Distinction in Family Studies

The Family Studies concentration seeks to prepare students with in-depth knowledge of the strengths and concerns of families in society. A student who is awarded distinction in family studies must demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge from prerequisite and other liberal arts courses with the knowledge gained in family studies courses. Seniors who are awarded distinction in family studies will complete independent, integrative academic work in addition to the regular requirements of the concentration.

Criteria for Distinction

  • An overall St. Olaf GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A GPA in courses required for Family Studies of 3.5 or higher (including prerequisite courses and courses outside the department).

Completion of one of the following

  • An independent study, independent research, or academic internship in addition to the regular curricular requirements. The independent work must be related to family studies. The work may be done in a formal course (e.g. FS 298, 398, or 294) or it may be work that is independent and not-for-credit that is presented in a formal manner. This formal presentation maybe in the form of a paper, a portfolio of learning, a DVD or a PPT presentation; OR
  • An extensive reworking of a previous scholarly paper on a topic directly related to family studies (e.g. a project or paper completed for FS 232, 242, or 253)

Demonstration of interdisciplinary knowledge on families related to the topic and integration of previous learning in liberal arts and family studies courses must be evident in the distinction work.

Procedure for Distinction

  • February 15th: Senior Family Studies students request consideration for distinction in writing to the Department Chair or Family Studies faculty.
  • March 19th: Distinction material (paper, presentation, etc.) is submitted to the Department Chair.
  • April: A committee of department faculty, along with a faculty member from a related discipline or a family studies alum familiar with the content area of the distinction work, will review the work. The committee will then meet in oral interview with the candidate to discuss the work.
  • April 20: Committee makes a decision about the distinction application and the chair notifies the candidate of the decision in writing. Department Chair then sends name(s) of distinction awardee(s) to the Registrar.

Revised November 2007
Mary S. Carlsen, Department Chair