The front page article of today’s edition of the Daily Collegian begins with the provocative suggestion that the “women’s studies, religious studies, Jewish studies, and African and African American studies programs may be the next Penn State majors on the chopping block.”
The article was a speculative commentary on the alleged implications of the Academic Program and Administrative Services Review Core Council memo to the College of the Liberal Arts. It has generated significant student, staff and faculty anxiety, so it is important to clarify the ways the College has responded to the Core Council recommendations about these programs.
The programs mentioned were singled out as ones that ought to be reviewed “to determine the most appropriate arrangements for their administrative homes, organizational structures, and delivery of their curricula.” This is precisely what the College has done.
The Women’s Studies program is undertaking a very exciting review of their curriculum. It is designed to make it easier for students to navigate the major even as the course of study is updated to speak more directly to the most leading-edge scholarship in the field. We look forward to moving these curricular initiatives through the Faculty Senate process next year. The Women’s Studies program is not “on the chopping block.” To learn more about the major, visit the Women’s Studies website.
In Jewish Studies, we are engaged in an ongoing review of the curriculum to ensure that all students interested in learning more about the origins of the Jewish people and the forces that have shaped the Jewish experience have a strong and dynamic major to pursue. To get a sense of one exciting and dynamic course in Jewish Studies, check out this Seminar with an embedded study abroad in Cairo and Alexandria. The Jewish Studies program is not “on the chopping block.” To learn more about the major, visit the Jewish Studies website.
The African and African American Studies department has decided to split into two majors: African Studies and African-American and Diaspora. The African Studies major will be designed to give students the opportunity to examine the geographical, cultural, historical, political, and economic aspects of Africa. The African-American and Diaspora major is being redesigned to give students an integrated and critical understanding of the experiences and contributions of African-Americans.
Finally, student interest in the Religious Studies major has been very low for some time. Moreover, due to changes in the faculty over the past few years, there are fewer faculty teaching in the Religious Studies program. Because of the low student interest, we have decided to recommend the discontinuation of the religious studies major. As was stated in this Collegian article in February, this decision will not affect current majors’ ability to complete their chosen curriculum.
So the sensationalistic lede in the Daily Collegian was wrong on all fronts: The Religious Studies program has already been slated for discontinuation, while Women’s Studies, African-American and Diaspora Studies, African Studies and Jewish Studies are not on the chopping block, but in fact are being reinvigorated to attract new majors. The long term viability of all of these important paths of study depends, of course, on student interest in the fields. So, if you are a student concerned that these majors continue to be offered at Penn State, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your advisor to declare one of these majors.