Dietrich College Interdisciplinary Minors

Dietrich College interdepartmental minors are programs whose content and components span two or more academic departments to form coherent patterns of study.

A number of interdepartmental minors are offered by Dietrich College and are, in general, available to all Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students. As well, there are numerous other minors offered by other colleges in the university that are generally available to Dietrich College students. The full list of minors available to Carnegie Mellon students is located in the catalog index under “Minors.”

Completion of the requirements for any of these minors is noted on the final transcript.

To declare a Dietrich College interdepartmental minor, students should contact the college's Academic Advisory Center (AAC) and the faculty advisor for that minor.

To discuss the possibility of declaring a non-Dietrich College minor, contact the advisor listed for the minor in question.

In general, unless noted, no course taken to fulfill requirements for these interdepartmental minors may apply toward any other program's requirements.

The Minor in African and African American Studies

Professor Edda L. Fields-Black, Faculty Advisor, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 231B, 412-268-8012
fieldsblack@andrew.cmu.edu

Dr. Alexandra Garnhart-Bushakra, Academic Program Manager, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 240, 412-268-2880

Mission

The African and African American Studies minor introduces students to several large regions of the world: sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Broad geographic coverage and a comparative framework encourage students to make connections between Africa and the African Diaspora, as well as among different Diasporan communities. The minor offers undergraduates the opportunity to undertake an empirical and theoretical examination of the cultural, political, social, and historical experiences of Africans and people of African descent.

This unique transnational minor brings together several departments and colleges within the university and allows students to develop analytical skills particular to the arts, humanities, social sciences, public policy, and management. The African and African American Studies minor allow students a considerable degree of freedom in their choice of electives and independent research projects, including opportunities to study and conduct research in a relevant foreign language.

Courses taken to fulfill requirements in other major or minor programs may only be applied to this minor with permission of the Faculty Advisor.

Requirements

  • The minor is composed of 54 units - two core courses and four elective courses.
  • The elective courses must include one course that requires a research paper or project.
  • Students may take an additional two core courses as electives, but not more than four total courses.
  • Students must take courses in at least two of the four regions (African, African American, Latin American, and the Caribbean) between their core and elective courses.

Core Courses18 units

Choose two from the History and/or English Department courses listed below:

African
79-226African History: Earliest Times to 17809
79-227Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid9
African American
76-232Introduction to Black Literature9
79-241African American History: Africa to the Civil War9
79-242African American History: Reconstruction to the Present9

Elective Courses36 units

African
79-225West African History in Film9
79-237Comparative Slavery *9
79-290The Slave Passage: From West Africa to the Americas9
79-385Out of Africa: The Making of the African Diaspora *9
82-303French & Francophone Cultures9
82-304French & Francophone Sociolinguistics **9
African American
57-480History of Black American Music6
76-238What Was the Hip-Hop Generation?9
76-333Race and Controversy in the Arts9
76-407Topics in Literary & Cultural Studies
: There Are Black People in the Future
9
79-237Comparative Slavery *9
79-247African Americans, Imprisonment, and the Carceral State9
79-252"Harriet": Harriet Tubman, Slavery, and the Underground Railroad6
79-304African Americans in Pittsburgh6
79-333African Americans, Race, and the Fight for Reparations9
79-371African American Urban History9
Caribbean
79-237Comparative Slavery *9
79-385Out of Africa: The Making of the African Diaspora *9
82-303French & Francophone Cultures9
82-304French & Francophone Sociolinguistics **9
Latin American
79-317Art, Anthropology, and Empire9
82-343Latin America Language and Culture9
82-451Studies in Latin American Literature and Culture9

Notes:

* Denotes courses that require a research paper/project.

** Denotes courses taught in a foreign language

The Minor in Film and Media Studies

Laura E. Donaldson, Academic Advisor
Jeffrey Hinkelman, Faculty Advisor

Location: Department of English, Baker Hall 259

Film and the electronic media are a crucial part of contemporary culture and society; they constitute an important tool for under-standing social arrangements, historical changes, and play an increasingly important role in the development of aesthetic and cultural theory. The Dietrich College minor in Film and Media Studies offers students the opportunity to engage with film and visual media, from theoretical framing and historical-cultural contextualization to training skills in both creating and analyzing film, as well as the development of a complex blend of creative, professional, and technical competencies.

A maximum of two courses may double count with other programs.

The courses listed below are offered with at least general regularity. Participating departments may subsequently develop and offer other courses that, while not listed here, are deemed appropriate for this minor. A faculty advisor for the minor should be consulted (especially when the schedule of courses to be offered for a given semester becomes available) to identify such additional courses.

Required Introductory Course9 units
76-239Introduction to Film Studies
(prerequisite for 76-439)
9
Required Intermediate Course9 units
76-310Advanced Studies in Film and Media9
Film and Media Electives27 units

Complete a minimum of 27 units of course work at the 200-level or above when the primary topic is film and media. Courses may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

54-191Acting for Non-Majors9
76-243Introduction to Television9
76-259Film History9
76-269Introduction to Screenwriting9
76-292Introduction to Film Production9
76-295Russian Cinema: From the Bolshevik Revolution to Putin's Russia9
76-312Crime and Justice in American Film9
76-313Creative Visual Storytelling in Film Production9
76-339Topics in Film and Media *9
76-353Transnational Feminisms: Fiction and Film9
76-367Fact Into Film: Translating History into Cinema9
76-374Mediated Narrative9
76-439Seminar in Film and Media Studies9
76-448Shakespeare on Film9
76-449Race and Media9
76-454Rise of the Blockbuster9
76-456Independent Study in Film & Media Studies
(requires prior approval)
Var.
76-469Screenwriting Workshop9
79-220Screening Mexico: Mexican Cinema, 1898 to Present6
79-306Fact into Film: Translating History into Cinema9
79-308Crime and Justice in American Film9
79-309The Chinese Revolution Through Film (1949-2000)9
79-319India Through Film6
79-340Juvenile Delinquency & Film: From "Boyz N the Hood"(1991) to "The Wire"(2002-08)6
82-215Arab Culture Through Dialogues, Film, and Literature9
82-278Japanese Film and Literature: The Art of Storytelling9
82-296World War I - the View from Paris & St. Petersburg6
82-362Italian Language and Culture II
(if significant portion of course pertains to film)
9
82-253Korean Culture Through Film9
82-428History of German Film9
82-456Topics in Hispanic Studies
(if significant portion of course pertains to film)
9
82-533Cultural Topics in Chinese Studies
(if significant portion of course pertains to film)
6
*

May be taken up to three times and counted for additional credit toward Film and Media Electives if topics differ.

Students should consult with a faculty advisor for the minor regarding courses not listed above.

400-level Film and Media Course9 units

Complete one 400-level course from the Department of English that concentrates on film/media directly or that uses it as a tool of social or cultural analysis.

76-439Seminar in Film and Media Studies9
76-448Shakespeare on Film9
76-454Rise of the Blockbuster9
76-449Race and Media9
76-456Independent Study in Film & Media Studies
(requires prior approval)
Var.
76-467Crime Fiction and Film9
76-469Screenwriting Workshop9

The Minor in Gender Studies

Lisa Tetrault, Professor of History and Faculty Advisor
tetrault@andrew.cmu.edu
Location: English Department, Baker Hall 259

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that investigates how gender is embedded in social, cultural, and political relationships. It understands gender as a category of power that intersects with other power relations, including race, class, and sexuality.

Courses allow students to develop a deeper understanding of how gender operates, and to transfer the analytical skills they acquire to other courses as well as to their personal and professional lives. The minor combines coursework in some combination of the following fields: English, history, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, economics, and modern languages. 

Courses listed are only examples. Course offerings change regularly, so please consult semester offerings and the minor advisor for other courses. 

The courses listed below are offered with at least general regularity. Participating departments may develop and offer other courses that, while not listed here, are appropriate for the study of gender. Consult the minor advisor to confirm the relevance of unlisted, gender-focused courses.

Complete 1 of the following required courses.9 units
76-241Introduction to Gender Studies9
79-320Women, Politics, and Protest9
79-331Body Politics: Women and Health in America9
Complete 5 or more additional courses totaling at least 45 units.45 units
See examples below, but other courses may fulfill this requirement.*
76-353Transnational Feminisms: Fiction and Film9
76-422Gender and Sexuality Studies4.5
76-441Theorizing Sexuality9
79-244Women in American History9
79-320Women, Politics, and Protest **9
79-323Making Modern Cities9
79-324#MeToo: Naming and Resisting Gender Violence6
79-325U.S. Gay and Lesbian History6
79-331Body Politics: Women and Health in America **9
82-300Language & Society in the Arab World9
84-312Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa6
85-350Psychology of Prejudice9
85-446Psychology of Gender9
*

Consult with Gender Studies Minor Advisor Professor Lisa Tetrault at tetrault@andrew.cmu.edu.

**

 If not taken as a requirement.

Minor in Health Care Policy and Management

Sponsored by:
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Mellon College of Science

Faculty Advisors:
Jason D'Antonio, Mellon College of Science
James F. Jordan, H. John Heinz III College

The face of health care is changing. The practice of medicine is being fundamentally altered by the forces of change in public policy, health care organizations and in the industry as a whole. The role of individual professionals in this industry is changing as rapidly as the industry itself. Traditional career paths have disappeared overnight to be replaced by new opportunities that require new skills. New organizations are placing new demands on their professional and medical staffs. The criteria of efficiency and financial stability are entering the domains of diagnosis and treatment.

This minor is designed to provide students considering a career in the health professions with an understanding of how these changes are likely to affect their careers. Students will become familiar with the critical policy and management issues and will begin to learn to operate effectively in the emerging health care environment. The curriculum combines economic, organizational, managerial, historical and psychological perspectives on these issues to provide a foundation for a deepened understanding of the changing structure of health care organizations and policy.

Required Courses for HCPM Minor

A total of 54 units are required to complete this minor. Entry into the minor requires completion of  73-102 Principles of Microeconomics or the equivalent by approval.

Required Courses
Complete a total of 21 units from the following:
79-330Medicine and Society: Health, Healers, and Hospitals9
90-436Health Systems6
90-472Health Policy6
Elective Courses

Complete a minimum of 24 units from these two sections:

Heinz College Courses
94-409Healthcare Information Systems12
73-328Health Economics12
90-832Health Law6
90-433Population Health6
90-834Health Care Geographical Information Systems12
Other courses as approved
Humanities and Social Sciences Courses (9 units each)
80-245Medical Ethics9
76-494Healthcare Communications9
88-365Behavioral Economics and Public Policy9
42-444Medical Devices9
Other courses as approved

Please note that some of these courses have prerequisites that will not count toward the completion of the requirements for this minor.

Elective Focus Areas

Focus areas are suggested groupings of electives based on student interest. Students do not need to take all electives within one focus area; they are free to choose their 18-unit elective minimum from any combination of focus areas.

Health Management/Administration Focus Units
90-832Health Law6
80-245Medical Ethics9
76-494Healthcare Communications9
Health Policy Focus Units
73-328Health Economics12
90-832Health Law6
90-433Population Health6
88-365/90-882Behavioral Economics and Public Policy9
Other courses as approved
Health Analytics & IT Focus Units
94-409Healthcare Information Systems12
90-834Health Care Geographical Information Systems12
42-444Medical Devices9
Other courses as approved

The Minor in Linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. The central goal of the Linguistics Program is to provide students with the analytical skills and linguistic concepts needed to understand language scientifically, whether formally, as researchers, or informally, as participants in daily linguistic interactions. The foundation of the Linguistics Minor is a set of rigorous core courses, informed by contemporary approaches to the study of linguistic form and meaning. The Core courses cover the principal domains of linguistic analysis: phonetics and phonology, syntax, and meaning. Students then move on to the Extended Core, which includes more advanced courses as well as courses on a wider range of topics, such as intonation and language variation.  All courses counted towards the minor must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of "C" or above.

Core (27 units)

Required
80-180Nature of Language9
Select 2 from the following 3 options
80-282Phonetics and Phonology I9
80-280Linguistic Analysis9
or 80-285 Natural Language Syntax
80-381Meaning in Language9
or 80-383 Language in Use

Extended Core: Choose 3 courses (27 units) from the Extended Core and/or additional courses from Core.

Extended Core
80-283It Matters How You Say It9
80-284Invented Languages9
80-286Words and Word Formation: Introduction to Morphology9
80-287Language Variation and Change9
80-288Intonation: Transcription and Analysis9
80-284Invented Languages9
80-382Phonetics and Phonology II9
80-384Linguistics of Turkic Languages9
80-385Linguistics of Germanic Languages9
80-388Linguistic Typology: Diversity and Universals9
80-488Acoustics of Human Speech: Theory, Data, and Analysis9

The Minor in Logic and Computation

The Minor in Logic and Computation provides students with general course work in logic, the theory of computation, and philosophy. Students must complete six courses, among them the following three core courses. All courses counted towards the minor must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of "C" or above.

Logic and Computation Core Courses27 units
80-150Nature of Reason9
80-211Logic and Mathematical Inquiry9
or 80-210 Logic and Proofs
80-310Formal Logic9
or 80-311 Undecidability and Incompleteness
Logic and Computation Electives27 units


Students must take two courses in the Philosophy Department at the 300-level or higher, in subjects related to logic and computation.  And an additional course at the 300-level or higher in an area that uses logical and computational tools, such as philosophy, computer science, linguistics, mathematics, psychology, or statistics. The choice of electives must be approved by the Academic Program Manager.

Neural Computation Minor

Dr. Tai Sing Lee, Director
Melissa Stupka, Administrative Coordinator
https://www.cmu.edu/ni/academics/minor-in-neural-computation.html

Neural computation is a scientific enterprise to understand the neural basis of intelligent behaviors from a computational perspective. Study of neural computation includes, among others, decoding neural activities using statistical and machine learning techniques, and developing computational theories and neural models of perception, cognition, motor control, decision-making and learning. The neural computation minor allows students to learn about the brain from multiple perspectives, and to acquire the necessary background for graduate study in neural computation. Students enrolled in the minor will be exposed to, and hopefully participate in, the research effort in neural computation and computational neuroscience at Carnegie Mellon University.

The minor in Neural Computation is an intercollege minor jointly sponsored by the School of Computer Science, the Mellon College of Science, and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and is coordinated by the Neuroscience Institute and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC).

The Neural computation minor is open to students in any major of any college at Carnegie Mellon. It seeks to attract undergraduate students from computer science, psychology, engineering, biology, statistics, physics, and mathematics from SCS, CIT, H&SS and MCS.

The Neural Computation minor is open to students in any major of any college at Carnegie Mellon. It seeks to attract undergraduate students from computer science, psychology, engineering, biology, statistics, physics, and mathematics from SCS, CIT, Dietrich College and MCS. The primary objective of the minor is to encourage students in biology and psychology to take computer science, engineering and mathematics courses, to encourage students in computer science, engineering, statistics and physics to take courses in neuroscience and psychology, and to bring students from different disciplines together to form a community. The curriculum and course requirements are designed to maximize the participation of students from diverse academic disciplines. The program seeks to produce students with both basic computational skills and knowledge in cognitive science and neuroscience that are central to computational neuroscience.

APPLICATION

Students must apply for admission no later than November 30 of their senior years; an admission decision will usually be made within one month. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible in their undergraduate careers so that the director of the Neural Computation minor can provide advice on their curriculum, but should contact the program director any time even after the deadline.

To apply, send email to the director of the Neural Computation minor Dr. Tai Sing Lee (tai@cnbc.cmu.edu) and copy Melissa Stupka (mstupka@andrew.cmu.edu). Include in your email:

  • Full name
  • Andrew ID
  • Preferred email address (if different)
  • Your class and College/School at Carnegie Mellon
  • Semester you intend to graduate
  • All (currently) declared majors and minors
  • Statement of purpose (maximum 1 page) – Describes why you want to take this minor and how it fits into your career goals
  • Proposed schedule of required courses for the Minor (this is your plan, NOT a commitment)
  • Research projects you might be interested in
Curriculum

The Minor in Neural Computation will require a total of five courses: four courses drawn from the four core areas (A: neural computation, B: neuroscience, C: cognitive psychology, D: intelligent system analysis), one from each area, and one additional depth elective chosen from one of the core areas that is outside the student’s major. The depth elective can be replaced by a one-year research project in computational neuroscience. No more than two courses can be double counted toward the student’s major or other minors. However, courses taken for general education requirements of the student’s degree are not considered to be double counted. A course taken to satisfy one core area cannot be used to satisfy the course requirement for another core area. The following listing presents a set of current possible courses in each area. Other computational neuroscience courses are being developed at Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh that will also satisfy core area A requirement and the requirements will be updated as they come on-line. Substitution is possible but requires approval.

A. Neural Computation
Units
15-386Neural Computation9
15-387Computational Perception9
15-883Computational Models of Neural Systems12
85-419Introduction to Parallel Distributed Processing9
86-375Computational Perception9
Pitt-Mathematics-1800 Introduction to Mathematical Neuroscience9
B. Neuroscience
03-362Cellular Neuroscience9
03-363Systems Neuroscience9
03-365Neural Correlates of Learning and Memory9
42-630Introduction to Neural Engineering
(crosslisted with 18-690)
12
85-765Cognitive Neuroscience9
Pitt-Neuroscience 1000 Introduction to Neuroscience9
C. Cognitive Psychology
85-211Cognitive Psychology9
85-213Human Information Processing and Artificial Intelligence9
85-412Cognitive Modeling9
85-419Introduction to Parallel Distributed Processing9
85-426Learning in Humans and Machines9
85-765Cognitive Neuroscience9
D. Intelligent System Analysis
10-301Introduction to Machine Learning (Undergrad)12
or 10-315 Introduction to Machine Learning (SCS Majors)
15-281Artificial Intelligence: Representation and Problem Solving12
15-386Neural Computation9
15-387Computational Perception9
15-494Cognitive Robotics: The Future of Robot Toys12
16-299Introduction to Feedback Control Systems12
16-311Introduction to Robotics12
16-385Computer Vision12
18-290Signals and Systems12
24-352Dynamic Systems and Controls12
36-225Introduction to Probability Theory9
36-247Statistics for Lab Sciences9
36-401Modern Regression9
36-410Introduction to Probability Modeling9
42-631Neural Data Analysis12
42-632Neural Signal Processing12
86-375Computational Perception9
86-631Neural Data Analysis12
Prerequisites

The required courses in the above four core areas require a number of basic prerequisites: basic programming skills at the level of 15-110 Principles of Computing and basic mathematical skills at the level of 21-122 Integration and Approximation or their equivalents. Some courses in Area D require additional prerequisites. Area B Biology courses require, at minimum, 03-121 Modern Biology. Students might skip the prerequisites if they have the permission of the instructor to take the required courses. Prerequisite courses are typically taken to satisfy the students' major or other requirements. In the event that these basic skill courses are not part of the prerequisite or required courses of a student's major, one of them can potentially count toward the five required courses (e.g. the depth elective), conditional on approval by the director of the minor program.

Research Requirements (Optional)

The minor itself does not require a research project. The student however may replace the depth elective with a year-long research project. In special circumstances, a research project can also be used to replace one of the five courses, as long as (1) the project is not required by the student's major or other minor, (2) the student has taken a course in each of the four core areas (not necessarily for the purpose of satisfying this minor's requirements), and (3) has taken at least three courses in this curriculum not counted toward the student's major or other minors. Students interested in participating in the research project should contact any faculty engaged in computational neuroscience or neural computation research at Carnegie Mellon or in the University of Pittsburgh. A useful webpage that provides listing of faculty in neural computation is https://www.cmu.edu/ni/academics/pnc/pnc-training-faculty.html. The director of the minor program will be happy to discuss with students about their research interest and direct them to the appropriate faculty.

Fellowship Opportunities

The Program in Neural Computation (PNC) administered by the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition currently provides 3-4 competitive full-year fellowships ($11,000) to Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students to carry out mentored research in neural computation. The fellowship has course requirements similar to the requirements of the minor. Students do not apply to the fellowship program directly. They have to be nominated by the faculty members who are willing to mentor them. Therefore, students interested in the full-year fellowship program should contact and discuss research opportunities with any CNBC faculty at Carnegie Mellon or University of Pittsburgh working in the area of neural computation or computational neuroscience and ask for their nomination by sending email to Dr. Tai Sing Lee, who also administers the undergraduate fellowship program at Carnegie Mellon. See www.cnbc.cmu.edu/training/undergraduate/undergraduate-research-fellowships-in-computational-neuroscience/ for details.

The Program in Neural Computation also offers a summer training program for undergraduate students from any U.S. undergraduate college. The students will engage in a 10-week intense mentored research and attend a series of lectures in neural computation. See www.cnbc.cmu.edu/training/undergraduate/summer-undergraduate-research-program-in-computational-neuroscience/ for application information.

The Minor in Rationality, Uncertainty, and Choice: Formal Methods

Core Requirements

Complete all of the following: Units
80-305Game Theory9
80-306Decision Theory9
88-223Decision Analysis12
or 88-312 Decision Models and Games

Note: Students must complete three elective courses from the following two categories and must complete at least one course in each category. 

Elective Category 1: Formal Foundations9-18 units
80-201Knowledge and Justified Belief9
80-208Critical Thinking9
80-210Logic and Proofs9
80-315Modal Logic9
80-325Foundations of Causation and Machine Learning9
80-516Causality and Machine Learning9
80-521Seminar on Formal Epistemology: Belief and Evidence9
80-524Topics in Formal Epistemology: Topological Philosophy of Science9
88-223Decision Analysis12
88-312Decision Models and Games9
88-379Data-Driven Decision Analysis9
Elective Category 2: Theory and Applications9-18 units
80-246Moral Psychology9
80-249AI, Society, and Humanity9
80-252Kant9
80-255Pragmatism: Making Ideas Work9
80-261Experience, Reason, and Truth9
80-321Causation, Law, and Social Policy9
80-324Philosophy of Economics9
80-330Ethical Theory9
80-335Social and Political Philosophy9

The Minor in Religious Studies

Professor Allyson Creasman, Faculty Advisor, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 242D, 412-268-9832
acreasman@cmu.edu

Dr. Alexandra Garnhart-Bushakra, Academic Program Manager, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 240, 412-268-2880

The Religious Studies minor offers students a range of intellectual tools for thinking about religious ideas, behaviors and institutions. It also enables students to build a base of knowledge that extends beyond any one particular religious tradition.

Curriculum54 units

The minor consists of six courses, totaling at least 54 units. Courses taken to fulfill requirements in other major or minor programs may only be applied to this minor with permission of the Faculty Advisor.

Religious Studies minors must satisfy the requirements listed below:

Required Core Course9 units

All Religious Studies minors are required to take 79-281, Introduction to Religion. This required course introduces several modes of inquiry into religion, such as the philosophy of religion, sociological and behavioral approaches to religion, historical analysis of religious subject, literary and critical analysis of religious texts, theological modes of thought, and anthropological treatments of religion. This course is offered regularly, usually in the Spring semester.

79-281Introduction to Religion9

Distribution Requirements18 units

In addition to the required Core Course, students must complete Distribution Courses totaling 18 units (usually two 9-unit courses). A Distribution Course is one that applies a particular discipline to more than one religion.  Some examples of qualifying Distribution Courses that have been offered include:

Historical Approaches
79-208Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting9
79-352Christianity Divided: The Protestant and Catholic Reformations, 1450-16509
Philosophical Approaches
80-276Philosophy of Religion9
Textual Approaches
76-331Dissenters and Believers: Romantics, Revolution, and Religions9

In addition to the courses listed above, participating departments often offer other courses that may qualify as Distribution Courses for the minor. The Faculty Advisor should be consulted to identity qualifying courses (especially after the Schedule of Courses for a given semester becomes available).

Elective Courses27 units

In addition to the required Core Course and the Distribution Courses, students must complete Elective Courses totaling at least 27 units (usually three 9-unit courses). Unlike Distribution Courses, an Elective Course may focus on the study of only one religion (although courses examining more than one religious tradition can also count as Elective Courses if not otherwise used to fulfill the Distribution Requirement).

Some examples of qualifying Elective Courses that have been offered include:

79-202Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-17509
79-296Religion in American Politics6
79-350Early Christianity9
79-375Science & Religion6

In addition to the courses listed above, participating departments often offer other courses that may qualify as Elective Courses for the minor. The Faculty Advisor should be consulted to identify qualifying courses (especially after the Schedule of Courses for a given semester becomes available).

In addition to courses offered at CMU, relevant courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, or other Pittsburgh institutions may count toward the  Elective Requirement with the permission of the Religious Studies minor’s Faculty Advisor.  The option to cross-register for relevant courses at other local institutions allows students some flexibility in meeting the minor’s requirements and gives them the opportunity to explore interests in religious subjects that might not otherwise be covered at CMU.  Students who wish to cross-register for courses at other institutions should consult with the Faculty Advisor about whether the selected course(s) will meet the minor’s Elective Requirement.

The Minor in Science, Technology and Society

Professor Christopher J. Phillips, Faculty Advisor, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 231C, 412-268-1753
cjp1@cmu.edu

Dr. Alexandra Garnhart-Bushakra, Academic Program Manager, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 240, 412-268-2880

This minor provides interdisciplinary perspectives on the development and meaning of science and technology in modern society. The core courses enable you to develop a historical and philosophical understanding of the interplay among science, technology, and society. Elective courses enable you to pursue in greater depth and variety subjects and approaches that build on both the core courses and your primary major.

Courses taken to fulfill requirements in other major or minor programs may only be applied to this minor with permission of the Faculty Advisor.

Curriculum 54 units

Core Courses 27 units

Complete one course from each area. Additional courses from the History of Science Core and the History of Philosophy Core may count as electives for the minor.

Area 1. History of Science Core

Take at least 1 course from the list below.

79-160Introduction to the History of Science9
79-170Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society9
79-175Moneyball Nation: Data in American Life9
79-234Technology and Society9
79-330Medicine and Society: Health, Healers, and Hospitals9
79-370Technology in the United States9
79-380Hostile Environments: The Politics of Pollution in Global Perspective9

Area 2. Philosophy of Science Core

Take at least 1 course from the list below.

80-220Philosophy of Science9
80-221Philosophy of Social Science9
80-226The Nature of Scientific Revolutions9
80-244Environmental Ethics9
80-245Medical Ethics9
80-249AI, Society, and Humanity9

Area 3. Science Core

Take at least 1 course (9 units total) from the following departments: 15-xxx Computer Science, 09-xxx Chemistry, 03-xxx Biological Sciences, 33-xxx Physics

Electives 27 units

Complete three courses from the approved list of elective courses. Courses listed in Areas 1 and 2  may also be taken as electives if not already completed for an Area requirement. To petition for a course not listed to be approved as an elective, contact the Faculty Advisor, cjp1@cmu.edu, directly.

18-482Telecommunications Technology and Policy for the Internet Age12
48-448History of Sustainable Architecture9
73-427Sustainability, Energy, and Environmental Economics9
76-319Environmental Rhetoric9
76-395Science Writing9
76-425Rhetoric, Science, and the Public Sphere9
76-476Rhetoric of Science9
76-492Rhetoric of Public Policy9
76-494Healthcare Communications9
79-202Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-17509
79-204American Environmental History9
79-208Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting9
79-215Environmental Justice from Conservation to Climate Change9
79-246Industrial America9
79-283Hungry World: Food and Famine in Global Perspective9
79-297Technology and Work9
79-302Killer Robots:The Ethics, Law, and Politics of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems9
79-303Pittsburgh and the Transformation of Modern Urban America6
79-331Body Politics: Women and Health in America9
79-357Science and the Body6
79-368Un-natural Disasters: Societies and Environmental Hazards in Global Perspective6
79-372The Rise and Fall of Pittsburgh Steel6
80-101Dangerous Ideas in Science and Society9
80-150Nature of Reason9
80-312Mathematical Revolutions9
80-321Causation, Law, and Social Policy9
80-324Philosophy of Economics9
84-387Remote Systems and the Cyber Domain in Conflict9
85-380In Search of Mind: The History of Psychology9

The Minor in Societal & Human Impacts of Future Technologies (SHIFT)

Core Courses (2 courses, 10 to 18 units total) Units
80-249AI, Society, and Humanity9
80-445Shift Capstone Experience1-9

Area Courses (6 courses, 54 units total)
Note: Five of the six Area Courses must be taken in different departments

Technology area (18 units)
Courses that build basic technological competence, and teach concepts and frameworks that provide high-level understanding of computational technologies, including their possibilities and limits.                                                                                                                      

Complete two courses Units
05-317Design of Artificial Intelligence Products12
05-318Human AI Interaction12
05-320Social Web12
05-452Service Design12
15-110Principles of Computing10
15-112Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science12
16-467Human Robot Interaction12
17-303Cryptocurrencies, Blockchains and Applications9
17-313Foundations of Software Engineering12
17-331Information Security, Privacy, and Policy12
17-333Privacy Policy, Law, and Technology9
17-355Program Analysis12
36-202Methods for Statistics & Data Science9
67-250The Information Systems Milieux9
88-300Programming and Data Analysis for Social Scientists9

Social & Behavioral Sciences area (18 units)
Courses that teach the concepts and frameworks of social and behavioral sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, sociology), including methods and analyses such as experimental design and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.                                                                                                             

Complete two courses Units
05-413Human Factors9
17-224Influence, Persuasion, and Manipulation Online9
36-200Reasoning with Data9
70-311Organizational Behavior9
70-321Negotiation and Conflict Resolution9
70-341Team Dynamics and Leadership9
73-102Principles of Microeconomics9
73-103Principles of Macroeconomics9
84-266Research Design for Political Science9
84-267Data Science for Political Science9
84-369Decision Science for International Relations9
88-406Behavioral Economics @ Work9
88-418Negotiation: Strategies and Behavioral Insights9
88-419International Negotiation9
88-435Decision Science and Policy9

Ethics, Policy & Design Area  (18 units) 
Courses that teach core concepts and frameworks to address and analyze ethical, policy, and design challenges relevant to current and near-future computational technologies.           

Complete two courses Units
05-413Human Factors9
08-200Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing9
16-161ROB Freshman Seminar: Artificial Intelligence and Humanity9
17-224Influence, Persuasion, and Manipulation Online9
36-200Reasoning with Data9
51-173Design Center: Human Experience in Design9
51-241How People Work9
51-371Futures I4.5
51-373Futures II4.5
51-382Design Center: Design for Social Innovation9
70-311Organizational Behavior9
70-321Negotiation and Conflict Resolution9
70-332Business, Society and Ethics9
70-341Team Dynamics and Leadership9
70-364Business Law6
73-102Principles of Microeconomics9
73-103Principles of Macroeconomics9
79-175Moneyball Nation: Data in American Life9
79-234Technology and Society9
79-302Killer Robots:The Ethics, Law, and Politics of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems9
80-130Introduction to Ethics9
80-135Introduction to Political Philosophy9
80-330Ethical Theory9
80-335Social and Political Philosophy9
84-266Research Design for Political Science9
84-267Data Science for Political Science9
84-275Comparative Politics9
84-319Civil-Military Relations9
84-325Contemporary American Foreign Policy9
84-369Decision Science for International Relations9
84-370Nuclear Security & Arms Control9
84-372Space and National Security9
84-373Emerging Technologies and International Law9
84-380US Grand Strategy9
84-386The Privatization of Force9
84-387Remote Systems and the Cyber Domain in Conflict9
84-389Terrorism and Insurgency9
84-390Social Media, Technology, and Conflict9
84-405The Future of Warfare9
88-221Markets, Democracy, and Public Policy9
88-406Behavioral Economics @ Work9
88-418Negotiation: Strategies and Behavioral Insights9
88-419International Negotiation9
88-435Decision Science and Policy9

The Minor in Sociology

Peter Schwardmann, Faculty Director
Connie Angermeier, Senior Academic Program Manager and Advisor
Location: Porter Hall 208H
cla2@andrew.cmu.edu
Schedule an appointment:  https://go.oncehub.com/ConnieAngermeier

The Sociology minor introduces the student to central concepts in sociological theory and methods of empirical inquiry needed to broadly understand social behavior, including its structure, history, and dynamics. Students choose among a range of methodological approaches and substantive topic areas including social psychology, work and organizations, social networks, technology and society, medical sociology, and gender and family. Exposure to these topics will help students understand and appreciate the processes by which families, groups, and organizations form and evolve over time; by which individuals affect and are affected by the society in which they live; and by which technology and institutions shape and influence society. This background in empirical tools and social theory will strengthen the student’s ability to pursue graduate studies in sociology, social history, social science, and organizational theory; to begin professional careers involving social analysis, network analysis, data analysis of teams, groups and organizations, social analysis within journalism, political institutions, the government, and online; and to enter the corporate environment with a thorough understanding of organizational activity.

Curriculum54 units

In addition to the general education requirements of the student's college and the requirements of the student's major, Sociology minors must satisfy the following requirements. The Core courses comprise 18 units of the minor. One course is taken from the Organizations cluster, and one course is taken from the Methodology cluster. The Elective courses comprise 36 units of the minor. Sociology minors should consult with the program advisor to plan a course schedule prior to registration.

NOTE: The core courses are offered regularly; the elective courses are offered with at least general regularity. Participating departments may subsequently develop and offer other courses that, while not listed here, are deemed appropriate for this minor. The program advisor should be consulted (especially when the schedule of courses to be offered for a given semester becomes available) to identify such additional courses.

No more than two courses (18 units) in the Sociology minor may be counted to fulfill any other major or minor's requirements.

Core Courses18 units


A. Organizations

Complete one course.
70-311Organizational Behavior9

B. Methodology

Complete one course.
36-202Methods for Statistics & Data Science9
70-208Regression Analysis9
85-310Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology9
85-340Research Methods in Social Psychology9
88-251Empirical Research Methods9
88-252Cause and Effect9
Elective Courses36 units

Complete four courses (a minimum of 36 units) from the following list. Two courses (18 units) must be taken from one category to complete the depth requirement. One course (9 units) must be taken from the other category. The remaining course (9 units) may be taken from either category. Appropriate courses offered by the Department of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh (available during the academic year through cross-registration) may also be included as part of this option. Contact the Sociology program advisor for more information.

1. Sociology of Gender, Family, and Culture
70-342Managing Across Cultures9
70-385Consumer Behavior9
76-241Introduction to Gender Studies9
79-244Women in American History9
79-261The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-19009
79-308Crime and Justice in American Film9
79-320Women, Politics, and Protest9
79-323Making Modern Cities9
79-331Body Politics: Women and Health in America9
79-343Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights9
79-377Food, Culture, and Power: A History of Eating9
80-245Medical Ethics9
80-246Moral Psychology9
80-256Modern Moral Philosophy9
80-305Game Theory9
80-335Social and Political Philosophy9
80-348Health, Human Rights, and International Development9
84-369Decision Science for International Relations9
85-241Social Psychology9
85-350Psychology of Prejudice9
85-352Evolutionary Psychology9
85-358Pro-Social Behavior9
85-377Attitudes and Persuasion9
85-442Health Psychology9
85-446Psychology of Gender9
88-230Human Intelligence and Human Stupidity9
88-231Thinking in Person vs. Thinking Online9
88-380Dynamic Decisions9
88-388Psychological Models of Decision Making9
2. Sociology of Work, Organizations, and Technology
70-332Business, Society and Ethics9
73-348Behavioral Economics9
79-275Introduction to Global Studies9
88-255Strategic Decision Making9
88-261Health Policy9
88-275Bubbles: Data Science for Human Minds9
88-341Team Dynamics and Leadership9
88-344Systems Analysis: Environmental Policy9
88-365Behavioral Economics and Public Policy9
88-366Behavioral Economics of Poverty and Development9
88-367Behavioral Economics & Field Experiments in Organizations9
88-406Behavioral Economics @ Work9
88-418Negotiation: Strategies and Behavioral Insights9
88-419International Negotiation9
88-435Decision Science and Policy9
88-451Policy Analysis Senior Project12
88-452Policy Analysis Senior Project12

Note: Some courses have additional prerequisites.

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