College of Arts and Letters

The College of Arts and Letters offers programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, and  Bachelor of Fine Arts. Two kinds of majors lead to degrees: departmental and interdepartmental.

A departmental major, except for certain programs in art, theatre, and foreign languages, consists of between 30 and 40 credits in courses stipulated by the departments as counting toward the major. In general, a departmental major offers the opportunity to develop habits of thought and methods of study associated with a single scholarly discipline. The specific course and credit requirements for majors are explained in the sections of this catalog devoted to individual academic units. In addition to concentration on course work in the major, students have the freedom to choose from among many fields of related intellectual importance to fulfill cognate requirements.

An interdepartmental major consists of between 50 and 68 credits in courses stipulated by the college as counting toward the major. The interdepartmental major is especially appropriate for students who are interested in concentrating on several fields of study. Course and credit requirements are described later in this section under the heading Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary Programs.

It is the student's obligation to learn the university, college, and departmental or program degree requirements. The college, departments or programs will provide academic advice and other assistance, but the final responsibility for meeting the requirements must rest with the student.

 

Students meeting the general requirements for admission to the university shown in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog may enroll with a major preference in the College of Arts and Letters and be assigned an academic advisor from the college. During the freshman and sophomore years, students are enrolled in the Undergraduate University Division and normally complete most of the university requirements.

 

1. Completion of at least 56 credits acceptable to the college.
2. An academic record in all work accepted by the college which meets the requirements of Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students.
3. Acceptance as a major by a department, school, or interdepartmental program in the college.

In order for a student to complete a degree program within two years after admission to the college as a junior, a minimum of 60 credits including some of the program requirements should have been earned during the freshman and sophomore years.

 

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree that are listed below:
   a.    Courses used to satisfy the University Integrative Studies requirement cannot be counted in the fulfillment of any other 
           requirement.
   b.    The specific requirements, including a capstone experience, of a major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in the college.
   c.    Second–year competency in a foreign language.  This  requirement may be satisfied by placing into a 300–level foreign language 
          course based on a MSU placement test.
   d.    Cognate requirement:
           Students must complete two cognates of 12 credits each.  Both the cognates and the related courses must be approved by the 
           department or school of the student's major.
           (1)    The courses in each cognate shall be in a single discipline or thematic area.
           (2)    At least one of the cognates must be in a field outside the College of Arts and Letters.
           (3)    One 300 or 400 level course of at least 3 credits must be included in one of the cognates.
           (4)    Courses at the 300–400 level in the same language that was used to satisfy the college's foreign language requirement, or 
                    courses at the 100–200 level in another foreign language, may be counted toward this requirement.
           For students who are seeking a teaching certificate, an approved teaching minor may be substituted for the two cognates with the
           approval of the student's academic advisor.
   
           The two cognates are not required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with an interdepartmental or interdisciplinary major in the 
           college.
   e.    Credit requirement.
           (1)    For students with a department or school major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree:
                   (a)    At least 30 credits in courses at the 300 level and above.
                   (b)    At least 30, but not more than 40, credits in courses in the major that count toward the degree with the following 
                            exceptions. For example, a student with a major in German must earn at least 30, but not more than 40, credits in 
                            German courses.
                           (i)    A student with a major in Theatre may earn a maximum of 50 credits in Theatre courses.
                           (ii)   A student with a major in a foreign language may earn a maximum of 40 credits in courses above the 100 level in 
                                   that language.
                           (iii)  A student who combines a major in East Asian Languages and Cultures with a major in another field is required to 
                                   earn a minimum of 28 credits in Asian Languages, Chinese, and Japanese courses.
                           (iv)   A student who combines a major in German with a major in another field is required to earn a minimum of 26 
                                   credits in German courses.
                           (v)    A student who combines a major in Russian with a major in another field is required to earn a minimum of 26 
                                   credits in Russian courses.
                   (c)    A minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in courses in the major that count toward the degree. For example, a student 
                           with a major in German must earn a minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in the German courses that count toward the
                            degree.
           (2)    For students with an interdepartmental or interdisciplinary major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree:
                   (a)    At least 30 credits in courses at the 300 level and above. 
                   (b)    At least 50, but not more than 68, credits in courses in the major that count toward the degree. For example, a student 
                           with a major in American Studies must earn at least 50, but not more than 68, credits in courses related to American 
                           Studies.
                   (c)    A minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in courses in the major that count toward the degree. For example, a student 
                           with a major in American Studies must earn a minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in the courses related to American 
                           Studies that count toward the degree.

 

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that are listed below:
   a.    Courses used to satisfy the University Integrative Studies requirement cannot be counted in the fulfillment of any other requirement.
   b.    The specific requirements, including a capstone experience, of a major leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Department
           of Art and Art History.
   c.    Credit requirement.
           (1)    At least 30 credits in courses at the 300 level and above.
   d.    A minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in courses in the major that count toward the degree. For example, a student with a major in
          Studio Art must earn a minimum grade–point average of 2.00 in the Studio Art courses that count toward the degree.

 

The College of Arts and Letters encourages honors students to develop distinctive undergraduate programs in the departments. A member of the faculty is selected to serve as advisor to Honors College students in each major field; and it is the advisor's responsibility to help the student plan a rigorous and balanced program which will reflect the student's special interests and competencies.

The departments of the college offer honors courses and seminars at both introductory and advanced levels, chiefly, but not exclusively, for members of the Honors College. The college also offers an opportunity for independent study for Honors College students whose interests reach beyond the topics ordinarily covered by the college honors program. This program consists of two components:

1. Courses taken within the departments and school of the college to satisfy the Arts and Humanities component of the university's Integrative Studies requirement.
2. A Senior Honors Thesis/Project completed under the direction of a supervising faculty member within the department or school of the student's major.

An Honors Option is possible for many of the courses in the college through prior arrangement between student and instructor. Such agreements permit the student to earn Honors credit for specialized study beyond the usual requirements of the course.

 

Since the admission requirements to professional programs such as human and veterinarian medicine, business, and law vary among post-baccalaureate professional schools, it is not feasible to establish a single program for each profession that satisfies the admission requirements of all such schools. However, many majors within the College of Arts and Letters prepare students for application to these graduate programs. In addition, students  may create a program of study that meets the specific admission requirements of the professional college of their choice. Early advising and careful planning are critical in these instances.

In addition, the College of Arts and Letters does have a suggested program of study in Humanities-Prelaw which will satisfy the admission requirements of most professional law schools. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether or not the proposed program meets the entrance requirements of a chosen professional college. For details, consult the Program in Interdisciplinary Humanities and the Humanities-Prelaw Program sections.

 

In addition to undergraduate major programs, the college offers more than 20 minors and specializations, which may be combined with the requirements of a student’s degree program. A complete list of College of Arts and Letters minors and specializations is available at www.reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/.

Students in Arts and Letters may also complete a Bioethics, Humanities, and Society Specialization (see the College of Human Medicine section of this catalog).

Students in Arts and Letters may also complete a Specialization in Documentary Studies (see the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media section of this catalog).

 

These programs are intended primarily for students whose principal interest is in a broad liberal education, as well as those who are interested in preprofessional preparation for careers in areas such as business or medicine. Programs are given in Humanities Pre–Law and Interdisciplinary Humanities.

 

Patricia R. Paulsell, Director

The Interdisciplinary Humanities major is ideal for students who seek a broad liberal education with an emphasis on the disciplines represented by the departments and school of the College of Arts and Letters. It offers study in several fields of knowledge which have a close intellectual relationship and illuminate each other.

The Interdisciplinary Humanities program is a good choice for students planning to study the law or general business.  Many students also use this major to help prepare for graduate study or human services and government work.  A student majoring in Interdisciplinary Humanities cannot obtain a teaching certificate without taking additional work beyond degree requirements.

The Interdisciplinary Humanities major offers unusual flexibility in the choice of areas of concentration.  The program is most suitable for self–disciplined students with clearly defined  academic objectives.  The one basic criterion is that the student's education shall have intellectual coherence.  There are two ways of organizing the major.  Both require the completion of 6 credits of course work in quantitative reasoning and a concentration of courses to form the major:

The Triad Program:  The major consists of courses in three selected departments.  All of the departments may be within the College of Arts and Letters, or two may be from the College of Arts and Letters and one from another college.  With the flexibility of this program the student may pursue studies in related disciplines.  The requirements for the major are satisfied by a total of 50 to 64 credits from three designated departments with a minimum of 15 credits in each. The student must also fulfill the 6 credit requirement in quantitative reasoning referenced in item 3.b. below.

Area or Period Studies:  The major consists of courses in one department in the College of Arts and Letters, with a minimum of 15 credits at the 300 and 400 levels.  This concentration provides a core; the remainder of the major may be selected from related interdepartmental combinations with a minimum of 20 additional credits in the College of Arts and Letters to bring the total to between 50 and 64 credits.  The student must also fulfill the 6 credit requirement in quantitative reasoning referenced in item 3.b. below.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Interdisciplinary Humanities major is met by completing the Tier II writing requirement for one of the departmental majors that is associated with one of the emphasis areas within the College of Arts and Letters that the student selects to satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Humanities.  Refer to the requirements referenced in items 3. a. (2) (a) (I) and 3. a. (2) (b) (I) below.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree, with the exception of the College's cognate requirement.
3. The following requirements for the major:
   a.    The following courses related to Interdisciplinary Humanities (50 to 64 credits):
           (1)   A capstone experience of at least 3 credits in an internship, senior seminar, independent study, or overseas study course 
                   approved by the student's academic advisor.
           (2)   The student must complete the requirements for either the Triad Program or the Area or Period Studies Program that 
                   follow.  Both the program and the related courses must be approved by the student's advisor (47 to 61 credits).
                   (a)    Triad Program:
                           (i)    One of the following groups of courses (45 credits):
                                   At least 15 credits in each of three emphasis areas1, 2 within the College of Arts and Letters. At least 15 credits in 
                                   each of three emphasis areas,^{1, 2} two within the College of Arts and Letters and one in another College.
                           (ii)   Additional credits in courses related to Interdisciplinary Humanities as needed to meet the requirement of at least 
                                   50, but not more than 64, credits in courses in the major (2 to 16 credits).
                   (b)    Area or Period Studies Program:  Both of the following groups of courses:
                           (i)    At least one emphasis area ^{1, 2} within the College of Arts and Letters with a minimum of 15 or 16 credits at the 300–
                                   400 level.
                           (ii)   Additional credits in courses related to Interdisciplinary Humanities, including a minimum of 20 credits in courses 
                                   in the College of Arts and Letters ^{1, 2} as needed to meet the requirement of at least 50, but not more than 64, 
                                   credits in courses in the major (32 to 45 credits). 
           (3)    At least 20 credits in 300–400 level courses in the student's emphasis areas.
       b.    At least 6 credits in courses that involve quantitative reasoning skills selected from areas such as the following:  mathematics³,
               computer science, economics, statistics and probability³, logic, and research methodology.  Both the area and the related 
               courses must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

   ---

   ¹  An emphasis area is associated with a departmental major.  The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Interdisciplinary 
       Humanities major is met by completing the Tier II writing requirement for one of the departmental majors that is associated with 
       one of the emphasis areas within the College of Arts and Letters that the student selects to satisfy the requirements for the 
       Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Humanities referenced in items 3. a. (2) (a) (I) and 3. a. (2) (b) (I).  
       [EXAMPLE:  A student selects history as one of his or her emphasis areas within the College.  The student chooses to meet the 
       Tier II Writing Requirement for the Interdisciplinary Humanities major by completing the Tier II Writing Requirement for the History 
       major.  For that student, the Tier II writing requirement is met by completing one of the following courses:  History 480, 481, 482, 
       483, 484, 485, 486, 487, or 488.]
   ²  If the student selects a foreign language as an emphasis area, the courses must be at the 300–400 level or above.
   ³  For students who are admitted to Michigan State University as new freshmen and new transfer students beginning Fall 1993, 
       courses in mathematics and in statistics and probability that may be used to satisfy the University mathematics requirement may 
       not be counted toward this requirement.

Patricia R. Paulsell, Director

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities—Prelaw is derived from the triad version of the Bachelor of Arts degree program in interdisciplinary humanities. In the prelaw program, one emphasis area consists of course work selected from an approved list of prelaw courses in a variety of disciplines both within and outside the College of Arts and Letters. At least one of the other two emphasis areas must be a discipline within the College of Arts and Letters.  The remaining emphasis area may also be within the College of Arts and Letters; however, students are encouraged to select an area outside the college in order to achieve the academic breadth appropriate for law and related fields.
Students with majors in departments within the College of Arts and Letters may add a prelaw component to their education by completing a cognate comprised of course work from the approved list of prelaw courses.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities—Prelaw

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities—Prelaw.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Humanities—Prelaw major is met by completing the Tier II writing requirement for one of the departmental majors that is associated with one of the disciplines within the College of Arts and Letters that the student selects to satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Humanities—Prelaw.  Refer to the requirements referenced in items 3. a. (1) (a) and 3. a. (1) (b) below.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree, with the exception of the College's cognate requirement.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following courses that are related to Humanities—Prelaw (50 to 64 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following 3 emphasis areas; both the areas and the related courses must be approved by the student's academic advisor (45 credits):
   		(a)	At least 15 credits in a discipline within the College of Arts and Letters.1, 2
   		(b)	At least 15 additional credits in a discipline within or outside the College of Arts and Letters.1, 2
   		(c)	At least 15 additional credits in approved pre–law courses selected from the following:
   			ACC	201	Principles of Financial Accounting		3
   			ACC	230	Survey of Accounting Concepts		3
   			CJ	210	Introduction to Forensic Science		4
   			CJ	220	Criminology		4
   			CJ	375	Criminal Law Process		4
   			CJ	421	Minorities, Crime, and Social Policy		3
   			CJ	425	Women and Criminal Justice		3
   			CJ	471	Law of Corrections		3
   			CJ	474	Law and Criminal Justice Policy		4
   			EC	330	Money, Banking, and Financial Markets		3
   			EC	335	Taxes, Government Spending, and
   						Public Policy	3
   			EC	340	Survey of International Economics		3
   			EC	360	Private Enterprise and Public Policy		3
   			EC	380	Labor Relations and Labor Market Policy		3
   			EC	425	Law and Economics		3
   			EC	435	Public Expenditures		3
   			EC	436	Public Revenues		3
   			ENG	309	Writing for Prelaw Students		4
   			GBL	323	Introduction to Business Law		3
   			HST	318	United States Constitutional History		3
   			HST	350	Constitutional and Legal History
   						of Medieval England	3
   			HST	351	Constitutional and Legal History
   						of England since 1400	3
   			PHL	330	Formal Reasoning I		4
   			PHL	331	Formal Reasoning II		4
   			PHL	340	Ethics		3
   			PHL	344	Ethical Issues in Health Care		4
   			PHL	345	Business Ethics		4
   			PHL	350	Moral and Political Issues		3
   			PHL	354	Philosophy of Law		3
   			PHL	440	Central Issues in Ethics		4
   			PHL	450	Topics in Social and Political Philosophy		3
   			PLS	310	Public Bureaucracy in the Policy Process		3
   			PLS	320	The American Judicial Process		3
   			PLS	321	American Constitutional Law		3
   			PLS	322	Comparative Legal Systems		3
   			PLS	324	American Legislative Process		3
   			PLS	325	American Executive Process		3
   			PLS	371	Classical Political Philosophy		3
   			PLS	372	Modern Political Philosophy		3
   			PLS	377	American Political Thought		3
   			PRR	485	Legal Aspects of Parks, Recreation, and Sport		3
   			PSY	280	Abnormal Psychology		3
   			RD	430	Law and Resources		3
   			SOC	241	Social Psychology		3
   			SOC	331	Political Sociology		3
   			SOC	452	Environment and Society		3
   			WS	404	Women and the Law in the United States		3
   	(2)	A capstone experience of at least 3 credits in an internship, senior seminar, independent study, or overseas study course approved by the student's academic advisor.
   	(3)	Additional credits in courses related to Humanities—Prelaw as needed to meet the requirement of at least 50, but not more than 64, credits in courses in the major (2 to 16 credits).
   	(4)	At least 20 credits in 300–400 level courses in the student's 3 emphasis areas.
   b.	At least 6 credits in courses that involve quantitative reasoning skills selected from areas such as the following:  mathematics,3 computer science, economics, statistics and probability,3 logic, and research methodology. Both the area and the related courses must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

   ---

¹    A discipline is associated with a departmental major.  The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Humanities—Prelaw major is met by completing the Tier II writing requirement for one of the departmental majors that is associated with one of the disciplines within the         College of Arts and Letters that the student selects to satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Humanities—Prelaw referenced in items 3. a. (1) (a) and 3. a. (1) (b).  [EXAMPLE:  A student selects history as one of his or her disciplines within the College.  The student chooses to meet the Tier II Writing Requirement for the Humanities—Prelaw major by completing the Tier II Writing Requirement for the History major.  For that student, the Tier II writing requirement is met by completing one of the following courses:  History 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, or 488.]
²    If the student selects a foreign language as a discipline, the courses must be at the 300–400 level or above.
³    For students who are admitted to Michigan State University as new freshmen and new transfer students beginning Fall 1993, courses in mathematics and in statistics and probability that may be used to satisfy the University mathematics requirement may not be counted toward this requirement.

 

 

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities provides students with the tools to encounter and understand the representations, values, concerns, and debates that shape human experience.  It focuses on scholarship related to experiences at the crossroads of cultures, the circulation of goods and services, and the tensions within and across global spaces, as they are reflected upon through literary, philosophical, linguistic, and artistic practices. Students who select this major will study systems, governments, or cultures, and investigate the specific contributions, perceptions, and interventions offered by humanistic engagements with the issues affecting the peoples of the world.

The major will assist in the preparation of students for positions in government, business, or non-governmental organizations engaged in global activities as well as for graduate studies.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities

1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the  Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities.
   
   The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities major is met by completing Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities 450.  That course is referenced in items 3. a. below.
2. The  requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree. 
   
   Proficiency in a second language as certified by the assessment coordinator in the Center for Language Teaching-Advancement.
3. The following requirements for the major:
   

   a.	Both of the following courses (20 credits):
   	GSAH	220	Global Interactions and Identities				3
   	GSAH	230	Values, Experience, and Difference in Global Contexts				3
   	GSAH	310	Conflict and Justice in a Global Setting				3
   	GSAH	311	Crossing Boundaries/Changing Worlds				3
   	GSAH	312	Media Mobility: Change, Access, Representation				3
   	GSAH	450	Global Theory Seminar (W)				3
   	GSAH	491	Special Topics				2
   b.	Complete 12 to 16 credits from the following courses with the approval of the student’s advisor:
   	College of Arts and Letters
   	AL	485	Foundations of Museum Studies				3
   	Department of Art and Art History
   	ATD	426	History of Dress and Textiles				3
   	ATD	430	Dress, Culture, and Human Behavior				3
   	ATD	431	Global Context for Sustainable Design				3
   	HA	120	Perspectives on World Art: What is Art?				4
   	HA	150	Monuments and Ideas in the History of Art				4
   	HA	209	Ancient Art				3
   	HA	210	Medieval Art				3
   	HA	220	Renaissance Art				3
   	HA	240	Modern Art				3
   	HA	260	East Asian Art				3
   	HA	271	African Art				3
   	Department of English
   	ENG	361	Asian Literature in English or in English Translation				3
   	ENG	363	African Literature				3
   	ENG	431B	Studies in Postcolonial Cinema				4
   	ENG	463	Studies in the Literature of Africa and the African Diaspora				3
   	Department of French, Classics and Italian
   	FRN	321	Oral Expression				3
   	FRN	415	Introduction to French Studies I: Metropolitan France				3
   	FRN	416	Introduction to French Studies II: Francophone Cultures				3
   	FRN	445	Theme-Based Seminar				3
   	FRN	446	History-Based Seminar				3
   	Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages
   	ARB	460	Special Topics in Arabic Culture (W)				3
   	ARB	461	Introduction to Arabic Literature (W)				3
   	ASN	401	East Asian Cultures (W)				3
   	ASN	464	Studies in the Literature of Asia and the Asian Diaspora (W)				3
   	GRM	445	20th Century and Contemporary German Literary Studies (W)				3
   	GRM	455	Major Themes in German Cultural History (W)				3
   	LIN	200	Introduction to Language				3
   	LIN	225	Language and Gender				3
   	LIN	401	Introduction to Linguistics				4
   	LIN	441	Historical Linguistics				3
   	LIN	471	Sociolinguistics				3
   	RUS	420	Russian Life and Culture Before World War I				3
   	RUS	421	Russian Life and Culture in the 20th Century				3
   	RUS	440	Contemporary Russian Life and Culture (W)				3
   	Department of Philosophy
   	PHL	342	Environmental Ethics				3
   	PHL	350	Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy				3
   	PHL	351	African Philosophy				3
   	PHL	353	Core Themes in Peace and Justice Studies				3
   	PHL	354	Philosophy of Law				3
   	PHL	355	Philosophy of Technology (W)				3
   	PHL	356	Philosophical Aspects of Feminism				4
   	PHL	357	Philosophy of Karl Marx				3
   	PHL	451	Philosophy and the Black Experience				3
   	PHL	452	Ethics and Development				3
   	PHL	453	Ethical Issues in Global Public Health				3
   	Department of Religious Studies
   	REL	205	Myth, Self, and Religion				3
   	REL	215	The Sound of World Religions				3
   	REL	275	Magic and Mysticism: Western Esoteric Traditions and Practices				3
   	REL	380	New Religions: U.S. and the World				3
   	REL	480	Comparative Studies in Religion (W)				3
   	Department of Spanish and Portuguese
   	SPN	412	Topics in Hispanic Culture				3
   	SPN	420	Spain and its Literature				3
   	SPN	432	Latin America and its Literature				3
   	SPN	452	Topics in Spanish Language I (I)				3
   	SPN	472	Topics in the Literatures of the Americas				3
   	Department of Theatre
   	DAN	455	History of Dance to 1900 (W)				3
   	THR	406	Classical Acting				3
   	THR	431	History of Theatre to 1850 (W)				3
   	Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures
   	AMS	360	Ethnicity and Identity in Global Popular Culture				3
   	AMS	365	Transcultural Perspectives				3
   	AMS	465	Major Themes in Ethnicity and Identity in American and Global Culture				3
   c.	Participate in an international experience through study abroad, study away, or internship. This experience must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

This opportunity is designed to encourage students to combine a major in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities with a major in another field such as business, economics, history, international relations, political science, or another foreign language.  Students electing this option must meet the requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete the requirements 3. a., 3. b., and 3. c. in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities above to fulfill the requirement of 32 to 36 semester credits. Students will also be required to pass an oral proficiency test administered by the assessment coordinator for the Center for the Support of Language Teaching.

 

The Minor in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities, which is administered by the College of Arts and Letters is designed to provide students the opportunity to acquire a core of basic knowledge of global studies in the arts and humanities.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. At least 12 unique credits counted towards the requirements for a student’s minor must not be used to fulfill requirements for that student’s major.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the program for global studies in the College of Arts and Letters. 

Requirements for the Minor in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities

Students must complete at least 18 credits from the following:

1.	All of the following courses (9 credits):
	GSAH	220	Global Interactions and Identities				3
	GSAH	230	Values, Experience, and Difference in Global Contexts				3
	GSAH	450	Global Theory Seminar (W)				3
2.	Two of the following courses (6 credits):
	GSAH	310	Conflict and Justice in a Global Setting				3
	GSAH	311	Crossing Boundaries/Changing Worlds				3
	GSAH	312	Media Mobility: Change, Access, Representation				3
3.	Complete 3 to 4 credits from the following courses:
	College of Arts and Letters
	AL	485	Foundations of Museum Studies				3
	Department of Art and Art History
	ATD	426	History of Dress and Textiles				3
	ATD	430	Dress, Culture, and Human Behavior				3
	ATD	431	Global Context for Sustainable Design				3
	HA	120	Perspectives on World Art: What is Art?				4
	HA	150	Monuments and Ideas in the History of Art				4
	HA	209	Ancient Art				3
	HA	210	Medieval Art				3
	HA	220	Renaissance Art				3
	HA	240	Modern Art				3
	HA	260	East Asian Art				3
	HA	271	African Art				3
	Department of English
	ENG	361	Asian Literature in English or in English Translation				3
	ENG	363	African Literature				3
	ENG	431B	Studies in Postcolonial Cinema				4
	ENG	463	Studies in the Literature of Africa and the African Diaspora				3
	Department of French, Classics and Italian
	FRN	321	Oral Expression				3
	FRN	415	Introduction to French Studies I: Metropolitan France				3
	FRN	416	Introduction to French Studies II: Francophone Cultures				3
	FRN	445	Theme-Based Seminar				3
	FRN	446	History-Based Seminar				3
	Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages
	ARB	460	Special Topics in Arabic Culture (W)				3
	ARB	461	Introduction to Arabic Literature (W)				3
	ASN	401	East Asian Cultures (W)				3
	ASN	464	Studies in the Literature of Asia and the Asian Diaspora (W)				3
	GRM	445	20th Century and Contemporary German Literary Studies (W)				3
	GRM	455	Major Themes in German Cultural History (W)				3
	LIN	200	Introduction to Language				3
	LIN	225	Language and Gender				3
	LIN	401	Introduction to Linguistics				4
	LIN	441	Historical Linguistics				3
	LIN	471	Sociolinguistics				3
	RUS	420	Russian Life and Culture Before World War I				3
	RUS	421	Russian Life and Culture in the 20th Century				3
	RUS	440	Contemporary Russian Life and Culture (W)				3
	Department of Philosophy
	PHL	342	Environmental Ethics				3
	PHL	350	Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy				3
	PHL	351	African Philosophy				3
	PHL	353	Core Themes in Peace and Justice Studies				3
	PHL	354	Philosophy of Law				3
	PHL	355	Philosophy of Technology (W)				3
	PHL	356	Philosophical Aspects of Feminism				3
	PHL	357	Philosophy of Karl Marx				4
	PHL	451	Philosophy and the Black Experience				3
	PHL	452	Ethics and Development				3
	PHL	453	Ethical Issues in Global Public Health				3
	Department of Religious Studies
	REL	205	Myth, Self, and Religion				3
	REL	215	The Sound of World Religions				3
	REL	275	Magic and Mysticism: Western Esoteric Traditions and Practices				3
	REL	380	New Religions: U.S. and the World				3
	REL	480	Comparative Studies in Religion (W)				3
	Department of Spanish and Portuguese
	SPN	412	Topics in Hispanic Culture				3
	SPN	420	Spain and its Literature				3
	SPN	432	Latin America and its Literature				3
	SPN	452	Topics in Spanish Language I (I)				3
	SPN	472	Topics in the Literatures of the Americas				3
	Department of Theatre
	DAN	455	History of Dance to 1900 (W)				3
	THR	406	Classical Acting				3
	THR	431	History of Theatre to 1850 (W)				3
	Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures
	AMS	360	Ethnicity and Identity in Global Popular Culture				3
	AMS	365	Transcultural Perspectives				3
	AMS	465	Major Themes in Ethnicity and Identity in American and Global Culture				3

 

 

The American Indian Studies Specialization is an interdisciplinary program that coordinates academic study, research, and outreach. The specialization focuses on American Indian cultural studies with an emphasis on native American peoples of the Midwest.

Students who elect this specialization will broaden their understanding of native cultures, history, and current issues important to North American Indians. They will apply such understanding to their chosen field of study. The specialization is open to all interested undergraduates. The specialization is administered by the College of Arts and Letters.

Augmenting the academic courses students will be taking in native American studies, is an internship that requires students to visit, research, and participate in local Native American communities for one semester. Students will enroll in AL 493A Arts and Letters Internship with American Indian Studies affiliated faculty who will facilitate working relationships between student interns and local Native American communities and direct the interns development of a required research paper.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the Specialization in American Indian Studies must contact the advisor for the American Indian Studies Program. Certain courses will only count towards the requirements for the specialization when the course has appropriate content focusing on American Indians. The advisor must approve each student’s program of study in advance of enrollment and in writing.

Requirements for the Specialization in American Indian Studies

The student must complete 20 to 24 credits as specified below:

1.	General Core Courses (Bezhig):
	Complete 12 credits in courses listed below from at least two different areas of study. Two of these courses must be at the 300 level or above.
	AMS	491	Perspectives in American Studies				3
	AMS	492	Seminar in American Studies				3
	ANP	411	North American Indian Ethnography				3
	ANP	452	Native American Prehistory				3
	ENG	354	Native American Literature				3
	HST	378	Native Americans in North American History to 1830				3
	HST	379	Native Americans in North American History from 1830				3
	IAH	211C	Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: The Americas (D)				4
	REL	306	Native American Religions				3
	WRA	110	Writing: Science and Technology				4
	WRA	125	Writing: The American Ethnic and Racial Experience				4
	WRA	150	Writing: The Evolution of American Thought				4
2.	Electives (Niizh):
	Complete 6 additional credits from courses with significant focus on native American subject matter as approved by the advisor for the American Indian Studies Program.
3.	Internship (Niswi):
	Complete 2 to 6 credits of Arts and Letters 493A. This is a one-semester internship. Students will work as a project at a Michigan Indian reservation, or in a local native American community or engage in an approved research activity in consort with a supervising faculty member. This internship may be arranged for summer or academic year enrollment.

Upon completion of the requirements for the Specialization in American Indian Studies, the student should contact the advisor for the American Indian Studies Program and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student’s transcript.

 

The Specialization in African American and African Studies, administered by the College of Arts and Letters, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With its focus on politics and society and arts and humanities, the specialization introduces students to interdisciplinary study of the historical and contemporary experiences of blacks in the United States and elsewhere in the Black Diaspora including the richness and complexity of the African continent. Students who enroll in this specialization will be challenged to think critically and to develop their research and communication skills and will find that this specialization provides them with a strong foundation for study in graduate and professional schools or for employment in government and business.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

The Specialization in African American and African Studies is committed to mentoring and developing the research skills of undergraduates. Therefore, each student must enroll in AL 495 Research-Mentoring in Black American and Diasporic Studies for 3 credits as a requirement of the specialization. Students who enroll in this internship course will be research interns who will be required to meet regularly with African American and African Studies faculty, develop and maintain a mentoring journal, and submit a research paper.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the Specialization in African American and African Studies must contact the advisor for the Specialization in African American and African Studies. The student’s program of study for the specialization must be approved in advance and in writing by the advisor for the specialization.

Requirements for the Specialization in African American and African Studies

1.	The student must complete the following ( a minimum of  21 credits):
	a.	The following course (3 credits):
		AL	495	Research-Mentoring in Black American and
					Diasporic Studies		3
	b.	Core. The student must complete a total of 9 to 12 credits in either concentration below:
		Politics and Society
		FCE	442	Ethnic Families in America			3
		HST	312	African American Women			3
		HST	362	West Africa and the African-American Connection			3
		ISS	215	Social Differentiation and Inequality (D)			4
		MC	324B	Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict
					in Sub-Saharan Africa		4
		MC	372	Comparative Black Political Thought			4
		MC	383	African American Politics			4
		PLS	351	African Politics			3
		SOC	375	Urban Sociology			3
		Humanities and Culture
		ENG	349	African-American Literature I			3
		ENG	350	African-American Literature II			3
		ENG	405	Language Use in the African-American Community			3
		HST	310	African American History to 1876			3
		HST	311	African American History since 1876			3
		HST	383	The Caribbean			3
		MC	395	Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs1			4
		MUS	426	Music of West Africa			2
		MUS	430	Music of the Caribbean			2
		WRA	125	Writing: The American Ethnic and Racial Experience1			4
	c.	Electives
		The student must complete a minimum of 9 credits. None of these credits may be earned in courses in the department of the student's major. To fulfill this elective requirement, students will select courses from the list that follows and/or from courses listed under the concentration not chosen for the core requirement. Thus, if a student chooses to complete the Politics and Society concentration for the core requirement, then courses listed under  the Humanities and Culture concentration become possible elective choices, and vice versa.
		ANP	330	Race, Ethnicity, and Nation: Anthropological
					Approaches to Collective Identity		3
		EC	414	Economic Analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa			3
		ENG	353	Women and Literature1			3
		ENG	360	Postcolonial Literature and Theory			3
		ENG	363	African Literature			3
		ENG	420	Language and Culture			3
		ENG	450	Studies in African American Literature			3
		ENG	463	Studies in the Literature of Africa and the
					African Diaspora		3
		ENG	431B	Third World Cinema			4
		HST	360	African History to 1800			3
		HST	361	African History since 1800			3
		HST	480	Seminar in American History (W)1			3
		IAH	211C	Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations:
					The Americas (D)1		4
		IAH	231B	Themes and Issues: Moral Issues and the
					Arts and Humanities1		4
		IAH	241A	Creative Arts and Humanities: Music and
					Society in the Modern World (D)1		4
		ISS	215	Social Differentiation and Inequality (D)			4
		LIN	225	Women and Language1			3
		MUS	491	Special Topics in Music1			1 to 4
		PHL	350	Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy1			3
		PLS	377	American Political Thought			3
		SOC	215	Race and Ethnicity			3
		SOC	330	Social Stratification1			3
		SW	320	Social Work and Social Policy I1			3
		WRA	125	Writing: The American Ethnic and Racial
					Experience1		4

Upon completion of the requirements for the Specialization in African American and African Studies, the student should contact the advisor for the Specialization in African American and African Studies and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student’s transcript.
 

---

¹    Courses counted toward the requirements for the Specialization in African American and African Studies must have a significant focus on 
        African American and African studies subject matter. Prior approval by the advisor for the Specialization in African American and African 
        Studies is required. The advisor may approve, on request, one additional unlisted course that has a significant focus on African 
        American and African studies subject matter to count as an elective.

 

The Specialization in Jewish Studies, which is administered by the College of Arts and Letters, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.

The Specialization in Jewish Studies introduces students to the history, religion, culture, and civilization of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present.  The specialization focuses on Jewish people in the Middle East, Europe, and America.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the Specialization in Jewish Studies should consult the undergraduate advisor for Jewish studies in the College of Arts and Letters.

Requirements for the Specialization in Jewish Studies

The student must complete a minimum of 20 credits from the courses listed below.  At least 12 of the 20 credits must be in courses in English, History, James Madison College, Religious Studies, and Women's Studies.

English
ENG	344	Jewish–American Literature					4
Hebrew
HEB	101	Elementary Hebrew I					4
HEB	102	Elementary Hebrew II					4
HEB	201	Second–Year Hebrew I					4
HEB	202	Second–Year Hebrew II					4
HEB	290	Independent Study					1 to 8
HEB	490	Independent Study					1 to 8
History
HST	392	History of the Holocaust					3
HST	411	European Jewish History					3
Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities
IAH	211C	Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: The Americas (D)					4
To be counted toward the requirements for the Specialization in Jewish Studies, the content of this course must be specifically related to or focused on Jewish studies.  This course may be used to satisfy both the requirements for the specialization and University requirements.
James Madison College
MC	324A	Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in the Middle East					4
MC	387	Jews and Anti–Semitism					4
Linguistics and Languages
LL	250C	Topics in National Cinemas: Israeli Cinema					3
Religious Studies
REL	310	Judaism					4
REL	410	Hebrew Bible/Old Testament					3
REL	411	Modern Jewish Thought					3
Women's Studies
WS	302	Jewish Women's Experiences and Writings					3

Upon completion of the requirements for the Specialization in Jewish Studies, the student should contact the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters and request certification for the completion of the specialization.  After the certification is approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student's academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed.  This certification will appear on the student's transcript.

 

The Specialization in Museum Studies, administered by the College of Arts and Letters, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The specialization provides an opportunity for study focused on the development, interpretation, management, preservation, and access of collections of art, cultural history, and natural history. This specialization complements a number of major fields of study: art history, American Studies, anthropology, botany, business, history, human environment and design, park, recreation and tourism resources, studio art, and zoology. Students who plan graduate study or who wish to pursue careers in museums, other educational institutions, or corporate collections may find this specialization particularly appealing.

With the approval of the department and the college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

The Specialization in Museum Studies includes course work and an internship experience. Courses are planned to provide a broad overview of museum history as well as knowledge of museum theory, methodology and practice consistent with contemporary national and international standards. Multiculturalism, cultural and demographic change, scholarly directions, and varied types of collections are studied. Campus and regional museums, collections, and exhibitions provide active learning experiences. The Kresge Art Museum, the Michigan State University Museum (Archaeology, Mammalogy, Folk Arts), Beal-Darlington Herbarium, Michigan State University Library Special Collections, and Human Environment and Design Historic Collections are among the relevant campus sites.

The undergraduate advisor for the Museum Studies specialization is a faculty member from the Department of Art and Art History who participates in the specialization and has considerable museum experience.

Requirements for the Specialization in Museum Studies

1.	The student must complete the following (15 credits):
	a.	Both of the following courses:
		AL	485	Foundations of Museum Studies			3
		AL	496	Museum Studies Internship			2 or 3
	b.	At least three of the following courses:
		AL	498	Museum Curatorial Practicies			3
		AL	492	Special Topics in Museum Studies			1 to 3
		AL	494	Museum Exhibitions: Theory and Development			3
		AL	498	Learning in Museums			3
		Elective

With approval of the undergraduate advisor for Museum Studies, a course selected from a wide range of disciplines may be counted toward the requirements for the Specialization in Museum Studies.

Upon completion of the requirements for the Specialization in Museum Studies, the student should contact the undergraduate advisor for Museum Studies and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This information will appear on the student’s transcript.

The Specialization in Russian and East European Studies, which is administered by the College of Arts and Letters, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.
The Specialization in Russian and East European Studies is designed to enhance the student's understanding of and appreciation for Russia and the East Central European countries. The specialization offers an interdisciplinary, as well as a comparative and cross–cultural, approach to the study of those geographic areas.
The educational objectives of the Specialization in Russian and East European Studies are to:

1. Prepare students for graduate study or for careers in such areas as research, journalism, and business.
2. Help students to gain a broader understanding of their major disciplines within the context of a study of Russia and Eastern Europe incorporating courses and methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
3. Stimulate student involvement in a comparative and cross–cultural approach to problems common to the United States and the societies of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
4. Respond to the increasing interest of United States citizens of Russian and East European descent in better appreciating their cultural heritage.

The undergraduate advisor for Russian and East European studies in the College of Arts and Letters coordinates the specialization on behalf of the Dean.  That advisor assists the student in planning a program of study that is tailored to the student's interests, disciplinary major, and career objectives.  The student's program of study for the specialization must be approved in advance and in writing by the undergraduate advisor for Russian and East European studies.

Requirements for the Specialization in Russian and East European Studies

The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1.	Foreign Language
	The student must demonstrate proficiency in Russian or in another approved language (normally another Slavic language) at a level equivalent to the completion of two years of study at the university level.  Proficiency may be demonstrated either by completing the appropriate courses or by passing a proficiency examination.
		Students are encouraged to elect additional approved foreign language courses beyond those needed to meet the minimal requirement.
2.	Humanities (9 credits)
	The student must complete a minimum of three of the courses listed below:
	History of Art
	HA	410	Early Christian and Byzantine Art				4
	History
	HST	342	Modern East-Central Europe				3
	HST	343	Russia from Peter the Great to Lenin				3
	HST	344	Russia in the Twentieth Century				3
	HST	411	European Jewish History				3
	Philosophy
	PHL	357	Philosophy of Karl Marx				3
	PHL	416	Hegel				4
	Russian
	RUS	231	Russian Literature in Translation: Early and Mid–19th Century				3
	RUS	232	Russian Literature in Translation:  Late 19th and 20th Centuries				3
	RUS	241	Cultural Traditions of Russia				3
	RUS	301	Third–Year Russian I				3
	RUS	302	Third–Year Russian II				3
	RUS	341	Russian Life and Culture of the 20th Century				3
	RUS	401	Fourth–Year Russian I (W)				3
	RUS	402	Fourth–Year Russian II (W)				3
3.	Social Science (9 credits)
	The student must complete a minimum three of the courses listed below:
	Economics
	EC	406	Economic Analysis of Russian and the Commonwealth
				of Independent States			3
	Political Science
	PLS	358	Politics of the U.S.S.R. and Its Successor States				3
	Sociology
	SOC	415	Russian Contemporary Society				3
	James Madison College
	MC	328	Russian Foreign Policy				4
4.	Electives (3 credits)
	The student must complete a minimum of one of the courses listed below:
	EC	306	Comparative Economic Systems1				3
	GEO	336	Geography of Europe1				3
	HST	490	Independent Study1,2				3 or 4
	MC	324E	Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Europe1				4
	MC	325	State and Society in Comparative Perspective1				4
	MC	386	Women and Power in Comparative Perspective1				4
	MC	492	Senior Seminar in International Relations (W)1				5
	PHL	421	Topics in European Philosophy1				3
	PLS	460	International Relations (W)1				4
	LL	413	Slavic Language I				4
	LL	414	Slavic Language II				4
	RUS	493	Overseas Internship				3 to 12
	SOC	490	Special Topics in Sociology1				3

 

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¹    To be counted toward the requirements for the Specialization in Russian and East European Studies, the content of this course must be 
        specifically related to or focused on Russia or Eastern Europe.
²    Students are encouraged to complete an independent study course, especially if they are planning to study in Russia or in the East 
        Central European countries.

 

Upon completion of the requirements for the Specialization in Russian and East European Studies as specified by the undergraduate advisor for Russian and East European studies, the student should contact that advisor and request certification for the completion of the specialization.  After the certification is approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student's academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed.  This certification will appear on the student's transcript.

 

The College of Arts and Letters offers a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs leading to the  Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well as graduate certification programs that enhance professional opportunities. Graduate programs are designed to respond to current professional and social needs and to students' expectations and goals.  The programs combine course work; outreach and teaching experiences; and production, performance, or research projects to prepare students for careers in higher education, communications and public and private sector positions where advanced knowledge, skills, and problem-solving ability are required.

General Requirements for Consideration for Admission  to Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs in the College of Arts and Letters

Each applicant must submit directly to the academic unit that administers the program to which admission is sought a letter giving the applicant's academic background and reasons for pursuing advanced study.

International applicants must fulfill the university's English language proficiency requirement as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Academic units that administer master's and doctoral degree programs may specify additional requirements for consideration for admission such as a sample of an applicant's art work, a portfolio, or an audition.

Courses Used to Satisfy a Foreign Language
Requirement in a Master's or Doctoral Degree Program in the College of Arts and Letters

If a foreign language requirement is included in a student's degree program, it is highly recommended that the student enroll in courses that are to be used to satisfy that requirement under the Credit–No Credit (CR–NC) system.

Academic Standards for Graduate Assistants in the College of Arts and Letters

A  graduate assistant in the College of Arts and Letters must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.25.
2. Not accumulate deferred grades (identified by the DF–Deferred marker) in more than 8 credits in courses (excluding courses numbered 899 and 999).

If at the end of a semester a graduate assistant fails to meet one or both of the requirements specified above, the graduate assistant shall receive a warning and be allowed to hold the graduate assistantship for one additional semester.  If at the end of the additional semester the graduate assistant has failed to meet one or both of the requirements specified above, the graduate assistantship shall be withdrawn.

Master of Arts degree programs are offered in the following areas:  African American and African studies, American studies, comparative literature, critical studies in literacy and pedagogy, English, French, German, Hispanic literatures, history of art, linguistics, philosophy, Russian, and theatre.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants must meet the general requirements for consideration for admission to master's and doctoral degree programs in the College of Arts and Letters referenced above.

To be admitted to a Master of Arts degree program in the College of Arts and Letters on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a recognized educational institution.
2. A cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.00 in the junior and senior years of the baccalaureate degree program.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree

The student plans a program of study in consultation with a graduate advisor subject to the rules of the department or school, the College, and the University. Two patterns are in general use: Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).

Academic Standards

A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits must have been completed within the time limit for the degree.

 

Refer to the statements on the Department of Art and Art History and Department of Theatre.

 

Doctor of Philosophy degree programs are offered in the following areas:  African American and African studies, American studies, English, French, German, linguistics, philosophy, second language studies, and Spanish.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants must meet the general requirements for consideration for admission to master’s and doctoral degree programs in the College of Arts and Letters referenced above.

To be admitted to a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in the College of Arts and Letters on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a record of high academic achievement and demonstrate potential as a research scholar acceptable to the department, program or school. Some degree programs will require completion of a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
2. a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in any previous graduate course work.

Admission on provisional status may be offered if the applicant’s record is incomplete or contains minor deficiencies in preparation.

Final Oral Examination

The Dean of the College of Arts and Letters appoints a faculty member in the College to read the student's dissertation, to question the student during the examination, and to participate in the evaluation of the student's performance.  However, that faculty member serves on the student's examining committee without vote.

The Master of Arts in African American and African Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study devoted to advanced exploration and analysis of the social, cultural, and political experiences of Black peoples in the United States, Africa, and other parts of the African Diaspora.

Admission

Admission to graduate study in African American and African Studies is primarily to the doctoral program.  However, under certain circumstances, the program will consider applications for admission to the Master of Arts in African American and African Studies from students who wish to earn a master’s degree in preparation for the doctoral degree.  Please consult with the program director if you wish.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must:

1. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test forwarded to the College.
2. Submit a writing sample, usually a recent research paper, to the College of Arts and Letters.

To be admitted to the program with regular status, an applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree in an area of study appropriate for advanced work in this field.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in African American and African Studies

This program is available only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree. With the approval of the student’s advisor, the student must choose an area of specialization. Courses selected for the degree must fit into a unified plan aimed at providing the student with both a comprehensive background and a depth of understanding of African American and African Studies. Courses used to complete the degree requirements must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Director of African American and African Studies.

The student must:

1. Complete 30 credits of course work including:
   a.    A minimum of 6 credits of 800-level course work dealing with critical theories needed to undertake the advanced study of African 
          American and African Studies.
   b.    A minimum of 6 credits of 800-level course work whose specific focus is African American and African Studies.
   c.    A minimum of 18 credits of electives that pertain to African American and African Studies. At least 9 of these credits must be in the 
          area of specialization.
2. Pass an examination of reading comprehension in a foreign language appropriate to the study of African and African American Studies, or complete a 400-level reading course for graduate students in a foreign language appropriate to the study of African and African American Studies.
3. Pass a final certifying examination. The examination committee will consist of the student’s advisor and members of the core faculty in African American and African Studies. The examination will consist of two parts: a) a general examination dealing with theoretical and critical approaches to African American and African Studies, and b) a specialized examination dealing with the student’s area of specialization.

 

The Doctor of Philosophy in African American and African Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study devoted to advanced exploration and analysis of the social, cultural, and political experiences of Black peoples in the United States, Africa, and other parts of the African Diaspora. The objective of the program is to develop scholars committed to academic excellence and social responsibility in the Black world and the broader community. Comparative, integrative, and applied approaches to the acquisition and use of knowledge are given emphasis.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in African American and African Studies, an applicant must:

1. Have a 3.0 grade-point average in their last 30 credits of course work.
2. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test forwarded to the College.
3. Submit a writing sample, usually a recent research paper, to the College of Arts and Letters.

To be admitted with regular status, the applicant must have a master’s degree in an appropriate field or have completed at least 30 credits of approved course work beyond the bachelor’s degree. Applicants without a master’s degree or sufficient course work may be admitted provisionally and be required to complete a specified number of collateral courses,  not to count toward the degree, before regular admission is granted.

Guidance Committee

Three of the four guidance committee members must be selected from the core faculty of the African American and African Studies program. One member must be from the student’s cognate specialization area.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in African American and African Studies

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and the College of Arts and Letters, students must complete 24 credits of doctoral dissertation research, and the requirements specified below:

1. Complete 27 credits of course work including:
   a.    All of the following courses:
           AL    830    Introduction to African American and African Studies I        3
           AL    831    Introduction to African American and African Studies II       3
           AL    832    Supervision Seminar in African American and African Studies        3
    b.    Both of the following courses for a total of 3 credits as approved by the guidance committee:
           AL    893A    Internship in African American and African Studies        1 or 2
           Must be performed in an African American community.
           AL    893C    Internship in African American and African Studies       1 or 2
           Must be performed in a Black community outside of the United States.
   c.    A minimum of 3 credits in research methods in the area of specialization.
   d.    An additional 12 credits of course work selected from an approved course list and approved by the guidance committee. At least 6
           of these credits must be in the area of specialization.
2. Choose an area of specialization in consultation with the guidance committee.
3. Choose either an African or non-African language to fulfill the language requirement. Students selecting an African language must attain spoken and written second-year proficiency in at least one language from the following list (Yoruba, Hausa, Zulu, Shona, or Swahili). Second-year proficiency will be measured by completion of two years of university-level course work in the language or by passing oral and written examinations equivalent to those given at the end of second-year course work. For non-African languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, or other languages approved by the guidance committee) there must be demonstrated advanced reading proficiency relevant to the student’s area of specialization.
4. Pass two comprehensive examinations: a general examination in African American and African Studies and an examination in the area of specialization.
5. Assist faculty in one offering of AL 495 Research-Mentoring in Black American and Diasporic Studies.
6. Submit a dissertation proposal to the guidance committee and pass an oral examination in defense of the proposal. This examination must be passed before the student may begin dissertation research.
7. Prepare and successfully defend the doctoral dissertation.

 

The Master of Arts degree program with a major in American Studies is designed for students who wish to study the culture, history, and civilization of the United States from an inter– and multidisciplinary perspective. Students may pursue the program in preparation for an interdisciplinary doctoral degree program, or as preparation for a disciplinary doctoral degree program in a field such as English, history, philosophy, religious studies, or history of art.

Students who are enrolled in the program explore the techniques, materials, and perspectives of American studies, American history, and American literature, as well as one other related discipline or thematic unit. Carefully coordinated, yet flexible, plans of study are available.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program with a major in American Studies, an applicant must:

1. Have at least two faculty who are able to assess the applicant's ability to pursue graduate study forward letters of recommendation to the College.
2. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test forwarded to the college.
3. Include in the letter required by the college a 400–700 word statement giving the applicant's background and reasons for pursuing advanced study.
4. Submit to the college a recent sample of academic and/or professional writing.

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree program in American studies on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in American studies or a related field.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in American Studies

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Plan A and Plan B

1.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
	AMS	881	American Studies Theory, Methods and Bibliography				3
	AMS	891	Special Topics in American Studies				3
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AMS	849	Comparative Ethnic Studies (D)				3
	AMS	851	Popular Culture Studies				3
3.	At least one course in American history.
4.	At least one course in American literature.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. At least one course in another discipline or thematic unit.¹
2. Four to 6 credits of AL 899  Master's Thesis Research.
3. Pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. At least three courses in another discipline or thematic unit.¹
2. Pass a final certifying examination.

 

---

¹    Examples:

        Disciplines:  anthropology, history of art, journalism, political science, philosophy, sociology.

        Themes traced across disciplines:  African–American culture, popular culture, women's studies, Native American culture, science and 
        technology studies.

        Vocational designs involving management skills pertinent to humanistic studies: material culture, historic preservation, museum 
        studies.

 

 

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in American Studies is designed for students who wish to understand the American experience by studying it from an interdisciplinary perspective.  The educational objectives of the program are to promote the interdisciplinary study of American culture, past and present, its ideas and institutions.  Students who complete the program should have acquired a general knowledge of American culture from the vantage of several disciplines and area studies, and a specific knowledge of one area of American culture. 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in American studies, an applicant must:

1. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test forwarded to the college.
2. Submit to the college a recent sample of academic and/or professional writing.
3. Include in the letter required by the college a 500–1000 word statement giving the applicant's goals in pursuing a doctoral degree.

To be admitted to the doctoral program in American studies on regular status, an applicant must have a master's degree in American studies or 30 credits of approved course work.

Guidance Committee

One faculty member from each of the three fields on which the student's comprehensive examinations are based shall serve on the student's guidance committee.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in American Studies

The student must:

1.	Complete a minimum of 21 credits from the following:
	a.	All of the following courses (9 credits):
		AMS	860	Writing and Publishing American Studies Scholarship			3
		AMS	881	American Studies Theory, Methods, and Bibiolography			3
		AMS	891	Special Topics in American Studies			3
	b.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
		AMS	849	Comparative Ethnic Studies (D)			3
		AMS	851	Popular Culture Studies			3
		An 800-level methods course in another discipline may be used towards this requirement with approval fo the director of the Program in American Studies.
	c.	Complete an additional 9 credits in courses at the 400-level or above outside of the Program in American Studies, usually concentrated in a single field or discipline. The student's guidance committee may require additional course work and an additional discipline or area of study.
2.	Pass written comprehensive examinations over  three fields and an oral comprehensive examination that covers all three of those fields.
	A student who fails a written comprehensive examination has one opportunity to retake that same examination. The examination must be retaken before the end of the semester following the one in which the examination was failed.
	Within two weeks of passing the third written comprehensive examination, the student must take an oral comprehensive examination.
	All of the comprehensive examinations must be completed within one calendar year from the date that the first written comprehensive examination was taken.
3.	Demonstrate competence in one foreign language approved by the student's guidance committee and the Director of American Studies.
	Students whose focus of study involves cross–cultural research related to countries or groups of people in which a language other than English is essential must demonstrate competence in that language.
	Students whose focus of study does not involve cross–cultural research may, with the approval of their guidance committees, complete additional course work in an area of study relevant to their research in lieu of demonstrating competence in a foreign language.
4.	Submit a dissertation prospectus or abstract no longer than 10 pages to the guidance committee no later than the end of the semester following the one in which the student passed all of the comprehensive examinations. Approval of the prospectus or abstract is required before the student may continue work on the dissertation.
5.	Pass the oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

 

The Master of Arts degree program in critical studies in literacy and pedagogy is designed for teachers of secondary English language arts or college writing who seek advanced content-based professional preparation in composition and rhetoric, or English education, or for students planning to pursue advanced graduate study in doctoral programs in these areas.  The goal of the program is to prepare teachers and researchers in the field of composition and rhetoric, or English education.  The program emphasizes the teaching and learning of language and literacy in multiple contexts and multiple modes, including print, digital, and visual, as well as research in these areas.  Central to the program’s emphasis is the critical examination of ethnicity and multiculturalism as they apply to the teaching of literacy; the democratization of the classroom; the role of language and schooling in society at-large; and the politics of language, literacy, and culture.

The program is available with two concentration areas:

The Composition and Rhetoric concentration is specifically designed for individuals who wish to teach English or writing at the college level with a principal focus on writing, literacy, and language or who plan to go on to advanced graduate study in writing and rhetoric studies.

The English Education concentration is specifically designed for recently certified teachers of secondary English who wish to pursue their continuing certification course work in a master’s degree focusing on issues of disciplinary knowledge, methodology, and pedagogy, or for those who wish to go on to advanced graduate study in English education. This concentration provides middle and secondary English teachers with opportunities to directly address subject-specific pedagogical interests and needs. Its content meets the guidelines as set forth by the National Council of Teachers of English for academic and professional studies in English language arts education.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in critical studies in literacy and pedagogy, an applicant must:.

1. Include in the letter required by the college, a statement providing the applicant's academic and professional background and goals in pursuing the degree.
2. Submit a writing sample that reflects aptitude for critical and scholarly writing.  (The writing sample supplements the statement.)

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A baccalaureate degree in English or a related field.
2. Completed a minimum of 20 semester credits in English courses, exclusive of freshman composition, with a grade–point average of at least 3.25.
3. Completed two years of study in a language other than English at the college level. Students will be admitted provisionally if this requirement is not satisfied prior to admission. This requirement may be met during the Master of Arts in Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy program or by completion of any two of the following applied linguistics courses: Language, Learning and Teaching 461 or 807 or English 861 or 991A. Students in the Composition and Rhetoric concentration may not use these courses toward the degree requirements. Students in the English Education concentration may use only one of these courses toward the degree requirements.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy

The student must meet the requirements for either the Composition and Rhetoric or the English Education concentrations:

Both concentrations are available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 31 credits is required for the degree under either plan. Students pursuing Plan B will need to complete an additional 4 elective credits to meet the requirement of 31 credits for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the program director.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B
1.	Writing Pedagogy. One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AL	833	Composition Pedagogies				3
	AL	842	Writing Workshop for Teachers				3
2.	Literacy Theory. The following course (3 credits):
	AL	992	Seminar in Language Literacy and Pedagogy				3
3.	Research and Issues in Writing Studies. One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AL	878	Composition Studies: Issues, Theory and Research				3
	TE	835	Theory and Research on the Teaching of Writing				3
4.	Language and Linguistics. The following course (3 credits):
	ENG	812	Studies in the English Language				3
5.	Writing, Rhetoric and Technology. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
	AL	860	Visual Rhetoric Theory for Professional Writing				3
	AL	881	Special Topics in Teaching with Technology in Arts and Humanities				3
	WRA	415	Digital Rhetoric				3
	WRA	417	Multimedia Writing				4
Composition and Rhetoric Concentration
1.	Literacy in Communities. One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AL	877	Community Literacy				3
	AL	980	Studies in Rhetoric				3
2.	Theory and History of Rhetoric. One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AL	805	Rhetoric History and Theory				3
	AL	882	Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric				3
3.	Electives. Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
	AL	848	American Cultural Rhetorics: Theory and Methodology				3
	AL	853	Development of the Essay				3
	AL	854	Nonfiction Writing Workshop				3
	AL	875	Theories of Reading and Critical Literacies				3
	AL	893D	Internship in Literacy and Pedagogy				3
	AL	980	Studies in Rhetoric				3
	AMS	891	Special Topics in American Studies				3
	ENG	802	Literary Criticism and Theory				3
	ENG	803	Special Topics in Criticism, Theory, and Method				3
	LLT	808	Assessment for Language Teaching and Research				3
	LLT	861	Advanced Topics in Second Language Acquisition				3
	WRA	446	American Indian Rhetorics				3
	Teacher Education courses may be used to fulfill this requirement if approved by the program director.
English Education Concentration
1.	Reading and Literacy. One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AL	875	Theories of Reading and Critical Literacies				3
	TE	837	Issues and Trends in English Education				3
2.	Literature and Pedagogy. One of the following courses (3 credits):
	TE	849	Methods and Materials for Teaching Children’s and Adolescent Literature				3
	A 400-level course in literature approved by the program director.
3.	Electives. Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
	AL	853	Development of the Essay				3
	AL	854	Nonfiction Writing Workshop				3
	AL	875	Theories of Reading and Critical Literacies				3
	AL	877	Community Literacy				3
	AL	882	Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric				3
	AL	980	Studies in Rhetoric				3
	LLT	861	Advanced Topics in Second Language Acquisition				3
	TE	837	Issues and Trends in English Education				3
	TE	843	Reading, Writing, and Reasoning in Secondary School Subjects				3
	TE	844	Classroom Literacy Assessment				3
	TE	850	Critical Reading for Children and Adolescents				3
	A course in literature approved by the program director.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1.	Both of the following courses (7 credits):
	AL	870	Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Composition				3
	AL	899	Master’s Thesis Research				4
2.	Pass an oral certifying examination in defense of the thesis and on the course work.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1.	The following course (3 credits):
	AL	852	Portfolio Workshop				3
2.	Portfolio. A portfolio developed over time must be acceptable to the student’s guidance committee. The purpose of the portfolio as a certifying examination is (1) to demonstrate an advanced understanding of and ability in practices in the teaching of English, and (2) to enable the student to articulate a coherent understanding of the major issues in English education. The portfolio requirement includes: (1) documentation of expertise in an area of English pedagogy, through videotapes of classroom teaching or classroom artifacts that demonstrate competence as a teacher of English. This documentation must be accompanied by a reflective essay that provides evidence of how the student’s studies have affected teaching practice and understanding of this practice, and (2) a second reflective essay based on a prompt that requires the student to write a position paper theorizing an important issue in the field and connecting research, theory, and practice. The submission of an acceptable portfolio satisfies the University requirement of a final examination or evaluation.

The Master of Arts degree in Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing serves both as a professional degree for students interested in a technical and professional writing career track and as a preparatory degree for doctoral work in rhetoric, writing, communication studies, media studies, or technical communication. The program provides students with a theoretically grounded yet practical experience in technical and professional writing, with a special focus on writing in digital environments.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree in Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing an applicant must:

1. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test forwarded to the College of Arts and Letters.
2. Include in the letter required by the college, a statement that addresses the applicant’s goals in pursuing the degree.
3. Submit two writing samples showing two different styles or genres.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree in humanities, writing, communications or a related field and have completed a minimum of 18 semester credits in humanities, writing, or communications-related fields beyond the 100-level with a minimum grade-point average of 3.25.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing

The program is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits, of which no more than 12 credits may be at the 400-level, is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student’s program of study must be approved by the program director. The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Plan A and Plan B
1.	All of the following core courses (12 credits):
	AL	415	Digital Rhetoric				3
	AL	420	Advanced Technical Writing				3
	AL	841	Professional Writing Theory and Research				3
	AL	882	Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric				3
2.	Two of the following courses (6 credits):
	AL	410	Advanced Web Authoring				3
	AL	852	Portfolio Workshop				3
	AL	893B	Internship in Professional Writing				3
3.	Complete a minimum of 6 additional credits selected from the following:
	AL	410	Advanced Web Authoring				3
	AL	833	Composition Pedagogies				3
	AL	852	Portfolio Workshop				3
	AL	877	Community Literacy				3
	AL	881	Special Topics in Teaching with Technology in Arts and Humanities				3
	AL	885	Research Colloquium				2
	AL	890	Independent Study				1 to 6
	AL	891	Special Topics				3
	AL	892	Seminar				3
	AL	893B	Internship in Professional Writing				3
	ENG	848	Analysis of English Discourse				3
	ENG	872	Methods of Research into Language Learning and Literacy				3
	ENG	876	Composition Studies: Issues, Theory, and Research				3
	ENG	980	Studies in Rhetoric				3
	ENG	991A	Topics in English Language Studies				3
	LIN	437	Semantics and Pragmatics				3
	LIN	471	Sociolinguistics				3
	LIN	837	Advanced Studies in Semantics and Pragmatics				3
	LIN	871	Advanced Studies in Sociolinguistics				3
	Completion of Arts and Letters 410, 852, and 893B may not count towards both requirements 2. and 3.
		Additional courses are available with approval of the program director.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete 6 credits of Arts and Letters 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2.  Pass a final oral certifying examination on the thesis and course work.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Complete an additional 6 credits of course work from the list of electives above.
2. Pass a final certifying examination on the course work

Academic Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.50 in all graduate courses.

A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing courses taken for the purpose of satisfying the degree requirements.

The doctoral degree in rhetoric and writing provides students with the critical skills necessary to do scholarly research in rhetoric and writing and prepares students for faculty and administrative positions in university-level writing and literacy programs. Students interested in becoming rhetoric or composition scholars take courses in composition pedagogy and rhetorical theory and elect one of several available concentrations in American cultural rhetorics, critical and community literacies, digital rhetoric and professional writing, and teaching English to speakers of other languages. This degree also prepares students to study writing practices in the workplace and to research, develop, and administer a variety of academic, workplace, civic, government, nonprofit, publishing, and digital writing projects. In addition, students will be prepared to design writing curricula and training programs, do advanced document development, conduct usability studies and publish results.

Students with specific interest in educating prospective teachers of literacy in university-level positions in English education or literacy education programs can choose to concentrate in critical studies in literacy and pedagogy, which prepares literacy educators who: (1) draw on critical theories and critical understanding of language, literacy, and discourse to shape pedagogies of multiliteracies; (2) develop curricular practices that support students’ ability to read and write multiple texts, (3) understand multiple uses of print, digital and visual rhetorics in order to engage students in critical consumption production, and design; and (4) undertake qualitative research in school, university, and community settings.

The College of Arts and Letters recognizes the high importance of development among its doctoral candidates of a proficiency in college teaching and it strives to provide teaching experience in the form of graduate assistantships along with organized discussion of the ends and means of the teaching career.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rhetoric and Writing an applicant must:

1. Specify the concentration the applicant wishes to pursue.
2. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test forwarded to the College of Arts and Letters.
3. Include in the letter required by the college, a statement of purpose and a statement of instruction philosophy.
4. Submit two writing samples (major research paper, summary of master’s thesis, or digital documents).

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a master’s degree or the equivalent, a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in graduate-level courses, and at least three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s ability to pursue advanced graduate study.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Rhetoric and Writing

The student must:

1.	Complete a minimum of 27 credits of graduate course work. No more than 6 credits of 400-level course work will count toward the degree.
2.	All of the following core courses (18 credits):
	AL	805	Rhetoric Theory and History				3
	AL	833	Composition Pedagogies				3
	AL	870	Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Writing				3
	AL	878	Composition Studies: Issues, Theory, and Research				3
	AL	882	Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric				3
	AL	885	Research Colloquium				3
	Students should enroll in Arts and Letters 833 during the first semester of their Tier One teaching assignment.
3.	Concentrations.
	a.	Complete at least three courses, a minimum of 9 credits, in one of the following concentrations:
		Community Literacies
		Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy
		Cultural Rhetorics
		Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing
		Nonfiction Writing
	A list of courses eligible for each concentration is available from the program director. Courses used to fulfill core requirements may not be used to satisfy concentration requirements. Other concentrations may be approved the student’s guidance committee.
4.	Complete the language requirement through one of the following:
	a.	Demonstrate second-year proficiency in a foreign language including American Sign Language.
	b.	Complete two courses in language variation.These courses can not be courses used to fulfill the core or concentration requirements.
	c.	Complete two courses in African American vernacular English and rhetoric. These courses can not be courses used to fulfill the core or concentration requirements.
	d.	Complete two courses in teaching English to speakers of other languages. These courses can not be courses used to fulfill the core or concentration requirements.
	e.	With the approval of the guidance committee and as appropriate to the student’s research interests, demonstrate proficiency in a specialized symbolic system, such as a computer language, statistics, etc.
5.	Within one year of completion of course work, pass two written comprehensive examinations: one on the core and one on the areas of concentration.
6.	Within one year of passing the comprehensive examinations, pass a pre-dissertation examination consisting of an oral examination based on a written prospectus and a preliminary bibliography for the dissertation project.
7.	Pass a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Academic Standards

A student must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.50 in all graduate courses.

A student may count toward the degree only those courses in which the student has received a grade of 3.0 or higher.

A student may accumulate no more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in rhetoric and writing courses taken for the purpose of satisfying the degree requirements.

A student who fails the comprehensive examinations, the pre-dissertation examination, or the final oral examination in defense of the dissertation, may repeat that examination only once, during the following semester.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Second Language Studies seeks to provide students with a deep understanding of how second and foreign languages are learned and ways of thinking about the application of this knowledge in a pedagogical context. The program is designed to prepare students for university-level faculty and administrative positions in the fields of language learning and/or teaching. Students will be prepared to conduct research and contribute to the future development of these fields.

Because teaching and research are integral to this program, every effort will be made to provide students with research and teaching experience in the form of graduate assistantships. Teaching experience may include classroom teaching or related activities, such as program and curriculum development.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Preference for admission will be given to those with a Master of Arts degree in a related field. All admission decisions will be made by the Advisory Committee in consultation with other relevant faculty.

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Second Language Studies, an applicant must submit the following along with an application.

1. The results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test .
2. A statement of research interests.
3. A writing sample, preferably an essay or other product that reflects the degree of the applicant’s familiarity with applied linguistics.
4. Three academic references from faculty who are able to address the applicant’s academic background and/or professional experiences.
5. The results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native speakers of English with a total score of 600 (paper version) or 250 (computer version), with no subscore below 58 (paper version) or 23 (computer version) or 100 (iBT Internet-based Test)

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Second Language Studies

Complete 24 to 44 credits of course work. The student’s program of study must be developed in cooperation with and approved by the student’s guidance committee and must include the requirements specified below.

1.	Complete the following courses (27 credits):
	LLT	807	Language Teaching Methods				3
	LLT	808	Assessment for Language Teaching and Research				3
	LLT	860	Second Language Acquisition				3
	LLT	872	Research Methods for Language Teaching and
				Foreign/Second Language Learning			3
	LLT	873	Quantitative Research in Second Language Studies				3
	LLT	874	Qualitative Research in Second Language Studies				3
	LLT	861	Advanced Topics in Second Language Acquisition				3
	LLT	862	Advanced Research in Second Language Acquisition				3
	LLT	864	Second Language Psycholinguistics				3
2.	Complete five courses selected from the following, with not more than two from CEP:
	CEP	920	Construction of Psychoeducational Instruments				3
	CEP	921	Psychometric Theory I				3
	CEP	922	Psychometric Theory II				3
	CEP	923	Item Response Theory				3
	CEP	934	Multivariate Data Analysis I				4
	CEP	935	Advanced Topics in Multivariate Data Analysis II				4
	LIN	824	Phonological Theory I				3
	LIN	825	Phonological Theory II				3
	LIN	834	Syntactic Theory I				3
	LIN	835	Syntactic Theory II				3
	LIN	837	Advanced Studies in Semantics and Pragmatics				3
	LIN	850	Advanced Studies in Child Language Acquisition				3
	LIN	855	Advanced Studies in Neurolinguistics				3
	LIN	871	Advanced Studies in Sociolinguistics				3
	LIN	875	Advanced Studies in Computational Linguistics				3
	LLT	992	Seminar in English as a Second Language				3
3.	Within one year of completion of the course work, students must write two qualifying research papers in two separate areas. One of those papers must be presented publicly in an appropriate venue approved by the student’s guidance committee. The second paper must be defended to the student’s guidance committee.
4.	Write and successfully defend a dissertation proposal including a description of the dissertation, a tentative outline, methodology, where appropriate, and a tentative bibliography.
5.	Pass a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Guidance Committee

The Program Director will serve as the initial advisor. By the end of the first semester, two advisors will be assigned to each student, with input from the student. By the end of the first year of study, the student will select a guidance committee. This committee will be comprised of four members, including two core second language studies faculty members.

Academic Standards

In order for the student to be considered in good standing, the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 in all courses.
2. Receive a grade of at least 3.00 in courses to be considered as  satisfying any requirement.

Any required examination, pre-dissertation or dissertation defenses, can be repeated only once and must be completed the semester following initial failure.

Thomas G. Berding, Chairperson

The Department of Art and Art History is dedicated to the creation and historical study of the visual arts through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs in studio art, art education, art history, and apparel and textile design.

Students are encouraged to develop aesthetic and conceptual awareness, perceptual and creative problem–solving skills, and informed judgment in a learning environment that values the development of personal vision, critical inquiry, and philosophical reflection.

In studio art students explore and create using the language of two– and three–dimensional form, space, and time in various media and technologies including ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. In art history and visual culture, students study the history of contemporary and traditional art forms across a range of cultures. In art education, students prepare to become visual–arts teachers by engaging in studio production and studying aesthetics, theory, and art history. In apparel and textile design, students prepare for careers in the design of clothing and textiles and other related positions.

The Department of Art and Art History sponsors activities including rotating student exhibitions in Gallery 101 and Gallery 114, a diverse group of visiting artist and scholar lectures, and art events throughout the academic year. Annually, the  Department  features student artwork in the Undergraduate Exhibition and the Master of Fine Arts Exhibition held in the Kresge Art Museum. All students are welcome to view exhibitions, attend lecture series, and join in art activities offered at the Kresge Art Center. See also www.art.msu.edu.

Policy on Retention of Students' Art Work

All students enrolled in studio art, and apparel and textile design courses must assume responsibility for the retrieval of their semester's work [piece(s), portfolio, project(s), etc.] during the final examination period.  Neither the department nor the instructor will assume responsibility for the retention or storage of such work after that time.

 

The art education disciplinary major leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is available for teacher certification.

Students with a disciplinary major in art education must complete Studio Art 481 and 482 in lieu of Teacher Education 401 and 402.

Students who elect the art education disciplinary major must contact the Department of Art and Art History.

For additional information, refer to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.

The Department of Art and Art History offers a program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree. The Master of Fine Arts degree is offered in selected studio art areas leading to the enhancement of personal abilities in the studio arts and to professional opportunities.

 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants must meet the general requirements for consideration for admission to master's and doctoral degree programs in the College of Arts and Letters referenced in the college statement.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, an applicant must submit a portfolio of 15 to 20 images of original artwork and provide supplemental information as outlined at www.art.msu.edu.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in art that are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art at Michigan State University or their equivalents.

Students are admitted to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art for Fall semester only. Application materials for admission must be postmarked by February 15.

The department believes that studio space must be made available to students who are admitted to the program as a means of fostering their creativity.  Therefore, the number of students who can be admitted to the program will  be limited by the availability of suitable studio space.

Residence

The student must earn a minimum of 6 credits in the degree program in residence on campus during the final two semesters of enrollment in the program.

Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 60 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Be enrolled in the program for a minimum of two academic years.
2. Complete at least 6 credits of  STA 892  Master of Fine Arts Seminar. The student must enroll in 3 credits of Studio Art 892 during the first semester of enrollment in the program.
3. Complete at least 36 additional credits in Studio Art courses including:
   a.    A minimum of 30 credits in one of the following five areas of concentration:  ceramics, graphic design, painting, printmaking, or 
           sculpture.
   b.    At least 6 credits of Studio Art 898  Master of Fine Arts Research.  These credits must be completed while in residence during the 
           final two semesters of enrollment in the program.
4. Complete at least two courses at the 400–800 level in History of Art.
5. Complete any courses outside the department that may be required.
6. Pass an oral final certifying examination over the student's research.  The student must take this examination while in residence during the final semester of enrollment in the program.
7. Participate in the Master of Fine Arts Exhibition accompanied by a public presentation in the Kresge Art Museum.

Academic Standards

During the semester leading to the completion of 15 degree credits, but not later than the semester leading to the completion of 20 degree credits, students must participate in the 15-Credit Review. During the second year of study, students will participate in an additional review. A student may accumulate no more than 9 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits must have been completed within the time limit for the degree.

 

Stephen C. Arch, Chairperson

 

The Department of English offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English. Students may choose concentrations in film studies, and creative writing. The Department offers courses across the entire historical range of literatures written in English, including courses in period, genre, cultural studies, and literary theory. Students have access to numerous opportunities for professional preparation, including internships and career advising.

 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the  Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the English major or the English major with a concentration in film studies is met by completing one of the following:
   
   a. One of the following courses:  English 360, 362, 364, 368, 413, 489H, or 499.
   b. English 400 and one of the following courses concurrently: English 473A, 473B, 478A, 478B, 480, 481, or 482.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the English major with a concentration in creative writing is met by completing two of the following courses: English 423, 427, 428, 429, or 434. Those courses are referenced in item (2) under the heading Creative Writing Concentration below.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:
   

   a.	The following courses (36 to 40 credits):
   	(1)	Both of the following course (6 credits):
   		ENG	210	Foundations of Literary Study I			3
   		ENG	280	Foundations of Literary Study II			3
   		Students pursuing the film studies concentration should substitute English 230 for English 280.
   	(2)	One of the following literary history courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		ENG	320A	Methodologies of Literary History: Genre			4
   		ENG	320B	Methodologies of Literary History: Region, School, or Movement			4
   		ENG	320C	Methodologies of Literary History: Canon Formation			4
   		Students pursuing the film studies concentration should substitute English 332 for any of the above listed courses.
   	(3)	One of the following courses on diversity in literature, language studies, or film (3 or 4 credits):
   		ENG	350	Readings in African, African American, or African Diaspora Literature			3
   		ENG	351	Readings in Chicano and Latino Literatures			3
   		ENG	352	Readings in Asian or Asian American Literature			3
   		ENG	353	Readings in Women Writers			3
   		ENG	354	Readings in Native American Literature			3
   		ENG	355	Readings in Sexuality and Literature			3
   		ENG	356	Readings in Jewish Literature			3
   		ENG	360	Studies in Postcolonial and Diaspora Literature (W)			3
   		ENG	405	Language Use in the African-American Community			3
   		ENG	431A	Studies in Ethnic Film			4
   		ENG	431B	Studies in Postcolonial Cinema			4
   		ENG	431C	Studies in Film and Gender			4
   		ENG	448	Seminar in Gender and Literature			3
   		ENG	449	Seminar in Race, Ethnicity, Literature			3
   		ENG	450	Seminar in African American Literature			3
   		ENG	460	Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature			3
   		ENG	466	Seminar in Literatures of the Pacific Rim			3
   		ENG	482	Seminar in Feminist Literary and Cultural Theory			3