College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Viewbook

THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Welcome to THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES The College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont University helps you connect with the liberal arts tradition. Belmont’s general education program and the major and minor courses in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences are designed to help you find your place in the University and in the world. Learning the touchstones of Western and world thought and literature; critically examining historical events and phenomena that inform our daily lives; understanding how societies and governments work; experiencing not just a foreign language, but other cultural perspectives—these provide the inspiration for broader and deeper study and the foundation for living a more examined life.

Our students gain deep knowledge in their major and minor areas of study.

The faculty of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences has designed programs geared toward making you an expert in your field and capable of getting things done in the world. From the technical arts of audio and video and multimedia production; to facility with the spoken and written word in English, communication studies, journalism, public relations, foreign languages and publishing; to the critical thinking fostered through studying philosophy, sociology or history; to pre-professional training in education and political science—at the end of your degree program you will have the confidence you are ready for whatever you want to pursue after graduation.

The College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont University connects you with your future—From Here to Anywhere! We invite you to take a tour through our departments and their major and minor programs on the following pages.

Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont University! With 11 departments offering more than 40 majors and minors in new, state-of-the-art facilities, we provide students with many ways to connect to the University, to Nashville and to the world.

The value of an education in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont can and should be calculated in a number of ways. First, it gives students the tools they will need in any number of dynamic work environments: excellent oral and written communication skills, enhanced critical and creative thinking ability and deep knowledge in major and minor areas complemented by practical experience. Our job placement data shows that over 93 percent of our graduates have secured full-time employment or further study with 17 percent of those engaged in full-time graduate study.

Second, a Belmont education in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences sharpens awareness of and critical appreciation for the world we live in. Studying human behavior and world cultures, classic literature and interpersonal communication, or the history of nations and the history of ideas all help inspire students to become the thoughtful, well-rounded leaders they have the potential to be.

Third, and most importantly, students in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont graduate with a deepened commitment to making an impact in their community and in their world. This commitment comes from having been an engaged learner while they’re here, through independent undergraduate research; study abroad; local, national and international internship opportunities; service learning in the Nashville community and beyond; peer tutoring; co-curricular involvement; and student leadership. All of these activities and more contribute to the conviction in our students that there is important work to do in the world and that they are equipped and emboldened to take it on.

Please take time to explore our website to learn more about the programs of study we offer. Belmont University and the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences is a welcoming place that can help connect students to the future they desire.

Bryce F. Sullivan, Ph.D. Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences 1

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Most students in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences complete at least one internship during their time at Belmont, can choose to study abroad in six different continents, participate in service learning courses within the community and become a part Honor Societies and other interest clubs.

No matter the major, students can explore nearly every discipline in the classroom of their choice, ranging from London, Germany, Greece, local schools or agencies within the Nashville area. All of these experiences combine deep learning with indelible and often life-changing exposure to new people, places and cultures.

ABOUT NASHVILLE Belmont, a private Christian university, calls one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Nashville, Tennessee, home. Nestled just a few miles from downtown and organizations that focus on a variety of careers, Belmont’s campus is centered between neighborhoods full of trendy coffeehouses, restaurants and shops.

Sitting on a historic 75-acre campus, Belmont was named one of the top 10 most beautiful campuses among urban universities nationwide. The Belmont campus continues to grow, too, with the recent openings of new state-of-the-art academic centers, residence halls and a brand-new cafeteria with abundant food offerings.

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FACILITIES Home to the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, the Janet Ayers Academic Center is a 186,000-square-foot structure located on the corner of Wedgewood and 15th Avenues. The JAAC houses dozens of classrooms and group study spaces and the building is designed for daily interdisciplinary collaborations. A student-centered service area on the first floor allows for personal assistance via numerous learning labs and a centrally located Service Learning and International Education office. Also on the first floor, the campus community can enjoy meals and snacks from The Burrito Bowl and a We Proudly Brew Starbucks outlet. In addition, the JAAC is also the home of Belmont’s beautiful 300-seat chapel, which hosts numerous worship services and special events throughout the year. The largest campus building to date, the JAAC is top in its class in terms of environmental sustainability. It’s the first University building in the state of Tennessee to be LEED-certified at the platinum level, the highest status, which means its construction and operation save money and resources while also having a positive impact on the health of occupants and promoting renewable, clean energy. Featuring picturesque views of Nashville’s skyline from the top floor, the building stands as a cornerstone for the University that seeks to serve both its growing student body and its dynamic hometown.

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ASIAN STUDIES Students with special interests in Asian society, languages, history, religion and politics will find many opportunities for learning and immersion in the Asian culture, in addition to preparation for a wide range of careers and callings in Belmont’s Asian Studies program.

With many different courses and experiences available, students are able to focus on both the modern and traditional history and literature of Asian cultures and societies, contemporary Asian politics, economic links between Asia and the rest of the world, and global philosophical, ethical and religious issues. Graduates with the major or minor in Asian Studies will be prepared to pursue many diverse careers in an era of globalization, such as international business, government service, education and research.

Students hail from

EVERY STATE

and more than

36 COUNTRIES

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COMMUNICATION STUDIES Year after year, employers rank “Communication Skills” as the number one quality they seek in their employees, and the number one quality prospective employees lack!

The modern work place demands creative thinking, eloquent writing, sharp speaking and interpersonal savvy. The Communication Studies Department at Belmont University focuses on essential communication skills and offers a range of electives and educational experiences that will help students chart a life’s journey.

We offer degree programs in Communication Studies and Corporate Communications, and both majors include an unusual number of elective hours. Each semester, students work one-on-one with a faculty advisor to tailor their program of study for their personal and professional goals.

The Communication Studies Department hosts Belmont’s Speech, Theater and Debate Team, which competes in regional and national events.

Communication Studies students also stay connected to the National Communications Association organization through the Lambda Pi Eta honor society.

The Communication Studies Department has a higher-than-average job placement rate, and our alumni are putting their skills to work in a variety of careers including interactive marketing, event-planning, volunteer coordinating, ministry, law, campaign management, education, health communications, entertainment and many more.

“The Communication Studies Department is a rigorous academic environment focused on applicable, experiential learning that is highly preparatory for a young professional.

More importantly, though, it is a family where your professors know more than just your classification and career aspirations; they know your faith journey, campus involvement, giftings, upbringing and so much more. It is a home where world-renowned faculty foster an environment of true mentorship and personal investment for their students.”

M ADI S CH ULT Z COMMUNICATION STUDIES 5

EDUCATION Teaching is a profession that people with a passion for learning and a desire to share their knowledge and energy with others find very fulfilling.

A career in teaching offers meaningful, vital work.

Through a major or minor in Education, you will be preparing to connect with and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith. We believe that teaching and learning are active and collaborative processes. Our programs are steeped in excellence as reflected in the application of nationally recognized standards, and were created to develop prospective teachers for preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary schools.

Belmont’s Department of Education offers two main paths to teaching: • An Education Major is an option for students who want to gain licensure as an undergraduate. In addition to an education major, students on this path have a second major in another academic area.

• The 4+1 Program is also a popular option for many of our undergraduate students. On this path, students complete an education minor as an undergraduate; this is the “4” in the 4+1.

Then after completing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, students return for the Master of Arts in Teaching program; this is the “+1” part.

The programs at Belmont University’s Department of Education have been developed to carefully guide and support a community of teachers and learners. We emphasize collaboration between all components of the educational community and the need for teachers to continually build their intellectual understanding and teaching skills.

95 more than

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS in a wide array of fields

“The education department is amazing here at Belmont. Between the unique opportunities to immerse in the Nashville schools and the unconditional support from the faculty, I know I will be prepared for my teaching career!”

M AE VE FI T Z PAT RICK ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

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ENGLISH Many people decide to major or minor in English because of the flexibility and practicality of the degree—recent graduates of our program are now magazine and website editors, business executives, lawyers, university professors, teachers, poets, novelists, reporters, public relations consultants, entrepreneurs, performers, songwriters, ministers, technical writers and consultants, TV and film producers and freelance writers. But English majors also revel in reading and writing as acts of love and creativity, of imagination and the human need to communicate. It’s education for living.

Belmont’s English programs are dynamic and flexible. Taught by dedicated professors who take the time to get to know their students, courses in the English major will challenge students to expand their appreciation for the variety of human experience and the richness of the written word. Students can take courses in creative writing, literature, digital rhetoric, professional writing, literary or scholarly editing, critical theory and more!

And while we love teaching, we know we need to have students ready for what comes after finishing the undergraduate degree, and so our students undertake a variety of internships in media, publishing, creating internet content and writing for non-profit and other corporations, just to name a few. Our alumni come by every semester to talk about what they have done with their English degrees, so that students will be exposed to the wide array of possibilities an English major equips individuals to pursue.

Majors can also readily connect to other English majors through active chapters of the English Club and the Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Society; informal reading and writing groups; the Deep Song Poetry Reading Series; and the annual Belmont Humanities Symposium, which has featured speakers as various as Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood and Mary Oliver.

“The English major has taught me so much about empathy, curiosity and how to communicate effectively with others. I know those skills and the things I continue to learn will be valuable for so many different career paths after graduation. Not only that, but the English professors are amazing and enthusiastic, and I am so thankful for the way they invest in each of us individually and wholeheartedly. I wouldn’t want to be any other major!”

AM ANDA CHI U ENGLISH

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FOREIGN LANGUAGES The Department of Foreign Languages offers majors in French, German and Spanish, as well as minors in those languages plus Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Latin. As a foreign language student, you will work closely with our dedicated and innovative faculty.

You will also have many other opportunities to increase your exposure to another language and its culture. First of all, you might meet your language on campus. There are an impressive number of foreign students and instructors at Belmont from more than thirty countries.

A variety of related events takes place on campus and off, from the International Awareness Week events sponsored by all language groups and International Student Organization, to soirees, fiestas, Viennese Ball, film series, dinners and concerts planned by individual language and international student groups. The Language Learning Center offers tutoring in all of the languages we teach, and also offers weekly round tables to practice your accent and pronunciation in a relaxed atmosphere. There is even the possibility of living in the German or other Culture House with exchange students from other countries as roommates.

Belmont has a chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the International Foreign Language Honor Society, to honor those students who excel in language study. The Honor Society hosts a presentation night during the Fall Semester in which members read research papers or creative works in their languages.

Study Abroad is the centerpiece of language education at Belmont, and our faculty offer courses abroad in South America, Europe and Asia. We offer an array of opportunities from three-week Maymester courses, to four-week and eight-week summer courses, to semester-long experiences in China, France, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Japan and Spain.

“The Foreign Language Department has helped me discover who I am as well as my place in this University and world. My German classes have made me dive into topics that I would have otherwise never touched. The Foreign Language Department has even granted me the opportunity to affordably immerse myself in German language and culture through study abroad.�

ALE X I S H UMBRECH T GERMAN

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HISTORY History students are challenged to think deeply—about their classwork and the myriad events taking place in the world around them. Belmont’s History professors encourage students to be the best writers, readers, speakers and thinkers possible. Small class sizes provide an intimate setting for students to get to know professors, and for them to mentor, guide and direct students. Featuring coursework in historiography as well as American, European and Asian history, the program is rigorous, and the professors’ aim is to help students discover their own excellence.

In addition to coursework, many internship opportunities are available through the department. Belmont is close to numerous local and national historical landmarks, including The Hermitage (home of President Andrew Jackson), Metro Nashville Archives and the Belmont Mansion.

The Belmont History Department also offers outlets for faculty and peer interaction. Students who qualify are invited to join Phi Alpha Theta, the International History Honors Society. Membership to the Belmont History Society, which sponsors social gatherings and activities for anyone interested in history, is open to all Belmont students.

A History degree from Belmont prepares students for many opportunities and diverse career paths, among them, further study at the graduate level and/or law school, teaching at all educational levels, library studies, archival management, museum/historical landmark curator and many others.

“The History Department here at Belmont is absolutely wonderful! The professors are so knowledgeable about their subject areas and clearly love what they teach! The courses offered here are so unique and I have loved having the opportunity to delve deeper into aspects of American, European and World History at both a macro and micro level!”

RE BEC CA G RE E N HISTORY

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PHILOSOPHY The Belmont Philosophy Department is a community of learners that invites you to join in the active pursuit of philosophical thinking and the exploration of profound philosophical questions. Your philosophical studies at Belmont will be supported by a strong faculty who have received awards for excellence in teaching and who have extensive research and publication records. Philosophical studies are excellent preparation for careers in law, theology, business, ethics and politics, as well as the scholarly fields which depend upon extraordinary critical reflection and ability.

Philosophy is even beneficial as a second major or minor. It will challenge you to think more deeply about your primary area of study. After all, Philosophy includes such sub-disciplines as Philosophy of the Mind, Business Ethics, Philosophy of Art, Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion.

The department faculty at Belmont values philosophical conversation outside the classroom and sponsors a weekly philosophical discussion group called Philologoi. The discussions are open to the University community and provide an opportunity for students to engage in spirited conversations on important philosophical topics.

These discussions led to the 2012 founding of an international journal, also entitled “Philologoi.” Based in the history of philosophy, welcoming to both Western and comparative work and encouraging the engagement with philosophy as a way of life, our student-led philosophy journal seeks to publish superior quality undergraduate writing to benefit the philosophical community here and at large by providing a forum for the open exchange of ideas and exposure to current and innovative philosophical research.

In addition, Belmont’s philosophy department has established a chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, a national honorary fraternity for philosophy students, faculty and friends of philosophy. The chapter often offers convocation programs to the larger Belmont community of students to introduce philosophy to interested students across campus.

“One of the best things about the Philosophy Department is that it uses a very holistic approach to philosophy; the professors make sure to cover the whole history of the discipline as best they can and do so in such a way that students are exposed to a variety of ideas I don’t think many of us would have encountered otherwise. And through doing that and working through such diverse ideas, we become better at thinking critically, at deconstructing things in meaningful ways and finding new ways of reconstructing them, and I think that’s a very important way to approach anything. Not that the goal of philosophy is for us to come away with a ‘skill set’ per se, but there is certainly a lot to be gained from the pursuit of wisdom.”

ROBE RT ( T OMMY ) KE S SLE R 10

PHILOSOPHY

POLITICAL SCIENCE Political Science majors possess lofty academic and professional goals, and the scholarly expectations are high in our classes. We believe the work is worth it! Many of our graduates go directly into politically related careers at the national, state or local levels. A significant majority of our majors continue their education in graduate or law schools. We offer majors in Political Science, Politics and Public Law and International Politics.

Students will have plenty of opportunities to experience firsthand the world of politics. Belmont University’s unique Washington Center Intern Program places Belmont students in individualized internships in the Washington, D.C., area, for which they may earn college credit. Washington Center interns also attend seminars and lectures that enrich their on-site experience.

Several of our students have recently interned in Tennessee’s General Assembly and in the governor’s office. The department also actively seeks to assist our students in finding opportunities at local law firms and in local political campaigns.

Political Science has been an active participant in the annual Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium each Spring Semester, as our students present their senior thesis research. Several of our students have used their research in their political science classes as springboards to presentations at national research conferences.

Through The James Madison Society, our departmental student organization, students plan numerous politically-oriented convocation events each semester, often presenting papers or leading discussions on a variety of issues. Energetic Republican and Democratic clubs on campus also offer avenues for political participation. The department has likewise renewed its commitment to the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), which offers students a forum to present public policy legislation that they draft in cooperation with other college students.

“The Political Science Department at Belmont has met and surpassed my expectations at every stage of my undergraduate career. From the tight-knit intellectual community and world class professors to the internship opportunities and enriching classroom experience, I have found my passion and direction. I am fully confident that I will graduate as the best version of myself with qualities essential to thrive, a deeper understanding of the world around me and an exciting, fulfilling future.”

JADE C O OPE R POLITICAL SCIENCE 11

PUBLIC RELATIONS Rewarding career opportunities are offered in public relations and Belmont University offers one of the best programs anywhere. Our public relations graduates are in demand throughout the region, from coast to coast and around the world!

If you have strong communication skills, then you should consider pursuing a career in public relations. You will engage in writing, listening, planning, communicating, evaluating and advising. You will help organizations manage relationships with important target publics.

Belmont’s Public Relations Department offers you a number of excellent hands-on learning opportunities, from Tower Creative Consultants, our student-run public relations firm, to the prestigious Bateman Case Study team, which participates in a nationwide competition where student groups are commissioned to develop, implement and evaluate a public relations campaign for a nonprofit client.

Our faculty are recognized professionals who are committed to help you achieve your potential in this dynamic field. In today’s job marketplace, the most competitive public relations graduates will be those who have experience in leadership and internships along with the recommended coursework. Nashville offers a wide variety of internship opportunities in media, nonprofit and public relations companies; this is the perfect place to study public relations.

You can gain valuable leadership and professional development experience by getting involved in the Belmont University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The Belmont Chapter is sponsored by the Nashville Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Since its charter in 2005, the Belmont Chapter has received numerous national awards including the PRSSA Star Chapter Award. Our chapter has also been recognized for ethics, excellence and service.

“Belmont PR has offered me not only classroom knowledge but also prepared me for internships and other real world experiences. The professors are knowledgeable about the major, easily accessible and always willing to help. If you are looking to gain useful skills, long-lasting relationships and memories, Belmont PR is for you!”

ALIYAH SHE FFIE LD PUBLIC RELATIONS

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SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT Belmont University is one of the first in the nation to offer a traditional bachelor’s degree in Social Media Management. Here’s your opportunity to develop your social media abilities, hone your skills and expand your knowledge to become a strategic social media communicator.

Similar to print and broadcast media, the rapid adoption of social media has changed the ways we communicate. Unlike traditional media of the past, the power of social media is now in the hands of the many individual users instead of the few media giants. Organizations of all types in every industry are navigating the ever-changing landscape of media. Those organizations need communication strategists to help them maximize their use of social media.

The new Social Media Management program at Belmont University will prepare aspiring communication professionals to think strategically about the web-based and mobile platforms that are connecting people like never before. Brands from every industry and sector are using social media to engage the people they need to achieve their mission and business objectives. Students will be equipped to become digital content creators and strategists who can manage social media to achieve strategic communication goals for their organization or clients.

For Fall 2019, enrolled freshmen scored on average

27 ACT 1219 SAT and

3.7

average high school

GPA

for freshman class

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SOCIOLOGY The Sociology Department at Belmont University gives students an excellent liberal arts foundation for embarking on a wide range of career paths in a variety of professional settings such as international relations, marketing research, education, city management, gerontology, criminal justice and law. Our majors develop research skills that make them marketable in today’s technical and data-oriented work environments. Majors also develop the analytical skills and the critical ability to understand how a society’s major social arrangements, including race, class and gender, influence social life at the level of the individual, the organization and society. Learning to think critically and apply knowledge in support of an argument is extremely important in a fast-changing job market. Sociology majors have a competitive advantage in today’s information society.

The subjects that majors study in Belmont’s Sociology Department are interesting and relevant to an ever-changing world and marketplace. Our classes include the Sociology of Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice, Race and Ethnicity, the Sociology of Popular Culture and Medical Sociology. Many of our students focus their studies on social problems ranging from environmental problems and ethnic hatred, to poverty, hunger, crime and religious conflict. Others study the mass media, the internet and popular films. What students focus on is largely up to them!

The Sociology faculty teach and conduct research in a wide variety of areas. While we have divergent interests, we share an interest in providing excellent undergraduate teaching. We pride ourselves on giving our majors a powerful learning experience. We offer small classes that emphasize student-teacher interaction and active learning. While the level of academic rigor is high, professors are right there, helping students along the way, intellectually and emotionally. We’re accessible to students—not just by having plenty of office hours, but by working closely with them as they learn about different social phenomena in our world. The result is that our students are successful—in their careers, in graduate school and in life.

“I have never been more challenged than when in my Sociology classes, but, I have never felt more capable of rising to face those challenges. The professors aim to create a really strong sense of community with their students and never forget to let you know how much they’re rooting for you.”

LE AH HOD G KI S S SOCIOLOGY

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SPORT SCIENCE Belmont University’s Department of Sport Science puts you inside the thriving sport and medical hub of Nashville, Tennessee. With five major universities, four professional sport franchises and a large variety of top-tier hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers in the area, Belmont Sport Science majors can shape their future accordingly.

We also offer a new major in Sport Administration, a program that focuses on the dynamic world of sport. Courses offered in the major and minor of Sport Administration have been chosen to provide students a thorough overview of this unique industry including the sociology of sport, management and leadership, ethics, communication, finance and legal aspects of sport. In addition to the core courses, which reflect the standards set by the Commission for Sport Management Accreditation, the major in Sport Administration also draws upon courses in public relations, media studies and communication studies.

undergrad students graduate students

6,800 1,600

8,400+ ENROLLMENT

L A RG E S T

CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

I N T E NNE SSE E

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VISIT US You really must see Belmont for yourself! Join us for a campus visit, and while you are here, check out the city of Nashville. We offer Saturday Preview Days on select dates in the fall and spring and campus visits Monday–Friday where you can attend an admissions information session, take a campus tour, attend a College of Liberal Arts & Sciences information session and get a first-hand look at all Belmont has to offer. It’s the best way to find out if Belmont is the right fit for you!

For more information, visit belmont.edu/liberal-arts or call 615.460.5505.

The College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212 615.460.5505 BELMONT.EDU/CLASS

/BelmontLiberalArtsSocialSciences

@belmontclass

Belmont University is a Christian community. The University faculty, administration and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies programs or activities or admissions. The Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs serves as coordinator of compliance for these policies. Inquries should be directed to: Lauri Chaudoin, Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs, Freeman Hall 3rd floor, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 651-460-5661. Email: lauri.chaudoin@belmont.edu.

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