Florida Gulf Coast University Catalog

Reed 220
http://www.fgcu.edu/cas/
(239) 590-7150

Dean: Donna Henry, Ph.D.
Associate Dean: Debra Hess, Ph.D.
Associate Dean: Jim Wohlpart, Ph.D.
Academic Advisors: Lucero Carvajal, Laura Fitch, M.Ed.;, Melanie Stanis, M.A.; Mary Swanson
Administrative Assistant: Dewie Robinson (239) 590-7155
Executive Secretary for Advising: Patricia Rice (239) 590-7196

Mission Statement

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Florida Gulf Coast University is dedicated to providing a quality liberal arts education that is the foundation for a free and just society. As a community of scholars, we seek to foster intellectual breadth and depth, reasoned and civil inquiry, intercultural understanding, an ecological perspective, and civic engagement in order to prepare students for a life in the 21st century that is at once informed, examined, and engaged. We support scholarly activity that advances teaching and contributes to the broader intellectual, artistic, and professional communities. Our college faculty and administration share the belief that interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarship enhance our individual disciplines and benefit our students. We further acknowledge that service to the southwest Florida community is a public trust and a social responsibility. In all of our activities, we are committed to celebrating and nurturing human freedom and elevating the human spirit.

Founded on the university’s student learning goals and emphasizing the integration of knowledge across disciplines, our programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences offer students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success in their professional careers along with the philosophical, scientific, and artistic habits of mind indispensable for a democratic society and a rewarding personal life. We challenge students to express informed convictions, exercise independent judgment, and make a lifelong commitment to learning. By encouraging tolerance, generosity, humility, wisdom, creativity, and courage, we strive to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, constructive engagement with diverse cultures and beliefs, responsible participation in their com-munities, and a deeper appreciation of the beauty and scope of human experience.

Scholarly activity provides a source for the creation and communication of artistic insights, fresh ideas, and current information related to our teaching, our individual disciplines, and to the integration of knowledge that lies at the heart of our liberal arts mission. Through scholarship, we interact with colleagues in the academic community and in the southwest Florida region. Likewise, in our service, we expand the boundaries of the university and join a wider community in nurturing a sustainable and enriched society.

Admission to Undergraduate Programs

In general, admission to undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences is open to all students who have been accepted to Florida Gulf Coast University, are in good academic standing, and have completed the common prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. Some programs, however, have additional admission requirements. These requirements are listed with the program descriptions.

Undergraduate Advising

(239) 590-7196

Students must meet with a college advisor prior to entrance into any of the programs. A signed advising contract, which serves as a check sheet of requirements, is required.

Required courses are discipline-specific courses that must be taken in a major. Elective courses are chosen by the student within limits established by the major and in consultation with an academic advisor. It is anticipated that elective courses for the majors will be offered periodically; however, students are encouraged to consult with an advisor regarding the availability of specific courses.

Minimum Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees

• Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all coursework attempted at FGCU, including at least 48 upper division hours (courses numbered 3000 and higher) and 36 credit hours of approved general education coursework in the subject areas of communication, mathematics, social science, humanities, and natural science (refer to General Education section). A minimum of 30 of the last 60 credit hours must be earned at FGCU. Specific programs may have higher minimum hours.
• Students must satisfy the following requirements: CLAST, foreign language, and Gordon Rule writing and computation.
• The State of Florida has identified common prerequisites for all university programs. All students entering a particular field of study must complete these courses, and universities must accept and apply the specified courses toward the degree. The common prerequisites should be taken in the first two years of study. Some courses may meet general education requirements, as well as fulfill common prerequisite requirements; however, a course may not be used as both a common prerequisite and a required or elective course within a major. Common prerequisites for College of Arts and Sciences programs must be completed with a grade of C or higher prior to beginning coursework in the major. The applicable common prerequisites are listed with the information for the major.
• Students must complete coursework in a chosen major including electives in the major with a minimum grade of C in each course.
• Students must complete additional university requirements for the baccalaureate degree, including service learning hours, summer registration requirement, and IDS 3920 University Colloquium (3 credit hours). For more information about service learning, please contact a college academic advisor or the EaglesConnect office (www.fgcu.edu/connect/). A complete list of graduation requirements for the baccalaureate degree is included in the College of Arts and Sciences advising contract.

Minimum Requirements for Minors

The following requirements apply to all minors in the College of Arts and Sciences:

• Prior to beginning the coursework for the minor, a student should meet with a CAS advisor to apply for the minor.
• All courses in the minor must be completed with a grade of C or better.
• A minimum of 12 credits of the minor must be completed at FGCU.
• A student desiring certification of a minor and designation on the transcript must:
• Note the minor on the Application for Graduation;
• Contact a CAS advisor to certify the completion of the minor coursework; and
• Meet all the requirements for the chosen minor as listed in the university catalog.

Admission to Graduate Programs

Application deadlines for CAS graduate programs are listed on the FGCU Graduate Studies website. Prior to admission to a graduate program, students may complete a maximum of nine credit hours of graduate level courses on a non-degree-seeking basis. Minimum admission requirements for each degree program are listed under that program’s heading.

Graduate Advising

Following admission to the program, students work with the Graduate Studies Coordinator in their program to determine their course of study.

Bower School of Music

Music Modular Building

Founding Director: Nancy Cobb-Lippens, D.M.A.,
Program Coordinator: Pam Harkins (239) 590-7851
Faculty: M. Baron, D.M.A.; R. Chesnutt, Ph.D.; J. Darnell, D.M.A.; D. Hess, Ph.D.;C. Lindsay, Ph.D.; D. Thurmaier, Ph.D.

Degree: Music (B.A.)

Minor: Music

The mission of the music program at FGCU is to offer students musical and academic preparation for a career in music while also providing preparation for life in the 21st century through general education and interdisciplinary studies. Studies in music will balance development of the student’s individual musical skills (performance area and musicianship studies), the thorough study of musical structure and style (music theory, history and literature studies), group perfor-mance skills (ensembles) and leadership skills (conducting, pedagogy and methods courses). The 21st Century context requires that musical studies also include knowledge of available technology and diverse music from around the world. The B.A. in Music program develops highly-skilled musicians who are also broadly-educated, responsible citizens making a difference in society through connecting their art to a diverse world.

Department of Biological Sciences

Whitaker Hall 234

Chair: Bette Jackson, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary: Claire Dupres (239) 590-7153

Faculty: P. Allman, Ph.D.; R. Cross, Ph.D; M.Cruz-Alvarez, Ph.D.; J. DeJarnette, Ph.D.; N. Demers, Ph.D.; A. Elgart, Ph.D.; R. Erdman, Ph.D.; A.Goebel, Ph.D.; C. Gunnels, Ph.D.; D.Henry, Ph.D.; S. Isern, Ph.D.; S.Michael, Ph.D.; C.Renk, Ph.D.; M. Rosenthal, Ph.D.; W. Sanders, Ph.D.; T. Ueda, Ph.D.; J. Wilson, Ph.D.

Degree Programs: Biology (B.A. and B.S.); Biology-Accelerated (B.S.); Biotechnology (B.S.)

Minor: Biology

The B.A. in Biology program integrates a biological science disciplinary course of study with an issues-based interdisciplinary core. The science curriculum provides groundwork in the chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences, as well as a broad foundation in the biological sciences. The program prepares students for entry-level science positions, graduate study in the biological sciences, and professional studies such as optometry, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and medicine.

The B.S. in Biology program offers the students a core curriculum in the chemical, mathematical and physical scineces as well as a broad basis in the biological sciences that prepares students for continued education in medicine and other professional programs of study. This program offers students a choice of three concentrations: Pre-Professional; Microbiology; and Organismal and Ecological Biology.

The B.S. in Biology - Accelerated program offers an exciting opportunity to FGCU students who desire a career in medicine or pharmacy. Through agreements with the University of South Florida Medical School and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Bradenton, FGCU offers students three medical education program options. Students in this program fulfill requirements as set forth by FGCU for their first three years (90 credit hours) of coursework. If pro-gression requirements are maintained, students are eligible for admission to the USF College of Medicine or the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton. Upon successful completion of the first year of the USF medical school or the LECOM osteopathic or pharmacy curriculums, 30 credits are awarded by FGCU for completion and conferral of the B.S. in Biology. Students then continue with their medical education at USF or LECOM. Each of these three programs has specific admission requirements and application deadlines. For further information contact jwilson@fgcu.edu

The B.S. in Biotechnology program provides students with opportunities to understand living organisms at the cellular and molecular level. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and provides undergraduate research experiences. Students learn how to apply biological knowledge to solve current problems in fields such as Agriculture, Medicine, and Environmental and Marine Sciences. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced studies in the sciences; to enter professional studies at medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy schools; or to enter the workforce in industrial, academic, or governmental laboratories.

Department of Chemistry and Mathematics

Whitaker Hall 258

Chair: Richard Schnackenberg, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary: Kathy McElroy (239) 590-7195

Faculty: J. Barreto, Ph.D.; T. Beatty, Ph.D.; A. Benvie, M.A.; D. Brown, Ph.D.; K. Chen, Ph.D.; S. Coticone, Ph.D.; D. Deiros, M.S.;T. Dubetz, Ph.D.; J. Ellis, M.S.; P. Feng, Ph.D.; P. Greene, Ph.D.; T. Hair, Ph.D.;T. Huffman, M.A..; J. Kakareka, Ph.D.; C. Lindsey, Ph.D.; A. Loh, Ph.D.; S. Maldonado, M.S.; G. McManus, Ph,D.; M. Moore, M.Ed.; M. Mujtaba, Ph.D.; M. Navaratna, Ph.D.; J. Planas, M.S.; A. Prowatzke, M.S.; Shahul Hameed,J,Ph.D.; Y. Sheng, Ph.D.; L. Southard, M.A.

Degree Programs: Chemistry (B.A.); Mathematics (B.A. and B.S.)

Minors: Chemistry; Mathematics

The B.A. in Chemistry program provides students with opportunities to study the properties of matter, the physical material of the universe. Students will gain an understanding of nature and the world we live in through core courses in the major. Applications of chemistry to issues that affect daily life such as production and detection of pollutants, vitamins, and agricultural products, will also be studied and related to basic chemical concepts. Pedagogically, lectures are combined with group problem-solving activities with an emphasis on lab-centered, hands-on learning rather than the traditional lecture format.

The B.A. in Mathematics program provides opportunities for students to develop general analytical and problem-solving skills and gain specific knowledge. The world is rapidly becoming more quantitative, and mathematicians and statisticians are in increasing demand in a wide range of fields, including business, agriculture, computer science, communi-cations, engineering, environmental studies, government, and the natural and social sciences. Students study up-to-date discoveries in mathematics that are being used in modern theory and applications, making use of the latest technological tools for investigating mathematical and statistical concepts and problems. Students practice solving real-world problems.

The B.S. in Mathematics program appeals to students who are candidates for graduate study in mathematics, science, or engineering, by providing a more concentrated mathematics curriculum than found in the Mathematics B.A. degree. The program carries over the balance between theory and application from the B.A., and gives attention to the major sub-disciplines within mathematics, so students will emerge with a versatile background that is broad as well as deep.

Department of Communication and Philosophy

Reed Hall 207G

Chair: Glenn Whitehouse, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary: Emilly Moretta (239) 590-7263

Faculty: K. Aho, Ph.D.; F. Aminian, M.F.A.; J. Braddy, Ph.D.; M. Cavin, Ph.D.; M. Ehman, Ph.D.; K. Hale, Ph.D.; S. Kelly, Ph.D.; M. Mancini, M.A.; L. Millner, M.A.; S. Moniz, M.A.; E. Otto, Ph.D.; J. Rhea, M.A.; M. Roca, Ph.D.; S. Tankei-Aminian, M.S.; M. Walch, Ph.D.; S. Walch, M.A.

Degree Programs: Communication (B.A.); Philosophy (B.A.)

Minor: Interdisciplinary Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies

The B.A. in Communication provides a solid foundation for students seeking careers in numerous fields including business, law, journalism, public relations, mass communication, and environmental communication. Students develop thinking, speaking, and writing abilities while also developing practical, professionally marketable skills. Coursework em-phasizes communication studies, public relations, political communication, and environmental communication.

The B.A. in Philosophy provides a solid grounding both in the history and in the practice of philosophy. Graduates are prepared in a variety of critical thinking methods that are applicable in many areas of intellectual and practical endeavor. The program is organized among three categories of courses: Philosophical Methods, the theory and practice of different ways of philosophizing; History of Philosophy, the tradition of arguments that forms the basis for contemporary philosophy; Applied Philosophy, the philosophical reflection applied to different intellectual and practical subjects. A distinctive emphasis of the program will be student performance of philosophical skills, including oral argumentation.

Department of Language and Literature

Reed Hall 207H

Chair: Myra Mendible, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary: Lynne Garcia (239) 590-7198

Faculty: J. Allen, M.A.; K. Allen, M.A.; C. Bledsoe, M.A.; S. Bolduc-Simpson, M.A.; J. Brock, Ph.D.; B. Busbee, Ph.D.; L. Cornelius, M.F.A.; D. Cox, M.A.; T. DeMarchi, M.F.A.; D. Harrison, Ph.D.; E. Heath, M.A.; R. Hefner, M.A.; S. Henshon. Ph.D.; N. Hill, M.F.A.; K. Jackson, Ph.D.; E. Marquez, Ph.D.; I. Martinez-Rico, Ph.D.;R. McClure, Ph.D.; J. Millner, M.F.A.; M. Ramos, Ed.D..; L. Rowland, M.A.; P. Szczesny, M.A.: K. Tolchin, Ph.D.; R. Totaro, Ph.D.; A. Towne, M.A.; E, Vallier, M.A.; J. Wisdom, Ph.D.; J. Wohlpart, Ph.D.

Degree Programs: English (B.A. and M.A.); Spanish (B.A.)

Minors: Creative Writing; English; Spanish

The B.A. in English program provides students with opportunities to develop skills that enhance their ability to thrive in a variety of cultural landscapes; that initiate a lifelong process of inquiry, exploration, and discovery; and that can be applied in changing professional and personal settings. The program teaches research, analysis, and argumentation skills that allow students to evaluate and interpret texts from a variety of perspectives. Literary and cultural studies promotes an awareness that extends beyond aesthetic appreciation: students enrich their understanding of themselves and their world by delving into underlying causes, formulating and communicating complex ideas, and exploring the converging forces that produce cultural beliefs and artifacts.

The M.A. in English program provides students with graduate education in the study of literature, culture and criticism. The program is designed to provide advanced instruction in literary analysis with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and research and communication skills. The program prepares students for beginning or advancing their teaching careers at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels. Additionally, the degree is designed to prepare students who wish to continue their studies in Ph.D. programs in English and AmericanLiterature. The M.A. in English can also be considered a terminal degree for those planning careers in various professional fields in business and government, including writing, editing and publishing, advertising and public relations, and business administration and management.

The B.A. in Spanish program provides students with a broad background in the Spanish language and the different cultural groups that have been influenced by that language. Students who major in Spanish have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of topics and subject areas through face-to-face interaction, field experiences and, in some instances, study abroad opportunities.

Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences

Whitaker Hall 245

Chair: Aswani Volety, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary: Caroline Campbell (239) 590-7197

Faculty: R. Austin, Ph.D.; B. Bovard, Ph.D.; M. Cassani, M.S.; P. Corcoran, Ed.D.; F. Creagan, M.A.; D. Duke, Ph.D.; E. Everham, Ph.D.; M. Fauerbach, Ph.D.; J. Fitch, Ph.D.; D. Fugate, Ph.D.; F. Gable, Ph.D.; D. Green, M.S.; A. Hartley, Ph.D.;J. Jackson, Ph.D.;.; J. MacDonald, Ph.D.; M. McDonald, Ph.D.; A. Meyer, Ph.D.; M. Parsons, Ph.D.; D. Rumbold, Ph.D.;.; A. Sakharuk, Ph.D.; M. Savarese, Ph.D.; S. Thomas, Ph.D.; G. Tolley, Ph.D.; K. Watanable, Ph.D.; A. Wilkinson, M.S.; N. Wilkinson, M.Ed.; T. Wimberley, Ph.D.; S. Wohlpart, M.S.

Degree Programs: Anthropology (B.A.); Environmental Studies (B.A.); Environmental Science (M.S.); Marine Science ( B.S.)

Minors: Anthropology

The B.A. Anthropology program integrates a wide range of perspectives on human behavior, culture, and society. Students learn the basic concerns and approaches through four sub-fields of the discipline: archaeology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and anthropological linguistics. Students also learn about applied anthropology, the practical use of anthropology for problem solving In today's world. This major is for anyone interested in working with people in all of their cultural diversity, solving social problems, teaching social sciences, and examining human behavior and biology from an evolutionary point of view. Although no specific tracks are offered, faculty with expertise in human-environment interactions and museum studies can help guide students toward experiential projects in these areas.

The B.A. in Environmental Studies program emphasizes the study of critical environmental issues facing our planet. The program offers integrated interdisciplinary learning experiences based in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the field, and off-campus. Students develop skills and experience in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information; applying the process of science to public policy development; communicating effectively, solving problems, and working colla-boratively in professional settings; applying systems perspectives to environmental issues that involve the historical, cultural, economic, and ecological considerations.

The B.S. in Marine Science integrates traditional scientific disciplines by focusing them on the study of the world’s oceans and coastal waters. The program combines aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics in order to provide a well grounded education in the natural sciences, and applies a systems approach to identifying and understanding the roles the oceans play in the functioning of our planet. The program is designed to train students to obtain jobs related to science and technology in both governmental and industry, and the expanding environmental field.

The M.S. in Environmental Science prepares students for a career as environmental professionals and provides thorough academic preparation for those wishing to enter a PhD program. It is designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds: continuing study for those recently completing an undergraduate degree; career advancement for those currently employed in the field; or an entry to envi-ronmental topics for those interested in a career change. The core of the program focuses on understanding the science of ecology, utilization of scientific methods, and application of the concept of sustainability. Students may pursue interests in one of several areas of focus: organismal ecology, ecosystem ecology, marine science, environmental education, or environmental policy and planning.

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Modular 1, Lobby

Chair: Joe Cudjoe, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary: Eliane Smith (239) 590-7417

Faculty: S. Andersen, Ph.D.; M. Bourgeois, Ph.D.; E. Carlson, Ph.D.; M. Cole, Ph.D.; J. Cox, Ph.D.; M. Dewees, Ph.D.; K. DeWelde, Ph.D.;M. Epple, Ph.D.; N. Foote, Ph.D.; L. Gogate, Ph.D.; J. Manley, Ph.D.; L. Narayanan, Ph.D.; K. O'Neil, Ph.D.; J. Salapska-Gelleri, Ph.D.; V. Smith, Ph.D.; E. Strahorn, Ph.D.; K. Tarnowski, Ph.D.; G. Thompson, Ph.D.; I. Winsboro, Ph.D.

Degree Programs: History (B.A. and M.A.); Psychology (B.A.); Sociology (B.A.)

Minors: History; Psychology; Sociology

The B.A. in History program develops the mind and sparks a capacity for critical inquiry. Students learn the process of historical inquiry and develop communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills. History provides a solid base from which undergraduates can move into a wide variety of spe-cialized programs in graduate or professional schools, or into a teaching career. The study of history has provided the background for thousands of the nation’s most successful lawyers, bankers, government administrators, business executives, authors, performing artists, journalists, ministers, and politicians.

The M.A. in History aims to advance students’ skills In historical research and related work, and to enable them to develop a sophisticated and complex understanding of a range of historical events, issues and debates within a global context. The program is intended to prepare students for further academic study and to equip them with the necessary skills to think critically and to practice history in the public realm and private sector as business professionals and educators, as well as filing the role of public historian in today’s globalized societies.

The B.A. in Psychology program prepares students for the rapidly changing professional world, for teaching in middle or high school, or for graduate study. The psychology major focuses on broad training across a variety of content areas, including clinical, social, developmental, cognitive, quantitative, and biological basis of behavior. Students also receive training in conducting independent research and have the opportunity to participate in independent research study and applied community practice.

The B.A. in Sociology major provides students with the knowledge and skills to be effective change agents in society, to contribute positively to the quality of life, and to be globally aware. The program emphasizes the study of social and cultural forces which shape the behavior, beliefs, and relationships of individual members of a larger society. Students gain valuable skills including effective writing, problem-solving, data analysis, teamwork, research design and execution, critical thinking, and oral communication. The soci-ology major provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of career and graduate school pursuits.

Department of Visual and Performing Arts

Arts Complex 107

Chair: Barry Cavin, M.F.A.
Executive Secretary: Karen Ludington (239) 590-7238

Faculty: A, Bouche, Ph.D.; A. Carncross, M.F.A.; P. Fay, M.F.A.; M. Hayford, Ph.D.; S. Karakas, Ph.D.; M. McShane, Ph.D.; M. Paine, M.F.A.; A,Owen, M.F.A.; S. Snyder, M.F.A.; M. Voytek, M.F.A.

Degree Programs: Art (B.A.); Theatre (B.A.)

Minors: Art

The B.A. in Art program combines rigorous traditional art studio experiences that inform students’ hands with intellectually demanding academic coursework that educates their minds about our era’s ideas, values, and individual perspectives. Through the study of a variety of art media, the incorporation of art historical information, and the effective presentation of student work, the art curriculum provides students with the opportunity to grow and prosper as art makers.

As the arts of theatre continually adapt to new cultural realities, it is important that theatre educators, practitioners, and students fully understand not only the current cultural givens within which they find themselves but also how theatre should respond to or challenge those realities. Our program is poised to train the new theatre student to be analytical of culture, thoughtful in creative response, and supple in nego-tiating the ever-changing modes of presentation.

The BA in Theatre at Florida Gulf Coast University offers a dynamic balance of theory and application. We train students in the whole craft of theatre: performance, technology, theory and criticism. Our emphasis is on theatre of social engagement and a theatre of the future. Our curriculum reflects the learning goals and outcomes of the university and we are committed to demonstrating those values in every class and every production we put before an audience. Students, choosing this course of study will graduate better equipped to function in the volatile world of live art, will have the skills necessary to produce theatre, and will have the theory to know why.