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<strong>GRADUATE</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> <strong>MEETING</strong><br />

9 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />

<strong>102</strong> <strong>Kern</strong> <strong>Graduate</strong> Building<br />

AGENDA:<br />

1. Minutes of the 18 April <strong>2012</strong> Meeting<br />

2. Communications and Remarks of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

3. Announcements<br />

4. Reports of Standing Committees<br />

Committee on Committees and Procedures – James Nemes, Chair<br />

Item for discussion/vote:<br />

a) Election of new members to the <strong>2012</strong>–2013 Committee on Committees and<br />

Procedures – Appendix A, Page A1 (list of <strong>Graduate</strong> Council membership for<br />

<strong>2012</strong>–2013)<br />

Committee on Academic Standards – C. Andrew Cole, Chair<br />

Item for discussion/vote:<br />

a) Proposed revision of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council policy on Doctoral Committees –<br />

Appendix B, Page B1<br />

b) Proposed revisions of verbiage in the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council Doctoral Degree<br />

Requirements policy regarding satisfactory scholarship – Appendix C,<br />

Page C1<br />

Committee on Fellowships and Awards – Andras Hajnal, Chair<br />

Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Research – David Spencer, Chair<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Exhibition Subcommittee – Libby Tisdell, <strong>Graduate</strong> Council representative<br />

to the Subcommittee<br />

Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Student and Faculty Issues – James Nemes, Chair<br />

Committee on Programs and Courses – C. Andrew Cole, Chair<br />

Items for discussion/vote (Appendices D–O):<br />

a) Program Change: Change in the requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.)<br />

degree in Laboratory Animal Medicine (College of Medicine) – Appendix D,<br />

Page D1<br />

b) Program Change: Change in the requirements for the Master of Professional<br />

Studies (M.P.S.) degree in Forensic Science (Eberly College of Science) –<br />

Appendix E, Page E1<br />

c) Program Change/Program Drops: Creation of a single Master of Arts (M.A.)<br />

degree program in Music by changing the Music Theory M.A. program and<br />

1


dropping the Musicology M.A. program and the Music Theory and History M.A.<br />

program (College of Arts and Architecture) – Appendix F, Page F1<br />

d) Program Change/Program Drop: Creation of a single Master of Music<br />

(M.Mus.) degree program in Pedagogy and Performance by changing the Piano<br />

Pedagogy and Performance M.Mus. program and dropping the Voice Performance<br />

and Pedagogy M.Mus. program (College of Arts and Architecture) – Appendix G,<br />

Page G1<br />

e) New Program: African Studies dual-title graduate degree program (College of<br />

the Liberal Arts)—[newly approved course AFR 501 is attached for reference] –<br />

Appendix H, Page H1<br />

f) Program Change: Proposal by Political Science to adopt the proposed dual-title<br />

graduate degree program in African Studies (College of the Liberal Arts) –<br />

Appendix I, Page I1<br />

g) Program Change: Proposal by Comparative Literature to adopt the proposed<br />

dual-title graduate degree program in African Studies (College of the Liberal Arts)<br />

– Appendix J, Page J1<br />

h) Program Change: Change in the degree requirements in the graduate program in<br />

French (College of the Liberal Arts)—[newly approved courses FR 501A and FR<br />

501B are attached for reference] – Appendix K, Page K1<br />

i) Program Change: Creation of new option, Nurse Educator, in the Master of<br />

Science (M.S.) degree program in Nursing (School of Nursing) – Appendix L,<br />

Page L1<br />

j) Program Change: Creation of new option, Nurse Administrator, in the Master of<br />

Science (M.S.) degree program in Nursing (School of Nursing)—[newly approved<br />

course NURS 845 is attached for reference] – Appendix M, Page M1<br />

k) Program Change: Change in the requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.)<br />

and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Materials Science and Engineering<br />

(intercollege program housed in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences)—<br />

[MATSE 582 new course proposal is attached for reference) – Appendix N,<br />

Page N1<br />

l) Program Change: Drop the Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) degree in Curriculum<br />

and Instruction (College of Education) – Appendix O, Page O1<br />

Informational items (Appendices P–R):<br />

a) Program Change: Discontinuation of the extension to Penn State Great Valley<br />

School of <strong>Graduate</strong> Professional Studies of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and<br />

the Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Special Education (College of Education)<br />

– Appendix P, Page P1<br />

b) Program Change: Discontinuation of the extension to Penn State Great Valley<br />

School of <strong>Graduate</strong> Professional Studies of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree<br />

in Curriculum and Instruction (College of Education) – Appendix Q, Page Q1<br />

c) Additional information related to Appendices P and Q: Proposal from Madlyn<br />

Hanes, Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, to the Faculty Senate to<br />

discontinue the Education Division as an organizational unit at Penn State Great<br />

Valley – Appendix R, Page R1<br />

2


5. Reports of Special Committees<br />

6. <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Association<br />

7. Special Reports<br />

8. Unfinished Business<br />

9. New Business<br />

10. Comments and Recommendations for the Good of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Community<br />

_________________________________<br />

Coffee - 3:10 PM; Business - 3:30 PM<br />

3


Minutes of the Meeting<br />

Wednesday, April 18, <strong>2012</strong><br />

<strong>102</strong> <strong>Kern</strong> <strong>Graduate</strong> Building GC – 8 (2011-12)<br />

THE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong><br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Council met on Wednesday, April 18, <strong>2012</strong>, at 3:30 p.m. in <strong>102</strong> <strong>Kern</strong> <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Building. Dr. Henry Foley, Vice President for Research and Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School, chaired the<br />

meeting. The minutes of the meeting of March 21, <strong>2012</strong>, were approved.<br />

COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS OF THE DEAN OF THE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> SCHOOL<br />

Dr. Foley reported a recent increase in both research expenditures and <strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

applications; he noted that new applications for the <strong>2012</strong>–2013 academic year are expected to exceed<br />

26,000. Fall 2011 graduate enrollments are approximately 13,300, with a significant number of these<br />

enrollments in online professional graduate degree programs. Dr. Foley noted that The <strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

does not seem to have been adversely affected by the negative publicity that the University has recently<br />

received.<br />

ANNOUNCEMENTS<br />

None.<br />

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES<br />

Committee on Academic Standards<br />

Dr. Foley recognized Dr. Andy Cole, Chair, Committee on Academic Standards.<br />

Dr. Cole directed the Council’s attention to Appendix A, Internship Common Course Changes to<br />

Limit to Off-Campus Activities. Dr. Cole explained to Council that the definitions were revised again<br />

slightly to comply with federal financial aid restrictions (specifically, to eliminate reference to on-campus<br />

internships in the definitions of the two internship courses). In response to a query from a Council<br />

member, Dr. Cole referred members to the justification provide in Appendix A, reminding them that<br />

graduate students participating in an on-campus internship should register for individual studies credits,<br />

rather than the internship courses. There being no further discussion, the question was called and the<br />

Common Course descriptions were approved unanimously as presented.<br />

Dr. Cole reported that, earlier in the day, the Committee had approved a revision to the Doctoral<br />

Committee policy. He noted that the policy identifies two distinct roles on Doctoral Committees: the<br />

Outside Field Member and the Outside Unit Member. Dr. Cole indicated that the proposed policy revision<br />

will be presented to <strong>Graduate</strong> Council for discussion/vote at the meeting on <strong>May</strong> 9.<br />

Committee on Fellowships and Awards<br />

Dr. Foley read a report submitted by Dr. Andras Hajnal, Chair, Committee on Fellowships and<br />

Awards.<br />

Dr. Hajnal’s report indicated that the Committee has no new updates since March’s <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Council meeting. Committee members are finalizing deliberations for the remaining 2011–12 awards.


Minutes of the Meeting April 18, <strong>2012</strong><br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Council -2-<br />

Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Research<br />

Dr. Foley recognized Dr. David Spencer, Chair, Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Research.<br />

Dr. Spencer reported that the Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Research had not met since the March<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Council meeting.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Exhibition Subcommittee<br />

Dr. Foley recognized Elizabeth Price, Executive Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Education Administration,<br />

representing the <strong>Graduate</strong> Exhibition Subcommittee.<br />

Ms. Price reported that the <strong>Graduate</strong> Exhibition, held on March 23 and 25, was a success, with<br />

approximately 240 exhibitors and nearly 150 judges. She noted that the Subcommittee had met earlier in<br />

the day to review this year’s process and discuss improvements and other logistical changes for next year.<br />

One concern was the large percentage of individuals who registered to serve as judges but who did not<br />

attend on the day of the Exhibition. Including those who did notify The <strong>Graduate</strong> School before the day<br />

of the Exhibition, the total number of absent judges was approximately 35% of those who had registered.<br />

Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Student and Faculty Issues<br />

Issues.<br />

Dr. Foley recognized Dr. James Nemes, Chair, Committee on <strong>Graduate</strong> Student and Faculty<br />

Dr. Nemes directed Council’s attention to Appendix B, Guidelines for <strong>Graduate</strong> Assistant Paid<br />

Leaves. He advised Council that, although the costs for Paid Leaves are estimated to be relatively low,<br />

based on the projected number of students in need of this type of leave, if funding issues arise, the<br />

Guidelines will be revisited.<br />

Council members suggested some slight refinements in the definition of “New Parent” and in<br />

other language related to the process and timing of adoption, which were unanimously agreed upon in<br />

general terms; Dr. Nemes will work with The <strong>Graduate</strong> School to finalize the revisions. As these are<br />

guidelines, and not policy, Dr. Foley polled Council members to determine their support to endorse the<br />

guidelines. All in attendance voted in favor of <strong>Graduate</strong> Council’s endorsement of the guidelines.<br />

Committee on Programs and Courses<br />

Dr. Foley recognized Dr. Andy Cole, Chair, Committee on Programs and Courses. Dr. Foley<br />

indicated that guests from various graduate programs were in attendance to answer queries about the<br />

program proposals, if necessary.<br />

Dr. Cole presented the following graduate program proposals on behalf of the Committee on<br />

Programs and Courses with a motion and a second to approve the slate of proposals (Appendices C<br />

through G):<br />

1. Program Change: Adoption of the Master of Science (M.S.) dual-title graduate degree<br />

program in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment (HDNRE) by<br />

the M.S. degree program in Landscape Architecture (College of Arts and Architecture) –<br />

Appendix C, Page C1<br />

2. Program Change: Creation of joint Ph.D. (Engineering Science and Mechanics)/M.D.<br />

degree (College of Engineering) – Appendix D, Page D1


Minutes of the Meeting April 18, <strong>2012</strong><br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Council -3-<br />

3. Program Change: Change in the requirements for the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Art<br />

History (College of Arts and Architecture) – Appendix E, Page E1<br />

4. Program Change: Discontinuation of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree and change<br />

in the admission requirements in the graduate program in Art Education (College of Arts<br />

and Architecture) – Appendix F, Page F1<br />

5. Program Change: Change in the requirements for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree<br />

program in Adult Education and creation of a joint M.Ed. (Adult Education)/M.D. degree<br />

program (College of Education) – Appendix G, Page G1<br />

There being no discussion, the question was called and the program proposals were approved<br />

unanimously as presented.<br />

REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES<br />

None.<br />

<strong>GRADUATE</strong> STUDENT ASSOCIATION<br />

Dr. Foley recognized Ms. Julia Fraustino, representing the <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Association (GSA).<br />

Ms. Fraustino reported that the GSA held its annual Spring Benefit Gala on Saturday, April 14,<br />

<strong>2012</strong>. The Gala raised approximately $700 to benefit the ClearWater Conservancy.<br />

Ms. Fraustino informed the Council that GSA elections for the <strong>2012</strong>–2013 academic year were<br />

held from Monday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 4, <strong>2012</strong>, for its Executive Officers, Assembly<br />

Delegates, and University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC) Representative. The new Delegates and<br />

Executive Board were seated at GSA’s last meeting. The new President is Wanika Fisher, the new Vice<br />

President is Robbie Fraleigh, and the new Treasurer is current <strong>Graduate</strong> Council Representative Brad<br />

Sottile. The election also included all five GSA <strong>Graduate</strong> Council seats for <strong>2012</strong>–2013; four candidates<br />

received the required number of votes to win positions. The fifth seat received several write-in candidates,<br />

but because none received 50% of all votes, an additional election to seat the fifth representative will take<br />

place among the Assembly in the first meeting of the fall semester.<br />

SPECIAL REPORTS<br />

None.<br />

UNFINISHED BUSINESS<br />

None.<br />

NEW BUSINESS<br />

None.<br />

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GOOD OF THE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> COMMUNITY<br />

There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.


<strong>2012</strong>–2013 <strong>Graduate</strong> Council<br />

APPENDIX A, PAGE A1<br />

MEMBERSHIP IN THE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong><br />

<strong>GRADUATE</strong> FACULTY MEMBERSHIP<br />

* BABU, Jogesh, Professor of Statistics, (SC)<br />

814-863-2837, 326 Thomas Building (email: babu@psu.edu)<br />

* BARTON, RUSSELL, Professor of Management Science (BA)<br />

814-863-7289, 406 Business Building (email: rrb2@psu.edu)<br />

** BORHAN, Ali, Professor of Chemical Engineering (EN)<br />

814-865-7847, 122 Fenske Laboratory (email: axb20@psu.edu)<br />

* BOSE, Mallika, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture (AA)<br />

814-863-8136, 321 Stuckeman Family Building (email: mub13@psu.edu)<br />

BRINDLEY, Erica, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, History and Asian Studies (LA)<br />

814-865-3968, 108 Weaver Building (email: (efb12@psu.edu)<br />

BROWN, Kathleen M., Professor of Post-Harvest Physiology (AG)<br />

814-863-2260, 220 Tyson Building (email: kbe@psu.edu)<br />

CHANDRA, Jeya, Professor of Industrial Engineering (EN)<br />

814-863-2358, 310 Leonhard Building (email: mjc3@psu.edu)<br />

* COLE, Milton, Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering;<br />

Distinguished Professor of Physics (SC)<br />

814-863-1065, 104 Davey Laboratory (email: mwc@psu.edu)<br />

COLLINS, Linda, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies (HH)<br />

814-865-7090, 400 Calder Square II (email: lmc8@psu.edu)<br />

** DAVIS, Kenneth J., Professor of Meteorology (EM)<br />

814-863-8601, 512 Walker Building (email: kjd10@psu.edu)<br />

DING, Min, Professor of Marketing, Smeal College of Business (BA)<br />

814-865-0622, 408 Business Building (email: mqd9@psu.edu)<br />

* ECKERT, Kristin, Professor of Pathology (HY)<br />

717-531-4065, H059 Pathology, Hershey (email: kae4@psu.edu)<br />

* EDWARDS, ROBERT, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English and Comparative Literature (LA)<br />

814-863-3068; 139 Burrowes Building (email: rre1@psu.edu)<br />

FEDDERKE, Johannes, Professor of International Affairs (IA)<br />

867-2793, 237 Lewis Katz Building (email: jwf15@psu.edu)<br />

FOGG, Janet, Instructor, School of Nursing (NR)<br />

717-531-1340, 600 Centerview Drive, Hershey (email: jef13@psu.edu)<br />

* FRANCIS, Lori, Assistant Professor of Biobehavioral Health (HH)<br />

814-863-0213, 315 Health and Human Development East Building (email: laf169@psu.edu)<br />

*Newly elected<br />

**Re-elected<br />

1


<strong>2012</strong>–2013 <strong>Graduate</strong> Council<br />

A2<br />

FUENTES, Jose, Professor of Meteorology (EM)<br />

814-863-1585, 508 Walker Building (email: jdfuentes@psu.edu)<br />

* GROZINGER, Christina, Associate Professor of Entomology (AG)<br />

814-865-1895, 4A Chemical Ecology Lab (email: cmg25@psu.edu)<br />

** HAJNAL, Andras, Associate Professor of Neural and Behavioral Sciences (HY)<br />

717-531-5735, H181 Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Hershey (email: axh40@psu.edu)<br />

* JOHNSON, William, Associate Professor of Management, (BD)<br />

814-898-6434, 268 Burke Center, Behrend (email: whj1@psu.edu)<br />

KASTING, James, Distinguished Professor of Geosciences (EM)<br />

814-865-3207, 443 Deike Building (email: jfk4@psu.edu)<br />

KNIGHT, Wanda, Associate Professor of Art Education (AA)<br />

853-7313, 211 Arts Cottage (email: wbk10@psu.edu)<br />

* LAPLANTE, Phillip, Professor of Software Engineering (GV)<br />

610-648-3200, Penn State Great Valley (email: plaplante@gv.psu.edu)<br />

LINDBERG, Darla, Associate Professor of Architecture (AA)<br />

814-865-1574, 421 Stuckeman Family Building (email: dvl2@psu.edu)<br />

LINN, Suzanna, Professor of Political Science (LA)<br />

814-863-9402, 203 Pond Laboratories (email: sld8@psu.edu)<br />

MACKERTICH, Seroj, Associate Professor of Engineering (CL)<br />

717-948-6131, W236 Olmsted Building, Penn State Harrisburg (email: oct@psu.edu)<br />

* MASON, Linda, Associate Professor of Education (Special Education) (ED)<br />

814-863-7500, 213 CEDAR Building (email: lhm12@psu.edu)<br />

MURAKAMI, Katsuhiko, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SC)<br />

814-865-2758, 6 Althouse Lab (email: kum14@psu.edu)<br />

* NUSSBAUM, Jon, Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and Human Development and Family<br />

Studies (LA)<br />

814-863-3619, 319 Sparks Building (email: jfn5@psu.edu)<br />

** OLIVER, Mary Beth, Distinguished Professor of Communications (CM)<br />

814-863-5552, 210 Carnegie Building (email: mbo@psu.edu)<br />

ORDWAY, Richard, Associate Professor of Biology (SC)<br />

814-865-3076, 215 Life Sciences Building (email: rwo4@psu.edu)<br />

RADHAKRISHNA, Rama, Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education (AG)<br />

814-863-7069, 212 Ferguson Building (email: brr100@psu.edu)<br />

RICCOMINI, Paul, Associate Professor of Education (ED)<br />

867-4386, 214 Cedar Building (email: pjr146@psu.edu)<br />

*Newly elected<br />

**Re-elected<br />

2


<strong>2012</strong>–2013 <strong>Graduate</strong> Council<br />

A3<br />

ROSSON, Mary Beth, Professor of Information Sciences and Technology (IS)<br />

814-863-2478, 330D Information Sciences and Technology Building (email: mur13@psu.edu)<br />

SPENCER, David, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering (EN)<br />

814-865-4537, 233H Hammond Building (email: dbs9@psu.edu)<br />

** TISDELL, Elizabeth, Professor of Education (CL)<br />

717-948-6640, W314 Olmsted Building, Middletown, PA (email: ejt11@psu.edu)<br />

* VAN HELL, Adriana (Janet), Professor of Psychology and Linguistics (LA)<br />

814-865-0645, 619 Moore Building (email: jgv3@psu.edu)<br />

** WANG, Qian, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (EN)<br />

814-865-8281, 325 Leonhard Building (email: quw6@psu.edu)<br />

WANNER, Adrian, Professor of Slavic Languages and Comparative Literature (LA)<br />

814-865-5481, 427 Burrowes Building (email: ajw3@psu.edu)<br />

WILKINSON, Krista, Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders (HH)<br />

814-865-3584, 308 Donald H. Ford Building (email: kmw22@psu.edu)<br />

WITWER, David, Associate Professor of History and Humanities (CL)<br />

717-948-6470, W-356 Olmsted Building, Penn State Harrisburg (email: dxw44@psu.edu)<br />

* YENGO, Chris, Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (HY)<br />

717-531-8575, H166 Physiology, Hershey (email: cmy11@psu.edu)<br />

* ZIEGLER, Gregory, Professor of Food Science (AG)<br />

814-863-6132, 341 Food Science Building (email: grz1@psu.edu)<br />

<strong>GRADUATE</strong> STUDENT MEMBERSHIP<br />

* AKGUN, Mahir, <strong>Graduate</strong> Student in Instructional Systems (ED)<br />

814-865-0473, 314 Keller Building (email: mza149@psu.edu)<br />

* COSSEN, William, <strong>Graduate</strong> Student in History (LA)<br />

814-865-6203, 103 Weaver Building (email: wsc5037@psu.edu)<br />

* KAMAT, Manasi Manohar, <strong>Graduate</strong> Student in Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AG)<br />

814-863-3273 (email: mqk5198@psu.edu)<br />

* MC CAULEY, Becky, <strong>Graduate</strong> Student in Geosciences (EM)<br />

814-865-7394, 507 Deike Building (email: rlm349@psu.edu)<br />

*******************************************************************************************<br />

FOLEY, Henry C., Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School (CHAIR)<br />

814-863-9580, 304 Old Main – Ex Officio (email: hcf2@psu.edu)<br />

VASILATOS-YOUNKEN, Regina, Senior Associate Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

814-865-2516, 114 <strong>Kern</strong> Building – Ex Officio (email: rxv@psu.edu)<br />

*Newly elected<br />

**Re-elected<br />

3


<strong>2012</strong>–2013 <strong>Graduate</strong> Council<br />

A4<br />

ADAIR, Suzanne, Assistant Dean for <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Affairs, Senior Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Educational Equity<br />

Programs, and Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs<br />

814-865-2516, 114 <strong>Kern</strong> Building – Ex Officio (email: sca917@psu.edu)<br />

PRICE, Elizabeth, Executive Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Education Administration and Special Assistant to the<br />

Dean<br />

814-865-2516, 114 <strong>Kern</strong> Building – Ex Officio (email: erprice@psu.edu)<br />

ECKHARDT, Caroline, Professor of Comparative Literature and English, University Faculty Senate Liaison<br />

814-863-0589, 311 Burrowes Building, (email: e82@psu.edu)<br />

SYLVIA, David, Director of Academic Affairs for <strong>Graduate</strong> Programs, World Campus<br />

814-863-3248, 222 Outreach Building – Ex Officio (email: dms39@psu.edu)<br />

REILLY, Marie, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law<br />

814-863-7033, Lewis Katz Building – Ex Officio (email: mtr12@psu.edu)<br />

*Newly elected<br />

**Re-elected<br />

4


APPENDIX B, PAGE B1<br />

Proposed Revision of <strong>Graduate</strong> Council Policy on Doctoral Committees<br />

Background and Justification<br />

The current policy on doctoral committees, which was revised most recently in <strong>May</strong> 2011,<br />

includes a requirement for an Outside Field Member to serve on each doctoral committee. The<br />

Outside Field Member is intended to represent another field (outside the student’s major field) to<br />

provide a broader range of disciplinary perspectives and expertise. This requirement can be met<br />

by any number of criteria, including membership in another graduate program; formal<br />

training/highest degree in another field; research expertise based upon record of scholarly work<br />

in another field; etc., and has no basis in budgetary relationship.<br />

After the revised policy was implemented, The <strong>Graduate</strong> School Dean’s Office and <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Enrollment Services fielded many queries from programs regarding the interpretation of “outside<br />

the student’s major field,” which eventually led to a request for a formal interpretation by the<br />

Committee on Academic Standards.<br />

The Committee did not intend to change the current policy, but simply wished to establish a<br />

standard method for interpreting and operationalizing the policy (with nearly 200 graduate<br />

programs, including an increasing proportion of multidisciplinary and intercollege programs, an<br />

effective policy that can be implemented is especially critical). However, the Committee noted<br />

that two different ideals consistently are advanced for doctoral committee membership: 1) The<br />

first is intellectual and served by the Outside Field Member, whereby a different, or “outside,”<br />

perspective from the student’s major field is brought to a student’s dissertation committee so as<br />

to enrich the student’s research and professional development. 2) The second is protective,<br />

intended to prevent/discourage potential conflicts of interest that may be based on any number of<br />

underlying factors ranging from power imbalances between an untenured, junior faculty member<br />

from the same administrative unit as a senior, tenured faculty member, to personal relationships<br />

between the student’s advisor and another member of the committee. This second role is not<br />

addressed by the Outside Field Member.<br />

In order to reasonably achieve these two different but equally important ideals, the Committee<br />

decided that designating two different positions for doctoral committees would be both fair and<br />

comprehensive: the Outside Field Member (as it exists in the current policy) and an Outside Unit<br />

Member, whose primary appointment would be from a different administrative unit than that in<br />

which the student’s dissertation advisor holds his/her primary appointment. With respect to these<br />

two committee positions:<br />

• The graduate program would have considerable latitude over the designation of the<br />

Outside Field Member. The member of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty serving in this role, and the<br />

field that he/she would represent that is outside of the student’s major, would be listed on<br />

the committee appointment form, and could qualify as representing another field through<br />

any number of means (graduate degree in another field; research expertise demonstrated<br />

through scholarly record; membership in the graduate faculty of another doctoral<br />

program, different from the student’s major; etc.).


B2<br />

• The Outside Unit Member, however, would need to have a primary appointment outside<br />

the administrative unit in which the dissertation adviser holds his/her primary<br />

appointment, so as to avoid the potential for conflicts of interest. Thus, “Outside Unit” in<br />

the title of this position on the doctoral committee would be defined as different from the<br />

primary appointment home [e.g., in the case of tenure-line faculty, the tenure home] of<br />

the student’s dissertation advisor, and this member would need to be approved by<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services in The <strong>Graduate</strong> School.<br />

It is possible that the Outside Field Member position and the Outside Unit Member position<br />

could be filled by the same individual (who also could potentially represent the major program),<br />

so it would not always be necessary to add a fifth committee member, although this may be<br />

necessary in some situations.<br />

During discussion of the Committee’s concept in a <strong>Graduate</strong> Council meeting, several new<br />

models were discussed (European model of an impassionate “examination observer,” and<br />

Canadian “Pro-Dean” model), but for the same reasons the policy was revised in <strong>May</strong> 2011 to<br />

eliminate the “policing” aspect of the previous “Outside Member,” the Committee did not feel<br />

that a return to this requirement would be beneficial. In addition, concern was expressed that a<br />

faculty member could be too “outside,” or too far removed from, the dissertation topic, in which<br />

case it is possible that neither the student nor the committee member would derive any benefit<br />

from the committee member’s service on the committee. Depending on the subject matter, it may<br />

be very difficult for a student to defend his/her dissertation to a faculty member who is not<br />

familiar with the subject (exam given in another language, for example). Further, outside of the<br />

structure of administrative unit, there is no way to discern whether a conflict may exist (personal<br />

relationship, student may have taken class from faculty member, etc.)<br />

As noted frequently during these deliberations, ALL members of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty are<br />

expected to maintain the standards of The <strong>Graduate</strong> School. Having a policy seemingly isolate<br />

this responsibility to a single member/role on a doctoral committee sends a poor message to<br />

faculty.<br />

The Committee recognizes that it is impossible to create a policy that will cover every situation.<br />

Ethics cannot be legislated; there will always be relationship factors (collaborations, friendships,<br />

social group memberships, relatives, etc.) that cannot be anticipated or controlled. However, the<br />

Committee feels that the addition of an Outside Unit Member, while retaining the requirement<br />

for an Outside Field Member, is both fair and comprehensive.


B3<br />

Proposed Revision to Current Policy on Doctoral Committees<br />

(with tracked changes)<br />

ADVISERS AND DOCTORAL COMMITTEES<br />

Following admittance to a degree program, the student should confer with the head of that major<br />

department or program concerning procedures and the appointment of an academic adviser.<br />

Consultation or arrangement of the details of the student's semester-by-semester schedule is the<br />

function of the academic adviser. This person may be a member of the doctoral committee or<br />

someone else designated by the head of the major program for this specific duty. The academic<br />

adviser may be different from the dissertation adviser.<br />

Doctoral Committee--General guidance of a doctoral candidate is the responsibility of a<br />

doctoral committee consisting of four or more active members of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty, which<br />

includes at least two faculty members in the major field. The dissertation adviser must be a<br />

member of the doctoral committee. The dissertation adviser usually serves as chair, but this is<br />

not required. If the candidate is also pursuing a dual-title field of study, a co-chair representing<br />

the dual-title field must be appointed. In most cases, the same individual (e.g., dissertation<br />

adviser) is a member of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty in both the major and dual-title fields, and in such<br />

cases may serve as sole chair.<br />

At least one regular member of the doctoral committee must represent a field outside the<br />

candidate’s major field of study in order to provide a broader range of disciplinary perspectives<br />

and expertise. This committee member is referred to as the “Outside Field Member.” In cases<br />

where the candidate is also pursuing a dual-title field of study, the dual-title representative to the<br />

committee may serve as the Outside Field Member.<br />

Additionally, at least one regular member of the doctoral committee must have a primary<br />

appointment in an administrative unit outside the primary appointment administrative home of<br />

the student’s dissertation adviser (e.g., for tenure-line faculty, the tenure home) in order to avoid<br />

the potential for conflicts of interest. This committee member is referred to as the “Outside Unit<br />

Member.” In some cases, an individual may have a primary appointment outside the<br />

administrative home of the student’s dissertation adviser and also represent a field outside the<br />

student’s major field of study; in such cases, the individual may serve as both the Outside Field<br />

Member and the Outside Unit Member.<br />

If the candidate has a minor, that field must be represented on the committee by a “Minor Field<br />

Member.” (See also Major Program and Minor Field under D.Ed.—Additional Specific<br />

Requirements in this bulletin.)<br />

This committee is appointed by the graduate dean through the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment<br />

Services, upon recommendation of the head of the major program, soon after the student is<br />

admitted to candidacy. The dean may, on occasion, appoint one or more members of the<br />

committee in addition to those recommended by the program chair.


B4<br />

A person not affiliated with Penn State who has particular expertise in the candidate's research<br />

area may be added as a “Special Member,” upon recommendation by the head of the program<br />

and approval of the graduate dean (via the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services). A Special<br />

Member is expected to participate fully in the functions of the doctoral committee. If the Special<br />

Member is asked only to read and approve the doctoral dissertation, that person is designated a<br />

special signatory. Occasionally, special signatories may be drawn from within the Penn State<br />

faculty in particular situations.<br />

The membership of doctoral committees should be periodically reviewed by the program chair to<br />

ensure that its members continue to qualify for service on the committee in their designated<br />

roles. For example, if appointments, employment at the University, etc., have changed since<br />

initial appointment to the committee, changes to the committee membership may be necessary. If<br />

changes are warranted, they should be made as soon as possible to prevent future problems that<br />

may delay academic progress for the student (e.g., ability to conduct the comprehensive or final<br />

examinations).<br />

Chair--The chair or at least one co-chair must be a member of the graduate faculty of the<br />

specific doctoral program in which the candidate is enrolled. A retired or emeritus faculty<br />

member may chair a doctoral committee if he/she began chairing the committee prior to<br />

retirement and has the continuing approval of the department head or program chair. The<br />

primary duties of the chair are: (1) to maintain the academic standards of the doctoral program<br />

and Tthe <strong>Graduate</strong> School and assure that all procedures are carried out fairly, (2) to ensure that<br />

the comprehensive and final examinations are conducted in a timely fashion, (3) to arrange and<br />

conduct all meetings, and (4) to ensure that requirements set forth by the committee are<br />

implemented in the final version of the thesis.<br />

Responsibilities of Doctoral Committees--The doctoral committee is responsible for approving<br />

the broad outline of the student’s program and should review the program as soon as possible<br />

after the student’s admission to candidacy. Moreover, continuing communication among the<br />

student, the committee chair, the research supervisor, and the members of the committee is<br />

strongly recommended, to preclude misunderstandings and to develop a collegial relation<br />

between the candidate and the committee.<br />

Doctoral Examination--The (entire) committee will prepare and administer the examination,<br />

and evaluate the candidate’s performance on the examination. If a committee member is unable<br />

to attend the final oral defense, the member may sign as a special signatory. A revised committee<br />

appointment form will need to be sent to the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services, 114 <strong>Kern</strong><br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Building, removing the faculty member as a regular committee member and if it is<br />

desired to designate that individual as a special signatory, a memo must accompany the revised<br />

committee form, requesting that the faculty member be moved to a special signatory. If there are<br />

then not enough members serving on the committee (i.e., four or more active members of the<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty), another Penn State faculty member will need to replace that member to<br />

constitute a legitimate doctoral committee. (Substitutes are not permitted.) These changes and<br />

approvals shall occur before the actual examination takes place. The department or program head<br />

will notify the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services, providing two weeks' notice, when the


candidate is ready to schedule the comprehensive and the final oral examinations and will report<br />

the results of these examinations to that office.<br />

B5


B6<br />

Current Policy on Doctoral Committees, approved by <strong>Graduate</strong> Council in<br />

<strong>May</strong> 2011 and excerpted on 4/1/<strong>2012</strong> from:<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm<br />

and<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm?section=degreeReq1<br />

“ADVISERS AND DOCTORAL COMMITTEES<br />

Following admittance to a degree program, the student should confer with the head of that major<br />

department or program concerning procedures and the appointment of an academic adviser.<br />

Consultation or arrangement of the details of the student's semester-by-semester schedule is the<br />

function of the academic adviser. This person may be a member of the doctoral committee or<br />

someone else designated by the head of the major program for this specific duty. The academic<br />

adviser may be different from the dissertation adviser.<br />

Doctoral Committee--General guidance of a doctoral candidate is the responsibility of a<br />

doctoral committee consisting of four or more active members of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty, which<br />

includes at least two faculty members in the major field. The dissertation adviser must be a<br />

member of the doctoral committee. The dissertation adviser usually serves as chair, but this is<br />

not required. If the candidate is also pursuing a dual-title field of study, a co-chair representing<br />

the dual-title field must be appointed. In most cases, the same individual (e.g., dissertation<br />

adviser) is a member of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty in both the major and dual-title fields, and in such<br />

cases may serve as sole chair. At least one regular member of the doctoral committee must<br />

represent a field outside the candidate’s major field of study in order to provide a broader range<br />

of disciplinary perspectives and expertise. This committee member is referred to as the “Outside<br />

Field Member.” In cases where the candidate is also pursuing a dual-title field of study, the dualtitle<br />

representative to the committee may serve as the Outside Field Member. If the candidate has<br />

a minor, that field must be represented on the committee by a “Minor Field Member.” (See also<br />

Major Program and Minor Field under D.Ed.—Additional Specific Requirements in this<br />

bulletin.) This committee is appointed by the graduate dean through the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Enrollment Services, upon recommendation of the head of the major program, soon after the<br />

student is admitted to candidacy. The dean may on occasion appoint one or more members of the<br />

committee in addition to those recommended by the program chair. A person not affiliated with<br />

Penn State who has particular expertise in the candidate's research area may be added as a<br />

“Special Member,” upon recommendation by the head of the program and approval of the<br />

graduate dean (via the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services). A Special Member is expected<br />

to participate fully in the functions of the doctoral committee. If the Special Member is asked<br />

only to read and approve the doctoral dissertation, that person is designated a special signatory.<br />

Occasionally, special signatories may be drawn from within the Penn State faculty in particular<br />

situations.


B7<br />

The membership of doctoral committees should be periodically reviewed by the program chair to<br />

ensure that its members continue to qualify for service on the committee in their designated<br />

roles. For example, if appointments, employment at the University, etc., have changed since<br />

initial appointment to the committee, changes to the committee membership may be necessary. If<br />

changes are warranted, they should be made as soon as possible to prevent future problems that<br />

may delay academic progress for the student (e.g., ability to conduct the comprehensive or final<br />

examinations).<br />

Chair--The chair or at least one co-chair must be a member of the graduate faculty of the<br />

specific doctoral program in which the candidate is enrolled. A retired or emeritus faculty<br />

member may chair a doctoral committee if he/she began chairing the committee prior to<br />

retirement and has the continuing approval of the department head or program chair. The<br />

primary duties of the chair are: (1) to maintain the academic standards of the doctoral program<br />

and the <strong>Graduate</strong> School and assure that all procedures are carried out fairly, (2) to ensure that<br />

the comprehensive and final examinations are conducted in a timely fashion, (3) to arrange and<br />

conduct all meetings, and (4) to ensure that requirements set forth by the committee are<br />

implemented in the final version of the thesis.<br />

Responsibilities of Doctoral Committees--The doctoral committee is responsible for approving<br />

the broad outline of the student’s program and should review the program as soon as possible<br />

after the student’s admission to candidacy. Moreover, continuing communication among the<br />

student, the committee chair, the research supervisor, and the members of the committee is<br />

strongly recommended, to preclude misunderstandings and to develop a collegial relation<br />

between the candidate and the committee.<br />

Doctoral Examination--The (entire) committee will prepare and administer the examination,<br />

and evaluate the candidate’s performance on the examination. If a committee member is unable<br />

to attend the final oral defense, the member may sign as a special signatory. A revised committee<br />

appointment form will need to be sent to the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services, 114 <strong>Kern</strong><br />

Building, removing the faculty member as a regular committee member and if it is desired to<br />

designate that individual as a special signatory, a memo must accompany the revised committee<br />

form, requesting that the faculty member be moved to a special signatory. If there are then not<br />

enough members serving on the committee (i.e., four or more active members of the <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Faculty) another Penn State faculty member will need to replace that member to constitute a<br />

legitimate doctoral committee. (Substitutes are not permitted.) These changes and approvals shall<br />

occur before the actual examination takes place. The department or program head will notify the<br />

Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services, providing two weeks' notice, when the candidate is<br />

ready to schedule the comprehensive and the final oral examinations and will report the results of<br />

these examinations to that office.”


APPENDIX C, PAGE C1<br />

Proposed revisions of verbiage in the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

policy regarding satisfactory scholarship<br />

Justification<br />

The proposed revisions of the verbiage in the “Doctoral Degree Requirements” policy regarding<br />

satisfactory scholarship (see p. 2) reflect the broader academic policy (excerpted below on this<br />

page) and clarify that the minimum grade-point average must be maintained throughout the<br />

doctoral program.<br />

As currently written, the Doctoral Degree Requirements policy could be interpreted as indicating<br />

that it is necessary to have a 3.00 minimum grade-point average only at each benchmark in a<br />

doctoral program (candidacy exam, comprehensive exam, final oral examination, and<br />

graduation).<br />

The proposed revisions are editorial clarifications only; no change in the policy itself is being<br />

proposed.<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/academic_procedures.cfm<br />

“UNSATISFACTORY SCHOLARSHIP<br />

A graduate student who fails to maintain satisfactory scholarship or to make acceptable progress<br />

in a degree program may be dropped from the University. One or more failing grades or a<br />

cumulative grade-point average below 3.00 for any semester or session or combination of<br />

semesters and/or sessions may be considered as evidence of failure to maintain satisfactory<br />

scholarship. Action may be initiated by the department or committee in charge of the graduate<br />

major or by the chair of the student’s doctoral committee. The procedures to be followed in such<br />

action are found in Appendix III in this bulletin.”<br />

1


C2<br />

Proposed Revisions to Current Policy on Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

(with tracked changes)<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm<br />

and<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm?section=degreeReq1<br />

“DOCTORAL DEGREES<br />

The Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree; the Doctor of Education and Doctor of Musical<br />

Arts, both professional degrees, are conferred by the University. Recognized as different in<br />

purpose, the three programs consequently have different requirements in certain respects.<br />

ADMISSION<br />

A student who has been admitted to the <strong>Graduate</strong> School and has been accepted by the<br />

department or committee in charge of a major program in which the doctorate is offered may<br />

begin working toward a doctoral degree. However, the student has no official status as a doctoral<br />

student and no assurance of acceptance as a doctoral candidate until the candidacy examination<br />

has been passed. This examination is administered by the major department or graduate program<br />

and is given early in the student's program.<br />

It is the policy of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School not to encourage applicants to work for a second doctoral<br />

degree. (See Policy on Second Doctorates). However, the President, on recommendation of the<br />

dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School, will welcome, as guests, holders of earned doctoral degrees who<br />

may be visiting the University Park campus for purposes of noncredit study. Guest privileges<br />

apply to persons holding the degree from Penn State or other accredited colleges and<br />

universities. Guests may attend seminars and courses and, if space and facilities are available,<br />

carry on research. There will be no charge except for laboratory expenses. Arrangements should<br />

be made in advance with the dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School.<br />

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS<br />

No specified number of courses completed or credits earned will assure attainment of the<br />

doctorate. The general requirements are based upon a period of residence, the writing of a<br />

satisfactory dissertation acceptance by the doctoral committee and the <strong>Graduate</strong> School, and the<br />

passing of a comprehensive and a final oral examination. A doctoral program consists of such a<br />

combination of course seminars and individual study and research as meets the minimum<br />

requirements of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School and is approved by the doctoral committee for each<br />

individual student.<br />

A master's degree is not a prerequisite for the doctorate in some major programs. However, the<br />

first year of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. may be substantially the same as that provided<br />

2


C3<br />

for the M.A. or M.S. degree. Similarly, the first year of the D.Ed. program may be essentially the<br />

same as that provided for the M.Ed. degree.<br />

SATISFACTORY SCHOLARSHIP<br />

A graduate student who fails to maintain satisfactory scholarship or to make acceptable progress<br />

in a degree program may be dropped from the University. One or more failing grades or a<br />

cumulative grade-point average below 3.00 for any semester or session or combination of<br />

semesters and/or sessions may be considered as evidence of failure to maintain satisfactory<br />

scholarship. Action may be initiated by the department or committee in charge of the graduate<br />

major or by the chair of the student’s doctoral committee. The procedures to be followed in such<br />

action are found in Appendix III in this bulletin.<br />

GRADE-POINT AVERAGE<br />

A minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the University is required to maintain<br />

satisfactory scholarship and is required for admission to the for doctoral candidacy examination,<br />

for admission to the comprehensive examination, and the final oral examination, and for<br />

graduation.<br />

…<br />

CANDIDACY EXAMINATION<br />

Every student who wishes to pursue a doctorate must take a candidacy examination administered<br />

by the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty in the graduate major program. The purpose of the candidacy<br />

examination should be to assess whether the student is capable of conducting doctoral research<br />

based on evidence of critical thinking or other measures that the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty of the program<br />

view as important to a successful doctoral student. It should be taken early in the student’s<br />

program. The nature of the examination varies with the program and may be the master’s<br />

examination if so prescribed by the program and understood by the student. The decision to<br />

admit or not to admit a student to candidacy must be made by the graduate faculty or a<br />

designated committee of graduate faculty in the program. All graduate students are required to<br />

have a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the University at the time the<br />

candidacy examination is given, and may not have deferred or missing grades.<br />

The graduate student must be in good academic standing and must be registered as a full-time or<br />

part-time graduate degree student for the semester (excluding summer session) in which the<br />

candidacy examination is taken. , and the student's academic record must be in good standing.<br />

If the student is seeking dual candidacy in an approved dual-title program, the dual-title field<br />

must be integrated into the student's candidacy examination. The results of all candidacy<br />

3


C4<br />

examinations, pass or fail, must be reported to <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services via the Candidacy<br />

Reporting Form.<br />

For the Ph.D. student, the examination may be given after at least 18 credits have been earned in<br />

graduate courses beyond the baccalaureate. The examination must be taken within three<br />

semesters (summer sessions do not count) of entry into the doctoral program.<br />

For the D.Ed. student, the examination should be given when the student has earned a total of at<br />

least 30 credits toward the graduate degree, including the master’s program and graduate work<br />

done elsewhere. A student transferring from another graduate school with 30 or more credits<br />

earned toward a graduate degree must take the candidacy examination prior to earning more than<br />

25 credits toward the graduate degree at Penn State.<br />

For the D.M.A. student, the examination should be given when the student has completed two<br />

semesters in residence.<br />

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION<br />

When a candidate for the Ph.D., D.Ed., or D.M.A. degree has substantially completed all course<br />

work, a comprehensive examination is given. The examination is intended to evaluate the<br />

candidate’s mastery of the major, and if appropriate, the minor field. Official requests to add a<br />

minor to a doctoral candidate's academic record must be submitted to <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment<br />

Services prior to establishing the doctoral committee and prior to scheduling the comprehensive<br />

examination. For more information regarding minors, please see the following web pages.<br />

---For Ph.D. candidates:<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm?section=degreeReq2<br />

---For D.Ed. candidates:<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm?section=degreeReq3<br />

---For general information regarding minors:<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/minors.cfm<br />

(Note: Some programs require students to pass various “area” examinations, “cumulative”<br />

examinations, and the like, or require presentation of a thesis proposal, prior to the<br />

comprehensive. These are matters of departmental or program policy, distinct from the general<br />

policies of <strong>Graduate</strong> Council described here.)<br />

A candidate for the Ph.D. must have satisfied the English competence and the communication<br />

and foreign language requirement before taking the comprehensive examination.<br />

All candidates are required to have a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the<br />

University at the time the comprehensive examination is given, and may not have deferred or<br />

missing grades.<br />

The graduate student must be in good academic standing and must be registered as a full-time or<br />

part-time graduate degree student for the semester in which the comprehensive examination is<br />

taken.<br />

4


C5<br />

The examination is scheduled and announced officially by the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment<br />

Services upon recommendation of the department or program head, and must not be held without<br />

the official paperwork from the <strong>Graduate</strong> School. It is expected that the examination will take<br />

place at the campus location of the graduate center offering the program. Two weeks' notice is<br />

required by the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services for scheduling this examination, which<br />

may be open to the University community and the public at the department's discretion. It is<br />

given and evaluated by the entire doctoral committee. The format for the comprehensive<br />

examination may be entirely oral, or it may have both a written and an oral component. A<br />

favorable vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the committee is required for passing. In<br />

case of failure, it is the responsibility of the doctoral committee to determine whether the<br />

candidate may take another examination. The results are reported to the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Enrollment Services.<br />

The dissertation adviser, as well as the chair of the doctoral committee (if not the same<br />

individual as the dissertation adviser), along with additional members of the committee to total a<br />

minimum of three (3), must be physically present at the comprehensive examination. The<br />

graduate student must also be physically present at the exam. (Thus for a five-person committee,<br />

two could participate via distance.) No more than one member may participate via telephone; a<br />

second member could participate via interactive videoconferencing. The examination request and<br />

a request for exceptions must be submitted to the director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services for<br />

approval at least two weeks prior to the date of the exam. Special arrangements, i.e.,<br />

requirements for meeting participation via distance, must be communicated to the student and the<br />

doctoral committee members well in advance of the examination.<br />

When a period of more than six years has elapsed between the passing of the comprehensive<br />

examination and the completion of the program, the student is required to pass a second<br />

comprehensive examination before the final oral examination will be scheduled.<br />

FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION<br />

The doctoral candidate who has satisfied all other requirements for the degree will be scheduled<br />

by the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services, on the recommendation of the department or<br />

program head, to take a final examination. Two weeks' notice is required by the Office of<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services for scheduling this examination. Normally the final oral<br />

examination may not be scheduled until at least three months have elapsed after the<br />

comprehensive examination was passed, although the director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services<br />

may grant a waiver in appropriate cases. It is the responsibility of the doctoral candidate to<br />

provide a copy of the dissertation to each member of the doctoral committee at least one week<br />

before the date of the scheduled examination.<br />

Both the dissertation adviser and the student are responsible for ensuring the completion of a<br />

draft of the dissertation and for adequate consultation with members of the dissertation<br />

committee well in advance of the oral examination. Major revisions to the dissertation should be<br />

completed before this examination. The dissertation should be in its final draft, with appropriate<br />

notes, bibliography, tables, etc., at the time of the oral examination; both the content and style<br />

5


C6<br />

should be correct and polished by the time this final draft of the dissertation is in the hands of the<br />

committee.<br />

The final examination of the doctoral candidate is an oral examination administered and<br />

evaluated by the entire doctoral committee. It consists of an oral presentation of the dissertation<br />

by the candidate and a period of questions and responses. These will relate in large part to the<br />

dissertation, but may cover the candidate's entire program of study, because a major purpose of<br />

the examination is also to assess the general scholarly attainments of the candidate. The portion<br />

of the examination in which the dissertation is presented is open to the University community<br />

and the public; therefore, it is expected that the examination will take place at the campus<br />

location of the graduate center offering the program.<br />

The dissertation adviser, as well as the chair of the doctoral committee (if not the same<br />

individual as the dissertation adviser), along with additional members of the committee to total a<br />

minimum of three (3), must be physically present at the final oral examination. The graduate<br />

student must also be physically present at the exam. (Thus for a five-person committee, two<br />

could participate via distance.) No more than one member may participate via telephone; a<br />

second member could participate via interactive videoconferencing. Requests for exceptions<br />

must accompany the Examination Request Form, and must be submitted to the director of<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services for approval at least two weeks prior to the date of the exam.<br />

Special arrangements, i.e., requirements for meeting participation via distance, must be<br />

communicated to the student and the doctoral committee members well in advance of the<br />

examination.<br />

All candidates are required to have a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the<br />

University at the time the examination is given, and may not have deferred or missing grades.<br />

The graduate student must be in good academic standing and must be registered as a full-time or<br />

part-time graduate degree student for the semester in which the final oral examination is taken.”<br />

A favorable vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the committee is required for passing.<br />

The results of the examination are reported to the Office of <strong>Graduate</strong> Enrollment Services. If a<br />

candidate fails, it is the responsibility of the doctoral committee to determine whether another<br />

examination may be taken.<br />

DISSERTATION ACCEPTANCE<br />

Completion of the requirements of a doctoral degree program entails acceptance of the<br />

dissertation, as indicated by the signatures of at least two-thirds of the doctoral committee,<br />

including the dissertation adviser, committee chair, and the program chair or department head on<br />

its approval page, and by its acceptance as meeting the editorial standards of the <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

School, so that it constitutes a suitable archival document for inclusion in the University<br />

Libraries. Thus it is to be noted that passage of the final oral examination is necessary but not<br />

sufficient for award of the degree; the dissertation must be accepted, as the ultimate step.”<br />

6


C7<br />

excerpted from<br />

Current <strong>Graduate</strong> Council Doctoral Degree Requirements policy regarding<br />

satisfactory scholarship<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm<br />

and<br />

http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/degree_requirements.cfm?section=degreeReq1<br />

[no definition of “satisfactory scholarship” on these pages]<br />

Grade-Point Average<br />

“A minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the University is required for doctoral<br />

candidacy, for admission to the comprehensive examination, the final oral examination, and for<br />

graduation.”<br />

Candidacy Examination<br />

“The student must be registered as a full-time or part-time degree student for the semester<br />

(excluding summer session) in which the candidacy examination is taken, and the student's<br />

academic record must be in good standing.”<br />

Comprehensive Examination<br />

“All candidates are required to have a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the<br />

University at the time the comprehensive examination is given, and may not have deferred or<br />

missing grades.<br />

The student must be in good academic standing and must be registered as a full-time or part-time<br />

student for the semester in which the comprehensive examination is taken.”<br />

Final Oral Examination<br />

“All candidates are required to have a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 for work done at the<br />

University at the time the examination is given, and may not have deferred or missing grades.<br />

The student must be in good academic standing and must be registered as a full-time or part-time<br />

degree student for the semester in which the final oral examination is taken.”<br />

7


APPENDIX D, PAGE D1


D2<br />

Change in <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree Program<br />

Table of Contents<br />

Revised <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin description of program ...................................................................... 1<br />

Justification of change .................................................................................................................. 3<br />

Consultations ................................................................................................................................ 4<br />

ACLAM letter supporting change .................................................................................................. 5


D3<br />

Laboratory Animal Medicine (L A M)<br />

Program Home Page (Opens New Window)<br />

RONALD P. WILSON, Professor and Chair of the Department of Comparative Medicine<br />

Department of Comparative Medicine, H054<br />

College of Medicine<br />

P.O. Box 850<br />

500 University Drive<br />

Hershey, PA 17033-0850<br />

717-531-8462<br />

Degree Conferred:<br />

M.S.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

• Catherin S. Beckwith, D.V.M. (Illinois), Ph.D. (Missouri) Associate Professor of<br />

Comparative Medicine<br />

• Timothy K. Cooper, D.V.M. (Illinois), Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins), Assistant Professor of<br />

Comparative Medicine and Pathology<br />

• Xuwen Peng, D.V.M. (Huazhong Agricultural U), Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor<br />

of Comparative Medicine<br />

• Ronald P. Wilson, V.M.D. (Pennsylvania), M.S. (Penn State) Professor and Chair of<br />

Comparative Medicine<br />

All students entering the program must have completed a professional degree program in<br />

veterinary medicine and must hold the degree of D.V.M., V.M.D., or equivalent. This program is<br />

only offered at the Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.<br />

The Department of Comparative Medicine is a basic science, academic department of the<br />

College of Medicine. It is concerned with the range of variation of normal and abnormal<br />

structure, function, and behavior in a variety of species of animals used for teaching, testing, and<br />

research. Its faculty, staff, and students work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative fashion<br />

with all other departments in the college to advance the research mission.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> study in laboratory animal medicine consists of advanced training in biology, medicine<br />

and methodology pertinent to animal-based research, and the development of scholarship and<br />

research capabilities within the specialty. The general plan is one that provides a broad, basic<br />

foundation upon which the individual can build a career in teaching and research and/or in the<br />

professional direction of research animal facilities. To earn the Master’s degree, each student<br />

must complete at least 30 credits of coursework at the 500 or 600 levels.


D4<br />

The curriculum of this training program includes:<br />

First Year:<br />

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE (C MED)<br />

501. Biology and Care of Laboratory Animals (3)<br />

503. * Laboratory Animal Genetics (3)<br />

507. * Techniques of Laboratory Animal Experimentation (3)<br />

515. Experimental Surgery of Laboratory Animals (3)<br />

530. Diseases of Laboratory Animals I (3)<br />

531. Diseases of Laboratory Animals II (3)<br />

535.* Comparative Pathology (3)<br />

590. Colloquium (1 credit per semester)<br />

596. Independent Studies (1 – 3 credits)<br />

600. (3)<br />

INTEGRATED BIOSCIENCES (IBIOS) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (BMS)<br />

591. Ethics in the Life Sciences (1)<br />

*Courses offered every other year on an alternating basis; thus students entering program on<br />

even numbered years will take during second year.<br />

Second Year:<br />

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE (C MED)<br />

590. Colloquium (1 credit/semester)<br />

600. Research project for M.S. thesis (6 -– 9 credits)<br />

596 Independent Studies (up to 9 credits) for non-thesis option<br />

This program is offered only at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.<br />

Students may, with the approval of the Program Director, enroll in graduate level courses offered<br />

at the Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Harrisburg, University Park, or Penn State’s<br />

World Campus.<br />

Thesis Research: The submission and defense of a thesis based on an original hypothesis-driven<br />

research project is required. A minimum of 9 credits of thesis research (CMED 600) are required<br />

(a maximum of 6 credits may receive a quality grade).<br />

Non-thesis Option: A non-thesis option may be elected by the student but must be approved in<br />

writing by the Program Director. A scholarly paper on a topic relevant to the fields of laboratory<br />

animal medicine or laboratory animal science must be written and presented. Up to 9 credits of<br />

independent study (CMED 596) may be earned for this work.


D5<br />

Proposal to Add a Non-thesis Track to the Master of Science in Laboratory Animal<br />

Medicine Program<br />

Submitted by:<br />

Ronald P. Wilson, V.M.D., M.S., DACLAM<br />

Professor and Chair<br />

Director, Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Program<br />

Department of Comparative Medicine, MC H054<br />

Penn State College of Medicine<br />

500 University Drive<br />

Hershey, PA<br />

717-531-8460<br />

rwilson2@psu.edu<br />

Statement of Justification:<br />

A non-thesis track is requested for the M.S. degree in Laboratory Animal Medicine. In recent<br />

years, more students applying to and entering our training program in Laboratory Animal<br />

Medicine have advanced graduate degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) in addition to their professional<br />

veterinary degree. There is little benefit in requiring these students to complete another thesis<br />

research project. In fact, these students are entering our program primarily to increase their<br />

clinical and professional knowledge and experience.<br />

The non-thesis track would be elected by students who do not require completion of a<br />

hypothesis-driven research project to qualify to sit for the specialty board examination<br />

administered by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM). Either the<br />

students have already completed a research project leading to a first author publication meeting<br />

the criteria established by ACLAM (http://www.aclam.org/certification/requirements) or will be<br />

completing the research project outside of the program, e.g., corporate or military sponsored<br />

students. To be approved for the non-thesis track, students will be required to submit a written<br />

justification, and if applicable a copy of their first-author publication. The request must be<br />

approved by the Program Director. In lieu of a research project, the student will be required to<br />

write and present a scholarly paper relevant to the field.<br />

Proposed language to include in student handbook:<br />

Non-Thesis Track<br />

The professional goals of some students may be met with a non-thesis M.S. degree. A student<br />

selecting this track must have a faculty member of the Department of Comparative Medicine<br />

serve as his/her advisor and choose a faculty committee of at least two other faculty of the<br />

College of Medicine or the university. A “scholarly paper” of a quality suitable for publication is<br />

required, and up to 9 credits of CMED 596 (Independent Studies) can be earned for this work.<br />

The paper shall extensively review a topic relevant to the fields of laboratory animal medicine or<br />

laboratory animal science. The paper is not submitted to The <strong>Graduate</strong> School, but a copy will<br />

be retained by the Department of Comparative Medicine. Similar to the thesis research<br />

presentation, the paper will also be presented during the spring semester of the second year.<br />

To be approved for the non-thesis track, students will be required to submit a written<br />

justification, and if applicable a copy of their first-author publication. The request must be<br />

approved by the Program Director no later than the end of the fall semester of the student’s first<br />

year.


D6<br />

Consultations<br />

The proposed program change will not affect other departments, programs or courses. The<br />

addition of the non-thesis option was discussed among the department’s faculty and the change<br />

approved by the faculty at the January 6, <strong>2012</strong> meeting. The accrediting body, the American<br />

College of Laboratory Animal Medicine was consulted and a letter of support for the change is<br />

attached.


APPENDIX E, PAGE E1


E2<br />

Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science<br />

Proposed Program Changes<br />

Table of Contents:<br />

Page 2: Justification<br />

Page 4: Side-by-Side Comparison<br />

Page 5: Bulletin Changes<br />

Page 11: Consultations received for electives<br />

Page 14: Consultations received for deleting electives<br />

Page 16: Checksheet<br />

Addendum: (attached via e-mail): FEPAC Accreditation Standards


E3<br />

Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science<br />

Penn State<br />

The graduate faculty in forensic science is requesting changes to the curriculum of the<br />

Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science degree program. These changes will<br />

more accurately reflect degree requirements, will address accreditation requirements, and<br />

will provide the graduates of the program with an outstanding level of preparation as they<br />

enter the field of forensic science.<br />

We have added 3-4 credits to the program curriculum, but the length of the program has<br />

remained the same, at two years. The typical length of a Master’s program in forensic<br />

science is two years. Most of the proposed changes to our program will address<br />

accreditation requirements by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation<br />

Commission (FEPAC), of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A copy of the<br />

accreditation requirements can be found at www.aafs.org/fepac. In addition, we identified a<br />

flaw in the delivery of our undergraduate and graduate courses. First, the demanding<br />

nature of three of our undergraduate courses warranted a change to 400-level course<br />

numbers; FRNSC 410, 411, 413 and 415W (one of the three courses was split into two).<br />

These changes have been approved by the Faculty Senate. Second, our undergraduate<br />

program is highly advanced when compared to other programs in the country. Therefore,<br />

our incoming graduate students from other universities must take a sequence of 400-level<br />

courses to prepare them for the 500 and 800-level courses; including those listed above.<br />

While the Master’s program has a number of required 400-level courses, this reflects the<br />

outstanding nature of our program, and does not translate into a reduction in the quality or<br />

rigor of the Master’s program. In fact, the proposed changes outlined below will increase<br />

the number of graduate level courses from 16 to 19-20 credits at the 500 and 800 levels. To<br />

meet FEPAC requirements, we converted 11 elective credits to 11 prescribed credits, and<br />

have added them to the original 16 core course credits. Therefore, we now require 27 core<br />

course credits.<br />

Proposed increase in core courses from 16 to 27 credits:<br />

1. Accreditation requirements call for Masters-level graduates to have coursework in<br />

drug chemistry/toxicology, regardless of their area of emphasis. Therefore, we have<br />

added a core course to satisfy this requirement (FRNSC 532 – Drug Chemistry and<br />

Toxicology). (+3 CREDITS)<br />

2. Accreditation requirements call for Masters-level students to conduct formal<br />

research. Therefore, we have added a requirement for six (6) credits of research<br />

(FRNSC 894). (+6 CREDITS)<br />

3. Accreditation requirements call for Masters-level students to have formal training in<br />

courtroom proceedings and testimony. Therefore, we have added FRNSC 400 to the<br />

core curriculum (Courtroom Proceedings and Testimony). (+1 CREDIT)<br />

4. A change was made in the structure of FRNSC 500 (6 credits) to limit the content to<br />

crime scene investigation (CSI) components, and to separate the course into the


E4<br />

following two classes: FRNSC 410 (2 credit lecture) and FRNSC 415W (2 credit lab).<br />

This will allow students to take the lecture and lab portions of the course separately.<br />

(-2 CREDITS)<br />

5. We felt that is was unnecessary to give the graduate students two capstone-like<br />

experiences, so we have deleted FRNSC 501. (-4 CREDITS)<br />

6. To better prepare the graduate students for FRNSC 541, we have added a Forensic<br />

Science Seminar course to the core curriculum (FRNSC 475). (+1 CREDIT)<br />

7. Accreditation requirements call for Masters-level graduates to have coursework in<br />

trace evidence, regardless of their area of emphasis. The trace components of<br />

FRNSC 501 have been included in a new course, FRNSC 411. (+3 CREDITS)<br />

8. Accreditation requirements call for Masters-level graduates to have coursework in<br />

forensic biology, regardless of their area of emphasis. The forensic biology<br />

components of FRNSC 502 have been included in a new course, FRNSC 413. (+ 3<br />

CREDITS)<br />

The Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science degree program is structured so that<br />

students can emphasize either forensic chemistry or forensic biology. Therefore there are<br />

11 or 12 additional credits that students will need to complete depending on their area of<br />

interest (Chemistry or Biology).<br />

Additional courses:<br />

1. Forensic Chemistry Emphasis: (11 credits)<br />

CHEM 425 (3) – Chromatography and Electrochemistry (Analytical Separations)<br />

FRNSC 427W (4) – Forensic Chemistry<br />

FRNSC 831 (3) – Forensic Chemistry II<br />

CHEM 500 (1) – Seminar in Chemistry<br />

2. Forensic Biology Emphasis: (12 credits)<br />

BMB 400 (3) – Molecular Biology of the Gene<br />

FRNSC 421W (4) – Forensic Molecular Biology<br />

FRNSC 821 (4) – Forensic Molecular Biology II<br />

BMMB 590 (1) – Colloquium


E5<br />

A number of the elective courses were converted to prescribed courses. Students are now<br />

required to take 3 elective credits in CRIM or PSYCH to address areas of interest that<br />

relate to the sociological aspects of crime, and to elements of the criminal justice system.<br />

Students wishing to take a course that is not listed should consult their adviser.<br />

All courses, both advanced undergraduate-level and graduate-level, proposed to be added as<br />

degree requirements have been approved either by the Faculty Senate or <strong>Graduate</strong> Council, as<br />

appropriate.<br />

Current:<br />

Core Courses (16 credits)<br />

FRNSC 500 (6)<br />

FRNSC 501 (4)<br />

FRNSC 541 (1)<br />

FRSNC 561 (1)<br />

FRNSC 801 (4)<br />

Electives (at least 14 credits)<br />

ANTH 411 (3)<br />

ANTH 413 (3)<br />

BIOL 422 (3)<br />

BIOL 505 (3)<br />

BIOL 514 (2)<br />

BMB 400 (3)<br />

BMB 401 (2)<br />

BMMB 597A (5)<br />

CHEM 427 (4)<br />

CHEM 525 (3)<br />

CHEM 526 (3)<br />

CLJ 501 (3)<br />

CLJ 585 (3)<br />

ENT 412 (3)<br />

FRNSC 421 (3)<br />

FRNSC 821 (4)<br />

FRNSC 831 (3)<br />

FRNSC 832 (3)<br />

FRNSC 833 (3)<br />

FRNSC 894 (1-12)<br />

FRNSC 895 (1-6)<br />

IBIOS 593 (3)<br />

NURS 409 (3)<br />

Proposed:<br />

Core Courses (27 credits)<br />

FRNSC 400 (1)<br />

FRNSC 410 (2)<br />

FRNSC 411 (3)<br />

FRNSC 413 (3)<br />

FRNSC 415W (2)<br />

FRNSC 475 (1)<br />

FRSNC 532 (3)<br />

FRNSC 541 (1)<br />

FRNSC 561 (1)<br />

FRNSC 801 (4)<br />

FRSNC 894 (6)<br />

Additional Core Chemistry (11 credits)<br />

CHEM 425 (3)<br />

FRNSC 427W (4)<br />

CHEM 500 (1)<br />

FRNSC 831 (3)<br />

Additional Core Biology (12 credits)<br />

BMB 400 (3)<br />

FRNSC 421W (4)<br />

BMMB 590 (1)<br />

FRNSC 821 (4)<br />

Elective Courses (3 credits)<br />

CRIM 406 (3)<br />

CRIM 423 (3)<br />

CRIM 425 (3)<br />

CRIM 432 (3)<br />

CRIM 453 (3)<br />

PSYCH 471 (3)


E6<br />

PHARM 501 (4)<br />

PSYCH 464 (3)<br />

PSYCH 470 (3)<br />

PSYCH 445 (3)<br />

SOC 413 (3)<br />

SOC 512 (3)<br />

SOC 515 (3)<br />

Forensic Science (FRNSC)<br />

MITCHELL M. HOLLAND, Chair<br />

Program Office:<br />

107 Whitmore Laboratory<br />

814-863-6758<br />

Degree Conferred:<br />

Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science<br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

Add:<br />

• Mitchell M. Holland, Ph.D. ( Maryland, College Park) Associate Professor of<br />

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Forensic Science<br />

• Ke Chung Kim, Ph.D. ( Minnesota) Professor of Entomology<br />

• John H. Kramer, Ph.D. ( Iowa) Professor of Sociology, and Crime, Law, and Justice<br />

• Kateryna Makova, Ph.D. ( Texas Tech) Assistant Professor of Biology<br />

• George R. Milner, Ph.D. (Northwestern) Professor of Anthropology<br />

• Robert B. Mitchell, Ph.D. ( Penn State) Professor of Biology<br />

• Kevin R. Murphy, Ph.D. ( Penn State) Department Head, Professor of Psychology<br />

• Stephan C. Schuster, Ph.D. ( University of Munich) Associate Professor of<br />

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology<br />

• Ayusman Sen, Ph.D. (Chicago) Professor of Chemistry<br />

• Robert C. Shaler, Ph.D. ( Penn State) Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular<br />

Biology<br />

• Mark D. Shriver, Ph.D. ( Texas) Associate Professor of Anthropology<br />

• Daniel G. Sykes, Ph.D ( Alberta) Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry,<br />

Forensic Science<br />

• Frank L. Dorman, Ph.D. (University of Vermont), Associate Professor of<br />

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Forensic Science<br />

• Maureen D. Feineman, Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley), Assistant<br />

Professor of Geosciences<br />

• David H. Kaye, (Yale Law School), Professor of Law, Dickenson Law School


E7<br />

• Bhushan M. Jayarao, (Budapest, Hungary), Professor Veterinary Science<br />

• Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Ph.D. (Utah), D.Sc. (BHU, Varanasi) Charles G. Binder<br />

Professor, Engineering Science, and Mechanics<br />

• Cedric Neumann, Ph.D. (University of Lausanne, Switzerland), Assistant Professor<br />

of Statistics, Forensic Science<br />

• Ralph R. Ristenbatt (John Jay College of Criminal Justice), Senior Research<br />

Assistant, Forensic Science<br />

• Reena Roy, Ph.D. (Nebraska) Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular<br />

Biology, Forensic Science<br />

• Jenifer Ann Smith, Ph.D. (Ohio State), Professor of Practice, Forensic Science<br />

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Forensic Science is an inter-college degree<br />

program housed in the Eberly College of Science and includes ties with Departments of<br />

Anthropology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Entomology, and<br />

Sociology. The program is offered by Penn State graduate faculty members, with<br />

enrichment by mentors from the academic faculty, public crime laboratories, and<br />

private forensic laboratories. The curriculum is designed to provide students with<br />

innovative, hands-on, and multidisciplinary learning approaches to educate and train<br />

them in crime scene investigation, the science behind forensics, courtroom proceedings,<br />

and the ethical and social issues that they will be exposed to when they join the forensic<br />

community. In addition, the program will develop teamwork and communication skills,<br />

which will be important when working actual cases in a crime laboratory.<br />

Admission Requirements and the Application Process<br />

Applications will be considered in accordance with the requirements of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

as described in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin. The<br />

Master’s degree in Forensic Science is appropriate for students with a baccalaureate degree<br />

in the biological sciences, chemistry, or a related field of study. Applicants are required to<br />

have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in their undergraduate degree.<br />

The GRE’s are required, with a score of 1100 (old system) or 306 (new system) to be<br />

competitive. In addition, each applicant is asked to provide a personal statement of<br />

interests and objectives , a statement of their definition of the word “ethics”, and two letters<br />

of reference. Letters of reference can be submitted by the student's undergraduate advisor,<br />

research advisor, and/or an instructor for an upper level course taken as part of their major.<br />

An applicant may be asked to go through an interview process conducted by members of the<br />

forensic science faculty. Admission to the program is based upon a thorough review of all<br />

applicant qualifications, and the best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number<br />

of spaces available for new students.<br />

Applicants are referred to the program web site for guidance on how to submit their<br />

applications, the deadline for submitting applications, and when decisions on acceptance<br />

into the program will be announced: www.forensics.psu.edu.<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required for completion of the program, at least 18<br />

credits from courses at the 500 and 800-level. Students are required to take 16 credits from


E8<br />

the core courses listed below. Additional credits are from elective courses (which are<br />

determined based on interest and career track). FRNSC 801 will serve as the capstone<br />

experience for completion of the MPS degree in Forensic Science.<br />

Degree Requirements - Chemistry Emphasis<br />

A minimum of 41 credits are required for completion of the program, with at least 19 credits<br />

from courses at the 500 and 800-level, and at least 6 credits at the 500 level. Students are<br />

required to take 27 credits from the core courses listed below and 11 additional credits of<br />

Chemistry coursework. Elective credits are from courses which are determined based on interest<br />

and career track. FRNSC 801 will serve as the capstone experience for completion of the<br />

MPS in Forensic Science.<br />

Degree Requirements - Biology Emphasis<br />

A minimum of 42 credits are required for completion of the program, with at least 20 credits<br />

from courses at the 500 and 800-level, and at least 6 credits at the 500 level. Students are<br />

required to take 27 credits from the core courses listed below and 12 additional credits of<br />

Biology coursework. Elective credits are from courses which are determined based on interest<br />

and career track. FRNSC 801 will serve as the capstone experience for completion of the<br />

MPS in Forensic Science.<br />

Core Courses (27 credits)<br />

FORENSIC SCIENCE (FRNSC)<br />

ADD:<br />

• 500. Principles of CSI and Criminalistics I (6)<br />

• 501. Criminalistics II (4)<br />

• 541. Forensic Seminar Series (1)<br />

• 561. Ethics in Forensic Science (1)<br />

• 801. Criminalistics III (4)<br />

• FRNSC 400 (1) – Courtroom Proceedings and Testimony<br />

• FRNSC 410 (2) – A Scientific Approach to Crime Scene Investigation<br />

• FRNSC 411 (3) – Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence<br />

• FRNSC 413 (3) – Criminalistics: Biology<br />

• FRNSC 415W (2) - Laboratory in Crime Scene Investigation<br />

• FRNSC 475 (1) – Forensic Science Seminar<br />

• FRNSC 532 (3) – Drug Chemistry and Toxicology<br />

• FRNSC 894 (6) –Research Projects in Forensic Science<br />

ADDITIONAL COURSES (11/12 credits)<br />

Forensic Chemistry Emphasis (11):<br />

CHEM 425 (3) – Chromatography and Electrochemistry


E9<br />

FRNSC 427W (4) – Forensic Chemistry<br />

CHEM 500 (1) – Seminar in Chemistry<br />

FRNSC 831 (3) – Forensic Chemistry II<br />

Forensic Biology Emphasis (12):<br />

BMB 400 (3) – Molecular Biology of the Gene<br />

FRNSC 421W (4) – Forensic Molecular Biology<br />

BMMB 590 (1) – Colloquium<br />

FRNSC 821 (4) – Forensic Molecular Biology II<br />

Electives (Select at least 3 credits)<br />

A minimum of 30 graduate credits will be required for completion of the program, with at<br />

least 18 credits from courses at the 500 and 800-level. The elective courses are chosen in<br />

consultation with the student's advisor from offerings in various academic departments<br />

based on the student's interest and career objectives to provide interdisciplinary breadth<br />

and perspective. Some examples are;<br />

ANTHROPOLOGY (ANTH)<br />

• 411. Skeletal Forensic Anthropology (3)<br />

• 413. Molecular Forensic Anthropology (3)<br />

BIOLOGY (BIOL)<br />

• 422. Advanced Genetics (3)<br />

• 505. Statistical Methods in Evolutionary Genetics (3)<br />

• 514. Topics in Systematics and Evolution (2)<br />

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (B M B)<br />

• 400. Molecular Biology of the Gene (3)<br />

• 401. General Biochemistry (2)<br />

BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (BMMB)<br />

• 597A. Concepts in Biomedical Sciences (5)<br />

CHEMISTRY (CHEM)<br />

• 427. Forensic Chemistry (4)<br />

• 525. Analytical Separations (3)<br />

• 526. Spectroscopic Analysis (3)<br />

CRIME, LAW AND JUSTICE (CLJ)<br />

• 501. Criminal Justice Organizations and Institutions (3)<br />

• 585. Law Enforcement Process and Policy (3)


E10<br />

DENTOMOLOGY (ENT)<br />

• 412. Insect Taxonomy (3)<br />

FORENSIC SCIENCE (FRNSC)<br />

• 421. Forensic Molecular Biology (3)<br />

• 821. Forensic Molecular Biology II (4)<br />

• 831. Forensic Chemistry II (3)<br />

• 832. Forensic Drug Chemistry (3)<br />

• 833. Forensic Toxicology (3)<br />

• 894. Research Projects in Forensic Science (1-12)<br />

• 895. Internship (1-6)<br />

INTEGRATIVE BIOSCIENCES (IBIOS)<br />

• 593. Molecular Biology Laboratory (3)<br />

NURSING (NURS)<br />

PHARMACOLOGY (PHARM)<br />

• 501. Pharmacology (4)<br />

PSYCHOLOGY (PSYCH)<br />

• 464. Behavior Genetics (3)<br />

• 470. Abnormal Psychology (3)<br />

• 445. Forensic Psychology (3)<br />

• 462. Physiological Psychology (3)<br />

SOCIOLOGY (SOC)<br />

ADD:<br />

• 413. Advanced Criminological Theory (3)<br />

• 512. Criminological Theories (3)<br />

• 515. Research Methods in Criminology and Deviance (3)<br />

• CRIM 406 – Sociology of Deviance (3)<br />

• CRIM 423 – Sexual Violence (3)<br />

• CRIM 425 – Organized Crime (3)<br />

• CRIM 432 – The Courts (3)<br />

• CRIM 453 – Women & Justice (3)<br />

• PSYCH 471 – Adjustment & Social Relationships (3)<br />

Courses


E11<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate<br />

courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree<br />

requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A<br />

graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or<br />

to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.<br />

ANTHROPOLOGY (ANTH) course list<br />

BIOLOGY (BIOL) course list<br />

BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY, and MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (BMMB) course list<br />

BIOCHEMISTRY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (BMMB) course list<br />

CHEMISTRY (CHEM) course list<br />

CRIME, LAW AND JUSTICE (CLJ) course list<br />

ENTOMOLOGY (ENT) course list<br />

FORENSIC SCIENCE (FRNSC) course list<br />

INTEGRATIVE BIOSCIENCES (IBIOS) course list<br />

NURSING (NURS) course list<br />

PHARMACOLOGY (PHARM) course list<br />

PSYCHOLOGY (PSYCH) course list<br />

SOCIOLOGY (SOC) course list


E12<br />

Elective Consultations to have courses listed:<br />

PSYCH:


E13


CRIM:<br />

E14


E15<br />

Original e-mail from Mitch Holland:<br />

Dear Colleagues,<br />

Elective Consultations to have courses deleted:<br />

We are dropping a few courses from the elective list for our Master of Professional Studies<br />

students in Forensic Science (see below). Please let us know by COB 13 January if you<br />

have any concerns.<br />

Kind regards,<br />

Mitch Holland<br />

Drop: BIOL 422, 505, 514<br />

Drop: ANTH 411, 413<br />

Drop ENT 412<br />

Drop: PSYCH 462, 464, 470, 445<br />

Drop: IBIOS 593<br />

Drop: BMMB 597A; BMB 400, 401<br />

Drop: CHEM 427, 525, 526<br />

Drop: CLJ 501, 585 and Soc. 413, 512, 515<br />

Drop: NURS 409<br />

Drop: Pharm 501<br />

Department Responses Received by deadline:<br />

SOC:<br />

John Iceland wrote:<br />

Dear Mitch,<br />

We have no concerns- thanks.<br />

Best,<br />

John<br />

---<br />

John Iceland<br />

Head, Department of Sociology<br />

Professor of Sociology and Demography<br />

Penn State University<br />

211 Oswald Tower<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

jiceland@la.psu.edu<br />

Phone: 814-867-2821<br />

Fax: 814-863-7216<br />

http://www.sociology.psu.edu/people/faculty/iceland.shtml


E16<br />

ANTH:<br />

Hi George,<br />

Happy new year to you, as well. :-)<br />

The ANTH courses will still be included in the UG curriculum, but the Master's curriculum<br />

is so constrained these days that we had to drop the listing of other electives so they weren't<br />

misleading the students into believing they could readily take them ... the Master's<br />

students can "elect" to take other courses (more than the 42 credits required), but it's<br />

unlikely they will ... hope this helps to clarify ... if not, keep firing away with the q's.<br />

Mitch<br />

George Milner wrote:<br />

Hi Mitch,<br />

Will the two ANTH courses (one on bones, the other on genetics) still be part of the BS<br />

degree?<br />

And why are they (and others) being dropped for the Masters?<br />

Best wishes for the New Year!<br />

Cheers,<br />

George<br />

PSYCH:<br />

Richard Carlson wrote:<br />

Hi, Mitch – No problem from Psychology’s perspective.<br />

Rich


E17<br />

FORENSIC SCIENCE<br />

MASTER’S DEGREE<br />

Eberly College of Science<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

Degree Requirement<br />

Checksheet<br />

Program Year: <strong>2012</strong><br />

Name ________________________________ PSU ID ______________________________<br />

For the Master’s in Forensic Science, a minimum of 41 credits is required for completion of<br />

the program, of which at least 19 credits will come from courses at the 500 or 800 levels,<br />

and at least 6 credits will come from the 500 level. Students are required to take 27 credits<br />

of core courses, 11/12 credits for either the Chemistry or Biology emphasis, and 3 credits of<br />

elective courses.<br />

CORE COURSES (27 credits)<br />

FRNSC 400 (1) – Courtroom Proceedings and Testimony<br />

FRNSC 410 (2) – A Scientific Approach to Crime Scene Investigation<br />

FRNSC 411 (3) – Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence<br />

FRNSC 413 (3) – Criminalistics: Biology<br />

FRNSC 415W (2) – Laboratory in Crime Scene Investigation<br />

FRNSC 475 (1) – Forensic Science Seminar<br />

FRNSC 532 (3) – Drug Chemistry and Toxicology<br />

FRNSC 541 (1) – Forensic Seminar Series<br />

FRNSC 561 (1) – Ethics in Forensic Science<br />

FRNSC 801 (4) –Criminalistics III (Adv Scene, Laboratory & Problem Solving Concepts:<br />

Prep for the Forensic Science Aptitude Test, the FSAT)<br />

FRNSC 894 (6) –Research Projects in Forensic Science<br />

ADDITIONAL COURSES (11/12 credits)<br />

Forensic Chemistry Emphasis (11):<br />

CHEM 425 (3) – Chromatography and Electrochemistry<br />

FRNSC 427W (4) – Forensic Chemistry<br />

CHEM 500 (1) – Seminar in Chemistry<br />

FRNSC 831 (3) – Forensic Chemistry II<br />

Forensic Biology Emphasis (12):<br />

BMB 400 (3) – Molecular Biology of the Gene<br />

FRNSC 421W (4) – Forensic Molecular Biology<br />

BMMB 590 (1) – Colloquium<br />

FRNSC 821 (4) – Forensic Molecular Biology II


E18<br />

ELECTIVE COURSE (3 credits of CRIM or PSYCH)<br />

The following is a list of acceptable elective courses. Students wishing to take a course that<br />

is not listed should consult their advisor.<br />

CRIM 406 (3) – Sociology of Deviance<br />

CRIM 423 (3) - Sexual Violence<br />

CRIM 425 (3) - Organized Crime<br />

CRIM 432 (3) – The Courts<br />

CRIM 453 (3) – Women & Justice<br />

PSYCH 471 (3) – Adjustment & Social Relationships


E19


E20


E21


E22


E23


E24


E25


E26


E27


E28


E29


E30


E31


E32


APPENDIX F, PAGE F1


F2<br />

SCHOOL OF MUSIC M.A. PROGRAM CHANGE PROPOSAL,<br />

SUBMITTED TO THE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> COMMITTEE ON<br />

PROGRAMS AND COURSES AND<br />

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NEW AND REVISED PROGRAMS AND COURSES<br />

Submitted by:<br />

Marica S. Tacconi (on behalf of the School of Music)<br />

Assistant Director for Research and <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies<br />

Professor of Musicology<br />

221 Music Building I<br />

mst4@psu.edu<br />

Tel. 863-5391<br />

CHANGES IN PROGRAMS:<br />

Change M.A. degree program in Music Theory to M.A. degree program in<br />

Music (MUSMA)<br />

Drop M.A. degree program in Musicology<br />

Drop M.A. degree program in Music Theory and History<br />

PART A<br />

Overview<br />

The School of Music currently offers three M.A. programs: the M.A. in Music Theory; the M.A.<br />

in Musicology; and the M.A. in Music Theory and History. In response to the University’s Core<br />

Council recommendation, we propose that the three M.A. programs be consolidated into a single<br />

M.A. in Music, with tracks in each of the areas of emphasis: Music Theory; Musicology; and<br />

Music Theory and History.<br />

In addition, the School of Music currently offers six Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> (IUG)<br />

degree programs – three that combine the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in Music Theory,<br />

Musicology, and Music Theory and History, and three that combine the B.M. in Performance<br />

with the M.A. in Music Theory, Musicology, and Music Theory and History. As a result of the<br />

consolidation of the three M.A. programs into a single M.A. in Music, we will also consolidate<br />

the IUGs from six to two: the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in Music and the B.M. in<br />

Performance with the M.A. in Music.<br />

Curriculum<br />

The curriculum of each of the M.A. in Music tracks will be identical to the curriculum of each of<br />

the currently-offered M.A. programs. Thus, no curricular changes are being proposed.<br />

The existing M.A. in Music Theory becomes M.A. in Music, with the following three<br />

tracks:


F3<br />

Music Theory<br />

The 32-credit requirement is as follows:<br />

Introduction to Music Reference and Research Materials (Music 500)<br />

Schenkerian Analysis (Music 532) 3<br />

Pedagogy of Undergraduate Theory and History (Music 533) 2<br />

Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint (Music 472) 2<br />

*Seminar in Music Theory (Music 574) 3<br />

**Music theory electives 5<br />

***Music history elective 3<br />

Music elective (in consultation with adviser) 3<br />

Free elective (in consultation with adviser) 3<br />

Thesis (Music 600) 6<br />

2<br />

credits<br />

*Special topics, changing from year to year.<br />

**Two courses selected from: Music 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), Music 433 (Advanced<br />

Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music), Music 435 (Score Reading), Music 438 (Figured Bass),<br />

Music 471 (Structural and Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint), Music 531 (Analytical Techniques),<br />

Music 573 (Integrative Seminar in Music Theory and History), Music 574 (Seminar in Music<br />

Theory).<br />

***One course selected from: Music 461W (Antiquity to 1600), Music 462W (1550-1750),<br />

Music 463W (1700-1900), Music 464W (1850-present), Music 572 (Seminar in Musicology),<br />

Music 573 (Integrative Seminar in Music Theory and History).<br />

Musicology<br />

The 32-credit requirement is as follows:<br />

Introduction to Music Reference and Research Materials (Music 500)<br />

2<br />

credits<br />

Seminar in Musicology (Music 572) 3<br />

Integrative Seminar in Music Theory and History (Music 573) 3<br />

Thesis (Music 600) 6<br />

*Music history 6-9<br />

**Music theory 3-6<br />

***Cognate area 6


F4<br />

*Selected from: Music 461W (Antiquity to 1600), Music 462W (1550-1750), Music 463W<br />

(1700-1900), Music 464W (1850-present).<br />

**Selected from: Music 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), Music 433 (Advanced Analysis of<br />

Twentieth-Century Music), Music 531 (Analytical Techniques), Music 532 (Schenkerian<br />

Analysis).<br />

***The track in Musicology requires that students take 6 credits in an area outside of music<br />

(known as a “cognate area”). These courses are selected in consultation with the student’s<br />

academic adviser, and should preferably be related to the student’s particular musicological<br />

interest and thesis topic.<br />

Music Theory and History<br />

The 34-credit requirement is as follows:<br />

Introduction to Music Reference and Research Materials (Music 500)<br />

2 credits<br />

*Integrative Seminar in Music Theory and History (Music 573) 6<br />

**Music Theory 6<br />

***Music History 6<br />

Pedagogy of Undergraduate Theory and History (Music 533) 2<br />

Thesis (Music 600) 6<br />

Free Electives (in consultation with adviser) 6<br />

*Special topics, changing from year to year, one offered each year.<br />

**Two courses selected from: Music 431 (Advanced Tonal Analysis), Music 433 (Advanced<br />

Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music), Music 53l (Analytical Techniques), Music 532<br />

(Schenkerian Analysis).<br />

***Two courses selected from: Music 461W (Antiquity to 1600), Music 462W (1550-1750),<br />

Music 463W (1700-1900), Music 464W (1850-present), Music 572 (Seminar in Musicology).<br />

The existing M.A. in Musicology and the M.A. in Music Theory and History are ended.<br />

Revision to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin<br />

Current<br />

Master’s Degree Requirements<br />

Three programs leading to the master of arts degree are offered. All three degrees require a<br />

research component. The M.A. in Music Theory and History (34 credits) provides an<br />

interdisciplinary approach to the field of music scholarship, whereas the M.A. in Musicology (32<br />

credits) and the M.A. in Music Theory (32 credits) are more specialized in preparing students for<br />

doctoral study. All three programs require a thesis. A reading knowledge of German or another<br />

appropriate language must be demonstrated before thesis credit may be scheduled.<br />

The master of music education degree provides the opportunity for advanced study in music,


F5<br />

music learning and teaching, and teaching as reflective practice. The program requires one fulltime<br />

year of residency at the University Park campus, and is designed to be completed in one<br />

academic year plus two summer semesters. Fulfillment of degree requirements includes<br />

successful completion of 30 credits of course work that includes a final action research project<br />

and resultant substantial article-length paper, followed by an oral presentation focusing on the<br />

candidate's projects and course work. This presentation, including questions posed by the faculty<br />

committee, serves as the final comprehensive examination. (Twenty credits must be earned at the<br />

University Park campus and 18 credits must be at the 500-level or higher.)<br />

The master of music degree (36 credits) provides five majors: Performance,<br />

Composition/Theory, Conducting, Piano Pedagogy and Performance, and Voice Performance<br />

and Pedagogy. The M.Mus. in Performance offers three separate curricula with areas of<br />

emphasis in Voice, Keyboard, or Orchestral Instruments. Depending on the area of emphasis, a<br />

recital, a composition project, or a conducting project is required. For the M.Mus. in<br />

Performance with emphasis in voice or keyboard, a master’s recital is required, in addition to<br />

either a master's paper or lecture-recital. For the M.Mus. in Performance (orchestral instruments),<br />

a master's recital is required. For the M.Mus. in Composition/Theory, a composition project and<br />

a master's paper are required. The M.Mus. in Conducting offers three areas of emphasis:<br />

Orchestral, Choral, or Band/Wind Ensemble. A performance project and a master's paper are<br />

required.<br />

In all master’s programs, at least one-half the required credits must be at the 500 level, and a<br />

comprehensive examination is required.<br />

[…]<br />

Music: Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> Degrees<br />

The School of Music offers six Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs--three that<br />

combine the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and<br />

History, and three that combine the B.M. in Performance with the M.A. in Musicology, Music<br />

Theory, and Music Theory and History. This enables a select number of students to further their<br />

research interests at the undergraduate and graduate levels. By the end of the five-year program<br />

students receive two degrees, a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory, or<br />

Music Theory and History, or a B.M. in Performance and an M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory,<br />

or Music Theory and History.<br />

Candidates for these Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degrees must demonstrate a high level<br />

of aptitude and achievement in academic core courses and be highly motivated to pursue<br />

research projects with faculty.<br />

Modeled after a similar program in the Schreyer Honors College, this IUG program enables<br />

gifted music students to double count credits in two degree programs. As a result they will have<br />

developed a research focus during their fourth and fifth years, which will help them prepare for<br />

entry into doctoral programs at other institutions.
For further information about the six<br />

Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs, including application procedures and<br />

degree requirements, see the School of Music web site.


F6<br />

Proposed<br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

Sue Haug, D.Mus.A. (Iowa) Professor of Music<br />

Dan C. Armstrong, M.Mus. (Michigan) Professor of Music<br />

Eleanor Duncan Armstrong, D.Mus.A. (Michigan) Professor of Music<br />

Mark Ballora, Ph.D. (McGill) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Paul Barsom, Ph.D. (Eastman) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Vincent Benitez, Ph.D. (Indiana) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Lisa J. Bontrager, M.Mus. (Michigan) Distinguished Professor of Music<br />

Velvet Brown, M.Mus. (Boston) Professor of Music<br />

O. Richard Bundy, D.Ed. (Penn State) Professor of Music Education<br />

Maureen A. Carr, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin) Distinguished Professor of<br />

Music<br />

Edward Christopher, D.Mus.A. (Eastman) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Ann Clements, Ph.D. (Washington, Seattle) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Education<br />

Kim Cook, M.Mus. (Yale) Professor of Music<br />

Anthony Costa, D.Mus.A. (Ohio State) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Timothy Deighton, D.Mus.A. (Kansas) Professor of Music<br />

Lynn Drafall, D.Ed. (Illinois) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Daryl Durran, M.Mus. (Wisconsin, Milwaukee) Professor of Music<br />

Gerardo Edelstein, M.Mus. (Rice) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Langston Fitzgerald III, D.Mus.A. (Catholic) Professor of Music<br />

Robert Gardner, Ph.D. (Eastman) Assistant Professor of Music Education<br />

Dennis Glocke, M.Mus. (Northwestern) Professor of Music<br />

Taylor Greer, Ph.D. (Yale) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Christopher Guzman, D.Mus.A. (Texas, Austin) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Stephen Hopkins, Ph.D. (Florida State) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Timothy Hurtz, B.Mus. (Southern California) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Lisa Jenkins, Ph.D. (Michigan) Instructor in Music<br />

Richard Kennedy, M.Mus. (Indiana) Professor of Music<br />

Christopher Kiver, D.Mus.A. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Anthony Leach, Ph.D. (Penn State) Professor of Music and Music Education<br />

Mark Lusk, M.Mus. (Eastman) Professor of Music<br />

James Lyon, M.Mus. (West Texas) Professor of Music<br />

Eric J. McKee, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Robert Nairn, Dipl.Mus. (Berlin Musikhochschule) Professor of Music<br />

Joanne Rutkowski, Ph.D. (SUNY, Buffalo). Professor of Music Education<br />

Mary Saunders, M.A. (Middlebury College/Sorbonne, Paris) Associate Professor<br />

of Music<br />

Timothy Shafer, D.Mus. (Indiana) Professor of Music<br />

Steven H. Smith, D.Mus.A. (Eastman) Professor of Music<br />

Norman Spivey, D.Mus.A. (Michigan) Professor of Music<br />

David Stambler, D.Mus.A. (Maryland) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Marie Sumner Lott, Ph.D. (Eastman) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Marica Tacconi, Ph.D. (Yale) Professor of Music


F7<br />

Darrin H. Thornton, Ph.D. (Penn State) Asisstant Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Education<br />

Linda Thornton, Ph.D. (Missouri) Associate Professor of Music Education<br />

Jennifer Trost, M.Mus. (Michigan State) Associate Professor of Music<br />

M. Daniel Yoder, M.Mus. (Idaho) Professor of Music<br />

Charles Youmans, Ph.D. (Duke) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Max Zorin, D.Mus.A. (Eastman) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Master’s Degree Requirements<br />

The School of Music offers three master’s degrees: the Master of Arts, the Master of Music<br />

Education, and the Master of Music.<br />

The Master of Arts in Music offers three tracks, in Music Theory (32 credits), Musicology (32<br />

credits), and Music Theory and History (34 credits). All three tracks provide an interdisciplinary<br />

approach to the field of music scholarship, a hallmark of our program, and all tracks require a<br />

thesis. The track in Music Theory offers preparation in current modes of research and analysis<br />

from a music theoretical perspective. The track in Musicology emphasizes the development of a<br />

broad knowledge of music of all periods and, at the same time, cultivates one or more areas of<br />

specialization. The track in Music Theory and History provides greater breadth by integrating<br />

theoretical, analytical, and historical approaches to musical styles and works. Three programs<br />

leading to the master of arts degree are offered. All three degrees require a research component.<br />

The M.A. in Music Theory and History (34 credits) provides an interdisciplinary approach to the<br />

field of music scholarship, whereas the M.A. in Musicology (32 credits) and the M.A. in Music<br />

Theory (32 credits) are more specialized in preparing students for doctoral study. All three<br />

programs require a thesis. A reading knowledge of German or another appropriate language must<br />

be demonstrated before thesis credit may be scheduled. In the Master of Arts degree program, at<br />

least one-half of the required credits must be at the 500 level or higher, and a comprehensive<br />

examination is required.<br />

The Mmaster of Mmusic Eeducation degree provides the opportunity for advanced study in<br />

music, music learning and teaching, and teaching as reflective practice. The program requires<br />

one full-time year of residency at the University Park campus, and is designed to be completed in<br />

one academic year plus two summer semesters. Fulfillment of degree requirements includes<br />

successful completion of 30 credits of course work that includes a final action research project<br />

and resultant substantial article-length paper, followed by an oral presentation focusing on the<br />

candidate's projects and course work. This presentation, including questions posed by the faculty<br />

committee, serves as the final comprehensive examination. (Twenty credits must be earned at the<br />

University Park campus and 18 credits must be at the 500-level or higher.)<br />

The Mmaster of mMusic degree (36 credits) provides offers four five majors: Performance,<br />

Composition/Theory, Conducting, and Pedagogy and Performance (piano and voice tracks).<br />

Piano Pedagogy and Performance, and Voice Performance and Pedagogy. The M.Mus. in<br />

Performance offers three separate curricula with areas of emphasis in Voice, Keyboard, or<br />

Orchestral Instruments. Depending on the area of emphasis, a recital, a composition project, or a<br />

conducting project is required. For the M.Mus. in Performance with emphasis in voice or<br />

keyboard, a master’s recital is required, in addition to either a master's paper or lecture-recital.<br />

For the M.Mus. in Performance (orchestral instruments), a master's recital is required. For the


F8<br />

M.Mus. in Composition/Theory, a composition project and a master's paper are required. The<br />

M.Mus. in Conducting offers three areas of emphasis: Orchestral, Choral, or Band/Wind<br />

Ensemble; a. A performance project and a master’s paper are required. For the M.Mus. in<br />

Pedagogy and Performance, a master’s recital is required, in addition to either a master’s paper<br />

or lecture-recital. In the Master of Music degree program, at least one-half of the required credits<br />

must be at the 500 level or higher, and a comprehensive examination is required.<br />

In all master’s programs, at least one-half the required credits must be at the 500 level, and a<br />

comprehensive examination is required.<br />

[…]<br />

Music: Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> Degrees<br />

The School of Music offers six two Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs: one<br />

that combines the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in Music, and one that combines the B.M. in<br />

Performance with the M.A. in Music.--three that combine the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in<br />

Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History, and three that combine the B.M. in<br />

Performance with the M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History. This<br />

enables a select number of students to further their research interests at the undergraduate and<br />

graduate levels. By the end of the five-year program students receive two degrees, a B.A. in<br />

Music and an M.A. in Music Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and History, or a<br />

B.M. in Performance and an M.A. in Music. Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and<br />

History.<br />

Candidates for these Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degrees must demonstrate a high level<br />

of aptitude and achievement in academic core courses and be highly motivated to pursue<br />

research projects with faculty.<br />

Modeled after a similar program in the Schreyer Honors College, this IUG program enables<br />

gifted music students to double count credits in two degree programs. As a result they will have<br />

developed a research focus during their fourth and fifth years, which will help them prepare for<br />

entry into doctoral programs at other institutions.
For further information about the six two<br />

Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs, including application procedures and<br />

degree requirements, see the School of Music web site.<br />

PART B<br />

Justification for changes<br />

The School of Music currently offers three Master of Arts degrees: the M.A. in Music Theory,<br />

the M.A. in Musicology, and the M.A. in Music Theory and History. Our M.A. program is<br />

unusual in the way its faculty and students work together, creating an integrative approach to the<br />

academic study of music.<br />

After careful consideration, and as a way to respond to the University Core Council’s<br />

recommendation that the number of non-education Master’s programs be reduced, we are<br />

proposing to consolidate our three M.A. degrees into a single M.A. in Music with tracks in<br />

Music Theory, Musicology, or Music Theory and History. While maintaining the current<br />

curricula, we believe that proceeding in this direction will preserve the strength of our program


F9<br />

by underscoring the integrative approach that has always been one of the unique features of the<br />

musicology and music theory area.<br />

PART C<br />

No other departments will be affected by the change.


APPENDIX G, PAGE G1


G2<br />

SCHOOL OF MUSIC M.MUS. PROGRAM CHANGE PROPOSAL, SUBMITTED TO<br />

THE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> <strong>COUNCIL</strong> COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMS AND COURSES AND<br />

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NEW AND REVISED PROGRAMS AND COURSES<br />

Submitted by:<br />

Marica S. Tacconi (on behalf of the School of Music)<br />

Assistant Director for Research and <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies<br />

Professor of Musicology<br />

221 Music Building I<br />

mst4@psu.edu<br />

Tel. 863-5391<br />

CHANGES IN PROGRAMS:<br />

Change M.Mus. degree program in Piano Pedagogy and Performance to M.Mus. degree<br />

program in Pedagogy and Performance (MUSPP)<br />

Drop M.Mus. degree program in Voice Performance and Pedagogy<br />

PART A<br />

Overview<br />

The School of Music currently offers the M.Mus. in Piano Pedagogy and Performance and the<br />

M.Mus. in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. In response to the University’s Core Council<br />

recommendation, we propose that these two M.Mus. degree programs be consolidated into a<br />

single M.Mus. in Pedagogy and Performance, with tracks in each of the areas of emphasis: Piano<br />

and Voice.<br />

Curriculum<br />

The curriculum of each of the tracks will be identical to the curriculum of the currently-offered<br />

M.Mus. in Piano Pedagogy and Performance and M.Mus. in Voice Performance and Pedagogy,<br />

respectively. Thus, no curricular changes are being proposed.<br />

The existing M.Mus. in Piano Pedagogy and Performance becomes M.Mus. in Pedagogy<br />

and Performance, with the following two tracks:<br />

Piano<br />

The 36-credit requirement is as follows:<br />

*Performance major<br />

16 credits<br />

**Piano Pedagogy (Music 419, 424, and 589) 6<br />

Master’s Paper/Lecture-recital (Music 594)
<br />

(specified in an area of piano pedagogy)<br />

1


G3<br />

Internship in Piano Pedagogy (Music 595A) 1-4<br />

Introduction to Music Reference and Research Materials (Music 500) 2<br />

Ensemble (Music 493 or Music 489) 1<br />

Keyboard Literature (Music 481) 3<br />

Seminar in Music Literature of the major performance area (Music 588) 2<br />

+Music theory or history 3<br />

Recital (Music 591) 1<br />

*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the<br />

track.<br />

**<strong>May</strong> be repeated for credit, depending on qualifications and background of the candidate.<br />

Voice<br />

The 36-credit requirement is as follows:<br />

*Performance major<br />

16 credits<br />

Voice Pedagogy (Music 418, 425, and 483) 6<br />

Introduction to Music Reference and Research Materials (Music 500) 2<br />

Ensemble: Opera Theatre, Choir, or Early Music Ensemble 2<br />

Vocal Literature (Music 478) or Opera Literature (Music 480) 3<br />

Seminar in Music Literature of the major performance area (Music 588) 2<br />

Music theory or history 3<br />

Master’s paper or Lecture-recital (Music 594)<br />

(specified in an area of voice pedagogy)<br />

1<br />

Recital (Music 591) 1<br />

*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the<br />

track.<br />

The existing M.Mus. in Voice Performance and Pedagogy is ended.<br />

Revision to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin<br />

Current<br />

Master’s Degree Requirements<br />

Three programs leading to the master of arts degree are offered. All three degrees require a<br />

research component. The M.A. in Music Theory and History (34 credits) provides an<br />

interdisciplinary approach to the field of music scholarship, whereas the M.A. in Musicology (32<br />

credits) and the M.A. in Music Theory (32 credits) are more specialized in preparing students for<br />

doctoral study. All three programs require a thesis. A reading knowledge of German or another<br />

appropriate language must be demonstrated before thesis credit may be scheduled.


G4<br />

The master of music education degree provides the opportunity for advanced study in music,<br />

music learning and teaching, and teaching as reflective practice. The program requires one fulltime<br />

year of residency at the University Park campus, and is designed to be completed in one<br />

academic year plus two summer semesters. Fulfillment of degree requirements includes<br />

successful completion of 30 credits of course work that includes a final action research project<br />

and resultant substantial article-length paper, followed by an oral presentation focusing on the<br />

candidate's projects and course work. This presentation, including questions posed by the faculty<br />

committee, serves as the final comprehensive examination. (Twenty credits must be earned at the<br />

University Park campus and 18 credits must be at the 500-level or higher.)<br />

The master of music degree (36 credits) provides five majors: Performance,<br />

Composition/Theory, Conducting, Piano Pedagogy and Performance, and Voice Performance<br />

and Pedagogy. The M.Mus. in Performance offers three separate curricula with areas of<br />

emphasis in Voice, Keyboard, or Orchestral Instruments. Depending on the area of emphasis, a<br />

recital, a composition project, or a conducting project is required. For the M.Mus. in<br />

Performance with emphasis in voice or keyboard, a master’s recital is required, in addition to<br />

either a master's paper or lecture-recital. For the M.Mus. in Performance (orchestral instruments),<br />

a master's recital is required. For the M.Mus. in Composition/Theory, a composition project and<br />

a master's paper are required. The M.Mus. in Conducting offers three areas of emphasis:<br />

Orchestral, Choral, or Band/Wind Ensemble. A performance project and a master's paper are<br />

required.<br />

In all master’s programs, at least one-half the required credits must be at the 500 level, and a<br />

comprehensive examination is required.<br />

[…]<br />

Music: Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> Degrees<br />

The School of Music offers six Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs--three that<br />

combine the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and<br />

History, and three that combine the B.M. in Performance with the M.A. in Musicology, Music<br />

Theory, and Music Theory and History. This enables a select number of students to further their<br />

research interests at the undergraduate and graduate levels. By the end of the five-year program<br />

students receive two degrees, a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory, or<br />

Music Theory and History, or a B.M. in Performance and an M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory,<br />

or Music Theory and History.<br />

Candidates for these Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degrees must demonstrate a high level<br />

of aptitude and achievement in academic core courses and be highly motivated to pursue<br />

research projects with faculty.<br />

Modeled after a similar program in the Schreyer Honors College, this IUG program enables<br />

gifted music students to double count credits in two degree programs. As a result they will have<br />

developed a research focus during their fourth and fifth years, which will help them prepare for<br />

entry into doctoral programs at other institutions.
For further information about the six<br />

Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs, including application procedures and<br />

degree requirements, see the School of Music web site.


G5<br />

Proposed<br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

Sue Haug, D.Mus.A. (Iowa) Professor of Music<br />

Dan C. Armstrong, M.Mus. (Michigan) Professor of Music<br />

Eleanor Duncan Armstrong, D.Mus.A. (Michigan) Professor of Music<br />

Mark Ballora, Ph.D. (McGill) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Paul Barsom, Ph.D. (Eastman) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Vincent Benitez, Ph.D. (Indiana) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Lisa J. Bontrager, M.Mus. (Michigan) Distinguished Professor of Music<br />

Velvet Brown, M.Mus. (Boston) Professor of Music<br />

O. Richard Bundy, D.Ed. (Penn State) Professor of Music Education<br />

Maureen A. Carr, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin) Distinguished Professor of<br />

Music<br />

Edward Christopher, D.Mus.A. (Eastman) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Ann Clements, Ph.D. (Washington, Seattle) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Education<br />

Kim Cook, M.Mus. (Yale) Professor of Music<br />

Anthony Costa, D.Mus.A. (Ohio State) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Timothy Deighton, D.Mus.A. (Kansas) Professor of Music<br />

Lynn Drafall, D.Ed. (Illinois) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Daryl Durran, M.Mus. (Wisconsin, Milwaukee) Professor of Music<br />

Gerardo Edelstein, M.Mus. (Rice) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Langston Fitzgerald III, D.Mus.A. (Catholic) Professor of Music<br />

Robert Gardner, Ph.D. (Eastman) Assistant Professor of Music Education<br />

Dennis Glocke, M.Mus. (Northwestern) Professor of Music<br />

Taylor Greer, Ph.D. (Yale) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Christopher Guzman, D.Mus.A. (Texas, Austin) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Stephen Hopkins, Ph.D. (Florida State) Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Timothy Hurtz, B.Mus. (Southern California) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Lisa Jenkins, Ph.D. (Michigan) Instructor in Music<br />

Richard Kennedy, M.Mus. (Indiana) Professor of Music<br />

Christopher Kiver, D.Mus.A. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Anthony Leach, Ph.D. (Penn State) Professor of Music and Music Education<br />

Mark Lusk, M.Mus. (Eastman) Professor of Music<br />

James Lyon, M.Mus. (West Texas) Professor of Music<br />

Eric J. McKee, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Robert Nairn, Dipl.Mus. (Berlin Musikhochschule) Professor of Music<br />

Joanne Rutkowski, Ph.D. (SUNY, Buffalo). Professor of Music Education<br />

Mary Saunders, M.A. (Middlebury College/Sorbonne, Paris) Associate Professor<br />

of Music<br />

Timothy Shafer, D.Mus. (Indiana) Professor of Music<br />

Steven H. Smith, D.Mus.A. (Eastman) Professor of Music<br />

Norman Spivey, D.Mus.A. (Michigan) Professor of Music<br />

David Stambler, D.Mus.A. (Maryland) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Marie Sumner Lott, Ph.D. (Eastman) Assistant Professor of Music


G6<br />

Marica Tacconi, Ph.D. (Yale) Professor of Music<br />

Darrin H. Thornton, Ph.D. (Penn State) Asisstant Assistant Professor of Music<br />

Education<br />

Linda Thornton, Ph.D. (Missouri) Associate Professor of Music Education<br />

Jennifer Trost, M.Mus. (Michigan State) Associate Professor of Music<br />

M. Daniel Yoder, M.Mus. (Idaho) Professor of Music<br />

Charles Youmans, Ph.D. (Duke) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Max Zorin, D.Mus.A. (Eastman) Associate Professor of Music<br />

Master’s Degree Requirements<br />

The School of Music offers three master’s degrees: the Master of Arts, the Master of Music<br />

Education, and the Master of Music.<br />

The Master of Arts in Music offers three tracks, in Music Theory (32 credits), Musicology (32<br />

credits), and Music Theory and History (34 credits). All three tracks provide an interdisciplinary<br />

approach to the field of music scholarship, a hallmark of our program, and all tracks require a<br />

thesis. The track in Music Theory offers preparation in current modes of research and analysis<br />

from a music theoretical perspective. The track in Musicology emphasizes the development of a<br />

broad knowledge of music of all periods and, at the same time, cultivates one or more areas of<br />

specialization. The track in Music Theory and History provides greater breadth by integrating<br />

theoretical, analytical, and historical approaches to musical styles and works. Three programs<br />

leading to the master of arts degree are offered. All three degrees require a research component.<br />

The M.A. in Music Theory and History (34 credits) provides an interdisciplinary approach to the<br />

field of music scholarship, whereas the M.A. in Musicology (32 credits) and the M.A. in Music<br />

Theory (32 credits) are more specialized in preparing students for doctoral study. All three<br />

programs require a thesis. A reading knowledge of German or another appropriate language must<br />

be demonstrated before thesis credit may be scheduled. In the Master of Arts degree program, at<br />

least one-half of the required credits must be at the 500 level or higher, and a comprehensive<br />

examination is required.<br />

The Mmaster of Mmusic Eeducation degree provides the opportunity for advanced study in<br />

music, music learning and teaching, and teaching as reflective practice. The program requires<br />

one full-time year of residency at the University Park campus, and is designed to be completed in<br />

one academic year plus two summer semesters. Fulfillment of degree requirements includes<br />

successful completion of 30 credits of course work that includes a final action research project<br />

and resultant substantial article-length paper, followed by an oral presentation focusing on the<br />

candidate's projects and course work. This presentation, including questions posed by the faculty<br />

committee, serves as the final comprehensive examination. (Twenty credits must be earned at the<br />

University Park campus and 18 credits must be at the 500-level or higher.)<br />

The Mmaster of Mmusic degree (36 credits) provides offers four five majors: Performance,<br />

Composition/Theory, Conducting, and Pedagogy and Performance (piano and voice tracks).<br />

Piano Pedagogy and Performance, and Voice Performance and Pedagogy. The M.Mus. in<br />

Performance offers three separate curricula with areas of emphasis in Voice, Keyboard, or<br />

Orchestral Instruments. Depending on the area of emphasis, a recital, a composition project, or a<br />

conducting project is required. For the M.Mus. in Performance with emphasis in voice or<br />

keyboard, a master’s recital is required, in addition to either a master's paper or lecture-recital.


G7<br />

For the M.Mus. in Performance (orchestral instruments), a master's recital is required. For the<br />

M.Mus. in Composition/Theory, a composition project and a master's paper are required. The<br />

M.Mus. in Conducting offers three areas of emphasis: Orchestral, Choral, or Band/Wind<br />

Ensemble; a. A performance project and a master’s paper are required. For the M.Mus. in<br />

Pedagogy and Performance, a master’s recital is required, in addition to either a master’s paper<br />

or lecture-recital. In the Master of Music degree program, at least one-half of the required credits<br />

must be at the 500 level or higher, and a comprehensive examination is required.<br />

In all master’s programs, at least one-half the required credits must be at the 500 level, and a<br />

comprehensive examination is required.<br />

[…]<br />

Music: Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> Degrees<br />

The School of Music offers six two Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs: one<br />

that combines the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in Music, and one that combines the B.M. in<br />

Performance with the M.A. in Music.--three that combine the B.A. in Music with the M.A. in<br />

Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History, and three that combine the B.M. in<br />

Performance with the M.A. in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History. This<br />

enables a select number of students to further their research interests at the undergraduate and<br />

graduate levels. By the end of the five-year program students receive two degrees, a B.A. in<br />

Music and an M.A. in Music Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and History, or a<br />

B.M. in Performance and an M.A. in Music. Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and<br />

History.<br />

Candidates for these Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degrees must demonstrate a high level<br />

of aptitude and achievement in academic core courses and be highly motivated to pursue<br />

research projects with faculty.<br />

Modeled after a similar program in the Schreyer Honors College, this IUG program enables<br />

gifted music students to double count credits in two degree programs. As a result they will have<br />

developed a research focus during their fourth and fifth years, which will help them prepare for<br />

entry into doctoral programs at other institutions.
For further information about the six two<br />

Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> degree programs, including application procedures and<br />

degree requirements, see the School of Music web site.<br />

PART B<br />

Justification for changes<br />

After careful consideration, and as a way to respond to the University Core Council’s<br />

recommendation that the number of non-education Master’s programs be reduced, we are<br />

proposing to consolidate our M.Mus. in Piano Pedagogy and Performance and M.Mus. in Voice<br />

Performance and Pedagogy into a single M.Mus. in Pedagogy and Performance with tracks in<br />

Piano and Voice. While maintaining the current curricula, we believe that proceeding in this<br />

direction will preserve the integrity and strength of this unique program by underscoring its<br />

integrative nature emphasizing both music pedagogy and performance.


PART C<br />

No other departments will be affected by the change.<br />

G8


APPENDIX H, PAGE H1


H2<br />

A Proposal to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council to Establish a<br />

Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies<br />

Submitted by<br />

The African Studies Program<br />

Contact:<br />

B. Ikubolajeh Logan<br />

Director, African Studies Program<br />

215 Willard Building<br />

Phone: 865 8425<br />

E-mail: bil2@psu.edu<br />

or<br />

Kidane Mengisteab<br />

Acting Director, African Studies Program<br />

133 Willard Building<br />

Phone: 863-5815<br />

E-mail: kim3@psu.edu


H3<br />

Table of Contents<br />

I. Objectives and Justification for the Program …………………………….. 1<br />

A. Need for Program…………………………………………………. 1<br />

B. African Studies as a Field of Study and Research……………….. 3<br />

C. Professional Association and Journals……………………………. 5<br />

D. Potential Students and Employment Opportunities………………. 6<br />

1. <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Recruitment and Program Constituency. 6<br />

2. Enhancement of <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Research…………….. 6<br />

3. Mentoring………………………………………………… 7<br />

4. <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Placement……………………………... 7<br />

E. Description of Required African Studies Courses……………….. 8<br />

1. Coursework………………………………………………. 8<br />

2. Available Courses………………………………………… 9<br />

3. Sample Curricula…………………………………………. 11<br />

F. Faculty Experience with <strong>Graduate</strong> Programs and Students……… 11<br />

G. Costs……………………………………………………………… 12<br />

H. Funding Opportunities……………………………………………. 12<br />

I. Projected Size of Program, Impact on Other Courses and<br />

Faculty Load………………………………………………………. 12<br />

J. Accreditation………………………………………………………. 13<br />

K. Departments Affected……………………………………………… 13<br />

L. Consultation………………………………………………………… 13<br />

II. Proposed Bulletin Listing……………………………………………………. 14<br />

A. Degrees Conferred………………………………………………… 14<br />

B. <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty………………………………………………….. 14<br />

C. Program Objectives……………………………………………….. 15<br />

D. Admission Requirements…………………………………………. 15<br />

E. Degree Requirements……………………………………………… 16<br />

1. Coursework……………………………………………….. 16<br />

2. Language Requirements…………………………………… 16<br />

3. Candidacy Exam………………………………………….. 16<br />

4. Committee Composition………………………………….. 17<br />

5. Comprehensive Exam…………………………………….. 17<br />

6. Dissertation and Dissertation Defense……………………. 17<br />

F. Costs………………………………………………………………. 17<br />

G. Funding Opportunities…………………………………………….. 17<br />

III. Appendices<br />

A. Selected US Universities Offering African Studies……………………. 18<br />

B. Selected International African Studies Journals………………………… 19<br />

C. Selected International African Studies Organizations and Associations.. 20<br />

D. Letters/Emails Resulting From Consultation……………...……………. 21<br />

i


H4<br />

I. Objectives and Justification for the Program<br />

A. Need for the Program<br />

The African continent is an increasingly important actor in the global geopolitics of the twentyfirst<br />

century. Many countries on the continent are major energy centers and leading producers of<br />

mineral resources, which are critical to the stability of the current international economic system.<br />

In addition to its historical role as a source of raw materials, Africa has become a growing<br />

market for manufactured goods from northern countries and an attractive destination for foreign<br />

direct investment from all over the world. These fundamental structural attributes have made<br />

twenty-first century Africa an important arena over which the European Union, the US, China<br />

and other developed and newly-developing countries and regions vie for access to economic<br />

opportunities and political influence.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> students from Penn State’s multiplicity of academic and sociocultural backgrounds<br />

who wish to study Africa’s role in the present global system, must be provided with an<br />

intellectual ‘home’ to do so. The proposed dual-title doctoral degree program will provide this<br />

opportunity by allowing Penn State doctoral students to obtain an African Studies specialization<br />

to complement the degree in their major discipline.<br />

A significant number of Africa-related graduate courses are being offered by a variety of<br />

departments at Penn State (Table 1). The information indicates that a significant corpus of<br />

intellectual curiosity concerning the African continent exists among Penn State upper-level<br />

undergraduate and graduate students. The current 400-level and 500-level courses are, however,<br />

often offered in departmental and disciplinary isolation, with limited intellectual crossfertilization.<br />

The proposed dual-title doctoral degree program will provide students with a<br />

physical and intellectual framework within which they can integrate their courses in a systematic<br />

way to engage in comparative, multidisciplinary African Studies.<br />

The multidisciplinary approach of the proposed program will utilize the expertise of existing<br />

Africanists at Penn State to design courses, which will adopt the lens of the humanities, social<br />

sciences, education, bio-behavioral sciences, and environmental sciences, as necessary and<br />

applicable. For example, analyses of governance issues in Africa will not be merely a traditional<br />

Political Science enquiry. Rather, it will integrate principles of climate change and resource<br />

competition, political ecology, history, ethnicities, language and/or linguistics. In the same vein,<br />

relevant comparative analyses will be invoked to interrogate pertinent issues of African<br />

development, including such cutting edge issues as refugees, child labor, the sex trade, terrorism,<br />

and food security.<br />

1


H5<br />

Table 1: Sample 400-Level and 500-Level Africa-Related Courses Offered at University<br />

Park (2009-2011)<br />

Semester Course Abbrev. Short Title<br />

2009/2010S GEOG 496A South Africa Project<br />

2009/2010S GEOG 497E/498A Society and Environment of South Africa<br />

2009/2010S CED 497E Ag 2 Africa Ex.<br />

2009/2010S CED 497C E. Africa Agricultural Systems<br />

2010/2011S CED499C FS-AG 2 Africa<br />

2009/2010S PLSC 497B International Relations of Africa<br />

2009/2010S FOR 497E South Africa Tour<br />

2010/2011S CMLIT 423 African Novel<br />

2009/2010S CSA 502 Org & Admin Structures of Africa<br />

2009/2010S CSA 504 Rsh & Asmnt/Stu Africa<br />

2010/2011F FR596B African Lit of Fr Exp<br />

2010/2011S CMLIT 523 African Lit<br />

The integrative orientation of the proposed program builds on its multidisciplinarity and is<br />

further embedded in two components: a pedagogy that assists doctoral students to synthesize<br />

their thematic and/or regional interests in African Studies; and an overall structure that allows<br />

doctoral students to combine their interests in their major discipline with African Studies into a<br />

single intellectual endeavor. No other avenue currently exists at Penn State for doctoral students<br />

to pursue this intellectual convergence between their major discipline and African Studies.<br />

The multidisciplinary, comparative intellectual vision of the proposed Dual-Title Doctoral<br />

Degree Program in African Studies is consistent with the mission of Penn State’s College of the<br />

Liberal Arts (CLA), as enunciated in the College’s Strategic Plan for 2008-2013, titled, “From<br />

National Prominence to National Leadership.” In this document, the CLA makes the following<br />

commitment to the development of new and exciting intellectual programs, including, dual-title<br />

doctoral degree programs.<br />

We must continue to strengthen the core elements of the liberal arts that<br />

are the foundation of any university that aspires to excellence. At the same<br />

time, we are also attuned to ways in which our disciplines are evolving and<br />

to the ever-growing importance of multi-disciplinary work in addressing the<br />

most important questions we face. We have furthered multi-disciplinarity<br />

most obviously by investing in a variety of multi-disciplinary degree-granting<br />

units, including during this last planning cycle, the creation of the department<br />

of applied linguistics, the development of dual degree programs in women’s<br />

studies, the reorganization of Science, Technology, and Society under the joint<br />

administration of Engineering and Liberal Arts, and, most recently, the<br />

establishment of an Asian Studies program. We plan further investments to<br />

support planned dual degree programs in Asian studies, in bio-ethics,<br />

language science, and in African American studies.<br />

2


H6<br />

Other major universities in the CIC (for example, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan) and<br />

around the country (Yale, Cornell, UCLA, Florida, and UPenn) have programs in African<br />

Studies. None of them is, however, conceived explicitly as an intellectual partnership between a<br />

major discipline and African Studies. Owing to its uniqueness, the proposed program provides<br />

an academic niche, which will contribute to Penn State’s vision of becoming a leader in<br />

multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural scholarship.<br />

In summary, the proposed dual-title doctoral degree program will:<br />

• provide a framework within which doctoral students can pursue an integrated suite of<br />

regional/thematic courses to complement their specialization in their major discipline;<br />

• use African Studies graduate faculty to enrich the multidisciplinary training and research<br />

activities of Penn State doctoral students who have an interest in Africa;<br />

• enhance the standing of Penn State in African Studies among CIC universities; and<br />

• enhance the marketability of Penn State doctoral students by making it possible for them<br />

to acquire a unique qualification, which can attract a wide range of employers in<br />

academia, the US government, bilateral and multilateral international organizations and<br />

international non-governmental organizations.<br />

B. African Studies As a Field of Study and Research<br />

African Studies is an interdisciplinary field of enquiry. It borrows from the paradigms of the<br />

humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, to engage scholarship on the African condition<br />

covering the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods.<br />

African Studies experienced its birth as an academic discipline in the 1950s-1960s as the product<br />

of two corresponding global dynamics: the independence movement in many African countries<br />

and the civil rights movement in the US. During its formative period, the field was dominated by<br />

the humanities and arts, especially history, literature, and languages. Early academic initiatives<br />

focused on rewriting African history from an African perspective (for example, Ali Mazrui and<br />

Basil Davidson); and on energizing African literature (for example, the African Writers Series by<br />

the Heinemann Press, which published significant foundational works like Achebe’s Things Fall<br />

Apart and Cyprian Ekwensi’s Palm Wine Drunkard). As a number of newly-independent<br />

African countries rejected the West and experimented with socialist and Marxist models, this<br />

period also witnessed the growth of intellectual traditions in political economy. African<br />

scholarship in these disciplines was undertaken in major universities in North America and<br />

Europe and in the emerging universities on the continent itself. In addition to its being<br />

recognized as an academic discipline, one of the concrete manifestations of the growth of<br />

African Studies during the period was the founding of the African Studies Association of<br />

America (ASA) in 1957, followed by the founding of the association’s journal, the African<br />

Studies Review. The ASA has been an important focal point for the development of African<br />

Studies in the US by bringing Africanist scholars and policy makers together in one forum to<br />

tackle the main problems facing the continent and its peoples. The growth of the ASA is a<br />

barometer of the simultaneous growth and maturity of African Studies. Today, the ASA has 325<br />

3


H7<br />

institutional members, including Penn State, and universities in Africa, North America, and<br />

Europe. The association also has four annual publications, the ASA Newsletter, History in Africa,<br />

African Issues and the African Studies Review, the last considered to be a premier outlet for<br />

Africanist scholarship.<br />

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are celebrating fifty years of independence in the present<br />

decade (2010-2019). African Studies, as a discipline, has changed significantly in those fifty<br />

years with the successes, trials, and challenges experienced by the countries on the continent. In<br />

the US, African Studies has become an important liberal arts offering in leading undergraduate<br />

and graduate institutions, for example, Yale, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, University of Florida,<br />

UCLA, Princeton, Brown and the University of Pennsylvania. Appendix A contains a list of<br />

leading US universities that offer African Studies at the graduate level. Some of these programs,<br />

for example Arizona State’s American Institute for Maghreb Studies, are region-specific; while<br />

others, like Emory’s are biased towards the humanities. Even a leading program like Michigan<br />

State does not award a degree in African Studies. The proposed Penn State dual-title degree<br />

program will provide national and international graduate students with the opportunity to pursue<br />

and obtain a PH.D. in African Studies with a multidisciplinary, social science orientation.<br />

The multidisciplinary focus of the proposed program is in line with current developments in<br />

African Studies. These developments have been accompanied by a shift in the intellectual locus<br />

of the discipline from North America and Europe. Nowadays, major African think-tanks such as<br />

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), the<br />

Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) and the<br />

African Academy of Science, are instrumental in framing the intellectual agenda of the<br />

discipline. African universities and African-based scholars have also become very active in<br />

responding to the demands of new areas of scholarship, which have emanated from the region’s<br />

place in the existing global order. These areas of enquiry are primarily multidisciplinary in<br />

nature.<br />

The proposed dual title degree program is consistent with current trends in African Studies. Its<br />

faculty has strong research and teaching links with universities and think tanks in Africa (Table 2<br />

below). In addition, its intellectual and pedagogic strengths are multidisciplinary, focusing on<br />

political economy, governance, rural livelihood systems, sexism, language and development, and<br />

poverty and human-environment relationships. Within this range of discourses and paradigms, a<br />

graduate student can choose to investigate a specific area of interest, for example, social justice,<br />

globalization, terrorism, piracy, child labor, global climate change and traditional institutions and<br />

knowledge.<br />

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H8<br />

Table 2: Examples of Research/Project Linkages of Core African Studies Faculty<br />

Name Abbreviated Project Title Institutional Collaboration<br />

G. Baderoon Islam, African Publics and Religious Values University of Cape Town.<br />

(Research Fellow)<br />

K. Mengisteab,<br />

B. I. Logan<br />

Critical Discourses of Race<br />

Global Approaches to Intersectionality<br />

Towards a Model for Merging Traditional<br />

and Modern Institutions in Africa (funded<br />

Project)<br />

University of Cape Town (funded by the National<br />

Research Foundation, South Africa).<br />

Penn State’s Rock Ethics Institute and Africana<br />

Research Center - University of Cape Town,<br />

University of Stellenbosch and University of the<br />

Western Cape<br />

Human Science Research Council of South Africa,<br />

Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research Analysis,<br />

University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.<br />

K. Mengisteab Traditional Judicial systems and Institutions<br />

of Governance in Africa (proposed project)<br />

Methodology Training for Doctoral<br />

Students in Eastern and Southern Africa<br />

Diversity Management for African Peer<br />

Review Mechanism<br />

S. Makoni Gerontology and HIV/AIDS care in<br />

southern Africa (funded project)<br />

Police Communication in Southern Africa<br />

Discourses of State Security<br />

K. Thomas Orphan Trajectories in Malawi (work in<br />

progress)<br />

B. I. Logan Livelihood and Environmental Impacts of<br />

Mining in South Africa, Zimbabwe and<br />

Botswana (proposed project )<br />

Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern<br />

and Southern Africa(OSSREA)<br />

OSSREA<br />

Economic Commission for Africa<br />

University of Colombia, University of Cape Town<br />

University of Zimbabwe<br />

University of Zimbabwe<br />

Penn State, UT Austin<br />

University of South Africa, University of Botswana<br />

C. Professional Associations and Journals<br />

African Studies is an interdisciplinary field of enquiry. As a result, there exists a long list of<br />

premier journals by discipline (for example, Review of African Political Economy, Journal of<br />

Modern African Studies, and the Canadian Journal of African Studies) and by geographic region<br />

(Journal of Southern African Studies) devoted to the continent. These are complemented by<br />

journals that are transdisciplinary (for example, Economic Development and Cultural Change)<br />

and transregional (example, Journal of Asian and African Studies). Lists of journals and<br />

professional organizations that promote African Studies are included in Appendix B and<br />

Appendix C, respectively.<br />

5


H9<br />

D. Potential Student and Employment Opportunities<br />

1. <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Recruitment and Program Constituency<br />

Recruitment for the proposed dual-title degree program will adopt several specific strategies:<br />

development of a web page, advertising on the web pages of partnering major programs,<br />

recruitment of students who are enrolled in the program’s classes and seminars, and recruitment<br />

of students at professional meetings. Since capacity-building is a strong emphasis of the African<br />

Union, the program will try to devote attention to the possible recruitment of students from<br />

African universities and African government agencies. The most direct method of recruitment<br />

for the program will be, however, through its courses and seminars and those offered by allied<br />

programs. As shown on Table 1, above, a number of 400 and 500-level Africa-related courses<br />

are already being offered at Penn State. Table 3, below, shows that some of the courses have<br />

enrollments that demonstrate a significant level of interest in Africa-related courses at Penn<br />

State. These courses will provide recruitment opportunities for the proposed program and its<br />

own seminars.<br />

Table 3: Recent Enrollment in Africa-Related Courses at University Park<br />

Course FA 09 SP 10 FA 10 SP 11<br />

AAAS 440 Globalization and its Implications 18 21<br />

PL SC 440 15 15<br />

AAAS 443 Ethnic Conflicts in Africa 14 8<br />

PL SC 443 11 18<br />

AAAS 454 Government and Politics in Africa 18 18<br />

Pl SC 454 15 15<br />

AAAS 464 Petroleum, Extractive Industries and Politics in Africa 7 12<br />

PL SC 464 13 20<br />

CED 497C: E. Africa Agricultural Systems 7 6<br />

CSA 502: Org & Admin Structures of Africa 13 10<br />

CSA 504: Rsh & Asmnt/Stu Africa 10<br />

CMLIT 523: African Literature 10<br />

GEOG 436: Ecology, Economy and Society (high Africa content) 15 12<br />

GEOG 454: African Resources and Development 26<br />

*GEOG 454 has an enrollment of 36 in Fall 2011<br />

2. Enhancement of <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Research<br />

Doctoral students in the proposed dual-title degree program will develop skills in integrative,<br />

comparative, cross-disciplinary analyses. This goal will be achieved through coursework and<br />

input from African Studies faculty who serve on the student’s dissertation committee. As already<br />

shown on table 2, the core African Studies Program faculty has ongoing projects and research<br />

links with institutions on the continent. Doctoral students will be encouraged to participate in<br />

these and other faculty research projects as research assistants. This will create opportunities for<br />

students to undertake actual field work in Africa and to start to establish their own career<br />

networks on the continent. Doctoral Students will also be encouraged to participate as co-<br />

6


H10<br />

authors in faculty research (grants, papers, book chapters, etc.), thereby, further enhancing their<br />

future employment potential.<br />

3. Mentoring<br />

It is required that at least one African Studies faculty member will serve in the student’s<br />

dissertation committee. The African Studies faculty member will also serve as the student’s<br />

mentor in terms of selection of dissertation topic and provide advice on funding sources and<br />

publication of the student’s research.<br />

4. <strong>Graduate</strong> Student Placement<br />

The academic training received by the student through the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program<br />

in African Studies will make the student an attractive prospect for positions in academia, federal<br />

and state agencies, international business, major bilateral and multilateral agencies, and nongovernmental<br />

organizations (Table 4).<br />

Table 4: Sample UN Organizations with Potential to Employ Program <strong>Graduate</strong>s<br />

African Development<br />

Bank Department of Political Affairs<br />

Department of Peacekeeping Operations Executive Office of the Secretary-General<br />

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda International Fund for Agricultural Development<br />

International Labor Organization<br />

International Monetary Fund<br />

The World Bank Group<br />

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS<br />

International Organization for Migration Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights<br />

Office of the High Representative for the<br />

Least Developed Countries (LDCs), land The Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria<br />

locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and<br />

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) United Nations Human Settlements Programme<br />

United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO<br />

United Nations N Framework Convention Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development<br />

on Climate Change<br />

United Nations N Office to the African Union United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire<br />

United Nations Population Fund<br />

United Nations Office at Geneva<br />

United Nations Children's Fund<br />

United Nations Office at Nairobi<br />

United Nations Development Programme United Nations Economic Commission for Africa<br />

World Food Program<br />

World Health Organization<br />

UN Entity for Gender Equality and<br />

the Empowerment of Women<br />

Source: Compiled from UN Jobs: A Swiss Association http://unjobs.org/, June 28, 2011.<br />

Together, these and other organizations within the United Nations system advertised a total of<br />

289 positions in June 2011, distributed across Africa as shown in Table 5. Although these jobs<br />

cover a wide range of skills and experience, many require training in the social sciences. The<br />

academic training of the dual-title graduate would make her/him a very attractive and<br />

competitive candidate for these positions. Although the information on Tables 4 and 5 pertains<br />

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H11<br />

only to UN jobs in Africa, many of these organizations employ professionals, who may be<br />

assigned to North America, the Pacific, and Europe. In addition to these UN jobs, graduates of<br />

the proposed program will also be attractive to employers in other bilateral and multilateral<br />

organizations, the US Foreign and Diplomatic Services, and academia.<br />

Table 5: Africa-Based Positions Advertised By the United Nations in June 2011<br />

Algeria (3) Angola (1) Botswana (1) Burkina Faso (6)<br />

Burundi (5) Cameroon (3) Central African Republic (5) Chad (7)<br />

Comoros (2) Congo (2) Congo Democratic Rep. (33) Djibouti (2)<br />

Egypt (15) Equatorial Guinea (3) Ethiopia (28) Gambia (1)<br />

Ghana (3) Guinea (4) Guinea Bissau(1) Ivory Coast (4)<br />

Kenya (51) Liberia (9) Libya (1) Madagascar (2)<br />

Malawi (4) Mali (3) Mauritania (2) Mauritius (1)<br />

Morocco (1) Mozambique (5 Niger (5 Nigeria (9)<br />

Rwanda (11) Senegal (25) Sierra Leone (3) Somalia (3)<br />

South Africa(5) Sudan (22) Tanzania (7) Togo (1)<br />

Tunisia (19) Uganda (12) Western Sahara (2) Zambia (3))<br />

Zimbabwe (16)<br />

Source: compiled from Un Jobs: A Swiss Association http://unjobs.org/ , June 28, 2011.<br />

E. Description of Required African Studies Courses<br />

1. Coursework<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree in African Studies is awarded to students who are admitted to a<br />

Ph.D. program that is also a partner of African Studies in the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree<br />

Program. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. degree in African Studies<br />

are as follows.<br />

• Completion of all course work and other requirements of the primary program.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level, of which the following<br />

are required: AFR 501 (3), and a minimum of 6 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3), AFR530<br />

(3), AFR 532 (3), AFR 534 (3), AFR 536, AFR 537.<br />

• As many as 6 of the 18 credits may come from the primary program as approved by the<br />

student’s academic advisers in the primary program and the African Studies program.<br />

• No more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than 6 combined<br />

credits may come from 596 and 599.<br />

• Communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by the academic<br />

advisers from the primary program and the African Studies Program.<br />

The choice of electives in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the academic advisers from the primary program and the African Studies Program. The suite of<br />

selected courses should have an integrated, intellectual thrust, which probes a thematic, national<br />

or regional issue and that is complementary to the student’s specialty in the primary program.<br />

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H12<br />

2. Available Courses in the African Studies Program<br />

Required Course<br />

*AFR 501- Key Issues in African Studies (3 credits).<br />

This seminar will provide students with an overview of a wide range of issues, theories and<br />

methods in African Studies. The course will be divided into three key areas: African history and<br />

culture; African political economies and globalization; and human environment relations in<br />

Africa.<br />

A Minimum of 6 Credits from the Following List of Six Courses*<br />

*SOC/AFR 527- Migration, Urbanization and Policy in the Developing World (3)<br />

The course reviews the conceptual, substantive, and policy issues associated with migration and<br />

urbanization in non-western contexts. It begins by focusing attention on the role of migration<br />

systems in the organization of migration flows. Emerging issues, controversies, and the impacts<br />

of social changes in rural and urban areas in migration will also be reviewed. The course also<br />

gives attention to the determinants of internal-migration and urbanization in the developing<br />

world. Finally, using discourses on population policy as a backdrop, the implications of<br />

migration and urbanization trends for policy development will be evaluated.<br />

AAAS 530- Globalization in Africa (3)<br />

This course examines how globalization has impacted African societies and their socioeconomic<br />

development. To be able to systematically examine its impacts, students first need a clear<br />

conceptualization of globalization and its essential characteristics. The course, thus, starts with<br />

conceptualization of globalization and a theoretical discussion about how and under what<br />

conditions it emerges. The course then analyzes globalization’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and concludes with a discussion that explores how African<br />

countries may deal with the most important challenges and constraints globalization imposes on<br />

them.<br />

*AFR 532- Environment and Poverty in Africa (3)<br />

This seminar is used to critique overlaps among resource control, conservation, and poverty in<br />

sub-Saharan Africa. The readings, discussions, annotations and critiques will be designed to<br />

draw out what is believed to be an overlapping conceptual framework between sustainability and<br />

poverty. The seminar will also use case study examples to trace the relationships between<br />

sustainability discourse (in terms of conservation) and poverty creation and perpetuation among<br />

livelihood systems in sub-Saharan Africa, example: nomadic pastoralists and land and water<br />

resources; land reform and rural livelihood systems; community-based resource programs,<br />

mining, the environment and rural communities; and national parks, trans-frontier parks and rural<br />

livelihood systems.<br />

*Represents new courses being developed<br />

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H13<br />

*AFR/PL SC 534- Political Economy of Petroleum, Energy and Extractive Industries in Africa<br />

(3)<br />

This course examines the extractive industry-driven changes in Africa’s political economy as<br />

well as in the continent’s foreign relations. Students are encouraged to examine the institutional<br />

mechanisms under which the expansion of the industry is taking place in Africa. The course,<br />

thus, involves an extensive discussion of the institutional characteristics of Africa, including<br />

issues of land tenure and property rights laws. It examines how the institutional mechanisms are<br />

changing in order to facilitate the industry’s expansion and the repercussions of these<br />

institutional changes on society. The course also analyzes the industry’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and global relations.<br />

*AFR 536- Kinship and Social Practices in Africa (3)<br />

The course analyses different kinship theories and how they may enable us to enhance our<br />

understanding of the different dimensions of African social practices in historical and<br />

contemporary Africa. It examines theories of kinship and social formations in order to interpret<br />

the relevance of traditional formations in historical and contemporary African development. It<br />

also examines the implications of social formations for political change (example,<br />

democratization), social (example, corruption and institutional failures) and cultural (ethnicity<br />

and religion) for shaping change in contemporary Africa.<br />

*AFR/WS 537-Gender, Sexuality and Islam in Africa (3)<br />

This course focuses on the intersection of Feminist Studies, African Studies and Religious<br />

Studies. It offers students an advanced level of reading, analysis and discussion about discourses<br />

of sexuality and gender in studies of Islam in Africa. It discusses key African and feminist<br />

theoretical concepts in the study of gender and Islam and also engages discussions of religion,<br />

gender and sexuality. Building on these foundations, the course examines the historical, literary<br />

and visual representation of gender, sexuality and Islam in South Africa as case study. The latter<br />

section includes discussions of recent theoretical debates about sexual diversity in Islam as well<br />

as the impact of activism, political representation and artistic, literary and autobiographical<br />

representations by gay and lesbian Muslims in South Africa.<br />

The core electives listed above provides students with the opportunity to pursue in greater detail,<br />

one of the three key themes covered in AFR 501: history and culture (536 or 537); political<br />

economy (527, 530, 534,); and human-environment interactions (527, 532, 534).<br />

Additional Elective Courses Available at University Park<br />

AFR/PL SC/IB 440 (US;IL) Globalization and Its Implications (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 443 (IL) Ethnic Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 454 (IL) Government and Politics of Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 434 (IL) War and Development in Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 464 (IL) Globalization, Extractive Industries, and Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AFR 496 Individual Studies (3)<br />

AFR 499 Foreign Studies (3)<br />

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H14<br />

CMLIT 422 (IL) African Drama (3)<br />

CMLIT 423 (IL) African Novel (3)<br />

GEOG 444 African Resources and Development (3)<br />

GEOG 429 (US) Global Urbanization (3)<br />

GEOG 436 Ecology, Economy, and Society (3)<br />

PL SC 412 International Political Economy (3)<br />

PL SC 453 Political Processes in Underdeveloped Systems (3)<br />

RSOC/CED 420 (US; IL) Women in Developing Countries (3)<br />

AAAS 596<br />

Individual Studies<br />

AAAS 599<br />

Foreign Studies<br />

CMLIT 523 African Literature and Cinema (3)<br />

ANTH 556 Social Organization of Traditional Societies (3)<br />

ANTH 575 Population, Food, and Traditional Farming (3)<br />

PL SC 554 The Politics of Development (3)<br />

PL SC 563<br />

International Political Economy<br />

PL SC 597<br />

(If the course content is at least 50% Africa-related)<br />

3. Sample Curricula<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Political Science doctoral student with broad interest in<br />

Religion, Ethnicity and Economic Stability in South Africa:<br />

• Core course (AFR 501) (3 credits)<br />

• Any from AFR 530, 536, 537 (3-12 credits)<br />

• No more than two courses from AFR/PLSC 434, 443 or 454 (3-6 credits)<br />

• Other listed electives (3 or more credits)<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Geography doctoral student with broad interest in<br />

Globalization and Land Use Change in Ethiopia:<br />

• Core course (AFR 501) (3 credits)<br />

• Any from AFR 530, 532, 534 (3-9 credits)<br />

• No more than two courses from GEOG 444, GEOG 436, AFR/PLSC 440, AFR/PLSC<br />

454, PLSC 453 (3-6 credits)<br />

• Other listed electives (3 or more credits)<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Comparative Literature student with broad interest in<br />

language, culture and development in an African region or country:<br />

• Core course: AFR 501; any from AFR 530, 536, 537<br />

• Other listed electives (no more than 2 courses at the 400-level)<br />

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H15<br />

F. Faculty Experience with <strong>Graduate</strong> Programs and Students<br />

The African Studies program’s graduate faculty currently serve or have served as adviser or<br />

committee member of graduate students at both the master’s and doctoral levels.<br />

G. Costs<br />

Students enrolled in the dual-title degree program are not expected to incur additional costs by<br />

participating in the program. The Geography and African Studies advisers will assist the student<br />

to select his/her courses in order to ensure that all degree requirements are satisfied in a timely<br />

manner.<br />

H. Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> funding for Ph. D. candidates in the dual-title doctoral degree program may be<br />

provided by the primary program and/or the African Studies program. Students who are<br />

supported by graduate assistantships or fellowships from the African Studies Program will teach<br />

in roles and circumstances determined by the African Studies director.<br />

Students will receive every available support from the African Studies graduate faculty to write<br />

grants to support their field research and other academic endeavors. Students will also be given<br />

every opportunity to participate in the efforts of the African Studies graduate faculty to secure<br />

extramural funding. External funding by African Studies graduate faculty also may provide<br />

additional graduate funding.<br />

I. Projected Size of Program, Impact on Other Courses and Faculty Load<br />

The proposed dual title doctoral program will exploit the existing demand for Africa-related<br />

courses at Penn State by advertising its existence to the colleges and programs that now offer<br />

isolated courses on Africa. It is expected that at its inception, the program is likely to have 2-5<br />

students and to increase to a total of 15 students over a number of years. The main demand on<br />

faculty will be the need for the program to offer the core and elective seminars frequently enough<br />

to meet students’ graduation requirements, and to serve in dissertation committees. The former<br />

can be accomplished by rotating a specific number of core graduate faculty from undergraduate<br />

instruction (to be filled by fixed term instructors) to a graduate seminar once every other<br />

semester, or as required. Faculty load will, therefore, not be unduly affected by the program.<br />

Many of the program’s electives are also in existence and taught by faculty in allied programs.<br />

By registering for these courses and the program’s own seminars, students would have declared<br />

their interest in African Studies. The program’s growth will depend partially on attracting<br />

students from these various seminars.<br />

J. ACCREDITATION<br />

No accrediting body or board and no licensing procedure is relevant.<br />

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H16<br />

K. DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED<br />

This program would not duplicate any other program at Penn State and would only affect the<br />

Department of Political Science the initial partner and the departments of Geography and<br />

Comparative Literature (the proposals of these two departments are anticipated to be submitted<br />

for review in March <strong>2012</strong>) and affiliate programs of African Studies.<br />

L. CONSULTATION<br />

The following departments have been consulted and are supportive of this dual-title degree<br />

program (see attached letters and emails):<br />

Political Science (partnering department)<br />

Comparative Literature (partnering department; preparing its proposal)<br />

Geography (partnering department; preparing its proposal)<br />

Anthropology<br />

Labor Studies<br />

Applied Linguistics<br />

History<br />

Forest Resources<br />

Comparative and International Education<br />

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H17<br />

II Proposed Bulletin Listing<br />

African Studies<br />

B. IKUBOLAJEH LOGAN, Director of the African Studies Program, 214A Willard Building.<br />

814-863-2427; Fax 814-863-3578. bil2@psu.edu<br />

A. Degrees Conferred<br />

Students electing this degree program through participating programs earn a degree with a dual<br />

title at the Ph.D. level, i.e., in (graduate program name) and African Studies.<br />

The following graduate program offers a dual degree in African Studies: Ph.D. in Political<br />

Science.<br />

B. <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

Michael Adewumi (Illinois Institute of Technology): Vice Provost of Global Programs.<br />

Collins Airhihenbuwa (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Professor and Head of<br />

Biobehavioral Health.<br />

Gabeba Baderoon (University of Cape Town): Assistant Professor of Women’s Studies and<br />

African Studies.<br />

Robert Crane (University of Colorado, Boulder): Professor of Geography.<br />

William Dewey (Indiana University, Bloomington): Associate Professor of Art History.<br />

Francis Dodoo (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia): Professor of Sociology.<br />

Tanya Furman (MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute): Professor of Geosciences.<br />

Thomas Hale (University of Rochester): Professor of Comparative Literature.<br />

Errol Henderson (University of Michigan): Associate Professor of Political Science.<br />

Thaddeus Ityokumbul (University of Western Ontario): Associate Professor of Mineral<br />

Processing and Geo-Environmental Engineering.<br />

Michael Jacobson (North Carolina State University): Associate Professor of Forestry.<br />

Denis Jett (University of Witwatersrand): Professor of International Affairs.<br />

Brian King (University of Colorado, Boulder): Assistant Professor of Geography.<br />

Doug Lemke (Vanderbilt University): Associate Professor of Political Science.<br />

B. Ikubolajeh Logan (University of California, Los Angeles): Professor of African Studies and<br />

Geography.<br />

Sinfree Makoni (University of Edinburgh): Associate Professor of African Studies and Applied<br />

Linguistics.<br />

Tiyana Maluwa (Cambridge University), Associate Dean for International Affairs.<br />

Kidane Mengisteab (University of Denver): Professor of African Studies and Political Science.<br />

Anthony Olurinsola (Howard): Associate Professor and Head, Film, Video and Media Studies.<br />

Iyunola Osagie (Cornell University): Associate Professor of English.<br />

Kwado Osseo-Asare (University of California, Berkeley): Distinguished Professor of<br />

Metallurgy.<br />

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H18<br />

Ladislaus Semali (University of California, Los Angeles): Associate Professor, College of<br />

Education.<br />

Erica Smithwick (Oregon State University): Assistant Professor of Geography<br />

Kevin Thomas (University of Pennsylvania): Assistant Professor of African Studies,<br />

Sociology and Demography.<br />

Petra Tschakert (University of Arizona): Associate Professor of Geography.<br />

Yaw Yeboah (MIT): Professor and Head, Energy and Mineral Engineering, Energy and Mineral<br />

Engineering.<br />

Vivian Yenika-Agbaw (Penn State): Associate Professor, College of Education.<br />

C. Program Objectives of the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies<br />

The primary objective of the dual title degree program in African Studies is to expand teaching,<br />

research and scholarship on Africa and African societies at Penn State. This is accomplished by<br />

providing multidisciplinary training for Penn State doctoral students, who are undertaking<br />

graduate studies on Africa-related topics in a number of allied disciplines, such as geography,<br />

history, political science, sociology, comparative literature, public health, forestry, agricultural<br />

sciences, and international studies. The program complements training on Africa for graduate<br />

students in other areas such as business, law, and engineering. The program provides these<br />

various disciplines with an intellectual and physical location at which their African scholarship<br />

can be put to the most effective use for graduate students. The program uses the research<br />

projects and institutional networks of core and affiliate African Studies graduate faculty to<br />

provide research opportunities and linkages in Africa for Penn State doctoral students. The<br />

program aims to produce Penn State doctoral graduates, who have a comparative advantage for<br />

African Studies-related employment in academia, bilateral and multilateral agencies and<br />

international think-tanks.<br />

D. Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the primary graduate program and The <strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. Applicants interested in the<br />

dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program known clearly on their<br />

applications to the major program and include remarks in their statement of purpose that address<br />

the ways in which their research and professional goals reflect an interest in African Studiesrelated<br />

research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

submit a letter of application and transcript, which will be reviewed by an African Studies<br />

Admissions Committee. An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4<br />

point scale) to be considered for enrollment in the dual-title degree program. Students must<br />

apply for enrollment into the dual-title degree program in African Studies prior to obtaining<br />

candidacy in their primary program.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

15


H19<br />

E. Degree Requirements<br />

1. Coursework<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree in African Studies is awarded to students who are admitted to a<br />

Ph.D. program that has adopted the dual-title degree program in African Studies. The minimum<br />

course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. degree in African Studies are as follows.<br />

• Course work and other requirements of the primary program.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following are<br />

required: AFR 501 (3), and a minimum of 6 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3), AAAS 530<br />

(3), AFR 532 (3) and AFR 534 (3), AFR 536 (3), AFR 537 (3).<br />

• As many as 6 of the 18 credits may come from the primary program as approved by the<br />

student’s academic advisers in the primary program and the African Studies Program.<br />

• No more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than 6 combined<br />

credits may come from 596 and 599.<br />

• Communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by the student and<br />

the academic advisers from the primary program and the African Studies Program.<br />

The choice of electives in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the academic advisers from the primary program and the African Studies Program. The suite of<br />

selected courses should have an integrated, intellectual thrust, which probes a thematic, national<br />

or regional issue and that is complementary to the student’s specialty in the primary program.<br />

2. Language Requirement<br />

The language requirement for the dual-title degree program is determined by the academic<br />

advisers in the primary program and the African Studies Program, in accordance with the<br />

existing language requirements of the primary program.<br />

3. Candidacy Exam<br />

The dual-title degree is guided by the Candidacy Exam procedure of the primary program. The<br />

candidacy exam for the dual-title degree may be given after at least 18 post-baccalaureate credits<br />

have been earned in graduate courses; it must be taken within three semesters (summer sessions<br />

do not count) of entry into the primary program. There will be a single candidacy examination,<br />

containing elements of both the major discipline and African Studies.<br />

4. Committee Composition<br />

The doctoral committee of a dual-title doctoral degree student must include a minimum of four<br />

faculty members, i.e., the chair and at least three additional members, all of whom must be<br />

members of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty. The committee must include at least one member of the<br />

African Studies graduate faculty. The chair of the committee is typically from the primary<br />

program. If the chair is not also a member of the graduate faculty in African Studies, the<br />

member of the committee representing African Studies should be appointed as co-chair.<br />

16


H20<br />

5. Comprehensive Exam<br />

After completing all course work, doctoral candidates for the dual-title doctoral degree in the<br />

primary discipline and African Studies must pass a comprehensive examination that includes<br />

written and oral components. Written components are administered on a candidate’s primary<br />

discipline and in African Studies. The African Studies representative on the student’s doctoral<br />

committee develops questions for and participates in the evaluation of the comprehensive<br />

examination. The African Studies component of the exam is based on the student’s thematic,<br />

national or regional area of interest and specialization in African Studies.<br />

6. Dissertation and Dissertation Defense<br />

Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination<br />

(the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the dual-title program are<br />

required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research<br />

and education in both the primary discipline and African Studies.<br />

F. Costs<br />

Students enrolled in the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies may require<br />

additional semester(s) to complete the coursework required by African Studies, although it is not<br />

anticipated that more than one or two additional semesters will be necessary. Costs for the dualtitle<br />

degree should not change except in cases where the dual-title degree adds semesters to the<br />

student’s course of study.<br />

G. Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> funding for Ph. D. candidates in the dual-title doctoral program may be provided by the<br />

primary program and/or the African Studies program. Students who are supported by graduate<br />

assistantships or fellowships from the African Studies Program will teach in roles and<br />

circumstances determined by the African Studies director.<br />

Students will receive every available support from the African Studies graduate faculty to write<br />

grants to support their field research and other academic endeavors. Students will also be given<br />

every opportunity to participate in the efforts of the African Studies graduate faculty to secure<br />

extramural funding. External funding by African Studies graduate faculty also may provide<br />

additional graduate funding.<br />

17


H21<br />

Appendix A: Selected U.S Universities Offering African Studies<br />

Boston University<br />

Columbia University: Institute of African Studies<br />

Cornell University: Africana Studies and Research Center; African and African-American<br />

Studies Program.<br />

Duke University: African & African-American Studies<br />

Emory University<br />

Harvard University: Committee on African Studies; AAAS Department<br />

Howard University: African Studies <strong>Graduate</strong> Program<br />

Hunter College, The City University of New York: Department of Africana, Puerto Rican, &<br />

Latino Studies<br />

Indiana University<br />

Princeton University: African Studies; Princeton in Africa Program<br />

Rutgers University<br />

Stanford University<br />

Suffolk University: Dakar Campus<br />

The University of Iowa, Iowa City<br />

Temple University: African American Studies<br />

Tufts University: Program on "Africa and the New World"; Feinstein International Center<br />

Tulane University: African & African Diaspora Studies<br />

University of California, Berkeley<br />

University of California, Los Angeles<br />

University of Florida<br />

University of Georgia, Athens<br />

University of Illinois, Chicago: African American & African Studies<br />

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign<br />

University of Maryland: African Diaspora and African Studies<br />

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill: African Studies Center; Department of African and<br />

Afro-American Studies<br />

University of Pennsylvania<br />

University of Pittsburgh<br />

University of Texas, Arlington<br />

Michigan State University<br />

Northwestern University<br />

Ohio State University<br />

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor -- African Studies Center -and-Center for Afroamerican and<br />

African Studies<br />

University of Wisconsin, Madison: African Studies and The Nelson Institute for Environmental<br />

Studies, Land Tenure Center<br />

Yale University<br />

*Programs that are not specifically, titled, “African Studies” are named in italics<br />

18


H22<br />

Appendix B: Selected International African Studies Journals<br />

Africa: The Journal of the International African Institute (Edinburgh University Press)<br />

Africa Research Bulletin, Economic Series (Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, England)<br />

Africa Research Bulletin, Political Series (Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, England)<br />

Africa Today (Indiana University Press)<br />

African Economic History (University of Wisconsin-Madison)<br />

African Geographical Review (African Specialty Group, Association of American Geographers)<br />

African Journal on Conflict Prevention, Conflict Management Centre (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)<br />

African Security Review (Institute for Defence Policy, Johannesburg, South Africa)<br />

African Sociological Review (CODESRIA), Dakar, Senegal)<br />

African Studies (Carfax Publishing,Taylor & Francis Group, Abingdon, UK)<br />

African Studies Review , African studies association of America<br />

African Studies Quarterly, The Online Journal of African Studies (University of Florida)<br />

Azania: Journal of the British Institute in Eastern Africa (Nairobi, Kenya)<br />

Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (Oxford University Press)<br />

Cahiers d'Etudes Africaines (Paris, France)<br />

Cameroon Geographical Review (University of Yaounde, Cameroon)<br />

Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East (Duke University,)<br />

Forum (Belgian Association of Africanists)<br />

Historia (Historical Association of South Africa)<br />

History in Africa (African Studies Association, USA)<br />

Journal of African Business (University of Toledo)<br />

Journal of African Cultural Studies (Carfax Publishing, Taylor and Francis Group, UK)<br />

Journal of African Economies (Oxford University Press, UK)<br />

Journal of African History (Cambridge University Press, New York)<br />

Journal of African Law (Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK)<br />

Journal of Asian and African Studies (Leiden, The Netherlands)<br />

Journal of Commonwealth & Comparative Politics (Frank Cass Publishers, Essex, UK)<br />

Journal of Contemporary African Studies (Carfax Publishing, Taylor and Francis Group, UK)<br />

The Journal of Development Studies (Frank Cass, London, UK)<br />

Journal of Modern African Studies (Cambridge University Press, New York)<br />

Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs (Carfax Publishing Limited, Oxfordshire, UK)<br />

Journal of Oromo Studies (Oromo Studies Association)<br />

The Journal of Peasant Studies (Frank Cass, London, UK)<br />

Journal of Research Methodology and African Studies (African Institution, Washington, DC)<br />

Journal of Southern African Studies (Carfax Publishing, Taylor & Francis Group, UK)<br />

Nations and Nationalism (Cambridge University Press, New York, New York)<br />

Northeast African Studies (Michigan State University)<br />

Review of African Political Economy (Carfax Publishing, Taylor & Francis Group, UK)<br />

Social Dynamics (Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa)<br />

Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (NISC South Africa)<br />

Sudanic Africa (SMI, Bergen, Norway)<br />

Tanzania Zamani (Historical Association of Tanzania )<br />

West African Review (Africa Resource Center, Inc.)<br />

Zambezia<br />

*Note: A number of disciplinary journals in the humanities, arts and social sciences, natural<br />

sciences, business and medical and allied fields also publish articles on Africa<br />

19


H23<br />

Appendix C: Selected International African Studies Organizations and Associations<br />

Academic Association Africa Debate, AAAD (Lisboa, Portugal)<br />

Academie Royale des Sciences d'Outre-mer (Bruxelles, Belgium)<br />

Africa-American Institute (Washington, D.C.)<br />

Africa-Europe Group For Interdisciplinary Studies (AEGIS) (London)<br />

Africa Institute (Pretoria, South Africa)<br />

Africa Network (Hofstra University)<br />

African Heritage Studies Association(University of South Florida)<br />

African Studies Association (United States)<br />

African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP)<br />

African Studies Association of India<br />

African Studies Association of Ireland<br />

Afro-Asiatisches Institut - Salzburg<br />

Association Belge des Africanistes (ABA) / Belgian Association of Africanists<br />

Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora (Northwestern University)<br />

Association of Commonwealth Studies (England)<br />

Association of Concerned Africa Scholars, ACAS (US)<br />

Brussels Centre of African Studies<br />

Canadian Association of African Studies<br />

China. Institute of West Asian and African Studies, IWAAS<br />

CODESRIA, Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa / Conseil pour le<br />

Developpement de la Recherche en Sciences Sociales en Afrique<br />

Gays & Lesbians in African Studies (US)<br />

International African Institute (London)<br />

Japan Association for African Studies (Kyoto)<br />

Mande Studies Association (West Africa)<br />

Mid-America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS) (University of Kansas)<br />

Middle States African Studies Association<br />

Netherlands African Studies Association<br />

Netherlands Institute for Southern Africa<br />

Nordiska Afrikainstitutet/Nordic Africa Institute<br />

Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa, OSSREA (Addis Ababa,<br />

Ethiopia)<br />

Saharan Studies Association (African Studies Association of the US)<br />

Social Science Research Council. Africa Program<br />

Southeast Regional Seminar in African Studies (US)<br />

West African Research Association, WARA (Senegal)<br />

20


H24<br />

Appendix D: Departmental Letters and Emails of Support From Consultation<br />

865-7515<br />

863-8979<br />

Department of Political Science College of the Liberal Arts Phone: 814-<br />

The Pennsylvania State University Fax: 814-<br />

219 Pond Laboratory<br />

University Park, PA 16802-6106<br />

To: The <strong>Graduate</strong> School<br />

From: D. Scott Bennett, Distinguished Professor and Head<br />

Re: African Studies dual-title Ph.D. proposal<br />

Date: April 1, 2011<br />

I am writing to express my support for the Dual Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in African Studies. Political<br />

Science is interested in being an initial partner in this initiative. We see clear connections between some<br />

students in our graduate program and the additional training they would receive as part of the dual-title<br />

program. We also have multiple faculty who could link to the program. The degree program would<br />

parallel in many ways the Dual-Title program that we have with Asian Studies, where students are able<br />

to develop additional expertise in one or more countries in Asia. In both cases, we expect that the<br />

additional specialization and training they receive will allow students to conduct better research, write<br />

stronger dissertations, and be competitors for a wider variety of jobs at top employers. We fully<br />

support this proposal.<br />

21


H25<br />

Consultation with the Department of Labor Studies<br />

Professor Logan,<br />

Thank you for consulting with the Dept. of Labor Studies and Employment Relations regarding the<br />

Dual-Title PhD degree program in African Studies. Our Department supports your proposal.<br />

Best wishes as you move forward with this commendable initiative.<br />

P.Clark<br />

Paul F. Clark, Professor and Head<br />

Dept. of Labor Studies and Employment Relations<br />

& Professor of Health Policy and Administration<br />

Penn State University<br />

3 Keller Bldg.<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

Ph.: 814-865-0752<br />

Fax: 814-863-4169<br />

22


H26<br />

Consultation with the Department of Anthropology<br />

Dear Dr. Logan,<br />

It is good to hear that the PhD Dual Degree option is moving forward in African Studies.<br />

With regard to Anthropology (ANTH), there are three courses specified in your proposal.<br />

One will have to be deleted: ANTH 447. That course (Peoples and Cultures of Africa) was<br />

dropped from the list of courses last Fall Semester because it hasn't been taught since Fall<br />

1997 (the faculty members who taught the course are no longer around). The other two<br />

courses -- ANTH 556 and 575 -- are taught regularly, although as we move downstream not<br />

necessarily every year.<br />

I should say at the outset that, practically speaking, involvement with Anthropology will<br />

likely be minimal in the foreseeable future. That is because we unfortunately don't have an<br />

Africanist on staff right now, and because of the small size of our Cultural program there<br />

won't be many Cultural Anthropology graduate students who would be available to take<br />

advantage of the dual degree. The overwhelming majority of our current graduate students<br />

are either in the Archaeology or Biological Anthropology subfields. While the occasional<br />

student in these two subfields might have reason to seek a dual degree, that won't be a<br />

regular occurrence given the existing topical and geographical areas of specialization in the<br />

department at present. I'm only saying this so you have a realistic appraisal of the likely<br />

level of substantive involvement in the near future.<br />

I hasten to add, however, that courses such as ANTH 556 and 575 cover topics of<br />

importance to your proposed program, even though they do not focus specifically on the<br />

societies of Sub-Saharan Africa. We also have some museum holdings that might be of<br />

interest to the African Studies program (mainly of exhibit, not research, significance for that<br />

geographical area).<br />

Having just returned from South Africa where I co-taught a week-long short course (in the<br />

Anatomy Department at Pretoria), I couldn't help but notice the heavy South African<br />

representation in the dual degree proposal (Institutional Collaboration). That was my first<br />

time in Sub-Saharan Africa, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable and productive experience.<br />

If I can be of further help, please let me know.<br />

Regards,<br />

George<br />

23


H27<br />

Consultation with the Department of Applied Linguistics<br />

Dear Dr. Logan,<br />

I met with our Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies (Dr. Karen Johnson), and I have reviewed the<br />

proposal that you sent concerning the dual-title, doctoral degree program in African Studies and<br />

other disciplines. I write to say that we support this initiative, but we prefer to wait until you have<br />

approval to move forward from the Faculty Senate before we formally work out the implications<br />

for a dual-title African Studies/Applied Linguistics PhD. Please keep us apprised of your<br />

progress through senate approval.<br />

Bob Schrauf<br />

Robert W. Schrauf<br />

Department of Applied Linguistics<br />

305 Sparks Building<br />

Pennsylvania State University<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

(814)-865-9622<br />

http://www.personal.psu.edu/rws23<br />

24


H28<br />

Consultation with Department of History<br />

Dear Ikubolajeh,<br />

I've consulted with my interested faculty on this proposal. At this point, the consensus is that<br />

History has nothing of value to you as a dual-title partner, as we have no African history program<br />

and have stringently limited our areas of graduate training in a way that is likely to limit future<br />

partnership opportunities. That may change if I am able to realize my goal of hiring an<br />

Lusophone Atlantic or Brazilianist in the coming years. That having been said, this is a very<br />

realistic and useful dual-title program, one that is clear and does not impose unrealistic additional<br />

burdens upon prospective applicants. That was the consensus of the faculty consulted (Tony<br />

Kaye, Nan Woodruff, Russell Lohse) and from the administrative perspective, I think this a<br />

really good proposal, particularly compared to an earlier iteration of a AAAS dual-title program<br />

that I saw. I wish you every success with this and hope that my department can eventually join<br />

you as a dual-title partner.<br />

Best,<br />

Michael<br />

Michael Kulikowski<br />

Professor and Head, Dept of History<br />

Penn State<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

mek31@psu.edu<br />

25


H29<br />

Consultation with School of Forest Resources<br />

Dear Dr. Logan,<br />

The School of Forest Resources supports the Proposal to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council to Establish a<br />

Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies. We usually have at last one student who<br />

is interested in African related issues and I think they would be a good fit for this degree. Let me<br />

know if you need any more information for our School.<br />

Regards, Mike<br />

Michael Jacobson<br />

Associate Professor of Forest Resources<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

School of Forest Resources<br />

309 Forest Resources Bldg<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

(814) 865-3994<br />

Fax: (814) 865-6275<br />

mgj2@psu.edu<br />

http://extension.psu.edu/forest-finance<br />

26


H30<br />

Consultation with Department of Comparative and International Education<br />

Re: African Studies Dual-Title Degree Proposal<br />

david baker<br />

to<br />

:<br />

B. Ikubolajeh Logan<br />

Cc<br />

:<br />

Karen Tzilkowski<br />

From:<br />

To:<br />

Cc:<br />

david baker <br />

"B. Ikubolajeh Logan" <br />

Karen Tzilkowski <br />

DATE: Oct 31, 2011<br />

After review by the program faculty, the CIED dual degree is pleased to support the African<br />

Studies Dual-Title Degree Proposal. The CIED faculty welcome future collaboration with the<br />

new program and see many symbiotic intellectual and training opportunities between the two<br />

programs.<br />

27


H31<br />

Consultation with Department of Comparative Literature<br />

African Studies Dual-Title Degree Proposal<br />

Caroline<br />

Eckhardt<br />

Tuesday, March 06, <strong>2012</strong> 10:51AM<br />

To: Kidane Mengisteab<br />

Cc: sam50<br />

Show Details<br />

Dear Kidane,<br />

The Department of Comparative Literature is pleased to have three of<br />

our courses -- CMLIT 422, 423, and 523 -- included as electives in<br />

the dual title graduate degree proposal being submitted by African<br />

Studies.<br />

Further, I am glad to confirm that Comparative Literature plans to<br />

submit a proposal for a dual-title doctoral degree in Comparative<br />

Literature and African Studies. This proposal is now in preparation<br />

and I expect that it will be sent forward shortly.<br />

Thank you for these opportunities to work together to expand the<br />

curricular options for graduate students interested in Africa.<br />

Best regards,<br />

Caroline Eckhardt<br />

Caroline D. Eckhardt<br />

Head, Department of Comparative Literature<br />

Director, School of Languages and Literatures<br />

427 Burrowes Building<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

814 863-0589 phone<br />

814 863-8882 fax<br />

e82@psu.edu email<br />

28


H32<br />

Consultation with Department of Geography<br />

From:<br />

Brent Yarnal <br />

To:<br />

"Price, Elizabeth R." <br />

Cc:<br />

Kidane Mengisteab , "Solomon, Denise" ,<br />

"kej1@psu.edu" , "kmengisteab@la.psu.edu" ,<br />

"m5b@psu.edu" , "Perryman, Rhonda" <br />

Date:<br />

03/19/<strong>2012</strong> 05:40 AM<br />

Subject: Re: African Studies Dual Title Degree Proposal<br />

Hi Elizabeth,<br />

Geography is done with its proposal for a dual title graduate degree in Geography and African<br />

Studies and is waiting for the last responses to its requests for consultation, which it sent out a<br />

few days prior to spring break. Last week was terribly busy, but I will chase the missing consults<br />

this week. As soon as I have them, I will submit the proposal to our ADGER. It is possible it will<br />

make it to the <strong>Graduate</strong> School in time for the next round of reviews by the Subcommittee.<br />

Best wishes....Brent<br />

Re: Letter of Support<br />

Brent Yarnal<br />

to: Kidane Mengisteab<br />

Dear Professor Mengisteab,<br />

The Department of Geography enthusiastically supports the dual-title doctoral degree in African<br />

Studies. We believe that it will present students from the affiliated graduate programs with an<br />

excellent opportunity to strengthen the African focus of their dissertations and to meet other<br />

students and faculty with similar interests.<br />

Best wishes,<br />

Brent Yarnal<br />

Professor and Associate Head<br />

Department of Geography<br />

302 Walker Building<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

University Park, 16802 USA<br />

Voice: 814-863-4894<br />

Fax: 814-863-7943<br />

Cell: 814-441-4277<br />

--<br />

29


APPENDIX I, PAGE I1


I2<br />

A Proposal to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council to Adopt the<br />

Dual-Title Degree Program in<br />

African Studies<br />

Submitted by the <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in<br />

Political Science<br />

Contact: D. Scott Bennett<br />

Head<br />

Department of Political Science<br />

219 Pond Laboratory<br />

Phone: 865 7515<br />

Email: dbennett@la.psu.edu


I3<br />

Table of Contents<br />

PROGRAM PROPOSAL………………………………………………………… .................. … 1<br />

OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………………………….. .................. .1<br />

JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT…………………………………………………… ................... 1<br />

Constituency……………………………………………………………………………………….3<br />

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………… .4<br />

PROGRAM CHANGE……………………………………………………………………………………..6<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science-African Studies………………………………...6<br />

Admissions Requirements…………………………………………………………………………6<br />

Degree Requirements………………………………………………………………………………7<br />

Requirements for the Political Science-African Studies PH.D…………………………..……….. 7<br />

Language Requirements……………………………………………………………………………9<br />

Candidacy Exam…………………………………………………………………………………...9<br />

Committee Composition………………………………………………………………………….10<br />

Comprehensive Exam…………………………………………………………………………….10<br />

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense……………………………………………………………10<br />

African Studies Courses Available to fulfill Requirements………………………………………10<br />

Sample Curricula…………………………………………………………………………………13<br />

Costs………………………………………………………………………………………………13<br />

Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students…………………………………… ..…13<br />

ACCREDITATION……………………………………………………………………………………… 14<br />

DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED………………………………………………………………………… . 14<br />

CONSULTATION………………………………………………………………………………………..14<br />

CURRENT BULLETIN FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE…………………………………………………. 15<br />

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TO BE INSERTED INTO THE BULLETIN ……………………………21<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science-African Studies………………………………..21<br />

Admissions Requirements………………………………………………………………………..21<br />

Degree Requirements……………………………………………………………………………..22<br />

Requirements for the Political Science/African Studies PH.D…………………………………..22<br />

Language Requirements…………………………………………………………………………..23<br />

APPENDICES<br />

APPENDIX A: TEXT FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> STUDENT<br />

HANDBOOK……………………………………………………………………24


I4<br />

PROGRAM PROPOSAL<br />

The graduate program in Political Science proposes to adopt the new Dual-Title Ph.D. Degree<br />

program in African Studies.<br />

The program will not duplicate any other degree program at University Park or at Penn State’s<br />

commonwealth campuses. The program will also not impact directly on any other department or<br />

program, except for the two proposing units (graduate program in Political Science and the<br />

African Studies Program).<br />

This proposal contains the following information, consistent with the review and approval<br />

process of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council.<br />

• A listing of courses that are appropriate for African Studies.<br />

• Requirements for the candidacy and comprehensive exams.<br />

• Composition of comprehensive examination committee.<br />

• Composition of doctoral committee.<br />

• The administrative process by which students will be admitted to the Dual-Title Doctoral<br />

Degree Program in Political Science and African Studies.<br />

OBJECTIVES<br />

The main objectives of the proposed Political Science and African Studies Dual-Title Doctoral<br />

Degree Program are to:<br />

• enrich the curriculum and training of Political Science doctoral students by offering a<br />

systematic and integrated cluster of courses on African political, socioeconomic and<br />

environmental change;<br />

• use the research projects and institutional networks of core and affiliate African Studies<br />

faculty to provide research opportunities and linkages in Africa for Political Science<br />

doctoral students; and<br />

• produce Political Science doctoral graduates, who have a comparative advantage for<br />

African Studies-related employment in academia, bilateral and multilateral agencies and<br />

international think-tanks.<br />

JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT<br />

The African continent is an increasingly important actor in the global geopolitics of the twentyfirst<br />

century. Many countries on the continent are major energy centers and leading producers of<br />

mineral resources, which are critical to the stability of the current international economic system.<br />

In addition to its historical role as a source of raw materials, Africa has become a growing<br />

market for manufactured goods from northern countries and an attractive destination for foreign<br />

direct investment from all over the world. These fundamental structural attributes have made<br />

twenty-first century Africa an important arena over which the European Union, the US, China


I5<br />

and other developed and newly-developing countries and regions vie for access to economic<br />

opportunities and political influence.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> students from Penn State’s multiplicity of academic and sociocultural backgrounds<br />

who wish to study Africa’s role in the present global system, must be provided with an<br />

intellectual ‘home’ to do so. The proposed dual-title doctoral degree program will provide this<br />

opportunity by allowing Political Science doctoral students to obtain an African Studies<br />

specialization to complement the degree in their major discipline. The proposed program will<br />

provide such students with a framework within which they can integrate their Africa-related<br />

courses in political science and other disciplines on campus, in a systematic way to engage in<br />

comparative, mulitdisciplinary, African Studies.<br />

The multidisciplinary approach of the proposed program will utilize the expertise of existing<br />

Africanists at Penn State to design courses, which will adopt the lens of the humanities, social<br />

sciences, education, biobehavioral sciences, and environmental sciences, as necessary and<br />

applicable. For example, analyses of governance issues in Africa will not be merely a traditional<br />

Political Science enquiry. Rather, it will integrate principles of climate change and resource<br />

competition, political ecology, history, ethnicities, language and/or linguistics. In the same vein,<br />

relevant comparative analyses will be invoked to interrogate pertinent issues of African<br />

development, including, for example, those dealing with gender, refugees, child labor, terrorism,<br />

and food security.<br />

The integrative orientation of the proposed program builds on its multidisciplinarity and is<br />

further embedded in two components: a pedagogy that assists doctoral students to synthesize<br />

their thematic and/or regional interests in African Studies; and an overall structure that allows<br />

doctoral students to combine their interests in their major discipline with African Studies into a<br />

single intellectual endeavor. No other avenue currently exists at Penn State for doctoral students<br />

to pursue this intellectual convergence between their specialization in Political Science and<br />

African Studies.<br />

The multidisciplinary, comparative, and integrated vision of the proposed program is consistent<br />

with Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts (CLA) mission that dual-title doctoral degree<br />

programs are essential to its goal of moving from “national prominence” to “national leadership”<br />

(CLA Strategic Plan for 2008-2013).<br />

Other major universities in the CIC (for example, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan) and<br />

around the country (Yale, Cornell, UCLA, Florida, and UPenn) have flourishing programs in<br />

African Studies. None of these programs is, however, conceived explicitly as an intellectual<br />

partnership between Political Science and African Studies. Owing to its uniqueness, the<br />

proposed program provides an academic niche, which will contribute to Penn State’s vision of<br />

becoming a leader in multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural scholarship.


I6<br />

In summary, the proposed dual-title doctoral degree program in Political Science and African<br />

Studies will:<br />

• provide a framework within which Political Science doctoral students can pursue an<br />

integrated body of regional/thematic courses to complement their specialization in their<br />

major degree;<br />

• use African Studies graduate faculty to enrich the multidisciplinary training and research<br />

of Political Science doctoral students who have an interest in Africa;<br />

• enhance the standing of Penn State among CIC universities in African Studies; and<br />

• provide potential job opportunities for Political Science doctoral graduates by making it<br />

possible for them to acquire a qualification that is unique and can attract a wide range of<br />

employers, including, academia, the US government, bilateral and multilateral<br />

international organizations and international non-governmental organizations.<br />

Constituency<br />

The African and African American Studies Department (AAAS) currently offers the following<br />

cross-listed courses with Political Science:<br />

• AAAS/PL SC 440 (Globalization and its Implications);<br />

• AAAS/PL SC 443 (Ethnic Conflicts in Africa);<br />

• AAAS/PL SC 454 (Government and Politics in Africa) and<br />

• AAAS/PL SC 464 (Petroleum, Extractive Industries and Politics in Africa).<br />

These courses provide a foundation for graduate curriculum development between the two units.<br />

Recent enrollment records in these courses (see Table 1, below) demonstrate that a demand<br />

exists among students for courses that bridge between Political Science and African Studies.<br />

Table 1: Recent Enrollment in AAAS-Political Science Cross-Listed Courses<br />

Course FA 09 SP 10 FA 10 SP 11<br />

AAAS 440 18 21<br />

PL SC 440 15 15<br />

AAAS 443 14 8<br />

PL SC 443 11 18<br />

AAAS 454 18 18<br />

Pl SC 454 15 15<br />

AAAS 464 7 12<br />

PL SC 464 13 20<br />

The courses are normally capped at 35 (20 AAAS, 15 PL SC). The PL SC seats are always oversubscribed<br />

and most of the AAAS seats are given over to Political Science undergraduate and<br />

graduate students. It is expected that this demand will be replicated for the seminars in the<br />

proposed dual-title degree program.


I7<br />

African Studies faculty often receive informal enquiries from Political Science and other social<br />

science graduate students in the US and abroad, about the possibility of pursuing African Studies<br />

at Penn State. The Political Science department also receives a number of enquiries about<br />

African Studies (although, there is no formal record, the department estimates a minimum of one<br />

enquiry a year). In addition, the Political Science department indicates that some of its past and<br />

present doctoral students have had significant research interest in Africa. For example, in 2006,<br />

a doctoral student wrote a dissertation, titled, ‘Political Transitions and National Security:<br />

Strategies for Defense and Political Survival in New States’ (the focus of the dissertation is on<br />

Africa even though the title does not indicate this). The student has gone on to publish a recent<br />

article, titled ‘African Peacekeeping in Africa: Warlord Politics, Defense Economics and State<br />

Legitimacy,’ Journal of Peace and Research (47(2), 2010. This student’s demonstrably-strong<br />

research interest in Africa would have been enhanced during his degree program at Penn State<br />

had the proposed dual-title degree program been in existence. As another example, a current<br />

Political Science doctoral student is conducting her dissertation research on the military and<br />

political aims of rebel groups seeking to overthrow governments in Sub-Saharan Africa. This<br />

research could also have been complemented by a thematic integration built, for example, around<br />

the following cluster of courses that have been developed as part of the proposed program: AFR<br />

501, 530, 534, 536 and 6 credits from AAAS/PL SC 443, 454, 434 and 464 (see list of core<br />

courses and other available electives listed later in this proposal).<br />

Such semi-anecdotal evidence suggests that there may be other Political Science doctoral<br />

students whose intellectual and research interest in Africa can be enhanced significantly through<br />

the proposed dual-title degree program. The evidence indicates that a nascent demand exists for<br />

a Penn State graduate African Studies program among our own students and from others, who<br />

are investigating Penn State as a potential place to conduct their doctoral studies. This demand<br />

will crystallize around the proposed program and its seminars. We envisage that Political<br />

Science students, who have taken Africa-related 400-level courses either in their own<br />

departments or with African Studies, will be a strong constituency in many of the dual title<br />

degree graduate seminars.<br />

Outcomes<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in Political Science and African Studies is expected to<br />

have several beneficial outcomes for graduate education at Penn State in general, and for<br />

Political Science doctoral students, in particular. The program will have the following specific<br />

outcomes.<br />

i. Provide an institutional framework within which Political Science doctoral students can<br />

streamline their interest in African Studies by taking a suite of courses, which<br />

integrates a regional and or thematic concentration.<br />

ii. Provide Political Science students with a multidisciplinary approach (beyond the major<br />

discipline) towards addressing problems of African development.<br />

iii. Provide Political Science students with regional expertise that will be attractive to<br />

prospective employers in academia, the US government, bilateral and multilateral<br />

agencies and NGOs.


I8<br />

iv. Enhance the appeal of the Political Science doctoral degree to prospective national and<br />

international students.<br />

v. Enhance the international, multicultural vision of the College of Liberal Arts and Penn<br />

State.<br />

vi. Expand research linkages between Political Science doctoral students and African<br />

Universities and research institutions with which the African Studies graduate faculty<br />

has established research networks (examples from the main African Studies proposal<br />

include, the University of South Africa, the University of Limpopo in South Africa,<br />

the University of Zimbabwe, the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research Analysis,<br />

South Africa’s Human Science Research Council, and the Organization for Social<br />

Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa)<br />

vii. Expand the employment potential for Political Science doctoral graduates by providing<br />

them with a degree that will make them competitive for academic positions and for<br />

positions in international governmental and non-governmental agencies and<br />

organizations. Table 2, copied from the main African Studies proposal, lists United<br />

Nations agencies that are likely to be highly interested in hiring an applicant with a<br />

PH. D in Political Science and African Studies.<br />

Table 2: Cross Section of United Nations Organizations with Potential to Employ Program<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong>s<br />

African Development Bank<br />

UN Department of Political Affairs<br />

Department of Peacekeeping Operations Executive Office of the Secretary-General<br />

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda International Fund for Agricultural Development<br />

International Labor Organization<br />

International Monetary Fund<br />

The World Bank Group<br />

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS<br />

International Organization for Migration Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights<br />

Office of the High Representative for the<br />

Least Developed Countries (LDCs), land The Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria<br />

locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and<br />

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) United Nations Human Settlements Programme<br />

United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO<br />

United Nations N Framework Convention Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development<br />

on Climate Change<br />

United Nations N Office to the African Union United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire<br />

United Nations Population Fund<br />

United Nations Office at Geneva<br />

United Nations Children's Fund<br />

United Nations Office at Nairobi<br />

United Nations Development Programme United Nations Economic Commission for Africa<br />

World Food Program<br />

World Health Organization<br />

UN Entity for Gender Equality and<br />

the Empowerment of Women<br />

Source: Compiled from UN Jobs: A Swiss Association http://unjobs.org/, June 28, 2011.


I9<br />

Together, these and other organizations within the United Nations system advertised a total of<br />

289 positions in June 2011, distributed across Africa. Although these jobs cover a wide range of<br />

skills, training and experience, many require the training that a graduate of the proposed dualtitle<br />

program will have. The United Nations job possibilities outlined in the table, together with<br />

positions in other bilateral and multilateral organizations, the US Foreign and Diplomatic<br />

Services, and academia, suggest that significant job opportunities exist for graduates of the<br />

proposed dual- title degree program.<br />

PROGRAM CHANGE<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science and African Studies<br />

Political Science doctoral students who have research and educational interests in comparative<br />

policy analyses, environmental change and livelihood systems, socio-economic and political<br />

change, and other aspects of African development, may apply to the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree<br />

Program in African Studies. The goal of the program is to enable graduate students from<br />

Political Science to complement their knowledge and skills in a major area of specialization in<br />

Political Science with in-depth knowledge of prevailing theories on and problem-solving<br />

approaches to thematic, regional, or national issues pertaining to African development and<br />

change.<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will provide interested Political Science doctoral<br />

students with a multidisciplinary approach that will enhance their analytical capabilities for<br />

addressing key issues in African development. It will, thereby, add value to their Political<br />

Science degree and increase their competitiveness in the job market. The well-rounded, regional<br />

specialist who graduates from this program, is likely to be employed in an international setting.<br />

The program has the potential, therefore, to enhance the reputation of the Political Science<br />

department, College of Liberal Arts, and Penn State.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Political Science and The<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program.<br />

Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program<br />

known on their applications to Political Science and include remarks in their statement of<br />

purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in political science<br />

reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

submit a letter of application and transcript, which will be reviewed by an African Studies<br />

Admissions Committee. An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4<br />

point scale) to be considered for enrollment in the dual-title degree program. Students must


I10<br />

apply for enrollment into the dual-title degree program in African Studies prior to obtaining<br />

candidacy in Political Science.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Political<br />

Science program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy the<br />

requirements described below, as established by the African Studies Program. Within this<br />

framework, final course selection is determined by the student in consultation with the Political<br />

Science and African Studies academic advisors.<br />

Upon acceptance by the African Studies admissions committee, the student will be assigned an<br />

African Studies academic advisor in consultation with the African Studies director and the<br />

African Studies admissions committee.<br />

As a student develops specific scholarly interests, s/he may request a different African Studies<br />

advisor from the one assigned by the African Studies admissions committee. The student and<br />

Political Science and African Studies academic advisors will establish a program of study that is<br />

appropriate for the student’s professional objectives and that is in accordance with the policies of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council, the Political Science graduate program and the African Studies Program.<br />

Requirements for the Political Science-African Studies Ph.D.<br />

The Ph. D. in Political Science and African Studies is awarded to students who are admitted to<br />

the Political Science doctoral program and admitted subsequently into the dual-title degree in<br />

African Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. degree in Political<br />

Science and African Studies are as follows (also, see Table 3 below).<br />

• A minimum of 60 post-baccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Political Science will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation research credits, must be in Political Science.<br />

• Completion of coursework in two major fields (the first of which is a Political<br />

Science subfield as detailed in the Political Science graduate handbook, and the second of<br />

which is in African Studies) and one minor field (in a regular Political Science subfield).<br />

• Completion of the designated core of courses in methodology (PL SC 501, 502, and 503).<br />

• Completion of two 1.5-credit seminars on teaching, writing, and professional<br />

development in Political Science.<br />

• Completion of introductory field seminars appropriate to one’s two political science<br />

fields of study.


I11<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following are<br />

required: AFR 501 (3); and a minimum of 6 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3), AFR 530<br />

(3), AFR 532 (3), AFR 534 (3), AFR 536, and AFR 537.<br />

• Up to 6 of the 18 credits may come from Political Science, as approved by the student’s<br />

Political Science and African Studies Program academic advisors.<br />

• The remaining credits can be taken in AFR or in any department other than Political<br />

Science.<br />

• Of the 18 credits, no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than<br />

3 combined credits may come from 596 and 599 listings.<br />

• Communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by the student, the<br />

Political Science and African Studies Program advisors in accordance with the existing<br />

Political Science language requirements.<br />

The choice of courses in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the Political Science and African Studies academic advisors. The suite of selected courses<br />

should have an integrated, intellectual thrust that probes a thematic, national or regional issue<br />

and that is complementary to the student’s specialty in Political Science.<br />

Table 3: Comparison of Current Program Requirements for Political Science and the Proposed<br />

Dual Title Degree in Political Science and African Studies<br />

Current Political Science Program Requirement<br />

Completion of coursework on one major field in Political Science<br />

and two minor fields (one of which must be in Political Science) as<br />

outlined in the graduate student handbook<br />

A minimum total of 60 post-baccalaureate credits of coursework. At<br />

least 45 credits, exclusive of the dissertation, must be in political<br />

science. (Credits earned in the introductory field seminars may apply<br />

toward this requirement, with the exception of 501-502-503 for<br />

political methodology)<br />

• Political Science 501, 502, 503 (methods, 9 credits total)<br />

• A minimum of 15 credits in the major field<br />

• 9 credits each in the two minor fields<br />

• Completion of two, 1.5 credit professional development<br />

seminars on teaching, writing, and professional<br />

development in political science<br />

Proposed Requirements for the Political Science African<br />

Studies Dual Title Degree<br />

Completion of coursework on one major field in Political<br />

Science, a second major field in African Studies and a minor<br />

field in Political Science.<br />

A minimum total of 60 post-baccalaureate credits of<br />

coursework. At least 45 credits, exclusive of the dissertation,<br />

must be in political science. (Credits earned in the introductory<br />

field seminars may apply toward this requirement, with the<br />

exception of 501-502-503 for political methodology)<br />

• Political Science 501, 502, 503 (methods, 9 credits<br />

total)<br />

• A minimum of 15 credits in the first major field (in a<br />

designated political science major field)<br />

• 18 credits in the second major field on Africa, at the<br />

400 or 500 levels, of which the following are required:<br />

AFR 501 (3 credits); and<br />

a minimum of 3 credits from AAAS 530, SOC/AFR<br />

527, AFR 532, AFR 534 (which provide broad<br />

exposure to issues in African Studies)<br />

• As many as 6 of the 18 credits may come 400 or 500-<br />

level courses in Political Science.<br />

• The remaining credits will be selected from non- PLSC<br />

400 and 500-level electives approved by the student’s<br />

Political Science and African Studies advisors. No<br />

more than 6 credits of these may be at the 400-level.<br />

• No more than 3 of the 18 credits may be from 596 and<br />

599 listings, combined.


I12<br />

• 9 credits in the minor field (in a regular political<br />

science subfield)<br />

• Completion of two, 1.5 credit professional<br />

development seminars on teaching, writing, and<br />

professional development in political science<br />

The remaining 15 credits are electives, subject to fulfilling the field<br />

seminar and communication/foreign language requirements below.]<br />

Completion of introductory field seminars appropriate to one’s three<br />

fields of study<br />

Communication and foreign language requirements, which may be<br />

satisfied by advanced course work and competence developed in<br />

foreign languages, statistics, or other research methods.<br />

The remaining 6 credits are electives subject to fulfilling the<br />

field seminar and communication/foreign language requirements<br />

below].<br />

Completion of introductory field seminars appropriate to one’s<br />

two political science fields of study.<br />

Communication and foreign language requirements will<br />

be determined by the student with the approval of the<br />

Political Science and the African Studies Program<br />

advisors and will satisfy the existing Political Science<br />

language requirements.<br />

Faculty representation from African Studies on the following<br />

committees:<br />

• Candidacy Exam<br />

• Comprehensive Exam<br />

• Doctoral Committee<br />

The topic of the dissertation must address Political Science and<br />

some aspect of African Studies<br />

Language Requirement<br />

The language requirement for a student in the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will be<br />

determined by the student and the Political Science and African Studies Program advisors in<br />

accordance with the existing Political Science language requirements. The Political Science<br />

Foreign Language/Research Skills Competency requirement, contained in the Political Science<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Handbook, indicates that Doctoral students must satisfy one of the following four<br />

options to demonstrate proficiency in foreign language and/or research skills:<br />

1) Reading proficiency and translation skills in two foreign languages. Proficiency is certified by<br />

the School of Languages and Literatures at Penn State. The School’s website details the<br />

procedures that students must follow to obtain certification (see<br />

http://sll.la.psu.edu/langprof.htm).<br />

2) Superior command of one foreign language. Superior command is defined as the ability to use<br />

the language to conduct field research abroad. This may include the ability to live and work in<br />

the relevant foreign country; the ability to converse with librarians, government officials, and<br />

other gatekeepers of documents and information; and the ability to conduct interviews with<br />

citizens or officials. There is no single test or criterion for demonstrating superior command of a<br />

foreign language. Rather, the student must provide to the doctoral committee letters from


I13<br />

language instructors, faculty who have conducted fieldwork in the language in question, and<br />

similar documents so that its members can determine if the language skill is sufficient given the<br />

student’s specialization and subfield.<br />

3) Reading and translation proficiency in one foreign language plus a grade of B or higher in an<br />

advanced statistics course (i.e., material beyond that covered in PLSC 503) which has been<br />

approved by the student’s doctoral advisor and the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies.<br />

4) A statistical methods specialization consisting of three advanced statistics courses (each<br />

covering material beyond what is covered in PL SC 503). Students must receive a grade of B or<br />

higher in each class. The selection of courses must be approved by the student’s doctoral advisor<br />

and the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies. These advanced courses may overlap with the advanced<br />

courses used if methodology is chosen as the student’s first or second minor field.<br />

Candidacy Exam<br />

The dual-title degree will be guided by the Candidacy Exam procedure of the Political Science<br />

graduate program. The candidacy exam for the dual-title degree may be given after at least 18<br />

post-baccalaureate credits have been earned in graduate courses; it must be taken within three<br />

semesters (summer sessions do not count) of entry into the Political Science graduate program.<br />

There will be a single candidacy examination, containing elements of both Political Science and<br />

African Studies.<br />

The candidacy examination committee for the dual-title degree will be composed of graduate<br />

faculty from Political Science and at least one graduate faculty member from the African Studies<br />

Program. The designated dual-title faculty member may be appointed from Political Science if<br />

that person holds a formal appointment with the African Studies program.<br />

Committee Composition<br />

The doctoral committee of a dual-title doctoral degree student must include a minimum of four<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty members, i.e., the chair and at least three additional members. The committee<br />

must include at least one member of the African Studies graduate faculty.<br />

If the chair of the committee representing Political Science is not also a member of the graduate<br />

faculty in African Studies, the member of the committee representing African Studies should be<br />

appointed as co-chair.<br />

Comprehensive Exam<br />

After completing all course work, doctoral candidates for the dual-title doctoral degree in<br />

Political Science and African Studies must pass a comprehensive examination that includes<br />

written and oral components. Written components will be administered on a candidate’s major<br />

Political Science subfield and African Studies. The African Studies representative on the


I14<br />

student’s doctoral committee will develop questions for and participate in the evaluation of the<br />

comprehensive examination. The African Studies component of the exam will be based on the<br />

student’s thematic, national or regional area of interest and specialization in African Studies.<br />

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense<br />

Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination<br />

(the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the dual-title program are<br />

required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research<br />

and education in Political Science and African Studies.<br />

African Studies Courses Available to Fulfill Requirements (*Denotes a proposed course)<br />

*AFR 501- Key Issues in African Studies (3 credits).<br />

This seminar will provide students with an overview of a wide range of issues, theories and<br />

methods in African Studies. The course will be divided into three key areas: African history and<br />

culture; African political economies and globalization; and human environment relations in<br />

Africa.<br />

*SOC/AFR 527- Migration, Urbanization and Policy in the Developing World (3)<br />

The course reviews the conceptual, substantive, and policy issues associated with migration and<br />

urbanization in non-western contexts. It begins by focusing attention on the role of migration<br />

systems in the organization of migration flows. Emerging issues, controversies, and the impacts<br />

of social changes in rural and urban areas in migration will also be reviewed. The course also<br />

gives attention to the determinants of internal-migration and urbanization in the developing<br />

world. Finally, using discourses on population policy as a backdrop, the implications of<br />

migration and urbanization trends for policy development will be evaluated.<br />

*AFR 530- Globalization in Africa (3)<br />

This course examines how globalization has impacted African societies and their socioeconomic<br />

development. To be able to systematically examine its impacts, students first need a clear<br />

conceptualization of globalization and its essential characteristics. The course, thus, starts with<br />

conceptualization of globalization and a theoretical discussion about how and under what<br />

conditions it emerges. The course then analyzes globalization’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and concludes with a discussion that explores how African<br />

countries may deal with the most important challenges and constraints globalization imposes on<br />

them.<br />

*AFR/GEOG 532- Environment and Poverty in Africa (3)<br />

This seminar is used to critique overlaps among resource control, conservation, and poverty in<br />

sub-Saharan Africa. The readings, discussions, annotations and critiques will be designed to<br />

draw out what is believed to be an overlapping conceptual framework between sustainability and<br />

poverty. The seminar will also use case study examples to trace the relationships between<br />

sustainability discourse (in terms of conservation) and poverty creation and perpetuation among<br />

livelihood systems in sub-Saharan Africa, example: nomadic pastoralists and land and water


I15<br />

resources; land reform and rural livelihood systems; community-based resource programs,<br />

mining, the environment and rural communities; and national parks, transfrontier parks and rural<br />

livelihood systems.<br />

*AFR/PL SC 534- Political Economy of Petroleum, Energy and Extractive Industries in Africa<br />

(3)<br />

This course examines the extractive industry-driven changes in Africa’s political economy as<br />

well as in the continent’s foreign relations. Students are encouraged to examine the institutional<br />

mechanisms under which the expansion of the industry is taking place in Africa. The course,<br />

thus, involves an extensive discussion of the institutional characteristics of Africa, including<br />

issues of land tenure and property rights laws. It examines how the institutional mechanisms are<br />

changing in order to facilitate the industry’s expansion and the repercussions of these<br />

institutional changes on society. The course also analyzes the industry’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and global relations.<br />

*AFR 536- Kinship and Social Practices in Africa (3)<br />

The course analyses different kinship theories and how they may enable us to enhance our<br />

understanding of the different dimensions of African social practices in historical and<br />

contemporary Africa. It examines theories of kinship and social formations in order to interpret<br />

the relevance of traditional formations in historical and contemporary African development. It<br />

also examines the implications of social formations for political change (example,<br />

democratization), social (example, corruption and institutional failures) and cultural (ethnicity<br />

and religion) for shaping change in contemporary Africa.<br />

*AFR/WS 537-Gender, Sexuality and Islam in Africa (3)<br />

This course focuses on the intersection of Feminist Studies, African Studies and Religious<br />

Studies. It offers students an advanced level of reading, analysis and discussion about discourses<br />

of sexuality and gender in studies of Islam in Africa. It discusses key African and feminist<br />

theoretical concepts in the study of gender and Islam and also engages discussions of religion,<br />

gender and sexuality. Building on these foundations, the course examines the historical, literary<br />

and visual representation of gender, sexuality and Islam in South Africa as case study. The latter<br />

section includes discussions of recent theoretical debates about sexual diversity in Islam as well<br />

as the impact of activism, political representation and artistic, literary and autobiographical<br />

representations by gay and lesbian Muslims in South Africa.<br />

The core electives listed above provides students with the opportunity to pursue in greater detail,<br />

one of the three key themes covered in AFR 501: history and culture (536 or 537); political<br />

economy (527, 530, 534,); human-environment interaction (527, 532, 534).<br />

African-Related Courses Currently Available in the African Studies Program and in other<br />

Units at Penn State.<br />

AFR/PL SC/IB 440 (US;IL) Globalization and Its Implications (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 443 (IL) Ethnic Conflict in Africa (3)


I16<br />

AFR/PL SC 454 (IL) Government and Politics of Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 434 (IL) War and Development in Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 464 (IL) Globalization, Extractive Industries, and Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AFR 496 Individual Studies (3)<br />

AFR 499 Foreign Studies (3)<br />

CMLIT 422 (IL) African Drama (3)<br />

CMLIT 423 (IL) African Novel (3)<br />

HIST/AAAS 415 (US;IL) Race, Gender, and Politics in the United States and S. Africa (3)<br />

GEOG 444 African Resources and Development (3)<br />

ECON 413W Economic Growth and the Challenge of World Poverty (3)<br />

ECON 475W Migration and Development (3)<br />

GEOG 429 (US) Global Urbanization (3)<br />

GEOG 436 Ecology, Economy, and Society (3)<br />

PL SC 412 International Political Economy (3)<br />

PL SC 453 Political Processes in Underdeveloped Systems (3)<br />

RSOC/CED 420 (US;IL) Women in Developing Countries (3)<br />

AFR/LING 545<br />

Anthropological approaches to Language, Culture and Health(3)<br />

AFR/LING 507 Language Policy and Development Planning in Africa (3)<br />

AFR 596<br />

Individual Studies<br />

AFR 599<br />

Foreign Studies<br />

CMLIT 523<br />

African Literature<br />

CMLIT 597<br />

(If the course content is at least 50% Africa-related)<br />

AG EC/AEREC 550 International Economic Development and Agriculture (3)<br />

ANTH 556 Social Organization of Traditional Societies (3)<br />

ANTH 575 Population, Food, and Traditional Farming (3)<br />

GEOG/WMNST 515 Gender and Geography (3)<br />

PL SC 554 The Politics of Development (3)<br />

PL SC 563<br />

International Political Economy<br />

PL SC 597<br />

(If the course content is at least 50% Africa-related)<br />

Sample Curricula<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Political Science doctoral student with broad interest in<br />

Religion, Ethnicity and Economic Stability in South Africa:<br />

• Core course (AFR 501) (3 credits)<br />

• Any from AFR 530, 536, 537 (3-12 credits)<br />

• No more than two courses from AFR/PLSC 434, 443 or 454 (3-6 credits)<br />

• Other listed electives (3 or more credits)<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Political Science doctoral student with interest in<br />

Globalization, Resource Extraction and State Stability in Nigeria.<br />

• Core course (AFR 501)<br />

• Any from AFR 530, 532, 534 (3-12 credits)<br />

• No more than two courses from AFR/PLSC 434, 454,464 (3-6 credits)<br />

• Other listed electives (3 or more credits)


I17<br />

Costs<br />

Students enrolled in the dual-title degree program are not expected to incur additional costs by<br />

participating in the program. The Political Science and African Studies advisors will assist the<br />

student to select his/her courses in order to ensure that all degree requirements are satisfied in a<br />

timely manner.<br />

Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> funding for PhD candidates in Political Science and African Studies may be provided<br />

by the Political Science department and/or the African Studies program. Students supported by<br />

funds from the Department of Political Science will perform teaching and other academic duties<br />

determined by the Political Science graduate officer. Students who are supported by graduate<br />

assistantships or fellowships from the African Studies program will teach in roles and<br />

circumstances determined by the African Studies director.<br />

Students will receive every available support from the African Studies faculty to write grants to<br />

support their field research and other academic endeavors. Students will also be given every<br />

opportunity to participate in the efforts of the African studies faculty to secure extramural<br />

funding. External funding by African Studies graduate faculty also may provide additional<br />

graduate funding.<br />

ACCREDITATION<br />

No accrediting body or board and no licensing procedure is relevant.<br />

DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED<br />

This program will not duplicate any other graduate program at Penn State and will only affect the<br />

Political Science graduate program and other affiliate departments of African Studies.<br />

CONSULTATION<br />

The Political Science Department has been consulted and is proposing to adopt this dual-title<br />

degree program.


I18<br />

CURRENT BULLETIN DESCRIPTION FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE<br />

SCOTT BENNETT, Head of the Department<br />

219 Pond Laboratory<br />

814-865-7515; <strong>Graduate</strong> Program: 814-863-1595<br />

Degrees Conferred:<br />

Ph.D., M.A.<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science and Asian Studies<br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

• Donna Bahry, Ph.D. (Illinois) Professor of Political Science<br />

• Lee Ann Banaszak, Ph.D. (Washington U) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• D. Scott Bennett, Ph.D. (Michigan) Head; Professor of Political Science<br />

• Michael E. Berkman, Ph.D. (Indiana, Bloomington) Professor of Political Science<br />

• David B. Carter, Ph.D. (U of Rochester) Assistant Professor of Political Science<br />

• Gretchen G. Casper, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• John Christman, Ph.D. (Illinois, Chicago) Associate Professor of Philosophy, Political<br />

Science, and Women's Studies<br />

• Stephen J. Cimbala, Ph.D. (Wisconsin) Professor of Political Science<br />

• C. Michael Comiskey, Ph.D. (Princeton) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• Errol Henderson, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• Marie E. Hojnacki, Ph.D. (Ohio State) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• Zaryab Iqbal, Ph.D. (Emory) Assistant Professor of Political Science<br />

• Douglas Lemke, Ph.D. (Vanderbilt) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• Suzanna Linn, Ph.D. (Iowa) Professor of Political Science<br />

• Burt Monroe, Ph.D. (Oxford0 Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• Subhanan Mukherjee, Ph.D. (Columbia) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• David J. Myers, Ph.D. (California, Los Angeles) Associate Professor of Political Science<br />

• Glenn Palmer, Ph.D. (Michigan) Professor of Political Science<br />

• Eric Plutzer, Ph.D. (Washington U) Professor of Political Science<br />

• Susan Welch, Ph.D. (Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) Professor of Political Science<br />

• Joseph G. Wright, Ph.D. (California, Los Angeles) Assistant Professor or Political<br />

Science<br />

• Christopher Zorn, Ph.D. (Ohio State) Professor of Political Science<br />

The purpose of the graduate program in Political Science is to train professional political<br />

scientists who intend to pursue careers in research, teaching, and public service. The department<br />

offers programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The programs are designed to enable<br />

students to acquire both methodological sophistication and substantive knowledge in a variety of<br />

fields.


I19<br />

The graduate program in Political Science encourages the study of a variety of substantive<br />

concerns, methodological approaches, and research skills. Among the department's special areas<br />

of strength are United States politics and political behavior (legislative politics, public opinion<br />

and voting, parties and interest groups, and judicial process); political and social theory;<br />

international relations and peace science; and the politics of western and eastern Europe, Latin<br />

America, and South Asia; international conflict; international political economy;<br />

democratization; social movements; political culture; gender and politics. A dual-degree program<br />

with Women's Studies and Asian Studies are now available.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Entrance to the Political Science graduate program occurs in the fall semester. Applications must<br />

be received by the department not later than January 15 for fall admission. However, the<br />

department will begin accepting applications as of September 1.<br />

The Department of Political Science requires M.A. and Ph.D. program applicants to submit<br />

transcripts, <strong>Graduate</strong> Record Examinations (GRE) scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical), a<br />

statement of career plans and proposed emphasis in political science, at least three letters of<br />

recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic performance, and a writing<br />

sample demonstrating research and/or analytical skills.<br />

The language of instruction at Penn State is English. International applicants must take and<br />

submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS<br />

(International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The<br />

minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computerbased<br />

test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test.<br />

Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 maybe considered for provisional<br />

admission, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon first enrollment and,<br />

if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for IELTS is 6.5. Specific<br />

graduate programs may have more stringent requirements.<br />

International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a<br />

baccalaureate or a master's degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following:<br />

Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England,<br />

Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United<br />

States, and Wales.<br />

Requirements listed here are in addition to general <strong>Graduate</strong> School requirements stated in the<br />

GENERAL INFORMATION section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulleting.<br />

Students can be admitted to the master's program or, after passing a Ph.D. candidacy exam, can<br />

be admitted to the Ph.D. program with a master's degree.


I20<br />

Master's Degree Requirements<br />

Depending on the student's previous methodological training, 30 credits of course work,<br />

including an essay, are required for a master's degree. The course work includes a<br />

methodological core of 9 credits (PL SC 501, 502, and 503); 12 credits in a primary field<br />

(including the survey seminar in the field); 6 credits in a secondary field; and 3 credits for the<br />

M.A. essay. Students also take a seminar on teaching and professional development in political<br />

science. There are no language requirements for the degree. Every master's candidate is required<br />

to pass an examination of their master's essay.<br />

Transfer Credit: A maximum of ten (10) credits of high-quality graduate work done at a<br />

regionally accredited institution or recognized degree-granting institution may be applied toward<br />

the requirements for a master's degree. However, credits earned to complete a previous degree,<br />

whether at Penn State or elsewhere, may not be applied to a second master's degree at Penn<br />

State.<br />

Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

The Department of Political Science requires a minimum total of 60 post baccalaureate credits<br />

for the Ph.D. Course work accepted for the M.A. in Political Science will count toward the 60-<br />

credit requirement. At least 45 credits, exclusive of the dissertation, must be in political science.<br />

Transfer Credit: A maximum of ten (10) credits of high-quality graduate work done at a<br />

regionally accredited institution or recognized degree-granting institution may be applied toward<br />

the requirements for a doctoral degree. However, credits earned to complete a previous degree,<br />

whether at Penn State or elsewhere, may not be applied to a second doctoral degree at Penn<br />

State.<br />

Recognized Credit: A maximum of 30 credits earned in an advanced degree program at a<br />

regionally accredited institution or recognized degree-granting institution or in another graduate<br />

program at Penn State may be recognized to count toward the 60-credit requirement.<br />

The department requires that a student complete the designated "core" courses in methodology<br />

(PL SC 501, 502, and 503) and a seminar on teaching and professional development in political<br />

science. Ph.D. degree candidates must present three fields for the purposes of comprehensive<br />

examinations. The major and one of the minor fields must be selected from the department's<br />

recognized fields, and one of the minor fields may be outside political science. The major field<br />

requires a minimum of 15 credits; each minor field requires a minimum of 9 credits.<br />

The communication and foreign language requirement for the Ph.D. may be satisfied by<br />

advanced course work and competence developed in foreign languages, statistics, or other<br />

research methods.


I21<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science and Asian<br />

Studies<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> students with research and educational interests in international education may apply to<br />

the Political Science/Asian Studies Degree Program. The goal of the dual-title degree Political<br />

Science and Asian Studies is to enable graduate students from Political Science to acquire the<br />

knowledge and skills of their major area of specialization in Political Science while at the same<br />

time gaining the perspective of Asian Studies.<br />

In order to prepare graduate students for the competitive job market, this program provides them<br />

with a solid disciplinary foundation that will allow them to compete for the best jobs in their<br />

field. For such students the dual-title PhD in Asian Studies will add value to their degree and<br />

their status as candidates. It will produce excellent political scientists who are experts in Asian<br />

Studies as well. The dual-title degree Political Science and Asian Studies will build curricular<br />

bridges beyond the student's major field so as to provide a unique training regime for the global<br />

scholar.<br />

Additional details of the dual degree program are available in separate documentation and from<br />

the Asian Studies Program (see http://asian.la.psu.edu/graduate.shtml).<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

For admission to the Dual-Title Ph.D. degree, a student must first apply and be admitted to the<br />

Political Science graduate program. After admission to the Political Science graduate program, a<br />

student must then apply for admission to the Asian Studies Program. The Asian Studies<br />

admissions committee reviews applications and recommends student for admission to the Asian<br />

Studies program to the <strong>Graduate</strong> School. Applicants should have a junior/senior cumulative<br />

average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) and appropriate course background. Students already in<br />

their first and second years of the Political Science graduate program may also apply to the dualtitle<br />

program.<br />

In addition to the requirements of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School and Political Science, applicants<br />

interested in the dual-title program should also make their interest in the dual-degree program<br />

known clearly on their applications and include remarks in their statement of purpose that<br />

address the ways in which their research and professional goals reflect an interest in<br />

interdisciplinary and Asian Studies-related research.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> School requirements are state in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Degree Requirements


I22<br />

To qualify for an Asian Studies degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Political<br />

Science program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy the<br />

requirements described below, as established by the Asian Studies committee. Within this<br />

framework, final course selection is determined by the student, their Asian Studies advisor, and<br />

their Political Science program advisor.<br />

Upon a student's acceptance by the Asian Studies admissions committee, the student will be<br />

assigned an Asian Studies academic advisor in consultation with the Asian Studies chair. As<br />

students develop specific scholarly interests, they may request that a different Asian Studies<br />

faculty member serve as their adviser. The student and adviser will discuss a program of study<br />

that is appropriate for the student's professional objectives and that is in accord with the policies<br />

of The <strong>Graduate</strong> School, the Political Science department and the Asian Studies program.<br />

Requirements for the Political Science/Asian Studies Ph.D.<br />

The doctoral degree in Political Science and Asian Studies is awarded only to students who are<br />

admitted to the Political Science doctoral program and admitted to the dual-title Ph.D. degree in<br />

Asian Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. degree in Political<br />

Science and Asian Studies are as follows:<br />

• A minimum total of 60 post-baccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Political Science will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation, must be in political science.<br />

• Completion of course work in two major fields (the first of which is a political science<br />

sub field as detailed in the Political Science graduate handbook, and the second of which<br />

is Asia-related) and one minor field (in a regular political science subfield).<br />

• Completion of the designated core of courses in methodology (PL SC 501, 502, and 503).<br />

• Completion of two, 1.5 credit seminars on teaching, writing, and professional<br />

development in political science.<br />

• Completion of introductory field seminars appropriate to one's three fields of study.<br />

• 15 credits of Asia-related coursework at the 400 or 500 level. At least 6 of these 15<br />

credits will be from ASIA 501 and 502. As many as 6 may come from Political Science,<br />

as approved by the student's doctoral advisor and the Asian Studies Program director of<br />

graduate studies. The remaining 3 credits can be taken in ASIA or in any department<br />

other than Political Science.<br />

• All-skills proficiency is one Asian Language AND two years' college study (or<br />

equivalent knowledge) of another Asian language OR alternative proficiency appropriate<br />

to the student's field.<br />

Particular courses may satisfy both the Political Science requirements and those of the Asian<br />

Studies program. Final course selection is determined by the student in consultation with their<br />

dual-title program advisors and their major program advisors.<br />

Other Relevant Information


I23<br />

Penn State is a member of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), an association of<br />

the Big Ten universities and the University of Chicago. The CIC sponsors the Traveling Scholars<br />

program, which provides doctoral-level students with an opportunity to study at another CIC<br />

university. In addition to participating in CIC programs, the department sponsors attendance at<br />

the ICPSR Summer program at the University of Michigan.<br />

Student Aid<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are<br />

described in the STUDENT AID section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Courses<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate<br />

courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements<br />

when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may<br />

register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous<br />

education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.<br />

POLITICAL SCIENCE (PL SC) course list<br />

Last Revised by the Department: Spring Semester 2010<br />

Blue Sheet Item #: 38-07-009<br />

Review Date: 06/22/2010<br />

Last updated by Publications: 11/05/09


I24<br />

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TO BE INSERTED INTO THE BULLETIN<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science and African Studies<br />

Political Science doctoral students, who have research and educational interests in comparative<br />

policy analyses, environmental change and livelihood systems, socio-economic and political<br />

change, and other aspects of African Studies may apply to the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree<br />

Program in Political Science and African Studies. The goal of the program is to enable graduate<br />

students from Political Science to complement their knowledge and skills in a major area of<br />

specialization in Political Science with in-depth knowledge of prevailing theories on and<br />

problem-solving approaches to thematic, regional, or national issues pertaining to African<br />

development and change.<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program provides interested Political Science doctoral students<br />

with a multidisciplinary approach enhances their analytical capabilities for addressing key issues<br />

in African development and adds value to their Political Science degree by increasing their<br />

competitiveness in the job market. The well-rounded, regional specialist who graduates from<br />

this program, is likely to be employed in an international setting. The program, therefore,<br />

enhances the reputation of the Political Science department, the College of the Liberal Arts, and<br />

Penn State.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Political Science and The<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program.<br />

Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program<br />

known clearly on their applications to Political Science and include remarks in their statement of<br />

purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in political science<br />

reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

submit a letter of application and transcript, which will be reviewed by an African Studies<br />

Admissions Committee. An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4<br />

point scale) to be considered for enrollment in the dual-title degree program. Students must<br />

apply for enrollment into the dual-title degree program in African Studies prior to obtaining<br />

candidacy in Political Science.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.


I25<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Political<br />

Science program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy the<br />

requirements described below, as established by the African Studies Program. Final course<br />

selection is determined by the student in consultation with the Political Science and African<br />

Studies academic advisors.<br />

Upon acceptance by the African Studies admissions committee, the student will be assigned an<br />

African Studies academic advisor in consultation with the African Studies director and the<br />

African Studies admissions committee.<br />

As a student develops specific scholarly interests, s/he may request a different African Studies<br />

advisor from the one assigned by the African Studies admissions committee. The student and<br />

Political Science and African Studies academic advisors are to establish a program of study that<br />

is appropriate for the student’s professional objectives and that is in accordance with the policies<br />

of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council, the Political Science graduate program and the African Studies<br />

Program.<br />

Requirements for the Political Science-African Studies Ph.D.<br />

The Ph. D. in Political Science and African Studies is awarded to students who are admitted to<br />

the Political Science doctoral program and admitted subsequently into the dual-title degree in<br />

African Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. degree in Political<br />

Science and African Studies are as follows.<br />

• A minimum of 60 post-baccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Political Science will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation research credits, must be in Political Science.<br />

• Completion of coursework in two major fields (the first of which is a Political<br />

Science subfield as detailed in the Political Science graduate handbook, and the second of<br />

which is in African Studies) and one minor field (in a regular Political Science subfield).<br />

• Completion of the designated core of courses in methodology (PL SC 501, 502, and 503).<br />

• Completion of two 1.5-credit seminars on teaching, writing, and professional<br />

development in Political Science.<br />

• Completion of introductory field seminars appropriate to one’s two political science<br />

fields of study.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following are<br />

required: AFR 501 (3), and a minimum of 3 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3), AAAS 530<br />

(3) (the AAAS prefix is to be changed to AFR), AFR 532 (3) and AFR 534 (3).<br />

• As many as 6 of the 18 credits may come from Political Science, as approved by the<br />

student’s Political Science and African Studies Program academic advisors.


I26<br />

• The remaining credits can be taken in AFR or in any department other than Political<br />

Science. Of these, no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than<br />

3 combined credits may come from AFR and POL SC 596 and 599.<br />

• Communication and foreign language requirements, which will be determined by the<br />

student, the Political Science and African Studies Program advisors in accordance with<br />

the existing Political Science language requirements.<br />

The choice of electives in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the Political Science and African Studies academic advisors. The suite of selected courses<br />

should have an integrated, intellectual thrust that probes a thematic, national or regional issue<br />

and that is complementary to the student’s specialty in Political Science.<br />

Language Requirement<br />

The language requirement for a student in the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will be<br />

determined by the student and the Political Science and African Studies Program advisors in<br />

accordance with the existing Political Science language requirements. The Political Science<br />

Foreign Language/Research Skills Competency requirement, contained in the Political Science<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Handbook, indicates that Doctoral students must satisfy one of the following four<br />

options to demonstrate proficiency in foreign language and/or research skills:<br />

1) Reading proficiency and translation skills in two foreign languages. Proficiency is certified by<br />

the School of Languages and Literatures at Penn State. The School’s website details the<br />

procedures that students must follow to obtain certification (see<br />

http://sll.la.psu.edu/langprof.htm).<br />

2) Superior command of one foreign language. Superior command is defined as the ability to use<br />

the language to conduct field research abroad. This may include the ability to live and work in<br />

the relevant foreign country; the ability to converse with librarians, government officials, and<br />

other gatekeepers of documents and information; and the ability to conduct interviews with<br />

citizens or officials. There is no single test or criterion for demonstrating superior command of a<br />

foreign language. Rather, the student must provide to the doctoral committee letters from<br />

language instructors, faculty who have conducted fieldwork in the language in question, and<br />

similar documents so that its members can determine if the language skill is sufficient given the<br />

student’s specialization and subfield.<br />

3) Reading and translation proficiency in one foreign language plus a grade of B or higher in an<br />

advanced statistics course (i.e., material beyond that covered in PLSC 503) which has been<br />

approved by the student’s doctoral advisor and the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies.<br />

4) A statistical methods specialization consisting of three advanced statistics courses (each<br />

covering material beyond what is covered in PL SC 503). Students must receive a grade of B or<br />

higher in each class. The selection of courses must be approved by the student’s doctoral advisor


and the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies. These advanced courses may overlap with the advanced<br />

courses used if methodology is chosen as the student’s first or second minor field.<br />

I27


I28<br />

Appendix A<br />

TEXT FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> STUDENT HANDBOOK<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Political Science and African Studies<br />

Political Science doctoral students, who have research and educational interests in comparative<br />

policy analyses, environmental change and livelihood systems, socio-economic and political<br />

change, and other aspects of African Studies may apply to the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree<br />

Program in Political Science and African Studies. The goal of the program is to enable graduate<br />

students from Political Science to complement their knowledge and skills in a major area of<br />

specialization in Political Science with in-depth knowledge of prevailing theories on and<br />

problem-solving approaches to thematic, regional, or national issues pertaining to African<br />

development and change.<br />

The dual-title degree program provides interested Political Science doctoral students with a<br />

multidisciplinary approach to enhance their analytical capabilities for addressing key issues in<br />

African development. It, thereby, adds value to their Political Science degree and increases their<br />

competitiveness in the job market. The well-rounded, regional specialist who graduates from the<br />

program is likely to be employed in an international setting. The program, therefore, enhance the<br />

reputation of the Political Science department, the College of the Liberal Arts, and Penn State.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Political Science and The<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program.<br />

Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program<br />

known clearly on their applications to Political Science and include remarks in their statement of<br />

purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in political science<br />

reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

submit a letter of application and transcript, which will be reviewed by an African Studies<br />

Admissions Committee. An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4<br />

point scale) to be considered for enrollment in the dual-title degree program. Students must<br />

apply for enrollment into the dual-title degree program in African Studies prior to obtaining<br />

candidacy in Political Science.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.


I29<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Political<br />

Science graduate program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy the<br />

requirements described below, as established by the African Studies Program. Final course<br />

selection is determined by the student in consultation with the Political Science and African<br />

Studies academic advisors.<br />

Upon acceptance by the African Studies admissions committee, the student is assigned an<br />

African Studies academic advisor in consultation with the African Studies director and the<br />

African Studies admissions committee.<br />

As a student develops specific scholarly interests, s/he may request a different African Studies<br />

advisor from the one assigned by the African Studies admissions committee. The student and<br />

Political Science and African Studies academic advisors are to establish a program of study that<br />

is appropriate for the student’s professional objectives and that is in accordance with the policies<br />

of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council, the Political Science graduate program and the African Studies<br />

Program.<br />

Requirements for the Political Science-African Studies Ph.D.<br />

The Ph. D. in Political Science and African Studies is awarded to students who are admitted to<br />

the Political Science doctoral program and admitted subsequently into the dual-title degree in<br />

African Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. degree in Political<br />

Science and African Studies are outlined below.<br />

• A minimum of 60 post-baccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Political Science will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation research credits, must be in Political Science.<br />

• Completion of coursework in two major fields (the first of which is a Political<br />

Science subfield as detailed in the Political Science graduate handbook, and the second of<br />

which is in African Studies) and one minor field (in a regular Political Science subfield).<br />

• Completion of the designated core of courses in methodology (PL SC 501, 502, and 503).<br />

• Completion of two 1.5-credit seminars on teaching, writing, and professional<br />

development in Political Science.<br />

• Completion of introductory field seminars appropriate to one’s two political science<br />

fields of study.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following are<br />

required: AFR 501 (3), and a minimum of 3 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3), AAAS 530<br />

(3) (the AAAS prefix is to be changed to AFR), AFR 532 (3) and AFR 534 (3).<br />

• As many as 6 of the 18 credits may come from Political Science, as approved by the<br />

student’s Political Science and African Studies Program academic advisors.


I30<br />

• The remaining credits can be taken in AFR or in any department other than Political<br />

Science. Of these, no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than<br />

3 combined credits may come from AFR and POL SC 596 and 599.<br />

• Communication and foreign language requirements, which will be determined by the<br />

student, the Political Science and African Studies Program advisors in accordance with<br />

the existing Political Science language requirements.<br />

The choice of electives in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the Political Science and African Studies academic advisors. The suite of selected courses is to<br />

have an integrated, intellectual thrust that probes a thematic, national or regional issue and that is<br />

complementary to the student’s specialty in Political Science.<br />

Language Requirement<br />

The language requirement for a student in the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will be<br />

determined by the student and the Political Science and African Studies Program advisors in<br />

accordance with the existing Political Science language requirements. The Political Science<br />

Foreign Language/Research Skills Competency requirement, contained in the Political Science<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Handbook, indicates that Doctoral students must satisfy one of the following four<br />

options to demonstrate proficiency in foreign language and/or research skills:<br />

1) Reading proficiency and translation skills in two foreign languages. Proficiency is certified by<br />

the School of Languages and Literatures at Penn State. The School’s website details the<br />

procedures that students must follow to obtain certification (see<br />

http://sll.la.psu.edu/langprof.htm).<br />

2) Superior command of one foreign language. Superior command is defined as the ability to use<br />

the language to conduct field research abroad. This may include the ability to live and work in<br />

the relevant foreign country; the ability to converse with librarians, government officials, and<br />

other gatekeepers of documents and information; and the ability to conduct interviews with<br />

citizens or officials. There is no single test or criterion for demonstrating superior command of a<br />

foreign language. Rather, the student must provide to the doctoral committee letters from<br />

language instructors, faculty who have conducted fieldwork in the language in question, and<br />

similar documents so that its members can determine if the language skill is sufficient given the<br />

student’s specialization and subfield.<br />

3) Reading and translation proficiency in one foreign language plus a grade of B or higher in an<br />

advanced statistics course (i.e., material beyond that covered in PLSC 503) which has been<br />

approved by the student’s doctoral advisor and the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies.<br />

4) A statistical methods specialization consisting of three advanced statistics courses (each<br />

covering material beyond what is covered in PL SC 503). Students must receive a grade of B or<br />

higher in each class. The selection of courses must be approved by the student’s doctoral advisor<br />

and the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies. These advanced courses may overlap with the advanced<br />

courses used if methodology is chosen as the student’s first or second minor field.


I31<br />

Candidacy Exam<br />

The dual-title degree is guided by the Candidacy Exam procedure of the Political Science<br />

graduate program. The candidacy exam for the dual-title degree may be given after at least 18<br />

post-baccalaureate credits have been earned in graduate courses; it must be taken within three<br />

semesters (summer sessions do not count) of entry into the Political Science graduate program.<br />

There will be a single candidacy examination, containing elements of both Political Science and<br />

African Studies.<br />

The candidacy examination committee for the dual-title degree is composed of graduate faculty<br />

from Political Science and at least one graduate faculty member from the African Studies<br />

Program. The designated dual-title faculty member may be appointed from Political Science if<br />

that person holds a formal appointment with the African Studies program.<br />

Doctoral Committee Composition<br />

The doctoral committee of a dual-title doctoral degree student must include a minimum of four<br />

faculty members, i.e., the chair and at least three additional members, all of whom must be<br />

members of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty. The committee must include at least one member of the<br />

African Studies graduate faculty. The chair of the committee is typically a member of both<br />

Political Science and African Studies. If, however, the chair of the committee representing<br />

Political Science is not also a member of the graduate faculty in African Studies, the member of<br />

the committee representing African Studies should be appointed as co-chair.<br />

Comprehensive Exam<br />

After completing all course work, doctoral candidates for the dual-title doctoral degree in<br />

Political Science and African Studies must pass a comprehensive examination that includes<br />

written and oral components. Written components will be administered on a candidate’s major<br />

Political Science subfield and African Studies. The African Studies representative on the<br />

student’s doctoral committee develops questions for and participates in the evaluation of the<br />

comprehensive examination. The African Studies component of the exam is based on the<br />

student’s thematic, national or regional area of interest and specialization in African Studies.<br />

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense<br />

Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination<br />

(the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the dual-title program are<br />

required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research<br />

and education in Political Science and African Studies.


I32<br />

Description of African Studies Courses that will be Available to Fulfill Requirements<br />

(*Denotes a proposed course; existing AAAS prefixes will be changed to AFR)<br />

*AFR 501- Key Issues in African Studies (3 credits).<br />

This seminar will provide students with an overview of a wide range of issues, theories and<br />

methods in African Studies. The course will be divided into three key areas: African history and<br />

culture; African political economies and globalization; and human environment relations in<br />

Africa.<br />

*SOC/AFR 527- Migration, Urbanization and Policy in the Developing World (3)<br />

The course reviews the conceptual, substantive, and policy issues associated with migration and<br />

urbanization in non-western contexts. It begins by focusing attention on the role of migration<br />

systems in the organization of migration flows. Emerging issues, controversies, and the impacts<br />

of social changes in rural and urban areas in migration will also be reviewed. The course also<br />

gives attention to the determinants of internal-migration and urbanization in the developing<br />

world. Finally, using discourses on population policy as a backdrop, the implications of<br />

migration and urbanization trends for policy development will be evaluated.<br />

AAAS 530- Globalization in Africa (3)<br />

This course examines how globalization has impacted African societies and their socioeconomic<br />

development. To be able to systematically examine its impacts, students first need a clear<br />

conceptualization of globalization and its essential characteristics. The course, thus, starts with<br />

conceptualization of globalization and a theoretical discussion about how and under what<br />

conditions it emerges. The course then analyzes globalization’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and concludes with a discussion that explores how African<br />

countries may deal with the most important challenges and constraints globalization imposes on<br />

them.<br />

*AFR/GEOG 532- Environment and Poverty in Africa (3)<br />

This seminar is used to critique overlaps among resource control, conservation, and poverty in<br />

sub-Saharan Africa. The readings, discussions, annotations and critiques will be designed to<br />

draw out what is believed to be an overlapping conceptual framework between sustainability and<br />

poverty. The seminar will also use case study examples to trace the relationships between<br />

sustainability discourse (in terms of conservation) and poverty creation and perpetuation among<br />

livelihood systems in sub-Saharan Africa, example: nomadic pastoralists and land and water<br />

resources; land reform and rural livelihood systems; community-based resource programs,<br />

mining, the environment and rural communities; and national parks, transfrontier parks and rural<br />

livelihood systems.<br />

*AFR/PL SC 534- Political Economy of Petroleum, Energy and Extractive Industries in Africa<br />

(3)<br />

This course examines the extractive industry-driven changes in Africa’s political economy as<br />

well as in the continent’s foreign relations. Students are encouraged to examine the institutional<br />

mechanisms under which the expansion of the industry is taking place in Africa. The course,<br />

thus, involves an extensive discussion of the institutional characteristics of Africa, including


I33<br />

issues of land tenure and property rights laws. It examines how the institutional mechanisms are<br />

changing in order to facilitate the industry’s expansion and the repercussions of these<br />

institutional changes on society. The course also analyzes the industry’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and global relations.<br />

*AFR 536- Kinship and Social Practices in Africa (3)<br />

The course analyses different kinship theories and how they may enable us to enhance our<br />

understanding of the different dimensions of African social practices in historical and<br />

contemporary Africa. It examines theories of kinship and social formations in order to interpret<br />

the relevance of traditional formations in historical and contemporary African development. It<br />

also examines the implications of social formations for political change (example,<br />

democratization), social (example, corruption and institutional failures) and cultural (ethnicity<br />

and religion) for shaping change in contemporary Africa.<br />

*AFR/WS 537-Gender, Sexuality and Islam in Africa (3)<br />

This course focuses on the intersection of Feminist Studies, African Studies and Religious<br />

Studies. It offers students an advanced level of reading, analysis and discussion about discourses<br />

of sexuality and gender in studies of Islam in Africa. It discusses key African and feminist<br />

theoretical concepts in the study of gender and Islam and also engages discussions of religion,<br />

gender and sexuality. Building on these foundations, the course examines the historical, literary<br />

and visual representation of gender, sexuality and Islam in South Africa as case study. The latter<br />

section includes discussions of recent theoretical debates about sexual diversity in Islam as well<br />

as the impact of activism, political representation and artistic, literary and autobiographical<br />

representations by gay and lesbian Muslims in South Africa.<br />

The core electives listed above provides students with the opportunity to pursue in greater detail,<br />

one of the three key themes covered in AFR 501: history and culture (536 or 537); political<br />

economy (527, 530, 534,); human-environment interaction (527, 532, 534).<br />

African-Related Courses Currently Available in the African Studies Program and in other<br />

Units at Penn State (all AAAS course prefixes are to be changed to AFR)<br />

AAAS/PL SC/IB 440 (US;IL) Globalization and Its Implications (3)<br />

AAAS/PL SC 443 (IL) Ethnic Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AAAS/PL SC 454 (IL) Government and Politics of Africa (3)<br />

AAAS/PL SC 434 (IL) War and Development in Africa (3)<br />

AAAS/PL SC 464 (IL) Globalization, Extractive Industries, and Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AAAS 496 Individual Studies (3)<br />

AAAS 499 Foreign Studies (3)<br />

HIST/AAAS 415 (US;IL) Race, Gender, and Politics in the United States and S. Africa (3)<br />

GEOG 444 African Resources and Development (3)<br />

ECON 413W Economic Growth and the Challenge of World Poverty (3)<br />

ECON 475W Migration and Development (3)<br />

GEOG 429 (US) Global Urbanization (3)


I34<br />

GEOG 436 Ecology, Economy, and Society (3)<br />

PL SC 412 International Political Economy (3)<br />

PL SC 453 Political Processes in Underdeveloped Systems (3)<br />

RSOC/CED 420 (US;IL) Women in Developing Countries (3)<br />

AAAS/LING 545 Anthropological approaches to Language, Culture and Health(3)<br />

AAAS/LING 507 Language Policy and Development Planning in Africa (3)<br />

AAAS 596<br />

Individual Studies<br />

AAAS 599<br />

Foreign Studies<br />

AG EC/AEREC 550 International Economic Development and Agriculture (3)<br />

ANTH 556 Social Organization of Traditional Societies (3)<br />

ANTH 575 Population, Food, and Traditional Farming (3)<br />

GEOG/WMNST 515 Gender and Geography (3)<br />

PL SC 554 The Politics of Development (3)<br />

PL SC 563<br />

International Political Economy<br />

PL SC 597<br />

(If the course content is at least 50% Africa-related)<br />

For the availability of other African-related courses, students should consult their advisors, the<br />

graduate bulletin, and the schedule of courses.


APPENDIX J, PAGE J1


J2<br />

A Proposal to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council to Adopt the<br />

Dual-Title Degree Program in<br />

African Studies<br />

Submitted by the <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in<br />

Comparative Literature<br />

Contact: Sophia A. McClennen<br />

Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies, Comparative Literature<br />

Sam50@psu.edu


J3<br />

Table of Contents<br />

PROGRAM PROPOSAL………………………………………………………… .................. … 2<br />

OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………………………….. .................. .2<br />

JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT…………………………………………………… ................... 2<br />

Constituency……………………………………………………………………………………….4<br />

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………… .5<br />

PROGRAM CHANGE……………………………………………………………………………………..7<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Comparative Literature-African Studies.…….…………………...7<br />

Admissions Requirements…………………………………………………………………………8<br />

Degree Requirements………………………………………………………………………………8<br />

Requirements for the Comparative Literature-African Studies Ph.D…………………..………….9<br />

Language Requirements………………………………………………………………………….10<br />

Candidacy Exam………………………………………………………………………………….11<br />

Committee Composition………………………………………………………………………….11<br />

Comprehensive Exam…………………………………………………………………………….11<br />

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense……………………………………………………………11<br />

African Studies Courses Available to fulfill Requirements………………………………………12<br />

Sample Curricula…………………………………………………………………………………14<br />

Costs………………………………………………………………………………………………14<br />

Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students…………………………………… ..…14<br />

ACCREDITATION……………………………………………………………………………………… 15<br />

DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED………………………………………………………………………… . 15<br />

CURRENT BULLETIN FOR COMPARATIVE LITERATURE…………………………………. ……16<br />

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TO BE INSERTED INTO THE BULLETIN ……………………………22<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Comparative Literature-African Studies ………………………..22<br />

Admissions Requirements………………………………………………………………………..22<br />

Degree Requirements……………………………………………………………………………..23<br />

Requirements for the Comparative Literature/African Studies Ph.D…………………….……. 23<br />

Language Requirements…………………………………………………………………………..25<br />

APPENDICES<br />

APPENDIX A: TEXT FOR COMPARATIVE LITERATURE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> STUDENT<br />

HANDBOOK……………………………………………………………………26<br />

APPENDIX B: EVIDENCE OF CONSULTATION WITH AFRICAN STUDIES AND THE<br />

OTHER ADOPTING PROGRAMS…….………………………………………31


J4<br />

PROGRAM PROPOSAL<br />

The graduate program in Comparative Literature proposes to adopt the new Dual-Title Ph.D.<br />

Degree program in African Studies.<br />

The program will not duplicate any other degree program at University Park or at Penn State’s<br />

commonwealth campuses. The program will also not impact directly on any other department or<br />

program, except for the two proposing units (graduate program in Comparative Literature and<br />

the African Studies Program).<br />

This proposal contains the following information, consistent with the review and approval<br />

process of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council.<br />

• A listing of courses that are appropriate for African Studies.<br />

• Requirements for the candidacy and comprehensive exams.<br />

• Composition of comprehensive examination committee.<br />

• Composition of doctoral committee.<br />

• The administrative process by which students will be admitted to the Dual-Title Doctoral<br />

Degree Program in Comparative Literature and African Studies.<br />

OBJECTIVES<br />

The main objectives of the proposed Comparative Literature and African Studies Dual-Title<br />

Doctoral Degree Program are to:<br />

• offer a systematic and integrated cluster of courses to enrich the curriculum and training<br />

of Comparative Literature doctoral students, who wish to complement their African<br />

literature specialization with a more thorough understanding of the dynamics of African<br />

political, socioeconomic and environmental change;<br />

• use the research projects and institutional networks of core and affiliate African Studies<br />

faculty to provide research opportunities and linkages in Africa for Comparative<br />

Literature doctoral students; and<br />

• produce Comparative Literature doctoral graduates, who have an additional qualification<br />

for African Studies-related employment in academia, bilateral and multilateral agencies<br />

and international think-tanks.<br />

JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT<br />

The African continent is an increasingly important actor in the global geopolitics of the twentyfirst<br />

century. Many countries on the continent are major energy centers and leading producers of<br />

mineral resources, which are critical to the stability of the current international economic system.<br />

In addition to its historical role as a source of raw materials, Africa has become a growing


J5<br />

market for manufactured goods from northern countries and an attractive destination for foreign<br />

direct investment from all over the world. These fundamental structural attributes have made<br />

twenty-first century Africa an important arena over which the European Union, the US, China<br />

and other developed and newly-developing countries and regions vie for access to economic<br />

opportunities and political influence.<br />

Africa has also long played a role in trans-Atlantic cultural exchange. Recently more scholarship<br />

has attended to the prominence of African forms of storytelling, music, and other cultural forms<br />

in global cultural exchange. In the field of Comparative Literature the role of Africa has gained<br />

greater and greater attention as a major player in global cultural interactions. The Comparative<br />

Literature program at Penn State has long been considered one of the few that included attention<br />

to literary works from Africa long before it was fashionable to do so. Adding this dual-title<br />

would allow us to highlight the existing faculty and students that work on Comparative<br />

Literature and Africa and it would complement our current dual title with Asian Studies.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> students from Penn State’s multiplicity of academic and sociocultural backgrounds<br />

who wish to study Africa’s role in the present global system, must be provided with an<br />

intellectual ‘home’ to do so. The proposed dual-title doctoral degree program will provide this<br />

opportunity by making it possible for interested Comparative Literature doctoral students to<br />

obtain an African Studies specialization to complement their degree in the primary discipline.<br />

The proposed program will provide such students with a framework within which they can<br />

integrate their Africa-related courses in Comparative Literature and other disciplines on campus,<br />

in a systematic way to engage in comparative, mulitdisciplinary, African Studies.<br />

The multidisciplinary approach of the proposed program will utilize the expertise of existing<br />

Africanists at Penn State to design courses, which will adopt the lens of the humanities, social<br />

sciences, education, biobehavioral sciences, and environmental sciences, as necessary and<br />

applicable. For example, analyses of a particular genre of African literary thought will benefit<br />

from exposure to a range of disciplinary approaches to the study of African culture, politics,<br />

history, gender dynamics, and the environment. While students in Comparative Literature have<br />

often worked on cross-disciplinary projects of this nature before, having the institutional support<br />

of a dual-degree will strengthen the quality of their work and help them highlight their training<br />

on the job market.<br />

The integrative orientation of the proposed program builds on its multidisciplinarity and is<br />

further embedded in two components: a pedagogy that assists doctoral students to synthesize<br />

their thematic and/or regional interests in African Studies; and an overall structure that allows<br />

doctoral students to combine their interests in Comparative Literature with African Studies into a<br />

single intellectual endeavor. No other avenue currently exists at Penn State for doctoral students<br />

to pursue this intellectual convergence between their major Comparative Literature and African<br />

Studies.


J6<br />

The multidisciplinary, comparative, and integrated vision of the proposed program is consistent<br />

with Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts (CLA) mission that dual-title doctoral degree<br />

programs are essential to its goal of moving from “national prominence” to “national leadership”<br />

(CLA Strategic Plan for 2008-2013).<br />

Other major universities in the CIC (for example, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan) and<br />

around the country (Yale, Cornell, UCLA, Florida, and UPenn) have flourishing programs in<br />

African Studies. None of these programs is, however, conceived explicitly as an intellectual<br />

partnership between two disciplines. Owing to its uniqueness, the proposed program provides an<br />

academic niche, which will contribute to Penn State’s vision of becoming a leader in<br />

multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural scholarship.<br />

In summary, the proposed dual-title doctoral degree program in Comparative Literature and<br />

African Studies will:<br />

• provide a framework within which Comparative Literature doctoral students can pursue<br />

an integrated body of regional/thematic courses to complement their specialization in the<br />

primary discipline;<br />

• use African Studies graduate faculty to enrich the multidisciplinary training and research<br />

of Comparative Literature doctoral students who have an interest in African Literature<br />

and African Studies;<br />

• enhance the standing of Penn State among CIC universities in African Studies; and<br />

• expand potential job opportunities for Comparative Literature doctoral graduates by<br />

making it possible for them to acquire a unique qualification that will attract a wide range<br />

of employers, including, academia, the US government, bilateral and multilateral<br />

international organizations and international non-governmental organizations.<br />

Constituency<br />

Table 1: Recent Enrollment in Africa-Related Courses at University Park<br />

Course FA 09 SP 10 FA 10 SP 11<br />

AAAS 440 Globalization and its Implications 18 21<br />

PL SC 440 Globalization and its Implications 15 15<br />

AAAS 443 Ethnic Conflicts in Africa 14 8<br />

PL SC 443 Ethnic Conflicts in Africa 11 18<br />

AAAS 454 Government and Politics in Africa 18 18<br />

Pl SC 454 Government and Politics in Africa 15 15<br />

AAAS 464 Petroleum, Extractive Industries and Politics in Africa 7 12<br />

PL SC 464 Petroleum, Extractive Industries and Politics in Africa 13 20<br />

CED 497C: E. Africa Agricultural Systems 7 6<br />

CMLIT 423: African Novel 1<br />

CMLIT 523: African Literature 10<br />

CSA 502: Org & Admin Structures of Africa 13 10


J7<br />

CSA 504: Rsh & Asmnt/Stu Africa 10<br />

GEOG 436: Ecology, Economy and Society (high Africa content) 15 12<br />

GEOG 454: African Resources and Development 26<br />

*GEOG 454 has an enrollment of 36 in Fall 2011<br />

The information on Table 1 shows that Comparative Literature is among a number of<br />

departments which offer Africa-related courses. In spring CMLIT 523 had an enrollment of ten,<br />

which is a very healthy enrollment for a graduate seminar. This indicates that there already<br />

exists a significant body of Comparative Literature graduates who have an interest in Africa.<br />

The dual-title degree program is likely to appeal to such students and might even increase their<br />

ranks in Comparative Literature. These students will provide the constituency for the dual-title<br />

degree program.<br />

Outcomes<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in Comparative Literature and African Studies is<br />

expected to have several beneficial outcomes for graduate education at Penn State in general, and<br />

for Comparative Literature doctoral students, in particular. The program will have the following<br />

specific outcomes.<br />

i. Provide an institutional framework within which Comparative Literature doctoral<br />

students can streamline their interest in African Studies by taking a suite of courses,<br />

which integrates a regional and/or thematic concentration.<br />

ii. Provide Comparative Literature students with a multidisciplinary approach (beyond the<br />

primary discipline) towards addressing problems of African development.<br />

iii. Provide Comparative Literature students with regional expertise that will be attractive to<br />

prospective employers in academia, the US government, bilateral and multilateral<br />

agencies and NGOs.<br />

iv. Enhance the appeal of the Comparative Literature doctoral degree to prospective national<br />

and international students.<br />

v. Enhance the international, multicultural vision of the College of Liberal Arts and Penn<br />

State.<br />

vi. Expand research linkages between Comparative Literature doctoral students and African<br />

universities and agencies with which African Studies graduate faculty have<br />

established research networks (examples include, the University of South Africa, the<br />

University of Limpopo in South Africa, the University of Zimbabwe, Kenya Institute<br />

for Public Policy Research Analysis, South Africa’s Human Science Research<br />

Council, and the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern<br />

Africa) (see Table 2, below).<br />

vii. Expand the employment potential for Comparative Literature doctoral graduates by<br />

providing them with a degree that will make them more competitive for academic<br />

positions and for positions in international governmental and non-governmental<br />

agencies and organizations. Table 3 lists agencies, just within the United Nations,<br />

that may be highly interested in hiring an applicant with a Ph.D. in Comparative<br />

Literature and African Studies.


J8<br />

Table 2: Examples of Research/Project Linkages of Core African Studies Faculty<br />

Name Abbreviated Project Title Institutional Collaboration<br />

G. Baderoon Islam, African Publics and Religious Values University of Cape Town.<br />

(Research Fellow)<br />

K. Mengisteab,<br />

B. I. Logan<br />

Critical Discourses of Race<br />

Global Approaches to Intersectionality<br />

Towards a Model for Merging Traditional<br />

and Modern Institutions in Africa (funded<br />

Project)<br />

University of Cape Town (funded by the National<br />

Research Foundation, South Africa).<br />

Penn State’s Rock Ethics Institute and Africana<br />

Research Center - University of Cape Town,<br />

University of Stellenbosch and University of the<br />

Western Cape<br />

Human Science Research Council of South Africa,<br />

Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research Analysis,<br />

University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.<br />

K. Mengisteab Traditional Judicial systems and Institutions<br />

of Governance in Africa (funded project)<br />

Methodology Training for Doctoral<br />

Students in Eastern and Southern Africa<br />

Diversity Management for African Peer<br />

Review Mechanism<br />

S. Makoni Gerontology and HIV/AIDS care in<br />

southern Africa (funded<br />

Police Communication in Southern Africa<br />

Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern<br />

and Southern Africa(OSSREA)<br />

OSSREA<br />

Economic Commission for Africa<br />

University of Colombia, University of Cape Town<br />

University of Zimbabwe<br />

Discourses of State Security<br />

University of Zimbabwe<br />

K. Thomas Orphan Trajectories in Malawi PSU, UT Austin<br />

B. I. Logan Livelihood and Environmental Impacts of University of South Africa, University of Botswana<br />

Mining in South Africa, Zimbabwe and<br />

Botswana (Proposed)<br />

Table 3: Cross Section of United Nations Organizations with Potential to Employ Program<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong>s<br />

African Development Bank<br />

Department of Peacekeeping Operations<br />

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda<br />

International Labor Organization<br />

The World Bank Group<br />

International Organization for Migration<br />

Office of the High Representative for the<br />

Least Developed Countries (LDCs), land<br />

locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and<br />

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)<br />

UN Department of Political Affairs<br />

Executive Office of the Secretary-General<br />

International Fund for Agricultural Development<br />

International Monetary Fund<br />

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS<br />

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights<br />

The Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria<br />

United Nations Human Settlements Programme


J9<br />

United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO<br />

United Nations N Framework Convention Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development<br />

on Climate Change<br />

United Nations Office to the African Union United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire<br />

United Nations Population Fund<br />

United Nations Office at Geneva<br />

United Nations Children's Fund<br />

United Nations Office at Nairobi<br />

United Nations Development Programme United Nations Economic Commission for Africa<br />

World Food Program<br />

World Health Organization<br />

UN Entity for Gender Equality and<br />

the Empowerment of Women<br />

Source: Compiled from UN Jobs: A Swiss Association http://unjobs.org/, June 28, 2011.<br />

Together, these and other organizations within the United Nations system advertised a total of<br />

289 positions in June 2011, distributed across Africa as shown in Table 4. Although these jobs<br />

cover a wide range of skills, training and experience, many require training in the social sciences<br />

and humanities. The academic training of the dual-title program graduate would make her/him a<br />

very attractive and competitive candidate for these positions. The United Nations job<br />

possibilities outlined in the table, together with positions in other bilateral and multilateral<br />

organizations, the US Foreign and Diplomatic Services, and academia, suggest that significant<br />

job opportunities exist for graduates of the proposed dual- title degree program.<br />

Table 4: List of Africa-Based Positions Advertised By the United Nations in June 2011<br />

Algeria (3) Angola (1) Botswana (1) Burkina Faso (6)<br />

Burundi (5) Cameroon (3) Central African Republic (5) Chad (7)<br />

Comoros (2) Congo (2) Congo Democratic Rep. (33) Djibouti (2)<br />

Egypt (15) Equatorial Guinea (3) Ethiopia (28) Gambia (1)<br />

Ghana (3) Guinea (4) Guinea Bissau(1) Ivory Coast (4)<br />

Kenya (51) Liberia (9) Libya (1) Madagascar (2)<br />

Malawi (4) Mali (3) Mauritania (2) Mauritius (1)<br />

Morocco (1) Mozambique (5 Niger (5 Nigeria (9)<br />

Rwanda (11) Senegal (25) Sierra Leone (3) Somalia (3)<br />

South Africa(5) Sudan (22) Tanzania (7) Togo (1)<br />

Tunisia (19) Uganda (12) Western Sahara (2) Zambia (3)<br />

Zimbabwe (16)<br />

Source: compiled from UN Jobs: A Swiss Association http://unjobs.org/ , June 28, 2011.<br />

PROGRAM CHANGE<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies<br />

Comparative Literature doctoral students, who have research and educational interests in the<br />

social, cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of African studies, may apply to the


J10<br />

Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies. The goal of the program is to enable<br />

doctoral students in Comparative Literature to complement their knowledge and skills in their<br />

primary discipline with in-depth knowledge of prevailing theories on and problem-solving<br />

approaches to thematic, regional, or national issues pertaining to Africa.<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will provide interested Comparative Literature doctoral<br />

students with a multidisciplinary approach that will enhance their analytical capabilities for<br />

addressing key issues in Africa’s sociocultural and economic development. It will, thereby, add<br />

value to their Comparative Literature degree and increase their competitiveness in the job<br />

market. The well-rounded, regional specialist, who graduates from the program, is likely to be<br />

employed in an international setting and to have enhanced opportunities for US academic and<br />

non-academic positions as well. The program has the potential, therefore, to enhance the<br />

reputation of the Comparative Literature department, College of Liberal Arts, and Penn State.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Comparative Literature and The<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program.<br />

Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program<br />

known on their applications to Comparative Literature and include remarks in their statement of<br />

purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in the primary<br />

department reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

have the approval of the home department and then submit a letter of application and transcript,<br />

which will be reviewed by an African Studies Admissions Committee. An applicant must have a<br />

minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4 point scale) to be considered for enrollment in the<br />

dual-title degree program. Students must apply for enrollment into the dual-title degree program<br />

in African Studies prior to obtaining candidacy in Comparative Literature.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Comparative<br />

Literature doctoral program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy<br />

the requirements described below, as established by the African Studies Program. Within this<br />

framework, final course selection is determined by the student with the approval of the<br />

Comparative Literature and African Studies academic advisors. Upon acceptance by the African


J11<br />

Studies admissions committee, the African Studies director will assign the student an African<br />

Studies academic advisor in consultation with the African Studies admissions committee.<br />

As students develop their specific scholarly interests, they may request a different African<br />

Studies advisor from the one initially assigned. The student and the Comparative Literature and<br />

African Studies academic advisors will establish a program of study that is appropriate for the<br />

student’s professional objectives and that is in accordance with the policies of the <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Council, the Comparative Literature graduate program, and the African Studies Program.<br />

Requirements for the Comparative Literature-African Studies Ph.D.<br />

The Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and African Studies is awarded to students who are<br />

admitted to the Comparative Literature doctoral program and admitted subsequently into the<br />

dual-title degree in African Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D.<br />

degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies are as follows. (also, see table below).<br />

• A minimum of 60 postbaccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Comparative Literature will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation research credits, must be in Comparative Literature.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following are<br />

required: AFR 501 (3) and a minimum of 6 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3), AFR 530 (3),<br />

AFR 532 (3), AFR 534 (3), AFR 536, and AFR 537.<br />

• Up to 6 of the 18 credits may come from Comparative Literature, as approved by the<br />

student’s Comparative Literature and African Studies Program academic advisors.<br />

• The remaining credits can be taken in AFR or in any department other than Comparative<br />

Literature.<br />

• Of the 18 credits, no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than<br />

3 combined credits may come from 596 and 599 listings.<br />

• Fulfillment of communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by<br />

the student with approval of the Comparative Literature and African Studies program<br />

advisors and will meet the existing comparative literature requirements.<br />

The choice of courses in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the Comparative Literature and African Studies academic advisors. The suite of selected courses<br />

should have an integrated, intellectual thrust that probes THEMATIC, national, or regional<br />

issues and that is complementary to the student’s specialty in Comparative Literature.<br />

Table 5: Comparison of Current Program Requirements for Comparative Literature and<br />

the Proposed Dual Title Degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies<br />

Current Comparative Literature Program Requirement<br />

Completion of coursework in Comparative Literature as outlined in<br />

Proposed Requirements for the Comparative Literature<br />

African Studies Dual Title Degree<br />

Completion of coursework in Comparative Literature and


J12<br />

the graduate student handbook<br />

A minimum total of 60 postbaccalaureate credits of coursework. At<br />

least 45 credits, exclusive of the dissertation, must be in<br />

Comparative Literature<br />

Communication and foreign language requirements, which may be<br />

satisfied by advanced course work and competence developed in<br />

foreign languages.<br />

African Studies as outlined in the bulletin.<br />

• 18 credits on Africa, at the 400 or 500 levels, of which<br />

the following are required: AFR 501 (3 credits); and a<br />

minimum of 6 credits from AFR 530, SOC/AFR 527,<br />

AFR 532, AFR 534, AFR 536, AFR 537 (which<br />

provide broad exposure to issues in African Studies)<br />

• As many as 6 of the 18 credits may come from CMLIT<br />

(depending on the student’s interest).<br />

• The remaining credits may be from 400 or 500-level<br />

courses on Africa, as approved by the student’s<br />

Comparative Literature and African Studies doctoral<br />

advisors.<br />

* Of these 18 credits, no more than 6 credits may be at<br />

the 400-level and no more than 6 combined credits may<br />

be from 596 and 599 listings.”<br />

The choice of courses will give priority to integrating<br />

the student’s knowledge in particular thematic, regional<br />

or national aspects of African Studies.<br />

• Communication and foreign language requirements<br />

will be determined by the student with approval of the<br />

Comparative Literature and African Studies Program<br />

advisors and will meet the existing Comparative<br />

Literature requirements (see below).<br />

Faculty representation from African Studies on the following<br />

committees:<br />

• Candidacy Exam<br />

• Comprehensive Exam<br />

• Doctoral Committee<br />

The topic of the dissertation must address Comparative<br />

Literature and some aspect of African Studies.<br />

Language Requirement<br />

Fulfillment of communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by the<br />

student with approval of the Comparative Literature and African Studies program advisors and<br />

will meet the existing Comparative Literature requirements. The Ph.D. in Comparative Literature<br />

requires proficiency in two foreign languages. The foreign languages are to be prepared at a level<br />

that permits thorough literary analysis of texts and related material in those languages.<br />

Candidacy Exam<br />

The dual-title degree will be guided by the Candidacy Exam procedure of the Comparative<br />

Literature graduate program. The candidacy exam for the dual-title degree may be given after at<br />

least 18 postbaccalaureate credits have been earned in graduate courses; it must be taken within<br />

three semesters (summer sessions do not count) of entry into the Comparative Literature


J13<br />

graduate program. There will be a single candidacy examination, containing elements of both the<br />

major discipline and African Studies.<br />

The candidacy examination committee for the dual-title degree will be composed of graduate<br />

faculty from Comparative Literature and must include a graduate faculty member from the<br />

African Studies Program. The designated dual-title faculty member may be appointed from<br />

Comparative Literature if that person holds a formal affiliation with the African Studies program.<br />

Doctoral Committee Composition<br />

The doctoral committee of a dual-title doctoral degree student must include a minimum of four<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty members, i.e., the chair and at least three additional members. The committee<br />

must include at least one member of the African Studies graduate faculty.<br />

If the chair of the committee representing Comparative Literature is not also a member of the<br />

graduate faculty in African Studies, the member of the committee representing African Studies<br />

should be appointed as co-chair.<br />

Comprehensive Exam<br />

After completing most course work, doctoral candidates for the dual-title doctoral degree in<br />

Comparative Literature and African Studies must pass a comprehensive examination that<br />

includes written and oral components. Written components will be administered on a<br />

candidate’s examination fields according to the current Comparative Literature exam structure,<br />

and on African Studies. The African Studies representative on the student’s doctoral committee<br />

will develop questions for and participate in the evaluation of the comprehensive examination.<br />

The African Studies component of the exam will be based on the student’s thematic, national or<br />

regional area(s) of interest and specialization in African Studies.<br />

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense<br />

Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination<br />

(the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the dual-title program are<br />

required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research<br />

and education in Comparative Literature and African Studies.<br />

African Studies Courses Available to Fulfill Requirements (*Denotes a proposed course)<br />

*AFR 501- Key Issues in African Studies (3 credits).<br />

This seminar will provide students with an overview of a wide range of issues, theories and<br />

methods in African Studies. The course will be divided into three key areas: African history and<br />

culture; African political economies and globalization; and human environment relations in<br />

Africa.


J14<br />

*SOC/AFR 527- Migration, Urbanization and Policy in the Developing World (3)<br />

The course reviews the conceptual, substantive, and policy issues associated with migration and<br />

urbanization in non-western contexts. It begins by focusing attention on the role of migration<br />

systems in the organization of migration flows. Emerging issues, controversies, and the impacts<br />

of social changes in rural and urban areas in migration will also be reviewed. The course also<br />

gives attention to the determinants of internal-migration and urbanization in the developing<br />

world. Finally, using discourses on population policy as a backdrop, the implications of<br />

migration and urbanization trends for policy development will be evaluated.<br />

AAAS 530- Globalization in Africa (3)<br />

This course examines how globalization has impacted African societies and their socioeconomic<br />

development. To be able to systematically examine its impacts, students first need a clear<br />

conceptualization of globalization and its essential characteristics. The course, thus, starts with a<br />

conceptualization of globalization and a theoretical discussion about how and under what<br />

conditions it emerges. The course then analyzes globalization’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and concludes with a discussion that explores how African<br />

countries may deal with the most important challenges and constraints globalization imposes on<br />

them.<br />

*AFR/GEOG 532- Environment and Poverty in Africa (3)<br />

This seminar is used to critique overlaps among resource control, conservation, and poverty in<br />

sub-Saharan Africa. The readings, discussions, annotations and critiques will be designed to<br />

draw out what is believed to be an overlapping conceptual framework between sustainability and<br />

poverty. The seminar will also use case study examples to trace the relationships between<br />

sustainability discourse (in terms of conservation) and poverty creation and perpetuation among<br />

livelihood systems in sub-Saharan Africa, for example: nomadic pastoralists and land and water<br />

resources; land reform and rural livelihood systems; community-based resource programs,<br />

mining, the environment and rural communities; and national parks, transfrontier parks and rural<br />

livelihood systems.<br />

*AFR/PL SC 534- Political Economy of Petroleum, Energy and Extractive Industries in Africa<br />

(3)<br />

This course examines the extractive industry-driven changes in Africa’s political economy as<br />

well as in the continent’s foreign relations. Students are encouraged to examine the institutional<br />

mechanisms under which the expansion of the industry is taking place in Africa. The course,<br />

thus, involves an extensive discussion of the institutional characteristics of Africa, including<br />

issues of land tenure and property rights laws. It examines how the institutional mechanisms are<br />

changing in order to facilitate the industry’s expansion and the repercussions of these<br />

institutional changes on society. The course also analyzes the industry’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and global relations.<br />

*AFR 536- Kinship and Social Practices in Africa (3)<br />

The course analyses different kinship theories and how they may enable us to enhance our<br />

understanding of the different dimensions of African social practices in historical and<br />

contemporary Africa. It examines theories of kinship and social formations in order to interpret


J15<br />

the relevance of traditional formations in historical and contemporary African development. It<br />

also examines the implications of social formations for political change (example,<br />

democratization), social (example, corruption and institutional failures) and cultural (ethnicity<br />

and religion) for shaping change in contemporary Africa.<br />

*AFR/WS 537-Gender, Sexuality and Islam in Africa (3)<br />

This course focuses on the intersection of Feminist Studies, African Studies and Religious<br />

Studies. It offers students an advanced level of reading, analysis and discussion about discourses<br />

of sexuality and gender in studies of Islam in Africa. It discusses key African and feminist<br />

theoretical concepts in the study of gender and Islam and also engages discussions of religion,<br />

gender and sexuality. Building on these foundations, the course examines the historical, literary<br />

and visual representation of gender, sexuality and Islam in South Africa as a case study. The<br />

latter section includes discussions of recent theoretical debates about sexual diversity in Islam as<br />

well as the impact of activism, political representation and artistic, literary and autobiographical<br />

representations by gay and lesbian Muslims in South Africa.<br />

The core electives listed above provides students with the opportunity to pursue in greater detail,<br />

one of the three key themes covered in AFR 501: history and culture (536 or 537); political<br />

economy (527, 530, 534,); human-environment interaction (527, 532, 534).<br />

African-Related Courses Currently Available in the African Studies Program and in other<br />

Units at Penn State (all AAAS course prefixes are to be changed to AFR)<br />

AFR/PL SC/IB 440 (US;IL) Globalization and Its Implications (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 443 (IL) Ethnic Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 454 (IL) Government and Politics of Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 434 (IL) War and Development in Africa (3)<br />

AFR/PL SC 464 (IL) Globalization, Extractive Industries, and Conflict in Africa (3)<br />

AFR 496 Individual Studies (3)<br />

AFR 499 Foreign Studies (3)<br />

CMLIT 422 (IL) African Drama (3)<br />

CMLIT 423 (IL) African Novel (3)<br />

HIST/AAAS 415 (US;IL) Race, Gender, and Politics in the United States and S. Africa (3)<br />

GEOG 444 African Resources and Development (3)<br />

ECON 413W Economic Growth and the Challenge of World Poverty (3)<br />

ECON 475W Migration and Development (3)<br />

GEOG 429 (US) Global Urbanization (3)<br />

GEOG 436 Ecology, Economy, and Society (3)<br />

PL SC 412 International Political Economy (3)<br />

PL SCI 453 Political Processes in Underdeveloped Systems (3)<br />

RSOC/CED 420 (US;IL) Women in Developing Countries (3)<br />

AFR/LING 545 Anthropological approaches to Language, Culture and Health (3)<br />

AFR/LING 507 Language Policy and Development Planning in Africa (3)<br />

AFR 596<br />

Individual Studies


J16<br />

AFR 599<br />

Foreign Studies<br />

CMLIT 523<br />

African Literature<br />

CMLIT 597<br />

(If the course content is at least 50% Africa-related)<br />

AG EC/AEREC 550 International Economic Development and Agriculture (3)<br />

ANTH 556 Social Organization of Traditional Societies (3)<br />

ANTH 575 Population, Food, and Traditional Farming (3)<br />

GEOG/WMNST 515 Gender and Geography (3)<br />

PL SC 554 The Politics of Development (3)<br />

PL SCI 563<br />

International Political Economy<br />

PL SCI 597<br />

(If the course content is at least 50% Africa-related)<br />

Sample Curricula<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Comparative Literature doctoral student with broad<br />

interest in Religion, Ethnicity, and Literary Development in West Africa:<br />

• Core courses: AFR 501, 536, 537 (9 credits)<br />

• No more than two courses from CMLIT 422, 433, 523 (6 credits)<br />

• Other Africa-related courses (3 or more credits)<br />

Possible integrated suite of courses for a Comparative Literature doctoral student with interest in<br />

Globalization and the English Novel in Eastern Africa:<br />

• Core courses: AFR 501, 536, 537 (9 credits)<br />

• No more than two courses from CMLIT 422, 433, 523 (6 credits)<br />

• Other Africa-related courses (3 or more credits)<br />

Costs<br />

Students enrolled in the dual-title degree program may require additional semester(s) to complete<br />

the coursework required by African Studies, although it is not anticipated that more than one or<br />

two additional semesters will be necessary. Costs for the dual-title degree should not change<br />

except in cases where the dual-title degree adds semesters to the student’s course of study.<br />

Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> funding for Ph.D. candidates in Comparative Literature and African Studies may be<br />

provided by the Comparative Literature department and/or the African Studies program. Students<br />

who are supported by funds from the Department of Comparative Literature will perform<br />

teaching and other academic duties determined by the Comparative Literature graduate officer.<br />

Students who are supported by graduate assistantships or fellowships from the African Studies<br />

program will teach in roles and circumstances determined by the African Studies director.


J17<br />

Students will receive every available support from the African Studies faculty to write grants to<br />

support their field research and other academic endeavors. Students will also be given every<br />

opportunity to participate in the efforts of the African Studies faculty to secure external funding.<br />

External funding by African Studies graduate faculty also may provide additional graduate<br />

funding.<br />

ACCREDITATION<br />

No accrediting body or board and no licensing procedure is relevant.<br />

DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED<br />

This program will not duplicate any other graduate program at Penn State and will affect only the<br />

Comparative Literature graduate program and African Studies.


J18<br />

Revised Bulletin Description for Comparative Literature<br />

Comparative Literature (CMLIT)<br />

Program Home Page<br />

CAROLINE D. ECKHARDT, Head, In Charge of <strong>Graduate</strong> Programs in Comparative<br />

Literature<br />

427 Burrowes Building<br />

814-863-0589<br />

cmlit@psu.edu<br />

Degrees Conferred:<br />

• Ph.D., M.A.<br />

• Integrated B.A./M.A. Program in Comparative Literature<br />

• Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Asian Studies<br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

• Jonathan Abel, Ph.D. (Princeton) Associate Professor of Comparative Literature and<br />

Asian Studies<br />

• Andrea Bachner, Ph.D. (Harvard) Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature and<br />

Asian Studies<br />

• Mary Barnard, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Spanish and Comparative<br />

Literature<br />

• Thomas O. Beebee, Ph.D. (Michigan) Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature<br />

and German<br />

• Kevin J. H. Berland, Ph.D. (McMaster) Associate Professor of English<br />

• Patrick G. Cheney, Ph.D. (Toronto) Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative<br />

Literature<br />

• Jonathan P. Eburne, Ph.D. (Penn) Associate Professor of Comparative Literature and<br />

English; Josephine Berry Weiss Early Career Professor in the Humanities<br />

• Caroline D. Eckhardt, Ph.D. (Michigan) Professor of Comparative Literature and English<br />

• Robert Edwards, Ph.D. (California, Riverside) Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English<br />

and Comparative Literature<br />

• Nergis Ertürk, Ph.D. (Columbia) Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature<br />

• Charlotte Eubanks, Ph.D. (Colorado) Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature and<br />

Asian Studies<br />

• Kathryn M. Grossman, Ph.D. (Yale) Professor of French<br />

• Thomas A. Hale, Ph.D. (Rochester) Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of African, French, and<br />

Comparative Literature


J19<br />

• Eric Hayot, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) Professor of Comparative<br />

Literature and Asian Studies<br />

• Linda J. Ivanits, Ph.D. (Wisconsin) Associate Professor of Russian and Comparative<br />

Literature<br />

• Djelal Kadir, Ph.D. (New Mexico) Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Comparative<br />

Literature<br />

• Sophia A. McClennen, Ph.D. (Duke) Professor of Comparative Literature, Spanish, and<br />

Women's Studies; Affiliate Faculty, School of International Affairs<br />

• Philip Mosley, Ph.D. (East Anglia) Professor of English, Communications, and<br />

Comparative Literature<br />

• John Ochoa, Ph.D. (Yale) Associate Professor of Spanish and Comparative Literature<br />

• Steven Putzel, Ph.D. (Toronto) Associate Professor of English<br />

• Dennis Schmidt, Ph.D. (Boston College) Liberal Arts Research Professor of Philosophy,<br />

Comparative Literature, and German<br />

• Scott Smith, Ph.D. (Notre Dame) Assistant Professor of English and Comparative<br />

Literature<br />

• Allan Stoekl, Ph.D. (SUNY) Professor of French and Comparative Literature<br />

• Reiko Tachibana, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Comparative Literature,<br />

Japanese, and Asian Studies<br />

• Adrian Wanner, Ph.D. (Columbia) Professor of Russian and Comparative Literature<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> programs in Comparative Literature combine a core of comparative literature<br />

requirements with courses in selected literatures and further comparative courses, according to<br />

each student's interests. For example, programs of study can concentrate on such topics as<br />

genres, themes, periods, movements, folktale and oral literature, criticism, and the links between<br />

literature and related fields such as theatre or women's studies.<br />

The M.A. is a general humanistic degree that helps prepare students for a variety of situations,<br />

including teaching in private high schools or community colleges, or further graduate work. The<br />

Ph.D. is a more specialized degree. The Ph.D. in comparative literature can be combined with a<br />

minor in a professional field such as teaching English as a second language. Another potential<br />

combination is our dual-title Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and Asian Studies.<br />

Only the faculty members and courses officially associated with the Department of Comparative<br />

Literature are listed here. Faculty members and courses in other departments are also available to<br />

Comparative Literature students according to their preparation.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Requirements listed here are in addition to general <strong>Graduate</strong> School requirements stated in the<br />

GENERAL INFORMATION section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.


J20<br />

Students with appropriate course backgrounds and a 3.00 junior/senior average (on a 4.00 scale)<br />

will be considered for admission. The admission process is highly competitive and the best<br />

qualified students will be admitted subject to space availability. Students with a degree from an<br />

institution where the language of instruction is English must supply the GRE, all others must<br />

supply the TOEFL. International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement<br />

who have received a baccalaureate or a master's graduate degree from a<br />

college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and<br />

British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia,<br />

New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Wales. Those international<br />

students who provide TOEFL scores do not need to provide the GRE. Most students who do<br />

graduate work in comparative literature hold a B.A. or M.A. degree in comparative literature or<br />

in a particular language and literature. Students completing degrees in such fields are welcome to<br />

apply--as are students in other humanistic fields, such as philosophy or history, if they have<br />

studied literature.<br />

For admission to the M.A. program, students should be prepared to study at least one foreign<br />

literature in its own language. For admission to the Ph.D. program, students should be prepared<br />

to study at least two foreign literatures in their own language. Doctorate-seeking students usually<br />

complete the M.A. before being formally admitted to the Ph.D. program, but exceptional<br />

students may be admitted from the B.A. level directly to the Ph.D. Students are encouraged to<br />

plan a unified M.A./Ph.D. program if they take both degrees here; however, Ph.D. applications<br />

are welcomed from students holding or completing an M.A. elsewhere.<br />

Master’s Degree Requirements<br />

Requirements for the M.A. in comparative literature include 6 credits of CMLIT 501, CMLIT<br />

502 (3), CMLIT 503 (3); 3 further credits in comparative literature courses and other literature<br />

courses (18 credits); a master's paper; and proficiency in two foreign languages (one at the level<br />

that permits thorough literary analysis of texts, the other at the level of reading proficiency).<br />

Students are expected to take coursework in non-Anglophone literatures (at least 6 credits), but<br />

the exact number of non-Anglophone courses is to be determined in the plan of study approved<br />

by the Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies.<br />

Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

Requirements for the Ph.D. in comparative literature include (1) CMLIT 501 (6 credits), CMLIT<br />

502 (3 credits), and CMLIT 503 (3 credits)—with substitute courses if these have been used in


J21<br />

the M.A. program; (2) at least an additional 21 credits in literature courses, including course<br />

work in the three languages that the student selects, with emphasis on the student's primary<br />

literature--students should organize their course work, as much as possible, around a unifying<br />

principle, such as genre, period, or theme; (3) a candidacy examination; (4) proficiency in two<br />

foreign languages; (5) a comprehensive examination; and (6) a written dissertation and final oral<br />

defense of the dissertation.<br />

On item (4), the foreign languages are to be prepared at a level that permits thorough literary<br />

analysis of texts and related material in those languages.<br />

Other Relevant Information<br />

Students pursuing a graduate degree in comparative literature have individualized programs of<br />

study within the requirements specified above. For example, one student may emphasize film<br />

and new media; another, the novel. One student may concentrate on earlier literatures; another,<br />

on international modernism. One student may be interested primarily in the European tradition;<br />

another, in Inter-American literatures. In such a program, the relationship between student and<br />

adviser is important. Each graduate student works with faculty advisers familiar with<br />

comparative studies as a whole and with the student's particular area of interest.<br />

Student Aid<br />

Teaching assistantships in the Department of Comparative Literature, as well as in related<br />

language and literature departments, typically have been available to students taking comparative<br />

literature degrees. In recent years, Comparative Literature students have held assistantships in<br />

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili,<br />

and Women's Studies, as well as in Comparative Literature courses. There also is a graduate<br />

assistantship position for an editorial assistant to the journal Comparative Literature Studies,<br />

which is edited in the department. In addition to the fellowships, graduate assistantships, and<br />

other forms of financial aid described in the STUDENT AID section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin,<br />

the following awards typically have been available to graduate students in this program:<br />

SAMUEL P. BAYARD AWARD<br />

Available annually to a graduate student in comparative literature, selected by the graduate<br />

committee of the Department of Comparative Literature. Amount varies.<br />

EDWIN ERLE SPARKS FELLOWSHIPS IN THE HUMANITIES (8)


J22<br />

Available to beginning and continuing graduate students in the following graduate programs:<br />

Comparative Literature, English, French, German, History, Philosophy, Spanish, and<br />

Communication Arts and Sciences.<br />

FOLGER INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIPS<br />

Penn State is a member of the Folger Institute of Renaissance and Eighteenth-Century Studies.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> students in Comparative Literature are eligible for Folger Institute Fellowships to study<br />

in seminars and workshops at the Folger Library, Washington, D.C.<br />

TITLE VI Center for Global Studies ASSISTANTSHIP<br />

Available to beginning and continuing graduate students in Comparative Literature and other<br />

programs.<br />

Integrated B.A./M.A. Program in Comparative Literature<br />

(CMLIT)<br />

The Department of Comparative Literature offers an integrated B.A./M.A. program that is<br />

designed to allow academically superior baccalaureate students to obtain both the B.A. and the<br />

M.A. degrees in Comparative Literature within five years of study. The first two years of<br />

undergraduate course work include the University General Education and Liberal Arts<br />

requirements in addition to language and literature study in the major. In the third year, students<br />

are expected to define areas of interest in two primary literatures in different languages. In<br />

addition, students in the B.A./M.A. program should begin to undertake work in a second foreign<br />

language. The fourth year includes graduate-level work in methodology and the student's<br />

selection of primary literatures, which replaces comparable 400-level senior year courses. The<br />

fifth and final year of the program typically consists of graduate work in Comparative Literature<br />

courses as well as the chosen literatures. The program culminates with an M.A. paper.<br />

By encouraging greater depth and focus in the course of study beginning in the third<br />

undergraduate year, this program helps students more clearly define their area of interest and<br />

expertise in the otherwise vast field of international literatures. As a result, long-range academic<br />

planning for exceptional students pursuing doctoral degrees after leaving Penn State, or other<br />

professional goals, will be greatly enhanced. The student may also be more competitive in<br />

applying for admission to Ph.D. programs as well as for institutional and national grant monies<br />

and scholarships.


J23<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

The number of openings in the integrated B.A./M.A. program is limited. Admission is selective<br />

based on specific criteria and the unqualified recommendation of faculty. Applicants to the<br />

integrated program:<br />

1. Must be enrolled in the Comparative Literature B.A. program [1].<br />

2. Must have completed 60 credits of the undergraduate degree program. (It is strongly<br />

suggested that students apply to the program prior to completing 100 credits.)<br />

3. Must be accepted without reservation into the M.A. program in Comparative Literature.<br />

4. Should have a recommended overall GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate<br />

coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.<br />

5. Must present a departmentally approved plan of study in the application process.<br />

6. Must be recommended by the chairs of the Department's undergraduate and graduate<br />

committees.<br />

A typical sequence of coursework for the integrated program would appear as follows:<br />

Year One: 6 credits: CMLIT 010<br />

CMLIT 100<br />

Year Two: 6 credits: Foreign Language (beyond the 12-credit level)<br />

6 credits: Courses in Literature<br />

Year Three: 9 credits: 400-level courses in Literature, including CMLIT<br />

400Y<br />

(variable credits)<br />

Work in foreign language (credits do not count<br />

towards the major, but reading proficiency is<br />

required for the M.A. degree)<br />

Year Four: 3 credits: CMLIT 501, 502, and/or 503<br />

6 credits: Comparative Literature courses<br />

6-9 credits: 500-level courses in Literatures (at least 3 credits in<br />

non-Anglophone literature)<br />

Year Five: 3 credits: CMLIT 501, 502, and/or 503<br />

9-12 credits: 500-level courses in Literatures (at least 3 credits in


J24<br />

non-Anglophone literature)<br />

6 credits: 500-level Comparative Literature Courses; M.A.<br />

paper<br />

Courses<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate<br />

courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements<br />

when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may<br />

register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous<br />

education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.<br />

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE (CMLIT) course list<br />

[1] A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better, as specified in Senate<br />

Policy 82-44.<br />

Last Revised by the Department: Summer Session 2010<br />

Blue Sheet Item #: 38-05-148A (Integrated)<br />

Review Date: 02/23/2010<br />

Last update by Publications: 8/20/09


J25<br />

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TO BE INSERTED INTO THE BULLETIN<br />

Dual-Title <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies<br />

Comparative Literature doctoral students who have research and educational interests in African<br />

Studies may apply to the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies. The goal of<br />

the program is to enable doctoral students from Comparative Literature to complement their<br />

knowledge and skills in their primary discipline with in-depth knowledge of prevailing theories<br />

on and problem-solving approaches to thematic, regional, or national issues pertaining to African<br />

development and change.<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will provide interested Comparative Literature doctoral<br />

students with a multidisciplinary approach that will enhance their analytical capabilities for<br />

addressing key issues in African Studies. It will, thereby, add value to their Comparative<br />

Literature degree and should increase their competitiveness in the job market. The well-rounded<br />

specialist who graduates from the program may be employed in an international setting and have<br />

enhanced opportunities for U.S. academic and non-academic positions as well.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Comparative Literature and The<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program.<br />

Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program<br />

known clearly on their applications to Comparative Literature and include remarks in their<br />

statement of purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in the<br />

primary department reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

have the approval of the Comparative Literature department and then submit a letter of<br />

application and transcript, which will be reviewed by an African Studies Admissions Committee.<br />

An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4 point scale) to be<br />

considered for enrollment in the dual-title degree program. Students must apply for enrollment<br />

into the dual-title degree program in African Studies prior to obtaining candidacy in Comparative<br />

Literature.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Comparative<br />

Literature doctoral program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy<br />

the requirements described below, as established by the African Studies Program. Within this


J26<br />

framework, course selection is determined by the student with the approval of the Comparative<br />

Literature and African Studies academic advisors.<br />

Upon acceptance by the African Studies admissions committee, the African Studies director will<br />

assign the student an African Studies academic advisor in consultation with the African Studies<br />

admissions committee.<br />

As a student develops specific scholarly interests, s/he may request a different African Studies<br />

advisor from the one assigned by the African Studies admissions committee. The student and the<br />

Comparative Literature and African Studies academic advisors will establish a program of study<br />

that is appropriate for the student’s professional objectives and that is in accordance with the<br />

policies of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council, the Comparative Literature graduate program, and the African<br />

Studies Program.<br />

Requirements for the Comparative Literature-African Studies Ph.D.<br />

The Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and African Studies is awarded to students who are<br />

admitted to the Comparative Literature doctoral program and admitted subsequently into the<br />

dual-title degree in African Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D.<br />

degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies are as follows (also, see table below).<br />

• A minimum of 60 postbaccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Comparative Literature will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation research credits, must be in Comparative Literature.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following 9<br />

credits are required: AFR 501 (3) and a minimum of 6 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3),<br />

AFR 530 (3), AFR 532 (3), AFR 534 (3), AFR 536, and AFR 537.<br />

• UP TO 6 of the 18 credits may come from Comparative Literature, as approved by the<br />

student’s Comparative Literature and African Studies Program academic advisors.<br />

• The remaining credits can be taken in AFR or in any department other than Comparative<br />

Literature.<br />

• Of the 18 CREDITS, no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more<br />

than 3 combined credits may come from 596 and 599 listings.<br />

The choice of courses in African Studies is to be proposed by the student subject to approval by<br />

the Comparative Literature and African Studies academic advisors. The suite of selected courses<br />

should have an integrated, intellectual thrust that probes thematic, national, or regional issues and<br />

that is complementary to the student’s specialty in Comparative Literature.<br />

Language Requirement


Fulfillment of communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by the<br />

student with approval of the Comparative Literature and African Studies program advisors and<br />

will meet the existing Comparative Literature requirements. The Ph.D. in Comparative Literature<br />

requires proficiency in two foreign languages. The foreign languages are to be prepared at a level<br />

that permits thorough literary analysis of texts and related material in those languages.<br />

J27


J28<br />

Appendix A<br />

TEXT FOR COMPARATIVE LITERATURE <strong>GRADUATE</strong> STUDENT<br />

HANDBOOK<br />

Comparative Literature doctoral students who have research and educational interests in African<br />

Studies may apply to the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies. The goal of<br />

the program is to enable doctoral students from Comparative Literature to complement their<br />

knowledge and skills in their primary discipline with in-depth knowledge of prevailing theories<br />

on and problem-solving approaches to thematic, regional, or national issues pertaining to African<br />

development and change.<br />

The Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program will provide interested Comparative Literature doctoral<br />

students with a multidisciplinary approach that will enhance their analytical capabilities for<br />

addressing key issues in African Studies. It will, thereby, add value to their Comparative<br />

Literature degree and should increase their competitiveness in the job market. The well-rounded,<br />

regional specialist, who graduates from the program, may be employed in an international setting<br />

and have enhanced opportunities for U.S. academic and non-academic positions as well.<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Comparative Literature and The<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program.<br />

Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program<br />

known clearly on their applications to Comparative Literature and include remarks in their<br />

statement of purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in the<br />

primary department reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.<br />

To be enrolled in the Dual Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies, a student must<br />

submit a letter of application and transcript, which will be reviewed by an African Studies<br />

Admissions Committee. An applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4<br />

point scale) to be considered for enrollment in the dual-title degree program. Students must<br />

apply for enrollment into the dual-title degree program in African Studies prior to obtaining<br />

candidacy in Comparative Literature.<br />

General <strong>Graduate</strong> Council requirements are stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Degree Requirements<br />

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Comparative<br />

Literature doctoral program in which they are primarily enrolled. In addition, they must satisfy


J29<br />

the requirements described below, as established by the African Studies Program. Within this<br />

framework, course selection is determined by the student with the approval of the Comparative<br />

Literature and African Studies academic advisors.<br />

Upon acceptance by the African Studies admissions committee, the African Studies director will<br />

assign the student an African Studies academic advisor in consultation with the African Studies<br />

admissions committee.<br />

As a student develops specific scholarly interests, s/he may request a different African Studies<br />

advisor from the one assigned by the African Studies admissions committee. The student and the<br />

Comparative Literature and African Studies academic advisors will establish a program of study<br />

that is appropriate for the student’s professional objectives and that is in accordance with the<br />

policies of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council, the Comparative Literature graduate program, and the African<br />

Studies Program.<br />

Requirements for the Comparative Literature-African Studies Ph.D.<br />

The Ph. D. in Comparative Literature and African Studies is awarded to students who are<br />

admitted to the Comparative Literature doctoral program and admitted subsequently into the<br />

dual-title degree in African Studies. The minimum course requirements for the dual-title Ph.D.<br />

degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies are as follows (also, see table below).<br />

• A minimum of 60 postbaccalaureate credits. Course work accepted for the M.A. in<br />

Comparative Literature will count toward the 60-credit requirement. At least 45 credits,<br />

exclusive of dissertation research credits, must be in Comparative Literature.<br />

• 18 credits of Africa-related coursework at the 400 or 500-level of which the following 9<br />

credits are required: AFR 501 (3) and a minimum of 6 credits from SOC/AFR 527 (3),<br />

AFR 530 (3), AFR 532 (3), AFR 534 (3), AFR 536, AND AFR 537.<br />

• UP TO 6 of the 18 credits may come from Comparative Literature, as approved by the<br />

student’s Comparative Literature and African Studies Program academic advisors.<br />

• The remaining credits can be taken in AFR or in any department other than Comparative<br />

Literature.<br />

• Of the 18 credits, no more than 6 credits may be taken at the 400-level and no more than<br />

3 combined credits may come from 596 and 599 LISTINGS.<br />

The choice of courses in African Studies is to be proposed by the student, subject to approval by<br />

the Comparative Literature and African Studies academic advisors. The suite of selected courses<br />

should have an integrated, intellectual thrust that probes thematic, national, or regional issues and<br />

that is complementary to the student’s specialty in Comparative Literature.<br />

Language Requirement


J30<br />

Fulfillment of communication and foreign language requirements will be determined by the<br />

student with approval of the Comparative Literature and African Studies program advisors and<br />

will meet the existing Comparative Literature requirements. The Ph.D. in Comparative Literature<br />

requires proficiency in two foreign languages. The foreign languages are to be prepared at a level<br />

that permits thorough literary analysis of texts and related material in those languages.<br />

Candidacy Exam<br />

The dual-title degree will be guided by the Candidacy Exam procedure of the Comparative<br />

Literature graduate program. The candidacy exam for the dual-title degree may be given after at<br />

least 18 postbaccalaureate credits have been earned in graduate courses; it must be taken within<br />

three semesters (summer sessions do not count) of entry into the Comparative Literature<br />

graduate program. There will be a single candidacy examination, containing elements of both<br />

the major discipline and African Studies.<br />

The candidacy examination committee for the dual-title degree will be composed of graduate<br />

faculty from Comparative Literature and must include a graduate faculty member from the<br />

African Studies Program. The designated dual-title faculty member may be appointed from<br />

Comparative Literature if that person holds a formal affiliation with the African Studies program.<br />

Doctoral Committee Composition<br />

The doctoral committee of a dual-title doctoral degree student must include a minimum of four<br />

graduate faculty members, i.e., the chair and at least three additional members. The committee<br />

must include at least one member of the African Studies graduate faculty. If the chair of the<br />

committee representing Comparative Literature is not also a member of the graduate faculty in<br />

African Studies, the member of the committee representing African Studies should be appointed<br />

as co-chair.<br />

Comprehensive Exam<br />

After completing all or nearly all course work, doctoral candidates for the dual-title doctoral<br />

degree in Comparative Literature and African Studies must pass a comprehensive examination<br />

that includes written and oral components. Written components will be administered on a<br />

candidate’s Comparative Literature examination fields and African Studies. The African Studies<br />

representative on the student’s doctoral committee will develop questions for and participate in<br />

the evaluation of the comprehensive examination. The African Studies component of the exam<br />

will be based on the student’s thematic, national or regional area(S) of interest and specialization<br />

in African Studies.<br />

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense


J31<br />

Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination<br />

(the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the dual-title program are<br />

required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research<br />

and education in Comparative Literature and African Studies.<br />

African Studies Courses Available to Fulfill Requirements (*Denotes a proposed course)<br />

*AFR 501- Key Issues in African Studies (3 credits).<br />

This seminar will provide students with an overview of a wide range of issues, theories and<br />

methods in African Studies. The course will be divided into three key areas: African history and<br />

culture; African political economies and globalization; and human environment relations in<br />

Africa.<br />

*SOC/AFR 527- Migration, Urbanization and Policy in the Developing World (3)<br />

The course reviews the conceptual, substantive, and policy issues associated with migration and<br />

urbanization in non-western contexts. It begins by focusing attention on the role of migration<br />

systems in the organization of migration flows. Emerging issues, controversies, and the impacts<br />

of social changes in rural and urban areas in migration will also be reviewed. The course also<br />

gives attention to the determinants of internal-migration and urbanization in the developing<br />

world. Finally, using discourses on population policy as a backdrop, the implications of<br />

migration and urbanization trends for policy development will be evaluated.<br />

AFR 530- Globalization in Africa (3)<br />

This course examines how globalization has impacted African societies and their socioeconomic<br />

development. To be able to systematically examine its impacts, students first need a clear<br />

conceptualization of globalization and its essential characteristics. The course, thus, starts with<br />

conceptualization of globalization and a theoretical discussion about how and under what<br />

conditions it emerges. The course then analyzes globalization’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and concludes with a discussion that explores how African<br />

countries may deal with the most important challenges and constraints globalization imposes on<br />

them.<br />

*AFR/GEOG 532- Environment and Poverty in Africa (3)<br />

This seminar is used to critique overlaps among resource control, conservation, and poverty in<br />

sub-Saharan Africa. The readings, discussions, annotations and critiques will be designed to<br />

draw out what is believed to be an overlapping conceptual framework between sustainability and<br />

poverty. The seminar will also use case study examples to trace the relationships between<br />

sustainability discourse (in terms of conservation) and poverty creation and perpetuation among<br />

livelihood systems in sub-Saharan Africa, example: nomadic pastoralists and land and water<br />

resources; land reform and rural livelihood systems; community-based resource programs,<br />

mining, the environment and rural communities; and national parks, transfrontier parks and rural<br />

livelihood systems.<br />

*AFR/PL SC 534- Political Economy of Petroleum, Energy and Extractive Industries in Africa<br />

(3)


J32<br />

This course examines the extractive industry-driven changes in Africa’s political economy as<br />

well as in the continent’s foreign relations. Students are encouraged to examine the institutional<br />

mechanisms under which the expansion of the industry is taking place in Africa. The course,<br />

thus, involves an extensive discussion of the institutional characteristics of Africa, including<br />

issues of land tenure and property rights laws. It examines how the institutional mechanisms are<br />

changing in order to facilitate the industry’s expansion and the repercussions of these<br />

institutional changes on society. The course also analyzes the industry’s impacts on Africa’s<br />

socioeconomic development and global relations.<br />

*AFR 536- Kinship and Social Practices in Africa (3)<br />

The course analyses different kinship theories and how they may enable us to enhance our<br />

understanding of the different dimensions of African social practices in historical and<br />

contemporary Africa. It examines theories of kinship and social formations in order to interpret<br />

the relevance of traditional formations in historical and contemporary African development. It<br />

also examines the implications of social formations for political change (example,<br />

democratization), social (example, corruption and institutional failures) and cultural (ethnicity<br />

and religion) for shaping change in contemporary Africa.<br />

*AFR/WS 537-Gender, Sexuality and Islam in Africa (3)<br />

This course focuses on the intersection of Feminist Studies, African Studies and Religious<br />

Studies. It offers students an advanced level of reading, analysis and discussion about discourses<br />

of sexuality and gender in studies of Islam in Africa. It discusses key African and feminist<br />

theoretical concepts in the study of gender and Islam and also engages discussions of religion,<br />

gender and sexuality. Building on these foundations, the course examines the historical, literary<br />

and visual representation of gender, sexuality and Islam in South Africa as case study. The latter<br />

section includes discussions of recent theoretical debates about sexual diversity in Islam as well<br />

as the impact of activism, political representation and artistic, literary and autobiographical<br />

representations by gay and lesbian Muslims in South Africa.<br />

The core courses listed above provide the opportunity to pursue, in greater detail, one of the three<br />

key themes covered in AFR 501: history and culture (536 or 537); political economy (527, 530,<br />

534); human-environment interaction (527, 532, 534).<br />

For the availability of other Africa-related courses, students should consult their advisors,<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin, and the Schedule of Courses.


J33<br />

Appendix B<br />

EVIDENCE OF CONSULTATION WITH AFRICAN STUDIES AND THE<br />

OTHER ADOPTING PROGRAMS<br />

From: Kidane Mengisteab <br />

To: Caroline Eckhardt e82@psu.edu<br />

Date: Mon, 5 Mar <strong>2012</strong> 14:27:11 -0500<br />

Subject: Comparative Literature / African Studies Dual-Title Degree Proposal<br />

Cc: sam50@psu.edu<br />

Dear Carey:<br />

The African Studies Program is pleased to support the proposal for the Department of<br />

Comparative Literature to partner with us in offering the dual-title Ph.D. in Comparative<br />

Literature and African Studies, as described in the accompanying proposal. We look forward to<br />

working with Comparative Literature as we together implement this exciting new graduate<br />

opportunity.<br />

Kidane Mengisteab<br />

Acting Director African Studies.<br />

***Caroline Eckhardt is the Head of the Department of Comparative Literature<br />

From: D. Scott Bennett <br />

Date: Fri, Apr 13, <strong>2012</strong> at 12:33 PM<br />

Subject: Re: consult for dual degree<br />

To: Sophia McClennen <br />

Sophia:<br />

Thanks for inquiring. I support the dual-degree. There are good complementarities and it makes<br />

sense.<br />

Good luck,<br />

Scott<br />

---------------------------------------------------<br />

D. Scott Bennett<br />

Distinguished Professor and Head, Department of Political Science


J34<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

318 Pond Building<br />

University Park, PA 16802-6200<br />

Voice (814) 865-6566; Fax (814) 863-8979<br />

From: Sophia McClennen <br />

To: dsb10@psu.edu<br />

Date: 04/11/<strong>2012</strong> 12:44 PM<br />

Subject: consult for dual degree<br />

Dear Scott,<br />

Comparative Literature has just finished a proposal for a dual-degree with Comp Lit and African<br />

Studies.<br />

Would you take a look at the proposal and let us know if you support it?<br />

thank you,<br />

Sophia<br />

--<br />

Dr. Sophia A. McClennen<br />

Professor of Comparative Literature, Spanish and Women's Studies<br />

Affiliate Faculty, School of International Affairs<br />

Director, The Center for Global Studies<br />

Director, The <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in Comparative Literature<br />

Director, Latin American Studies<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

From: Brent Yarnal <br />

Date: Mon, Apr 16, <strong>2012</strong> at 1:58 PM<br />

Subject: Re: consultation support for dual degree<br />

To: Sophia McClennen <br />

Hi Sophia,<br />

I have read the proposed dual-title program in Comparative Literature and African Studies. It<br />

looks like an excellent program that the Department of Geography would be pleased to support.<br />

Best wishes,


J35<br />

Brent Yarnal<br />

Professor and Associate Head<br />

Department of Geography<br />

302 Walker Building<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

University Park, 16802 USA<br />

Voice: 814-863-4894<br />

Fax: 814-863-7943<br />

Cell: 814-441-4277<br />

--<br />

On Wed, Apr 11, <strong>2012</strong> at 12:43 PM, SophiaMcClennen wrote:<br />

Dear Brent,<br />

Comparative Literature has submitted a proposal for a dual degree PhD with African Studies.<br />

Would you take a quick look and let us know if you support the proposal?<br />

thank you,<br />

Sophia<br />

--<br />

Dr. Sophia A. McClennen<br />

Professor of Comparative Literature, Spanish and Women's Studies<br />

Affiliate Faculty, School of International Affairs<br />

Director, The Center for Global Studies<br />

Director, The <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in Comparative Literature<br />

Director, Latin American Studies<br />

The Pennsylvania State University<br />

From: Caroline Eckhardt<br />

Date: Monday, April 16, <strong>2012</strong><br />

Subject: Fwd: Comparative Literature / African Studies Dual-Title Degree Proposal<br />

To: sam50@psu.edu<br />

Prof. Sophia A. McClennen<br />

Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Studies<br />

Department of Comparative Literature<br />

Dear Sophia:


J36<br />

On behalf of the Department of Comparative Literature, I am writing to document my full<br />

support for the proposed dual-title Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and African Studies, as<br />

described in the proposal being submitted. I look forward to working with our colleagues in<br />

African Studies as we add this new interdisciplinary doctoral opportunity to the curricular<br />

options available to our graduate students.<br />

Best regards,<br />

Caroline Eckhardt<br />

Caroline D. Eckhardt<br />

Head, Department of Comparative Literature<br />

Director, School of Languages and Literatures<br />

427 Burrowes Building<br />

Penn State<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

814 863-4931 phone<br />

814 863-8882 fax


APPENDIX K, PAGE K1


APPENDIX L, PAGE L1


L2<br />

School of Nursing<br />

Master of Science Degree Program<br />

Proposal for New Option: Nurse Educator<br />

Table of Contents<br />

PROPOSAL FOR A NEW OPTION FOR THE M.S. WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING PROGRAM ................................................. 1<br />

A. OBJECTIVE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

A.1 Revision Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

B. LIST OF NEW COURSES ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

C. REVISED VERSION OF THE M.S. DEGREE PROGRAM WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING ............................................................................ 1<br />

Current M.S. Curriculum ................................................................................................................................................................................. 2<br />

Proposed New M.S. Degree Option ............................................................................................................................................................. 2<br />

M.S. DEGREE PROGRAM/OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 3<br />

D. ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS (ALL STUDENTS) ..................................................................................................................................... 4<br />

E. JUSTIFICATION FOR CHANGES .................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

F. DEGREE JUSTIFICATION- N/A ................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

G. ACCREDITATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

H. RESPONSES FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 5<br />

<strong>GRADUATE</strong> BULLETIN CHANGES .................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

Current Bulletin with Changes (includes both proposed options) .............................................................................................. 5<br />

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


L3<br />

School of Nursing<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Program<br />

A. Objective<br />

Proposal for a New Option for the M.S. with a Major in Nursing Program<br />

To add a new option to M.S. degree program in nursing. This option is Nurse Educator.<br />

A.1 Revision Overview<br />

The School of Nursing’s current Master of Science degree program consists of a base program with four<br />

emphasis areas or a M.S. to PhD and four advanced practice nursing options. The Base Program<br />

emphasis areas are: Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Clinical Trials Research and<br />

Community Health Policy and Management. The Advanced Practice Options include: Clinical Nurse<br />

Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and<br />

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.<br />

This revision is for the following:<br />

Add a new option: Nurse Educator (37-40 credits).<br />

(Simultaneously, a proposal to add a Nurse Administrator option has been submitted for<br />

review)<br />

This will replace the Nurse Educator emphasis within the base program.<br />

This new option will address a critical shortage in nursing, that is nurse educators. There are numerous<br />

studies that show well qualified applicants to basic nursing programs are denied admission due to a<br />

shortage of nursing faculty. The minimum level of education for a nurse educator is a master’s degree.<br />

B. List of New Courses<br />

None, all courses were previously approved for the nurse educator emphasis.<br />

Nurse Educator Option Specific Courses: 13 credits<br />

NURS 840: Nursing Education Theories and Strategies (3 credits)<br />

NURS 841: Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)<br />

NURS 842: Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education (3 credits)<br />

NURS 843: Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Educator Role (4 credits)<br />

C. Revised Version of The M.S. Degree Program with a Major in Nursing<br />

The new M.S. degree program will include:<br />

1) Base Program: minimum of 30 credits in one of two emphasis areas (a proposal is simultaneously<br />

being submitted to add nurse administrator as an option):<br />

a. Clinical Trials Research (37-40 credits)<br />

b. Community Health Policy and Management (37-40 credits) OR<br />

c. M.S. to Ph.D. (minimum 43 credits)<br />

2) CNS option (41-45 credits)<br />

Adult Gerontology or Adult Gerontology Educator


L4<br />

3) Family Nurse Practitioner Option (45-48 credits)<br />

4) Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Option (41-44 credits)<br />

5) Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option (43-46 credits)<br />

6) Nurse Administrator Option (37-40 credits)<br />

7) Nurse Educator Option (37-40 credits)<br />

Current M.S. Curriculum<br />

The current M.S. curriculum is composed of four components (37-48 Credits):<br />

1. M.S. Program Degree Core: 9 credits<br />

NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)<br />

NURS 510: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)<br />

NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)<br />

2. Advanced Practice Nursing Courses: 9 credits<br />

NURS 502: Physical Assessment Across the Life Span (3 credits)<br />

NURS 503: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)<br />

NURS 504: Pharmacology Therapy in the Primary Care Setting (3 credits)<br />

3. Capstone Requirement: 3-6 credits scholarly paper or thesis<br />

NURS 594: Scholarly Paper (3 credits) or NURS 600: (6 credits)<br />

4. Electives/Option Specific Courses (variable credit dependent on the option/emphasis/electives)<br />

The proposed M.S. degree program (with both new proposed options – Administrator and Educator) is<br />

presented in the Table on the following page.<br />

Proposed New M.S. Degree Option<br />

1. M.S. Degree Program Core: 9 credits<br />

NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)<br />

NURS 510: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)<br />

NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)<br />

2. Advanced Practice Nursing Courses: 9 credits<br />

NURS 502: Physical Assessment Across the Life Span (3 credits)<br />

NURS 503: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)<br />

NURS 504: Pharmacology Therapy in the Primary Care Setting (3 credits)<br />

3. Capstone Requirement: 3-6 credits scholarly paper or thesis<br />

NURS 594: Scholarly Paper (3 credits) or NURS 600: (6 credits)<br />

4. Nurse Educator Option Specific Courses: 13 credits<br />

NURS 840: Nursing Education Theories and Strategies (3 credits)<br />

NURS 841: Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)<br />

NURS 842: Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education (3 credits)<br />

NURS 843: Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Educator Role (4 credits)<br />

5. Elective: 3 credits


L5<br />

M.S. Degree Program/Options<br />

Base<br />

Program<br />

Min 30<br />

credits<br />

Nurse Administrator<br />

Option<br />

(37-40 credits)<br />

Nurse Educator Option<br />

(37-40 credits)<br />

CNS Option<br />

(41-45 Credits)<br />

Family NP (FNP) Option<br />

(45-48 credits)<br />

Adult Gerontology Primary Care<br />

NP<br />

(AGNP) Option (41-44 credits)<br />

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care<br />

NP (ACNP) Option (43-46 credits)<br />

Master’s Degree Program Core Requirements (12 credits)<br />

NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)<br />

NURS 510: Theoretical Foundation of Nursing (3 credits)<br />

NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)<br />

Capstone Requirement: NURS 594: (3 credits) or NURS 600 (6 credits)<br />

Base<br />

Program<br />

*Nursing<br />

Electives<br />

Courses Common to Nurse Educator, CNS, & NPs Options (9 credits)<br />

NURS 502: Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Populations (3 credits)<br />

NURS 503: Pathophysiology (3 credits)<br />

NURS 504: Pharmacologic Therapy (3 credits)<br />

NURS 502<br />

*NURS 502A<br />

NURS 503<br />

NURS 504<br />

NURS 508<br />

NURS 522<br />

NURS 523<br />

NURS 527<br />

NURS 580<br />

NURS 585<br />

NURS 586<br />

NURS 587<br />

*NURS 823<br />

Other<br />

Electives<br />

based on<br />

Emphasis<br />

Chosen<br />

Nurse Administrator<br />

Option Courses (13<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 845: Healthcare<br />

Economics and Policy for<br />

Nurse Administrators (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 846: Leadership<br />

Concepts and Theories for<br />

Nurse Administrators (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 847: Human<br />

Resource and Workforce<br />

Issues for Nurse<br />

Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 848: Synthesis and<br />

Application of the Nurse<br />

Administrator Role (4<br />

credits)<br />

____________________<br />

Electives: 12 credits<br />

Nurse Educator Option<br />

Courses (13 credits)<br />

NURS 840: Nursing<br />

Education Theories and<br />

Strategies (3 credits)<br />

NURS 841: Assessment<br />

and Evaluation in Nursing<br />

Education (3 credits)<br />

NURS 842: Curriculum and<br />

Program Development in<br />

Nursing Education (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 843: Synthesis and<br />

Application of the Nurse<br />

Educator Role (4 credits)<br />

Elective: 3 credits<br />

CNS Option Courses<br />

(16 credits)<br />

NURS 818: Clinical Nurse Specialist I:<br />

Concepts and Theory (4 credits)<br />

NURS 819: Clinical Nurse Specialist II:<br />

Analysis & Application (4 credits)<br />

NURS 821: Advanced Nursing Practicum (8<br />

credits)<br />

Additional Courses Adult Gerontology<br />

Concentration (4-5 credits)<br />

NURS 823: Interventions for Common<br />

Health Problems in the Adult/Older Adult (4<br />

credits)<br />

Optional: NURS 602 (1 credit)<br />

Courses Common to the FNP and AGNP Options (6 credits)<br />

NURS 870: Nurse Practitioner Role with Healthy Individuals & Families<br />

(3 credits)<br />

NURS 871: Nurse Practitioner Role with Individuals and Families with<br />

Complex and/or Chronic Health Problems (3 credits)<br />

Option Specific Courses<br />

FNP Option Courses<br />

(18 credits)<br />

NURS 502A: Advanced Health<br />

Assessment of Pediatric Populations<br />

(1 credit)<br />

NURS 872: Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner Practicum I (3 credits)<br />

NURS 873: Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner Practicum II (4 credits)<br />

NURS 874: Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner Integrative Practicum<br />

(6 credits)<br />

NURS 875: Nurse Practitioner Role<br />

with Children and Families (2<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 876: Nurse Practitioner<br />

Practicum in Child Health (2<br />

credits)<br />

AGNP Option Courses<br />

(14 credits)<br />

NURS 872A: Adult Gerontology<br />

Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 873A: Adult Gerontology<br />

Nurse Practitioner Practicum II<br />

(4 credits)<br />

NURS 874A: Adult Gerontology<br />

Nurse Practitioner Integrative<br />

Practicum (6 credits)<br />

ACNP Option Courses<br />

(22 credits)<br />

NURS 860: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Role I (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 861: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Role II (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 862: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 863: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (4<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 864: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Integrative<br />

Practicum (6 credits)<br />

NURS 865: Pharmacology for Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioners (1 credit)<br />

NURS 866: Health Assessment of<br />

Adult Gerontology Populations in Acute<br />

Care (1 credit)<br />

• All courses 3 credits, except NURS 502A (1 credit) and NURS 823 (4 credits).<br />

3


L6<br />

D. Admissions Requirements (all students)<br />

1. For admission to the Nursing program, an applicant must hold either (1) a bachelor's<br />

degree in Nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or (2) a postsecondary<br />

degree in Nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially<br />

recognized degree-granting international institution. Students entering the doctoral<br />

program via the traditional post-master’s route must have earned a master’s degree with a<br />

major in nursing from a program accredited by a national accrediting agency for nursing.<br />

Well-qualified doctoral applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s<br />

degree in a related discipline (e.g., public health) will be evaluated individually to assess<br />

the need for prerequisite master’s-level course work in nursing for doctoral program<br />

admission.<br />

2. Transcripts from all professional/undergraduate programs of study.<br />

Expectation:<br />

• GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale<br />

• Grades of B or better in all sciences and nursing courses<br />

• College Chemistry and Statistics<br />

3. Licensure to practice professional nursing in Pennsylvania.<br />

• Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option are<br />

required to have two years of acute care hospital experience.<br />

4. Two letters of reference<br />

• It is recommended that letters are from academic & professional perspectives. If college<br />

level courses have been taken over the last 5 years, an academic reference is required.<br />

Other references should be from a nursing supervisor preferably with a degree higher<br />

than the applicant.<br />

Expectation:<br />

• Strong references without identification of significant threats to potential success.<br />

5. Statement of Purpose or application essay.<br />

Expectation:<br />

• Coherent writing style with no grammatical errors; description of relevant work<br />

experience; clearly articulated reasons for applying to the selected option and<br />

specialization; long-term goals or career aspirations.<br />

6. GRE's are not required for master's applicants. If already taken, and scores have been<br />

submitted to Penn State, they will be reviewed as part of the application.<br />

7. The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must<br />

take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS<br />

(International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The<br />

minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of<br />

80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum<br />

composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.


L7<br />

International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have<br />

received a baccalaureate or a graduate degree from a college/university/institution in any<br />

of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada<br />

(except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern<br />

Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Wales.<br />

E. Justification for Changes<br />

This new option is in response to a need in nursing for nurse educators prepared with a<br />

master’s degree in nursing. This program was originally approved as an emphasis area, but<br />

with changes in national certification requirements for nurse educators, specifying that the<br />

diploma and transcript must state the nursing specialty, we are proposing to add this as a<br />

new option.<br />

This program was developed based on national standards and guidelines from the<br />

American Association of Colleges of Nursing and National League for Nursing. Adherence to<br />

these guidelines is essential for the M.S. degree program to maintain national accreditation<br />

by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on<br />

Collegiate Nursing Education.<br />

F. Degree Justification- N/A<br />

G. Accreditation<br />

The M.S. degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting<br />

Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.<br />

H. Responses from Other Departments<br />

This new option will not impact other departments in the University. The proposed option<br />

previously existed as one of the emphasis areas in the <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in nursing and<br />

consultation was received when the courses went through the approval process.<br />

Consultations were favorable for the emphasis and associated courses.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin Changes<br />

Current Bulletin with Changes (includes both proposed options)<br />

The graduate programs emphasize productive scholarship and research in the<br />

development of nursing knowledge and the translation of knowledge into practice.<br />

Advanced study is in human health and development throughout the life span, and in<br />

nursing’s role in providing health services to individuals, families, and communities.<br />

The Ph.D. program prepares nurse scientists and clinical scholars to provide leadership in<br />

nursing education, practice and research. Individualized curricula prepare nursing<br />

graduates to assume positions as faculty, advanced clinicians, clinical researchers and<br />

leadership positions in community, governmental, or institutional settings.


L8<br />

The M.S. degree in Nursing consists of a base program with four two emphasis areas or a<br />

M.S. to Ph.D. and four six advanced practice nursing options. The Base Program emphasis<br />

areas include: nursing administration, nursing education, Clinical Trials Research or<br />

Community Health Policy and Management. The advanced practice six options include:<br />

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care<br />

Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse<br />

Administrator, and Nurse Educator. The master’s degree program in Nursing is accredited<br />

by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on<br />

Collegiate Nursing Education.<br />

The Clinical Trials Research emphasis area enables the student to acquire advanced<br />

knowledge of clinical trials research methods, data management and analysis, and ethical<br />

considerations. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of roles in<br />

clinical trials research, including coordinators, educators, or consultants. The curriculum<br />

will assist graduates in preparing for national certification as a clinical research<br />

professional.<br />

The Community Health Policy and Management emphasis area enables the student to<br />

acquire advanced knowledge of management principles, epidemiology, public health, and<br />

health care economics. The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles<br />

in community and public health nursing. The curriculum will assist graduates in preparing<br />

for national certification as an advanced public health nurse.<br />

The Nurse Practitioner option is designed to help prepare the professional nurse to<br />

function in an expanded nursing role providing direct care to specific groups of clients in a<br />

variety of health care settings. Since that practice is inherently interdisciplinary in nature,<br />

advanced knowledge and research from nursing is combined with knowledge from science,<br />

medicine, and related disciplines. The Nurse Practitioner may also function in supervisory,<br />

consultative, education, and research roles.<br />

The Clinical Nurse Specialist option prepares advanced practice nurses in Adult<br />

Gerontology or Adult Gerontology Educator to plan, implement, and evaluate care in a<br />

variety of settings. They function in direct care, supervisory, consultative, education, and<br />

research roles serving individuals, families, and communities.<br />

The Nurse Administrator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of<br />

organizational leadership, health policy, and evidence-based health care delivery. The<br />

program is designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in a<br />

variety of health care settings.<br />

The Nurse Educator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of<br />

evidence-based teaching and learning principles, curriculum development, and evaluative<br />

techniques. The program is designed to prepare students for educator roles in a variety of<br />

academic and health care settings.<br />

Admission Requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. Degree Programs


1. For admission to the Nursing program, an applicant must hold either (1) a<br />

bachelor's degree in Nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or (2) a<br />

postsecondary degree in Nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree<br />

earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.<br />

Students entering the doctoral program via the traditional post-master’s route<br />

must have earned a master’s degree with a major in nursing from a program<br />

accredited by a national accrediting agency for nursing. Well-qualified doctoral<br />

applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s degree in a related<br />

discipline (e.g., public health) will be evaluated individually to assess the need for<br />

prerequisite master’s-level course work in nursing for doctoral program<br />

admission.<br />

2. Strong letters of reference and a well-crafted statement of purpose.<br />

3. Applicants must submit transcripts of all previous course work from institutions of<br />

higher learning. For M.S. applicants, a cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 (on a<br />

4.0 scale) for junior/senior baccalaureate degree is expected with a B or better in<br />

all science and nursing courses. College chemistry and statistics are also required.<br />

For doctoral applicants, a cumulative grade-point average 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for<br />

master's and subsequent course work is expected.<br />

4. Two letters of reference are required for the master's program and three letters of<br />

reference are required for the doctoral program. The letters should be solicited<br />

from professional colleagues who can attest to the applicant's ability.<br />

5. All applicants must submit a statement of purpose. In addition, doctoral applicants<br />

must also submit a published or unpublished scientific paper, thesis, or other<br />

scholarly writing sample and a complete curriculum vitae.<br />

6. The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants<br />

must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign<br />

Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the<br />

exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for<br />

the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for<br />

the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.<br />

International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who<br />

have received a baccalaureate or a graduate degree from a<br />

college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British<br />

Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana,<br />

Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United<br />

States, and Wales.<br />

7. Applicants to the master's program must hold a current Pennsylvania license to<br />

practice professional nursing. Applicants to the doctoral program must be<br />

licensed to practice professional nursing in at least one state or in a foreign<br />

country.<br />

8. Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option are required<br />

to have two years of acute care hospital experience.<br />

9. Applicants to the master's degree program are encouraged to discuss program<br />

options with the faculty; however, an interview is not required. Doctoral<br />

applicants will be contacted by the School of Nursing to schedule a required<br />

L9


L10<br />

interview (either in person or via telephone).<br />

M.S. Degree Requirements<br />

A core of courses including nursing issues, theory, and research is required of all students.<br />

Candidates in the Base Program require a minimum of 30 credits (range 30-40). The<br />

Clinical Nurse Specialist option must earn a minimum of 41-45 credits, Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner option is a minimum of 45-48 credits, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse<br />

Practitioner is a minimum of 41-44 credits, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse<br />

Practitioner is a minimum of 43-46 credits, Nurse Administrator is a minimum of 37-40<br />

credits, and Nurse Educator is a minimum of 37-40 credits. Students in all programs may<br />

choose to do either a thesis for 6 credits or a scholarly paper for 3 credits. A scholarly<br />

paper demonstrates the application of theory and research to a clinical problem based on<br />

review of literature and research utilization for that problem.


APPENDIX M, PAGE M1


M2<br />

School of Nursing<br />

Master of Science Degree Program<br />

Proposal for New Option: Nurse Administrator<br />

Table of Contents<br />

PROPOSAL FOR A NEW OPTION FOR THE M.S. WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING PROGRAM ................................................. 1<br />

A. OBJECTIVE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

A.1 Revision Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

B. LIST OF NEW COURSES ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

C. REVISED VERSION OF THE M.S. PROGRAM WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING ........................................................................................... 1<br />

Current M.S. Curriculum ................................................................................................................................................................................. 2<br />

Proposed New M.S. Degree Option ............................................................................................................................................................. 2<br />

M.S. DEGREE PROGRAM/OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 3<br />

D. ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS (ALL STUDENTS) ..................................................................................................................................... 4<br />

E. JUSTIFICATION FOR CHANGES .................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

F. DEGREE JUSTIFICATION- N/A ................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

G. ACCREDITATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

H. RESPONSES FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 5<br />

<strong>GRADUATE</strong> BULLETIN CHANGES .................................................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

Current Bulletin with Changes (includes both proposed options) .............................................................................................. 5


M3<br />

A. Objective<br />

School of Nursing<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Program<br />

Proposal for a New Option for the M.S. with a Major in Nursing Program<br />

To add an additional option to M.S. degree program in nursing. This option is Nurse Administrator.<br />

A.1 Revision Overview<br />

The School of Nursing’s current Master of Science degree program consists of a base program with four<br />

emphasis areas or a M.S. to PhD and four advanced practice nursing options. The Base Program<br />

emphasis areas are: Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Clinical Trials Research and<br />

Community Health Policy and Management. The Advanced Practice Options are: Clinical Nurse<br />

Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and<br />

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.<br />

This revision is for the following:<br />

Add a new option: Nurse Administrator (37-40 credits).<br />

(Simultaneously, a proposal to add a Nurse Educator option has been submitted for review).<br />

This will replace the Nurse Administrator emphasis within the base program.<br />

This new option will address a need in nursing that is nurse administrators who are educated at the<br />

master’s level in nursing. As more hospitals apply for advanced accreditation (e.g., Magnet<br />

Designation), nurse administrators will be required to be master’s prepared in nursing.<br />

B. List of New Courses<br />

None, all courses were previously approved for the nurse administrator emphasis.<br />

Nurse Administrator Option Specific Courses: 13 credits<br />

NURS 845: Healthcare Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 846: Leadership Concepts and Theories for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 847: Human Resource and Workforce Issues for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 848: Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Administrator Role (4 credits)<br />

C. Revised Version of The M.S. Program with a Major in Nursing<br />

The new M.S. degree program will include:<br />

1) Base Program: minimum of 30 credits in one of two (a proposal is simultaneously being submitted to<br />

add nurse educator as an option) emphasis areas:<br />

a. Clinical Trials Research (37-40 credits)<br />

b. Community Health Policy and Management (37-40 credits) OR<br />

c. M.S. to Ph.D. (43 credits)<br />

2) CNS option (41-45 credits)<br />

Adult Gerontology or Adult Gerontology Educator<br />

3) Family Nurse Practitioner Option (45-48 credits)<br />

4) Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Option (41-44 credits)<br />

5) Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option (43-46 credits)<br />

6) Nurse Administrator Option (37-40 credits)<br />

7) Nurse Educator Option (37-40 credits)<br />

1


M4<br />

Current M.S. Curriculum<br />

The current M.S. curriculum is composed of four components (37-48 Credits):<br />

1. M.S. Degree Program Core: 9 credits<br />

NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)<br />

NURS 510: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)<br />

NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)<br />

2. Advanced Practice Nursing Courses: 9 credits<br />

NURS 502: Physical Assessment Across the Life Span (3 credits)<br />

NURS 503: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)<br />

NURS 504: Pharmacology Therapy in the Primary Care Setting (3 credits)<br />

3. Capstone Requirement: 3-6 credits scholarly paper or thesis<br />

NURS 594: Scholarly Paper (3 credits) or NURS 600: (6 credits)<br />

4. Electives/Option Specific Courses (variable credit dependent on the option/emphasis/electives)<br />

The proposed M.S. degree program (with both new proposed options – Administrator and Educator) is<br />

presented in the Table on the following page.<br />

Proposed New M.S. Degree Option<br />

1. M.S. Degree Program Core: 9 credits<br />

NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)<br />

NURS 510: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)<br />

NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)<br />

2. Capstone Requirement: 3-6 credits scholarly paper or thesis<br />

NURS 594: Scholarly Paper (3 credits) or NURS 600: (6 credits)<br />

3. Nurse Administrator Option Specific Courses: 13 credits<br />

NURS 845: Healthcare Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 846: Leadership Concepts and Theories for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 847: Human Resource and Workforce Issues for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 848: Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Administrator Role (4 credits)<br />

4. Electives: 12 credits<br />

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M5<br />

M.S. Degree Program/Options<br />

Base<br />

Program<br />

Min 30<br />

credits<br />

Nurse Administrator<br />

Option<br />

(37-40 credits)<br />

Nurse Educator Option<br />

(37-40 credits)<br />

CNS Option<br />

(41-45 Credits)<br />

Family NP (FNP) Option<br />

(45-48 credits)<br />

Adult Gerontology Primary Care<br />

NP<br />

(AGNP) Option (41-44 credits)<br />

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care<br />

NP (ACNP) Option (43-46 credits)<br />

Master’s Degree Program Core Requirements (12 credits)<br />

NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)<br />

NURS 510: Theoretical Foundation of Nursing (3 credits)<br />

NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)<br />

Capstone Requirement: NURS 594 (3 credits) or NURS 600 (6 credits)<br />

Base<br />

Program<br />

*Nursing<br />

Electives<br />

Courses Common to Nurse Educator, CNS, & NPs Options (9 credits)<br />

NURS 502: Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Populations (3 credits)<br />

NURS 503: Pathophysiology (3 credits)<br />

NURS 504: Pharmacologic Therapy (3 credits)<br />

NURS 502<br />

*NURS 502A<br />

NURS 503<br />

NURS 504<br />

NURS 508<br />

NURS 522<br />

NURS 523<br />

NURS 527<br />

NURS 580<br />

NURS 585<br />

NURS 586<br />

NURS 587<br />

*NURS 823<br />

Other<br />

Electives<br />

based on<br />

Emphasis<br />

Chosen<br />

Nurse Administrator<br />

Option Courses (13<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 845: Healthcare<br />

Economics and Policy for<br />

Nurse Administrators (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 846: Leadership<br />

Concepts and Theories for<br />

Nurse Administrators (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 847: Human<br />

Resource and Workforce<br />

Issues for Nurse<br />

Administrators (3 credits)<br />

NURS 848: Synthesis and<br />

Application of the Nurse<br />

Administrator Role (4<br />

credits)<br />

____________________<br />

Electives: 12 credits<br />

Nurse Educator Option<br />

Courses (13 credits)<br />

NURS 840: Nursing<br />

Education Theories and<br />

Strategies (3 credits)<br />

NURS 841: Assessment<br />

and Evaluation in Nursing<br />

Education (3 credits)<br />

NURS 842: Curriculum and<br />

Program Development in<br />

Nursing Education (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 843: Synthesis and<br />

Application of the Nurse<br />

Educator Role (4 credits)<br />

Elective: 3 credits<br />

CNS Option Courses<br />

(16 credits)<br />

NURS 818: Clinical Nurse Specialist I:<br />

Concepts and Theory (4 credits)<br />

NURS 819: Clinical Nurse Specialist II:<br />

Analysis & Application (4 credits)<br />

NURS 821: Advanced Nursing Practicum (8<br />

credits)<br />

Additional Courses Adult Gerontology<br />

Concentration (4-5 credits)<br />

NURS 823: Interventions for Common<br />

Health Problems in the Adult/Older Adult (4<br />

credits)<br />

Optional: NURS 602 (1 credit)<br />

Courses Common to the FNP and AGNP Options (6 credits)<br />

NURS 870: Nurse Practitioner Role with Healthy Individuals & Families<br />

(3 credits)<br />

NURS 871: Nurse Practitioner Role with Individuals and Families with<br />

Complex and/or Chronic Health Problems (3 credits)<br />

Option Specific Courses<br />

FNP Option Courses<br />

(18 credits)<br />

NURS 502A: Advanced Health<br />

Assessment of Pediatric Populations<br />

(1 credit)<br />

NURS 872: Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner Practicum I (3 credits)<br />

NURS 873: Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner Practicum II (4 credits)<br />

NURS 874: Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner Integrative Practicum<br />

(6 credits)<br />

NURS 875: Nurse Practitioner Role<br />

with Children and Families (2<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 876: Nurse Practitioner<br />

Practicum in Child Health (2<br />

credits)<br />

AGNP Option Courses<br />

(14 credits)<br />

NURS 872A: Adult Gerontology<br />

Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 873A: Adult Gerontology<br />

Nurse Practitioner Practicum II<br />

(4 credits)<br />

NURS 874A: Adult Gerontology<br />

Nurse Practitioner Integrative<br />

Practicum (6 credits)<br />

ACNP Option Courses<br />

(22 credits)<br />

NURS 860: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Role I (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 861: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Role II (3<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 862: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 863: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (4<br />

credits)<br />

NURS 864: Adult Gerontology Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioner Integrative<br />

Practicum (6 credits)<br />

NURS 865: Pharmacology for Acute<br />

Care Nurse Practitioners (1 credit)<br />

NURS 866: Health Assessment of<br />

Adult Gerontology Populations in Acute<br />

Care (1 credit)<br />

• All courses 3 credits, except NURS 502A (1 credit) and NURS 823 (4 credits).<br />

3


M6<br />

D. Admissions Requirements (all students)<br />

1. For admission to the Nursing program, an applicant must hold either (1) a bachelor's<br />

degree in Nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or (2) a postsecondary<br />

degree in Nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially<br />

recognized degree-granting international institution. Students entering the doctoral<br />

program via the traditional post-master’s route must have earned a master’s degree with a<br />

major in nursing from a program accredited by a national accrediting agency for nursing.<br />

Well-qualified doctoral applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s<br />

degree in a related discipline (e.g., public health) will be evaluated individually to assess<br />

the need for prerequisite master’s-level course work in nursing for doctoral program<br />

admission.<br />

2. Transcripts from all professional/undergraduate programs of study.<br />

Expectation:<br />

• GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale<br />

• Grades of B or better in all sciences and nursing courses<br />

• College Chemistry and Statistics<br />

3. Licensure to practice professional nursing in Pennsylvania.<br />

• Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option are<br />

required to have two years of acute care hospital experience.<br />

4. Two letters of reference<br />

• It is recommended that letters are from academic & professional perspectives. If college<br />

level courses have been taken over the last 5 years, an academic reference is required.<br />

Other references should be from a nursing supervisor preferably with a degree higher<br />

than the applicant.<br />

Expectation:<br />

• Strong references without identification of significant threats to potential success.<br />

5. Statement of Purpose or application essay.<br />

Expectation:<br />

• Coherent writing style with no grammatical errors; description of relevant work<br />

experience; clearly articulated reasons for applying to the selected option and<br />

specialization; long-term goals or career aspirations.<br />

6. GRE's are not required for master's applicants. If already taken, and scores have been<br />

submitted to Penn State, they will be reviewed as part of the application.<br />

7. The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must<br />

take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS<br />

(International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The<br />

minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of<br />

80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum<br />

composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.<br />

4


M7<br />

International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have<br />

received a baccalaureate or a graduate degree from a college/university/institution in any<br />

of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada<br />

(except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern<br />

Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Wales.<br />

E. Justification for Changes<br />

This new option is in response to a need in the nursing community for administrators<br />

prepared with a master’s degree in nursing. This program was originally approved as an<br />

emphasis area, but with changes in national certification requirements for nurse educators,<br />

specifying that the diploma and transcript must state the nursing specialty, we are<br />

proposing to add this as a new option.<br />

This program was developed based on national standards and guidelines from the<br />

American Association of Colleges of Nursing and American Organization of Nurse<br />

Executives, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Adherence to these guidelines is<br />

essential for the M.S. degree program to maintain national accreditation by the National<br />

League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing<br />

Education.<br />

F. Degree Justification- N/A<br />

G. Accreditation<br />

The M.S. degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting<br />

Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.<br />

H. Responses from Other Departments<br />

This new option will not impact other departments in the University. The proposed option<br />

previously existed as one of the emphasis areas in the <strong>Graduate</strong> Program in nursing and<br />

consultation was received when the courses went through the approval process.<br />

Consultations were favorable for the emphasis and associated courses.<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin Changes<br />

Current Bulletin with Changes (includes both proposed options)<br />

The graduate programs emphasize productive scholarship and research in the<br />

development of nursing knowledge and the translation of knowledge into practice.<br />

Advanced study is in human health and development throughout the life span, and in<br />

nursing’s role in providing health services to individuals, families, and communities.<br />

The Ph.D. program prepares nurse scientists and clinical scholars to provide leadership in<br />

nursing education, practice and research. Individualized curricula prepare nursing<br />

graduates to assume positions as faculty, advanced clinicians, clinical researchers and<br />

leadership positions in community, governmental, or institutional settings.<br />

The M.S. degree in Nursing consists of a base program with four two emphasis areas or a<br />

M.S. to Ph.D. and four six advanced practice nursing options. The Base Program emphasis<br />

5


M8<br />

areas include: nursing administration, nursing education, Clinical Trials Research or<br />

Community Health Policy and Management. The advanced practice six options include:<br />

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care<br />

Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse<br />

Administrator, and Nurse Educator. The master’s degree program in Nursing is accredited<br />

by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on<br />

Collegiate Nursing Education.<br />

The Clinical Trials Research emphasis area enables the student to acquire advanced<br />

knowledge of clinical trials research methods, data management and analysis, and ethical<br />

considerations. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of roles in<br />

clinical trials research, including coordinators, educators, or consultants. The curriculum<br />

will assist graduates in preparing for national certification as a clinical research<br />

professional.<br />

The Community Health Policy and Management area emphasis enables the student to<br />

acquire advanced knowledge of management principles, epidemiology, public health, and<br />

health care economics. The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles<br />

in community and public health nursing. The curriculum will assist graduates in preparing<br />

for national certification as an advanced public health nurse.<br />

The Nurse Practitioner option is designed to help prepare the professional nurse to<br />

function in an expanded nursing role providing direct care to specific groups of clients in a<br />

variety of health care settings. Since that practice is inherently interdisciplinary in nature,<br />

advanced knowledge and research from nursing is combined with knowledge from science,<br />

medicine, and related disciplines. The Nurse Practitioner may also function in supervisory,<br />

consultative, education, and research roles.<br />

The Clinical Nurse Specialist option prepares advanced practice nurses in Adult<br />

Gerontology or Adult Gerontology Educator to plan, implement, and evaluate care in a<br />

variety of settings. They function in direct care, supervisory, consultative, education, and<br />

research roles serving individuals, families, and communities.<br />

The Nurse Administrator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of<br />

organizational leadership, health policy, and evidence-based health care delivery. The<br />

program is designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in a<br />

variety of health care settings.<br />

The Nurse Educator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of<br />

evidence-based teaching and learning principles, curriculum development, and evaluative<br />

techniques. The program is designed to prepare students for educator roles in a variety of<br />

academic and health care settings.<br />

Admission Requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. Degree Programs<br />

1. For admission to the Nursing program, an applicant must hold either (1) a<br />

bachelor's degree in Nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or (2) a<br />

postsecondary degree in Nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree<br />

earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.<br />

Students entering the doctoral program via the traditional post-master’s route<br />

6


M9<br />

must have earned a master’s degree with a major in nursing from a program<br />

accredited by a national accrediting agency for nursing. Well-qualified doctoral<br />

applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s degree in a related<br />

discipline (e.g., public health) will be evaluated individually to assess the need for<br />

prerequisite master’s-level course work in nursing for doctoral program<br />

admission.<br />

2. Strong letters of reference and a well-crafted statement of purpose.<br />

3. Applicants must submit transcripts of all previous course work from institutions of<br />

higher learning. For M.S. applicants, a cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 (on a<br />

4.0 scale) for junior/senior baccalaureate degree is expected with a B or better in<br />

all science and nursing courses. College chemistry and statistics are also required.<br />

For doctoral applicants, a cumulative grade-point average 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for<br />

master's and subsequent course work is expected.<br />

4. Two letters of reference are required for the master's program and three letters of<br />

reference are required for the doctoral program. The letters should be solicited<br />

from professional colleagues who can attest to the applicant's ability.<br />

5. All applicants must submit a statement of purpose. In addition, doctoral applicants<br />

must also submit a published or unpublished scientific paper, thesis, or other<br />

scholarly writing sample and a complete curriculum vitae.<br />

6. The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants<br />

must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign<br />

Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the<br />

exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for<br />

the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for<br />

the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.<br />

International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who<br />

have received a baccalaureate or a graduate degree from a<br />

college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British<br />

Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana,<br />

Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United<br />

States, and Wales.<br />

7. Applicants to the master's program must hold a current Pennsylvania license to<br />

practice professional nursing. Applicants to the doctoral program must be<br />

licensed to practice professional nursing in at least one state or in a foreign<br />

country.<br />

8. Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option are required<br />

to have two years of acute care hospital experience.<br />

9. Applicants to the master's degree program are encouraged to discuss program<br />

options with the faculty; however, an interview is not required. Doctoral<br />

applicants will be contacted by the School of Nursing to schedule a required<br />

interview (either in person or via telephone).<br />

7


M10<br />

M.S. Degree Requirements<br />

A core of courses including nursing issues, theory, and research is required of all students.<br />

Candidates in the Base Program require a minimum of 30 credits (range 30-40). The<br />

Clinical Nurse Specialist option must earn a minimum of 41-45 credits, Family Nurse<br />

Practitioner option is a minimum of 45-48 credits, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse<br />

Practitioner is a minimum of 41-44 credits, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse<br />

Practitioner is a minimum of 43-46 credits, Nurse Administrator is a minimum of 37-40<br />

credits, and Nurse Educator is a minimum of 37-40 credits. Students in all programs may<br />

choose to do either a thesis for 6 credits or a scholarly paper for 3 credits. A scholarly<br />

paper demonstrates the application of theory and research to a clinical problem based on<br />

review of literature and research utilization for that problem.<br />

8


APPENDIX N, PAGE N1


N2<br />

Table of Contents<br />

Topic<br />

Page<br />

1. Overview and Rationale of Proposed Changes………………………………………………..2<br />

2. Current Requirements and Proposed Changes………………………………………………...4<br />

2.1 Table Comparing Current and Revised Requirements for the M.S. Degree………....5<br />

2.2 Table Comparing Current and Revised Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree………....7<br />

3. Revision to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin for MATSC (additions/revisions underlined)……….…….9<br />

1


N3<br />

1. Overview and Rationale of Proposed Changes for Requirements for M.S.<br />

and Ph.D. Degrees in Materials Science and Engineering<br />

The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science and Engineering (MATSC) require a total of<br />

12 and 18 credit hours of 500-level coursework, respectively. Originally, the requirements did<br />

not specify the particular courses that the students were required to take to satisfy the credit<br />

requirements. However, the majority of students in the program typically took several traditional<br />

materials courses including thermodynamics, kinetics and crystal chemistry. In the interest of<br />

developing a more consistent curriculum, the <strong>Graduate</strong> Curriculum Committee within the<br />

Intercollege <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree Program in MATSC undertook a study to develop a proposed set<br />

of required core graduate courses. The committee surveyed the requirements and course contents<br />

of peer institutions and also sent a survey to alumni to gather information in order to develop a<br />

framework of courses that could be considered as foundational knowledge in the field. Based<br />

upon this work, the committee proposed the following three core graduate courses that should be<br />

required of all students obtaining an M.S. degree in MATSC:<br />

• Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501, 3 credits)<br />

• Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503, 3 credits)<br />

• Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512, 3 credits)<br />

In addition to the new graduate core courses, the committee also recommended that all graduate<br />

students be required to take a 1 credit course on Professional Development (MATSE 582) that<br />

would supplement the online training in Responsible Conduct of Research that is now required<br />

of all new graduate students under the Penn State Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI)<br />

program. This course would fulfill the 5 hours of discussion-based ethics training that is a<br />

requirement of the SARI program.<br />

The proposed graduate core courses currently exist within the MATSC curriculum so new<br />

courses do not need to be developed or approved. The Professional Development course was<br />

taught the past two years as a 597 course and a formal course proposal was recently submitted.<br />

The proposed core graduate courses were presented to the faculty of the Intercollege <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Degree Program in MATSC via e-mail and during a faculty meeting held in July 2010. The<br />

changes to the course requirements were approved by the faculty via an electronic vote which<br />

2


N4<br />

was held in September 2010. It is intended that the requirement changes become effective as of<br />

Fall <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

3


N5<br />

2. Current Requirements and Proposed Changes to <strong>Graduate</strong> Program<br />

(additions/changes underlined)<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> Degree Requirements<br />

Master of Science Degree<br />

The program for the M.S. degree must include a total of at least 30 credits. Subject to the<br />

approval by the graduate program chair or co-chair and The <strong>Graduate</strong> School, a maximum of 10<br />

credits of high-quality graduate work conducted at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or<br />

officially recognized degree-granting institution may be applied toward the requirements for the<br />

master's degree. The minimum number of graduate-level course credits required is 18 which<br />

includes a minimum of 12 credits at the 500-level [excluding MATSE 590 and MATSE 582<br />

Professional Development] and a minimum of 6 research credits (MatSE 600). The MATSC<br />

program also requires an additional 6 credits of coursework at the 400 or 500 level. The<br />

instructional program includes three required graduate core courses in materials including<br />

Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501), Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503) and<br />

Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512). All candidates for advanced degrees are also<br />

expected to attend the MatSE 590 colloquium.<br />

The Office of the Vice President for Research/Office of Research Protections requires that all<br />

candidates for advanced degrees complete training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI).<br />

The SARI requirements for the MATSC program include completion of an online Responsible<br />

Conduct of Research training program and a 1 credit Professional Development course (MATSE<br />

582). Students should complete the SARI requirements by the end of their first year of study.<br />

A thesis describing independent research performed by the student shall be written and defended<br />

in an oral examination. Bound copies will be made available for the University Library and the<br />

thesis advisor. A thesis committee will administer the final oral examination of the thesis. The<br />

M.S. committee will consist of a minimum of three (3) graduate faculty members. At least two<br />

(2) of these must be members of the iMatSE graduate faculty. The student (in conjunction with<br />

his/her advisor) will recommend appropriate members for the committee. Students intending to<br />

graduate in a particular semester must activate their intent to graduate, submit the thesis for<br />

4


N6<br />

format review and submit a final version of the thesis to the graduate school by the specific<br />

dates listed on the graduate school website.<br />

The following table summarizes the current and proposed new requirements for the M.S. degree<br />

program:<br />

Summary of M.S. Requirements and Proposed Changes<br />

Current Requirements<br />

New Requirements<br />

Minimum total credits 30 30<br />

Minimum research credits 6 6<br />

Minimum formal course credits<br />

18 18<br />

(500-level or higher)<br />

Minimum 500-level credits 12 12<br />

Core <strong>Graduate</strong> Course credits 0 9<br />

Seminar 2 credits/year 2 credits/year<br />

Scholarship and Research Integrity<br />

(students beginning Fall 2009 or later)<br />

Not required for students<br />

beginning prior to Fall 2009<br />

On-line training and 1 credit<br />

MATSE 582 Professional<br />

Development<br />

Minimum GPA for graduation 3.0 3.0<br />

Thesis requirement<br />

A written thesis and an oral<br />

defense administered by a<br />

committee of 3 faculty<br />

members with at least 2 from<br />

the iMatSE graduate program<br />

A written thesis and an oral<br />

defense administered by a<br />

committee of 3 faculty<br />

members with at least 2 from<br />

the MATSC graduate program<br />

Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

General requirements are based upon completing the required course work, passing the candidacy<br />

examination, a period of residence, passing the comprehensive examination, the writing of a<br />

satisfactory thesis (and its acceptance by the doctoral committee and the <strong>Graduate</strong> School). A<br />

doctoral program consists of a combination of courses and research that fulfills the requirements of<br />

the <strong>Graduate</strong> School, and is approved by the student’s doctoral committee. A master's degree is not<br />

a prerequisite for the doctorate. However, the first year of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. may<br />

be the same as that for the M.S. degree. Acceptance into the Ph.D. program is based on the<br />

student's performance on the Ph.D. candidacy exam, which is administered by a graduate<br />

5


N7<br />

candidacy exam committee. Although there is no specified graduate school requirement for the<br />

number of course credits required for a Ph.D. degree, the MATSC program requires a minimum of<br />

18 credits of 500-level courses [excluding MATSE 590 and MATSE 582 Professional<br />

Development] for completing a doctoral degree. The instructional program includes three required<br />

graduate core courses in materials including Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501),<br />

Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503) and Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512).<br />

Additional courses are determined by the student and the advisor, in consultation with the student’s<br />

doctoral committee. A student with a M.S. degree from Penn State can use the 500-level credits<br />

earned during his or her M.S. study to (partially) fulfill the course requirement. Upon approval by<br />

the doctoral committee and the graduate program chair or co-chair, the program can waive up to a<br />

maximum of 10 credits from the 18 credit coursework requirement for a student who has taken<br />

high-quality graduate coursework towards an M.S. degree from another regionally accredited U.S.<br />

university institution or officially recognized degree-granting institution.<br />

The Office of the Vice President for Research/Office of Research Protections requires that all<br />

candidates for advanced degrees complete training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI).<br />

The SARI requirements for the MATSC program include completion of an online Responsible<br />

Conduct of Research training program and a 1 credit Professional Development course (MATSE<br />

582). Students should complete the SARI requirements by the end of their first year of study.<br />

Upon completion of coursework, a comprehensive exam will be administered by the student’s<br />

Doctoral Committee. The comprehensive exam consists of a written progress report and thesis<br />

proposal, and its defense to the student’s Doctoral Committee. At the culmination of the Ph.D.<br />

thesis research experience, each candidate must write a thesis, present it to his/her Ph.D.<br />

committee, and defend it at a final oral exam. All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in<br />

English in both written and oral form. All pre-comprehensive students are required to register and<br />

attend the program seminar series, and post-comprehensive students are required to attend by<br />

scheduling the course for audit.<br />

The following table summarizes the current and proposed new requirements for the Ph.D. degree<br />

program:<br />

6


N8<br />

Summary of Current Ph.D. Degree Requirements and Proposed Changes<br />

Current Requirements<br />

New Requirements<br />

Candidacy exam<br />

(Offered twice a year at<br />

the beginning of Spring<br />

and Fall semesters)<br />

Minimum formal course<br />

work requirements<br />

Comprehensive exam<br />

Successful completion of a candidacy<br />

examination is required for formal<br />

admission into the Intercollege MatSE<br />

Ph.D. program. The exam is scheduled<br />

each Fall and Spring semester. It is<br />

recommended that the exam be taken<br />

after at least 12 course credits have been<br />

earned beyond the B.S. degree.<br />

Students will write a research proposal<br />

(maximum of 10 pages of text, including<br />

references and figures) and give a 20<br />

minute oral presentation to three<br />

members of the program Candidacy<br />

Committee, whose members will ask<br />

questions about the proposal and other<br />

topics related to the student’s prior<br />

coursework. The student will choose one<br />

of three topics for the proposal provided<br />

by the faculty committee. These topics<br />

will be chosen to reflect the interest<br />

area(s) of the individual candidate.<br />

Students will be given 3 weeks to write<br />

the proposal and turn it in to the grad<br />

office in electronic form. This proposal<br />

must be prepared and written by the<br />

candidate alone.<br />

18 credits of 500-level courses after<br />

B.S.[excluding MatSE 590 and<br />

MatSE 582 Professional<br />

Development], courses to be taken<br />

are determined by the student, their<br />

advisor and a thesis committee made<br />

up of at least 4 faculty members,<br />

minimum of 2 faculty members from<br />

the program<br />

Progress report and thesis proposal<br />

(administered by the student’s<br />

Doctoral Committee)<br />

Successful completion of a candidacy<br />

examination is required for formal<br />

admission into the Intercollege MATSC<br />

Ph.D. program. The exam is scheduled<br />

each Fall and Spring semester. The<br />

candidacy exam may be given after at<br />

least 18 credits have been earned in<br />

graduate courses beyond the B.S. degree.<br />

The examination must be taken within<br />

three semesters (summer sessions do not<br />

count) of entry into the doctoral program.<br />

Students will write a research proposal<br />

(maximum of 10 pages of text, including<br />

references and figures) and give a 20<br />

minute oral presentation to three members<br />

of the program Candidacy Committee,<br />

whose members will ask questions about<br />

the proposal and other topics related to<br />

the student’s prior coursework. The<br />

student will choose one of three topics for<br />

the proposal provided by the faculty<br />

committee. These topics will be chosen to<br />

reflect the interest area(s) of the<br />

individual candidate. Students will be<br />

given 3 weeks to write the proposal and<br />

turn it in to the grad office in electronic<br />

form. This proposal must be prepared<br />

and written by the candidate alone.<br />

18 credits of 500-level courses after<br />

B.S.[excluding MATSE 590 and<br />

MATSE 582 Professional<br />

Development], The instructional<br />

program includes three required<br />

graduate core courses in materials<br />

including Thermodynamics of<br />

Materials (MATSE 501), Kinetics of<br />

Materials Processes (MATSE 503)<br />

and Principles of Crystal Chemistry<br />

(MATSE 512). Additional courses to<br />

be taken are determined by the<br />

student, their advisor and a thesis<br />

committee made up of at least 4<br />

faculty members, minimum of 2<br />

faculty members from the program<br />

Progress report and thesis proposal<br />

(administered by the student’s<br />

Doctoral Committee)<br />

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N9<br />

Seminar 2 credits of MatSE 590/year 2 credits or audit of MATSE 590/year<br />

Scholarship and Research<br />

Integrity<br />

(students beginning Fall<br />

2009 or later)<br />

Not required for students beginning<br />

prior to Fall 2009<br />

On-line training and 1 credit MATSE<br />

582 Professional Development<br />

Minimum GPA 3.0 3.0<br />

Thesis<br />

A written thesis and an oral<br />

defense administrated by the<br />

Doctoral committee<br />

A written thesis and an oral<br />

defense administrated by the<br />

Doctoral committee<br />

3. Revision to the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin for MATSC (additions/revisions<br />

underlined)<br />

Master's Degree Requirements<br />

The graduate program for the M.S. degree must include a total of at least 30 credits. Subject to<br />

the approval of the graduate program coordinator, a maximum of 10 credits of high-quality<br />

graduate work done at a regionally accredited U.S. institution may be applied toward the<br />

requirements for the master's degree. A minimum of 6 research credits (MATSE 600) is<br />

required. The minimum number of formal course credits (excluding seminar MATSE 590)<br />

required is 18 for all students at the 500-level or higher. The instructional program includes three<br />

required graduate core courses in materials including Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE<br />

501), Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503) and Principles of Crystal Chemistry<br />

(MATSE 512).<br />

The Office of the Vice President for Research/Office of Research Protections requires that all<br />

candidates for advanced degrees complete training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI).<br />

The SARI requirements include completion of an online Responsible Conduct of Research<br />

training program and a 1 credit Professional Development course (MATSE 582).<br />

All candidates for advanced degrees are also expected to attend MATSE 590 colloquium. A<br />

thesis describing independent research performed by the student shall be written and defended at<br />

an oral examination. Bound copies will be made available for the University Libraries and the<br />

thesis adviser. A thesis committee shall administer the final oral examination of the thesis. The<br />

committee shall consist of at least three graduate faculty members.<br />

M. S. Requirements (Summary)-minimum total credits: 30; minimum research credits: 6;<br />

minimum formal graduate-level course credits (500-level or higher): 18; minimum 500-level<br />

credits: 12; required graduate core course credits: 9; professional development course credits: 1;<br />

minimum credits in the major: 12; seminar: 2 credits per year; minimum GPA: 3.00.<br />

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N10<br />

Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

The general requirements are based upon a period of residence, the writing of a satisfactory<br />

thesis and its acceptance by the doctoral committee and the <strong>Graduate</strong> School, and the passing of<br />

the comprehensive examination. A doctoral program consists of a combination of courses,<br />

seminars, and research that fulfills the minimum requirements of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School and is<br />

approved by the doctoral committee for each individual student. A master's degree is not a<br />

prerequisite for the doctorate. However, the first year of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. may<br />

be the same as that provided for the M. S. degree.<br />

Acceptance into the Ph.D. program is based on the student's performance on the Ph.D. candidacy<br />

exam, which is administered by a graduate candidacy exam committee of the department.<br />

Although there is no specified requirement by the graduate school for the number of course<br />

credits for a Ph.D. degree, the department requires a minimum of 18 credits of 500-level courses<br />

courses for completing a doctoral degree. The instructional program includes three required<br />

graduate core courses in materials including Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501),<br />

Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503) and Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE<br />

512). Additional courses are determined by the student and the adviser in consultation with the<br />

student's doctoral committee. A student with an M. S. degree from Penn State can use the 500-<br />

level credits earned during his or her M. S. study to fulfill the course requirements. Upon<br />

approval by the doctoral committee and the graduate program coordinator, the program can<br />

waive up to a maximum of 10 credits from the 18 credit coursework requirement for a student<br />

who has taken high-quality graduate coursework for an M. S. degree from another regionally<br />

accredited U.S. university institution or officially recognized degree-granting institution.<br />

• Scholarship and Research Integrity: The Office of the Vice President for Research/Office<br />

of Research Protections requires that all candidates for advanced degrees complete<br />

training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI). The SARI requirements include<br />

completion of an online Responsible Conduct of Research training program and a 1 credit<br />

Professional Development course (MATSE 582).<br />

• Candidacy exam: (Offered twice a year: at the beginning of spring and fall semesters)<br />

Students will write a research proposal and give a presentation on the proposal to three<br />

members of the candidacy committee, whose members will ask questions about the<br />

proposal and the student's prior course work. The student will choose a topic for the<br />

proposal from three provided by the faculty committee, chosen to reflect the interest<br />

area(s) of the individual candidate. Students will be given three weeks to write the<br />

proposal and turn it into the MATSE graduate office. The oral presentation will take<br />

place seven to ten days after the written paper is submitted.<br />

• Minimum formal course requirement (This is not required by the University, but required<br />

by the department): 18 credits of 500-level courses after B. S. (The instructional program<br />

includes three required graduate core courses in materials including Thermodynamics of<br />

Materials (MATSE 501), Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503) and Principles of<br />

Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512). Additional 500-level courses to be taken are<br />

determined by the adviser and a thesis committee, having a minimum of four members<br />

with at least one outside of the department.)<br />

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N11<br />

• Comprehensive exam: Progress report and thesis proposal (no more than 20 pages in<br />

length) provided to the student's doctoral committee. An oral presentation is given to the<br />

research committee, followed by questions on the written and oral presentations.<br />

• Seminar: 2 credits of MATSE 590 per year. After the comprehensive exam is passed,<br />

students should register to audit MATSE 590.<br />

• Minimum GPA: 3.0<br />

• Thesis: A written thesis and an oral defense administrated by the doctoral committee<br />

10


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N12<br />

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CURRICULAR AFFAIRS<br />

COURSE SUBMISSION AND CONSULTATION FORM<br />

Principal Faculty Member Proposing Course: Erwin A. Vogler<br />

College: EARTH AND MINERAL SCIENCES<br />

Department or Instructional Area: MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING<br />

College/Academic Unit With Curriculum Responsibility: EARTH AND MINERAL SCIENCES<br />

Type of Proposal: Add Change Drop<br />

Type of Review: Full Expedited<br />

(See Guide to Curricular Procedure for definitions of a full or expedited review.)<br />

Course Designation: (MATSE 582) Materials Science and Engineering Professional Development<br />

Proposed Bulletin Listing<br />

Abbreviation: MATSE<br />

Number: 582<br />

Title: Materials Science and Engineering Professional Development<br />

Abbreviated Title: MATSE PROF DEVELOP<br />

Credits: Min: 1 Max: 1<br />

Repeatable: No<br />

Description: This course covers ethical conduct of research, pathways of professional development and strategies<br />

and tools for research.<br />

Prerequisites: No Prerequisites<br />

Concurrent Courses: No Concurrent Courses<br />

Cross Listings:<br />

Course Outline<br />

A brief outline of the course content<br />

This 15 lecture(50 minute, 1 per week) course will teach ethical conduct of research and pathways of professional<br />

development. Strategies and tools of research including scientific data collection/management, writing, publication,<br />

statistics, and patents will be highlighted. A flexible syllabus supplemented with suggested reading will<br />

accommodate and catalyze in-class discussion.<br />

A listing of the major topics to be covered with an approximate length of time allotted for their discussion<br />

1. Ethics defined, origins of ethics, prosociality of ethics. 1 lecture.<br />

2. Ethical dilemma case studies. Conflict of interest. 3 lectures<br />

3. Pathological research (honest research that has been compromised by improper use of the scientific method) vs.<br />

research fraud. 3 lectures.<br />

3. Causality, hypothesis, and the scientific method. 1 lecture.<br />

4. Research methodology, data management, and statistics. 2 lectures.<br />

5. The scientific profession, professional environment, and career choices. 3 lectures.<br />

6. Scientific publication, intellectual property, and the patent process. 2 lectures.<br />

Long Course Description:<br />

A succinct stand-alone course description (up to 400 words) to be made available to students through the on-line Bulletin<br />

and Schedule of Courses.<br />

Materials Science and Engineering Professional Development will discuss important issues in the ethical conduct of


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N13<br />

research and avoidance of conflict of interest. Case studies and assigned reading will highlight ethical dilemmas<br />

that can arise and differentiate pathological research (honest research that has been compromised by improper use<br />

of the scientific method) from research fraud. Academic, government, and industrial career paths will be compared<br />

and contrasted which will help students formulate a career pathway for themselves and identify/achieve milestones<br />

along that path. Reading and annecdote will identify need for continuing education and professional development.<br />

Research methodology and the process of scientific publication and patents will be highlighted.<br />

The name(s) of the faculty member(s) responsible for the development of the course<br />

Erwin A. Vogler, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Bioengineering.<br />

Justification Statement<br />

Instructional, Educational, and Course Objectives<br />

At the end of this course, students will understand the six basic issues to consider in the responsible conduct of<br />

research including research methodology, data management, statistics, collaborative research, publications and<br />

intellectual property. Students will also be exposed to the origin of ethics and the prosocial outcome of ethical<br />

behavior. Scientific career pathways will be compared and contrasted which will enable students to formulate their<br />

own career path.<br />

Evaluation Methods<br />

This course will use the Pass/Fail grading system. The justification for the Pass/Fail grading system is that the<br />

content of the course is highly focused on (1) transmitting the basic SARI ethics (with a little general introduction<br />

to ethics) and (2) career planning (supplemented with discussion of career/employment options, environment,<br />

planning; supported by guest industrial lecturers).<br />

We have received APPROVAL from the Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School:<br />

I am approving the request to offer MatSE 582 on a Pass/Fail basis.<br />

Jean Vasilatos-Younken<br />

Relationship/Linkage of Course to Other Courses<br />

No relationship/linkage to other courses.<br />

Relationship of Course to Major, Option, Minor, or General Education<br />

Materials Science and Engineering Professional Development is a required course for M.S. and Ph.D. students in<br />

the Intercollege <strong>Graduate</strong> Degree Program in Materials Science and Engineering. The course fulfills the five hours<br />

of discussion-based ethics training required by Penn State's Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) program.<br />

A description of any special facilities<br />

N/A<br />

Frequency of Offering and Enrollment<br />

Spring semesters limited to 30 students.<br />

Effective Date: 1/9/<strong>2012</strong>, Spring <strong>2012</strong><br />

Consultation Summary/Response:<br />

= Concur/Approval = Non-Concur/Rejected<br />

= Pending Action(s) = Awaiting Review<br />

(#) = Review Order = Comment Response Required<br />

Required Signatories


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N14<br />

Name:<br />

Department: MATERIALS SCI &<br />

Joan M. Redwing<br />

ENGR<br />

Position: Head of Department Campus: UNIVERSITY PARK<br />

CAMPUS<br />

Title: PROF MATSE/EE&ASC HD GRAD<br />

(1)<br />

Concur:Yes<br />

Comments:<br />

Reviewed On: 10/26/2011 10:39:00 AM<br />

Name: Brent Yarnal Department: GEOGRAPHY<br />

Position: College Representative Campus: UNIVERSITY PARK<br />

CAMPUS<br />

Title: PROF GEOG/STS & ASC HEAD<br />

Concur:Pending The Following Action By The Initiator<br />

(2) Comments: There are several things that are easy to fix, but need repair to get by the <strong>Graduate</strong> Council's<br />

standing Subcommittee on New and Revised Programs and Courses.<br />

(1) The Subcommittee has been encouraging proposers to write more understandable abbreviated titles for<br />

courses because they appear on student transcripts. I recommend "Prof Development" or "Professional Devel."<br />

(2) Under "Instructional, Educational, and Course Objectives," the current text does not really give course<br />

objectives; instead it repeats much of the narrative given in earlier sections of the proposal. I recommend that<br />

you rewrite this section, perhaps saying something like, "At the end of this course, students will understand<br />

seven [pick a number] basic issues to consider in the responsible conduct of research, know the origin of ethics<br />

and the pro-social outcome of ethical behavior, be able to formulate their own career path, etc."<br />

(3) "Mandatory class participation" is not an evaluation method. A statement such as "One hundred percent of<br />

student grades will be based on class participation."<br />

(4) "Relationship/Linkage of Course to Other Courses": You cannot link to 597 courses; you can only link to<br />

formal courses listed in the course catalog. If the course has no links to other courses, it is okay to say so.<br />

(5) "Relationship of Course to Major, Option, Minor, or General Education": the statement about SARI is<br />

insufficient; it should be the last statement in this section. You should state first that this course is a required<br />

course for MS and PhD students; if it needs to fall in a sequence with other required courses, you should also<br />

state that here.<br />

Reviewed On: 11/2/2011 10:53:00 AM<br />

Response: On 11/2/2011 10:22:01 PM AMANDA AULT Responded: The proposal has been updated.<br />

(3)<br />

Concur:Yes<br />

Comments:<br />

Reviewed On: 11/4/2011 11:52:00 AM<br />

Name:<br />

Department: ASSOC DEAN GRAD<br />

Alan Scaroni<br />

ED & RESEARCH<br />

Position: Dean of the College Campus: UNIVERSITY PARK<br />

CAMPUS<br />

Title: ASSOC DEAN RES/PROF<br />

(4)<br />

Concur:Yes<br />

Comments:<br />

Reviewed On: 11/4/2011 2:14:00 PM<br />

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N15<br />

Name:<br />

Department: GRAD SCHOOL ASSOC<br />

Henry Foley/erc<br />

DEANS OFFICE<br />

Position: Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School Campus: UNIVERSITY PARK<br />

CAMPUS<br />

Title: Executive Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Education Administration<br />

Concur:Pending The Following Action By The Initiator<br />

(5) Comments: Consider adding "Materials Science and Engineering" to the course title to identify the course as<br />

specific to MATSC. For the abbreviated title, "MATSE PROF DEVELOP" would work. If this change is made,<br />

also update the title of the course in the Long Course Description and in the Relationship of Course to Major...<br />

section.<br />

In the brief outline of the course content and the listing of major topics, define "lecture" as a measure of<br />

time--some courses have lectures that last for three hours; others are 1.25 hours or 1 hour. Perhaps use weeks<br />

or days instead of lectures for the allotment of time?<br />

Proofread the Long Course Description to be certain that it reads as intended; some apparently plural words<br />

appear to be missing the "s" at the end. This description will be published in the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Reviewed On: 11/20/2011 2:46:00 PM<br />

Response: On 11/28/2011 9:55:13 AM AMANDA AULT Responded: Changes have been made. The long course<br />

description has been proofread and the faculty instructor concludes that it is correct.<br />

Concur:Pending The Following Action By The Initiator<br />

(6) Comments: Thank you for addressing my earlier feedback. Please also update the title of the course in two<br />

other places: the Long Course Description, and the Relationship of Course to Major... section.<br />

Reviewed On: 11/28/2011 1:46:00 PM<br />

Response: On 12/13/2011 8:47:46 PM AMANDA AULT Responded: The course title has been updated in both places.<br />

Thank you.<br />

(7)<br />

Concur:Yes<br />

Comments:<br />

Reviewed On: 12/15/2011 11:53:00 PM<br />

Name:<br />

Department: GRAD SCHOOL ASSOC<br />

Richard Young/erc<br />

DEANS OFFICE<br />

Position: <strong>Graduate</strong> School Subcommittee Representative Campus: UNIVERSITY PARK<br />

CAMPUS<br />

Title: Executive Director of <strong>Graduate</strong> Education Administration<br />

Concur:Pending The Following Action By The Initiator<br />

(8) Comments: The Subcommittee notes that the proposed Evaluation Method, “One hundred percent of student<br />

grades will be based on class participation,” falls outside of normal and acceptable practice as the basis for<br />

evaluation and assignment of quality grades in graduate courses; in particular, it would seem that accurate<br />

documentation of the degree of class participation would be difficult in support of differential quality grades.<br />

The Subcommittee requests that the proposer revise or expand the description of this evaluation method to<br />

support the feasibility of this basis for evaluating graduate students; an alternative is to consider requesting an<br />

exception from the Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School to use Pass/Fail grading for this course if the proposer feels<br />

that the course meets the criteria (see “Pass/Fail Grading System” at http://www.gradsch.psu.edu/policies<br />

/faculty/passfail.html).<br />

In addition, the Subcommittee asks that the proposer explain the term “pathological research,” which is used in<br />

the Listing of Major Topics and in the Long Course Description (which will be published in the <strong>Graduate</strong><br />

Bulletin). This term is familiar to Subcommittee members with respect to the medical field, but it is unclear how<br />

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N16<br />

it is being used with respect to research in Materials Science and Engineering.<br />

The proposed course will be held pending receipt of the revised proposal containing the requested<br />

revisions/responses; the revised proposal will be reviewed again by the Subcommittee.<br />

Reviewed On: 3/15/<strong>2012</strong> 1:39:00 PM<br />

Response: On 4/17/<strong>2012</strong> 1:26:27 PM AMANDA AULT Responded: The term pathological research has been defined<br />

and this has been added in the Listing of Major Topics and in the Long Course Description. Definition:<br />

pathological research (honest research that has been compromised by improper use of the scientific method<br />

The Dean of the <strong>Graduate</strong> School has approved this course to be graded as PASS/FAIL therefore section 2<br />

Evaluation Methods has been updated; approval added and below. I am approving the request to offer MatSE<br />

582 on a Pass/Fail basis. Jean Vasilatos-Younken<br />

Concur:Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Comments: Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Reviewed On: Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Name: [Name Not Specified] Department: (Not Available)<br />

Position: Faculty Senate Campus: (Not Available)<br />

Title: (Not Available)<br />

Concur:Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Comments: Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Reviewed On: Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Concur:Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Comments: Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Reviewed On: Not Yet Reviewed<br />

Bluebook Number:<br />

Approval Date:<br />

ProposalID: 16508<br />

Close


APPENDIX O, PAGE O1


O2<br />

Proposed Bulletin Changes<br />

Curriculum and Instruction (C I)<br />

Program Home Page<br />

GLENDON W. BLUME, Coordinator for <strong>Graduate</strong> Programs in Curriculum and Instruction<br />

267 Chambers Building<br />

814-865-2169<br />

bti@psu.edu<br />

Degrees Conferred:<br />

Ph.D., D.Ed., M.S., M.Ed. (Penn State University Park), M.Ed. (Penn State Great Valley)<br />

Integrated B.S. in Special Education/M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction<br />

The <strong>Graduate</strong> Faculty<br />

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Frances E. Arbaugh, Ph.D. (Indiana) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Bernard J. Badiali, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Glendon W. Blume, Ph.D. (Wisconsin) Professor of Education<br />

Gail M. Boldt, Ph.D. (Hawaii) Associate Professor of Education<br />

William S. Carlsen, Ph.D. (Stanford) Professor of Education<br />

Kathleen M. Collins, Ph.D. (Michigan) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Richard A. Duschl, Ph.D. (Maryland) Waterbury Chair in Secondary Education<br />

Jacqueline Edmondson, Ph.D. (Penn State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Daniel D. Hade, Ph.D. (Ohio State) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Leigh Ann Haefner, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Education<br />

M. Kathleen Heid, Ph.D. (Maryland) Professor of Education<br />

Steven L. Herb, Ph.D. (Penn State) Librarian; Head, Education Library, Affiliate Associate<br />

Professor of Education<br />

Patricia H. Hinchey, Ed.D. (Columbia) Associate Professor of Education<br />

James E. Johnson, Ph.D. (Wayne State) Professor of Education<br />

Gregory J. Kelly, Ph.D. (Cornell) Professor of Education<br />

Youb Kim, Ph.D. (Michigan State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Ravinder Koul, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Education<br />

James Levin, Ph.D. (Penn State) Affiliate Associate Professor of Education<br />

Gwendolyn M. Lloyd, Ph.D. (Michigan) Professor of Education<br />

Andrea V. McCloskey, Ph.D. (Indiana) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Scott P. McDonald, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Scott A. Metzger, Ph.D. (Michigan State) Assitant Professor of Education<br />

Orrin T. Murry, Ph.D. (Michigan) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Jamie M. Myers, Ph.D. (Indiana) Professor of Education<br />

Murry R. Nelson, Ph.D. (Stanford) Professor of Education<br />

James F. Nolan, Ph.D. (Penn State) Hermanowicz Professor of Education<br />

Matthew E. Poehner, Ph.D. (Penn State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

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Kimberly A. Powell, Ph.D. (Stanford) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Jacqueline Reid-Walsh, Ph.D. (McGill) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Peter A. Rubba, Ed.D. (Indiana) Professor of Education<br />

David W. Saxe, Ph.D. (Illinois) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Stephanie C. Serriere, Ph.D. (Indiana) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Patrick W. Shannon, Ph.D. (Minnesota) Professor of Education<br />

Kathleen A. Sillman, Ph.D. (Penn State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Deborah C. Smith, Ph.D. (Delaware) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Jeanine M. Staples, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Iris M. Striedieck, D.Ed. (Penn State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Dana L. Stuchul, Ph.D. (Penn State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Daniel K. Thompson, Ph.D. (Iowa) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Joseph Valente, Ph.D. (Arizona State) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Anne E. Whitney, Ph.D. (California) Assistant Professor of Education<br />

Vivian Yenika-Agbaw, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Rose Mary Zbiek, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Education<br />

Carla M. Zembal-Saul, Ph.D. (Michigan) Associate Professor of Education<br />

This program provides advanced professional preparation in the special areas of bilingual education,<br />

curriculum and supervision, early childhood education, elementary education, instructional leadership,<br />

language and literacy education, science education, social studies education, and mathematics education.<br />

The M.Ed. program in the areas of curriculum and supervision and instructional leadership is available at<br />

Penn State Great Valley (see www.gv.psu.edu).<br />

Admission Requirements<br />

Scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the <strong>Graduate</strong> Record Examinations (GRE) are required<br />

for admission. However, applicants for the doctoral degree are strongly encouraged to take the GRE.<br />

Moreover, students with excellent academic records who wish to be considered for fellowships,<br />

scholarships, and assistantships should take the GRE as a matter of course. At the discretion of an option<br />

area, a student may be admitted provisionally for graduate study in a program without these scores.<br />

Requirements listed here are in addition to general <strong>Graduate</strong> School requirements stated in the GENERAL<br />

INFORMATION section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Students with appropriate course and professional backgrounds will be considered for admission, subject<br />

to the limitation of program facilities. For admission to the professional degree program leading to the<br />

M.Ed. and D.Ed., teaching or equivalent experience and at least 18 credits in education are recommended.<br />

Master's Degree Requirements<br />

M.Ed. and M.S. candidates are expected to complete the core: EDPSY 421, C I 400, and C I 550, or the<br />

equivalent.<br />

Minor Requirements<br />

Candidates for the M.Ed. degree with a minor in Curriculum and Instruction must take a minimum of 6<br />

course credits approved in advance.<br />

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Doctoral Degree Requirements<br />

The completion of a core of competencies in curriculum, instruction, and supervision is expected of Ph.D.<br />

and D.Ed. candidates.<br />

To meet residency requirements, the Ph.D. candidate must spend at least two consecutive semesters<br />

enrolled as a full-time student at the University Park campus. The D.Ed. candidate must spend at least two<br />

consecutive sessions (e.g., semester, summer session) enrolled as a full-time student at the University<br />

Park campus.<br />

Candidates for the D.Ed. degree with a minor in Curriculum and Instruction must take a minimum of 15<br />

course credits approved in advance by the graduate program coordinator in Curriculum and Instruction.<br />

Student Aid<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described<br />

in the STUDENT AID section of the <strong>Graduate</strong> Bulletin.<br />

Integrated B.S. in Special Education/M.Ed. in Curriculum and<br />

Instruction<br />

The Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Language and Literacy<br />

Education Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> (SE/CI-LLED IUG) leading to certification as a Reading<br />

Specialist.<br />

The Special Education and Curriculum Instruction with Emphasis in Language and Literacy Education<br />

Integrated Undergraduate-<strong>Graduate</strong> (SE/CI-LLED IUG) Degree Program consists of integration of<br />

required courses for a B.S. in Special Education with courses required for certification as a Reading<br />

Specialist and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Language and Literacy Education<br />

(LLED). The five-year, SE/CI-LLED IUG is an option for highly qualified students seeking certification<br />

to teach Special Education in Pennsylvania in grades K-12. Students in this IUG will be taught how to<br />

design and deliver appropriate instruction based on individual needs and incorporate a variety of materials<br />

and strategies. Students are expected to complete courses required for the graduate level K-12 reading<br />

specialist integrated with their undergraduate experiences and coursework in Special Education and will<br />

complete a summer practicum in an on-campus reading clinic as well as a capstone Special Education<br />

teaching experience in their final semester. Completion of the IUG (along with earning a passing score on<br />

PDE required PRAXIS tests) leads to a B.S. in Special Education, certification in special education and as<br />

a reading specialist in the state of Pennsylvania, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.<br />

Admission to the SE/CI-LLED IUG Reading Specialist program will be based upon having attained a<br />

minimum GPA of 3.5 in Special Education courses, with a grade of B or better in SPLED 412. Admission<br />

will be based on a recommendation by the Reading Specialist Program Coordinator in consultation with<br />

the Coordinator of Teacher Education in Special Education.<br />

For the B.S./M.Ed. Degree in integrated Special Education B.S. and Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed., a<br />

minimum of 150 credits is required. Up to 12 graduate level credits can apply to both undergraduate and<br />

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graduate degrees; half of these must be at the 500-level. Students can complete the B.S. in Special<br />

Education and not advance to the M.Ed. CI degree if they desire.<br />

Master of Education<br />

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION M.Ed. (30 credits)<br />

At least 18 credits at the 500 level or above (with at least 6 credits in 500 level) must be included in the<br />

program.<br />

Core Areas (9 credits - choose one course from each area):<br />

Curriculum: C I 550<br />

Research: C I 501 or EDPSY 400<br />

Learning: EDPSY 421, EDPSY 545, or HD FS 429<br />

Emphasis in Language and Literacy Education with Reading Specialist (* denotes required courses)<br />

EDLDR 563, EDPSY 526 *LL ED 500, *LL ED 501, *LL ED 550, *LL ED 595A,<br />

Note: A Master's paper is required for completion of the M.Ed.<br />

A passing score on the PRAXIS Reading Specialist Exam (qualifying score of 570) is required for<br />

Reading Specialist certification.<br />

Courses<br />

<strong>Graduate</strong> courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses<br />

numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by<br />

graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit<br />

these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet<br />

requirements for an advanced degree.<br />

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION (C I) course list<br />

CURRICULUM AND SUPERVISION (C & S) course list<br />

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (E C E) course list<br />

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY EDUCATION (LL ED) course list<br />

MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (MTHED) course list<br />

SCIENCE EDUCATION (SCIED) course list<br />

SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION (SS ED) course list<br />

Last Revised by the Department: Summer Session 2010<br />

Blue Sheet Item #: 38-04-098<br />

Review Date: 01/12/2010<br />

Last updated by Publications: 1/21/11<br />

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APPENDIX P, PAGE P1


APPENDIX Q, PAGE Q1


APPENDIX R, PAGE R1


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R11

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