Peace Studies

C. Austad (832-3101), D. Blitz (832-2916) (coordinators). Peace Studies Committee: M. Alewitz, A. Antar, W. Brown-Foster, G. El-Eid, N. Mezvinsky, N. Sadanand

Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary program concerned with the origins of war and the prospects for peace. Topics to be considered include just war theory, types of pacifism, the nature of wars, conflict resolution and the history of peace movements, deterrence theory, weapons of mass destruction, and problems of international security. The program offers students the opportunity to study conflicts and peace efforts in specific regions of the world and to produce a senior thesis on a topic of their choice.

Minor in Peace Studies*

18 credits as follows:

PES 110, PES 410 and 12 credits from any of the following: ART 270, HIST 472, HIST 474, PHIL 345, PS 235, PS 345, PS 380.

* pending approval by DHE

Religious Studies

J. McKeon (Philosophy), Advisor; F. Best (Philosophy), G. Gigliotti (English), A. Adams (Anthropology), N. Mezvinsky (History) (832-2915)

Minor in Religious Studies

18 credits of approved courses, including one 3-credit course from each of the four specified course areas.

1.  Comparative Religion (REL 110);

2.  Religious Texts (ENG 360, ENG 361);

3.  Historical/Social Science (HIST 377, 378, 435, 436, 441, 469, 473; ANTH 440);

4.  Philosophical/Religious Thought (PHIL 232, 250, 255, 275, 376, 492; REL 105, 250, 256, 257, 361, 492).

Urban Studies

R. White, Coordinator (832-3137); C. Barrata, C. Carter-Lowery, A. Moran, E. Phillips, C. Pope, M. Triebwasser, A. Zottola

Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary field that combines theory and practice in addressing the major questions and issues of life in the city. Urban Studies explores the factors that shape the growth and development of cities as well as the city’s role as an arena for human activities.

The Urban Studies minor provides students with the academic foundation necessary to understand the issues and problems confronting our urban areas. Beyond building understanding, the minor also gives students the tools necessary to engage in solutions to those problems.

Minor in Urban Studies

18 credits as follows: URS 300 and 15 credits from ANTH 300, 323, ECON 420, GEOG 439, 441, PS 230, 432, SOC 232, 332, URS 420, 430. Courses must be taken from at least three different departments.

Women’s Studies

C. Pope, R. White, Co-coordinators (832-2616, 832-2742); Advisory Committee: E. Aaronsohn, A. E. Adams, J. DiPlacido, C. Doyle, M. A. Ertel, S. Gilmore,

E. Godway, J. Greenbaum, J. Higgins, P. LaPuerta, K. Larsen, L. Levine, M. Levvis, P. Lisi, M. Mentzer, A. Morales, A. Moran, L. Perdue, H. M. Prescott, K. Ritzenhoff, C. Shmurak, D. Stanley, G. Sunshine, L. Uribe, J. Weinberger, C. L. White, R. Wolff

Minor in Women’s Studies

18 credits with at least nine credits on the 300-400 level, including WS 200, and 15 credits from Theoretical (PHIL 100*, 222, 382* WS 400), Historical (ESCI 218, HIST 330, 331, 335), Cultural (ANTH 350, ART 409*, COMM 435, ENG 215, 288*, 448*, 458*, 488*, HUM 250*), Social (COMM 495*, PS 241, PSY 448, 498*, SOC 240). At least one course (three credits) must be taken from three of the four areas listed.

Note: Students whose needs are not met by available courses may take up to three credits of independent studies, pending approval of the appropriate department chair and the women’s Studies coordinator.

*Under section or topic as approved by the Women’s Studies Advisory Committee

Special Studies Major

With the help of an academic advisor, an undergraduate student may design a major to fit his or her own interests and needs. A Special Studies major must consist of 36–42 credits if a conventional minor is taken, or 54–60 credits if no minor is taken. At least half of the program must consist of 300- or 400-level courses. A proposal for a Special Studies major will only be considered when it is clearly shown that no present major offered by the University meets the same need. The major will consist of existing courses, and all academic requirements of the University, as well as all course requirements, including prerequisites must be met. All Special Studies programs total a minimum of 122 credits.

To be eligible for such a Special Studies major leading to a B.S. or B.A. degree, the student must be in good standing. The application must be approved by a faculty advisor, chairs of departments from which there are three or more courses in the major and the dean of the school of the advisor. Applications normally should be filed prior to the completion of 60 credits. The student must have completed at least 12 credits at CCSU or have transferred at least 30 credits prior to filing.

Approval of Special Studies majors is by a majority of a committee composed of the chair of the Curriculum Committee; the chairs of the Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Professional Studies and Technology subcommittees; and the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences or his or her representative. Information about Special Studies programs in all four schools is available in the office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Intensive English Language Program

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers full-time and part-time English language and American culture instruction to international students and faculty, foreign professionals, and members of the Connecticut community. 

The IELP is dedicated to ensuring that students have a positive experience. Each session’s courses are tailored to meet the needs of the students enrolled at that time. Its classes are small, so teachers get to know and offer support and encouragement to each student individually. Instructors holding professional degrees provide cutting-edge multimedia technology as a means to strengthen the classroom learning experience. Activities arranged by the IELP offer students the opportunity to meet and interact with American students and local culture.

Living in another country is an exciting adventure and a challenge. The members of the IELP understand this and are here to help in every way possible. The IELP and the George R. Muirhead Center for International Education staff are always available to answer questions about visas, adjusting to American culture, academic planning and other issues.

For more information, please contact the IELP in Barnard Hall, Room 138, at 860-832-3376 or IELP@ccsu.edu.

Honors Program

The Honors Program provides an interdisciplinary, team-taught approach to General Education for intellectually motivated and academically superior students. The program is open to all qualified students, regardless of major. Graduating high school students, students in their first year at the university, high school graduates returning from work or family responsibilities, and transfer students from community colleges or other universities are eligible to apply. Applicants must satisfy writing and interview requirements. A limited number of full or half merit scholarships are available; for more information on scholarships, please refer to the Financial Aid section of this catalog.

The Honors Program is divided into four general areas: Western Culture, Science and Society, World Cultures and the Writing and Research component. All Honors Program courses satisfy general education requirements, with modal and area restrictions where noted. Honors students are required to complete the following 36 credits of courses, which are offered over a three year period and are available only to Honors Program students.

Western Culture: HON 110, 210, 250

Science and Society: HON 120, 220     

World Cultures: HON 130, 230

Writing and Research: HON 140, 440, 441, 442

Successful completion of the entire Honors curriculum satisfies all the student’s general education requirements, with the exception of Skill Areas II, III, IV, lab science requirement and any course requirements set by individual major programs or certifications.

Honors Program students may choose to graduate without a minor. Students who complete the Honors Program with a grade-point average of 3.20 or higher for their honors courses and for all their university courses will receive the designation “Honors Program Scholar” on their diploma. Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Kristine Larsen, director of the Honors Program, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Copernicus Hall, telephone 832-2938 or e-mail Larsen@ccsu.edu. Further information on the program is available at its Web site: http://www.ccsu.edu/honors.

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Law

Students intending to apply to law school should consult with one of the pre-law advisors early in their academic careers, and no later than the junior year.

Since law schools do not prescribe a particular academic program, students considering a career in law may select any undergraduate major. Information regarding academic planning and requirements for application to law school is available from the following pre-law advisors: Antonia Moran, Associate Professor of Political Science, and Francis Keefe, Director, Advising Center.

Pre-Health/Pre-Medical

A Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee is available to students interested in preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry and related fields in the health sciences for which pre-professional training is required prior to admission to other institutions. The Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee consists of faculty members from the School of Arts and Sciences.

Students interested in pre-health Professional Programs should consult Professor Peter Osei, Program Coordinator for the health professions, Department of Biological Sciences, Copernicus Hall 339 (832-2657). Additional information is available at http://www.prehealth.ccsu.edu.