Southwestern University
 
2004-2005 Catalog

Academic Calendar

Southwestern University: A Statement
The Academic Program
Degree Requirements
Academic Regulations

Course Descriptions

Brown College of Arts & Sciences
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 Economics & Business
 Education
 English
 History
 Kinesiology
 Math & Computer Science
 Modern Languages & Literatures
 Physics
 Political Science
 Psychology
 Religion & Philosophy
 Sociology & Anthropology

Sarofim School of Fine Arts
 Art
 Music
 Theatre

Interdisciplinary Programs
Special Academic Programs

Admission & Financial Aid
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University Directory
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INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

The University offers various interdisciplinary, team-taught courses. These courses are offered on an occasional basis, unless otherwise indicated.

INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES

INTRADIVISIONAL COURSES

In addition to the above courses and the departmental courses described elsewhere in the Catalog, the University offers certain intradivisional courses.

General Science (GSC)

Social Sciences (SSC)

39-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.

39-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.

39-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in topic.

THE INDEPENDENT MAJOR (AREA OF CONCENTRATION)

The independent major (area of concentration) within the Bachelor of Arts degree is an alternative to a traditional major. It permits students greater freedom to design an interdisciplinary course of study focusing on a theme or career plan. It must consist of no fewer than 48 semester hours, chosen in accordance with an overall plan that gives unity and coherence to the integrated course of study: 1) 24 semester hours from one subject area (defined as one group of courses sharing a numerical prefix, e.g. 70-XXX-Studio Art), 18 of which must be above the introductory level; and 2) 24 additional semester hours from other subject areas, 18 of which must be above the introductory level.

Students’ programs must be designed in consultation with the chairs of the Division/School and the Departments involved and must be approved by the Division/School in which the first 24-hour block falls. The capstone experience is dictated by the requirements of the subject area in the first 24-hour block.

INTERDIVISIONAL COURSES AND INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJORS

These majors have been developed with programs that cross departmental boundaries to provide students with a program of study that goes beyond traditional departmental offerings. Students choosing these majors must follow the prescribed course patterns. Electives within these majors are chosen from sets of prescribed courses and are not “freely elected.” Most interdisciplinary majors exceed the 30-hour minimum.

AMERICAN STUDIES (AMS)

American Studies Major

An American Studies major consists of 48 semester hours of courses that examine the interplay of the diverse cultures of North America, past and present. Thirty of the 48 hours must be above the introductory level. The Chair of the American Studies Committee (or person designated by the Chair) acts as the major advisor, guiding students in the selection of courses to integrate their knowledge of different disciplinary methodologies and subject areas to produce an interdisciplinary approach to studying American society and culture that is more than the sum of its parts. The following courses are required of all students majoring in American Studies:

English 10-663, 673, 683

History 16-783

American Studies Seminar 01-383 or another interdisciplinary course approved by the Chair.

Thirty additional semester hours will be chosen from the list below with the guidance and approval of the Chair of the American Studies Committee. These courses must include work in at least two departments other than History and English. Independent study courses and interdepartmental courses (whether listed or not) may be included with the approval of the Chair, if the content of the study is appropriate to American Studies. Other courses not listed may also be included with the approval of the Chair if the content contributes to the student’s focus of interest.

Other appropriate courses:

Anthropology 35-203, 213

Communication Studies 75-483, 613, 683

Economics 31-013, 103, 213, 513, 533, 573

English 10-523

History 16-453, 483, 713, 753, 763

Music 80-383

Political Science 32-113, 253, 503, 513, 523, 533, 543, 553, 563, 653

Sociology 34-223, 273, 293, 433

01-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.

01-383 AMERICAN STUDIES SEMINAR. An interdisciplinary investigation, in depth, into aspects of the American experience. May be repeated for credit with changed content.

01-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.

01-963 SEMINAR.

01-983 HONORS.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Jesse Purdy, PhD, Program Chair

The major in Animal Behavior is an interdisciplinary program offered by the departments of Biology and Psychology. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate programs in animal behavior, animal learning, behavioral ecology, biopsychology, ecology, neuroscience, and veterinary science. Students interested in veterinary school are advised to obtain clinical experience and take a full year of Chemistry and Math. The student seeks the Bachelor of Arts degree, takes specific courses in Biology and Psychology, and chooses from among other courses in Biology and Psychology. In addition, the student is required to participate in research projects under the supervision of faculty members. The research may be conducted both in departmental laboratories and at field sites. In addition, opportunities are available for conducting research in other laboratories and facilities. Finally, the student is required to complete a capstone project (usually in the senior year) consisting of original research in the student’s area of interest and in cooperation with one of the program’s faculty advisors.

These courses are required in the major (50 semester hours):

The capstone requirement for the Animal Behavior major is fulfilled through the second three-hour block of research credit (50-953 or 33-813, depending on interest). This capstone results in a written and oral presentation of research findings.

These courses are recommended to strengthen the student’s program:

Students interested in veterinary medicine should take additional classes in chemistry, physics, and biology.
See a pre-veterinary advisor for more information.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ENV)

The Environmental Studies Major is an interdisciplinary program which examines the many connections between humans and nature from a wide variety of perspectives. The program combines a broad set of courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. It also encourages students to be environmental activists.

The major consists of at least 33 hours, 18 of which are above the 100 level, and leads to a BA degree. The minor consists of at least 18 hours, with 12 hours above the 100 level. See 3 and 4 below for specifics.

1. General Education Requirements

Foundation Courses

First-Year Seminar

Writing and Critical Thinking

Math: See (3) below

The Environmental Studies Committee suggests selecting from the following POK courses:

A. American & Western Cultural Heritage (one course)

PSC 32-113 American Politics

B. Other Cultures and Civilizations (one course)

ANT 35-103 Introduction to Anthropology

ANT 35-113 Peoples and Places: World Regional Geography

ECO 31-443 Economic Development

C. Religious Perspective (one course)

Any introductory level (100)

D. Values Analysis (one course)

PHI 18-103 Introduction to Ethics

PHI 18-273 Biomedical Ethics

E. Natural World: Physical Science (one course)

CHE 51-063 Chemistry of the Environment

F. Natural World: Life Science

This POK is fulfilled by meeting the requirements of the major as described below.

G. Social Analysis (two courses)

ECO 31-013 Principles of Macroeconomics

PSC 32-503 Texas Politics

2. Additional requirements for the BA

Language through sophomore level

Fitness & Recreational Activity (2 courses)

3. Course requirements for Environmental Studies major

Introduction to Environmental Studies (ENV 49-101)

Environmental Science (ENV 49-143) fulfills POK-Natural World: Life Science

Research/Internship (ENV 49-943 or 953)

Capstone (ENV 49-962)

Introduction to Statistics (MAT 52-113) fulfills general education math requirement

At least one additional course from the following, which are cross-listed with departments in the Natural Sciences:

Chemistry of the Environment (ENV 49-063) fulfills POK-Natural World: Physical Science

Environmental Chemistry (ENV 49-614)

Ecology (ENV 49-434)

Global Change Biology (ENV 49-414)

Note: Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, and Global Change Biology are advanced courses and have prerequisites, and these prerequisites do not count toward the Environmental Studies major. Students who have a special interest in the natural sciences are encouraged to minor in one of those disciplines, and to include one or more of these advanced classes in your program of study. In planning your minor, keep in mind the University policy that no courses will count toward both your major in Environmental Studies and your minor.

The following are cross-listed with courses in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Fine Arts. Select among them to fulfill the remainder of the hour requirement of the major.

4. Course requirements for the Environmental Studies minor:

Minors will take Introduction to Environmental Studies (ENV 49-101) and Environmental Science (ENV 49-143). Also, take at least one additional class from the above courses cross-listed with the Natural Sciences. Select at least two among the above courses cross-listed with the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Fine Arts. Eighteen hours are needed, with 12 above the 100 level.

5. Also available for the Environmental Studies major/minor are Internship in Environmental Studies (ENV 49-941, 942, 943, 944), Independent Study in Environmental Studies (ENV 49-951, 952, 953, 954), Selected Topics in Environmental Studies (ENV 49-301, 302, 303, 304), and Environmental Stewardship (ENV 49-312).

49-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.

49-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.

49-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.

49-983 HONORS.

FEMINIST STUDIES (FST)

Kathleen M. Juhl, PhD, Program Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre

Alison Kafer, MA, Instructor of Feminist Studies

The Feminist Studies Major is an interdisciplinary, critical exploration of how some of the most salient categories of difference—such as gender, race, class, sexuality, religion and nation—vary in time and place. It exposes students to the growing body of knowledge that falls under the broad rubric of “feminism,” including feminist theory and its critics, and it seeks to revise the findings of traditional disciplines to include this new knowledge and variety of feminist methodologies.

Students with an academic focus on feminist methodologies are well prepared to continue in a variety of fields, including social work, law, non-profit work, journalism, public policy, cultural studies, Feminist Studies and traditional disciplines.

The Feminist Studies major exists for those students whose academic and professional career interests would best be served by a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary approach. Students in Feminist Studies can double major in any discipline. Paired majors with Communication Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Religion, Sociology, and Theatre are available.

Students who wish to emphasize the interdisciplinary concentration on the experiences and perspectives of women also may select Feminist Studies as a minor. Students can combine a Feminist Studies minor with any major. This minor is recommended for students who are interested in careers in management, personnel, education, communications, law, affirmative action administration, and the social services.

Major Requirements:

The Chair of the Feminist Studies Committee acts as the major field advisor. The Feminist Studies major is a flexible 30-hour program, 18 semester hours of which must be above the introductory level. All majors must take Introduction to Feminist Studies 04-103 as early as possible and the Senior Seminar 04-933 as their capstone experience. For the remaining 24 semester hours students must consult with the major field advisor and construct a program within the guidelines listed below. One of these eight courses must be a course that analyzes and conceptualizes race, ethnicity, and/or class. See asterisked courses below. This program requires the approval of the Chair of the Feminist Studies Committee. Feminist Studies 04-303 courses are special topics courses either specifically in Feminist Studies or cross-listed in other disciplines which may be offered and cross-listed for one semester. Some of these courses will become permanent Feminist Studies or cross-listed courses.

1. General Education Requirements Common to all Degrees 38 hrs

The Feminist Studies Committee encourages students planning to
attend graduate school in Feminist Studies to fulfill the Mathematics
Foundation Course requirement by taking MAT 52-113, Introduction
to Statistics.

Fitness and Recreational Activity 2 hrs

Writing and Critical Thinking 3 hrs

First-Year Seminar 2 hrs

2. Specific additional requirements for the BA degree:

Foreign language through the sophomore level 14 hrs

3. Specific course requirements for the Feminist Studies major:

04-103 Introduction to Feminist Studies 3 hrs

04-933 Feminist Studies Senior Seminar 3 hrs

4. At least five courses which are cross-listed with other departments

that are women or gender focused 15 hrs

Currently those courses are:

5. No more than three allied courses from courses regularly

offered in other departments 9 hrs

A student must have Introduction to Feminist Studies 04-103 as a prerequisite for counting these courses for the Feminist Studies major or minor. Currently those courses are:

6. Courses in other subject areas will be considered for the Feminist Studies major, based on course content, by the Feminist Studies Committee.

7. The remaining 36 semester hours can be used to meet the

requirements of a second major or a combination of the minor

and the necessary electives for the degree 36 hrs

Students planning to go to graduate school in Feminist Studies should consider taking one of the following social science methods courses:

ANT 35-213 Ethnographic Methods

PSC 32-713 Research Theory and Methodology

SOC 34-203, 201 Research Methods

8. Also available for the Feminist Studies major are Feminist Studies Internship 04-943, Feminist Studies Independent Study 04-953, and Honors in Feminist Studies 04-983.

Minor Requirements:

A student must have Introduction to Feminist Studies 04-103 as a prerequisite for counting allied courses for the Feminist Studies minor. The 18-hour Feminist Studies minor would include 04-103, at least three cross-listed courses, and no more than two allied courses. One of these five courses must be a course that analyzes and conceptualizes race, ethnicity and/or class. See asterisked courses above. Twelve of the 18 semester hours must be above the introductory level.

Introduction to Feminist Studies 3 hrs

Minimum of three cross-listed courses 9 hrs

Maximum of two allied courses 6 hrs

04-933 SENIOR SEMINAR.

04-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.

04-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.

04-983 HONORS. By invitation only.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (INS)

Steve C. Davidson, PhD, Program Chair

International Studies Major

A major in International Studies is designed for students interested in understanding other cultures and the global systems—economic, social, religious, intellectual, political, and environmental. Students explore international issues from a broad perspective by studying a particular area of the world in depth, by using a strong disciplinary base from which to explore several disciplinary approaches to another culture, by learning a language spoken in their geographical area of emphasis, and by the experience of living in another culture while studying it.

The International Studies program embodies the finest traditions of the liberal arts: through knowledge of other cultures it aims to foster appreciation of the diversity of human experience and to provide a new perspective on American society.

A major in International Studies is appropriate for students who wish to pursue careers in business, government, and international agencies and provides a particularly valuable context for graduate study.

Students majoring in International Studies will pursue a course of study consisting of no fewer than 16 courses (48 hours).

I. The International Studies Program consists of the following components.:

A. A disciplinary major in either Anthropology, Economics (with Economics Development and International Economics included in this major), History, or Political Science. These majors provide not only a strong disciplinary base from which to study another culture, but also provide international and comparative perspectives expanding the student’s understanding of their geographical area of interest in a global context. The student is required to take at least two courses in this major that focus on their geographical area of interest (where this is not available at Southwestern the student will be expected to take these courses while studying abroad).

B. A “Concentration”:

1. Advanced Language: Two courses at the 300 or above level must be taken in a language related to the student’s area of emphasis. This requirement is in addition to the language requirement incumbent upon all Southwestern students. These courses should include at least one literature course. Students are encouraged to take conversation classes, but these courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

2. Study Abroad: The required study abroad experience must be directly related to the student’s area of emphasis. This requirement is satisfied by one or two semesters in a study abroad program approved by the International Studies Committee. Students should discuss their plans with their advisors and receive the Committee’s approval well in advance of the experience.

3. The Geographical Area of Emphasis: Four courses, in addition to the two taken in the disciplinary major, are required in the student’s geographical area of emphasis. These courses are designed to help the student develop expertise in a specific geographical area. Students should take courses designated as International Studies courses from at least two different disciplines in addition to their disciplinary major. Students may choose one of the three following areas on which to focus:

1. European Area of Emphasis

2. East Asian Area of Emphasis

3. Latin American Area of Emphasis

38-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.

38-941, 942, 943, 944 INTERNSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES.

38-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.

38-983 HONORS.

By the end of the sophomore year, all students will complete the form called “International Studies Plan of Study.” The form will explain the geographical area of emphasis, the disciplinary major, the way the international experience will be met, and the language the student intends to study. The student will use this form to explain what themes or personal interests hold these four items together. Students who wish to change the basic thrust of their plan (and not just individual courses) will be required to fill out a new plan setting forth the same four items. The plan of study (and the proposal for the fulfillment of the international experience requirement) must be approved by a member of the International Studies Committee), and must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office upon declaring the International Studies major.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

William O’Brien, PhD, Program Chair

Physical Science Major (Dual Degree, Pre-Engineering Program)

For students interested in engineering, a dual degree program is possible which consists of three years of course work at Southwestern University followed by approximately two years at an engineering school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The student will complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, with the exception of the major requirement, at Southwestern. In addition the student will complete his or her training in the basic sciences and in mathematics at Southwestern. Southwestern University will award the Bachelor of Arts degree after the completion of all of the requirements for the engineering degree.

The dual degree program is designed to place the technical training of the engineer within the broader perspective of the liberal arts tradition. In this age the engineer cannot always confine himself or herself to the technical aspects of engineering projects. The modern engineer must be aware of the social responsibilities of the profession and must explain the possibilities and the risks of new technologies to fellow citizens. These considerations have been given added emphasis by recent decisions of many engineering schools to add more humanities courses to their programs and are especially relevant to those who, in the course of a technical career, move into decision-making positions. Completion of the program at Southwestern is the first stage of the dual degree program. The student then applies for admission to an ABET accredited engineering school which usually requires a GPA of 3.0. In the case of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, students with the above-noted GPA and a recommendation from the liaison office (Southwestern’s Department of Physics) are normally admitted. In addition, Washington University offers a Dual Degree Engineering Affiliation Scholarship to be awarded by the Southwestern University liaison office. To be eligible for the scholarship, which covers half of the tuition cost at Washington University, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and meet the dual degree admission requirements. Students in the dual degree program at Washington University constitute about 20% of the undergraduate engineering students and receive their degrees upon satisfactory completion of a two-year program in St. Louis. Also, specific credit transfers have been arranged with Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, and with Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. It should be noted that the average time to complete an engineering degree at public institutions for their students who enter as freshmen is now five years. As both the engineering schools and Southwestern make curricular adjustments frequently, students interested in the dual degree program should consult regularly with the pre-engineering advisor about progress or changes in affiliation agreements.

Students must satisfy the basic requirements of the Bachelor of Arts degree, including Perspectives on Knowledge courses, but excluding the 30 semester hours in the major discipline, for a total of 92 semester hours at Southwestern. In addition, specific science requirements include:

Mathematics 52-154, 253, and 353, Calculus I, II, and III; 52-753, Elementary Differential Equations; and 52-673, Linear Algebra

Computer Science: 54-143, Introduction to Programming or 54-183, Computer Science I

Physics: 53-154 and 164, Fundamentals of Physics I and II; 53-214 Elementary Modern Physics; and 53-334, Classical Mechanics I

Chemistry: 51-153, 151, 163, and 161, Chemical Concepts and Properties I & II; 51-713, 711 Physical Chemistry I (may be replaced by Physics 53-204 for students interested in electrical engineering)

These courses will provide a foundation upon which further work in engineering will be built. The Perspectives courses also will provide some transfer credit to various schools. A detailed outline showing a suggested staging of the various courses at Southwestern is available from the Department of Physics.

The Southwestern degree is a BA with a major in physical science. The requirements for the major are to be considered satisfied by the science and mathematics courses outlined above together with course work completed at the engineering school for completion of the engineering degree at the second institution. Successful completion of the engineering degree is a requirement for the BA at Southwestern University. While the degree cannot be conferred until all requirements are completed at both institutions, students who can provide evidence that they will complete their degree requirements by the end of the second institution’s spring semester may petition to the Provost by the published deadlines to participate in May commencement activities at Southwestern University.