1996-1997 Undergraduate Catalog

 NMSU
College of Arts and Sciences

Dean - E. Rene Casillas
Associate Dean - Carol L. Walker
Associate Dean - Jeffrey P. Brown
Advising Center Director - Virginia Salcido
Advising Center Assistant Director - Debbie Hands
Student Records - Maria D. Saenz


DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts­ Majors in Anthropology, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Economics, English, Foreign Languages, Government, History, Journalism and Mass Communications, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Theatre Arts

Bachelor of Science­ Majors in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, City and Regional Planning, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics

Designated Bachelor's Degree­ in Criminal Justice, Fine Arts, Music, Music Education

Bachelor of Individualized Studies

Two-year Degrees­ Associate in Criminal Justice, Associate of Arts

Programs offered in the College of Arts and Sciences prepare students for a variety of career opportunities and for graduate study. The broad curriculum offered provides both the motivation and the tools for lifelong learning experiences.

While the ultimate responsibility for planning an academic program in compliance with university, college, and departmental requirements rests with the student, the college recognizes the importance of helping students work out appropriate academic programs. all freshmen and other unclassified arts and sciences students are advised on academic matters in the College Advising Center, which is located in the dean's office. In addition, all students are encouraged to contact departments for specific subject area information and career planning.

Students with 28 or more credits who have declared a major are advised in the concerned departments.

Students should consult the University section of the catalog regarding general limitations for total credit hours, independent study, and registration under S/U option. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences on academic warning or probation are limited to 15 credits per semester or 5 credits per summer session. The University section of the catalog discusses registration and withdrawal deadlines. Extra credit may not be given in any Arts and Science courses after grades have been submitted.

COLLEGE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students must meet the following degree requirements (numbers 1-5, below):

1. Basic Academic Skills requirements in English and mathematics. See "Basic Academic Skills" in the "General Information" chapter earlier in this catalog.

2. University graduation requirements. See "Graduation Requirements" in the "General Information" chapter earlier in this catalog.

3. College core requirements, with the following stipulations:

4. University General Education courses and requirements. See "General Education Courses and Requirements" in the "General Information" chapter earlier in this catalog.

5. Earn a specified number of credits in one or more major subjects, or in the case of the B.I.S., follow the official approved curriculum.

Students may complete any courses approved by the University General Education Course Certification Committee to meet University General Education requirements. In the Viewing A Wider World section, these courses must come from colleges outside the College of Arts and Sciences. The system described below outlines one method for students to complete other sections of University General Education while simultaneously completing college core requirements in liberal studies, sciences, and social sciences:

a. Complete University General Education requirements in English Composition, Mathematics, Historical Perspectives, and Literature or Fine Arts.

b. Pass at least one course in either Section I, Oral Communication, or Section 2, Philosophy in Part I.D., Critical Thinking/Analysis.

c. Pass at least one course in Basic Natural Sciences offered by a department in the College of Arts and Sciences or an equivalent Honors course.

d. Pass either CS 110G or HON 111G in Part I.D., Critical Thinking/ Analysis; or pass an additional Critical Thinking/Analysis course and pass courses offered by two different College of Arts and Sciences science departments in Part II.B., Basic Natural Sciences.

e. Pass one course offered by the College of Arts and Sciences in each of Part II.C., Human thought and Behavior, and Part II.D., Social Analysis, plus a third social science course offered by a different department in the college and approved for University General Education in Human Thought and Behavior or Social Analysis.

f. A student would need to earn a grade of C or higher in each of the courses described above to complete college core requirements.

Second Language and Designated Degrees

Exceptions to the college's second language requirement for designated degrees (Fine Arts, Music and Music Education) are stated in the departmental descriptions of degree requirements. Criminal Justice has adapted a second language requirement.

S/U Grading Option

Instructors may establish individual standards for an S grade, but the minimum standard for an S grade in College of Arts and Sciences courses is a C.

Developmental and Applied Credit Limitations

The College of Arts and Sciences may accept up to 8 credits toward graduation of applied course work, which include Occupational Education courses, S A, UNIV (not including UNIV 150), ART (applied), MUS (applied and participation), THTR (applied), NURS, A EN, AXED, AG I, AGME, COLL, CCDS, all lower-division RDG. Credits earned in developmental courses (N suffix) are not counted toward any arts and sciences degree. Students should contact the dean's office regarding the acceptability of specific courses.

In addition to the above limitation, the college will also accept a maximum of 8 credits towards graduation of applied P E and PE P courses. This restriction does not apply to PE P 185, 280, 281, 285, 286G, 295, 309, 311, 342, and 411.

Departmental Majors and Minors

Students who wish to obtain a bachelor's degree must select a major field or fields or apply for admission to the B.I.S. program at the completion of 36 credits. For a listing of major fields, the student should see the first page of this chapter. Course requirements for majors are listed under individual departments. Students seeking to major in criminal justice must be officially admitted to the major by the department of Criminal Justice. Students should consult the department for current admissions requirements. Until a major or B.I.S. is selected, the student is designated as unclassified.

Each major consists of not less than 20 credits of upper-division courses (300 and above) in a specific field. Grades lower than C are not counted for credit towards the major or minor. Some departments also require specific courses outside the major field. It is imperative that students consult the departmental sections of this catalog and the concerned department or departments for advice in planning to fulfill requirements for declared majors.

For information on meeting minor requirements, the student must consult the department offering the minor.

Most students have considerable latitude in choosing elective courses. These are the courses beyond college and major requirements that a student must take to bring her or his total credits to 128. This latitude provides students with opportunities to major in more than one field or to devise interdisciplinary programs tailored to individual interests or future career needs.

Regardless of the option elected, the student should have a degree check done in the dean's office and draw up a detailed graduation plan. The first degree check should be requested at the completion of 85 credits and the second the semester prior to graduation.

BACHELOR OF INDIVIDUALIZED STUDIES

Committee: Gregory Butler, Ph.D., Government; Laura Huenneke, Ph.D., Biology; Kevin McIlvoy, M.F.A., English; Walter Zakahi, Ph.D., Communication Studies

The most rewarding curricula for the majority of students in the college are found in the programs with traditional degree requirements for the B.A. and B.S. The B.I.S. degree, however, provides an alternative degree for those students who have special educational objectives that can only be met by an individually tailored program of studies. Students are allowed to design individualized curricula that may vary from the requirements of other degrees in the college.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission to the B.I.S. program must be filed in the office of the dean of arts and sciences no later than the end of the late registration period for a given semester. Admission to candidacy is subject to the approval of the program director who is advised by the B.I.S. Admissions Committee. Acceptance is based upon these criteria:
1) The candidate must have earned at least 28 and not more than 91 credits at the time of enrollment in the program.

2) The candidate must be in good standing; that is, have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0.

3) The candidate must have met the university basic skills requirement.

4) The candidate must have clearly defined educational goals that cannot be met by traditional degree programs.

5) The candidate must submit a study plan appropriate for accomplishing the stated educational goals. All courses approved for the study plan must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

6) A candidate for the B.I.S. degree may not be simultaneously a candidate for another degree. A student may not apply for a B.I.S. degree after having received another baccalaureate degree.

7) A B.I.S. student who has been out of the university for two years must apply for readmission to the B.I.S. Admissions Committee upon returning to the university.

Degree Requirements

1) Completion of a total of at least 128 credits to include
a) 80 credits in courses taught in arts and sciences,

b) 55 credits in courses numbered 300 and above. Of these, 30 must be in courses taught in arts and sciences,

c) fulfill the university general education requirements.

2) Regular consultation with the assigned B.I.S. adviser. Failure to meet with the adviser and obtain the adviser's signature on each course request card submitted during candidacy will result in disenrollment from the program.

3) Compliance with university academic regulations.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS REQUIREMENTS

English Composition. ENGL 111G, Rhetoric and Composition

Liberal Studies. Three courses are required and must be selected from three different liberal studies areas: communication studies, English literature, fine arts, (nonapplied art, theatre, and music courses), languages (over 300), history, philosophy, or W S 202G.

Sciences. Three courses are required and must be selected from three different science departments: astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics, or physical geography.

Social Sciences. Three courses are required and must be selected from three different social studies departments: anthropology, economics, social geography, government, psychology, sociology, LING 200G, or W S 201G.

Electives to bring total credits to 66.

Admission, grade point, and application requirements are the same as for all other degrees. The last 15 credits must be taken in residence at a campus of New Mexico State University.

Students who plan to earn a bachelor's degree at NMSU are strongly encouraged to select courses that will satisfy the university general education requirements when choosing courses for the Associate of Arts degree.

SUPPLEMENTARY MAJORS

Chicano Studies

Committee: Ricardo Aguilar Melantzón, Ph.D., Languages and Linguistics, Adviser

The supplementary major in Chicano Studies is an important interdisciplinary addition to the undergraduate preparation offered in several areas of the social sciences and humanities. Students completing traditional majors in such fields as social work, economics, sociology and anthropology, history, government, theater arts, art, English, languages and linguistics, nursing, mass communications, and criminal justice should consider the possibility of completing a supplementary major in Chicano Studies. This is due to the close relationship among the fields and in light of the need professionals have to deal with the cultural background of the Mexican American/Chicano inhabitants of the state, the Southwest United States, and population centers throughout the nation where Mexican American/Chicano culture is a contemporary reality. For a full description of the supplementary major in Chicano Studies and information on specific requirements of the major, please refer to the entry under the Department of Langu

Latin American Studies

Committee: Jesús J. Barquet, Ph.D., Languages and Linguistics, Adviser; Ricardo Aguilar Melantzón, Ph.D., Languages and Linguistics; Robbin Crabtree, Ph.D., Communication Studies; José Z. García, Ph.D., Government; M. Lois Stanford, Ph.D., Sociology and Anthropology, and Janet Tanski, Ph.D. Economics

The supplementary major in Latin American Studies is an important interdisciplinary addition to the undergraduate preparation offered in several areas of the humanities and social sciences. Students completing traditional majors in such fields as Spanish, history, government, art, sociology and anthropology, linguistics, business, economics, health science, and mass communications, as well as students from other majors, should consider the possibility of completing a supplementary major in Latin American Studies. Due to New Mexico's strategic geographical position and the growing cultural and economic importance of Latin America, it will be advantageous for any professional in the areas mentioned above to have a solid background in the field. For a full description of the course offerings in Latin American Studies and information on specific requirements of the major, please refer to the entry under the Department of Languages and Linguistics.

Law and Society

Committee: Nancy Baker, Ph.D., Government; Lisa Bond-Maupin, Ph.D., Sociology; Blaine Goss, Ph.D., Communication Studies; Peter Gregware, Ph.D., Criminal Justice; G. Larry Mays, Ph.D., Criminal Justice; Cheryl Nixon, Ph.D., English; Steve Pasternack, Ph.D., Journalism and Mass Communications; Paul Sagal, Ph.D., Philosophy; William Taggart, Ph.D., Government

Students interested in attending law school may choose to pursue a supplemental major in Law and Society, sponsored by the Department of Government. The Law and Society program is designed to prepare students interested in the law, by developing critical thinking skills, introducing methods and concepts involved in the study of law, and providing a context for understanding law in modern society. For a full description of and information on specific requirements of the major, please refer to the entry under "Government" later in this chapter. Additional information is also available from the Department of Government.

Women's Studies

Cookie White Stephan, Ph.D., Sociology, Director

Committee: O. Jane Allen, Ph.D., English; Julia Barello, M.F.A., Art; Stephanie Cole, Ph.D., History; Lisa Frehill, Ph.D., Sociology; Judy Maese, Ph.D., Finance; Margaret Malamud, Ph.D., History; Antonya Nelson, M.F.A., English; Diane Price Herndl, Ph.D., English; Debora Rindge, Ph.D., Art; Patricia Teller, Ph.D., Computer Science; Kathleen West, Ph.D., English; Mary Wolf, Ph.D., Langu-ages and Linguistics

Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that strengthens and deepens intellectual inquiry in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, natural sciences, engineering, agriculture, and business by establishing gender as a basic category of analysis. The study of women and gender promotes the exploration of women's lives and contributions. In reviewing and revising existing bodies of knowledge, Women's Studies allows for a fuller investigation and appreciation of humanity.

The supplementary major consists of 24 credits chosen from the courses listed below. At least 18 credits must be earned in upper-division courses.

Required Courses (9 credits)

W S 201G, Introduction to Women Studies I: Social Sciences

W S 202G, Introduction to Women Studies II: Humanities

W S 451, Women's Studies Practicum or

W S 461, Women's Studies: Independent Study or
W S 471, Seminar in Feminist Theory

Arts/Humanities (6 credits)

ENGL/W S 380, Women Writers

ENGL/W S 423, Advanced Study of a Major Author

(when appropriate content for W S)

HIST/W S 351, Women in American History I

HIST/W S 352, Women in American History II

HL S/W S 381G, Women's Health Issues

SOC/W S 459, Advanced Issues in Sex and Gender

W S 250, Special Topics*

W S 350, Special Topics*

W S 450, Special Topics*

W S 461, Independent Study in Women's Studies

(class may not be repeated)

*W S 250, W S 350, W S 450 must be cross-listed with courses relating to women from any humanities or fine arts department.

Social Science (6 credits)

ANTH/W S 311G, Gender and the Evolution of Human Societies

GOVT/W S 393, Law and Sex

GOVT/W S 356G, Women and Politics

SOC/W S 273, Sex and Gender

W S 250, Special Topics*

W S 350, Special Topics*

W S 450, Special Topics*

W S 461, Independent Study in Women's Studies

(class may not be repeated)

*W S 250, W S 350, W S 450 must be cross-listed with courses relating to women from any social science department.

Additional Electives (3 credits)

Three additional hours to be selected from any of the above. W S 461 may not be repeated.

PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Prehealth Studies

Committee: Wenda Trevathan, Chair, Ph.D., Anthropology; Cecilio Barrera, Ph.D., Biology; Glenn Kuehn, Ph.D., Biochemistry; Gregory H. Mack, Ph.D., Geological Sciences; Elba Serrano, Ph.D., Biology; Martha Loustaunau, Ph.D., Sociology and Anthropology; Virginia Salcido, member ex officio, B.A., advising center

Students planning to attend medical or dental schools may major in any discipline. Biology, chemistry, and physics are common majors for students entering the health professions, and these fields are emphasized on medical entrance examinations like the MCAT or DAT. Summary statistics from national surveys of students taking medical entrance examinations show that majors in the social sciences and humanities score as well as science majors, so long as the minimum science requirements are met. Consequently, students should not be discouraged from pursuing a field of study outside traditional premedical curriculum if they meet basic science requirements. Most professional schools require chemistry, 16 credits; biology, 8-16 credits; calculus, 3 credits; and physics, 8 credits. Students planning to attend chiropractic, physical therapy, or pharmacy school may also choose to complete the preprofessional course requirements at NMSU and then transfer to a professional school. They should check with the Arts and Sciences Advising Center for specific requirements.

Selection to professional schools is typically based on four separate but interrelated criteria: (1) evaluation of academic transcripts, (2) evaluation of scores on admissions tests, (3) letters of recommendation, and (4) personal interviews. The Health Professions Advisory Committee works with all prospective applicants to professional school to provide advice and information on the admissions process and to ensure that all prehealth students have the best possible opportunity of gaining admission to the school of their choice. Each student is expected to register with the committee no later than the sophomore year. Registration may be accomplished in the Office of the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, there is a chartered student organization for students entering the health professions.

Prelaw Studies

Committee: Nancy Baker, Ph.D., Government; Lisa Bond-Maupin, Ph.D., Sociology; Blaine Goss, Ph.D., Communication Studies; Peter Gregware, Ph.D., Criminal Justice; G. Larry Mays, Ph.D., Criminal Justice; Cheryl Nixon, Ph.D., English; Steve Pasternack, Ph.D., Journalism and Mass Communications; Paul Sagal, Ph.D., Philosophy; William Taggart, Ph.D., Government

Most law schools require the bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for admission; few require specific undergraduate courses or majors. A liberal arts undergraduate program is an excellent background for law school.

Admission to law school generally is based on three separate but interrelated criteria: evaluation of academic transcripts, evaluation of score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and letters of recommendation. In addition, some law schools will use personal interviews or essays as a criterion. Prospective law students are advised to take the LSAT early in their senior year.

Accreditation

In the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society. Music curricula in the Department of Music are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The master of public administration program in the Department of Government is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

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