Minors

The School of Arts and Sciences offers many minor options enabling students to expand their academic studies and tailor their degree plan to their individual interests.  Choose from the options below.

Law and Society

The Law and Society program provides students with broad exposure to the American legal system.  Students will explore the basic structure and underlying principles of American justice, the constitutional limits of the judiciary, and the competing theories of constitutional interpretation.  Students will analyze by differentiating and critiquing the basis of law, constitutional issues, and professional decision-making within the legal system.  Concepts, theories, principles in criminal law are introduced, and students will consider moral and ethical issues in the legal system.

Minor: any 6 courses/18 credits from the list below.

  1. PSCI-102, American Government
  2. PSCI-291, The Judicial System and Constitutional Law
  3. CRIM/PHIL 380, Crim Law: Theory and Practice  
  4. CRIM 220 Criminal Law
  5. PHIL 301 General EthicsM 315- Terrorism & Political Violence
  6. CRIM 340-Cyber Crime
  7. CRIM 405-Restorative Justice

 

English

The study of English focuses on deep reading and understanding of literary and non-literary texts and applying critical reading and thinking skills to the analysis and explication of the text. Reading of literary masterpieces and some of the major works of classic and contemporary literature develops multiple perspectives on the human experience and a depth of empathy to the diversity of literature in English and the world. The study of literature hones writing and oral communication skills and how to use scholarly research to enhance one’s understanding of cultural texts. These skills are essential in a wide variety of business and professional fields.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will read and critically analyze a wide range of literary masterpieces and major texts.
  2. Use the tools of literary criticism to deepen one’s understanding and interpretation of literature in all its genres.
  3. Perform scholarly research to broaden the range of perspectives and meaning of a literary work.
  4. Use the themes of literary works to develop empathy and a sense of the diversity and range of human experience over many historic periods and cultures.
  5. Refine skills in written and oral communication.

Courses:

Any of the below 18 credits for the minor, ENG315 Shakespeare

  • One course from each of the following areas:
    1. Area 1 (Medieval): ENG300 Medieval Literature, ENG301 King Arthur in History and Myth, ENG302 Themes in Literature*, ENG305 Chaucer, ENG310 History of the English Language, ENG312 Literature of the Saints, ENG347 Myths, Fairy Tales and Medieval Romances*
    2. Area 2 (Renaissance): ENG215 The Drama, ENG320 Seventeenth Century Literature, ENG325 Milton, ENG347 Myths, Fairy Tales and Medieval Romances*
    3. Area 3 (Eighteenth/ Nineteenth Century): ENG210 History of the Novel, ENG313 Two American Poets: Dickinson and Frost, ENG330 Eighteenth Century Literature, ENG340 Romantic Rebellion, ENG345 Victorian Age, ENG365 American Romantic Writers, ENG371 Autobiography*, ENG302 Themes in Lit.*
    4. Area 4 (Modern to Postmodern): ENG366 Magic and Empire, ENG370 20th Century Crisis of Values: A Prose Statement, ENG371 Autobiography*, ENG375 20th Century Poetry A Crisis of Form, ENG380 20th Century Postmodern Literature, ENG381 Multiethnic Literature, ENG383 African-American Literature, ENG385 Women in Literature, ENG390 Modern Continental Authors, ENG395 Modern Drama, ENG396 Contemporary Drama
  • Any English literature elective at 200-400 level for the minor, no specific area

*Since these courses cover several areas, they may count in EITHER area but not both.

 

Pre-Counseling Psychology

Students are introduced to biological and environmental predictors, as well as symptoms, of neuropsychiatric disorders. Students have the opportunity to analyze research-based interventions and therapies, and explore positive psychological practices shown to promote human transformation. These include expressing gratitude, charitable giving, spending time in beautiful nature, experiencing awe, and finding meaning in life.

Objectives:

APA Learning Outcomes

  1. Content Knowledge and Applications
  2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
  3. Values in Psychological Science
  4. Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills
  5. Personal and Professional Development

Courses:

  1. PSYC 405: Child and Adolescent Deviance
  2. PSYC 406: Abnormal Psychology
  3. PSYC 414: Positive psychology
  4. PSYC Option 1 (any level)
  5. PSYC Option 2 (any level)
  6. PSYC Option 3 (upper level)

 

Psychology of Human Dignity

Students gain a deeper appreciation of human dignity and diversity through an examination of concepts such as conformity, obedience, discrimination, prejudice, implicit bias, and identity. They learn how cultural and social forces reshape identity and group dynamics. They analyze research-based strategies in promoting empathy and effective communication amongst individuals of different cultures, ethnicities, beliefs, and identities. This concentration prepares students to promote effective dialogue across differences, promote collaboration in diverse communities, and advocate for human rights. It prepares students for careers and graduate study in psychology, education, social work, public policy, and other fields committed to promoting a peaceful and just world.

Courses:

  1. PSYC 290: Social Psychology
  2. PSYC 317: Psych Principles Intercultural
  3. PSYC 330: Multicultural Perspectives
  4. PSYC Option 1 (any level)
  5. PSYC Option 2 (any level)
  6. PSYC Option 3 (upper level)

 

Psychological Data and Research

In this area of specialization/minor, students are taught to critically analyze existing societal problems, generate and test the efficacy of various solutions using data management and analysis techniques. With an emphasis on research designed to promote human flourishing, this concentration equips students with the skills to assess well-being, equity, and social impact using empirical methods. It prepares students for a variety of careers and graduate study programs, including educational effectiveness, user-experience research, public policy analysis, community development, and program evaluation.

Courses:

  1. PSYC 249: Data management
  2. Psych 305: Psychometric Theory & Practice
  3. Psych 445: Research Practicum 1
  4. PSYC Option 1 (any level)
  5. PSYC Option 2 (any level)
  6. PSYC Option 3 (upper level)

 

Minor in Holistic Psychology and Wellness

In this concentration, students will explore the mind-body connection and examine factors that promote well-being across domains including happiness, meaning in life, subjective well-being, quality of life, physical health, and life satisfaction. This concentration prepares students for enhancing individual and global wellness in a variety of careers.

Courses:

  1. PSYC 270/ EXSC 323: Sports psychology (cross-listed in Exercise Science)
  2. PSYC 377: Psychology of Health and Illness
  3. PYSC 414: Positive Psychology
  4. PSYC Option 1 (any level, one option is PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology)
  5. PSYC Option 2 (any level)
  6. PSYC Option 3 (upper level)