Materials Science

Materials Science is an interdisciplinary field combining physics (fundamental laws of nature), chemistry (interactions of atoms) and biology (how life interacts with materials) to elucidate the inherent properties of basic and complex systems. This includes optical (interaction with light), electrical (interaction with charge), magnetic and structural properties of everyday electronics, clothing and architecture. The Materials Science central dogma follows the sequence: Structure—Properties—Design—Performance. This involves relating the nanostructure of a material to its macroscale physical and chemical properties. By understanding and then changing the structure, material scientists can create custom materials with unique properties.

The goal of the materials science minor is to create a cross-disciplinary approach to fundamental topics in basic and applied physical sciences. Students will gain experience and perspectives from the disciplines of chemistry, physics and biology. The minor places a strong emphasis on current nanoscale research methods in addition to the basics of electronic, optical and mechanical properties of materials.

Any student with an interest in pursuing the cross-disciplinary minor in materials science should consult with the coordinator of the minor. Students are encouraged to declare their participation in their sophomore year but no later than the end of the junior year. Students also should seek an adviser from participating faculty.

Physics and Mechanical Engineering Double Degree

Physics and Mechanical Engineering Double-Degree Involving ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND, THE A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, and the College of Southern Maryland

In addition to the two courses of study in Physics leading to the major, the Physics department of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the College of Southern Maryland, and the Clark School of Engineering of the University of Maryland – College Park offer a joint course of study leading to undergraduate degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering. These courses are offered for students interested in pursuing either a career or graduate school in Engineering or related programs or careers in the applications of technology. It is meant for students who are passionately interested in engineering but wish to also keep the advantages of study at a small undergraduate institution. Almost all of the courses in this program can be taken within St. Mary’s County. Any students interested in pursuing this program must meet with the chair or another representative of the Physics department before commencing it.

A student in this program will attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) for the equivalent of approximately three (3) or four (4) academic years (minimum of 96 hours), completing requirements for a major in physics as described below, and will also take courses leading to a major in Mechanical Engineering in the program administered by the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland – College Park. The bulk of Engineering and pre-Engineering courses are offered by the University of Maryland (UMD) at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC) and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) as described below.

After completing the required courses at St. Mary’s College as listed below, and a total of 128 hours between the three institutions, the student will be awarded a bachelor’s degree with a major in physics by St. Mary’s College. After completing the requirements of the Clark School of Engineering for the Degree of Mechanical Engineering as listed below, the student will be awarded a Baccalauureate degree by the University of Maryland. While the course of study is designed to have some flexibility. Please note that we do not list general education requirements for the University of Maryland, as these requirements may change over time: it is up to the student to insure that he or she satisfies the UMD general education requirements. It is also up to her or him to insure that the transfer of course credit for any courses not explicitly listed here is done; their advisor will be able to help them do that.

MAT

Master Of Arts In Teaching

The Masterful Teacher: A Reflective Practitioner-Facilitating Achievement in Communities of Diverse Learners

The faculty of St. Mary’s College believes that offering a certification program through an state-accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree will allow its students to take full advantage of the rich undergraduate curriculum available at our college – to spend a semester abroad, to complete a double major, to take elective courses in many diverse areas, to try interdisciplinary courses – and then to be able to synthesize that richly textured content background with graduate courses in education so they can better serve their future students.

The MAT option builds on students’ solid grounding in a vigorously defined major and in the breadth of their Core Curriculum requirements while allowing them a seamless transition into the professional coursework. The MAT provides basic instruction in pedagogical strategies, assessment, curriculum development, discipline and management, and other specific elements of the professional educator’s knowledge base.

Certification programs exist for grades 1 through 6, with an option to add a credential in early childhood education, and secondary English, math, history/social studies, social studies, biology, chemistry, and physics, for grades 7 through 12. There are also certification options for K-12 disciplines: art, music, theater, and world languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish).

All of the teacher certification programs available through this MAT degree have full program approval from the Maryland State Department of Education and lead to reciprocity for certification in a majority of other states. Our program completers have a 100% pass rate on the PRAXIS exams, and our hiring rate for those who choose to teach, is also near 100%.

The MAT is a full-time, year-long program requiring participants to be in county public schools from the beginning of the program. The mentor/cooperating teachers at the school sites provide support and expertise that will prepare the student to meet the challenge of the beginning teacher, translating theory into practice.

Admissions Process

Complete the MAT application online. Details about the deadline, prompt for the application essay, and links to the application can be found at https://dev.smcm.edu/mat how-to-apply/application-process/. Please note that applicants to the program are not required to have met all requirements for the program at the time of application; applicants will be asked to indicate any requirements that are in progress.
Arrange with all institutions of higher education to have official transcripts sent to the Director of Teacher Education (Goodpaster Hall 236 18952 E. Fisher Road St. Mary’s City, MD. Current St. Mary’s students completing an undergraduate degree will submit a transcript that includes the course work in progress for the fall term.
For current St. Mary’s students, submit existing SAT, ACT or GRE scores or scores for the PRAXIS I pre-professional skills tests in reading, writing, and math to the Office of Admissions. Required scores are as follows: SAT composite score of 1100; ACT composite score of 24; GRE composite score of 1000 for tests prior to September 2011 or 297 for tests after September 2011. Current SMCM students who cannot be waived from the PRAXIS Core requirement on the basis of ACT, SAT, or GRE scores must submit passing scores for all three tests: Reading (156), Writing (162) and Math (150). For students who did not complete their undergraduate education at St. Mary’s and are applying as new students to the College for the MAT, only GRE scores will be accepted for this requirement.
Arrange to have two faculty members who have taught you in upper-level courses in your major field to complete the faculty reference form, either on paper or online (found at https://dev.smcm.edu/mat/how-to-apply/application-process/) and send them to the Director of Teacher Education. Arrange for someone who has supervised you in interactions with children or young adults submit a general letter of recommendation to the Director of Teacher Education, in addition to the other recommendations.
The application and all support documentation are due to the Director of Teacher Education by mid-November; the precise deadline for each year will be posted online at https://dev.smcm.edu/mat. Admissions decision letters will be mailed in January/February. Final admission approval will depend on the satisfactory completion of the undergraduate degreeand fulfillment of any outstanding requirements from the application period.

Program Prerequisites

In addition to the documentation listed above, MAT program participants must successfully complete a minor in educational studies at St. Mary’s or complete the coursework specified in the minor. The latter option is for students who transfer three or more courses specified within the minor to St. Mary’s, and it does not disadvantage them in any way during the application process. It is important to note that there are some differences in the coursework needed to either complete the minor or the coursework; these differences are related to the applicants’ intended area of certification, so it is important that coursework is selected with these constraints in mind. For a complete listing of these courses, please refer to the information about the minor in educational studies.

All applicants must satisfy minimum GPA requirements as well, which are as follows:

3.0 cumulative
3.0 major
3.0 minor in educational studies or equivalent coursework
All courses used to meet admissions requirements must be passed with a grade of C or

For each certification grade level/area there are program prerequisites. Where possible, some examples of St. Mary’s College of Maryland courses that meet this requirement have been provided. Please consult with the department chair of Educational Studies or the Director of Teacher Education for other courses that may meet those requirements.

Elementary Candidates (Grades 1-6, EDEL)

Major in any area of study
Minor in educational studies that includes coursework in infant and child development and EDUC 296
OR
Coursework that is equivalent to that specified in minor, as described above
12 credits of math (e.g., MATH 131, MATH 161, MATH 162, COSC 120; PSYC 203; up to four credits may be from non-MATH coded courses)
12 credits of science (e.g., ASTR 154, BIOL 101, CHEM 101, PHYS 103)(students must take at least one physical science and one biological science.)
American history or government (e.g., HIST 200, HIST 219; POSC 100 does not meet this requirement)
English literature (e.g., ENGL 106, EDUC 366)
2 credits in physical education or documented involvement in varsity sports)
One semester of coursework in a language other than English.

Elementary with Early Childhood Candidates (EDEL and EDEC)

All of the elementary prerequisites, in addition to EDEC 770 (Issues, Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education), which will be offered either before or during the MAT program. Please consult the department chair for information about the timing of the course.

Secondary Candidates (Grades 7-12, EDSC)

Major in the appropriate content field with appropriate breadth and depth. A minimum of 36 credits in the content area is required. Check with an Educational Studies adviser regarding specific content courses necessary for Maryland certification.
For individuals who have a native proficiency in one of the languages for which we offer certification but do not have a degree in that language, it may be possible to pursue certification for teaching that language. Please consult the Department Chair for additional information.
Minor in educational studies that includes coursework in adolescence
OR
Coursework equivalent to that specified in minor, as described above
One semester of coursework in a language other than English.

K-12 Candidates (Grades PreK-12 in Art, Music, Theater, World Languages)

Major in the appropriate content field with appropriate breadth and depth
Minor in educational studies that includes coursework in lifespan development
OR
Coursework equivalent to that specified in minor, as described above
One semester of coursework in a language other than English.
Music majors should complete any four one-credit methods courses in strings, brass, percussion, etc.
Music majors are advised to speak to the Department Chair in Music once you have decided to pursue the MAT for Music to ensure availability of methods courses.

Program Completion

MAT participants who successfully complete the program coursework with a 3.0 average GPA or better, successfully complete all aspects of the internship, submit an acceptable electronic portfolio, present their research projects, and achieve passing scores on the appropriate PRAXIS II tests will be eligible for “approved program” certification in Maryland. Names of program completers will be sent to the Maryland State Department of Education, after which individuals may apply for their teaching certificate. Approved program certification allows for reciprocity with minimal additional requirements in approximately 37 other states.

Other Important Information

Students who apply to the MAT program by the priority deadline listed on the website are given first consideration for scholarship awards and placement opportunities, particularly for content areas where there may be limited internship opportunities in the local school system (e.g., Chinese, Physics)
The MAT program offers various scholarships to students for the MAT year; students will be invited to apply for scholarship consideration at the time of application. The various scholarships have different eligibility criteria; most scholarships that are awarded are applied toward the first session in the program.
The MAT program begins in early July and is completed in June the following year. There are 4 sessions within the graduate program, and students are billed in four equal installments prior to the start of each session.
There may be residential on-campus living options for MAT students during the regular academic year; if available, accepted students will be notified the spring prior to the start of the MAT program .
All internship experiences will be fulfilled in St. Mary’s County public schools. Enrichment placement opportunities (abroad, and in other school districts) are available under certain considitions.
All program participants are charged full-time in-state tuition for the fall and spring semesters. Students pay the per credit rate for coursework for the two summer sessions.
There is a $1545 MAT Program fee, in addition to the regular full-time student fee of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
All admitted students will be required to bring a personal laptop computer with them into the program.
Current program capacity is approximately 35 students.
The program is a full-time cohort program which means that there are no electives and no options for part-time enrollment.
Out-of-state students who complete their undergraduate degree at St. Mary’s and then enter the MAT program will be charged in-state tuition for their graduate year.

Faculty

Katy Arnett (chair& director of teacher education), Teresa Filbert, Angela Johnson (on sabbatical 2015 – 2016), Kathy Koch, David Morris, Lin Muilenburg

Outcomes Of The Mat Program

“The Masterful Teacher: A Reflective Practitioner Facilitating Communities of Diverse Learners”

As an accredited program, the MAT program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is aligned to meet numerous state- and nationally-defined standards for initial teacher education. These include:

The 10 Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards
The 7 Maryland Teacher Technology Standards (MTTS)
The standards for the Special Program Areas that govern the national accrediting agency’s guidelines for the preparation of teachers in art, music, English, social studies, math, science, foreign language, theater and elementary education.
The 5 standards for Professional Development Schools in Maryland

Additionally, candidates meet outcomes based on our conceptual framework in the area of relationships, reflection, and research. For a complete listing of the above-mentioned program outcomes, see the department website (www.smcm.edu/mat); the conceptual framework which underpins the entire program and provides us with specific program goals is also available there.

International Languages and Cultures

View International Languages and Cultures Department website

The Department of International Languages and Cultures is committed to the study of particular societies around the world, with the aim of bringing forth an understanding of the world view and cultural perspective of peoples who live outside the English-speaking world. Our approach is humanistic, giving attention to the cultural productions, including the literary traditions, as well as the cultural agents of the societies we study. We are particularly concerned with promoting the development of both linguistic and cultural literacy. Language is one of the main mediums through which human beings express their specific cultural identity in relationship to the human race in its totality. For this reason, in order to understand a culture on its own terms it is necessary to approach it through its own linguistic framework. We need to study languages besides English in order to understand other cultures from their own internal perspective. Through the Department of International Languages and Cultures, students can gain exposure to a large variety of cultures from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

As human beings we are increasingly confronted with the need to live in a globalized context. Patterns of international economic, political, social, and cultural exchange increasingly define how we are to live, work, and relate to one another. One of the major challenges facing our society is to understand and learn how to work collaboratively with other societies in search of common interests. This challenge is especially crucial for the United States because it is at the same time one of the most powerful international agents — economically, politically, culturally and militarily — as well as being a society that, because of geographic and historical circumstances, has evolved with a high degree of isolation. The U.S., however, can no longer maintain this isolation given its international role, as well as its internal demographics. We are increasingly in need of professionals who have both linguistic and cultural literacy that extends beyond the English-speaking world.

The major within the Department of International Languages and Cultures offers concentrations in Chinese, French, German, and Spanish languages and cultures, as well as Latin American Studies. The Chinese concentration provides coverage of the Chinese-speaking world. The French concentration covers both metropolitan France, as well as the broader field of Francophone cultures in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. The German concentration focuses on areas of German language and culture. The Spanish concentration covers Spain and Latin America, with particular attention to the great cultural variety within the Spanish-speaking world in the Americas. The Latin American Studies concentration allows students to study this important region of the world through a multidisciplinary approach.

The French, German, and Spanish concentrations include four credits of a language outside the student’s concentration, to be taken at the level where the student places. This experience with an additional language lends special insight into linguistic structures and encourages students to consider multiple global perspectives on issues they have encountered through their concentration language. The Chinese concentration includes an elective eight-credit intra- or cross-disciplinary field of focus in language, literary, or cultural studies beyond the core courses in Chinese. This integrated elective field of focus enables students to combine their area concentration with study in other fields, either within or outside the department, with the purpose of broadening, deepening, or contextualizing the Chinese concentration.

We strongly advise majors to spend time abroad to gain both linguistic and cultural fluency and confidence. The experience abroad can be pursued in various manners: study abroad with our own programs or with those of other colleges and universities; internships with international organizations or governmental agencies abroad or “au pair” or other work-related experiences. Some of the experiences noted above can be pursued for credit, others not. It is important that students begin to think about experiences abroad as early as possible during their time at St. Mary’s, and that they discuss their interests with a faculty adviser within the department. Students are expected to either choose a faculty adviser in the department, or discuss their plans within the major with the chair of the department.

Every ILC major must complete a St. Mary’s Project. This project may either be in ILC or in another major discipline or a study area. The guidelines established in the selected area apply. The student should consult with the chair of ILC to discuss how the St. Mary’s Project requirement will be fulfilled.

Natural Science

The major in natural science is intended for the science-oriented student who wishes to acquire a broad background in the fundamentals of science and mathematics while concentrating in one of the specific disciplines. The program is particularly well suited to students who desire preparation for graduate work or careers in interdisciplinary sciences such as biostatistics and biophysics. Examples of other students who might find this program suited to their needs: (1) those preparing for further study in the philosophy of science, (2) those interested in a career as a scientific or technical librarian, (3) students oriented towards a business career in a science-oriented industry, and (4) those with a general interest and ability in science who have not clearly determined in which area or discipline they wish to specialize. Students interested in graduate studies should arrange their programs toward this end with the help of their advisers.

Declaring a Major in Natural Science/NS Major Committee

The program is directed by a committee composed of the chairs of the participating departments or their designates. A student may either elect one of the ten approved standard programs listed below or, in cooperation with the adviser, design an individual program. The committee must approve the standard program or the individual program before the student can officially declare a Natural Science major. A student who opts for an individual program must develop a detailed proposal and submit it to the natural science committee. All such programs need to be approved by the natural science major committee described above.

Standard Programs

The standard approved programs are the following:

Biology: Computer Science
Biology: Mathematics
Chemistry: Biology
Chemistry: Computer Science
Chemistry: Mathematics
Chemistry: Physics
Computer Science: Physics
Mathematics: Biology
Mathematics: Physics
Physics: Computer Science

Information containing the course requirements for the standard programs is available in the administrative office of Schaefer Hall.

Double Majors

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the natural science major, it can be part of a double major only if neither the primary nor the secondary area of concentration in the natural science major overlaps with the requirements for the other major.

Theater, Film, and Media Studies

View Theater, Film, and Media Studies Department website

The field of theater, film, and media combines studies in history, theory, and critical analysis with practical experiences in production techniques and creativity. Its scope includes diverse representations in dynamic time and space, whether on stage or screen. Among its shared subjects are visual culture, performance studies, and techniques for directing, designing, writing, and performing for stage and screen media. Because visual culture plays an ever-increasing role in the production, distribution, and reception of knowledge, studies in theater, film, and media are integral to an undergraduate curriculum in the liberal arts.

Students may focus their studies in theater or in film and media. Both focuses are fundamentally collaborative and multidisciplinary; they thrive in a liberal arts context that promotes breadth and integration of learning. Majors will complete a core of regularly offered courses that exemplifies the diversity of subjects and cultures entailed in this field. The two focuses, theater studies and film and media studies, share some courses that are fundamental to both curricula, but each focus includes opportunities for advanced work in specialized areas of scholarship and artistry. Above all, majors will benefit from an array of course work that emphasizes the reciprocal enrichments of combining scholarship and creative activity. Visiting guests and special topics or experimental courses supplement the regular curriculum.

The curriculum in theater, film, and media studies encourages students to interrogate representations on stage and screen toward an understanding of their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Additionally, we provide opportunities for students to produce their own works and to collaborate on projects with faculty members and other students. Majors will be prepared to undertake graduate work in related disciplines or careers in related professions.

The department offers minors in theater studies, film and media studies, and dance/movement. Students interested in fulfilling a minor in any of these areas should consult with a faculty member in TFMS. Students may combine a major in either TFMS focus area with a minor in any other TFMS minor area.

Production Opportunities

The Department of Theater, Film, and Media Studies supplies the resources for a diverse range of production work on stage and screen. Live performance opportunities include stage productions and dance concerts directed by faculty members, guest artists, and students, performed in a variety of spaces, including the Bruce Davis Theater (main stage), the dance studio, and the White Room. Performance roles, design, and technical positions are open to all students, regardless of their majors. Theater production seasons are formulated to maximize opportunities for working on or attending productions that represent the diversity of theatrical activities across cultures and history.

TFMS resources in media production provide students with access to a variety of video production and post-production technology. Production classes and St. Mary’s Projects have access to Canon GL-2 Mini-DV cameras, Smith-Victor lighting kits, and Audio-Technica microphones, along with supporting production equipment. Post-production equipment in the Montgomery Hall Pro-lab includes 10 22” Intel iMacs w/Mac OS 10.5, Adobe CS3 Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks), Maya 2008 Complete, Quicktime Pro, and Final Cut Studio (Final Cut, Motion, DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack, Compressor) with dedicated JVC SR-DVM600 3-in-1 MiniDV, 40GB hard disk drive, and DVD player/recorder combo decks. The adjacent Montgomery Hall Learning Lab is equipped with 20 17” Intel iMacs w/Mac OS 10.5, Adobe CS3 Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks), ProTools LE, and several flatbed scanners. Students also have access to a smaller, two-station TFMS editing room that includes two G-5 editing stations w/Mac OS 10.5 and Final Cut Studio (Final Cut, Motion, DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack, Compressor). TFMS editing lab work stations also include dedicated Mini-DV decks and NTSC output monitors. Additional training and production opportunities are also available at Media Services on the third floor of the College library.

Detailed, regularly updated information about our theater and arts seasons and about production opportunities is available on the department website.

Public Policy

View Political Science Department website

Public policy decisions touch nearly every aspect of daily life, although we often fail to recognize or understand their impact. Daily, we are exposed to the policy proposals and preferences of those in or seeking office and they are in turn influenced by the preferences of the public and the pressures of organized interest groups. Given the impact that policy choices can have on our lives, it is essential that we have an understanding of how policy choices are made and how we might evaluate those choices. Why do we need this knowledge? Policymakers are more responsive to the demands and interests of an active and informed public.

The purpose of the public policy major is to equip students with sufficient competence in analytical skills supported by social science theory to prepare them for graduate or professional study. Majors should be sufficiently prepared to seek positions in organizations which deal with public policy issues: business firms, trade associations, lobbying organizations, and government agencies. The major provides students with the factual, analytical, practical, and theoretical skills necessary for contemporary policy design, implementation, and evaluation.

Public policy is interdisciplinary in nature; it is affected by social and economic conditions; political as well as cultural values; and the structure of government. The study of public policy requires the integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines to understand and critically assess public problems and potential solutions. The public policy major draws upon the knowledge and experience usually available through separate majors such as anthropology, economics, sociology, and political science. Only through a coordinated exposure to these fields can a student understand how they interact in the world of public policy. The interdisciplinary nature of the major makes it a good choice for students considering a double major in related disciplines such as political science or economics.

Public policy students may choose from two disciplinary tracks within the public policy major – American public policy or International public policy. A student who chooses to major in public policy should select an adviser from the political science or public policy faculty, and in conjunction with the adviser, plan a program that is appropriate to the needs and objectives of the students.

Students who have questions about the public policy major should consult Todd Eberly, coordinator of public policy studies.

Music

View Music Department website

We provide students, majors and non-majors, with a full range of musical opportunities, academic and performance, guided with a high level of personal attention. We offer instrumental and vocal instruction (private and class), the opportunity to participate in a variety of excellent ensembles, and course work that supports an understanding of music in its wider historical, social, cultural and geographical contexts. Our numerous college-level and professional-level performance activities provide a substantial educational foundation and serve as an important cultural resource for our region. The unique summer international and orchestral programs offer students the opportunity to expand horizons and deepen understanding of worlds beyond their own by engaging in conservatory-like, pre-professional training here and abroad. Taken together, these endeavors prepare our students for advanced training and careers in a variety of fields such as performance, composition, music scholarship, education and arts administration.

Students who graduate with a major in music will have achieved college- level proficiency in:

General musicianship (ear training, dictation, keyboard competency)
Music theory
Music history
Performance in their chosen instrument(s) or voice

Skills in these areas of music will be demonstrated in:

Classroom work and examinations
Public performances

The final project (St. Mary’s Project) will show, in addition to the above, proficiency in:

Writing
Research
Critical thinking

The major in music incorporates a high degree of flexibility beyond the core of required courses. All students pursue electives in music, and additionally some students undertake double majors or minors in other subjects. This helps students prepare for careers and graduate study in a wide variety of musical areas.

NOTE: Some music requirements may be waived (by the department chair in consultation with the music faculty) for transfer students or for students with experience or knowledge equivalent to the material of a particular course.

Alba, Italy Program

MUSA 473 is a special course offered only through the College’s program in Alba, Italy. MUSA 473 provides a way for students to earn credit for participating in a two-week international music festival in the summer.

Asian Studies

View Asian Studies website

The cultures of Asia are among the world’s oldest and most enduring, and they also play an increasingly important role in modern-world affairs. Emigrant peoples of Asia have reshaped the cultures of the rest of the world in profound ways, expanding what is thought of as Asia beyond national and continental boundaries to include diaspora cultures in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Asia’s many distinct and interrelated civilizations are thus both ancient, dating to the Neolithic era, and widespread, geographically spanning the globe. The economic and political centers of Asia include the two most populous nations in the world and two of the three largest economies in the world. Thus, Asian Studies challenges students to explore some of the most influential and widespread cultures on the globe.

Because of this wide-ranging historical and geographic scope, Asian Studies must employ an interdisciplinary approach. The core requirement for the major in Asian Studies is a team-taught, interdisciplinary course, which offers students an opportunity to explore the breadth of disciplinary approaches to this study area. Further Asian Studies courses may be found in the departments of political science, economics, history, English, international languages and cultures, philosophy and religious studies, art history and theater, film and media studies. This “area studies” approach demands that students take an active and conscious part in designing their major in Asian Studies.

The Asian Studies faculty strongly recommends that students anchor their study of Asia in language study and study abroad. In addition to Chinese language offerings on-campus, St. Mary’s offers study-abroad programs at Fudan University in Shanghai, China; Lingnan University in Hong Kong, China; Akita University in Japan; and Kerala University in India. Students may pursue the study of other Asian languages through study-abroad programs in other Asian countries, or students may choose to attend language programs at other universities and colleges in the U.S. No study of Asia and its cultures is complete without the study of an Asian language.

In addition to broadening student horizons in the liberal arts, Asian Studies provides excellent preparation for a future career in the U.S. Foreign Service, the United Nations, international non-governmental organizations, multi-national business, and advanced academic studies.

African and African Diaspora Studies

View African and African Diaspora Studies website

The African and African Diaspora Studies program is designed to help students explore, examine, and critically analyze the African presence in a global context. This presence stretches back to antiquity in Europe and Asia, and for centuries in the Americas, but serious and sustained efforts to understand the profoundly rich, dynamic, and complex contributions to the world’s civilizations have been lacking. Students are provided background and tools to investigate the agency, experiences and movements of African and African Diaspora people that span time and place and bridge academic disciplines. The program is a cross-disciplinary study area with course offerings in anthropology and sociology, economics, history, political science, fine arts, literature, language, psychology and philosophy that address the black experience in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. The broad goals of the program are to investigate the historical and cultural linkages between African and African Diaspora people and between people of the Diaspora and other groups in the cultures where they live; to examine theories of race and ethnicity; and to explore critical issues and contributions of Diaspora people in major fields of knowledge and aspects of life.

The foundation of the program is the core course AADS 214, Africa and the African Diaspora, which serves as a gateway to the field of African and African Diaspora Studies and a common experience for all students in the program. The course includes scholarship produced by African and African Diaspora scholars that recognizes the intellectual and cultural histories of black people. It introduces students to a broader range of scholarship to provide a thorough grounding in the experiences of peoples of African origin.

The required core course is offered every spring semester and provides a broad overview of the peoples, languages, culture, history, and institutions across the African continent and the African Diaspora. Any student with an interest in pursuing study in this particular area should consult the program coordinator. Formal declaration of intent to complete the program’s requirements must be preceded by completion of the core course. Students may declare their minor at any time prior to the final semester of their senior year, but are encouraged to declare their participation and seek curricular advising as soon as possible.