Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design with Concentration in Communication Design

at Queens College USA

For students interested in understanding and appreciating the literature and civilization of the Jewish people, Hebrew is indispensable.

Coursework emphasizes Hebrew language instruction, developing skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and translation. Advanced students take courses in biblical, Rabbinic, and modern Hebrew literature; Israeli culture; and courses in Aramaic and Talmud. There also are courses on Hebrew literature of various periods and Israeli, Sephardic, and Yiddish literature and culture in  translation. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad in Israel.

Religious Studies involves the interdisciplinary investigation of religious concerns throughout history and around the world. Religions are studied as text, experience, practice, and theology. Coursework explores themes and questions in comparative religion; religion, literature, and the arts; religion and culture; and religion and philosophy.

The program draws on multiple disciplines, including anthropology, art, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and language and literature. Students are encouraged to study relevant ancient and medieval works in the original classical Chinese, classical Arabic, biblical Hebrew, and Latin.

A degree in religious studies is of interest to students planning to continue on for theological or ministerial training, religious research, or teaching. Its cross-cultural sensibilities, moral concerns, and linguistic expertise also are useful in such areas as development work, community advocacy, social care and counseling, public policy, journalism, and librarianship.

The interdisciplinary major is designed for students who wish to develop their own concentration area in a subject not covered by any one department or program. Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary major should confer with the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, which will provide guidance in developing a proposal for approval. The proposed concentration must have a distinct, coherent interdisciplinary theme and the coursework required for it should provide substantial expertise in that theme. Since an interdisciplinary concentration requires competence in more than one discipline, the major involves a minimum of 36 credits and may require the approval of several departments.

Spanish is spoken across a Hugh territory ranging from Spain through Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. It is the official language of Spain, Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean, and most of South America. It also is the first or second language of about 10 percent of the U.S. population. Much of the world’s great literature is written in Spanish, and Hispanic civilization includes masterpieces of music, the visual and performing arts, and the history of ideas. Thus, coursework in Spanish both instructs students in reading and speaking the language, and introduces students to Spanish-language literature, arts, culture, history, and civilization.

In a globalizing world, Spanish offers a versatile degree, adaptable to many interests and career goals. It has long been a popular field for teachers, and also can facilitate careers involving Spanish-language proficiency in publishing, journalism, international affairs, business, travel and tourism, international agencies, government, nonprofit organizations, and the arts. In addition, students are well equipped to continue on to graduate or professional school.

The Latin American & Latino Studies (LALS) program offers disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Latin America and the Caribbean, and the movements and settlement of the peoples and cultures of those regions in the United States. It combines Latin American, Puerto Rican, and Latino ethnic studies.

Courses give students a detailed knowledge of the development, institutions, language, and customs of Latin America. They cover such topics as the physical environment, arts and music, culture, and economic and political history. Most courses are conducted in English, with the exception of those on language and literature.

The program in women and gender studies is interdisciplinary, exploring society, history, and culture as well as the ways in which gender intersects with class, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, and sexuality. In addition to core courses within the program, more than 30 faculty members teach a wide variety of electives from across the curriculum, including the social sciences, humanities, and science.

Because of its roots in multiple disciplines, women’s studies provides an exceptional liberal arts education. Because of its relevance to social, moral, economic, political, and cultural issues around the world, it also can be a very effective step toward numerous careers. In addition, women’s and gender studies have pioneered groundbreaking research methodologies, as well as critical reading and writing strategies that are useful in many fields.

The program in East Asian Studies is flexible and interdisciplinary, combining language instruction with the humanities and social sciences. Students become proficient in one or more languages and acquire knowledge of the history, cultures, and societies of Asia.
In a globalizing world, this field has become increasingly relevant to students interested in such fields as law and policy, the arts, secondary education, and business and the professions.

Middle Eastern Studies concern the language, culture, and civilization of one of the world’s great cultures. An interdisciplinary major, it encourages students to achieve proficiency in at least one regional language while completing core and elective coursework in the history, literature, religions, and contemporary societies of the Middle East.

A major in Middle Eastern Studies can lead in several directions. Students have a solid foundation for advanced study in graduate school. Alternatively, various career paths are open, with needs for knowledge of the Middle East in museums and other cultural institutions, publishing, the arts, and education. Careers may also be pursued in business, journalism, government, international agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

People in modern societies often have health issues linked to poor diet and exercise habits, a problem that is costly in both economic and human terms. The degree in Nutrition & Exercise Sciences prepares students for careers in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and fitness through healthy diets and regular physical activity.

The curriculum combines core courses with biology, chemistry, and statistics coursework. Graduates go on to work in corporate- and hospital-based programs in health, cardiovascular fitness, wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation; community-based programs for adults and senior citizens; and adult health and fitness programs in health clubs, adult education centers, sports medicine and physical rehabilitation centers, and preventative health agencies.

?Comparative Literature is an ideal subject for students with a passion for reading and curiosity about the world. It involves the study of world literature, exploring oral and written works across nations, languages, and cultures and in their historical, social, and cultural contexts. The courses—taught by faculty from all the college’s language and literature departments as well as from philosophy and anthropology—teach students to bring cross-cultural perspectives to the work of close reading and critical writing.
Such training helps launch graduates in professions that require well-developed communication skills, complex reasoning, and multicultural sensitivities. Comparatists work in publishing, journalism, the media, the arts, public relations, and other information industries. Often they work in international and multicultural contexts where foreign-language and translation skills are an asset. Many go on to graduate school as well as to law, medical, and professional schools.