PRESIDENTS OF WESTMINSTER COLLEGE JAMES PATTERSON, D.D. 1853–1866 ROBERT AUDLEY BROWNE, D.D. 1867–1870 E. TUPPER JEFFERS, D.D. 1872–1883 ROBERT GRACEY FERGUSON, D.D., LL.D. 1884–1906 ROBERT McWATTY RUSSELL, D.D., LL.D. 1906–1915 W. CHARLES WALLACE, D.D. 1916–1931 ROBERT F. GALBREATH, D.D., LL.D. 1932–1946 H. LLOYD CLELAND, Ped.D. 1946–1947 WILL W ORR, D.D., LITT.D., LL.D. 1949–1967 EARLAND I. CARLSON, Ph.D. 1967–1981 ALLEN P. SPLETE, Ph.D. 1982–1985 OSCAR E. REMICK, Ph.D. 1987–1997 R. THOMAS WILLIAMSON, J.D. 1997 –2008 RICHARD H. DORMAN, D.Ed. 2008–2016 KATHY BRITTAIN RICHARDSON, Ph.D. 2016- 2008 Westminster College Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2021 NEW WILMINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA 16172-0001 Office of Admissions (724) 946-7100 [email protected] www.westminster.edu VOLUME 110 AUGUST 2020 Westminster College does not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or handicap or disability as those terms are defined under applicable law, in the administration of any of its educational pro- grams, activities, or with respect to admissions and employment. In its employment practices, the College may consider the individual’s support of the philosophy and purposes of Westminster as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. Otherwise, Westminster does not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, on the basis of religion or creed. Inquiries may be directed to the equal op- portunity officer, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001, 724-946-7247. This Undergraduate Catalog is for information only and cannot be considered binding on the College. Westminster College reserves the right and authority to change any and all requirements, regu- lations, policies, and academic curricula, and it is the student’s responsibility to remain informed about these and any changes made thereto. Questions should be directed to the student’s adviser. Westminster College Table of Contents Undergraduate Academic Calendar 3 The College 4 Academics 7 Undergraduate Degree Requirements 7 Second Bachelor’s Degree 8 The Westminster Plan 8 Liberal Studies 8 The First-Year Program 9 Intellectual Perspectives 9 The Major 10 Academic Policies 13 Westminster College Policy on Faculty Recording Class Sessions 13 Grades and Grading 14 Academic Status 16 Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy 18 Course Registration Policies 20 Academic Overload Policy 20 Auditing a Course 20 Repetition of Courses 21 Transfer/Transient Credit 22 Participation in Commencement Exercises 23 Academic Integrity 25 The Faculty 29 All-College Honors Program 30 Pre-Professional Programs 31 Degree Programs 35 Course Descriptions 116 Admission 223 The Graduate School 226 Expenses 227 Directories 236 2 2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog Undergraduate Academic Calendar 2020-2021 Fall Semester 2020 Classes Begin August 17, Monday Last Day to Add/Drop Classes August 24, Monday 1st 7-Weeks Withdraw Deadline September 18, Friday 1st 7-Weeks Period Ends October 2, Friday 2nd 7-Weeks Period Begins October 5, Monday Last Day to Withdraw from semester Classes October 23, Friday 2nd 7-Weeks Withdraw Deadline November 6, Friday Last Day of Classes November 20, Friday Final Exam Period November 21, 23-25, Saturday, Mon-Wednesday Spring Semester 2021 Classes Begin January 19, Tuesday Last Day to Add/Drop Classes January 26, Tuesday 1st 7-Weeks Withdraw Deadline February 19, Friday 1st 7-Weeks Period Ends March 5, Friday 2nd 7-Weeks Period Begins March 8, Monday Spring Break March 13-21, Saturday-Sunday Classes Resume March 22, Monday Last Day to Withdraw from Semester Classes March 31, Wednesday Easter Break April 1-5, Thursday-Monday Classes Resume, Monday Classes Meet April 6, Tuesday 2nd 7-Weeks Withdraw Deadline April 16, Friday Undergraduate Research & Arts Celebration April 21, Wednesday (no classes) Last Day of Classes May 7, Friday Final Exam Period May 10-13, Monday-Thursday Commencement May 15, Saturday Summer Session 2021 Classes Begin May 31, Monday NO CLASSES July 5, Monday Summer Session Ends July 26, Monday 3 Westminster College The College Westminster College is an independent, coeducational liberal arts college, related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). For over 165 years, Westminster has been charac- terized by the excellence of its educational programs and its concern for moral and spiritual ideals and values. Development of the individual – intellectually, spiritually, and socially – is the primary purpose of Westminster. The College views education as a maturing experience and believes the liberal arts heritage offers exceptional op- portunities for development of the individual in today’s rapidly changing world. The advancement of Westminster’s graduates in a wide variety of careers and professions is evidence of the inherent value and relevance of the liberal arts. Westminster is a community of learning, small enough to encourage the exchange of different ideas and philosophies yet large enough to provide diversity of knowledge, experiences and values. Its residential atmosphere enhances personal interaction. Westminster is proud of its heritage. It was originally founded to promote the spirit and values of Christianity. One of earliest coeducational colleges in the nation, Westminster has been dedicated to “the mental and moral training of youth of both sexes” since it opened its doors in 1852. The first catalog (1853) stated that “no person will be refused admission on account of color, caste, or sex,” making West- minster a pioneer in supporting nondiscrimination. Dedicated to these ideals today, the College admits students of all races, creeds, and national and ethnic origins, and accords all students equal rights and privileges. In the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admissions and employment, Westminster College does not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or creed, sex, sexual ori- entation, gender, gender identity and expression, age, handicap or disability, marital status, veteran status, genetics or any other protected class as those terms are defined under applicable state or federal law. Mission Statement The mission of Westminster College is to help students develop competencies, commitments and characteristics that have distinguished human beings at their best. The liberal arts tradition is the foundation of the curriculum continually designed to serve this mission in a rapidly changing world. The College sees the well-educated person as one whose skills are complemented by ever-developing values and ideals identified in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Westminster’s quest for excellence is a recognition that stewardship of life mandates the maximum possible development of each person’s capabilities. The College thus realizes its mission to people who as students: • Develop intellectual curiosity and the competencies to reason logically, evaluate critically, communicate effectively, imagine creatively, appreciate and produce aesthetic and creative expressions of humanity; • Acquire a knowledge and appreciation of self, society, human cultures, and the natural world, and human relationships to God; • Develop and demonstrate moral and ethical commitments to neighbor, society, and the natural world consistent with the understanding of self; • Commit themselves to lifelong learning and the acquisition of skill for careers and responsible service as world citizens. Westminster College Outcomes The College’s mission statement expressed as statements of student ability-based outcomes: 4 2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog • To reason logically and evaluate critically; • To communicate effectively; • To think creatively, and appreciate aesthetic expressions; • To demonstrate intellectual curiosity; • To acquire knowledge of self, society, human cultures, the natural world, and human relationships to God; • To apply knowledge to contemporary issues; • To demonstrate moral and ethical commitments to neighbor, society, and the natural world; • To demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and the acquisition of skills for careers and responsible service as world citizens The curricular and co-curricular learning programs are designed as a means by which the College endeavors to fulfill its mission. Religious Perspectives The student at Westminster is enrolled in a college sustained through the decades by what was the United Presbyterian Church in North America and is today related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). through the Synod of the Trinity. This heritage has at its core those ideals exemplified by Jesus Christ. Today, the College continually strives creatively to understand and to express the relationship between its religious heritage and the liberal arts ideals and values in ways relevant to a rapidly changing world. Westminster embraces the total Church in its divisions and the human race in its diversity. The College is critically open to the moral and spiritual character of different religious traditions and resolves to be truly ecumenical, ready to participate in interfaith dialogues and endeavors. Westminster’s Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and students develop their policies and practices based on the principles, values and ideals of Christian faith. Every member of the Westminster College community is expected to honor the standards of compassion, justice, and a disciplined life in the pursuit of excellence. Accreditation