University Eyes Moving Sociology to Global Studies, Media to Rome School
Photo by Patrick Lewis/The Tower
By Patrick D. Lewis
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is considering proposals for further reorganization of Catholic University’s largest academic unit.
Information obtained by The Tower that is currently being considered by the College would move Media and Communications Studies into the Rome School of Drama, Music, and Art from its current position within the Department of Global Studies and would move sociology, currently part of the recently-formed Department of Economics, Education, and Sociology, into the Department of Global Studies.
That move would see the return of the recently disbanded Department of Education as a standalone unit, as economics is already slated for a move to the Busch School of Business.
Dr. Julia Young, associate dean of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Global Studies department, told The Tower the proposal “was just approved as a concept by the Academic Council last Tuesday.” She continued, “Now that the initial vote has taken place, we will be reaching out to current Sociology students to discuss the proposed change and solicit student feedback.”
Young said that “there is no plan to make changes to any of the academic programs currently offered by Sociology. Therefore, Sociology students and programs would not be affected – all current Sociology majors and minors (including Criminology) would be able to continue their degrees without interruption.”
Media and Communication Studies, which was formerly a department and was then made a part of the Global Studies department last year, would be returned to department status as a part of the Rome School under the proposal. Young said, “The Academic Council has approved the proposal, but it will still need final approval by the Senate. If the proposed move does happen, nothing would change for students (current majors/minors/certificates would remain the same).”
There is not currently a timeline for when the changes would take effect if approved.
