Minor
COMMUNICATION STUDIES MINOR
Communication Studies Minor……….. 24
In consultation with an advisor, students select at least 12 credit hours of any COM courses 100-level through 400-level, and at least 12 credit hours from 300 and 400-level COM courses.
Other minor programs
- Gender Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Film Studies
- Legal Studies
- Organizational Leadership Studies
Gender Studies
This program explores scholarship on women and gender. Historical and cross-cultural perspectives, critical theory, and interdisciplinary approaches are employed to examine questions of gender difference, inequality, and exclusion. In keeping with the philosophy of liberal arts education, the goal of gender studies is to better understand and ultimately transform our lives and the world in which we live. Professors: Maureen Dolan, Kimberly Jensen, Robin Smith.
For more information, contact Dr. Robin Smith 838-8357, smithr@wou.edu.
Gender Studies Minor (26-28 Credits)
Core: choose at least three (10-12)
HST 404 Gender Issues Part I (4)
HST 405 Gender Issues Part II (4)
SOC 360 Sociology of Gender (3)
Choose electives from at least two divisions: (16)
Creative Arts
A 405 Art History: Gender in Art (4)
D 310 Women in Dance (3)
Education
HE 367 Human Sexuality (4)
Humanities
COM 335 Communication and Gender (3)
COM 435 Rhetoric of the Women’s Movement (3)
SPAN 445 Hispanic Women Writers (4)
Psychology
PSY 492 Psychology of Women (4)
Social Science
ANTH 375 Women Anthropologists (4)
CJ 435 Gender, Crime and Justice (4)
HST 425 Modern France: Revolution and Napoleon (4)
HST 426 Modern France: 19th Century (4)
HST 427 Modern France: 20th Century (4)
HST 439 Colonial Cultures (4)
HST 440 Gender and Colonialism (4)
HST 445 Postcolonial North Africa (4)
HST 452 Women & the Family in the Middle Ages (4)
HST 471 Women in Japanese Society (4)
HST 472 Women in Chinese Society (4)
HST 481 American Voices (4)
HST 484 Health, Medicine and Gender in Historical Perspective (4)
HST 493 Women in Oregon History (4)
SOC 338 Sociology of the Family (3)
SOC 437 Sociology of Race/Ethnic Relations (3)
SOC 440 Women and Development (3)
SOC 460 Feminist Theories (3)
SSC 403 Research/Internship (1-9)
Note: SSC 403, with a focus on some aspect of gender, is encouraged. Also, minor may include any seminar that focuses on adding content on/by women to the curriculum, or that substantially and explicitly addresses gender issues and feminist theory in the treatment of its subject area, or a course in which the student has the option of selecting and exploring gender-related topics in the process of developing a special skill, e.g. an advanced writing course.
Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary approach for understanding the relationship between humans and the natural environment. It provides academic breadth, specific areas of expertise, and technical skills. The program supports an extensive internship program and is committed to the professional development of its students who seek employment in environmentally related fields such as resource management, environmental assessment, land-use planning, public administration, and teaching. The program also seeks to serve students interested in pursuing advanced training in environmental studies.
For more information, contact Dr. Mary Pettenger, 503-838-8301, pettengm@wou.edu OR Dr. Steve Taylor, 503-838-8398, taylors@wou.edu.
Following is a list of the professors/advisors involved with the Environmental Studies Program:
Bryan Dutton, Professor of Biology Max Geier, Professor of History Susan Daniel, Associate Professor of Philosophy Mark Henkels, Professor of Political Science Stephen Taylor, Professor of Earth/Physical Science Jeffery Templeton, Associate Professor of Earth/Physical Science Mark Van Steeter, Associate Professor of Geography Emily Plec, Professor of Speech Communication Mary Pettenger, Associate Professor of Political Science
Film Studies
Professors: Shaun Huston, Gavin Keulks, Gianna Martella, Mark Perlman, Michael Phillips, Emily Plec, Robin Smith
Associate professor: Daniel Tankersley
Assistant professor: Kate Connolly
Mission
To engage students in the critical study of moving images, including opportunities for practical
experience in film and video making and criticism.
Learning outcomes
1. Explain the power of visual media to shape perceptions of the world.
2. Analyze moving image arts and media through a variety of critical theories and/or strategies.
3. Explain the relationships of moving image arts and media to the multiple contexts in which they are embedded.
MINOR
Legal Studies
Pre-Law: 4 Year Preparation |
Legal Studies Minor |
Pre-Law: 4 Year Preparation
The minimum requirement for admission to a recognized law school is a bachelor’s degree. Most law schools value intellectual maturity and a broad educational background, such as is provided by majors in the social sciences, natural sciences or humanities, rather than narrow specialization. Well developed research, analysis, oral and written communication skills are considered desirable.
It is suggested that students take the Legal Studies minor and take additional coursework in the following areas: Accounting, Economics, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Speech and Writing. For more specific information on an appropriate course of study, see the Pre-Law advisor, who is assigned by the Social Science Division.
Admission to law schools is highly competitive. Applicants are usually expected to achieve an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 and perform well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), although strength in one of these areas may compensate for weakness in the other. The LSAT should be taken early in the senior year. For more information about preparatory materials, contact the Pre-Law advisor, Dr. Mark Henkels, 838-8554, HSS 207, henkelm@wou.edu.
Legal Studies Minor
For more information, please contact Dr. Mark Henkels, 838-8544, HSS 207, henkelm@wou.edu.
Legal Studies Minor (27-29 credits)
- PS 201 American Government (3)
- PS 202 State and Local Government (3)
- BA 230 Business Law (3)
- PS 479 Constitutional Law (3)
- PS 480 Administrative Law (3)
- PS 484 American Jurisprudence (3)
- PS 485 Legal Research and Writing (3)
Choose two: (6-8)
- ANTH 475 Anthropological Approaches to Law (4)
- BA 211 Fundamentals of Accounting I (4)
- COM 321 Influencing through Argument (3)
- COM 326 Communication and Controversy (3)
- COM 327 Communication in the Legal Field (3)
- CJ 213 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4)
- CJ 452 Criminal Procedure (4)
- HST 414 British History to 1300 (4)
- HST 415 English History (4)
- HST 493 British Consitutional History (4)
- PHL 103 Introduction to Logic (3)
- PHL 350 Social and Political Philosophy (3)
- PHL 380 Philosophy of Law (3)
- PS 409 Administrative Internship (3-12)
- PS 410 Legislative/Political Internship (3-12)
- PS 481 International Law (3)
Organizational Leadership Minor
Mission
Provide students with a trans-disciplinary foundation of knowledge and skills drawn from the fields of business, communication, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and writing. Students will develop and enhance critical skill sets in areas deemed essential in hiring and advancement within organizations including: critical thinking and analytical reasoning; complex problem solving; communication; teamwork; leadership; ethics; and innovation and creativity.
Learning Outcomes
- Use critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills to effectively analyze and solve complex problems with creative solutions.
- Apply teamwork, leadership, and communication skills to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Explain professional codes of behavior and critically examine ethical questions and issues.
Utility
The trans-disciplinary Organizational Leadership Minor complements any major; providing students with the opportunity to enhance the “soft skills” most sought after by employers. Soft skills include things like effective communicating, critical thinking, complex problem solving, ethical judgment, leadership, teamwork, and intercultural skills. Such skills are needed in every type of industry and organization.
A recent survey of 318 organizations showed that nearly all of the employers believed that certain soft skills were more critical to career success than a student’s major area of study. Additionally, Forbes magazine identified critical thinking, complex problem solving, active listening, and judgment and decision-making as the most in-demand skill-sets for the top jobs of 2013.
The Organizational Leadership Minor will help you stand out from other job applicants by providing real-world experiences to enhance your skills. For example, one team from the Psychology of Leadership class recently developed and implemented a video captioning system for the Office of Disability Services here at WOU. The captioning system increased the accessibility of classroom material for students who are deaf or hard of hearing at virtually no cost for the organization. Potential employers will love to hear about how you developed innovative solutions to significant problems in a team setting.
Becoming a Minor
The organizational leadership minor should be planned with an advisor. For more information, contact one of the Organizational Leadership Advisors: Dr. David Foster fosterd@wou.edu (503-838-8805), Dr. Debi Brannan brannand@wou.edu (503-751-4200), or Dr. Nick Backus backus.wou@gmail.com (503-838-8851) .
Details
The organizational leadership minor is 27 credit hours. Students must complete courses in each of the listed categories and at least three of the following disciplines: business; communication; philosophy; political science; psychological science; sociology; or writing. Additionally, a minimum of 15 hours must be upper division credit.
Category 1: Organizational Foundations (minimum 3 credit hours) |
||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| BA 361 | Organizational Behavior |
3
|
| BA 495 | Organizational Design |
3
|
| COM 420 | Communication in Organizations |
3
|
| PSY 445 | Introduction to I/O Psychology |
4
|
| PSY 447 | Introduction to Organizational Development |
4
|
Category 2: Ethics (minimum 3 credit hours) |
||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| BA 362 | Business Ethics |
3
|
| COM 370 | Communication Ethics |
3
|
| PHL 251 | Ethics |
3
|
Category 3: Critical Thinking (minimum 6 credit hours) |
||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| COM 321 | Influence Through Argument |
3
|
| ENT 381 | Creativity & Entrepreneurs |
1
|
| ENT 382 | Innovation & Strategy |
1
|
| PHL 103 | Introduction to Logic |
3
|
| PSY 360 | Cognitive Psychology |
4
|
| PSY 449 | Psychology of Creativity |
4
|
Category 4: Teamwork & Leadership (minimum 3 credit hours) |
||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| BA 392 | Management of Diversity |
3
|
| BA 492 | Total Quality Management |
3
|
| COM 323 | Group Discussion & Leadership |
3
|
| COM 340 | Conflict Management |
3
|
| PSY 443 | Psychology of Teamwork |
4
|
| PSY 446 | Psychology of Leadership |
4
|
Category 5: Communication Skills (minimum 6 credit hours) |
||
| Written Communication (minimum 3 credit hours) | ||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| BA 305 | Business Analysis & Report Writing |
3
|
| BA 455 | Advertising Writing |
3
|
| COM 312 | Public Relations |
3
|
| COM 450 | Crisis Communication Management |
3
|
| Oral Communication (minimum 3 credit hours) | ||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| COM 324 | Business & Professional Communication |
3
|
| COM 422 | Persuasion |
3
|
| PSY 423 | Interview and Appraisal |
4
|
Category 6: Global/Cultural Knowledge (minimum 3 credit hours) |
||
| Course Number | Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| BA 284 | Introduction to International Business |
3
|
| BA 370 | Business & Society |
3
|
| COM 325 | Intercultural Communication |
3
|
| PHL 350 | Social and Political Philosophy |
3
|
| PS 203 | International Relations |
3
|
| PS 493 | International Organizations |
3
|
| SOC 225 | Social Problems |
3
|
| SOC 437 | Race/Ethnic Relations |
3
|
FAQs
1. My major is business (or psychology; or communication studies); can I still minor in organizational leadership?
Yes, any major can be combined with a minor in organizational leadership. However if a class is used for the minor (e.g., PSY 360) it can’t also be used for the major. In other words, students cannot “double-dip” or use the same course for your major and minor.
2. I am majoring in something other than business or communication studies or psychology); would a minor in organizational leadership help me?
Yes, this minor is would be beneficial for anyone who might work within an organization at some point in their lives. Critical thinking, complex problem solving, communication, creativity, and leadership are skills any employer wants and can be an advantage for any major.
3. Do any of these classes have prerequisites?
Yes, a few of the courses do have prerequisites. However, at least one course in each of the categories does not have a prerequisite attached. There are prerequisites for all of the psychology courses which can be satisfied by (1) taking PSY 201 and PSY 202, one of which can count for the “additional social science course” needed for Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LACC) OR (2) gaining the consent of the instructor by identifying yourself as an organizational leadership minor.
4. Is a practicum required for this minor?
No, a practicum is not required but it is encouraged as it is a great way to get real-world job experience and make connections in any field.
