2014-15 Academic Catalog 614 W. Superior St., Alma, MI 48801-1599 1-800-321-ALMA • www.alma.edu 1 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. The 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 2014-15 ....................................... 3 Chemistry (CHM) .................................................... 31 Welcome, Alma College in Brief .................................. 4 American Chemical Society Certified Degree ................32 Accreditation and Compliance Statements .................. 5 Cognitive Science (COG) ......................................... 33 Academic Rules and Procedures................................... 6 Communication (COM) ........................................... 33 Academic Honors ........................................................ 8 Computer Science (CSC) .......................................... 35 Special Programs ......................................................... 8 Economics (ECN) ..................................................... 37 Accelerated Programs/Advanced Placement Options ... 9 Education (EDC) ...................................................... 38 Admissions Information ............................................ 10 English (ENG) .......................................................... 45 College Expenses ....................................................... 11 Environmental Studies (ENV)................................... 48 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Geography (GGR) .................................................... 49 Alma College ........................................................ 13 Geology (GEO)......................................................... 49 Requirements for Degrees ......................................... 15 Gerontology (GER) ................................................... 49 General Education Goals ........................................... 16 History (HST) .......................................................... 49 Guide to General Education Integrative Physiology and Health Science (IPH) ...... 53 Distributive Requirements .................................... 17 Athletic Training (ATH) ................................................53 Courses of Instruction ............................................... 18 Public Health (PBH) ................................................. 56 Guide to Understanding Course Listings ................... 18 Library Research (LIB) .............................................. 56 General Studies ......................................................... 19 Mathematics (MTH) ................................................ 56 Exercise and Health Science (EHS) ...............................19 Mathematical Sciences (MSC) .......................................56 First Year Seminar (FYS) ................................................19 Modern Languages .................................................... 58 Foreign Service (FOR) ...................................................19 French (FRN) ................................................................58 Health Studies (HSS) ....................................................19 German (GRM) ............................................................60 Honors Program (HNR) ...............................................19 Spanish (SPN) ...............................................................62 Humanities (HUM) ......................................................20 Additional Languages Physical Science (PSC) ..................................................20 Chinese (CHN), Greek (GRK), Hebrew (HEB) and Latin (LAT) ............................................................65 Non-Departmental (STC) .............................................20 Music (MUS) ............................................................ 65 American Studies (AMS) ........................................... 20 New Media Studies (NMS) ....................................... 70 Art and Design (ART) ............................................... 21 Nursing (NUR) ......................................................... 72 Astronomy (AST) ...................................................... 23 Philosophy (PHL) ..................................................... 72 Biochemistry (BCM) ................................................. 24 Physics (PHY) ........................................................... 74 Biology (BIO) ........................................................... 24 Political Science (POL) .............................................. 75 Biotechnology (BTC) ................................................ 26 Psychology (PSY) ...................................................... 77 Business Administration (BUS) ................................. 27 Public Affairs Institute (PAF)..................................... 79 Accounting ....................................................................27 Religious Studies (REL) ............................................. 79 Professional Accounting (CPA) ......................................27 Sociology and Anthropology (SOA) .......................... 81 Finance ..........................................................................27 Theatre and Dance (THD) ........................................ 83 Management .................................................................27 Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) ........................ 86 Marketing ......................................................................27 Board of Trustees 2014-15 ......................................... 88 Health Care Administration (HCA) ..............................27 Administration 2014-15 ............................................ 89 International Business Administration (IBA) .................27 Faculty 2014-15 ........................................................ 92 2 Ta BLE OF CONTENTS 2014-15 Academic Calendar Fall 2014 August 23 Saturday Freshman Orientation Begins, Welcoming Convocation September 1 Monday Residence Halls Open, Noon September 2 Tuesday Classes Begin, 8 a.m. September 5 Friday Last Day to Add a 1st 7-week Class September 12 Friday Last Day to Add a 14-week Class September 26 Friday Last Day to Drop a 1st 7-week Class October 11 Saturday Homecoming October 15 Wednesday Middle of Term October 16–17 Thursday–Friday Fall Term Recess October 20 Monday Classes Resume, 8 a.m. Begin 2nd 7-week Classes Mid Term Grades Due, 9 a.m. October 24 Friday Last Day to Add a 2nd 7-week Class October 31 Friday Last Day to Drop a 14-week Class November 3–7 Monday–Friday Winter Term Advising November 10–14 Monday–Friday Winter Term Registration November 14 Friday Last Day to Drop a 2nd 7-week Class November 17–21 Monday–Friday Drop/Add for Winter Term November 26 Wednesday Thanksgiving Recess Begins, 5 p.m. December 1 Monday Classes Resume, 8 a.m. December 8–12 Monday–Friday Fall Term