PROGRAM ACTION PROPOSALS

2. PROGRAM ACTION PROPOSALS University Curriculum Committee January 26th, 2016

3. Bachelors of Arts & Science in Sociology • The BA/BS degrees in Sociology will expand upon the successful Sociology Minor and Sociology Integrated Studies Emphasis already offered at Dixie State University. It is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field as well as provide them with a thorough understanding of research methods used by sociologists in the academic and business worlds.

4. BS in Digital Film • The proposed BS in Digital Film program provides advanced production training in cinema, combined with the opportunity to work on commercial projects and documentary productions in a real-world environment. In addition to learning operational aspects of digital film, such as lighting, camera, and sound production requirements, students will receive hands-on training in pre- and post-production techniques. The program also include academic coursework in film theory, history and criticism, screenwriting, editing, and documentary production.

5. Institute of Politics and Public Affairs The institute will: • Serve DSU as a hub for civic engagement, student leadership and public policy education and research. It’s core mission will be to inspire students to pursue careers in public service by providing them opportunities to connect with policymakers, politicians, activists and academics. • Additionally, the institute will (1) boost student involvement and retention, (2) ensure the university plays a more active role in Southern Utah’s civic and cultural environment and (3) increase the university’s public profile

6. Humanities Minor • For years, Dixie State University (DSU) has offered a small number of humanities and philosophy courses. These courses have been taught with success, but offer no path for further studies for students after the course is over. An Integrated Studies humanities emphasis has recently been approved that will allow students to create a split major between humanities and another field. Adding a minor in humanities will make humanities course work accessible to more students. In so doing, the proposed humanities minor will assist DSU with retention since students interested in the humanities and philosophy currently transfer to other institutions that offer more degree options in these fields.

7. American Sign Language Minor • Dixie State University proposes to add an American Sign Language (ASL) Minor to its existing programs. Completion of the American Sign Language minor will provide students with an in-depth understanding of Deaf culture and help build their fluency in expressive and receptive American Sign Language. • Many students are interested in continuing their study of ASL beyond beginning and intermediate ASL. A minor in ASL will allow students to continue studying ASL without enrolling in the ASL Interpreting Emphasis.

8. Human Development and Family Studies • We are requesting the restructure of the Department of Family and Consumer Science. We also request the name of this department to be changed to the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. This name change will be more in alignment with similar departments at other institutions of higher education and will more appropriately represent the programs and courses offered in the department.

9. Integrated Studies in Communications Discontinue • As new minors in Communication & Media Studies will be offering separate emphases, DSU requests to discontinue its generic Communication Integrated Studies emphasis.

10. Health Communication Emphasis in the Communication Studies Degree There are four main reasons to add a Health Communication Emphasis: • Expanding Health Sciences and health-related emphases is part of DSU’s strategic plan. • The community within St. George continues to grow and emphasize health sciences and technologies which will increase demand for health communication skill sets. • The general labor environment and projects indicate strong needs for health communication skills. • Communication students and students in general are becoming more interested in gaining health communication skills due to job demand and outlooks in healthcare settings

11. Strategic Communication Emphasis in the Media Studies Degree • Strategic communication not only combines advertising and public relations, but it also represents a convergence of all critical communication strategies and tools, from personal influence to social media to mass media. In this rapidly changing media environment, where audiences are often segmented, media studies students need to strengthen their strategic planning management skills,

12. Economics Minor • Many students have been requesting minors in Business related fields. Currently DSU has does not offer a minor in Economics. • A minor in Economics provides analytical skills and economic knowledge that will be beneficial to students pursuing careers in business, finance, law, social sciences, and government. • The minor requires a minimum of 21 credits.

13. Management Minor • Supplementing fascinating and personally enriching study in the Fine and Performing Arts, Humanities, or Social & Behavioral Sciences with the practical skills offered by a minor in Management or Marketing should be noted. Pairing a School of Business minor in Management with their major of choice may provide substantial pragmatic benefit to students’ employment opportunities after graduation. The minor requires a minimum of 25 credits.

14. Marketing Minor • Supplementing fascinating and personally enriching study in the Fine and Performing Arts, Humanities, or Social & Behavioral Sciences with the practical skills offered by a minor in Marketing should be noted. Pairing a School of Business minor in Marketing with their major of choice may provide substantial pragmatic benefit to students’ employment opportunities after graduation The minor requires a minimum of 22 credits.