Minors and Special Programs

If you are interested in pursuing one of the minors listed below, please visit the Division of Social Sciences office located in the Woolfolk Building Suite 102 for more information or call (936) 261-3202. You will require a change of major form and a signature from the Division Head.

Additional information on the required courses for each minor can be found below and in the PVAMU official catalog.

The African American Studies minor is interdisciplinary and provides students the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the African American influence on the social, political, cultural, and intellectual development of America. Courses may not be used to satisfy multiple academic requirements such as core curriculum requirement, major and minor requirements.

Required Courses
AFAM 1301 Race Class and Gender in America 3
HIST 2381 African-American History 3
AFAM 4301 Seminar in African American Studies 3
Select three (3) classes from the list below: 9
Introduction to Research Methods and Writing in African American Studies
Internship in Public History
African American Art
Minorities and the Criminal Justice System
African American Theatre II
Survey of African-American Literature
Studies in African-American Literature
American Chattel Slavery
African Diaspora
African-American Hist to 1876
African-Amer Hist Since 1876
Human Development: Life Span
Afro-American Music
Blacks and the American Political System
Gandhi and King
African Politics
Race, Gender and Public Policy
Sociology of Minorities
Black Families
Total Hours 18

The minor in History introduces students to the systematic study and appreciation of the past to enhance knowledge of contemporary issues. Students focus on writing, research, and critically evaluating evidence. Students interested in teaching, legal studies, public service, or public history are encouraged to add this minor.

Required Courses
HIST 2321 World Civilizations I 3
HIST 2322 World Civilizations II 3
HIST 2300 Intro to Historical Methods 3
Three (3) History courses, 2000 level or higher 9
Total Hours 18

The Legal Studies minor is interdisciplinary and prepares students for work in the legal field (e.g., paralegal or law clerk), or post-baccalaureate education in the law. The minor requires 18 semester credit hours. Courses may not be used to satisfy multiple academic requirements such as core curriculum requirements, major, or other minor requirements.

Required Courses
POSC 2314 Legal Studies 3
PHIL 2303 Critical Thinking 3
Select four (4) courses from the following list but no more than 6 SCH from any one discipline: 12
Legal Environment of Business
Business Law
Communication Law & Ethics
Construction Law and Ethics
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Court Systems and Practices
Criminal Procedure
Evidence Law
Criminal Law
Law of Juvenile Justice
Constitutional Rights of the Criminally Accused
Writing for Legal Professions
Ethics
American Constitutional Law
Special Topics in Political Science
Judicial Politics
Correctional Treatment and Public Policy
Sociology of Probation and Parole
Total Hours 18

A minor in Philosophy will help develop skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and problem-solving. Philosophy minors must complete 18 hours in the courses listed below. Please contact Dr. Sarah Conrad for more information and advising.

Required Courses 6
Ethics
Critical Thinking
Select four (4) courses from the following list: 12
African American Philosophy
Ethics of Cybersecurity
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Law
Bioethics
Environmental Ethics
Global Social Justice and Ethics
Total Hours 18

The Political Science minor focuses on introducing students to the methods of political research to enhance their understanding of larger policy questions and political phenomena. The minor allows for a great deal of specialization. Students may choose to focus on public service, legal, or international relations.

Required Courses
POSC 2304 Introduction to Political Science 3
POSC 2341 Scope and Methods in Political Science 3
Four (4) Political Science courses, 2000 level or higher 12
Total Hours 18

The Division offers an interdisciplinary minor in Social Sciences that provides a sound understanding of the basic concepts, assumptions, research methods, and techniques used in the various disciplines that comprise the social sciences. The History Program administers the minor and students are advised to consult with the History Program Coordinator in selecting appropriate courses that support their career objectives. Courses may not be used to satisfy multiple academic requirements such as core curriculum requirements, major, or other minor requirements. Any combination of 18 semester credit hours with no more than six hours in any one discipline will constitute an interdisciplinary social science minor. Courses from the following disciplines may be used to fulfill the minor requirements: African-American Studies (AFAM), Criminal Justice (CRJS), Economics (ECON), Geography (GEOG), History (HIST), Political Sciences (POSC), Psychology (PSYC), and Sociology (SOCG). Other disciplines related to the Social Sciences may also be considered for substitution with the approval of the History Program Coordinator and the Division Head.

Please call 936-261-3200 for more information.

The Sociology minor introduces students to the study of human interaction ranging from small groups to entire societies. The minor focuses on applying theory to developing practical solutions to social problems. Students may choose courses in criminology, gerontology, substance abuse, the family, deviant behavior, and modern social problems.

Required Courses
SOCG 1301 General Sociology 3
SOCG 4373 Sociological Theory 3
Four (4) Sociology courses, 2000 level or higher. 12
Total Hours 18