Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009
UDM Academic PoliciesCourse DescriptionsList of All ProgramsFaculty

Special Academic Programs/Courses
Special Academic Programs & Courses

This section lists a number of programs and services which are available and may be of interest or use to undergraduate, professional and transfer students in any college.

African-American Studies


Interim Director: Ann Eskridge
Office: Briggs 122
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 993-1083
Fax:
Email: eskridee@udmercy.edu

The African-American Studies program critically examines–through a multi-disciplinary lens–the background, culture and diverse experiences of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa and their descendants in the diaspora throughout the world. Courses in the program utilize critical and analytical approaches derived from or grounded in the black experience.

The program allows students to demonstrate study and expertise in African-American studies and serves as a basis for advanced study in a variety of disciplines and professional fields. It is available to all students enrolled at the University.

Certificate Requirements
The African-American Studies Certificate will be granted to students completing a minimum of 21 credit hours, including AAS 200, AAS 490 and 15 credit hours in other courses approved for African-American Studies credit. Courses meeting African-American Studies criteria, including AAS 200 and AAS 490, are listed in the Schedule of Classes each semester.

Required (21 cr.)
cr.rec.st.
AAS 200 Critical Perspectives in African-American Studies 3
AAS 490 Integrative Seminar 3
Electives approved for African-American Studies 15
The certificate may be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree program or on a post-baccalaureate basis.

American Language and Culture Program


Program Coordinator: Michael Morgan
Office: 205 Student Center
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 993-1205
Fax:
Email: morganmj@udmercy.edu

Objectives
The American Language and Culture Program operates as a division of International Services. The American Language and Culture Program has two main objectives:

  • 1.To assess the English language proficiency of international students accepted to the University for study.
  • 2.To teach the language and culture skills necessary for successful entrance into degree-directed courses of study.

Assessment
International students are assessed for their English language proficiency during the week which precedes the first official class day. After testing, students are placed into Beginning English, 22 hours (17 classroom) of instruction per week; Intermediate English, 9 hours of instruction per week; Advanced English, 3-6 hours of instruction per week; or into full time degree-directed study.

Instruction
Classes are held on the McNichols Campus on the second floor of the Student Center. Course schedules coincide with the regular University schedule, which has three 15-week terms beginning the first week of September, January and May. Hours of instruction are related to assessed needs.

Black Abolitionist Archives


Director: Roy E. Finkenbine
Office: Briggs 332C
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 578-0358
Fax:
Email: finkenre@udmercy.edu

The Black Abolitionist Archives is an historical research center devoted to the study of African Americans involved in the transatlantic struggle against slavery – America’s “first civil rights movement.” The collection housed in the archives contains a wealth of materials that document the lives of some 300 black abolitionists, including some 14,000 documents, an extensive microfilm library, a clippings file, and a library of scholarly books, articles and dissertations. Dr. James O. Horton of the Smithsonian Institution’s Afro-American Communities Project has called it “the most extensive primary source collection on antebellum black activism.”

Carney Latin American Archives


Director: Gail Presbey
Office: Briggs 330
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 993-1124
Fax:
Email: presbegm@udmercy.edu

The James Guadalupe Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive’s purpose is to serve students, scholars and community members as a depository for materials on Latin American human rights and solidarity work. It offers students and scholars a place to conduct primary research on Latin American solidarity work, human rights and liberation theology through courses, programs and research materials. The archives, staffed by a director, students, and volunteers is a community institute offering resource and referral information regarding local community and national groups that work on human rights issues in the United States and Latin America.

Extended Off-Campus Instructional Sites

To meet the learning needs of employed adults wishing to pursue a degree, the University offers certain degree programs at a number of off-campus sites. Degree and major requirements, content of the course work and faculty are the same as provided in the major courses on the main campuses. Undergraduate programs offered at off-campus sites are:

  • B.S.N. Degree Completion program in Grand Rapids
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Aquinas College
  • Legal Administration, R.N. Degree Completion, Economics, Financial Economics and Health Services Administration programs at University Center, Macomb
  • Mechanical Engineering at Ford Motor Company, Dearborn
  • Computer Science at Ford Motor Company, Dearborn

Honors Program


Director: David R. Koukal
Office: Briggs 336
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 993-1138
Fax: (313) 993-1166
Email: koukaldr@udmercy.edu

The University of Detroit Mercy Honors Program integrates the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of its members by fostering a community of scholarly excellence, encouraging exploration of the larger world beyond the classroom, and promoting compassionate service to society at large and persons in need. The program director and three student Honors deans administer the program with the advice and consent of the general membership. Each member of the program must fulfill the Honors curriculum and complete 100 hours of non-paid volunteer service, which is coordinated and tracked through UDM’s Leadership Development Institute.

Curriculum
Honors students must fulfill 18 required Honors credits during their university careers by taking:

  • Twelve (12) hours of Honors courses fulfilling either an academic major or core curriculum requirement (e.g., an Honors section of PHL 100).
  • Three (3) hours in an Honors seminar course (400-level or above), involving extensive reading and the development of research skills.
  • Three (3) hours devoted to writing a Senior Thesis or developing a Senior Project under the guidance of a faculty member or
  • A second three (3) hour Honors seminar course (400-level or above), involving extensive reading and the development of research skills.

Membership Requirements - Incoming Freshmen:

  • High school GPA of 3.3 or better.
  • Minimum ACT score of 26 or a Minimum SAT score of 1100.
  • Involvement in high school extra-curricular activities.
  • Participation in the Honors Program is by invitation only.

Non-Freshmen (transfer students, sophomores, or first-term juniors):

  • Minimum GPA of 3.3.
  • Involvement in prior extra-curricular activities.
  • Participation in the Honors Program is by invitation only.

Graduation Requirements

  • Fulfillment of Honors curriculum.
  • Fulfillment of 100 hours total of non-paid volunteer service.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.3 at time of graduation.

Students who complete all the graduation requirements will have “Honors Program” printed on their diplomas and transcripts when they graduate and will wear golden Honors Cords at the commencement ceremony.

Honors Courses
Every semester the University Honors Program offers an array of challenging and stimulating courses not found in the typical college curriculum. Honors courses are taught by the best of a remarkable group of experienced faculty known for its accessibility, its commitment to teaching, and its interest in students’ ultimate academic and professional success.

Honors Option
Members of the University Honors Program may exercise their Honors Option to supplement a semester’s Honors course offerings. This option allows members to obtain Honors credit for a regular (non-HON designated) course with the approval of the course instructor and the Honors director.

Directed Reading and Independent Study
Most colleges and departments in the University offer Directed Reading or Independent Study. These are variable-credit course options that present a unique opportunity to study one-on-one with a member of UDM’s dedicated faculty. Guided by the student’s interests, the student and faculty member decide on the content of the course and schedule meetings to their mutual convenience. These course options are demanding, but they also provide the richest possibilities for an intimate educational experience not available to students in larger university settings. Furthermore, a three-credit Directed Reading or Independent Study counts as an Honors Seminar, thereby fulfilling an Honors requirement.

Honors Community
The scholarly excellence of the Program is complimented by a vibrant Honors community. The program is largely run by student deans with the advice and consent of the membership, which meets once a month during each semester to discuss program business. Honors students play an important role in course selection and the organizing of other program events, such as Earth Day, Trivial Pursuit Night, the UDM Ethics Bowl, Diversity Night, DIA and Dinner, Theater in Toronto and various public lectures and forums. Every year the program formally inducts its new members, and members stay in touch through a dedicated listserver. Members who live on campus will find even more intellectual stimulation and camaraderie on the Honors floors in the dormitories.

Languages


Director: Lara Wasner
Office: Reno 40
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 993-6191
Fax:
Email: wasnerle@udmercy.edu

Through its offerings in more than 15 languages and ESL, the Language and Cultural Training Department seeks to imbue students with linguistic and cultural knowledge of modern foreign countries. Because today’s students live in a multicultural and multilingual world, the curriculum provides the tools, competence, and cultural orientation to enable them to do so successfully.

Advanced Placement/Proficiency Credit
Students entering directly from high school with AP (Advanced Placement) standing are requested to consult with the College to determine their placement and proficiency level. Students who commence their study in Languages at the University at the intermediate or advanced level, who have not previously acquired college credit for an introductory or higher-level foreign language course and can demonstrate the requisite proficiency, may be granted up to nine credits based on placement examination and successful completion of a higher level course in that language, with a grade of C or better.

Weekend College


Special Assistant to the Provost: Lisa Zessin
Office: FAC 500
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 993-1469
Fax: (313) 993-1534
Email: zessinle@udmercy.edu

The Weekend College is an innovative, convenient scheduling option for adults whose work and family responsibilities are incompatible with traditional course times. Friday evening classes are held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday classes are held from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m in the Fall and Winter semesters. Weekend courses run in an accelerated semester that is scheduled for 10 weeks with an 11th week exam period. The 10-week schedule also permits students to enroll in an intensive course for three consecutive weekends in December and April. Core curriculum requirements are also offered on the weekends, allowing the student to complete an entire degree by attending weekend classes.

Summer semester in the Weekend College is scheduled for student convenience. There are two separate seven-week terms with classes held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in addition to four-week intensive sessions.

A high standard of academic quality is maintained in the Weekend College; degree requirements, coursework, learning objectives and scope of material are the same as for day and evening programs. Students may complete their degree in about the same time as other students who attend day or evening classes.

Weekend & Evening Programs
Evening programs are offered Monday through Thursday. These courses are not accelerated and are scheduled for a traditional 15-week semester. Students are not limited to just evening or weekend courses. They can combine the scheduling options if it is beneficial.

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Business Administration (evening)
  • Addiction Studies (evening)
  • Legal Administration (evening & weekend)
  • Social Work (evening)
  • Health Services Administration (evening & weekend)
  • Psychology (evening)
  • Developmental Psychology (evening)

Study Abroad Programs

University of Detroit Mercy provides students with opportunities to gain global perspective and experience by encouraging them to study abroad. Through its various schools and colleges, the University expands its curricula through study programs in other parts of the world. Interested students should consult with the departments sponsoring the programs for more information. Study abroad programs include:

Australia
The Australian American Partnership (AUS) Program, which was developed to meet the global needs of industry and a student's desire to study abroad without a foreign language requirement is available to students in the College of Engineering & Science. Working with Curtin University of Technology, UDM has developed a program where students can study in Australia and potentially participate in a cooperative education assignment.

Brazil
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. Studentsl have the opportunity to study language, culture and religion in Brazil's oldest city, Salvador da Bahia-- and one of the world's most prolific centers of African culture. Courses include Portuguese 110 or 111 (Introduction to Portuguese), Religious Studies 339 (Ecology and Justice) and African American Studies 490 (Integrative Seminar). All courses are 3 credit hours. Three to six credit hours may be taken. Financial aid is available. Lectures on race and culture, workshops on dance and percussion and excursions to the Steven Biko Institute and mountain regions are also included. Courses are open to UDM and non-UDM students. For information, contact Lara Wasner (Director - Language and Cultural Studies) wasnerle@udmercy.edu at 313-993-1191.

China
The College of Business Administration offers students the opportunity to take courses in international business and international studies at the Beijing Center for Language and Culture, the Jesuit study abroad program in China. Students wishing to participate in the study abroad programs offered by the College of Business Administration must meet all prerequisites established by the College and be approved by their program director.

The Chinese American Partnership (CAP) Program, which was developed to meet the global needs of industry, is available to students in the College of Engineering & Science. Working with Tsinghua University, the Wuhan University of Technology and the Beijing Institute of Technology, UDM has developed a program where students can both study in China and participate in a cooperative education assignment.

England
The College of Business Administration offers students the opportunity to take courses in international business and international computing in England. Students wishing to participate in the study abroad programs offered by the College of Business Administration must meet all prerequisites established by the College and be approved by their program director.

Greece
Summer Study in Greece. Mid-June through Mid-July. The Classic Theatre Study Abroad program takes students to Greece for a month-long program of study, travel and performance. Three weeks of morning classes in voice, dance, acting and study of classic drama, plus evening rehearsals of a classic tragedy or comedy culminate in a week of touring two productions; both are presented for the public in modern and ancient amphitheatres. Visits to archaeological sites, museums and a professional production at the Theatre of Epidauros complete the course work. The classic theatre program is unique in several respects. It is the only program sponsored by an American university abroad which performs in ancient amphitheatres. It regularly incorporates professional and mature actors and it is taught and directed by working professionals as well as academics. Designed primarily for UDM pre-professional undergraduates, the program has attracted many teachers and professional performers, as well as theatre technicians. The company is recruited from across the country.

Courses are available for undergraduate or graduate credit. TRE 400: Classic Acting is available only by audition and the permission of the director. This course is advanced work for actors/dancers/singers in classic performance and culminates in the performance of a classic tragedy or comedy. TRE 405: Classic Drama requires the consent of the instructor. Lectures on classical history, culture and drama with special focus on a major tragedy and an Aristophanic comedy, are supplemented by visits to major ancient amphitheatres. For further information, contact Arthur Beer, Theatre Department, (313) 993-6463 or through e-mail at beeraj@udmercy.edu.

Italy
Summer Study in Volterra, Italy. End of June through mid-August. The city of Volterra is an unspoiled medieval city in the Tuscan countryside that has rich resources for the study of history, art history, archaeology and the fine arts. Unlike the great tourist cities of Italy, Volterra is not overrun in the summer, and students have the opportunity to meet Italians and to be introduced to Italian life and culture. Beginning Italian is taught with an emphasis on conversation.

All courses include visits to the museums and archeological sites in Volterra as well as in neighboring cities. A course is offered in the art history of the Etruscan, classical, medieval and Renaissance periods in Volterra, Tuscany and Italy. There are field trips to nearby Florence, Siena and San Gimignano. In addition, students have the opportunity for independent travel on weekends. The program opens with a trip to Venice, Padua and Vicenza. Since pre-Roman times, Volterra has been a center for sculpture. Students may take the sculpture studio; no previous fine arts experience is necessary.

Courses include FA 210: Art and Architecture in Italy, the study of art and architecture from ancient to modern times. Visits to museums, archeological sites and surrounding historic cities—Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano—are included. FA 391: Alabaster Sculpture Studio introduces students to basic issues in the creation of sculpture. ITL 115: Beginning Italian provides an introduction to the Italian language for everyday conversation. Students will be introduced to Italians who will participate in classes and with whom they may practice their language skills.

For further information, contact Dr. Sarah Stever, History Department, (313) 993-1099 or through e-mail at steversn@udmercy.edu. Beginning in 1984, the School of Architecture has offered a full term of study in Florence and Volterra, Italy during the summer/term III. Four weeks are spent in travel, four weeks in Florence, and six weeks in Volterra. In Volterra, Architecture students are joined by College of Liberal Arts students studying language, history and alabaster sculpture.

Mexico
The College of Engineering and Science offers students the opportunity to spend two or three semesters in Mexico through the Mexican American Partnership (MAP) program. UDM has partnered with Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, Mexico to provide a unique opportunity for students to take courses for up to eight months at Monterrey Tech and co-op for four months at a Mexican facility. Students learn how to operate in a multicultural environment and gain valuable multinational work experience.

The College of Business Administration offers students the opportunity to take courses in international business and international computing in Mexico. Students wishing to participate in the study abroad programs offered by the College of Business Administration must meet all prerequisites established by the College and be approved by their program director. The College of Business Administration also participates in the Mexican-American Partnership (MAP) program with Monterrey Tech. This program enables business students to spend one semester studying in Mexico and also to co-op there.

Poland
Since 1980, the School of Architecture has conducted an exchange program with the Warsaw University of Technology for one term each year. Ten students and one professor from each institution exchange positions for a full academic term. American students are taught by faculty of the Politechnika in English.

University Academic Services


Contact: Emilie Gallegos
Office: Student Center (lower level)
McNichols Campus
Phone: (313) 578-0310
Fax:
Email: gallegem@udmercy.edu

University Academic Services (UAS) provides student-centered services to the University community with the goal of supporting the retention and academic success of undergraduate students. UAS provides services to the University community in the following areas:

Admission Services: the University College program
UAS sponsors a conditional admission program, University College (UC). Each year, staff members review applications of students not admissible to the University by usual criteria. Students are selected for participation in UC through application review and interviews. Students admitted through this process must sign a contract agreeing to specific conditions, and are linked to necessary support services and developmental advising.

Assessment and Orientation Services
University Academic Services conducts placement testing for all new and transfer undergraduate students. UAS also conducts experiential learning assessment and CLEP/DANTES testing for UDM students. University Academic Services also coordinates the placement testing, academic advising and registration components of summer orientation for traditional age full-time freshmen.

Academic Support Services
University Academic Services provides free tutorial services, including one-on-one tutoring sessions and study groups, for all registered UDM students. Study groups are part of Supplemental Instruction (SI), a national, participatory academic support program in which tutors sit in on specific sections of targeted courses throughout the term and then guide study sessions each week. Any student in the course may attend these sessions; the schedule is posted each term in the UAS office, also called the Learning Center.

An appointment is recommended for individual tutoring sessions, although a limited number of walk-ins is available each day. Day, evening, and weekend appointments are available during each term. Students should call (313) 993-1143 or visit the UAS office/Learning Center in the basement of the Student Center to make an appointment. No appointment is necessary for the study groups.

The tutorial staff, which includes undergraduate and graduate students, is available for appointments by the second week of each term. UAS supports freshman level coursework, focusing on basic core curriculum and beginning major-specific courses. Some upper-division tutoring is available, primarily in the sciences.

Disability Support Services
Disability support services are available to any currently enrolled student with a documented disability requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students should contact Emilie Gallegos, Director of University Academic Services, at (313) 578-0310 or by email at gallegem@udmercy.edu upon admission to the University. Students must complete the intake and disability documentation verification process to receive accommodations.

Urban Health Education Center

Contacts:

  • Charles Marske, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Education
  • Suzanne Mellon, Dean, College of Health Professions
  • Mert Aksu, Dean, School of Dentistry

Co-Directors:

  • Pamela Herrera, Associate Dean for Community Services, School of Dentistry
  • Mary Kelly, RSM, Assistant Professor and Chair, Health Services Administration and Health Care Education, College of Health Professions

The Urban Health Education Center (UHEC) is an academic network of undergraduate and graduate health, education and human service disciplines within the University.

The purpose of UHEC is interprofessional education to effect the well being of children, families and communities. This is accomplished through:

  • Integrated learning experiences in common competencies shared across related health, teacher education and human service disciplines, and
  • community-based, interprofessional clinical and practicum experiences as integral to the learning process.

Students within the UHEC network will find themselves interacting with students in other professional disciplines around common content and projects in the learning process.

Disciplines within the UHEC network are:

  • Addiction Studies
  • Counseling
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Dentistry
  • Health Services
  • Health Services Administration
  • Human Services
  • Nurse Anesthesiology
  • Nursing
  • Physician Assistant
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Teacher Education

Women's and Gender Studies

The Women's and Gender Studies program critically examines the place of women in culture and society. Feminist theories are applied to traditional disciplines to analyze the origins and effects of power, dominance and gender. Since women’s issues and gender issues encompass and modify all areas of knowledge, and since such issues as race and class are crucial aspects of women’s experiences, the program will be interdisciplinary and cross-cultural.

The Women's and Gender Studies certificate offers a minor and a basis for further study in a variety of postgraduate and professional fields. The minor program is open to all students enrolled in the University.

Minor Requirements
The Women's and Gender Studies minor will be granted to students completing a minimum of 18 credit hours in courses approved for Women's and Gender Studies credit. Courses meeting Women's and Gender Studies criteria, including WGS 300 and WGS 400 are listed each semester. Students should refer to the schedule of classes or call the Women's and Gender Studies Office.

Required (18 cr.)
WGS 200 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies 3 cr. Courses in other disciplines approved as Women's and Gender Studies 15 cr. Women's and Gender Studies courses are open to all students, graduate and undergraduate, whether or not they are pursuing the Women's and Gender Studies minor.

College of Business Administration

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College of Engineering & Science

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College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing

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College of Liberal Arts & Education

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School of Architecture

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School of Dentistry

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School of Law

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For more information about UDM, or to apply online, go to www.udmercy.edu/apply.


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