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FALL 2008

Read about the new majors and minors offered beginning in Fall 2008 by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

African American Studies Major

Rooted in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, the major in African American studies provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on the origin, role, and policy implications of race in the U.S. and world political economy, society, and culture. Learn diverse concepts, theories, and methodologies for analyzing the experiences, perspectives, and the cultural and intellectual production of African Americans and African descended people. This major helps prepare students for careers such as teaching, social work, human resources, criminal justice, management and administration, city planning, marketing, policymaking, medicine, and law.

Atmospheric Sciences Major

The atmospheric sciences curriculum prepares students for careers in a galaxy of disciplines, including meteorology, environmental science, climate, remote sensing, science education, atmospheric chemistry, computational science, and other areas. All students receive a firm foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and develop data analysis and computational skills that can be used in a wide range of applications within and beyond the atmospheric sciences. In their senior year, all students take part in independent study, internship, or research projects as a capstone experience.

Earth Systems, Environment, and Society Major Concentrations

Science of the Earth System Concentration

Students interested in the complex interaction of natural systems within the earth have struck a goldmine with this concentration! Topics ranging from water/hydrology, ecology and ecological systems, data and modeling, climate and global change, biogeochemical cycles, types of pollution and their sources, and remote sensing will be studied. The concentration focuses on a rigorous scientific program in the geological and ecological complexities and interactions of natural systems.

Society and the Environment Concentration

Society has a social responsibility to the environment, and students majoring in society and the environment will identify why. This exciting new concentration from the School of Earth, Society, and Environment introduces students to different dimensions of Earth System problems, with emphasis placed on the political, socio-cultural, economic, and historical problems. While using a balanced, cross-disciplinary social science/humanities education, students will be outstandingly prepared for careers in areas including environmental policy and economics, studies in science and technology, environment history and ethics, perceptions of environmental risk, social movements and the environment and social studies of the physical environment.

Integrative Biology Major: Honors Concentration

The integrative biology major is a complete curriculum designed to take your major to the next biological level. The honors concentration offers outstanding students smaller class sizes, daily interactions with top faculty, and the chance to experience all that biology has to offer at the University of Illinois. Supplemented with a strong background in chemistry, the physical sciences, mathematics, and independent study research, integrative biology honors students are among the best prepared for professional schools (medical, veterinary, dental), research, and conservation and industry careers. Students who apply to the honors concentration the spring semester of their freshman year must have at least a 3.0 GPA, show evidence of success in math and science courses, and have a strong interest in biology.

Molecular and Cellular Biology Major: Honors Concentration

The honors concentration in MCB is designed for the cream of the genetic crop. If you are an extremely motivated and exceptional student looking for extensive experience in MCB, the honors concentration is perfect for you! MCB honors students typically plan to enter graduate or professional programs to reach their career goals and want an intensive undergraduate education as preparation. Interested students should apply prior to enrolling in MCB 250/251—generally, during the spring of their freshman year. Qualifications for admission generally include a GPA of 3.5 or better and a teaching assistant or instructor recommendation. Honors students must fulfill all normal requirements of the MCB major, complete honors sections in the MCB core courses (MCB 250, 251, 252, 253, 354), and complete four or more additional upper-level honors courses as juniors and seniors.

Scandinavian Studies Concentration Minor

Discover your inner Viking! The minor in Scandinavian Studies offers students exposure to the study of a Scandinavian language and broad knowledge of Scandinavian culture, literature, film, art, and history. Perspectives include the seafaring adventures of medieval Vikings, policies of the modern welfare state, sustainability and environmental protection, and the indigenous population of Sámi and Inuit. Students involved in the program go on to pursue a range of careers, including journalism, law, film school, international diplomacy, and nonprofits.

Communication Minor

The minor in communication is designed for students who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of communication processes and how they influence social, cultural, and political processes. It is appropriate for students majoring in a variety of disciplines in the social sciences or humanities and for students in professionally-oriented programs. A degree in communication indicates that you can speak, write, and think critically about others' messages as well as your own. Many of our graduates work in a variety of fields such as public relations, marketing, and pharmaceutical sales to name a few. Others gain employment as news bureau writers, community affairs specialists, and educators.

Statistics Minor

Looking to bolster research skills and obtain a thorough understanding of data collection and interpretation? The statistics minor will do all that, and more! The undergraduate minor in statistics helps non-majors gain skills in statistical method and theory that have become increasingly important to students in disciplines spanning the life, physical, and social sciences, engineering, and business. As more and more data are collected, stored, and analyzed, students are finding it increasingly beneficial to gain expertise in statistics to bolster their research skills and enhance their career opportunities. Coursework for the degree exposes students to statistical computation, theory of mathematical statistics, and many common techniques of statistical analysis. To satisfy degree requirements, students must complete either the Applied Statistics Track or the Mathematical Statistics Track, which average to about 19 hours or 6 classes. Students also must take calculus up to multivariable calculus.

American Indian Studies Minor

Gain a critical understanding of American Indian cultures, histories, and politics through an interdisciplinary approach with this minor. Spanning across English, history, and religious studies, the program seeks to advance the continuity, interests, and needs of North American Indigenous peoples through teaching, research, and responsible community collaborations.

Sub-Saharan African Languages Minor

Take part in preserving and understanding a culture that few places teach. You can study Bamana, Lingala, Swahili, Wolof, or Zulu in the most comprehensive African languages program in the country, here at the U of I.

Bamana, or Bambara, spoken in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Senegal, among others, is a newer national language, at times providing social cohesion between different ethnic groups. The Bamana people also have colorful artistic traditions, including masks, bokolanfini cloth, and wrought iron figures.
Lingala is one of the major languages spoken in the African Great Lakes region, primarily Congo, and is the dominant medium of the ever-popular Congolese music known as "soukous" and "Congolese Rumba."
Swahili, or Kiswahili, is the most widely spoken and taught African language in Africa and the world, besides Arabic, with a rich literary tradition that goes as far back as the 11th century. It's spoken as a first and second language in seven central and eastern African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and parts of Somalia and Zaire.
Like Bamana, Wolof serves as a language of wider communication, with many non-speakers acquiring it. It is the official languages of Senegal and is also spoken in Mauritania and Gambia.
Despite the proliferation of languages in South Africa, Zulu remains to be the language with the largest number of speakers. Zulu is known for its click sounds that almost exclusively distinguish South African languages.
By knowing Zulu, you can invariably understand other Nguni languages. Completion of the minor requires at least 18 hours, comprised of 6 language hours, 6 African Linguistic hours, and 6 African Studies hours.

See the new majors and minors for Fall 2009.

New Majors and Minors in 2008 « New Majors and Minors « Majors & Minors « Students « College of Liberal Arts & Sciences « University of Illinois

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