Liberal Studies Guide - Summer 2022

PURSUE YOUR

intellectual FIELD OF PASSION 2021 CAMPUS BRIEFING BOOKLET

Howdy!

We are so excited you’re exploring a career path in the diverse and exciting fields offered through the degree programs in the Department of Liberal Studies.

Our courses are grounded in both the social sciences and humanities, providing our students with a unique interdisciplinary curriculum founded in the liberal arts.

All of our degree programs build marketable and transferable skills to prepare students for professional careers in a diverse world.

Dr. JoAnn DiGeorgio-Lutz

Department Head & Professor, Liberal Studies

Our Maritime Studies degree offers a distinct interdisciplinary curriculum. Students choose classes from a wide array of disciplines including political science, literature, public policy, anthropology, history, blue humanities, and museum studies. We give you the ability to tailor your degree to your individual career path. Maritime Studies is ideal for students seeking to understand the vital, complex relationship humans have with the sea and the growing blue economy. Enjoy high impact-learning opportunities like participation in the National Model United Nations in Washington, D.C., our Common Reader Program, and a variety of engaging internship opportunities.

In addition to our Maritime Studies degree, the department offers two university studies degrees with concentrations in Marine Environmental Law & Policy (MELP), and Tourism and & Coastal Community Development (TCCD). Our MELP program is geared toward students who are interested in law school, while our TCCD program prepares students for careers in the growing tourism industry.

Whatever course of study you choose, our faculty are committed to your success and look forward to working with you.

Again, congratulations, and welcome to the Galveston Campus. We look forward to your vital contributions to our campus community.

LIBERAL STUDIES @ GALVESTON The Department of Liberal Studies seeks to provide a robust intellectual foundation for students pursuing occupational and leadership roles in a diverse range of areas, from public policy and communication to environmental law and coastal community development. Our location on the Gulf of Mexico provides an opportunity for a fully immersed marine and maritime education, and our students receive excellent preparation for graduate studies and law school.

We offer highly sought-after degrees and numerous minors that enhance any degree plan. With an overarching focus on the relationship between humans and the sea, our unique educational experiences help build the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.

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undergraduate degrees

minors

faculty faculty emeritus

PURSUE

FIELD OF PASSION If the ocean is your inspiration, then Texas A&M University at Galveston is where you can dive deep into your field of passion.

See the world and support our global economy by learning to sail the ships that transport the world’s good and products. Study the effects of climate change on coastal wetlands and the species that call them home.

Learn the migration patterns or behavioral characteristics of your favorite marine animal to understand how to conserve them for generations to come. Capture crucial data to help low-lying or coastal populations learn why they flood and how to mitigate future weather events. Work in ports to help run and secure the global maritime industry and its commerce.

Whether your interests take you above, below or on the water, we have the resources you need to succeed. Chart the course to your future today. www.tamug.edu

BACHELOR OF ARTS

MARITIME STUDIES

This degrees offers students a unique opportunity to examine the varied ways humans use and impact coastal and maritime environments. The program is well suited for students seeking to understand the vital and synergistic relationship humans have with the sea.

By studying the history, literature, and politics of maritime peoples and cultures from ancient times to present, maritime studies graduates gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected issues, while achieving an excellent broad-based interdisciplinary education with a distinctive, international emphasis.

A DIVERSE CURRICULUM

With professors engaged in diverse areas of research, from international maritime conflict to nautical archaeology, students will have the opportunity to take a diverse selection of courses to pursue their individual interests.

CAREER PATHS

Social & Cultural Anthropology

Maritime Piracy

United States Maritime History

Nautical Archaeology

International Maritime Culture

Literature of the Sea

• Higher/Secondary Education

Maritime Public Policy

Blue Humanities

• Public Policy

A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES

Students have unique opportunities to engage in real-time public diplomacy and hands-on learning through departmental opportunities such as the National Model United Nations. Students can also pursue career internships, participation in field studies, concentration on a particular topic with a professor of their choice, and/or studying abroad for a semester. Maritime studies students are also able to train as a crew member on a working 19th century tall ship, The Elissa.

To encourage a diverse knowledge base, students are encouraged to pursue at least one minor, usually in anthropology, English, diving, museum studies or history, with many earning two.

• Research

• Law • Non-Profit • Journalism & Writing • Archaeology • Museums & Museum Management

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY STUDIES

MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY

A massive amount of trade and wealth are transported on the seas. Many of our most precious resources come from or depend on the viability of the oceans. With a booming human population putting pressure on the oceans in a number of means, numerous countries are seeking qualified expertise in dictating law and policy in relation to the environmental health of the oceans. This concentration, housed within the university studies degree and requiring a double-minor, provides students the opportunity to learn the ins and outs maritime environmental law and policy with its various components. This gives a solid platform from which students can confidently pursue graduate and law school programs.

CRITICAL THINKERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CAREER PATHS • Government • Higher/Secondary Education • Public Policy & Law • Non-Profit • Journalism & Writing

@AggiesByTheSea

There’s more to this program than learning legal codes. In order to have an impact on the complicated world of environmental law, students need a firm grasp of logic and reasoning, being comfortable with unconventional problem solving, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas.

With courses taught by an array of experts, student learn the skills needed to pursue a number of different careers, including government entities, private industry or non-profits.

THE KNOWLEDGE TO PROTECT OUR RESOURCES The Marine Environmental Law & Policy concentration allows students to focus on a breadth of fields including: Business Law

Environmental Ethics

Admiralty Law

Energy & Environmental Politics

Environmental Law

Environmental Regulation & Protection

ADD TO YOUR DEGREE

MINORS

Two minors are offered through the Department of Liberal Studies: Diving Technology & Methods Combines practical scuba training with advanced coursework highlighting scientific and specialized applications of diving. Students gain professional diving certifications and experience in scientific diving research.

Maritime Studies Offers students an exciting interdisciplinary selection of courses to compliment all majors and expand their knowledge and experience in maritime topics.

Other recommended minors offered through Texas A&M University include: Anthropology Gives students a foundational knowledge of anthropology and archaeology through the study of past societies and cultures and what their artifacts say about them.

English Communication skills are an asset in any field.

This minor challenges students with thought provoking literature and learn a variety of ways to communicate effectively.

History A knowledge of history is beneficial to any student, and vital to any country. Learn the skills necessary to study all history, while gaining a better understanding of the world we live in.

Museum Studies Designed to give students the skills necessary to land jobs at museums of any kind, this works well with numerous liberal arts studies.

EXPERIENCE EDUCATION

OVERSEAS

The Galveston campus offers amazing opportunities to experience and learn around the world. With courses offered around the globe, students will experience new cultures, expand their horizons, and make life-long friendships in breathtaking environments.

Email digeorgj@tamug.edu or visit abroad.tamu.edu to learn more.

BACHELOR OF S CI E NCE , U NIV E RS ITY STUDI ES

TOURISM & COASTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Tourism is a large and continuously expanding industry vital to coastal communities around the globe.

It brings several benefits such as jobs, tax revenue, business, and cultural diversity. However, tourism can also have negative impacts such as seasonal income pulses, intensified labor competition, ecological degradation, and conflicts over natural resources. Even the global economy of tourism is increasingly vulnerable to ecological disasters. More and more, coastal communities are having to make difficult decisions between the protection and sustainability of their natural resources and the financial benefits of growth through tourism.

ECONOMICALLY & ECOLOGICAL WELL ROUNDED The Tourism & Coastal Community Development concentration is unique to Texas A&M University at Galveston. The program transforms students into a new class of international professionals with the knowledge and skills to be leaders in the tourism industry, while balancing the sustainability of coastal communities. Students will study in numerous fields, including:

CAREER PATHS • Ecotourism • Coastal Community Planning & Development

Tourism Marketing & Management

• Sports Tourism

Public Policy

• Hospitality

Environmental Activism

• Sociological Research

Sociology Ecotourism

• Ecological Research & Economics

Research & Analysis

• NGOs & Legal Centers

HELP BUILD THE FUTURE Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston provides an extraordinary laboratory for students. The barrier island features an array of natural resources, industry opportunities, and a booming tourism economy.

Through field practicums and internships, students will gain valuable career based experiences.

• Government • Private Industry • Higher Education

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Looking beyond the page is what the Common Reader Program is all about. This unique cross-campus initiative encourages critical reflection on contemporary issues through reading and analyzing one shared text across multiple Liberal Studies core curriculum courses.

Launched in spring 2018, this shared academic and social experience aims to enhance community and critical thinking among Texas A&M University at Galveston students, faculty, and even staff. Three Common Reader Student Ambassadors are nominated throughout the year to lead “Brown Bag Lunch Sessions” and “Coffee Talks” with campus leadership regarding the chosen book’s themes and featured topics.

As of 2021, Instructional Assistant Professor of English Dr. Rebecca Ottman has taken over as campus Common Reader coordinator. Here’s a look at her favorite aspects of the program and where she hopes to lead it in the future.

How do you go about choosing the Common Reader books?

TAKING A LEAF FROM SOMEONE ELSE’S BOOK REBECCA OTTMAN & THE COMMON READER

We have a committee of folks who read a selection of about 10 books, then compile a short list, and we vote on two. We really look at what is relevant and culturally significant, accessible to students and folks on campus, and we consider some places where we can find starting points for conversations we need to be having.

What I want the book selection to accomplish is really establishing that sense of community and shared learning experience. It’s also important we incorporate how the book is working with our campus goals and laying ground for crucial conversations and thought-provoking discussions.

It’s also important to me that we have a diversity of authors and narrative types. From the English or composition perspective, students are learning the difference between what’s news media, memoir, or creative nonfiction. We want them to be thinking about the kind of frame in which this information is being presented.

What books have been featured and what’s up for 2022?

The first year, students read Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and a Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance, which really focused on issues of race, addiction, and socio-economic struggles.

In 2020, the featured book was Angela Saini’s Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong—and the New Research That’s Rewriting the Story.

The focus is on how women in science are traditionally marginalized, and how scientific studies that affect them are not prioritized in the scientific community. It’s an interesting book on science written for a general audience, but very concentrated on gender and gender differences within the scientific realm. It was a good book

for my classes because one thing we did was try to learn how to do very thoughtful analysis. We do this by suspending judgment to look at how something works versus what we like or don’t like about the work. We focus on questions like: What is this? Why does it work? Why does it matter to a larger audience?

The chosen work for 2021 is Oscar Cásares’ Where We Come From, which I’m really excited about. The way this book handles topics and themes of immigration, undocumented immigrants and identity is a really great introduction to talk about code-meshing, and the language the author uses. It’s an important part of understanding who the audience is and the very intentional rhetorical choices the author makes.

I love having them tap into audience awareness, tone, how people communicate in day to day life, how words work and how they work on us, and how we make them work on others.

What feedback do you hear from students?

I’ve heard from students reading across classes and the campus community. Reading from different class perspectives helped them to see the text from another point of view. If they’re reading it in English versus a Political Science class, for example, it really helps them to have a bit more holistic understanding of it and how it works or applies. That contextuality, those differing connotations, are important.

What’s next for the program?

We’re in the process of defining some more specific growth parameters, but we’re really focusing on getting the Galveston community more involved. Looking at other similar programs at Galveston College and the Galveston Reads program out of the Rosenberg Library, we’re seeing what opportunities to collaborate are out there. I’m excited to see what it leads to in the fall. ■

Thousands of college students across the country and around the world participate in Model United Nations (Model UN), a unique organization involving substantial research, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, as well as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

On the Texas A&M University at Galveston campus, Instructional Assistant Professor Adam Haney specializes in Political Science and utilizes Model UN as a component of his Introduction to World Politics course. Student groups are assigned as committees to represent various countries and discuss and debate current issues from that cultural perspective, ultimately concluding with an official position that must be effectively supported by debate and strategically-written position papers.

The sophomore-level course allows students the opportunity to learn more about global politics in the classroom, on a domestic trip to Washington, D.C., and through an international destination. Past classes have visited China and Germany, in 2022 Haney is planning for Japan.

“To engage with real-world issues, it helps if you actually see the world!” Haney said about the travel components of the experience. “It’s not just academic exercises we’re dealing with or discussing. We’re talking about issues of national security, poverty, human rights, and so on. It’s crucial they can take those critical thinking skills and apply them to everyday life, on a small scale and in global contexts.”

Haney says his students excel at doing so. At the Student Conference of National Affairs (SCONA), the largest national academic security conference, Aggies by the Sea are known for placing first in position paper writing. Students get the opportunity to meet and hear from members of the United States Congress, military commanders, even former presidential chiefs of staff.

Many who participate in Model UN and see themselves pursuing a career in international relations or politics elect to participate in the Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP) offered through Texas A&M University’s College Station campus. This year-round internship program is offered for credit, allowing students to work toward their degree and gain invaluable job experience. Galveston Campus students have interned with the FBI, EPA, and in the offices of several members of Congress.

In addition, Haney offers a similar educational experience via his Political Conflicts in the Middle East course.

“One of my academic specialties is the Middle East, so we are also involved in the Model Arab League (MAL). Part of the curriculum is exploring and studying the region and varying cultures, so I’m proud our students get great recognition via that particular conference as well.”

Haney is excited to announce the development of a brand new course, for now titled Public Diplomacy and Negotiating. “It’s all about current events. Right now, we’re looking at the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, discussing the day-to-day negotiations, proposals and counter proposals, and actively applying those methodologies.”

Through Model UN, MAL, and his core curriculum, Haney’s ultimate goal is to make his students more engaged global citizens.

“I’m big on connecting the classroom to the real world, and very big on students being able to apply their knowledge using high-impact stages and activities they encounter in Model UN and MAL. The value they get is actual diplomatic and negotiating experience. They learn that governing is incredibly complicated, highly politicized, and frankly, really hard.” ■

PUBLIC POLICY IN THE CLASSROOM & BEYOND ADAM HANEY & MODEL UNITED NATIONS

FIRST STEPS TO

PURSUE YOUR PASSION HOW TO APPLY FOR: MARITIME STUDIES, B.A. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY, B.S. UNIVERSITY STUDIES TOURISM & COASTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, B.S. UNIVERSITY STUDIES Freshmen Applicants 1. Submit an ApplyTexas application. goapplytexas.org 2. Complete Essay A. 3. Pay a nonrefundable processing fee or submit a fee waiver ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).

4. Submit an official high school transcript.

5. For information on submission of official SAT and ACT scores, please visit https://admissions.tamu.edu/resources/future-students/college-readiness.

Transfer Applicants 1. Submit an ApplyTexas application. goapplytexas.org 2. Complete Essay A. 3. Pay a nonrefundable processing fee or submit a fee waiver ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).

4. Submit official college transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges and universities.

For additional information regarding undergraduate applications, including international, non-degree seeking, and re-admissions, please visit https://tamug.edu/admissions/ProspectiveStudents.html.

EXPLORE AGGIELAND BY THE SEA Aggieland doesn’t stop at the water’s edge! Take our virtual tour and explore campus, including stops in our ship simulator, boat basin, academic buildings and residence halls. If you’d prefer to stop by and say “Howdy,” you can register for an in-person tour with one of a student ambassador. tamug.edu/admissions/visit

CONNECT WITH ADMISSIONS STAFF Students can call to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our recruiters.

Students can also connect via email with any questions or for additional information. tamug.edu/admissions/contactus.html

ADMITTED STUDENTS NEXT STEPS GUIDE If you’ve already been accepted, congratulations and welcome to the newest class or Fightin’ Texas Aggies! But what next? Check out our Admitted Student Checklist. From accepting your offer, registering for housing and New Student Conference, transcripts and tuition, we’ve got you covered. tamug.edu/admissions/admittedstudents.html

DOWNLOAD THE GALVESTON CAMPUS APP Download the official campus app to access campus news, event calendars, clubs, student message boards and more. You can also create to-do lists and set reminders to help you stay on top of your classes. The Texas A&M-Galveston app is a great way to get connected to the campus community. Available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO GET STARTED Get access to what you need to start pursuing your field of passion.

We have you covered from tours, admitted students next steps, campus contacts, transfer and international student information and more.

Undergraduate: tamug.edu/admissions/resources.html Graduate: tamug.edu/grad tamug.edu/list

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DON’T MISS YOUR

CHANCE FOR ADVENTURE

Texas A&M University at Galveston has the salt air, warm sand, Gulf Coast sun, and so much more! Situated in a coastal urban environment that blends access to natural ecosystems with one of the largest international hubs of maritime industry, the campus draws world-renown scientists, thinkers and leaders to a campus perfectly positioned to challenge our students. When the time comes for our students to take their knowledge and skills into the world, it is not the end... but the beginning of a journey down the road of long-traveled Aggie excellence and tradition.

apply

Application Opens: 8/1 Undergraduate: goapplytexas.org Graduate tamug.edu/grad

fafsa

Available: 10/1 Recommended: 12/15 Priority: 1/15 studentaid.gov

DEPARTMENT OF LIBERAL STUDIES

deadlines

Application and all required documents are due: Freshman: 5/1 Transfer: 6/30 Texas A&M Maritime Academy: 5/1 Graduate: 5/1

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON

www.tamug.edu/list

www.tamug.edu/admissions www.tamug.edu/grad

Dr. JoAnn DiGeorgio-Lutz Department Head & Professor digeorgj@tamug.edu 409.740.4463

admissions@tamug.edu gradstudies@tamug.edu

Katherine Echols Instructional Professor & Honors Program Chair echolsk@tamug.edu 409.740.4499

Undergrad: 409.740.4414 877.322.4443 Graduate: 409.740.4704 @AggiesByTheSea

NEW ADVENTURES AWAIT. START YOURS TODAY.

MAJORS & MINORS UNDERGR A DUA T E D E GR E E S Coastal Environmental Science & Society 5-Year Degree Program Available with Master of Marine Resources Management

Marine Biology Marine Fisheries Marine Sciences Maritime Business Administration

5-Year Degree Program Available with Master of Maritime Business & Logistics

Marine Engineering Technology Marine Transportation Maritime Studies

University Studies with a Concentration in: Marine Environmental Law & Policy Oceans & One Health

Option to Earn an M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Texas Medical Branch

Tourism & Coastal Community Development Offered by Texas A&M University College of Engineering at Galveston Computer Science Environmental Engineering Interdisciplinary Engineering Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology, Electro Marine Engineering Technology Track Ocean Engineering

GRADU ATE DE GR E E S

MI N O R S & C E R T I F I C A T E S

Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Marine Resources Management, Masters Marine & Coastal Management & Science, Ph.D. Maritime Business Administration & Logistics, Masters Offered by Texas A&M University College of Engineering at Galveston M.S. Ocean Engineering

Offered Jointly with University of Texas Medical Branch

Coastal Environmental Science & Society Diving Technology & Methods Entrepreneurship - Marine & Maritime Marine Biology Maritime Business Administration, Minor & Graduate Certificate Maritime Cybersecurity Maritime Studies

Deck License Option Available Required for Marine Transportation Engine License Option Available

SEED Secondary Education Teaching, Minor & Certificate Offered by TAMU College of Education