One of the requirements for graduation is a major in at least one field of knowledge or a major concentration that draws on several fields. You may also develop a special major, drawing on several fields in a coherent plan of study. Special majors require special approval. Schedule an appointment with the Dean of Academic Services and see the College Handbook for criteria and procedures related to special majors.

You need not formally declare a major until the second semester of the sophomore year, although you may do so at any time after completing the First-Year Seminar. Nevertheless, give thought to possible areas in which you may major as you begin your study at Drew. Take into account the requirements for a particular major as you select courses for your first year. In a number of fields, intermediate and advanced courses have introductory courses as prerequisites.

If you have a major in mind now, check the requirements in the Catalog. Include the necessary foundation courses for a major in your first-year program. Taking the necessary or advisable courses for a major gives you a taste of that field and prepares you for further work. Taking courses in other fields as well allows comparison and evaluation of your long-range commitment to your major. Many students discover that their initial interest in a major is not the one they eventually wish to pursue.

Double Majors

You can complete more than one major, but doing so requires careful planning. The earlier such planning begins, the easier it will be to complete both concentrations.

Intended Majors and Minors Course Suggestions

American Studies (Minor Only)

Prof. Lillie Edwards, History, Director
American studies explores American culture through history, literature, and a third area in which students select from courses in such fields as anthropology, art, economics, music, philosophy, political science, religion, and sociology. The American studies program is an appealing option for college students to address in systematic, stimulating ways the past and present concepts of what it means to be an American.

To prepare for the intermediate and upper level courses required in American Studies, potential minors should take HIST 101, 102, (or HIST 211 and 212 with an AP score of at least 3) in the first year as preparation for upper-level courses in American history.

Anthropology (Major & Minor)

Prof. Maria Masucci, Chair
Anthropology is the study of humankind in cross-cultural and evolutionary perspectives. With one foot in the sciences (both social and biological) and the other in the humanities, anthropology takes a holistic approach to the study of humans and society through its traditional four sub-disciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistics. Course work in all four sub-fields is offered at Drew. Students may major or minor in anthropology or major in biological anthropology. We also offer a minor in archaeology and a minor in linguistics. ANTH 103/Human Evolution and ANTH 104/Cultural Diversity are prerequisites for courses in anthropology and archaeology and should be taken in the first year. Either course may be taken first. We encourage students to plan ahead and take advantage of off-campus programs and internship opportunities.

Archaeology (Minor Only)

Prof. Maria Masucci, Anthropology, Director
Archaeology is the study of human societies through time and across regions with a central focus on the recovery and analysis of the material remains of past societies. In this way archaeology offers a bridge between the social and physical sciences and the humanities. The minor in Archaeology offered at Drew provides a comprehensive program of method and theory in archaeology as well as examination of human societies through time and across the globe. The minor is available to all students, both anthropology majors and non-majors, and science as well as non-science majors. In particular, students considering Art History, History or Classics can benefit from the experiential components of archaeology courses. Students considering an archaeology minor should take ANTH 103/Human Evolution during their first year.

Art (Major & Minor)

Prof. Raymond Stein, Chair
Students interested in pursuing the art major enroll in courses in design and drawing and then choose from intermediate- and upper-level courses in painting, printmaking, ceramics, digital design, photography, and sculpture. With departmental approval, students are encouraged to enroll in the senior thesis, which culminates in an exhibition prior to graduation. All students, preferably in their junior year, must enroll in the New York Semester on Contemporary Art and can consider an internship in a New York gallery or with a New York artist.

Students should take ART 104/Two Dimensional Design, ART 106/Drawing.

NOTE: At registration time, some Art classes close quickly, and Art majors are given priority on the waiting list. It is recommended, therefore, that students declare their Art major as early as possible.

Art History (Major & Minor)

Prof. Margaret Kuntz, Chair
Art History is an exploration of the visual arts, past and present.  It is an interdisciplinary field that explores the physical, cultural, political, psychological and/or economic contexts in which the work of art or architecture was made. Works of art and architecture are forms of communication that help us better understand history and culture as reflections of changing aesthetic and cultural attitudes. Through the study of Art History students learn to understand the visual and built world of the past, as well as how to navigate our increasingly visual contemporary society.

First-year students thinking of majoring in Art History are encouraged to take ARTHST 101 and/or ARTHST 102 in their first year. Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Art History exam are exempted from one of the introductory courses, but should plan on taking the other introductory course (ARTHST 101 or ARTHST 102) during their first. First year students are also are encouraged to enroll in 200 level Art History courses (or cross-listed Humanities courses) during the first year. Upper-level Art History courses (300 level) are available to students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the AP exam after the first semester. Students should plan on taking at least one 200 or 300 level Art History course each semester of their second year. Students interested in an Art History major might also consider a minor in Arts Administration or Studio Art.

Arts Administration And Museology (Minor Only)

Prof. James Bazewicz, Theater, Director
Arts, anthropological, historical organizations, and museums of all kinds require cadres of talented and dedicated individuals to carry out their cultural missions. This minor provides a focused liberal-arts foundation for those who would like to consider directions in museums, galleries, performing arts, and anthropological, historical, or other non-profit cultural organizations. The minor focuses on the interface of culture with societal issues and provides a starter set of analytic, critical, and communications skills. It offers a disciplinary core course on Museums and Society or Introduction to Performing Arts and the opportunity for off-campus internships in the appropriate field. The New York metropolitan area provides access to many of the major cultural institutions in the country. Student interested in art, art history, theater, music, anthropology, history, Pan-African studies, Holocaust studies as well as other cultural arenas might consider this a beneficial minor.

Students should consider taking at least three courses from among the basic choices for the Minor by the end of their sophomore year. Do note that many of the courses can also count toward General Education requirements; so students may make choices with that in mind.

The basic choices are as follows:

Administration and Society.Choose 3 courses for the total Minor:

  • ANTH 104/Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (4) [BSS]
  • ECON 101/Economic Principles: Microeconomics (4) [BSS]
  • REL 214/Business Ethics (4)
  • SOC 317/Sociology of Management (4)

Communications and Culture. Choose 2 courses for the total Minor:

  • CSCI 270/Computing Technology, Society, and Culture (4)
  • ENG 215/Writing for and About Business (4)
  • HUM 201/Culture and Exchange (2)
  • LING 101/Language, Communication, and Culture (4)
  • SOC 309/Sociology of Mass Communications (4)
  • THEA 271/Show: Business (2)

Some of these courses plus the disciplinary core course and the required internship are generally taken in the Junior and Senior year.

Courses Open to First-Year Students

  • ANTH 104/Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics [BSS]
  • ECON 101/Economic Principles: Microeconomics [BSS]

Biochemistry And Molecular Biology (Major & Minor)

Profs. Adam Cassano, Chemistry, and Steve Dunaway, Biology, co-directors
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science that examines the chemistry of biological systems and chemical reactions within cells by using contemporary methods of biochemical and molecular biological analysis. Students graduating with an interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry will have a strong foundation for entering medical and graduate schools or industrial positions. A solid foundation in both Chemistry and Biology is essential to understanding Biochemical principles and applications.

Students in their first year should plan to take BIOL 150 and CHEM 150A in the Fall semester of their first year and BIOL 160 and CHEM 160A in the Spring semester of their first year. Students with a strong background in science and math are strongly encouraged to also take MATH 150 and MATH 151 during their first year.

Biology (Major & Minor)

Prof. Tammy Windfelder, Chair
Modern biology is an intricate and complex science that is difficult to cover adequately in a single year. Thus, the department has developed a three-semester sequence of courses that provides the background necessary for any student majoring in biology. Upon completing the sequence, biology majors are free to select, with the help of their advisors, the upper-level electives that suit their individual interests and needs. Students interested in a Biology major should take the following courses in their first year.

In the fall semester:

  • BIOL 150/ Ecology and Evolution, 4 credits
  • CHEM 150A/161/Principles of Chemistry I, 4 credits

In the spring semester:

  • BIOL 160/ Diversity of Life, 4 credits
  • CHEM 160A/Principles of Chemistry II, 4 credits

CHEM 150A/151 AND CHEM 160A, a year of chemistry, are a prerequisite for the third required biology course, BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology, which is normally taken in the fall of the second year. Thus students who do not take chemistry during the first year at Drew should plan to study chemistry during summer school or expect to do a heavier load in biology as juniors and seniors.

Students with Advanced Placement (AP) credits in biology are recommended to complete all three required courses because of the differences in how material is presented compared with most AP courses. The AP credits (score of 4 or 5) will count as credit toward graduation. Advanced Placement in Biology students who have test scores or 4 or 5 can be exempted for BIOL 150 by taking an examination offered by the Biology Department during orientation. If they pass this exam, they will receive credit towards the lecture part of BIOL 150, but must take the laboratory as a separate 1 credit course (BIOL 150L). A similar examination will be offered for exemption for BIOL 160 during the registration period for the spring semester.

Biological Anthropology (Major)

Profs. Linda Van Blerkom and Tammy Windfelder, co-directors.
Biological anthropology studies humans as products of the interaction of biology, culture, environment, and organism (developmental history). It takes a comparative and evolutionary approach to understanding humans and their closest primate relatives. The major combines coursework in anthropology, biology, chemistry, and statistics in an attempt to deepen students’ understanding of human biology and behavior, and of what it means to be human.

BIOL 150 and CHEM 150 are prerequisites for other courses and should be taken in the fall of the first year if possible, followed by BIOL 160 and CHEM 160 in the spring. ANTH 103 is also a prerequisite for several courses in the major and should be taken in the first year if possible (either fall or spring).

Chemistry (Major & Minor)

Prof. Juliette Lantz, Chair
Chemistry is the science of matter, its structure and its transformations. It is also a “molecular” science because it deals primarily with combinations of atoms or molecules. As chemistry and chemicals pervade our everyday existence, it is by its nature the “central science”. Whether your interests are in medicine, ecology, engineering, biotechnology or oceanography, chemistry is at the center of your studies. Therefore, to keep open as many options as possible, you should include chemistry in your first-year courses starting in the fall.

Unless they have advanced placement standing, students should begin the study of chemistry with CHEM 150A/151. This course is divided into two sections in the fall semester so that each student’s level of preparation is appropriately met. Most first-year students taking chemistry have one of two related interests: either an interest in math, chemistry and physics or in biology. For a student whose interests lie in the physical sciences, we recommend taking MATH 150 and PHYS 150 along with CHEM 150A/151. This combination of courses provides optimum preparation for a major in any of the three disciplines. On the other hand, a student whose interests are in the biological sciences, health professions or medicine should take BIOL 150 along with MATH 150 and CHEM 150A/151. These students should take physics in the sophomore year.

Under either option, you will have two lab courses and a total of 12 credit hours (or 8 credits if MATH 150 is exempted by AP credit). First year students are strongly advised NOT to register for more than 16-18 credits in their first semester.

The program for the spring semester consists of the continuation of courses taken in the fall. They are CHEM 160A, PHYS 160, MATH 151, or BIOL 160.

Note that the cooperative education and the 3-2 chemical engineering options have special requirements. Consult the chair early in the fall if you are interested in either option.

Chinese Studies (Major And Minor)

Prof. Bai Di, Chinese Studies, Coordinator
The following Fall semester courses count towards the Chinese Studies major and minor and are open to first year students: CHIN 101/Beginning Chinese, CHIN 201/Intermediate Chinese (with instructor’s permission), CHIN 301 Advanced Chinese ( with instructor’s permission), CHIN 350 Selected topics for Chinese literature and Film, and CHIN 300/Advanced Studies in Chinese (with instructor’s permission). Please check with the Asian Studies Director or any other member of the Asian Studies faculty regarding courses for the Spring semester.

Classics (Major And Minor)

Prof. John Lenz, Chair
Courses appropriate for first-year students are: CL 230/HIST 230, History of Ancient Greece; CL 260/Classical Civilization: Slavery in Ancient Greece & Rome; Latin 101/Beginning Latin; and WLIT 10/Introduction to World Literature. Those courses satisfy general-education requirements and are open to all interested students without prerequisites. Additionally, students who have studied Latin or Greek may place into higher levels of the languages, in consultation with us.  Please email us with any questions.

Students can also consider Art History (ARTH 101) and Philosophy 210, or other introductory and intermediate-level courses listed under the Western Heritage minor in the Fall course-list.

Computer Science (Major And Minor)

Prof. Shannon Bradshaw, Director
Computer Science is an exciting career to pursue. Computer scientists have given us Facebook, Google, YouTube, and many other technologies millions of people work and play with every day. Computer scientists, software developers, entrepreneurs, however you want to label us, are making the world a better place. We’re involved in some way in developing most new ideas in business and science.

In the computer science program at Drew, students experience innovation through computing as soon as possible. As part of our program you’ll have an opportunity to work on real software development projects with companies and on-campus partners. Some of our recent projects include automated trading and other applications for financial firms, web design and development (e.g., jamseed.com), search engines, and tools for bioinformatics.

Students interested in computer science should begin by taking either CSCI 115 or CSCI 117. Students who have taken a programming course in high school may be able to begin with CSCI 151. Please contact Shannon Bradshaw (sbradsha@drew.edu) if beginning with CSCI 151 is a possibility for you.

Creative Writing (Minor)

Prof. Patrick Phillips Director 
Students from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to take writing courses and to adopt the creative writing minor. Students wishing to minor in creative writing should take their first creative writing course by the end of sophomore year. Creative Writing gives students an opportunity to explore language and the human condition via a process of creation. Writing allows students to contribute to the dialogue of literature by actively participating in it. Currently, the minor is offered with a focus on creative writing (poetry and fiction) or the essay (creative nonfiction and articles).

Please note that creative writing courses are all upper -level courses. The first year writing class, College Writing 1 & 2, is a pre-requisite for all creative writing courses. First year students with prior experience in a writing workshop may apply to creative writing courses, but admission is on a case-by-case basis and by permission of the instructor. All courses require instructor signature and advanced courses are subject to an instructor administered application. The courses do fulfill breadth in art and students are encouraged to take the courses even if they have no interest in pursuing writing as a career. However, the courses are not composition courses. Students are expected to have command of the English language and of basic writing skills before entering a creative writing workshop.

Dance (Minor Only)

Prof. James Bazewicz, Theater, Director
The dance minor is dedicated to the study of dance in the context of a broad based liberal arts education. The goal of the minor is to create well rounded dance artists who are: effective collaborators, literate in the study of dance (written, verbal and in practical), and are able to critically analyze dance performance. We strive to develop sensitive artists able to recognize some of the many influences which help to inform and shape dance today and who can incorporate these ideas into the creation of a dance piece. We feel that it is important to encourage students to explore these many aspects, intellectually and physically in a classroom setting and on-stage in performance.

Courses Open to First-Year Students

  • DAN 220/Movement for the Musical Stage (2 credits) [BA]
  • ART 108/Three-Dimensional Design
  • MUS 101/Music: Imagination And Technique MUS 3/Introduction To Western Art Music
  • PE 252/Care And Prevention Of Athletic Injuries (2 credits)
  • THEA 135/Introduction To Acting And Directing [BA]

Caveats, Important Additional Information etc.
Students interested in the dance minor are encouraged to take DAN 220 in the Fall and/or DAN 101 in the spring so they can move on to take the intermediate and upper level dance classes.

The minor is designed with the intention that students will take DAN 123: Choreography at least twice during their time at Drew.

Economics (Major)

Prof. Jennifer Olmsted, Chair
ECON 101 and ECON 102, both offered each semester, are prerequisites for most intermediate level and all upper level economics courses and should be taken in the first year. These courses do not need to be taken in order.  MATH 117 (Statistics) is a prerequisite for ECON 303 and should be taken immediately before ECON 303, if possible. ECON 301 and/or ECON 302 are prerequisites for most upper level economics courses, so they should be completed by the first semester of a student’s junior year. Courses in other social science disciplines, in philosophy, history, and mathematics, as well as interdisciplinary programs such as Environmental studies and business studies, provide desirable complements to the study of economics. Students who are considering pursuing graduate studies in Economics should either minor in Mathematics or pursue a double major in Economics and Mathematics.

Engineering Dual Degree Program

Prof. Robert Murawski, Engineering Liaison
Drew University has a dual degree affiliation with Columbia University. This program leads to an undergraduate liberal arts (B.A.) degree from Drew and an undergraduate engineering (B.S.) degree from Columbia University. Students complete the requirements for the liberal arts degree along with a pre-engineering course of study in three years at Drew and then complete two years at Columbia.

Another available option is complete the liberal arts degree at Drew in four years and then transfer to Columbia for an additional two years. This program is ideal for a student who wishes to possess a breadth of liberal arts requirements, a pure science major and wants a career in engineering. This program is designed for engineering students who wish to be broadly educated.

Students with an interest in the engineering program are encouraged to major in one of the sciences.

This is the best way to insure that the requirements for Columbia are being met and that the liberal arts degree at Drew is being completed. Majoring in physics is a good option since a fair number of the courses required for the engineering program are the same as the physics major. Students must contact the engineering liaison before the start of classes to discuss an academic plan.

View our page for useful information about the program.

For further information about the engineering dual-degree program, contact Drew’s Engineering Liaison, Prof. Robert Murawski.

English (Major)

Prof. Wendy Kolmar, Chair
ENGL 150/Literary Analysis is the gateway course to the major and should be taken in the first year by any student who is considering an English major or minor. This course provides the foundation for the major by giving students practice in college-level close reading, teaching students to evaluate their own and other people’s interpretations, and expanding the range of strategies and questions that students can use when writing about literature.  The course also introduces students to literary theory and to the uses of historical and cultural material in relation to a literary text, Students who have taken the English Literature AP exam will enjoy the course and are not exempted from it.  Students with a score of 4 or 5 do receive 4 credits for the AP exam in English literature.

Prospective majors and minors may also take any courses numbered between 101 and 109 and 201 and 209 in their first year. They should plan to take the Sophomore survey, “Mapping the Anglo-American Literary Tradition,” (ENGL 250-253) in their sophomore year.

Students should not take English 150 to fulfill a breadth requirement. Students who are taking a literature course to fulfill a Humanities Breadth requirement or who would just like to expand the breadth of their reading of literature should take any courses numbered between ENGL 101 and 109 and 201 and 209.  In the Fall 2012 semester these courses include:  ENGL 103/Nineteenth-Century Women at the Movies; ENGL 106/African American Literature; ENGL 201/Introduction to Film Analysis; ENGL 206/Beyond Nature Writing: Reading Race, Gender and Nature.

Environmental Management And Forestry (Drew-Duke Program)

Prof. Sara Webb, Biology, adviser
The program in environmental management and forestry is carried on cooperatively with the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Drew students spend three years at Drew and two years at Duke in an integrated course of study leading to both the B.A. degree from Drew and the Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke. Students must complete Drew’s breadth requirements and a major, usually in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.

Environmental Studies And Sustainability (Major And Minor)

Prof. Sara Webb, Director
The Environmental Studies and Sustainability (ESS) program offers a major, a minor, and courses for non-majors interested in environmental issues.  A Science Track is availablewithin the ESS major, with slightly different requirements.  Details about the ESS major and minor are at the ESS website at http://www.drew.edu/ess/about/academics.  You will find course descriptions at the ESS website (http://www.drew.edu/ess/about/academics/courses/current-next-semesters-offerings). The following courses are open to first-year students and will be offered during the fall semester of 2012:

Courses that count toward ESS requirements:

  • ESS 101/ Introduction to Environmental Geology and Lab
    • Required for ESS Science Track
    • Other ESS students must take this course or BIOL150 (below) and may take both.
  • BIOL 150/ Ecology and Evolution and Lab
    • Required for ESS Science Track
    • Other ESS majors must take this course or ESS 101 (above) and may take both.
    • This course is also required for the major in biology.
  • ESS 281/ Beyond Nature Writing: Reading Race, Gender, and Nature
  • ESS 210 / Environment, Society and Sustainability
    • Recommended for 2nd-and 3rd-year students. Required for all ESS majors and minors.
  • CHEM150 /Principles of Chemistry I
    •  Required for ESS Science Track
    • Optional elective for other ESS majors
  • ANTH 202/Ecological Anthropology
    • Elective course; counts toward the major.

ALERT:  Prospective majors should NOT take BIOL 101/Environmental Biology, which is only for non-majors. It does not count toward the ESS (or Biology) major or minor.  Instead, if you might want to major in ESS, plan to take ESS 215/Environmental Science during the spring semester.

French (Major & Minor)

Prof. Marie-Pascale Pieretti, Chair
In addition to introductory and intermediate level language courses, the department offers thematic courses with an interdisciplinary emphasis related to French and French-speaking literature, culture, and society. Some courses specifically develop language fluency through conversation practice, films and advanced language topics. All courses are taught in French unless otherwise indicated.

It is very strongly recommended that students start fulfilling the language requirement during their first year. All students who have taken French in high school and want to pursue French at Drew should take the on-line language placement exam prior to their arrival on campus. In general, students with less than two years of high school French should enroll in FREN 101; those with two years of high school French, in FREN 102; three or four years, in FREN 201; four or more years, in upper-level courses. Take the placement exam, however, to ensure proper placement. You can always discuss this placement with your French instructor and switch class during your first week of classes if you need to.

If a student received an AP score of 4 or 5 on the French placement, or SAT II score of at least 680, or placed beyond our French 201 level, this student is considered to have fulfilled the language requirement.

Students who place at the advanced level and would like to continue the study of French, may take FREN 302 – Current Events and Contemporary France; FREN 304 – Contemporary Francophone Cinema; FREN 306 – From Word To Text. An introductory literature course, FREN 310 – Introduction to Literature and Culture, serving as pre-requisite to most upper-level courses, is also recommended to students placing at the advanced level.

German Studies (Major & Minor)

Prof. Joshua Kavaloski, director
Competency in foreign languages and cultures is increasingly important for numerous professions and for graduate study. Not only is German a key language for science, the humanities, and the arts, but Germany also has one of the four largest economies in the world. Drew’s German Studies program offers instruction of the highest quality, emphasizes innovative learning, and integrates language, literature, and culture. Drew’s proximity to New York City is important because the city contains one of the largest concentrations of German culture outside of Europe, and there are regular excursions to Manhattan to experience opera, classical music, art exhibitions, and restaurants.

Placement: Students should begin or continue German at the appropriate level. All students who have had German before should take the online placement exam during the summer (please contact Prof. Kavaloski via email: jkavalos@drew.edu).

GERM 101/Elementary German is appropriate for students either with no or little prior experience in German (0, 1, or 2 years in high school). GERM 201 /Intermediate German is appropriate for students who have had 2, 3, or 4 years of high school German. GERM 320/Periods in German Literature is appropriate for students who have had 4, 5, or 6 years of German and/or 1 year of study abroad.

Students with extensive experience with the German can fulfill Drew’s language requirement by placing beyond GERM 201 with Drew’s online placement exam in German (please see “Placement,” above).  In addition, students receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the AP German exam can receive credit at Drew for German.

History (Major & Minor)

Prof. Sharon Sundue, Chair
History introduces students to the study of human experience in the past. Drew offers a broad range of courses in American, European and global history. Together, we ask: what were the main tensions, problems, movements, developments at any given point? Who were the primary actors or agents, whether individuals, institutions, social classes, or other groups? What we the prevailing relations of social, political, and economic power, and how and why might these have shifted over time? More broadly, how and why do historical changes happen?

Our students learn to do history itself: to locate original evidence; develop original arguments in response to the views of others; and use evidence to support one’s own interpretation of the past. The discipline provides outstanding training in analysis of social and political problems and issues, research techniques, and oral and written communication. Many students study history as excellent preparation for professional programs in law, teaching, business; or careers in foreign or civil service; others regard a history major as an excellent liberal arts major that provides research and writing skills and hones critical thinking.

We strongly recommend HIST 101, 102, 104, and 105 in the first year. Elective history courses numbered below 300 are open to first-year students, though students should be prepared for significantly more reading, writing and research papers in the intermediate, 200-level courses. Students who scored 4 or 5 on the American Advanced Placement exam should consider taking  History 211 as a college-level, honors introduction to historical thinking. Only under special circumstances (a 5 on the AP exam or a prior college level history course) will first-year students be admitted into 300-level courses. Students planning to study abroad or to work in the history of non-English speaking areas should begin foreign language study as soon as possible.

Holocaust Studies (Minor Only)

Prof. Ann Saltzman, Psychology, Director
For students of all backgrounds and academic interests, this minor focuses on the Holocaust or Shoah, the systematic attempt to annihilate the Jewish people during the period of the Third Reich (1933-1945).

Students minoring in Holocaust Studies grapple with questions that scholars, psychologists, artists, theologians, historians, educators, and political and social scientists have addressed themselves to increasingly over the years:. How did it happen? How could it have happened? What has the Holocaust taught us about ourselves? How can the horror be conveyed or represented? How can we transcend its sinister implications for our future?

Students interested in minoring in Holocaust Studies may choose among the following courses in their first year: JWST 220/ The Jewish Experience (spring); JWST 224/ Selected Topics in Jewish Studies (spring).

Humanities (Program And Minor)

Prof. Jim Hala, Director
Humanities: Get the whole picture. These courses are open to everyone, including first year students. They engage the mind and open doors for ideas applicable to any field. They are among the finest of a liberal arts experience. They can be applied to General Education requirements and to the Humanities minor.

The Humanities Program is an innovative interdisciplinary course of study, with attention to experiential learning (field trips!), designed especially for College students. The Humanities Program curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore pivotal events and ideas in Western and world history, and to engage with cultural issues relevant to the present across academic disciplines. Students have found the breadth and depth of the Humanities Program Minor to be invaluable to contextualizing and complementing their major. Each course is taught by two professors who will put their fields together on a thematic basis. There is the opportunity for rich discussion, the experience of original works, and interdisciplinary thinking. Fields include art, classics, English, history, music, philosophy, religion, and European Languages, among others. For the humanities minor, take at least one Western and one Comparative humanities class in your first two years at Drew. First-year students may begin the minor with any of the following courses: HUM 215/ Forms of Humanism: The Western Renaissance and Enlightenment; HUM 205/ Native American Culture and History; HUM 230/ Islam and the West: The Spanish Middle Ages; HUM 203/ Digital Humanities.

If you have questions, contact Prof. Hala at jhala@drew.edu.

Italian (Minor And Special Major)

Prof. Emanuele Occhipinti, Coordinator
The Italian faculty at Drew is committed to providing a rich and stimulating curriculum through the latest pedagogical and multimedia tools. Our courses (language, literature, culture, and cinema) are taught entirely in Italian. Our minor and special major provide opportunities for students to acquire both proficiency in the Italian language, and a good knowledge and appreciation of Italy’s rich cultural tradition. We also offer courses in English on Italian culture and on the representations of the Holocaust in literature and films. All advanced Italian courses and the courses taught in English can fulfill the Breadth (Humanities, Art, and Interdisciplinary) and diversity requirements.

It is strongly recommended that students progress toward fulfilling their language requirement during their first year, taking the courses consecutively. All students who studied Italian in high school should take the on-line placement exam during the summer to determine the appropriate placement level.

Jewish Studies (Minor)

Prof. Allan Nadler, Director

Prof. Joseph Ringel, Director
The Jewish Studies program at Drew offers a rich, interdisciplinary minor that investigates the religion, history, culture, literature, languages and 3,000-year civilization of the Jews. The Jewish Studies minor is available to all students, regardless of religious, ethnic, or educational background. It includes both the theological study of the Jewish religion and the critical historical study of the Jewish people, from biblical times to the modern era. From the liberation of the Israelite slaves in ancient Egypt to the creation of the modern state of Israel, the many varieties of Jewish historical, religious, literary, political, and philosophical expression are critically explored.

Freshmen interested in the critical study of any aspect of Judaism and Jewish history are encouraged to take at least one of the required “gateway” courses for the Jewish Studies minor. These courses are: Jewish Studies 220 (also Religious Studies) 220: “The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism”, offered every Spring semester, and Jewish Studies 241 (also History 241) “Jewish History from Greco-Roman Times to the Enlightenment” or Jewish Studies 258 (also History 258) offered alternate Fall semesters.

Latin American Studies (Minor Only)

Prof. Maria Masucci, Anthropology, director
Drew’s Latin American Studies minor blends courses from history, humanities, anthropology, English, political science and Spanish, allowing undergraduates to experience different aspects of Latin American culture. Students with advanced topical knowledge are encouraged to take on independent studies for longer projects. Drew’s Latin American studies professors strongly recommend studying abroad; students have traveled to Latin American countries through the Drew International Seminar program and by applying for approved opportunities through the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs.

Students interested in pursuing Latin American studies should check the course list in participating departments for entry level courses with a Latin American focus. Students should also enroll in Spanish language courses by placement at the appropriate level. A period of study in Latin America is highly encouraged. Students should seek advice as early as possible for proper planning.

Mathematics (Major & Minor)

Prof. Kathleen Madden, Chair
Mathematics, which is based on abstraction, logical argument, and an analytical approach to problems, lies at the heart of the liberal arts. Mathematics also finds ubiquitous application, from the natural sciences, through the social sciences and finance, to the humanities and the arts. Precise abstraction and quantification play an increasingly important role in these diverse areas and the study of mathematics can provide a foundation for any of them. Mathematics majors are in demand not only in scientific fields, but also in such areas as law and business, where clear thinking and analysis are indispensable.

The mathematics major consists of a core curriculum:

  • Three semesters of calculus (MATH 150, 151, and 250);
  • An introduction to advanced, abstract mathematics and proof writing (MATH 310);
  • Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, and Real and Complex Analysis (MATH 303, 330, and 335);
  • A capstone seminar (MATH 400)

In addition, and in consultation with their advisers, mathematics majors choose four additional intermediate to upper-level mathematics courses according to their interests and aspirations.

Mathematics minors take MATH 150, 151, 303, 310, and three additional intermediate or upper level courses (at least one of which must be upper level) chosen in consultation with their advisor.

FAQS:

  1. Which mathematics courses should I take my first semester if I have an interest in mathematics or science?
    Students without A.P. credit should usually take MATH 150 in the fall semester of their first year.  Proficiency in high-school algebra and trigonometry is expected of those enrolling in MATH 150.  Students who are unsure if their current mathematics preparation is adequate to enroll in MATH 150 should contact the chair of the department.
  2. Which mathematics courses should I take if my interests are not in mathematics or science?
    There is no mathematics requirement at Drew.  Instead, students must take two courses ([Q] courses) designed to develop quantitative reasoning skills.  The mathematics department offers a variety of [Q] courses including a calculus course for non-scientists, a course covering a variety of quantitative skills needed for everyday life, and a non-technical, writing-intensive course on understanding statistics. There are diverse [Q] course offerings in other departments as well, from a course on set design in the theater department to an astronomy course the physics department.  Most students in the social sciences satisfy the [Q] requirements with a statistics course and a research methods course in the discipline.  Students can take their [Q] courses at any time during their four years at Drew, and it is not necessary to take a [Q] course your first semester.  In particular, we do not recommend that first-year students take MATH 117 Introductory Statistics in the fall.
  3. Which mathematics courses should I take if I have A.P. credit?
    Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam or a 3 on the AP Calculus BC exam will receive credit for MATH 150 and should start with MATH 151 in the spring semester of their first year.  Students with a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam will receive credit for both MATH 150 and 151. These students should take MATH 250 and/or 310 in the fall semester of their first year.
  4. Is there anything else I should know?
    Students interested in majoring in mathematics should plan to take MATH 310 by the fall semester of their second year, as this course is prerequisite to many upper-level mathematics courses. Adequate performance in MATH 151 is prerequisite to enrolling in MATH 310. Students who are undecided about their major, but who are considering majoring in mathematics, should take the appropriate mathematics class in order to keep all of their options open.
  5. Who can I contact if I still have questions?
    Contact the chair of the department:
    Professor Kathleen Madden, kmadden@drew.edu,973-408-3873


Middle East Studies (Minor Only)

Prof. Carlos Yordan, Director
The Middle East Studies program invites students to explore the rich texture of human experience in this vital and dynamic part of the world. Through a wide range of courses dealing with the history, languages, politics, literature, economics, religions, and cultures of this fascinating and important part of the world, the Middle East Studies program offers both an interdisciplinary introduction to the region and its peoples, as well as a broad exposure to the various scholarly approaches that define contemporary study of the Middle East.

First-year students considering a minor in Middle East Studies are encouraged to take REL 36/Introduction to Islam, as well as Arabic or Hebrew, in the fall of their first year.

Music (Major & Minor)

Prof. Trevor Weston, Chair
All students interested in further study in music, either as a major or a minor, should take Music 101/ Imagination and Technique, Music 102/Music Fundamentals and Music 103/Introduction to Western Art Music, ideally in their first year. Music 101 is the prerequisite for composition courses and Music 102 is the prerequisite for all theory/composition. Music 103 is the prerequisite for courses in music history. Music 101 and Music 103 are offered every semester and Music 102 is offered every spring..
In addition to Music 101, Music 102, and Music 103, first-year students may also take the following courses in music and culture. No prior musical experience or knowledge is required.

  • MUS 233/Music of the Whole Earth
  • MUS 234/History of Jazz
  • MUS 235/Music of the World’s Religions
  • MUS 238/African American Music History

All interested students regardless of intended major are encouraged to contact the instructor of the following performance ensembles/private lessons for further information on registration and, in some cases, auditions:

  • MUS 109/Instrumental/Vocal Instruction (by permission of instructor)
  • MUS 110 University Chorus
  • MUS 215/Chorale (see director; audition)
  • MUS 217/Madrigal Singers (see director; audition)
  • MUS 222/University Chamber Orchestra (see director; audition)
  • MUS 224/Selected Ensembles (see director; audition)
    • Section 1: University Wind Ensemble
    • Section 2: University Flute Orchestra
    • Section 3: Chamber Ensembles
    • Section 4: University Jazz Ensemble
  • MUS 230/Techniques of the Voice (by permission of instructor)
  • MUS 252/Piano Studies
  • PANAF 220/Pan-African Choral Performance (no audition required)

While the following courses are not normally open to first-year students, you may seek approval of the instructor if you have special interest and sufficient background in the subject matter. There is a Music Theory Diagnostic Test available on the home page for the Music Department. Any student interested in taking Music Theory courses in their first year should take this test and send the completed test to Dr. Weston to receive instructor approval.

  • MUS 227, 228/Music Theory I, II (by permission of instructor)
  • MUS 260/Music Composition (by permission of instructor)
  • MUS 237/Electronic Music Composition (by permission of instructor)

Neuroscience (Major)

Prof. Christina McKittrick, Biology, Director
The neuroscience major at Drew is a multidisciplinary program of study that allows students to explore the brain from the perspectives of many different disciplines, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, philosophy, and psychology. After acquiring a firm background in biology, neuroscience and chemistry, majors study relevant topics at more advanced levels, including three neuroscience core courses and electives selected from offerings taken from seven academic departments.

Students wishing to major in neurosciences should take the following courses in their first year: NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience and CHEM 250/Principles of Chemistry I (fall); BIOL 160/Diversity of Life and CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II (spring). Alternatively, students deciding among neuroscience, biology and biochemistry & molecular biology may take BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution instead of NEUR 101 in the fall, but must also take PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology and PSYC 220/Biological Psychology at some point during their first two years (the option of substituting BIOL 150, PSYC 101 and PSYC 220 adds 8 credits to the size of the neuroscience major). Prospective neuroscience majors should also plan to take MATH 117/Introductory Statistics in either the spring of their first year or the fall of their sophomore year.


Pan-African Studies (Major & Minor)

Prof. Lillie Edwards, Director
Students who wish to pursue the major or minor in Pan-African studies may choose from a broad range of courses in English, history, humanities, anthropology, sociology, music, French, economics, religious studies, theatre, and political science that explore experiences of Africans and people of the African diaspora. PAST 101 (Introduction to Pan-African studies) is required of all who intend to major or minor in this area; ideally it should be taken in the first year, and no later than the sophomore year. Open to all students, PAST 220 is the choral performance course for the PAST choir, Ubuntu. The following departmental courses within the PANAF curriculum are also recommended for first-year students: ANTH 104 (Cultural Diversity), HIST 211 (African-American History to 1877); HIST 212 (African-American History from 1860 to the Present), HIST 259 (Modern Sub-Saharan Africa), and MUS 234 (History of Jazz).

Philosophy (Major & Minor)

Prof. Erik Anderson, Chair
To study philosophy is to embark on conceptual exploration. Philosophers seek rational answers to enduring questions about knowledge, reality, value, thought, and language. From the time of Socrates to the present day, philosophers have examined fundamental presuppositions of science, morality, governance, and art. Philosophy demands close thought. It fosters careful argumentation and clear writing.

First-year students interested in majoring or minoring in philosophy should select from among the following courses: PHIL 101 (fall & spring), 104 (fall & spring), 213 (fall). Although upper-level courses are not normally open to first-year students, students may seek approval of the instructor to enroll if they have special interests in the area and sufficient background to undertake the course.

Physics (Major & Minor)

Prof. James Supplee, Chair
Physics encompasses the study of matter and radiation and is the fundamental science from which astronomy, engineering and many other applied sciences are built.  Physicists develop mathematical models of natural processes and build experiments to test their ideas.  These ideas span a wide range, from theories of the origins of the universe to the invention of materials for more efficient energy storage.  An undergraduate degree in physics can be the gateway to many professions in addition to physics including law, medicine, engineering, education and neuroscience, which is now represented in the physics department.  Success in physics requires continued study in mathematics.  Students interested in other majors can choose a physics minor, which makes important connections to chemistry, mathematics, computer science and neuroscience.

Students interested in physics as a possible major must register for University Physics and Lab (Phys 150 and Phys 113) and for Calculus I (Math 150) in the first semester.  Students interested in the dual degree in engineering often take these same courses, but they should also contact the engineering liaison, Prof. Robert Murawski, to discuss their study plan.

Political Science (Major & Minor)

Prof. Catherine Keyser, Chair
Students contemplating a major in political science may enroll in any of four introductory courses: PSCI 102/Comparative Political Systems, PSCI 104/International Relations, PSCI 103/American Government and Politics, and PSCI 105/Political Theory. Majors must eventually complete all four of the introductory courses (PSCI 255/Political Ideologies may be substituted for PSCI 105), any of which will fulfill a social sciences breadth requirement [BSS].

Incoming students may also enroll in the following intermediate courses:

  • PSCI 213/Congress, PSCI 241/Global Feminisms, and PSCI 243/Terrorism.

Psychology (Major & Minor)

Prof. Jessica Lakin, Chair 
Students planning to major in psychology are encouraged to take PSYC 101, PSYC 110, and MATH 117 during their first three semesters. PSYC 101 must be taken before PSYC 110. MATH 117 has no prerequisites, and students must obtain a C- or higher for this course to meet the requirements of the Psychology major or minor. These courses are offered in both the fall and spring semesters, and are prerequisites for PSYC 211, which should be taken by the end of the second year.

Pre-Med And Pre-Health

Prof. Christina McKittrick, faculty adviser; Katie Grogran, Pre-Health Adviser
Students planning to pursue a career in Health Professions should consult the varied curricular options. Students may combine preparation for health professions with any major as long as they follow carefully the guidance provided on the page indicated above.

Public Health (Minor)

Prof. Linda van Blerkom, Director
The Public Health Minor is a multidisciplinary program that bridges the biomedical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It offers a population-level approach (as contrasted with the individual patient-centered approach of clinical medicine) to solving health problems with a strong focus on scientific, social, and ethical principles. International health is central to this program, as health in today’s world must be understood in global context. Public health’s focus historically was and still is on the prevention of diseases, disabilities, and disorders through a variety of means including health education.

Students pursuing the public health minor will choose from among courses in different fields including the following core courses: PH 101/Public Health (gateway course) (4); ANTH 301/Medical Anthropology (4) OR SOC 311/Sociology of Health and Illness (4); BIOL 103/Microbes in Health and Disease (4) OR BIOL 252/Microbiology (4); MATH 117/Introductory Statistics (4); and PH 401, the capstone course. First year students may begin with PH 101, MATH 117, BIOL 103 or with other courses that are prerequisites to courses that count toward the minor such as ANTH 104 OR SOC 101.

Religious Studies (Major & Minor)

Prof. Karen Pechilis, Chair
Religion majors are historians, ethicists, cultural analysts, and/or global comparativists, depending on their choice of courses for concentration in the major; Religion minors can similarly design their minor in the program. The department offers courses exploring religious beliefs and practices, religion and culture, history of religions, comparative religion, and case studies in applied ethics. The department is especially noted for its commitment to the study of religion in global context, with experts in the study of Africa (traditional religions, Christianity, Islam), America (applied ethics), Asia (Buddhism, Hinduism), Europe (Christianity, Judaism), and the Middle East (Islam). First-year students are strongly encouraged to explore their interest in the study of religion by selecting from the following courses throughout the year. Our gateway course is REL 101/Introduction to World Religions, which is offered every spring. Courses that introduce specific religions or ethics are REL 211/Judeo-Christian Ethics, REL 212/Social Ethics, REL 220/The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism, REL 234/Introduction to Early Christianity, REL 235/Introduction to Medieval Christianity, REL 250/Introduction to Islam, REL/260 Religion & Culture: India, REL 270/Religion & Culture: China & Japan. The department also offers a number of interesting elective courses so you may wish to begin with one of those. Please contact the Chair (973.408.3124 or kpechili@drew.edu) if you have any questions, and please visit our website at http://www.drew.edu/religiousstudies/.

Russian (Minor)

Prof. Carol Ueland, coordinator
Beginning Russian: Fundamentals of Oral and Written Russian I (RUSS 101, four credits) / Basic Russian Conversation (RUSS 102, two credits) are co-requisite courses (students must sign up simultaneously for both). They have no prerequisites and are open to anyone interested in learning the Russian language. By taking these two courses, students will have contact with the language five days a week and will be receiving six total language credits for the semester.

Those students who have studied some Russian previously or speak Russian at home should take the placement exam during the orientation to permit enrollment at the appropriate level of Russian. Please e-mail cueland@drew if you have any questions. Any students considering the possibility of a minor in either Russian language and literature or Russian cultural studies should enroll in the language courses during their first year at Drew. This enables them to be eligible for language study later inRussiaor in advanced programs in theU.S.

A Russian literature in translation course is open to first year students:

  • RUSS 252/ Russian Writers: Nabokov’s Prose. It is a two credit course offered in the second half of the semester and studies several short prose works by one of the best 20th Cent. Russian-American authors.

Spanish (Major & Minor)

Prof. Monica Cantero-Exojo, Chair 
Spanish language and cultures are relevant forces in the contemporary world. There are over twenty countries in which Spanish is an official language. The Spanish language is the second most-common language in the United States after English. There are 45 million Hispanics who speak Spanish as a first and second language and there are 6 million Spanish students. At Drew, the program in Spanish incorporates knowledge of Spanish language, culture, linguistics, and literature. To encourage mastery of the spoken language Drew faculty conduct all courses in Spanish using the latest learning techniques in foreign language acquisition, and make extensive use of technology. In addition to choosing Spanish as a single major, many students recognize the practical use of Spanish in today’s world and combine a major or minor in Spanish with another field, such as political science, sociology, history, psychology, anthropology, or economics.

Students interested in majoring or minoring in Spanish or in fulfilling their language requirement with Spanish should take the placement exam during the summer for placement at the appropriate level. Heritage speakers of Spanish should consult the department for appropriate placement.

A student receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Spanish examination is exempt from SPAN 201 and is considered to have fulfilled the College’s foreign language requirement. The College language requirement may also be met by achieving a score of 680 on the CEEB/SAT II Spanish Test, or a satisfactory placement beyond SPAN 201 on the Drew Spanish placement examination.

Sociology (Major & Minor)

Prof. Roxanne Friedenfels, Chair
Crime, health care, families, gender, race and ethnicity, education, mental health, and social change–today’s sociologists study all of these topics. Our students use sociology to prepare for a variety of careers. Many go into service professions; others go on to graduate or law school. Sociology provides an excellent background for those who want to work in people-oriented professions. Students interested in majoring or minoring in sociology should take SOC 101/ Introduction to Sociology in their first year.

Theatre Arts (Major)

Prof. Rosemary McLaughlin, chair
Potential majors are encouraged to take the following courses, in their first year, all of which are requirements for the major:

  • THEA 101/The Art of the Play (offered both semesters) [BA]
  • THEA 135/Introduction to Acting and Directing (offered both semesters) [BA]
  • THEA 120/Introduction to Theatre Technology w/ 25L (offered both semesters)

We strongly recommend that anyone considering a possible major come talk to the department chair or another member of the department faculty at some point during her/his first year, but especially prior to registration for the fall of the sophomore year. The department curriculum has several sequences of courses that need to be planned carefully if one is also considering study abroad in the junior year or other significant programming.

Potential minors are encouraged to take one or two of the following courses, all of which are requirements for the minor, in their first year:

  • THEA 101/The Art of the Play (offered both semesters) [BA]
  • THEA 135/Introduction to Acting and Directing (offered both semesters) [BA]
  • THEA 120/Introduction to Theatre Technology (offered both semesters) [BA]

Courses Open to First-Year Students:

  • DAN 220/Movement for the Musical Stage (2 credits) [BA]
  • DAN 250/Special Topics in Dance: Ballet (2 credits)
  • FILM 350/Topics in Films: Auteurs [BA]
  • SPCH 101/Speech Fundamentals [BA]
  • THEA 101/The Art of the Play [BA]
  • THEA 120/Introduction to Theatre Technology
  • THEA 120lL/Introduction to Theatre Technology Lab (co-req for THEA 25)
  • THEA 135/Introduction to Acting and Directing [BA]

Caveats, Important Additional Information etc.
THEA 101/The Art of the Play is the gateway course to the Theatre and Dance major ie. a prerequisite to many intermediate and upper level course offerings in the major. It is essential that a student interested in pursuing theatre classes take this course in their first year.

Women’s And Gender Studies (Major & Minor)

Prof. Debra Liebowitz, Director
The women’s and gender studies major and minor focus on the construction of gender and on the diverse experiences of women as they are shaped by race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, religion and nationality. Through four interdisciplinary courses offered by the program and courses selected from across the disciplines, majors and minors explore global and local feminisms from theoretical and applied perspectives as well as scholarship by and about women and gender. The women’s and gender studies minor is designed both for students interested in the interdisciplinary study of gender and to provide appropriate theoretical background for those who wish to pursue the study of gender in a discipline.

Students interested in pursuing a major should plan to take WGST 101/Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies during the spring of their first year and a core course (WGST 201, 301, 310) each fall for the next three years. Minors should plan to take WGST 101 during the spring of their first or second year. Majors and minors should also consider taking some of the prerequisite courses for advanced courses which are cross-listed in the program (select from such courses as ANTH 104, PSYC 101, SOC 101, ECON 101 and 102) or selecting courses to fulfill general education distribution requirements which also fulfill requirements for the women’s studies major and minor such as CLAS 270, FREN 235, ENGL 103, SOC 225, 227, 229, THEA 265 (some count only when topic is appropriate). Major and minors should plan to consult with the director at some point during the first year to plan their course of study.

World Literature (Minor)

Prof. John Lenz and Carol Ueland, coordinators
The World Literature minor is a new approach to comparative literature, with courses and instructors from the English department, the foreign language departments and the area studies programs. The theme for the introductory course this fall, WLIT 101:Introduction to World Literature is “Literature of Dissent and Protest ” and the authors come from Ancient Greece, Russia, Italy, Poland, Cuba, Eastern Europe and North Africa. This is a team-taught course, with eight participating professors from various departments and programs teaching these works in English translation, and it is a great introduction to the various humanities programs at Drew. Contact Prof. Carol Ueland (cueland@drew.edu) for more information.