Required Courses
Three History/Cultural Studies courses, at least one of which is non-western. One of them should be a III level course.
The history and cultural studies component will contribute to my understanding of the world beyond the immediate environment. Through these courses, I will gain knowledge of history of our culture as well as others, and learn more about the problems facing humanity.
>HIST 217: Age of Renaissance.
This course gave me an understanding of how societies, culture, and academia developed in the late Middle Ages into the Renaissance. I’ve become familiar with the texts written concerning relevant issues such as behavior of lower class women in blooming city environments, ethical and moral controversy regarding usury and business practices, and the influence of the church in secular matters. A history course such as this provides scholarly support in identifying the common roots of social problems evident during the evolution of Western society.
>SOAN 235: Contemporary Native America.
This course delved into the background and contemporary life and culture of the Native Indians. Native Indian literature and various journal articles helped me understand the animist elements of cultures living in community with nature, their struggles in fitting in the globalized world, and their outlook on the future.
>MUS 343: Classical and Romantic Era.
This music history course focuses on 17th – 19th century music and the history and cultures that created them. I was able to make detailed connections on how certain elements of music developed, either reacting to or reflecting a historical movement.
Five courses from a Fine Arts department. One of them should be a III level course.
The “Arts” component is key to my major. Studying an art makes me capable to produce projects or end-products that express the opinions I have gained studying the various disciplines.
>MUS 231: History of Jazz.
By examining the development of a specific musical genre, this course taught me about music, culture, and social injustice from the founding of America into the 21st century.
>MUS 237: World Music.
This course introduces me to an array of cultures and abrief history of non-western music. The musical styles are affected by the society from which they emerge, as well as cultural infusion with neighboring societies throughout history.
>MUS 253: Instrumental Conducting.
This course instructed me how to conduct a group of instrumentalists. Skills gained through this course will be useful in my senior project.
>MUS 324: Composition II.
This course teaches me how to write music. I also gain knowledge in scoring practices and blending of sounds through examining select composers and their works.
>MUS 354: Advanced Conducting.
This course allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of ways to conduct musicians.
Two Environmental Studies courses, one of which should be ENVST 222: Campus Ecology or ENVST 201: Global Environmental Politics.
Environmental Studies helps me become aware of the various communities that I am a part of. By examining small, local communities like St. Olaf, to greater communities such as the world, the discipline encourages me to understand how various communities are connected and affect one another.
>ENVST 222: Campus Ecology.
This course is a comprehensive study of the St. Olaf College environment, how it relates to society and the greater environment in which we all live in. I have gained urgency for environmental change by studying the literature for the course. I learned in this class that it is essential to push for change not only top down – through participation in epistemic communities and influencing policy makers – but also bottom up, through dialogue with the working class so that the masses are educated enough to gain the motivation for desired change.
>ENVST 201: Global Environmental Politics.
This course examines how nations work together in diplomatic terms to bring about positive global environmental change. It will help me to broaden the spectrum of cause-and-effect cycles that take place in the world.
At least two Ethics/Religion courses excluding ones that fulfill the BTS-B and BTS-T requirements, one of which should be from a non-western tradition.
Ethics and religion completes the Arts for Social Change major with philosophical/spiritual overtones. By studying ethics, religion, and philosophy, students develop spiritual support in discovering the self and our connection with the supernatural. It further fosters St. Olaf College’s mission to help students find their calling and vocation.
>REL 253: Hinduism.
This course examines the non-dualist tradition of India: how religion influences Indian culture, how Hinduism evolved through time, and the society’s future agendas and goals based on the religion. Studying a non-dualist religion, I learned the importance of honestly realizing the self, how self-realization provides a window that enables me to see into the hearts of others, realize their needs, and goals. This course encouraged me to gain the compassion that led me to pursue the Arts for Social Change major.
>REL 296: Love, Justice, Social Relations.
This course deals with Christian ethics with background studies in moral philosophy such as Kant, Mill, and others. It examines Christian morals and ethics, and ways Christians dealt with contemporary problems of terrorism, family structure, violence, and justice. The course will provide me with a wealth of information that will be utilized in my senior project. It will validate the need for change from a religious ethical viewpoint.
>PHIL 257: Environmental Ethics.
This course deals with significant philosophical and ethical issues regarding nature. This course will help me focus on the urgent need to preserve natural environments, control pollution, and clarify governmental responsibility for the eco-crisis.
>REL 289: Buddhism, Peace, and Justice.
I will examine contemporary Buddhist teachings on social issues such as violence, social justice, and the environment. By comparing the similarities between Christian and Buddhist ethics, I will understand how social change transcends political and cultural boundaries.
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