Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology

at Roger Williams University - Bristol Campus USA

Dive headfirst into the study of oceanography, marine ecology, fisheries biology and more with a degree in Marine Biology. Situated on Mount Hope Bay in RWU’s state-of-the-art Marine and Natural Sciences Building -- home to an aquatic animal diagnostic lab and the state’s only shellfish hatchery -- the Marine Biology program teaches students to discover the aquatic world through lectures, labs, fieldwork and independent research in preparation for careers as scientists and educators.

Research Opportunities

Marine Biology majors explore the unique challenges faced by organisms living in the marine environment and the methods by which they meet these challenges. Students begin the programs by obtaining a broad understanding of oceanographic principles, and through subsequent lectures, laboratories and field work, build on this knowledge for a more complete appreciation of the aquatic world. Undergraduate research is integrated into the Marine Biology curriculum, with opportunities for students to earn academic credit for doing research, to develop proposals and compete for small grants to fund their projects, and to present their findings at regional, national and international conferences.

A major in history at Roger Williams University will explore the past with an eye toward the future. Budding historians will pursue the truth through a variety of lenses and /or approaches. Students will engage in experiential learning by interacting with the local community. Classes will take part in gaming exercises; students will explore film through an analytical lens and study history in the public sphere. A history student will discover the importance of storytelling, will participate in role play and debate, will interact with the surrounding environs through courses designed to pique their interest and hone critical thinking skills.

Students will walk the path of Roger Williams, hold meaningful dialogue with scholars, study the plight of immigrants past and present, share in the history of indigenous cultures, uncover the lived experiences of those who have remained silent or marginalized in history, enter the world of fantasy, and graduate with the tools necessary to make a difference in the world.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Locate, analyze, and interpret a variety of primary and secondary sources with logic, clarity, and persuasiveness.
• Develop an understanding of historiography, historical methodology, and research.
• Demonstrate historical literacy related to historical time periods and area studies.
• Exhibit a sophisticated appreciation of the complexities and ambiguities in history and culture.
• Address the historical impacts of transnational exchanges.
• Critique how histories are produced by and reimagined in the face of systems of power.

RWU’s unique and intimate Music program layers the exploration of world cultures on top of a solid foundation in theory, history and composition. All Music students take private lessons, perform with an ensemble and specialize in either technology or culture. With opportunities to take additional coursework in professional fields like business, communication or computer science, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of music careers.

The Music major at Roger Williams University offers a solid foundation in music theory and the principle musical styles in western culture, as well as an introduction to the music of various world cultures. Students study the elements of music and explore their application in various compositional formats. They have the opportunity to study the evolution of popular music as well as the classical forms that have characterized and helped define western culture. A unique aspect of RWU’s Music major that reflects the mission of the University is the exploration of world cultures through music. These courses will focus not only on the music of various world cultures, but also on the ways in which music is a reflection of these cultures.

The Music Major offers two tracks for students to choose from. The “Music & Culture” track highlights performance and world culture through music, and the “Music & Technology” track explores 21st century developments in music, as influenced by new electronic and computer technologies.

A degree in Architecture combines rigorous professional training in design, history, planning and technology with a broad liberal arts education. Our students have the opportunity to study Architecture in Europe and get their work critiqued by accomplished professionals through RWU’s one-of-a-kind Teaching Firm in Residence Program. When you complete this accredited program, you’ll be prepared to take the next step toward becoming a professional architect.

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree serves both as a non-professional liberal arts degree, and as preparation for further graduate study in architecture and related fields. Students completing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree may apply to professional Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture and Doctor of Architecture professional degree programs in order to fulfill their educational requirements toward professional registration in architecture.

he Mathematics Specialization is only for students majoring in Computer Science, B.S. This specialization is well suited to those computer science majors who are interested in pursuing advanced studies or careers in the analytical aspects of computing. Students interested in a dual major with Mathematics should select this specialization.

A degree in Graphic Design Communication from RWU blends solid communication theory with technical training in graphic arts skills, taught in the campus’ most sophisticated computer labs. Through courses in typography, art direction and brand identity combined with real-world internship experience, you’ll learn the best professional practices to prepare you for a career in the in-demand graphic design field.

Chemistry is the study of matter – what it’s made of and how it behaves, down to the molecular level. Chemists use math, theory, and experimentation to create chemical compounds and invent applications for their use in our lives. Chemistry Majors develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and research skills to succeed in graduate school, medical school, or a career in chemistry.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Learn and Do More at RWU
With a focus on experiential learning at RWU, Chemistry majors:

• Work on original research or in collaboration with faculty who are experts in their fields. Our undergraduate Chemistry majors conduct graduate-level laboratory research and receive credit for their research experience.
• Use sophisticated lab instrumentation and run experiments on their own, including working with instruments such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• Present research at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, National Aeronautics and Space Administration R.I. Space Grant, National Science Foundation C-AIM, and many local symposiums. These conferences help students understand how their work contributes to society and provide opportunity for networking, often leading to a job offer or invitation to apply to a graduate program.

The Elementary Education program at RWU prepares teachers to educate the next generation of students. Here, you'll explore a broad spectrum of classroom subjects and school settings, both urban and suburban, through four years of field experiences integrated into your curriculum.With small class sizes, individual attention from faculty and specialized training in educating high-needs youth, our program provides you with the skills to become a certified elementary school teacher. The scope and sequence of our program is designed to match current theories and practice in Elementary Education and is deeply rooted with our mission in social justice. This means the professional teacher education you receive at RWU is on the cutting edge of current educational research and practice.

A degree in Public Relations gives you the strategic communication skills to create, promote and maintain the reputation of brands, people and organizations. You’ll build your portfolio with real clients, network with professionals through RWU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and complete an internship to gain real-world experience in corporate, nonprofit and agency public relations.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Design and perform research to aid in addressing an organization’s communication need.
• Demonstrate ability to identify communication problems and issues/opportunities and implement strategic plans to manage
• Evaluate situations and determine appropriate professional ethical principles, communication law and work ethics.
• Apply various communication theories and communication models used in PR efforts.
• Understand business literacy and the role of PR to meet business goals and advocate for the expansion of the discipline in business ventures.

Theatre at RWU is an intensive program that blends classroom, backstage and performance experience to give our students a well-rounded general mastery of all areas of the theatre arts. Through specialization options in acting, design and production and a semester-long London Theatre Program, you’ll learn the practical and professional skills needed to pursue careers in film, television, live theatre, education and business.