Big Changes in Academics: Here’s What’s New
Foreign Language, Business, and Politics courses adapted for the new semester
By Cailin Hale
In conjunction with the new school year starting, several changes have been made in academics, including in the foreign language requirement of the Core curriculum and the requirements of the Business and Politics majors.
The biggest alteration is that the language requirement has been changed to a language and culture requirement. On Aug. 24, Provost Jeremiah John sent out a letter addressing this change and explaining what was taking place.
The previous four-semester language requirement is being changed to a two-semester language and culture requirement, where students can take any two 3-credit courses in a foreign language or designated culture class. Culture classes are designated as HUM 235R and focus on a non-Western culture, subculture, or minority culture in the West. This requirement is an attempt to continue what the foreign language requirement sought to do — offer students more opportunities to understand and appreciate unfamiliar cultures and traditions.
Other academic changes have occurred, including a new minor in economics being added.
The business and politics majors have had alterations made to their required courses in the effort to expand horizons of career possibilities to those students. In the business major, they’ve added emphasis on accounting and finance, which will help to better prepare those who are seeking to join those fields.
The politics major has received alterations in order to better fit the resources of the school and the topics that students are showing interest in, particularly related to world politics, international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policies.
The core curriculum will also be reviewed by the faculty this upcoming school year. They will review student learning outcomes, what the students think about it, and how well it seems to be working. Some changes have already been made, such as the language requirement. All changes originate from discussions among the staff and comments from students.
