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William Paterson University Offers New Undergraduate Programs With International Focus William Paterson University’s
increasing emphasis on the internationalization of the curriculum is reflected
in the two newest programs offered through its College of Humanities and
Social Sciences: a bachelor’s degree and minor in Latin American
studies, and a minor in Asian studies. The two programs, both interdisciplinary
in nature, provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves
in studying the language, culture, arts, economy, geography, history,
society and politics of regions which are increasingly important in today’s
world. A variety of available study abroad opportunities enhance the curriculum.
"The College of Humanities
and Social Sciences aims to build outstanding cross-cultural, interdisciplinary
and international studies programs," says Isabel Tirado, dean. "This
curricular emphasis on Asian and Latin American studies responds to the
demographics of the North Jersey metropolitan area, to increasing interest
among students for extensive training in Asian and Spanish languages and
interdisciplinary studies, and to the excellence of our faculty in these
disciplines." The Latin American studies
major increases the number of the University’s undergraduate majors
to 30. The 33-credit program, which draws on faculty throughout the College,
focuses on Latin America in the context of the transnational, multilateral,
and bilateral relations that shape the region’s political, social
and economic structures. Students may also elect to complete an 18-credit
minor. The Asian studies program,
offered as a minor, is funded by a $176,000 grant from the U.S. Department
of Education for curriculum development. In addition to supporting the
creation of additional upper-level Asian studies courses, the grant provided
for the hiring of a tenure-track assistant professor to teach Japanese
language, literature and cultural studies. Additional upcoming initiatives
include the development of an Asian studies colloquia program, weekend
and summer faculty development workshops for program faculty, and expanded
opportunities for international faculty and student exchanges. William Paterson University,
one of the nine state colleges and universities in New Jersey, offers
30 undergraduate and 18 graduate programs through five colleges: Arts
and Communication, Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences,
and Science and Health. Located on 370 hilltop acres in Wayne, the University
enrolls approximately 10,500 students and provides housing for nearly
2,300 students. The institution’s 359 full-time faculty are highly
distinguished and diverse scholars and teachers, many of whom are recipients
of prestigious awards and grants from the Fulbright Program (27 scholars),
the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities,
the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and
the American Philosophical Society.
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