Southern Oregon University

• 2006 - 2007 Catalog

Degree Programs and Requirements

Academic Affairs
Churchill 130
541-552-6213 (Academic Advising)
541-552-6114 (Academic Affairs)

University Studies

In the 2006–2007 academic year, SOU is launching the University Studies program. University Studies is an updated, streamlined curriculum that reflects several years of development aimed to create a more vital, focused, and enriched general education program. University Studies reflects a new statewide Oregon University System initiative to shape courses to meet defined student-learning outcomes. University Studies also reflects the new Oregon Transfer Module, designed to simplify transfers among the state’s institutions of higher education. SOU’s first-year experience general education program, University Seminar, has also been reorganized to offer students the option of selecting an area of concentration while learning in a cohort setting. Students enrolled in either the Arts and Sciences Programs or the Professional Programs are required to fulfill University Studies requirements.

Arts and Sciences Programs

At SOU, the arts and sciences are centered in three schools: Arts and Letters, Sciences, and Social Sciences. Two types of degree programs are available. For subject matter degrees, the major field of study is concentrated within one academic department. In the case of interdisciplinary degrees, the major work is drawn from two or more fields of study from different departments (see page 143). See the back cover for a complete listing of these degree programs.

Professional Programs

SOU professional programs are centered in three schools: Business, Education, and Social Sciences. The professional degree programs emphasize in-depth coursework within these schools and also draw upon the arts and sciences programs for supporting coursework and a strong student-learning, outcomes-focused, general education component. A wide variety of emphases are available within the professional programs. Please refer to the back cover of this catalog and to the appropriate academic section.

Program Planning

Students should consider the following when planning a degree program:

1. Core Curriculum. The SOU core curriculum has three parts: a) University Studies requirements, b) special requirements for the bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree, and c) upper division writing and capstone experience requirements in each major. The University Studies requirements are related to specific writing, speech, and quantitative skills set in the context of critical thinking. These requirements are met by completing the University Seminar sequence or its equivalent and by selecting approved Explorations, Quantitative Reasoning, and Integration courses. The University Studies requirements include approximately 64 credits of coursework. The special requirements for the BA or BS degree are listed under BA/BS Requirements on page 22. The upper division requirements for writing, research, and the capstone experience vary according to the major (see the appropriate section in the catalog for a particular major).
   
2. Academic Progress. Students planning to complete the bachelor’s degree in four years should take at least 15 to 16 credits a term each year.
   
3. Class Schedule. Available online, the class schedule lists the classes available each quarter.
   
4. Course Content. For specific course information, consult the course description in this catalog or request a syllabus from the department or instructor offering the course. Texts for a course may be reviewed in the University Bookstore.
   
5. Special Course Scheduling Considerations. Many language and science course sequences begin fall quarter and cannot be entered midyear. Some courses have laboratory work that must be taken concurrently with the lecture component of the course. Students intending a major with a science specialty should consult departmental advisors early on about supporting coursework requirements in mathematics and science.
   
6. Approval of Registration. Students with a declared premajor or major must obtain approval of the proposed schedule from their advisor before registration. Undeclared students and students majoring in interdisciplinary studies must obtain this registration approval from the Academic Advising Office in Stevenson Union 134.
   

Placement Exams

The appropriate SOU placement level is determined by placement exams in foreign languages and mathematics. For more information on these exams, see page 104 for mathematics. Contact the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department for foreign languages.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

1. Minimum term credits: 180.
   
2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements. See the following section, Core Curriculum Requirements.
   
3. Work in upper division courses: Minimum of 60 credits.
   
4. Satisfaction of the departmental requirements for a major. This must be certified by the department chair.
   
5. Work in residence: Minimum 45 credits of last 60; last 15 on campus.
   
6. Registration is blocked for any student who has completed 91 credits and does not have a declared major on file in the Registrar’s Office.
   
7. Students completing a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree must complete the special requirements for these degrees. See BA/BS Requirements on page 22.
   
8. Grade Point Average: Minimum 2.0 in the major, minor, and overall. Some departments have a higher minimum GPA requirement for their majors and minors (see requirements for the major and minors in the departmental listing).
   
9. Restrictions:
   
   1. Courses numbered below 100 that are taken after fall term 1982 do not apply toward graduation requirements.
      

      Note: Courses numbered 0–49 taken prior to fall term 1982 are not applicable toward graduation requirements; 50–99 are applicable toward graduation as electives only.

   2. Open course numbers limitation:
      
      1. 199, 299, 399, 401, 403, 405, and 407 courses are limited to 45 credits in the overall program.
         
      2. 409 practicum courses are limited to 15 credits a prefix (e.g., WR, SPAN, ANTH), and 30 credits for the overall program.
         
      3. Courses that were taken as open-numbered courses but subsequently became regularly scheduled (non–open-numbered) courses should not be counted in the credit limits on open-numbered courses.
         
   3. Correspondence study: Maximum 24 credits.
      
   4. Extension study: Maximum 60 credits (including the above).
      
   5. Prior learning experience: Maximum 90 credits approved.
      
   6. Maximum 12 credits of PE 180 allowed for graduation.
      

Core Curriculum Requirements

The faculty has developed a core curriculum that must be completed by all baccalaureate students regardless of the major or type of baccalaureate degree. This curriculum is designed to give each student the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to become a responsible and productive citizen of an increasingly international community. The core curriculum includes two sets of requirements: University Studies requirements and components in the major.

University Studies Requirements

University Studies, SOU’s student-learning, outcomes-focused, general education program, is designed to provide undergraduates with effective critical thinking, communication, and research skills. These requirements develop in students an awareness of the connections and relationships among the social, artistic, cultural, and scientific traditions of human endeavor. The desired outcome of the University Studies program is a person who is capable of resolving complex issues with intelligence, compassion, and understanding.

The University Studies program includes both lower and upper division requirements. The lower division requirements include the University Seminar, Quantitative Reasoning, and various Explorations courses. The upper division requirements include three Integration courses.

Outline of the University Studies Curriculum

Lower Division

University Seminar (USEM 101, 102, 103) (Complete with a grade of C- or better)	12
Quantitative Reasoning*	4–8

Explorations Courses

Humanities (Arts and Letters)	12-credit minimum
Sciences	12-credit minimum
Social Sciences	12-credit minimum

*The Quantitative Reasoning requirement may be satisfied by completion of either a stand-alone course or Explorations courses designed to incorporate the learning objectives of the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Upper Division

Integration Courses

Strand H: Science, Technology, and Society*	3–4
Strand I: Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility*	3–4
Strand J: Diversity and Global Awareness*	3–4

*Two of three strands can be met in the major area.

For the most recent listing of courses and sequences in the University Studies program, see the latest class schedule or the SOU Web site.

University Studies Policies

Courses in the major or minor may be used to meet University Studies requirements. University Studies courses may be used to satisfy the requirements of the major or minor at the discretion of the relevant department or program.

Courses Approved for University Studies

Writing and Oral Communication (complete with a grade of C- or better)

University Seminar (USEM 101, 102, 103)

12

Quantitative Reasoning

Contemporary Mathematics (MTH 105)	4
Precalculus II: Elementary Functions (MTH 112)	4
Elementary Linear Mathematics (MTH 158 )	4
Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics I (MTH 211)*	4
and Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics II (MTH 212)*	4
Elementary Statistics (MTH 243)	4
Calculus I (MTH 251)	4
Exploratory Data Analysis (EC 232)	4

*Both MTH 211 and 212 must be taken to satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Explorations

Note: You must take 12 credits of Explorations courses in each of the following areas: Humanities (Arts and Letters), Sciences, and Social Sciences. See Course Prerequisites Policy on page 16.

Humanities (Arts and Letters)

Introduction to Cultural Studies: Classic Texts and Contemporary Dynamics (AL 215)	4
Introduction to Cultural Studies: Classic Textsand Contemporary Dynamics (AL 216)	4
History of Art (ARTH 201)	4
History of Art (ARTH 202)	4
Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200)	4
Media Across Cultures (COMM 201)	4
Academic English for ESOL Students (ENG 101)	4
Academic English for ESOL Students (ENG 102)	4
Introduction to Literature (ENG 104)	4
Introduction to Literature (ENG 105)	4
World Literature (ENG 107)	4
World Literature (ENG 108)	4
Native American Myth and Culture (ENG 239)	4
Native American Narratives, Fiction, and Poetry (ENG 240)	4
Intermediate French Language and Culture (FR 202)	4
Intermediate French Language and Culture (FR 203)	4
Intermediate German Language and Culture (GL 202)	4
Intermediate German Language and Culture (GL 203)	4
Seminar: The Ancient World* (HO 291)	4
Seminar: The Rise of the Individual, Renaissance and Enlightenment Periods* (HO 292)	4
Seminar: The Modern World* (HO 293)	4
Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture (SPAN 202)	4
Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture (SPAN 203)	4
Music of Western Culture (MUS 201)	4
Music of Nonwestern Culture (MUS 202)	4
American Jazz (MUS 203)	4
Introduction to Philosophy (PHL 201)	4
Ethics: Moral Issues (PHL 205)	4
Religion and the Human Experience (REL 201)	4
Religion and the Human Experience (REL 202)	4

*The Honors sequences are approved for University Studies for students who have been accepted into the Honors program.

Sciences

General Biology: Cells (BI 101)	4
General Biology: Organisms (BI 102)	4
General Biology: Populations (BI 103)	4
Principles of Biology: Molecules, Cells, and Genes (BI 211)	4
Principles of Biology: Evolution and Diversity (BI 212)	4
Fundamentals of Chemistry (CH 100)	4
Environmental Chemistry (CH 101)	4
General Chemistry/Lab (CH 201/204)	3/2
General Chemistry/Lab (CH 202/205)	3/2
Physical Environment I (ES 111)	4
Physical Environment II (ES 112)	4
Physical Geology I (G 101)	4
Physical Geology II (G 102)	4
Fundamentals of Physics/Lab (PH 100/104)	3/1
Astronomy: The Solar System/Workshop (PH 112/114)	3/1
Astronomy: The Stars/Workshop (PH 113/115)	3/1
General Physics I/Lab (PH 201/224)	3/2
General Physics II/Lab (PH 202/225)	3/2

Social Sciences

Business, Government, and Society (BA 110/PS 111)	4
America and Globalization (PS 110)	4
American Criminal Justice System (CCJ 230)	4
Introduction to Criminology (CCJ 231)	4
Principles of Microeconomics (EC 201)	4
Principles of Macroeconomics (EC 202)	4
Introduction to Geography: The Rogue Valley (GEOG 101)	4
Introduction to Human Geography (GEOG 107)	4
Global Land and Livelihoods (GEOG 108)	4
World Civilizations (HST 110)	4
World Civilizations (HST 111)	4
World Civilizations (HST 112)	4
American History and Life (HST 250)	4
American History and Life (HST 251)	4
Power and Politics (PS 201)	4
Authority and Law (PS 202)	4
General Psychology (PSY 201)	4
General Psychology (PSY 202)	4
Physical Anthropology and Archaeology: Perspectives on Humanity’s Past (ANTH 211)	4
Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (ANTH 213)	4
Women in Society (WS 201)	4
The Sociological Imagination (SOC 204)	4
American Society (SOC 205)	4
Health and Society I (HE 250)	4
Health and Society II (HE 275)	4

Integration

Integration courses bring together students from diverse majors to interact and share multidisciplinary perspectives. These focused integration courses address complex societal, ethical, and technical issues.

Integration Courses

Strand H: Science, Technology, and Society*	3–4
Strand I: Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility*	3–4
Strand J: Diversity and Global Awareness*	3–4

*Two of three strands can be met in the major area.

For the most recent list of upper division Integration courses, see the latest class schedule or the SOU Web site.

University Seminar

Central 008
541-552-8160

University Seminar is an academic first-year experience for students entering SOU. This three-term sequence introduces students to key foundational skills that help them develop as researchers, critical thinkers, and communicators. University Seminar provides students with opportunities to examine their motivation and goals with regard to higher education. Students have an opportunity to select a sequence designed around a theme relevant to contemporary issues and events. Usually, students remain with the same instructor and classmates for all three terms. The third term incorporates at least one goal area in civic responsibility, science and technology, or diversity and global awareness.

Through a structured sequence of writing experiences, students progress beyond unsupported assertion to reasoned argumentation and dialogue. Discussion, presentation, and small-group activities are also emphasized. In comparing the University Seminar with traditional communication and writing courses, the following guidelines may be useful: (1) successful completion of USEM 101 with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit of communication; (2) successful completion of USEM 102 with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of academic writing and 1 credit of communication; (3) successful completion of USEM 103 with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of academic writing and 1 credit of communication. Only upon completion of the whole sequence do students receive the equivalent of 12 credits in writing and communication.

*The University Seminar administers the lower division WR 121, WR 122, and WR 227 courses. In rare cases, students may need to complete their University Studies written and oral communication requirement through WR 122. Students should contact the University Seminar Office in Central 008 or call 541-552-8160.

University Seminar Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

USEM 101, 102, 103 University Seminar

4 credits each

Focuses on the skills students need to succeed in college. This year-long course is a component of the University Studies curriculum in critical reading, writing, speaking, and thinking. Under normal circumstances, students stay with their teacher and classmates in small sections for the entire sequence. General advising and a college success component are also important aspects of the course. Enrollment in the University Seminar is required of all freshmen who have not completed the equivalent of both WR 121 and 122. Successful completion of all three terms of the University Seminar is equivalent to a full year of writing and a course in oral communication.

USEM 101H, 102H, 103H University Seminar Honors

4 credits each

Each year, a few sections are designated as USEM 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections often focus on a specific theme and are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace.

USEM 209 Practicum

2 credits

Trains students to be one-on-one peer tutors in the Writing Assistance Center, located in the ACCESS Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation, an application and interview, and successful completion of USEM 101, 102, 103.

Upper Division Courses

USEM 409 Advanced Practicum

4 credits

Provides opportunities for students to work in partnership with faculty in the University Seminar Program or Writing Assistance Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation and successful completion of a training session. Students who have successfully completed USEM 101, 102, 103 are especially invited. Prerequisite: University Seminar Program consent.

Writing Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

WR 122 English Composition

4 credits

Focuses on close reading, organization, and effective expression in academic essays, concentrating primarily on argumentation. Prerequisite: WR 121.

WR 227 Technical Research Writing

4 credits

Covers written composition. Introduces research techniques and writing, with emphasis on technical and scientific writing. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the University Studies writing requirement.

Components in the Major

Each academic major leading to a bachelor’s degree includes two upper division requirements for students completing that major.

Writing and Research Component. Demonstrate writing and research skills within the academic field of study chosen as a major. This upper division requirement is in addition to the University Studies writing requirement. It is met through coursework in the major that is designed to encourage the use of professional literature.

Students who have achieved the writing and research goals will be able to:

1. systematically identify, locate, and select information and professional literature in both print and electronic formats within the knowledge base of the specific discipline;
   
2. critically evaluate such materials;
   
3. use the materials in a way that demonstrates understanding and synthesis of the subject matter; and
   
4. develop cohesive research papers that use data and professional literature as evidence to support an argument or thesis following the style and conventions within the discipline of the major.
   

Capstone Experience. Complete a capstone experience designed to focus on and provide understanding of the major field of study. Each department specifies the manner in which its majors must meet these requirements. There is variation between fields of study. Please refer to the departmental listing of major requirements for details regarding the implementation of these requirements.

Assessment

SOU is committed to improving the quality of instruction by assessing student outcomes. The University determines the progress of the learning process by relating outcomes to clearly defined learning objectives. During their collegiate careers, students actively participate in the outcomes assessment process. Student participation contributes to curriculum design and the evolution of the learning community.

BA/BS Requirements

Undergraduate students completing a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree must satisfy the following requirements, as well as the other graduation requirements detailed earlier in this section.

Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

For this degree, students must:

1. Complete one year of study of a foreign language at the second-year level or above at Southern Oregon University or another accredited college or university; complete four years of study of a single foreign language at the high school level; or successfully complete a proficiency examination administered by the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department. The exam is offered registration week of fall quarter. See page 84 for further details.
   
2. Complete at least 48 credits in courses offered by the School of Arts and Letters. Note: Courses toward University Studies, the academic major, minor, and the above requirement may be counted toward these 48 credits.
   

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

For this degree, students must:

1. Complete at least two courses (8 or more credits) in mathematics, computer science (CS), designated statistics courses, or designated logic courses. The following statistics and logic courses have been approved for this requirement:
   
   • Applied Business Statistics (BA 282)
     
   • Exploratory Data Analysis (EC 232)
     
   • Quantitative Methods (EC 332)
     
   • Quantitative Methods of Geography (GEOG 386)
     
   • Evaluation for Health and Physical Education (PE 412)
     
   • Elementary Logic (PHL 203)
     
   • Methods, Statistics, and Laboratory I (PSY 228)*
     
   • Methods, Statistics, and Laboratory II (PSY 229)*
     
   • Introduction to Social Research Methods (SOC 326)
     
   • Quantitative Data Analysis (SOC 327)
     
2. Complete at least 48 credits in courses offered by the Schools of Business; Sciences; and Social Sciences. Note: SOU courses toward University Studies, the academic major, a minor, and the above requirement may be counted toward these 48 credits.
   

Requirements for the BA and BS do not apply to students completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA).

*Students must complete both PSY 228 and 229 to fulfill the requirement.

Transfer Student Policies

Students entering SOU with transfer credit from an accredited institution must meet one of the five Lower Division University Studies Requirement Options listed below. In addition, all students must complete three upper division Integration courses at SOU.

Lower Division University Studies Requirement Options

Students entering SOU with transfer credit will be assigned to one of the following options:

1. Option 1. Completion of SOU’s lower division University Studies requirements (see www.sou.edu/access/acadvising/).
   
2. Option 2. Completion of an Associate of Arts-Oregon Transfer (AAOT) or Associate of Science-Oregon Transfer (ASOT) degree as certified by an Oregon community college.
   
3. Option 3. Completion of lower division general education requirements at an accredited four-year institution of higher education. Students must provide documentation from the institution stating that lower division general education requirements were met.
   
4. Option 4. Completion of Intersegmental University Studies Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for either the University of California or California State University requirements, as a California community college transfer student. Students must provide documentation stating this curriculum was completed.
   
5. Option 5. Completion of the Oregon Transfer Module (OTM). For details, check with the SOU ACCESS Center.
   
6. Option 6. Transfer students, who are admitted and attend SOU between fall 2006 and summer 2008 and who began academic coursework at another institution prior to fall 2006, have the option of following the SOU 2005–2006 catalog requirements.
   

Upper Division University Studies Requirements

Integration Courses

All students (in all transfer options) must complete one upper division Integration course from each area:

1. Strand H: Science, Technology, and Society (3–4 credits)
   
2. Strand I: Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility (3–4 credits)
   
3. Strand J: Diversity and Global Awareness (3–4 credits)
   

For the most recent list of upper division Integration courses in the University Studies program, see the class schedule on the SOU Web site.

Guidelines for Normal Progress

The following serves as a guide for students and advisors to assess the rate at which students should complete University Studies and major requirements.

1. At the completion of 45 credits of study applicable to a bachelor’s degree, the student should have:
   
   1. a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA; and
      
   2. completed 12 credits of the University Seminar and at least 12 credits of lower division Explorations courses.
      
2. At the completion of 91 credits of study applicable to a bachelor’s degree, the student should have:
   
   1. a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA;
      
   2. completed all 36 credits of the lower division Explorations courses and a Quantitative Reasoning course or sequence; and
      
   3. declared a major. Registration is blocked for any student who has not declared a major after the completion of 91 credits.
      
3. At the completion of 144 credits of study applicable to a bachelor’s degree, the student should have:
   
   1. obtained a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA;
      
   2. completed at least one of the three upper division Integration courses;
      
   3. completed at least half of the credits in the declared major; and
      
   4. completed at least 30 credits of upper division coursework.
      
4. At the completion of 180 credits of study, the student should have completed all requirements for the baccalaureate degree.
   

Guidelines for Normal Progress Notes

1. Most baccalaureate degree programs at Southern Oregon University are designed to be completed in four academic years at an average academic load of 16 credits a quarter. Some students, however, pursue the degree at an average rate of fewer than 16 credits a quarter and complete the degree in a proportionately longer period of time. The guidelines above address the content of the program rather than the rate at which the student pursues the degree. Consequently, these guidelines are applicable to both full-time and part-time students.
   
2. The guidelines above are designed for a student whose total academic program is at Southern Oregon University. A transfer student’s normal progress toward a degree should be evaluated on the basis of credits accepted for transfer to SOU by the Admissions Office plus credits completed at the University.
   
3. Some majors, particularly in the sciences and preprofessional programs, require a heavy academic load in the major and supporting areas during the first two years due to the sequential structure of the major program. Students in these majors may need to delay certain elements of the University Studies program until their junior or senior year. These students and their advisors may need to modify items 1b, 2b, and 3b of these guidelines to accommodate the special needs of the major.