ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN MICRONESIAN STUDIES

 

This program is designed to give students an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Micronesian history, society, government & politics, economy and culture. The A.A. degree prepares students to work in national or state government and politics, to be an elementary or high school social studies teacher, and in general to be more informed citizens of their state and nation. The program also has proven transferability to a wide range of majors at four-year colleges in the Pacific and the U.S. mainland.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

 

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

 

1. Demonstrate the ability to read, speak and write effectively in English about Micronesian Studies Program course content.

2. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about Micronesian Studies Program course content.

3. Demonstrate basic geographical literacy of the Micronesian region.

4. Demonstrate basic historical literacy of the Micronesian region.

5. Demonstrate basic cultural literacy of the Micronesian region.

6. Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the structure and function of government in the Federated States of Micronesia.

7. Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the main social, political and economic issues facing the Federated States of Micronesia.

8. Demonstrate the ability to perform research using both written and electronic materials.

9. Demonstrate the ability to write research papers.

10. Demonstrate an appreciation of the requirements of good citizenship in the Federated States of Micronesia.

 

Program Requirements

 

Preparatory Courses (by placement)

 

General Education Core Requirements .....................................................29 credits

 

English (9 credits)

 

EN 110 Advanced Reading (3)

EN 120a Expository Writing I (3)

EN 120b Expository Writing II (3)

 

Mathematics (3 credits)

 

Any 100 level or above mathematics course (3)

 

Natural Sciences (7 credits)

 

A science course with Laboratory or AG 110 or AG 140 (4)

A non-lab science or AG 101 (3)

 

Social Sciences (3 credits)

 

SS 150 History of Micronesia (3)

 

Computer Applications (3 credits)

 

CA 100 Computer Literacy (3)

 

Exercise Sports Science (1 credit)

 

Exercise Sports Science course (1)

 

Humanities (3 credits)

 

Any course in art, culture, music, history, literature, philosophy, or language (3)

 

Major Requirements ................................................................................27 credits

 

SS 101 Introduction to Political Science (3)

Prerequisite: ESL 089

Introduces students to the major elements of political science through a conflict-management approach.

 

SS 120 Introduction to Geography (3)

Prerequisite: ESL 089

An introduction to physical and regional geography.

 

SS 125 Geography of the Pacific (3)

Prerequisite: ESL 089

A study of the physical, social and cultural geography of Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia.

 

SS 195 Micronesian Cultural Studies (3)

Prerequisite: ESL 089

A comparative study of Micronesian culture including customs and beliefs, arts and crafts, kinship and language.

 

SS 200 Research Methods (3)

Prerequisite: EN 120a

An introduction to both quantitative and qualitative research, analysis and writing within the social and behavior sciences.

 

SS 205 Micronesian Government and Politics (3)

Prerequisites: SS 150, SS 101

This course deals with the various forms of governments existing in the Micronesian region and the politics associated with them. This course will discuss the impact of tradition vis-à-vis politics and the formal and informal roles of the traditional leaders in the various governments and the political process.

 

SS 212 Economy of Micronesia (3)

Prerequisite: SS 150

An in-depth exploration of the FSM economy with an emphasis on economic development policy planning.

 

SS 220 Contemporary Issues in Micronesia (3)

Prerequisite: SS 150

Examines the major political, social, economic and cultural issues facing Micronesian societies today.

 

SS 280 Directed Study: Selected Topics (3)

Prerequisite: EN 120b, SS 101, SS 200,

SS 205, SS 212, SS 220

A mentored research practicum for Micronesian studies majors that culminates in a major paper demonstrating ability in public policy research, analysis and writing.

 

 Open Electives...............................................................................6 credits

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS..........................................................62 credits