OTHER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

Coordinator: Dr. Samuel H. Howell Jr.

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Program is offered for the benefit of certain students who, for specific reasons, are unable to complete a regular program in the academic disciplines within normal time limits. These students will normally have earned many college credits at other institutions and in various disciplines over a long period of time but have not met the specific requirements for a major. Students accepted into the BGS program at FMU choose from one of the following areas of concentration: Arts and Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Science and Mathematics, or Management Technology. Students earn a Bachelor of General Studies degree (rather than a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree).

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APPLICATION

Students must complete an application for admittance into the Bachelor of General (BGS) program. The application form, along with the documentation specified in the application, must be submitted to the Bachelor of General Studies Committee. Documentation includes a written statement explaining the rationale for entering the BGS program and a proposed area of major concentration. This documentation must also include a faculty member's recommendation and statement of willingness to serve as an adviser throughout the pursuit of the BGS degree. Applications must be submitted by April 15 for fall semester enrollment and by October 15 for spring semester enrollment. Application forms are available from the Office of the Provost.

Prior to applying to the BGS program, (1) students must be enrolled at Francis Marion University, (2) have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, (3) and have completed all of their general education requirements. No student may enroll in the General Studies Capstone Experience (496) prior to being accepted to the program.

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ADVISING POLICY

Upon acceptance, the student is required to submit, in writing, a proposed course of study to his/her academic adviser. The student's academic adviser must approve the student's proposal before the student is officially considered a BGS candidate. A copy of the approved course of study must be placed on file in the Registrar's Office prior to the student's enrollment. The student is officially admitted as a BGS student the semester following acceptance into the program. If the student does not enroll the following semester, he or she must re-apply to the BGS program. If the student terminates enrollment with the University, the student is withdrawn from the BGS program. Students must report any proposed change in their course of study to their academic adviser for approval and the Registrar's Office.

CURRICULUM

A Bachelor of General Studies student is required to:

1. Meet all general education requirements for either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
2. Have a minimum 30 credit hours above the 299 level with designation in one of the following areas of concentration:
    a. Arts and Humanities:
     Art, English, History, Modern Languages, Music,
     Philosophy and Religious Studies, Theatre
    b.  Social and Behavioral Sciences:
     Anthropology, Geography, History, Political
     Science, Psychology, Sociology
    c.  Natural Science and Mathematics:
     Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,
     Physical Science, Physics
    d. Management Technology:
     Accounting, Business, Computer Science,
     Economics, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Mass Communication, Psychology
3. Complete the General Studies Capstone Experience course (see below). This one credit hour course may only be taken during the student's senior year.
4. Select, in consultation with his/her academic adviser, a sufficient number of elective hours to satisfy graduation requirements.

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BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES COURSE (BGS)

496 General Studies Capstone Experience (1) As Needed. Includes assessment of student program goals and preparation for career advancement.

MILITARY SCIENCE: ARMY RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS (ROTC)

Coordinator: 1st Lt. Emily Lynds
Faculty: Lt. Col. Charles H. C. Brown, 1st Lt. Emily Lynds, Lt. Col. Steven E. Liebenrood

OVERVIEW Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a coeducational program dedicated to developing college-educated men and women to serve in challenging positions of leadership, responsibility, and varied managerial positions both as officers in the U.S. Army and civilians in corporate America. Army ROTC requires from two to four years to complete, depending on student qualifications. This time is normally divided into a two-year basic program comprising freshman and sophomore students and a two-year contractual advanced program for juniors and seniors.Students with prior military service, JROTC, or National Guard/Reserve service may qualify for direct placement in the advanced program. At the beginning of the junior year, students with two years remaining before graduation may also qualify for the advanced program by attending Leadership Training Course (LTC), a four-week course offered during the summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. All students participate in a regular program of physical fitness and field training.

There is no major, minor or collateral in Military Science.

THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Army ROTC Scholarship Program awards four-, three-, and two-year scholarships to eligible students on a competitive basis. Applications for three-and two-year ROTC scholarships are accepted year-round. Nursing students who have qualified for placement in the advanced course may also apply for two-year scholarships.Students do not have to be enrolled in ROTC to apply for three- and two-year scholarships. The scholarship amount is applied to the cost of tuition. An additional amount of $1,200 is awarded for books and supplies. The students also receive a tiered allowance of $300, $350, $450, or $500 per month for up to 10 months of each school year depending on their academic status, i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. All students receive $700 while attending the five-week Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington, after their junior year.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE (LTC) TWO-YEAR PROGRAM LTC is for students who missed the first and second years of ROTC. LTC is attended during the summer between the sophomore and junior years of college for four weeks at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The purpose of LTC is to provide instruction in basic leadership and technical skills that will prepare you for your junior and senior years of ROTC. During this camp, you have the opportunity to compete for a two-year scholarship.All travel expenses are paid and students are paid $700 while attending the course.Students attending this camp incur no military obligation.

CADET PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING Selected cadets may have the opportunity to attend Air Assault School, Airborne School, Mountain Warfare School,Northern Warfare School, and/or Scuba School.All training is voluntary and conducted at Army posts throughout the United States during either summer or winter recesses.

CADET TROOP LEADER TRAINING
Selected cadets are sent to various Army units in the United States and overseas to develop leadership experience prior to the beginning of their senior year.Cadets are paid and receive all privileges and status of Army officers.

SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM (SMP)
The Simultaneous Membership Program is a program in which the individual is both a member of the Army National Guard (ARNG) or the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and Army ROTC. Students receive entitlements from both the ARNG or USAR and ROTC.
This is a required program for cadets who are in the ARNG or USAR and are in the advanced course. When cadets enter the SMP, they become officer trainees in their guard or reserve unit and are paid as sergeants (E-5), while performing duties commensurate with the grade of second lieutenant.

PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Army ROTC Professional Military Education (PME) program exists to enhance the career development and performance of cadets as future Army officers. The PME guidelines for Army ROTC cadets are as follows:
1 All cadets must successfully complete a course in American military history prior to commissioning.
2 All cadets are encouraged to take a course from each of the following areas prior to commissioning: human behavior, math reasoning, management, and national security studies.

Students will meet with the professor of military science/class adviser before selecting these courses.

MILITARY SCIENCE COURSES (MS)
101 Fundamentals of Military Science (2:1-2) Development of leadership, management, and communication skills. Map reading, land navigation, and study/time management techniques.

102 Introduction to the Army (2:1-2) History, organization, mission, and role of United States Army in national defense. Components of totalArmystructure.Emphasisongroupdynamicsandcommunica-tion skills.

201 Fundamentals of Military Leadership (3:2-2) Oral and writ-tenmilitarycommunications,planning,andorganizingtechniques. Currentmilitaryleadershipdoctrineandapplication.Combinedarms concepts, organizations, and tactics.

202 Fundamentals of Military Decision Making (3:2-2) Soldier skills, including map reading and land navigation. Introduces Army troop-leadingproceduresthroughpracticalexercisesandprinciples of war using historical events.

301 Advanced Military Decision Making (4:2-2) Small group leadershipthroughpracticalapplications.Individualleadershipskills withemphasisonproblemanalysis,decisionformulation,andsteps of decision making.

302 Applied Military Leadership (4:2-2) (Prerequisite: 301 or permissionofMilitaryScienceProgram)Continuesdevelopmentof leadershipcompetenciesandconfidence.Tacticaltrainingexercises to enhance leadership development.

401 Leadership and Management Seminar I (4:2-2) (Prerequi-site: 301 or permission of Military Science Program) Current Army leadership, tactical, and training doctrine. Military law in context of peacekeeping/enforcement operations. Overview of Army’s role in joint operations.

402 Leadership and Management Seminar II (4:2-2) (Prerequisite: 401orpermissionofMilitaryScienceProgram)Applicationofcurrent Armyleadership,tactical,andtrainingdoctrine.Evolutionofmilitary professionalism; civil-military relations, personal and professional ethics, and military justice system.

406 United States Military History (3) (Same as History 406) (Prerequisite: one 200-level history course or permission of Military Science Program) Study of military institutions and the military experience in American history from the Revolution to the present. Topicsincludecauses,conduct,andconsequencesofwar;impactof politics,diplomacy,andtechnologyuponthearmedforcesinpeace and war; and reforms within the armed forces.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

The University offers a curriculum which will prepare a student for transferring to another state-supported institution for completion of degrees in several areas. The curriculum is either General Education Requirements or a highly scientific program, depending upon the degree the student seeks. The coordinator of the particular program should be consulted for details.

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PRE-DENTAL CURRICULUM

Coordinator: Dr. Vernon W. Bauer

PRE-LAW CURRICULUM

Coordinators: Dr. John A. Britton, Dr. David R. White

Law schools are seeking students with outstanding academic records, not students who have majored in one particular discipline. The University offers majors as indicated elsewhere in the Francis Marion University Catalog. Any of these majors would be acceptable to a law school, provided a student has a demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language as well as a high grade point average. However, the Supreme Court of South Carolina advises students that the Court has found the following subjects highly beneficial in taking the bar examination and for the pursuit of a career as an attorney:

1.  English composition
2.  English public speaking
3.  United States history
4.  Accounting
5.  Economics
6.  Logic
7.  Literature
8.  Political science
9.  Philosophy

Introductory levels of four of these courses (composition, history, literature, and political science) are required as general education subjects. Students interested in going to law school should try to take the other five as well and should consider taking upper-level courses from some areas, in addition to the introductory-level courses. For further information, students can contact a coordinator.

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PRE-MEDICAL CURRICULUM

Coordinator: Dr. Vernon W. Bauer

Each student should acquaint himself/herself with the specific requirements of the medical schools to which he/she plans to apply for admission.

Each student planning a career in medicine should register with the Coordinator of Pre-medical Sciences (Department of Biology, Leatherman Science Facility). Premedical students frequently major in chemistry or biology but need not major in science.

The following courses, as part of the baccalaureate degree, meet the minimal requirements of most medical schools:

Medical schools prefer a broad liberal arts background rather than an excessive concentration in science. Courses in the humanities and fine arts such as literature, philosophy, sociology, and psychology are worthwhile. Future physicians will also benefit from electives in business, computer science, anatomy, microbiology, physiology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

PRE-VETERINARY CURRICULUM

Coordinator: Dr. Tamatha R. Barbeau

The pre-veterinary program at Francis Marion University is administered through the Biology Department. FMU offers all the required courses and recommended advanced courses for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens and at other out-of-state veterinary medicine programs. Other requirements for admission to the UGA program include satisfactory performance in the general GRE and biology GRE and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a baccalaureate degree.

There is no college of veterinary medicine in South Carolina, but each year up to 17 students are accepted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at UGA, at “in state” tuition rates, under an agreement between South Carolina and Georgia.

Each student should acquaint himself/herself with the specific requirements of the school of veterinary medicine to which he/she plans to apply for admission. Students are strongly advised to register with the coordinator of the pre-veterinary program, Dr. Tamatha Barbeau.

The pre-veterinary program of study is normally undertaken within a Bachelor of Science degree with a biology major and a chemistry minor (including biochemistry, comparative anatomy, vertebrate physiology and microbiology).

 Minimum program for pre-veterinary students includes:

All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C.

COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS

Undergraduate cooperative majors are offered with South Carolina Technical Colleges in the areas of civil engineering technology and electronic engineering technology, with Clemson University in the areas of engineering, forest management, and aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife biology, with McLeod Regional Medical Center or other accredited programs in the area of medical technology and with other institutions in various majors on an individual basis.

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ARRANGEMENT IN AQUACULTURE, FISHERIES, AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGY WITH CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Coordinator: Dr. Jeffrey D. Camper

A special arrangement allows students majoring in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife Biology to complete two years at Francis Marion University with a grade of C or better in each course and to transfer to Clemson University for their final two years of work. It is imperative that the student works closely with the coordinator in this program.

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ARRANGEMENT IN FOREST MANAGEMENT WITH CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Coordinator: Dr. Gerald W. Long

A special arrangement allows students majoring in forest management to complete two years at Francis Marion University and to transfer to Clemson University for their final two years of work. It is imperative that the student works closely with the coordinator in this program. Courses required at Francis Marion University are the following:

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ARRANGEMENT IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY WITH MCLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Coordinator: Dr. Larry J. McCumber
MMRC School of Medical Technology faculty: Anderson, Mitchell

Medical technologists usually serve as technical assistants to pathologists, performing clinical laboratory procedures helpful to physicians in the determination of the nature, course and treatment of disease. A Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with emphasis in medical technology at Francis Marion University is awarded after successful completion of 124 hours to include the following:

1. A minimum of 94 semester hours including the General Education Requirements and the following required courses:

* Credit cannot be given for Math 180 and either Math 111 or 132.

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2. Completion of a 30-hour clinical curriculum (Biology 495 and 496) in a medical technology program approved by Francis Marion University.

McLeod affiliation - Francis Marion University is currently affiliated with the School of Medical Technology of the McLeod Regional Medical Center Florence South Carolina.  A limited number of Francis Marion students will be admitted to the McLeod program on a competitive basis, upon application during the junior year. Students will be admitted only if:

 a. they have completed 3 nine-month academic years  (or the equivalent) of undergraduate study detailed in Item 1 including all of the General Education Requirements
 b. they have a minimum grade point average of 2.6 in the biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science courses
 c. they have a 2.5 overall grade point average

A student can complete the requirements for the degree to become a medical technologist in four years. The student is then eligible to take the National Certification Exam from the ASCP or NCA.

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INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Coordinators: Dr. Kevin J. Lasher (Political Science), Dr. Joel H. Thayer (Sociology)

An 18-hour concentration in criminal justice is available to political science and sociology majors. For details, see the description of the major in political science or the major in sociology.

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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Coordinator: Dr. John G. Rae III

MAJOR

Environmental Science options are offered for biology, chemistry and physics majors.

MINOR

A minor in environmental studies is offered for non-science majors.

A 19- to 20-semester-hour minor in environmental studies is offered only for non-science majors and requires the following:

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COLLATERAL

A collateral in environmental studies is offered for non-science majors and biology majors.

A 13-semester-hour collateral in environmental studies is offered only for non-science majors and requires the following:

A 13-semester-hour collateral in environmental studies is offered only for biology majors and requires the following:

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GENDER STUDIES

Coordinator: Dr. Janis McWayne

MISSION STATEMENT

The Gender Studies Program at Francis Marion University is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary lens through which to examine human conditions and experiences; gender role development; and legal, political, economic, social, and cultural systems. Gender awareness benefits individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions because gender operates as an organizing factor on social, political, and familial institutions and policies. Comprehension of gender dynamics, biases, and patterns can improve study in many disciplines. The Gender Studies Program infuses insights from an array of disciplines as part of the process of examining questions thematically and developing more inclusive perspectives.

Gender Studies courses may address such issues as femininity and masculinity theories; the social construction of gender; gender and the body; gender and culture; the biology and psychology of sex and sexuality; the dynamics of gender, language, representation, and interpretation; current and historical inquiries into the relationships between the sexes; institutional operation and development; gender role development; sexual orientation; sexual identity politics; queer theory; intersexuality theory; and other intersections of sex, gender, race, class, and sexuality.

MINOR

A minor in Gender Studies consists of 18 hours of courses listed under the Gender Studies Program to include GNDR 200 and 15 additional hours. At least 9 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above, with no more than two courses from any one discipline.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in Gender Studies consists of 12 hours of courses listed under the Gender Studies Program to include GNDR 200 and three additional courses, with no more than two courses from any one discipline.

GENDER STUDIES COURSES (GNDR)

200 Gender Studies (3) Introductory survey of the basic concepts and scope of gender including the intersections of sex, gender, race, class, and sexuality from the perspectives of the participating disciplines.  It is recommended that students take GNDR 200 prior to enrolling in other Gender Studies courses.

Courses eligible for the Gender Studies minor and collateral include the following:

BIOL 213: Biology of Sex
ENG 369: Sex, Gender, and Literature
ENG 421: Gender and Public Rhetoric
HIST 321: Family and Gender in World History
HLTH 301: Contemporary Health Issues
PSY 312: Human Sexuality
SOCI 205: Courtship and Marriage
SOCI 306: Modern Social Problems
SOCI 315: Sex and Gender in Social Context
SOCI 331: Environment, Power, and Opportunity
SOCI 381: Sociology of Sport
SOCI 382: Families Public and Private
SOCI 407: Urban Sociology
SOCI 419: Population and Society

Special topics courses may also be counted for credit towards the program with the approval of the Gender Studies Committee.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Coordinator: Travis W. Knowles

MISSION STATEMENT

Today's citizens need to know as much as possible about this complex world in which we are all so interdependent. Many academic disciplines contribute to that goal. The International Studies Program, which is multi-disciplinary, focuses attention on two areas in particular: international politics and the international economy. Within that framework students may concentrate on geographic areas: Europe, Latin America, or Africa-Middle East-Asia. Also, we work closely with the International Exchange Program and strongly urge students to spend a semester abroad at one of our partner institutions. Students may take a major, minor, or collateral in International Studies simply to learn more about the interconnected world in which they live. More likely, they will major or minor in order to prepare for careers in business, government, international agencies, and education or to prepare for further study.

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MAJOR

A major in international studies requires at least 33 hours in International Studies, no more than 12 of which may be below the 300 level. Specific requirements are as follows:

1. Area Requirements
    a)  Introduction to International Studies:
        Area A:                                                                  6 hours*
    b)  Primary Concentration
        Area B: International Politics                                   9 hours*
        or
        Area C: International Economics and Business        9 hours*
    c)  Secondary Concentration
        Area D: Africa, Middle East, Asia                          9 hours*
        or
        Area E: Europe                                                     9 hours*
        or
        Area F: Latin America                                           9 hours*
    d) Electives
        Area A-G:                                                            6 hours*
   * A course listed in more than one area may not be counted toward requirements in more than one area.
2. INTS 400 (3 hours): Senior Project
3. Completion of a course in a foreign language numbered 200 or above
4. One of the following options:
        a) two 12-hour collaterals approved by the faculty adviser (The foreign language requirement may be counted toward a collateral.)
        b) an 18-hour minor approved by the faculty adviser (The foreign language requirement may be counted toward a minor.)
   International Studies majors are encouraged to pursue a collateral or a minor in foreign language.
   

MINOR

A minor in international studies requires 18 hours, no more than 6 of which may be below the 300 level. Specific requirements are as follows.

     a) Introduction to International Studies
          Area A:                                                             3 hours*
     b) Primary Concentration
          Area B: International Politics                              6 hours*
          or
          Area C: International Economics and Business     6 hours*
     c)Secondary Concentration
          Area D: Africa, Middle East, Asia                       6 hours*
          or
          Area E: Europe                                                  6 hours*
          or
          Area F: Latin America                                        6 hours*
     d) Electives
          Areas A-G                                                         3 hours*

*A course listed in more than one area may not be counted toward requirements in more than one area.

It is strongly recommended that students seeking a minor in International Studies complete at least 12 hours of a foreign language, especially if they intend to apply for employment or graduate study in this field.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in international studies requires 12 hours, no more than 6 of which may be below the 300 level. Specific requirements are as follows:

     a) Introduction to International Studies
          Area A:                                                             3 hours*
     b) Primary Concentration
          Area B: International Politics                              6 hours*
          or
          Area C: International Economics and Business     6 hours*
     c)Secondary Concentration
          Area D: Africa, Middle East, Asia                       3 hours*
          or
          Area E: Europe                                                  3 hours*
          or
          Area F: Latin America                                        3 hours*
*A course listed in more than one area may not be counted toward requirements in more than one area.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDIES COURSES (INTS)

International Studies Program Courses (All are 3 hour courses unless otherwise noted). For full course descriptions see the listing under the respective departments and schools. Students should pay close attention to course prerequisites, since they must either take the prerequisites or obtain the permission of the department/school before they may enroll in the course.

Area A. Introduction to International Studies
     GEOG 102, World Regional Geography
     POL 203, International Relations
     HIST 205, Introduction to World History

Area B. International Politics
(no more than six hours in one discipline)
     GEOG 204, Political Geography
     HIST 307, History of the United States in World Affairs
     HIST 330, Europe and the World since 1945
     HIST 332, British Empire
     POL 203, International Relations
     POL 205, Comparative Government
     POL 314, United States Foreign Policy
     POL 315, Politics of War and Security

Area C. International Economics and Business
     ECON 325, International Economics
     ECON 340, Environmental and Natural Resources Economics
     ECON/HIST 300, Economic History of the United States
     ECON 397, Special Topics in Economics
     ECON 405, Development of Economic Thought
     GEOG 201, Economic Geography
     MKT 335, International Marketing
     MGT 460, International Management

Area D. Africa, Middle East, Asia
     GEOG 306, Subsaharan Africa
     GEOG 307, Middle East and North Africa
     HIST 341, Modern China
     HIST 342, Modern Japan
     POL 324, Asian Politics
     POL 325, African Politics
     POL 327, Middle Eastern Politics
     PRS 311, The Muslim Experience

Area E. Europe
(no more than six hours in one discipline)
     GEOG 302, Geography of Europe
     HIST 308, Russia and Eastern Europe
     HIST 320, Modern Germany
     HIST 330, Europe and the World since 1945
     HIST 331, Modern British Isles
     POL 328, Soviet and Russian Politics
     POL 329, Western European Politics

Area F. Latin America
(no more than six hours in one discipline
     GEOG 303, Geography of Latin America
     GEOG 305, Geography of Central America
     HIST 305, Empires and Nations in Latin America
     HIST 306, Latin America; Tradition and Change
     Hist 340, History of Modern Mexico
     POL 326, Latin American Politics

Area G. Elective Courses
     ARTH 390, Twentieth Century Art
     ARTH 400, Contemporary Art since 1980
     ENG 314, World Literature
     ENG 455, Advanced Study in International LIterature
     FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 3-6 hours above 299 Level
     GEOG 101, Cultural Geography
     HIST 309, Europe, 1814-1914
     HIST 324, Traditional East Asia
     HIST 329, Europe in the Era of the World Wars
     INTS 298-299, International Studies: Travel Seminars (3+3)
     Students may earn 3 hours credit for each of two travel seminars Conducted by FMU faculty or travel seminars conducted by faculty From other universities or colleges approved by the International Studies Committee. Students may also earn 3 hours credit (P/F) for INTS 299 by successful completion of a semester in an official FMU International Exchange Program. The three hours credit will count toward the major or minor, but will not be calculated in the student's GPA.

497 International Studies: Special Studies (3) (2) (1) Individual research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Research projects must be approved by the International Studies Committee and are reviewed by three faculty members from two different disciplines. Open only to juniors and seniors with GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major courses. (May be used as a substitute for a required program course with the permission of the International Studies Committee. May be taken for credit {3 hours} towards the Honors degree by special arrangement.)
          MCOM 405, Foreign Reporting
          SOCI 419, Population and Society

INTS 400 International Studies: Senior Project (3 hours) Each International Studies major is required to take this course. It includes examination of current issues in international relations and a major research project.

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HONORS PROGRAM

Director: Dr. Pamela A. Rooks

In order to help meet the special needs of students with superior academic ability, the University has established an Honors Program. The program is open to eligible students with superior academic records. (Other students may apply for admission to a specific Honors Course.) Initial eligibility for the Honors Program is determined by SAT or ACT scores. A minimum score of 1100 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT qualifies an entering student for the Honors Program. Second semester freshmen must earn an overall grade point average of 3.0 in order to become or remain eligible for the Honors Program. Sophomores, juniors and seniors must earn an overall grade point average of 3.25 in order to become or remain eligible for the Honors Program.

The program is implemented through an interdisciplinary “gateway” course designed to introduce Honors students to the Honors program, Honors Sections of regular courses, an interdisciplinary Honors Colloquium, and an Honors Independent Study. Each carries regular academic credit and is designated as an Honors Course on the student's University records.

Students who wish to receive a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Bachelor of General Studies, or a Bachelor of Science degree “With University Honors” must fulfill the following requirements:

1. All regular University and departmental or school requirements.
2. An overall grade point average of 3.25 or above, including transfer courses. All work that is taken at Francis Marion University and all work that is taken at other institutions and considered transferable will be included in computing a student's grade point average for Honors.
3. Completion of a minimum of 21 hours in Honors Courses with a grade point average of 3.25 or above in all Honors Courses taken. Of the 21 hours, 9 must be above 299, including three hours of the Honors Colloquium (397) and three hours of the Honors Independent Study (491-499) or acceptable substitutes. Grades below 3.0 in the Honors Colloquium and the Honors Independent Study do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular degree requirements. If necessary, the Honors Committee may accept substitutes for specific three-hour requirements through the “Honors Contract” option.
4. Honors credit may be allowed to a student transferring from another institution for courses that are accepted by Francis Marion University for full credit or elective credit. To receive the degree “With University Honors,” a transfer student must meet all requirements for the degree (see above), taking a minimum of 12 hours of Honors Courses at Francis Marion University, including the Honors Colloquium, the Honors Independent Study, and one other upper-level Honors Course. Honors credits transferred from other institutions will be included in computing the student's GPA in Honors Courses.

For further information, students should contact the Director of the Honors Program.

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HONORS COURSES (HNRS)

101 Freshman Honors Seminar (3) (Prerequisite: Invitation into/eligibility for Honors Program.) An honors “gateway” course designed to introduce freshman Honors students to the Honors Program and to interdisciplinary learning. An examination of special topics from an interdisciplinary point of view. Carries elective, but not General Education credit.

200 Honors Science Colloquium Experience (1) Requires students to prepare for, attend, and respond in writing to the weekly Science Colloquium. Carries elective, but not General Education, departmental, or school credit. Assessed as S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). May be taken for credit up to three times.

397 Honors Colloquium (3) Deals with special topics, selected each time the course is offered, from an interdisciplinary point of view. Seeks to provide Honors students with the opportunity to examine subjects which do not fall completely within the province of any one department or school. Carries elective, but not departmental or school credit. May be taken for credit no more than twice. Grades below 3.0 do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular University degree requirements.

491-499 Honors Independent Study (3) Allows the Honors student to pursue independent academic work, normally in the area of major concentration, under the guidance of a faculty member. Usually takes the form of a senior research project or senior thesis. Open to students who have completed 12 hours of Honors Courses. Topics must be approved by both the appropriate chairman of department or dean of school and the Honors Committee. Projects are reviewed by three faculty members from two different disciplines. Grades below 3.0 do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular University degree requirements. May be taken a second time in a second discipline. 497 Special Studies (3) in various disciplines and PRS 499 Advanced Study may be taken for Honors credit, by special arrangement, in place of 491-499. Grades below B do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular degree requirements.

An acceptable substitute for HNRS 491 is the successful completion of a semester in one of our official International Exchange Programs. The GPA requirement for graduating "With University Honors: will be calculated out of 18 honors credit hours rather than 21.

Students who successfully complete the Washington Semester Program may count 3 credit hours of POL 497-H WS, ENG 498-H WS, or PSY 310-H WS in place of 491-499. Grades below B do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular degree requirements.

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WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM

A special arrangement with the University of South Carolina's Institute of Public Affairs and the South Carolina Honors College makes Francis Marion University Honors students eligible to apply for a fellowship in the Washington Semester Program. Students accepted as fellows have the opportunity to live in the heart of Washington D.C. and gain valuable work experience in federal government or private sector offices while earning 15 hours of Honors academic credit.

Honors students at any South Carolina institution of higher education are eligible to apply for the Washington Semester Program. Fellows must be degree-seeking students and are usually juniors. The program operates in both the spring and fall semesters.

Francis Marion Honors students accepted into the Washington Semester Program will pay FMU tuition, be registered as FMU students, and earn academic credit for the following courses:

• POL 497-H (Special Studies: Washington Semester) (6)
• ENG 498-H (English Internship: Washington Semester) (3)
• PSY 310-H (The Psychological Focus: Leadership; Washington Semester) (3)
• THEA 101-H (Introduction to Theatre: Washington Semester) (3)

For further information about the Washington Semester Program and the application process, contact the FMU Honors Director.

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NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT (NPM)

Coordinator: Dr. Joseph A. Aniello

MISSION STATEMENT

The collateral in nonprofit management is designed first to introduce students to the contemporary nonprofit sector in terms of its structure and its role in American society, and  second, to provide students with an understanding of the management processes and current management issues related to nonprofit organizations. In addition, students gain hands-on experience in nonprofit organizations through visits to nonprofits and through a one-semester internship in a nonprofit organization.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in nonprofit management consists of 12 hours of courses and requires the following:

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NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT COURSES (NPM)

351 The Nonprofit Sector: Structure and Dynamics (3) F. (Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of the program coordinator) Topics include basic dimensions of the American nonprofit sector, review of theories for its development and its role in society; and overview of the financial and legal aspects of the sector.  Examination of the various types of nonprofits, including religious, social services, health care, education and research, advocacy, arts and culture,  international, grantmakers, and mutual benefit organizations.  Identification of trends and likely future directions of American nonprofits.

352 Managing the Nonprofit Organization (3) S. (Prerequisite: 351) An introduction to managing and improving the performance of nonprofit organizations in an environment of pressure from stakeholders to rationalize management practices, show measurable outcomes, and keep administrative cost low.  Major topics include strategic planning, strategic management, strategic marketing, fund-raising managing, public relations, political support, international opportunities, information technology, financial management, human resource management, and management of legal processes.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Director: Dr. Kenneth Kitts

The University Life program at Francis Marion University is designed to help entering students learn the necessary academic, cultural, social, and technological skills needed to succeed in the University environment. Classes in the program are taught in sections by specially trained faculty from all areas of the University. Other first-semester students may enroll in the course, receiving elective credit but not General Education credit, on a first-come, first-served basis.

UNIVERSITY LIFE COURSES

100 University Life (1) F, S, SU. This course is designed for first year students to assist in the development and enhancement of skills necessary to be successful at FMU. Students will become familiar with the resources available to help solve academic, personal, and social problems.

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