History, Philosophy & World Perspectives

Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox, Co-Chair
wilcoxw@​wcsu.edu
WA 221
(203) 837-8565
(203) 837-3960 (fax)

Joshua Rosenthal, Co- Chair 
rosenthalj@wcsu.edu
Warner Hall 216, Midtown campus
(203) 837- 8449

Anna Malavisi, Assoc. Chair (Philosophy)
malavisia@wcsu.edu
White Hall 021b, Midtown campus
(203) 837-3271
(203) 837-8905 (fax)

Patricia Lerner, Department Secretary
lernerp@wcsu.edu
Warner Hall 224, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8484
(203) 837-3960 (fax)

Faculty

Adjunct Faculty

 

History and World Perspectives

Overview

In order to understand today’s issues and problems — in the West and throughout the world — it is important to have a firm grasp on the foundations of our global society, to know the history and culture of America, of Europe and of the world.

Mission

In keeping with the mission statement of Western Connecticut State University, the Department of History and World Perspectives contributes to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares students for the job market, citizenship, and meaningful lives.

 

Goals

Our goals are:

• To provide an interdisciplinary forum in which students can deal with political, social, cultural, religious, economic, and geographic aspects of history.
• To introduce students to non-Western cultures and help them understand global political and cultural relations.
• To help students develop their abilities to think critically, discuss, and explain clearly historical issues and problems.
• To cultivate writing, research, and analytical skills that will help students lead successful professional and personal lives.
• To provide a history/education curriculum that imparts a broad base of knowledge about historical events, principles, and theories, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others.
• To enrich our students’ understanding of their national and community heritage.

 

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of their degrees in History, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills appropriate for probing complex historical topics.
2. Seek out diverse historical sources successfully; mine them for information; and cite them in the appropriate format while completing research papers.
3. Present their verbal and written evaluations of the past in a nuanced and clear manner.
4. Collaborate effectively with others on historical analysis and in critiquing each other’s work.

Degree Programs in History

Bachelor of Arts
History

Bachelor of Science
Secondary Education: History
(Social Studies Endorsement)

Minor Programs
History
American History
European History
Middle Eastern Studies
Asian Studies
Latin American Studies
Urban Studies

Bachelor of Arts in History (B.A.)

Description:  At the completion of their degrees in History, students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills appropriate for probing complex historical topics. 
2. Seek out diverse historical sources successfully; mine them for information; and cite them in the appropriate format while completing research papers. 
3. Present their verbal and written evaluations of the past in a nuanced and clear manner. 
4. Collaborate effectively with others on historical analysis and in critiquing each other’s work. 

 Degree Requirements 

All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 39 SH.  

HIS 100 Introduction to History (CT, FY)	3 SH
HIS 294 Introduction to Historical Research	3 SH
World Perspectives Course (WP)	3 SH
Major Electives at the 300 or 400 level distributed as follows:
One (1) course in European History: HIS 319, 330, 332, 341.	3 SH
One (1) course in United States History: His 302, 303, 304, 309, 313, 318, 363, 366, 367, 368, 380, 400, 415	3 SH
One (1) course outside of European and US History: HIS 366, 370, 382, 383, 388	3 SH
One (1) 300 or 400 level elective (any area).	3 SH
Five (5) additional courses in History (any level).	15 SH
HIS 490 Senior Seminar (Prerequisites: HIS 100 and HIS 294)	3 SH
Minimum GPA for the BA in History = 2.0 overall.

General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2425/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  

Sample Four Year Plan: BA History
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1	SH	Semester 2	SH
HIS 100 Intro. to History (FY, CT)	3	HIS Elective 1	3
Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) OR Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)	3	Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) OR Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)	3
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)	3	Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2)	3
Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning	3-4	Gen Ed: Breadth Elective	3
Foreign Language (IC)*	3	Foreign Language (IC, Rpt. 1)*	3
Semester 3	SH	Semester 4	SH
HIS 294 Intro to Historical Research	3	HIS Elective 3	3
HIS Elective 2	3	HIS Elective 4	3
World Perspectives Course (WP) (any)	3	Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI)	4
Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3	3	Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW)	2
Gen Ed: Breadth Elective	3	Gen Ed: Breadth Elective	3
Semester 5	SH	Semester 6	SH
HIS 3/400 US History	3	HIS 3/400 European History	3
HIS 3/400 Non-European/Non-US	3	HIS 3/400 Any	3
Gen Ed: Breadth	3	Gen Ed: Breadth	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Semester 7	SH	Semester 8	SH
HIS 490 Senior Seminar or His 494 Independent Research (CE, W3)	3	Free Electives	15
Free Electives	12
Total Credits Required for the BA in History = 120; Minimum GPA in 2.0

* Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a C average in high school are not required to complete a foreign language requirement. However, we strongly advise students of History to consider studying an additional language or deepening their skills in the one already studied.  

Distinction in History
To be awarded Distinction in History, a History major must complete all the major requirements, gain admission to HIS 494, Research Seminar, and complete HIS 494 with at least a grade of “B.”  HIS 494 meets the Departmental requirement for History 490.

Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.

 

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – History with Social Studies (B.S.)

Description:  This degree provides a history/education curriculum that imparts a broad base of knowledge about historical events, principles, and theories, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others. 

Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: HIS 36 SH, Social Sciences, 18 SH, Cert: 35 SH  

HIS 100 Introduction to History (CT, FY)	3 SH
HIS 148 American History to 1877 (CT)	3 SH
HIS 149 American History from 1877 (CT)	3 SH
HIS/WP 152 World History to 1500 (IC)	3 SH
HIS/WP 153 World History since 1500 (IC)	3 SH
HIS 186 Europe: Ancient & Medieval	3 SH
HIS 187 Modern Europe	3 SH
HIS 294 Intro. to Historical Research	3 SH
Three (3) History Electives (300 level or above)	9 SH
HIS 490 Senior Seminar (CE, W3)	3 SH
Social Science Minor
PSY 100 Intro to Psychology	3 SH
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (CT) pre-req MAT 118	3 SH
ANT 100 Intro to Anthropology (IC)	3 SH
SOC 100 Intro to Sociology (CT, IC)	3 SH
PS 102 American Government	3 SH
GEO 100 Principles of World Geography	3 SH
Cognates
Gen Ed: Creative Process must be taken in the fine arts	3 SH
Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry must be a lab science	4 SH
Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning must be in Math	3 SH
ENG Literature Elective	3 SH
Certification Requirements
ED 206 Introduction to Education (IL, OC)	3 SH
ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II (IL)	3 SH
HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools	3 SH
EPY 405 Intro to Special Education	3 SH
ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools	3 SH
ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience	1 SH
ED 440 Integrating Language	3 SH
ED 441 Teaching Hist/Social Studies in Secondary Schools	3 SH
ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies (W3)	1 SH
ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) (CE)	12 SH
Minimum GPA for the BS in Secondary Ed: History = 3.0 overall.

 

General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2021/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses. 

Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Ed: History with Social Studies
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1	SH	Semester 2	SH
HIS 100 Intro. to History (FY, CT)	3	ANT 100 Intro to Anthropology (IC, Rpt. 2)	3
HIS 148 American History to 1877 (CT, Rpt. 1)	3	HIS 149 Am. Hist. Since 1877 (CT)	3
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)	3	HIS/WP 153 World History since 1500 (IC)	3
MAT 118 or higher (QR) OR Free Elective	3-4	MAT 118 or Higher (QR) OR Free Elective	3
HIS/WP 152 World History to 1500 (IC)	3	GEO 100 Intro to World Geography	3
Semester 3	SH	Semester 4	SH
HIS 186 Europe: Ancient & Medieval OR HIS 187 Modern Europe (CT)	3	HIS 187 Modern Europe OR His 186 Europe: Ancient & Medieval	3
ECO 211 Macroeconomics (CT)	3	PS 102 American Government	3
Foreign Language (IC)**	3	Foreign Language (IC)**	3
ED 206 Intro. to Education (IL, OC)	3	ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II (IL, Rpt. 3)	3
Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry Lab Science (SI)	4	HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools	3
		Elective	3
Semester 5	SH	Semester 6	SH
HIS 294 Intro. to Historical Research	3	HIS Elective (300 level or above)*	3
Fine Arts Course – Creative Process (CP)	3	HIS Elective (300 level or above)*	3
English Elective	3	HIS 490 Senior Seminar (CE, W3)	3
HIS Elective (300 level or above)*	3	SOC 100 Intro to Sociology (IC, CT)	3
PSY 100 Intro to Psychology	3	Elective	1
		Gen Ed: Health & Wellness (HW)	2
Semester 7	SH	Semester 8	SH
EPY 405 Intro to Special Education	3	ED 340 Assess. of Teaching Strat. (W3)	1
ED 385 Methods of Teaching (7-12)	3	ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (CE)	12
ED 386 Sec. Ed. Prof. Dev. Exp.	1
ED 440 Integrating Language	3
ED 441 Teaching Hist/Social Studies in Secondary Schools	3
Total Credits Required for the BS Secondary Ed: History = 120; Minimum GPA in 3.0

*Several history courses meet the Gen Ed: Writing Intensive Tier II (W2) requirement. Be sure to select one of them.

**The BS Secondary Ed: History requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement.  

 

Minor in History (18 SH)

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Required Courses:
Two (2) courses at the 100 level
Four (4) courses at the 200 level

Minor in American History (18 SH)

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Required Courses (6 SH):
HIS 148 American History to 1877
HIS 149 American History since 1877

Four (4) approved advanced courses in American history (12 SH)

Minor in European History (18 SH)

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Required Courses (6 SH)
HIS 186 Europe: Ancient and Medieval
HIS 187 Modern Europe

Four (4) approved advanced courses in European history (12 SH)

Minor in Middle Eastern Studies (18 SH)

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Requirements:
Students interested in this minor are expected to have completed all course prerequisites. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to remain enrolled in this minor.

A minor provides an option for the student who wants an academic focus in addition to a major. A student may not declare a minor that is the same as his/her major (e.g., a student majoring in History may not also declare a History minor).

Students must complete nine credits at WCSU to meet the residency requirement in the minor.

Required Courses (3 S.H.)
WP 107 Middle Eastern Cultures

Three (3) courses from approved electives listed below (9 SH):
HIS 281 Modern Middle East
HIS/PS 382 Contemporary Middle East
HIS 383 Islam: A Religion and Civilization
ANT/SOC 216 Anthropology of the Middle East
ANT/SOC/WS 251 Women of the Middle East
ENG 376 Non-Western Literatures
MKT 422 Global Marketing
PHI 340 Non-Western Philosophy

Two (2) semesters of Middle Eastern Language (6 SH)

You must submit formal notification to the Registrar’s Office by completing the Declaration of Minor form in order for your official university transcript to include the minor.

Depending upon your major requirements, you may need to take credit hours over the degree credit minimum required for graduation if you choose to add this minor. Please see your adviser to review all program requirements.

If the student spends at least one semester abroad on a university-approved study abroad program to a Middle Eastern country, the student can opt to waive the requirement of any of the two electives.

Minor in Asian Studies (18 SH)

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Requirements:
Students interested in this minor are expected to have completed all course prerequisites. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to remain enrolled in this minor. Choose courses from menu, below. A minor provides an option for the student who wants an academic focus in addition to a major. A student may not declare a minor that is the same as his/her major (e.g., a student majoring in History may not also declare a History minor).

Students must complete nine credits at WCSU to meet the residency requirement in the minor.

REQUIRED COURSES (18 S.H.)

Two (2) courses from Approved Elective List I (6 SH):
WP 103 Chinese Culture
WP 104 Japanese Culture
WP 105 Cultures of India
WP 110 Southeast Asian Civilization
WP 112 Korean Culture

Two (2) courses from Approved Elective List II (6 SH):
HIS 266 Vietnam War
HIS 277 Modern China
HIS 287 Chinese Religions
HIS 366 Vietnam in Literature and Film
HIS 388 Modern Vietnam
ANT/SOC 241 Social/Cultural Survey of Indian Religions
ANT/SOC 242 Buddhism
PS 306 Comparative Communist Systems
ENG 376 Non-Western Literatures
MKT 422 Global Marketing
PHI 340 Non-Western Philosophy

Two (2) semesters of Asian Language (6 SH)

• If the student spends at least one semester abroad on a university-approved study abroad program to an Asian country, the student can opt to waive the requirement of any of the two electives.
• You must submit formal notification to the Registrar’s Office in order for your official university transcript to include the minor.
• Depending upon your major requirements, you may need to take credit hours over the degree credit minimum required for graduation if you choose to add this minor. Please see your adviser to review all program requirements.

Minor in Latin American Studies

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Requirements:
Students interested in this minor are expected to have completed all course prerequisites.

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to remain enrolled in this minor.

A minor provides an option for the student who wants an academic focus in addition to a major. A student may not declare a minor that is the same as his/her major (e.g., a student majoring in History may not also declare a History minor).

Students must complete nine credits at WCSU to meet the residency requirement in the minor.

REQUIRED COURSES (3 S.H.):
HIS/WP 115 Latin American and Caribbean Civilization

Three (3) courses from the approved electives list below (9 SH):
GEO 252 Latin America: A Regional Study
HIS 216 Latino/as in US History
HIS 250 Conquest and Survival in Latin America
HIS 370 Commodities in LA History
SPA 222 Cultures of Spanish America
SPA 224 Trans-Atlantic Hispanic Cultures
SPA 320 The Poetry of Spain and Latin America
SPA 336 Theater in Spain and Latin America
SPA 360 Readings on the Arts in Spain and Latin America
SPA 361 Gender and Sexuality in Spanish America
SPA 365 Revolution, Testimony and Memory in Spanish America
SPA 367 Colonial Spanish America
SPA 370 Latina/Latino Literature
SPA 371 Spanish-Caribbean Identities
PS 306 Comparative Communist Systems
ENG 376 Non-Western Literatures
MKT 422 Global Marketing
PHI 340 Non-Western Philosophy

Two (2) semesters of Latin American Language (6 SH)
First semester of Latin American Language (SPA 162 or POR 162)
Second semester of Latin American Language (SPA 164 or POR 164)

• • If you spend at least one semester abroad on a university-approved study abroad program to a Latin American country, you can opt to waive the requirement of any of the two electives.
  • You must submit formal notification to the Registrar’s Office in order for your official university transcript to include the minor.
  • Depending upon your major requirements, you may need to take credit hours over the degree credit minimum required for graduation. Please see your adviser to review all program requirements.

Minor in Urban Studies (18 SH)

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Requirements:
An average GPA of 2.0 in all minor courses must be maintained in order to fulfill the requirements of the minor.

A minor provides an option for the student who wants an academic focus in addition to a major. A student may not declare a minor that is the same as his/her major (e.g., a student majoring in History may not also declare a History minor).

Students must complete nine credits at WCSU to meet the residency requirement in the minor.

REQUIRED COURSES (18 S.H.)

Select six (6) courses from the approved list below:

Approved Electives:
(Courses selected with the approval of a History or Social Sciences adviser)

Students may select no more than 9 semester hours from 100-level courses and no more than six semester hours should be selected from any one discipline or form the student’s major. Students are strongly encouraged to apply 3-6 semester hours earned in an approved cooperative education internship to this program.

ANT 350 Modern & Postmodern Societies (ANT 100 or SOC 100)
ART 101 History and Appreciation of Western Art: Renaissance to the Present
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECO 207 Contemporary Domestic Economic Issues (sophomore standing)
ECO 209 Urban Environments (sophomore standing)
GEO/ENV 150 Urban Environments as a Human Ecological Problem
HIS 201 Immigrant NYC
HIS 208 Rise of Industrialism in America
HIS 363 The American City
HIS 368 New York City: History and Culture
HIS X99 Independent Study
PS 218 American State & Local Government (PS 100 or PS 102 or permission of the instructor)
SS/CED 297 Coop Internship
SOC 101 Social Problems
SOC 210 Urban Sociology (SOC 100)

• To obtain a minor, you must notify the History or Social Sciences Department Chairperson of your interest.
• You must submit formal notification to the Registrar’s Office in order for your official university transcript to include the minor.
• Depending upon your major requirements, you may need to take credit hours over the degree credit minimum required for graduation. Please see your adviser to review all program requirements.

 

Philosophy

Overview

Philosophy courses explore  the fundamental questions of human existence, which are: What is the ultimate nature of reality? What is the ultimate nature of truth and knowledge? What is the ultimate nature of moral and aesthetic value? All philosophy courses emphasize close and careful reading, precise and persuasive writing, and creative and collaborative problem solving.

 

Mission

The mission of the philosophy department is to:

1. offer philosophy courses that cover all of the most important philosophical questions and also every period of the history of philosophy.
2. offer contract major and minor degree programs in philosophy

 

Learning Outcomes

Students who take courses in philosophy will develop:

1. An understanding of the meaning and the connections between the 3 areas of philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology.
2. An understanding of the characteristics and the accomplishments of the main periods in the history of philosophy: ancient, medieval; modern; contemporary.
3. Skills in close and careful reading, logical analysis, and textual criticism.
4. Communication skills. Students learn to express themselves with clarity and precision through assignments involving spoken presentations and written essays.

 

Degrees in Philosophy

B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies

B.A. Contract Major in Philosophy

Minors
Humanistic Studies
Intellectual History
Logic
Philosophy
Science and Society
Sustainability
Theoretical and Applied Ethics

BA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Description:  This major allows students to combine two different fields to best suit their interests and career plans. With two courses designed to help students integrate their learning combined with concentrations in two different fields, students design their learning experiences around specific academic and career goals. Please contact the Department of Philosophy and Humanistic Studies to initiate a major in Interdisciplinary Studies. 

Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 42 SH.  

HUM 151 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (CP, OC)	3 SH
Concentration I: Any discipline in the Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences: 18 credits (usually six courses) in one subject. At least two classes must be at the 300/400 level.	18 SH
Concentration 2: Any discipline at the University. 18 credits (usually six courses) in one subject. At least two classes must be at the 300/400 level.	18 SH
HUM 451 Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (CE, W3)	3 SH
Minimum GPA for the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies = 2.0 overall.

General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2425/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  

Sample Four Year Plan: BA Interdisciplinary Studies
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1	SH	Semester 2	SH
HUM 105 FY for the Humanities (FT)	1	Concentration 1 any level**	3
HUM 151 Intro. to Interdisciplinary Studies (CP, OC)	3	Concentration 2 any level	3
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)	3	Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2)	3
MAT 100(P) Intermediate Math OR Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning	3-4	Gen Ed: Quantitative Reasoning (QR) OR Gen Ed: Breadth Elective	3
Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC)*	3	Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC, Rpt. 1)	3
Semester 3	SH	Semester 4	SH
Concentration 1 any level	3	Concentration 1 any level	3
Concentration 2 any level	3	Concentration 2 any level	3
Gen Ed: Information Literacy (IL)	3	Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI)	4
Gen-Ed: Critical Thinking (CT)	2	Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW)	2
Gen-Ed: Repeat Competency 2	3	Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3	3
Semester 5	SH	Semester 6	SH
Concentration 1 any level	3	Concentration 1 300-400 level	3
Concentration 2 any level	3	Concentration 2 300-400 level	3
Gen Ed: Breadth	3	Gen Ed: Breadth	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Semester 7	SH	Semester 8	SH
Concentration 1 300-400 level	3	HUM 451: Adv. Interdisciplinary Studies (CE, W3)	3
Concentration 2 300-400 level	3	Free elective	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Total Credits Required for the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0

*All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course. 

** Upper level courses usually have pre-requisites. Be sure to check this as you plan your concentrations.  

 

BA Contract Major in Philosophy

Students who major in philosophy at WCSU design their own program of study in the form of a contract major. A contract major in philosophy gives students the opportunity to customize their major and graduate with a degree that is uniquely their own.

Please contact the Department of Philosophy and Humanistic Studies to initiate a contract major in philosophy.

 

Minors

Please consult your advisor for all program requirements.

Minor in Humanistic Studies (18 SH)

Required Course (3 SH):
HUM 151 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies

Fifteen credits (15 SH) in Approved HUM electives. (15 SH)
At least nine credits (9 SH) at the 200-level or above. All current HUM courses can be applied toward the minor.

Minor in Intellectual History (18 SH)

A minor in intellectual history requires 18 credits: 9 credits of History and 9 credits of Philosophy selected from the following courses. (New courses may be added to those listed below so please contact the Department for an up to date list.)

History Courses (select 9 SH):

• HIS 211 American Legal History (prereq: HIS 148 and HIS 149)
• HIS 262 The History of the American Constitution
• HIS 287 History of Chinese Religions
• HIS 288 Renaissance, Reformation and the Age of Exploration
• HIS 289 Scientific Revolution and Age of Enlightenment (prereq: Sophomore standing or instructor permission)
• HIS 302 The American Revolution: 1763-1789 (prereq: HIS 148)
• HIS 303 The Age of Jefferson (prereq: HIS 148)
• HIS 304 The Antebellum Era, 1815-1861 (prereq: HIS 148)
• HIS 388:  Modern Vietnam:  Memory and History
• HIS 415 American Intellectual History (prereq: HIS 148)
• HIS 450 Historiography (prereq: HIS 100 and Junior or Senior standing)

Philosophy Courses (select 9 SH):

• PHI 231 Ancient Philosophy
• PHI 232 Medieval Philosophy
• PHI 233 Modern Philosophy
• PHI 234 19^th & 20^th Century Philosophy
• PHI/WS 339 Women in the History of Philosophy (prereq: any PHI course)

Minor in Logic (15 SH)

A minor in logic requires 15 credits, including: PHI 209 Informal Logic and PHI 211 Formal Logic, at least one more class in informal logic from the list below, at least one more class in formal logic from the list below, and at least one other class in either formal or informal logic from the list below. (New courses may be added to those listed below so please contact the Department for an up to date list.)

Required Courses (6 SH):
PHI 209 Informal Logic
PHI 211 Symbolic Logic

Select one Formal Logic Course (3 SH)
MAT 141 Foundational Discrete OR
MAT/CS 165 Introductory Discrete Mathematics (only one of these 2 classes can be applied to the minor)
MAT 207 Proofs
MAT 242 Foundations of Geometry
MAT 342 Topics in Geometry
MAT 359 Introduction to Theory of Computation
CS 215 Computer Architecture
CS 285 Artificial Intelligence
CS 355 Programming Languages

Select One Informal Logic Course ( 3 SH)
COM 200 Language and Communication
COM 263 Persuasion and Propaganda
COM 264 Argumentation and Debate
COM 268 Public Communication
COM 276 Debate Workshop
COM 408 Strategies of Persuasion
WRT 103W Composition II: Research and Writing
WRT/JLA 321W Legal Writing
WRT 335W Fact-Based Opinion Writing
WRT 371W Writing the Weird: Conspiracy Theories

Select one (1) more course in either Formal Logic course list OR Informal Logic course list above (3 SH).

Minor in Philosophy (18 SH)

A minor in philosophy requires 18 PHI credits, including at least 9 credits at the 200-level or above, at least one course in logic, at least one course in the history of philosophy, and at least one course in ethics. Courses in logic, history of philosophy and ethics must be chosen from the list below; all current PHI courses can be applied toward the remaining 9 elective credits. (New courses may be added to those listed below so please contact the Department for an up to date list.)

Select One Logic Course ( 3 SH)
PHI 209 Informal Logic
PHI 211 Formal Logic

Select One History of Philosophy Course (3 SH)
PHI 231 Ancient Philosophy
PHI 232 Medieval Philosophy
PHI 233 Modern Philosophy
PHI 234 19^th and 20^th Century Philosophy

Select One Ethics Courses (3 SH)
PHI 120 Introduction to Ethical Theory
PHI 106 Philosophy of Happiness
PHI 205 Engaged Philosophy: Peace and Justice Issues
PHI 221 Ethical Issues in Business
PHI 223 Ethical Issues in Healthcare
PHI 225 Ethics and the Animals
PHI 226 Environmental Philosophy
PHI 227 Ethics in Computing
PHI 229 Philosophy of Law & Legal Theory
PHI 245 Philosophy of Death and Dying
PHI 262 Philosophy of Love & Friendship
PHI 320 Social and Political Philosophy
PHI 334 Existentialism
PHI 421 Developmental & Humanitarian Ethics

Three (3) approved Philosophy courses (9 SH)

Minor in Science and Society 

The Minor in Science and Society requires 17-18 credits, including HUM 292 Science and Society (3 credits) and the remaining 14-15 elective credits to be selected from the two groups specified below. No more than 9 credits may be taken within the student’s major, and no more than 9 credits may be taken within the same discipline. Students must maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA in the minor.

Required Course (3 SH):
HUM 292 Science and Society

Group I Electives: (Choose 8-9 credits from the following courses. Choose either two 4-credit courses or three 3-credit courses.)
BIO 100 Concepts of Biology
BIO 107/202 Scientific Inquiry in the Field
BIO 150 Science of Climate Change
CHE 102 Everyday Chemistry I
CHE/HUM 293 The Science and Culture of the Atomic Bomb
CS 102 3D Modeling and Printing
CS 103 Computer Animation and Scripting
CS 110 Website Production
CS 135 Problem Solving with Computers
CS 140 Introduction to Programming
CS 172 Intermediate Java Programming
MAT 110 Great Ideas in Mathematics
MAT 113 Introduction to the History of Mathematics
MAT 127 Introduction to Cryptology
MAT 363 History of Mathematics
PSY 230 Introduction to Brain and Behavior
PSY 251 Psychology of Cognition
PSY 352 Cognitive Neuroscience

Group II Electives: (Choose six (6) credits from the following courses.)
HUM 213 Artificial Intelligence: Minds and Machines
HUM 222 Sustainability: Economics, Ecology, Ethics
HUM 290 Science and Technology in Film
HUM 391 Big Data and Society
PSY 260 Health Psychology
PSY 270 Psychology of Sustainability
PSY 309 Social Psychology and the Law
PSY 347 Developmental Psychology and Social Policy

Minor in Sustainability (18 SH)
A minor in sustainability requires 18 credits, including HUM 222 Sustainability: Economics, Ecology, Ethics (3), and 15 more credits derived from the following elective courses. (New courses may be added to those listed below so please contact the Department for an up to date list.) No more than 9 credits in this minor may be taken within a student’s major.

Required Course (3 SH):
HUM 222 Sustainability: Economics, Ecology, Ethics

Five (5) courses from the approved lists below (15 SH):

Biology Courses
BIO 200 Ecology (4) (prereq: C- or better in both BIO 103 & BIO 104)
BIO 422 Conservation Ecology (4) (prereq: BIO 200, BIO 260 & one BIO 300-level course)
BIO 375 Climate Ecology (3) (prereq: C- or better in BIO 200, BIO 260 and either MAT 115 or MAT 120)

Earth Science Course
ES 103 Planet Earth (4)

Economics Courses
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECO 240 Environmental Economics (3)
ECO 317 Economic Development and Growth (3) (prereq: ECO 211)

Environmental Studies Courses
ENV 100 Environmental Resources (4)
ENV/BIO 156 Biology of the Environment (3)
ENV/MTR 162 Air Pollution Sources (4)
ENV/SS 250 Society and the Environment (3)

Physics Courses
PHY/ENV 136 Energy (4)

Geography Courses
GEO 100 Principles of World Geography (3)
GEO/ENV 150 Urban Environment as a human Ecological Problem (3)
GEO 270 The Geography of the Environment and Development (3) (prereq: GEO 100)

Health Promotion & Exercise Courses
HPX 100 Health Promotion and Maintenance (3)
HPX 240 Introduction to Principles of Holistic and Integrative Health (3)
HPX/HUM 246 Indigenous Spirituality & Environmental Activism (3)
HPX/HUM 247 Approaches to Well Being in Indo-Tibetan Philosophy (3)
HPX 353 Environmental and Global Health (3)

Humanistic Studies Courses
HUM/HPX 246 Approaches to Well Being in Indo-Tibetan Philosophy (3)
HUM/HPX 247 Indigenous Spirituality & Environmental Activism (3)

Management Courses (All students must take 9 credits outside the required classes of their major.)
MGT 405 Small Business Entrepreneurship (prereq: ACC 202, FIN 310, MKT 301 and GPA 2.3 or higher.)
MGT 410 Current Issues in Management (prereq: senior standing and GPA 2.3 or higher)

Marketing Courses
MKT 305 Global Environment of Business (3) (prereq: GPA >2.3, Junior standing, MKT 200, MGT 250, FIN 310)

Meteorology Courses
MTR 150 Meteorology (4)
MTR 240 Climatology (4) (prereq: MTR 150)

Philosophy Courses
PHI 225 Ethics and Animals (3)
PHI 226 Environmental Philosophy (3)
PHI 421 Developmental & Humanitarian Ethics (3)

Political Science Courses
PS 315 Environmental Issues in International Relations (3)

Psychology Courses
PSY 270 Psychology of Sustainability (3) (prereq: PSY 100)

Minor in Theoretical and Applied Ethics (18 SH)

A minor in theoretical and applied ethics requires 18 credits, including PHI 120 Introduction to Ethical Theory, and 5 more classes from the following list. (New courses may be added to those listed below so please contact the Department for an up to date list.)

Required Course (3 SH):
PHI 120 Introduction to Ethical Theory

Five (5) courses from the approved lists below (15 SH):

Anthropology Courses
ANT/SOC 206 Culture and Law
ANT/COM 208 Intercultural Communication

Communication Courses
COM 219 Communication Ethics
COM 247 Live News & Election Coverage

Humanistic Studies Courses
HUM 110 Moral Issues in Modern Society

Justice and Law Administration Courses (only 2 JLA courses can apply toward the minor)
JLA 201 Criminology
JLA 205—Juvenile Delinquency
JLA 336—White Collar Crime
JLA 408 Human Rights

Philosophy Courses
PHI 221 Ethical Issues in Business
PHI 223 Ethical Issues in Healthcare
PHI 225 Ethics and Animals
PHI 226 Environmental Philosophy
PHI 227 Ethics in Computing
PHI 421 Developmental & Humanitarian Ethics

Political Science Courses
PS 201 Political Theory
PS 401 Global Conflict Resolution
PS 402 Violent and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution

Psychology Courses
PSY 309 Social Psychology & the Law
PSY 346 Moral Development

Social Science Courses
SS 401 Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution
SS 402 Mediation: Theory and Practice

 

 

Course Restrictions

For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.