Department Overviews The study of theatre is firmly grounded in the liberal arts, integrating knowledge and principles from many academic and artistic disciplines, including communication, art, music, history, English, literature, business, philosophy, and religion. Both the curriculum and... Show moreDepartment Overviews The study of theatre is firmly grounded in the liberal arts, integrating knowledge and principles from many academic and artistic disciplines, including communication, art, music, history, English, literature, business, philosophy, and religion. Both the curriculum and dramatic productions by the Theatre Arts Department offer valuable cross-disciplinary connections for the campus while also providing a solid base in classical, modern, contemporaryand multicultural theatre. he Augsburg film -. t \ flects our belief that students are ransformed throu well-rounded curriculum that encourages creativ ical analysis and inquiry, ethical 5considerations, an understanding of the synergy between theory and g .. 'tice. 99* s Show less
eportment We balance a solid foundation of drawing, design, and history with technical skills, critical ‘ thinking, and creative exploration in a range of media. On-campus galleries showcase the work of students as well as established artists. An innovative faculty pairs creative curriculum for... Show moreeportment We balance a solid foundation of drawing, design, and history with technical skills, critical ‘ thinking, and creative exploration in a range of media. On-campus galleries showcase the work of students as well as established artists. An innovative faculty pairs creative curriculum for traditional disciplines in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and photography with emerging disciplines in hand papermaking, book arts, architecture, and digital media. Class sizes are small; we will get to know each other. All :4; : Photos by: Stephen Geffre Show less
AMERICANéIWJBIVES Exploring the images of Native American women in film M. Elise Marubbio. assistant professor of American Indian studies, spent hours in film archives in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles. studying how Native American women were portrayed in Hollywood films. In her recently... Show moreAMERICANéIWJBIVES Exploring the images of Native American women in film M. Elise Marubbio. assistant professor of American Indian studies, spent hours in film archives in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles. studying how Native American women were portrayed in Hollywood films. In her recently-published book, Killing the Indian Maiden: Images of Native American Women in Film. she analyzes the image that intrigued her the most that of the young Native woman who falls in love or is connected with a white hero and dies for this choice. Marubbio teaches Native American Women and Film, a course in American Indian Studies, Augsburg's newest department. While Augsburg has previously had a major and minor in American Indian studies, the creation of a department strengthens the College's commitment to creating a diverse community. Department chair Erik Buffalohead says that an AIS major or minor is valuable for students preparing to work in a variety of human services in business. health care. education. youth and family ministry. etc. “It‘s all about cultural understanding." Students can also study the Ojibwe language. American Indian Studies is made up of Native and non-Native students. who often take several courses with the same professor. The department works closely with Augsburg‘s American Indian Student Services program. “In the Great American Indian novel, when it is finally written. all of the white people will be Indians and all of the Indians will be ghosts." Sherman Alexie, “How to Write the Great American Indian Novel." “Even through you and l are in different boats. you in your boat and we our canoe, we share the same river of life. What befalls me befalls you. And downstream. downstream in this river of life, our children will pay for our selfishness, for our greed. and for our lack of vision."—-Oren Lyons What comes to mind when we see Indian people in traditional dress or pictures like the ones above? All too often it is a stereotypical assumption about ceremony, spirituality. and tribal culture. What the two quotes and the photographs present are the disconnects between what most people think of when they visualize American Indians and how American Indians think of themselves. And as Oren Lyons makes clear, the resulting gulf affects us all. As with Alexie‘s "ghosts." American Indians are elided out of contemporary focus because popular cultural representations of them are so firmly entrenched in American culture. American Indian Studies responds to these disconnects and the appropriation of Indianness, the telling of tribal histories. cultures. and worldviews from non—Native perspectives. American Indian Studies provides the Native voice in response to centuries of miscommunication, disinformation, and historical erasure. Here in Minnesota and the Twin Cities we are constantly interacting with each other in our neighborhoods and in business, government. healthcare. and education. We need to understand each other’s stories. Show less
SOCIOLOGY The "Father" of Sociology at Augsburg College As Augsburg’s Department of Sociology celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, it is a good time to look back at how the program began. Or, rather, at who began it. Joel Torstenson came to Augsburg as a history major from rural West... Show moreSOCIOLOGY The "Father" of Sociology at Augsburg College As Augsburg’s Department of Sociology celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, it is a good time to look back at how the program began. Or, rather, at who began it. Joel Torstenson came to Augsburg as a history major from rural West Central Minnesota. After graduating in 1938, he worked in education for Farmer‘s Co- ops. He began teaching part-time at Augsburg upon earning a master’s degree in history and sociology. During the war years, he became involved in the Peace Movement and participated in establishing a cooperative farm community, which led to employment with Midland Cooperatives as an educational director and community organizer. In the fall of 1947, President Christensen invited him back to Augsburg to develop its programs in social work and sociology while completing his PhD in sociology at the University. Besides the introductory courses in sociology and social problems, he added courses in sociological theory, social psychology, racial and inter-group relations, and rural sociology. “As the instructor in rural sociology," Torstenson writes, “I sought to relate my experiences in the rural communities of my early life and those as an elementary school teacher in a rural community." His involvement in rural community life and culture continued through his service on the American Lutheran Church’s Rural Life Commission and through representing Augsburg at a conference on Lutheran Higher Education in Service to Rural People. “Through such participation in rural life activities, I sought to enliven my teaching with reflections on contemporary developments in rural America." i v.1. .u. a-uuz. tut-u. u. mu- Ills-L.|'.‘.l ItL Show less
From the orchestra to the NRC It took a fractured wrist from a toga party at Augsburg and a J-term course in physics to persuade Cyndi Jones to enter the field of science. In the fall of 1977, this talented young woman came to Augsburg on a music scholarship to play the clarinet. She planned to... Show moreFrom the orchestra to the NRC It took a fractured wrist from a toga party at Augsburg and a J-term course in physics to persuade Cyndi Jones to enter the field of science. In the fall of 1977, this talented young woman came to Augsburg on a music scholarship to play the clarinet. She planned to pursue a career in classical clarinet and performance. However, in the January term between her first and second years, Cyndi took a Physics for the Life Sciences course from Mark Engebretson and explored the relationship between music, physics, and math. “I got a 4.0 in the class," she said, “and the subject was fascinating and exciting." Seeing her potential, Engebretson encouraged Cyndi to take the physics fall line-up in her sophomore year. While taking both science and music courses, Cyndi auditioned and played a few times in the pit orchestra at the Guthrie Theater, taught swimming lessons at the hospital across from Augsburg, played in the Little Minneapolis Orchestra, and worked in the bursar’s office at Augsburg to help pay her tuition. “My grades suffered a bit because i was so busy," she said, but she kept on working. Then a fractured wrist forced Cyndi to take a break from the clarinet. “You don’t make a lot of money auditioning and playing backup in an orchestra," she said, “and I began to wonder how I would ever pay back my student loans." By herjunior year, she had given up her music classes and pursued physics full time. In 1981, Cyndi became the third woman ever to graduate with a degree in physics from Augsburg College. She said her professors never doubted her abilities, even though she wasn’t a 4.0 student. “My physics professors always had time for me," she said. "Their doors were always open." Show less
POLITICAL SCIENCE Department Overview Firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition, political science shares concerns with the humanities, other behavioral sciences, and mathematics and the sciences. The role and significance of authority in human affairs establish the focus of political science... Show morePOLITICAL SCIENCE Department Overview Firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition, political science shares concerns with the humanities, other behavioral sciences, and mathematics and the sciences. The role and significance of authority in human affairs establish the focus of political science. Augsburg political science students have the benefit of an experienced faculty that offers courses in all major areas of political science, and also possesses special expertise in the areas of campaigns and elections, comparative and international politics, mass communications and other information technology, racial and ethnic politics, and American public law. Political scientists use systematic inquiry and analysis to examine political reality. The student who majors in political science will explore political ideas and values, investigate political cooperation and conflict, analyze and compare political systems. and develop perspectives on international relations. In the process, the student will be encouraged to relate insights from other liberal arts disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, economics, history, and sociology to the study of politics. Show less
Using Mathematics in today's marketplace Professor Tracy Bibelnieks considers herself an applied mathematician, which in her own words involves “using theoretical mathematics in innovative ways to solve rich problems from the business sector." Her work as a consultant has included applying... Show moreUsing Mathematics in today's marketplace Professor Tracy Bibelnieks considers herself an applied mathematician, which in her own words involves “using theoretical mathematics in innovative ways to solve rich problems from the business sector." Her work as a consultant has included applying mathematics to the analysis of large customer databases to provide mathematically based strategies to enhance marketing and promotion. in today‘s marketplace. businesses understand that to be successful they need to tailor strategies to fit the individual consumer. Statistics and mathematics have been found to be extremely useful in forming strategies useful to businesses seeking to leverage consumer information and behavior. Bibelnieks is seeking to develop partnerships with local companies that would provide benefit to both the business and to Augsburg students “I am looking for rich problems and projects that will engage students in research beyond the standard classroom mathematical models and theory. The mathematical model and proposed solution to a problem posed by a business needs to exacting and validated to be considered a viable business solution strategy. Hence. handing over priority business problems can be risky for a company to undertake, but invaluable for students wanting to get their feet wet in the field," Tracy reports. In the spring of 2007. Professor Bibelnieks will partner with a local consulting firm to bring consumer and business data into her Introduction to Operations Research course. By going through a client engagement project. students will see how linear programming and the science of optimization in general are becoming industry standard analytic techniques. The research and classroom connections generated by such a business and academic partnership give students an edge as they look for career opportunities in the marketplace. Moreover. it may also give a business an edge in the marketplace through the development of new tools, techniques. and solutions for a wide range of business problems. Show less
Economics Department Overview The Department of Economics offers a program that stresses a strong theoretical backgroundfi quantitative analysis, and an emphasis on national and international issues. Students who: graduate with an economics major are well prepared to continue their education in a... Show moreEconomics Department Overview The Department of Economics offers a program that stresses a strong theoretical backgroundfi quantitative analysis, and an emphasis on national and international issues. Students who: graduate with an economics major are well prepared to continue their education in a variety ofj fields or to work successfully in business and government because of the strong liberal artsi emphasis within the major. ’1 The department offers five majors. The economics major and the applied economics majors? lead to careers in the business world or government. Computational economics provides a” liberal arts entry into the field of computer science. The combined economics/business] administration major allows students great flexibility in order to explore both fields. Finally, thei teaching major in political science/economics allows secondary education licensure studentsj to obtain a solid background for teaching economics. ‘ Show less
l Global business experience - without leaving home Before coming to the United States in 1970, associate professor and finance coordinator Ashok Kapoor worked at the American Embassy in his home country of India. “Both my cultural and religious background allows me to bring a very different... Show morel Global business experience - without leaving home Before coming to the United States in 1970, associate professor and finance coordinator Ashok Kapoor worked at the American Embassy in his home country of India. “Both my cultural and religious background allows me to bring a very different perspective to issues of the day that we discuss both among colleagues and with our students." “Having faculty of diverse backgrounds is important to the richness of the academic programming offered in our department," says assistant professor Fekri Meziou, Tunisian by birth. In his international marketing course, for example, students analyze the challenges of marketing products and services in different regions ’ around the world. "This course can only be taught by someone who has traveled extensively and has immersed himself/herself during an extended stay in the life of the foreign countries." “In the current context of globalization," Kapoor says, “my international experience comes in handy in all my classes My work experience overseas provides many examples to my students and helps them keep an open perspective leading to better decisions both professionally and in their personal lives." Associate professor and department chair Magdalena Paleczny-Zapp was born and raised in Krakow, Poland. and taught in several European institutions before coming to Augsburg. “Students leave the place more open-minded than the day they came,” she asserts. ' Senior Dulce Monterrubio. a native of Mexico City, credits Zapp's own experience as an international business consultant with helping her understand that “being an international student here at Augsburg was just the first step. but that successfully adapting to a second. third. or fourth culture would be what truly would make me the international educator/professional I wanted to become." Dulce is using her cultural experiences. which include studying abroad in Spain, in her current role as a program assistant in Augsburg‘s Center for Global Education. ' “When I got here [in 1990] and saw the amount of diversity in the department, l wondered if we would all work well together," Protestant. remembers associate professor Lori Lohman, who is a self-described Midwestern "In a short period of time it became apparent to me that this would be the best place i would ever | work. My co-workers are exceptional. We support each other. We respect and value our differences.” Show less
BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY Cog/Ewe CV V CHEM Chemistry is the science that examines and works toward understanding changes in matter. Chemistry has been described as the central science because matter includes the entire physical world, such as the things we use, the food we eat, and even ourselves.... Show moreBIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY Cog/Ewe CV V CHEM Chemistry is the science that examines and works toward understanding changes in matter. Chemistry has been described as the central science because matter includes the entire physical world, such as the things we use, the food we eat, and even ourselves. Correlating the insights of chemistry with physics, mathematics, and molecular biology opens vistas that excite and offer opportunities to better the entire world. Chemists as scientists must be knowledgeable in fact and theory for solving scientific problems and also capable of providing a public understanding of their work, including potential problems as well as benefits. BIO We are in the midst of a revolution in biology. From the unraveling of information locked within the human and other genomes to the complexities of interactions between organisms in diverse ecosystems in changing enVironments, biologists and members of the public are grappling with an almost overwhelming flood of new information. By focusing on the core principles of biology, students are given the tools with which to Interpret results coming out of the revolution, and by early exposure to original independent research projects, given the opportunity to themselves contribute to our understanding of the natural world. Integration across biological sub-disciplines is emphasized. paralleling the integration taking place in the maturing field of systems biology. As biological phenomena become amenable to the analytical tools of L ' 1, physics, “ ' and n r science, biology is immingty a multidisciplhary venture, Thus, a firm badtgromd in these sdences '3 also important for the successful study of m. Biological forces have many profound effects on seeiety and in turn humanity has strongly affected our biosphere. Thus. semce-ieaming opportunities are tightly integrated Within the curricula, Show less
T'GFY Music Therapy fulfills the academic and clinical requirements for eligibility to take the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination. The 3.8. in music therapy is minimally a four-and-one-half—year degree program, which includes a full-time (six months or 1,040 hours) internship in a... Show moreT'GFY Music Therapy fulfills the academic and clinical requirements for eligibility to take the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination. The 3.8. in music therapy is minimally a four-and-one-half—year degree program, which includes a full-time (six months or 1,040 hours) internship in a clinical facility approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). This course of study is chosen by students who wish to become professional music therapists. The music therapy equivalency program is available to students who already have a bachelor's degree and wish to meet the requirements set by the American Music Therapy Association to become professional music therapists. This equivalency program prepares students for eligibility to take the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination. Depending upon the student‘s degree and skill level, individual requirements will be outlined by the director of music therapy. There is a minimum two-year residency requirement, which includes participation in a major ensemble for four terms and successful completion of a two-year music theory equivalency test. Show less
WWII through film and literature Last month, history professor Jacqui deVries and English/film professor Bob Cowgill led a group of 20 Augsburg students through Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic Using literature, film, architecture, and eyewitness accounts, students explored the aftermath... Show moreWWII through film and literature Last month, history professor Jacqui deVries and English/film professor Bob Cowgill led a group of 20 Augsburg students through Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic Using literature, film, architecture, and eyewitness accounts, students explored the aftermath of World War II to understand how people made sense of their suffering and now pay homage to the past. The idea for the trip began when deVries joined a Lilly grant-sponsored trip in Europe to study Martin Luther and the Reformation. There she met tour director Andreas Brecht, and the two discovered a common interest in post-World War II history. Back at Augsburg, deVries shared her idea for a study abroad program with English and film instructor Bob Cowgill. The two created a curriculum combining post-modern film and literature to explore themes such as of the construction of memory, the discovery of moral lessons through art, and attempts to preserve the past. "In Germany, the themes of division and reunification scream at you in the face," said deVries. The aftermath of WWII is visible, from the bullet holes and graffiti that remain in the Fleichstag to the building's new mirrored glass dome, designed in the late 19905 by architect Norman Foster to symbolize Germany's reunification. Cowgill encouraged students to reflect on how horror has been commemorated in literature but also in places like the Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Memorial, and Auschwitz. There is a difference, he said, between a personal narrative that generates an emotional response and a rigorous analysis that asks the reader, or viewer, to come to his or her own realization. Gabrielle Miller is a senior communications major who had never been to Europe before this opportunity. She wanted to learn about the Holocaust because she said, "I couldn't believe that someone could hate another person so much just because of their religion, that they would want to kill them.‘ Seeing places like Auschwitz firsthand gave Miller a better understanding of life before and after the war. Show less
EDUC/éTION apartment The Department of Education maintains liberal arts-based teacher education programs that are accredited by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). These programs lead to recommendation for licensure to the State of... Show moreEDUC/éTION apartment The Department of Education maintains liberal arts-based teacher education programs that are accredited by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). These programs lead to recommendation for licensure to the State of Minnesota for elementary (grades K-8), secondary (grades 5-12) in communication arts/literature, health, mathematics, and social studies, grades 9-12 in life science. chemistry, and physics, grades 5-8 in general science, and K-12 specialist licenses in visual arts, physical education, music, and special education: EBD and LD. (Note: special education: EBD and LD are available in WEC only.) The K-12 Reading Licensure Endorsement is also available at the graduate level to already licensed teachers. Degree and/or Iicensure programs are available in both weekday and weekend/evening formats. Weekend College degree and licensure programs are limited to elementary, communication arts/literature. social studies, visual arts, and special education. Additional teaching majors are available through the weekday program and open to weekday and weekend students who can take courses on a weekday schedule. All prerequisite, elementary core, and professional education courses except field work and student teaching are available on a weekend or weekday late afternoon/ evening schedule. Fieldwork and student teaching must be completed during regular weekday hours. All students must have some time available each term for field experiences. Show less
Making a difference in Colombia Michele Braley (MSW) and Nils Dybvig, married 1996 graduates of Augsburg College’s Masters of Social Work Program. are currently volunteering in Barrancabermeja, Colombia with the Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT), a group that places violence-reduction teams in... Show moreMaking a difference in Colombia Michele Braley (MSW) and Nils Dybvig, married 1996 graduates of Augsburg College’s Masters of Social Work Program. are currently volunteering in Barrancabermeja, Colombia with the Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT), a group that places violence-reduction teams in crisis situations and militarized areas around the world. Michele and Nils have been working directly with Colombians in rural areas who have been threatened with violence which is a result of the ongoing civil war in the country. Michele tells of one weekend that she and Nils spent in a small community on the Opon Fliver. “This is a community that was violently forced off their land several years ago. CPT was invited to Colombia to assist this community in returning to their land. A team takes the two-hour canoe ride to the community every week to spend time with the people. Most of the time is spent in people's homes, but we will also stop to talk to any armed groups in the area to let them know who we are, and to ask them to respect the rights of the local people.” Michele states that she and Nils “are immersed in some valuable social justice work where we are definitely challenged to use our social work skills. We work in communities where we are invited and our presence allows others to make changes in their lives. We don't come in with answers. And we work to change policies in our own country that are impacting the situation here.’ Show less
Religion DEPARTMENT Experiencing faith and justice in El Salvador Beliefs matter and students in Religion 480, Vocation and the Christian Faith, spent nine days in El Salvador. learning first hand how powerfully the faith of the Salvadoran people has impacted their struggles for social justice.... Show moreReligion DEPARTMENT Experiencing faith and justice in El Salvador Beliefs matter and students in Religion 480, Vocation and the Christian Faith, spent nine days in El Salvador. learning first hand how powerfully the faith of the Salvadoran people has impacted their struggles for social justice. The students visited churches, community organizations, and government offices to talk with civic l eaders and church workers. They stayed with families in Christian communities and listened to stories of personal faith. Throughout the trip. students wove these experiences into reflections about their own vocations. and what beliefs matter the most to them. [During their time in El Salvador. students learned about the legacy of Archbishop Oscar Romero, the priest whose commitment to the struggles of the poor cost him his life. His legacy has nurtured the grassroots work of educational and cultural centers. of cooperative communities, and of the personal wocations of many who have answered a call. i'l'his short-ten‘n study abroad program offers students both an experience in another culture and a ifiramework to understand how Christian vocation is central to daily life there. Show less
PSYCHOLOGY Overview Psychology is an exploration of behavior and mental processes. As an integral part of a liberal arts education, psychology contributes to the understanding of individual and group behavior. The study of psychology equips students to understand and use the scientific method to... Show morePSYCHOLOGY Overview Psychology is an exploration of behavior and mental processes. As an integral part of a liberal arts education, psychology contributes to the understanding of individual and group behavior. The study of psychology equips students to understand and use the scientific method to think creatively and critically beyond the classroom. To prepare students for graduate study and work in psychology, the major emphasizes the complementary components of a strong foundation in research and theoretical work with the application of knowledge and skills in coursework, research experiences, and internships within the community. The curriculum’s emphasis on the experiential dimensions of learning and the integration of liberal arts and professional domains prepares students for careers in many settings including business, education, social services, research, law, government, church, and medicine. Faculty members in the Department of Psychology have varied professional specializations including clinical, counseling, physiological, developmental, social, cognitive, and industrial/organizational psychology as well as expertise in psychological applications to health, law, and public policy. Students may tap this expertise through a variety of learning experiences including group and individual projects, association with Augsburg's active Psychology Club, Psi Chi Honor Society, and faculty-student research teams. Show less
Developing an honors thesis with one-on-one mentoring Augsburg Senior and philosophy major, Alex Krantz studies with professor of philosophy. Dr. Markus Fuehrer as part of a 10-week program to help him develop his honors thesis. The study sessions take place at Dr. Fuehrer‘s home, on the back... Show moreDeveloping an honors thesis with one-on-one mentoring Augsburg Senior and philosophy major, Alex Krantz studies with professor of philosophy. Dr. Markus Fuehrer as part of a 10-week program to help him develop his honors thesis. The study sessions take place at Dr. Fuehrer‘s home, on the back deck when the weather permits, or in the basement study where his extensive personal library of over 6,000 books can be consulted as references. “It's a privilege to have his attention to myself.” Krantz says of the one-on-one mentoring he receives. “In addition to being researchers, the professors at Augsburg are interested in teaching." This provides unique opportunities such as this for the serious student. In return. Dr. Fuehrer enjoys the chance to concentrate on Alex’s project and to think critically about the material with such a talented student in this “comfortable setting that invites meditation." Show less