Interdisciplinary Minor in Catholic Studies

Patrick J. Lynch, S.J., Department of Religious Studies and Theology, Director.

The Catholic Studies minor at Canisius College examines the doctrinal, historical, legal, spiritual and cultural traditions of Catholicism. In addition, it includes dialog with people of other faiths and the examination of intellectual disciplines that have been influenced by Catholicism, such as art, history, law, literature, politics, philosophy and the sciences. As a result, this program requires study in several departments of the college and highlights the Catholic tradition upon which the college was founded.

Any person who wishes to know more about the Catholic heritage, to further one’s personal development, or to pursue a principle-based career in public service, medicine or law would find this minor relevant. Those with church-related career or academic objectives would also want to complete this program. Future seminarians, lay ministers, teachers especially interested in the Catholic educational system, those preparing for graduate work in theology or religious studies and anyone planning to pursue a career in a Catholic organization such as a social work agency or health care system would be the types of people whom this program would help. The program director will help the student choose appropriate courses or appoint an advisor to do so.

All courses in the Catholic Studies minor except CTH 400 are offered in traditional academic departments and usually meet the criteria established by these departments for area studies or major credit. Most courses in the minor are part of the college’s core curriculum and therefore can be taken as a way to fulfill and focus the requirements for area studies.

Students who complete this minor will be able to 1) describe and analyze some facet of Catholic doctrine or piety; 2) describe, interpret and analyze the importance of the Catholic contribution in an aspect of one of the following areas: art, history, literature, music, politics, or science; 3) discuss the contemporary relevance of a concept derived from the Catholic philosophical tradition or from Catholic social thought; and 4) analyze, synthesize and evaluate a topic related to Catholic doctrine, culture, or its intellectual heritage.

Structure of the Catholic Studies Minor
RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies (AS VI)    (3 credits)
CTH 400: Research in Catholic Studies (3 credits)
One course in each of four areas:
Catholic Theology and Life;
Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music & Science;
Catholic History & Politics; and Catholic Social Thought & Philosophy — but no more than two courses from any one department in these areas.		 (12 credits)
TOTAL (6 courses)  (18 credits)

COURSES: 2007 - 2009

RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies (AS VI) 3 credits
Studies the origins of Catholicism and the major movements and personalities in Catholic theology, history, culture and spirituality. The Catholic worldview and its relation to society, culture and the intellectual life will also be considered. Prerequisite: RST 101. Fall 2008

CTH 400 Research in Catholic Studies 3 credits
Capstone course in which a student does independent research and a project on a person or topic of interest within the Catholic Studies minor under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Prerequisite: Director’s approval.

Internships: May be done with special readings and reflection as an extra course for 3 credits or included within a project for CTH 400. Prerequisite: Consent of director.

Courses in specialty areas follow. Course descriptions and their years of offering will be found in the appropriate departmental listing.

I. Catholic Theology and Life
RST 230 Catholic Belief Today (AS VI)     (3 credits)
RST 260 The History of Catholic Belief (AS VI) (3 credits)
RST 327 The Church: Its Mission and Structure (AS VI) (3 credits)
RST 328 Sacramental Theology (AS VI) (3 credits)
RST 350 or HON 327 Christian Concept of God (AS VI)  (3 credits)
RST 354 Jesus Christ and Modern Culture (AS VI) (3 credits)
RST 359 Revelation and Faith (AS VI) (3 credits)

II. Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music and Science
ENG 233 Medieval Literature (for non-majors) (AS III)    (3 credits)
ENG 303 Medieval Literature (AS III)  (3 credits)
ENG 320 Contemporary American Catholic Fiction (AS III) (3 credits)
ENG 330 The Bible as Literature (AS III) (3 credits)
FAH 224 Medieval Art (AS III) (3 credits)
FAH 245 Renaissance Art (AS III)  (3 credits)
HON 328 Age of Michelangelo (3 credits)
FAM 217 Medieval & Renaissance Music (AS III)  (3 credits)
RST 314 New Testament in Literature/Art (AS VI)  (3 credits)
RST 343 Religion & the Challenge of Science (AS VI) (3 credits)

III. Catholic History and Politics
HIS 106 The Medieval World (AS IV)    (3 credits)
HIS 131 History of Latin America to 1830 (AS IV)  (3 credits)
HIS 306 & 506/RST 223 History of Religion in America (AS VI) (3 credits)
HIS 316 Reformation (3 credits)
PSC 200 American Catholics in the Public Square (3 credits)
RST 215 History of Christian Community I (AS VI) (3 credits)
RST 235 Religion and Politics (AS VI) (3 credits)
CLS 308 Pagans & Christians (AS VI) (3 credits)
RST 319 The Jesuits: History, Spirituality and Culture (AS VI) (3 credits)
HON 319 Religion and Politics: U.S. Roman Catholic Perspectives (3 credits)
HON 356 Jesuit Spirituality and History (3 credits)

IV. Catholic Social Thought & Philosophy
HON 234 Contemporary Catholic Social Ethics (3 credits)
PHI 352 Medieval Philosophy (AS V)     (3 credits)
PHI 372 Catholic Social Thought (AS V) (3 credits)
ZPR 351 Contemporary Catholic Social Ethics (AS V & VI) (4 credits)



General and Applied Linguistics

Full-Time Faculty: Candalene J. McCombs, Chair; Betsy DelleBovi.

Linguistics is the field of study devoted to the scientific investigation of language, a field of inquiry that has fascinated people for literally thousands of years. Linguistics uses the scientific procedures of data collection and the testing of hypotheses to develop its theories regarding the nature of language and its use in society. Linguistics encompasses a broad array of issues, including, for example, the nature of the relationship between language and thought, the role of language in social interaction, the definition of national and ethnic identities, the distinction between human and animal communication and the consideration of questions relating to the very core of what it is to be human.

The subject of its concern and the breadth of its coverage are the very factors responsible for the appeal of linguistics to scholars and professionals in such diverse fields and professions as anthropology, sociology, biology, philosophy, psychology, computer science and artificial intelligence, education, composition and language teaching, law and medicine. The study of linguistics imparts intellectual discipline, strengthens analytical skills, develops facility with oral and written language and fosters understanding of and appreciation for the subtleties and complexities of language and its role in the human experience.

The Department of General and Applied Linguistics offers a range of introductory and upper level courses in linguistics and applied linguistics, including courses in composition and English as a foreign language, to complement other areas of study. The courses serve as electives, Area Studies, or as requirements in some majors.

Composition courses focus upon discourse analysis and grammatical relations. These courses share a commitment to exploring the unique properties of written language that distinguish it from oral language. Written language preserves the human experience, and knowledge of its fundamental properties, particularly the grammar, expands critical thinking and expression, leading to the effective writing required in all areas of scholarly endeavor.

The English as a foreign language courses are grounded in contemporary second language acquisition research and theory, utilizing scientifically founded methodology and instructional practices. Students may enroll in composition, conversation, reading and phonetics courses as needed or desired.

The Department also houses the Tutoring Center for the college, staffed by trained Canisius College students who serve as peer tutors under the direction and supervision of faculty. The Center is founded in continuous ethnographic research and development in learning and instructional practices. Tutoring services provided are multi-disciplinary and promote the active, resourceful study and effective writing needed to meet the intellectual demands of the various curricula at Canisius College.

COURSES: 2007-2009

CMP105 Composition I 3 credits
Covers the basic writing processes, moving from expressive writing to expository and transactional writing. Includes instruction in grammar. Fall/Spring

CMP106 Composition II 3 credits
Begins with exposition and moves to a focus on argument, addressing grammatical relations and the structural and organizational aspects of writing papers. A research paper is required. Fall/Spring

CMP302 The Art of Successful Writing 3 credits
Designed for students who have completed ENG101 and 102 and wish to continue developing skills in writing. Ideal for those planning to pursue graduate study, or careers in business, law, communication, education and the sciences. (AS III) Spring

CMP405 Grammar for Teachers 3 credits
Grammar for teachers! This course fulfills the writing requirement for English Education majors. It focuses on (1) the study of grammar and (2) how writing is taught in grades K-12. Fall/Spring

CMP499 Directed Study in Writing 3 credits
Directed study under the supervision of a faculty member.Fall/Spring

EFL107 Grammar and Composition I 3 credits
Begins with a review of grammar and proceeds to the structural and organizational aspects of writing as well as differences between speaking and writing Standard American English. Fall

EFL108 Grammar and Composition II 3 credits
Refines syntactic skills and reviews rhetorical modes. Furthers the development of the organizational aspects of academic writing with an emphasis on essay writing. Fall/Spring

EFL109 Advanced Composition 3 credits
Explores rhetorical models to develop proficiency in written expression. Spring

EFL215-216 Advanced English 3 credits
Analysis of advanced grammar problems and sociolinguistic behaviors in American culture. Intensive work in critical reading, writing, speaking and research skills. Fall/Spring

EFL301 Phonetics of English 3 credits
Detailed analysis of the English sound system and current trends in linguistics. Practice in phonemic transcription, listening and correct pronunciation. Fall

EFL 499 Directed Studies 3 credits
Provides the opportunity to pursue individual study with a professor on a mutually determined topic of concern or interest relating to the English language. Fall/Spring

LAN101 Language and Learning 3 credits
Explores the relationship between language acquisition processes and perception and conceptualization, providing the student with practical knowledge of the function of language in learning and socialization. Fall/Spring

LIN201 The Science of Linguistics I 3 credits
Introduces the study of language as a uniquely human behavior, exploring the relationship between linguistic theory and scientific inquiry. Recommended for science majors and social science majors. (ASII) Fall

LIN202 The Science of Linguistics II 3 credits
Focuses on the systematic study of language as a uniquely human behavior, exploring sociolinguistic behavior and language change. Spring

LIN250 Contemporary Linguistics 3 credits
Conveys an understanding of fundamentals of linguistic theory, developing a broader perception of the complexity of language for specialists in such neighboring fields as communication, education, ESL, composition, reading, foreign language, literature and social sciences. (ASII) Spring

LIN280 Language for Legal Professions 3 credits
Explores the use of language in the administration of law, including ways to read and brief cases and to read statutes. Spring

LIN360 African American English 3 credits
Explores the development and the structure of dialects of African American English, identifying phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic and lexical differences that contribute to the richness and vitality of the language. Spring

LIN370 Gender Issues in Language 3 credits
Explores the intersection of language and gender, examining gender-related stylistic variation in conversation between women and men as cross-cultural communication. Spring

LIN380/580 History and Structure of the English Language 3 credits
Reviews the structural changes and the political, social, and intellectual forces that have shaped the English language. Explores grammars and tools of linguistic analysis. Fall/Spring

LIN499 Independent Study 3 credits
Provides the opportunity to pursue individual study with a professor on a mutually determined topic in linguistics.Fall/Spring

All-College Honors Program

Bruce J. Dierenfield, Director.

The All-College Honors Program offers qualified students an opportunity to enhance their education in a challenging and rewarding atmosphere of small, enriched classes and close faculty supervision. Honors students are chosen from the top ten percent of entering freshmen (about 90). Selection is based on S.A.T. and A.C.T. scores, high school average and rank in class, and the strength and diversity of the student’s curriculum and extracurricular activities. Those completing all four years of the Honors curriculum graduate with special distinction.

The Honors curriculum parallels, but is different from, the area studies courses in the college’s Core Curriculum, which all Canisius students are required to complete. Like the Core Curriculum, the Honors Program seeks to provide breadth and coherence to the student’s education. However, the Honors Program offers many special advantages which are difficult to find in a conventional educational setting. Class sizes are small, ranging from no more than twenty students during the freshman year to approximately fifteen during the senior year. The Honors Program fosters interdisciplinary study, encouraging students to make connections between the disciplines and stimulating faculty to present innovative, team-taught courses. A prime goal of the Honors Program is to move students from a structured learning environment to independent learning, all the while maintaining high academic achievement.

Honors Curriculum
The Honors curriculum includes four courses in the first year and four more in the second. In the third and fourth years, students take a total of four seminars. In addition, there is a special Senior Thesis and Senior Seminar. The specific courses may change from year to year. The following list gives the required areas and some of the courses that are scheduled for 2007-2009.

First Year
Composition and Literature I (HON 101)
Composition and Literature II (HON 102)
Religious Studies (HON 130 or 133)
Philosophy (HON 120)
Second Year
History (HON 220, 221, 223, 225)
Philosophy (HON 215)
Religious Studies (HON 234, 240, 241, 249)
Social Science (HON 238, 250, 254)
Third/Fourth Years
Required: Science (HON 352, 353, 396)
Electives (three of the following, but no more than one course in a subject):
Art or Literature (HON 315, 318, 326, 328, 329, 360, 370)
History (HON 311, 319, 394)Philosophy (HON 311, 320, 325)
Religious Studies (HON 319, 327, 356, 358)
Social Sciences (HON 303, 305, 306, 325, 330, 331, 335, 336, 337)
Fourth Year
Senior Thesis (HON 451)
Senior Seminar (HON 415)

Note: All students in Honors (except Education majors) are required to take two courses in mathematics and two courses in a foreign language. Education majors take one course in mathematics and one course in foreign language.

COURSES: 2007-2009

HON 101 Literature and Composition I 3 credits
Various literary genres. Works by writers representing wide variety of places, times, nationalities, philosophies. Student’s writing refined through these readings and through composition assignments.

HON 102 Literature and Composition II 3 credits
Various literary genres. Works by writers representing wide variety of places, times, nationalities, philosophies. Student’s writing refined through these readings and through composition assignments.

HON 120 Honors Philosophy I 3 credits
Study of works by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Anselm of Canterbury, as well as selected recent work in philosophy.

HON 130 Religious Experience of the East 3 credits
Comparative study of aspects of Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu and Muslim traditions. Topics include human beings and their predicament, the sacred, ethics, the mystic experience.

HON 133 Modern Approaches to the New Testament 3 credits
Examines the writings of the New Testament in terms of their historical, religious and social contexts. Emphasizes theology and historical development of Christianity.

HON 215 Honors Philosophy II 3 credits
Study of Thomas Aquinas, Descartes (or other rationalist), Hume (or another empiricist) and Kant, as well as selected recent work in epistemology or metaphysics.

HON 220 Problems in Modern European History 3 credits
Relationship between culture and society in Europe from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century.

HON 221 Violence in American History 3 credits
Explores the violent streak that has always existed in American society. Attention is paid to massacres, riots, lynchings, executions, juvenile delinquency, domestic abuse, serial killings and domestic terrorism, as well as how the media and popular culture have promoted such violence.

HON 223 Revolutions in Latin America 3 credits
This course considers the Mexican and Cuban revolutions and addresses the question of why real revolutions have been rare in Latin America.

HON 225 Pirates in the Atlantic World 3 credits
Uses pirates and piracy as a lens to look at the period of 1450-1750 in multi-cultural perspective (Europe, Africa and the Americas).

HON 234 Contemporary Social Ethics 3 credits
Concerns itself with the religious and philosophical principles underlying the basic social documents of the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition. Special attention given to the Church and economic justice, human rights, health care, and war and peace.

HON 238 The American Presidency 3 credits
A careful examination of the American Presidency and how it has been shaped over time, especially the administration of George W. Bush.

HON 240 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 credits
This course offers a basic understanding of the Old Testament historical narratives, prophetic material, wisdom literature, and Psalms. It also sketches the historical and cultural framework within which these materials developed.

HON 241 The Western Religious Tradition 3 credits
Introduction to and survey of the Western political tradition. How scholars compare the phenomena of religion. Survey of belief systems in the Western political tradition.

HON 249 Magic, Science and Religion 3 credits
Introduces students to the ways that diverse peoples around the world tap into the realm of the extra-human.

HON 250 The Individual & Community 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to use the resources of the social sciences to explore our “crisis of community,” that is, the apparent retreat into disengagement and unnatural privatism often associated with the age of television, the internet and “virtual” reality. The course begins with the intellectual traditions of communitarianism, libertarianism and American exceptionalism and then considers the consequences of an individualistic society and the role of government in our own time.

HON 303 Economics of Sport 3 credits
Tools used by the economist will be examined and then applied to topics that include player salaries, the effect teams have on a region, the value of team franchises, the need for competitive balance and the role of sports on college campuses.

HON 305 American Schools—A Nation Still at Risk 3 credits
Social science seminar that investigates American school reform movements, beginning with Reagan’s “A Nation Still at Risk” (1982).

HON 306 Education and Culture 3 credits
The premise of this course is that there is an interlocking relationship between the culture in which education is conducted and the influence of education on that culture. Countries examined will vary, but students will be exposed to the works of great artists, writers, philosophers, scientists and religious thinkers.

HON 311 Masters of the Modern Mind: Marx, Nietzsche, Weber and Freud 3 credits
Careful analysis of major works by these seminal thinkers and an analysis of their influence on modern thought.

HON 315 Biography and Autobiography 3 credits
In-depth study of biographical and autobiographical texts in a variety of forms and traditions from Plutarch to the present.

HON 318 Nineteenth Century Novel 3 credits
Major authors who use the novel as both a record and a reenactment of individual, cultural and psychic memory, and explicitly defend such fictional self-reflection as the means to forge a sane individual and societal future.

HON 319 Religion & Politics: U.S. Roman Catholic Perspectives 3 credits
Contemporary approaches to Roman Catholic understanding of religion and politics in the United States, with an eye toward evaluating political and legal issues of importance.

HON 320 Insight & Self-Understanding 3 credits 
This course examines Bernard Lonergan’s philosophy to understand oneself, one’s nature, how one thinks, and how and why we fail to perform these operations well.

HON 325 Time in Philosophy and Cross Cultures 3 credits
How time is envisaged in various cultures.

HON 326 Sex & Religion in Baroque Art 3 credits
Explores the dramatic and passionate art of 17th century Europe, especially the Dutch masters and the deeply spiritual art of the Catholic Counter-Reformation in Italy and Spain. Works of art are examined for their visual beauty and their relationship to the history and society of that period.

HON 327 Christian Concept of God 3 credits
Concept of God in light of Biblical faith. Historical development and modern approaches to the Christian doctrine of God.

HON 328 Age of Michelangelo 3 credits
A seminar about the art of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Bramante, and the culture of the Italian High Renaissance period in which they lived.

HON 329 Contemporary Poetry 3 credits
A study of American poetry from the end of World War II to the present.

HON 330 Economics of Public Issues 3 credits
The primary goal of this course is to develop rudimentary economic principles and to use them to analyze an array of public policy issues, such as income inequality, environmental pollution, health care, education and international trade.

HON 335 War & Peace after 9/11 3 credits
In exploring the nature of world politics and U.S. foreign policy after 9/11, the course focuses on what the United States must do to maintain its traditional reserves of “hard” and “soft” power in an age of globalization and terrorism.

HON 336 Great Trials of the Millennium 3 credits
Examines some of the great trials of the West to assess the degree to which the quest for justice was achieved.

HON 337 Left, Right and Center: The Political Spectrum in America 3 credits
After examining the signal events in U.S. history, the course considers the range of political thought in America today.

HON 352 Biotechnology & Society 3 credits
An examination of recent developments in Biotechnology and how they have shaped contemporary society.

HON 353 History of Disease and Medicine in America 3 credits
Treats life and death issues—literally—from the deadly smallpox brought by Columbus to the bio-terrorism of today. The theory of this course is that the way Americans define and treat disease reflects contemporary historical events and our social and cultural values, as well as the existing science, education and technology.

HON 356 Jesuit Spirituality & History 3 credits
Introduction to the life and work of Ignatius of Loyola and the history of the order he founded—the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).

HON 358 Women & Religion 3 credits
A cross-cultural look at the roles that women play and the ways that women have been depicted in various religions.

HON 360 The Nude in Modern Art: Sex, Spectatorship and Difference 3 credits
The subject of the nude provides a guide into the history of modernist art, from the mid-19th century in France to post-WWII New York.

HON 370 Battle of the Books 3 credits
Contradicting the egalitarian dogmas of our day, this course claims the ideas of great men have great consequences. It looks particularly at the centuries-long quarrel between those who advocated modernity and those who criticized it.

HON 394 Imperialism & Decolonization 3 credits
An advanced study of the origins of Western imperialism in the 19th century, the rise of anti-colonial attitudes among subjugated peoples and the collapse of colonial systems after World War II.

HON 396 Technology and Literature 3 credits
Modern science and technology and how they are envisioned in representative literary works.

HON 451 Senior Thesis 3 credits
Independent research on topic selected by student, culminating in research paper. Student works closely with faculty advisor.

HON 415 Senior Seminar 3 credits
A capstone seminar which uses interdisciplinary work to offer points of synthesis in the student’s four-year Honors program experience. Recent topics include Human Rights, Wandering in Literature & Film and America’s Greatest Scandals.

Quantitative Financial Analysis

Although not a major at Canisius, several departments have gotten together to identify the courses that would help students prepare themselves for one of the most exciting and rewarding career paths in America today. These courses are designed to enable students to participate in decision-making processes and develop solution techniques for applications encountered in current and future financial markets.  The identified courses develop the analytical methods necessary for effective participation in the fields of risk management and financial engineering. Significant course work is devoted to the development of financial, mathematical, statistical and computer skills. These skills are necessary to evaluate the uncertain outcomes found in financial applications. Members of the departments involved believe the courses provide students from their majors with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to projects that utilize quantitative financial tools and techniques.

Recommended courses from departments other than the student’s major:

Economics B. A. students with a Finance concentration should take MAT 111, MAT 219 and MAT 191, as well as CSC 111, CSC 212, CSC 213 and either CSC 310 or CSC 350.
 
Math & Statistics majors should take FIN 301, ECO 455, FIN 314 and FIN 480, as well as CSC 111, CSC 212, CSC 213 and either CSC 310 or CSC 350.

Computer Science majors should take MAT 111, MAT 219, MAT 191 and either MAT 351 & MAT 352, or ECO 255 & ECO 256; as well as ECO 455, FIN 301,
FIN 314 and FIN 480.

If you are a student in good standing and interested in exploring the program, please contact:

Dr. George Palumbo, Chair of Economics and Finance
at 716-888-2667
or
Dr. Leonid Khinkis, Chair of Mathematics and Statistics
at 716-888-9793
or
Dr. Jeffrey McConnell, Chair of Computer Science
at 716-888-2434

The Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC)
(formerly the William McGowan Learning Community)

Co-Directors: Dr. Kenneth M. Sroka and Dr. E. Roger Stephenson

The Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC) enables the best and brightest students from Buffalo’s inner city to enroll in a unique educational opportunity at Canisius. The ULLC offers students a four-year program to help create the next generation of leaders in Buffalo and Western New York from a population that historically has been denied positions of influence or power in Buffalo. The program provides its students with partial and full scholarships to cover tuition, room and board and fees. Moreover, through its many activities throughout a student’s undergraduate career, the program fosters academic excellence, extra-curricular involvement and service to others, all through collaboration. ULLC students consider each other “family” who cooperate rather than compete with each other.

The ULLC enrolled its first class in Fall 2004 and experiences an impressive 86 percent four-year graduation rate. 66 ULLC students have graduated since 2004, and currently there are 40 ULLC students pursuing undergraduate degrees in a wide-range of majors. Graduates have gone on to graduate programs in education, medicine, business and social work or are employed in a variety of occupations.

ULLC students take a number of “Team Learning” courses, non-lecture courses in a range of disciplines. The TL courses are writing intensive and emphasize a number of “levels of engagement” with course materials to promote “mastery” through teamwork. The leadership activities that ULLC students participate in are many and varied and include: a Leadership Workshop Series, four workshops that investigate and apply leadership concepts to the demands of careers and good citizenship; a Summer Leadership Training Program for incoming freshmen, two weeks of intensive preparation for the demands of college life; the ULLC Council, class representatives to plan and promote program activities, such as the Annual Banquet, the Senior Reception, the Parent Reception and the Program Newsletter. All ULLC students participate in one or more internships either related or ancillary to their career plans. In addition, ULLC students travel to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, annually; they hold offices in a wide range of campus activities; many of them study a semester abroad; and many participate in the Alternative Spring Break opportunities offered by the Office of Campus Ministry.

For further information, please contact
Dr. Kenneth M. Sroka (srokak@canisius.edu, 716-888-2661) or
Dr. Roger Stephenson (stephene@canisius.edu), 716-888-2655).