Immersions

Communications Immersion is an advanced study of selected areas of Communication, including an overview of the fields of Persuasion, Mass Communications, Public Speaking, and small group communication. Students will understand and apply several modes of communication in academic, professional, and personal situations. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

*At least one course must be taken at the 300-level or above.

An economics immersion provides a systematic analysis of economic issues through the study of the allocation of scarce resources into production and the distribution of production among the members of society. This immersion is closed to students with a sub-plan in Economics and Statistics. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

The Environmental Studies Immersion is an examination of the basic environmental problems we face, how environmental resource depletion and energy issues are related, and what kind of environmental ethics and/or values we have today and have had in the past. The Immersion also explores the economic, legislative, and regulatory framework within which most environmental decisions are made. Since most technological areas are associated with significant environmental implications, it is essential that students have an understanding of and a well-thought-out value orientation about such environmental consequences.

TOTAL CREDITS 9

The history immersion provides students with intensive study within the discipline of history. Students may choose to structure their immersion broadly, by choosing a wide range of historical topics to study, or narrowly, by choosing a particular area to study, such as American, European, or Asian history. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

The international relations immersion combines the study of the complexities and shifting trends of international politics with the study of the global system. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions and interconnectedness of nation-states at the international level and other participants in international affairs, such as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, sub-national entities, and individual citizens. Global issues studied include democratization, international and regional conflicts, terrorism, international trade and economic integration, economic development, international law and organizations, and human rights. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

*At least one course must be taken at the 300-level or higher.

The legal studies immersion provides students with a foundation in the study of law and legal institutions, and in the relationship of law to other aspects of society and culture. Courses provide a broad perspective on law and legal institutions including historical, ethical, sociological, political, and philosophical approaches to these areas. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

*Students must not take all three courses for the immersion from a single discipline. Students in programs contributing to the immersion (criminal justice, political science, communication, and philosophy) can count a maximum of 3 credits from their home department.

The English immersion gives students the opportunity to explore English studies in the areas of literature, linguistics, and creative writing. The immersion is flexible in order to accommodate student interest in areas such as specific literary historical periods or geographic areas, multimedia and the visual arts, or genre fiction such as science fiction, fantasy, or romance. Courses emphasize the ability to read literature and new media analytically and write critically. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

The political science immersion emphasizes the interdependence of domestic politics and international relations in the age of globalization. The immersion brings together components of American politics, international relations, and comparative politics to provide students with both national and global perspectives on politics. Perhaps most important, the political science immersion seeks to help students make sense of the increasingly complicated political environment that confronts them in their role as citizens. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

* At least one course must come from American Politics and one course must come from International Relations. † At least one course must be taken at the 300-level or above. * Political Science immersion are not eligible to take POLS Special Topic classes, including "Political Science (Humanitarian, Development, & Peace Nexus)." This course is only available to students pursuing a minor in Political Science.

This immersion reflects the central themes of psychology, including topics such as the study of cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology. The study of behavior includes many different topics, but the unifying theme is that these courses all include the study of behavior using or applying the scientific method. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

This immersion provides students with a clear understanding of public policy, the policy process, and policy analysis. Students have the opportunity to develop perspectives on a variety of contemporary public policy issues, especially those that emerge from scientific and technological advancements. This immersion is closed to students with a sub-plan in Public Policy and Governance. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9

Sociology Immersion provides insights into the interactions between individuals and the major social forces shaping their lives. Students will learn Sociology perspectives and methods and use them to explain how society is possible, to examine various social problems, and to assess collective efforts for social change. 

TOTAL CREDITS 9