Interdisciplinary

American Studies

Chair: Ms. Donna Menis

The American Studies Program at Saint Francis University is an interdisciplinary program that examines the special character of the American people as expressed in their diverse origins and shared experience, their ideals and aspirations, and the dynamic tension between tradition and innovation. The program includes required and elective courses representing a wide spectrum of academic disciplines that address such critical topics as American philosophical thought and religious institutions, the social and economic structures of our nation, artistic and literary expression, and the American political system and legal tradition.

International Business/Modern Language

Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Morales

The programs in Languages and Cultures have as their mission to educate each student to become a productive worker, a responsible citizen, and a cultured member of society. This mission is reflected in the descriptions of the department’s major programs given below which aim at providing life enrichment through a liberal arts curriculum and life skills through professional experiences to all its students. The curricular objectives of the program are consistent with those of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the Modern Language Association of America, the several American associations of teachers of foreign language.

The interdisciplinary major in International Business/Modern Language, with options for either French or Spanish, is offered in conjunction with the Business Administration Department. French language courses are taken at Saint Francis University and at its program in Chicoutimi, Quebec; Spanish language courses are taken at Saint Francis and at its program at Cuernevaca, Mexico. A further study abroad program, as necessary, will be chosen by the student and the student’s departmental advisor. Study abroad is required to complete the International Business/Modern Language program.

The graduate competent in business and a foreign language has a clear edge in the domestic and international job markets. Opportunities for graduates with a language and business competence have increased significantly in recent years and are projected to do so well into the future. Personnel are sought by national and local governments, hospitals, multinational corporations, social agencies, libraries, museums, airlines, and travel agencies. Further information can be provided upon request by the departmental advisors and the Office of Career Counseling and Placement.

Social Responsibility

Program Director: Dr. Sara King

The Social Responsibility Minor is an interdisciplinary course of study aimed at helping students consider, from both theoretical and experiential perspectives, the nature and responsibilities of democratic citizenship in our time. The Social Responsibility Minor is inspired by the Goals of Franciscan Higher Education and the Goals of the General Education Program, which call for reverence for all life, a global vision, respect and tolerance for all persons, an appreciation for diversity, stewardship of the world’s resources, and service to the poor and needy.

In the course of studies students will engage questions such as the following: What does citizenship mean now? What ought it mean? How does it relate to various perspectives on justice? community? diversity? What are the ideals to which democratic citizens are called? What are essential values for responsible citizenship? In what ways can people make a positive difference in their world? What are the skills needed to be a socially responsible citizen? In what ways might conscientious objection or civil disobedience be expressions of social responsibility?

The Minor may have either a national (United States) or international focus. Consistent with the goals of General Education at Saint Francis, not only familiarity with key knowledge bases, but also the development of relevant skills, and the examination of values-related questions are integral to this course of study.

Skills Components in the Social Responsibility Minor:
Communications (verbal, written, technology-related, media), organizational and leadership skills, political skills, intellectual skills (critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, socio-critical analysis).

Key knowledge bases:
Investigations of modern social, environmental, and technological problems, historical precedents, and key social and political institutions which contribute to the development of problems and possible resolutions.

Examination of values-related questions of social responsibility:
Opportunities to evaluate critically-dominant cultural values, as well as awareness of alternative value systems; the study of values in the context of social and political questions; and the study of means by which social and political groups achieve compromise and resolution in the context of varying systems of belief.