Writing 140. Also see the Writing Program

205 Pages·1999·1.67 MB·English

by  Lydia Shabestari

USC College of
Letters, Arts and
Sciences
T
he College is the liberal arts center of the University of Southern California, teaching
more than 10,000 undergraduates. It offers instruction in the humanities, the natural
sciences and the social sciences, leading to bachelor of arts and bachelor of science
degrees. The programs of the college provide both a broad liberal arts education and a thorough
grounding in an academic discipline. The breadth is in the general education program and in the
electives; the specializations are in departmental majors, interdisciplinary majors, and special pro-
grams and minors.
The college offers many opportunities for post-baccalaureate study. Graduate programs within the
college leading to the master of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees are
administered through the USC Graduate School.
The college combines two “worlds” — the world of the self-contained liberal arts school, with
small classes and close working relationships between students and faculty, and the larger world of
the research university, where new ventures and new ideas are being explored. Together they make
the college a supportive and exciting place to learn.
The college combines the attributes of a self-
contained liberal arts school and a research
university to offer students an opportunity to
develop close working relationships with faculty
and to explore new ventures and ideas.
164 USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Administration
Morton O. Schapiro, Ph.D., Dean, College of Certain programs report to the college Departments in the Natural Sciences and
Letters, Arts and Sciences administration: Mathematics
Freshman Seminars Biological Sciences
Joseph Aoun, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty General Education Chemistry
Interdisciplinary Major Earth Sciences
Roger D. Stewart, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Joint Educational Project Exercise Science
Faculty Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute Mathematics
Neuroscience Physics and Astronomy
Sarah Pratt, Ph.D., Dean of Curriculum and Overseas Studies Office
Instruction Program in Neural, Informational and Special Programs
Behavioral Sciences Environmental Studies
Jane M. Cody, Ph.D.,Associate Dean of Resident Honors Program Ocean Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Social Science Research Institute Psychobiology
Thematic Option
Larry Swanson, Ph.D., Dean of Research Undergraduate Advisement and Other Departments and schools in the Social
Student-Related Services Sciences
Laura Lucas, Facilities Manager Anthropology
Departments and schools in the Humanities Economics
David Warren, B.A., Administrative Director, Art History Geography
Research and Computing Classics History
Comparative Literature International Relations
Richard Tithecott, Ph.D., Assistant East Asian Languages and Cultures Political Science
Administrative Director English Psychology
French and Italian Sociology
Robert E. McQuinn, M.B.A., Senior Associate German
Dean for Development and Public Affairs Linguistics Special Programs
Philosophy Gender Studies
Carol Dougherty, B.S., Senior Asssociate Dean Religion Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics
of Business and Finance Slavic Languages and Literatures Law and Society
Spanish and Portuguese Peace and Conflict Studies
Patricia Coleman, M.E., Associate Dean of Political Economy and Public Policy
College Admission Special Programs
American Language Institute
Albert Herrera, Ph.D., Executive Director of the American Studies and Ethnicity
College Advising Office Center for Feminist Studies
East Asian Studies Center
Richard Fliegel, Ph.D., Executive Co-Director, Judaic Studies
General Studies Office The Writing Program
Robin Romans, Ph.D., Executive Co-Director,
General Studies Office
Graduate Studies in Letters, Arts and Sciences
Graduate studies leading to the Master’s and
Ph.D. degrees are available within most
departments of the College of Letters, Arts
and Sciences. Candidates for graduate
degrees must complete both the departmen-
tal requirements listed for each degree and
the general requirements set by the Graduate
School.
Undergraduate Programs 165
Undergraduate Programs
The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences To ensure that the department major has the requirements for both majors and whatever
offers curricula leading to the Bachelor of units and consistency necessary for purpose- other course work is needed to complete 128
Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) ful study, departmental approval must be units. Combinations of interdepartmental and
in a great number of disciplines. Each degree obtained for the courses that comprise the department majors are also possible. See
requires a minimum of 128 units. major. The specific requirements for each page 62 for rules governing the overlap of
department major will be found in the courses allowed for a double major, and page
Majors departmental sections of this catalogue. 167 for rules governing general education
Students in the college may major in a single requirements.
basic discipline or combine several interests Interdepartmental Majors
in an interdisciplinary program. Humanities or Social Sciences Major (B.A. Degree) Dual Degree
A Humanities or Social Sciences major consists A dual degree is one that has course work
Selecting a Major of not less than 32 upper division units within from two schools or two different degree pro-
A major may be chosen because the student departments in the humanities or departments grams within the same school which has been
is especially interested in a subject, because in the social sciences. Of the 32 required upper organized into a single program. Listings of
of particular abilities in certain areas, or division units for the interdepartmental major, accelerated dual degrees and graduate dual
because it is an especially fitting preparation 20 are typically taken in one department, and degrees can be found on page 67. The stu-
for a profession. The choice of a major may the additional 12 units are taken from applica- dent receives two diplomas.
thus become part of planning for a career. ble courses in the area in which the depart-
But a choice in the college will not usually ment of concentration is housed. See the Second Bachelor’s Degree
limit the student to a single career or line of departmental listing for more specific require- A second bachelor’s degree requires a mini-
work. Liberal arts majors are unusually adapt- ments for the interdepartmental major, includ- mum of 32 additional units. In some degrees
able; they are suitable preparations for many ing lower division requirements. more than the 32 additional units may be
careers. needed because all requirements of both
Physical Sciences Major (B.S. Degree) The degrees must be met. Also, the residence
A student may declare a major at any time, departments of chemistry, earth sciences, and requirement for a second bachelor’s degree
but is expected to record his or her major in physics and astronomy, cooperating with one requires 32 units applicable to the degree
the Office of Academic Records and another, offer a physical sciences major in the beyond the number of units required for the
Registrar at or before the beginning of the natural sciences and mathematics. The major first USC bachelor’s degree to be completed
junior year or completion of 64 units. This requires specific lower division courses in in residence (see the policy on residence
allows sufficient time, without undue pres- chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, requirement for a second bachelor’s degree).
sure, to fulfill the course requirements of the physics and astronomy and 28 upper division The student receives a separate diploma for
major in the student’s third and fourth years. units of major courses in the four depart- each degree upon completion.
For some majors, however, and especially for ments. Of the 28 required upper division
a major in one of the natural sciences aiming units, at least four units must be taken in Substitution for Major Requirements
for the B.S. degree, it will be advantageous to each of the four cooperating departments. If a student wishes an adjustment to the
declare the major sooner, so the program may major requirements in his or her department
be paced over the full four years. Program Major (B.A. or B.S. Degree) A program or program, the department advisor can make
major consists of designated courses and not a change through a Memorandum of Internal
Changing a Major less than 24 upper division units chosen from Substitution; it is not necessary to petition
If, after a major has been declared, the stu- the list of courses which make up the pro- the Committee on Academic Policies and
dent wishes to change to a different field (or gram. The college has a number of special Procedures (CAPP) for such an alteration.
add another field of study to the existing programs, many of which offer majors. Both USC course substitutions and the sub-
one), a Change of Major form must be filed. stitution of accepted transfer work in the
The form may be obtained in the College Because programs are often organized around major field of study for specific USC require-
Academic Services Office or the Student the study of a region or a topic, and hence are ments can be accommodated within the
Administrative Services Building. The form not specific to any single discipline, or department.
must be completed and returned to the because two or more disciplines have joined
Office of Academic Records and Registrar. to deal with a common problem, most pro- Unit Limitation
When a major is changed, the current depart- gram majors are interdisciplinary. An interdis- There is an established limit of 40 upper
ment advisor and the new department advi- ciplinary major offers unusual range to stu- division units in any major. A student wishing
sor must both sign the form. dents who have topical interests. Specific to exceed the limit must obtain the approval
requirements for all program majors are listed of the department in a memo of internal sub-
Types of Majors and Major Requirements under the program titles. stitution with the final endorsement of the
Departmental Major (B.A. or B.S. Degree) dean of curriculum and instruction.
A departmental major for the B.A. degree Double Major (B.A./B.A. or B.S./B.S.)
consists of specified lower division courses A double major consists of two majors which Basic Requirement for a Degree from the College
and, generally, not less than 24 or more than allow the student to earn the same degree, For those undergraduate students earning a
32 upper division units in a single depart- either a B.A. or B.S. degree, within the col- degree in the College of Letters, Arts and
ment or discipline. A greater concentration of lege. The student must complete the Sciences, a minimum of 104 units applicable
units in a single discipline is usually required to the degree must be earned in college acad-
in majors for the B.S. degree than in majors emic departments. For students graduating
for the B.A. degree. with a minor or a second bachelor’s degree,
this minimum is reduced to 96 units. Other
166 USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
exceptions will be considered by the dean of Units Required Each Semester Grade Point Average Requirement
curriculum and instruction in the college. The student is expected to complete about A grade point average of at least C (2.0) on
16 units each semester; 18 units are generally all units attempted at USC is required for
Students who are completing major degree considered to be the maximum number in a undergraduate degrees. The college requires
programs in a professional school, but whose manageable program. If the student wants to a minimum 2.0 grade point average in upper
degree is conferred by the college, are enroll in more than 18 units, he or she may division major courses. Some departments
exempt from this policy. do so, but should consult first with the acade- require grades of C or higher in specified
mic advisor. courses. A grade point average of at least
This policy also applies to transferable cours- 3.0 on all units attempted at USC is required
es (see page 51). for master’s degrees. A grade point average of
at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC
is required for doctoral degrees.
Advisement and Academic Services
College Academic Services Building, functions as an intermediary with other will help students locate and appropriately
Room 120 offices on campus. use community resources. The office also
[phone] maintains a resource library, an email list-
Advising for Pre-Health Programs serve, and a website for pre-health students.
The Office of College Advising provides ser- Students considering further education in a
vices that integrate students, faculty, staff, health profession program (medicine, den- Advising for Pre-Law Programs
academic disciplines and curriculum into a tistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupation- Students who are interested in going to law
meaningful educational experience through al therapy, and other allied health profes- school work one-on-one with an academic
a wide range of advisement services and sions) work one-on-one with a pre-health advisor to craft an undergraduate academic
programs. advisor to determine the most advantageous program designed to lead to law school
academic program including the prerequisite admittance and success. Pre-law students
Academic advising is mandatory for all stu- courses to lead to admission and success in receive academic advising about general edu-
dents entering the college until they have those health programs. Pre-health students cation courses, majors, minors and the opti-
completed 24 units at USC. Students without receive academic advice about general educa- mal use of electives. They also receive guid-
declared majors will also be required to tion courses, majors, minors and the optimal ance in the law school application process,
receive academic advising every semester. All use of electives. They also receive informa- including how to write an effective personal
students in the college are strongly urged to tion and guidance in the application and statement and how to request appropriate
seek individual academic advisement at least admission process, including how to write an recommendations.
once each semester until graduation. effective personal statement, how to gain
Guidance regarding academic requirements, clinical or research experience, how to Pre-law advisors also help students target the
policies and program planning is available request appropriate recommendations, and most appropriate law schools for them, put
either by appointment or on a walk-in basis. how to complete the applications. students in contact with pre-law societies and
Advisement in major course requirements is notify students of relevant pre-law and law-
available within the department of the stu- Pre-health advisors help students assess related events. Pre-law students are also
dent’s major. which health programs are most appropriate invited to subscribe to an email listserve and
for each student and prepare them to be the to use the pre-law resource library housed in
The services of a college ombudsman are best applicants for the health professional the Office of College Advising.
available to students who have academic con- programs. The Office of College Advising
cerns of a complex nature. The ombudsman
Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program
College Academic Services Building, Coordinator: Stella Samuel, Office of College work, but with little or no prior college-level
Room 120 Advising science and mathematics in their back-
[phone] ground. The typical student accepted into
FAX:[phone] This program allows postbaccalaureate stu- the program will have a liberal arts baccalau-
Email:[email protected] dents to complete the science and mathemat- reate degree.
ics core requirements for medical school
Director: Larry Singer, Professor of Chemistry admission in a supportive environment. It is
directed towards students with demonstrated
academic achievement in their baccalaureate
General Education Program 167
Admission Procedures and Requirements Requirements Up to three of the above courses completed
To be eligible for the Postbaccalaureate Students must complete the following nine with grades of B or better and taken at
Premedical Program, a student must have a course core of science/mathematics courses. USC or another accredited college or uni-
baccalaureate degree from an accredited col- Up to two upper division electives may be versity prior to entry into the program may
lege or university with an overall undergradu- substituted for courses in the core. Two be accepted for credit towards the core
ate GPA of 3.0 or better. The following are courses (8 units) must be at the upper divi- requirements.
required for admission consideration: (a) a sion level (numbered 300 and above).
completed application form; (b) transcripts An overall GPA of 3.0 or better must be
from all colleges and universities attended by CORE COURSES UNITS maintained in all attempted courses, includ-
the student; (c) two letters of recommenda- ing the two allowed substitute courses BISC
BISC 110L Introduction to
tion from professors familiar with the stu- 311 and BISC 316L.
Biology I 4
dent’s academic credentials and motivation
BISC 112L Introduction to
for undertaking an intensive program of study Students in the Postbaccalaureate Premedical
Biology II 4
in the science/mathematics core; (d) the stu- Program may use the pre-health counseling
CHEM 105aLbL General Chemistry 4-4
dent’s scores on one of the following standard- services of the College Advisement Office.
CHEM 322aLbL Organic Chemistry 4-4
ized tests: ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT. Students who meet the program require-
MATH 125 Calculus I 4
ments will receive a Letter of Completion.
PHYS 135aLbL Physics for the Life
Admitted students may begin the program at They are eligible for a Committee Letter for
Sciences 4-4
the start of any term, fall, spring or summer. medical school application purposes if they
However, all course work must be completed UPPER DIVISION ELECTIVES meet the minimum requirements for such a
within a 24-month period from the date of letter.
Either or both of the following two upper
entry into the program.
division courses may be substituted for core
courses:
All students admitted into the program
BISC 311 Molecular Biology 4
should discuss with the coordinator their
BISC 316L Biochemistry and Cell
readiness to begin the science/mathematics
Biology 4
core. Occasionally, backgound course work in
science and/or mathematics may be recom-
mended before a student begins the program.
General Education Program
College Academic Services Building, of western European and American culture, as must satisfy writing and diversity require-
Room 200 well as (II) alternative cultural traditions and ments to complete the USC core.
[phone] (III) the basic principles animating scientific
FAX:[phone] inquiry. The second part, called “Case General Education Requirements
Studies,” provides particular opportunities for Students in all programs are required to take
Coordinator:Richard Fliegel, Ph.D. you to sharpen your critical intelligence by one course which satisfies each of the follow-
considering specific (IV) applications of sci- ing categories.
The university’s general education program is ence and technology, (V) works of literature,
structured to provide a coherent, integrated philosophy and art, and (VI) contemporary Foundations:
introduction to the breadth of knowledge you social issues of urgency and importance. I. Cultures and
will need to consider yourself (and to be con- Civilizations I one course
sidered by other people) a generally well- The freshman year semester of the writing II. Cultures and
educated person. requirement is co-registered with classes in Civilizations II one course
the Social Issues category and a speaker III. Scientific
In thinking over what is necessary, the facul- series, helping to build intellectual com- Principles one course
ty identified two principal goals: to help you munity among students and faculty in the Case Studies:
(1) locate yourself in your own moment of general education program. As you look IV. Investigations in
cultural and intellectual history; and (2) think through the courses in each category, try to Science and
critically about the books you read, the argu- reach beyond the disciplines with which you Technology one course
ments you confront and the evidence offered are most familiar and comfortable. Draw V. Arts and Letters one course
for and against theories in the humanities, broadly from the range of academic expertise VI. Social Issues one course
the social sciences and the natural sciences. and choose a thoughtful, provocative selection
of “g” courses as your personal general educa-
To achieve these two goals, the program is tion program. This academic background will
divided into two parts: the first part, called need to serve you well in the future, as a basis
“Foundations,” presents courses that give you for lifelong learning. In addition, all students
the “big picture” about (I) the development
168 USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
General Education Categories
Part One: Foundations distinguished by their breadth of perspective this category will demand intensive reading
Courses in these categories help students over a substantial period of time. and writing and be capped at 30 students.
locate themselves culturally and intellectual-
ly. The foundations categories are intended III. Scientific Principles VI. Social Issues
to give students a broad conceptual base for Courses in this category study fundamental Courses in this category prepare students for
their further studies and their role as principles underlying a body of scientific informed citizenship, by teaching them to
informed citizens in a scientifically and cul- knowledge, examining how those principles analyze compelling local, national and/or
turally complex world. Because their goal is were developed through gradual evolution, international issues or problems. Analytical
to provide context, these courses emphasize a the elimination of competing ideas, and sci- tools are examined systematically, so that stu-
wide sweep of knowledge and require active entific revolution or paradigm shift. These dents may fruitfully redeploy them in under-
intellectual engagement with scientific prin- courses also focus on the nature of scientific standing a broad range of social phenomena.
ciples and with primary works of culture and inquiry by educating students as to how sci-
civilization. entific knowledge is obtained and evaluated; In this category students develop the analyti-
they give a strong appreciation of how we cal and critical skills that enable them to
I. Cultures and Civilizations I arrived at our present understanding and a make sense of complex questions about
Courses in this category introduce students to sense of how present ideas might evolve. human beings and societies.
the norms and patterns of civilizations associ- Field experience or a practical component is
ated with the Greco-Roman and European required. Limitations
traditions and the legacy of those traditions in Advanced Placement Credit
North America. Courses may focus on partic- In this category students are introduced to Students may satisfy the requirements for
ular aspects of those traditions, or on particu- the vocabulary and modes of thought of a Categories I or III with scores of 4 or 5 on
lar historical periods, provided that the per- dominant perspective in contemporary cul- specified Advanced Placement Examinations,
spective is construed broadly enough to ture. This category includes courses designed but no such credit will satisfy the require-
establish a foundation on which students may for students with majors outside the natural ments of Categories II, IV, V or VI, or the
build, grounding themselves and their subse- sciences. writing requirement.
quent studies in some understanding of this
legacy. Comparative insights may also be Part Two: Case Studies Transfer Credit
offered between cultural traditions studied in Courses in these categories help students Students may satisfy the requirements for
Categories I and II. learn to think critically through a focused Categories I, II, III or V with transfer course
inquiry into a particular area of knowledge. work completed before the student has
In this category students learn about an area Analytic techniques and methodologies are enrolled at USC, but no transfer credit will sat-
of academic inquiry traditionally perceived as demonstrated as they illuminate specific top- isfy the requirements for Categories IV or VI.
core to an excellent general education. ics in the natural and social sciences, the arts The first semester of the writing requirement
Courses are distinguished by their sweep, and humanities. may also be satisfied with transfer course
which must be broad enough for students to work, if it is completed before the student has
understand the continuing legacies in con- IV. Investigations in Science and Technology transferred to USC. However, no transfer
temporary culture of the patterns of civiliza- An examination of the nature of science and course work may be used to satisfy any gener-
tion these courses present and critique. technology, based on a closer, more focused al education requirements or the writing
study of a single area of research or a small requirement if those courses are taken after a
II. Cultures and Civilizations II set of related areas. The perspectives of sev- student has enrolled at USC.
Courses in this category introduce students to eral scientific disciplines are brought to bear
cultural norms and patterns of civilizations on a theme, illustrating the relevant scientific Courses Taken on a Pass/No Pass Basis
associated with Africa, Asia, Latin America, principles, their technological applications No more than four units of credit (or one
the Middle East, Native America and else- and the societal significance and conse- course) counting toward the general educa-
where, alternative to those of the Greco- quences of the topic. Field experience or a tion categories may be taken on a pass/no
Roman and European traditions. Each course practical component is required. pass basis. The writing courses cannot be
examines distinctive properties of the cul- taken on a pass/no pass basis.
tures and civilizations studied and seeks to In this category students deepen their under-
engage and explain those properties on their standing of a particular area of scientific Exceptions
own terms. Comparative insights may also be research, its applications and social impact. A very restricted number of exceptions to the
offered between the cultural traditions stud- rules governing the new general education
ied in Categories I and II. V. Arts and Letters program has been allowed by the Provost for
Courses in this category develop students’ certain cohorts of students whose programs of
In this category students prepare to partici- abilities for critical analysis through intense study in the major discipline require such
pate in an increasingly internationalized eco- engagement with works of literature, philoso- exceptions. For more information, see the
nomic and political landscape. Courses teach phy, visual arts, music and/or film. Subject listings under the individual schools.
students to understand the historical devel- matter for these courses will be significant
opment of cultures which interact in the con- works associated with one or more geographi-
temporary geopolitical scene. In addition, cal areas, time periods, genres or themes.
courses in this category help students to Designed also to develop knowledge of ana-
understand the role otherness plays in self- lytical techniques in the humanities and prac-
definition and self-delineation. Like courses tice in argumentative methods, courses in
in Category I, courses in this category are
General Education Program 169
Other Requirements
In addition, all students at USC must com- write for non-specialist readers on topics multiculturalism. In addition to fulfilling the
plete a two-course writing requirement and a which may be related to their professional or diversity requirement, some of the courses on
diversity requirement. All students in the disciplinary interests. Most students fulfill the list also meet general education require-
College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and this requirement with WRIT 340 Advanced ments; others also meet major requirements;
some in the professional schools (see listing Writing. Students enroll in WRIT 340 after still others meet only the diversity require-
for each school’s requirements) must also sat- WRIT 140 Writing and Critical Reasoning ment but count for elective unit credit.
isfy the foreign language requirement. has been completed, usually in the junior
year and no earlier than the sophomore year. Foreign Language Requirement
Writing Requirement There are many sections of this course, The foreign language requirement may be
Writing is a skill that needs to be refined at offered by different schools at the university. satisfied only by (1) earning a passing grade
various stages of development. The universi- Students should consult their major depart- in Course III of a foreign language sequence
ty writing requirement is designed to ments to learn which sections of WRIT 340 at USC or its equivalent elsewhere or
acknowledge and enhance the process of best complement their programs of study. (2) scoring on the placement examination
continuing acquisition of skills in writing. (Students in the Thematic Option program at a level considered by the department as
The first writing course, to be taken during satisfy this requirement with CORE 112.) equivalent to the completion of Course III.
the freshman year, is intended to get stu- Students who can supply proof of at least two
dents off to a foundational start in their col- Sections that meet the university’s advanced years of full-time secondary schooling beyond
lege writing. The second is required later in a writing requirement teach students to write the age of 14 taught in a foreign language
student’s college career, when students have clear, grammatical, well-structured prose; to may request exemption from the foreign lan-
a clearer idea of the kinds of writing they are discover and convey complex ideas critically; guage requirement.
likely to do most often or are most relevant to and to appreciate the nuances of good argu-
their professional aspirations. ment. The principal aim of the requirement All students earning degrees granted by or
is to develop a student’s capacity to address under the jurisdiction of the College of
The first of the two writing courses most specific audiences and formulate persuasive Letters, Arts and Sciences or earning degrees
undergraduates take is WRIT 140 Writing arguments. in programs of other schools that require
and Critical Reasoning, which is affiliated three semesters of foreign language who do
with a general education course in Category Diversity Requirement not meet the criteria of (1) must take a place-
VI, Social Issues. Students enroll in this writ- The diversity requirement is designed to pro- ment examination to determine their level of
ing course either in the fall or spring of their vide undergraduate students with the back- language proficiency. Placement in elemen-
freshman year. ground knowledge and analytical skills to tary and intermediate foreign language cours-
enable them to understand and respect dif- es is made by the appropriate placement
Certain cohorts of students whose schedules ferences between groups of people and to examination. Transfer courses equivalent to a
do not permit them to register in an affiliated understand the potential resources and con- USC elementary or intermediate language
writing class, such as certain groups in the flicts arising from human differences on the course fulfill the prerequisite for the next
Schools of Architecture and Music, will satis- contemporary American and international course in the sequence, but students may be
fy their first writing requirement with an scene. Students will increasingly need to advised to repeat without additional credit a
alternative course, WRIT 130 Analytical grapple with issues arising from different semester or semesters of instruction if their
Writing. Students may not enroll in dimensions of human diversity such as age, skills are judged insufficient at the time of
WRIT130 unless expressly permitted to do disability, ethnicity, gender, language, race, testing.
so by the academic advisors in specified religion, sexual orientation and social class.
schools or by the Writing Program Office. These dimensions and their social and cultur- International students whose native language
Students in the Thematic Option program al consequences will have important ramifica- is not English are exempt from the foreign
satisfy this requirement with CORE 111. tions for students’ personal, professional and language requirement. Students with
intellectual lives, both for the time they are advanced skills in languages other than those
Students requiring training in English as a students and in later life. Students will gain taught at USC may request exemption from
second language will complete course work exposure to analytical frameworks within the foreign language requirement if (1) they
in the American Language Institute before which these issues are to be understood and can supply proof of at least two years of full-
registering for WRIT 130 or WRIT 140. addressed, including social, political, cultural, time secondary schooling taught in a foreign
Some domestic students, as well as those ethical and public policy analyses. It is the language beyond the age of 14, or (2) if they
completing ALI training, may need to university’s goal to prepare students through can pass a competency exam testing for
strengthen their writing skills through stand- the study of human differences for responsi- advanced language skills and administered at
alone courses in the writing program before ble citizenship in an increasingly pluralistic USC subject to the availability of suitable
taking their affiliated writing courses. and diverse society. academic examiners; the competency exam
Clearance to register for these stand-alone will test proficiency in speaking, reading and
courses, WRIT 120 Introduction to College Course Requirement writing skills. Students with documented
Writing and WRIT 121 Introduction to The diversity requirement must be met by learning disabilities or physical impairments
College Writing in a Second Language, may all students who began college at USC or inhibiting language acquisition may petition
be obtained from the Writing Program Office. elsewhere fall 1993 or later. It can be met by for substitution.
passing any one course from the following list
Advanced Writing Requirement of courses carrying the designation “m” for
All students at USC must complete an
advanced writing course that will help them
170 USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
General Education Course Lists
Category I. Cultures and Civilizations I Category II. Cultures and Civilizations II Category III. Scientific Principles
Classical Civilizations and Their Legacies AHIS 125g Arts of Asia: Antiquity to For Most General Education Students
AHIS 120g Foundations of Western Art 1300 The following courses are recommended for
AHIS 201g Digging into the Past: AHIS 126g Introduction to Asian most students seeking to satisfy general edu-
Material Culture and the Art: 1300-1900 cation requirements.
Civilizations of the Ancient ANTH 100g Principles of Human
ASTR 100Lg The Universe
Mediterranean Organization: Non-Western
BISC 101Lg Cellular and Molecular
CLAS 150xg The Greeks and the West Societies
Biology
CLAS 151g Civilization of Rome ANTH 140g Native Peoples of Mexico
CHEM 102Lg The Molecular World
CLAS 280g Classical Mythology and Central America
GEOG 160Lg The Earth’s Surface
CLAS 320gm Diversity and the Classical ANTH 235g The Changing Pacific:
GEOL 105Lg Planet Earth
Western Tradition Culture, History and Politics
GEOL 107Lg Oceanography
COLT 150xg Literature and Western in the New South Seas
GEOL 130Lg The Nature of Scientific
Civilization ANTH 250g Race and Sexual Politics
Inquiry
HIST 101gm The Ancient World in Southeast Asia
MDA 125Lg Scientific Principles
HIST 301g The Greek World ANTH 263g Exploring Culture Through
PHYS 100Lg Conceptual Physics
PHIL 115g Ancient Greek Culture and Film
Society ANTH 273g Shamans, Spirits, and
Ancestors: Non-Western For Specified Cohorts
Judeo-Christian Traditions and Their Legacies Religious Traditions The following courses will also satisfy this
HIST 102g Medieval Civilization ANTH 315g North American Indians requirement, but they are intended for spe-
JS 100g Jewish History CLAS 220g Egypt and India: Colonial cific groups of students and are not usually
REL 111g The World of the Hebrew Experiences appropriate for most general education stu-
Bible COLT 250g Cultures of Latin dents. Consult an academic advisor before
REL 121g The World of the New America enrolling in any of the following courses
Testament COLT 264g Asian Aesthetic and Literary unless your major requires you to do so.
REL 132g Religions of the West Traditions
REL 264g Judeo-Christian Ethics COLT 382g Zen and Taoism in Asian BISC 110Lg Introduction to
Literature Biology I
The Making of the Modern World EALC 110g East Asian Humanities: The CHEM 105aLg General Chemistry
AHIS 121g Art and Society: Renaissance Great Tradition CHEM 115aLg Advanced General Chemistry
to Modern EALC 130g East Asian Ethical Thought PHYS 125aLg Physics for Architects
COLT 151xg Literature and Western EALC 340g Japanese Civilization PHYS 151Lg Fundamentals of Physics I:
Civilization II EALC 342g Japanese Literature Mechanics and
COLT 374gm Women Writers in Europe and Culture Thermodynamics
and America EALC 350g Chinese Civilization
HIST 103g The Emergence of Modern EALC 352g Chinese Literature and Category IV. Investigations in Science and
Europe Culture Technology
HIST 104g Europe and Its Influence EASC 150g East Asian Societies
Since 1750: From the Rise of HIST 105g The Korean Past ANTH 200Lg The Origins of Humanity
Democracy to the Age of HIST 106g Chinese Lives: An Intro- ASTR 200Lg Earth and Space
Extremes duction to Chinese History BISC 102Lg Humans and Their
MDA 205g Cities and Civilization HIST 107g Japanese History Environment
PHIL 101g Philosophical Foundations of HIST 324g Islam in Russia, the BISC 150Lg The Nature of Human
Modern Western Culture USSR, and the Health and Disease
PHIL 155g Modern Philosophy and the Successor States BISC 180Lg Evolution
Meaning of Life LING 295g The Ancient Near East: BISC 230Lg Brain, Mind, and Machines:
PHIL 220g Science, Religion and the Culture, Archaeology, Texts Topics in Neuroscience
Making of the Modern Mind MDA 155g Cultural Forms and Values II CHEM 202Lg Materials for the 21st
PHIL 262g Mind and Self: Modern POSC 255g Cultures, Civilizations, and Century: Synthetic Polymers
Conceptions Ethnicities in World Politics CHEM 203Lg Chemistry in Life: AIDS
REL 131g Religions of the East Drug Discovery and
Foundations of American Civilization SLL 330g Russian Thought Development
AMST 301g America, the Frontier and and Civilization EXSC 205Lg The Science of Human
the New West Performance
HIST 200g The American Experience GEOG 165Lg The Atmospheric
HIST 260g The Past, Present, and Environment
Future of American Society GEOG 260Lg Natural Hazards
MDA 105g Cultural Forms and Values I GEOG 265Lg The Water Planet
GEOG 281Lg Environmental Geographic
Information Systems
GEOL 108Lg Crises of a Planet
General Education Program 171
GEOL 125Lg Earth History: A Planet and ECON 238xg Political Economy and Social MDA 167gm Marginal Groups in America
Its Evolution Issues MDA 170g La Frontera: The U.S.-Mexico
GEOL 150Lg Climate Change ENST 150xg Environmental Issues in Borderlands
GEOL 240Lg Earthquakes Society MDA 215gm Ethnicity and Place
LING 275Lg Language and Mind GEOG 100gm Los Angeles and the American PHIL 140g Contemporary Moral and
MDA 175Lg Science and Technology Dream Social Issues
MDA 200Lg The Cutting Edge: From Basic GEOG 120g Geopolitics PHIL 141g The Professions and the Public
Science to the Marketplace GEOG 257g Environment and Ethics Interest in American Life
PHYS 200Lg The Physics and Technology HIST 215g Business and Labor in America POSC 130g Law, Politics and Public Policy
of Energy: Keeping the Motor HIST 225g Film, Power, and American POSC 165xg Modern Times
Running History POSC 220g Critical Issues in
PSYC 165Lg Drugs, Behavior and Society HIST 235g War and the American American Politics
Experience PSYC 155xg Psychological Perspectives
Category V. Arts and Letters HIST 245gm Gender and Sexualities in on Social Issues
American History REL 110g Religion and the State:
ARLT 100g Arts and Letters HIST 265g Understanding Race and Sex Changing Boundaries
ARLT 101g Studies in Arts and Letters Historically REL 140g Religion and Ethical Issues
IR 100xg The United States and World SOCI 142gm Diversity and Racial Conflict
Category VI. Social Issues Affairs SOCI 150gm Social Problems
IR 101xg International Relations SOCI 155g Immigrant America
The following courses require concurrent JS 211g The Holocaust SOCI 169g Changing Family Forms
enrollment in WRIT 140 Writing and Critical LING 115g Language, Society, and Culture SWMS 210gm Social Issues in Gender
Reasoning, unless the first course of the writ- MDA 165g Social Inquiry
ing requirement has already been satisfied. MDA 166gm Poverty and Welfare in
America
ANTH 105g Culture, Medicine and Politics
ANTH 125g Social Issues in Human
Sexuality and Reproduction
Diversity Course List
AHIS 250m Modernity and Difference: CORE 104m Change and the Future (4) HIST 101gm The Ancient World (4)
Critical Approaches to Modern CTCS 192m Race, Class and Gender in HIST 245gm Gender and Sexualities in
Art (4) American Film (4) American History (4)
AHIS 304m Italian Renaissance Art: EDCO 102xm Human Diversity: People, HIST 378m Introduction to Asian-
Old Masters and Old Power and Politics (4) American History (4)
Mistresses (4) EDCO 324m Asian American HP 420m Gender and Minority Health
AMST 202m Interethnic Diversity in the Psychology (4) Issues (4)
West (4) ENGL 445m The Literatures of MDA 166gm Poverty and Welfare in
AMST 220m The Making of Asian America: Cross-Cultural America (4)
America (4) Perspectives (4) MDA 167gm Marginal Groups in
ANTH 305m Culture, Medicine, and ENGL 447m African-American Narrative (4) America (4)
Politics (4) ENGL 448m Chicano and Latino MDA 215gm Ethnicity and Place (4)
ANTH 316m North American Indians in Literature (4) MUED 400m The Broadway Musical:
American Public Life (4) ENGL 449m Asian-American Reflection of American
ANTH 328m Culture Change and the Literature (4) Diversity, Issues and
Mexican People (4) ENGL 474m Literature, Nationality, and Experiences (4)
ANTH 331m Asian Americans: Migration Otherness (4) MUPF 419m The Jazz Experience:
and Culture Change (4) ENGL 476m Images of Women in Myths and Culture (4)
ANTH 371m Cross-Cultural Research on Contemporary Culture (4) NURS 329m Diversity in Human Sexuality:
Urban Gangs (4) ENGL 478m Sexual/Textual Diversities (4) The Roles of Ethnicity,
ARCH 440m Literature and the Urban GEOG 100gm Los Angeles and the Gender and Culture (4)
Experience (4) American Dream (4) NURS 421m Understanding Diversity and
ARCH 442m Women’s Spaces in History: GEOG 324m Los Angeles and the Evolution Domestic Violence and
“Hussies,” “Harems,” and of Urban America (4) Community Responses (4)
“Housewives” (4) GEOG 340m Latino L.A. (4) PLDV 100m Los Angeles, The Enduring
CLAS 320gm Diversity and the Classical GEOG 350m Race and Environmentalism (4) Pueblo (4)
Western Tradition (4) GERO 380m Diversity in Aging (4) PLDV 250m Third World Cities
COLT 374gm Women Writers in Europe GERO 435m Women and Aging: PLDV 260m Planning, Diversity and
and America (4) Psychological, Social and Space (4)
COLT 445m Eurocentrism (4) Political Implications (4) PLDV 315m Urban Sleuths: Exploring
COMM 395m Gender, Media and People and Places in Cities (4)
Communication (4)
172 USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
POSC 333m Stigma and Society: Physical SOCI 342m Race Relations (4) SOWK 200xm Institutional Inequality in
Disability in America (4) SOCI 355m Immigrants in the United American Political and Social
POSC 441m Cultural Diversity and the States (4) Policy (4)
Law (4) SOCI 356m Mexican Immigrants in a SPAN 413m Social and Geographic Varieties
POSC 442m The Politics of Human Diverse Society (4) of Spanish (4)
Differences: Diversity and SOCI 360m Social Inequality: Class, Status, SWMS 210gm Social Issues in Gender (4)
Discrimination (4) and Power (4) SWMS 301m Introduction to Feminist
PPMT 406am Los Angeles Mini SOCI 366m Chicana and Latina Theory and the Women’s and
Semester (4) Experiences (4) Men’s Movements
PSYC 462m Minority Mental Health (4) SOCI 375m Asian Americans: Ethnic SWMS 364m Racial and Ethnic Women in
SOCI 142gm Diversity and Racial Conflict (4) Identity (4) America (4)
SOCI 150gm Social Problems (4) SOCI 376m Contemporary Issues in Asian SWMS 385m Men and Masculinity (4)
SOCI 200m Introduction to Sociology (4) American Communities (4) SWMS 455m Gender and Sport (4)
SOCI 305m Sociology of Childhood (4) SOCI 435m Women in Society (4) THTR 395m Drama as Human Relations (4)
SOCI 437m Sexuality and Society (4)
“Transitional” General Education Requirements
The university understands full well that stu- university has set forth a transitional set of whose schedules will not permit them to do
dents who entered USC before fall 1997 and general education requirements. These so, the following requirements are permissible,
those who began their college careers else- requirements are not as fully integrated as if they were enrolled at USC before summer
where before that date had already begun to those of the new general education program, 1997, or began college elsewhere before sum-
satisfy their general education requirements and all students who can do so are encouraged mer 1997 and enter USC before summer 2000.
on the basis of earlier plans. To allow these to follow the new program. For those students
students to graduate in a timely manner, the
I.Cultures and II. Cultures and III. Scientific IV. Investigations V. Arts and VI. Social New Writing
Civilizations I Civilizations II Principles in Science and Letters Issues Requirement
Technology
Western Non-Western Natural World Natural World Literature American Students who
Culture I Cultures Earth Sciences Earth Sciences Public Life began college
before Fall ’97
will be considered
Natural World Natural World Empirical to have met the
Life Sciences Life Sciences Approaches new writing
requirement
when they have
Western Natural World Natural World The Arts Ethical satisfied their
Culture II Physical Sciences Physical Sciences Approaches original writing
requirement.
The “transitional” requirements call for six Students majoring in engineering or natural Beyond the category requirements, students
courses in at least five of the six categories sciences (including biological sciences, chem- following the transitional general education
identified by Roman numerals on the chart istry, earth sciences, environmental studies, plan must observe the rules which governed
above. Each course must come from a exercise science, mathematics and physics) the general education program under which
different Area of Study (such as “Ethical must take at least four general education they began college, including two limits: stu-
Approaches” or “Empirical Approaches”). courses outside the natural sciences. dents may count no more than two courses
Of these, at least two courses must be in Diversity and foreign language requirements from any one academic department toward
the natural sciences for all students in the remain the same, as they do for students their general education requirements; and each
College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the under the new general education program. natural science course must come from a differ-
School of Engineering, the School of Policy, ent department and a different Area of Study.
Planning, and Development and students
earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in other
schools.