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Advice for Prospective Majors
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Departmental Advice for Prospective Majors
Please consult this information for recommendations about the appropriate courses to select if you want to prepare for majoring in a particular area. Be sure to consult with Department Chairs if you have any questions and to discuss your individual circumstances.
Click on the major you are interested in to be directed toward the appropriate advice:
Africana Studies Anthropology Asian Studies Biology Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Chemistry Chinese Civil War Era Studies Classics Computer Science Economics Education English Environmental Studies French German Globalization Studies Health Sciences History Interdisciplinary Studies International Affairs Italian Japanese Latin American Studies Management Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics and Dual-Degree Engineering Political Science Premedical Studies Psychology Religion Sociology Spanish Theatre Arts Visual Arts Women's StudiesAfricana Studies focuses on an examination and analysis of African American, other diasporan African (e.g. the Black presence in the Caribbean and Latin America), and continental African experiences, institutions, and perspectives. It is broadly defined as the study of peoples of Africa and the African diaspora. Prospective majors should choose AFS 130.
Those interested in majoring in Anthropology should take Anth 103 or Anth 106 during the first year. Anthropology 103 or 106 is a prerequisite for other Anthropology courses.
Prospective minors in East Asian Studies should start language study with Chinese 101 or Japanese 101. See Chinese and Japanese sections as well.
Prospective majors should note that Introductory Biology and Chemistry courses are year-long sequences. In their first year, prospective majors should take Biology 111 in the fall and Biology 112 in the spring. Since Chemistry is required for the Biology major, students who are sure of their intent to major in Biology should enroll in Chemistry 105 or 107 along with Biology 111 in the first semester. This permits a better integration of chemistry into upper level biology courses. Students may, however, delay chemistry until their second year and still complete the Biology major.
Students who start their Biology major as sophomores need to take both Biology (111-112) and Chemistry (105 or 107-108) at the same time. A mathematics course (calculus or statistics) is required for the Biology major and should be completed in the first or second year. Students interested in medical school should consider taking both calculus and statistics before graduation.
For Advising Help: contact Prof. Delesalle - delesall@gettysburg.edu
See Deptartment Handbook: http://www.gettysburg.edu/academics/biology/handbook_2006.pdf
BIOCHEMISTRY/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Students planning a major in the interdisciplinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program should take Biology 111 AND Chemistry 105 or 107. Since Mathematics 111-112 is required for the BMB major, consideration should be given to enrolling in Math 111 during the first year.
Students planning a major in chemistry should take Chemistry 105 or 107 and Mathematics 111 or a higher level mathematics course during the fall semester.
Department Handbook: http://www.gettysburg.edu/academics/chemistry/department_handbook.dot
Students should begin Chinese at the 101 level unless there is prior study at the secondary level. Course level beyond 101 is determined by speaking with the instructor and/or taking an exam during orientation week. Contact Professor Li jli@gettysburg.edu
Prospective minors in Civil War Era Studies should plan to take CWES 205 in the spring semester.
Sample program of study: http://www.gettysburg.edu/civilwar/era_studies/sample_programofstudy.dot
Students planning to continue their study of Latin must take the on-line placement exam. This is available as part of the Pre-Registration process for new students and by permission at the Department Office. Students planning to continue Greek should choose the level which seems appropriate. Prospective Classical Studies majors should continue or begin language study during their first year and select an entry level Civilization course during the first year or second year at the latest. For advising help, contact the Chair of the department: Dr. Rickert grickert@gettysburg.edu
First-year prospective majors in Computer Science (CS) should schedule CS 111-112, and Math 111 during the first year. Each course of our introductory sequence, CS 111, 112, and 216, is offered each semester, so it is possible to begin the CS major at any point through sophomore year, although a later start will limit course choices and increase scheduling constraints. Students with CS Advanced Placement (AP) scores of 4 or 5 will receive credit for CS 111 and place into CS 112. Students without such AP scores may still place out of CS 111 with permission of a CS faculty member after an informal consultation. Please note that CS 103 does not count towards CS major requirements.
Prospective majors in Mathematics or the Sciences are strongly encouraged to take CS 111 rather than CS 103.
To learn more about the Computer Science major, please consult any CS faculty member (x6630), the CS chair Todd Neller (tneller@gettysburg.edu; x6643), or read our CS handbook online (http://cs.gettysburg.edu/resources/CS_HANDBOOK.pdf).
Prospective majors in Economics should take Economics 101 in the first year. In addition, majors are required to demonstrate achievement in Mathematics by taking Math 111 or Math 105-106. It is important to satisfy this Math requirement early since it is a prerequisite for admission to some sophomore courses in the department. The Economics Department strongly recommends Math 111. Those prospective majors who need more preparation in mathematics may take instead Mathematics 105 followed by Math 106 in the spring semester.
Students may begin the education program in their second semester of their first year by enrolling in Education 209. Students need to be registered in the teacher certification program by going to the Education Department Office (Weid 106) and filling out the proper form or obtain permission from the instructor. All candidates for Teacher Certification must take 2 college-level math courses, a writing course, and an English or American Literature course within their first 2 years. Other courses relevant to specific certification checklists can also be taken as follows beginning with the first semester:
-Those seeking certification in Elementary Education should select from Anth 103, History 106 or 110, Political Science 101, or a math course.
-Those seeking certification in secondary English should select Anth 103 and/or a math course.
-Those seeking certification in secondary mathematics or the sciences should select Math 111 and/or Anth 103.
-Those seeking certification in world languages (French, German, Latin or Spanish) should select Anthropology 103 and a math course.
-Those seeking certification in secondary social studies should select from Anthropology 103, Political Science 101, Sociology 101, or Environmental Studies 162 in the spring and a math course.
Prospective majors in English should elect one of the First Year Seminars (FYS) which count toward an English major, Eng 111 or a foundational level literature course (Eng 230-260).
Prospective majors should take ES 196 in the first year. Students interested in environmental policy topics should also consider taking Pol 101, 103, or 104 or Econ 101. Students interested in environmental science topics should consider taking two semesters of a basic natural science (Bio 111-112, Chem 105 or 107-108, Phys 103-104 or Phys 111-112). Math 105-106, 107 or 111 is also encouraged. Students who begin the Environmental Studies major as sophomores, should take ES 196 and either ES 211 or ES 223 during their second year.
Prospective French majors should take French 300 during the fall semester, pending placement at that level. All students who have previously studied French and wish to continue the language MUST take a placement test. Students should put French on the pre-registration form and we will add the proper course level from the results of your placement test. (For placement instructions see Study of a Second Language in the Orientation Booklet.)
If you wish to schedule French but are unable to register for a section matching your language placement results, between July 22 and August 5, you can contact the Department Chair, Professor Robert Viti: rviti@gettysburg.edu.
Prospective majors should take German 301 in the fall, pending placement at that level, but those who begin with German 201 can still schedule the remaining coursework for the major program without difficulty. A department placement test will be required of all students enrolling in German except for those who have never studied German before. Students should put German on the pre-registration form and we will add the proper course level from the results of your placement test. German 101 is appropriate for the true beginner and meets five days a week. (For instructions about how to take the placement test see Study of a Second Language in the Orientation Booklet.)
Prospective majors must take all four foundation courses: Anthropology 103, Economics 101, History 110, and either POL 103 or POL 104. These may be taken in any order and ideally should be completed by the end of the second year. Students should be aware of the fact that because they design their regional and thematic tracks for this major, they must complete an application for the major.
Prospective majors in Health Sciences should take Bio 101 in the fall and Bio 112 in the spring and HS 112 in either the fall or spring semester.
Health Sciences Student Handbook: http://www.gettysburg.edu/academics/health_exercise_science/documents/HSDepartmentStudentHandbook2007-2008.pdf
Prospective majors should take a 100-level History course. 200 level courses are also open to first-year students who are considering a major in history. 300 level courses can only be taken with permission of the instructor.
Students may create their own majors through the Individual Major Program administered by the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. Courses listed in the College Catalogue under the category of Interdisciplinary Studies involve subject matter and methods of study from more than one discipline or department.
Students with a major in International Affairs must also have a disciplinary major or a major in another interdisciplinary field approved by the International Affairs program director. In the first and second year, students should take Economics 101 and one of the regional economics courses numbered from 201 to 239, Political Science 103, and History 110. For information, contact Prof. Eileen Stillwaggon (estillwa@gettysburg.edu ).
All students who have previously studied Italian and wish to continue the language MUST take a placement test. Students should put Italian on the pre-registration form and we will add the proper course level from the results of your placement test. (For placement instructions see Study of a Second Language in the Orientation Booklet.)
If you wish to schedule Italian but are unable to register for a section matching your language placement results, between July 22 and August 5, you can contact the Department Chair, Professor Robert Viti: rviti@gettysburg.edu.
Prospective majors in Japanese Studies should choose Jpn 101 if they have never studied the language previously. Students may choose Jpn 201 if they have had at least two years of prior study but are encouraged to consult with the faculty before pre-registering. Contact Eleanor Hogan (ehogan@gettysburg.edu) or Midori Yonezawa Morris (myonezaw@getttysburg.edu). Final placements are determined by an interview and exam that takes place during orientation week.
First-year students wishing to pursue the combined Latin American Studies-Spanish major, or the Latin American Studies minor, should take the Spanish placement test and sign up for the appropriate level Spanish-language course. (Minors can fulfill the language requirement with a demonstrated proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese.) Prospective majors and minors should consider taking FYS 129, FYS 195, or FYS 199-2. Sign up for LAS 140 Introduction to Latin American Studies, which is required for majors and strongly recommended for minors. Students should contemplate studying abroad in Latin America on a college-affiliated program (required for majors) second semester sophomore year or during their junior year.
Sophomore students should continue their language studies and take LAS 140 Introduction to Latin American Studies, if they have not done so already, and then move on to another 100-level course or a 200-level course. Note: Since LAS is a multidisciplinary program, many courses are cross-listed with other departments.
Prospective majors in Management should take Economics 101 in the first year. If Econ 101 is taken in the first semester, students may take Mgt 111, Mgt 155, Mgt 235, and/or Mgt 270 in the second semester. Students who are weak in mathematics should take Math 105-106 to prepare for Mgt 235, Quantitative Thinking in Management. Students considering a semester abroad must complete Mgt 235 by the end of the sophomore year.
Managing Your Major: http://www.gettysburg.edu/academics/management/pdf_docs/ManagingYourMajor_0708.pdf
Students considering a mathematics course should turn to the Mathematic Placement Guidelines found at the back of this announcement of courses booklet to determine the appropriate placement (also available on the department web page) or consult with a member of the department at 717-337-6630 or email bbajnok@gettysburg.edu.
Placement Guidelines: http://www.gettysburg.edu/dotAsset/457627.pdf
B.S. in Music Education: Should take Music 141, First Year Seminar, or Eng 101, or 111, one multiple inquiries goal course other than in the Arts, applied music (major performance area instruction plus voice or piano in the second semester), and an instrumental methods class and MUS 149 in the second semester.
B.A. in music and music minors: Should take Music 141, a second language, a First Year Seminar, or Eng 101, or 111, one multiple inquiries goal course other than in the Arts, applied performance area instruction, and appropriate ensembles.
B Mus in Performance: Should take Mus 157, Mus 141, a second language, First Year Seminar, or Eng 101, or 111, or one multiple inquiries goal course other than in the Arts.
Please note: Admission to Mus 141 is dependent upon the results of a placement test to be administered during class in the fall. An audition is required for admission into the major or minor program.
Applied music courses in Voice, Piano, Pipe Organ, Guitar, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, or Strings for Music Majors and music ensembles in Choir, Band and Orchestra will be scheduled in the fall.
Students are encouraged to consider an introductory course in Philosophy early in their college career as an opportunity to enlarge their intellectual perspective and develop skills in reasoning and argument. Prospective majors should take either 101, 105, 107, 110, FYS 133 or 167-3 in their first year.
PHYSICS and DUAL-DEGREE ENGINEERING
Students planning to major in Physics should take Physics 111 and Mathematics 111 or a higher level mathematics course. Candidates for the Dual-Degree Engineering Program should take Physics 111, Mathematics 111, a second language, English 101, or 111, or First Year Seminar, or Economics 101 in the first semester. Dual-degree candidates should also give thought in the first year to which of the fifteen engineering majors they wish to pursue.
Prospective majors must take three of four introductory courses: Political Science 101,102,103 or 104. These courses are intended to introduce the student to the major fields of political science. They may be taken in any order, but should be completed by the end of the fourth semester. The political science department also encourages majors to take Pol 215 (Methods in Political Science) by the end of their sophomore year.
PREMEDICAL/PREVETERINARY STUDENTS
Students planning to attend medical or veterinary school immediately after college should have completed Biology 101-112, (or Biology 111-112 if majoring in Biology), Chemistry 107-108, Chemistry 203-204, and Physics 103-104 (or 111-112), by the end of the junior year. This will prepare students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) at this time. In order to keep this rigorous schedule, students should give careful consideration to planning their first year courses. While medical schools require that a student must have taken these courses to gain admission, they do not require any particular major.
Guide for Premedical Students: http://www3.gettysburg.edu/~jujones/health_professions/Guide.pdf
Prospective majors may elect to take Psych 101 in either the fall or spring. Prospective majors would hope to complete Psych 205 by the end of the Sophomore year. MAJORS MUST ALSO COMPLETE TWO LABORATORY COURSES IN THE DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES. Students who have received a 4 or better on the Psychology Advanced Placement Exam may consider registering for 200-level classes in the fall.
The Department of Religion focuses on the global, cross-cultural, and academic study of religion and is not affiliated with any sectarian religious tradition. Prospective majors and minors are encouraged to take Religion 101 as soon as possible and to take 100- or 200-level survey courses in as many different religious traditions possible.
Students interested in majoring in Sociology should take Sociology 101 during the first year. Sociology 101 is a prerequisite for all other Sociology courses.
Prospective majors should take Spanish 301 during the fall semester, pending placement at that level. All students who have previously studied Spanish and wish to continue the language MUST take a placement test. Students should put Spanish on the pre-registration form and we will add the proper course level from the results of your placement test. Spanish 101 is reserved for the true beginner and meets five days a week. (For placement instructions see Study of a Second Language in the Orientation Booklet.)
Theatre is a vital part of the liberal arts education which Gettysburg College offers. Rooted in a sound academic program and fed by rigorous course offerings, it flowers in a variety of productions. You are encouraged to take one or more of the following theatre courses during your first year: Theatre Arts 105, Introduction to the Theatre (fall/spring); Theatre Arts 115, Theatre Production (spring); Theatre Arts 116, Introduction to Costume Design (fall); Theatre Arts 120, Fundamentals of Acting (fall/spring); Theatre Arts 163, Introduction to Dance (spring); Theatre Arts 203 & 204, History of Theatre Arts (fall/spring); Theatre Arts 214, Survey of Dramatic Literature (fall); Theatre Arts 212, Fundamentals of Directing (spring); First Year Seminar 119-2, The Zen of Improvisation: Permission to Play in Class (fall); First Year Seminar 185, Theatre of the Streets (fall); First Year Seminar 112-3, Address Unknown (fall). You are also encouraged to attend the first audition of the year, held during the first week of classes: this will serve as an audition for the year's first major production and also for the fall Otherstage Series the casts of these brief Lunchtime Theatre pieces are often composed of first year students.
Students expecting to major in studio art should take VAS 141. Prospective majors in art history should take VAH 111 or VAH 120. Enrollment priority in any 100-level studio course is given to prospective studio art majors.
Requirements and Recommendations: http://www.gettysburg.edu/academics/visual_arts/requirements_andrecommendations.dot
The objective of Women's Studies courses is to encourage students to analyze the roles, perspectives, and contributions of women. Through the examination of women's past history, present conditions, and future possibilities, students come to understand gender as a cultural experience. In Women's Studies courses, students learn a number of methods for examining, as well as strategies for modifying, the conditions that affect all of our lives. Students may elect Women's Studies as a major or a minor. Prospective majors and minors should begin their course work with WS 120: Introduction to Women's Studies.
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