{"id":2303,"date":"2025-05-02T09:45:30","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T14:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academic-programs\/?page_id=2303"},"modified":"2026-05-20T10:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T15:04:10","slug":"academic-departments-and-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academic-programs\/first-semester-course-selection\/academic-departments-and-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Academic Departments and Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Department and Program Recommendations for First-Year Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The information contained in this section is written specifically to address common concerns and interests of first-year students and to give general information about academic departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We encourage you to call or email the faculty members designated by each department with your specific questions about their course offerings, recommended sequences, or requirements for majors, minors or concentrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For general questions, contact the Academic Programs and Advising Office at academicprograms@macalester.edu<\/a> or the Registrar\u2019s Office at registrar@macalester.edu<\/a> or visit the Registrar\u2019s webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academic Departments\/Programs A-H<\/td>Academic Departments\/Programs I-W<\/td><\/tr>
African Studies Interdepartmental Program<\/a>
American Studies<\/a>
Anthropology<\/a>
Art and Art History<\/a>
Asian Languages and Cultures<\/a>
Asian Studies
<\/a>Biology<\/a>
<\/a>Chemistry<\/a>
<\/a>Classical Mediterranean and Middle East<\/a>
<\/a>Cognitive Science<\/a>
Community and Global Health<\/a>
<\/a>Critical Theory<\/a>
<\/a>Economics<\/a>
<\/a>Educational Studies<\/a>
<\/a>English and Creative Writing<\/a>
<\/a>Environmental Studies<\/a>
<\/a>Food, Agriculture, and Society<\/a>
<\/a>French and Francophone Studies<\/a>
<\/a>Geography
<\/a>Geology<\/a>
<\/a>German Studies<\/a>
Health Professions Advising<\/a>
History<\/a>
<\/a>Human Rights and Humanitarianism<\/a><\/td>		International Development<\/a>
International Studies<\/a>
Latin American Studies Program<\/a>
Legal Studies Program<\/a>
Linguistics<\/a>
Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science<\/a>
Media and Cultural Studies<\/a>
Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic Civilization<\/a>
Music<\/a>
Neuroscience<\/a>
Philosophy<\/a>
Physical Education<\/a>
Physics and Astronomy<\/a>
Political Science<\/a>
Psychology<\/a>
Religious Studies<\/a>
Russian Studies<\/a>
Sociology
<\/a>Spanish and Portuguese<\/a>
<\/a>Theatre and Dance<\/a>
Urban Studies<\/a>
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>African Studies Interdepartmental Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Macalester\u2019s African Studies program gathers faculty from multiple departments (Anthropology, French, Geography, Geology, International Studies, Music, Political Science, Sociology, <\/strong>and more) to offer a range of courses and an interdisciplinary concentration focused on the diverse histories, cultures, and societies across the African continent and diaspora. Beyond this, the great majority of our concentrators study abroad in a program on the continent for a semester in their junior year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Courses related to the concentration can be found on the concentration\u2019s website. First-years should look to take courses at the 100 or 200 level. You may also direct questions to the African Studies program directors Lisa Mueller and Moustapha Diop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our website is https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academics\/africanstudies\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Lisa Mueller
lmueller@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moustapha Diop
ediop@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>American Studies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What is American Studies? At Macalester College, the American Studies program is so much more than a continuation of a high-school curriculum on U.S. civics, history, or literature. Our program first emerged out of student-organized demands for Ethnic Studies. Today, our courses focus on recognizing and analyzing systems of inequality and power, engaged learning, and public scholarship. We encourage a critical eye; we study problems from a variety of perspectives; and we work together to pose questions that connect back to communities and the people who comprise them. What explains racial differences and categories? How have borders been defined? What does it mean to be a good citizen? Who benefits from ideas of nation and empire? What makes crime a racialized topic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the start of the 21st century, the President of the American Studies Association, Michael Frisch, underscored the many forces that shape our interdisciplinary field. \u201c…[M]ulticulturalism, ethnicity, race, class, and gender …[have] been recasting for several decades now the most basic outlines of American history and culture as a contested, interactive field of forces. It almost goes without saying, but not quite, that this has not simply altered our understanding of things \u201cwithin\u201d American culture and society, but has been leveraging our capacity to re-imagine the connections of the U.S. and its peoples to everything and everyone else in the world. . .\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, contemporary American Studies pushes far beyond a traditional acceptance of U.S. exceptionalism and the American Dream. Moving freely across conventional texts, film and video, popular culture, theater, art, memes, and place, we seek to ground ourselves in the concerns of our day. Our research tools and methods are broad and varied, giving credence and value to the experience and knowledge of marginalized groups. Whether in the classroom, at internship sites across the Twin Cities, within clubs and organizations on campus, students who major or minor in American Studies develop the tools they need to debate and dialogue intelligently with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department website: https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academics\/americanstudies\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Karin Aguilar-San Juan, Chair
sanjuan@macalester.edu <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Anthropology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the Fall of 2026 we will be offering one First Year Course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANTH 251-F1:  Politics of Memory in Latin America (This course is also cross-listed with the Latin American Studies Program)
T-Th F 3:00 \u2013 4:30 pm
Prof. Olga Gonz\u00e1lez<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This course examines and critically analyzes various approaches to the study of how different individuals and communities in particular historical and cultural scenarios in contemporary Latin America create meanings about their past experience with political violence. The course addresses questions related to the tension between remembering and forgetting, the presence of conflicting memories and truths and how these are negotiated or not through distinct forms of representation. The cultural analysis of different means of representation: human rights and truth commissions\u2019 reports, testimonials, film, art and memorials will be the basis for class discussions on different notions of truth and different forms of truth-telling. A close examination of these forms of representation will reveal the extent to which they can conflict with each other while at the same time feed on each other, creating \u201ceffects of truth\u201d and leaving room for secrecy as a mode of truth-telling. Finally, the course will also compel students to think about what the consequences the politics of memory have for the future in Latin America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The content and discussion in this course will necessarily engage with historical contexts and personal testimonies of violence that include arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, sexual violence, genocide, massacres, extrajudicial execution and disappearances.  Much of the material will be emotionally and intellectually challenging to engage with. We will do our best to make this classroom a space where we can engage bravely, empathetically and thoughtfully with difficult content every week. Please, take this into consideration before you take or are assigned this course. We will do our best to make this classroom a space where we can engage bravely, empathetically and thoughtfully with difficult content every week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For further information, see the department website: https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academics\/anthropology\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Arjun Guneratne, Chair
guneratne@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Art and Art History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Art and Art History Department at Macalester College is a dynamic community of artists and scholars dedicated to exploring the multiple pasts and presents of artistic expression. Inhabiting the intersection of the liberal arts, the diverse cultural and artistic traditions of our Twin Cities metropolitan location, and the vibrant natural environments of the upper Midwest, we foster interdisciplinary exploration, critical thinking, and hands-on making. Through collaborative teaching and learning, we engage with visual culture to interpret and contribute to the evolution of our multicultural, global society. Guided by a belief in the transformative power of art, we aim to spark enthusiasm and inquiry while serving and connecting with students, staff, faculty, and the broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our department offers two majors: Studio Art or Art History. Studio Art courses are offered in Painting, Drawing, Design, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography and Ceramics, while Art History courses focus on the historical, social and cultural aspects of global artistic production. First year students and non-majors are welcome to take entry-level courses in any Studio Art medium or Art History area. Contact individual faculty to inquire about upper-level courses with prerequisites.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Art and Art History Department will offer one First Year Courses in Fall 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ART 294: Ancient Greek Temple, taught by Professor Serdar Yal\u00e7in
Classical forms of architecture have had a profound impact on the design of public and private buildings in our cities. Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, triglyphs, metopes, and numerous other elements created in ancient Greece embellish our capitol buildings, opera houses, libraries, train stations and more. All these forms can be traced back to the ancient Greek temple. The association of this structure with sophistication and high culture is so deeply ingrained in the contemporary mind that the logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is based not on a mosque, a church, or another building form, but on the fa\u00e7ade of a Greek temple, such as the famous Parthenon in Athens. This course will explore the formation of this distinctive building type and its functions in Greek society from the 8th century BCE to the Hellenistic period (ca. 330 – 30 BCE). What social, political, and economic processes led to the creation of the Greek temple forms? What role did interactions with cultures in the eastern Mediterranean\u2014particularly Egypt and Western Asia\u2014play in this process? Was there a standard form applied to all Greek temples, or did they vary? Who were their designers and patrons? And what historical and intellectual processes identified this iconic structure as the source of Western architectural tradition? Focusing on these key questions (and many others), this course will help students understand the importance of the majestic residences of Greek gods in shaping not only ancient urban and rural landscapes across the Mediterranean, but also modern ones, especially in Europe and North America.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional information can be found on our department website: https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/art\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:<\/strong>
Megan Vossler
Associate Professor and Chair of Art and Art History
mvossler@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Asian Languages and Cultures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Asian Languages and Cultures Department is home to students studying Japanese and Chinese language, literature, film, linguistics, media, and intellectual history. Our curriculum views East Asia not merely as an object of study but as a perch from which to think about contemporary and historical issues from race and gender to ethics, aesthetics, education, and more. Through studying China and Japan, students encounter perspectives very different from those prevalent in the U.S. And after two years of language study, students travel to Asia for immersive study in places like Beijing, Hangzhou, Taipei, Tokyo, or Osaka. Living abroad and interacting with local people prompts self-reflection. Students come to understand both Western and Eastern perspectives, to see through their differences, and to think beyond simple \u201cEast\u201d versus \u201cWest\u201d binaries. After students return from abroad, advanced coursework at Macalester helps them further refine the perspectives they have developed and guides them toward embracing a truly transnational and trans-regional perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the faculty and the structure of each major see the department website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Arthur Mitchell, Japanese
amitche3@macalester.edu<\/a>

Xin Yang, Chinese
xyang@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Asian Studies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Asia has always been at the crossroads of humanity: the heart of a global system of commerce that tied the Old World together, and which brought Arabs, Europeans, Africans, and Chinese to the ports of the Indian Ocean to trade. Asia gave the world everything from yoga to gunpowder, from cinnamon to the printing press, from the idea of diplomatic immunity to the practice of religious tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home to more than half of the global population, Asia in the twenty-first century is reclaiming the place it held in world affairs before the rise of Europe in the eighteenth century. The Asian continent contains some of the world\u2019s largest economies as well as its largest cities, and Asia\u2019s industrial production leads the world. Its societies are a wellspring of creative energy\u2014the world\u2019s largest film industry, for instance, is in India, and Japanese manga has had an enormous influence on global pop culture.  In everything from the global economy to climate change, Asia\u2019s sheer size makes it a force to reckon with in the dynamics that will shape our common future. A background in Asian Studies is essential to navigating the global spaces of the 21st  century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Asian Studies major at Macalester is an interdisciplinary program that weaves together the social sciences, the humanities and the fine arts to introduce you to this dynamic region of the world. It brings multiple perspectives to bear on the challenges of understanding this vast continent and the cultural, political, economic and historical forces that have shaped it. It is an ideal major for students planning a career in Asia in any field but is also highly recommended for students seeking a handle on the region that is among the most significant for our common future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our website is https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/asianstudies\/about\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Program Director:
Chuen Fung Wong
wong@macalester.edu<\/a>
651-696-6520<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Biology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are three \u201ccore\u201d introductory courses required for the major in Biology: Ecology & the Environment (BIOL 170), Biodiversity & Evolution (BIOL 180), and Genetics (BIOL 190). Each of these courses has an associated lab section that offers relevant hands-on experience. These courses may be taken in any order and have no prerequisites. Any one of them would be a perfect place to begin your Biology journey! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are considering majoring in Biology, the<\/strong> most important thing to do in your very first semester is to get started with chemistry<\/strong>. Most students interested in majoring in Biology should register for General Chemistry I (<\/strong>CHEM 111), which is only offered during the fall semester. This is especially important for students who are also considering the major in Neuroscience and\/or a pre-health track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a strong high school chemistry background, you may consider two other possibilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) you might instead enroll in CHEM 115, Accelerated General Chemistry, which compresses the usual two-semester introductory chemistry sequence into one semester;  or<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) you could skip General Chemistry I (CHEM 111) and instead wait until the spring semester to enroll in General Chemistry II (CHEM 112), which is only offered during the spring semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can place into CHEM 115 with a score of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement test, a score of 5 or higher on either the higher or standard level Chemistry International Baccalaureate exam, or with a strong performance on the online chemistry placement test.  Please contact Dr. Marc Rodwogin (mrodwogi@macalester.edu<\/a>) for access to the placement test.  Dr. Rodwogin can also answer questions about placing out of CHEM 111 and into CHEM 112 based on AP or IB scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For further information, see the department website www.macalester.edu\/academics\/biology<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Mary Heskel, Chair
mheskel@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Chemistry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CHEM 111 (General Chemistry I) and CHEM 112 (General Chemistry II) together provide an in-depth introduction to modern chemical ideas.  CHEM 115 (Accelerated General Chemistry) is a more advanced introductory course which covers key topics from both CHEM 111 and CHEM 112 in a single semester. CHEM 111 and 115 are offered only in the fall and CHEM 112 is offered only in the spring.  We urge all entering students considering majors in chemistry or biology, or those seeking admission to medical school or another health profession graduate program, to take either CHEM 111 or CHEM 115 in their first semester.<\/strong>  CHEM 111 is offered in two formats:  In some sections,  in-class time is used primarily for lecturing; practicing problem-solving is primarily outside of class.  In other sections, in-class time is used primarily for practicing problem solving; students watch lecture videos outside of class.  Pedagogical format is noted on the course schedule, and you can register for a CHEM 111 section that matches your preferred learning style as course enrollments allow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Chemistry RISE (Refresher in STEM Education ) is a virtual, two week-long summer workshop open to all students considering taking CHEM 111. The workshop will include both pre-recorded videos exploring content as well as live, virtual problem-solving sessions where you will be able to work on the math skills necessary to be successful in General Chemistry with your future classmates led by peer mentors. Please contact the department chair if you would like more information about the program and\/or if you would like to register for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can place into CHEM 115 with a score of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement test, a score of 5 or higher on either the higher or standard level Chemistry International Baccalaureate exam, or with a strong performance on the online chemistry placement test.  Please contact Dr. Marc Rodwogin (mrodwogi@macalester.edu<\/a>) for access to the placement test.  Please see the Chemistry Department web site (https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academics\/chemistry\/<\/a>) for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Keith Kuwata
Professor and Acting Chair (through August 2026) of Chemistry
kuwata@macalester.edu<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>The Classical Mediterranean and Middle East<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We explore the languages, literatures, cultures, and archaeological remains of this region from Rome, across the Mediterranean basin, to the Middle East, Bactria and India and beyond. Here students learn Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, or Latin (all of which fulfill the Second Language Requirement), and together with faculty analyze and interpret ancient texts, societies, and material culture, as well as explore art and archaeology, myth, history, and the religions, political structures and ideas that arise from this part of the ancient world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Courses that are particularly appropriate for first year students this fall are beginning languages: Elementary Arabic, Elementary Hebrew and Elementary Latin  (Arabic – CLAS 113, Hebrew- CLAS 117 and Latin CLAS -111)  Another introductory course for students interested in the field would be India and Rome (CLAS 135). Our First Year Course is Demokratia and The American Experiment: Origin & Challenges to Government Of, By, and For the People (CLAS 194).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For further information on majors and minors, study abroad programs, and what faculty and students are up to in the Classical Mediterranean and Middle East, please see our website: https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academics\/classics\/<\/a>. Specific questions can be addressed to the department chair, Professor Nanette Goldman, at goldman@macalester.edu<\/a>. We look forward to seeing you around the third floor of Old Main!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have studied Latin or Arabic previously, please consult the department website for how to place yourself into the right course:   https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/academics\/classics\/majorsminors\/wheretostart\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Nanette Goldman
goldman@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Cognitive Science<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive science is the study of how knowledge is acquired, stored, represented, and used by intelligent systems, both natural and artificial. The Cognitive Science concentration at Macalester exposes students to scientific studies of (the) mind and other intelligent systems from a variety of academic disciplines. The core of the concentration consists of rigorous coursework on the nature of such systems from the perspective of Philosophy, Psychology, Computer Science, Linguistics and Economics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/cognitivescience\/<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Brooke Lea
lea@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Community and Global Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Community and Global Health concentration brings together a variety of disciplines and perspectives to important issues in population health and applies these approaches to civic engagement projects, independent research, as well as in classroom settings. The concentration builds on the strong ties between the liberal arts and the core concepts of public health\u2014a diverse, multidisciplinary field unified around the examination of health, illness, and healing in local and international communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional information, please consult our main website (www.macalester.edu\/cgh<\/a>), the senior projects page (2023 site<\/a>, 2024 site<\/a>) or the program’s director Ron Barrett (rbarrett@macalester.edu<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Ron Barrett
rbarrett@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Critical Theory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unless otherwise indicated, all critical theory courses offered in the fall semester<\/a> are appropriate for first-year students. If in doubt, simply email the relevant instructor, finding their email on the Mac online directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Critical Theory concentration consists of 20 credits selected from \u201cCore\u201d and \u201cElective\u201d classes and one research paper (15-20 pages), typically written in the junior or senior year, in one of these courses or as part of the student\u2019s major capstone or honors thesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information and specific courses offered, please see the Critical Theory website: Critical Theory<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For questions regarding the CT Concentration, please contact the director of the Program, Professor Kiarina Kordela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact:
Kiarina Kordela
kordela@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Economics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. Our Principles of Economics course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incoming students interested in economics should take Principles of Economics (ECON 119)<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students who already have significant experience in economics can receive credit for ECON 119 \u2013 Principles of Economics<\/a> under one of the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Students must achieve a score of 5, or a combination of 4 and 5, on both the AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Students must score 6 or 7 on the Economics Higher Level Exam of the International Baccalaureate (IB).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If students receive credit for Principles of Economics, and are interested in taking additional economics courses, they should enroll in a 200-level group E ECON course in their second semester — 200-level group E ECON courses are not open to first year students in their first semester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For more information about the Economics Department, please see the department website: www.macalester.edu\/academics\/economics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact:
    Amy Damon, Chair
    651-696-6862
    adamon@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>Educational Studies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Educational Studies is an interdisciplinary field centered on social inquiry, imagination, and advocacy. The major includes thematically related courses (32 credits), community and civic engagement experiences, and completion of an advanced integrative project. Students may select from one of two emphases \u2013 Teaching & Learning or Education & Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Teaching & Learning emphasis is designed to support students interested in designing dynamic educational environments in both formal and non-formal learning contexts. Students interested in K-12 education may begin their teacher education at Macalester and then complete their preparation through a variety of different programs immediately after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Education & Society emphasis provides opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration of pressing social and educational issues on local, national, and international levels. The emphasis prepares students to explore areas such as educational policy, governance, social service, community education, and youthwork. Both emphases prepare students to engage in educational transformation through policy and practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Students majoring in Educational Studies are also required to complete a supporting major relevant to either their interests in teaching or their selected integrative theme. A 20-credit minor provides opportunities for students to explore their interests in Educational Studies without committing to completion of a second major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Introductory level courses in Educational Studies include: Education & Society: Philosophies, Politics, & Practices of Learning (EDUC 180), Moana: Theories of Water (EDUC 194), Educational Psychology (EDUC 220), Race, Culture, & Ethnicity in Education (EDUC 240), Building Trust: Education in Global Perspective (EDUC 250), Critical Issues in Urban Education (EDUC 260), Outdoor Environmental Education (EDUC 275), Black & Latinx Voices in Educational History (EDUC 290).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    See the department website for more information: www.macalester.edu\/academics\/education<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact:
    Brian Lozenski
    651-696-6028
    blozensk@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>English and Creative Writing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The English and Creative Writing department is offering two great First-Year Courses this fall. The first is ENGL 115-F1, \u201cShakespeare,\u201d which will explore some of the most enduring plays in literary history, such as Twelfth Night<\/em>, Othello<\/em>, and The Tempest. <\/em>Coursework comprises discussion, essays, presentations, and performances (watching professional productions and performing scenes from the plays). <\/em>Professor Penelope Geng will be teaching this course on Tuesday\/Thursday from 3:00-4:30 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our other First-Year Course is ENGL 125-F1, \u201cGhost Stories,\u201d taught by Professor Andrea Kaston Tange on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00-1:00 pm. Students in this class will investigate how narratives of what haunts us reveal things about ourselves or our cultural moments. Projects include writing workshops to develop analytic skills and creative opportunities with the development of an exhibit for a Ghost Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Either class would be an excellent introduction to the department. Other English and Creative Writing courses appropriate for first-year students include \u201cIntroduction to Creative Writing,\u201d \u201cIntroduction to African American Literature,\u201d \u201cHuman Creativity in the Age of AI,\u201d and \u201cLiterature in Medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Please note that if you are interested in taking creative writing classes at Mac, ENGL 150 is the prerequisite to all the other courses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For more information about the English and Creative Writing Department, see the department website www.macalester.edu\/academics\/english<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact:
    Matt Burgess, Chair
    mburgess@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>Environmental Studies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary department that offers students the opportunity to develop a holistic understanding of environmental problems and solutions. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary tools and perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The program encourages depth of disciplinary knowledge, breadth of cross-disciplinary perspectives, and integration through core courses and a required off-campus internship. Students may major or minor in environmental studies.  For more information see the department website www.macalester.edu\/academics\/environmentalstudies.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first year course offered by the ES department this year is \u201cPsychology and\/of Climate Change\u201d (ENVI 273).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other appropriate introductory courses for those interested in environmental studies include: Ecology and the Environment (ENVI 170), Introduction to Agroecology: Social Movement and Politics of Practice (ENVI 194), Environmental Politics and Policy (ENVI 215), 100 Words for Snow: Language and Nature (ENVI 225), Food, Agriculture and the Environment (ENVI 232), Psychology of Sustainable Behavior (ENVI 270), Outdoor Environmental Education (ENVI 275), The Mississippi River: Past and Present (ENVI 294-03), Indigenous Peoples in the Asia-Pacific: Environment, Society, and Politics (ENVI 294-04).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact:
    Roopali Phadke, Chair
    phadke@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>Food, Agriculture and Society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The interdepartmental program in Food, Agriculture and Society offers a six-course, interdisciplinary concentration involving core and supporting courses as well as an internship. The program exposes students to the social and biophysical aspects of complex food and agricultural questions. It aims to produce graduates who: 1) understand the fundamentals of food and agricultural systems; 2) have broad interdisciplinary training on the theme; and 3) are able to connect their interdisciplinary training on food, agriculture and society to real world experiences and application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recommended courses offered in the fall that would be appropriate for incoming first year students include the FYC GEOG\/ENVI 232, Food, Agriculture and the Environment. Contact the Program Director with specific questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact:
    Bill Moseley, Program Director
    651-696-6126
    moseley@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>French and Francophone Studies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Department of French and Francophone Studies welcomes all students of French and offers the possibility of studying French at all levels (French 101, 102, 111, 203, 204, 305, or 306 and advanced courses). Students may enter the sequence at the appropriate level by demonstrating their proficiency in the language. If you have taken French in high school or elsewhere, your proficiency level is verified by the score attained on the Macalester language placement test. For advanced students, your level is verified by the score obtained on the French AP exam. If you are in an IB program, please consult the department chair or one of the professors listed below in Summer Contacts. For more specific placement information, including test scores, please refer to the guidelines on our website: https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/french\/languageplacement\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In addition, in Fall 2026, we are offering the First-Year Course, FREN 194: In Pursuit of Happiness and Well-Being. The course is taught in English and fulfills the WA and INTL requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    *********************<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A major in French & Francophone Studies consists of a total of 9 courses, including:
    FREN 204 (if student arrives at Mac and places below the 300-level)
    FREN 306
    Six advanced courses (300 and 400-level), if student begins in FREN 204, including one pre-20th century course
    Seven advanced courses (300 and 400-level) if student begins in FREN 306, including One pre-20th century course
    FREN 614 (senior capstone) or FREN 644 (senior Honors Thesis)
    An immersive experience in French is required, such as a semester of study away on an approved program in a French-speaking region, or an internship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A minor in French & Francophone Studies consists of a total of 5 or 6 courses:
    FREN 204 (if student arrives at Mac and places below the 300-level)
    FREN 306
    Four advanced courses (300 and 400-level)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For more information on the French academic program, French House, study abroad, and other student opportunities, please visit our website:<\/span> https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/french\/#\/<\/span><\/a>0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact:
    Julie Rogers, Chair
    jmrogers@macalester.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Geography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Macalester\u2019s nationally and internationally recognized Geography Department is unusually broad in scope for an undergraduate liberal arts college. The department leads students through an exploration of human-environment interactions, urban geography and planning, health geography, socio-economic development, cartography, geospatial analysis and remote sensing, and land change science, in various regions of the world. Students may major or minor in Geography, or minor in Geography with an emphasis in Geospatial Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recommended courses for first-years in Fall 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    FYCs: <\/p>\n\n\n\n