2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is dedicated to providing a sound education in the liberal arts and to imparting the specific knowledge and skills required for careers in one of its many representative disciplines. This education, both in its breadth and its approach to learning, leads students to an enlightened sense of themselves, their heritage, their world; prepares them for responsible and active citizenship; and prompts those habits of thought and expression crucial to a lifetime of active learning. A major goal of the college is to provide students with the ability to think independently, to analyze, and to solve problems creatively.
Department of Anthropology
Department of Art
Department of Chemistry
Department of Communication and Journalism
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Department of Computer Science
Department of English
Department of History
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Department of Modern Languages and Classics
Department of New Media
Department of Philosophy
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Department of Political Science
Department of Psychology
Department of Sociology
School of Performing Arts
Franco American Studies Program
Intensive English Institute
International Affairs Program
Maine Folklife Center
National Poetry Foundation
Native American Studies Program
Women in the Curriculum/Women’s Studies Program
Bachelor of Arts in:
Anthropology
Art Education
Art History
Chemistry
Communication
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Computer Science
English
French
German
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Affairs
Journalism
Latin
Mass Communication
Mathematics
Modern Languages
Music
New Media
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Romance Languages
Sociology
Spanish
Studio Art
Theater
Women’s Studies
Bachelor of Fine Arts in:
Studio Art
Bachelor of Music in:
Music Education
Music Performance
Bachelor of Science in:
Chemistry
Computer Science
Physics
Minors:
Anthropology
Art History
Astronomy
Canadian Studies
Chemistry
Classical Studies
Communication
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Computer Science
Dance
English
Ethics, and Social and Political Philosophy
Film and Video
Franco American Studies
French
German
History
International Affairs
Jazz Studies
Latin
Latin American Studies
Linguistics
Marxist and Socialist Studies
Mathematics
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Modern and Classical Languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish)
Music
Native American Studies
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Relations
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Writing
Sociology
Spanish
Studio Art
Theatre
Women’s Studies
In order to graduate from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must be in good academic standing (not on academic probation). Any student who was admitted to the college on a conditional status must have fulfilled all requirements to have this condition removed. In addition, the following must be satisfied:
- Satisfactory completion of all university-wide general education requirements.
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements for a specific academic major within the college. Double majors and double degrees in closely related disciplines are not permitted. Questions regarding double majors and/or degrees should be addressed to the associate dean of the college.
- A minimum accumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C” average) in the major and overall.
- A minimum total of 120 credits. (Please note that some majors require more than 120 credits).
- For Bachelor of Arts students only, satisfactory completion of the B.A. Distribution Requirements (see text below).
Bachelor of Arts Distribution Requirements
In order to ensure depth as well as breadth of study, the following rules apply to students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree:
- All students pursuing a B.A. degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete nine upper level credits in an area outside the academic major with courses that have not been presented to satisfy a University of Maine General Education Requirement in Human Values & Social Context, Math and/or Science. Most courses meeting this requirement will be easily identifiable by course designator (for example, any upper level course that does not have a PSY designator will meet this requirement for a psychology major). Students in an interdisciplinary major should consult with their academic advisor or the college office for guidance.
Note: upper level courses must be at the 200 level or above, and must have a prerequisite course. For example: ENG 205 is at the 200 level & has ENG 101 as a prerequisite course, so it meets the definition and may be used toward the B.A. distribution requirements. INT 410 is at the 400 level but has no prerequisites, and therefore may not be used.
- All students pursuing a B.A. degree must complete a minimum of 72 credits outside of the academic major (which may include the 9 required upper level credits referenced above).
- All students pursuing a B.A. degree are subject to the following credit limitations:
A maximum of 2 physical education (KPE) skills credits may be used toward the 120 required for the B.A. degree. Examples of skills credits include golf, tennis, racquetball, etc.
Students may count a maximum of 15 credits in military science (MSL) or naval science (NAV) toward the required 120. To count, credits must be at the upper (300-400) level, or if lower (100-200) level must be on the University’s official list of approved general education courses. In no case may the combination of lower and upper level credits used toward the required 120 exceed the maximum allowance of 15.
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NOTES:
Academic Advising:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is committed to fostering and maintaining a positive relationship between students and faculty. To help achieve this goal, all new students will be assigned to a faculty academic advisor in the discipline in which they intend to major. Undeclared students will be assigned to an advisor in one of the academic departments.
Declaring the Academic Major:
Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are encouraged to explore a wide variety of academic options before declaring a major. Students must declare an academic major when they have accumulated 54 degree credits but may declare a major at any time prior to that. If a student has accumulated 54 credits and is still undeclared, the College will send a “declaration of major” form along with appropriate instructions. Students should note that admission into the College does not guarantee acceptance into any particular major. For information on admission to a specific major, please read carefully the area of this catalog for that major.
Changing Colleges:
The College normally accepts all current University of Maine students from other baccalaureate programs who have a 2.0 accumulative grade point average and are in good academic standing on the effective date of transfer. However, eligibility for any particular major is determined by the department in which the major resides (see paragraph above). Thus, a student may be admitted into the College, but not necessarily into his or her first choice major.
In unusual circumstances, students who have less than a 2.0 accumulative grade point average may be allowed to change colleges. Students in this situation should discuss their request for change with the college associate dean.
Foreign Language Requirements:
Students who did not have two years of the same language in high school are admitted to a BA degree program on a “CONDITIONAL” status. They should check with the Dean’s Office regarding options for removing this “CONDITIONAL” status. Students are expected to make up this deficiency during their first year at the University of Maine.
Many departments that offer the BA degree have special language requirements for BA degree students, as follows: NOTE: Intermediate level proficiency means the equivalent of two semesters of an intermediate level language course; e.g. SPA 203, 204.
- ART: 6 credits in the same foreign language is required for students who major in Art History.
- COMMUNICATION: 3-6 credits from French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language or other language.
- ENGLISH: Proficiency at the intermediate level.
- HISTORY: Proficiency at the intermediate level is required in one option.
- INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: At least one year of a foreign language beyond the intermediate level.
- JOURNALISM: 3-6 credits from French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language or other language.
- MASS COMMUNICATION: 3-6 credits from French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language or other language.
- MUSIC: One year of a foreign language, which can be either the continuation of the language taken in high school or a new language.
- THEATRE: Two semesters of a foreign language.
Language Competency and Placement Exams:
Finding the appropriate level at which to take a language course is essential for success. To assist in this determination, the Department of Modern Languages and Classics offers both competency and placement examinations. Students with three or more years of study may opt to attempt credit by examination (competency exam). A standard examination fee of $125.00 is imposed on all competency exams offered at UMaine. However, students in a degree program and who are beginning their first semester of enrollment at UMaine receive a special, one-time exemption on competency exam fees up to the end of the first two weeks of enrollment. Before this deadline, students may take available competency exams for a nominal administration fee of $10.00.
Should a student wish only placement, there is no charge. The Department of Modern Languages and Classics does not give automatic credit if a student does not continue in the language. Should a student desire non-graded academic credit and is a newly-enrolled student at the University of Maine having attended fewer than two weeks of academic classes, there is a charge of $10.00 for each semester of credit. If a student has been attending classes for longer than two weeks, the fee is $125.00 per course for which credit is awarded based on the test. Credit will be received for the lower-level courses only if a student is enrolled for at least one additional course and passes it with a grade of B- or higher. For example: if a student has tested out of FRE/GER/SPA 204, the student must be enrolled in FRE/GER/SPA 305 or an equivalent course in order to receive credit.
Checks should be made payable to The University of Maine, and mailed or delivered to Alan Parks, Director of College Success Programs, 5725 East Annex, Room 118, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5725.
For further information, please contact the Department of Modern Languages and Classics, 5472 Little Hall, Room 201, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5742.
The Modern Languages and Classics Department accepts Advanced Placement Examinations in Foreign Languages and Literature for degree credit. See the Advanced Placement Credit table under University Requirements.
Critical Languages Program:
In addition to the languages offered by the Department of Modern Languages and Classics, the department also offers additional languages under the Critical Languages Program. They are: Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian.
This program uses a self-instructional method for language learning. The major responsibility belongs to the student, who works with a drill instructor who is a native speaker of the target language. There are 2 hours of drills a week, in small tutorials, usually 3 to 5 students.
The University of Maine is a member of NASILP ( National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs), a coordinating and consulting entity founded in the 1970’s. The method used is loosely based on the one used by the Foreign Service Institute. It is effective because it requires active, committed learning by students. At the early stages of language acquisition, the most important thing is to practice, to learn material thoroughly, to have accurate linguistic models, and to have appropriate, adequate materials. The Critical Languages Program has all of these features.
For more information, contact the Director, Critical Languages Program, 208 Little Hall at (207) 581-2089.
Franco American Studies Program:
Franco American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that explores the French cultures of the United States. Its emphasis is on the people of Franco American heritage in Maine and the Northeast region, but it recognizes that cultural patterns do not stop at national borders.
The primary goal of Franco American Studies is to broaden the canon of knowledge on Franco American peoples, culture, and literature. The program encourages and facilitates faculty engagement, undergraduate exploration, and community research.
Franco American Studies also has a deep commitment to education. It seeks to prepare students to reflect upon and understand their world. Combining different disciplinary offerings with interdisciplinary core courses, it encourages students to investigate the historical, political, social, and cultural forces that have shaped the Franco American community and, by extension, other distinct racial and ethnic communities throughout the United States. Franco American Studies encourages an awareness and understanding of cultural difference, a necessary knowledge in today’s increasingly global society.
For more information, contact the Franco American Studies office in 213 Little Hall at (207) 581-3791.
Judaic Studies:
Judaic Studies offers students of any religious background an opportunity to learn about five thousand years of Jewish history, religious practices, philosophies, cultures, and language. Exploring Jewish themes and exchanging thoughts about the religion, students sharpen their abilities to analyze and communicate. Because Judaic Studies also explores how Judaism is perceived by non-Jews, it offers students an opportunity to examine group processes underlying diversity and prejudice. Students can pursue Judaic Studies through a number of courses in the liberal arts and sciences. Course offerings change periodically. Contact the Dean’s office in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for a current list: (207) 581-1954.
The Intensive English Institute:
The Intensive English Institute (IEI) of the University of Maine is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Its primary emphasis is on preparing international students and non-native speakers of English for university study at UMaine and other American universities and colleges, or for professional activities where English is the medium of communication.
Intensive English is offered year round. Three-week conversation and culture courses are offered in the winter and summer. Contract courses are also offered. In addition to a full-time course of study, the IEI offers academic advising, cross-cultural counseling, tutorials and self-study opportunities in a variety of content and skill areas.
The Institute administers the TOEFL every semester. Students may also participate in the Conversation Partners Program. The IEI endorses the TESOL Standards for Postsecondary Programs and the NAFSA Principles of International Educational Exchange, and has met the standards of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP). It is a member of NAFSA, TESOL, AAIEP, and UCIEP.
The IEI offers both a one week and a three week TESOL Certificate Program for students wishing to work abroad or simply develop a better understanding of the TESOL profession.
The courses offered at the IEI in any particular semester vary according to enrollment and the placement levels of incoming students. The IEI accepts both matriculated and non-matriculated students.
The Beggar:
The Beggar, an undergraduate literary annual, is edited by students in the Department of English. Stolen Island Review is an annual edited and published by graduate students in English.
National Poetry Foundation:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to the National Poetry Foundation, an internationally recognized center fostering the study of modern poetry. It publishes Paideuma and books on twentieth-century poets. The National Poetry Foundation maintains close links to the Department of English.
Native American Studies Program:
Native American Studies aspires to develop a broad scope of understanding for the students at the University of Maine about Native peoples, their traditions and their quest for self-determination. It is designed around the belief that such explorations are the cornerstone of Native American Studies as an academic discipline in its own right, giving voice and credibility to the Native perspective, worldview and life experiences.
It offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that explores American Indians in the past and present, supporting the legitimacy of Native American scholarship. It seeks to reinforce knowledge among Native students, while enhancing understanding among non-Native students. The presence of the Wabanaki Tribes within the State of Maine provides a tie to the history, language and vital culture unique to this state and a major focus of study.
Native American Studies maintains high academic standards through the traditional pedagogy of Native communities, as well as Western-based academic standards. It focuses on the connection between the University and Native communities of Maine and surrounding areas, to ensure accuracy and authenticity in course offerings. It also seeks to strengthen the connections between Native and non-Native people on campus, allowing respectful discussion of issues of significance to all.
Persons wishing information concerning Native American Studies may contact the Director of Native American Studies, Aubert Hall, or call (207) 581-4450.
Women in the Curriculum and Women’s Studies Program:
The Women in the Curriculum and Women’s Studies Program offers undergraduates both a major and a minor in Women’s Studies. In addition, students majoring in International Affairs can select Women Studies as their concentration.
The WIC/WST Program encourages the development of new departmental and interdisciplinary Women’s Studies courses. It also continues a long-standing effort toward revising existing courses so that they represent equally the experiences, values, contributions, and perspectives of both men and women and so that the academic climate is equally hospitable to both female and male students.
Other program components include the Research Collaborative on Violence against Women, the Maryann Hartman Awards to Maine women of achievement, a wealth of public programs such as the WIC Lunch Series and the Celebration of Women’s History in March, and a variety of other projects and events. The WIC/WST Program maintains a lending library of books, journals, and VHS/DVD videos in their office in 101 Fernald Hall.
The Writing Center:
The Department of English operates the Writing Center, staffed with trained peer tutors. Located in 402 Neville Hall, it serves as a resource center for University of Maine students who want to imrpove their academic writing.
Anthropology
Kristin D. Sobolik
106A South Stevens Hall
(207) 581-1984
sobolik@maine.edu
Art
Susan Groce
Lord Hall
(207) 581-3245
susan.groce@umit.maine.edu
Chemistry
Alice Bruce
154 Aubert Hall
(207) 581-1188
alice.bruce@umit.maine.edu
Communication and Journalism
Paul Grosswiler
420 Dunn Hall
(207) 581-1283
paul.grosswiler@umit.maine.edu
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Judy Perkins Walker
336 Dunn Hall
(207) 581-2006
judy.perkins.walker@umit.maine.edu
Computer Science
Elise Turner
237 Neville Hall
(207) 581-3941
elise.turner@umit.maine.edu
English
Naomi Jacobs
304 Neville Hall
(207) 581-3823
naomi.jacobs@umit.maine.edu
Franco American Studies Program
Susan Pinette
213 Little Hall
(207) 581-3791
susan.pinette@umit.maine.edu
History
Nathan Godfried
255 Stevens Hall
(207) 581-1908
nathan.godfried@umit.maine.edu
Intensive English Institute
Christopher Mares
206 Hannibal Hamlin
(207) 581-3821
chris.mares@umit.maine.edu
International Affairs
Howard Cody
109 North Stevens
(207) 581-1868
howard.cody@umit.maine.edu
Mathematics and Statistics
William Bray
333 Neville Hall
(207) 581-3901
bill.bray@umit.maine.edu
Modern Languages and Classics
Ray Pelletier
201 Little Hall
(207) 581-2072
ray.pelletier@umit.maine.edu
Native American Studies Program
Maureen Smith
327B Aubert Hall
(207) 581-4450
maureen.e.smith@umit.maine.edu
New Media
Owen Smith
426 Chadbourne Hall
(207) 581-4358
owen.smith@umit.maine.edu
Philosophy
Michael Howard
The Maples
(207) 581-3866
michael.howard@umit.maine.edu
Physics and Astronomy
Susan McKay
120 Bennett Hall
(207) 581-1039
susan.mckay@umit.maine.edu
Political Science
Tim Cole
233 North Stevens Hall
(207) 581-1882
tmcole@maine.edu
Psychology
Michael Robbins
301A Little Hall
(207) 581-2033
michael.robbins@umit.maine.edu
School of Performing Arts
Stuart Marrs (Division of Music)
208 1944 Hall
(207) 581-4702
stuart.marrs@umit.maine.edu
Tom Mikotowicz (Division of Theatre)
Class of 1944 Hall
(207) 581-4702
tom.mikotowicz@umit.maine.edu
Sociology
Steven Barkan
201A Fernald Hall
(207) 581-2388
steven.barkan@umit.maine.edu
Women in the Curriculum/Women’s Studies Program
Ann Schonberger
101 Fernald Hall
(207) 581-1228
ann.schonberger@umit.maine.edu
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