Bridget Smith Pieschel, Head of the Division

ENGLISH FACULTY
Professors/ Kendall Dunkelberg, Jane Hinton, James R. Keller, Bridget Smith Pieschel, Thomas C. Richardson, Leslie Stratyner
Associate Professor/ Eric Daffron
Assistant Professors/ Gloria Lee Bunnell, Amy J. Pardo
Instructor/ Todd Bunnell, Thomas Easterling

FOREIGN LANGUAGES FACULTY
Associate Professor/ Thomas M. Longton
Instructors/ Lauren Bearden, Sophie Guichard

GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION
Assistant Professor/ Patricia Dennis

HISTORY FACULTY
Professors/ Michael Burger, William R. Glass
Associate Professor/ Thomas G. Velek

PARALEGAL STUDIES FACULTY
Professor and Director of the Program/ H. J. Davidson
Professor/ David Smith
Instructor/ Thomas G. Velek

PHILOSOPHY FACULTY
Professor / Rita C. Hinton

POLITICAL SCIENCE FACULTY
Professor/ Vagn Hansen
Associate Professor/ Brian Anderson
 

PURPOSE STATEMENT
 The Division of Humanities provides a broad liberal arts education for all students. Our courses emphasize reading, writing, and critical thinking, as well as discovering and using information. Students who are majors in The Division of Humanities should learn to analyze written material with accuracy and understanding, to write clearly and correctly about a subject in a major field, to perform scholarly research on a topic in a major field in a format specific to the field, and to gain an understanding of a major field as it connects to the world at large.
 

DIVISIONAL GOALS AND MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
The Division of Humanities offers courses in English, Film, French, Geography, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Political Science, Paralegal Studies, and Spanish.
  The Division has undergraduate programs for majors in English, History, Paralegal Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, and Spanish, with teacher certification available in English, History, Social Sciences, and Spanish. All of these programs have the following goals for student learning:

Humanities majors will:
 1. Develop an understanding of how a broad liberal arts education prepares them for a variety of careers or professions;
 2. Develop the critical thinking skills, communication skills, and research skills that prepare them for success in graduate and professional schools;
 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of women and diverse ethnic groups as represented in the content of the courses in the majors;
 4. Develop the attitudes and pedagogical skills necessary for a successful teaching experience, when seeking teacher certification;
 5. Demonstrate breadth of knowledge in the major areas;
 6. Demonstrate the ability to analyze written material with accuracy and understanding;
 7. Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and correctly about a subject in a major field;
 8. Develop the skills necessary to perform scholarly research on a topic in the major field in a format specific to the field.

  Majors in English, History, Political Science, and Spanish must meet requirements for the B.A. degree. Majors in Social Sciences and Paralegal Studies may earn either the B.A. or the B.S. degree. For the general requirements of these degrees, see “Academic Programs” in this catalog.
 

PRE-LAW EMPHASIS
The Division of Humanities offers an advising program for students who would like to attend law school after completing an undergraduate degree. Students may major in any discipline within the Division; however, students preparing for law school should include in their curricula courses that develop strong skills in communication, reading, analysis, and critical thinking, as well as courses that provide content useful to preparation for law practice. The following courses are recommended for the pre-law emphasis. Some of these courses may also be used to fulfill major or core requirements.

English: 6 hours above 300, including EN 311 (Nonfiction Prose Writing) and an upper-level literature course;
History: 6 hours above 400, including HIS 415 (English History from the Norman Conquest to the Reformation);
Philosophy: 6-9 hours, including PHL 205 (Logic); an ethics course is also recommended;

Additional recommended courses:
PLG 200 (Legal Bibliography and Research); POL 201 (American Government) and POL 302 (American Constitutional Development), SOC 359 (Juvenile Justice System), and SOC 363 (Criminology)

Students who are interested in attending a particular law school should check that school's catalog for admissions requirements. Students interested in law school and the pre-law emphasis should contact Thomas Velek, the pre-law advisor.

ENGLISH

ENGLISH MAJOR
University Core Requirements, including:  (55-66)
One full Literature Survey Sequence:
EN 201-202 English, EN 203-204 American, or EN 231-232 World Literature
and at least 6 hours of a Foreign Language at the 200 level or above (6-14)
EN 301 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS (3)
EN 303 or 304 SHAKESPEARE (3)
EN 430 HISTORY AND STRUCTURE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
  OR
EN 480 LITERARY THEORY (3)
EN 499 ENGLISH CAPSTONE COURSE (3)
One or two advanced writing courses: (3-6)*
EN 311 NONFICTION PROSE WRITING (3)
EN 312 CREATIVE WRITING (3)
EN 317 TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS WRITING (3)
EN 411 FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP (3)
EN 412 POETRY WRITING (3)
Four or Five English, American, or World Literature electives (12-15)*
Total English Hours beyond core requirements: (30)

  *Students who take one advanced writing course must take six English literature electives for a total of eighteen elective hours.  Students who choose to take two advanced writing courses must take five English literature electives for a total of fifteen elective hours.  Students may not count more than two advanced writing courses in their major, though they may count them as free electives outside their major.  Of all English courses, including the Literature Survey counted in the core curriculum, 6 hours must be in American Literature and six hours in English Literature.
 

CONCENTRATION IN CREATIVE WRITING
All requirements for the English major (above), with the following conditions:
EN 312 CREATIVE WRITING is required (3)
Select two advanced writing courses (other than EN 312); one must be 400 level (6)
EN 311 NONFICTION PROSE WRITING
EN 317 TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS WRITING
TH 209 SEMINAR FOR PLAYWRIGHTS
EN 411 FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP
EN 412 POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP
Four English, American, or World Literature electives (12)**
Senior Portfolio (0)
Total English Hours:          (33)

**Creative Writing students take the same number of literature courses as other English majors who take the option of taking two advanced writing courses. Creative Writing students also take one additional course in creative writing at the advanced level: at least one workshop and either another workshop, Nonfiction Prose Writing, or Technical and Business writing.

Students seeking the creative writing concentration are required to turn in a senior portfolio of their writing. They are encouraged to present a research topic in Capstone that focuses on aesthetics, which may include a discussion of how their writing has developed during their time at MUW. This may take the form of an introduction to their portfolio. Students may also write on a literary topic for Capstone, but must still turn in a senior portfolio separately. These requirements will result in one extra required course (3 hours) in writing plus the completion of the senior portfolio for students wishing to pursue a concentration in creative writing.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in English

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
EN 101
3 
 Foreign Language
6 
COM 101
3 
 Fine Arts
3 
Foreign Language
8 
 Literature Survey Sequence
6 
History of Civilization 6  EN 303 or 304
6 
Natural Science w/lab 8  Math above MA 113 or Computer Science 3 
Math Core 3  Social Institutions 3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Human Behavior 3 
UN 101 1  Philosophy 3 
    TOTAL 34       TOTAL
30 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 EN 499
3 
EN 301
3 
 *EN Electives
6 
EN 311, 312, 317, 411, 412 3  Electives 22 
EN 430  or 480
3 
      TOTAL
31 
EN Electives (Literature) 9 
Electives
12 
     TOTAL
33

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Choose from EN 311, 312, 317, 411, 412, or English, American or World Literature
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in English
with Creative Writing Concentration

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
EN 101
3 
 Literature Survey Sequence
6 
Foreign Language
8 
 EN 303 or 304
3 
COM 101
3 
 EN 312
3 
History of Civilization 6  Foreign Language
6
Natural Science w/lab 8  Fine Arts
6 
Math Core 3  Math above MA 113 or Computer Science
3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Social Institutions
3 
UN 101 1  Human Behavior 3 
     TOTAL 34  Philosophy 3 
     TOTAL 33 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 EN 499
3 
EN 301
3 
 English Electives (Literature)
6*
EN 311, 317, 411, 412, TH 209
6 
 Electives
22 
EN 430 or 480
3 
 Senior Portfolio
0 
English Electives (Literature)
6*
      TOTAL
31 
Electives
8 
     TOTAL
30 

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

ENGLISH MINOR
Minor requirements: 12 semester hours of University core requirement in English plus 15 semester hours in other English courses.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN ENGLISH (CLASS A)
University Core Requirements:     (43-44)
including:
    PSY 206 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
    COM 101 ORAL COMMUNICATION
One Full Literature Survey Sequence:
    EN 201-202 English, EN 203-204 American, EN 231-232 World  (6)
    and at least 6 hours of a Foreign Language at the 200 level or above      (6-14)
    EN 301 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS     (3)
    EN 303 OR 304 SHAKESPEARE       (3)
    EN 360 AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE     (3)
    EN 410 METHODS AND MATERIALS IN SECONDARY ENGLISH  (3)
    EN 430 HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE    (3)
    EN 499 ENGLISH CAPSTONE       (3)

One or two advanced writing courses:            (3-6)*
    EN 311 Nonfiction Prose Writing
    EN 312 Creative Writing
    EN 317 Technical and Business Writing
    EN 411 Fiction Writing Workshop
    EN 412 Poetry Writing Workshop
    Two or three English, American, or World Literature electives      (6-9)*
Total English Hours        (33)

    ED 300 Education as a Profession (3)
    ED 302 Art and Science of Teaching (3)
    ED 401 Student Teaching Semester: Classroom Management (3)
    ED 409 Student Teaching Semester: Secondary Education (12)
    ED 351 Educational Measurement (3)
    PSY 360 Educational Psychology (3)
    One course in computers (3)

    NOTE: EN 410 is offered only in the fall. ED 401 and ED 409 are available to English students only in the spring. Exceptions will be made only for emergency situations and must be approved by the head of the Division of Humanities.
    Students must take three English electives (9 hours). Only one course (3 hours) may be an additional advanced writing course or TESOL. The other two must be literature courses (6 hours). Six of the elective hours must be at the 300-level or above.
     Of all English courses, including the Literature Survey counted in the core curriculum, 6 hours must be in American Literature, 6 hours must be in English Literature, and 6 hours must be in World Literature.  Students are encouraged to take at least 12 hours of literature at the survey level and to ensure a broad range of courses in different genres and periods.
     Secondary Education students majoring in English may opt to achieve a concentration in Creative Writing by taking the required writing courses and turning in a senior portfolio.  They would use one of their free electives courses to do so.
     A total of 128 hours is required for graduation. Hours remaining after the above requirements have been met should be chosen in consultation with the adviser. Courses in foreign languages, journalism, theater, and history are especially useful to teachers of English.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in English
with Teacher Certification

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
English Composition
3 
 Literature Survey Sequence
6 
Foreign Language
8 
 Computer Course
3 
COM 101
3 
 PSY 206
3 
History of Civilization 6  Foreign Language
6 
Natural Science w/lab 8  Fine Arts
6 
Math Core 3  Philosophy
3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  ED 300
3 
UN 101 1  EN 303 or 304 3 
     TOTAL 34  EN 360 3 
     TOTAL 33 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
Electives
4 
 EN 499
3 
EN 300
3 
 *EN Electives (Literature)
6 
EN 301
3 
 EN 409
3 
EN 311, 312, 317, 411, 412
3 
 EN 410
3 
EN Electives (Literature)
3 
 ED 401
3
EN 430
3 
 ED 409
12 
ED 302 3       TOTAL 30 
ED 351 3 
PSY 360 3 
Social Institutions 3 
     TOTAL 31

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Choose from EN 311, 312, 317, 411, 412, or English, American or World Literature.

FRESHMAN ENGLISH PLACEMENT
  The ACT score in English required of all entering students is used to determine the course at which each student should begin English composition. All entering freshmen with an ACT English subtest score of 16 or below will be required to take EN 100 during their first semester of enrollment. After passing EN 100, these students may enroll in EN 101.
 EN 101 may not be taken by correspondence for credit at MUW. After a student enrolls at MUW, he or she cannot complete composition core requirements at another college or university.
 EN 101 is prerequisite for all subsequent English courses.

TESOL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

  Students interested in preparing themselves to teach English to non-native speakers in both the classroom and in a working environment may seek a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate. A junior or senior level status is required and six hours of English must be taken before beginning work on a TESOL Certificate.

  Students are required to complete 12 credit hours from the following four courses:
     EN 301 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS
     EN 341 TESOL (TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE)
     EN 342 SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
     EN 430 THE HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

  Note: This certificate does not imply State Department of Education certification.
 

FILM STUDIES MINOR
To earn a film studies minor, students must complete and pass at least eighteen hours. Six of these hours must be distributed as follows:
    Film 101 (3)
    Film 201 (3)
For the remaining twelve hours, students may choose a combination of any four courses at the three and four hundred level as long as at least three hours are completed at the four-hundred level. Courses with heavy film content from other disciplines may be counted toward the minor with division head approval.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

SPANISH MAJOR
In addition to all University core requirements and Divisional requirements, a Spanish major must satisfactorily complete the following requirements to earn a BA degree in Spanish: 6 semester hours in FLS 201-202; 3 semester hours in FLS 251, 252, 301, or 302; 6 semester hours in Spanish literature; and 6 semester hours in Spanish-American literature. The remaining 9 hours may be taken in Spanish or in French courses above the 102 level.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in Spanish

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
UN 101
1
 FLS 201 - 202
6 
English Composition
3 
 Fine Arts
3 
FLS 101 - 102
8 
 MA above 113 or Computer Science
3 
Math Core 3  History of Civilization 6 
Natural Science w/lab 8  Human Behavior 3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Socical Institutions 3 
COM 101 3  Electives 9
Philosophy 3       TOTAL 33 
     TOTAL
31 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 Spanish-American Literature
6 
FLS 251, 252, 301, or 302
3 
 FLS Elective or FLF Above 102
3 
Spanish Literature Elective
6 
 Electives
24 
FLS Elective or FLF Above 102
6 
      TOTAL
33 
Electives 13 
     TOTAL
31

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

TEACHER CERTIFICATION - SPANISH
1. Complete the requirements for the major in Spanish.
2. Complete FL 410 (Methods and Materials in Secondary Language).
3. Secondary General Requirements--see list in Education section.
ADD-ON CERTIFICATION IN SPANISH OR FRENCH
1. Complete 18 semester hours in a language beyond the elementary level (101-102), including FL 251 (Conversation and Composition) or equivalent, and at least 6 hours of literature.
2. Complete FL 410 (Methods and Materials in Secondary Language).
FOREIGN  LANGUAGE MINOR
A student may minor in French, Latin or Spanish. A minor requires 18 hours in the same language above the courses numbered 102.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE BA DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
To fulfill the language requirement for the B.A. degree, a student must complete a minimum of six hours at the 200 level or above in the language chosen. Certain academic programs require the study of a foreign language. Students should consult their specific major program for the foreign language requirements.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT
Students entering from high school will be placed in the proper course depending upon the number of years' study in a high school language course. After an adequate trial period the instructor will decide whether the student is prepared to continue at the level or should be placed in a higher or lower level course.

HISTORY

HISTORY MAJOR
In addition to all other University core requirements, students must satisfactorily complete six hours of a foreign language at the 200 level or above, and 36 semester hours in History above HIS 102, including:

HIS 209-210 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES (6)
HIS 311 HISTORIOGRAPHY AND METHODOLOGY (3)
HIS 499 HISTORY CAPSTONE (3)
American History Electives (6)
European History Electives (6)
History Electives (9)
Non-Western History Elective (3)
History majors are strongly urged to take HIS 311 as soon as possible after completion of HIS 102.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in History

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
English Composition 
3 
 HIS 209 - 210
6 
Foreign Language
8 
 Foreign Langauge
6 
UN 101
1 
 HIS 311
3 
COM 101
3 
 Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
History of Civilization 6  Math above MA 113 or Computer Science
3 
Natural Science w/lab 8  Social Institutions 3 
Math Core 3 Human Behavior 3 
Health & Kinesiology 2       TOTAL 33 
     TOTAL 34 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
Philosophy
3 
 HIS 499
3 
EN 300
3 
 HIS Electives
9 
Electives  13 Non-Western History Elective 3 
American History Electives 6  Electives 15 
European History Electives 6       TOTAL 30 
     TOTAL
31

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

HISTORY MINOR
Minor requirements: 21 semester hours, above HIS 101-102 HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION (6).

TEACHER CERTIFICATION - HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES (CLASS A)
1. Requirements under General BA or BS Curriculum.
2. Secondary General Requirements--see list in Education section.
3. Computer course. May also be used to meet general degree requirements for BS students.
4. Requirements for History or Social Sciences major; HIS 101 and HIS 102 will count toward the major ONLY if the student is earning certification in secondary social studies.
5. Teaching major
HIS 209-210 AMERICAN HISTORY (6)
HIS 312 MISSISSIPPI HISTORY (3)
Economics (6)
Geography (6) (3 hours at 300 level or above)
History electives (6) (300 level or above & including at least one non-western history course)
Political Science (6) (3 hours at 300 level or above)
Sociology (3)
TOTAL 36
6. Professional Education
PSY 360 PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING (3)
ED 300 EDUCATION AS A PROFESSION (3)
ED 302 ART AND SCIENCE OF TEACHING (3)
HIS 410 METHODS & MATERIALS IN SECONDARY HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES (3)
ED 401 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT (3)
ED 409 OBSERVATION & DIRECTED TEACHING (12)
TOTAL  27

NOTE: HIS 410 is offered only in the fall. ED 401 and ED 409 are available to history and social studies students only in the spring. Exceptions will be made only for emergency situations and must be approved by the head of the Division of Humanities.
 
7. A total of 128 hours is required for graduation. Hours remaining after the above requirements have been met should be chosen in consultation with the advisor. Courses in foreign languages, economics, political science, English, geography, and journalism are useful to teachers of History/Social Studies.

 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in History with Teacher Certification
in Secondary Social Studies

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
UN 101
1 
 HIS 209 - 210
6 
English Composition
3 
 HIS 312
3 
HIS 101 - 102
6 
 Foreign Langauge
6 
Foreign Language
8 
 POL Science Elective
3 
Natural Science w/lab 8  Geography
3 
Math Core 3  ED 300
3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Literature & Fine Arts* 9 
COM 101 3  Philosophy
3 
     TOTAL 34       TOTAL 36 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 HIS 499
3 
HIS 311
3 
 Computer Course
3 
American History Elective
3 
 HIS 410
3 
POL SCI 300 Level
3 
 European History Elective
6 
SOC 201
3 
 Non-Western History Elective
3 
GEO 300 Level
3 
 ED 401
3 
Economics
6 
 ED 409
12 
ED 302
3 
      TOTAL 33 
PSY 360
3 
Electives 3 
     TOTAL 33

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 136

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)
 

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MINOR
The international studies minor seeks to help students understand the modern global environment in an interdisciplinary manner. Increasingly, careers in business, government, the arts, sciences, and humanities require international familiarity.

 
The minor approaches its aim in two ways:

 
I To understand other societies, students will take courses in three disciplines, totaling twelve hours, from among the following courses:
ANT 201 CONTEMPORARY CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ANT 351 READINGS IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ART 311 TWENTIETH-CENTURY ART UP TO WORLD WAR II
ART 312 TWENTIETH-CENTURY ART FROM WORLD WAR II TO THE PRESENT
EN  232 SURVEY OF WORLD LITERATURE II
FLF 352 FRENCH LITERATURE AFTER 1850
FLS 361-2 CONTEMPORARY SPANISH LITERATURE
GEO 304 GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA
HIS 350 EUROPE SINCE 1914
HIS 358 THE LATIN AMERICAN REPUBLICS
POL 453 ADVANCED COMPARATIVE POLITICS
REL 213 RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

 
These courses may not be used to satisfy both the core requirements and those of the International Studies Minor. Students are also strongly encouraged to engage in an international experience. Such experiences may, with the approval of the university advisor for the minor and by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, may be counted for up to 6 hours toward this requirement.

 
To fulfill this portion of the minor, students must also demonstrate an intermediate competency in a modern foreign language. This can be done through successful completion of FLF or FLS 201-2 or by other means.

 
II To understand the dynamics of relations between and among societies, states or cultures, students must take six hours from among the following courses:
BU  371 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SEMINAR
EN  330 LITERATURE IN THE POSTCOLONIAL WORLD
GEO 101 ELEMENTS OF WORLD GEOGRAPHY
GEO 351 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY
HIS 422 THE RISE AND FALL OF COMMUNISM, A GLOBAL STUDY
POL 380 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
POL 454 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

 
These courses may not be used to satisfy both the core requirements and those of the International Studies Minor.

 
Students should be aware that the minor is very flexible, and can be tailored to the student's individual goals in consultation with an advisor. Students who wish to minor in International Studies should contact Michael Burger, the university advisor for the minor. He will assign the student an international advisor specifically concerned with international concerns within that student's major. Students who have not declared a major will develop their course of study within the minor with the university advisor. Courses with rotating topics (e.g., BU 499: Special Topics in Business) may also fulfill the requirements of the minor, with the approval of the international advisor within the student's major, or that of the university advisor, and with approval from the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM
The Paralegal Studies Program is approved by the American Bar Association and is designed to prepare majors for careers as paralegals. The purpose of this program is to train students to assume a key role on the professional legal team assisting attorneys in various legal services.
Mississippi University for Women offers ABA approved BA and BS degree programs in Paralegal Studies. For general degree requirements, see "Academic Program Requirements" in this catalog.
The paralegal courses offered at MUW constitute a background for para-professional practice as a certified paralegal. The student who wishes to major in the paralegal area should consult the Program Director, Mr. H. James Davidson, Jr.
The objectives of the Paralegal Studies Program are as follows:

    1.    To train students as paralegals to assist attorneys in law offices, legal services corporations, banks, corporations,
           and various government agencies by providing instruction and experience in general education, business, and law.

    2.    To provide students with a basic understanding of legal concepts and terms of subjects which are vital to practicing
           paralegals. To provide students with legal writing and research skills to enable graduates to perform as efficient
           members of a legal team.

    3.    To support the general principles of ethical legal practices, professional responsibilities, and the prohibitions against the
           unauthorized practice of law by laymen.

    4.    To provide knowledge of the principles of ethical and professional responsibilities as these relate to lawyers, legal
           assistants, clients, and to the legal profession.

    5.    To provide a broad background in general education for the development of a well-rounded individual.

    6.    To constantly improve and adjust the program to meet the needs of the community by seeking input from judges, local
           attorneys, legal assistants, and students.

    7.    To maintain equality of opportunity in the education program without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,
           religion, natural origin, or sex.
 

PARALEGAL STUDIES MAJOR
In addition to all University core requirements and appropriate BA*/BS degree requirements, the paralegal studies major requires 39 hours, with the final 3 hours consisting of an internship taken during a student's final semester. Major requirements are:
PLG 101 INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES (3)
PLG 241 LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS (3)
PLG 200 LEGAL BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH I (3)
PLG 202 LEGAL BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH II (3)
PLG 303 TORTS (3)
PLG 330 LEGAL WRITING (3)
PLG 340 LAW OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (3)
PLG 428 REAL ESTATE LAW (3)
PLG 429 CIVIL LITIGATION (3)
PLG 440 PRACTICAL LEGAL LAB (3)
PLG Electives (9)

 
Paralegal majors are also required to take:

 
BU 157 Information Systems Using Microcomputers (3)
PHL 205 LOGIC (3)
 *6 hours of foreign language at the 200 level or above.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in Paralegal Studies

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
EN 101
3 
 PLG 200, 202
6 
PLG 101
3 
 PLG 303
3 
PLG 241
3 
 PHL 205
3 
Natural Sciences w/lab 8  COM 101 3 
History of Civilization 6  Math Core 3 
Foreign Language 8  Foreign Language 6 
UN 101 1  Social Institutions 3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  BU 157 3 
     TOTAL 34  Literature & Fine Arts* 3 
     TOTAL
33 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
Human Behavior
3 
 PLG 440
3 
EN 300
3 
 PLG Electives
6 
PLG 330, 340, 428, 429
12 
 Electives
21 
PLG Elective 3       TOTAL 30 
Literature & Fine Arts* 6 
Electives 4 
     TOTAL 31

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.S. in Paralegal Studies

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
EN 101
3 
 Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
Natural Sciences w/lab
8 
 Social Institutions
3 
Math Core
3 
 PHL 205
3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Science and/or Math (BS) 6 
BU 157 3  PLG 200, 202 6 
PLG 101 3  PLG 303 3 
PLG 241 3  COM 101 3 
History of Civilization 6       TOTAL 33 
UN 101 1 
     TOTAL 32   
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 PLG 440
3 
PLG 330, 340, 428, 429
12 
 PLG Electives
6 
PLG Elective
3 
 Human Behavior
3 
Intercultural Studies 3  Electives 21 
Electives 9       TOTAL 33 
     TOTAL 30 

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

FIELD EXPERIENCE
Students who are accepted as majors in paralegal studies are required to complete an internship that is approved
by their major advisor and Division Head (PLG  440). Students may not receive payment for their work
experiences in these internships. Student performance will be evaluated by the paralegal instructor of record
and the business or professional leader supervising the internship.

PARALEGAL STUDIES MINOR
Requirements for a minor in Paralegal Studies include the following courses:
PLG 101 INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES
PLG 200 LEGAL BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH I
PLG 202 LEGAL BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH II
PLG 241 LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS

Nine additional semester hours chosen from:
PLG 327 ESTATES, WILLS AND TRUSTS
PLG 330 LEGAL WRITING
PLG 340 LAW OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
PLG 428 REAL ESTATE LAW
PLG 429 CIVIL LITIGATION
PLG 432 FAMILY LAW
PLG 434 BANKRUPTCY LAW

PHILOSOPHY MINOR
Minor requirements: 21 hours in philosophy, including PHL 201. Philosophy is an excellent minor for a variety of majors. It is useful for those majoring in disciplines such as psychology or political science as well as those planning to enter graduate or professional schools.

POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political science courses train students to be skilled analysts of American and world politics. The curriculum emphasizes in-depth evaluation of political institutions and behavior in order to understand how participants in politics address social and economic problems. Pursuing the political science major also exposes the student to: the research methodology employed by political scientists; ethical considerations for both political participants and researchers; and the application of knowledge through experimental learning. The curriculum is ideal for anyone considering a career in or related to politics.

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science requires six hours of foreign language at the 200 level or above and a minimum of 36 semester hours of political science courses, including POL 101, 201, 303, 310, 453, 454, and 490. Students must also complete the University core requirements.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in Political Science

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
EN 101
3 
 Foreign Language
6 
HIS 101, 102
6 
 Natural Sciences w/lab
8 
POL 101, 201
6 
 Computer Course
3 
Foreign Language
8 
 POL 303, 310
6 
Math Core
3 
 Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
Health & Kinesiology Core
2 
      TOTAL
32 
UN 101
1 
COM 101
3 
     TOTAL
32 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 **POL 490
6 
Human Behavior
3 
 **POL SCI Electives
9 
POL 453, 454
6 
 Electives
15
Political Science Elective
3 
      TOTAL
30
Philosophy 3 
Electives 16 
     TOTAL
34

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

**Students may take POL 490 for 3 to 6 hours.

POLITICAL SCIENCE MINOR
Minor requirements: 21 semester hours, including POL 101, 201, and 303.

SOCIAL SCIENCES
The Social Sciences embrace several disciplines of study in the Divisions of Humanities, Education and Human Sciences, and Business and Communication concerned with the study of social relationships, human cultures, and the functioning of society. The major in Social Sciences attempts to surv ey representative areas of study within these sciences.
It should be noted that the major in Social Sciences is closely compatible with the State of Mississippi Education Certification requirements for teaching history and social studies in the secondary schools.

SOCIAL SCIENCES MAJOR
In addition to all other University core requirements, appropriate BA*/BS degree requirements, and Divisional requirements, students must satisfactorily complete the 36 hours in history and social studies, including:
12 hours in history above the 102 level; can include HIS 311
12 hours in political science: can include POL 310 HIS 311 or POL 310
12 hours, at least 6 at the 300 level or higher, chosen from at least three of the following areas:  Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Philosophy, and Sociology.

 
Social sciences majors are strongly urged to take HIS 311 or POL 310 as soon as possible after completion of HIS 102 and POL 101.
*Six (6) hours of foreign language at the 200 level or above.
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in Social Science

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
UN 101
1 
 **History Electives above 102
3-6 
English Composition
3 
 SOC 201
3 
History of Civilization
6 
 **HIS 311 or POL 310
3 
Natural Science w/lab
8 
 Math above MA 113 or Computer Course
3 
Math Core 3  Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
COM 101 3  Foreign Language 6 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Philosophy 3 
Foreign Language 8       TOTAL 33
     TOTAL 34 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
**POL Science Electives
6-9 
 History Elective above 102
3 
History Elective above 102
3 
 POL SCI Elective
3 
EN 300
3 
 Econ, Geog
3 
Econ, Geog, Phil, Anth above 300
6 
 Electives
21 
Electives
10 
      TOTAL
30 
     TOTAL 31

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

** 12 hours in history above 102; can include HIS 311
** 12 hours in political science; can include POL 310
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.S. in Social Science

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
UN 101
1 
 **History Electives above 102
3-6 
English Composition
3 
 SOC 201
3 
History of Civilization
6 
 **HIS 311 or POL 310
3 
Natural Science w/lab
8 
 Math above MA 113 or Computer Course
3 
Math Core 3  Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
COM 101 3  Intercultural Studies
3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  Non-lab Science (BS) 6 
Electives 6      TOTAL 33 
     TOTAL 32 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
**POL Science Electives
6-9 
 History Elective
3 
History Elective above 102
3 
 POL Science Elective
3 
EN 300
3 
 Philosophy
3 
Econ, Geog, Phil, Anth above 300
6 
 Econ, Geog
3 
Electives
10 
 Electives
20 
     TOTAL
31
      TOTAL
32

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

** 12 hours in history above 102; can include HIS 311
** 12 hours in political science; can include POL 310
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.A. in Social Science
with Teacher Certification

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
UN 101
1 
 HIS 209 - 210
6 
English Composition
3 
 POL Science Elective
3 
History of Civilization
6 
 Foreign Language
6 
Foreign Language
8 
 Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
Math Core 3  Philosophy
3 
COM 101 3  SOC 201
3 
Natural Sciences w/lab 8  HIS 312 3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  **HIS 311 or POL 310 3
     TOTAL 34       TOTAL 36 
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
PSY 360
3 
 Non-Western History Elective
3 
EN 300
3 
 POL Science above 300
3 
Economics
6 
 Computer Course
3 
Geography
3 
 HIS 410
3 
Geography Above 300
3 
 ED 401
3 
**History Electives
3-6 
 ED 409
12 
**POL Science Electives 3-6  Elective 3 
ED 300 3       TOTAL 30
ED 302 3 
     TOTAL
33 

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 133

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

** 12 hours in history above 102; can include HIS 311
** 12 hours in political science; can include POL 310
 
 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
B.S. in Social Science
with Teacher Certification

FRESHMAN
Hrs.
SOPHOMORE
Hrs.
UN 101
1 
 HIS 209 - 210
6 
English Composition
3 
 POL Science Elective
3 
History of Civilization
6
 Literature & Fine Arts*
9 
Math Core
3 
 Philosophy
3 
COM 101 3  Non-lab Science
6 
Natural Sciences w/lab 8  HIS 312
3 
Health & Kinesiology 2  **HIS 311 or POL 310 3 
SOC 201 3       TOTAL 33 
GEO 101 3 
     TOTAL 32   
JUNIOR
Hrs.
SENIOR
Hrs.
EN 300
3 
 Non-Western History Elective
3 
Economics
6 
 **POL Science Electives
3-6 
Geography above 300
3 
 Computer Course
3 
**History Electives
3-6 
 HIS 410
3 
POL Science above 300
3 
 ED 401
3 
PSY 360
3 
 ED 409
12 
ED 300 3       TOTAL 30
ED 302 3   
Elective 3 
     TOTAL
33

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS REQUIRED: 128

*Literature & Fine Arts (9) At least one course from Literature (EN 201, 202, 203, 204, 231, 232, FLS 311, 312, FLF 311, 312) and one course from Fine Arts (ART 102, 211, 212, DAN 110, MUS 101, 105, or TH 175)

** 12 hours in history above 102; can include HIS 311
** 12 hours in political science; can include POL 310
 

TEACHER CERTIFICATION
See above for teacher certification in History and Social Studies.