Published on Rhodes College: Rhodes Catalogue (https://catalog.rhodes.edu/)
Programs of Study
A course at Rhodes is an academic activity undertaken by a student that is structured, directed, advised, and evaluated by a faculty member. Typically, a course requires a student to read, listen, discuss, and write while learning and developing specific abilities and sensibilities and while internalizing information and ideas from the specific subject areas outlined in the course syllabus. These activities require many hours of work over a semester and involve regular meetings with the faculty member and other enrolled students. The meetings or class sessions provide opportunities for lecture by faculty, discussion among students, student presentations, and other activities directly related to students’ learning that are naturally done in a collective setting. Class meetings and the final examination period together usually constitute only one-fourth to one-third of the time spent on a course, so the majority of time a student dedicates to a course is outside of the classroom or laboratory. Measured in academic credit, a typical student’s work load each semester is sixteen credits. Such a load corresponds to approximately fifty to fifty-five hours of work per week and is consistent with the understanding that a student’s academic work is considered to be his or her full-time job while enrolled in the College.
One credit is equivalent to one semester hour. A student is expected to spend a minimum of forty-six hours in academic study for every hour of academic credit. This principle applies to directed inquiries, tutorial study, and to all courses in the curriculum.
The College reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient enrollment.
“Fall” and “Spring” below the course titles indicate the semester in which the course is normally taught. However, course offerings are affected by semester or annual staffing patterns, so the semester class schedule should be consulted for the official course offerings for any one semester. Course credit is shown at the right of the line.
Courses taught in a two-semester sequence are normally scheduled with the Fall Semester course being the first in the sequence. In most cases, the second course in the sequence requires successful completion of the first course, but there are some sequential courses that allow the second course to be taken first. The course descriptions will identify such courses. Credit is given for half of a hyphenated course should the student not enroll the following semester.
Course Numbering
Normally courses numbered in the one-hundreds and two-hundreds are for first and second year students; those in the three-hundreds and four-hundreds are for juniors and seniors. Courses numbered above 500 are graduate-level courses and are open only to students admitted to the graduate program. Courses numbered above 800 are courses designed for and offered only to students attending any of the various Rhodes foreign study programs.
In general, courses numbered in the one-hundreds and two-hundreds are offered yearly. Higher level courses are frequently offered every other year. Students making long range plans for majors are urged to consult with the chairperson of the department for information concerning the sequence of offerings.
From time to time, special topics courses are offered by faculty members. These courses are not listed in the catalogue by title or description. They are conducted in a manner consistent with regular course offerings, governed by normal class schedules and examination policies; however, they may not be used to satisfy degree requirements unless so specified at the time the course was approved. Special topics courses are also used for transfer credit in some cases where no exact equivalent course is offered in the Rhodes curriculum.
Foundation Courses
Only certain courses in the Rhodes curriculum and in each department are approved to meet Foundation requirements. Each of these courses is designated in the course description in this catalog and on the class schedule for each semester online. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of what courses in which they may be enrolled satisfy foundation requirements. Such courses are submitted by faculty members to the Foundations Curriculum Committee for approval. It is not possible for students to request foundation credit approval by the Committee for any coursework with the exception of Foundation 11. Self-initiated requests for F11 credit for certain coursework or experiences may be requested using the appropriate form available online.
Directed Inquiries may not be used unless requested by the department and approved by the Foundations Curriculum Committee. With very few exceptions, the courses designated as fulfilling degree requirements carry four credits. An accumulation of one-credit applied music may be used to satisfy the Fine Arts or the F5 requirements.
Class Schedules
Courses carrying four credits normally meet for a total of 150 minutes per week. The four-credit classes meeting three days per week meet for fifty minutes during each class period. Those four-credit classes meeting two days per week meet for seventy-five minutes during each class period. Others will meet four or five times per week on other daily schedules. Laboratory courses carrying four credits will also meet one or two afternoons per week for the laboratory. The amount of credit does not necessarily equate to the time spent in the classroom. Outside of class assignments, readings, service-learning opportunities, and other activities supplement the actual class time.
The Academic Calendar
The academic year consists of two semesters, each containing fourteen weeks of instruction and a fifteenth week devoted to examinations. The first semester begins in late August and ends in mid-December; the second semester begins in January and ends in early May. A detailed calendar including dates of recesses and special academic days may be found elsewhere in the College catalogue or on the Rhodes web site. Students normally enroll in four courses, totaling sixteen credits, each semester. In each academic year a student should plan to earn a minimum of thirty-two credits in order to meet all graduation requirements in the standard four-year undergraduate program.
The mission of the Africana Studies Program is to understand and appreciate the integral yet distinct experiences of people of African heritage throughout the world. The program’s curriculum aims to emphasize diasporic connections between Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas in an effort to enrich our understanding and appreciation of our complex and diverse world. Deeply interdisciplinary, the Program engages a wide swath of faculty from various departments/programs as course instructors and program interlocutors. Given this approach, the program encourages students to seek appropriate ways to integrate content and analysis in this broad subject matter with their work in other disciplines and programs. Graduates of the Program will be critical, thoughtful global citizens, well-prepared to succeed professionally, academically, and personally in our pluralistic world.
4. At least four (4) AFS-Approved Electives in the Humanities and Fine Arts Divisions
5. At least four (4) AFS-Approved Electives in the Social Sciences and Natural Sciences Divisions
At least three electives must be courses based outside of the United States. Students may not take more than three electives from any one department. At least two electives must be at the 300/400 level.
Selected topics courses in any department related to Africana subject content may also count toward the major with approval of the Program Director.
The Ancient Mediterranean Studies program (formerly Greek and Roman Studies) helps students develop a thorough understanding of the ancient Greek, Roman, and associated cultures as the basis for the artistic, scientific, social, and political traditions of Western society.
In addition to this disciplinary function, the department fulfills other roles in the college's curriculum:
The F10 Degree Requirement. The degree requirement in languages may be met by the successful completion of any appropriate four-credit course numbered 201 or higher or by demonstrating proficiency through placement into a language course at a level above 201 and approval by the appropriate language faculty. Students who take 201 (or higher) or the equivalent at another institution can earn transfer credit, but must still demonstrate proficiency in the specific language before the degree requirement is satisfied. This policy pertains to languages that are taught at Rhodes. Students for whom English is a second language may have this requirement waived.
Rhodes offers a secondary licensure program within the Teaching and Learning track of the Educational Studies major. This program prepares students to teach middle and/or high school in one of eleven endorsement areas, including Latin. The course of study for secondary licensure students is designed with guidance from faculty members in the discipline in which the student is being certified as well as members of the Educational Studies Program. All secondary licensure candidates are required to double major in Educational Studies and their endorsement discipline.
Geoffrey W. Bakewell. 2011. Chair. B.A., Yale University; Ph.D., Brown University. (Plato, tragedy, Athenian democracy, Greek and Latin languages and literatures)
David H. Sick. 1997. B.A., College of Wooster; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Minnesota. (Greek and Roman religion, Indo-European mythology, Roman social history, Greek and Latin languages and literatures)
Associate Professors
Kenneth S. Morrell. 1993. B.A., Stanford University; M.A. and Ph.D., Harvard University. (Greek and Latin languages and literatures, information technology)
Susan Satterfield. 2008. B.A., University of Alabama; Ph.D., Princeton University. (Roman history, religion, and historiography; Greek and Latin languages and literatures)
Assistant Professors
Joseph N. Jansen. 2007. B.A., University of Wisconsin; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin. (ancient history, economy, and historiography, Greek and Latin languages and literatures)
Ariel López. 2014. B.A., University of Buenos Aires; Ph.D. Princeton University. (late antique history, monasticism, Coptic language and literature)
R. Scott Garner. 2016. B.A. University of Missouri--Columbia; Ph.D., Princeton University. (oral tradition, Greek epic and poetry, Greek and Latin languages and literatures)
Detailed information about graduating with honors in Ancient Mediterranean Studies is available from the department. Only students with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA within AMS of 3.7 by the end of the fall semester of their junior year will be eligible to pursue honors. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for the major with a concentration in either Greek, Latin, Classical Studies, or material culture, students seeking honors will be expected to complete the following additional work:
AMS 495-496: Honors Tutorial. (AMS 496 will count as AMS 475-6 for students attempting to graduate with honors.)
An honors thesis or project that demonstrates an exceptional understanding of one or more aspects of the ancient world. Such a project might take the form, for example, of a written thesis, an analysis of archaeological fieldwork, or the production of a tragedy or comedy.
To help students experience the artifacts of the Greeks and Romans and other Mediterranean cultures in the areas where they lived, AMS offers a number of opportunities for travel-study abroad. As described below in the descriptions for AMS 305 and Latin 232, the department regularly offers courses that involve travel and study in Greece, Italy, and other countries in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Faculty members also contribute to collaborative initiatives that provide opportunities for research, and the department secures places for students in archaeological excavations and surveys, such as those at the harbor at Kenchreai, Greece. Finally, the college is a member of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens and the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, which operate centers for study and research in Greece and Italy respectively.
Requirements for a Major in Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Concentration in Languages:
A total of thirteen courses (46 credits) as follows:
Six courses (24 credits) of ancient Greek, Latin, or Hebrew. Four of these courses must be above the 201 level, and the student must take courses in at least two of these languages.
Ancient Mediterranean Studies 275, 474, 475, and 476.
Three courses (12 credits) on the cultures and civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean. The courses below count toward this requirement:
Requirements for a Minor in Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Concentration in Languages
A total of seven courses (28 credits) as follows:
Four courses (16 credits) of ancient Greek, Latin, or Hebrew. Two of these courses must be above the 201 level, and the student must take courses in at least two of these ancient languages.
Ancient Mediterranean Studies 275.
Two courses (8 credits) on the cultures and civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean. The courses below count toward this requirement:
Anthropology and Sociology offers students an opportunity to learn how to interpret and explain the structural and environmental forces that influence human action, and that have resulted in myriad cultural forms.
Susan M. Kus. 1984. B.A., University of Michigan; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Michigan. (Archaeology, state formation, symbolic anthropology, ethno-archaeology, sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.)
Earl Wright II. 1994. B.A., University of Memphis; 1997. M.A., University of Memphis; 2000 PhD., University of Nebraska. (Historical sociology, qualitative research methods, race and ethnicity, and urban sociology.
Associate Professor
Jeanne Lopiparo. 2009. B.A., Harvard University; M.A. and Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley. (Mesoamerican archaeology, material culture, social identity, complex societies.)
Evelyn Perry. Chair. 2010. B.A., Colorado College; M.A. and Ph.D., Indiana University. (Urban and community sociology, culture, inequality, race, class, gender ethnography.)
Assistant Professors
Kimberly C. Kasper. 2011. B.A., Fordham University; M.Sc. Florida State University; M.Sc, Sheffield University; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst. (Human-environmental interactions, paleoethnobotany, spatial analysis, North American archaeology, ethics.)
Hadi Khoshneviss. 2020. B.A., School of Journalism, Tehran, Iran; M.A. University of Tehran, Iran; M.A. University College London; London, England; Ph.D. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. (Race and ethnicity, immigration, movement and mobility, nationalism, social theory, decolonial theory.)
Requirements for a Minor in Anthropology/Sociology
A total of twenty-four (24) credits as follows:
Anthropology/Sociology 103 and 105.
One of the following courses: Anthropology/Sociology 380 or another theoretically intensive course. Each semester, we offer at least one elective that counts as a theoretically intensive course for minors. Consult with the chair.
Three additional courses (12 credits) in Anthropology/Sociology.
Requirements for a Major in Anthropology/Sociology
A total of 48 credits as follows:
Anthropology/Sociology 103 and 105
Anthropology/Sociology 351 (to be taken fall of junior year)
One of the following methods courses: Anthropology/Sociology 352, Anthropology/Sociology 254, Archaeology 120, Archaeology 450, Interdisciplinary Studies 225, Urban Studies 220, or other methodologically intensive course by petition (ideally taken junior year)
Anthropology/Sociology 380 (to be taken fall of junior year)
Anthropology/Sociology 485 (to be taken fall of senior year)
Anthropology/Sociology 486 (to be taken spring of senior year)
Five additional courses (20 credits) in Anthropology/Sociology
The five elective courses are chosen in conference with departmental faculty members and should reflect the student’s specific interests and needs. In addition to Anthropology and Sociology courses, students may count the following courses as electives towards the major: Field Research in Environmental Archaeology (ARCE 120), Learning From Things: Material Culture Studies (ARCE 210), Archaeological Methods (ARCE 220), Archaeological Field School (ARCE 450), Geographic Information Systems (INTD 225).
Completion of all requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology, as well as a minimum overall grade point average of 3.50 and a minimum anthropology and sociology grade point average of 3.50.
Completion of Anthropology/Sociology 495 - 496
Completion of a substantial research project and paper in an area of special interest to the candidate.
Archaeology at Rhodes involves ground-level, empirical techniques such as survey and excavation to recover material remains, as well as the application of scientific and statistical methods to the study of material culture.
Miriam Clinton, Department of Art and Art History, Chair of the Archaeology Program (on sabbatical 2023-2024) Sarah Ifft Decker, Department of History Ariel Lopez, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Jeanne Lopiparo, Department of Anthropology and Sociology Kenny Morrell, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Jon Russ, Department of Chemistry Susan Satterfield, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies, interim Chair of the Archaeology Program 2023-2024
Archaeology 210 or Anthropology 290: Learning from Things: Material Culture Studies
Archaeology 220 or Anthropology 254: Archaeological Methods
Art 220: Classical Archaeology.
The other courses on the list above may be taken to satisfy the requirement of three courses that deal with archaeological issues (Section 2a).
Three elective courses that deal with archaeological issues or that offer skills relevant to archaeology, offered in various departments. At least two departments must be represented to satisfy this requirement. Students may satisfy this requirement with three courses that deal substantially with archaeological issues or material (Section 2a), or two courses may be taken from Section 2a and one course from Section 2b (courses that offer skills relevant to archaeology). A list of Archaeology-approved courses is updated and circulated every semester. Students with questions are encouraged to contact the program chair.
At least two courses that deal substantially with archaeological issues or material. The following courses are representative offerings that satisfy this requirement.
Anthropology/Sociology 202: Understanding the Past: Archaeological Perspectives on Culture
Anthropology/Sociology 207: Archaeology of Sex and Gender
Anthropology/Sociology 221: North of the Rio Grande: Indigenous People of North America
Anthropology/Sociology 265: Selected Introductory Topics in Anthropology and Sociology (when subject matter pertains to Archaeology)
Anthropology/Sociology 275: Food and Culture
Anthropology/Sociology 325: The Maya and Their World
Anthropology/Sociology 327: Gender and Power in Latin America
Art 209: Art and Architecture of the Ancient Near East and Egypt
Art 218: Greek Art and Architecture
Art 219: Roman Art and Architecture
Art 265: Topics in Art (when subject matter pertains to Archaeology)
Art 353: Art and Life in Pompeii
Chemistry 107: Chemistry and Archaeology
Ancient Mediterranean Studies 361: GIS and Mediterranean Archaeology
Religious Studies 260: Archaeology and the Biblical World
Religious Studies 276-277: Selected Topics in Hebrew/Bible/Old Testament (when subject matter pertains to Archaeology)
Religious Studies 285-286: Selected Topics in New Testament (when subject matter pertains to Archaeology)
Some courses will be useful for archaeology students, even though they do not specifically include an archaeological component. One of these courses may be used to satisfy part of the requirement of three elective courses. The following courses are representative offerings that satisfy this requirement:
Chemistry 120 and 121L: Foundations of Chemistry with Lab
Environmental Studies 111: Physical Geology
Interdepartmental 225: Geographic Information Systems
Fieldwork. Each student in the minor will be required to complete an archaeological fieldwork experience in which they will have a substantial engagement with archaeological methods in the field outside the Rhodes campus. There are several ways to complete this requirement, some of which are credit-bearing, but others are not. As with the College’s F11 requirement, students are not required to receive academic credit. The fieldwork component may be fulfilled by a course that counts as one of the electives for the major. Students may enroll in one of the courses listed below (Section 3a), or receive approval from the Chair of the Program for an alternative experience (Section 3b).
Students may enroll in one of the following:
Ancient Mediterranean Studies 315: Fieldwork in Material Culture
Archaeology 120: Field Research in Environmental Archaeology
Archaeology 450: Archaeological Field School
Archaeology 460: Internship
Art 375: Archaeological Fieldwork in Greece
Experiences other than those listed above must be approved by the chair of the Archaeology program in advance and will require a substantial essay, evaluated by the chair of the program, which links the student’s experience with what they learned in the classroom. Experiences may include organized fieldwork projects with Rhodes faculty or staff oversight, or off-campus experiences with significant archaeological content as determined by the chair of the Archaeology program. Students who elect Section 3b are still required to meet the minimum of 20 credit hours and therefore must take an additional Archaeology elective (Section 2a).
The Department of Art and Art History offers to the student, regardless of experience or major, the opportunity to develop a sensitivity to visual language through studio work and the study of the history of art.
David P. McCarthy. 1991. Chair. B.A., Gettysburg College; Ph.D., University of Delaware. (Modern, contemporary, and American art.)
A. Victor Coonin. 1995. B.A., Oberlin College; M.A., Syracuse University; Ph.D., Rutgers University. (Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art history.)
Associate Professors
Miriam G. Clinton. 2015. B.A., Yale University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania (Ancient Art.) Erin Harmon. 2003. B.A., San Diego State University; M.F.A., Rhode Island School of Design. (Painting and Drawing.)
Assistant Professors
Joel Parsons. 2014. B.A., Rhodes College; M.F.A., School of the Art Institute of Chicago. (Sculpture and Performance.) Karl Erickson. 2018. B.F.A., Wayne State University; M.F.A., California Institute of the Arts. (Digital Arts and New Media.) Raina Belleau. 2019. B.F.A., Minneapolis College of Art and Design; M.F.A., Rhode Island School of Design. (Sculpture and Drawing.)
Director, Clough-Hanson Gallery
Joel Parsons. 2014. B.A., Rhodes College; M.F.A., School of the Art Institute of Chicago. (Sculpture and Performance.)
Curator, Visual Resources Center
Rosanna Parrella Meindl. 2014. B.A., Lewis and Clark College; M.A., University of Oregon (Asian Studies.)
Staff
Christie Arnold, Departmental Assistant.
Ethan McVay, Studio Technician. B.F.A., University of Memphis.
The Clough-Hanson Gallery, located in Clough Hall, brings to campus exhibitions of contemporary art from September through March. In April and early May, the gallery hosts two student exhibitions: the Juried Student Exhibit and the Senior Thesis Exhibit.
The Department of Art and Art History offers three majors to meet students’ particular interests and post-graduate goals: Art, Art History, and a combined Art and Art History sequence.
For the student interested in art as a vocation, for teaching, or for further study in graduate school, this program of study is suggested. A total of forty (40) credits as follows:
Studio Art: two of the following 100-level courses: 101: Drawing, 102: Digital, 105: Painting, 107: Sculpture, 116: Animation (not to be paired with 102).
Art 386: Experiments in Media & Methods, 485: Senior Seminar in Art, 486: Senior Thesis.
Art History: 152: Survey of Contemporary Art.
Four additional courses in the Department of Art and Art History including at least two 200 level and above studio classes and at least one 300 level studio course.
For those students interested in the study of art history with graduate school as a possible goal, this program of study is suggested. A total of forty (40) credits as follows:
Studio Art: any studio course
Art 151: Survey of Western Art
Art 152: Survey of Contemporary Art
Art 218: Greek Art and Architecture
Art 223: Italian Renaissance Art
Art 242: Modern Art II
Three additional courses in art history at the 200 level or above
Art 151: Survey of Western Art, 152: Survey of Contemporary Art
Three courses in art history at the 200 or 300 level, with one from each of the three areas of concentration (Ancient, Medieval through Baroque, Modern)
In the spring of the junior year, an art major, in consultation with an appropriate member of the art faculty, may write a proposal for honors work to be carried out in the senior year. The department must approve the proposal.
An overall grade of A- on the thesis or project itself is required for honors credit.
Requirements for a Major in Art History with Concentration in Museum Studies
For those students interested in the study of Art History with graduate school in Museum Studies or a career working with Galleries as a possible goal, this program of study is suggested. A total of forty (40) credits as follows:
Studio Art: any studio course.
Art 151: Survey of Western Art.
Art 152: Survey of Contemporary Art.
Art 218: Greek Art and Architecture.
Art 223: Italian Renaissance Art.
Art 242: Modern Art II.
Art 260: Curation in Context.
Art 461: Museum/Gallery Internship. Four credit hours.
The political, economic, and cultural importance of the nations of Asia grows every year and the Asian Studies Program promotes the understanding of Asia’s historical, cultural, political, and economic role in the world.
Chien-Kai Chen, Department of International Studies Li Han, Department of Modern Languages and Literature John C. Kaltner, Department of Religious Studies Seok-Won Lee, Department of History David Mason, Media Studies Program Brooke Schedneck, Department of Religious Studies Yinyin Xue, Department of Modern Languages and Literature Shaolu Yu, Urban Studies Program, Chair Lynn B. Zastoupil, Department of History
One "Secondary" Asian Studies course offered by a department other than that which provided the course that fulfilled the "Primary" requirement.
Three additional, 200+ level, approved Asian Studies courses.
"Primary" Asian Studies Courses History 105: Revolutions and Revolutionaries in Modern East Asia History 105: World War II in Asia History 105: The Mongol World Empire History 105: The Two Koreas, Past and Present
Art 165: Survey of Asian Art
Chinese 206: Introduction to East Asian Cultures Chinese 214: Introduction to Chinese Culture Chinese 216: Asian Urbanization Through Cinema
History 282: Traditional China History 283: Modern China History 287: Traditional Japan History 293: Ancient and Medieval India
International Studies 261: Government and Politics of China International Studies 263: Comparative Political Economy of East Asia
Religious Studies 255: Living Religions of Southeast Asia Religious Studies 258: Buddhism Religious Studies 258: Buddhism in Thai Society
"Secondary" Asian Studies Courses Chinese 205: Modern Chinese Literature in Translation Chinese 215: Gender in Chinese Literature Chinese 220: Contemporary Chinese Cinema
History 205: The Vietnam Wars History 282: Traditional China History 283: Modern China History 287: Traditional Japan History 288: Japan Since 1800 History 293: Ancient and Medieval India History 294: Modern India
International Studies 261: Government and Politics of China International Studies 262: China’s Foreign Policy International Studies 263: Comparative Political Economy of East Asia International Studies 264: China-Taiwan-US Relations
Religious Studies 255: Living Religions of Southeast Asia Religious Studies 258: Buddhism Religious Studies 258: Buddhism in Thai Society Religious Studies 232: Religion, Women, and Social Change in Asia Religious Studies 232: Religion and the Asian City Religious Studies 301: Socially Engaged Buddhism
Additional Asian Studies Courses History 385: Nomads of Inner Asia History 391: Gandhi History 481: Cold War in East Asia
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) is an interdisciplinary major that allows students to study life at the molecular level under the guidance of faculty drawn from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics & Computer Science.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Program Committee
Terry Hill, Department of Biology Larryn Peterson, Department of Chemistry, Chair Shana Stoddard, Department of Chemistry Bayly Wheeler, Department of Biology
Courses required: those listed for the B. S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as the Honors Tutorial (BMB 495 and BMB 496).
Permission of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Committee.
An original investigation of some problem in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This project is usually related to work being carried out by members of the faculty affiliated with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major. The project may also be carried out off campus, with the careful guidance of a BMB faculty member liaison for the project.
A credible thesis must be presented at the end of the project. The honors project and thesis must be approved by the student’s honors committee, which should be comprised of at least three members of the faculty, two affiliated with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major, and one from outside of the program.
Requirements for a Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Leading to the B.S. Degree
Courses required for the BMB major that are appropriate for the fall semester of the first year include Chemistry 120-125L and Biology 130-131L. Students considering taking both Chemistry 120-125L and Biology 130-131L in the fall semester of the first year should consult a BMB advisor.
A total of sixty-two to sixty-three (62-63) credits as follows:
Chemistry 120-125L (Foundations in Chemistry), 211, 212-212L (Organic Chemistry with lab), and 240-240L (Analytical Chemistry with lab)
Biology 130-131L (Biology I with lab) and Biology 140-141L (Biology II with lab)
Biology 307 (Cell Biology)
Biology 325-325L (Molecular Biology with lab)
Chemistry 315 (Biochemistry)
BMB 310 (Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology)
BMB 485 or 486 (Senior Seminar)
Any one of the following: Computer Science 141 (Programming Fundamentals) OR Math 122 (Integral Calculus) OR Math 214 (Math Modeling) OR one course in probability and statistics. Courses that would be appropriate in the area of probability and statistics include Math 111, Math 211, Psychology 211, Economics 290.
Two of the following courses; at least one must have a laboratory:
a. Elective Courses with Laboratory
BIOL 204-204L (Animal Development with lab)
BIOL 301-301L (Microbiology with lab)
BIOL 304-304L (Genetics with lab) or BIOL 305-305L (Population Genomics with lab)
BIOL 376-376L (Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with lab)
CHEM 325 (Computational Protein Design and Engineering)
CHEM 406 (Advanced Analytical Chemistry)
CHEM 411-411L (Medicinal & Computational Chemistry with lab)
BMB 451 or 452 (4 credits only may satisfy one elective; Research with an affiliated faculty member or must be approved by the BMB committee)
b. Elective Courses without a Laboratory
BIOL 330 (Virology/Immunology)
BIOL 380 (Topics in Biomedical Science)
CHEM 311 (Physical Chemistry)
CHEM 416 (Mechanisms of Drug Action)
No more than one of the three courses listed in items #3-5 above may be transferred into Rhodes from another institution to satisfy the requirements for the BMB major.
Students seeking a double major must have at least four courses listed in items #3 through #9 for the BMB major that are not used to satisfy requirements for the other major.
In order for a student to have their B.S. degree in BMB accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), the student must complete the major requirements and pass the ASBMB Certification Exam.
As one of the most popular majors on campus, the Biology Department offers students opportunities to learn about all levels of biology, as well as modern methods of research and investigation. The study of biology prepares students for a wide range of career options as students can choose to concentrate their studies in General Biology (GB), Integrative Biology (IB), Environment, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB), and Biomedical Sciences (BMS).
Michael D. Collins. 2010. B.S., University of Arizona; M.S., Florida State University; Ph.D., University of Tennessee. (Ecology, ornithology, wildlife biology) Terry W. Hill. 1978. B.A., University of South Florida; M.S., Ph.D., University of Florida. (Cell biology, microbiology, biology of fungi.) David Kabelik. 2009. H.B.Sc., University of Toronto; Ph.D., Arizona State University. (Neuroscience, endocrinology, physiology, animal behavior.) Mary E. Miller. 2001. B.A., University of Tennessee at Knoxville; Ph.D., University of Virginia. (Genetics, microbiology, cancer biology, cell biology.)
Associate Professors
Sarah Boyle. 2009. B.A., College of William and Mary; Ph.D., Arizona State University. (Ecology, conservation biology, tropical field biology.) Kelly A. Dougherty. 2014. B.S., West Chester University; Ph.D., Thomas Jefferson University. (Neuroscience, biophysics, neurophysiology.) Jonathan Fitz Gerald. 2007. B.S., University of California at Irvine; Ph.D., University of Chicago. (Plant biology, development.) Elaine R. Frawley. 2016. B.A., Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis. (Microbiology, metabolism, bacterial physiology.) Bayly S. Wheeler. 2015. B.S.E., University of Michigan; Ph.D., Duke University. (Molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology.)
Assistant Professors
Kelly Diamond. 2022. B.S., University of Central Florida; M.S., Ph.D. Clemson University. (morphology, machine learning, biomechanics) Liam Hunt. 2022. B.S., Ph.D. The University of Melbourne, Australia. (Molecular Biology, Skeletal Muscle Disease) Kathryn A. LeCroy. 2023. B.S., Birmingham-Southern College; M.S. University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D. University of Virginia. (Conservation Biology, wild bee diversity, disease ecology, community science) Sydney Moyo. 2020. B.S., Africa University; M.S. University of Zimbabwe; Rhodes University, Ph.D. (Zoology, invertebrate biology, entomology.) Tanushree Pandit. 2019. B.S., M.S., RTM Nagpur University; Ph.D., Umea University. (Developmental neuroscience.) Qian Shen. 2020. B.E, China Agricultural University; M.S., Mississippi State University; Ph.D. Ohio State University (Microbiology, Fungal pathogenesis.)
Visiting Assistant Professors
James Engman. 2023. B.S. Kent State University; B.S., M.S., Western Illinois University; Ph.D. University of Cincinnati. Alix Matthews. 2023. B.S. Rhodes College; M.S., Ph.D. Arkansas State University.
Staff
Tangela Allgood. 2022. Biology Department Administrative Assistant. Jordy Gentry. 2021. Biology Department Lab Supervisor for The Frazier Jelke Science Center. B.S., University of Memphis. Justin A. Porter. 2017. Biology Department Lab Manager for Robertson Hall. B.S., M.S., University of Georgia.
BIOL 130-131L (Biology I with laboratory) and BIOL 140-141L (Biology II with laboratory).
CHEM 120-125L (Foundations of Chemistry with laboratory) and CHEM 211 (Organic Chemistry I).
One statistics course from the following list: ECON 290 (Statistical Analysis for Economics and Business) MATH 111 (Applied Statistics for Liberal Arts) MATH 211 (Applied Statistics for the Formal and Natural Sciences) PSYC 211 (Statistical Methods).
One computational course from the following list: COMP 141 (Computer Science I: Programming Fundamentals) or above INTD 225 (Geographic Information Systems [GIS]) MATH 115 (Applied Calculus) MATH 122 (Integral Calculus) MATH 214 (Discrete Mathematical Modeling with Biological Applications).
BIOL 485 or 486 (Senior Seminar).
Six upper-level courses defined by concentration areas. At least four of the six upper level courses required must have an associated lab experience. Of the four required lab experiences, three of them must be chosen from the appropriate designated concentration courses. Four credits of BIOL 451 or 452 (Research in Biology) combined can satisfy one upper-level course with lab requirement.
Normally, at least four of the six upper level courses used to satisfy these requirements must be taken within the Biology Department at Rhodes. Courses taught outside the department that can satisfy upper level course requirements for the Biology major, subject to the limit indicated above, include certain courses approved by the Department Chair for transfer credit and the following: CHEM 315 (Biochemistry); with BMB 310 (Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology) may satisfy a course with lab requirement, CHEM 416 (Mechanisms of Drug Action), and NEUR 270 (Neuroscience).
Courses taught outside the Department may also be available through the Woods Hole Semester in Environmental Sciences Program: ENVS 260 (Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis), ENVS 270 (Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis), and BIOL 280 (Microbial Methods in Ecology).
Additional courses can be taken through our partnership with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory including Marine Biology, Barrier Island Ecology, Marine Ichthyology, Marine Mammalogy, Marine Invertebrate Zoology, Coastal Herpetology, and Parasites of Marine Animals. Offerings change each year. In addition to month-long summer courses, some are available as mini-courses during January and May. Students interested in either program should contact the Biology Department for details.
Each student will choose only one of the following four concentrations in the Biology major: ‘General Biology’, ‘Integrative Biology’, ‘Ecology, Evolution, Behavior’ or ‘Biomedical Sciences’.
The Biology concentrations and associated class options:
General Biology (BIOL:GB)
Upper level Biology course requirements: Six upper level Biology courses; at least four must have an associated lab.
Integrative Biology (BIOL:IB)
Upper level Biology course requirements: Six of the following upper level Biology courses including four courses with lab; at least one course must be taken from each of the following three categories; at least one lab requirement must come from each category.
1. Genetics, Cells, and Molecules
BIOL 304: Genetics with Lab
BIOL 301: Microbiology with Lab
BIOL 305: Population Genomics with Lab
BIOL 307: Cell Biology
BIOL 325: Molecular Biology with Lab
BIOL 330: Virology/Immunology
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology (depends on topic)
BIOL 376: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with Lab
BIOL 380: Topics in Biomedical Science
CHEM 315: Biochemistry
CHEM 416: Mechanisms of Drug Action
2. Development, Physiology, Anatomy
BIOL 302: Parasitology
BIOL 308: Mycology with Lab
BIOL 350: Comparative Vertebrate Morphology with Lab
BIOL 340: Animal Physiology with Lab
BIOL 355: Animal Development with Lab
BIOL 360: Histology with Lab
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology (depends on topic)
BIOL 375: Neuroendocrinology with Lab
BIOL 377: Developmental Neuroscience with Lab
NEUR 270: Neuroscience
3. Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 300: Evolution with Lab
BIOL 309: The Science of Climate Change
BIOL 311: Invertebrate Biology with lab
BIOL 312: Environmental Issues in Southern Africa
BIOL 314: Environmental Field Study in Namibia
BIOL 315: Ecology with Lab
BIOL 316: Freshwater Ecology with Lab
BIOL 318: Entomology with Lab
BIOL 320: Conservation Biology with Lab
BIOL 321: Animal Behavior with Lab
BIOL 322: Plant Diversity & Evolution with Lab
BIOL 345: Ornithology with Lab
BIOL 348: Wildlife Biology with Lab
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology (depends on topic)
ENVS 260: Aquatic Ecosystem (Woods Hole)
ENVS 270: Terrestrial Ecosystem (Woods Hole)
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior (BIOL:EEB)
Upper level Biology course requirements: Six upper level Biology courses; at least four must come from the following list. At least three of the four lab requirements must come from this category. Up to two courses may be taken from additional upper level Biology course offerings.
BIOL 300: Evolution with Lab
BIOL 302: Parasitology
BIOL 304: Genetics with Lab
BIOL 308: Mycology with Lab
BIOL 309: The Science of Climate Change
BIOL 311: Invertebrate Biology with Lab
BIOL 312: Environmental Issues in Southern Africa
BIOL 314: Environmental Field Study in Namibia
BIOL 315: Ecology with Lab
BIOL 316: Freshwater Ecology with Lab
BIOL 318: Entomology with Lab
BIOL 320: Conservation Biology with Lab
BIOL 321: Animal Behavior with Lab
BIOL 322: Plant Diversity & Evolution with Lab
BIOL 345: Ornithology with Lab
BIOL 348: Wildlife Biology with Lab
BIOL 350: Comparative Vertebrate Morphology with Lab
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology (depends on topic)
ENVS 260: Aquatic Ecosystem (Woods Hole)
ENVS 270: Terrestrial Ecosystem (Woods Hole)
Biomedical Science (BIOL:BMS)
Upper level Biology course requirements: Six upper level Biology courses; at least four must come from the following list. At least three of the four lab requirements must come from this category. Up to two courses may be taken from additional upper level Biology course offerings.
BIOL 300: Evolution with Lab
BIOL 301: Microbiology with Lab
BIOL 302: Parasitology
BIOL 304: Genetics with Lab
BIOL 305: Population Genomics with Lab
BIOL 307: Cell Biology
BIOL 308: Mycology with Lab
BIOL 325: Molecular Biology with Lab
BIOL 330: Virology/Immunology
BIOL 340: Animal Physiology with Lab
BIOL 350: Comparative Vertebrate Morphology with Lab
BIOL 355: Animal Development with Lab
BIOL 360: Histology with Lab
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology (depends on topic)
BIOL 375: Neuroendocrinology with Lab
BIOL 376: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with Lab
BIOL 377: Developmental Neuroscience with Lab
BIOL 380: Topics in Biomedical Science
NEUR 270: Neuroscience
CHEM 315: Biochemistry
CHEM 416: Mechanisms of Drug Action
Satisfying the prerequisites for courses is the student’s responsibility; however, in special circumstances, students with advance permission of the instructor may enroll in a course without meeting prerequisites.
Courses and accompanying laboratories of the same name are linked co-requisites and must be taken together unless approved by petition to the department. Unless otherwise noted, courses meet under the standard class schedule and laboratories meet for a three-hour period; laboratories also often require further project work outside the scheduled lab time.
Students seeking a double major must have at least four upper-level courses for the Biology major that are not used to satisfy requirements for the other major.
When declaring a major in Biology, students must submit an essay electronically for approval by their major advisor. This essay should be 300 words or less and should include:
a statement of your goals in pursuing a biology major
a statement of your goals in pursuing a specific concentration in biology
what areas of biology represent your greatest interests
possible links between biology coursework and other courses taken or to be taken
what other areas of biology will help you to become more well-rounded in the field of biology.
Courses required: those listed for the B. S. degree with a major in Biology as well as the Biology Honors Tutorial (BIOL 495 and 496).
Students seeking to do Honors research must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (cumulative and in the major) at the time of application and be on track to graduate at the end of the academic year in which the Honors research is carried out.
An original investigation of some problem in the area of biology, usually related to research being carried out by a member of the Biology Department, is required. The Honors research may be conducted outside of the department, with department approval and the careful guidance of a Biology faculty member liaison for the project.
A creditable thesis must be presented at the end of the project. The honors project and thesis must be approved by the student’s Honors committee and the project must follow the department and college guidelines and schedule for Honors work. In addition, the Honors candidate should present the work publically at a scientific meeting on- or off-campus.
Students interested in Honors research should consult with their faculty research supervisor at Rhodes.
The Business Department teaches students both theories and methods, as well as the broader social and historical perspectives of business practices in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
Wendy Bailey. 2021. B.A., Washington University St Louis; M.B.A., University of Colorado Boulder; and Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh (Accounting)
Dee Birnbaum. 1991. B.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook; M.B.A., Baruch College; M. Phil. and Ph.D., City University of New York. (General management, human resource management) Kayla D. Booker. 2015. Co-Director, M.S. in Accounting Program. B.B.A., M.P.A., and Ph.D., Jackson State University. CPA. (Accountancy) Sujan M. Dan. 2013. B.Tech, Kerala University, India; M.S. and Ph.D., Texas A&M University. (Marketing)
Denis Khantimirov. 2015. B.A., North Ossetian State University, Russia; M.B.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ph.D., Old Dominion University. (Marketing) Kelly P. Weeks. 2015. B.A., Rhodes College; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Management) Andrey Zagorchev. 2013. Co-Director, M.S. in Accounting Program. B.S., M.S., Plovdiv University, Bulgaria; M.B.A., Wright State University; Ph.D., Lehigh University. (Finance)
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Jade O. Planchon. 2012. B.A., Rhodes College; M.B.A., Columbia University; 2018. Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Finance)
PART-TIME ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Milton L. Lovell. 2003. B.S. and J.D., University of Mississippi. LL.M., New York University School of Law. CFO and General Counsel, NexAir, LLC. (Accountancy, taxation)
INSTRUCTORS
Sarah A. Cate. B.A., Hendrix College; M.S. University of Memphis. (Accountancy).
PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS David Hopkins. 2022. B.P.A., Mississippi State University. (Accounting). Steve Zatechka. 2018. B.S. and M.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln; M.B.A., University of Memphis; Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center; Chief Science Officer, US Biologic. (Entrepreneurship).
ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE
Eric Mathews. 2023. B.S., Rhodes College, M.S., University of Memphis. (Entrepreneurship).
STAFF
Hannah Guess. 2020. Departmental Assistant. B.A. and M.A., University of Memphis.
CURRICULUM
The Department of Business offers both a major and minor in Business. Within the major, students can elect to take courses in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management.
Master of Science in Accounting. A more concentrated study of accounting may be undertaken in the M.S. in Accounting Program offered by the Department of Business. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in the Department of Business and/or have taken the appropriate accounting courses can finish the requirements of the M.S. in Accounting degree in two additional semesters of study.
The Chemistry Department prepares students for careers in the chemical sciences, forensics, health professions, industry, research, and STEM education. Students will receive training in modern, interdisciplinary chemistry and instrumentation, as well as develop essential skills for further education in chemical, medical, engineering, law, and other health-related fields.
The Department is certified by the American Chemical Society as complying with its requirements for the professional training of chemists.
Professors
Loretta Jackson-Hayes. 2003. James Daughdrill Professor in the Natural Sciences. B.S., Tougaloo College; Ph.D., University of Tennessee. (Pharmacology.) Darlene M. Loprete. 1990. Chair. B.A., Clark University; Ph.D., University of Rhode Island. (Biochemistry.) Jon Russ. 2004. B.S., Corpus Christi State University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University. (Analytical Chemistry.)
Professor Emeritus
David Y. Jeter. 1973. B.S., Texas A&M University-Commerce; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. (Inorganic Chemistry.)
Associate Professors
William Eckenhoff. 2015. B.S., Allegheny College; Ph.D. Duquesne University (Inorganic Chemistry). Larryn W. Peterson. 2011. B.A., Carroll College; Ph.D., University of Southern California. (Organic Chemistry.) Roberto de la Salud Bea. 2010. B.S. and M.S., University of Valencia, Spain. Ph.D., University of Nebraska. (Organic Chemistry.) Shana Stoddard. 2015. B.S., Prairie View A&M University; M.Ed., Freed-Hardeman University; Ph.D., University of Mississippi. (Biochemistry.)
Assistant Professors
Kimberly Brien. 2012. B.S., Texas Lutheran University; M.S., Baylor University; Ph.D.,Texas Christian University. (Organic Chemistry.) Kavita Gaur. 2022. B.S., Agra, U.P., India; M.S., Agra, U.P., India; Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico (Bioinorganic Chemistry.) Dana Horgen. 2014. B.S., Saint Olaf College; Ph.D., Baylor University (Organic Chemistry.) Dhammika S. Muesse. 2007. B.S. and M.S., University of Colombo; Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Analytical Chemistry.) Miguel Angel Méndez Polanco. 2021. BSc, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (México); Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania. (Physical Chemistry.)
Chemistry Instrument Technician and Chemical Safety Officer
Karen Mosely. B.S., University of Memphis; M.S. University of Memphis.
An original investigation of some problem in chemistry or biochemistry, usually related to research being carried on by a member of the department, is required. A thesis must be presented at the end of the project. The honors project and its outcome must be approved by the student’s Honors Committee.
A public presentation on the honors work is required by the department.
At least 2 additional courses from the following list: 312, 406, 411/411L, 416.
Physics 109-110 or 111-112; 113L-114L.
Mathematics 122. Students can start in 112 and then take 122.
At least four credits of research (Chemistry 451 and/or 452).
This major track may be of interest to students interested in attending graduate school or employment in chemistry related fields. The track is designed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to provide students with lecture and laboratory experiences in the five foundational areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical) in both breadth and depth.
Two additional Chemistry courses of which one must be at the 200-level or above and the other must be 300-level or above. Both courses must be at least 4-credits.
Science is increasingly interdisciplinary. Students who wish to pursue careers and/or further study in biology, neuroscience, environmental science, physics or other sciences may see the need to have a firm background in chemistry as well. By declaring a minor, students may work with a minor advisor who will help these students find and define a course of study that can complement their future plans. Students looking to pursue a career in patent or intellectual property or patent law can also benefit by having a chemistry minor.
Chemistry majors planning for graduate work and/or careers in chemical engineering can earn the Pre-Engineering Certificate from Rhodes by completing the following courses.
Physics 111-112* and 220.
Physics 304 or 307.
Mathematics 223 and 251.
Computer Science 141.
One approved experiential component, such as: 4 credits of research*, summer research or an engineering-related internship.
*also fulfills major requirements
Note: students interested in pursuing entry level chemical or biomedical engineering work immediately after college may wish to consider the dual degree options through the academic partnerships for engineering at Rhodes. https://catalog.rhodes.edu/educational-program/academic-partnerships
Mathematics 122. Students can start in 112 and then take 122.
Physics 109-110 or 111-112; 113L-114L.
This major track may be of interest to students pursuing careers in pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, or other health professions. Research opportunities in related areas may be available to students in the Chemistry Department who want to pursue this major track.
The Department of Computer Science offers students numerous opportunities to develop quantitative reasoning, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through its curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Betsy Williams Sanders. 2007. B.S., Millsaps College; M.S. and Ph.D., Vanderbilt University. (Computer graphics and animation.)
Associate Professors
Phillip B. Kirlin. 2012. B.S., University of Maryland; M.S. and Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst. (Artificial intelligence, machine learning, music informatics.)
D. Brian Larkins. 2015. B.S., M.S., Ph.D., The Ohio State University. (Parallel programming, programming languages, network security.)
Catherine E. Welsh. 2013. B.S., Ursinus College; M.S., Lehigh University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. (Bioinformatics, computational genetics.)
Assistant Professors
Marion Lang. 2019. B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania; M.S., Ph.D., The Ohio State University. (specification and verification of distributed systems, large-scale distributed data processing and analytics systems.)
Matthew Superdock. 2021. B.S., Princeton University; Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University. (type theory, formal verification, and automated reasoning)
Students considering a major in Computer Science should contact the Chair or another member of the department as early as possible to ensure progress is being made toward the major. More information can be found at the department’s web site: www.rhodes.edu/mathcs.
For reasonable progress toward a major in Computer Science, a student should begin the introductory programming sequence (Computer Science 141, 142, 241) in the first year. In the second year, a student should complete Computer Science 172 in fall and Computer Science 231 in the spring. The Mathematics requirements should be completed by the end of the third year.
The Economics Department, through its emphasis on logical and quantitative analysis and communication skills, serves as prepares students interested in careers in business, law, medicine, government, non-profits, and international relations, as well as in academic roles.
Marshall K. Gramm. 2000. Chair. B.A., Rice University; Ph.D., Texas A & M University. (Applied microeconomics) C. Nicholas McKinney. 2003. Robert D. McCallum Professor of Economics. B.A., B.S., Centenary College of Louisiana; Ph.D., Texas A & M University. (Experimental economics, applied microeconomics)
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Courtney A. Collins. 2013. B.A., Rhodes College; Ph.D., Texas A&M University. (Applied economics) Teresa Beckham Gramm. 1999. B.A., Agnes Scott College; Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. (International economics)
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Shameel Ahmad. 2019. B.A., Stanford University; M.Sc. London School of Economics; M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., Yale University. (Economic History) Bruno D. Badia. 2015. B.A., Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; M.A., Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil; Ph.D., Stony Brook University. (Industrial organization, game theory, applied microeconomics) Jaqueline Oliveira. 2016. B.A., Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil; M.Sc., University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., Yale University. (Development, labor, family and urban economics)
STAFF
Hannah Guess. 2020. Departmental Assistant. B.A. and M.A., University of Memphis.
Educational Studies at Rhodes College strives to advance justice, democracy, and equity in underserved public schools, particularly in Memphis, through our interdisciplinary programs, partnerships, scholarship, and advocacy.
Program Mission
Educational Studies and the educators and advocates we prepare engage theory and research while embedded in our schools and communities in order to promote understandings of problems and strategies for change that transform schools in the service of justice.
Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA 49-5-5610) requires all students entering state approved educator preparation programs to submit the result of a criminal background check to the institution. In compliance with this requirement, Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) requires criminal background checks for Rhodes College students who are placed in their schools for clinical experiences and internships with P – 12 students. The results will be sent to a Rhodes College representative. For more information, contact the Teacher Licensure Coordinator, Dr. Joseph Kelly (kellyj@rhodes.edu).
Natalie K. Person. 1994. Chair. B.A. University of Mississippi; M.S. and Ph.D. University of Memphis. (Cognitive psychology: learning technologies; educational psychology)
Associate Professors
Zachary Casey. 2014. B.A.E. and M.A. Arizona State University; Ph.D. University of Minnesota. (Curriculum and Instruction, Multicultural Education, Critical Pedagogy, Teacher Education)
Cara Djonko-Moore. 2018. B.A. Northwestern University, M.A. University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D. Temple University (Early Childhood, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy)
Laura Taylor. 2017. B.S. Cornell University; M.Ed. University of Saint Thomas; Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin. (Literacy Teaching and Learning; Critical Literacies; Educational Policy)
Assistant Professors
Laura Kelly. 2018. B.S. Freed-Hardeman University; M.Ed. Western Governors University; Ph.D. Arizona State University. (Elementary Literacy, Bilingual Education)
Staff
Joseph Kelly. 2018. Teacher Licensure Coordinator. B.A. Freed-Hardeman University; M.Div. Harding School of Theology; Ph.D. Southern Seminary.
To declare a major in Educational Studies major, students should choose a professor in Educational Studies to be their major advisor. The advisor will approve the major essay, help students complete the Degree Requirements Worksheet, and sign the Declaration of Major form.
Once students have met with their major advisor, they are required to submit:
Two copies of the Declaration of Major form, filing one copy with the program chair and one copy with the Registrar. (Available from the Registrar's office or on Rhodes Express online.)
The Degree Requirements Worksheet, filing one copy with the program chair and one copy with the Registrar. (Available from the Registrar's office or on Rhodes Express online.)
The final, advisor approved, major essay. Email the essay as a Word document to Major_E.ymfk84k3izod0rl9@u.box.com so that it can be archived. The file name for the essay should be as follows: student’s last name, student’s first name, and graduation year.
NOTE: Secondary licensure students will double major and will have two major advisors, one in Educational Studies and the other in their content area major.
Students can earn elementary (grades K - 5) or secondary licensure (grades 6 -12) within the Teaching and Learning track of the Educational Studies major. The licensure program prepares students to teach in either elementary schools or middle and/or high schools in one of thirteen endorsement areas: American Government, English, History, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Chinese. The course of study for secondary licensure students is designed with guidance from faculty members in the discipline in which the student is being certified as well as with faculty in the Educational Studies Program. All secondary licensure candidates are required to double major in Educational Studies and their endorsement discipline. Elementary licensure does not require a double major. Students who are interested in teacher licensure should contact our Teacher Licensure Coordinator in the early stages of the academic planning process. All licensure information including applications to the Rhodes College Teacher Licensure Program can be found on the program's website.
Licensure to teach is a function of state governments. Institutions and agencies that offer licensure are approved by their respective state departments and boards of education. Tennessee licensure is transferable to all 50 states; some states may require additional exams or content. A guide to certification reciprocity is available through Certification Map. https://certificationmap.com/states/reciprocity-disclaimer/ Students wishing to teach in other states are advised to review the licensure requirements on the appropriate state's department of education website.
When declaring a major in Educational Studies, students must complete an essay in which they address each of the questions in their respective track. The essay should be at least two paragraphs, with one paragraph dedicated to each question.
Teaching and Learning Track
What are the most important things for teachers and school personnel to be knowledgeable about in order to ensure the success of all of their students?
How will your work in this major equip you with this knowledge and experience?
Policy and Social Change Track
[select one of the following questions]
Option 1: What roles can programs and activities for youth, outside of schools, play in creating a more democratic, participatory, humanizing society? How will your work in this major equip you with this knowledge and experience?
Option 2: How can educational policy create more opportunities for more students to be successful learners within and beyond their experience(s) in schools? How will your work in this major equip you with this knowledge and experience?
Students will electronically submit the final, advisor approved, version of the essay as a Word document by emailing it to Major_E.ymfk84k3izod0rl9@u.box.com so that it can be archived. The file name for the essay should be as follows: student’s last name, student’s first name, and graduation year.
Students select one of two tracks: Teaching & Learning or Policy & Social Change. All students complete 5 Core Requirement courses and all requirements for their selected track. A total of forty-four (44) credits is required a major with the Teaching & Learning track and a total of forty-five (45) credits is required for a major with the Policy & Social Change track.
Core Requirements (5 courses, 20 credits)
Foundations of Education - EDUC 201
Educational Psychology - EDUC 222
Philosophy, Policy, & Equity (two of the following):
Urban Education - EDUC 220
African American Experiences in U.S. Schools - EDUC 225
Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality in Education - EDUC 320
Education & Immigration - EDUC 330
Social & Community Contexts of Education - EDUC 335
Some sections of EDUC 265 (when appropriate)
Education Senior Seminar EDUC 485
Track Requirements
Track 1: Teaching and Learning (24 credits)
Principles of Curriculum and Instruction - EDUC 355*
Educational Technologies - EDUC 300*
Reading, Writing, and Urban Schools - EDUC 310
Content Area Teaching Methods Course (one of the following, according to the student's curricular focus):
Elementary Literacies - EDUC 370*
Methods of Teaching Secondary STEM - EDUC 380*
Methods of Teaching Secondary Humanities - EDUC 390*
Inclusive Education - EDUC 410*
Clinical Field Experiences - EDUC 360 (4 credits)
One credit must be taken co-requisite with each of the courses above marked with * .
Track 2: Policy and Social Change (25 credits)
Urban Education Policy - EDUC 240
Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences - EDUC 395*
Clinical Field Experience - EDUC 360 (1 credit; *co-requisite with EDUC 395)
One of the following:
The City - ANSO 241
Social Movements - ANSO 243
Introduction to Public Policy - PLAW 205
Urban Policy and Polities - PLAW 206
Race and Ethnic Politics - PLAW 207
Black Political Thought - PLAW 230
Health Care Policy - PLAW 320
Community Psychology - PSYC 330
Nonprofits in the City - URBN 340
One additional 4-credit EDUC course
Two additional 4-credit Educational Studies Electives - see list below
Teacher Licensure
Students completing an Educational Studies major on the Teaching and Learning track can also pursue elementary or secondary teacher licensure. Teacher licensure requires completion of additional requirements, including:
edTPA Preparation - EDUC 450 (1 credit, taken co-requisite with 1 credit of EDUC 360; typically taken semester prior to EDUC 499)
Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) - EDUC 499 (16 credits; typically completed either in the 8th semester or in a post-baccalaureate 9th semester)
Students pursuing secondary teacher licensure must double-major in the subject area plan to teach (e.g., English; Biology). More information about teacher licensure can be found on the Educational Studies micro-site or by contacting Dr. Joseph Kelly, Teacher Licensure Coordinator (kellyj@rhodes.edu).
Educational Studies Elective Courses (Policy & Social Change Track)
Gender and Society ANSO 231
The City ANSO 241
Social Movements ANSO 343
Gender and Environment ANSO 273
Race and Ethnicity in American Society ANSO 331
Social Class in the United States ANSO 335
Topics in ANSO 365 (when topics are relevant)
Anthropology of Social Change ANSO 379
Racism ANSO 391
Sociology of Violence and Peace Making ANSO 392
Social Impact of Business in South Africa BUS 284
Economics of Education ECON 265
Teaching English as a Foreign Language EDUC 160/161
Urban Education EDUC 220
African American Experiences in Schools EDUC 225
History of Education EDUC 230
Topics in Education EDUC 265
Philosophy of Education EDUC 270
Reading, Writing, and Urban Schools EDUC 310
Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality in Education EDUC 320
Education & Immigration EDUC 330
Principles of Curriculum and Instruction EDUC 355
Directed Research in Education EDUC 451
Internship in Education EDUC 460
Academic Writing - ENGL 290 (4 credits)
Advanced Grammar ENGL 380
Study in African American Literature ENGL 264
African American Literature ENGL 364
Advanced Topics in Film (when topics are relevant) ENGL 381
Junior Seminar Critical Theory ENGL 385
Introductory Seminars in History (when topics are relevant) HIST 105
Selected Topics in History (when topics are relevant) HIST 205
The United States in the Twentieth Century HIST 233
African American History HIST 242
Civil Rights Movement HIST 243
History of Memphis HIST 248
Gender in the United States HIST 249
Slavery in the United States HIST 342
Civil Rights in Memphis HIST 345
African American Activism HIST 447
Government and Politics of Africa INTS 251
Politics of Social Movements and Grassroots Organizing INTS 332
International Human Rights INTS 336
Politics of Migration INTS 340
Justice, Equality, and Liberty PHIL 225
Philosophy of Race and Racism PHIL 220
Introduction to Public Policy PLAW 205
Urban Politics and Policy PLAW 206
Race and Ethnic Politics PLAW 207
Black Political Thought PLAW 230
Healthcare Policy PLAW 320
Infant and Child Development PSYC 229
Community Psychology PSYC 330
Psychology of Gender and Sexuality PSYC 280
Social Issues in Ethical & Religious Perspective RELS 232
Theologies of Liberation RELS 259
Health Equity Internship RELS 460
Intro to Urban Studies URBN 201
Social Statistics URBN 220
Urban Geography URBN 230
Principles of Public Health URBN 235
Intercultural Knowledge & Competence URBN 250
Special Topics in Urban Studies (when topics are relevant) URBN 265
From the classics to the contemporary, the Department of English offers Rhodes students a wide array of courses in literature, creative writing and film. Students develop the ability to analyze and create with an emphasis on establishing strong writing skills.
Gordon Bigelow. 1998. A.B., Brown University; M.A., University of New Hampshire; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz. (Nineteenth-century British and Irish Literature, Literary Theory.) Marshall Boswell. 1996. B.A., Washington and Lee University; M.A., Washington University; Ph.D., Emory University. (American Literature.) Lori Garner. 2009. B.A., Hendrix College; M.A. University of Arkansas; Ph.D., University of Missouri. (Medieval Studies, Oral Tradition.) Scott Newstok. 2007. B.A., Grinnell College; Ph.D., Harvard University. (Shakespeare, Poetics. Leslie Petty. 2003. B.A., Emory University; M.A., Louisiana State University; Ph.D., University of Georgia. (American Literature.) Rashna Wadia Richards. 2008. B.A., Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai, India; M.A., University of Mumbai, India; M.A., West Virginia University; Ph.D., University of Florida. (Film Studies.)
Associate Professors
Amy Benson. 2016. B.S., Bowling Green State University; M.F.A., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (Creative Non-Fiction.) Stephanie Elsky. 2017. B.A., Columbia University; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania. (Early Modern Literature.) Rebecca Finlayson. 2001. Director of College Writing, Director of the Rhodes Summer Writing Institute. B.A., Smith College; M.A. and Ph.D., Emory University. (Early Modern British Literature.) Judith Haas. 2002. B.A., Wesleyan University; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz. (Medieval Studies, Women’s Studies.) Jason Richards. 2008. B.A., and M.A., California State University, Long Beach; Ph.D., University of Florida. (American Literature, Postcolonial Literature.) Seth Rudy. 2010. B.F.A., New York University (Film and Television); M.A., New York University; Ph.D., New York University. (Eighteenth Century English Literature, British Romanticism.) Caki Wilkinson. 2012. Director of Creative Writing. B.A., Rhodes College; M.F.A. (Poetry) Johns Hopkins University; Ph.D., University of Cincinnati. (English and Comparative Literature.)
Staff
Lorie W. Yearwood. 2006. Departmental Assistant. A.A.S., State Technical Institute at Memphis.
IV.Distribution attributes for special topics courses (190, 265, 380, 381) will vary depending on topic/section.
V. English 485, normally taken in the senior year.
VI. One (1) workshop course in each of the following four (4) categories:
A. English 210: Introduction to Creative Writing
B. Intermediate Workshop I (300, 301, 305)
C. Intermediate Workshop II, in a second genre (300, 301, 305)
D. Advanced Workshop (400, 401, 405)
VII. Of the eleven required courses, a minimum of seven (7) must be numbered 300 or above. (English 460 does not fulfill this requirement.)
VIII. A course may carry up to two separate designations (for example, II.A and IV or III.B and IV).
IX. FYWS 151 and HUM 201 courses taught by English faculty may count towards the eleven (11) required courses.
Note: Those considering the concentration in literature and creative writing should contact one of the creative writing professors for early advising, preferably by the end of the first year.
Requirements for the Journalism Certificate in English
(16 credits)
I. English 255: Introduction to Journalism (F2i)
II. Two (2) courses from the following electives:
First Year Writing Seminar 155: The New Yorker (F2s)
English 206-207: Creative Publishing: The Southwestern Review
English 305: Intermediate Workshop in Non Fiction
English 316: Advanced Grammar
English 405: Advanced Workshop in Non Fiction
III. English 460: Internship (4 credits in relevant area) (F11)
The Environmental Studies & Sciences Program at Rhodes offers an innovative curriculum that allows students to combine study in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and fine arts.
Environmental Studies and Sciences: Program Committee
Raina Belleau, Department of Art and Art History Erin Bodine, Department of Mathematics Sarah Boyle, Department of Biology Michael Collins, Department of Biology Kelly Diamond, Department of Biology Erin Dolgoy, Department of Politics & Law; Department of Philosophy William Eckenhoff, Department of Chemistry (Chair) James Engman, Department of Biology Elaine Frawley, Department of Biology Judith Haas, Department of English Jeffrey Jackson, Department of History Tait Keller, Department of History Laura Loth, Department of Modern Languages, French Sydney Moyo, Department of Biology Elizabeth Pettinaroli, Department of Modern Languages Brooke Schedneck, Department of Religious Studies Kate Shields, Environmental Studies & Sciences Program Rebecca Tuvel, Department of Philosophy Shaolu Yu, Urban Studies Program
Honors in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies
Honors in Environmental Sciences
Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (cumulative and in the major) at the time of application and upon graduation. Students typically enroll in ENVS Research (ENVS 452) during the spring semester of their junior year, in preparation for submitting their Honors proposal.
Students must complete all courses needed for a B. S. degree with a major in Environmental Sciences.
Students must complete the Honors Tutorial (ENVS 495 and 496), taken during the fall and spring semesters of senior year.
Students must conduct an original investigation of an environmentally-focused topic, under the direct supervision of an ENVS faculty member. Honors research may be conducted off campus, with ENVS Program approval, but there must be supervision by an ENVS faculty member.
Students must complete a formal research proposal by the start of the fall semester in the students’ senior year. The research project must be completed and approved by the supervising Honors committee. This committee will consist of two ENVS faculty members and one faculty member not affiliated with the ENVS Program. Students must complete a scientific paper that adheres to the Rhodes College guidelines for Honors, and students must give an oral presentation of their research findings.
--
Honors in Environmental Studies
Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (cumulative and in the major) at the time of application and upon graduation. Students typically enroll in ENVS Research (ENVS 452) during the spring semester of their junior year, in preparation for submitting their Honors proposal.
Students must complete all courses needed for a B. A. degree with a major in Environmental Studies.
Students must complete the Honors Tutorial (ENVS 495 and 496), taken during the fall and spring semesters of senior year.
Students must conduct an original investigation of an environmentally-focused topic, under the direct supervision of an ENVS faculty member. Honors research may be conducted off campus, with ENVS Program approval, but there must be supervision by an ENVS faculty member.
Students must complete a formal research proposal by the start of the fall semester in the students’ senior year. The research project must be completed and approved by the supervising Honors committee. This committee will consist of two ENVS faculty members and one faculty member not affiliated with the ENVS Program. Students must complete a research paper that adheres to the Rhodes College guidelines for Honors, and students must give an oral presentation of their research findings.
Students who have received a 5 on the Advanced Placement Environmental Science examination may count that credit as one introductory Environmental Sciences elective course in the Environmental Studies and Sciences majors and minors.
ENVS 108: Tropical Biology. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 111(L): Physical Geology.
ENVS 170: Rocky Mountain Field Research. (at Teton Science Schools)
MATH 214: Discrete Mathematical Modeling with Biological Applications.
One statistics course from the following list:
ECON 290: Statistical Analysis for Economics and Business.
MATH 111: Applied Statistics for Liberal Arts.
MATH 211: Applied Statistics for the Formal & Natural Sciences
PSYC 211: Statistical Methods.
Four upper-level Environmental Sciences electives. Three courses must contain a lab component. Courses must come from at least two departments. Additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
Prerequisite: INTD 225 (GIS)
ENVS 325: Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing.
Prerequisites: ENVS 111 or BIOL 120 or CHEM 120
ENVS 206(L): Topics in Environmental Science.
ENVS 211(L): Geomorphology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 120 and CHEM 120 or BIOL 130-131 and 140-141
BIOL 207(L): Animal Behavior.
BIOL 212: Environmental Issues in Southern Africa.
BIOL 260: Science of Climate Change.
BIOL 311(L): Invertebrate Biology.
BIOL 315(L): Ecology.
BIOL 316(L): Freshwater Ecology.
BIOL 318(L): Entomology.
BIOL 320(L): Conservation Biology.
BIOL 345(L): Ornithology.
BIOL 348(L): Wildlife Biology.
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology. (Environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
Prerequisites: BIOL 120 and CHEM 120 or BIOL 130-131, BIOL 140-141, and CHEM 120
BIOL 280: Microbial Methods in Ecology. (Semester in Environmental Science Program, Woods Hole)
ENVS 450: Independent Research Project. (Semester in Environmental Science Program, Woods Hole)
Prerequisites: BIOL 130-131 and 140-141
BIOL 200(L): Evolution.
BIOL 201(L): Mycology.
BIOL 301(L): Microbiology.
BIOL 302: Parasitology
BIOL 322(L): Plant Diversity and Evolution.
BIOL 350(L): Comparative Vertebrate Morphology.
BIOL 365(L): Advanced Topics in Biology. (Environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
CHEM 206: Environmental Chemistry.
CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I.
Prerequisite: CHEM 211
CHEM 240(L): Analytical Chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 240
CHEM 406: Advanced Analytical Chemistry.
Prerequisites: PHYS 111 and PHYS 112
PHYS 260: Science of Climate Change
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
ENVS 451-452: Research.
ENVS 495-496: Honors Tutorial.
Two Environmental Studies electives from the following list:
ANSO 201: Human Evolution.
ANSO 221: North of the Rio Grande: Indigenous People of North America.
ANSO 251: Nature and Society.
ANSO 265: Selected Introductory Topics in Anthropology and Sociology. (i.e. Southern Foodscapes, or other environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
ANSO 271: Ecological Anthropology.
ANSO 273: Gender and the Environment.
ANSO 345: Just Food.
ART 166: Art and Science.
CHIN 216: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
ECON 100: Introduction to Economics
ECON 349: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.
ENVS 205: Topics in Environmental Studies. (When approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
FREN 442: Francophone Ecocriticism.
FYWS 151: Energy & Waste.
FYWS 151: Consuming Cultures & the Problem of Waste.
HIST 105: Disease & Epidemics.
HIST 201: History of Environmental Thought.
HIST 207: Global Environmental History.
HIST 209: Natural Disasters.
HIST 307: Nature and War.
HUM 201: Search for Values. (Bakewell's, Colley's, Jackson’s, Loth's, or Rogers' section only)
INTS 220: Global Ecopolitics.
INTS 221: Population and National Security.
INTS 222: Global Health Politics.
INTS 340: The Politics of Migration.
INTS 341: Comparative Ecopolitics.
PHIL 230: Environmental Ethics.
PHIL 315: Philosophy of Science & Nature.
PHIL 332: Animal Ethics.
PHIL 401: Ethics of Captivity.
PLAW 206: Urban Politics and Policy.
RELS 101/102: The Bible and the Environment.
RELS 101: The Bible and the City.
RELS 101/102: The Bible and Food.
RELS 220: Landscape and Ecological Spirituality.
RELS 258. Religion, Nature, and Environmental Crisis.
RELS 300: Religion, Nature, and the Anthropocene.
RELS 301: Socially Engaged Buddhism.
SPAN 318: Ecocritical Perspectives in Latin America.
URBN 201: Introduction to Urban Studies.
URBN 235: Principles of Public Health.
URBN 265: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
URBN 320: Globalization and Cities.
URBN 365: Intro to Urban Planning and Design.
INTD 225: Geographic Information Systems.
ENVS 486: Senior Seminar.
Experiential Learning. Each student in the major will be required to complete an environmentally-oriented experience in which they will have a substantial engagement with environmental issues outside the Rhodes campus. There are several ways to complete this requirement, some of which are credit-bearing, but others are not. As with the College’s F11 requirement, students are not required to receive academic credit. The experiential learning component may be fulfilled by a course that counts as one of the electives for the major. Students may enroll in one of the courses listed below (Section A), or receive approval from the Chair of the Program for an alternative experience (Section B).
Students may enroll in one of the following:
ARCE 120: Field Research in Environmental Archaeology.
ARCE 450: Archaeological Field School.
BIOL 214: Environmental Field Study in Namibia.
ENVS 170: Rocky Mountain Field Research (at Teton Science Schools).
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 450: Independent Research Project. (Semester in Environmental Science Program, Woods Hole)
ENVS 451-452: Research.
ENVS 460: Internship in Environmental Studies and Sciences.
ENVS 495-496: Honors Tutorial.
Experiences other than those listed above must be approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and will require a substantial essay, evaluated by the chair of the program, which links the student’s experience with what they learned in the classroom. Experiences may include organized service projects at Rhodes with faculty or staff oversight (such as the Summer Service Fellowships), or study abroad experiences approved by Rhodes with significant environmental content as determined by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
N.B.: Although not required for the major, COMP 141: Computer Science I, is strongly recommended.
Six Environmental Studies electives from the following list; courses must come from at least two departments or programs; additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program:
ANSO 201: Human Evolution.
ANSO 221: North of the Rio Grande: Indigenous People of North America.
ANSO 251: Nature and Society.
ANSO 265: Selected Introductory Topics in Anthropology and Sociology. (i.e. Southern Foodscapes, or other environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
ANSO 271: Ecological Anthropology.
ANSO 273: Gender and the Environment.
ANSO 345: Just Food.
ART 166. Art and Science.
CHIN 216: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
ECON 349: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.
ENVS 205: Topics in Environmental Studies.
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 451-452: Research.
ENVS 495-496: Honors Tutorial.
FREN 442: Francophone Ecocriticism.
FYWS 151: Energy & Waste.
FYWS 151: Consuming Cultures & the Problem of Waste.
HIST 105: Disease & Epidemics.
HIST 201: History of Environmental Thought.
HIST 207: Global Environmental History.
HIST 209: Natural Disasters.
HIST 307: Nature and War.
HUM 201: Search for Values. (Bakewell's, Colley's, Jackson’s, Loth's, or Rogers' section only)
INTS 220: Global Ecopolitics.
INTS 221: Population and National Security.
INTS 222: Global Health Politics.
INTS 340: The Politics of Migration.
INTS 341: Comparative Ecopolitics.
PHIL 230: Environmental Ethics.
PHIL 315: Philosophy of Science and Nature.
PHIL 332: Animal Ethics.
PHIL 401: The Ethics of Captivity.
PLAW 206: Urban Politics and Policy.
PLAW 380: Environmental Law and Policy.
RELS 101/102: Bible and the Environment.
RELS 101: Bible and the City.
RELS 101/102: Bible and Food.
RELS 220: Landscape and Ecological Spirituality.
RELS 258. Religion, Nature, and Environmental Crisis.
RELS 300: Religion, Nature, and the Anthropocene.
RELS 301: Socially Engaged Buddhism.
SPAN 318: Ecocritical Perspectives in Latin America.
URBN 201: Introduction to Urban Studies.
URBN 235: Principles of Public Health.
URBN 265: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
URBN 320: Globalization and Cities.
URBN 365: Intro to Urban Planning and Design.
Two additional Environmental Sciences courses from the following list; additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program:
No Prerequisites
BIOL 105(L): Global Change Biology (other topics for BIOL 105 may not apply)
BIOL 110(L): Biology for Global Citizens.
BIOL 120(L): Introduction to Environmental Science.
CHEM 120 and CHEM 125: Foundations of Chemistry.
ENVS 106: Introductory Topics in Environmental Science.
MATH 115: Applied Calculus or a statistics course (ECON 290 or MATH 111 or MATH 211 or PSYC 211) or COMP 141: Computer Science I.
MATH 214: Discrete Mathematical Modeling with Biological Applications.
Prerequisites: INTD 225 (GIS)
ENVS 325: Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing.
Prerequisites: ENVS 111 or BIOL 120 or CHEM 120
ENVS 206(L): Topics in Environmental Sciences.
ENVS 211(L): Geomorphology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 120 and CHEM 120 or BIOL 130-131 and 140-141
BIOL 207(L): Animal Behavior.
BIOL 212 : Environmental Issues in Southern Africa.
BIOL 260: Science of Climate Change.
BIOL 311(L): Invertebrate Biology.
BIOL 315(L): Ecology.
BIOL 316(L): Freshwater Ecology.
BIOL 318(L): Entomology.
BIOL 320(L): Conservation Biology.
BIOL 345(L): Ornithology.
BIOL 348(L): Wildlife Biology.
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology. (Environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
Prerequisites: BIOL 130-131 and 140-141
BIOL 200(L): Evolution.
BIOL 201(L): Mycology.
BIOL 301(L): Microbiology.
BIOL 302: Parasitology.
BIOL 322(L): Plant Diversity and Evolution.
BIOL 365(L): Advanced Topics in Biology. (Environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
CHEM 206: Environmental Chemistry.
CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I.
Prerequisite: CHEM 211
CHEM 240(L): Analytical Chemistry.
Prerequisite: PHYS 111 and PHYS 112
PHYS 260: Science of Climate Change.
INTD 225: Geographic Information Systems.
ENVS 486: Senior Seminar.
Experiential Learning. Each student in the major will be required to complete an environmentally-oriented experience in which they will have a substantial engagement with environmental issues outside the Rhodes campus. There are several ways to complete this requirement, some of which are credit-bearing, but others are not. As with the College’s F11 requirement, students are not required to receive academic credit. The experiential learning component may be fulfilled by a course that counts as one of the electives for the major. Students may enroll in one of the courses listed below (Section A), or receive approval from the Chair of the Program for an alternative experience (Section B).
Students may enroll in one of the following:
ARCE 120: Field Research in Environmental Archaeology.
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 451-452: Research.
ENVS 460: Internship in Environmental Studies and Sciences.
ENVS 495-496: Honor's Tutorial.
Experiences other than those listed above must be approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and will require a substantial essay, evaluated by the chair of the program, which links the student’s experience with what they have learned in the classroom. Experiences may include organized service projects at Rhodes with faculty or staff oversight (such as the Summer Service Fellowships), or study abroad experiences approved by Rhodes with significant environmental content as determined by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
ENVS 108: Tropical Biology. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 111(L): Physical Geology.
ENVS 170: Rocky Mountain Field Research. (at Teton Science Schools)
MATH 214: Discrete Mathematical Modeling with Biological Applications.
Three of the following Environmental Sciences courses from the following list. At least one must be taken from outside student’s major department or program. Additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
No Prerequisites
BIOL 120(L): Introduction to Environmental Sciences.
CHEM 120 and CHEM 125: Foundations of Chemistry.
ENVS 106 or 106(L): Introductory Topics in Environmental Science.
ENVS 450: Independent Research Project. (Semester in Environmental Science Program, Woods Hole)
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
CHEM 206: Environmental Chemistry.
CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I.
Prerequisite: CHEM 211
CHEM 240(L): Analytical Chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 240
CHEM 406: Advanced Analytical Chemistry.
Prerequisites: PHYS 111 and PHYS 112
PHYS 260: Science of Climate Change
4. One additional Environmental Studies elective from the following list. Additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
ANSO 201: Human Evolution.
ANSO 221: North of the Rio Grande: Indigenous People of North America.
ANSO 251: Nature and Society.
ANSO 265: Selected Introductory Topics in Anthropology and Sociology. (i.e. Southern Foodscapes, or other environmentally- related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
ANSO 271: Ecological Anthropology.
ANSO 273: Gender and the Environment.
ANSO 345: Just Food.
ART 166: Art and Science.
CHIN 216: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
ECON 100: Intro to Economics
ECON 349: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.
ENVS 205: Topics in Environmental Studies. (when approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
FREN 442: Francophone Ecocriticism.
FYWS 151: Energy & Waste.
FYWS 151: Consuming Cultures & the Problem of Waste.
HIST 105: Disease & Epidemics.
HIST 201: History of Environmental Thought.
HIST 207: Global Environmental History.
HIST 209: Natural Disasters.
HIST 307: Nature and War.
HUM 201: Search for Values. (Bakewell's, Colley's, Jackson’s, Loth's, or Rogers' section only)
INTS 220: Global Ecopolitics.
INTS 221: Population and National Security.
INTS 222: Global Health Politics.
INTS 340: The Politics of Migration.
INTS 341: Comparative Ecopolitics.
PHIL 230: Environmental Ethics.
PHIL 315: Philosophy of Science and Nature.
PHIL 332: Animal Ethics.
PHIL 401: The Ethics of Captivity.
PLAW 206: Urban Politics and Policy.
PLAW 380: Environmental Law and Policy.
RELS 101/102: Bible and Environment.
RELS 101: Bible and the City.
RELS 101/102: Bible and Food.
RELS 220: Landscape and Ecological Spirituality.
RELS 258: Religion, Nature, and Environmental Crisis.
RELS 300: Religion, Nature & the Anthropocene.
SPAN 318: Ecocritical Perspectives in Latin America.
URBN 201: Introduction to Urban Studies.
URBN 235: Principles of Public Health.
URBN 265: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
URBN 320: Globalization and Cities.
URBN 365: Intro to Urban Planning and Design.
5. Experiential Learning. Each student in the minor will be required to complete an environmentally-oriented experience in which they will have a substantial engagement with environmental issues outside the Rhodes campus. There are several ways to complete this requirement, some of which are credit-bearing, but others are not. As with the College’s F11 requirement, students are not required to receive academic credit. The experiential learning component may be fulfilled by a course that counts as one of the electives for the minor. Students may enroll in one of the courses listed below (Section A), or receive approval from the Chair of the Program for an alternative experience (Section B).
Students may enroll in one of the following:
ARCE 120: Field Research in Environmental Archaeology.
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 451-452: Research.
ENVS 460: Internship in Environmental Studies and Sciences.
ENVS 495-496: Honor's Tutorial.
Experiences other than those listed above must be approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and will require a substantial essay, evaluated by the chair of the program, which links the student’s experience with what they have learned in the classroom. Experiences may include organized service projects at Rhodes with faculty or staff oversight (such as the Summer Service Fellowships), or study abroad experiences approved by Rhodes with significant environmental content as determined by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
N.B.: Although not required for the minor, COMP 141: Computer Science I, is strongly recommended.
A total of twenty-four to twenty-five (24-25) credits and one additional experiential environmental experience as follows:
ENVS 150: Environment and Society.
Four of the following Environmental Studies courses from at least two departments or programs. Additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
ANSO 201: Human Evolution.
ANSO 221: North of the Rio Grande: Indigenous People of North America.
ANSO 251: Nature and Society.
ANSO 265: Selected Introductory Topics in Anthropology and Sociology. (i.e. Southern Foodscapes, or other environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
ANSO 271: Ecological Anthropology.
ANSO 273: Gender and the Environment.
ANSO 345: Just Food.
ART 166: Art and Science.
CHIN 216: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
ECON 100: Intro to Economics
ECON 349: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.
ENVS 205: Topics in Environmental Studies.
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 451-452: Research.
FREN 442: Francophone Ecocriticism.
FYWS 151: Energy & Waste.
FYWS 151: Consuming Cultures & the Problem of Waste.
HIST 105: Disease & Epidemics.
HIST 201: History of Environmental Thought.
HIST 207: Global Environmental History.
HIST 209: Natural Disasters.
HIST 307: Nature and War.
HUM 201: Search for Values. (Jackson’s, Bakewell's, Loth's, or Rogers' section only)
INTD 225: Geographic Information Systems.
INTS 220: Global Ecopolitics.
INTS 221: Population and National Security.
INTS 222: Global Ecopolitics.
INTS 340: The Politics of Migration.
INTS 341: Comparative Ecopolitics.
PHIL 230: Environmental Ethics.
PHIL 315: Philosophy of Science and Nature.
PHIL 332: Animal Ethics.
PHIL 401: The Ethics of Captivity.
PLAW 206: Urban Politics and Policy.
PLAW 380: Environmental Law and Policy.
RELS 101/102: Bible and Environment.
RELS 101: Bible and the City.
RELS 101/102: Bible and Food.
RELS 220: Landscape and Ecological Spirituality.
RELS 258: Religion, Nature, and Environmental Crisis.
RELS 300: Religion, Nature, and the Anthropocene.
RELS 301: Socially Engaged Buddhism.
SPAN 318: Ecocritical Perspectives in Latin America.
URBN 201: Introduction to Urban Studies.
URBN 235: Principles of Public Health.
URBN 265: Asian Urbanization through Cinema.
URBN 320: Globalization and Cities.
URBN 365: Intro to Urban Planning and Design.
One Environmental Sciences course from the following list. Additional courses may be designated by the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
No Prerequisites
BIOL 105(L): Global Change Biology. (other topics are not approved)
BIOL 110(L): Biology for Global Citizens.
BIOL 120(L): Introduction to Environmental Science.
CHEM 120 and CHEM 125: Foundations of Chemistry.
ENVS 106(L): Introductory Topics in Environmental Science.
MATH 115: Applied Calculus or COMP 141: Computer Science I or a statistics course (ECON 290, MATH 111, MATH 211, or PSYC 211).
MATH 214: Discrete Mathematical Modeling with Biological Applications.
Prerequisite: INTD 225 (GIS)
ENVS 325: Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing.
Prerequisites: ENVS 111
ENVS 206(L): Topics in Environmental Sciences.
ENVS 211(L): Geomorphology
Prerequisites: BIOL 120 and CHEM 120 or BIOL 130-131 and 140-141
BIOL 207(L): Animal Behavior.
BIOL 212: Environmental Issues in Southern Africa.
BIOL 260: Science of Climate Change.
BIOL 311(L): Invertebrate Biology.
BIOL 315(L): Ecology.
BIOL 316(L): Freshwater Ecology.
BIOL 318(L): Entomology.
BIOL 320(L): Conservation Biology.
BIOL 345(L): Ornithology.
BIOL 348(L): Wildlife Biology.
BIOL 365: Advanced Topics in Biology. (Environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
Prerequisites: BIOL 130-131 and 140-141
BIOL 200(L): Evolution.
BIOL 201(L): Mycology.
BIOL 301(L): Microbiology.
BIOL 302: Parasitology.
BIOL 322(L): Plant Diversity and Evolution.
BIOL 365(L): Advanced Topics in Biology. (Environmentally-related topic approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program)
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
CHEM 206: Environmental Chemistry.
CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I.
Prerequisite: CHEM 211
CHEM 240(L): Analytical Chemistry.
Prerequisite: PHYS 111 and PHYS 112
PHYS 260: Science of Climate Change.
Experiential Learning. Each student in the minor will be required to complete an environmentally-oriented experience in which they will have a substantial engagement with environmental issues outside the Rhodes campus. There are several ways to complete this requirement, some of which are credit-bearing, but others are not. As with the College’s F11 requirement, students are not required to receive academic credit. The experiential learning component may be fulfilled by a course that counts as one of the electives for the minor. Students may enroll in one of the courses listed below (Section A), or receive approval from the Chair of the Program for an alternative experience (Section B).
Students may enroll in one of the following:
ARCE 120: Field Research in Environmental Archaeology.
ARCE 450: Archaeological Field School.
BIOL 214: Environmental Field Study in Namibia.
BIOL 451-452: Research (when environmentally focused)
ENVS 170: Rocky Mountain Field Research. (at Teton Science Schools)
ENVS 207: Linking the Local to the Global. (Global Environmental Challenges Semester in Ecuador)
ENVS 451-452: Research.
ENVS 460: Internship in Environmental Studies and Sciences.
Experiences other than those listed above must be approved by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and will require a substantial essay, evaluated by the chair of the program, which links the student’s experience with what they have learned in the classroom. Experiences may include organized service projects at Rhodes with faculty or staff oversight (such as the Summer Service Fellowships), or study abroad experiences approved by Rhodes with significant environmental content as determined by the chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences program.
Gender and Sexuality Studies focuses on the ways in which gender and sexuality function as part of a dynamic system that shapes identity, structures knowledge, and determines the distribution of social and political power.
Elizabeth Bridges, Department of Modern Languages Zachary Casey, Department of Education Kathleen Doyle, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Joy Brooke Fairfield, Media Studies Program Rhiannon Graybill, Department of Religious Studies, Chair Judith Haas, Department of English Kimberly Kasper, Department of Anthropology and Sociology Mona Kreitner, Department of Music Susan Kus, Department of Anthropology and Sociology Han Li, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Jeanne Lopiparo, Department of Anthropology and Sociology Laura Loth, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Shira Malkin, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures David McCarthy, Department of Art Joel Parsons, Director, Clough Hanson Gallery Evie Perry, Department of Anthropology and Sociology Leslie Petty, Department of English Rashna Richards, Department of English Amy Risley, Department of International Studies Vanessa Rogers, Department of Music Brooke Schedneck, Department of Religious Studies Elizabeth Thomas, Department of Psychology and Urban Studies Rebecca Tuvel, Department of Philosophy Marsha Walton, Department of Psychology
Requirements for a Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies
A total of twenty-four (24) credits as follows:
Gender and Sexuality Studies 200. Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Gender and Sexuality Studies 400. Feminist Theory.
Four courses selected from the Gender and Sexuality Studies curriculum.
Two of these courses must come from fields outside of one’s major. A list of GSS-approved courses is updated and circulated every semester. Students with questions are encouraged to contact the program director.
For one of these four courses, students are encouraged to consider an Internship or a Directed Inquiry. In order to receive academic credit for either the Internship or the Directed Inquiry, students must write a proposal, in consultation with a faculty mentor and submit the proposal for approval by the director of Gender and Sexuality Studies.
The Department of History at Rhodes has a national reputation for preparing students to think critically about the historical forces that have shaped the world’s civilizations and cultures, to see the links between the past and the present, to become clear and effective writers and speakers, and to apply their knowledge as thoughtful citizens of the world. A wide range of course offerings, internships, fellowships, and research opportunities empower students to prepare for success in any career path which they choose and to find their place within the ongoing human story.
Decades’ worth of data gathered by the Rhodes College Alumni Office shows how Rhodes History alumni have succeeded in an amazingly wide range of occupations from filmmaking and urban planning to museums and teaching at the university level. Our graduates work as members of the clergy, account executives, business managers, musicians, journalists, members of the US military, counselors, business analysts, marketers, librarians and archivists, coaches, IT specialists, pilots, social workers, brokers, Peace Corps veterans, real estate developers, non-profit executives, artists, flight attendants, restauranteurs, land use planners -- and that’s just the beginning.
History Course Numbering
History 100-level courses. History courses at the 100 level are introductory topics designed with first-year students and sophomores in mind but are open to all students at Rhodes who are interested in learning more about the topic or the study of History. History 105 is a writing intensive seminar focused on specific topics and fulfills one of the “written communication” requirements (F2i) under the Foundations Curriculum. These courses also fulfill the “historical forces” (F3) requirement. History 165 often fulfills Foundations, but varies with the topic. Students may repeat these courses for credit toward the History major and minor if the topic is different.
History 200-level courses. These courses cover a broad chronological span or large geographical area and are introductory in nature. In addition to mastering course content, students will begin to learn to think historically through interpretive writing assignments that require them to draw from and engage with course material and readings. Such courses are open to all students and normally fulfill the "historical forces" Foundation (F3) requirement. Several of these courses also fulfill other Foundations, including "meaning and value" (F1), "institution and society" (F8), and "cultural perspectives" (F9).
History 300-level courses. These courses focus on specific topics or time periods, while paying significant attention to historiography. Students are required to make a significant oral presentation. Sophomore standing is required for these courses, unless otherwise noted. Several of these courses also fulfill Foundation requirements, including "meaning and value" (F1), "literary texts" (F4), and "cultural perspectives" (F9).
History 400-level courses. These courses focus on specific topics or time periods, while paying significant attention to historiography. Students are required to complete a substantive research paper in which they engage substantially with primary sources. Sophomore standing is required for these courses. Sophomore standing is required for these courses, unless otherwise noted.
Timothy S. Huebner. 1995.. The Irma O. Sternberg Professor of History. B.A., University of Miami; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Florida. (U.S. South, nineteenth century, U.S. constitutional/legal history)
Jeffrey H. Jackson. 2000. B.S., Vanderbilt University; Ph.D., University of Rochester. (Modern Europe, France, cultural history, natural disasters)
Jonathan Judaken. 2011. The Spence Wilson Chair in the Humanities. B.A. University of California, San Diego; M.A. and Ph.D. University of California, Irvine (Modern Europe, cultural and intellectual history)
Etty Terem. 2008. The J.J. McComb Chair in History, B.A. and M.A., Tel Aviv University; Ph.D., Harvard University. (Modern Middle East and North Africa, Islamic law and society)
Lynn B. Zastoupil. 1988. B.A., Dickinson State College; M.A., University of Texas; Ph.D., University of Minnesota. (Modern Britain, India, European intellectual history)
Associate Professors
Michael J. LaRosa. 1995. B.A., George Washington University; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Miami. (Contemporary Latin America, Colombia, church history)
Seok-Won Lee. 2011. B.A., and M.A., Yonsei University; Ph.D. Cornell University. (Modern East Asia)
Charles W. McKinney, Jr., 2004. Neville Frierson Bryan Chair of Africana Studies. B.A., Morehouse College; M.A. and Ph.D., Duke University. (African-American history, civil rights studies, twentieth-century United States)
Robert F. Saxe.2003. B.A., Reed College; Ph.D., University of Illinois. (Twentieth-century United States, political history, war and society)
Tait S. Keller. 2008. Chair. B.A., University of Rochester; M.A. and Ph.D., Georgetown University. (Environmental history, modern Europe, Germany)
Completion of all requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, as well as a minimum overall grade point average of 3.50 and a minimum history grade point average of 3.50.
Completion of History 495-496.
Completion of a major research project, culminating in a research paper and an oral presentation. The student normally begins preparing a proposal by taking a directed inquiry in the spring of the junior year.The formal research proposal must be accepted by the Department early in the student’s senior year. The project must be completed and approved by the supervising committee by April.
Nine (9) additional courses at the 100, 200, 300, and 400 levels, selected according to the following principles:
Of the nine courses, no more than two sections of History 105 may be taken.
Of the nine courses, at least two must be seminar courses at the 300 level.
Of the nine courses, at least two must be seminar courses at the 400 level.
Of the nine courses taken at all levels, at least one must be taken in five of the six areas listed below:
History of Asia
History of Europe
Global/Comparative History
History of Latin America
History of North Africa/Middle East
History of the United States
Of the nine courses taken at all levels, at least one must concentrate in the period prior to 1500 CE. The following courses meet that requirement: History 211, 212, 213, 222, 223, 271, 282, 293, 311, 312, 313, and 375. (There may be special topics as well.)
Humanities 201 (History Track) counts as a 200-level history course, although it does not fulfill one of the area requirements listed above.
Credit earned through AP or IB does not fulfill the requirements of the major or minor but does count toward the 128 credits required for graduation.
The First-Year Writing Seminars (FYWS) are offered by different departments across the curriculum and fulfill the first component of the F2 Requirement.
Director of College Writing: Rebecca Finlayson, Department of English
151. First-Year Writing Seminar.
Fall, Spring. Credits 4.
Degree Requirement: F2s.
A course that develops the ability to read and think critically, to employ discussion and writing as a means of exploring and refining ideas, and to express those ideas in effective prose. Individual sections of the course will explore different topics in reading, discussion, and writing. Topics are selected by individual professors and are designed to help students develop transferable skills of analysis and argumentation, applicable to the various disciplines of the liberal arts and sciences. Several papers will be required, at least one of which will involve use of the library and proper documentation. The seminar will emphasize successive stages of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, and revision, and will provide feedback from classmates and the instructor. Students may not take both FYWS 151 and FYWS 155.
155. First-Year Writing Seminar: Daily Themes.
Fall, Spring. Credits 4.
Degree Requirement: F2s.
An alternative to FYWS 151 offered to outstanding first-year writers, by invitation from the Director of College Writing. The course is limited to 12 students who meet as a class once a week and individually with the instructor or in small groups with the Writing Fellow once a week. Students will turn in 4 one-page themes each week. Some research will be required, and students will use their daily themes as the basis for two longer papers: one at mid term and the other at the end of the semester. Students may not take both FYWS 151 and FYWS 155.
Staff: Thomas Bremer, Department of Religious Studies Patrick Gray, Department of Religious Studies Stephen R. Haynes, Department of Religious Studies Kendra G. Hotz, Department of Religious Studies John C. Kaltner, Department of Religious Studies Steven L. McKenzie, Department of Religious Studies Bernadette McNary-Zak, Department of Religious Studies Susan Satterfield, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies David Sick, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies
In the first two courses of the Life: Then and Now program, the student is introduced to the major methodological approaches to the study of religion represented in the “Life” curriculum. The student selects the last course from a range of courses that apply these specific methodological approaches to different aspects of religion. Fuller course descriptions may be found in the departmental listings.
101-102. Biblical Texts and Contexts: Selected Topics.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4 (per semester).
Degree Requirements: Life Then and Now, F1; F2i (RS 102 only)
This two-course sequence of selected topics enables students to develop critical knowledge of biblical texts and post-biblical traditions by helping them understand how these works and their histories of reception inform interpretive contexts. Students will acquire skills in critical thinking, analysis, reading, and writing that will equip them to recognize the relevance of the academic study of biblical texts and religion. Selected works from the biblical writings and affiliated literature will be discussed within the framework of topics that will allow students to explore their own and others’ operative assumptions about meaning and values.
Religious Studies 101-102 is a prerequisite for 200-level courses in the Religious Studies Department. Humanities 101-102 can substitute for this prerequisite.
Final Courses.
The concluding courses in the “Life” curriculum allow the student to focus in particular areas of the study of religion or philosophy. See the departmental listings under “Religious Studies,” “Philosophy,” and “Ancient Mediterranean Studies” for specific courses in the Life curriculum.
The Search for Values in the Light of Western History and Religion
Staff:
Geoffrey Bakewell, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Gordon Bigelow, Department of English Elizabeth Bridges, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Miriam G. Clinton, Department of Art and Art History Daniel E. Cullen, Department of Philosophy
Sarah Ifft Decker, Department of History
Erin Dolgoy, Department of Philosophy and Department of Politics and Law Scott Garner, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Patrick Gray, Department of Religious Studies Judith P. Haas, Department of English Stephen R. Haynes, Department of Religious Studies Timothy Huebner, Department of History Joseph Jansen, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Jonathan Judaken, Department of History Ariel Lopez, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Laura Loth, Department of Modern Languages and Lituratures David Mason, Media Studies Program Bernadette McNary-Zak, Department of Religious Studies Kenneth S. Morrell, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Vanessa Rogers, Department of Music
Sarah Rollens, Department of Religious Studies Eric Sampson, Department of Philosophy
Susan Satterfield, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies David H. Sick, Department of Ancient Mediterranean Studies Rebecca Tuvel, Department of Philosophy Stephen H. Wirls, Department of Philosophy
Humanities 101-102-201. The Search for Values in the Light of Western History and Religion.
Fall-Spring-Fall. Credits: 4-4-4.
Degree Requirements: F1.
The “Search” curriculum is a three-semester sequence of Humanities courses that focuses on major works that have formed the western tradition. In a small, seminar setting, Search students and faculty engage in sustained examination of vital questions arising from an individual’s relationships to the natural world, human society, and the products of human culture. We approach these questions by interrogating central texts within, and written in contestation of, western intellectual traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Students read the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Qur'an in conjunction with other selected works from the ancient and medieval worlds. The texts we study over the course of our three semesters speak directly to each other, often radically critiquing the traditions out of which they emerge. In Search, we critically examine the assumptions that emerge from these disputed traditions, assumptions that underlie cultures and institutions in the modern world. Throughout, we stress the skills that are central to the whole curriculum (careful reading, analytical writing, critical thinking and discussion), and we equip students to enter into a lively and lifelong conversation of ideas.
HUM 101 and 102
The first semester of Search focuses on the ancient world and follows the history and literature of the Israelites and the Greeks. Texts include the ancient Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, the Hebrew Bible, and the selected works of Homer, Thucydides, Plato, and Aristotle. The second semester of Search covers literature from the Hellenistic period to the Middle Ages. Texts include Virgil’s Aeneid, the New Testament, the Qur’an, and Dante’s Divine Comedy. During the first year of the course, all Search colloquia follow a common syllabus; every 2-3 weeks, all Search students meet for a plenary lecture delivered by one of the Search faculty.
HUM 201
The third semester of Search pursues the questions raised in the first year as they play out in the modern world. Students trace the roles of biblical and classical heritages in the shaping of the values, character, and institutions of Western culture and its understanding of self and world. Different sections follow different themes and disciplinary focuses determined by the instructor.
Prerequisites: Humanities 101 is a prerequisite for Humanities 102. Humanities 102 is a prerequisite for Humanities 201. These prerequisites may be satisfied alternatively by the permission of the instructor.
Students interested in interdisciplinary study are encouraged to consider interdisciplinary majors. The following interdisciplinary majors have been approved by the Faculty, and the required courses have been defined as listed below. Students who wish to declare any of these established interdisciplinary majors may do so by filing the normal Declaration of Major form with the Office of the Registrar. Any deviation from the program of study outlined in the description must be approved by the chairpersons of the departments involved.
Biology Electives (14 credits): Select 3 courses from the following list in consultation with the advisor (2 must have a lab):
Biology courses at the 200 or 300 level [Biology 307 (Cell Biology) may combine with BMB 310 (Methods in Cell Biology and Biochemistry) to satisfy a lab elective]
Chemistry 315 (Biochemistry) [may combine with BMB 310 (Methods in Cell Biology and Biochemistry) to satisfy a lab elective]
Chemistry 416 (Mechanisms of Drug Action)
Neuroscience 270 (Neuroscience) [may combine with Neuroscience 350 (Neuroscience Research Methods) to satisfy a lab elective]
Senior Research (4 credits):
Normally, students will have two advisors: one who advises the mathematical component of their senior research and one who advises the biological component of their research. Each student will take four credits of seminar, one credit in the spring of their junior year, and three credits in their senior year (all in one semester or divided between fall and spring semesters). Students may petition to substitute Math 451/452 or participation in Research Fellowships/St. Jude Summer Plus program for two terms before junior spring semester for credit for Math 386. See the Math Chair for more details.
Math 386 (Junior Sem) or Math 451/452
Math 485, 486 (Senior Seminar)
Recommended Courses:
If considering grad school in Ecology it is strongly recommended that students take Bio 315, CS 142, and Math 311.
If considering grad school in Mathematics, Biomathematics, or Mathematical Ecology it is strongly recommended that students take Math 201, 261, and 321.
Students should consider Bio 214, or EnvS 160 as a means of fulfilling their F-11 requirement.
Physics 111 + 113L (Fundamentals in Physics I) as appropriate to career goals
Some classes that may be of interest:
Economics 407 (Game Theory)
History 105 (Special Topics: Disease & Epidemics) F2i, F3
History 270 (Global Environmental History) F3, F11
History 307 (Nature & War) F3
International Studies 340, 341 (Global Ecopolitics, Comparative Ecopolitics) F8
1. Economics 100 Introduction to Economics, 201 Intermediate Microeconomics, 202 Intermediate Macroeconomics, 290 Statistical Analysis for Economics and Business, 420 Econometrics, 486 Senior Seminar in Economics.
2. Business 241 Financial Accounting, 243 Managerial Accounting, 351 Corporate Financial Management, 361 Management of Organizations, 371 Marketing Management, 486 Senior Seminar in Business.
3. Four credits from:
a. ECON 250: Readings in Economics
b. ECON 265: Topics in Economics
c. ECON 305: Public Economics
d. ECON 308: Industrial Organization
e. ECON 310: International Trade and Policy
f. ECON 311: International Financial Economics
g. ECON 312: Economic Development
h. ECON 317: Money and Banking
i. ECON 318: Economics of Crime and Corruption
j. ECON 323: Classical and Marxian Political Economy
k. ECON 331: Labor Economics
l. ECON 338: European Economic History
m. ECON 339: U.S. Economic History
n. ECON 343: Family Economics
o. ECON 345: Economics of Sports
p. ECON 349: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
q. ECON 357: Economics of Risk, Uncertainty, and Information
r. ECON 377: Economics of Education
s. ECON 407: Game Theory
t. ECON 412: Data Management and Analysis (new course added last year)
u. ECON 440: Advanced Econometrics
v. ECON 465: Advanced Topics in Economics
4. One course from each of two of the following areas:
a. Accounting: Business 341 Intermediate Accounting I
b. Finance: Business 452 Cases in Managerial Finance, 454 International Financial Management/Financial Analytics.
c. Management: Business 463 International Management, 466 Personnel and Human Resource Management, 467 Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
d. Marketing: Business 472 Marketing Analytics and Metrics , 473 International Marketing, 474 Services Marketing.
e. Other: Business 481 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, 483 Advanced International Business Cases, 484 Social Impact of Business in South Africa
5. Math 115 Applied Calculus, 116 Calculus with Business Applications or 122 Integral Calculus
6. Recommended: Mathematics 107 Linear Methods; Philosophy 225 Justice, Equality, and Liberty; Media Studies 240 Public Speaking, Computer Science 141 Programming Fundamentals, 142 Object-Oriented Programming, Business 460 Internship, Economics 460 Internship.
A total of 15-16 courses (60-64 credits) as follows:
Economics 100, 201, 202, 290, 310, 312; either Economics 486 or International Studies 485.
Economics 407 or 420.
International Studies 110, 120, 300, and three additional courses at 200-level or above. At least one 4-credit course should be selected from Area A - Global Leadership, and at least one 4-credit course should be selected from Area B - Regional Leadership.
Mathematics 115, 116 or 122.
An appropriate foreign language through completion of the second year (202) or demonstrated proficiency through the 202 level as indicated by an appropriate proficiency test.
A total of 12-13 courses (48-52 credits) as follows:
1. HIST 300.
2. Two History courses at the 300 or 400 level.
3. International Studies 110, 120, 270, 300.
4. Economics 100.
5. A total of three additional courses, including at least one from History and at least one from International Studies. Students must choose one of the following concentrations:
a. Africa/Middle East: HIST 105 (WHEN COURSE TOPIC IS FOCUSED ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL REGION), HIST 271, HIST 272, HIST 275, HIST 276, HIST 277, INTS 243, INTS 244, INTS 245, INTS 251, INTS 252, INTS 253, INTS 254.
b. Asia: HIST 105 (WHEN COURSE TOPIC IS FOCUSED ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL REGION), HIST 281, HIST 282, HIST 283, HIST 287, HIST 288, HIST 293, HIST 294, INTS 260, INTS 261, INTS 262, INTS 263, INTS 264, INTS 395.
e. Latin America: HIST 105 (WHEN COURSE TOPIC IS FOCUSED ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL REGION), HIST 261, HIST 262, HIST 267, INTS 273, INTS 274.
6. International Studies 485. Senior paper to be written under the direction of one faculty member from each department. The senior paper should pertain to the student’s concentration.
7. An appropriate foreign language through completion of the second year (202) or demonstrated proficiency through the 202 level as indicated by an appropriate proficiency test.
Qualified students wishing to pursue Honors can do so by fulfilling the requirements of the interdisciplinary major and of the Honors Tutorial in either department.
One course from Economics 305, 308, 310, 331, 343, 357, 412, 440.
Mathematics 122, 201, 223, 251, 261.
Mathematics 311 or 321.
Economics 486 or Mathematics 485 and 486. Senior projects must have a faculty reader from both departments. The final presentation of the senior project must be made in the Senior Seminars of both departments. Students taking Math 485 and 486 are encouraged to take Math 386 (Junior Seminar) in the spring semester of their junior year.
Qualified students wishing to pursue Honors can do so by fulfilling the requirements of the interdisciplinary major and of the Honors Tutorial in either department.
Mathematics and economics majors seeking admission to graduate programs in economics, operations research, statistics, or mathematical finance are advised to also take Mathematics 312, Mathematics 431, Computer Science 141, Computer Science 142, and possibly Business 351.
Music Courses (6 courses, 8 performance credits = Two (2) 4-credit courses): a. Theory & Musicianship:
MUSC 204: Understanding Musicianship [F5]*
Two (2) 300-level music theory courses (306-313) *If placement test determines this course is redundant, choose three 300-level music theory courses.
b. History & Literature: One (1) course from: MUSC 227: Western Art Music I [F3] OR MUSC 228: Western Art Music II [F3]
c. Performance: Four (4) semesters of large ensembles (MUSC 181-184, 190-194 = 1 credit each) Four (4) semesters of applied lessons (MUSC 160-180 = 1 credit each)
d. Electives: Two (2) 4-credit courses
1. One (1) music cognition/therapy topic course (MUSC 140-149 or MUSC 340-349) 2. Other courses should be selected from the following recommended list: MUSC 103, 117-119, 130, 222, 227-228, 306, 310, or 414
NOTE: Fine Arts Scholarship waivers for Applied Music fees are outlined in the award letter which supersedes music major and minor fee waivers.
2. Psychology Courses (7 courses): a. Foundational Psychology Courses: PSYC 150: Foundational Issues in Psychology [F8] PSYC 200: Research Methods and Statistics (Sophomore year) PSYC 211: Statistical Methods [F6] (Sophomore year) b. Perception: PSYC 216 c. Advanced Research Methods: One (1) course from PSYC 350-353 (Junior year) d. Two other courses chosen from one concentration:
Cognition: PSYC 306: Language and Communication PSYC 327: Cognitive Processes PSYC 345: Cognitive Neuroscience PSYC 451-452: Research Practicum (4 credits) NEURO 270: Neuroscience NEURO 318: Neuroscience of Brain Disorders
Applied: PSYC 220: Psychology of Health PSYC 222: Educational Psychology PSYC 224: Psychological Disorders PSYC 229: Developmental Psychology: Infant and Childhood [F11] PSYC 230: Adolescent Development PSYC 311: Counseling Psychology PSYC 326: Learning and Motivation
3. Senior Experience (4 credits)
Either MUSC 485-486 or PSYC 485 as recommended by advisor and topic availability. The culminating Senior Seminar research project is required to integrate the fields of Music and Psychology.
A total of 14-15 courses (56-60 credits) as follows:
1. International Studies: 110, 120, 300, and three additional courses at 200-level or above. At least one 4-credit course should be selected from Area A - Global Leadership, and at least one 4-credit course should be selected from Area B - Regional Leadership.
2. Politics and Law: PLAW 151; PLAW 340 or 360; another 300 level course from among the following courses in American politics and policy (301, 305, 308, 318, 319, 320, 321, 330, 340, 360, 370); one of the following courses in political theory (212, 214, 218, 230, 314); one additional course at the 200 level or above. (PLAW 262,263, 264, do not count toward the Political Science and International Studies Interdisciplinary major.)
3. Economics 100 or International Studies 311.
4. International Studies 270 or PLAW 270.
5. International Studies 485 or PLAW 485.
6. An appropriate foreign language through completion of the second year (202) or demonstrated proficiency through the 202 level as indicated by an appropriate proficiency test.
2. One of the following: Russian 205, Russian 285, Russian 410, History 229, or another elective course on Russia or USSR (subject to the approval of the Russian Studies Program Director).
3. International Studies 110, 120, 270, 300, and two additional courses at 200-level or above. At least one 4-credit course should be selected from Area A - Global Leadership, and at least one 4-credit course should be selected from Area B - Regional Leadership.
The option of a self-designed interdisciplinary major is available for those students whose academic goals may best be achieved by combining and integrating the work of two or more academic departments. Like the College’s other interdisciplinary programs, the self-designed interdisciplinary major exists to provide an appropriate structure for programs of study that do not fit within the bounds of existing departments and require an interdisciplinary approach.
The majors currently offered by the College’s academic departments and interdisciplinary programs are carefully designed and rigorously reviewed by the faculty for intellectual depth and coherence. Students who wish to propose a self-designed course of study should expect that their proposals will be held to the same standards. The self-designed interdisciplinary major petition process therefore requires a significant amount of time and reflection. Students wishing to pursue this option will work closely with their advising faculty in the relevant departments to construct their proposal and to see their study through to completion.
Students who wish to pursue a self-designed interdisciplinary major must complete the required “Declaration of Interdisciplinary Major” form. In completing that form, students should follow the steps below in order to meet the rigorous criteria for the proposed program of study.
Consult with faculty members in the departments that will be combined in the major to determine the feasibility of the interdisciplinary major. Consultation with the Registrar is also recommended in order to secure an understanding of the approval procedure.
Prepare, in consultation with those faculty members and departments, a petition requesting the College Faculty’s approval of the interdisciplinary major. This petition is addressed to the Chairperson of the Faculty Educational Program Committee. The petition must contain the following items:
An essay that articulates the student’s rationale for the interdisciplinary major. Simply explaining how courses in different departments are related is not a sufficient rationale. The rationale must specifically explain why the academic goals of the self-designed major cannot be achieved through a combination of majors and minor(s). The petitioner must demonstrate that only by integrating work in the departments can those academic goals be realized. The importance of this essay cannot be overemphasized. It is not only a statement of the student’s reasons for choosing the proposed interdisciplinary major, but also a philosophical and practical statement of (i) how the new major meets the same rigorous standards as the College’s already-existing majors, (ii) how the proposed course-plan will include truly “interdisciplinary” study, (iii) how, if there are similar programs or majors at other comparable institutions, the proposed plan for interdisciplinary study compares to those.
The Declaration of Interdisciplinary Major, including a complete listing of courses that comprise the interdisciplinary major, with numbers, titles, and dates when the courses are to be taken. Though it is customary that the number of courses in each department will be fewer than what is expected of a major in that department, it is essential that substantial advanced work is done in each department. The proposed program of study must include a complete description of how the “interdisciplinary” senior experience will be structured. It must be clear how the departments involved in the major will be integrated into the senior seminar, seminars, or capstone experience. Any self-designed capstone experience should be explained in detail and should be comparable in content, rigor, and methodology to the capstone experiences for existing majors.
The Declaration of Interdisciplinary Major must be endorsed in writing by the chairpersons of the concerned departments. This endorsement must include a detailed assessment of the student’s rationale and of the student’s ability to undertake and complete successfully the work projected in the petition. The departmental endorsements should also specify who will serve as the principal faculty advisor for the student. If the student’s petition includes coursework or other projects outside of the participating departments’ normal course offerings, the chairpersons should also note their awareness of those elements of the proposal and give assurances that those or comparable opportunities will be available for the student.
The entire Declaration of Interdisciplinary Major with the completed petition is submitted to the Registrar for review before it is sent to the Education Program Committee for a full review and final determination. Incomplete Declarations will be returned to the student without review.
Interdisciplinary majors must be declared and receive approval no later than midterm of the spring semester of the junior year. It is expected that work on the petition, interviews with faculty, and consultation with the Registrar should begin as early as possible, but will take place no later than the fall semester of the junior year. The student who submits an interdisciplinary major petition will have already declared a major by midterm of the spring semester of the sophomore year. If the interdisciplinary major can be worked out in time for the sophomore year deadline for declaring a major, it should be submitted earlier.
Any proposed deviation from an approved interdisciplinary major must have departmental approvals and the approval of the Education Program Committee before changes are made in the course of study.
The Department of International Studies prepares students to understand international politics, foreign policy making, political development, international law, international organization, security and defense policy, and the politics and cultures of various countries and regions of the world.
Required: Completing Honors in the Department of International Studies is comprised of two semesters (Fall and Spring). Students must enroll in International Studies 485 in the Fall semester of the year in which the student intends to complete the Honors Project and gain departmental approval of a research proposal. Students will select an advisor who will serve as first reader. The instructor teaching Senior Seminar will also serve as a reader. A faculty member from a department or program outside of International Studies will serve as the third reader. Students should consult with International Studies faculty members and the Chair of the Department about their intentions to pursue an honors project during the spring semester prior to their senior year and obtain a copy of the “Honors in International Studies Guidelines.” A minimum GPA of 3.70 in all course work and approval of the department are required.
Stephen J. Ceccoli. 1998. P.K. Seidman Professor of Political Economy. B.A., Heidelberg College; M.A., Ph.D., Washington University. (International relations, political economy, comparative public policy.)
Shadrack W. Nasong’o. 2005. B.A., M.A., University of Nairobi, Kenya; Ph.D., Northeastern University, Boston. (African politics, comparative politics, international relations.)
Amy E. Risley. 2005. Stanley J. Buckman Professor of International Studies. B.A., University of Wisconsin, Madison; M.A., New York University; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin. (Latin American politics, comparative politics, international relations.)
Nikolaos Zahariadis. 2016. Mertie Buckman Distinguished Professor of International Studies. B.A., Slippery Rock University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Georgia. (European Politics, International relations, comparative politics.)
Associate Professors
Chien-Kai Chen. 2013. Chair. B.A., National Taiwan University; M.A., The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Ph.D., Boston University. (East Asian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations.)
Esen Kirdis. 2011. J.S. Seidman Research Fellow. B.A., Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey; Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. (Middle East politics, Islamic politics, international relations, comparative politics.)
Staff
Maya Robertson. 2021. B.S., Northwestern State University; M.S., Grambling State University.
1. Required courses: International Studies 110, 120, 270, 300, 485.
2. Economics 100 or International Studies 311.
3. Twenty (20) additional credits in International Studies with at least 8 credits from each area (A - Global Leadership, and B - Regional Leadership).
4. Completion of courses in a foreign language through the second full year at the college level (through the 202-level). Any 4-credit foreign language course above the 202-level and taught in the foreign language could also be used to satisfy the language requirement.
5. Each student in the major will be required to complete an international experience. There are several ways to complete this requirement subject to the approval of the Department Chair. Students may take a study abroad course approved by the Rhodes College study abroad office; an internship in International Studies, INTS 460; or the Model UN course, INTS 133, four times. Any such international experience with course credit would count toward No. 3 above.
The Department of International Studies offers a number of interdisciplinary majors in collaboration with other departments. These majors include International Studies/Economics; International Studies/History; International Studies/Political Science; and International Studies/Russian Studies.
2. Four additional courses at the 200-level or above. At least one course should be selected from Area A - Global Leadership, and at least one course should be selected from Area B - Regional Leadership.
Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies Program
Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies illuminates the general questions of our liberal arts and sciences curriculum from the purview of Jews, Muslims, and other Middle Easterners. The program allows students interested in Jewish and Islamic religion and Middle Eastern history, politics, and culture to focus on a deeper understanding of the contribution of Judaism and Islam to the development of world civilizations. Part of what distinguishes this program from others like it nationally is that it requires students to understand the entangled and interconnected histories, cultures, and politics of Jews, Muslims, and other religious groups over time and in different contexts, as well as the similarities and conflicts between these groups. Furthermore, this program seeks to incorporate college-wide conversations about integration and diversity on campus with the rigors of academic investigation. This program houses three different minors in (1) Jewish Studies, (2) Islamic and Middle East Studies, and (3) Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies.
Requirements for a Minor in Islamic and Middle East Studies
A total of twenty (20) credits wherein:
Students will take at least one course in each field based on the following categories:
Historical
ART 209: Art and Architecture of the Ancient Near East and Egypt
HIST 105: Special Topics (when subject matter pertains to Islamic and Middle East Studies)
Examples: Pharaonic Egypt; Egypt after the Pharaohs; Egypt in Late Antiquity; Terrorism, Torture, and Anti-Colonialism: The Algerian War of Independence; Race and Racism
HIST 223: The Fall of the Roman Empire, 300-700 CE
HIST 275: The Making of the Modern Middle East
HIST 276: Re-Making the Twentieth Century Middle East
HIST 277: Modern Islamic Thought
HIST 375: Islamic History and Civilization
HIST 475: Colonial Encounters in North Africa and Beyond
SPAN 365: Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Spain: Past and Present (taught in Spanish)
Cultural:
RELS 101: The Bible: Texts and Contexts (when subject matter pertains to Islamic and Middle East Studies)
Examples: The Bible and the Qur’an; The Bible and Islam
RELS 258: Topics in the History of Religions (when subject matter pertains to Islamic and Middle East Studies)
Examples: Introduction to Islam, Muslim-Christian Relations
RELS 277: Selected Topics in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Example: Biblical Figures in the Qur’an
Political:
INTS 243: Governments & Politics of the Middle East
INTS 244: Issues in Middle East Politics
INTS 245: US Foreign Policy in the Middle East
INTS 334: Religion & Politics
Students will take at least one course in the following departments: History, International Studies, and Religious Studies
Students will take at least one upper 300-level course or 400-level course
Students will take one Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies (JIME) course OR one course in the Jewish Studies minor
Note: RELS 276 and 277 and HIST 105 may be repeated with permission of instructor and/or program committee.
Requirements for a Minor in Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies
A total of twenty (20) credits wherein:
Students will take two courses in Jewish Studies
Students will take two courses in Islamic & Middle East Studies
Students must take at least one 300-level or 400-level course from either the Jewish Studies or Islamic and Middle East Studies minor or a Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies (JIME) course
Students must take courses in at least two different departments
Note: RELS 276 and 277 and HIST 105 may be repeated with permission of instructor and/or program committee
Through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work, Latin American and Latinx Studies majors and minors critically examine the wealth of experiences, cultural productions and histories of Latin America and the Latinx worlds. After an integrated Introduction to Latin American and Latinx Studies, the curriculum brings together courses in the fields of Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Education, Health Equity, History, Modern Languages (Spanish and Portuguese), Music, International Studies, Urban Studies, and Psychology among others, and includes community-based learning opportunities in Memphis, in the U.S, and abroad.
Requirements for a Major in Latin American and Latinx Studies
A total of forty-two (42) credits as follows:
Latin American and Latinx Studies 200: Introduction to Latin American and Latinx Studies.
Latin American and Latinx Studies 485: Senior Seminar.
Nine of the following courses from at least four different departments, and at least 1 course at the 300-level or above. No more than three courses in any one department may count toward the major:
Region specific courses (Category A, at least 30 credits or more)
Discipline specific courses with LALS attribute (Category B, 12 credits maximum)
And other courses by approval of the Chair of the LALS Program, Professor Elizabeth Pettinaroli.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts is available to students participating in the Liberal Arts in Prison Program. The Certificate is a 4-course, 12-credit undergraduate certificate. The overall goals of the Liberal Arts in Prison program are
1) to expose incarcerated students to quality postsecondary education, which research shows can lower inmate recidivism by as much as 40%
2) to enhance the lives of incarcerated men and women, the vast majority of whom will return to their home communities in Tennessee
3) to offer foundational courses that are transferrable to any higher education institution
4) to increase the aspiration for postsecondary educational achievement among children and other family members of incarcerated students.
Requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts:
Rhodes College offers a 32-credit program of study in accounting and business leading to the Master of Science in Accounting degree. The M.S. in Accounting is a professional master’s degree designed to provide a mature understanding of accepted professional practices in the field of accounting and to support entry and advancement in the various fields of professional accounting.
Additional Information
The M.S. in Accounting program office hours are generally 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (CST). For additional information, contact:
Dr. Wendy Bailey Director of M.S. in Accounting Program 901-843-3096 baileyw@rhodes.edu
The M.S. in Accounting program abides by the same academic regulations as the undergraduate program at Rhodes, with the exceptions noted below.
Registration
Qualification as a full-time, degree student requires registration for a minimum of eight (8) credits in a semester. Degree-seeking students who register for seven (7) credits or less in any one semester are classified as part-time students.
Pass-Fail
A student may enroll in a class on a pass-fail basis. Permission of the instructor and the Director of the M.S. in Accounting is required and must be obtained during the first three weeks of the class in a semester. The Pass/Fail option may not be used to satisfy any of the graduate course requirements for the M.S. in Accounting degree.
Academic Probation and Suspension
To maintain acceptable scholastic standing and to graduate, a student must have an overall grade point average of 3.000 (B) for all graduate work attempted. The Graduate Committee places on academic probation any student whose cumulative grade point average at the end of a semester falls below the minimum standard. Notification of academic probation will be printed on the student grade report. A student on academic probation is not considered to be in good academic standing. Such students are ineligible to participate in some extracurricular activities, including intercollegiate athletics. A student is removed from academic probation upon attainment of a 3.000 average in graduate courses. A student placed on academic probation because of a grade point average below 3.000 has one academic semester of course work to raise his or her average to the required 3.000. If the grade point average is not raised to a 3.000, he or she may be dropped from the program. Any student who earns a D or an F in any graduate course may be dismissed immediately from the program.
A student who wishes to apply for admission to the M.S. program complete an application from the Rhodes College website. All applicants for admission to the M.S. in Accounting program are required to submit transcripts from all colleges attended and three letters of reference. All applicants to the graduate program must have an earned baccalaureate from an accredited institution before beginning the program.
Standardized Tests
Non-domestic applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Potential students may choose to submit a GMAT score as part of the application package. Any student planning to apply to the program for fall admission should plan to take the test no later than December so that his or her scores will be available for the Graduate Admissions Committee by March 1. Test application forms may be obtained from some colleges and universities or from the GMAT website at www.mba.com. Applicants whose university instruction was not in English are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language and achieve a score of 550 or above.
Provisional Admission
A limited number of students who would be denied admission based on test scores, letters of recommendation, personal interviews and transcripts may be admitted provisionally to the program if they can demonstrate high probability of success in the program and likelihood of outstanding performance in the profession of accounting in some other manner. Other criteria may include, for example, a record of outstanding performance in a job with increasing levels of responsibility over time. Any student provisionally admitted to the program must attain a grade point average of at least a 3.00 (B) on the first twelve hours of the program completed in order to remain in the program.
Admission of Special Students (Non-degree Candidates)
Students who give evidence of sufficient ability may be admitted as special students to a course offered as part of the M.S. in Accounting curriculum. Special students may take no more than two courses. After two courses, which may total no more than eight credits, the student must make formal application to the M.S. in Accounting program and be accepted into it before taking any additional graduate courses. An undergraduate student in his or her senior year may petition the graduate committee to enroll in a graduate course as a special student. In such a case, no graduate credit will be granted for courses used to satisfy undergraduate requirements. A student may apply no more than a total of four graduate credits earned as a special student and/or for transfer credit toward the requirements for the M.S. in Accounting at Rhodes.
Readmission of Students
The M.S. in Accounting degree must be completed within three academic years from the date of initial enrollment as a degree candidate. Failure to complete the degree requirements within this time will result in being dropped from the program. Any student who wants to continue the program after being dropped must petition the Director for reinstatement.
The tuition charges, regulations for payment and withdrawal, activity fees, and special fees and deposits for the M.S. in Accounting are the same as for the undergraduate program at Rhodes. These charges and policies are outlined in the “Expenses” portion of the catalogue. Room charges and policies are also the same as those for the undergraduate programs; however, on-campus rooms will be made available to graduate students only after all undergraduate demand has been satisfied.
Financial Aid
Financial assistance for students in the M.S. in Accounting program will primarily be in the form of loans and scholarships. Other grants or assistance may be available on a need basis.
Loans
Graduate students are currently eligible for Federal Stafford Loans. Federal Stafford Loans are made on an unsubsidized basis, and the student is responsible for interest payment during periods of enrollment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Anyone interested in the student loan program should contact:
Office of Financial Aid Rhodes College 2000 N. Parkway Memphis, TN 38112-1690 Telephone 901-843-3810
Scholarships
All applicants are automatically considered for a departmental scholarship with no additional forms required to be filed. Departmental scholarships for students in the M.S. in Accounting program are merit based; financial need is not a consideration. Selection for a scholarship is based upon the candidate’s academic record, personal achievements, and promise of success in accounting.
Wendy Bailey. 2021. Director, M.S. in Accounting Program. B.S., Washington University St. Louis; M.S., University of Colorado-Boulder; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh (Accounting)
Dee Birnbaum. 1991. B.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook; M.B.A., Baruch College; M.Phil., Ph.D., City University of New York. (General management; human resource management.)
Kayla D. Booker. 2015. B.B.A., M.P.A., Ph.D., Jackson State University. C.P.A. (Accountancy.) Sujan M. Dan. 2013. B.Tech, Kerala University, India; M.S., Ph.D., Texas A&M University. (Marketing.)
Denis Khantimirov. 2015. B.A., North Ossetian State University, Russia; M.B.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ph.D., Old Dominion University. (Marketing) Kelly P. Weeks. 2015. B.A., Rhodes College; M.A. and Ph.D., The University of Memphis. (Management) Andrey Zagorchev. 2013. B.S., M.S., Plovdiv University, Bulgaria; M.B.A., Wright State University; Ph.D., Lehigh University. (Finance.)
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Jade O. Planchon. 2012. B.A., Rhodes College; M.B.A., Columbia University. (Finance.)
PART-TIME ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Milton L. Lovell. 2003. B.S., J.D., University of Mississippi. LL.M., New York University School of Law. Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel, nexAir, LLC (Accountancy; taxation.)
PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR
STAFF
Hannah Guess. 2020. Departmental Assistant. B.A. and M.A., University of Memphis.
Required courses or the equivalent substitute. (28 credits):
Business 641: Seminar in Financial Accounting Theory and Research.
Business 643: Seminar in Accounting Control.
Business 644: Accounting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit Entities.
Business 645: Taxation of Business Organizations.
Business 646: Consolidations and Advanced Accounting Topics.
Business 647: Legal and Regulatory Environment of Business.
Business 648: Systems Auditing.
Elective course. (4 credits) One 500- or 600-level course in the Department of Business.
If students have sufficient accounting courses to take the CPA examination or equivalent professional examination (e.g., CMA examination, CFA examination), they may choose up to 4 credits of BUS 675: Professional Development and Exam Preparation.
Changes in Degree Requirements
A student may satisfy the requirements for an M.S. in Accounting degree as described in any catalogue that has been in effect during the student’s enrollment in the M.S. program. Students readmitted to Rhodes may graduate under requirements in effect during the original period of enrollment or by following a program incorporating features of the current and the earlier degree requirements and approved by the Graduate Committee. For students electing to graduate under earlier degree requirements, there is no guarantee that the courses specified in those requirements will be offered.
The graduate program builds upon the undergraduate study of accounting by introducing more complex accounting practices and reasoning into the functional areas of accounting: cost, tax, auditing and advanced financial. The graduate program also addresses the legal environment of business and business ethics, accounting research, and the theory and methodology of the accounting discipline. It is central to the mission of the program that students be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. A significant component of all graduate courses will be oral presentations and discussions as well as written assignments.
The Curriculum
Core courses and prerequisites. The following courses or their equivalents are required before beginning the graduate program. The graduate committee will evaluate a student’s transcript to determine whether a core course requirement has been met. At the committee’s discretion, a student may be allowed to take core courses marked with an asterisk (*) concurrently with graduate coursework:
Financial Accounting.
Managerial Accounting.
Intermediate Accounting I and II.
Federal Income Tax .*
Auditing.*
Introduction to Economics.
Area courses. A student must complete at least one course, either graduate or undergraduate, in each of the following areas:
No more than a total of four graduate credits earned at another institution and/or graduate credit earned as a special student (see above) may be counted toward the M.S. in Accounting at Rhodes. A minimum grade of B- must be earned for any course credit to be transferred.
Transfer Credit Guidelines. The following guidelines are used in evaluating academic work from other institutions for graduate transfer credit.
The institution at which the course work is taken must be an accredited college or university.
Correspondence courses and distance learning (Internet) courses will not be accepted for meeting the program’s prerequisites (except as approved by the director), area courses, or degree requirements.
To be accepted for credit, each course must be judged comparable in terms of content and quality to a course in the graduate curriculum at Rhodes. The Program Director makes these judgments.
All course work taken at other institutions for which Rhodes receives a transcript will be evaluated for transfer credit, and if acceptable, will be posted to the student’s record.
A maximum of 4 credits (1 credit = 1 semester hour) will be accepted toward the Rhodes M.S. in Accounting degree. Transfer credits based on a quarter system are converted to the Rhodes credit basis using the formula that one quarter hour equals two-thirds credit. Fractional transfer credits will be credited.
Transfer credits are not accepted if the grade is C+ or below. Transfer credits are credited to the Rhodes transcript as credits only; they are not used to determine the grade point average.
Transfer credit may be used to satisfy M.S. degree requirements.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers students numerous opportunities to develop quantitative reasoning, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through its curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Christopher Mouron. 2002. B.S., Lafayette College; M.S. and Ph.D., Texas Tech University. (Topology, continuum theory, discrete dynamical systems.)
Chris Seaton. 2004. B.A., Kalamazoo College; Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder. (Differential geometry, differential topology, orbifolds, Lie groupoids, singular symplectic reduction, invariant theory.)
Associate Professors
Ibrahim Abdelrazeq. 2015. B.S., Yarmouk University; M.S., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., University of Ottawa. (Time series analysis, financial and actuarial mathematics, parametric and nonparametric goodness of fit tests.)
Erin N. Bodine. 2010. E.C. Ellett Professorship of Mathematics and Computer Science. B.S. and B.A., Harvey Mudd College; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (Optimal control theory, mathematical ecology, differential equations, discrete difference equations, individual and agent based modeling.)
Eric Gottlieb. 1998. B.S., Antioch College; M.S., University of Washington; Ph.D., University of Miami. (Algebraic combinatorics.)
Assistant Professors
Kyle Dempsey. 2023. B.S., Lambuth University; M.S. and Ph.D., University of Memphis. (educational games, distance education, child sexual abuse prevention.)
Erika Parr. 2021. B.A., University of Dallas; Ph.D., Arizona State University. (Mathematics education)
Students considering a major in Mathematics should contact the Chair or another member of the department as early as possible to ensure progress is being made toward the major. More information can be found at the department’s web site: www.rhodes.edu/mathcs.
For reasonable progress toward a major in Mathematics, a student should begin the Calculus sequence (Math 112, 122 and 223) at the appropriate level in the first year, and complete the sequence before the Spring of the second year; and complete Math 201 in the first year or second year.
Mathematics 122, 201, 223, 261, 386, and four credits of 485 and/or 486.
Mathematics 386; students may petition to substitute 451/2 or participation in Research Fellowships/St. Jude Summer Plus program for two terms before junior spring semester. See the department chair for more details.
Seven additional four-credit courses from among Computer Science 141 and mathematics courses numbered above 200 (excluding 235) including at least four courses numbered above 300 (excluding 460, 495, and 496) with at least one course from each of the following breadth categories (where one course may count for more than one category):
Five additional four-credit mathematics courses numbered above 200, excluding 235, including at least one course numbered above 300. Computer Science 350 can be used as a mathematics course numbered above 300.
One course from: Math 211, Psych 211, or Econ 290.
Math 212.
Three additional courses from: Math 235, 305, 307, 311, 312, 330, 331, 333; Business 472; Econ 420; INTD 225 (Geographic Information Systems).
Students planning to pursue graduate study in statistics are strongly encouraged to select Math 311 and Math 312 from the courses listed above and to take:
Math 112, 122, 223, or equivalent three course calculus sequence.
The mission of the Media Studies Program is to enable students to become astute scholars, producers, and consumers of visual media. From film to TV to digital and social media, our worlds are saturated with and mediated by visual communications. Media Studies courses equip students with: 1) critical tools for critiquing visual media, 2) creative capabilities for producing digital art, and 3) practical communication skills for participating in globalized media networks. Interdisciplinary by design, the Media Studies Program is supported by faculty from three divisions—Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences—in order to cover media theories and practices in the broadest sense and stress digital literacy and fluency across multiple media. Its forward-thinking approach emphasizes interdisciplinarity, a globalized curriculum, and career readiness.
1. MST 202: Topics in Media Studies OR Art 102: Intro to Digital Art (4 credits)
2. MST 385: Film and Media Theory (4 credits)
3. MST 485: Senior Seminar in Media Studies (4 credits)
4. 16 credits in one of the following two concentrations:
A. Film Studies
Ancient Mediterranean Studies 285: Classical Myth and Its Reception in Modern Film
Chinese 207: Orientalism and Global China on Screen
Chinese 216/Urban Studies 265: Asian Urbanization through Cinema
Chinese 220/320: Contemporary Chinese Cinema
English 190: Shakespeare on Screen
English 380: Children's Literature and Media
English 381: African American Film
English 381: Film Adaptation
French 334: French and Francophone Cinema
German 240/340: German Cinema
History 105: Black Cinema
History 105: British Empire through Film
History 105: History of Latin America through Film
History 105: Medieval at the Movies
History 105: Sex and Death in African Cinema
Media Studies 380: American Television
Russian 400: Russian Film
Spanish 414: Cinema of Spain
B. Media Production
Art 105: Painting OR Art 107: Sculpture
Art 110: Film and Experimental Video Production
Art 116: Digital Animation
Art 202: Intermediate Digital Art
Art 216: 3D Animation/Virtual Realities
Art 302: Advanced Digital Art
Art 386: Experiments in Media and Methods
English 204: Introduction to Screenwriting
Media Studies 120: Acting for New Media
Media Studies 245: Screenwriting
Media Studies 250: Podcasting
Media Studies 265: LGBTQ+ Culture in Media
Music 222: Music Technology
Music 323: Audio Engineering: History, Theory, Practice
Music 365: Advanced Topics in Music Technology
Urban Studies 262: Music and Community in Memphis
Urban Studies 382: Music and Community in Memphis
5. Electives (12 credits)
Any courses from the other Media Studies concentration
Anthropology/Sociology 333: Sociology of Hip-Hop
Anthropology/Sociology 335: Social Class in the United States
Art 245: Guernica and Antiwar Art
English 264: Race, Media, and Culture
History 105: Elvis Presley and America
History 305: History of American Popular Music
International Studies 256: Weapons of Mass Deception
Media Studies 240: Public Speaking
Media Studies 260: Athletes, Activism, and Media
Media Studies 360: Public Memory, Race, and Place in Memphis
Media Studies 370: Cities in Film
Media Studies 460: Internship in Media Studies
Philosophy 105: Black Mirror and Philosophy
Russian 285: Putin’s Russia and Media
Urban Studies 365: The Sounds of the City: Music and Urban Experiences
-- 16 out of 40 credits should be at the 300 or 400 level.
-- 8 out of 40 credits must be in courses that focus on media outside the US. (CHIN 207, CHIN 216/URBN 265, CHIN 220/320, FREN 334, GRST 240/340, HIST 105 (Depending on Topic), INTS 256, RUSS 285, RUSS 400, SPAN 414)
Requirements for a Minor in Film and Media Studies
A total of twenty (20) credits as follows:
English 202: Introduction to Cinema
English 382: Film Theory
Three courses to be chosen from a list of offerings in various departments. One of these requirements may be satisfied by a directed inquiry or an internship (on approval of the Media Studies Committee). Courses regularly offered include:
Art 102: Intro to Digital Art
Art 116: Animation
Art 202: Intermediate Digital Art
Art 216: 3D Animation/Virtual Realities
Art 245: Guernica and Antiwar Art
Art 302: Advanced Digital Art
Chinese 216/Urban Studies 265: Asian Urbanization through Cinema
Chinese 220/320: Contemporary Chinese Cinema
English 190: Shakespeare on Screen
English 204: Introduction to Screenwriting
English 241: History and Criticism of American Cinema
English 242: World Film
English 245: Special Topics in Film
English 381: Advanced Topics in Film
French 334: French and Francophone Cinema
German 240/340: German Cinema
History 105: Black Cinema
History 105: British Empire through Film
History 105: History of Latin America through Film
History 105: Medieval at the Movies
International Studies 254: South Africa through Documentary Film
International Studies 256: Weapons of Mass Deception
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures regularly offers instruction in Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. Details about the study of each of these languages at Rhodes are found under the subject heading for that specific language. In addition to literature and culture courses in the modern languages, the department also offers some courses in literature and culture in English translation. Classes in Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, and Arabic are available through consortial agreement with the University of Memphis.
The F10 Degree Requirement. The degree requirement in languages may be met by the successful completion of any appropriate four-credit course numbered 201 or higher or by demonstrating proficiency through placement into a language course at a level above 201 and approval by the appropriate language faculty. Students who take 201 (or higher) or the equivalent at another institution can earn transfer credit, but must still demonstrate proficiency (see above) in the specific language before the degree requirement is satisfied. This pertains to languages that are taught at Rhodes. Multilingual students may petition to fulfill the requirement with a language not taught at Rhodes via alternative testing. Students must submit their petition for alternative fulfillment of the F10 before the end of their second year.
All students who plan to fulfill Rhodes’ foreign language degree requirement in a language they have previously studied for two years or more in high school must take a placement test in that language. For French, German, Russian, and Spanish, scores on that test will be used to place students in the course most appropriate for them at Rhodes. Students with fewer than two years in a language may enter that language at the 101 level. A student may not take a course numbered 101 in any language for academic credit if two or more years of that language were completed in high school. Any student who scores at the 202 level or higher on the placement test will need to consult with the department to see if he or she fulfills Rhodes’ foreign language requirement. Students wishing to fulfill the F10 requirement in a language not previously studied should sign up for a course numbered 101 in that language.
In the modern languages, placement tests typically cover reading comprehension and grammar. Literature or culture courses taken in translation do not satisfy the foreign language degree requirement.
The mission of the current Chinese Studies Program is to educate students in Chinese language, literature, culture, history, politics and religion, and to provide students with academic knowledge and experiences to understand China as both an ancient civilization and an emerging global power. In this spirit, Chinese Studies majors will also learn to appreciate their own positions vis-à-vis the challenges inherent in China's rise to global prominence, confronting difficult questions of nationalism and ethnocentrism. As an interdisciplinary program, Chinese Studies draws on faculty expertise from various departments and prepares students for post-graduate studies, China related employment opportunities and future engagement of China.
A total of twenty (20) credits in Chinese language (above the level of intermediate Chinese 202), literature and culture. The credits are spread across the following courses:
1. Chinese 301 and 302: Advanced Chinese*
2. Two of the Chinese Literature and Culture courses:
Chinese 205: Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
Chinese 206: Introduction to East Asian Cultures
Chinese 207: Orientalism and Global China on Screen
Chinese 210: Chinese Literary Heritage
Chinese 214: Introduction to Chinese Culture
Chinese 215: Gender in Chinese Literature
Chinese 216: Asian Urbanization through Cinema
Chinese 218: Taste, Culture and Power: Asia and Global Foodways
Chinese 220: Contemporary Chinese Cinema
Chinese 409: Special Topics
3. One of the following courses:
History 282: Traditional China
History 283: Modern China
Religious Studies 258 Topics: History of Religions (Buddhism)
International Studies 261: Government and Politics of China
International Studies 262: China’s Foreign Policy
International Studies 263: Comparative Political Economy of East Asia
International Studies 264: China-Taiwan-US Relations
A minimum of 40 hours above 201 in French; a research paper on a specific cultural or literary topic; demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written French. A study abroad experience in a French-speaking country is recommended but not required. Approval by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is required.
Requirements for a Major in French and Francophone Studies
A total of forty (40) credits as follows:
French 201 and 202*.
French 301, 486.
French 320, 321 or 322.
French 323, 324 or 335.
Sixteen (16) additional credits in French (4 four-credit courses) four of which must be at the 300-400 level, depending on initial language placement.
Students who choose to take appropriate 300-400 level courses offered by the French section in English may count up to two such courses toward the major, as long as they have a French language component.
Majors are strongly encouraged to spend a semester or a year in a French or Francophone university. Departmentally pre-approved courses taken there will normally be accepted as courses in the major.
*French 201 may count towards the major. Students whose placement is above the 201 level are neither required nor allowed to take courses numbering below their placement level for credit towards the major. Students placing above 201 are still required to take a total of 40 credits for the major.
Requirements for a Minor in French and Francophone Studies
A total of twenty (20) credits as follows:
French 201 and 202*.
French 301.
French 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, or 335.
Additional elective four-credit courses at the 300-400 level.
Minors are strongly encouraged to study in a French or Francophone university. Courses taken abroad should be pre-approved by the section head to count towards the minor.
Students who choose to take appropriate 300-400 level courses offered by the French section in English may count only one such course toward the minor, as long as the course has a French component.
*French 201 may count towards the minor. Students whose placement is above the 201 level are neither required nor allowed to take courses numbering below their placement level for credit toward the minor. Students placing above 201 are still required to take 20 credits for the minor.
A minimum of 40 credits above German 201; a research paper on a specific literary, linguistic, or cultural topic; demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written German.
The German Studies major begins from the point of student’s German language course placement. No course below a student’s language course placement can be counted towards the German Studies major.
Student must complete German 301, 302, and 486 (Capstone Project).
German 301 or 302 must be taken before any other 300-level course is attempted but may be taken concurrently with other 300-level courses.
Students must complete German 320 or 321.
German 305 taken abroad may be substituted for either 301 or 302, but not both.
Concentrations (choose one):
A: German Language, Literature, and Culture
Students may include one German Studies course taught in English or any relevant course with approval of major advisor.
B: Interdisciplinary German
Students may include two German Studies courses taught in English or any relevant course with approval of major advisor.
The focus of the “German Language, Literature, and Culture” concentration is the development of advanced language and cultural proficiency and an in-depth critical understanding of the German-speaking world. The focus of the “Interdisciplinary German” concentration is for students to develop upper-intermediate German language proficiency and a critical understanding of the German-speaking world from interdisciplinary perspectives.
Majors are strongly encouraged to participate in the exchange program with the University of Tübingen, the University of Landau, or with a departmentally approved ISEP program during their junior years; equivalent courses from there will be accepted as substitutes.
The German Studies minor begins from the point of student’s German language course placement. No course below a student’s language course placement can be counted towards the German Studies minor.
Student must complete German 301 and 302.
Students initially placing into 102 or higher must complete German 320 or 321.
German 301 or 302 must be taken before any other 300-level course is attempted but may be taken concurrently with other 300-level courses.
German 305 taken abroad may be substituted for either 301 or 302, but not both.
Students may include one German Studies course taught in English or any relevant course with approval of minor advisor.
Minors are strongly encouraged to participate in an approved summer German immersion or study abroad program. See minor adviser for details.
Modern Languages and Literatures: Faculty and Staff
Associate Professors
Kathleen Anne Doyle. 1999. B.A., Saint Xavier College, Chicago; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Chicago (Spanish language, Modernism in Spain, Contemporary Peninsular Spanish literature, Gender and Sexuality Studies)
Han Li. 2008. Chair. B.A. Nanjing University; Ph.D. University of California, Irvine (Literature and culture of Late Imperial China.)
Eric Henager. 1995. B.A., Rhodes College; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Illinois (Spanish language, Contemporary Latin American literatures and cultures, popular culture and literature, Latin American Studies)
Alexandra Kostina. 1996. M.A. Novgorod State University; Ph.D. Gornyi University/Russian State Pedagogical University (Russian language, linguistics, and culture)
Laura Loth. 2009. B.A. College of William and Mary; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Minnesota (French and Francophone literature and film, Environmental Studies, Film Studies)
Clara Pascual-Argente. 2011. B.A. and M.A. Universidad de Salamanca; Ph.D. Georgetown University (Medieval and early modern Spanish literature, Film Studies)
Elizabeth Marcela Pettinaroli. 2007. B.A. Franklin and Marshall College; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Virginia (Latin American literature, Ecocritical Studies, Urban and Environmental Studies, Bibliodiversity, Spanish language in socio-cultural contexts)
Alberto del Pozo Martínez. 2008. Licenciado en Filología, Universidad de Zaragoza. M.A. and Ph.D. Vanderbilt University (Modern Spanish American literature and Literary Theory.)
Assistant Professors
Stacey E. Battis. 2022. B.A. Smith College; M.A. and Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley (Early modern French literature, French and Francophone Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies)
Rachel Noël Bauer. 2008. B.A. Duquesne University; M.A. Purdue University; Ph.D. Vanderbilt University (Early Modern Spanish literature, Golden Age narrative, Don Quixote de la Mancha.)
Juanita Bernal Benavides. 2022. B.A. and M.A. Universidad de los Andes; Ph.D. University of Michigan
Kathryn Holihan. 2021. B.A. Oberlin College; Ph.D, University of Michigan (Late-19th through 20th-century German Studies, Science Studies, Museum Studies)
Bruce M. Jackson, Jr. 2021. B.A. and M.A. Middle Tennessee State University; Ph.D. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Mid-19th to Mid-20th century Spanish Peninsular literature and culture, minority cultures in contemporary Spain)
Abou-Bakar Mamah. 2018. B.A. and M.A. University of Lomé, Togo; Ph.D. University of Minnesota (French critical theory, Structuralism, French and Francophone Studies.)
Ricardo Martins. 2023. B.A. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; M.A. and Ph.D. Indiana University (Mid-20th century - contemporary Transnational and Latin American literature and cinema, Brazilian Favelas, Videogames, Media Studies)
Nina Morais. 2023. B.A. Federal University of Minas Gerais; M.A. Indiana University. (Transcultural, Transnational and Migration Studies; Germany-Africa and Germany-South America Relations; Contemporary German Theater and Film)
Catherine Sundt. 2012. B.A. Grand Valley State University; M.A. and Ph.D. The Ohio State University (Modern Spanish literature and Urban literature.)
Yinyin Xue. 2020. B.A. Sichuan International Studies University; M.A. Peking University; M.A. and Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Twentieth-century Chinese literature and culture)
Instructors
Sarah Finley. 2020. B.A. and M.Ed. Vanderbilt University (French language and Francophone cultures).
Hernán Garrido. 2016. B.A. Andrews University; M.A. University of Mississippi (Spanish language and Hispanic cultures).
Yang Qi. 2019. B.A. Zhejiang University; M.Ed. University at Buffalo-SUNY (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages); PhD. University of Florida (Curriculum and Instruction).
Certain foreign languages not listed above as regular course offerings are taught on occasion. Information concerning languages not regularly taught may be obtained from the Registrar or the department chair.
Modern Languages 240. Language Acquisition and Pedagogy.
Spring. Credits: 4
This course is a survey of a range of issues related to language acquisition and teaching. Among the areas covered are instructional methodologies and approaches, second language acquisition theories, language skill development, language teaching and learning technology, communicative and cultural competency, and assessment.
Rhodes offers a secondary licensure program within the Teaching and Learning track of the Educational Studies major. This program prepares students to teach middle and/or high school in one of eleven endorsement areas, including the following languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. The course of study for secondary licensure students is designed with guidance from faculty members in the discipline in which the student is being certified as well as members of the Educational Studies Program. All secondary licensure candidates are required to double major in Educational Studies and their endorsement discipline.
Modern Languages 260.International Science Fiction and Utopia: Shaping of Ideological Landscapes
Summer. Credits: 4
Degree requirements: F4 and F9
We are living through a time of great socio-political transformations, and history shows us that many cultural products labeled “science fiction” have become perfect metaphors of our fears and hopes (eg: Brave New World and 1984). Up to a point, science fiction allows us to objectively see the aspirations and taboos of our intellectual and ideological landscape. But what is then the relation between science fiction and utopia? In this course, we will widely question the limits of these two concepts by bringing together novels and films belonging to different cultural traditions. We will go far beyond the limits of Anglo-Saxon cultural production (More, Huxley, Orwell, or Kubrick, among others) and engage a body of international cultural texts and films (Zamyatin, Borges, Lem, Godard) which could help us understand the limits and points of contact of each tradition/culture; that is to say, the narrative nature of our "worlds."
Modern Languages 280. Introduction to General Linguistics.
Spring. Credits: 4
Degree Requirements: F9
The Introduction to General Linguistics course presents language as a specific object of knowledge, thought, science, and philosophy. Students will be introduced to the major linguistic theories and examine language as a system and structure at its various levels, as well as a tool to guide, plan, and monitor human activity. Offered in alternate years.
Modern Languages 460. Internship.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 1-4
Degree Requirements: F11
Internships in the departmental languages are occasionally available for language majors and permit a qualified student to receive academic credit for an internship experience on or off campus, for example by working with a business, a non-profit organization, or within the department itself. The internship, which requires of the student an advanced competence in a foreign language, must entail a significant encounter with a foreign language. Working with a faculty mentor, students must submit a project proposal for the internship prior to the beginning of the internship itself. The completed project will be graded by the faculty mentor. Intradepartmental internships will be reserved for students planning to continue their studies in a foreign language and culture beyond the undergraduate level. Such internal internships will involve working with a faculty mentor on projects of a diverse nature that seek to enhance the program offerings of the language section. Placements must be approved by the faculty mentor who teaches the language in question and the chair of the department. Internship credit will not be awarded retroactively and does not count toward the total number of credits required for the major or minor.
Pass/Fail only.
Students can spend a summer, semester, or academic year in Russia through such nationally-recognized programs as the Council for International and Educational Exchange (CIEE), the American Council on the Teaching of Russian (ACTR),School of Russian and Asian Studies (SRAS), and American Institue for Foreign Study (AIFS). Summer Internships in Russia are available through Crossroads Eurasia.
Two of the following: Russian 205: Russian Religious Mind, 212: Prophets, Princesses, and Revolutionaries, 285: Putin’s Russian and the Media, 300: Dostoevsky, 410: Analytical Reading
Substitutions are possible (say, you took a relevant course in IS or History, they can be applied toward your major or minor), which may make it easier to major or minor in Russian Studies.
Elementary grammar, reading, and conversation, supplemented by materials on Russian culture.
201-202. Intermediate Russian.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4-4.
Degree Requirement: F10 for 201.
Intermediate grammar and continued training in conversation and composition, supplemented by materials on contemporary developments in Russian society. Reading of Russian texts of graded difficulty, intermediate writing.
Prerequisites: Russian 101-102 or equivalent.
205. The Russian Religious Mind.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F1, F4
The course examines the distinct world-consciousness of Russian religious tradition and thought, with emphasis on the themes of God, good and evil, love, the search for divine justice on Earth, the material world as sanctified, and the moral content of spiritualized beauty. Reading materials are on wisdom of Orthodox monastics, form Russian religious philosophers, as well as contemporary writers.
209. Russian in Russia.
Summer. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F10 for 209, F11.
A 3-4 week guided encounter with the language and culture aimed at solidifying vocabulary and grammar previously acquired. A significant cultural component is part of the course. Takes place in May-June.
212. Prophets, Princesses, and Revolutionaries: 19th-century Russian Voices.
Fall or Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F2i, F4. Elective for GSS minor.
Reading of representative works by major Russian writers of the nineteenth century (including Pushkin, Pavlova, Gogol, Goncharov, Soboleva, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky). The literary works include Eugene Onegin, supernatural tales by Gogol, short stories by women writers, and novels by Turgenev and Dostoevsky. These works will be studied for their individual merit, what they illuminate about nineteenth-century Russian society, and their contribution to the rise of the Russian novel. All works are read in translation.
215. Giants of Russia’s Silver Age: Soloviev, Blok, and Rachmaninoff.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F5, F9.
Study of the aesthetic, thematic, and personal connections among three of Russia’s towering figures: Vladimir Soloviev, Alexander Blok, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The course will examine in depth the creative works of the philosopher-poet Soloviev, the poet-dramatist Blok, and the composer-pianist Rachmaninoff (for whom poetry was second only to music). Master themes and global concepts linking the three creative artists include the yearning for harmony; exploration of Russian Orthodox religiosity; elevation of the –eternal feminineî of Sophia (the body of God); and connection between beauty and goodness. Representative philosophical, poetic, and musical works, respectively, of the three artists will be examined. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: At least one course from the following departments or programs: Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or Russian Studies.
255. Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment: The Italian-Russian Connection.
Fall or Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F5, F9.
In this course students investigate the Italian-Russian connections in three major areas of cultural production during the reign of Catherine the Great: music, literature, and architecture. Creative thinkers whose works will be studied include Bortnyansky, Paisiello, Casanova, Beccaria, Rastrelli, and Quarenghi. Students will learn features of the European and Russian Enlightenments, study the intricacies of Russian court culture, and explore the institution of patronage. The course aims to develop an understanding of cross-cultural fertilization and some major differences between Mediterranean and Slavic cultures. It is complemented by an optional, though highly recommended, three-week study trip to Italy and Russia (See Russian 256). Offered in alternate years.
256. Catherine the Great and the Italian-Russian Connection.
Summer. Credits: 0-1.
Degree Requirements: F11.
This Maymester program examines the musical, literary, and architectural connections between Italy and Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great. It takes participants to three cities: Rome, Milan, and St. Petersburg. In Rome students will attend lectures at LUMSA (university adjacent to the Vatican), attend a musical performance at the Teatro dell’Opera, visit places associated with Giacomo Casanova, and investigate architectural monuments by Italian architects whom Catherine attracted to Russia. In Milan participants will attend an opera at the Teatro all Scala and visit sites associated with Cesare Beccaria. In St. Petersburg students will attend performances in the Great Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and the Mariinsky Theatre, and will study major architectural ensembles. Takes place in May and June.
285. Putin's Russia and the Media
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F9. Elective for Media Studies major/minor.
This course explores a wide array of important media, print, and filmic sources that are underrepresented in Western narratives about contemporary Russia. Students utilize the study of these materials in order to better understand Russia today, and especially to gain awareness of how the media can shape public opinion. While calling attention to media bias, the course serves as an entry to contemporary Russian society, providing observers of Russia with a fuller understanding of her geopolitical perspectives and vision for the twenty first century. (Cross-listed with I.S. 285).
300. Dostoevsky.
Fall or Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F4, F9.
This course explores selected works by Dostoevsky in the context of the rise of the Russian novel. The course will examine in depth several short works by the writer, as well as the novels The Idiot and The Brothers Karamazov. Concentration is on the major literary, philosophical, and religious issues Dostoevsky raises in his prose, as well as how these issues better enable us to understand the Russian mind. All works are read in translation.
301-302. Advanced Russian.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4-4.
Advanced grammar, with greater emphasis on the refinement of conversation and composition skills. Discussion of topics related to contemporary life in Russia.
Prerequisites: Russian 201-202 or equivalent.
309. Russian in Russia.
Summer. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F11.
A 3-4 week guided encounter with the language and culture aimed at solidifying vocabulary and grammar previously acquired. A significant cultural component is part of the course. Takes place in May-June.
400. Russian Film: Film Theory.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F5.
Introduction to the ideological and aesthetic forces that have shaped the development of Soviet/Russian film, with particular attention to various film theories. Films of major directors, such as Eisenstein, Pudovkin, Tarkovsky, Kulidzhanov, and Sokurov will be studied. All films are subtitled; course is taught in English. Offered in alternate years.
410. Analytical Reading.
Fall. Credits: 4.
This course aims to teach students the strategies of understanding texts of high literary quality by analyzing elements of given texts in their complexity. While focusing mainly on psycho-poetic aspects of reading activity, the course also introduces formal approaches to text analysis, such as identifying the stylistic devices and expressive means employed by the authors.
486. Senior Seminar.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Students will be assigned individual research topics associated with the essential concept of the Russian Idea, give weekly progress reports, which will involve analytical discussion, and present their results orally and in writing at the end of the course. Special attention will be given to assigned readings from the Russian press and from Russian literature.
A minimum of 40 credits above Spanish 202, reading in a field of specialization and preparation of a paper in that field; examinations covering Spanish literature, Spanish American literature and civilization, Spanish grammar and Spanish civilization, and the field of specialization. Approval by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is required.
A total of thirty-six (36) credits above Spanish 202. At least five courses must be completed at or above the 310 level. Required courses are the following:
Spanish 301 or 302. (the other may be taken as an elective)
Spanish 303, 306, and 486.
Five elective courses, at least four of which must be numbered 310 or above.
The Language Learning and Resource Center is a dynamic resource space for all language students and faculty. The Center offers a variety of technology, digital media, and non-digital resources, as well as free language tutoring. It offers professional development opportunities and curricular support for Rhodes language faculty and functions as space for student-centered language and culture club events, departmental events, and academic symposia. The Language Learning and Resource Center is supervised by the Language Center director and a student RSA and has numerous employment opportunities for interested language students.
Music provides opportunities for all students to be involved with musical performances on campus. The mission of Music at Rhodes College is to serve as a catalyst for life-long learning and appreciation for music. Our mission is to generate a comprehensive, diverse, flexible program of excellence in music, appealing to students of all walks of life at the college. Our intention is to help students develop aural, analytical and aesthetic intelligences and abilities, and prepare them for professional careers and/or graduate work in music, as desired. Our purpose is to create true appreciators of music as an art form and discipline, and to facilitate the human and spiritual growth of all who connect and engage with the department, whether by participating or observing. Rhodes College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music [NASM].
Becoming a Music Major
Music majors are required to undergo a sophomore-year review in February. This review helps assess academic and artistic progress and helps focus direction for the remainder of their undergraduate studies in music. Students must complete a Declaration of Major form which includes: an outline of their proposed course of study, an essay which details why they wish to major in music, and consultation with their academic advisor. The review includes assessment of all previous juries, review of the student's Declaration of Major form, and an interview with full-time music faculty.
Performance Opportunities
All students are invited to enroll in performance ensembles. See course offerings: MUSC 181 through 199.
All students are invited to enroll in private (applied) lessons in voice/instrument. See course offerings: MUSC 160 through 180.
Applied Lesson Fee
Applied Music Fee. Students enrolled in applied music will be charged an additional fee of $490.00 per credit for private lessons. After the first applied music lesson, this applied lesson fee is nonrefundable.
Once declared, Music majors will have the Applied Music fees waived for up to eight (8) credits of their principal applied instrument. Music majors taking more than eight (8) credits of Applied Music and lessons taken prior to declaration of the major will be charged the applied fee for those credits.
Once declared, Music minors will have the Applied Music fees waived for up to four (4) credits of Applied Music and lessons taken prior to declaration of the minor will be charged the applied fee for those credits.
*All students enrolled in 20 or more credits in a semester are assessed the extra fee for each credit beginning with the 20th credit. When one of those credits is an applied music course which carries its own fee, the following happens:
Students who are neither music majors nor music minors are assessed the applied music fee, but have the extra hour fee removed from their account.
Students who are either music majors or music minors have the applied music fee removed from their account, but are assessed the extra credit fee at a rate that is equal to the current applied music fee.
Carole Choate Blankenship. 1990. Chair. B.A., Rhodes College; M.M., D.M.A., University of Memphis. (Voice, Senior Seminar, Opera Scenes.) Courtenay L. Harter. 2000. B.F.A., Carnegie Mellon University; M.M., Northwestern University; Ph.D., University of Connecticut. (Music Theory, Music & Psychology, Oboe/English Horn, Chamber Music.) William M. Skoog. 2009. B.A., Gustavus Adolphus College; M.A., University of Denver; D.A., University of Northern Colorado. (Director of Choral Activities, Conducting.)
Associate Professors
John B. Bass, III. 2010. B.M., University of Southern Mississippi; M.M., Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Director of the Mike Curb Institute, African-American Studies, Jazz Studies, Improvisation, Guitar.) Thomas E. Bryant. 1987. B.M., M.M., University of Georgia; D.M., Northwestern University. (Piano, Collaborative Piano, Music Literature.) Vanessa L. Rogers. 2010. B.M.E., Illinois Wesleyan University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Southern California. (Music History, Music Literature, Search.)
Assistant Professors
Jacob Sunshine. 2023. B.A.., Columbia University; M.A., Ph.D. A.B.D., Harvard University. (Ethnomusicology, African/African-American Studies, Jazz Studies, Guitar.)
Adjunct Instructors
Mike Assad. B.M., University of Kentucky; M.M., University of Memphis. (Percussion, World Drum Ensemble.) Whitney Branan. B.A., Wagner College; SAG-AFTRA. (Dance, Choreogrophy.) Elizabeth Cawein. B.A., Murray State University; M.A., Brunel University. (Music Urbanism, Mike Curb Institute for Music.) Barrie Cooper. B.M., Ithaca College; M.M., Peabody Conservatory. Memphis Symphony Orchestra. (Violin.) Jenny Davis. B.M., Middle Tennessee State University; M.M., Boston University. D.M.A. Candidate, University of South Carolina. (Flute, Flute Ensemble.) Rena Feller. B.M., Oberlin College Conservatory of Music; M.M., The Juilliard School. Memphis Symphony Orchestra. (Clarinet.) Tyler Fritts. B.A., Berea College; M.M., University of Louisville; Ph.D, University of Memphis. (Musicology, Southern Regional Studies.) Alaina Graiser. B.M., Univeristy of Texas; M.M., University of Toronto; D.M.A., Cinicinnati College Conservatory of Music. (Harp.) Dennis Janzer. B.S., Marquette University; M.S., Marquette University; B.A., M.M., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; D.M.A., University of Miami. (Organ.) Marcus King. B.M.E., University of Memphis; M.M., University of Memphis. (Voice.) Ellen B. Koziel. B.A., Radford University; M.M., University of Memphis; Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Rhodes Camerata.) Will Lang. B.A., Rhodes College; M.M., University of Memphis. (Jazz Ensemble.) Francisco Lara. B.M., Northwestern University, M.M., Ph.D., Florida State University. (Musicology, Ethnomusicology.) David T. Lay. B.M., Lambuth University. (Guitar.) Michael McKenzie. B.M.E., University of Memphis. (Trumpet.) Sean O'Hara. B.M., The Julliard School; M.M., Carnegie Mellon University. (Classical Bass.) Žak Ozmo. B.M., Wilfrid Laurier University; M.M., D.M.A., University of Southern California. (Music History, Music and Healing.) Brian Ray. B.M., University of Tennessee at Martin; M.M., University of Memphis; D.M.A., University of Memphis. (Piano, Department Collaborative Pianist.) John Ross. B.M., Northern Illinois University; M.M., Illinois State University. (Guitar, Guitar Ensemble.) Alisha Rufty. B.M.E., Florida State University; M.M., D.M.A., Univeristy of Memphis. (Cello.) Jane Gerard-Schranze. B.M., Eastman School of Music; M.M., New England Conservatory. (Viola, Violin, Chamber Music.) Sylvester Sample. B.S., University of Memphis; M.B.A., Illinois Institute of Technology. (Jazz Bass.) Jonathan H. Schallert. B.M.E., Harding University; M.M., Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Orchestra, Conducting, Music Theory.) David L. Shotsberger. B.M., M.M., Pennsylvania State University; D.M.A., University of Memphis. (Music Technology, Composition, Jazz Band.) Debra H. Smith. B.M., Mississippi College; M.M., University of Memphis. (Piano, Organ, Music Literature and Theory.) Bradley Sowell. B.M.E., Georgia College; M.M. University of South Dakota; D.M.A. Candidate, University of Memphis. (Voice.) Gerald Stephens. B.F.A., University of Memphis. (Jazz Piano.) Kate Stimson. B.A., Hollins College; M.M., University of Memphis. (Piano.) Mark Vail. B.M., University of North Texas. Memphis Symphony Orchestra. (Trombone, Low Brass.) Yukiko Whitehead. B.M., University of Tennessee; M.M., D.M.A., University of Memphis; Yamaha Music Foundation Suzuki Piano Teachers Certificate, Suzuki Association of America. (Piano.) Carl R. Wolfe. U.S. Navy Chief Musician (ret.); U.S. Armed Forces School of Music. Memphis Jazz Orchestra. (Saxophone.)
Staff
Erika Pope. 2016. Musical Arts Coordinator. B.A., Henderson State University.
Requirements for Music Industry Studies Certificates
Requirements for the Certificate in Content Production
Students must complete a total of 14 credits as follows:
MUSC/URBN 262: Music & Community in Memphis (2 credits)
Twelve (12) credits from the following electives: MUSC 222: Music Tech I MUSC 322: Music Tech II MUSC 323: Audio Engineering: History, Theory, & Practice MUSC/URBN 382: Music & Community in Memphis II ART 102: Intro to Digital Art I ART 110: Film & Experimental Video Production ART 115: Creative Publishing: Zines, Comics, Manifestos, and Artist’s Books ART 202: Intermediate Digital Art MST 120: Acting for New Media MST 245: Screenwriting ENGL 206+207: Creative Publishing I & II Relevant Department or Program Topics Courses approved by Curb Institute Director and Department/Program Chair
Mike Curb Institute Fellowship (one semester minimum)
Requirements for the Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship
Students must complete a total of 14 credits as follows:
MUSC/URBN 262: Music & Community in Memphis (2 credits)
Twelve (12) credits from the following electives: MUSC 250: Music Urbansim MUSC/URBN: Survey of Music Industry Studies MUSC/URBN 382: Music & Community in Memphis II MUSC 140: Music & Healing BUS 125: Intro to Entreprenuership MST 265: LGBTQ++ Culture in Media PLAW 208: Media & Politics PLAW: Urban Politics and Policy URBN 340: Non-Profits in the City Relevant Department or Program Topics Courses approved by Curb Institute Director and Department/Program Chair
Mike Curb Institute Fellowship (one semester minimum)
Dance Performance (14 credits) MUSC 150 (Dance for Musical Theatre) [F5] MUSC 155 (Topics in Dance) [F5 pending] MUSC 251 (Adv Jazz/Contemporary Dance) [F5] MUSC 255 (Advanced Topics in Dance)
Musical Structure (4 credits, dependent on placement): MUSC 103 (Elements of Music) [F5] or MUSC 204 (Understanding Musicianship) [F5] or one from MUSC 306-313 [F6 & F2i available]
Dance in Culture (4 credits/1 course): MUSC 265 (History of Musical Theatre) [F3 & F5] MUSC 231/HIST 226 (Musical Paris 1870-1940) [F3 & F5] ANSO 333 (Sociology and Hip Hop) [F9] Other courses/topics as approved by department.
Music Theory Courses (12 credits) a. MUSC 204: Understanding Musicianship [F5]* b. Two 300-level music theory courses (306-313) *If placement test determines this course is redundant, choose three (3) 300-level music theory courses.
Music History & Literature Courses (12 credits) a. MUSC 227: Western Art Music I [F3] b. MUSC 228: Western Art Music II [F3] c. One F9 elective: MUSC 116, 117, 118, 119, 130, or select 105 sections
Performance Courses (12 credits) a. 6 semesters of applied music lessons (MUSC 160-180 = 1 credit each) b. 6 semesters of large ensembles (MUSC 181-184, 190-194 = 1 credit each)
Senior Experience (8 credits) a. MUSC 485-486: Senior Seminar & Presentation (4 credits)** b. MUSC 414: Conducting I (2 credits) c. MUSC 415: Conducting II or 300-level Composition (2 credits) **Co-requisite of applied music lessons (if choosing a performance project) OR Co-requisite of applied composition lessons (if choosing a composition project).
Music Electives (8 credits) MUSC 101 does not fulfill this requirement.
Once declared, Music majors will have the Applied Music fees waived for up to eight (8) credits of their principal applied instrument. Music majors taking more than eight (8) credits of Applied Music and lessons taken prior to declaration of the major will be charged the applied fee for those credits.
NOTE: Fine Arts Scholarship waivers for Applied Music fees are outlined in the award letter which supersedes music major and minor fee waivers outlined here.
One Music Theory Course (4 credits) a. MUSC 204: Understanding Musicianship OR One (1) 300-level music theory course (306-313), depending on placement.
One Music History & Literature Course (4 credits) a. MUSC 227: Western Art Music I [F3] b. MUSC 228: Western Art Music II [F3]
Performance Courses (8 credits) a. 4 semesters of applied lessons (MUSC 160-180 = 1 credit each) b. 4 semesters of large ensembles (MUSC 181-184, 190-194 = 1 credit each)
Two 4-credit Music Electives (8 credits) a. Courses from MUSC 160-199 do not fulfill this requirement.
Once declared, Music minors will have the Applied Music fees waived for up to four (4) credits of their principal applied instrument. Music minors taking more than four (4) credits of Applied Music and lessons taken prior to declaration of the minor will be charged the applied fee for those credits.
NOTE: Fine Arts Scholarship waivers for Applied Music fees are outlined in the award letter which supersedes music major and minor fee waivers outlined here.
A music theory placement test is given by the department to determine a student’s skill level. Any student demonstrating the appropriate degree of proficiency may place into either Music 204 or a 300-level music theory elective. Students may, alternatively, fulfill this prerequisite by taking Music 103 before beginning the theory sequence. Contact Dr. Courtenay Harter for more information. harterc@rhodes.edu
All Honors in Music candidates must meet the College's eligibility criteria established for the Honors Program. Only students with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA within the major of 3.5 by the end of the fall semester of their junior year will be eligible to pursue honors. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for the major, students seeking honors will be expected to complete the following additional work:
1. The one-credit Honors Tutorial, Music 399, in spring of the junior year: in consultation with an appropriate member of the Music faculty, the Honors candidate must write a proposal for Honors work, positing a substantial Honors thesis or creative project that demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the area(s) studied, to be implemented in the senior year. The department must approve the proposal.
2. The Senior Honors Tutorials, Music 495-496, in fall and spring of the senior year. An overall grade of A- on the thesis or project itself is required for Honors credit.
The Interdisciplinary Major in Neuroscience at Rhodes bridges the fields of Biology, Psychology, Chemistry and Philosophy. The major provides students with an understanding of the methodological challenges and conceptual issues that lie at the heart of efforts to understand the function of the nervous system and its role in behavior.
In addition to maintaining a cumulative and major GPA of at least 3.5, honors candidates are required to enroll in Neuroscience 399 in the Spring of their junior year. By the start of the senior year, the candidate must submit a proposal for an independent research project for approval by the Program Committee. Up to 8 credits of Neuroscience 495-496 are taken each semester of the senior year. In addition to submitting a written report, the candidate is required to make an oral presentation at the conclusion of the research project. The honors degree in Neuroscience is contingent upon committee acceptance of the research manuscript.
David Kabelik. 2009. H.B.Sc., University of Toronto; Ph.D., Arizona State University. (Neuroscience, endocrinology, physiology, animal behavior.)
Associate Professors
Kelly A. Dougherty. 2014. B.S., West Chester University; Ph.D., Thomas Jefferson University. (Neuroscience, biophysics, neurophysiology.)
Jason Haberman. 2014. B.A., University of Miami; M.A. and Ph.D., University of California - Davis. (Neuroscience: visual psychophysics; object recognition, ensemble perception.)
Rebecca Klatzkin. 2011. B.S., University of Richmond; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. (Behavioral neuroscience: stress; eating behavior; binge eating disorder.)
Larryn W. Peterson. 2011. B.A., Carroll College; Ph.D., University of Southern California. (Organic Chemistry.)
Assistant Professors
Carlos Lafourcade. 2023. Licenciate degree and Ph.D., University of Buenos Aires. (Epilepsy, stress, cannabinoids.)
Jared Millson. 2021. B.A., Boston University; Ph.D., Emory University. (Philosophy of cognitive sciences.)
Requirements for a Major in Neuroscience Leading to the B.S. Degree
A total of fifty-four to fifty-eight (54-58) credits as follows:
Seven (7) core requirements (28 credits total):
Chem 120&125L (Foundations of Chemistry & Lab)
Biol 130&131L (Biology I & Lab)
Biol 140&141L (Biology II & Lab)
Psyc 150 (Introduction to Psychological Science)
Psyc 211 or Math 211 (Statistical Methods in Psychology or Applied Statistics for the Natural Sciences)
Neur 270 (Neuroscience)
Neur 485 or 486 (Senior Seminar)
Two (2) depth requirements (10 credits total):
Biol 375&375L or Biol 376&376L or Biol 377&377L (Neuroendocrinology & Lab or Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience & Lab or Developmental Neuroscience & Lab)
Neur/Psyc 344&344L or Neur/Psyc 345&345L (Neuroscience of Sleep & Lab or Cognitive Neuroscience & Lab)
Neur 300 (Topics in Neuroscience with Lab)
Two (2) breadth courses from the following (8-10 credits total):
Chem 411&411L (Medicinal/Computational Chemistry & Lab - independent project must be Neuroscience based to count toward major)
Neur 299 Topics in Neuroscience
Neur/Psyc 318 (Clinical Neuroscience)
Neur 451-452 (Research in Neuroscience; 4 credits required)
Phil 219 (Foundations of Artificial Intelligence)
Phil 312 (Philosophy of the Cognitive Sciences)
Psyc 216 (Perception)
Psyc 327 (Cognitive Processes)
A third depth course
Two (2) electives from the following list (8-10 credits total):
Biol 204&204L (Animal Development & Lab)
Biol 207&207L (Animal Behavior & Lab)
Biol 303 or 304&304L (Genetics or Genetics & Lab)
Biol 307 (Cell Biology)
Biol 325&325L (Molecular Biology & Lab)
Biol 340&340L (Animal Physiology & Lab)
Chem 315 (Biochemistry)
Chem 416 (Pharmacology)
Comp 141 or 142 (Computer Science I or II)
Scientific Research 451-452 (in a major outside of Neuroscience, as approved by the Neuroscience committee; 4 credits required)
Psyc 218 (Psychology of Addiction)
Psyc 220 (Psychology of Health)
Psyc 224 (Psychological Disorders)
Psyc 231 (Psychology of Aging)
Psyc 306 (Psycholinguistics)
Up to two additional depth or breadth courses
Courses recommended but not required:
Chem 211-212 & 212L (Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II & Lab)
Math 115 (Applied Calculus)
Math 212 (Applied Regression)
Math 330 (Biostatistics)
Phys 109-110 & Lab or 111-112 & Lab (Physics for the Life Sciences & Labs or Physics for the Physical Sciences & Labs)
Courses in the Department of Philosophy explore life’s most interesting and fundamental questions: What does it mean to be human? To be a person? Who am I and how should I live? Does life have meaning? Does God exist? What does it mean to be free? What are our duties to others? What principles should govern our social and political life? What is the difference between belief and knowledge? Why are we prone to thinking and reasoning poorly? Our courses explore questions like these through the study of ethics, law, logical thinking, metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, and various controversies associated with race, gender, religion, politics, economics, science, technology and artificial intelligence. We seek truth by asking questions, answering the questions, and questioning the answers, always with respect for the views and arguments of others. Philosophy courses will sharpen a student’s analytical reading, thinking, and writing, all of which are indispensable skills prized by graduate schools, law schools, and employers.
PROFESSORS Daniel Cullen. 1988. M.A. Dalhousie University. Ph.D. Boston College: political and moral philosophy, philosophy of law, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), contemporary political theory
Stephen Wirls. 1994. B.A. Kenyon College; Ph.D. Cornell University: modern political thought, philosophy and religion, existentialism, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS Erin Dolgoy. 2013. H.B.A. University of Toronto; M.A. University of Alberta; M.A. and Ph.D. Michigan State University. (history of political thought, science and technology policy, United States politics)
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS Jared Millson. 2021. B.A. Boston University; Ph.D. Emory University: epistemology, logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind. website: jamillson.com
2. At least one course from each of the following categories:
A. Knowledge and Reasoning:
Logic (310), Epistemology (319)
B. Social Philosophy:
Philosophy of Race and Racism (220), Justice, Equality, and Liberty (225), Feminist Philosophy (355),
C. History of Philosophy:
Ancient Philosophy (201), Modern Political Philosophy (345)
3. Electives: Five additional courses, only two of which can be at the 100-level and two of which must be at the 300-400 level. See "Courses of Instruction" for titles and descriptions of all Philosophy courses. Humanities 201( Philosophy track) may be counted as one of those courses.
Three additional courses at any level (no more than one 100 level course can count toward the minor). Humanities 201 (Philosophy track) may be counted as one of those courses.
The interdisciplinary Philosophy, Politics and Economics program reflects the intersection and cross-fertilization of three historically connected and deeply intertwined intellectual disciplines: philosophy, politics and economics. The purpose of this program is to involve students in a direct and sustained study of the complex of moral and practical considerations, quandaries, and disputes that arise at the intersection of these disciplines. The program and the associated major study the many ways that politics, moral principles, and economics interact in the formation of policy choices and resulting outcomes. The impact of political and economic choices on the prosperity and well-being of citizens, particularly distributional consequences, remains critical in every society.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Program Committee
Shameel Ahmad, Department of Economics Stephen Ceccoli, Department of International Studies Courtney Collins, Department of Economics Daniel Cullen, Department of Philosophy Rebecca Tuvel, Department of Philosophy Stephen Wirls, Department of Philosophy, Chair
Requirements for a Major in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
A total of 12 courses (48 credits) as follows:
Philosophy, Politics and Economics 110 (or Philosophy 110, same course cross-listed), 486.
Economics 100 and 323; Economics 201 or 202.
International Studies 310 or 311.
Philosophy 225, 345.
One methods course from: Economics 290, International Studies 270, Politics and Law 270
Elective Courses (12 credits), choosing from:
Economics 201 or 202 (in addition to course taken in #2 above), 308, 310, 312, 338, 339, 343, 407 as well as the following two-credit courses: ECON 311, 318, 319
International Studies 310 or 311 (in addition to course taken in #3 above), 263, 452
Philosophy 216, 220, 221, 222, 230, 301, 322
Politics and Law 205, 380 (with permission of the program director)
Research methods course (in addition to the course taken in #5 above): ECON 290, INTS 270, PLAW 270
All prospective physics majors should consult with a facutly member in the department as early as possible. Prospective physics majors should try to take Physics 111-112 and its associated laboratory in their first year, along with Mathematics 112 (if needed) and Mathematics 122 (Integral Calculus). Physics 101, 105, and 107 may not be used for credit towards a major or minor in physics, but they may be used for general degree credits.
Students planning to pursue graduate study in engineering are strongly encouraged to earn the Pre-Engineering Certificate. Students planning to pursue a dual degree program in engineering should consult with the faculty member who serves as the pre-engineering advisor (Dr. Ann Viano, Department of Physics) as early as possible after beginning coursework at Rhodes.
Courses required: those listed for the B.S. degree with a major in Physics, plus Physics 495-496, Honors Tutorial. At least four credits per semester in the senior year must be earned in Honors Tutorial courses. Up to eight additional credits of tutorial or related course work may be counted, resulting in a maximum of sixteen credits of Honors in the senior year.
To be eligible for the Honors program a student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average and a major grade point average of 3.50 at the time of application for honors. The student must graduate with a cumulative grade point average and a major grade point average of 3.50 in order to receive the honors designation at commencement.
An original investigation in some area of physics is required. Honors research may be conducted outside of the department with department approval and the careful guidance of a Physics faculty member at Rhodes.
A thesis must be presented at the end of the project. An oral presentation of the final project is also expected. The Honors project and thesis must be approved by the student’s Honors committee and the project must follow the department and college guidelines and schedule for Honors work.
Brent K. Hoffmeister. 1996. B.A., Wabash College; Ph.D., Washington University. (Ultrasonics, medical physics.) Shubho Banerjee. 2002. M.S., Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University. (Electrostatics, thermodynamics, theoretical physics.)
Associate Professors
Ann M. Viano. 1999. Chair. B.S., Santa Clara University; Ph.D., Washington University. (Materials science, solid-state physics, medical imaging, biophysics.) David S. N. Rupke. 2010. B.S., Calvin College; Ph.D., University of Maryland. (Observational and extragalactic astronomy.)
Assistant Professor
Gregory B. Vieira. 2019. B.S., University of Maryland; Ph.D., The Ohio State University. (Magnetic materials and devices.)
Instructional Support Specialist
Victor O. Obadina (Lanre). 2013. B.S., Fisk University; M.S., Alabama A&M University.
Engineering Technologist
Stewart White. 2022. B.S., California State University; A.A.S., Southwest Tennessee Community College; M.S., Christian Brothers University.
Administrative Assistant
Kate Collier. 2022. B.A., Concord University; M.P.A., University of Memphis; M.A., Christian Brothers University.
Requirements for a Major in Physics Leading to the B.S. Degree
A total of fifty-one (51) credits as follows:
Physics 111-112 (or 109-110 with departmental approval), 113-114.
Physics 211 and 213.
Physics 250.
Physics 301, 305, 401, and 406.
Physics 486.
At least 4 additional Physics credits at the 200-level or above.
At least 4 additional Physics credits at the 300-level or above.
Mathematics 122 and 223.
Mathematics 112/113 (Precalculus and Differential Calculus) should be taken by those who have not had a differential calculus course in high school or elsewhere before taking Mathematics 122 (Integral Calculus). Mathematics 122 (Integral Calculus) is a prerequisite for Physics 211. Mathematics 223 (Multivariable Calculus) is a prerequisite for Physics 250. All math requirements for the major should be completed by the middle of the second year.
Students planning to pursue graduate study in physics are strongly encouraged to take as many upper-level elective physics courses as possible. Other recommended courses include Mathematics 251 (Differential Equations), 261 (Linear Algebra), 311 (Probability Theory), 312 (Mathematical Statistics), 324 (Vector and Advanced Calculus), 370 (Complex Variables). Computer Science 141 (Programming Fundamentals) and 142 (Object-Oriented Programming) also are recommended.
Students planning to pursue graduate study in engineering are strongly encouraged to earn the Pre-Engineering Certificate. Students planning to pursue a dual degree program in engineering should consult with the faculty member who serves as the pre-engineering advisor as early as possible after beginning coursework at Rhodes.
Physics majors are encouraged to consider study abroad opportunities, and should consult with their academic advisor about suitable options.
When declaring a major in Physics, students must submit an essay to their academic advisor for approval. This essay should be 250 - 500 words and should include:
A statement of your goals in pursuing a physics major;
Areas of physics that represent your greatest interests (e.g., astrophysics);
A brief description of other academic concentrations you are planning (e.g., a minor in mathematics) and how those areas complement your interests in physics;
Physics 111-112 (or 109-110 with departmental approval) and Physics 113-114.
Physics 211.
At least one additional 4-credit Physics course at the 200-level or above.
Mathematics 122.
Mathematics 112/113 (Precalculus and Differential Calculus) should be taken by any student who has not had a course in differential calculus in high school or elsewhere. Mathematics 223 (Multivariable Calculus) is recommended, but not required, and is a prerequisite for many upper-level physics courses.
Note: The College requires that at least four of the courses in the minor be outside the requirements of the student's major or majors and any other minors. Students majoring in Chemistry or Mathematics who intend to minor in Physics should be especially mindful of this requirement.
Physics or Chemistry majors planning for graduate work and/or careers in engineering can earn a Pre-Engineering Certificate from Rhodes by completing the following listed courses.
For Physics majors interested in mechanical or electrical engineering:
The Politics and Law Department offers a Political Science major that prepares students to address fundamental questions of equality, liberty, and justice; the history of political philosophy; the constitutional structure of government in the U.S., and the major institutions of national politics, urban politics, and public policy.
The Politics and Law Department's Political Science major is especially good for those interested in a career in law. The American Bar Association identifies a set of skills and bodies of knowledge that students considering a career in law should develop through their undergraduate education, and the Political Science major concentrates on all of these to a very high degree. These core skills and values include "analytic and problem-solving skills," "critical reading abilities," "writing skills," "oral communication and listening abilities," and "general research skills," among others.* The Political Science major curriculum will involve you repeatedly in academic work that hones each of these, and covers areas of knowledge the ABA considers important preparation for law school: a comprehension of the contemporary American political and legal systems; political development of the United States; the fundamental principles of political thought; a basic understanding of human behavior and social interaction; and the ability to organize, manage, and analyze data in the process of conducting research. Law-related internships or co-curricular activities may also be appropriate.
Honors work in the Politics and Law Department affords an opportunity for Political Science majors to investigate topics of their own choosing. In the process, they will be expanding and honing their research and writing skills, which is excellent preparation for graduate and professional degree work. Majors pursuing honors will devote a substantial portion of their last two semesters at Rhodes to their projects (honors work earns eight-twelve credits across two semesters). To be eligible, a student must have completed 28 credits of course work in the major and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the college and in Politics and Law courses. Honors guidelines are available from the chairperson of the department.
Michael Nelson. 1991. Fulmer Professor of Political Science. B.A., College of William and Mary; M.A. and Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University. (American Presidency; Southern Politics; American politics.) Marcus D. Pohlmann. Emeritus 1986. B.A., Cornell College; M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D., Columbia University. (American politics; legal studies; education policy, black political thought.)
Associate Professors
Erin A. Dolgoy. 2013. M.A. and Ph.D., Michigan State University. (Political theory, science and technology studies, American politics.)
Assistant Professors
Anna S. Eldridge. 2012. B.A., Rhodes College; J.D., Duke University. (Legal studies, internships, pre-law advising.)
Thomas Goodman.2021. B.S., Northeastern University; M.A. Boston College; Ph.D. Boston College (American Politics, Congress, campaigns and elections)
Kyu Chul (Casey) Shin. 2021. B.A., Ursinus College; Ph.D., West Virginia University (American politics, race and ethnic studies, public policy, global affairs)
Director of Mock Trial
Anna R. Smith. 2012. B.A., Rhodes College; J.D. Duke University. (Legal studies; internships.)
Staff
Hannah Guess. 2020. Departmental Assistant. B.A. and M.A., University of Memphis.
Requirements for a Major in Political Science with Concentration in Politics and Law
The Department of Politics and Law offers students an opportunity to undertake an intensive study of the Constitution, law, and judicial branch of government, in the Politics and Law concentration. All students who decide to concentrate in Politics and Law must do a public affairs internship focused on jurisprudence.
A total of forty-four (44) credits as follows:
PLAW 151: U. S. Politics.
PLAW 270: Research Methods.
PLAW 485: Senior Seminar.
One course in political thought and philosophy.
International Studies 110 or International Studies 120.
PLAW 460: Public Affairs Internship with a law concentration.
Five additional courses (20 credits) in Political and Law, two of which must be at the 300 level. Students may count up to two International Studies courses towards their major.
In satisfying the requirements above, the Politics and Law concentration requires students to take any two of the following courses: PLAW 216: Philosophy of Law; PLAW 262: Trial Procedure; PLAW 264: Rights of the Accused; PLAW 280: Judicial Politics; PLAW 283: Topics in Public Law; and PLAW 301: Civil Liberties. Students may petition the chair to count one non-Politics and Law course that focuses on the study of jurisprudence as a substitute for one of the aforementioned courses.
PLAW 263 does not count toward a Political Science major.
International Studies 110 or International Studies 120.
Six additional courses (24 credits) in Political and Law, two of which must be at the 300 level. Students may count up to two International Studies courses towards their major. PLAW 460, Public Affairs Internship, may count as a major elective at the 200 level.
PLAW 263 does not count toward a Political Science major.
Politics and Law students may participate in two different semester long programs in Washington, D.C., each involving courses, an internship, and a research project. Since special financial arrangements are required for these programs, students need to meet with the Director of the Buckman Center. These programs can be done in the Fall or the Spring semester. Two of the four courses transferred from the Washington Semester may satisfy requirements for a Political Science major, and all four of the courses transferred from the Capitol Semester may satisfy requirements for a Political Science major. Since some coursework transfers as internship credit, students receiving credit from either of these programs cannot count an additional PLAW 460 course toward the Political Science major.
The certificate in Health Equity is designed to prepare students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare providers, public health professionals, and policy advocates who understand how social determinants shape health status and who are committed to working in solidarity with and to advocating for stigmatized and underserved populations.
Program participants will
Understand how unjust social conditions cause illness and disease for stigmatized populations
Be able to identify and intervene in their own practice and with colleagues when bias leads to unequal care
Learn to practice equity-oriented, person-centered care that helps individuals seeking clinical services feel valued and welcomed
Learn how policy affects health and how to be an effective advocate for better policies
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Equity
A total of sixteen (16) credits as follows:
HLEQ 510 or HLEQ 410 Health Equity and Disparities
HLEQ 515 or HLEQ 415 Intercultural Communication for Health and Healthcare
One of the following: HLEQ 520 or HLEQ 420 Developing Cultural Humility, HLEQ 530 Health Humanities and Social Inequality, HLEQ 430 Narrative Medicine and Inequality
HLEQ 540 or HLEQ 440 Politics of Health and Healthcare Policy
The program chair may approve substitutions, including the following:
The Department of Psychology helps students develop an understanding of human behavior and experience a variety of theoretical perspectives. The faculty specialize in a wide variety of topics, including neuroscience, clinical/counseling, cognitive, social, developmental, and educational psychology.
Members of the faculty of the Department of Psychology encourage students of exceptional academic accomplishment to pursue research with a departmental faculty sponsor that is of an in-depth, rigorous nature; this work will introduce the student to the quality of research one would normally experience in a graduate program. Because the level of involvement of the student and their faculty sponsor will be greater in Honors research than that in either a Tutorial or Directed Inquiry, the faculty of the Department of Psychology have established rules for student admission into the Departmental Honors Program. Please contact the Department Chair for a copy of the Honors Research Guidelines. It is recommended that students interested in pursuing department honors enroll in Junior Seminar 399.
When declaring a major in psychology, students must submit an essay in which they articulate their educational goals. The essay should be four paragraphs, with one paragraph dedicated to each of the questions below (question 3 has two parts.)
In your opinion, what are the defining characteristics of the discipline of Psychology?
How do the requirements for the Psychology major complement your program of liberal arts study and support your career or life goals?
As a Psychology major, how will you (a) build on your strengths and (b) address your weaknesses?
The entire essay should be between 250 and 1000 words and must accompany the Declaration of Major form when a student has the initial meeting with their major advisor. A student may choose to revise the essay after meeting with the advisor. Students will electronically submit the final, advisor approved, version of the essay as a Word document to the psychology departmental assistant so that it can be archived. The file name for the essay should be as follows: student’s last name, student’s first name, and graduation year.
Natalie Person. 1994. B.A., University of Mississippi; Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Cognitive; learning technologies; educational psychology.)
Elizabeth Thomas. 2011. B.A., Georgetown University, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (Urban Studies; community psychology; psychology and the arts.)
Katherine White. 2009. B.A., Rhodes College; Ph.D., University of Florida. (Cognitive; language and memory; cognitive aging.)
Associate Professors
Jason Haberman. 2014. B.A., University of Miami; M.A. and Ph.D., University of California - Davis. (Neuroscience: visual psychophysics; object recognition, ensemble perception.)
Kiren Khan. 2017. A.B., University of Pennsylvania; Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University. (Developmental Psychology; narrative development in young children.)
Rebecca Klatzkin. 2011. B.S., University of Richmond; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. (Behavioral neuroscience: stress; eating behavior; binge eating disorder.)
Geoffrey Maddox. 2013. B.A., University of Missouri; M.A., Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis. (Cognitive: Aging and development.)
Matthew Weeks. 2001. B.A., Kentucky Wesleyan College; Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Social; social cognition; stereotyping.)
Assistant Professors
Amanda Hasselle. 2021. B.A., Trinity University; M.S., PhD., University of Memphis. (Clinical: Child and Family Studies)
Katherine (Kailey) Lawson. 2022. B.A., Pomona College; M.A., Ph.D., University of California - Davis (Social-Personality: nature, development, and assessment of personality traits)
Laura Shanahan. 2022. B.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison; Ph.D., Northwestern University. (Neuroscience: cognitive neuroscience, sleep, sensory systems).
A total of 11 courses or forty-four (44) credits in the major as follows:
Psychology 150 to be taken as early as possible in the student’s course of study.
Psychology 200 and 211 should be taken as early as possible. Ideally they should be completed by the spring semester of the sophomore year.
At least one course from each of the following five content domains (At least three of these courses must be core courses (bolded) from separate domains). * each course can only count in one content domain:
Developmental Across the Lifespan: Psychology 222, 229, 230, 231, 306*.
Cognition and Learning: Psychology 216*, 306*, 327, 345/345L.
Biological Bases of Behavior: Psychology 216*, 317* or 318*, 344/344L; Neuroscience 270.
Sociocultural Bases of Behavior and Experience: Psychology 232, 240, 280, 323, 330.
Health and Well-Being: 218, 220, 224, 311, 324, 317* or 318*, 338.
One course should be a 300-level course from one of the content domains.
One advanced methods course from among Psychology 350 – 353 that should be taken junior year. Before taking a particular advanced methods course, students should complete PSYC 200 and 211, as well as the core course that relates to it.
One community-based or independent investigation course: Psychology 229 (some sections), 231, 330, 451, 452, 460, 495, or 496; Education 360 or 460.
One other course in psychology (only one 105 course may count) or one of the following: EDUC 222, URBN 250, MUS 145.
Psychology 485 to be taken during the senior year.
A total of 6 courses or twenty-four (24) credits as follows:
Psychology 150.
Psychology 200.
Four additional psychology courses (or Neuroscience 270) to be chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor and to be approved by the department chair. These will be selected to coordinate with the student’s major and career aspirations, and will normally include at least one 300- or 400-level course. Only one 105 course may count.
The Department of Religious Studies promotes the academic study of religion by offering courses that explore the diverse aspects of religious traditions. Particular emphasis is given to the origins, history, and relevance of religion in contemporary life.
Honors research in Religious Studies is established by consultation between the student and the department. In addition to the courses required for a major, the honors program requires the one-hour junior honors tutorial, Religious Studies 399, and the senior honors tutorials, Religious Studies 495-496, in which the student will be guided in the research and writing of an honors paper.
Patrick Gray. 2002. The Albert Bruce Curry Professor of Religious Studies. B.A., Oglethorpe University; M.T.S., Ph.D., Emory University. (New Testament; history of biblical interpretation; Greco-Roman moral philosophy)
Stephen R. Haynes. 1989. B.A., Vanderbilt University; M.A., Florida State University; M.Div., Columbia Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Emory University. (Holocaust studies; religion and politics; religion and literature; religion and education)
Steven L. McKenzie. 1983. The Spence L. Wilson Senior Research Fellow. B.A., M.Div., Abilene Christian University; Th.D., Harvard University. (Old Testament; Hebrew)
Associate Professors
Thomas Bremer. 2001. B.A., The Ohio State University; M.A., Ph.D., Princeton University. (History of religion in America)
John C. Kaltner. Chair. 1996. The Virginia Ballou McGehee Professor of Muslim-Christian Relations. B.A., State University of New York at Oswego; M.A., Maryknoll School of Theology; S.S.L., Pontifical Biblical Institute; Ph.D., Drew University. (Biblical studies; Islam)
Bernadette McNary-Zak. 1999. B.A., University of Rochester; M.A., Catholic University of America; Ph.D., University of Toronto. (Early Christianity)
Sarah E. Rollens. 2015. The R. A. Webb Professor of Religious Studies. B.A., University of North Carolina at Wilmington; M.A., University of Alberta; Ph.D., University of Toronto (New Testament; Early Christianity)
Brooke Schedneck. 2017. The W. J. Millard Professor of Religious Studies. B.A., Boston University; M.T.S. Harvard University; Ph.D., Arizona State University. (Asian religions.)
Assistant Professors
Raissa von Doetinchem de Rande. 2020. M.A., University of Oxford; M.A.R., Yale University; M.A., Princeton University; Ph.D., Princeton University. (Islamic studies; ethics.)
Beck Henricksen. 2023. B.S., B.A., Biola University; M.A. Yale Divinity School; M.A., Brown University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Gender and sexuality studies; Africana studies)
Shatavia L. Wynn. 2022. B.A., Claflin University; M.A., Yale University Divinity School; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University. (African American religion; Africana studies)
Part-Time Faculty
Micah D. Greenstein. 2020. B.A., Cornell University; M.P.A., Harvard University; Rabbinic Ordination, M.A.H.L., D.D., Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. (Judaism)
Jonathan C. Lewis. 2021. B.A., University of Georgia; M.Div., Duke Divinity School; D.Min., Memphis Theological Seminary. (Religious studies; Speech communications; Pastoral care and counseling; Narrative medicine)
Religious Studies 101 and 102 or Humanities 101 and 102.
Two 200-level courses in different areas of Religious Studies (biblical studies, theology and ethics, history of religions). Certain courses (e.g., Humanities 201 or AMS 250) can fulfill this requirement when cross-listed as Religious Studies courses.
One 300-level Religious Studies seminar in any area.
Note: The Health Equity Internships (Religious Studies 460) may count toward fulfilling the second requirement for the Religious Studies minor.
Rhodes, in cooperation with the University of Memphis and the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, participates in crosstown agreements that provide the opportunity for Rhodes students to enroll in Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC), Military Science (Army ROTC), and Naval Science (Navy ROTC) at The University of Memphis. Upon successful completion of the reserve officer training programs and the undergraduate degree at Rhodes, a student receives a commission as a second lieutenant in the appropriate military service.
The curriculum for the ROTC program is reviewed by the Faculty of Rhodes and the appropriate credits are assigned. The student who participates in the ROTC programs will have to complete all requirements as specified by the military service departments, including summer training camps, if the commission as an officer is to be granted.
A Rhodes student may earn a maximum of sixteen credits in the ROTC programs and apply fourteen of these credits to the 128 credits needed for a Rhodes degree. Credit earned in ROTC is counted as elective credit, and it is listed on the student’s transcript as ROTC credit with the appropriate course titles. To be eligible to participate in the Consortium, students must enroll in at least twelve (12) hours per semester at Rhodes to be considered full time. Credits enrolled in during a given semester are included in the count of credits for a normal course load. (The credit shown below applies to the 16-credit provision.) Although a student takes the ROTC courses at The University of Memphis, that student is a full-time student at Rhodes, and any financial assistance provided by the military services is based on tuition and fees at Rhodes.
Aerospace Studies
The Aerospace Studies program is in two parts. The first-year/sophomore-level program, the General Military Course, is open to all students. The junior/senior level program, the Professional Officer Course, is available only to selected, eligible students who desire to earn commissions as officers in the United States Air Force while pursuing their academic studies at Rhodes. Participants in the POC program and those in the GMC on AFROTC scholarships receive a monthly subsistence allowance from the Air Force. Graduate students who qualify are also eligible for POC enrollment.
Air Force ROTC scholarships which pay all or a portion of certain college costs (tuition, book allowance, and certain fees) are available on a competitive basis, to entering first-year students and to cadets participating in the AFROTC program. Details are available from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid or from the Department of Aerospace Studies at the University of Memphis. Students wishing to participate should contact the Unit Admissions Officer, AFROTC Detachment 785, Department of Aerospace Studies, University of Memphis, at 678-2681. Students may also access AFROTC Detachment 785’s website at www.afrotc.memphis.edu and/or the AFROTC website at www.afrotc.com.
Military Science
The Military Science program provides a four year course of military instruction designed to provide qualified students with the attributes and competencies in the art of US Army leadership, The program is divided into two sections each consisting of a two year duration. The first, called the Basic Course, offers an introduction to the US Army, basic soldier skills, roles and responsibilities, offership, and military doctrine. The second, called the Advanced Course, expands upon the basic course and offers leadership experience, advanced military doctrine, and prepares the student for commissioning as a US Army Officer. Students may apply for the four year program, Basic Course, or Advanced Course.
Department faculty and staff are active duty Army personnel detailed by the Department of the Army and approved by the University of Memphis President. The Army officers are appointed by the University of Memphis as Professor or Assistant Professor of Military Science. Students interested in enrolling in any Military Science course should contact the Department of Military Science Recruiting Operations Officer at (901)678-2934.
About 65 percent of Rhodes students take advantage of learning opportunities off-campus and in other countries, most often during their sophomore and junior years. And while language and culture are common subjects of study, specialized programs abound and help students develop real-world skills in their discipline. In most cases, students pay tuition, room, and board as normal to Rhodes, including any federal and institutional aid they normally receive, which covers their tuition, room, and board while on the program.
How to Get Started
The Buckman Center for international education manages the off-campus and study abroad component for Rhodes College. To get started, explore the Online Portal for Off-Campus Study, which helps you plan ahead, search for you programs, and apply for programs.
Types of Programs
Rhodes Summer Programs - Every year, Rhodes faculty plan programs off-campus for Rhodes students. These are commonly referred to as Rhodes “Maymesters.” The Online Portal has a list of current programs. As these are Rhodes programs, credit earned is Rhodes credit. No institutional or federal aid is portable for summer programs. However, the Buckman Center has many need-based scholarships available.
Rhodes Semester Programs - Rhodes, Sewanee, and Centre College jointly own/operate three semester-long off-campus study programs: the "New York City Internship Program" (NYC, USA), the "Global Ghana: History and the Diaspora Program" (Accra, Ghana), and the "Global Environmental Challenges Program" (Cuenca, Ecuador). These programs are Rhodes programs, meaning that all credit earned is Rhodes credit and Rhodes' portable institutional and federal aid applies. Students from all three schools will enroll in these programs and the faculty leaders are drawn from each of the schools on a rotating basis. These programs operate in the fall, only.
ISEP and Bilateral Exchanges – Rhodes students have access to exchange programs worldwide. Our formal bilateral exchange agreements are with The University of Antwerp, Belgium; The University of Poitiers, France; Nebrissensis University, Madrid, Spain; The University of Tübingen, Germany; The University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany; The University of Aberdeen, Scotland; The University of Kent, England; The University of Lima, Peru; Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; and The Iberoamericana University in Puebla, Mexico. Students pay tuition (in some case, room and board) to Rhodes and receive tuition (in some cases, room and board) on the program. Rhodes institutional aid and federal/state aid are portable for these programs. Exchanges can occur in any discipline and can range in length from one semester to one academic year. In most cases, exchange students are matriculated directly into the host institution and pursue courses with host country students. Credit earned on exchange programs is treated as transfer credit. The number of students who can participate on exchange programs is limited.
Rhodes is also a member of ISEP (The International Student Exchange Program), an organization of more than 200 colleges and universities located throughout the United States and in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and Latin America. Students pay tuition, room, and board to Rhodes and receive tuition, room and board on the program. Rhodes institutional aid and federal/state aid are portable for these programs. Exchanges can occur in any discipline and can range in length from one semester to one academic year. In most cases, exchange students are matriculated directly into the host institution and pursue courses with host country students. Credit earned on exchange programs is treated as transfer credit. The number of students who can participate on exchange programs is limited.
Affiliated Programs - In addition to Rhodes Programs and Exchange Programs, Rhodes has semester- and year-long Affiliated Partnerships with numerous other colleges, universities and international organizations. Students participating on an Affiliated Program pay tuition, room, and board (in some cases, partial or no board) to Rhodes and receive tuition, room and board (or partial or no board) on the off-campus program. Rhodes institutional aid and federal/state aid are portable for these programs. Credit earned on Affiliated programs is treated as transfer credit.
In the case of an Affiliated Summer Program, students pay the program out of pocket; no institutional or federal aid is portable for summer programs. However, the Buckman Center has need-based scholarships available.
Studnets will spend their semester in the highlands of Ecuador, learning about local and global environmental challenges while immersing themselves in the Spanish language. The Global Environmental Challenges program explores various environmental issues of today and tomorrow through an integrated lens of science and humanities. The first 12 weeks of the program take place in the highlands of Cuenca, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Students live in a homestay with an Ecuadorian family, being fully immersed in a Spanish speaking community. No previous Spanish language experience is necessary - students will be placed in one Spanish class at the appropriate level. An additional three courses (taught in English) complete the semester, centering around the local and global environmental challenges facing this region and how people are meeting them.
After the initial 12 weeks of the program, students synthesize what they've learned so far in a final three-week module at two remote, world-class ecological research stations: one week at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon River basin and two weeks at the Galapagos Science Center on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Islands. During this intense module, students will gain hand-on experience in data collection and learn about the specific challenges facing this region of the world.
For the entirety of the program, students have the opportunity of a lifetime to will engage in field trips to local communities and organizations to learn more about the environmental issues brought up in class. They will be able to engage with a plethora of environmental issues and reflect on the differences between their own linguistic and cultural backgrounds and those found in their host communities.
Students from three schools, Rhodes, Centre, and Sewanee, will take part in this unique liberal arts collaboration examining these timely and important questions. The Program Leader for each fall will be a faculty member from one of these schools.
This is a Rhodes program and all courses are Rhodes courses. The grades will appear on the student's transcript as grades earned and will be factored into the Rhodes GPA. F11 will be granted for successful completion of the program. Student applications are on the Buckman Center's website.
Courses available for fall 2023:
Tropical Biology: Taught by the Program Leader, Dr. Michael Collins of Rhodes College. (ENVS 108, 4 credits).
Linking the Local to the Global: Taught by David Siddons, MSc, of the Universidad de Azuay (ENVS 207, 4 credits).
Environment, Conservation and Policy Issues: Taught by Dr. Leo Zurita Arthos of the Universidad San Fransisco de Quito (USFQ). (ENVS 107, 4 credits).
Spanish Language per each student's individual level: Taught by instructors at Cuenca's Sampere Institute, the site of the Rhodes Ecuaodor Maymester for over 20 years. (Spanish language, 4 credits). F10 is granted for successful completion of Español 201, B1:1. There are no Spanish prerequisites for this program. All students will be placed into a Spanish language course at their level. "Prerequisite" is understood as the Rhodes course listed, the equivalent, or permission of the Rhodes Director of Spanish.
Course Descriptions:
Tropical Biology: This course surveys the diversity of tropical ecosystems and examines the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape them. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and guest speakers, the course examines foundational theories and major themes in tropical biology, including species diversity, adaptations and coevolution, community structure, biogeography, and conservation challenges. The course uses Ecuador as a model to illustrate general principles and contemporary issues in tropical ecology and conservation. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to A: Identify major tropical ecosystems, describe their climatic and biological characteristics, and explain the fundamental reasons tropical systems differ from temperate ones. B: Understand the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that shape patterns of species diversity and explain why there are so many species in the tropics. C: Critically examine the assumptions and empirical evidence supporting or rejecting hypotheses that have guided our understanding of tropical ecosystems. D: Understand the major threats to tropical ecosystems and how ecological principles can inform conservation efforts.
Linking the Local to the Global: This course examines local environmental challenges in Cuenca, Ecuador and nearby locations. Examples of potential topics include, but are not limited to: gold mining and its effects on water quality, eco-agricultural sustainable food production, corn sovereignty (small production vs. large agro-industrial production), and invasive species of flora and fauna (e.g. introduction of trout in Cajas). Experiential learning will be a significant element of the course and students will regularly visit local communities, NGOs, museums, governmental offices, etc. so that students can learn from those who are most affected by these issues. Additionally, students will observe local community members’ engagement in political activism, artistic expression, and cultural practices that illustrate their experiences with the environment and their efforts to pursue alternative ways of interfacing with the natural world. While each of the environmental challenges mentioned above is present in and around Cuenca, the course explicitly explores links to the broader global context. For example, gold mining has a negative impact on the environment in this region; however, mining has similar effects on various communities around the world, from coal mining in the southeastern United States to cobalt mining in central Africa. The course includes discussions around questions such as: How does the practice affect the environment (land, water, air)? What are the reasons for these environmentally damaging practices? How are these practices affecting local and global communities of people? How are the affected communities employing artistic expression to illustrate their experiences? What alternatives have been suggested or implemented? What are the obstacles to achieving solutions?
Environment, Conservation and Policy Issues: In this course, students will be introduced to the most influential factors shaping the ecosystems and their conservation looking at the global, regional and local factors that determine the climates and the contrasting ecosystems that can be found in Ecuador. The course includes several field visits to the the lowlands of the Ecuadorian Amazon (Tiputini Biodiversity Station) and the Galápagos Islands, allowing students to experience first-hand current topics of conservation and policy issues, while discussing the main environmental challenges associated with the conservation of natural ecosystems in tropical developing countries. Additionally, this course reviews the environmental issues facing contemporary Ecuador in the context of a transforming global reality. We look at specific environmental issues that are of concern for Ecuador and the region including, the oil industry and indigenous communities in the Amazon Basin, aquaculture, and shrimp farming, introduced species, large scale ranching and deforestation, fisheries, and the management of fragile marine ecosystems such as the Galapagos. We investigate possible solutions that consider political and ecological pressures, perspectives of indigenous populations, environmentalists, the governments, NGOs, as well as international investors and multinational companies. It all revolves around this little but diverse country.
Spanish Language Course: Students will enroll in one Spanish language course. Courses range from Introductory Spanish 101 through Advanced Spanish 425. Specialized courses at the intermediate and advanced levels include "Cultura y civilización latinoamericana," "Panorámica de la literatura latinoamericana," and "Español para los negocios."
Studying in Accra, Ghana will provide students with a life-changing opportunity to live and study in a remarkable, historic city where coursework, homestays, and internships will immerse them in the vibrant and awe-inspiring culture of Ghana. The focus of the program is the complex intersections in the past and present between modern Ghana and the African diaspora in the southeastern United States. We will answer questions such as: What are the connections between Ghana and the US? How do both countries influence each other’s music, food, innovation, and fashion? When did the connections in our politics and economics have their historical beginnings? In this fall semester program, students will discover the historic and contemporary ties connecting western Africa to the US diaspora, examining topics ranging from the west African slave trade to the Pan-African movement and beyond.
Students from three schools, Rhodes, Centre, and Sewanee, will take part in this unique liberal arts collaboration examining these intriguing and important questions. The Program Leader for each fall will be a faculty member from one of these schools.
This is a Rhodes program and all courses are Rhodes courses. The grades will appear on the student's transcript as grades earned and will be factored into the Rhodes GPA. F11 will be granted for successful completion of the program. Student applications are on the Buckman Center's website.
Course Credit for Fall 2023:
Students will take four courses, totaling 16 hours. F11 will be granted for satisfactory completion of this program.
International Studies 255: Globalization and the Challenges of Development in Ghana - 4 credits (F9)
Music 116: Ghanaian Popular Music - 4 credits (F5)
History 274: Ghana and West Africa’s Pasts in the Black Atlantic - 4 credits (F3)
International Studies 264: Africa in World Politics: Ghanaian Perspectives - 4 credits
Academic Internship - 4 credits
Course Descriptions:
Globalization and the Challenges of Development in Ghana: Taught by Dr. Akosua Darkwah of the University of Ghana. (INST 255, 4 credits, F9). This course will include site visits to locations within Accra that highlight fashion, food, and gender and entrepreneurship. We will begin with a brief history of markets in Ghana as we begin to define "What is Globalization?" From various interpretations and meanings of globalisation, we will investigate globalization’s influence on society including cultural implications. We will discuss topics such as transnationalism, agricultural developments, real estate, manufacturing, and even alternatives to globalization. How does globalization interface with social justice movements and women's rights? What part does Ghana play in international relations for the local region and continent of Africa? We will answer these and other questions as we explore our global Ghana.
Ghanaian Popular Music: Taught by Dr. Eric Doe of the University of Ghana. (MUSC 116, 4 credits, F5). Highlife music has emerged as one of the most popular world music genres from West Africa in the last century. The music tradition's success on the world stage is closely associated with its Trans-Atlantic influences and the impact of African traditional and imported Western and Black Diasporic performance norms. The present proliferation and popularization of various musical styles marketed as 'highlife' or Ghanaian popular music point to the fact that Ghanaian musical expressions draw their musical characteristics from indigenous Ghanaian music heritage juxtaposed with ideas borrowed from the West. Styles are differentiated according to time, place, and cultural influences concerning embellishment, language choice, vocal timbres, and instrumental resources. This course analyses the musical varieties within genres marketed as Ghanaian 'popular' or "highlife" music. It offers broader political, economic, and socio-historical perspectives on various factors rooted in ethnicity, gender, identity, Pan-Africanism, and generational class relations that have contributed to contemporary understandings of Ghanaian ‘popular’ and highlife music. Our exploration of Highlife will range from the relationships between Ghanaian and West African music research to the marketing of highlife music today, from ethnographic approaches to Ghanaian performance to the philosophical and ethical considerations involved in studying it. Throughout the course, we will consider how Ghanaian 'popular' musicians and related groups have created a range of sound worlds under considerable social, political, and commercial pressure.
Academic Internship and weekly seminar: Led by Dr. Elsie Gaisie-Ahiabu, an international educator based in Accra. An unpaid academic internship wouldreplace course #1 or #2 above. (Depends on major and pre-approval from Career Services is required. 4 credits). Students will attend a weekly seminar in addition to 10+ hours of internship each week. Students will be placed in internship/service learning assignments at various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare providers, research institutes, and other local agencies, referred to as ‘attachments’ in Ghana, that are designed to complement the global health and development emphasis of the program, as well as to meet the individual interest of each student. The actual placement of each student will be based on his/her unique academic background, training, skills, and personal interests. The types of attachments available to students are numerous and include areas as diverse as health; environment; family planning; women’s empowerment; new information and communication technologies; agriculture; education; literacy; culture and arts; tourism; politics; economics and business; mass media, and others. Internship duties and responsibilities vary depending on the specific needs of the organization, however, they can include writing, researching, job shadowing, interviewing, advising, teaching, community organizing, mentoring, training, fundraising, photographing, and a variety of other alternatives. The weekly seminar is designed to assist students in working cross-culturally in Accra and to gain the fullest benefit from undertaking an international academic internship. Students will also be given information about ethics, safety, and professionalism in the context of their internship placements. The seminar may include a site visits, weekend field excursions, and day-long community service projects. The internship carries 4 credits, but the weekly seminar is non-credit bearing.
Ghana and West Africa’s Pasts in the Black Atlantic*: Taught by Dr. Kofi Baku of the University of Ghana. (HIST 274, 4 credits, F3). This course will be coupled with an overnight field trip to the north of the country, the origins for many people who were enslaved and then brought to the Ghanaian coast for transport to the Americas. Student will also visit Cape Coast, the site for two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the “slave castles” Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle. This course provides an introduction to slavery in Ghana and West Africa and the Atlantic slave trade out of West Africa. The course uses Ghana as a window to explore the history and material culture of slavery and the Atlantic slave trade in West Africa. It combines lectures, class discussions, documentaries, and field trips to sites of enslavement, slave markets and resistance to slavery and student analysis of contemporary sources. Instead of presenting a comprehensive survey, covering every aspect of this vast subject, this course takes a topical approach by focusing on a selection of themes and issues that are crucial to developing an understanding of slavery in Ghana and West Africa and the slave trade across the Atlantic. Themes to be covered include slavery and nation building in West Africa, African and European agency in slavery and slave trade; slavery and slave trade in framing the social structure of Ghana and West Africa; the legacies of slavery in Ghana and West Africa and the ways in which slavery is remembered in Ghana and West Africa. Throughout the course, we will pay attention to the debilitating effects of slavery and the slave trade on West Africa and on its development.
Africa in World Politics: Ghanaian Perspectives*: Taught by Dr. Amy Patterson, Sewanee. (INTS 264, 4 credits). This course examines the challenges, successes, and failures of the continent’s political development, with a particular focus on Ghana. It begins by investigating how colonialism and nationalism affected politics, society, and economies. It then examines post-independence governments, democratic transitions, political institutions, and significant political actors. Using the Ghana case, it questions how ethnicity, gender, and religious identities play into these dynamics, and it questions how Ghana has been able to develop a stable democratic system, while many other African countries have experienced authoritarian rule. Expanding beyond domestic politics, the course pays particular attention to the ways that the African Union, ECOWAS, and donor nations shape politics in Ghana. In the process, it links Ghanaian politics and society to diasporic factors and populations.
*These two courses are mandatory for all participants. Students will select an additional two courses, or an additional course plus academic internship, for a total of 16 credits.
The New York City Internship Program takes place in the fall semester in NYC and is composed of one 8-hour internship and two 4-credit classes, for a total of 16 academic credits.
Students will challenge themselves through an intensive internship and study experience in the vibrant and culturally and linguistically heterogeneous environment of New York City. They will gain meaningful, real-world work experience in New York City, learning experientially in several domains: career readiness and marketability, training in cross-cultural adaptation to one of the largest and busiest cites in the US, and academically through the two 4-credit courses offered on this program. One benefit from the urban setting of New York City is its proximity to museums, libraries, theatres, galleries, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations, and global industries, such as finance.
This pre-professional program leverages our strong alumni community and internship opportunities in NYC with two academic courses on the history of the people of New York and the theatre industry on and off Broadway. This is a collaborative program between Centre, Sewanee, and Rhodes: each school will send students to participate. Student applications are on the Buckman Center's website.
Course Credit:
F11 will be granted for satisfactory completion of this program.
Academic Internship – 8 credits
History 239: New York and Its Peoples, Past and Present – 4 credits (F3)
Theatre 265: New York Theater Experience: The Building of a Culture and a Career – 4 credits (F5)
Course Descriptions:
History 239: New York and Its Peoples, Past and Present
This course explores New York City by studying the migrants and immigrants who have settled there since its founding. It explores how migrants and immigrants change New York, how the city changes them, and the significance of ethnic diversity in the city’s politics and culture. We will read scholarly writings, examine films and music as primary sources, take field trips to immigrant neighborhoods, and visit museums devoted to migration and immigration. At every opportunity, we will venture outside our classroom to learn about the city through direct observation.
New York City is a place of constant change, but its defining traits have been present since its earliest times: a dynamic economy that generates both wealth and poverty; ethnic diversity and ethnically defined neighborhoods; religious pluralism; turf-based politics that features ethnic mobilizations and coalitions; and a hybrid popular culture. All of these can be traced to the long history of migration and immigration in New York City. In this course, you will learn in and from New York City. You will explore the past and present of the city in light of its migrants (primarily African American and Puerto Rican U.S. citizens) and immigrants from Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. We’ll study how migrants and immigrants change New York City, how New York City changes them, and the enduring significance of ethnic diversity in the city’s politics and culture.
Theatre 265: New York Theater Experience: The Building of a Culture and a Career
The class will highlight the personal, cultural, and professional value of theater through attending eight live performances at a variety of venues: including Broadway, the center of the global commercial theater world, New York’s Public Theater, the non-profit home where many great artists and new plays have been developed and nurtured, as well as others. The class will also offer weekly discussions highlighting the history/mission of each institution and discussing different professional disciplines within the field. The lectures will be supported by reading of current articles written on key issues within the industry, and post show discussions with artist involved in the various productions.
Rhodes Summer Programs, commonly referred to as "Maymesters", take place over the summer in May, June, July, or August. Generally, programs may begin as early as the day after Commencement and will end before Opening Convocation. Most Maymesters are about three weeks long, though they may take place over as few as two weeks or as many as six weeks. Most Maymesters are international, though several are domestic.
In consultation with the Director of the Buckman Center for International Education, faculty members propose, design, and lead their own Maymesters. It's normal for program development to take about 11 months.
Course Content: Generally, each Maymester's coursework takes place within the academic discipline of the faculty leader. For course titles, descriptions, credits, and Foundations credit, see the Buckman Center's website for current Maymester programs.
Rhodes typically offers 10-12 Maymesters each summer, based on faculty interest and availability. Some programs operate every year; others alternate years or are only offered every several years. New programs are always being developed, thanks to the Buckman International Curricular Development Grants, which provide funds for faculty to travel/research for the development of new Maymesters.
The following is a list of Maymesters offered in the last several years, with an * next to ones operating Summer 2023:
Ancient Greek Mythology
Art and Art History: Archaeological Fieldwork in Greece
Arts and Language Across Spain*
Buddhism in Thai Society*
Caesarea City and Port Exploration Project*
Classical Music Appreciation in Vienna
Environmental Archaeology at Ames* (domestic)
Environmental Field Study in Namibia*
French Immersion Maymester in Togo*
Health and Mental Health Disparities in an International Context, The Case of Thailand
Healthy Cities: The Political Economy of Urban Policymaking
Holocaust Travel Seminar
Intensive Language - German
Intensive Language - Russian
International Business Cases and Religion in the Low Country*
Rhodes in China: Chinese and Political Science
Rhodes in Rennes: French National and Regional Identity and Culture
The Urban Studies Program houses two majors — Urban Studies and Health Equity — that enable students to explore and understand urban experiences in their richness and complexity and to appreciate how urban social contexts shape human health. The program provides an interdisciplinary learning experience grounded in the liberal arts and connected to concerns of the region and the world. Through integrative teaching and research, students develop and apply the skills needed to analyze the dynamic processes and structures of urban life and health as well as the ways that cities contribute to global change. Students engage fully with Memphis and the diversity of the mid-south region, as they learn to situate them within a global context. The major combines coursework with urban field experiences, including internships, fellowships, and research with community partners.
Many Urban Studies students spend a semester abroad. We see comparative perspectives as critical to examining cities and urban life. Speak with a faculty advisor to determine a program that fits your interests. Also, speak with the program chair before beginning the program to discuss courses and transfer credits. There are some programs that are designed specifically for Urban Studies students such as IHP “Cities in the 21st Century” and DIS “Urban Studies in Europe.” Rhodes also offers Maymester courses appropriate for Urban Studies students, including the course in London and Glasgow, "Healthy Cities."
Africana Studies 350: Race Thinking and Health Disparities
Anthropology/Sociology 347: Medical Sociology
Anthropology/Sociology 265: Anthropology of Health
Health Equity 420: Developing Cultural Humility
Health Equity 435: Global Health, Local Practice
Urban Studies 235: Principles of Public Health
A methods course chosen from the following
Health Equity 445, Research Methods in Health Disparities
INTD 225, Geographic Information Systems
Social Statistics (URBN 220)
Statistical Methods (PSYC 211)
Statistical Analysis for Economics and Business (ECON 290)
Applied Statistics for the Liberal Arts (MATH 111)
A course designated as having a community engagement component. This course may not be fulfilled by the Introduction to Urban Studies (URBN 201) course. This course may also count as an elective or requirement for the major.
Urban Studies 385: Senior Research Design
Urban Studies 485: Senior Seminar
An Additional 16 credit hours selected from a list of approved electives or other courses selected in consultation with a faculty advisor and approved by the program chair.
**Two electives (8 credits) must be taken at the 300 or 400 level. Courses taken to complete required courses for the major (items 1-8 above) may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
**No more than two 100-level courses may be used as major requirements or electives.
The Health Equity courses listed below are regularly offered. Other electives may be added during the academic year, including topics courses. During registration check Banner Web or the Urban Studies Program office for a complete list of approved electives. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students may select other courses as electives provided the courses (1) are relevant to the social construction of health and (2) are approved by the Chair of Urban Studies.
Race Thinking and Health Disparities (Africana Studies 350)
Anthropology of Health (Anthropology/Sociology 265)
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (Anthropology/Sociology 331)
Medical Sociology (Anthropology/Sociology 347)
Environmental Science (Biology 120)
Embryology (Biology 209)
Genetics (Biology 304 with lab OR Biology 303 without lab)
Molecular Biology (Biology 325)
Virology/Immunology (Biology 330)
Foundations of Education (Education 201)
Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in Education (Education 320)
Introduction to Health Equity and Health Disparities (Health Equity 210)
Health Equity and Disparities (Health Equity 410)
Intercultural Communication for Healthcare (HLEQ 415)
Developing Cultural Humility (Health Equity 420)
Narrative Medicine and Inequality (Health Equity 430)
Politics of Health and Health Care Policy (Health Equity 440)
Global Health and Local Practice (Health Equity 435)
Research Methods in Health Disparities (Health Equity 445)
African American History (History 242)
The Civil Rights Movement (History 243)
History of Poverty in the United States (History 249)
Urban History (History 205)
Geographic Information Systems (Interdepartmental 225)
Music and Healing (Music 105)
Medical Ethics (Philosophy 303)
Health Care Policy (Politics and Law 320)
Psychology of Health (Psychology 220)
Community Psychology (Psychology 330)
Infant and Child Development (Psychology 229)
Community and Program Evaluation (Psychology 350)
Statistical Methods (Psychology 211)
Faith, Health, and Justice (Religious Studies 231)
Pain, Suffering, and Death (Religious Studies 233)
Health Equity Internship (Religious Studies 460)
Social Statistics (Urban Studies 220)
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence (Urban Studies 250)
Music and Community in Memphis (Urban Studies 262 or 382)
Topics in Urban Studies (Urban Studies 265 or 365)
Race Thinking and Health Disparities (Africana Studies 350)
Indigenous People of North America (Anthropology/Sociology 221)
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (Anthropology/Sociology 331)
Survey in African American Literature (English 224)
Study in African American Literature (English 264)
African American History (History 242)
The Civil Rights Movement (History 243)
African American Music (Music 118)
Philosophy of Race and Racism (Philosophy 220)
Faith, Health, and Justice (Religious Studies 231)
Black Theology (Religious Studies topics course)
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence (Urban Studies 250)
(other courses may fulfill this requirement, and will require permission of the Chair of Urban Studies)
One methods course from the following list by the end of the junior year:
GIS (INTD 225)
Social Statistics (URBN 220)
Statistical Methods (PSYC 211)
Statistical Analysis for Economics and Business (ECON 290)
Applied Statistics for the Liberal Arts (MATH 111)
One 4 credit course that has a community-engagement component from the following list:
Justice in the City: Nonprofits, Community and Social Change (URBN 340)
Community Psychology (PSYC 330)
Community Development & Action (URBN 350)
(other courses may fulfill this requirement, and will require permission of the Chair of Urban Studies)
Urban Studies 385: Senior Research Design
Urban Studies 485: Senior Capstone Seminar
An additional 16 credit hours selected from a list of approved electives or other courses selected in consultation with a faculty advisor and approved by the program chair. These courses should support student interests and future goals.
* One elective must have a global or comparative perspective.
* Only one elective may be taken at the 100 level.
*Two electives (8 credits) must be taken at the 300 or 400 level. Courses taken to complete required courses for the major (items 1-7 above) may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Urban Studies Electives that are regularly offered are listed below. Urban Studies elective courses may be added during the school year, including topics courses as appropriate. During registration, check Banner Web or the Urban Studies Program office for a complete list of Urban Studies electives. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students may select other courses as electives provided the courses (1) are relevant to urban institutions or issues and (2) are approved by the Chair of Urban Studies.
Urban Studies Electives:
Africana Theory (Africana Studies 305)
Race Thinking and Health Disparities (Africana Studies 350)
Art and Life in Pompeii (Art History 353)
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (Anthropology/Sociology 331)
Sociology of Education (Anthropology/Sociology 341)
Environmental Science (Biology 120)
Management of Organizations (Business 361)
Foundations of Education (Education 201)
Urban Education (Education 220)
Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in Education (Education 320)
Environment and Society (Environmental Studies and Sciences 150)
African American History (History 242)
The Civil Rights Movement (History 243)
Politics of Migration (International Studies 340)
Public Policy Analysis (Politics and Law Science 305)
Community Psychology (Psychology 250)
Urban Geography (Urban Studies 230)
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence (Urban Studies 250)
Music and Community in Memphis (Urban Studies 262)
Topics in Urban Studies (Urban Studies 265)
Black Communities and Law Enforcement (URBN 270)
Globalization and Cities (Urban Studies 320)
Asian Urbanization through Cinema (Urban Studies 330)
Justice and the City: Nonprofits, Community and Social Change (Urban Studies 340)
Urban Political Economy (Urban Studies 345)
Community Development & Action (Urban Studies 350)
Sentencing, Corrections, and American Law (URBN 261)
Advanced Seminar in Urban Studies (Urban 365)
Music and Community in Memphis (Urban Studies 382)
Two courses from the list under requirement #3 for the Health Equity Major
Three electives chosen from the list of electives in the Health Equity Major. At least one course has to be designated as community engaged. At least one course must be at 300 or 400 level
One 4 credit course that has a community-engagement component from the following list:
Justice in the City: Nonprofits, Community and Social Change (URBN 340)
Community Psychology (PSYC 330)
Community Development & Action (URBN 350)
(other courses may fulfill this requirement, and will require permission of the Chair of Urban Studies)
Four courses selected from the Urban Studies Curriculum (including Urban Studies major requirements and electives.) Courses in the Urban Studies Major and Urban Studies Electives that are regularly offered are listed under the major. Urban Studies elective courses may be added during the school year, including topics courses as appropriate. During registration, check Banner Web or the Urban Studies Program office for a complete list of Urban Studies electives. Other courses may be used to fulfill the minor requirement provided the courses: 1) contain an urban institutional or urban issues focus, and 2) are approved for minor credit by the Chair of Urban Studies.
** Four of the courses in the minor must come from fields outside of one’s major.
** One course in the minor must be taken at the 300 or 400 level.
