#major spotlight

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Major Spotlight: English

If you enjoy reading and writing, either academically or creatively, the English department may become your home while at Salem.

The department focuses on giving the most well rounded approach in terms of  offering courses that expound on English and American literary history while honing skills for reading literature and placing works and their value in a historical context. The major is writing intensive and offers courses that focus on drama, poetry, and novels, while also providing a more in-depth look at women writers.

The English major consists of 11 total courses, 6 of which must satisfy specific classification requirements. The remaining 5 courses are electives of one’s choice and can include creative writing courses.

Within the major, it is also possible to have concentrations; to achieve one, you must take 7 of the listed courses within the concentration of your choice. These include a British Literature concentration, American Literature concentration, Multi-Cultural Literature, and Women Literature concentration.

The English professors are all very committed to the work they do and the courses they teach. I urge you all to take at least one English course at your time at Salem. If nothing else, it could greatly improve your writing skill, one that is important in all pathways.  

-Carolina C’16

(English with a British Literature concentration)

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Major Spotlight: Political Science and History

Major Spotlight: Political Science and History

When I first came to Salem I was very unsure about what I wanted to major in.  I knew what kinds of subjects I like, I’ve always had a passion for the humanities, but I had no idea what major that would translate to or even what those majors could lead to once I got to the real world. 

Luckily, at Salem I didn’t have to worry about being unsure about my major.  My first year I was able to take a range of classes based only on what I thought would interest me the most, everything from a course on Religion, to International Relations, to a special topics course on the History of Democracy.  Once I took these classes it became clear to me that double majoring in History and Political Science was truly what I wanted to do with my time here at Salem.

Political Science is a relatively new major being offered at Salem and it consists of three different tracks, a general Political Science track, a Public Policy track, and an International Relations track.  A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Salem requires eleven courses, five of which are core requirements, such as Political Thought and Theory, four are specific to the track that you are pursuing, such as American Foreign Policy, and two are electives that can be interdisciplinary, such as the Model U.N. course that competes in the National Model U.N. Conference in New York.  These courses allow me to develop a greater understanding of the world system and challenge me to constantly question situations and think about ways the world can be improved.

The Bachelor of Arts in History also requires eleven courses.  These courses include core courses in World and American History as well as a range of courses covering U.S., European, and non-Western History.  Some of the classes I’ve had the opportunity to take for my History major include the History of Disney, the History of the British Isles, and the History of the Vietnam War.  My history major is critical in developing pivotal skills such as writing, analysis and research that will help me to market myself to grad schools or jobs following college. 

I am so grateful to Salem for the amazing opportunities I’ve had so far as a student of History and Political Science and I cannot wait to see where these areas of study will take me.  Not only have I been given the ability to look for what my passions are, Salem has given me the chance to pursue both of them and gain a better understanding of how they are related.  If you choose to look into either the History or Political Science majors at Salem be prepared to for consistent personal growth and to constantly challenge the traditional way the world is viewed in favor of a method of thinking that will empower you to someday change the world.

-Shannon C’16

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Major Spotlight: History

I’m one of those people who like to have a plan, all the time. I’m also one of those people who like to try to do every activity and take every opportunity presented to them. So, when I applied and decided to come to Salem, I was gung-ho on the idea of majoring in English and psychology.

Like most people you've probably spoken to throughout your college search, I most definitely did not stick with both my intended majors. Though I am still a happy English major, my second major turned out to be something completely separate from the social sciences.

First year gave me one of the biggest opportunities I've had at Salem – the chance to rediscover my love for history. I’m a nerd. No doubt about it. I love knowing things about the past, because it could truly give us insight about the future.

But, really, my history major started with the Practice of Democracy, and a wonderfully engaged professor named Dr. Prosterman.  My advisor at the time, Dr. Dulan (“call me Jo!”), told me I should take a course with him, at least once, and once I’d agreed, she ended our conversation with “I think you’re really going to like this.”

She wasn't wrong. She didn't even know how right she was.

This course challenged me in ways I’d never imagined. The material we read was long, sometimes tedious, and the discussion was nerve-wracking for me. I was a first year with sophomores, juniors, and even seniors. “What did I know? What could I really contribute?” I asked myself several times. The answer is… a lot. Despite my fears, I became engaged in the discussion and I truly let myself become an active participant, rather than the shy person who sat in the desk by the door (I still sit there, every time I have a class with Dr. Prosterman, not gonna lie).

But this happy story didn't just happen because I woke up one day and said I was going to talk. No. This happened because Dr. Prosterman, like most Salem professors, cares about his students. He asked me questions and asked my opinions until I was ready to give them freely.

The Practice of Democracy was my first history class at Salem and with Dr. Prosterman, but it certainly hasn't been the last. This major has incredibly interesting courses and opportunities for independent studies. The other professors in the department, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Doyle, as well as those from the Political Science side of things, Dr. Foley and Dr. Boyd, all are engaged with what they teach and with how their students respond to discussions and lectures.

I’m not going to say there are not dry moments, because…c’mon it’s history. Even us nerds can find something we’re not totally loving. But, even then, I do highly suggest you take a class or talk to one of our professors. You might find yourself discovering a new love!

Carolina, C’16

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Major Spotlight: Biology

If you a science person and would like to go into medicine, forensic science, or teaching, Biology may be the major for you! The biology program here at Salem is well-rounded incorporating not only biology classes but chemistry, physics, and mathematics as well. 

Classes

B.S. in Biology requires a total of 17 courses for the major itself. The eight required biology courses are Cell & Molecular Biology, Biodiversity, Biometry (biostatistics), Ecology, Genetics, Evolution, and Senior Seminar. In addition to these biology classes, you will take two semesters of General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics.

Starting your sophomore year, you will generally take two to three science classes per semester, most of which have a lab separate from lecture. However, your first year, you will take one or two science classes which will help you transition! 

All of this may sound intimidating but it is certainly doable, especially if you start early on and follow your four-year plan (your adviser will help you come up with one!).  

Professors

I LOVE the Biology department. We have Dr. Dunn, Dr. Kuppinger, Dr. Porter, Dr. Watts and Mrs. Duckett, the Lab Goddess. By the time you are a senior, you would have had all five of them. All of the professors have different interests with different backgrounds but they all love teaching and working with students and are willing to go out of their way to help us. They are also very approachable and available! At Salem, if you need help with coming up with a four-year plan, want to discuss your post-graduation plans or simply have a question about homework, your professors will sit down with you. This goes for the entire faculty and staff, not only the Biology department.  

Opportunities

As a biology major, there are so many opportunities for you--while you are at Salem and afterwards! You can work in the department and gain experience with lab techniques under Mrs. Duckett's guidance. You might also have a chance to work with the professors themselves. Starting this past January, a couple of my friends, Carlen and Ashley, have been working with Dr. Kuppinger on Fire History of Pilot Mountain. They are still continuing the research and will travel to Tennessee next semester to present their hard work! During the January Term, I had an internship at the Wake Forest Biotech Place, thanks to my adviser, Dr. Watts, who introduced me to the opportunity. A couple of my friends had an internship at the Wake Forest Primate Center as well, among all the other possibilities!

All in all, you can do so much with having a background in biology and I highly recommend that you consider biology for your major!

-Juyoung, C'16

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Major Spotlight: Teaching, Schools and Society

If you’ve ever considered going into the teaching profession, the thought alone can be intimidating. There seem to be so many steps to take before you can be in a real classroom. Fear not! The process to becoming a licensed professional NC instructor is much simpler than imagined. Salem College’s Teaching, Schools and Society major prepares “pre-service teachers” (as the professors call us) to be in a diverse 21st century classroom.

If you are interested in Elementary Education, this is the major (with 21 classes) for you. If you wish to teach middle or high school, it is recommended that you major in the field you’d like to go into (English or Music, for instance) and obtain licensure (with classes equivalent to a minor) on the side.

  The TSS major offers six interdisciplinary concentrations, including: Advocacy (public policy, history, sociology and psychology), Math (multiple math strands), Environment (biology, environmental sciences and policy), Literacy (English, creative writing), Natural Sciences (bio, chemistry, physics and earth science) and Social Sciences (history, sociology, economics and political science).  All pre-service teachers must choose a concentration for their major.

  While the first four education classes (110, 112, 120, and 122) are open for anyone to take, upper-level classes are only available to those who have been accepted into the Department of Education. Typically you apply for this the spring of your sophomore year, but several students apply earlier than this. To apply, you talk to the department’s Instructor and pick up a form. It requires a background test, two recommendations, a GPA at Salem of 2.5+, completion of Blocks I and II (the classes mentioned above), a minimum SAT combined scores of 1100+/ACT combined of 24+/PRAXIS IPPSE composite score of 522+, a dispositions self-evaluation, and an admission interview with the Instructor of the Department.

  Last but not least, let’s not forget student teaching! A requirement for the TSS major, student teaching takes place the spring semester of senior year. It falls under EDUC 394 (Teachers as Practitioners Seminar) and EDUC 399 (Teachers as Practitioners). A minimum Salem GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of 3.0 in education course requirements is necessary.

  As a current sophomore majoring in TSS with a Literacy concentration, I highly recommend this program! The staff is out of this world, encouraging you every day to think outside of the box. They respectfully treat you as a professional instructor and value your ideas. In brief, this major is meaningful and fun. How cool is it to influence the next generation?

-Jenna C'16

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A Look into Our Majors: Economics

Coming into college can be a scary time. Many students feel pressured into deciding immediately what major they wish to pursue and deciding their life’s ambitions then.

Just stop right there. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.

Most students coming into an undergraduate college are 18 years old. You are not supposed to know what you want to study. If somehow you do know exactly what you want to do and nothing will ever change your mind, that’s fantastic! But when you get to college, branch out some too. Take some classes just for the fun of it. Here at Salem, you can take classes outside your discipline (even if you’re double majoring with a minor, like me).

Originally, I came into Salem as an International Business major but far more focused in the business aspect. My very first semester I took business and international business classes and decided business administration was a better use of my time.

I know, I know. What does this have to do with economics?

The answer is EVERYTHING.

My very first business class was Principles of Economics with Dr Silbert. After the first few classes, I knew I at least wanted to minor in Economics and I chose my wonderful advisor J I took at least one economics class every semester and I stayed interested throughout most of them. Dr Silbert has proved to be a fantastic advisor time and time again and I have been able to choose what I want to do within various topics. My favorite class was Labor Economics which was an independent study (a class which is unstructured and you have more leeway with what topics you focus in) and my advisor encouraged me to pursue my own interests for my final paper and presentation.

Economics is a strong major to be a part of, if Economics is your thing. It is strongly supported by the Business Department and you can major in Business Administration with either a concentration or minor in Economics. We have some top notch professors in the college including Dr Johe, Dr Delise and Dr Silbert, who are our main ones on staff. We also have various rotating adjunct professors (professors that do not teach every semester and do not have an office on campus) that I have had fabulous experiences with. 

While there are the basic Economics classes of Principles of Economics, Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics, there are also some specialty classes. One that is offered every semester is International Trade and Business which focuses on the basics of international trade and the economic relations within various countries. Several of our other classes change depending on which professor is teaching the course. I am currently enrolled in the ECON310 course which is formally known as the Current Issues in Economics but we are focusing in the Economic Development of Developing Countries which teaches us how economies develop by looking into places like Mexico and India, when their economy was in the process of developing. Another special topic I am super excited for is Feminist Economics in Jan Term! It is economics taught from a different perspective (obviously, a feminist perspective which is pluralistic in nature) that has never been offered before. Dr Silbert drew up the course for this term and the class has at least 20 people in it (that’s huge for here).

I can’t wait to take my remaining 3 (!!!) semesters here at Salem with my major in Economics. It can be an overlooked major unless you believe yourself to be interested in math or business. Let me tell you, you don’t have to be! Business and Economics is one of our strengths here at Salem and we can’t wait for you to find that out too!

-Margaret, C’ 15