, and remote sensing; field techniques; geographic thought; and opportunities for independent study courses of special interest to the student. Students in all programs have many opportunities for internships with public and private agencies in their respective fields of interest.
The geography department also administers the Center for Community and Regional Research, Center for Sustainable Community Development, Geographic Information Science Laboratory and contributes to the international studies program, and is actively involved with the master of liberal studies program. The department houses and maintains a physical geography and soils laboratory complete with equipment for highly detailed soils analysis. Students and faculty also utilize CLA's Geographic Information Sciences Laboratory (GISL), which is managed by a full-time GI Scientist. This research and instructional facility is comprised of 18 cartographic/GIS/visualization workstations, scanners, and a variety of output platforms.
History
265 AB Anderson Hall, 218-726-7253
E-mail: hist@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/hist
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Maria T. Morisseau
Professor: Judith A. Trolander; Associate Professors: Alexis E. Pogorelskin, Rosemary Stanfield-Johnson, Nkasa T. Yelengi; Assistant Professors: Qiang Fang, Scott Laderman, Steve Matthews
The study of history is vital to a liberal arts education because it provides a holistic approach to knowledge; it broadens students' understanding of commonality and diversity, development of cultures, and drama of human experience.
History touches on the whole range of the human heritage. While focusing on the past, it also helps students understand the present and provides a strong foundation for the future. It prepares students for careers that demand analytical and communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural breadth. These careers include law, business, journalism, teaching, government, and the ministry.
This program introduces students to major world cultures and provides experiences in the critical use of historical literature and other source materials. It offers concentrations in five geographical areas (Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East and United States) and three chronological periodizations (Ancient, Pre-Modern, and Modern).
Honors requirement: Candidates must have a 3.00 overall GPA and a 3.30 in the major. An honors paper or project must be completed in a 5xxx course. Students who wish to have such work considered for honors, must complete a departmental form the first semester of their senior year. Completed project and papers must be approved by the sponsoring faculty member and one other member of the faculty.
Humanities and Classics
208b Cina Hall, 218-726-8507
Mailing: 306 KPlz, 1208 Kirby Drive
E-mail: rmarches@umn.edu
Professor: Ron Marchese
Philosophy
365 AB Anderson Hall, 218-726-8548
E-mail: phil@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/phil/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Elizabeth A. Matson
Professor: Eve A. Browning; Associate Professor: David J. Cole; Assistant Professors: Jason Ford, Tristram McPherson, Sean Walsh
Philosophers seek a broad and deep understanding of the world and the place of humans in it, including the nature of knowledge, meaning, thought, and the basis of moral right and wrong. Philosophical questions cut across many academic disciplines. At the core of the major at UMD is a background study of intellectual history, exploring the insights - and mistakes - of great minds in trying to achieve this understanding.
The UMD Department of Philosophy offers a major and minor in philosophy, including a track with a applied ethics and public policy emphasis. We also offer many UMD Liberal Education Program courses. Philosophy classes cover topics that include ethics and morality, law, logic, critical thinking, theories of art (aesthetics), cognitive science, consciousness, religion, scientific methodology, existential literature and many others.
The Philosophy Department sponsors regular colloquia and information philosophy discussion groups, and is also home to the Center for Ethics and Public Policy. The Socratic Society is an organization run by UMD students who are passionate about philosophy.
Honors requirements: Candidates must be philosophy majors with a 3.30 GPA in the major. Students complete PHIL 5991 and write a substantial paper or significantly rewrite a paper submitted for another philosophy course. Students must notify the department head of their intent to participate in the honors program by the end of the fist week of the semester of graduation and the paper must be approved by a faculty member at least 30 days before the end of the term. The paper is presented orally in department colloquium with the approved manuscript submitted to the department head at least one week before presentation. Contact the department head for more information.
Political Science
304 Cina Hall, 218-726-7534
E-mail: pol@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/pol/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Geraldine Hughes
Professor: Paul Sharp; Associate Professor: Mary Caprioli; Assistant Professors: Mark Jennings, Mary Currin-Percival, Runa Das, Garrick Percival, Amy L. Shuster, Joseph Staats, Jeremy Youde
The Department of Political Science prepares students for careers in government and business, the study of law, and graduate study in political science, domestic and international public policy, and related fields. It offers general liberal education coursework, specialized coursework for students majoring in other disciplines, and a related field for graduate studies.
Honors requirements: Departmental honors in political science will be automatically granted to any student who is a political science major graduating with a grade point average of 3.80 or higher in political science course taken at UMD or accepted for transfer to UMD. The average will be calculated using only political science courses.
International Studies
Professors: Paul Sharp, (political science), Eileen M. Zeitz (Spanish); Associate Professors: Mary Caprioli (director, political science), Tineke Ritmeester (women’s studies); Assistant Professor: Jeremy Youde (political science)
The interdisciplinary international studies program provides students with a broad background in contemporary international affairs and the skills necessary to participate effectively in the global community. The program incorporates courses and faculty from more than 14 different departments and programs. Majors and minors are encouraged to incorporate study abroad experiences into their programs.
Sociology and Anthropology
228 Cina Hall, 218-726-7551
E-mail: socanth@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/socanth
Executive Secretary: Judy Salyards
The department offers majors in anthropology, criminology, and sociology and offers minors in African and African American studies, anthropology, cultural studies and sociology. Unifying themes in our program include inequality, identify, power, social change and development, and global multiculturalism. The department's programs are intellectually exciting and socially relevant. Students in these programs are provided civic engagement and service learning opportunities. A key requirement for students majoring in Sociology or Criminology is a 6-credit internship. The department's internship program is well establish and positively regarded in the community.
The department of Sociology/Anthropology has two centers: The Center for Crime and Justice STudies and the Center for Social Research. The Center for Crime and Justice Studies houses resource information for faculty and student use as well as student research assistant office space. The purpose of the Center for Social Research is to develop research opportunities in the areas of sociology, criminology, anthropology, cultural studies, and Africa and African American studies; administer research on selected aspects of scholarly social inquiry; and provide the space and coordination of developing collaborative faculty, student, and community-based studies.
The archaeology and physical anthropology curricula are supported by a small teaching collection and an archaeology lab. The teaching collection contains slide sets, animal bones, modern replicas, human osteological material, pottery, chipped stone, and some ground stone, all either purchase or donated over the years.
Honors requirements: The department honors program recognizes majors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, provides special educational opportunities for such students, and encourages the development of specialty areas within the major. Honors students participate in independent research, working closely with a faculty member. Qualified majors apply to the honors program before the end of the second week of the first semester of their senior year.
Sociology/Criminology
Professors: John A. Arthur, John E. Hamlin, Janelle L. Wilson; Associate Professors: Emily Gaardner, Sheryl J. Grana (criminology coordinator), Jeffrey R. Maahs, Daniel D. Martin, Robert R. Weidner; Assistant Professor: Susan L. Janssen; Instructor: Bruce Mork (sociology coordinator); Adjunct Assistant Professor: Melissa L. Walls
Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. The criminology program focuses on crime as a social phenomenon and the causes of criminal behavior. The major provides an overview of institutions, issues, and causes of crime, and social control; it also offers a strong foundation in liberal arts, a basic knowledge of behavioral sciences, ana d strong professional growth potential for those pursuing a career in criminology or the criminal justice system. Many criminology majors enter law, law enforcement, corrections, and other social service careers or graduate school.
Sociology focuses on the relationship between social structure and the dynamics of establishing, maintaining, and changing patterns of human social behavior. The program is built around a theoretical methodological core with courses integrated to develop students' conceptual and research competence. These courses focus on social psychology, social organization, and social change. The major provides a background for careers in human services and business and preparation for related graduate and professional school study.
Anthropology
Professors: Timothy G. Roufs; Associate Professor: Jennifer E. Jones (anthropology coordinator); Assistant Professors: Susan Mulholland, David M. Syring; Instructor: Kari L. Kuhlke
Anthropology is concerned with the study of diverse peoples and cultures with a central focus on what it means to be human. This understanding is developed using an integrative and comparative approach that examines the role of culture in human society. Areas of knowledge include:
- Specific ethnographic areas such as Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa along with specific subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and physical anthropology
- Political, social and environmental issues within the context of international and intranational diversity
- Major historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives
To illustrate how anthropological knowledge is obtained, qualitative methodology is emphasized, including knowledge of the uses and limitations of standard methods, a strong ethical component concerning the study of humans, and the relationship between theory and method in qualitative fieldwork.
African and African American Studies
Professor: John Arthur (program coordinator); Associate Professors: Njoki Kamau (women's studies), Chan'gaa Mweti (education), Jackie Onchwari (education), Rudy Perrault (music), Alexis Pogorelskin (history), Nkasa Yelengi (history); Assistant Professors: Janet Haynes (social work), Hilary Kowino (English), William Miller (history), Jeremy Youde (political science); Instructor: Bruce Mork; Adjunct: Mary Cameron (human resources), Adam Meyer (CLA development)
The African and African American Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to promote a vigorous understanding of the worldwide historical an current experience of African American and people of African descent. Through its pedagogical offerings, research activities, advocacy, and community and civic engagement, the program aims to promote awareness nd the advancement of the cultures and institutions of African American and African cultural communities at the local, state, national and international levels. The courses are structured to provide a vast array of interdisciplinary, intellectual, and academic approaches to research, interpretation and the dissemination of the multifaceted experiences and realities of the total black global experience. The program leads initiatives to develop a seamless and tightly woven cross-disciplinary pedagogical and scholastic structure focusing on the study of African American, African, and Caribbean community life and development in the United States and the world at-large. The program, through courses, advising, seminars, lectures, and presentations, supports the academic and intellectual growth of students in an ever increasing multicultural and diverse world.
Cultural Studies
Professors: Elizabeth A. Bartlett (women’s studies), Joseph Gallian (mathematics), Janelle L. Wilson (sociology); Associate Professors: Mitra C. Emad (program coordinator), Kathryn Milun; Assistant Professors: David M. Syring (anthropology), Joan D. Varney
The cultural studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on how culture and power intersect everyday life. Cultural studies work specializes in creating and practicing methods of critical thinking that can be applied to the study of popular culture. The program makes theory and scholarly research a participatory project. Students develop expertise in critical cultural analysis, especially in the workings of gender, race, social class, different abilities, and sexual orientation in everyday life.
Women’s Studies
494 Humanities, 218-726-7953
E-mail: ws@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/ws
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Laura C. Stolle Schmidt
Professor: Elizabeth A. Bartlett; Associate Professors: Margaret Njoki Kamau, Tineke Ritmeester; Assistant Professor: Deborah Plechner; Instructor: Susana Pelayo-Woodward.
The mission of the Department of Women's Studies is to engage in teaching, research, and service activities devoted to examining the cultural, historical, and social experiences and contributions of women of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, classes, abilities, and sexual orientations in a global context; the many ways in which gender distinctions have affected human lives, as well as the construction and intersection of gender, race, and class; feminist scholarship; and critical and theoretical analyses and reflection upon these topics. A wide variety of feminist perspectives and feminist criticism are employed as methodologies in their interdisciplinary field. Academically, we seek to provide our students with a solid background in knowledge about gender, race, class and sexual orientation issues; feminist analysis; critical thinking; and oral and written communication, and actively engage students in the generation of new knowledge and areas of inquiry. We aim to prepare students for meaningful participation and contribution in a diverse society, to be both local, national and global citizens, and participate effectively and contribute meaningfully in a diverse workplace. Finally, we intend to provide a nurturing environment for the whole person - to help each student find her or his own strengths, gifts, and path as well as to raise awareness about the way that path concerns and connects with others in local and global contexts.
Writing Studies
420 Humanities, 218-726-8131
E-mail: writ@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.d.umn.edu/writ/
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist:
Kristen Olson
Associate Professors: David Beard, Jill D. Jenson, Chongwon Park Kenneth C. Risdon, H. Craig Stroupe; Assistant Professors: John A. Hatcher, Rachel Wolford; Instructors: Kendra Carlson, Robin K. Fuller, Neal T. Gilbert Redman, Mariya L. Gyendina, Brandon L. Hoffmann, Lisa Horton, , Mark (Stanfield) Johnson, Chris Julin, Alison Klawiter, Lucy Kragness, Rachel Lintula, Michael S. Lynch, Brenda Palokangas, Susan Perala-Dewey, Nancy J. Peterson, Avesa I. Rockwell, Martha A. Sozansky, Catherine Winter
The Department of Writing Studies is committed to teaching, research, and service in the areas of writing, journalism, information design, and linguistics. The department offers a BA in Writing Studies with two tracks: (1) Journalism and (2) Professional Writing. Both areas explore writing as a field of inquiry, its production, its circulation, its uses, and its role in the development of individuals, professional communities, and societies. Graduates of the program are equipped to use language to cause and create change. In addition, the Department is committed to improving every UMD student's engagement and performance in academic and career-related writing. All students complete the first-year course, College Writing, and most degree programs require a second, upper-division writing course related to a student's major field of study. Courses are offered in the areas of language and literature, the fine arts, business, science, engineering, human services, and the social sciences. The Department offers writing internships at the undergraduate and graduate levels along with graduate seminars in writing theory and pedagogy and in topics relevant to all genres of non-fiction written discourse. Writing is explored in traditional and emerging technologies to meet the expectations of quickly changing and developing rhetorical situations.
Information Design Minor
Contact: H. Craig Stroupe
Journalism
Contact: John A. Hatcher
Linguistics
Contacts: Chongwon Park
Professional Writing
Contacts: David Beard, Kenneth C. Risdon
Writing Requirements
WRIT 1120—College Writing (3 cr) or its equivalent must be completed during the first two semesters of attendance at UMD as part of the UMD liberal education program or Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Most UMD degree programs also require students to take one upper-division writing course. This requirement is clarified under each program’s description.
Entering freshmen who score a 4 or above on either of the Educational Testing Service Advanced Placement examinations in English - Literature and Composition or English Language and Composition are granted 3 credits for WRIT 1120. Students scoring a 32 or above on the ACT English test are exempt from WRIT 1120. Students must contact the UMD Admissions office for this exemption to be processed. UMD Honors students are exempt from WRIT 1120 when those students have taken WRIT 1017—Honors Freshman Seminar: The Rhetoric of Popular Culture. Students must contact the UMD Honors Program for this exemption to be processed.
Credit by exam is not an option for either the lower- or upper-division writing requirement.
Collegiate Graduate Program
Master of Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL)
Program Director: Wy Spano, 112 Cina Hall, 218-726-6658
Co-Director: Linda T. Krug, 336 Kirby Plaza, 218-726-6972
Associate Director: Jennifer Imsande, 258 A.B. Anderson Hall, 218-726-7714
Program Administrator: Suzanne Bonomo, 112 Cina Hall, 218-726-6711
Email: maplapps@d.umn.edu
Web site: www.umdmapl.org
This applied degree, weekend program is designed for individuals in Minnesota and western Wisconsin with experience or interest in having an impact on and changing public policy through positions as local community leaders, labor leaders, government relations specialists in businesses, nonprofit sector policy advocates, inter-governmental relations specialists, political operatives, lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, staff to policy-makers, and citizens. This program is creating a professional group of ethically-grounded advocates and organizers. The program welcomes students from throughout the country who already may be working in one of the above interest areas, either professionally or advocationally, or who are hoping to work in one of these areas.
Cohorts of up to 15 students will form at the beginning of each semester and progress together through the four semesters (two years) required to complete the program. The program is 32 credits composed of nine 3-credit classes and five internship credits. Classes meet 11 weekend each semester and three 3-hour blocks Friday night and all day Saturday. Students may choose a concentration in Advocacy in the Public Sector - Nonprofit Advocacy, or Labor Organizing and Leadership. Or students may choose classes in various concentrations.
Application Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, transcripts (unofficial is accepted) which demonstrate the ability to handle graduate level work, two letters of recommendation, short statement of interest and demonstrated experience in public service, including student government and activities, volunteering with nonprofits, or activity in political/civic life. No entrance exam required.
For updated CLA degree programs go to the index page of this Catalog:
University of Minnesota Campuses