ACADEMIC MINOR
A minor is a way for students to pursue an interest, or find recognition of their studies, in a specific area even as the main focus of their academic career lies elsewhere. For example, a Theology major might take a minor in Psychology or a Sociology major find herself on the way to an interdisciplinary minor in Justice and Peace Studies. Some people even choose to minor in more than one subject.
To minor in a subject here at the Abbey, a student generally needs to have a minimum of 15 credits of upper-level courses in a subject. Most majors offer a minor, and there are also some programs which only offer a minor. These minor-only programs tend to be interdisciplinary in nature, or aren’t yet large enough to offer a major. Below is a list of our minors:*
*Please Note: Some majors offer minors. Be sure to look through the 2011-2012 catalogue for more information.
Chemistry:
The Chemistry minor presents students with an orderly, disciplined study of fundamental chemical principles, giving them an appreciation of both the physical nature of the natural world and of the chemical and energy changes that occur there. In accordance with the Catholic and Benedictine liberal arts tradition, students gain an understanding of the natural world as one means of coming to know the truth. The study of the discipline of chemistry helps our students to become responsible citizens and to promote the common good by enabling them to assess the many issues that face today’s world.
A minor in Chemistry requires a grade of “C” or better in the following courses:
- CH 221 and 222 (Organic Chemistry I and II)
- CH 316 (Biochemistry), or PY 303 (Modern Physics)
- CH 317 (Analytical Chemistry)
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Marilyn Martin-Schwan – Associate Professor of Chemistry
B.A., University of Maine
M.S., University of Maine
Ph.D., University of North Dakota
Department of Computer Information Systems:
The Computer Studies program prepares students to succeed using computer systems to solve problems faced by individuals and organizations and to keep up with emerging technology and its uses. Designed to appeal to students with a wide variety of computer-related interests, our programs enable students to solve problems using their knowledge of computer technology, reasoning skills, ability to gather information, and skill at communicating proposed solutions effectively to a variety of audiences. There are four Minors offered:
- Computer Science (CSC):
The minor is designed for students who want to understand fundamental computing concepts and who want to be able to write and use computer programs.
- CS 201 - Introduction to Programming
- CS 234 - Introduction to C++
- Any three (3) of the following:
- CS 302 - Data Structures
- CS 325 - Logic and Algorithms
- CS 320 - Operating Systems
- CS 322 - Computer Architecture
- CS 332 - Foundations of Computing
- CS 345 - AI and Expert Systems
- CS 410 - Program Testing and Verification
- Computer Studies (CS): The minor in Computer Studies is intended for students from any major who would like to gain a substantial understanding of some aspect of computing, but whose needs are not met by IS, CS or IT. Students are required to consult with the department to select approved courses and to submit a one-page statement of interest describing the motivation, intended coursework and the unifying theme of the chosen coursework.
- Information Systems (IS): The minor in Information Systems is designed for students who want to understand, analyze, specify, use, or manage computer-based information systems without necessarily needing extensive training in computer programming. Although these students typically major in Accounting, Business or Economics, students from any major are welcome to minor in IS.
- CS 201 - Introduction to Programming or CS 243 - Web Site Development
- CS 220 - Introduction to Information Systems
- CS 307 - Files & Data Base Access
- CS 309 - Information Systems Analysis
- CS310 - Information Systems Design or CS 403 - Management of Information Systems
- Information Technology (IT): The minor in Information Technology is designed for students who wish to work in positions involving computer support or the application of computer technology.
- CS 201 - Introduction to Programming
- CS 243 - Web Site Development
- CS 242 - Computer Networks
- CS 265 - Spreadsheet and Database Applications
- CS 307 - Files & Data Base Access
A grade of “C-” (1.67) or better must be earned in all courses required for any major or minor in the department. Students should consult with the Department Chair and complete an official declaration of minor form as early as possible.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Robert Lover - Chair & Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems
B.A., Kalamazoo College
M.A., Miami University of Ohio
M.A., Case Western Reserve University
Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Economics:
Requirements for the Minor: students must have completed five (5) courses in Economic theory, including EC 201 and EC 202, and must have earned a grade of “C” or better. For any student who wishes to be considered for the minor, transfer credit from another college or university cannot comprise the majority of his or her courses in Economics.
- EC 201 Introductory Macroeconomics
- EC 202 Introductory Microeconomics
- Any three other theoretical EC courses
It is the student’s responsibility to verify that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. William Van Lear - Professor of Economics
B.A., Gettysburg College
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Education:
Guided by the tenets of Catholicism and the Benedictine hallmarks, the Department of Education’s mission is to promote commitment among students to serve and to be advocates for those most vulnerable in society, children. By our own example, we teach our students to understand the responsibilities and privileges entailed in this commitment. Through the study of the liberal arts and the knowledge, skills, and dispositions inherent in education courses and field experiences, we help our students develop minds that are both broad and agile, so they are equipped to make wise and ethical decisions that benefit them and those whose lives they touch.
For students who are not pursuing a major in education, he or she must apply to the Department of Education for approval and complete 15 hours within the department with a grade of "C" or better. A minor must include ED 300 - Introduction to Education and four of the five courses listed below:
- ED 303 - Children’s Literature
- ED 305 - Introduction to the Exceptional Child
- ED 308 - Perspectives in Education
- ED 310W - Educational Dev. and Psychology
- ED 399 - Diversity in Education
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Sara Powell – Chair and Associate Professor of Education Department
B.S., Southern Nazarene University
M.A., University of Colorado-Denver
Ph.D., University of Colorado-Denver
Entrepreneurship:
The entrepreneurship minor is designed for students who are not currently pursuing a business major but who have an interest in entrepreneurship. The program is open to all non-business majors but may be particularly attractive to students interested in someday starting their own business or investing in emerging companies (e.g., as an angel investor or venture capitalist). The program may also be of unique interest to students who plan to eventually pursue graduate studies in business or law. Students interested in the entrepreneurship minor must submit a Declaration of Minor form and complete:
Each of the following:
- BU 412 - Legal Environment of Business
- ET 300 - The Entrepreneur
- ET 302 - Launching New Ventures
- ET 303 - Financing New Ventures
And, at least three credits from one or more of the following:
- ET 401 - Social Ventures
- ET 402 - Product Innovation & Development
- ET 450 - Internship I
- ET 452 - Internship II
All courses must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all requirements for the minor and for graduation are fulfilled.
International Studies:
The interdisciplinary minor in International Studies equips students with the necessary language skills and social tools to enter into dialogue with and learn from the many diverse cultures of our world today. Designed to encourage students to lead lives of integrity, this minor will help students promote worldwide understanding and serve others, both nationally and internationally.
Lower-level preparation for the minor ought to include study of a modern foreign Language during the student's freshman and sophomore years. Completion of modern foreign language at the intermediate level is required for graduation in the minor.
Five upper-level courses in: Business, Economic, History, Languages, Government and Political Philosophy, or Theology, as approved by the Director.
Interested students should contact the Director of International Studies.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirement for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty Advisor:
Marisa Quinn – Director of International Studies
B.A., Saint Ambrose University
M.A., Geneva College
Justice and Peace Studies:
The interdisciplinary minor in Justice and Peace Studies offers students an opportunity to develop knowledge of many of the world’s major problems together with a responsible social conscience guided by Catholic social teaching. This takes place through a program involving scholarly inquiry, social analysis, interdisciplinary exchange and direct experience. Courses included in the concentration incorporate the broader perspectives of just action, the common good and environmental concern by satisfying at least one of the following criteria: study of socio-economic conditions or potential changes in those conditions affecting justice/peace (e.g., SO 351 Social Problems); study of socio-political philosophies or movements (e.g., PO 402 Modern Political Philosophy); and study of the relationships between individual human existence and the larger social or natural world (e.g., PC 360 Social and Cultural Psychology). The program is administered by a Director drawn from the interdisciplinary Justice and Peace Studies faculty committee.
The minor consists of fifteen (15) hours of upper-level study, comprising two (2) required and three (3) elective courses, and is open to students of any major. Participating students are expected to maintain some level of active involvement with issues of justice and peace outside the classroom. The two (2) required courses are TH 340 Catholic Social Teaching, which functions as an introduction, and a concluding internship placement conducted according to College rules and worth three (3) academic credits. The three (3) electives may be drawn from a list of courses in Biology, Business, Economics, Education, English, Government and Political Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology and Theology approved for the Justice and Peace Studies minor. Interested students should contact the Director of the program.
Faculty Advisor:
Sr. Jane Russell, O.S.F - Associate Professor of Theology, Coordinator of Justice and Peace Studies
B.A., Alverno College
M.A., University of San Francisco
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
Pre-Law:
Certain majors are usual precursors to law school. We recommend majoring in English, History, Political Science, or Philosophy because these disciplines hone the particular skills needed for success in law school. However, since a high cumulative grade point average in a student ’s undergraduate studies considerably improves his or her chances for admission to any law school, students should major in any field that genuinely interests them and in which they excel.
In addition to selecting an academic major, students intending to go to law school may also undertake an interdisciplinary minor in Pre-Law. The minor consists of a fifteen- (15) hour curriculum of courses carefully selected to hone the skills necessary to gain admission to law school and succeed once there.
Requirement:
- PL 200 - Skill Development for Pre-Law
- PL 201 - Skill Development for Pre-Law
- PL 202 - Skill Development for Pre-Law
- PH 323 - Advanced Logic
- PO 309 - Constitutional Law
- BU 412 - Business Law I
- SS 300 - Fundamental Statistics for Social Science
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. John Plecnik – Professor of Philosophy
B.A., The Athenaeum of Ohio
M.A., The Athenaeum of Ohio
Ph.D., Marquette University
Theatre Arts:
The minor in Theatre Arts is designed to allow students to achieve some proficiency in either performance or the technical aspects of theatre. The minor is closely allied with the Abbey Players, the drama group at Belmont Abbey College. The student must choose between one of two tracks, each of which culminates in a Practicum during the student ’s senior year. The participants in each track will be asked to collaborate and produce a fully-realized stage production. The Theatre Arts minor consists of eighteen (18) credit hours, organized as two separate ‘tracks,’ one for the technically-minded student and the other for the student actor/director. Both tracks merge during the student’s senior year, when all students engage in a Practicum to create a fully-realized production.
Minor in Theatre Arts: Technical Track
- TA 108 - Introduction to Theatre Arts or TA 112 - Theatre Appreciation
- TA 110 - Introduction to Stagecraft
- TA 210 - Lighting and Sound Design
- TA 310 - Set Design
- TA 410 - Stage Management
- TA 415 - Practicum
Minor in Theatre Arts: Artistic Track
- TA 108- Introduction to Theatre Arts or TA 112 - Theatre Appreciation
- TA 150 - Acting I
- TA 225 - The American Musical
- TA 250 - Acting II
- TA 359 - Introduction to Directing
- TA 415 - Practicum
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty:
Jill Bloede - Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
B.A., Kent State University
M.A., Bowling Green State University
M.A., Virginia Commonwealth University
Simon Donoghue - Associate Professor of English / Fine Arts, Director of the Abbey Players
B.A., University of Virginia
M.S.L.S., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Gary Sivak - Technical Director of Theatre
B.A., University of North Carolina-Charlotte
