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ADMISSIONS BURSAR FINANCIAL AID GRADUATE SCHOOL RESIDENTIAL LIFE STUDENT ADMINISTRATION UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG
     

 

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Requirements

Majors

Minors

Courses

 

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Ross MacKinnon, Ph.D., Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Harry Frank, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

For additional degree requirements, link to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website at: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Admission Requirements

The college requires 16 high school units including:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of mathematics, with 4 preferred
  • 2 years of a single foreign language, with 3 preferred
  • 2 years of a laboratory science
  • 2 years of social science

The Transfer Admissions Office reviews credits from other institutions. Unless exempted by the Dean or the Assistant Vice Provost, students shall take all of their course work at the University during the last two semesters.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

To graduate a student must:
  • 1. earn a minimum of 120 credits.
  • 2. earn at least 45 credits numbered 200 or above.
  • 3. meet the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (from the list that follows) General Education and concentration requirements.
  • 4. have an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 and a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the courses presented in satisfaction of major requirements.

Field of Concentration

Students may meet this requirement by completing the courses described in 1 or 2 below. Only courses taken at the University of Connecticut meet the requirement. Students may not use Pass/Fail courses to meet these requirements. Exceptions are made by the dean of the college.

1. Major and related groups.  The field of concentration includes both the major and related groups; it must total at least 36 credits, all numbered 200 or above. At least 24 credits in one department, or with the permission of the head of the student's major department, in two related departments, make up the major group. At least 12 credits in courses closely related to the student's major, but outside the major department, make up the related group. Students must earn an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 and a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the courses presented in satisfaction of major requirements.

2. Double Major Program.  Students may earn a double major by selecting two majors within the College.  A minimum of 48 credits without overlap is required to earn both majors.  Therefore, students may not be able to double major if the two majors they choose require the same courses and prevent them from earning 48 credits without overlap.  Acceptance into the Double Major program requires the Dean's Approval.  Students shall choose one of the two majors as their primary major and shall receive one degree appropriate to that major.  (Note: students cannot choose one major from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a second from another school or college.   This combination is only possible through the Additional Degree program, explained in the "Academic Regulations" section of this Catalog.)

Plan of Study

Students shall file with the department of their major, after approval by their major academic advisor, a tentative plan of study on a form provided by the advisor.  Students must file the tentative plan of study by the beginning of advance registration in their fifth semester.

Students shall file a final plan of study with the Registrar by the end of the fourth week of the semester in which they expect to graduate. The advisor and the department head shall approve the final plan of study.

Students completing a double major must file a plan of study for each major.


Bachelor's Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

As well as satisfying all University General Education requirements, students must also satisfy the following requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  To determine whether a given major can lead to the B.A., the B.S., or both, consult the descriptions of majors below.

Foreign Languages: All students must have either (1) passed a third-year high school-level course in a single foreign language, (2) high school work and an added year of intermediate level college courses, or (3) two years of a single foreign language through the intermediate level in college.

Expository Writing: All students must take ENGL 110 or 111, and three W courses, two required at the 200-level with at least one 200-level W course approved for use in the major field of study. No student who has not passed the writing component of W courses may pass the course.

Quantitative Reasoning: Three Q courses, at least one of which must be in Mathematics or Statistics. Students should contact the Q-advising contours, accessible on-line, and their advisers to determine the adequacy of their preparedness for specific Q-courses.  Q courses may be used to satisfy other degree requirements.

Computer Competency: Unless an additional requirement is specified in a major, the Computer Technology Competency exit requirement for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences does not go beyond the University's entrance requirement.

The courses in the University General Education content areas one, two, and three and the areas indicated below must be taken in at least eight different academic units.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.):

Five courses, including one from each of the areas A-D and a fifth course from any area A-E. Courses must be from at least four different academic units.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.):

Four courses, including one course from each of areas A-D. Courses must be from at least four different academic units.

A.   Arts:

ART 135
ARTH 123, 137, 138, 141, 191
DRAM 101, 110
FINA 183
FREN 171
GERM 171, 281W, 284W
ILCS 149, 258/W, 260W
MUSI 102, 105, 112, 190, 191
SPAN 250
WS 104

B. Literature:

CAMS 101, 102, 103
CLCS 101, 102
ENGL 112/W, 113/W, 127/127W, 130, 140W, 200, 205, 206, 210, 212, 216, 219
FREN 184, 230, 234*, 261W*, 262W*, 270W
GERM 140W, 252W, 253W, 254W, 255W
HEB/JUDS 103
ILCS 101, 158, 255W
SPAN 187, 282*  

C.   History:

AASI/HIST 268
ECON 201/W, 203/W
GEOG/URBN 130
HIST 100, 101, 106, 108, 121, 126, 131/W, 132/W, 135/W, 205
HIST/SCI 206

* indicates foreign-language pre-requisite.

D. Philosophical/ethical analysis:

LING 101
PHIL 101, 102, 103, 104, 105/W, 106, 107,175, 185W
POLS 106

E.  World cultures:

AASI 201
ANTH 269
FREN 169, 184, 196, 210*, 211*, 218, 224, 235, 267W*, 268W*
GERM 169, 251, 258
ILCS 160
INTD 294
SPAN 188

* indicates foreign-language pre-requisite.

Bachelor of Science Only:

All of the following:

One of the Chemistry sequences:
CHEM 124Q, 125Q, 126Q
CHEM 127Q, 128Q
CHEM 129Q, 130Q
CHEM 137Q, 138Q

One of the Mathematics sequences:
MATH 112Q, 113Q, 116Q
MATH 115Q (or 135Q), 116Q (or 136Q)
MATH 243Q, 244Q

One of the following:
BIOL 107, 108, 110

One of the Physics sequences:
PHYS 121Q, 122Q
PHYS 131Q, 132Q
PHYS 141Q, 142Q
PHYS 151Q, 152Q

American Studies

The American Studies Program at the University of Connecticut provides students with the opportunity to gain a critical understanding of the American experience while allowing individual students to define what aspects of that experience they would like to explore. Although our required courses focus largely on the United States, the field is now understood as comprising the study of issues and subjects from throughout the Western Hemisphere. Among the goals of the American Studies curriculum is to promote an awareness of complex cultural, political, and economic structures at the root of the social organizations that have existed throughout the history of what has come to be known as the "New World." Other areas of concentration may include, for example, the ways in which literary, musical, and visual artists have articulated cultural concerns, our changing understandings of the geography and ecology of the Western Hemisphere, or issues of cultural and ethnic diversity.

Prerequisite: 100-level "Introduction to American Studies"

Core Courses: 15 Credits (One course from I, II, III, IV, and V below.)

I.    One course from the following: HIST 210, 215, 238, 243, 244, 246, 249.
II.    ENGL 270 or 271
III.   POLS 241 or POLS 251or POLS 252 or POLS 275 or ECON 203
IV.   One 200-level course that deals with Latin America, Canada, or the Caribbean.
V.    INTD/ENGL 265W

Track Requirement: 9 Credits
Students must choose a "Track" from the four American Studies tracks. They must take three 200-level courses from within this track.

The American Studies Tracks are:
1.    History, Culture, and Society
2.    Literature and the Arts
3.     Economics, Political Science, and the Law
4.    The Americas

The following are the courses that are included in each track.

Track I - History, Culture, and Society
ANTH 218, 226, 241, 242, 253, 254, 263, 270, 275; GEOG 239; HDFS 201, 248, 267; HIST 210, 215, 227, 233, 234, 237, 238, 239, 241, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247, 294; NRME 217; PHIL 228; SOCI 221, 235, 242, 240, 250, 252; WS 264, 266, 267, 268

Track II - Literature and the Arts
ARTH 253, 254, 256; DRAM 231, 251; ENGL 251W, 252W, 270, 271, 272, 274, 276, 277, 278

Track III - Political Science, Economics, and the Law
BLAW 275; COMS 238; ECON 203, 268; HDFS 274; HIST 235, 242, 248, 249; JOUR 220; NRME 240; PHIL 226, 245; PHRM 208; POLS 207, 215, 217, 219, 221, 224, 241, 248, 251, 252, 253, 255, 260, 270, 274, 275, 276; SOCI 267

Track IV - The Americas
ANTH 221, 222, 227, 229; ARTH 276, 279; FREN 281; GEOG 255; HIST 275, 276, 280, 281, 282, 283, 285, 286; LAMS 275, 284, 290W; POLS 235; SPAN 201, 202, 204, 294, 295, 296, 297

A number of these courses are cross-listed in the catalog, but in most cases they appear on this list only once. Many are offered as "W" courses, and some may have departmental prerequisites.

Other courses, such as "Special Topics" courses, may be used to fulfill American Studies requirements with the approval of the Director of American Studies. (If possible, students should seek such permission before taking the course. ) All courses must be taken for three credits.

The Core Courses may not be used to fulfill the 9-credit track requirement. A second core course from the same group, however, may be so used.

Seminar in American Studies: 3 Credits (W). This seminar will provide an in-depth study of a historical period, event, or cultural movement from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will produce a substantial essay on a topic approved by the instructor.

INTD/ENGL 265W Seminar in American Studies satisfies the Information Literacy Competency and Writing in the Major requirements.

Related Courses: 12 Credits

Students will take four related courses. The approval of these courses as germane to the American Studies major will be left to the discretion of the advisor.

A minor in American Studies is described in the Minors section.

Anthropology

Anthropology studies human beings of all times and places. It examines human biological, cultural and social similarities and differences, and tries to explain them. Because of its broad perspective - which stresses writing, critical thinking, and social analysis - anthropology provides an excellent preparation for a variety of professional and business careers. Anthropology can also be an integral part of the training for life that is the goal of the University's liberal arts program.

All majors must take either ANTH 100 or 106, as well as, ANTH 214, 220, 233, and 244. Students must take at least one course in an ethnographic area (ANTH 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 238, 241, 270). To satisfy the riting in the Major competency, all majors must pass at least one of ANTH 212W, 288W, or any 200-level W course approved for the major. To fulfill the information literacy requirement, Anthropology majors must take either ANTH 249 or ANTH 268.

In addition, majors must take at least three 200-level anthropology courses, two of which are not ethnographic area courses. We strongly recommend that majors take ANTH 212W and a course in research methods (ANTH 249 or ANTH 268). These courses should be taken during the student's senior year, if possible.

A minor in Anthropology is described in the Minors section.

Link to: Anthropology Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Biology

The biological sciences are organized into three departments: the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB), and the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB). Introductory level courses (numbered in the 100's) are shared by the three departments and are listed under General Biology (BIOL). Courses above the 100's-level are listed separately under individual departments.

The Bachelor of Science degree is generally recommended for students planning a scientific career in biology, but the Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences allows a richer liberal arts program and provides good preparation for many careers, including subsequent graduate study.

Credit restriction: In no case may students receive more than 12 credits for courses in biology at the 100's-level.

Biological Sciences Major

The requirements for the major in Biological Sciences are designed to ensure a sound and broad background in biology, with opportunities to explore related fields. Biological Sciences majors should take BIOL 107 and 108, but majors interested primarily in botany may wish to take BIOL 110 in addition or may substitute BIOL 110 for BIOL 108.  Students wishing to complete this major must take at least 24 credits of 200's-level courses from EEB, MCB, and PNB.  It is strongly recommended that at least four courses include laboratory or field work.  In addition to laboratory work associated directly with courses, Independent Study (course #299 in any of the three biology departments) will provide majors with a means of gaining specific research experience.  Courses chosen for the major must include at least one course or course sequence from each of the following three groups:

A. MCB 200, 203, 204, 210, 213, or 229

B. EEB 244/W or EEB 245/W  

C. PNB 250 or 274-275 (Note: PNB 274-275 must be taken in sequence to be counted towards the Biology major).

To satisfy the writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements, all students must pass at least one of the following courses: EEB 209W, 243W, 244W , 245W, 276W, 280W, 284W, 288W, 292W, 293W, 335W; MCB 226W, 240W, 241W, 292W; PNB 263WQ, 292W; or any 200-level W course approved for this major.

A minor in Biological Sciences is described in the Minors section.

Link to: Biological Sciences Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Biotechnology Concentration: Students interested in a career in biotechnology are encouraged to follow a program emphasizing biochemistry, microbiology and molecular genetics and leading to a B.S. degree in Biology with concentration in Biotechnology. It will be difficult to complete the Biotechnology curriculum unless the following courses have been completed by the end of the second semester: ENGL 110, 111, or 250; MATH 115, 116 (or MATH 112, 113, 114), CHEM 127-128, BIOL 107 and either BIOL 108 or 110. The major in Molecular and Cell Biology (see below) is also appropriate preparation for further study in biotechnology.

Structural Biology and Biophysics Major

This B.S. program emphasizes the physical and chemical foundations of molecular biology. A total of 36 credits at the 200-level or above from the following courses are required for the major.

Required courses
CHEM 127 - 128, or CHEM 129 and 130 or CHEM 124, 125, and 126; MATH 115 and 116 or MATH 112, 113, and 114; MATH 210; MATH 211 or MATH 227; PHYS 131 and 132  or PHYS 141 and 142 or PHYS 121,122, and 123; CHEM 243 and 244; CHEM 263 and 264; CHEM 265 or CHEM 245; MCB 204; MCB 208 or MCB 338 or Special Topics: MCB 298 (with Biophysics Program approval); MCB 209

Recommended courses
MCB 292W, 299, 226W, 221, 335, 201, 210, 200, 212, 213, 215, 217, 229, 235; CHEM 232, 251; CSE 110C, 123C, 130C; MATH 215

To satisfy the writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements, all students must take one of the following courses: MCB 226W, 241W, 292W; CHEM 270W, 297W; or any 200-level W course approved for this major.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major

Students majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology may opt for either a Bachelor of Arts degree or Bachelor of Science degree.  Both BA and BS degree candidates must complete the following courses in addition to the general CLAS requirements for these degrees:

Requirements for the EEB Major (B.S. or B.A.)

I. Both of the following core courses:

EEB 244 or 244W (4 credits) and EEB 245 or 245W (3-4 credits)
II. At least one of the following animal diversity courses:
EEB 200  (4 credits), 214  (3 credits), 252  (3 credits), 254  (4 credits), 265  (4 credits), 273  (4 credits), 275  (4 credits), 281 & 287  (4 credits), 283  (4 credits), 286  (4 credits)
III. At least one of the following plant diversity courses:
EEB 203  (4 credits), 204 (4 credits), 227 (3 credits), 240 (4 credits), 271 (4 credits), 272  (3 credits), 280/W  (3-4 credits), 290  (4 credits)

IV. A course in physiology -EEB 296 (students who take PNB 250 as a related course are not required to take EEB 296).

V. It is recommended that students take at least four EEB courses that require extensive laboratory or field work.

VI. Students are encouraged to complete a course in statistics.

VII. At least 24 credits of EEB courses at the 200-level or above, which may include courses in I - IV above.

VIII. Related Course Requirements: At least 12 credits of 200 level science courses outside EEB, which must include either MCB 200 or 213. One semester of organic chemistry is recommended.

IX. To satisfy the Writing in the Major and Information Literacy competency requirements, all students must pass at least one of the following courses: EEB 209W, 243W, 244W, 245W, 276W, 280W, 284W, 288W, 292W, 293W, 335W

A minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is described in the Minors section.

Link to: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Molecular and Cell Biology Major

This B.S. program is suitable for students with interests that integrate the organismal, cellular and subcellular levels of biology, including the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics and geonomics, and microbiology, as well as their applications in biotechnology and medical science. Many opportunities for independent research projects in these areas are open for undergraduates.

The following 100's level courses are required: BIOL 107; CHEM 127, 128; or 124, 125, 126; MATH 115, 116 or 112, 113, 114; and PHYS 131, 132 or 121, 122, 123. Courses required for the major: at least 24 credits in MCB courses including:

Group 1: At least 3 of the following core courses

MCB 200 (Note: MCB 213 may be substituted for MCB 200),  204, 210, 229
Group 2: CHEM 243 and 244

Group 3:  Laboratory requirement: At least 3 laboratory courses chosen from the following list:

MCB 203, 204, 213, 214, 215, 225W, 226W, 229, 233, 235, 240W, 299 Independent Study (may be repeated, but only 3 credits may count toward the 24 credits of required MCB courses)

For breadth of study in biology, it is recommended that students take PNB 250 and EEB 244 or 245. Majors must complete at least 24 credits in MCB courses at the 200-level or above.

Where appropriate, a course may fulfill more  than one requirement; e.g., MCB 204 and 229 count towards the Group 1 requirement as well as the Group 3 Laboratory requirement. BIOL 295 may be used to count toward the 24 credits of required MCB courses.

To satisfy the MCB writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements, all students must take one of the following courses: MCB 222W, 225W, 226W, 240W, 241W, 292W; EEB 244W or 245W; or any 200-level W course approved for this major.

A minor in Molecular and Cell Biology is described in the Minors  section.

Link to: Molecular and Cell Biology Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Physiology and Neurobiology Major

This major, which also leads to a Bachelor of Science, is suitable for students interested in the physiology and neurobiology of humans and animals. Coursework and independent study opportunities span the fields of comparative physiology, neurobiology, molecular endocrinology, reproductive endocrinology, developmental neurobiology and neurochemistry.

The following 100's level courses are required:

BIOL 107, 108; CHEM 124-126 or 127-128; MATH 115-116 or 112-113-114;
PHYS 131-132 or 121-122-123 or 141-142-143

PNB majors must take no fewer than 24 credits in PNB courses numbered 200 and above. This must include all of the following core courses: PNB 251, 262, 274-275. The remaining credits needed to fulfill this requirement should be selected from the available PNB courses, including PNB 225, 250, 252, 263W, 260, 280, 292W, 298, 299. (At most 3 credits from among PNB 292W, 298 and 299 may count towards the 24 credit requirement.)

PNB majors must also take all of the following courses, which count as the related group:

CHEM 243, 244; MCB 203 or 204 and either MCB 200 or 213.
In addition, students are urged to take:
CHEM 245; EEB 244 or 244W or 245 or 245W and MCB 210

To satisfy the writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements, all students must pass at least one of the following courses:  PNB 263WQ, PNB 292W, EEB 244W, or EEB 245W.

There is a minor in Physiology and Neurobiology. Additionally, a minor in Neuroscience is offered jointly by the Physiology and Neurobiology Department and the Psychology Department. Both programs are described in the Minors section of this Catalog.

A minor in Bioinformatics offered jointly by the School of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is described in the Minors section of this Catalog.

LInk to: Physiology and Neurobiology Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Chemistry

Programs in the Department of Chemistry may lead to either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree. The American Chemical Society certifies a rigorous professional program which is an option for B.S. students.

The B.A. degree is appropriate for students who are interested in chemistry but do not wish to pursue a career as a laboratory scientist. The B.S. degree prepares students to pursue graduate study in Chemistry or to find employment in technologically oriented industries.

Prospective majors with a good high school chemistry background should take CHEM 137 and 138 in their first year. Other prospective majors should take 127-128 or 124-125-126 or 129-130 (Honors).

Chemistry majors must complete the following mathematics and physics sequences.

MATH 115 and 116 (or MATH 112, 113, and 114)
MATH 210 (or 230)
MATH 211 (or 221)
PHYS 131-132 (or PHYS 121-122, and 123)

Failure to complete these sequences by the end of the fourth semester may delay completion of the degree.

A minor in Chemistry is described in the Minors section.

Field of concentration requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees are as follows:

Bachelor of Science

At least 35 credits of Chemistry courses numbered 200 and above must be successfully completed for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in addition to the College requirements. The field of concentration requirements include CHEM 243, 244, 245, (Organic), 263, 264, 265 (Physical), 210, 214, 215 (Inorganic) and 232, 234 (Analytical).

Bachelor of Arts

At least 28 credits of Chemistry courses numbered 200 or above must be successfully completed for the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in addition to the College requirements. The field of concentration requirements include those listed above for the B.S. degree with the exception of CHEM 215 and 234.

For the degree certified by the American Chemical Society, two courses designated by the department as advanced courses must be taken in addition to the B.S. requirements. Also, these or other courses beyond the core curriculum must include at least 80 contact hours of laboratory work. The grade point average in all of the required chemistry courses must be at least 2.300.

Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research.

To satisfy the computer technology competency, all students must take CHEM 265W. Other courses that will further enhance competency in computer technology include 215, 232, 234, and 264.

To satisfy the information literacy competency, all students must take CHEM 265W. Other courses that further enhance competency in information literacy include 215, 242W, 234, 270W, 296, and 297W.

To satisfy the writing in the major requirement, all students must take CHEM 265W. Other courses that will further help students develop writing skills in chemistry include 242W, 270W, and 297W.

Link to: Chemistry Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is the study of how intelligent beings (including people, animals, and machines) perceive, act, know, and think. It explores the process and content of thought as observed in individuals, distributed through communities, manifested in the structure and meaning of language, modeled by algorithms, and contemplated by philosophies of mind. Its models are formulated using concepts drawn from many disciplines, including psychology, linguistics, logic, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy, and they are tested using evidence from psychological experiments, clinical studies, field studies, computer simulations, and neurophysiological observation.

This program is intended to prepare students for graduate training in cognitive science and related disciplines or to work in the information sciences. The distribution requirements ensure that students will acquire a truly interdisciplinary education. Advanced courses from at least four different departments are required. The research and formal systems requirements provide basic knowledge concerning the experimental and theoretical foundations of cognitive science. Finally, majors are encouraged to learn about theory building and testing in a variety of natural and physical sciences. One way to achieve this is to fulfill the requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree.

General Requirements

The requirements for the cognitive science major include 39 200-level credits, no more than 21 of which may be taken in any one department. There are several 100-level courses that are required preparation for the 200-level requirements.  These courses should be taken during the first four semesters and may fulfill general education requirements.

Core Courses (15 credits)

COGS 201 and four of the following: ANTH 244; CSE 282; LING 202; PHIL 250; PSYC 256

Research Courses (6 credits)

Statistics (one of the following for at least 3 credits): PSYC 202Q; STAT 201Q, 220Q (Calculus level)

Research Methods (one of the following for at least 3 credits): ANTH 268 (if elected for 3 credits); LING 215; PSYC 210W, 211W, 215, 232W, 267/W

Formal Systems Courses (3 credits)

CSE 237* **, 254 , 257 , 259** ; LING 205** , 206** ; MATH 211Q, 215, 216, 227Q, 231, 237* **, 279; PHIL 211Q, 214

Advanced courses (12 credits)

Must include courses from at least 3 departments. Can include core courses not needed to satisfy the core course requirement.

One or two** additional courses (from above lists or other related courses from any department), chosen with the approval of the advisors. 

* Due to content overlap, no more than one of each of the following pairs may be counted toward the major: (i) CDIS 202/202W and PSYC 239; (ii) PHIL 212/212W and SCI 240; (iii) CSE 237 and MATH 237.

**The following courses may be used to fulfill both the Formal Systems and Advanced Courses requirements: CSE 237, 259; LING 205, 206; and MATH 237. In this event, two electives are required.

Competency and Writing Requirements

The exit requirements for computer technology and information literacy will be met by satisfaction of the Research Methods Requirement. The exit requirements for writing in the major can be met by taking one of the following courses: CDIS 202W, 244W; LING 244W; PHIL 212W, 247W, 249W, 256W; PSYC 202WQ, 210W, 232W, 267W, 291W.

Students in the program will have an advisor and an associate advisor, each in different departments contributing to the cognitive science program. Students will consult with both of them to plan a course of study.

For further information, contact Professor Letty Naigles, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Cognitive Science, 141 Bousfield Psychology Building.

Communication Sciences

The Department of Communication Sciences is concerned with the human communication process and its analysis. Undergraduate students may  major in Communication Sciences with a concentration in either Communication or Communication Disorders. The Department offers the following graduate degrees in the field of Communication Sciences: the M.A. with concentrations in Speech, Language and Hearing, and in Communication, and the Ph.D. with concentrations in Speech, Language and Hearing, and in Communication and Marketing Communication and the Doctor of Audiology, Au.D. degree.

Communication Disorders. The undergraduate concentration is a pre-professional program within the liberal arts curriculum. It permits the student to apply for graduate studies in one of two specialty areas: audiology or speech-language pathology.

Students who elect the concentration in Communication Disorders must take:

CDIS 201, 202 or 202W, 242, 247, 248, 249 or 249W and 250.
In addition, students must take at least two (2) of the following courses:
CDIS 244 or 244W, 251 and 253.

The information literacy competency is met by the successful completion of required courses.

To satisfy the writing in the major requirement, students must pass at least one course from CDIS 202W, 244W, or 249W.

The Master's degree programs in Speech and Language and the Au.D. degree in Audiology are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The University of Connecticut Speech and Hearing Clinic complies with the quality indicators for professional service programs in audiology and speech-language pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Communication. The undergraduate concentration in Communication is designed to produce students capable of analyzing human communication behavior from a scientific standpoint. It concentrates on the empirical investigation of human communication, stressing developments in communication theory and research. The concentration emphasizes interpersonal, mass, new communication technologies, nonverbal, organizational and intercultural, and international communication. Students who elect to take the Communication concentration must pass: COMM 100, 105 200Q

In addition, students must pass at least two (2) of the following Core courses:COMM 210, 220, 230

Students must pass at least five (5) more 200-level courses in Communication. No more than two of the five can be applied courses: COMM 280, 282, 288, 290, and, 291. Three of the five must be theory courses, which are all other COMM courses numbered 200 or above. As long as students have met the above requirements, they may also pass additional applied courses. We strongly recommend that everyone take at least one internship (COMM 291).

To satisfy the information literacy competency, all students must pass COMM 100, 105 and 200Q. Other courses that will further enhance competency in information literacy include COMM 130, 205, 210, 211, 215, 220, 225W, 226, 230, 232, 233, 234, 241, 242W, 245, 250, 251W, 255, 260, 262, 270W, 271, 272, and 273W. To satisfy the writing in the major requirement, students must pass at least one course from COMM 225W, 231W, 242W, 251W, 270W, 273W, 283W, 296W, or any 200-level W course approved for this major. For students interested in media and public relations careers, journalism courses are recommended for additional writing competency.

Students must apply to the department to become a Communication Sciences major with a concentration in Communication. The deadline for applications during a semester is the end of the second week of classes. Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring semesters. Students typically apply Spring semester of their Sophomore year. Forms can be obtained outside Room 223 PCSB, on the department website, and from Communication faculty members at the Stamford Regional Campus.

The decision to admit will depend on several criteria:

  • Successful completion of at least 54 credits, or successful completion of 40 credits plus current enrollment that should result in at least 54 credits by the end of the current semester.
  • Cumulative GPA, and
  • Successful completion of COMM 100.

The applicant's academic record and space availability will also be considered.

We recommend that students interested in the Communication concentration complete COMM 105 and COMM 130 before junior year, if possible.  COMM 130 is a prerequisite for many 200-level media courses, and is advised for all students interested in media production, communication technology, marketing, public relations, or advertising.

Prior to acceptance into the Communication Sciences major, students may designate themselves as Pre-Communication by notifying their advisor. The PRECOM designation, however, will only indicate an intention to apply and will not insure acceptance into the concentration. PRECOM majors must still apply to become Communication Sciences majors with a Communication concentration at the appropriate time. PRECOM majors are given priority in registering for 100-level Communication courses.

A minor in Communication is described in the Minors section.

Link to: Communications Sciences Department

Link to: Course Descriptions (CDIS)

Link to: Course Descriptions (COMM)

Economics

A student majoring in economics should acquire a thorough grounding in basic principles and methods of analysis, plus a working competence in several of the specialized and applied fields. Examples of such fields are industrial organization, law and economics, money and banking, international trade and finance, public finance, comparative economic systems, labor economics, health economics, urban and regional economics, and economic development.

Economics majors must earn twenty-four credits in 200-level courses, including two intermediate theory courses (ECON 218 and ECON 219) , plus at least nine credits in either quantitative skills courses (ECON 212-217) or applied theory courses for which an intermediate theory course (ECON 218 and ECON 219) is a prerequisite and for which a calculus course is recommended preparation (ECON 237-289). ECON 300 level courses may count as part of the nine required credits in the ECON 212-217and ECON 237-289 series. No more than 6 credits in ECON 299 may be counted toward the required 24 credits in 200-level economics courses.

Economics majors are also required to pass twelve credits in 200-level courses in fields related to economics or a minor related to economics, plus STAT 100Q or 110Q and one of the following: MATH 106Q, 113Q, 115Q, 118Q, or 135Q. MATH 115Q and STAT 110QC are preferred.

The intermediate theory courses are open to sophomores and should be taken early in the student's major program. Recommended courses for economics majors include ECON 212 and ENGL 249W. Qualified students may substitute some 300-level courses for 200-level courses with the consent of instructor and the student's faculty advisor. The department has special requirements for economic majors in the University Honors Program and for majors who qualify for the department's Economics Scholars and Quantitative Certificate Program.

Course work in economics serves a wide variety of vocational objectives. An economics major (supplemented by a rigorous calculus and statistics course sequence) is excellent preparation for graduate work in economics, which qualifies a person for academic, business, or government employment. Majors and others with strong economics training are attractive prospects for business firms and government agencies, and for professional graduate study in business or public policy. An economics background is especially desirable for the study and practice of law.

Economics majors satisfy the computer technology competency by passing either STAT 100Q or 110Q in addition to meeting the University-wide computer entrance expectations.

Economics majors satisfy the information literacy competency by passing at least one 200-level W course in Economics. Students may gain enhanced competence in information literacy by taking ECON 212, 213W, or 217.

Economics majors satisfy the writing in the major requirement by passing at least one 200-level W course in Economics.

A minor in Economics is described in the Minors section.

Link to: Economics Department
 
Link to: Course Descriptions

English

To satisfy the English major, the student must present for the degree ten 200-level three-credit courses in this department. Courses elected in satisfaction of one of the following requirements will also satisfy one or more others, when course content warrants.

Five courses (Group A) must be 200-level English courses whose organizing principle is the study of literary works within a specific historical period: 205, 206, 220, 221, 222, 223, 226, 270, 271.

Four courses (Group B) must be 200-level English courses whose organizing principle is the sharply focused study of a literary genre, theme, movement, topic, school, or author: 200, 204, 210, 211, 212, 216, 217, 218, 219, 227, 230, 231, 232, 233,234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 242, 244, 261, 262, 264, 265W, 266, 267, 268W, 272, 274, 276, 277W, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 293, 295, 298, 299.

One course must be in Shakespeare.

At least three courses must focus upon literature written before 1800: 204, 205, 220, 221, 222, 230, 231, 232, 244. Others, such as 217, 219, 240, 264, 265W, 266, 267, 268W, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 291, 293, 295, 298, 299 may occasionally apply as approved by the Department.

One course must focus upon literature that expresses the formation of diverse cultural identities: 218, 227, 233, 234, 261, 262, 269, 272, 274, 276, 277W, 278, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290. Others, such as 217, 264, 265W, 267, 268W, 283, 284, 291, 293, 295, 298, 299 may occasionally apply as approved by the Department.

Any 200-level English course will count as the tenth course to fulfill the major.

To satisfy both the general education requirement for writing in the major and for information literacy in the major at the same time, students must pass one of the following English courses: 268W, 279W, 280W, 281W, 282W, 283W, 284W, 287W, 288W, 289W, 290W.

A minor in English is described in the Minors section.

Concentration in Irish Literature. English majors may choose to pursue a concentration in Irish Literature. Within the requirements for all English majors, these students will select four courses in Irish literature approved by their advisors in Irish literature and by the Irish Literature Coordinator.

Study Abroad in London. The University sponsors an academic program at The City University in London. Students take university-level courses in the history of London, British art history, British history, English literature and other subjects in the humanities.
 
Link to: English Department
 
Link to: Course Descriptions

Environmental Science

The major in Environmental Science is based in the physical and biological sciences, but also includes course work in selected areas of the social sciences. The major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree, and may be adopted by students in either the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to the study of environmental problems, including not only a rigorous scientific background, but also detailed analyses of the social and economic implications of environmental issues. The complexity and interdisciplinary nature of environmental science is reflected in the core requirements of the major. These courses, assembled from several different academic departments representing two colleges, provide both breadth and depth, preparing students for careers that deal with environmental issues, and for graduate study in environmental science and related fields.

A. Required courses in Basic Science: ARE 150; BIOL 107, 108 or BIOL 107, 110; CHEM 127Q, 128Q or 124Q, 125Q, 126Q; MATH 115Q, 116Q or 112Q, 113Q, 114Q; PHYS 131Q, 132Q or 121Q, 122Q, 123; STAT 100Q, or 110Q or 220Q

B. Required Courses in Introductory Environmental Science: Select any two from GEOG 205, GEOL 105, MARN 170, NRME 100.

C. Required Courses in 200-level Environmental Science: AH 226, EEB 244 or 244W, GEOL 251, MARN 200, NRME 241

D. Capstone course: GEOG 286W

E. General Education competency requirements: Completion of GEOG 286W will satisfy the writing in the major and information literacy competency requirements. Completion of BIOL 108 and EEB 244 will satisfy the Computer Literacy requirement.

F. Concentration requirements. All students majoring in Environmental Science must also fulfill the requirements of a concentration in a discipline associated with the program before graduation. Approved concentrations are listed below.

Environmental Biology - Students must complete: EEB 245 or 245W; EEB 207 or 293W; and at least one course from each of the following groups:

Group I -- Ecological Systems and Processes
EEB 208, 247, 294, 296, 301, 302, 310
Group II -- Plant Diversity
EEB 203, 204, 240, 256, 271, 272, 276, 280/W, 290
Group III -- Animal Diversity
EEB 200, 214, 252, 254, 265, 273, 275, 281 and 287, 283, 286

Environmental Chemistry - Students must complete at least 15 credits including CHEM 243, 244, 240 or 245, and 232, with remaining credits from CHEM 234; MATH 210 and CHEM 263; CHEM 210; or CHEM 370.

Environmental Geography - Students must complete: GEOG 240 or 246; and at least four of: GEOG 230, 232, 236, 242Q, 248, 285, 287W

Environmental Geoscience - Students must complete at least five of: GEOL 228, 229, 234, 250, 252, 253

Marine Science - Students must complete five courses (fifteen credits) from the following list with at least one course from each group.

Group A: MARN 236, 260, 265, 267, 294
Group B: MARN 220Q, 275W, 280W, 282
Group C: MARN 230, 235, 270

Environmental Science also offers the following concentrations through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Environmental Health, Natural Resources, Resource Economics, Soil Science. For the complete requirements, refer to the Environmental Science description in the "College of Agriculture and Natural Resources" section of this Catalog.

Link to: Environmental Science

Geography

Geography is a multidimensional discipline that analyzes the interactions between people and their environments. Our geographers teach courses and engage in research on a wide range of relevant and timely topics such as urban sprawl, the nature and impact of migration, globalization of the economy and international trade, the spatial prevalence of disease, regional development, global climatic change, environmental degradation and restoration, watershed and landscape change, and the analysis and display of spatial data using geographic information systems (GIS) technology.

For students whose goals are the bachelor's degree, coursework in geography enables graduates to find employment in the private and public sectors while providing both the regional and global perspective required of informed citizens. Our students have gone on to work as urban and regional planners, marketing specialists, environmental program managers, geographic information systems specialists, location analysts, and transportation planners. Students with a B.A. degree in geography are also prepared to move on to graduate school to pursue M.A. and Ph.D. degrees which enables them to teach at the college level or to secure higher ranking positions in the public and private sectors.

Requirements for the Major. The geography major requires 24 credits in 200-level geography courses and 12 credits of related course work in other departments. Majors complete a basic core of 3 courses: GEOG 200, 205, and one methods course (choice of GEOG 232, 240, 241, 242Q, 246), and 15 additional credits, including at least one "W" course in geography numbered 280 or higher in consultation with their departmental advisor.

The writing in the major requirement for Geography can be met by passing any of the following geography courses: GEOG 280W, 286W, 287W, or 288W.

The information literacy requirement in Geography can be met by passing any of the following geography courses GEOG 280W, 286W, 287W, or 288W.

The computer technology exit requirement in Geography can be met by passing one of the following courses: GEOG 232, 240, 241, 242Q, or 246.

A minor in Geographic Information Science is described in the Minors section.
 
Link to: Geography Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Geology and Geophysics

Geology integrates biology, chemistry and physics in the study of the Earth's history and composition as recorded by rocks, fossils, and landscapes.  Geophysics uses the methods of mathematical physics to investigate the Earth's interior through the analysis of earthquake energy and measurement of electromagnetic, gravitational, and thermal fields. Together, geology and geophysics provide the tools needed for the exploration for mineral and energy resources, for the monitoring and remediation of environmental contaminants in soil, sediment, and groundwater and for the study of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and other natural phenomena that pose a hazard to human life.

The challenge of geology and geophysics is to understand our planet and its history, and to use that knowledge to forecast its future in an era of global change.

The Geology and Geophysics Program is administered by the Center for Integrative Geosciences. Students interested in geosciences may pursue a course of studies with a foundation in geology and geophysics through the Individualized Major program. Faculty associated with the Center (located in Beach Hall) are available to provide information and for advising. For further information and application forms, contact the Individualized Major Program Director at (860) 486-3631.

A minor in Geology and Geophysics is described in the Minors section.

Link to: Geology and Geophysics Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

History

The study of history aims at the understanding and disciplined reconstruction of past human activities, institutions, ideas, and aspirations in the light of present knowledge and in the hope of usefulness for the future. History belongs both to the humanities and to the social sciences. It is studied both for its own sake and for the light it throws on the present problems and future prospects of particular societies and of humankind in general.

A major in history in combination with work in foreign languages, philosophy, literature, and the social sciences provides a broad foundation for informed citizenship. History majors find employment in many fields of human endeavor from arts and business to public service and zymurgy. Specialization in history is especially valuable as pre-professional training for law, government, diplomacy, and journalism and for library, archival, and museum administration.

Requirements for the Major in History: Undergraduate majors are required to take at least 27 credits in 200-level courses, which must include one three-credit course from each of Groups A, B, and C, and two three-credit courses from Group D. All majors must take  HIST 211 in the semester following their declaration as majors, and all majors except Honors students must take HIST 297W in their senior year. Honors students should take in sequence 297W and 200W or 299 and 200W. With the consent of the undergraduate major's advisor, 300-level courses may be used to fulfill the distribution requirement. HIST 211 and 297W satisfy the information literacy competency. HIST 200W or 297W satisfy the writing in the major requirements.

Group A - Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern
HIST 212, (or ANTH 257) 213, (or CAMS 253), 214, (or CAMS 254), 216, (or CAMS 255) 217, (or CAMS 243) 218, (or CAMS 256, HEB 218, JUDS 218),  219, 220, 250, 251, 255, 257, (or CAMS 250) , 267, 271, 272, 273, 274

Group B - Modern Europe
HIST 202 (HEB 203, JUDS 203), HIST 203, 206, (SCI 206), 208 (WS 208), 209 (HDFS 279), 225, 228, 229, 252, 253 (HRTS 253) , 254, 256, 258, 259, 262, 264, 265, 269, 279, 291.

Group C - United States
HIST 206 (SCI 206), 207, 210 (WS 210), 215 (WS 215), 227, 233 (LAMS 233) , 234, 235, 236, 237, 238 (AFAM 238, HRTS 238), 239, 240, 241 (URBN 241), 242, 243, 244, 245, 246 (AFAM 246) , 247, 248, 249, 253 (HRTS 253) , 260 (AFAM 260), 266, 268 (AASI 268), 278 (PRLS 220), 284 (PRLS 221, HRTS 220 ), 294 (AASI 294).

Group D - Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Middle East
HIST 204, 205, 221, 222 (AFAM 222), 223 (AFAM 223) , 224 (AFAM 224) , 226 (HRTS 226), 233 (LAM S 233), 253 (HRTS 253), 263, 266, 275, 276, 277 (AASI 277), 278 (PRLS 220), 280, 281, 282, 283, 285 (AFAM 285), 286, 287 (AASI 287), 288 (AASI 288), 289, 290.

Variable Topics Courses (HIST 200W, 201, 270, 292W, 293, 295W, 296, 297W, 298, 299, or a graduate level History course) may be applied to any of the four distribution groups as determined by course content and with Advisor consent.

A minor in History is described in the Minors section.

Link to: History Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Human Development and Family Studies

Students in the Human Development and Family Studies major must complete the following requirements: HDFS 190; PSYC 132, 135 (or 133); SOCI 107; and STAT 100 or STAT 110 (Note: These courses may also fulfill University General Education requirements.) Students must meet the computer technology, information literacy, and writing competency requirements through satisfactory completion of HDFS 205W and either HDFS 293W or HDFS 296W.

The major in Human Development and Family Studies requires 45 credits in courses at the 200-level including 33 credits in Human Development and Family Studies and 12 credits in courses related to but outside the major department. A student completing requirements for a major must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better in the credits that count toward the major in Human Development and Family Studies. Students are allowed much flexibility in tailoring their major to meet their particular interests and educational goals.  Most students choose to focus their work in one or more of the following concentrations:

  • Early Childhood Development and Education
  • Childhood and Adolescence
  • Family Relationships: Services and Counseling
  • Family in Society: Social Policy and Planning
  • Adult Development and Aging

This major must include all of the following required courses: HDFS 201, 202, 204, 205W, 273 and either 293W or 296W.

This major must include the completion of one of the following courses: HDFS 264, 274, 276, 281, 285.

This major also must include at least 12 credits from the following courses.

HDFS 220, 222, 223, 225, 226, 230, 231, 232, 234, 240, 245, 248, 250, 252, 259, 260, 264, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 283, 284, 285, 287, 291, 292, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298. These 12 credits may include elections from among the five courses listed above (HDFS 264, 274, 276, 281, 285), if not applied to satisfaction of the foregoing requirement.

Minors

A minor in Gerontology is administered under the auspices of the Center on Aging and Human Development.  Please refer to its description in the Minors section of this Catalog.

Honors Program

The Human Development and Family Studies Honors Program offers motivated students a way of enhancing their studies while providing distinction to their academic records through more in-depth study and the opportunity for independent projects or research. Human Development and Family Studies majors with an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher and a GPA in the major of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply to the Honors Program in Human Development and Family Studies. Students should apply as early as possible, and applications will not be accepted after the first semester of a student's junior year. Honors Scholars who complete the required honors course work and an approved honors thesis project, as well as maintain the required GPA, will graduate with a degree with Honors. For more information on this program, contact the Human Development and Family Studies Honors Advisor.

Link to: Human Development and Family Studies Department

Link to: Course Descriptions

Individualized Major

Students with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher may apply for an individualized major. The 36 concentration credits numbered 200 or above may come from two or more departments in the University. At least 18 of the credits shall come from departments of this College. Students must earn a grade point average of 2.5 or better in the 36 concentration credits. The student may include no more than 6 credits of independent study nor more than 12 credits of field work. All students with an approved individualized major plan of study must complete a capstone course as part of their concentration credits: they must register for INTD 295W (INTD 296W for honors students or students doing distinction projects) during their last academic year. (Double majors and additional degree students may meet the capstone course requirement by substitution if they register for a capstone course or thesis in the final year of their own major/degree.)

Students may submit proposals for admission to the individualized major once  they achieve third semester status and may be admitted after completing three semesters of work (45 credits). The latest they may submit proposals is prior to beginning their final 30 credits of study. Internship