- Interdisciplinary Minor in Catholic Studies
- Linguistics
- All-College Honors Program
- Quantitative Financial Analysis
Patrick J. Lynch, S.J., Department of Religious Studies and Theology, Director.
The Catholic Studies minor at Canisius College examines the doctrinal, historical, legal, spiritual and cultural traditions of Catholicism. In addition, it includes dialog with people of other faiths and the examination of intellectual disciplines that have been influenced by Catholicism, such as art, history, law, literature, politics, philosophy and the sciences. As a result, this program requires study in several departments of the college and highlights the Catholic tradition upon which the college was founded.
Any person who wishes to know more about the Catholic heritage, to further one’s personal development, or to pursue a principle-based career in public service, medicine or law would find this minor relevant. Those with church-related career or academic objectives would also want to complete this program. Future seminarians, lay ministers, teachers especially interested in the Catholic educational system, those preparing for graduate work in theology or religious studies and anyone planning to pursue a career in a Catholic organization such as a social work agency or health care system would be the types of people whom this program would help. The program director will help the student choose appropriate courses or appoint an advisor to do so.
All courses in the Catholic Studies minor except CTH 400 are offered in traditional academic departments and meet the criteria established by these departments for area studies or major credit. Most courses in the minor are part of the college’s core curriculum and therefore can be taken as a way to fulfill and focus the requirements for area studies.
Structure of the Catholic Studies Minor
RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies (AS VI)
(3)
CTH 400: Research in Catholic Studies
(3)
One course in each of four areas: Catholic Theology and Life;
Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music & Science;
Catholic History & Politics; and Catholic Social Thought & Philosophy — but no morethan two courses from any one department in these areas.
(12)
TOTAL (6 courses)
(18)
COURSES: 2005 - 2007
RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies (AS VI) 3
Studies the origins of Catholicism and the major movements and personalities in Catholic theology, history, culture and spirituality. The Catholic worldview and its relation to society, culture and the intellectual life will also be considered.
Prerequisite: RST 101.
CTH 400 Research in Catholic Studies 3
Capstone course in which a student does independent research and a project on a person or topic of interest within the Catholic Studies minor under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Internships: May be done with special readings and reflection as an extra course for 3 credits or included within a project for CTH 400. Prerequisite: Consent of director. Courses in specialty areas follow. Course descriptions and their years of offering will be found in the appropriate departmental listing.
I. Catholic Theology and Life
RST 230 Catholic Belief Today (AS VI)
(3)
RST 260 The History of Catholic Belief (AS VI)
(3)
RST 327 The Church: Its Mission and Structure (AS VI)
(3)
RST 328 Sacramental Theology (AS VI)
(3)
RST 350 or HON 327 Christian Concept of God (AS VI)
(3)
RST 354 Jesus Christ and Modern Culture (AS VI)
(3)
RST 359 Revelation and Faith (AS VI)
(3)
II. Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music and Science
ENG 303 Medieval Literature
(3)
ENG 320 Contemporary American Catholic Fiction (AS III)
(3)
FAH 224 Medieval Art (AS III)
(3)
FAH 245 Renaissance Art (AS III)
(3)
HON 328 Age of Michelangelo
(3)
FAM 217 Medieval & Renaissance Music (AS III)
(3)
RST 314 New Testament in Literature/Art (AS VI)
(3)
RST 343 Religion & the Challenge of Science (AS VI)
(3)
III. Catholic History and Politics
HIS 106 The Medieval World (AS IV)
(3)
HIS 131 History of Latin America to 1830 (AS IV)
(3)
HIS 306 & 506/RST 223 History of Religion in America (AS VI)
(3)
PSC 200 American Catholics in the Public Square
(3)
RST 215 History of Christian Community I (AS VI)
(3)
RST 235 Religion and Politics (AS VI)
(3)
RST 308 (CLS 308 & HIS 308) Pagans & Christians (AS VI)
(3)
RST 319 The Jesuits: History, Spirituality and Culture (AS VI)
(3)
HON 319 Religion and Politics: U.S. Roman Catholic Perspectives
(3)
IV. Catholic Social Thought & Philosophy
PHI 352 Medieval Philosophy (AS V)
(3)
PHI 372 Catholic Social Thought (AS V)
(3)
ZPR 351 Contemporary Catholic Social Ethics (AS V & VI)
(4)
Candalene J. McCombs, Director; Betsy M. DelleBovi.
Linguistics is the field of study devoted to the scientific investigation of language, a field of inquiry that has fascinated people for literally thousands of years. Linguistics uses the scientific procedures of data collection and the testing of hypotheses to develop its theories regarding the nature of language and its use in society. Linguistics encompasses a broad array of issues, including, for example, the nature of the relationship between language and thought, the role of language in social interaction, the definition of national and ethnic identities, the distinction between human and animal communication, and the consideration of questions relating to the very core of what it is to be human.
The subject of its concern and the breadth of its coverage are the very factors responsible for the appeal of linguistics to scholars and professionals in such diverse fields and professions as anthropology, sociology, biology, philosophy, psychology, computer science and artificial intelligence, education, composition and language teaching, law and medicine. The study of linguistics imparts intellectual discipline, strengthens analytical skills, develops facility with oral and written language and fosters understanding of and appreciation for the subtleties and complexities of language and its role in the human experience.
For students interested in exploring this field, the Linguistics Department offers a range of introductory and upper level courses in linguistics and applied linguistics, including courses in composition and English as a foreign language, to complement other areas of study. The courses serve as electives, area studies, or as requirements in some majors.
Composition courses focus upon discourse analysis and grammatical relations. These courses share a commitment to exploring the unique properties of written language that distinguish it from oral language. Written language preserves the human experience, and knowledge of its fundamental properties, particularly the grammar, expands critical thinking and expression, leading to the effective writing required in all areas of scholarly endeavor.
The English as a foreign language courses are grounded in contemporary second language acquisition research and theory, utilizing scientifically founded methodology and instructional practices. Students may enroll in composition, conversation, reading and phonetics courses as needed or desired.
The Department also houses the
COURSES: 2005 - 2007
CMP 105 Composition I 3
Covers the basic writing processes, moving from expressive writing to expository and transactional writing. Includes instruction in grammar.
CMP 106 Composition II 3
Begins with exposition and moves to a focus on argument, addressing grammatical relations and the structural and organizational aspects of writing papers. A research paper is required.
CMP 115 General Composition 3
This course focuses on common grammatical problems, punctuation, organization of ideas, and rhetorical modes. Recommended for any student who wants to improve writing skills.
CMP 302 Writing for Success 3
Designed for students who have completed ENG101 and 102 and wish to continue developing skills in writing. Ideal for those planning to pursue graduate study, or careers in business, law, communication, education and the sciences. (AS III)
CMP 405 Teaching Writing in Schools 3
Grammar for teachers! This course fulfills the writing requirement for English Education majors. It focuses on (1) the study of grammar and (2) how writing is taught in grades K-12.
CMP 499 Directed Study in Writing 3
Directed study under the supervision of a faculty member.
EFL 107 - Grammar and Composition 3
Begins with a review of grammar and proceeds to the structural and organizational aspects of writing as well as differences between speaking and writing Standard American English.
EFL 108 - Grammar and Composition 3
Refines syntactic skills and reviews rhetorical modes. Furthers the development of the organizational aspects of academic writing with an emphasis on essay writing.
EFL 109 Advanced Composition 3
Explores rhetorical models to develop proficiency in written expression.
EFL 215-216 Advanced English 3
Analysis of advanced grammar problems and sociolinguistic behaviors in American culture. Intensive work in critical reading, writing, speaking and research skills.
EFL 301 - Phonetics of English 3
Detailed analysis of the English sound system and current trends in linguistics. Practice in phonemic transcription, listening and correct pronunciation.
EFL 499 Directed Studies 3
Provides the opportunity to pursue individual study with a professor on a mutually determined topic of concern or interest relating to the English language.
LAN 101 Language and Learning 3
Explores the relationship between language acquisition processes and perception and conceptualization, providing the student with practical knowledge of the function of language in learning and socialization.
LIN 201 The Science of Linguistics 3
Introduces the study of language as a uniquely human behavior, exploring the relationship between linguistic theory and scientific inquiry. Recommended for science majors and social science majors. (ASII)
LIN 202 The Science of Linguistics 3
Focuses on the systematic study of language as a uniquely human behavior, exploring sociolinguistic behavior and language change.
LIN 250 Contemporary Linguistics 3
Conveys an understanding of fundamentals of linguistic theory, developing a broader perception of the complexity of language for specialists in such neighboring fields as communication, education, ESL, composition, reading, foreign language, literature and social sciences. (ASII)
LIN 360 African American English 3
Explores the development and the structure of dialects of African American English, identifying phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic and lexical differences that contribute to the richness and vitality of the language.
LIN 370 Gender Issues in Language 3
Explores the intersection of language and gender, examining gender-related stylistic variation in conversation between women and men as cross-cultural communication.
LIN 380/580 History and Structure of the English Language 3
Reviews the structural changes and the political, social, and intellectual forces that have shaped the English language. Explores grammars and tools of linguistic analysis.
LIN 401 Teaching English as a Second Language 3
Instruction in the transfer of a student’s native speaker knowledge of English to develop ESL teaching techniques suitable for teaching ESL under tutorial arrangements. Opportunities for service learning experience.
LIN 407 International Business Communication 3
Focuses on issues attending business communication in linguistically and culturally diverse contexts.
LIN 499 Independent Study 3
Provides the opportunity to pursue individual study with a professor on a mutually determined topic in linguistics.
Robert J. Butler, Department of English, Director.
The All-College Honors Program offers qualified students an opportunity to enhance their education in a challenging and rewarding atmosphere of small, enriched classes and close faculty supervision. Honors students are chosen from the top ten percent of entering freshmen. Selection is based on S.A.T. and A.C.T. scores, high school average and rank in class, and the strength and diversity of the student’s curriculum and extracurricular activities. Approximately one hundred freshmen from all majors are invited each year into the Honors Program. Those completing all four years of the Honors curriculum graduate with special distinction.
The Honors curriculum parallels the courses in the college’s Core Curriculum, which are required of all Canisius students. Like the Core Curriculum, the Honors Program seeks to provide breadth and coherence to the student’s education. However, the Honors Program offers many special advantages which are difficult to find in a conventional educational setting. Class sizes are small, ranging from no more than twenty students during the freshman year to approximately fifteen during the senior year. The Honors Program fosters interdisciplinary study, encouraging students to make connections between the disciplines and stimulating faculty to present innovative, team-taught courses.
Honors Curriculum:
The Honors curriculum includes four courses in the first year and four in the second. In the third and fourth years, students take a total of four seminars. In addition, there is a special Senior Thesis and Senior Seminar. The specific courses may change from year to year. The following list gives the required areas and some of the courses that are scheduled for 2005-2007.
First Year:
Composition and Literature (HON 101-102)
Religious Studies (HON 130)
Philosophy (HON 120)
Second Year:
History (HON 220, 221)
Social Science (HON 230)
Religious Studies (HON 241)
Philosophy (HON 215)
Third/Fourth Years:
Required: Science and Technology (HON 398, 401)
Electives (three of the following):
Social Sciences (HON 331, 355)
Art and Literature (HON 304, 315, 329, 393)
History (HON 305, 329)
Philosophy (HON 311)
Religious Studies (HON 324)
Fourth Year:
Senior Thesis (HON 450)
Senior Seminar (HON 454)
Note: Each student is also required to take two courses in mathematics and two courses in foreign languages.
COURSES: 2005 - 2007
HON 101-102 Literature and Composition I and II 6
Various literary genres. Works by writers representing wide variety of places, times, nationalities, philosophies. Student’s writing refined through these readings and through composition assignments.
HON 120 Honors Philosophy I 3
Study of works by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Anselm of Canterbury, as well as selected recent work in philosophy.
HON 130 Religious Experience of the East 3
Comparative study of aspects of Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu and Muslim traditions. Topics include man and his predicament, the sacred, ethics, the mystic experience.
HON 215 Honors Philosophy II 3
Study of Thomas Aquinas, Descartes (or other rationalist), Hume (or another empiricist) and Kant, as well as selected recent work in epistemology or metaphysics.
HON 220 Problems in Modern European History 3
Relationship between culture and society in Europe from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century.
HON 221 Problems in Modern American History 3
Selected topics in American history.
HON 230 Justice and the Political Order 3
The quest for justice as one of the central and enduring characteristics of human communities. The limits of politics as a means of achieving justice.
HON 231 Crime and Society 3
A study of how crime evolves out of various environmental determinants.
HON 238 The American Presidency 3
A careful examination of the American Presidency and how it has been shaped over time.
HON 241 The Western Religious Tradition 3
Introduction to and survey of the Western political tradition. How scholars compare the phenomena of religion. Survey of belief systems in the Western political tradition.
HON 304 The New Woman in Literature 3
The emergence of the figure of “new woman” in nineteenth-century literature and the ways in which this literary type has influenced modern literature.
HON 305 History of the Civil Rights Movement 3
The historical forces leading to and the major events of the civil rights movement in America. Careful attention to the impact of this movement on American culture.
HON 311 Marx, Nietzsche, Freud 3
Careful analysis of major works by these seminal thinkers and an analysis of their influence on modern thought.
HON 315 Biography and Autobiography 3
In-depth study of biographical and autobiographical texts in a variety of forms and traditions from Plutarch to the present.
HON 324 Myth, Ritual, and Symbols 3
Anthropological approaches to academic study of religion. Defining and interpreting elements that comprise religion and how these elements relate to broader social and cultural contexts.
HON 325 Time in Philosophy and Cross Cultures 3
How time is envisaged in various cultures.
HON 329 Russian History and Literature 3
Russian history from the Decembrist Revolts to the Cold War, emphasizing how major literary texts have represented this period.
HON 330 Contemporary Poetry 3
A study of American poetry from the end of World War II to the present.
HON 331 The Science of the Mind 3
The dilemmas posed by the mind-body problem of consciousness. Proposed solutions from the work of Descartes, Kant, Freud and Skinner.
HON 331 Biotechnology 3
An examination of recent developments in Biotechnology and how they have shaped contemporary society.
HON 355 Media Culture 3
Assessment of the political economy of popular culture production, distribution, and consumption relative to how media ownership, financing, and social control affect content.
HON 385 The British Monarchy 3
The British monarchy from early times to the present.
HON 390 The Age of Michaelangelo 3
A study of art and culture in the Italian Renaissance.
HON 393 Nineteenth Century Literature 3
A seminar in nineteenth century literature examining central texts from British, American, and European traditions.
HON 398 The History of Science 3
Historical approach to the development of modern physical science from Galileo to Einstein. Seminar course based upon original scientific works and laboratory experience.
HON 401 Technology and Literature 3
Modern science and technology and how they are envisioned in representative literary works.
HON 450 Senior Thesis 3
Independent research on topic selected by student, culminating in research paper. Student works closely with faculty advisor.
HON 454 Senior Seminar 3
A capstone seminar which uses interdisciplinary work to offer points of synthesis in the student’s four-year Honors program experience.
Quantitative Financial Analysis
Although not a major at Canisius, several departments have gotten together to identify the courses that would help students prepare themselves for one of the most exciting and rewarding career paths in America today. These courses are designed to enable students to participate in decision-making processes and develop solution techniques for applications encountered in current and future financial markets. The identified courses develop the analytical methods necessary for effective participation in the fields of risk management and financial engineering. Significant course work is devoted to the development of financial, mathematical, statistical and computer skills. These skills are necessary to evaluate the uncertain outcomes found in financial applications. Members of the departments involved believe the courses provide students from their majors with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to projects that utilize quantitative financial tools and techniques.
Recommended courses from departments other than the student’s major:
Economics B. A. students with a Finance concentration should take MAT 111, MAT 219 and MAT 191, as well as CSC 111, CSC 212, CSC 213 and either CSC 310 or CSC 350.
Math & Statistics majors should take FIN 301, ECO 455, FIN 314 and FIN 480, as well as CSC 111, CSC 212, CSC 213 and either CSC 310 or CSC 350.
Computer Science majors should take MAT 111, MAT 219, MAT 191 and either MAT 351 & MAT 352, or ECO 255 & ECO 256; as well as ECO 455, FIN 301,
FIN 314 and FIN 480.
If you are a student in good standing and interested in exploring the program, please contact:
Dr. George Palumbo, Chair of Economics and Finance
at 716-888-2667
or
Dr. Leonid Khinkis, Chair of Mathematics and Statistics
at 716-888-9793
or
Dr. Jeffrey McConnell, Chair of Computer Science
at 716-888-2434