New curriculum brings new major, new courses to Humanities

 

Patrick Hotle, associate professor of history, and Ron Stormer, associate professor of English, team-teach Honors 289.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Division has been an important part of liberal arts education at Culver-Stockton College for 155 years, but it will be seeing some changes with the EXP@CSC curriculum.

"The major change in this division for the upcoming fall semester is that political science will become its own major, which previously was a combined major with history," said Steve Wiegenstein, professor of communication and chairperson of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division. "The change will be important for students who would prefer majoring in one over the other rather than both."

The new curriculum, EXP@CSC, will provide students with a lot of opportunity within the division, according to Wiegenstein, who said the three-week short term at the end of each semester will be intensive in various ways.

Model United Nations will start this fall, which will prepare students to participate in a four-day United Nations simulation that takes place in Chicago.

"Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the UN and its member states," said David Fistein, lecturer in political science and sociology. "Students will develop critical thinking skills important to analyzing the UN and its member states."   

Criminal justice will use the short term for job shadowing, such as accompanying law officials on ride-alongs. Communication will offer a special topics course called "Community Journalism," which will allow students to go to area media companies to see what those careers offer future employees.

"Students are able to have various experiences outside the classroom with the new curriculum and within the textbook," added Wiegenstein.

Religion and philosophy will transform its "Religion in America" course into an experiential course allowing students to visit mosques, synagogues, and churches of various denominations. Psychology will offer a three-week special topics course in which students can discuss self-awareness and human relationships. Another option students have is to complete an independent research project within the three weeks.

"Our division is really excited about the new curriculum," Wiegenstein said. "We are really fired up and looking forward to the fall semester."

Happy Valentine's Day

                    Al Beck, professor emeritus

 

Positive changes bring Hallberg to C-SC

Sara Hallberg, director of counseling and wellness services at Culver-Stockton.

A sincere hello from a student and a friendly community are reasons why Culver-Stockton was a perfect match for Sara Hallberg, new director of counseling and wellness services at C-SC.

Hallberg has a bachelor's degree in history from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., and a degree in physical education from McDaniel College in Westminster, Md.  She also has a master's degree in physical education and counseling from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.

"Although counseling played a major role in my decision to come here, the friendly atmosphere and personal touch were a bigger factor for me," said Hallberg.

"Culver-Stockton is happy to have Sara join our staff," said William L. Fox, president of the college. "With her background in counseling, she will be a real asset for the students."

"We are thrilled to have Sara join our community in this critical student success position," said Wendy Powers, associate dean for student success and first-year programming. "Her counseling experience coupled with her desire to work with college students makes her a great addition to our staff."

"With the positive changes occurring on campus, I want to try to work more closely with the Student Life staff," added Hallberg. "My focus will be on counseling with outreach programming as a focus for campus mental health." 

Different awareness programs will still be implemented for students including topics on healthy relationships, gambling awareness, alcohol awareness, and, further down the road, a program for music therapy. 

Hallberg's short-term goals are getting comfortable in her position and figuring out how her role will benefit the college.

For more information, contact Hallberg at x6441 or shallberg@culver.edu.

 

Pillars Day 2008 is a shining success

Prospective students interviewed and competed through an essay competition.

A group of the brightest high school seniors came to Culver-Stockton College Saturday, February 9, to compete in the 24th annual Pillars for Excellence Scholarship Competition. These full-tuition merit scholarships are offered to top quality academic students. Each competing student also completed an essay and an interview during Saturday's event. For the full article, click here. 

View the Pillars Day Image Gallery

Culver-Stockton challenges Truman State in a LEAP competition

C-SC students competed against Truman State University in a LEAP Challenge.

Accounting students from Culver-Stockton and Truman State University competed in a LEAP Challenge Competition on Tuesday. LEAP is an acronymn for "Lead and Enhance the Accounting Profession," was created in 2001 by The Missouri Society of CPAs to raise awareness, build understanding, and change perceptions of the CPA profession. LEAP offers students the opportunity to challenge one another by testing their knowledge of accounting in an entertaining approach.

"The Society does an outstanding job of engaging students in events like this," said Dell Ann Janney, chairperson of the C-SC Business Division. "The event is regional, and Culver-Stockton hosted the event for the first time two years ago."

"The LEAP Challenge was a terrific opportunity for our students to participate in a fun and educational competition against other accounting students and to network with students from Truman's accounting program," said Kim Guenther, assistant director of C-SC's communications office, who moderated the campus event. "It was the first time I have been a part of this event, and I was impressed with our students' knowledge, poise, and professionalism."