Degree Plans

College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

ART (ARTS)

The program in Art balances studies in the liberal arts and sciences with studio art and art history. Focal areas include Studio Art courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics and sculpture, which are designed to develop personal awareness and individual self-expression. Courses in art history provide surveys in the history of Western art, contemporary art, Native American art, and photography. The goal of the program is to impart an informed understanding of art through creative work and sensitive, discerning observation, thus adding to the cultural resources and enrichment of students’ lives. The program offers a major in Art, a minor in Art, Art History, and Photography.

CULTURAL STUDIES (CLST)

Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary field of research and teaching that investigates culture and seeks to create and transform individual experiences, social relations, and power structures. Courses in this field explore the relations between culture, understood as human expressive and symbolic activities, and cultures, understood as distinctive ways of life.

Combining the strengths of the social sciences and the humanities, Cultural Studies draws on methods and theories utilized in traditional disciplines such as literary studies, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, history, philosophy, political economy, psychoanalysis and religious studies, among others. By working across the boundaries of these fields, Cultural Studies addresses new questions and problems arising in today’s world. As such, Cultural Studies draws on theories and methods not only from traditional disciplines but also form the growing fields of gender studies, ethnic studies, post-colonial studies, feminism, and media studies. In doing so, it addresses debates concerning the theory of texts and their production; the relationship between culture and politics; the formation of knowledge and institutions; and the nature of cultural antagonisms and crises. In short, Cultural Studies is more than a single body of theory or methods; rather, it is a series of interrelated questions and answers drawn from numerous disciplines.

Students of Cultural Studies will develop flexible tools enabling them to analyze the rapidly changing global environment in which we live. They will learn how to interpret how different aspects of our social world (gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic class, etc.) influence how we see our world. The process of doing Cultural Studies involves both students and faculty in the dynamic investigation of personal and social values, social location, and the formation of social institutions and worldviews.

ENGLISH (ENGL)

The English Program at UIW is committed to the development of reading, thinking, and writing skills in all of the University’s students. This commitment extends the university’s mission: through the analysis of language and literature, students find their own voice by way of critical study of other voices.

The study of English develops reading, thinking, and writing skills. Close reading of texts through critical and theoretical frames, and the production of clear and logically-argued writing are foundations that prepare for any profession; administration, business, writing, teaching, law, and diplomatic and social services are all apt careers for English majors.

Employers value English graduates for their analytical and communication skills and imaginative creativity; the English Program at UIW reinforces these skills in its program of study. In addition, the program recognizes that many English students elect Graduate Studies; thus, upper division courses provide opportunity for students to hone their research skills and to participate in scholarly discourse outside the local university community.

Preparations for academia, employment in corporate or government sectors, and life experience are enhanced by English literary and cultural studies, which encourage students ’ expressive and analytical responses to their own and others’ social identities, and societal and natural environments, both local and global. Consequently, every course in the program, whether dealing with literature, linguistics, language arts, or writing, has a global dimension.

The English faculty is committed to a rotation of course offerings that is sequential and flexible, covering literature and language, theory and practice. Thus, the department offers courses from the following categories: Core, Surveys, Literary Studies and Criticism, Language Arts and Linguistics, Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and Senior Seminar.

HISTORY (HIST)

The mission of the History Department is to provide majors with a firm grounding in the tools of historiography, research, analysis and writing. The Department also provides course work to the general students population in light of its commitment to the mission of the University to produce enlightened, aware citizens of the world.

The curriculum in History leads students to appreciate the development of the contemporary world through the interaction of diverse forces over space and time. The history department supports the global initiatives of the University through its courses in both world and United States history. The study of history involves analysis and integration of a broad range of knowledge. Students acquire skills that prepare them for graduate school or a variety of careers.

MUSIC (MUSI)

The Music Department offers several degrees that reflect the various strengths of the faculty and curriculum. Through its degree plans the department provides the opportunity for student musicians to excel in an atmosphere conducive to the growth of self-esteem, self-expression, and excellence through music. The goals of the department are to give the UIW students opportunities for successful musical enrichment through the various performing groups within the department, to instill within them a clear understanding of music and all its various facets, and to prepare them for a career in the field of music.

The Bachelor of Music provides an emphasis in performance, accompanying, or composition.

The Bachelor of Music when combined with additional music courses and with classes from the School of Education prepares students for Teacher Certification.

The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy is a non-performance degree designed to train students in clinical applications of music, blending musical skills with specialized training in the areas of psychology and the behavioral and natural sciences.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music, a non-performance degree, is designed to lead to graduate work in music theory, composition, or history as well as supporting studies in the liberal arts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry Studies, an interdisciplinary degree, prepares students for careers such as music marketing, publishing, studio production for the media, and artist management.

Before a student is accepted for a degree major/minor in music he/she must show evidence of a high level of potential. Entrance into the music major/minor is contingent upon a successful musical audition and music theory assessment. This audition and test must occur at the beginning of the studentís academic career at the University of the Incarnate Word. Auditions are scheduled several times a year for incoming students. All students planning to major in Music must contact the Music Department for advising before registering for the first semesterís classes.

MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES (MUST)

The Bachelor of Art in Music Industry Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students for careers in music marketing, publishing, administration, studio/media production, and artist management. It combines a music focus with a strong business emphasis.

MUSIC THERAPY (MUTH)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy is a non-performance degree designed to train students in clinical applications of music, blending musical skills with specialized training in the areas of the behavioral and natural sciences. The Music Therapy program at the University of the Incarnate Word is approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

PHILOSOPHY (PHIL)

The Department of Philosophy at the University of the Incarnate Word seeks to provide its students with a broad orientation to the major branches of philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic) and to the various ways philosophy has progressed throughout human history (in Western and other global traditions). The primary goal of our program, however, is not merely to promote mastery of philosophical content, but to help cultivate the philosophical spirit by nourishing our studentsí responsiveness to the wonder of being, their commitment to justice, and their overall capacity to explore philosophical issues with creativity and critical insight.

Philosophy is an exploration of the most basic yet wide-ranging issues of human life and experience. The study of philosophy involves the rational examination of such fundamental notions as truth, beauty, goodness, justice, freedom, reality, knowledge, language, faith, love, death, and God. Its purpose is to broaden the reach of possibilities that all human beings share in their efforts to create intellectually and spiritually meaningful lives.

Philosophy also examines the foundations, processes, and aims of other disciplines - such as science, mathematics, law, and education, for example - and reflects on such subjects as religion, art, history, literature, health care, and technology.

POLITICAL SCIENCE (POLS)

The mission of the Political Science Department is to provide the major with a strong foundation to expand awareness and understanding of political life, to stimulate scholarship and intelligent interest in political science, and to provide a framework for enriching the exposure of majors and the wider university community to the study of government and issues of public concern. Moreover, the Department offers course work to the general student population in light of its commitment to the CORE Curriculum. The program in Political Science at the University is especially designed to develop analytical skills, combining organized knowledge with practical experience that introduces and prepares students for career opportunities in the public sector. By selecting appropriate courses and internships, students of politics can prepare themselves for professional training in public policy, public administration, law, graduate education in the policy sciences, as well as employment in government and non-governmental public sector organizations.

PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC)

Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals. Students will begin to understand how individual thought and behavior is influenced by perception, motivation, heredity, language, cognition, and learning. Instruction focuses on the influence of society and the environment on human personality, and provides insights into the human psyche. Upon the successful completion of the psychology program, students will have an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives for organizing and understanding human behavior.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES (RELS)

In keeping with the Universityís mission, the Department of Religious Studies has a two-fold mission: to acquaint all students with the Roman Catholic tradition within the broader religious and global context in which they live, and to expose all students to the multidimensional and interdisciplinary methods utilized within the field of religious studies.

Since the University of the Incarnate Word is a Roman Catholic university, the Department believes it is necessary to provide the general student body with an opportunity to understand this tradition. We believe our students must come to terms with the fact of diversity, both religious and cultural. Introductory and intermediate department courses are designed to help them achieve these goals.

The field of religious studies is multidimensional and interdisciplinary. Students interested in majoring in religious studies must be familiar with a variety of dimensions of the field and be acquainted with a number of critical methodologies applicable to the study. Knowledge of both areas provides an academic foundation for advanced study in religious studies. Advanced courses are designed to help them fulfill these goals.

SOCIOLOGY (SOCI)

Mission: The mission of the Sociology Department is to provide the major with a strong foundation in sociological theory and research within the context of a modern sociological curriculum. The Department is committed to the development of the "sociological imagination" and the fostering of action based on a progressive social consciousness. The Department is guided by the values of Catholic social doctrine, the mission of the University, and a high regard for scholarly academic work that leads to the enhancement of knowledge. Sociology is a social science that studies society and the social activity of human beings. Sociologists are interested in discovering and explaining how and why people think, feel, and act the way they do, focusing on groups and categories of people sharing common characteristics. Empirical evidence, derived from scientific investigation, is fundamental to sociological inquiry. Sociological studies include culture, religion, government, economy, education, family, crime, sports, and race relations.

SPANISH (SPAN) AND OTHER FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The offerings in foreign languages develop language proficiency and cultural awareness through collaborative classes where effective communication is the primary goal. Advanced courses in Spanish contribute to knowledge about the Spanish-speaking world and the history and structure of the Spanish language and its literature. These courses allow students to read and respond in writing to Spanish-language authors in Spanish, since all advanced courses are taught in the language using authentic texts. Students also interact in Spanish to promote language competence approaching that of native speakers.

SPEECH COMMUNICATION (SPCH) (minor only)

Courses in Speech serve to meet important objectives for a liberal arts curriculum: to develop critical thinking, to enhance aesthetic sensitivity, to communicate with clarity, precision, and conviction.

THEATRE ARTS (THAR)

The Mission of the Theatre Arts Department focuses on three main goals: to enhance the general education of the Universityís CORE curriculum, to enrich the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual lives of our on-campus and San Antonio communities, and to provide our majors with a strong, basic foundation in the performing arts that will enable them to pursue graduate educational and or professional opportunities in Theatre.

The Theatre Arts Department provides its majors with a liberal arts program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. This program affords its graduates a thorough understanding of the art form: its performance conditions, representative dramatic literature and its major practices , past and present. Through the study of Theatre Arts, UIW students have the opportunity to learn analytic methods that enable them to think critically and to become creative problem solvers, thereby assisting in their preparation for advanced professional study in a variety of fields that respect a well-balanced liberal arts degree. A Theatre Arts degree will also, in coordination with Education and state certification requirements, prepare future elementary and secondary school teachers. Upon completion of the Theatre Arts degree, UIW graduates are prepared to undertake specialized training in a variety graduate Theatre Arts study areas. Finally, the program provides our graduates with sufficient education and training to begin a career in professional theatre on or off stage.

The Theatre Arts faculty commits itself to collaborative teaching in order to support diverse approaches and techniques as well as to demonstrate integrated artistic cooperation. In its presentation of four to five theatrical productions each year, the Department adheres to a policy of equal opportunity in casting and in the assignment of production responsibilities. Participation in the academic year production season is open to any student enrolled in UIW and expected of Theatre Arts majors. Through the production season, we provide the opportunity to participate and to witness major dramatic genres and theatrical styles. The Department views its production season as both an extension of its educational program and a site of artistic and intellectual expression.