Multiple Departments, One Minor

By Ashley Bowles
Rotunda ReporterAll over campus, department walls are being torn down. New and existing interdisciplinary minors are offered by a variety of different departments.

For those students who are interested in the environment, the Environmental Studies minor is offered for only 24 credit hours. The classes come from all walks of science including biology, geology, hydrology and atmospheric sciences. This minor is a product of the Biology Department, but it requires classes in chemistry, economics, and earth science. Department Head of Biological and Environmental Sciences Dr. Joseph Garci said the program is at least 11 years old, but underwent significant change eight years ago. "Biology, chemistry, physics, anthropology and journalism are some of the majors that choose the environmental studies minor program," said Garcia. He also mentioned that the minor was a good choice for those who want to enhance "their major field of study with a better understanding of their environment."

The Homeland Security Program is an 18-credit minor with a variety of classes involving multiple departments. The required classes range from geography, political science, communications, computer information management systems (CIMS), economics, psychology, and sociology. Classes for the minor began in 2006 in the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences but moved to the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Studies in 2008 where Director of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Programs Dr. John Barbrey became the new director. With growing interest in homeland security throughout the nation, Barbrey said, "It has been suggested that our minor could be expanded into an independent, four-year bachelor program, or a certificate program. To do so would require a considerable investment. which current budget realities do not currently allow." Students majoring in history, criminal justice, sociology, and political science would find this minor beneficial, as would students majoring in Modern Languages or one of the sciences.

Created in 2005, the Leadership Studies minor was developed by Dr. Kerstin Soderlund, Dr. Harbour, and Dr. Cole. It incorporates military science, political science, recreation and sociology. The class takes about two years to complete with 19 credit hours. Associate Professor of Political Science Cole said, "We created this minor in order to educate Longwood students about the theories and practice of leadership." Cole stressed that this minor is open to all students on campus and everyone would benefit from the skills that are taught through this minor in the professional job market.

The Women and Gender Studies minor incorporates classes from multiple departments. This 18-credit minor, formally established in the late 1990s, brings in anthropology, communication studies, economics, social work and women and gender studies classes, just to name a few. Dr. Carl Riden and Dr. Wade Edwards are the co-directors of Women's and Gender Studies program. Riden explained, "Women Studies tends to be a focus on women exclusively..by being Women and Gender Studies we are more inclusive of that full range of that discipline." Riden goes on to say that sociology, English, history, and communication studies students would benefit from having this minor in their résumé and "Every student is free to do the minor."

Another collaboration on campus is the Opera Workshop, a conjoined effort between the Theatre and Music Department. The Opera Workshop, referred to as Music 208 and Music 408, is for those students who wish to learn more about musical theatre. The program is run by Professor of Theatre Dr. Gene Muto and Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Christopher Swanson. Muto joined the Opera Workshop, which was already run by the Music Department, three years ago. Muto said, "We're going to do it every spring now.Little Shop of Horrors and then we're also going to do an evening of poetry and song." Though these classes draw in theatre and music majors, all students are welcomed to take the class.

There are many other minors that can be explored on campus. The best way to get information is to talk to a professor in the department of the desired minor or the department head. More information is also available through the Longwood University website.