Bachelor of Science in Arts For Children

at State University of New York College at Brockport USA

The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for a career in any field that requires clear, analytical thinking, writing, and speaking, including law, government, teaching and education, the ministry, business and management, publishing, and many other fields. Philosophy is traditionally considered the premier major for those planning to apply to law school. Philosophy majors score on average significantly higher on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) than do the majors in any of the humanities or social sciences, including political science, history, and English; and philosophy majors on average are accepted to law school at higher rates than are students majoring in many other popular pre-law fields. Philosophy is also an excellent double major.

The Department of Philosophy sponsors the College's chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the International Honors Philosophy Society, which recognizes student academic excellence. The Department also operates the Center for Philosophic Exchange, which sponsors free public guest lectures on campus by distinguished philosophers and publishes the on-line journal, Philosophic Exchange.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Present a philosophical problem, by (1) concisely and precisely stating a philosophical problem to be resolved by an argument or essay, (2) explaining why the problem is significant, (3) explaining the scope of the problem, (4) defining any terms necessary for understanding the problem.
• Explicate the meaning of a philosophical theory by (1) correctly deducing the logical implications of that theory, (2) describing those implications in terms of specific examples, (3) recognizing when another statement or theory contradicts the relevant theory explicitly, (4) recognizing when another statement or theory contradicts the relevant theory implicitly.
• Demonstrate understanding of evidence by (1) correctly stating what counts as relevant evidence for a philosophical position, (2) correctly stating what counts as relevant evidence against the argument for a philosophical position and recognizing that evidence as such, (3) explaining why any cited evidence is relevant or irrelevant to a philosophical position, (4) distinguishing evidentiary claims about a philosophical position from rhetorically persuasive but specious claims about a philosophical position.
• Demonstrate knowledge of logic, by (1) recognizing arguments, (2) constructing good arguments, (3) evaluating arguments, (4) avoiding fallacies (e.g. begging the question).
• Demonstrate knowledge of dialectical method in philosophy, by (1) formulating possible objections to the thesis of an essay, (2) formulating possible objections to the argument for the essay's thesis, (3) responding to possible objections to the essay's thesis by showing that they are mistaken, (4) responding to possible objections to the argument for the essay's thesis by showing that they are mistaken.

The study of History promotes the knowledge, breadth of perspective, intellectual growth, and skills essential to achieving career success, leading a purposeful life, and exercising responsible citizenship. History majors develop strong critical thinking, research, communication and problem-solving skills that prepare them to succeed in a wide range of rewarding careers, including law, teaching, business, entrepreneurship, public administration, journalism, information technology/library science, publishing, urban and regional planning, social work, and government.

The Department of History offers students a comprehensive range of courses that covers the world across all time periods and features a diverse array of topics. In addition, it offers professional development courses that help students reflect on how the study of history can help serve their personal and professional goals after graduation. The History major is flexible, allowing students to select classes that match their interests, and at 36 credits enables students to complete other majors or minors that complement the History degree. This flexibility also allows majors the opportunity to broaden their horizons through study abroad and to explore future career paths through internships coordinated through the Department of History.

Students who want to teach history at the middle or high school level should enroll in the Social Studies Inclusive Education (SSI) major, which leads to certification as both a Social Studies and Special Education teacher, or the Social Studies Education (SSE) major, which leads to certification solely as a Social Studies teacher. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Articulate a thesis in response to a historical problem
• Advance in logical sequence principal arguments in defense of a historical thesis.
• Provide relevant evidence in defense of a historical thesis.
• Evaluate the significance of a historical thesis by relating it to a broader field of historical knowledge.
• Express themselves clearly in writing that forwards a historical analysis.
• Use disciplinary standards (Chicago Style) of documentation when referencing historical sources.

The undergraduate Interdisciplinary Arts for Children major is committed to teaching, scholarship, creative expression, and service related to the education of children in and through the arts. This interdisciplinary major is unique to the SUNY system and the nation. It fulfills a major need in providing substantive arts-in-education training to prospective classroom teachers and others interested in the arts. Research shows that arts integration has perhaps the greatest potential to positively affect learning across academic disciplines. An interdisciplinary approach to learning helps students leverage new understandings that could not be obtained through singular discipline studies alone. 

What You’ll Learn

Our program is unique nationwide and within the SUNY system. It encourages students to think across disciplines, using arts integration as a focus.

Each student selects a specialty area as a focus for in-depth learning while taking courses across all of the arts disciplines. Our major is an excellent choice for those interested in education and other arts-related programs that involve working with children.

Our degree Chemistry Adolescence Inclusive Education includes the same core content as our major in chemistry, leaving students with a well-established knowledge and confidence in their field. This is paired with an education curriculum that focuses on lesson plans that are student-centered and connected to the current national content standards.

You’ll also have opportunities to pursue research, and work with mentors that will help you grow and find your footing in the field of education.

The Chemistry Adolescence Education Major leads to preparation for initial single certification to teach Chemistry in grades 5-12.

Student Learning Outcomes
Chemistry Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding and apply the principles of:

• Chemical nomenclature.
• Atomic structure and quantum theory.
• Molecular structure and reactivity.
• Stoichiometric calculations based upon chemical formulae and balanced chemical equations including oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Chemical energetics and thermodynamics including chemical equilibrium.
• Reaction dynamics (kinetics and mechanisms).
• Descriptive chemistry of the elements, compounds, and trends in the periodic table.

Meteorology majors must earn a minimum of 43 credits in required core courses, and complete three semesters of calculus and differential equations, two semesters of calculus-based physics, and one semester each of chemistry and computer programming.The major in Meteorology prepares students for careers in weather forecasting, atmospheric research, environmental consulting and air quality management. The strong physical science orientation of the program allows students to compete in related fields, such as environmental and computer science, hydrology, and alternative energy utilization. The major meets the federal guidelines for meteorologists, enabling graduates to begin careers in federal, state and private employment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Explain the manner with which variables and data, relevant for meteorology, are properly collected using a discipline-appropriate methodology (fieldwork, instrumentation, remote sensing, or derived products from models).
• Properly interpret meteorology data using discipline-accepted qualitative analysis.
• Properly interpret meteorology data using discipline-accepted quantitative analysis.
• Define a scientific question and develop a methodology for answering it.
• Locate, evaluate, and interpret primary source scientific literature.
• Effectively express meteorology concepts and research results following the accepted written format for the discipline
• Explain meteorology concepts and communicate research results following the accepted oral format for the discipline

The English Major Adolescent Education Track leads to initial certification as a teacher of English in grades 5-12. It enables students to prepare for the English CST alone, without the requirements related to the SWD Generalist certification. Students in this track may pursue either the Literature or Creative Writing concentrations.

The English major is designed for students who wish to pursue a passion for reading and writing, and for those who seek a versatile education as they prepare for careers in education, law, business administration, public relations, advertising, government, or any field where analytical excellence and effective use of the English language are essential. English majors choose between a literature or creative writing concentration, where their course work is designed to develop analytical, research, and creative skills.

The major in English Adolescent Education (EAE) includes 36-39 credits of EDI/PRO courses and 36 credits to complete the English major. It is designed so that students can complete the program in 120 credits, including the required 32-35 credits of General Education courses. This allows students the flexibility of taking up to 13 credits of electives. This curriculum meets the requirements for initial certification as outlined by the State Education Department for Adolescent Education (grades 5 through 12). Students will have an assigned advisor in the English department who will work closely with colleagues in the Department of Education.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program,

Creative Writing Track students will be able to:

• Analyze the relationship between literary form and meaning, taking into consideration literary techniques and devices.
• Construct arguments about literary works using historical contexts.
• Apply basic elements of creative writing craft, including such elements as control of form and figurative language.
• Identify reputable and relevant sources, and incorporate the words and ideas of others without misrepresentation and with appropriate documentation practices.
• Write in conformity with standard usage and grammar.

Literature Track students will be able to:

• Analyze the relationship between literary form and meaning, taking into consideration literary techniques and devices.
• Construct arguments about literary works using historical contexts.
• Argue with a command of the rhetorical strategies, terms, and major interpretive methods characteristic of academic writing in the Humanities.
• Identify reputable and relevant sources, and incorporate the words and ideas of others without misrepresentation and with appropriate documentation practices.
• Write in conformity with standard usage and grammar.

The Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education offers a 45 credit sport management major to prepare students for careers in profit and non-profit sport, recreation and fitness organizations. Sport Management at SUNY Brockport is one of the oldest undergraduate programs in the world, having been initiated in 1975. The curriculum provides a thorough foundation of sport management and studies theory, coupled with an extensive array of domestic and international, real-world experiences through various field experiences (practica), research and problem solving opportunities, as well as a full semester long off-campus internship.

As a sport management major, you'll apply classroom learning to three on- or off-campus mini-internships and one full semester off-campus internship that can be completed locally, nationally, or internationally. To complement the sport management major, you'll choose a minor or second program of study one from the following, or spend a semester studying abroad.

• Business
• Marketing
• Finance
• Communications
• Journalism, Broadcasting, and Public Relations
• Recreation and Leisure
• Coaching
• Kinesiology

What You’ll Learn

You'll develop a comprehensive set of skills to help you in the sport management field, including marketing, fundraising, finance, facilities, and research.

You'll also learn about the societal, ethical, and philosophical perspectives related to sport organizations and employee and athlete behavior within sport organizations.

Earth science majors must earn a minimum of 36 core and elective credits (in Earth Science and Geology) and an additional 12 credits in related lab sciences and mathematics. The core and elective courses that constitute the curriculum of this interdisciplinary major embody the knowledge base and methodologies of geology (solid earth and its resources), meteorology (the atmosphere and its movement), and hydrology (water and its cycling through the environment). As such, this major offers a flexible and broadly based program of study that is well suited for students who are preparing for a career in environmental regulation, resource management or park service. By supplementing the major-related course work with additional electives, or an appropriate minor, a student may structure her/his study toward a special interest area, such as journalism, technical writing, business, or graduate study in geography, resource management, urban planning, or museum science.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Explain the manner with which variables and data, relevant for earth science, are properly collected using discipline appropriate methodology (fieldwork, instrumentation, remote sensing, or derived products from models).
• Properly interpret earth science data using discipline-accepted qualitative analysis
• Properly interpret earth science data using discipline-accepted quantitative analysis.
• Define a scientific question and develop a methodology for answering it.
• Locate, evaluate and interpret primary source scientific literature.
• Effectively express earth science concepts and research results following the accepted written format for the discipline.
• Explain earth science concepts and communicate research results following the accepted oral format for the discipline.

The 30-credit Master of Arts in Mathematics provides students with a solid foundation in the major areas of mathematics, an appreciation for the structures and theories of advanced mathematics, and a deeper understanding of the role of mathematics in applications. The department strives to produce graduates who exhibit knowledge, comprehension and creativity in the practice of mathematics as they pursue their careers in college/high school teaching, business or government, or as they pursue doctoral studies. Please note that the information in this document is subject to change. For the latest information on our courses, please contact the department.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Apply the methods of three major areas of mathematics to rigorously solve problems and carry out proofs that are typical to each of these areas.
• Carry out the creative and explorative processes of mathematics, including conjecture, generalization, and the construction of mathematically rigorous proofs.
• Use mathematics to model and analyze real world problems, and utilize technology as appropriate to help solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of results.
• Communicate mathematics effectively.
• Actively engage with mathematics beyond the classroom.

An in-depth understanding of mathematics is of great importance to many careers in our technologically complex society. Moreover, the study of mathematics promotes analytical and critical thinking skills, and therefore is a valuable part of any program of study. The major in mathematics is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue graduate study or to support career goals in a range of professions. Recent graduates who have majored in mathematics have found rewarding careers in business, teaching, computing, government, law, engineering, actuarial science and medicine. A study of mathematics is a natural complement to the study of physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, earth science, business, economics, computer science, philosophy, and the social sciences. Mathematics is also a fitting major for pre-law and pre-med students.

To complete a major in mathematics, students take 10 required courses that provide a thorough foundation in several central areas of mathematics, a computer science course that emphasizes the design of algorithms, and a minimum of three advanced courses chosen to give special depth in at least one area.

More details concerning the mathematics major, including sample programs of study and information on advisement for majors, student awards, computing facilities, library holdings, and the Mathematics Club, can be found in the department website.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Discuss and utilize mathematics as an intellectual discipline, including its problems, algorithms, and applications.
• Carry out the creative and explorative processes of mathematics, including conjecture, generalization, and the construction of mathematically rigorous proofs.
• Use mathematics to model and analyze real world problems, and utilize technology as appropriate to help solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of results.
• Communicate mathematics effectively.
• Actively engage with mathematics beyond the classroom.