2016-17 Academic Catalog 614 W. Superior St. • Alma, MI 48801-1599 • 1-800-321-ALMA • www.alma.edu A College of Distinction The mission and core values of Alma College emerge from the spirit of the founding motto: “to the glory of God and the dignity of all.” Founded in 1886 by the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan, Alma College was dedicated to the pursuit of learning that reflected the Judeo-Christian heritage of its founders joined with the continually relevant aims of the liberal arts. This dedication to uncommon achievement is as evident today as it has been throughout the College’s history. Te Alma College Mission Alma College’s mission is to prepare graduates who think critically, serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly as stewards of the world they bequeath to future generations. The Core Values Student-centered education in a residential setting All members of the community — faculty, staff and trustees — are committed to creating an institution of quality centered on the growth and development of undergraduate students. The purpose of the residential college experience is to better prepare students to enter seamlessly into lives in community, vocation, family and faith. Disciplinary expertise within an interdisciplinary context of learning The Alma Experience expects students to apply intellectual rigor to the exploration of a range of disciplines, building a broad foundation in the sciences, humanities, fine and performing arts and social sciences. This liberal arts education also prepares students to pursue advanced work, independent research and creative performances with the depth of understanding to excel in one’s discipline and to perceive the connections among disciplines. The practical knowledge and skills of the liberal arts prepare students for lifelong learning and leadership within a wide array of settings. Engaged learning Because education takes place everywhere and all the time, it is important both to create an exciting residential learning environment and to extend opportunities for significant learning into the community and wider world. Active participation in learning, engaged citizenship, service- driven leadership and committed stewardship are fostered through research-based undergradu- ate scholarship as well as programs that support experiential, international and service-learning opportunities. Ethical integrity, aesthetic appreciation, spiritual sensitivity With knowledge comes obligation. To live a complete life that withstands the scrutiny of self and others, individuals must exhibit personal integrity, respect for the value of all humanity and sensitivity to the spiritual and material beauty of one’s existence. We expect these principles to be modeled in the educational programs, work and daily interactions of all members of the College community. A COLLEGE OF DISTINCTION 1 Table of Contents Academic Calendar 2016-17 ....................................... 3 Computer Science (CSC) .......................................... 36 Welcome, Alma College in Brief .................................. 4 Economics (ECN) ..................................................... 38 Accreditation and Compliance Statements .................. 5 Education (EDC) ...................................................... 39 Academic Rules and Procedures................................... 6 English (ENG) .......................................................... 46 Academic Honors ........................................................ 8 Environmental Studies (ENV)................................... 50 Special Programs ......................................................... 8 Exercise and Health Studies (EHS) ............................ 50 Accelerated Programs/Advanced Placement Options ... 9 Foreign Service (FOR) .............................................. 51 Admissions Information ............................................ 10 French (FRN) ........................................................... 51 College Expenses ....................................................... 10 Geography (GGR) .................................................... 53 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Geology (GEO)......................................................... 53 Alma College ........................................................ 13 German (GRM) ........................................................ 54 Media Use Policy ....................................................... 13 Gerontology (GER) ................................................... 54 Requirements for Degrees ......................................... 14 Health Studies (HSS) ................................................ 56 General Education Goals ........................................... 15 History (HST) .......................................................... 56 Guide to General Education Humanities (HUM) .................................................. 60 Distributive Requirements .................................... 16 Integrative Physiology and Health Science (IPH) ...... 60 Courses of Instruction ............................................... 17 Athletic Training (ATH) ................................................60 Guide to Understanding Course Listings ................... 17 Latin (LAT) ............................................................... 63 General Studies ......................................................... 18 Library Research (LIB) .............................................. 63 First Year Seminar (FYS) ................................................18 Mathematics (MTH) ................................................ 63 Honors Program (HNR) ...............................................18 Mathematical Sciences (MSC) .......................................64 Non-Departmental (STC) .............................................18 Medieval and Renaissance Studies (MED) ................. 66 American Studies (AMS) ........................................... 18 Music (MUS) ............................................................ 66 Anthropology (ANT) ................................................ 19 New Media Studies (NMS) ....................................... 70 Art and Design (ART) ............................................... 20 Nursing (NUR) ......................................................... 72 Astronomy (AST) ...................................................... 23 Philosophy (PHL) ..................................................... 74 Biochemistry (BCM) ................................................. 23 Physical Science (PSC) .............................................. 76 Biology (BIO) ........................................................... 24 Physics (PHY) ........................................................... 76 Biotechnology (BTC) ................................................ 26 Political Science (POL) .............................................. 77 Business Administration (BUS) ................................. 27 Psychology (PSY) ...................................................... 79 Accounting (ACC) ........................................................27 Neuroscience (NSC) ......................................................79 Professional Accounting (CPA) ......................................27 Public Afairs Institute (PAF)..................................... 81 Finance (FIN)................................................................28 Public Health (PBH) ................................................. 82 Management (MGT) ....................................................28 Religious Studies (REL) ............................................. 82 Marketing (MKT) .........................................................28 Sociology (SOC) ....................................................... 84 Health Care Administration (HCA) ..............................28 Spanish (SPN) ........................................................... 85 International Business Administration (IBA) .................28 Teatre and Dance (THD) ........................................ 89 Chemistry (CHM) .................................................... 32 Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) ........................ 92 American Chemical Society Certifed Degree ................33 Board of Trustees 2016-17 ......................................... 93 Chinese (CHN) ........................................................ 34 Administration 2016-17 ............................................ 94 Cognitive Science (COG) ......................................... 34 Faculty 2016-17 ........................................................ 98 Communication (COM) ........................................... 34 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2016-17 Academic Calendar Fall 2016 August 27 Saturday Freshman Orientation Begins; Opening Convocation August 30 Tuesday Last Day to Add a FYS Course (3 or 5 cr.) September 3 Saturday Residence Halls Open, Noon for upperclass move in September 6 Tuesday Classes Begin, 8 a.m. September 9 Friday Last Day to Add a 1st 7-week Class or Delayed Start FYS (2 or 4 cr.) September 16 Friday Last Day to Add a 14-week Class September 30 Friday Last Day to Drop a 1st 7-week Class October 8 Saturday Homecoming October 17–18 Monday–Tuesday Fall Term Recess October 19 Wednesday Classes Resume, 8 a.m. October 21 Friday Middle of Term October 24 Monday Begin 2nd 7-week Classes Mid Term Grades Due, 9 a.m. October 28 Friday Last Day to Add a 2nd 7-week Class Last Day to Drop a 14-week Class; Elect Pass-Fail Option November 7–18 Two Weeks Winter