As second semester hurdles by, the clock is ticking for underclassmen to make a decision about their majors. For second-year students especially, this is the time of year is saturated with major applications, with some of them now past due and others fast approaching. Naturally, the decision to declare or apply to a specific program is difficult and not without risk. Of course, the stakes are higher for students applying to less conventional programs. With smaller majors such as Political and Social Thought, Slavic Languages and Literatures, and Media Studies, there is more competition for fewer spots. If admitted, students have the opportunity to study with highly specialized and dedicated professors and engage in unique learning environments.
\nThe Political and Social Thought major offers one such opportunity to students. With a graduating class of about 20 students, PST majors are afforded the opportunity to engage in discussion on pressing social issues in an intimate setting. Third-year PST major Evan Shields shared his appreciation for the structure of the major.
\n"We look at the political, theoretical and metaphysical angles of particular social issues and then are challenged to find solutions to these issues through three academic areas of our choosing," Shields said.
\nShields said he enjoys the class discussions, adding that the major is preparing him for life after college.
\n"My future goal is to pursue public service and find innovative ways to improve education and educational policy in our country," he said. "The major allows me to look at social issues abstractly and then materialize new solutions based on multiple viewpoints."
\nMichael Smith, Sorenson Professor of Political and Social Thought, explained that the draw of the interdisciplinary program is its ability to bring a diverse and talented group of students to the discussion table, where they develop analytical skills and learn to apply theory to the real world.
\n"One of our graduates was active in representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay; another, having become a sergeant in the NYPD, is currently attending Harvard Law School; another directs her own theater company," Smith said. "Our graduates go on to do amazing things."
\nLike the PST program, the Slavic Languages and Literatures Program is very select, with an annual graduating class of about 20 students. Fourth-year student Erik Larsen studied Russian in high school and particularly enjoys the size of his major.
\n"I like the approachability of the faculty, especially the language professors. They are very friendly and are always willing to talk."
\nLarsen explained that programs like his are best when kept small.
\n"Language learning can cause people a lot of anxiety, and I think that the familiarity of a small group of faculty and students allows students to relax a bit," Larsen said. Julian Connolly, department chair of Slavic Languages and Literatures, has been at the University for more than 33 years and enjoys the exchange of ideas with his students about some of the best works of world literature. There are two tracks in the department: the Russian and East European Studies track and the Russian Language and Literature track. Connolly said each track helps students develop skills useful in almost any career.
\n"One [student] has worked with an organization that provided humanitarian aid and economic development in conflict-affected communities in the Caucasus," he said. "Another became head of Mary Kay Cosmetics in Russia and Europe."
\nThe Media Studies Department at the University also has traditionally had a graduating class of 20 students, although this year it is expanding to admit a new class of 40 students. It also offers a setting in which students become close to their professors and peers while gaining the ability to network and learn from active professionals in the field.
\n"It's nice to know everyone's name and be on a first name basis with almost every single professor," third-year student Cecily Mullen said.
\nMullen finds the classes interesting but also hard. She believes that she is developing a set of skills that will prove beneficial in her future career while studying the history, contemporary issues and the effects of different media on society.
\n"I think a lot of students are interested in the major because of the built-in appeal - it is very relevant to the students and their lives," assistant professor of Media Studies Jennifer Petersen said.
\nPeterson explained that after graduation, students often enter the career fields discussed in class.
"Students have gone on to work for advertising agencies or for themselves as independent filmmakers," she said.
\nFor many students, achieving their goals at the University means following a long line of peers through a well-known major. But for those looking for a different kind of experience, sometimes the biggest payoff comes from thinking small.
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