Interdisciplinary Minors

Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences

Interdisciplinary Minors complement majors by allowing students to explore an interest as well as delve further into broader subject matter.

For example, minors that would complement a Women and Gender Studies major who wants to work in community outreach for women's shelters might choose Leadership; Justice and Peace Studies; or Pre-Law.

Read Course Descriptions in the Online Catalog

Interdisciplinary Minors

Catholic Studies

The Catholic Studies Minor at St. Ambrose University is an interdisciplinary program of study designed to offer the students an exploration of Catholic intellectual tradition. The goal is to gather students and faculty from all disciplines to engage in a critical, sympathetic investigation of Catholic thought and life.

Catholicism is complex; it is a faith tradition that incorporates doctrines, structures, rituals, customs, philosophical thought, sociological phenomena, and artistic secular, and therefore it is fitting that such a process of inquiry take place at a university setting.

Another advantage of learning Catholic Studies at SAU is our very own Academy for the Study of Saint Ambrose of Milan which promotes scholarship, research and creative work about our patron saint.

Gaining Admittance – Contact your advisor or the program director.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Catholic Studies (16-18 credits)

Required (7 credits)
+CATH 201 Introduction to Catholic Studies
+CATH 401 Capstone Course 
+THEO 141 Saint Ambrose of Milan

Electives (9 credits)

Choose one section (A-D) below. Within each section, 3 credits each must come from: Theology; in a field other than Theology; and a 300 level course or higher.

A. Individualized Emphasis
ENG 120: Topics: Catholic Literature
ENG 302 Medieval Literature
MUS 309 Music in Liturgy
PHIL 343 Peace & Non-Violence
PHIL 360 Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy
SOC 356 Sociology of Religion
THEO 107 Introduction to the Sacraments
THEO 110 Introduction to Moral Issues
THEO 130 Introduction to the Old Testament
THEO 132 New Testament
THEO 301 Prayer, Spirituality, and Liturgy
THEO 304 Celtic Spirituality
THEO 310 Social Justice
THEO 312 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Peace & Justice
THEO 402 Eucharist

B. Catholic Education Emphasis
• EDUC 355: Methods of Teaching the Catholic Faith (Cross-listed as CATH 355 Methods of Teaching the Catholic Faith)
• Further course suggestions include: ENG 120 Catholic Literature; PHIL 343 Peace & Non-Violence; THEO 312 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Peace & Justice; MUS 310 Music in Liturgy; or an appropriate course among the electives listed above.

C. Catholic Health Care Emphasis
• THEO 319 Bio-ethics and Health Care
• Further course suggestions include: SOC 336 Death & Dying; THEO 301 Prayer, Spirituality, and Liturgy; SOC 356 Sociology of Religion; or an appropriate course among the electives listed above.

D. Catholic History Emphasis
AH 250 Art through the Ages I (cross-listed as HIST 215 Classical Europe)
AH 251 Art through the Ages II
HIST 320 European Topics: Christianity and Culture, Early and Medieval (cross-listed as ART 326 Early - Medieval Christian Art and Architecture)
THEO 341 History of Christianity, Ancient & Medieval
THEO 342 History of Christianity, Reformation & Modern
HIST 322 History of Rome (cross listed as Art History 323)
HIST 216 Medieval Europe
HIST 325 History of the Renaissance
HIST 326 The European Reformation

Classical Studies

The Classical Studies Minor at St. Ambrose allows students with an interest in ancient Greek and Roman cultures to pursue extended study of various aspects of those cultures and gain an appreciation of the relevance of classical culture to their own lives. The minor supports various majors, including History, Philosophy, Theology, and Political Science.

Gaining Admittance
Approval and planning a course of study with an advisor and the program director in History is required.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Classical Studies (18 credits)

  • AH 130 or CSM 101; AH 250 or HIST 215; LAT 101, 102; PHIL 217.
  • Choose one course from the following: AH 323, 324; HIST 102, 321, 322; THEO 141, 202, 344. 
  • Classical Studies Capstone 
    This experience consists of a presentation, paper, exhibit or other experience as approved by the CSM Director. Usually, students presenting Capstones will do so through their major departments and the topics are linked to their major; topic and product must be approved by the CSM director. The goal is for the student to reflect on the linked courses and demonstrate their understanding of the Classical ideas, content, and skills from these courses. The linked courses should allow students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the Capstone.

Read course descriptions in the online catalog

Environmental Studies

This program challenges students to explore our physical environment from various perspectives, from literature to theology, and biology to art.

Through the successful completion of this interdisciplinary minor, students will learn diverse approaches to understand, relate to, and responsibly manage non-human nature.

The coursework supports a scientific understanding of ecosystems; a philosophical, theological, artistic and literary basis for relating to the environment; socio-political, economic and historical contexts; and hands-on experience in conservation, preservation, and restoration.

Gaining Admittance: You and your advisor need to consult with Program Coordinators Dr. Dennis Tarasi or Dr. Amy Blair.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Studies (15 credits)

Required:
+BIOL 109 Environmental Science
+PHIL/THEO 311 Environmental Ethics
WI-ENGL 319 Writing About Place
ENVS 400 Environmental Studies Capstone (0-1 credits)

6 credits of "green" electives from the following:
AD 120 3-D Design
BIOL 108 Climate Change and Human Health
BIOL 321 Topics in Field Biology and Ecology
THEO 334 Apocalypse: Then & Now
PSCI 130 Global Issues
PSCI 316 International Law

Other courses relevant to the minor may be periodically offered. The selection of environmental electives must be done in consultation with the program director.

Global Business

Requirements for a Minor in Global Business

  • INTL 221, 372
  • Take 1 of the following: INTL 377, ECON 331, MKTG 349, or FNCE 302
  • Take 1 of the following: HIST 211, 213, SOC 210, or THEO 250
  • Take 1 of the following: PSCI 309, IS 310, or THEO 352
Hispanic Studies

The Hispanic Studies minor is interdisciplinary in nature, offering students a pathway to increased cultural competency via wide-ranging courses taught in both English and Spanish on literature, film, comics, linguistics, theology, and cultural studies.

This dynamic curriculum assists students in developing linguistic and cultural competency skills in order to enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Hispanic Studies (15 credits)

Required (6 credits):
SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish
LXS 201 Intro to U.S. Latinx Studies

Choose two (6 credits):
SPAN 311, 313, 314, 316, 317, 332, 335, 340, 350, or 360.

Choose one (3 credits):
IS 210 Selected Topics in Culture and Civilization (when revolving around Hispanic or Latinx culture)
+WGS 210 U.S. Latina Literature & Culture
+WI-THEO 321 Theologies of Liberation

WI writing intensive
+ satisfies a general education requirement

International Studies

Foreign Language proficiency through Foreign Language 102 is required.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in International Studies (15 credits)

  • PSCI 130/IS 210 Global Issues, 3 credits
  • International Affairs/Global Civil Society, 3 credits
  • International Arts or International Culture, 3 credits
  • International Communication and Commerce, 3 credits
  • One additional course from any discipline or any area of emphasis in the IS curriculum, 3 credits
Justice and Peace Studies

Available to any major, the Justice and Peace Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary academic focus on issues of social justice, with a special emphasis on peace, non-violence and conflict resolution.

In the Ambrose tradition of concern for dignity of all persons, social justice and respect for diversity, a variety of academic and co-curricular opportunities exist for students to enrich their education by exploring issues of justice and peace. The minor is sponsored jointly by the Theology and Philosophy departments but maintains an interdisciplinary focus.

Gaining Admittance

Approval and planning a course of study with the student's academic advisor and the JPS program director is required.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Justice and Peace (15-17 credits)

Required:
Core Courses (6-8 credits)

JPS 101 Introduction to Justice & Peace Studies (3 credits)
JPS 105 Mediation and Conflict Resolution Skills (1 credit)*
JPS 201 Justice & Peace Studies Practicum (1-3 credits)
JPS 205 Justice & Peace Studies Capstone (1 credit)

*Students can use Mediation training to fulfill part of the Practicum requirement. Mediation training is not required, but the Practicum course is a requirement.
Affiliate Courses (9 credits)

Students should meet with the JPS program director and their academic advisor to prepare a curriculum plan that combines their academic, professional and research interests.

Select three:

CRJU 316 Juvenile Justice
CRJU 487 Race, Gender, Class & Criminal Justice

ENGL 223 Minority Voices
ENGL 243 Irish Literature

HIST 213 Latin America
HIST 317 The Vietnam War
HIST 318 American Women
HIST 319 African American Experience
HIST 330 American Immigration
HIST 337 Northern Ireland
HIST 344 Spanish Civil War

PHIL 210 Social & Political Philosophy
PHIL 302 Justice & Peace Seminar
PHIL 310 Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 311 Environmental Ethics
PHIL 343 Ethics of Peace & Non-Violence

PSCI 120 Truth, Justice & Politics
PSCI 130 Global Issues
PSCI 230 Global Terrorism
PSCI 232 War & Peace
PSCI 320 Virtue and Political Leadership
PSCI 313 Foreign Policy

PSYC 203 Women & Gender
PSYC 325 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
PSYC 327 Psychology & Treatment of the Juvenile Offender
PSYC 328 Psychology and Treatment of the Crime Victim

SOC 120 Social Problems
SOC 235 Deviant Behavior
SOC 340 Race & Ethnicity
SOC 365 Social Stratification& Inequality
SOC 375 Conflict Resolution

THEO 125 Racial Justice & The Christian Faith
THEO 304 Reconciliation and Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland
THEO 310 Social Justice
THEO 311 Environmental Ethics
THEO 316 Justice & Peace in Comparative Religions
THEO 319 Bioethics & Healthcare
THEO 321 Theologies of Liberation
THEO 337 Bible & Social Justice
THEO 355 Holocaust

WGS 201 Cross Cultural Introduction to Women's Studies
WGS 210 Latina Literature
WGS 340 Women and Madness

Leadership

The interdisciplinary minor in Leadership enhances the practical and analytical skills of students interested in leadership development. The minor challenges students to think critically and build on their ability to act as knowledgeable, ethical, and caring leaders in the diverse world in which we live including business, government, community service, and civic engagement.

The mission of the minor is fulfilled through a curriculum that assesses the theories and practices of leadership; applies the theory and practice of leadership to private, public, and non-profit situations; and assists students in developing their leadership potential.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Leadership (18 credits)

Entry procedure: Approval and planning a course of study with an advisor and the program director in Political Science.

Required:
+PSCI 104 Introduction to Leadership Studies
PSCI 365 Political, Civic & Community Leadership
PHIL 207, PHIL 305, or THEO 110

Select 3-6 credits from the following electives:
+SOC 325 Sex and Gender
+SOC 340 Race and Ethnicity
+WI-PSCI 370 Public Administration
+WGS 201 Women's Studies: A Cross-Cultural Introduction

Select 3-6 credits from the following electives:
+COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 327 Organizational Communication
WI-ENGL 315 Written Business Communication
KIN 190 Introduction to Sport Management
WI-MGMT 210 Principles of Management
MGMT 216 Entrepreneurship and Innovation
WI-MGMT 325 Leadership in Organizations
MGMT 336 Conflict Management and Negotiation

Pre-Law Studies

The Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law is for students interested in studying law. It has a threefold mission.

First, it seeks to encourage sustained reflection upon the relationship between law and human nature.

Second, it seeks to give students a practical introduction to the basic elements of the American legal system, as well as other legal systems, and the history of legal thought and practice.

Third, it seeks to provide students with the background and skills necessary for success in law school and in the field of law. Special attention will be given to logical and critical thinking, persuasive argument, and cogent speaking and writing.

Entry Procedure for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies: Approval and planning a course of study with an advisor and the program director in Political Science is required.

Read Colin McNamara's story. He was the first student to progress through St. Ambrose's 3+3 degree plan in partnership with the University of Iowa. Through the 3+3 program, a student can earn their undergraduate degree from SAU and a law degree from Iowa in a total of six years. Students that have been accepted to the University of Iowa Law School fulfill their senior year's undergraduate credits through their first year of law school classes. "I've always seen law school as my destiny," McNamara said.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies (18 credits)

Students may not count more than 12 hours of Political Science toward the minor. 9 hours must be from approved General Education courses.

Foundation Course Required:
+PSCI 110 Law and Society: An Introduction to the American Legal System

Choose One:
CRJU 400 Criminalogical Theory
+PHIL 210 Social/Political Philosophy
+PSCI 320 Natural Law, Natural Rights & the Common Good
+THEO 310 Social Justice

Choose Two:
COMM 432 Media Law
CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedure
CRJU 410 Crime Policy Analysis
CRJU 411 The Constitution and Criminal Justice
CRJU 487 Race, Gender, Class, and Criminal Justice
CRJU 499 Comparative Justice Systems
+WI-ENGL 303 Shakespeare
+HIST 307 Revolutionary America, 1763-1815
+HIST 350 Advanced Topics in History
+PSCI 304 U.S. Constitution and Civil Liberties
PSCI 360 Administrative Law and Regulations
PSYC 321 Psychology and Law
PSYC 325 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
PSYC 327 Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender
PSYC 328 Psychology and Treatment of the Crime Victim
+SOC 120 Social Problems
+SOC 235 Deviant Behavior
+SOC 340 Race and Ethnicity
+WI-SOC 365 Social Stratification and Inequality

Choose One:
+COMM 228 Argumentation and Advocacy
+COMM 329 Business and Professional Speaking
WI-ENGL 216 Persuasive Writing
WI-ENGL 315 Written Business Communication
LAT 101 First Semester Latin
+PHIL 201 Logic
+PSCI 305 Mock Trial (1 credit)

Capstone experience:
WI-PSCI 400, or capstone in major with permission.

+ = satisfies a general education requirement
WI = writing intensive course

Women and Gender Studies

Available to students in any major, the Women and Gender Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary academic focus on issues of women and gender.

In the Ambrose tradition of concern for social justice and respect for difference, a variety of opportunities are available for students to enrich their education by exploring women's heritage of achievements and the changing roles of women and men.

Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Women and Gender Studies (18 credits)

Entry procedure: Approval and planning a course of study with an advisor and WGS program director is required.

Required:
+WGS 201 Introduction
WI-WGS 390 Seminar

At least six credits from:
+ENGL 222 Women's Literature
+PSYC 203 Psychology of Gender
PSYC 312 Women and Aging
PSYC 328 Psychology and Treatment of the Victim
+THEO 324 Women Theologians
+WGS 210 US Latina Literature and Culture
+WGS 310 Topics
+WGS 315 Latin American Women's Issues
+WGS 320 Women and Irish Film
WGS 325 Feminist Theory
+WGS 330 Practicum
+WGS 340 Women and Madness

Up to six credits from:
+COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication
CRJU 487 Race, Gender, Class and Criminal Justice
+ENGL 304 Renaissance Literature
SVLN 201 Service Learning (1 credit)
+SOC 323 Marriage and Family
+SOC 325 Sex and Gender
+SOC 340 Race and Ethnicity
+THEO 310 Social Justice
+THEO 321 Contemporary Theological Issues
WGS 350 Independent Study (1-3 credits)

+=fulfills general education requirement

Click here to read course descriptions in the online course catalog


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