Anthropology

Acquired by Mitchell

Anthropology means "the study of people." It assumes that generalizing about human life takes an integrated study of human biology and culture, past and present, and simple and complex lifeways. Anthropology is composed of four sub-fields. Cultural anthropology describes and explains variation in human cultural and social types. Biological anthropology explains the physical nature and development of humankind, and other primates. Archaeology considers past human life and how societies grow, change, and become extinct. Linguistics (the only sub-field not taught directly in our department) examines human and primate communication processes.

The Anthropology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, integrated, and interdisciplinary social science background and to prepare them for a range of careers; our graduates work a variety of fields, from education to public service, marketing and international management, to cultural resources management and museum curation. The department offers minors in cultural anthropology, archaeology, practicing anthropology, and biological anthropology. These programs give the student a holistic and cross-cultural perspective that complements many majors and career goals.
 

Mitchell's Personal Tip For Anthropology Majors: Given my experience, success as an anthropology major must come from two directions: the social and the intellectual. Socially, it is essential that an anthropology major integrates his or her self into the existing group of majors. Attend meetings of the Anthropology Club, join lunch outings between classes, and simply sit in the department office and contribute to the nearly continuous interaction between students and professors. Intellectually, one must invest time in understanding the basic principles that underlie all of anthropology, no matter how diverse the field seems. These are the concepts of Holism and Science (in the broadest sense). Now, you are probably expecting a definition of these abstract things, but it is my most important piece of advice in telling you that the process of personally discovering, understanding, and finally applying each to your work is the most rewarding (and widely applicable) aspect of studying anthropology.

  

Economics

Acquired by Ashley

The Economics Department offers courses leading to a bachelor's degree. This major offers students the opportunity to explore different views and approaches to economic questions and policies. Majors in Economics acquire the skills that are in demand by employers in need of individuals who can be trained easily to perform specific tasks.

 

Ashley's Personal Tip: ECON 300 & 305 are typically offered only once a year, so plan accordingly.

 

Tashonne's Personal Tip: If you decide to take ECON 398 (Topics in Economics) remember that it can only be repeated under different topics for up to 6 credits.

   

English
Acquired by Jade via English Department Chair Stephen Cohen

The English major teaches the essential skills of careful reading, effective writing, and critical thinking through the challenges and pleasures of engaging with the great works of English, American, and World literature. The major allows students to take a wide variety of courses on a range of periods, genres, authors and themes, from the foundations of literature in English to our greatest living writers. Students also have the opportunity to take courses in linguistics and creative writing. The major is carefully structured, introducing students to the skills in close reading, literary theory, and academic research that they will need at each level of the program, while also leaving room for exploration through a choice of electives. Students who graduate with an English major will leave CCSU with the talents needed for a variety of career paths—including teaching, law, publishing, editing, and professional writing—as well as the thinking, reading, and writing abilities important to employers, graduate schools, and informed, engaged citizenship.

 

Frank's Personal Tip: To stay on track in this department always be aware of the core English classes that you are taking each semester. In addition, your goal should be to take ENG 298 in your sophomore year so that you are eligible to take the 300 level courses. In your Junior year you should take Eng 398, which allows you to take the 400 level classes in your Senior year.
 

Olivia's Personal Tip: Don't be afraid to meet with your professors to discuss upcoming assignments or readings! They are always willing to discuss with you. Also, be aware of which courses count towards each specific requirement needed for your core classes. For example, certain classes may count tolwards "American Literature Pre 1865 period at 300-400 level" but not for "American Literature Post 1865 at the 300-400 level."

 

History

Acquired by Brent

History is the study of the past, but it has deep significance for the present. Through history we can learn about societies and cultures, understand change and identify continuity. At CCSU, history students are taught the methods, skills and strategies historians employ in evaluating and interpreting historical evidence. They learn to research complex problems, analyze ideas and make informed and coherent arguments. History students pursue a variety of careers and can work in education, government agencies, the legal field, businesses, newspapers and magazines, the film industry, museums, archives, libraries and historic preservation organizations. All of these careers require the skills of research, analysis and writing for which a History major is excellent preparation.

 

Brent's Personal Tip: The History department at CCSU is a top notch experience. Students can expect a wide variety of differing courses available, with extremely knowledgeable professors. Make sure to get your History 301 course done as soon as possible, because it is the pre-cursor for many of the higher classes in the department. Also, take advantage of the opportunities of internships within the department and experiences to travel abroad. These experiences will offer a broadening of the subject matter and help bring it to life. Overall, the History department at CCSU offers students a unique experience of understanding the past, while also giving excellent preparation for the real world job market, post-graduation.

Gloria's Personal Tip:  Work on your primary source analysis skills.  Be prepared for the intense work in HIST 301, and sign up for a section with a topic that interests you.  You can always try to go deeper.

 

International Studies

Acquired by Shealin

International Studies is the study of differing cultures and ways of life across the globe. The major has different concentrations that you can choose such as Africa, Europe, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. There are a few core classes that are required for all those who are in the major. However, from there, it breaks off into very different paths. Depending on your concentration, you can take diverse set of classes to fulfill your major requirements. The best part of being in the major is the freedom you have when it comes to your course requirements. There are electives you can choose from based on your own interests that can be completely different than someone else within the same major. You truly get a full understanding of the part of the world you are studying in a way that is extremely personalized and fun.

 

Shealin's Personal Tip: Be sure to communicate with your advisor. Some of the higher level classes have prereq requirements that need to be fulfilled or overridden to allow you to take the course and your advisor can help you be aware of that. If you’re not on top of it, you may miss a rare course that won’t be offered again during your time here at CCSU!

   

Journalism

The Department of Journalism’s BA in Journalism is a 40-credit program that prepares students for positions in journalism, writing, and related information and media careers. Students have the opportunity to specialize in broadcast, print or online reporting; however, all students follow a core curriculum that emphasizes writing, reporting, and multimedia storytelling. Journalism requires practitioners to have an interest in the world around them and to adopt strategies for continuous learning. The department requires that the liberal arts and sciences form a substantial part of each student’s studies and encourages students to explore courses in areas, such as foreign languages, computer science, marketing, science, among others, that can expand opportunities beyond graduation. An active international study program, which offers courses through which students travel abroad during spring break and other short periods, fosters a sense of global citizenship. An active internship program with placements at all area media companies allows students to apply classroom lessons in professional newsrooms. The department also advises campus media and a student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, which provide further career development. The journalism faculty are journalists and scholars. The department also offers a popular minor and serves the broader CCSU community with courses that help other students become aware of journalism’s role in society and the importance of the First Amendment for all citizens in a democratic society.

 

Darren's Personal Tip: Take JRN 200 and see what interests you. If you are unsure after 200, take 235/255 & 237 (News Writing and Reporting I/Multimedia Journalism & Introduction to the Profession) together if possible. This combination will help you substantially and 237 especially is dedicated to helping you find what you want to do. There are a lot of great classes that will help you find the career that is right for you as a journalist.

  

Music

Acquired by Kaitlyn

The Department of Music at CCSU offers students with a variety of options. Those with a passion for music have the opportunity to major in music education, or in music with a specialization in performance, jazz studies, theory/composition, or general studies. Students who have an interest in music but not the background experience have the opportunity to complete a minor in music instead. Auditions are required for those interested in majoring in music. No audition is necessary for those interested in minoring in music. Those who major in music have a variety of options available for potential jobs. Music majors may go on to professions in music therapy, music production, and in the music business.

 

Kaitlyn's Personal Tip: Make an effort to form relationships with your instructors! It will not only help you in their class, but also help you in the long run when you need recommendations and internships.

 

Strategic Communication

Acquired by Jessica

The emphases of this major focus on careers in organizational communication and public relations. They also focus on training and development within both corporate and non-profit organizations. Required classes for this major include Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (215), Introduction to Organizational Communication (253) and Communication ans Social Influence (343).

Isabella's personal tip: I would recommend maintaining close contact with your professors. For instance, when I took COMM 231 which was more based on Adobe applications which I am unfamiliar with, I spent a lot of time after class asking questions and seeking additional help to feel more comfortable with the material. Also, I would make sure to stay on track in order to avoid falling behind in courses and feeling overwhelmed. COMM 343 is a heavy reading and writing based course and requires hours of weekly work. It is important to stay on track with the assignments and start working on the semester project in advance so that there is enough time to complete it well.

 

Political Science

Acquired by Ryan

"The Political Science program is one of the most customizable and academically free programs on campus. Whether covering theory, practice or current topics in the classroom, each area has a professor who is a master of that area. With a smaller set of full time faculty members, get to know your professors! You like law? Look into what electives and policy courses are offered each semester. Are you “over” the whole political aspect of government? Look into theory and practice courses that explain what government agencies do behind the scenes. The most important thing is to find a passion. When I started I had no idea how to research properly, yet by my last semester I had traveled to Texas to research and wrote a thesis on civic engagement. Political Science here at CCSU is what you make of it. Whatever you put in, you will definitely get out and even more, so expand your comfort zones and explore!"

Haneen's Personal Tip: I would say the best piece of advice I could give is to form connections with your professors. I know everyone says that, but it will help you in the long run from recommendation letters to upcoming opportunities. Not only that, but they will also be more willing to help you out towards the end of the semester. When it comes to office hours, I would advise you to email your professor to give them a quick heads up that you're coming. Then when you log in, be sure to introduce yourself, discuss why you're taking the class and go from there. There's no need to be afraid and don't worry about how long the discussion goes on for. Also don't hesitate to visit during their office hours or see them before/after class if you have any questions, that's what they're there for!

The political science major will require you to complete the readings to succeed in the class, so make sure you give yourself time to do that every week. Like any major, make sure to hit the required courses as soon as you can because many of them are only offered one semester and tend to fill up quickly. Most political science professors will share new opportunities with the class, take advantage of those! You may doubt whether you get it, just apply to at least put your name out there.

 

Psychological Science

Acquired by Jackie B.

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Behavior refers to observable actions, while mental processes refer to inner experiences such as thoughts or attitudes. Students of psychology will learn about theories, research findings, and methodologies that guide scientific investigation of the field. Topics in psychology include human development, social and cultural phenomena, the biological and cognitive basis of behavior, diversity, personality, and psychological disorders, etc.

 

Erica’s Personal Tip: Psychology includes lots of research and knowledge of statistics. I would recommend taking STAT 215 and STAT 216 as soon as possible because it helps you read psychology papers and do your own research in future classes. I would also join Psychology Club and attend as many meetings as you can. It is an easy way to meet professors and peers, and it exposes you to different careers in the field and their education requirements. Psychology is a versatile major and it is important to keep an open mind.  

 
Kevin G's Personal Tip: Don't be afraid to branch out in terms of courses and integrate Gen Ed. courses with those in your major.  Taking classes in diverse subject areas across the social sciences and humanities will inform your overall perspective on human behavior, so load up on English, geography, history, sociology, and anthropology!  It is also crucial that Psychology majors hone their writing skills early on, as writing is vital to Research Methods PSY 301 and 302 (reporting of data) and essays that are central to evaluating your understanding of psychological theories and applications.  Research Methods is challenging for most students, but make sure to put forth your best effort rather than trudging through it simply because it is a requirement.  CCSU has a lot to offer in terms of research experience, so savor the process and get involved in independent research or research teams if you can find the time -- it will prove an invaluable experience if you choose to do so, especially looking ahead to graduate school!

 

ViVi's Personal Tip: Take Research Methods seriously!  Use the peer tutors specifically for PSY 301 & 302, they are super helpful.

Courtney's Personal Tip: Get to know your professors!  They're always here for us and love to watch us grow.  Almost all professors in our major are actively researching, so connections can be life-changing!  Don't be afraid to ask for professor's thoughts on topics/opportunities, and reach out about internships early!

Abel's Personal Tip:  Read assigned textbooks and look out for research teams.  Take PSY 113 as soon as possible, and know your requirements, like prerequisites to other classes.

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Jessica's Personal Tip: One tip I have is to be aware that Psychology research methods class is now Psy 301 and 302 instead of 221 and 222. My tip for the psychology major is to join the psychology club! The psychology club offers events where you can learn more about different careers in psychology, as well as information about internships, volunteer, and research opportunities. Being in the psychology club helps you make connections with faculty and peers who are involved with the psychology department. The more connections the better!

Tyra's Personal Tip:  Psychology is broad field that can lead into many different career paths. PSY 113 helps you understand various careers and continuing degrees that you may want to pursue. Taking PSY 113 as soon as possible is a great way to help think about future careers or graduate school.

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Sociology

Acquired by Mitchell

The Department of Sociology at CCSU prepares students to become thoughtful, engaged, and responsible citizens in an interdependent world. As the study of people in groups, students are provided with a firm understanding of the complex social structures and processes that connect their private lives with wider, public issues. More specifically, the mission of the department is to foster logical and analytical reasoning, social scientific inquiry, a socio/historical consciousness, and an understanding of the relationship between social inequality and matters of social justice. The integrating principle underlying our curriculum is the linkage between theory, methods, and specific areas of sociological inquiry.

Mariana's Personal Tip:  Do the readings so you know what is going on in class.  Ask questions and go to office hours if you need help!

 

Theatre

The Department of Theatre offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with specializations in Performance or Technology, Design and Production, and a Bachelor of Arts degree with emphases in Performance or Design Technology. Students have the opportunity to participate in four main stage campus productions a year (three main stage and a musical produced in conjunction with the Student Government Association), and a varying number of student produced works. Design students work in lighting, sound, costumes or scenery for main stage productions.

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World Languages, Literatures,
and Cultures

The Department of Modern Languages offers a wide variety of language, culture, and literature courses that not only provide students with an aesthetic appreciation of the representative languages but also give them a better understanding of self, of other cultures, and of the complexities of human nature. Our overall goal is to prepare students to communicate beyond their native language and to participate effectively and successfully in the modern world. Students have the opportunity to major in Italian, French, German, and Spanish. Languages that students may complete a minor in include American Sign Language, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. The Modern Language Department encourages students to major in a modern language along with a second major to increase their employment marketability.

 

Stephanie and Olivia's Personal Tip: When it comes to learning a new language, practice is key. My first recommendation is to STUDY ABROAD! CCSU has a great study abroad program. There is no better way to learn a language than to be fully immersed into a new culture. Learning a new language can be difficult, but it's also a lot of fun. Stick with it and it will be very rewarding. I also recommend making friends with your classmates. You should spend some time with your new friends and only speak the new language you all are trying to learn. It is actually really fun and beneficial to just try and converse in a foreign language. Also, try listening to a podcast in the language you're trying to learn, or watch a movie/TV show in that language.

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Philosophy

Acquired by Shealin 

Philosophy to many people may seem very intimidating due to the deep thinking it requires. But, it is extremely enriching and fulfilling when you finally understand a difficult concept. Our philosophy department here at CCSU offers a major (both regular and pre-law), a minor, as well as a social justice minor. The department is quite small, with only 5 full-time faculty, however, it allows for a very close knit group and an ability to get to know your professor. There is a diverse course offering for this discipline, from Existentialism to Buddhist Philosophy. This allows students within the major or seeking a possible general education course to pick what their interests are. The introductory courses, Intro to Philosophy and Moral Issues, are a great place to start for those trying out the discipline without too much work on top of it.

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