School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences | High Point University

SCHOOL OF

HUMANITIES AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

NORTH CAROLINA

|

WWW.HIGHPOINT.EDU

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Thank you for your considering the School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences at High Point University!

High Point University is proud of its historic commitment to a liberal arts education that furnishes our graduates with the broad knowledge, transferable skills, ethics and values they will need to become accomplished and responsible citizens. Anchored in the liberal arts tradition, HPU’s School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences continues to innovate, advancing new educational methods and degree programs that equip our graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing, increasingly interconnected world.

Twenty-first century education faces challenges that were unheard of a generation or two ago. Colleges and universities must adapt to patterns of work and life in which most graduates leave their first job within three years. Within five years, more than half of today’s college freshmen will work in jobs that do not currently exist, just as “social media director” and “cloud computing consultant” did not exist a decade ago. By focusing on the development of critical reasoning, research and communication skills, a liberal arts education provides an ideal preparation for today’s workplace, where employers increasingly search for workers who combine in-depth knowledge with excellent problem solving and analytic capabilities.

In both our general education core and our degree programs, students acquire and practice the knowledge, skills and attributes that are essential for success in today’s global economy. The David R. Hayworth College of Arts and Sciences programs engage students in collaborative problem solving, internships, research and creative works and community engagement in which students apply theory to practice, gaining valuable real-world experience. In addition, HPU’s liberal arts education enriches our students’ lives by making them more aware of the rich panoply of the human experience and more appreciative of the wonder and mystery of nature. A liberal arts education does not end with our graduation exercises at Commencement; instead, it encourages a lifelong journey of learning, adapting and innovating values that accrue in a life well-lived.

After looking closely at the programs and departments featured in this brochure, I am sure you will appreciate just how extraordinary our university is.

Ken Elston

Ken Elston Dean, School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences kelston@highpoint.edu

ACADEMIC PROSPECTUS | ARTS & SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE

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INDIVIDUALIZED MAJOR

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POLITICAL SCIENCE

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SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

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PAGE ENGLISH

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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PSYCHOLOGY

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WORLD LANGUAGES, LITERATURES & CULTURES

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PAGE HISTORY

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PHILOSOPHY

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PAGE RELIGION

HBS offers minors in each of its departments, as well as minors in: Legal Studies Pre-minsterial Jewish Studies Forensic Studies Environmental Studies

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Students analyze a mock crime scene in HPU’s Crime Lab.

Criminal Justice High Point University’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in criminal justice enables students to explore fundamental questions about human behavior, the nature of crime and the rationales for punishment, treatment and rehabilitation. The program combines engaging classroom lectures with opportunities for students to apply textbook principles to scenarios typically faced by criminal justice professionals. Hands-on opportunities include mock crime scene investigations and mock trials. Students are challenged to explore strategies for addressing complex social problems such as violence, drugs, gangs, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency and terrorism. The curriculum includes coursework in human behavior, social policies, forensics, counseling, trials, rehabilitation, research and management. These opportunities prepare graduates for a wide range of justice-related careers, including federal investigations and homeland security, state and city police work, legal careers, forensics, social work and law or graduate school.

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English THINK CREATIVELY Twenty-first century professions demand a more sophisticated understanding of texts and the contexts that produce them. High Point University’s Department of English prepares students to become creative thinkers and communicators who can thrive in a global information economy. Students may choose a major in either literature or writing or a minor in literature, creative writing or public and professional writing. All classes emphasize the research and evaluation of information, ethical practice and the human connection achieved through reading and writing. The department has academically distinguished and professionally active faculty — writers and scholars whose publications and research programs are directly related to their teaching and who are dedicated to mentoring students.

All English majors work one-on-one with a faculty member to create a senior portfolio, a selective body of work individually designed to help the student achieve his or her creative, academic and professional goals.

History PREPARE FOR A CHANGING WORLD The history major at High Point University prepares students for a changing world by helping them understand their place within the broader human experience. Students develop essential skills in research, analysis, writing and communications that will enrich not only their minds but also prepare them for virtually any career, from business and the law to academia. History students learn to think critically, analyze complex issues and discover meaningful insights. Through a broad range of courses in both public and oral history, students gain a rich and nuanced understanding of the past. Students also have the opportunity to pursue collaborative research with faculty mentors. The department sponsors the Phi Alpha Theta history honors society, the history club and the annual Rothenberg Seminar, which brings some of the world’s leading authorities on military history to campus.

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Individualized Major The Individualized Major Program allows selected students to plan an individualized educational program that stands apart from the established majors currently available. Undergraduate students may propose a program and offer appropriate and proper documentation to the Committee on Individualized Majors, which will determine acceptance on the submitted program’s merits.

If accepted, the student will be assigned an advisor and assisted in working out a contracted individualized major. Any major program for which a proper pattern of studies exists at High Point University will be considered.

The individualized major must: (a) fulfill the General Education Requirements; (b) be a coherent and integrated program of study; (c) be limited to those studies that can be supported by the educational resources of the programs of High Point University, including internships, independent studies, study abroad programs and work within the Greater Greensboro Consortium; and (d) be academic and experiential work fulfilled predominantly under the guidance of the Committee on Individualized Majors.

Students wishing to pursue this major option should consult with: Dr. Frederick Schneid fschneid@highpoint.edu 336-841-9238

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International Relations CROSS BOUNDARIES High Point University’s interdisciplinary major in international relations helps students develop a deep and nuanced understanding of the cultural, economic and political forces that shape relations among different regions and nations.

The program combines perspectives of four disciplines: economics, foreign languages, history and political science. Majors develop one or more areas of expertise and are invited to pursue original research and internship opportunities with a variety of international organizations, institutions or agencies. Many international relations students earn credit toward their major while studying abroad for a semester, an experience that prepares them well to thrive in diverse workplaces. The program prepares students for a wide range of careers, and its recent alumni include individuals serving in the Peace Corps, working on Capitol Hill and in the military as well as graduates pursuing advanced degrees in law, political science and international relations.

Philosophy THINK CRITICALLY The philosophy major at High Point University encompasses a balanced curriculum that spans the discipline of philosophic inquiry and is structured around five core areas of philosophy: ancient, medieval, modern, contemporary continental and contemporary Anglo-American. Courses in these areas provide the foundation for the study of ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, critical thinking and aesthetics. The department’s course offerings in logic focus on the development of critical thinking skills. These courses are central to the major but also popular with non-majors. The department also has a wealth of offerings in ethics, including courses in environmental, social, family, bio-medical and business ethics.

A major in philosophy offers a high degree of flexibility that allows students to specialize or complement their studies in philosophy with a second major.

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Political Science SHAPE THE FUTURE Political science majors develop the transferrable research, writing and analytical skills necessary to excel in a changing world.

Coursework includes seminars that examine how political scientists analyze and propose solutions to social, economic and political problems. Other courses engage students with many facets of American and international politics. Senior political science majors complete a capstone project through a semesterlong internship or an in-depth research project in an advanced seminar. Additional opportunities include off campus study in the U.S. and abroad, political internships and work as research assistants on HPU and government-funded projects. Recent graduates now have titles like chief of staff, vice president, senior analyst and judicial law clerk. Some pursue graduate and law degrees at prestigious schools such as George Washington University, New York University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Others directly enter the workforce, applying their knowledge in the military, U.S. Congress, advocacy organizations, consulting firms or the nonprofit sector.

Psychology EXPLORE NEW PATHS Students in High Point University’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in psychology have the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the discipline, with both introductory and in-depth exploration into subfields of psychology including biopsychology, human development, abnormal psychology, perception, cognition, social and personality. With a strong emphasis on research methodology, psychology majors learn to synthesize information, think critically and adapt to the changing demands of research and experimentation. Students also have the opportunity to pursue research-focused mentorship with faculty, complete internships and participate in study abroad opportunities. The psychology major prepares students for a wide range of careers in fields such as business, education and human relations, or for graduate studies (in areas such as clinical, developmental, cognitive or industrial/organizational psychology) or a professional school.

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Religion EXAMINE DEEPLY High Point University’s major in religion fosters reflective engagement with some of the world’s most powerful texts, practices, institutions and ideas. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in religion prepares students to pose important questions and empowers them with the critical thinking skills necessary to identify meaningful and nuanced answers to those questions.

The curriculum is organized into four areas: biblical studies, ethics, Christian history and theology and world religions. As a part of their major, religion students are encouraged to select a thematic focus that corresponds with their professional goals and personal interests. Students are then able to undertake independent explorations that further their growth, both as scholars and as individuals.

Alumni excel in many fields, and those who have continued their study in graduate school have gone to such prestigious universities as Duke, Emory, Harvard, Princeton and Wake Forest.

In keeping with the Methodist roots of the university, the department partners with Rev. Dr. Preston Davis and Rev. Andria Williamson of HPU Chapel and Religious Life to add a practical component to students’ engagement with religion. The Chapel and Religious Life office sponsors weekly chapel services, which can be taken for religion credit, supports religious associations such as Hillel and offers a variety of programs for interfaith dialogue and understanding, such as Interfaith Dinner Club.

REV. DR. PRESTON DAVIS

REV. ANDRIA WILLIAMSON

Sociology and Anthropology THINK GLOBALLY The sociology and anthropology major at High Point University provides students with a global understanding of human behavior. Through coursework and hands-on learning experiences, students apply sociological and anthropological theories and methodologies to critically assess situations, beliefs, policies and practices. The program’s emphasis on practical application means that students also learn how to identify solutions to social problems and facilitate positive change at both the organizational and societal levels. Students are challenged to question their assumptions about cultural differences, to think globally and to engage in thoughtful reflection in their place in the world.

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HPU students enjoyed visiting Machu Picchu on their Maymester trip abroad.

World Languages, Literatures and Cultures COMMUNICATE ACROSS CULTURES The Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures at High Point University is committed to preparing students to be effective communicators within our global community and fostering awareness of cultural differences. Majors in French/Francophone Studies and Spanish are offered, as well as minors in Chinese, East Asian Studies, French, Italian and Spanish, plus several levels of instruction in other languages. The department works closely with programs across the University, offering the language courses required for completion of the international business major and K–12 certification, as well as language courses to complement majors in international relations and Latin American studies.

Certificate programs are also offered. Additionally, the department offers foreign language courses to complement any major. While many alumni have pursued graduate study in fields such as French, international affairs, international business, international development and economics, others have accepted positions in business, politics and teaching.

EIGHT | ACADEMIC PROSPECTUS | ARTS & SCIENCES

HPU religion students make cultural connections in Israel.

HPU students study animal behavior during their adventure through South Africa.

A visit to Pisa concludes the ‘Tour of Italy’ study abroad experience for HPU students.

High Point University students (pictured above) had the opportunity to study abroad in Scotland as a part of their “Maymester” literature course by touring historically and culturally significant sites within Scotland. The class visited sites such as Edinburgh, Abbotsford, Ashton Lane Glasgow, Peebles, Melrose, Alloway and Dumfries, to name a few. They also heard lectures from renowned scholars of Scottish literature at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow.

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