Interdisciplinary minors


What is an interdisciplinary minor?

An interdisciplinary minor allows you to explore a special interest, coming at it from different angles to create various perspectives. This also helps you to have a more enriching college experience.

An integral aspect of the interdisciplinary approach is that the course work is taught by faculty members representing multiple departments, colleges and schools at the University of North Texas. You’ll gain a broader, more holistic perspective on the history, culture and experiences of a particular society or a deeper understanding of a particular subject matter by having studied it from such varied dimensions.

Pursuing an interdisciplinary minor will be useful for careers in business, government, education and public service. We offer minors in:

  • African American Studies
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Asian Studies
  • Classical Studies
  • International Studies
  • Jewish Studies
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies
  • Mexican American Studies
  • Peace Studies
  • Religion Studies
  • Social Science
  • Women's Studies

These interdisciplinary minors, except for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), will require 18 hours of course work. The ADR minor will require 21 hours.

Separate brochures are currently available for the ADR; International Studies; Social Science; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies; and Women’s Studies minors.


The interdisciplinary minors

African American Studies

In three core courses, you will gain a historical perspective on defining events that affect the African American culture in America. This also helps you acquire a general background in African history.

The remaining 9 hours may be selected from course work offered by any other department provided the class deals substantially with the African American experience. This permits you to choose classes that reflect your individual interest. These course topics include but are not limited to:

  • Music Cultures of the World
  • Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
  • Race, Gender and the Media
  • History of Black Women in America
  • Modern Africa

For more information
www.hist.unt.edu/aastudies.htm
Dr. Jennifer Wallach
Phone: 940-565-3395
E-mail: jennifer.wallach@unt.edu


Asian Studies

You will learn about two of the most dynamic and significant areas of the world: East Asia and South Asia. The program’s curriculum focuses on the culture, history, languages and politics of some of the world’s oldest civilizations and rapidly developing new economic and military powers, including India, China and Japan. Our courses are taught by highly qualified faculty members who are internationally recognized experts in the fields of Chinese and South Asian history, philosophy and art history.

The new perspectives you gain through this minor will help you in the professional work environment and in everyday life as our world and nation become more diverse and interconnected.

For more information
www.hist.unt.edu/ASIAN/index.htm
Dr. Harold Tanner
Phone: 940-565-2288
E-mail: harold.tanner@unt.edu


Classical Studies

Through this minor, you will receive in-depth understanding of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Course topics range from the civilizations’ art, culture and language to their literary, philosophical and religious influences.

Two Latin or ancient Greek language classes are required for this minor. Another 6 hours are required from a designated list of classes.

This minor is best for those pursuing careers in law, library and information sciences, ministry, politics, teaching, writing, and graduate study in the humanities.

For more information
www.hist.unt.edu/faculty/Fuhrmann/fuhrmann.html
Dr. Christopher J. Fuhrmann or Mr. Dean Cassella
Phone: 940-565-4527 or 940-565-4515
E-mail: cfuhrmann@unt.edu or dmcassella@unt.edu

Jewish Studies

UNT offers the only Jewish Studies Program at a public university in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pursuing this minor will:

  • broaden your understanding of Judaism and Israel
  • enhance your understanding of a major world religion that has helped shape Western civilization and influence world events

The program features 46 courses on Jews and Judaism, including nine on the State of Israel. Our 26 faculty members offer expertise in areas such as the Hebrew Bible, American Jewish writers, the State of Israel and many others.

We also award at least five scholarships annually to qualified students and bring multiple speakers to campus, primarily from Israel.

For more information
www.unt.edu/jewishstudies
Dr. Richard Golden
Phone: 940-369-8933
E-mail: richard.golden@unt.edu


Mexican American Studies

You will study the social, cultural, political and economic experience Mexican Americans have faced historically and currently. You will gain a greater knowledge of Mexican Americans regarding their contributions; strengths; and past, present and future political needs. Texas will have a Mexican American (and Latino) demographic majority by 2020.

For more information
www.hist.unt.edu/mex_am
Dr. Roberto R. Calderón
Phone: 940-369-8929
E-mail: roberto.calderon@unt.edu


Peace Studies

We are the only university in the southern United States that offers a minor and a concentration in this rapidly growing area of study. Course work will focus on why violence occurs and how conflicts may be resolved or settled short of violence. You can study subjects focusing on terrorism, interstate and civil war, ethnic conflict, peacekeeping, mediation, and human rights, among others.

Our graduates have pursued careers in foreign service, international and human rights law, the Peace Corps, and organizations concentrating on Third World issues. Many have enrolled in graduate or law schools.

Required courses include Introduction to Peace Studies and at least one course from each of the following areas: determinants of violence, conflict management and issues of justice.

Scholarships are available if you decide to pursue this minor. The scholarship information and the application are available at www.peace.unt.edu.

For more information
www.peace.unt.edu
Dr. T. David Mason
Phone: 940-565-2386
E-mail: david.mason@unt.edu


Religion Studies

We offer a unique, interdisciplinary approach to questions concerning religion, which combines philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, literature and music. This minor will help you understand the connection between religion and your major area of study. In doing so, you will also have the opportunity to examine your own existing religious traditions or the nonexistence of such traditions.

Our course work and faculty members will address areas such as:

  • historical, cultural, and conceptual origins and development of world religions
  • philosophical underpinnings of religion
  • how religion is similar to and different from philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology, and history
  • how to study and evaluate the content and meaning of religions
  • how to understand religions from outside of the perspective of religious belief

For more information
www.phil.unt.edu
Dr. David M. Kaplan
Phone: 940-565-3521
E-mail: david.kaplan@unt.edu


Preparing for UNT: High School Students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or the ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, submit your application for admission by March 1 (apply online at www.applytexas.org) and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate
courses can count toward college credit at UNT. For
details, visit www.unt.edu/credit.

Preparing for UNT: Transfer Students

As a benefit for transfer students, we participate in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you to a peer mentor and other valuable campus resources. Each year, we welcome more transfer students than any other institution in the state. The center is in the University Union, Room 320. More information is at transfercenter.unt.edu.