Courses Recommended by Department Chairs and Program Directors
Accounting
In order to be accepted and remain as a major/minor in accounting, a student must achieve and maintain a minimum 2.0 average in all courses taken in his/her major/minor field.
First-Year Seminar
Economics & Business
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics
ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
BUS 101: Business and Society (serves as a prerequisite for ACT 101, but is not
required for nor does it count towards the major)
Language
Any language to satisfy language requirements.
Accounting
ACT 101: Financial Accounting. For those planning to major in accounting ACT 101 should be scheduled during the second semester of the first year. ACT 101 should not be recommended for other first year students.
Mathematics
First-year students contemplating majoring in accounting or business should plan to take MTH 119: Statistical Analysis. It is recommended to take this after the first semester.
Although MTH 121: Calculus I is not a required course in this major, it is strongly encouraged because of overlap with other related disciplines.
First-year students contemplating majoring in accounting are encouraged to consult with Trevor Knox, Accounting Coordinator, as early as possible during their first year.
Due to the sequencing of courses, please do not place undeclared students in any course without checking the catalog for prerequisites (e.g., Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurial Studies).
American Studies
First-year students who intend to major in American Studies should take the following courses during their first year:
First-Year Seminar
History
HST 100-149: Introduction to History (only sections with an American focus)
[The core requirement for the major also includes one advanced American history course (300 or 400 level), but this does not need to be taken during the first year.]
If intending to get certification in Education EDU 101: History & Politics of American Education counts for this.
English
ENG 115: American Writers
Political Science
PSC 101: Introduction to American National Government
Language
Any language is acceptable.
American Studies
AMS 101: Introduction to American Studies
Anthropology
Students considering an Anthropology major or minor consider the following:
First-Year Seminar
Anthropology
Either ATH 112: Cultural Anthropology or ATH 155: Archaeology and Prehistory.
Language
Complete language requirements as soon as possible. We encourage students to study
abroad as well, so keep this in mind.
Human Diversity and Global Engagement (DE) requirement
Anthropology is an excellent discipline in which to complete the DE requirement. The following
have no pre-requisites. Most of these courses also count for SL requirement.
ATH 112: Cultural Anthropology
ATH 155: Archaeology & Prehistory
ATH 230: Inca, Aztec and Maya
ATH 250: Anthropology of Gender & Sexuality
ATH 262: Historical Ecology
ATH 291: Medicine & Culture
Art History and Art Studio
Students considering an Art History major or minor should take the following:
- Students should begin the Art History major or minor with ARH 101: Art Histories: An Introduction.
- Students considering the Art History major should also choose a geographic survey: ARH 102: History of Western Art, Or ARH 103: Art of the Americas, Or ARH 104: Art of Africa, or ARH 105: Art of Asia. Art History majors are encouraged to complete both ARH 101 and the geographic survey during their first year. ARH 101 and ARH 102-105 may be taken in any order.
Art History Advising Notes:
- AP Art History may count as the geographic survey requirement (102-105)
- ARH 101 and one of the ARH 102 through 105 courses may be taken in ANY order. For example, a student might choose to take 105 and later take 101. These courses are not sequential.
- Any one of the surveys (ARH 101-105) counts as a prerequisite for any of the W art history courses.
- We plan to offer 101 every semester. 102 through 105 will be on rotation. The department plans to offer at least one of these courses every semester.
- W courses are on rotation. We plan to offer a minimum of one W every semester.
Students considering a Studio Art major or minor should consider the following:
- Students should begin the Studio Art major or minor with a 100 level studio course. All 100 level studio courses are offered every semester and are open to all students. Seats are saved for first year students. Students may pick from 100 level studio courses in: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Photography.
- Students are encouraged to take their drawing requirement in the first two years. Students may take any 100 level drawing course to fulfill the drawing requirement for the major or minor. Current 100 level drawing courses offered are: Drawing I and Drawing from Nature. 100 level drawing courses are offered every semester.
- Studio Art Majors are required to take Digital Foundations, which is only offered in the fall. Studio Art majors are encouraged to take this course the first two years.
- Both Studio Art majors and minors need to take art history survey courses (101 to 105): Minors are required to have any one art history survey course (any course, 101-105); Majors are required to have 101 + one additional survey (102-105) + a writing intensive art history course. Surveys Offered: ARH 101: Art Histories, an Introduction; ARH 102: History of Western Art; ARH 103: Art of the Americas; ARH 104: Art of Africa; ARH 105: Art of Asia.
Studio Art Advising Notes:
- Students do not need to take Drawing or Digital Foundations before other studio art courses. We encourage students to jump into whichever studio area they are most interested in during their first semester. This allows time for students to complete the sequence to the 200 level (minors) or 300 level (majors) before enrolling in the CUE for the fall of the senior year. 200 and 300 level courses are often in either the fall or spring only.
- While AP Studio Art does not count as a course for the Studio Art major or minor, students with strong art backgrounds may sometimes be passed into certain 200 level courses on the basis of a portfolio review and permission of the instuctor. Students should directly contact the faculty teaching the 200 level course if they are interested in this option. Whether this option is available or not also depends on the materials covered in the 100 level course. If a 200 level course is approved, the student is encouraged to contact their advisor about counting the 200 level course in place of the relevant 100 level course requirement through a variance (ex. Drawing II counting for the drawing requirement).
- Art History: ARH 101 and one of the ARH 102 through 105 courses may be taken in ANY order. For example, a student might choose to take 105 and later take 101. These courses are not sequential.
- Any one of the surveys (ARH 101-105) counts as the prerequisite for any of the W art history courses.
- We plan to offer ARH 101 every semester. ARH 102 through 105 will be on rotation. The department plans to offer at least one of these courses every semester.
- W courses are on rotation. We plan to offer a minimum of one W every semester.
- AP Art History may count as the geographic survey requirement (102-105).
Language:
Art History and Studio Art are both global disciplines for which in depth second language study is helpful. Students are advised to take a language starting in their first year. Students planning on studying abroad or going to graduate school should take the language appropriate to their field of study. Many courses in the Art Department also count for area studies programs including: Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Italian Studies, and International Studies. Students might choose a language based on an area of particular interest.
Asian Studies (minor only)
Fall 2021 Courses Appropriate for First Year Students
CHN 101 Elementary Chinese I
HST 269 Introduction to Traditional China
HST 380 Edge of Empire: China
PHL 250 Philosophies of India (with instructor approval)
REL 119 The Moral Self
REL 208 Religions of India
REL 225 Buddhist Traditions
REL 383 Gandhi and Nonviolence
Biochemistry
Chemistry
CHM 103: General Chemistry I or CHM 100: Introductory Chemistry, depending on placement. If rostering CHM 100 in the fall, CHM 103 should be taken in the Spring.
Ideally CHM 104: General Chemistry II should be enrolled in the Spring or Summer after the first year so that organic chemistry can be taken in the sophomore year.
Biology
Biochemistry majors should roster BIO 160: Foundations of Biological Inquiry.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I and MTH 122: Calculus II are required. Students should begin mathematics as soon as possible. Students with strong high school backgrounds in Mathematics are encouraged to roster MTH 121 in the first semester (or MTH 122, if math placement warrants this).
Language
Biochemistry majors may postpone their language requirement.
First-Year Seminar
Elective
Available if a first-year seminar is not enrolled during fall.
Biology
Biology
Enrolling in BIO 160: Foundations of Biological Inquiry (preferably in fall semester) and in BIO 165: From Ecosystems to Organisms (typically spring semester) is strongly recommended and expected for first-year students planning to major in biology. One section of BIO 160 is also offered in the Spring, if Fall scheduling makes it unusually difficult to enroll.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 100: Introductory Chemistry or CHM 103: General Chemistry I is also strongly recommended.
BIO 165: From Ecosystems to Organisms may not be taken without BIO 160: Foundations of Biological Inquiry (as prerequisite or concurrently).
Chemistry
CHM 103: General Chemistry I, CHM 104: General Chemistry II or CHM 100: Introductory Chemistry if MSAT is <600.
Students who are considering a major in the natural sciences, and/or prehealth cousework will take a chemistry placement exam. Inform students that they will not be able to register for CHM 100 or 103 until they have completed the placement exam. A recommendation will be made for each student, and the student should be informed by their advisor whether they should take CHM 100 or 103; the student can ultmately decide which course to roster.
Most students will be recommended for CHM 103: the following are indicators used to recommend that a student take CHM 100 in the fall semester prior to taking CHM 103: MSAT score < 600, MACT < 27, low chemistry placement score and/or low confidence in taking a college-level chemistry course, math placement lower than Calculus I. Levels and grades in high school science and mathematics courses are also considered.
Note that if students take CHM 100 in the fall, they can take 103 in the spring semester of their first year. They need to complete CHM 104 (General Chemistry II prior to taking Organic Chemistry, and some upper level biology courses (CHM 104 can be taken concurrently with BIO 175). One option is to take CHM 104 over the summer to complete Organic in the sophomore year.
CHM 104 is a co-requisite or pre-requisite for BIO 175, meaning that CHM 104 and BIO 175 can be taken at the same time. BIO 175 is now taught in both the Fall and Spring semesters, adding flexibility.
First-Year Seminar
Language
Any language.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I, MTH 122: Calculus II, or MTH 223: Calculus III is recommended in the spring semester.
MTH 121/122 is not required for the Biology major, but highly recommended and it is a pre/c0-requisite for PHY 121, which is required for most postgraduate programs.
Elective
Humanities or Social Science
Business Administration
In order to be accepted and remain as a major/minor in Business Administration, a student must achieve and maintain a minimum 2.0 average in all courses taken in his/her major/minor field.
First-Year Seminar
Business
BUS 101: Business & Society
(may be scheduled in any order with ECN 101 and ECN 102)
Economics
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics
ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
(may be scheduled in any order with BUS 101)
Language
Any language to satisfy language requirements.
Accounting
ACT 101: Financial Accounting. Should not be recommended for first semester students. It may be scheduled second semester, particularly for those planning to major in accounting.
Mathematics
First-year students contemplating majoring in accounting or business should plan to take MTH 119: Statistical Analysis. It is recommended to take this after the first semester.
Business Foundation courses (BUS 101, ECN 101, ECN 102, MTH 119, ACT 101) should generally be taken before Business Core courses (BUS 233, BUS 236, BUS 239, FIN 237). First-year students considering a major in Business are encouraged to take BUS 101 in the first academic year, and to consult with a business faculty member early in their first year for information on Business concentrations in Management & Organization Studies, Marketing, Arts Administration, and International Business.
Chemistry
Chemistry
CHM 100 (Introductory Chemistry) or CHM 103 (General Chemistry I)
Students who are considering a major in the natural sciences and/or prehealth coursework will take a chemistry placement exam. Inform student that they will not be able to register for CHM 100 or 103 until they have completed the placement exam. A recommendation will be made for each student, and the student should be informed by their advsor whether they should take CHM 100 or 103; the student can ultimately decide which course to roster.
Most students will be recommended for CHM 103; the following are indicators used to recommend that a student take CHM 100 in the fall semester prior to taking CHM 103:
MSAT score < 600, MSAT < 27, low chemistry placement score and/or low confidence in taking a college-level chemistry course, math placement lower than Calculus I. Levels and grades in high school science and mathematics courses are also considered.
Note that if students take CHM 100 in the fall, they can take 103 in the spring semester of their first year. Prior to taking Organic Chemistry, they need to complete CHM 104 (General Chemistry II) and can do so in the sophomore year, concurrent with some upper-level biology courses, and take Organic Chemistry junior year. Students starting in CHM 100 who intend to continue on a health-profession track (e.g. to medical school) without a gap year typically need to take CHM 104 over the summer and Organic in the sophomore year (per testing and application cycles).
Chemistry majors are not required to take biology, but students interested in the health professions should also roster BIO 160.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I and MTH 122: Calculus II are required. Students should begin mathematics as soon as possible.
Language
Any language is acceptable.
First-Year Seminar
Elective
Computer Science
Note: First-year students who intend to major in Computer Science should take Computer Science I or Computer Science II (if placed there) in the fall of their first year.
First-Year Seminar
Language
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II
Muhlenberg College does not offer a course in Precalculus. If necessary, students who will eventually need Calculus should consider taking Precalculus at another college over the summer followed by MTH 121: Calculus I at Muhlenberg. Consult the mathematics placement sheet
Computer Science
Computer Science I or
Computer Science II
(A student can place into either CS I or CS II, depending on AP credit.)
NOTE: Please refer to the Mathematics Placement information and to the Mathematics Placement sheet you receive for each student on his/her Summer Advising day.
Creative Writing & Journalism Program
ENG 220: Introduction to Speculative Fiction Writing
COM 225: Journalistic Traditions
COM 223: Environmental Journalism
Dance
Prospective Dance Majors and Minors SHOULD register for:
DNC-115 Dance Practices 1
This course will only be offered in the fall and is specifically designed for first year dancers. It is vital that students do not put the course off until their sophomore year. All first year students considering a major or minor should register this as their first choice of courses.
BIO-102 Concepts of Biology: Biology of Movement
This topic of Concepts only! No other “Concepts of Biology” class counts toward the Dance major. Recommended fall of freshman year or fall of sophomore year.
OR
BIO-160: Foundations of Biological Inquiry (fall) &
BIO-165: From Ecosystems to Organisms (spring)
Dance students planning to double major in Biology should enroll in BIO-160 in the fall and plan to take BIO-165 in the Spring. BIO 165 counts towards the Dance major.
First Year Seminar
Language or other GAR requirements
Notes to first year advisors
Certain language classes conflict with DNC-115. If this is the case, it is better to delay the language start to spring semester or sophomore year.
The (AR) credit may be earned by non-majors and minors by taking two dance technique courses in two different idioms during the same semester. For example, ballet and jazz or modern and tap. Dance majors may also want to add a (.5) technique class in addition to DNC-115 – this is fine.
Dance technique class levels:
Level I – beginners or those with limited training
Level II – lower-intermediate students with prior training
Level III – intermediate for those with several years of training
Level IV – advanced-intermediate for those with significant achievement (requires chair approval)
Level V – advanced (requires chair approval)
Economics
In order to be accepted and remain as a major in economics, a student must achieve and maintain a minimum 2.0 average in all courses taken in his/her major field.
First-Year Seminar
Economics
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics
ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
Language
Any language to satisfy language requirements.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II or
MTH 223: Calculus III
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics and ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics can be taken in any order. Both courses may be taken in either the first or second year.
Economics majors are required to take one Calculus course. Students who have not completed the Calculus requirement are encouraged to do so by the end of their sophomore year.
First-year students contemplating majoring in economics should plan to take the intermediate theory courses, ECN 220, 221: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory and ECN 222, 223: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, and MTH 119: Statistical Analysis no later than the junior year.
For students planning on taking graduate work in economics, it is strongly recommended that additional courses in mathematics, beyond Calculus I, be taken. The following mathematics courses are especially recommended: MTH 122: Calculus II, MTH 223: Calculus III, MTH 226: Linear Algebra, and MTH 227: Differential Equations.
First-year students considering a major in Economics are encouraged to consult with an economics faculty member early in their first year.
Education
Certification programs require careful planning from the beginning, especially for the Pre K-4 and 4-8 programs. A student who wishes to pursue certification should contact the Education Department early in the first semester to be assigned to an EDU advisor.
PRE K-4 | 4-8 | 7-12* | |
---|---|---|---|
Majors | All majors | English, Mathematics, American Studies (Social Studies) | English, Mathematics, History (Social Studies), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Spanish |
EDU |
EDU 101: History & Politics of American Education | EDU 101: History & Politics of American Education | EDU 101: History & Politics of American Education |
EDU |
EDU 104: Educational Psychology or EDU 101 and EDU 104 | EDU 106: Educational Psychology or EDU 101 and EDU 106 | EDU 101 if not taken during Fall Semester |
FYS |
Any FYS | Any FYS | Any FYS |
SL |
Met within the program | Met within the program | Met within the program |
FL |
Any FL | Any FL | Any FL |
RG |
Two (2) college-level MTH courses: MTH 114 or MTH 116 required (met by the end of sophomore year) | Two (2) college-level MTH courses: MTH 114 or MTH 116 required (met by the end of sophomore year) | Any wo (2) college-level MTH courses (met by the end of sophomore year) |
HU |
ENG (American or British Literature) met by the end of sophomore year and two (2) others | ENG (American or British Literature) met by the end of sophomore year and two (2) others | ENG (American or British Literature) met by the end of sophomore year and two (2) others |
AR |
EDU 191: Arts in Education | Any AR; EDU 191 recommended | Any AR |
IL |
EDU 212 & GEO 102 | EDU 212 & GEO 102 | EDU 212 & GEO 102 |
DE |
EDU 212 & GEO 102 | EDU 212 & GEO 102 | EDU 212 & GEO 102 |
SC |
One (1) Biological Science and one (1) Physical Science both from the Natural Science Division | One (1) Biological Science and one (1) Physical Science both from the Natural Science Division | Two (2) any SC from the Natural Science Division |
W |
One (1) in EDU (326 and 328) and one (1) in major | One (1) in EDU 328 and one (1) in major | One (1) in major and one (1) any |
* Students in the 7-12 programs are required to take a certain distribution of courses within their major. Input from BOTH EDU and major advisors is important to ensure all courses count towards students content certificate.
SAMPLE FIRST-YEAR SCHEDULES
The following are suggested first year course sequences.
They may be modified pending the FYS semester, enrollment status of courses, and students presenting as undecided.
Courses in red are priority courses for first-year students.
Courses with HU designations are good substitutions for non-priority courses.
EDU (Pre K-4 Program) & X Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 104: Ed Psych |
MAJOR | FL (2) |
FYS | MAJOR or |
FL (1) | MTH 116 or |
PPD | EDU 191: Arts in Education |
Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
MAJOR | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FYS | EDU 104: Ed Psych |
FL (1) | FL (2) |
SC or HU | MAJOR or ENG (American or British Literature) PPD |
EDU (Pre K-4 Program) & PSY Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 104: Ed Psych* |
PSY 101: Intro to Psych | MTH 119: Stat Analysis or MTH 116 |
FYS | FL (2) |
FL (1) | EDU 191: Arts in Education or PSY |
PPD | Elective |
* Counts as a PSY elective
Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
PSY 101: Intro to Psych | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FYS | FEDU 104: Ed Psych* |
MTH 114 or MTH 119 | FL (2) |
FL (1) | PSY Elective or ENG (American or British Literature) PPD |
* Counts as a PSY elective
EDU (Pre K-4 Program) & THR Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 104: Ed Psych |
THR 105: Performance & Society | THR 107: Dramatic Text in Action |
FYS | FL (2) |
FL (1) | EDU 191: Arts in Education or THR |
PPD | Elective |
Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
THR 105: Performance & Society | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FYS | EDU 104: Ed Psych |
MTH 114 | THR 107: Dramatic Text in Action |
FL (1) | FL (2) PPD |
EDU (4-8 Program) & X Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 106: Ed Psych |
MAJOR | FL (2) |
FYS | MAJOR or |
FL (1) | MTH 116 or |
PPD | ENG (American or British Literature) |
Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
MAJOR | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FYS | EDU 104: Ed Psych |
FL (1) | FL (2) |
SC or HU | MAJOR or ENG (American or British Literature) PPD |
EDU (7-12 Program) & X Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 106: Ed Psych |
MAJOR | FL (2) |
FYS | MAJOR or |
FL (1) | MTH or |
PPD | ENG (American or British Literature) |
Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
FYS | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FL (1) | FL (2) |
MAJOR | MAJOR |
MTH or ENG (American or British Literature) |
MTH or ENG (American or British Literature) PPD |
EDU (7-12 Program) & HST Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 106: Ed Psych |
HST | FL (2) |
FYS FL (1) PPD |
PSC 101 or PSY 101 or ECN 101 or 102* |
*ATH 101, ECN 101 or 102, PSC 101, PSY 101, and SOC 101 are required for 7-12 Social Studies certification
First-Year Schedule Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
FYS | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FL (1) | FL (2) |
HST | HST |
PSC 101 or PSY 101 or ECN 101 or 102* | PPD |
*ATH 101, ECN 101 or 102, PSC 101, PSY 101, and SOC 101 are required for 7-12 Social Studies certification
EDU (7-12 Program) & ENG Major
Option One
FALL | SPRING |
EDU 101: History & Politics of Education | EDU 106: Ed Psych |
ENG | FL (2) |
FYS FL (1) PPD |
MTH or SC or HU |
Option Two
FALL | SPRING |
ENG | EDU 101: History & Politics of Education |
FYS | FL (2) |
FL (1) | ENG |
MTH or SC |
MTH or SC PPD |
English Literatures & Writing
We strongly encourage students to take at least one English course early in their time here. Our courses prepare you to read closely, think critically, speak eloquently, and write compellingly—skills necessary for success in any field and all parts of life. Introductory English courses are identified as ENG 2XX. All of our 200-level courses are appropriate for first-year students: none carry prerequisites and all operate at roughly the same level, regardless of numerical designation.
Literature
We are excited to invite incoming students to join ENG 293: Living Writers, our signature literary event and one which is only offered every three years: six living writers will come to campus and discuss their work with our students. Beyond this, students interested in an exciting introduction to the study of literature at Muhlenberg are welcome in any 200-level course, all of which are appropriate to first-year study.
We are particularly excited to be offering the following special topic courses this semester:
ENG 285 ST: Howling in the Wilderness: American Poetry
ENG 287 ST: What Is A Novel?
This year, we also invite first year students to join ENG 396: Literature & Film of the Cold War, a course sadly relevant to the current political moment.
Creative Writing
ENG 220: Introduction to Speculative Fiction Writing
Environmental Science
Environmental Science and Biology
Students considering a major in Environmental Science should enroll in ESC 150: Introduction to Environmental Science and BIO 160: Foundations Biological Inquiry during their first semester. Students with exceptionally strong science backgrounds may enroll in CHM 103: General Chemistry I. Ordinarily, though, students wait until their sophomore year to enroll in chemistry.
It is acceptable although not encouraged for students to take BIO 160 and/or CHM 103 during the first year and wait until the sophomore year to take ESC 150. In this case, students should take either MTH 119 or 121 during the first year as well.
Mathematics
Students are encouraged to take MTH 119 or MTH 121 by the end of their sophomore year.
Language
Students are encouraged to enroll in a language during the first year. Any language is acceptable.
First-Year Seminar
Choose an environmentally oriented seminar, if possible.
Elective
Humanities or Social science is suggested.
Students seeking certification to teach environmental science should take EDU 101: Foundations of Education during the first year. Advisors should consult the guidance provided for Education majors for more information.
Film Studies
First-year students who plan to pursue a major in Film Studies are advised to take the following courses during their first year on campus:
First-Year Seminar
Language
Film
First Choice:
COM 240: Introduction to Film Analysis (HU)
Introduces different strategies and approaches for analyzing film and video texts including: formal, narrative, psychoanalytic, social/cultural, and feminist. Students will develop an understanding of the grammar, vocabulary, and conventions of film and video production, and the factors that shape viewers’ reception. Attendance at weekly screenings is required.
Each section of COM 240 in the fall has spaces reserved for first-year students. If students are not able to take it in the fall, there will be one section in the spring semester.
Second Choice:
As a back-up in case they cannot get into COM 240 in the fall, students should select one of these alternative courses. Each of these courses will count towards the Film Studies major and does not have perquisites.
Recommended for students with a strong interest in filmmaking:
COM 251-00 - Introduction to Moviemaking
Recommended for students with a strong interest in film studies:
FLM 280-00 - Spc Top: Cinema of Latin America
ITL-321-00 - Italian Cinema Cities
Production Sequence:
Students who are interested in pursuing an emphasis in production should plan to take
COM 251: Introduction to Moviemaking in the spring of their first year or in their second year. COM 351: Video Production should then be taken in the second or third year so that students have the prerequisite to take COM 467: Advanced Video Production in their last year.
Finance
In order to be accepted as a major in finance, a student must achieve and maintain a minimum 2.0 average in all courses taken in the major.
First-Year Seminar
Economics
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics
ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
Language
Any language to satisfy language requirement
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics and ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics can be taken in any order. Both courses may be taken in either the first or second year.
Finance majors should take MTH 121: Calculus (or alternative calculus course) before taking advanced courses in their major, and preferably by the end of their junior year.
MTH 119: Statistical Analysis should be taken no later than the sophomore year.
Students planning on graduate study in finance are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor for appropriate advanced courses in mathematics.
First-year students contemplating majoring in Finance are encouraged to make an early declaration of major and consult with a finance faculty member early in their first year.
History
First-Year Seminar
Language
Students planning on studying abroad or going to graduate school should take the language appropriate to the field of study. Students in the Education Certification Program are encouraged to take Spanish Language classes.
History
Students may take any History course that interests them. Students with scores of 4 or 5 on
an AP History exam should be directed to 200 or 300 level courses. 200 and 300 level
courses are not distinguished from each other by degree of difficulty or assumed
background knowledge.
History Majors and Minors may count only ONE 100-level course toward the major or minor.
Students in the History Major have the option of concentrating in the following areas:
History of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
History of Health and Medicine
History of Race and Antiracism
History of Colonialism and Decolonization
History of Empires and Nations
Diversity (DE)
Courses in African, Asian, Latin American & Caribbean, and Middle Eastern History satisfy the DE requirements. Additional courses in History satisfying the DE requirements can be located in Workday.
Science or Reasoning
Students in the Education Certification Program should consult with a faculty member in that program for guidance on reasoning and science requirements.
* If a student has satisfied the College language requirement, history courses in that region or another world region are recommended.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship [INE] (minor only)
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program offers a six-course interdisciplinary minor that students can combine with any major.
First year students who think they may be interested in entrepreneurship can register for:
INE 101 - Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
First year students may also take any of the INE electives that do not have prerequisites, including:
- INE 285 - Arts Entrepreneurship
- INE 286 - The Booze Business (may be full)
- any INE special topics course without a pre-requisite
Students may also want to look at the following interdisiplinary electives that count towards the minor, but do not have a pre-requisite (advisors note that to count for the minor the course needs to be outside of the student's findal decided major):
- PSC 221 - Government Regulation of Business
- THR 161 - Creativity & Collaboration
- PHL 244, 245 - Business Ethics
- MUS 233 - Global Pop
- COM 251 - Introduction to Moviemaking
- COM 349 - Media Advocacy
- COM 220, 221 - Free Culture
- COM 312 - Media Industries
- ENG 205 - Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Writing
- ENG 373, 374 - The Literacy Marketplace
International Studies
First-Year Seminar
International Studies
IST 101: Introduction to International Studies
Language
By choice. Students planning to study abroad should take the language appropriate to the field of study.
Reasoning
MTH 119: Statistical Analysis
Science
BIO 111: Crisis Earth
CHM 101: Chemistry of the Environment or other science course for nonmajors
ESC 111: Topics in Environmental Science or other science course for non-majors
Jewish Studies
First Year Seminar
Language
All Jewish Studies majors must complete two semesters of study of a Jewish language, or demonstrate language proficiency beyond the level of Intermediate II. Modern Hebrew and a course in reading Biblical Hebrew are both offered at Muhlenberg College. Students interested in the Jewish Studies major with little or no background in Hebrew or other Jewish languages are advised to take Hebrew during their first year if possible.
Jewish Studies
The following two courses are required for all Jewish Studies majors:
- JST 109 Jewish Experience in a Secular Age
- REL 229 Jewish Traditions
It is recommended that students interested in the Jewish Studies major try to take at least one of these courses during their first year.
Most Jewish Studies courses do not have prerequisites. Students interested in the major or minor should feel free to enroll in any of the courses that interest them. If, for some reason, a student who is interested in Jewish Studies is unable to enroll in a Jewish Studies course during their first semester, there will still be time for them to fulfill the requirements of the major or minor. It is recommended, however, that they consult with the program director during the fall semester to help them plan their schedule for the spring.
General Academic Requirements
Most Jewish Studies courses count toward the “HU” requirement. It is recommended that students take at least two courses during their first year that satisfy other requirements of the general academic curriculum.
Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Students may major in French & Francophone Studies, Russian Studies, or Spanish. Students may minor in French & Francophone Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish, or Russian Studies. Other languages offered at the 100- and 200-levels: Arabic, Chinese, German, and Hebrew.
Students interested in majoring or minoring in the above languages should enroll in that language as placed in their first semester. We also encourage students who have placed at the 203 or 204 level in a language to consider pursuing that language because these placement scores indicate very strong skills and background in the language.
We offer specialized courses for heritage speakers in both Arabic and Spanish. Heritage speakers have grown up hearing a second language spoken in the home but may have never studied that language formally; Arabic for the Community (ARB-187) and Spanish for Heritage Speakers I (SPN-202) and II (SPN-303) leverage students’ cultural understanding and special listening and speaking skills to create a meaningful and relevant learning experience.
First-Year Seminar
Language*
If the AP score is under 4 or unavailable:
language level is determined by placement examination.
If the AP score is 4 or above:
Language 301, 303, or 304
American Studies, History, International Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies or Political Science
Any area or cultural studies course appropriate to the prospective language major area.
Reasoning or Science
- NOTE: See the Second Language Placement site for more specific guidelines regarding language course assignment.
Mathematics
First-Year Seminar
Language
Any language is acceptable. However, it should be noted that some graduate school Ph.D.
programs in mathematics require reading proficiency in German, Russian, or French.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II or
MTH 223: Calculus III
MTH 227: Differential Equations (prerequisite: MTH 122): Students who place into MTH 223
may elect to study MTH 227 instead.
Muhlenberg College does not offer a course in Precalculus. If necessary, students who will eventually need Calculus should consider taking Precalculus at another college over the summer followed by MTH 121: Calculus I at Muhlenberg. Consult the mathematics placement sheet.
MTH 114: Fundamentals of Mathematics, or MTH 116: Symmetry and Shape. For students going into Elementary Education.
Computer Science
Computer Science I or Computer Science II (A student can place into either CS I or CS II depending on AP credit.)
(If a student is interested in majoring in Computer Science he/she should start in the first year.)
NOTE: Please refer to the Mathematics Placement information and to the Mathematics Placement sheet you receive for each student on his/her Summer Advising day.
Media and Communication
The first-year students who intend to major in Media and Communication are advised to take the following courses during their first year on campus:
First-Year Seminar
Language
Requirement (RG)
Media and Communication
COM 201: Media and Society (SL)
Students who are considering a major in Media and Communication should take COM 201 Media & Society. This is an advanced introduction to the field of media & communication research through different lenses or issues depending on the section / instructor. Topics may include Social Media, Celebrity, Reality Television, and Digital Media
If students are interested in taking additional courses in the Media and Communication Department, the following courses (not yet fully enrolled) are appropriate for first year students either in conjunction with COM 201 or separately:
COM 220: Free Cultures
COM 225: Journalistic Traditions
COM 233: Environmental Journalism
COM 236: Writing for the Media
COM 240: Introduction to Film Analysis (HU)
COM 251: Introduction to Moviemaking
COM 260: Digital Media Design Lab
ENG 210: Introduction to Narrative Journalism
DOC 150: Introduction to Documentary Storymaking
Students who complete COM 201 Media and Society in the Fall, are advised to take COM 231 Documentary Research in the Spring.
Music
Language
Vocalists are encouraged to take Italian, French, or German
History
Any of the required history courses; American History may be required of those wishing
to teach music in the public schools.
Music
MUS 151: Engaging with Music I, the first of the two-course sequence required by music majors. Students must be able to read music and match pitch. Students who cannot read music to this standard should enroll in MUS 102 (below). It is essential that students pursuing Music Education Certification start the Engaging with Music sequence in their first semester or it is unlikely that they will graduate on time.
We do not award credit for AP Music Theory tests.
Elective Courses appropriate for First-year Students
MUS 102: Fundamentals of Music (beginning music theory and reading)
MUS 104: Pop, Rock & Soul
MUS 140: Music and Technology
MUS 235: History of Jazz
Applied Music (additional fee applied to non-music majors):
MUS 900: Class Applied Music (a group lesson)
MUS 901: Individual Applied Music-First Area (a private lesson)
MUS 911: Individual Applied Music-Additional Area, (a private lesson in a secondary area)
Registering for Ensembles or Applied Music and Arranging a Lesson Time
First-semester students interested in registering for Ensembles or Applied Lessons should visit the Music Office, CA 255, in the Center for the Arts on June 8, 10, 12, 14 during Summer Advising.
Students interested in applied instrumental or voice lessons should come to the Music Office, CA 255 in the Center for the Arts between 12:00am and 3:00pm where they will meet with a Music faculty advisor for studio placement. Once registered, students will select a lesson time by following the “Applied Lessons” link from the Music Department web page:
http://webapps.muhlenberg.edu/StudentTools/
Ensembles:
Talent grant recipients, regardless of award amount, are required to contribute to the Department of Music by participating in a minimum of four courses and/or department ensembles during their time at Muhlenberg (excluding applied lessons).
With the exception of Chamber Singers, Women’s Ensemble, and the Collegium, all ensembles are un-auditioned. Enrollment in Chamber Singers requires co-enrollment in College Choir; auditions are held during the first week of classes.
Music Department ensembles appear on student transcripts with a grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
MUS 935: College Choir (large mixed chorus)
MUS 936: Chamber Choir (small, select mixed chorus; required co-enrollment in College Choir)
MUS 937 Women's Ensemble
MUS 938: Opera Workshop (spring only, audition required)
MUS 939: Collegium musicum: (early music instrumental/vocal group)
MUS 940: Chamber Orchestra (string, percussion, and wind instruments)
MUS 941: Musica da Camera (instrumental and vocal chamber music)
MUS 942: Wind Ensemble (large ensemble for winds and percussion)
MUS 943: Jazz Big Band (big-band swing)
MUS 944: Jazz Improvisation Ensemble (small jazz combo)
MUS 950: Small Ensembles (flute ensemble, percussion ensemble)
Neuroscience
- Prospective neuroscience majors can take Sex, the Brain, and the Behavior in the Fall (NSC 205) to begin working on their neuroscience major electives, as space allows.
- Potential neuroscience majors are encouraged to begin the introductory biology and chemistry sequences during their first year.
- Enrollment in BIO 160: Foundations of Biological Inquiry (preferably Fall) and BIO 165: From Ecosystems to Organisms (preferably Spring). These Courses could be taken concurrently in Spring.
- Enrollment in CHM 103: General Chemistry I
- The courses should be completed by the end of the first year, if possible:
- First-Year Seminar
- MTH 121: Calculus I OR MTH 122: Calculus II OR MTH 223: Calculus III OR MTH 119: Statistical Analysis, depending on the student’s interest and placement
- The Second Language requirement (FL)
- PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology.
- It is possible that a student may wish to delay taking BIO and CHM coursework during their first year; this is less ideal, though still possible, as long as the student is diligently working towards completing general academic requirements.
- Students typically begin the required core sequence of neuroscience courses their sophomore year. Students wishing to learn more about advancing towards a neuroscience major – or perhaps beginning these courses sooner – are enthusiastically encouraged to reach out to the Chair.
Philosophy
Any of the introductory courses:
PHL 104: Philosophy East and West (HU, DE)
PHL 105: Conduct and Character (HU)
PHL 106: Individual and Society (HU)
PHL 108: Being and Knowing (HU)
PHL 115: Philosophy of Race
We recommend taking:
either PHL 110 (RG) in the first year, or PHL 211 (RG) in the second year
In addition, students will find the following courses accessible in their first year:
PHL 221: Ancient Greek Philosophy (HU)
PHL 223: Modern Philosophy (HU)
PHL 234: Philosophy of Religion (HU)
PHL 236: Philosophy and the Arts (HU)
PHL 237: Philosophy of Science (HU)
PHL 242: Law and Morality (HU)
PHL 245: Business Ethics (HU)
PHL 246: Environmental Philosophy (HU)
PHL 251: Philosophies of China (HU, DE)
Other 200 level courses may be more challenging, but students who feel up to the challenge are welcome to enroll. We encourage you to talk to the instructor of the class to discuss your interests, before registering for a 300 level class.
First-Year Seminar
Language
Any language is acceptable, but students interested in European philosophy, including Phenomenology, should consider German or French, and students interested in Chinese philosophy should consider Chinese.
Philosophy/Political Thought
First-Year Seminar
Language
Political Science
PSC 201: Political Ideologies
Philosophy
PHL 105: Conduct and Character or
PHL 106: Individual and Society or
PHL 104: Philosophy East and West (HU, DE)
PHL 242: Law & Morality
Physical Science
Physics and/or Chemistry
Students should consider enrolling in the IL course pair: Computational Physics, consisting of PHY 181-00 - Spc:General Physics 1: Computational Physics & CSI 107-00 - Intro to Comp Sci: Computational Physics. If not, they must take PHY 121 General Physics 1.
Unless students have a strong interest in chemistry, we recommend that they postpone CHM 103: General Chemistry I until their sophomore or junior year.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II is highly recommended for a student identified as a pre-engineering, math or physics major.
Students enrolling in the IL course pair PHY 181/CSI 107 who place into MTH 122 or higher may consider waiting until Spring semester to take additional MTH courses.
Such students are recommended to take MTH 122: Calculus II or MTH 227: Differential Equations during Spring of their year.
Language
Any language is acceptable.
First-Year Seminar
Elective
Choose as student interest dictates.
Physics
First-Year Seminar
Choose as student interest dictates.
Language
Any language is acceptable.
Physics
Students should consider enrolling in the IL course pair: Computational Physics, consisting of PHY 181-00 - Spc:General Physics 1: Computational Physics & CSI 107-00 - Intro to Comp Sci: Computational Physics. If not, they must take PHY 121 General Physics 1.
PHY 122: General Physics II should be taken in the spring of the first year.
Mathematics
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II is highly recommended for a student identified as a pre engineering, math or physics major.
Students enrolling in the IL course pair PHY 181/CSI 107 who place into MTH 122 or higher may consider waiting until Spring semester to take additional MTH courses.
Political Economy and Public Policy
The following courses are strongly recommended for students during their first year:
Economics
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics and
ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
Note: ECN 101 and ECN 102 can be taken in any order and should be taken in different semesters. It is recommended that both be taken in the first year but if not possible, then both should be completed by the end of the second year.
Political Science
PSC 101: Introduction to American National Government or
PSC 103: Introduction to Comparative Government and International Relations
Mathematics/Reasoning
MTH 121: Calculus I (or a higher level calculus course)
In addition, first-year students should be enrolled in their first-year seminar. A language course is also recommended so that students can work towards completing their language requirement.
Political Science
Political Science
PSC 101: Introduction to American National Government
PSC 103: Introduction to Comparative Government and International Relations
PSC 201: Political Ideologies
PSC 205: Constitutional Law I, for students with high school course work in American government
Any other 200 level courses designated as Appropriate for First Year Students with the AFY tag in Workday.
Reasoning
If students are interested in completing the Reasoning requirement with a math course, MTH 119: Statistical Analysis is recommended
Pre-Engineering
(with Columbia University)
Students intending to select this program may spend three years at Muhlenberg and two years at Columbia University, leading to a dual degree (B.S. from Muhlenberg and B.S. in Engineering from Columbia). Also, the choice may be four years at Muhlenberg and two years at Columbia leading to two B.S. degrees.
While at Muhlenberg, the student’s major and general academic requirements must be fulfilled, and also MTH 121: Calculus I, MTH 122: Calculus II, and MTH 223: Calculus III; CSI 111; PHY 121: General Physics I, PHY 122: General Physics II; PHY 241: Thermal and Statistical Physics, CHM 103: General Chemistry I; ECN 101: Macroeconomics: or ECN 102 Microeconomics and certain other courses which depend upon the field of engineering to be selected.
Columbia will review all applicants in a holistic and competitive review process. A student must receive a grade of B or higher in all pre-engineering courses the first time taken and achieve a 3.3 GPA in pre-engineering science courses and overall. The student should take this requirement under consideration when selecting courses.
Physics
Students should consider enrolling in the IL course pair: Computational Physics, consisting of PHY 181-00 - Spc:General Physics 1: Computational Physics & CSI 107-00 - Intro to Comp Sci: Computational Physics. If not, they must take PHY 121 General Physics 1
Math
MTH 121: Calculus I or
MTH 122: Calculus II is highly recommended for a student identified as a pre-engineering, math or physics major.
Students enrolling in the IL course pair PHY 181/CSI 107 who place into MTH 122 or higher may consider waiting until Spring semester to take additional MTH courses.
A typical first-year program may consist of:
- MTH 121: Calculus I and MTH 122: Calculus II
- PHY 121: General Physics I and PHY 122: General Physics II
- Additional courses selected from:
First-Year Seminar
Language
ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics OR
ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
Unless a student has a strong interest in chemistry, we recommend that s/he postpone CHM-103: General Chemistry I until the sophomore or junior year.
Advisor: Dr. Adam Clark, Associate Professor of Physics
Pre-Health
A first-year student considering medical school as a career path usually takes two science courses in both their first and second semesters at Muhlenberg. There are two recommended paths for a first-year student’s first semester:
Path 1
BIO 160 Foundations of Biological Inquiry
CHM 103 General Chemistry I
or
Path 2
PHY 121 General Physics (Calculus I is a pre- or corequisite)
CHM 103 General Chemistry I
The major a student intends to study influences which path he/she takes. Students intending to pursue a major in biology, biochemistry or neuroscience should follow path 1. For all other majors, either path is appropriate and should be chosen according to interest and experience.
Sometimes a student is advised to take CHM 100 Introductory Chemistry in her or his first semester. In order to stay on track for the MCAT in the junior year, this student should complete CHM 103 in the spring of the first year and CHM 104 in summer school before the start of the second year. CHM 104 General Chemistry II is a prerequisite for CHM 201/CHM 203 Organic Chemistry I and a prerequisite or corequisite for BIO 175 From Organisms to Molecules - both courses are essential preparation for the MCAT. Delaying CHM 104 beyond the summer before sophomore year could result in a delay in the medical school application process.
In rare instances an incoming student chooses to take just one science class in the first year. Any student making this choice should be aware that he or she may not have time to complete all of the preparatory courses for the MCAT in spring of the junior year.
Advisor: Cailin Cordon-Waldman, Director, Health Professions Advising
Pre-Law Program
Students should be encouraged to choose any major that interests them.
Traditionally, students admitted to law school have come from almost every academic discipline. Students may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or they may focus their undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, or education. Whatever the major, students are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges them, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop critical thinking, research and writing skills, and oral communication. Students are also recommended to seek significant experiences in and outside the classroom which are devoted to improving fairness, the quality of justice, and a commitment to public service.
Advisor: Dr. Jack Gambino
Reasoning (RG):
Courses that devlop basic mathematical and statistical skills, as well as the ability to analyze financial data.
PHL 110: Principles of Reasoning and Argument or PHL 211: Formal Logic is recommended to take Junior year in preparation for the LSAT.
Humanities (HU)
Courses that provide a broad understanding of history, including the various social, political, intellectual, ad cultural factors that have influenced the development of society in the United States.
Social Sciences (SL)
Courses that provide an unerstanding of political thought and of the contemporary American political system, as well as a basic understanding of human behavior and social interaction.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SC)
Courses that develop basic quantitative and scientific problem solving skills to investigate natural phenomena.
Human Difference and Global Engagement (DE)
Courses developing an understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, of world events, and of the increasing interdepence of the nations and communities within our world.
Psychology
First-Year Seminar
Mathematics
MTH 119: Statistical Analysis or
MTH 121: Calculus I (or above)
To be taken fall or spring semester of the first year as a prerequisite for PSY 103: Psychological Statistics, which is typically taken in the subsequent semester. PSY 103 should be taken no later than the first semester of the sophomore year followed by PSY 104: Research Methods, which should be taken by the end of the sophomore year.
PSY 103 is a prerequisite for PSY 104
Psychology
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology
Could be taken either first or second semester. If taken first semester, the student may take some other psychology courses toward the major requirements in the spring.*
NOTES: If schedule permits because of opting out of requirements, students might be encouraged to take courses in the natural sciences (e.g., biology or neuroscience), in other social sciences (e.g., sociology or anthropology), or in Humanities courses addressing the human condition.
*Suggested courses include:
PSY 212: Learning and Behavior
PSY 220: Social Psychology
PSY 230: Child Development
PSY 241: Interpersonal Psychology
(Students who have received Advanced Placement for PSY 101: Introductory Psychology should be advised to register for one of these courses).
Since the prerequisite for Psych Stats is either Math 119 or Cal I, students who place into Cal II or higher would be considered to have satisfied the math prerequisite for Psych Stats. There are currently seats open for the course, and we believe that the students will have sufficient mathematical sophistication to handle the quantitative parts of the course. HOWEVER, Psych Stats also has a major writing component, in which students are introduced to APA writing style and application. Thus, students considering taking Psych Stats in their first semester should be asked about their level of comfort with the amount and type of writing that they will be required to do. If the student isn't confident in their writing ability, they should consider delaying Psych Stats until they already have some college-level writing under their belts.
Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the AP Psych Test need not take Intro to Psych, depending on their golas and circumstances. They would be better served taking a 200-level psychology course from the list in the advising manual, or to focus on the general academic curriculum and take a psychology course second semester.
Public Health
Note: Students cannot declare the major or the minor until they have completed PBH 200 Issues in Public Health.
Students are encouraged to take the following courses in the first year, but no later than the end of the second year.
PBH 200 - Issues in Publis Health (major/minor requirement)
MTH 119 - Statistical Analysis (major/minr requirement)
Language
Students are encouraged to enroll in a language during the first year. Any language is acceptable.
First-Year Seminar
Choose a first year seminar that interests you.
Science: (major/minor requirement)
One of the following non-majors science course from the following: BIO 101, BIO 107, BIO 111, BIO 118, ESC 111 or ESC 113, NSC 115
Note: Bio 160, 165, and 175 do not count towards the Public Health major or minor.
Elective
A humanities or social science course that fulfills a major/minor requirement is preferable.
Religion Studies
Most Religion Studies courses do not have prerequisites. Students interested in the major or minor should feel free to enroll in any of the courses that interest them. If, for some reason, a student who is interested in Religion Studies is unable to enroll in a Religion Studies course during their first semester, there will still be time for them to fulfill the requirements of the major or minor. It is recommended, however, that they consult with the department chair during the fall semester in order to help them plan their schedule for the spring.
The following course is required for all Religion Studies majors:
REL 202 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
If possible, it is recommended that students interested in the major take this course during their first or second year.
Language
Any language can facilitate work in Religion Studies. Hebrew, Chinese, and Arabic are recommended for those particularly interested in the associated regions.
General Academic Requirements
Most Religion Studies courses count toward the “HU” requirement and many count toward other requirements, particularly the "DE".
Religious Professions
No specific major is required for education and training for a religious profession. Study in Religion Studies, Jewish Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Business, Media & Communication, and Education is recommended. Some religions require that, while in college and before entering a graduate-level program, a student participates in a discernment and formation process. Contact your particular denomination for details. For further information, contact Chaplain Janelle Neubauer.
Russian Studies
First-Year Seminar
Language
Russian at the appropriate level (determined by the departmental Russian placement examination). Refer to the Second Language Placement site for placement recommendations.
Options: (depending on student’s background, interests, and scheduling)
Select courses from the areas of Reasoning, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Arts
Sociology
Students considering a Sociology major or minor should consider the following:
First-Year Seminar
Language
Complete language requirements as soon as possible. We encourage students to study abroad as well, so keep this in mind.
Sociology
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (SL and DE)
Human Diversity and Global Engagement (DE) requirement
Sociology has many courses that satisfy the DE requirement. Consider the following, all of
which require SOC 101 as a prerequisite.
SOC 224: American Ethnic Diversity
SOC 235: Inequality & Power
SOC 325: Imagined Communities: The Sociology of Nations and States
SOC 342: Boundaries & Belonging: Sociology of Diasporas
SOC 352: Global Migration & Transnational Communities
Sustainability Studies
First Year students interested in majoring in Sustainabilty Studies should take at least on of the fllowing courses listed below in their first year:
BIO 111, 126 - Concepts of Biology: Crisis Earth: Causes, Consequences, & Solutions for a Changing Planet (1 course unit) OR
ESC 111 - Topics in Environmental Science (1 course unit) OR
ESC 150 - Introduction to Environmental Science (1 course) unit
Students may also take:
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (1 course unit)
ECN 102 - Principles of Microeconomics (1 course unit)
First-Year Seminar
Language
Sustainability Studies Foundation Course
Sustainability Studies Foundation Course or GAR or Elective
Theatre
All Theatre students should do their absolute utmost to enroll in one of these two classes:
THR 105: Performance & Society
Normally, the first course in the Theatre major is THR 105: Performance & Society. This is the introductory, foundational course for the major. It includes both seminar and studio elements, so students need to enroll in both the Seminar section and the accompanying Laboratory. The Seminar and Lab go together, so make sure your signing up for linked sections; THR 105-01 goes with THR 105-11, THR 105-02 goes with THR 105-12. Students interested in majoring in Theatre should try to roster this course.
OR
THR 107: Dramatic Text in Action
If a student is unable to take Performance & Society, either because it fills up or due to intractable schedule conflicts, they should take THR 107: Dramatic Text in Action. Typically, students take this course after Performance & Society, but it is required for the major and is appropriate for first year students. Performance & Society is not a prerequisite. We don't recommend taking both of these courses simultaneously; they're best done consecutively over the course of the first year.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
If a student has room in their schedule for another Theatre course, they can consider these .5 unit courses, all of which count towards the Theatre major.
THR 151: Voice and Speech for the Actor (.5 units)
THR 166: Stagecraft: Scenic Techniques (.5 units)
THR 167: Stagecraft: Costume Techniques (.5 units)
THR 168: Stagecraft: Properties (.5 units)
THR 185: Stagecraft: Lighting and Sound (.5 units)
We recommend that students interested in Stage Management take THR 220: Stage Management 1; this course requires concurrent enrollment in THR 105.
Students with a serious interest in Musical Theatre should also consider taking a Voice Lesson through the Music department and a Dance Technique class in the Dance Program.
If your advisees have questions about the Theatre major requirements, a helpful guide is available on our website.
Women’s and Gender Studies (minor only)
Director: Dr. Francesca Coppa
The WST Program at Muhlenberg offers a six-course minor that students can combine with any major. Recent WST graduates have majored in biology, psychology, mathematics, media and communication, philosophy, sociology, history, English, religion studies, and theatre.
They will need to take WST 202. This core WST class teaches students the international history of Women’s and Gender Studies and the latest thinking in these areas: feminism, sexuality studies, masculinity studies, and queer studies. (This course is full for Fall 2021)
First year students curious about exploring Women’s & Gender Studies (which encompasses topics of sexuality studies, intersectional analysis, cultural studies, queer theory and more) should try to take one of the classes on the WST Electives list during their first year.
Minor Requirements
To complete the Women’s and Gender Studies minor, students must take WST 202, Topics in Women’s and Gender Studies (or an equivalent course designated by the Director) and five additional courses from the list of approved classes. A WST internship, study abroad, and independent study classes can also count toward the minor. In addition to the Women’s & Gender Studies courses (listed below), special topics courses cross-listed with WST are available on a semester-by-semester basis.
Courses from WST Electives list that DO NOT have prerequisites and DO have seats for incoming first-year students:
AAS 383: Global Black Lit (may be full)
AFS 101: Intro to Africana Studies
ATH 250: Anthro of Gender & Sexuality (may be full)
ENG 287: Spc Top: Trans & Gender Variant Literature
HST 281: Special Topic: Eliza Hamilton’s America (may be full)
NCS 389: Special Topic: Neurobiological of Sex Differences (requires permission of instructor, but interested students should email [email protected] for more information or for permission to register)
PHL 227 Philosophy of Feminism (may be full)
Students with previous gender studies experience might try PSC 383: Spc Top: Critical Race Feminist Theory, which recommend but does not require past courses.
*Note for any students who express an interest in a Self-Designed Major in Gender & Sexuality Studies: The students should contact Dr. Coppa. There are several students currently completing a Self-Designed Major in Gender and Sexuality Studies through the Women’s and Gender Studies program with advising by WST faculty.