College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Nursing; School of Engineering - Undergraduate Course Catalog

292 Pages·1999·21.2 MB·English

by  Fairfield University

{UNDERGRADUATE COURSE CATALOG 1999 - 2001)
College of
&
Arts Sciences
School ofBusiness
School of Engineering
School ofNursing
Digitized by the Internet Archive
2013
in
http://archive.org/details/artssci01fair
FAIRFIELD
UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE
CATALOG
1999-2001
Accreditation
Fairfield University is accredited by the New The School of Nursing has been accredited by
England Association of Schools and Colleges, theNationalLeagueforNursingandapprovedby
which accredits schools and colleges in the six theConnecticutDepartmentofHigherEducation
New England States. Accreditation byoneofthe andbytheConnecticutStateBoardofExaminers
sixregionalaccreditingassociationsintheUnited for Nursing.
States indicates that the school or college has
beencarefullyevaluatedandfoundtomeetstan- The Engineering Accreditation Commission
dards agreed upon by qualified educators. (EAC)oftheAccreditationBoardforEngineering
and Technology (ABET) has granted accredita-
In addition, the Graduate School of Education tiontotheBachelorofSciencedegreeprogramin
andAllied Professions isaccredited bythe State ElectricalandMechanical Engineeringofferedat
of Connecticut Department of Education, which theSchool of Engineeringof Fairfield University.
hasapprovedtheeducation programforteacher
certificationatsecondarylevelsandthegraduate The University holds memberships in the Na-
programs which lead to certification in special- tional Association of Independent Colleges and
ized areas of education. Universities, American Council for Higher Edu-
cation, American Association of Colleges and
ThechemistryprogramoftheCollegeofArtsand Universities, American Association of Colleges
Sciences isapproved bytheAmerican Chemical for Teacher Education, American Council on
Society. Education, Association of Jesuit Colleges and
Universities,ConnecticutAssociationofColleges
TAhAeCSSBcho(oTlheofIntBeursniatnieosnsalisAsascoccrieadtiitoendofbyMatnh-e anencdticUuntiveCrosnifteiersenfcoer TofeaIcnhdeerpeEndduecnattiCoonl,leCgoens-,
agement Education, formerly the American As-
Connecticut Council for Higher Education, Na-
sembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.)
tionalCatholicEducationalAssociation, National
The State of Connecticut Department of Higher LeagueforNursing,andNortheastBusinessand
Education has granted full accreditation to the Economic Association.
MasterofBusinessAdministrationand Masterof
Science in Financial Management programs in
the School of Business.
Theprovisionsofthisbulletinarenottobe regardedasan irrevocablecontractbetween Fairfield University
and the student. The University reservesthe righttochange any provision orany requirementatanytime.
Fairfield Universityadmits students ofanysex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age,
national origin or ancestry, disability or handicap to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities
generallyaccorded ormadeavailableto studentsofthe University. Itdoes notdiscriminate onthe basisof
sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability or
handicapinadministrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionspolicies,employmentpolicies,scholarship
and loan programs, athletic programs, orother University-administered programs.
Fairfield Universitycomplieswiththe FamilyEducational Rightsand PrivacyActof 1974(alsoknownasthe
Buckley Amendment) which defines the rights and protects the privacy of students with regard to their
educational records. A listing of records maintained, their location, and the means of reviewing them is
available in the Office of Student Services. The University is in compliancewith the Student Rightto Know
and Campus SecurityAct (PL 103-542). Graduation reports are available upon requestfrom the offices of
Admission and Registrar.
Printed in Canada
Contents
Accreditation 2
The Mission ofFairfield University 4
An Overview ofFairfield University 5
Educational Policies and General Regulations 17
Introduction / Normal Academic Progress / Grading System / Scholastic Honors /
Disruption of Normal Academic Progress / Acceptance of Credits for Study at Other
Institutions /Academic Freedom and Academic Responsibility
The Curricula 31
Introduction / Choice of Curriculum / Course Numbering System / Core Curriculum /
Electives / Major/ Diversity Requirements / Second Major/ Minor/ Honors Program /
Interdisciplinary Learning Communities / Independent Studies / Student Internships /
Academic Support Services / The Writing Center/ Language Resource Center/
Computer Facilities / Visual & Performing Arts Facilities
College ofArts and Sciences 38
Degrees Offered / Specialized Programs / Departmental Requirements and Options /
Courses of Instruction
MAJORS&MINORS Mathematicsand Politics MINORS Italian Studies
American Studies ComputerScience Psychology Applied Ethics Judaic Studies
Biology Modern Languages Religious Studies Asian Studies Latin American and
Chemistry and Literatures Sociologyand Biochemistry Caribbean Studies
Communication Chinese/French/ Anthropology BlackStudies Legal Studies
ComputerScience German/Hebrew/ Visual and Classical Studies Marine Science
Economics Italian/Japanese/ Performing Arts Education PeaceandJustice
Engineering Russian/Spanish ArtHistory/ Environmental Science Studies
English Neuroscience FilmandTelevision/ Environmental Studies Russian and East
History Philosophy Music/StudioArt/ Honors Program European Studies
International Studies Physics Theatre Irish Studies Women's Studies
School ofBusiness 189
General Education Core Curriculum: Accounting, Finance, Information Systems,
International Business, International Studies, Management, Marketing/
Business Core Requirements / Business Major Requirements/ Curricula for Minors/
B.S./M.B.A. Five-Year Program / Courses of Instruction
School ofNursing 207
Nursing Curriculum / R.N. Program: Curriculum / Courses of Instruction
School ofEngineering 215
Major Areas of Study: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,
Computer Engineering, Software Engineering / Courses of Instruction
Student Services and Campus Life 239
Student Association / Student Conduct/ Counseling / Health / Activities / Athletics /
Residence Halls / Campus Center/ Library/ Recreational Complex/
Religious Activities / Parking
Admission, Expenses, and Financial Aid 247
Freshman Admissions/ Advanced Placement and Early Admission /Transfer
Admissions / Visiting Foreign Students / Expenses / Refund Policy / Financial Aid
Policy/ Satisfactory Academic Progress / Financial Aid Available
Directory 259
Board of Trustees / Administration / Faculty
Index 278
Notification ofRights under FERPA 283
Academic Calendar 1999-2001 284
Campus Map Inside Back Cover
UniversityMission
The Mission of essentialtoliberaleducationisthedevelopmentofthe
aesthetic dimension of human nature, the power to
imagine, to intuit, to create, and to appreciate. In its
Fairfield fullest sense liberal education initiates students at a
maturelevelintotheirculture, itspast, itspresent,and
University its future.
Fairfield recognizesthatlearning isalifelong process
andseestheeducationwhichitprovidesasafounda-
tion upon which its students may continue to build
Fairfield University, founded bythe SocietyofJesus, withintheirchosenareasofscholarlystudyorprofes-
isacoeducational institutionofhigherlearningwhose sional development. It also seeks to foster in its stu-
primaryobjectivesaretodevelopthecreativeintellec- dents a continuing intellectual curiosity and a desire
tual potential of its students and to foster in them forself-educationwhichwillextendtothebroadrange
ethical and religious values and a sense of social of areas to which they have been introduced in their
responsibility.Jesuiteducation,which began in 1547, studies.
iscommittedtodaytotheserviceoffaith, ofwhichthe
promotion ofjustice is an absolute requirement. Asacommunityofscholars,Fairfieldgladlyjoinsinthe
broader task of expanding human knowledge and
Fairfield is Catholic in both tradition and spirit. It deepening human understanding, and to this end it
celebratestheGod-givendignityofeveryhuman per- encourages and supports the scholarly research and
son. As a Catholic university itwelcomes those ofall artistic production of its faculty and students.
beliefsandtraditionswhoshareitsconcernsforschol-
arship, justice, truth, and freedom, and it values the Fairfield has afurtherobligationtothewidercommu-
diversitywhichtheirmembershipbringstotheuniver- nityofwhich itisapart, tosharewith its neighbors its
sity community. resourcesand itsspecial expertiseforthe betterment
ofthecommunityasawhole. Facultyandstudentsare
Fairfield educates its students through a variety of encouraged to participate in the larger community
scholarlyandprofessionaldisciplines.Allofitsschools through service and academic activities. But most of
share a liberal and humanistic perspective and a all, Fairfieldservesthewidercommunitybyeducating
commitment to excellence. —Fairfield encourages a its studentsto be socially aware and morally respon-
respectforallthedisciplines theirsimilarities, their sible persons.
differences, andtheir interrelationships. In particular,
in its undergraduate schools it provides all students Fairfield University values each of its students as an
with a broadly based general education curriculum individual with unique abilities and potentials, and it
with aspecial emphasis on thetraditional humanities respectsthepersonalandacademicfreedomofall its
asacomplementtothe morespecialized preparation members. At the same time it seeks to develop a
in disciplines and professions provided by the major greatersenseofcommunitywithin itself, asensethat
programs. Fairfield is also committed tothe needs of all of its members belong to and are involved in the
society for liberally educated professionals. It meets University, sharing common goals and a common
the needs of its students to assume positions in this commitment to truth and justice, and manifesting in
society through its undergraduate and graduate pro- theirlivesthecommonconcernforotherswhich isthe
fessional schools and programs. obligation of all educated, mature human beings.
AFairfieldeducation isaliberaleducation, character-
izedbyitsbreadthanddepth. Itoffersopportunitiesfor
individual and common reflection, and it provides
training in such essential human skills as analysis,
synthesis,andcommunication.Theliberallyeducated
person is able to assimilate and organize facts, to
evaluate knowledge, to identify issues, to use appro-
priate methods of reasoning, and to convey conclu-
sionspersuasivelyinwrittenandspokenword.Equally
AN
OVERVIEW
OF
FAIRFIELD
UNIVERSITY
i
An OverviewofFairfield University
An Overview of tunityto makefriendshipsthatwill broadenyourhori-
zons and enrich yourlife.
Fairfield Astillgreaterinfluenceonyourlifewillbeyourprofes-
sors, who exhibit an even widerdiversitythan dothe
University students. Although Fairfield is aJesuit university, the
majority of 189 full-time faculty are lay persons who
representmanyfaithsandcreeds.BothlayandJesuit,
the faculty hold degrees from over 75 American and
Europeancollegesand universities, and90%ofthem
Fairfield has a proud tradition oflearning. When hold the highest degree available in their discipline.
Fairfield was chartered in 1942, it became the 26th Many have had practical experience in various ca-
institution of higher learning operated by the Jesuit reers and professions before becoming teachers. Al-
Order in the United States and the inheritor of a mostwithoutexception you will find them eagertosit
traditionoflearningandscholarshipthatdatesbackto with you and talk about your academic progress or
1540when St. Ignatius LoyolafoundedtheSocietyof your personal problems. An important aspect: Fair-
Jesus(theJesuits)ontheprincipleofactiveservicein fieldhasnograduatestudentswhoteachinanyofits
the world. colleges orschools.
Fromthattime, manyJesuitschoseeducationastheir Although our students and faculty have varied back-
fieldofservice.AbasicJesuitprinciple,thestrivingfor grounds, they have come to Fairfield because they
excellence, led them to create schools that have share common goals: the striving for excellence in
becomerenownedforacademicquality.AJesuitedu- everyareaoflife; thecommitmentto intellectual hon-
cationhascometomeanahighstandardofacademic esty, discipline, and inquiry; the ideals of a liberal
discipline within Judeo-Christian values. education;theexpressionofChristianvaluesthrough
Ourstudentsareselectedwithoutregardtosex, race, concern for and service to others. They are, in other
words,thelivingembodimentofatraditionoflearning
color, marital status, religion, age, national origin or
ancestry, disabilityorhandicap.Thisdiversityactsas 450 years old.
astimulustoyoureducation and givesyou an oppor-
p—
;4> *3» £**
^^^^i^i^1®^.'
M'
:>yv;
An Overview ofFairfield University
Fairfield offers a quality academic program. The
goal of a Fairfield education is to develop the whole
person, and we believe that a liberal education can
achievethisgoalbecauseitexposesyoutothewhole
of learning.
The University has created a core curriculum for all
studentsinallundergraduateschools. Itincludesfrom
twotofive courses in each ofthese areas:
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences, to acquaint
youwith both mathematical logicandtheworkings
ofthe physical world;
• HistoryandtheSocialandBehavioralSciences,to
giveyou a knowledgeofthe past, acontemporary
socialawareness,andasenseofcivicresponsibil-
ity;
• PhilosophyandReligiousStudies,tohelpyoutoa
clear knowledge of ultimate religious, philosophi-
cal, and moral values;
• English and The Visual and Performing Arts, to
developthe habitsoflogicalthinkingandaccurate
expression, and to give you an understanding of
human nature through literature, drama, music,
and art;
• Modern and Classical Languages, to provide an
insight into other cultures and other modes of
expression and thought. Although Fairfield has some 2,900 undergraduate
students, it is organized as a grouping of small divi-
Withintheframeworkofthesefive areas, you have a sions under a larger intellectual umbrella. This en-
numberofoptions.TherequirementinPhilosophyand ables us to combine the intimacy and the personal
Religious Studies, forexample, includestwocourses attentionthatarethestrengthsofasmallcollegewith
in religion. Butyou can choose to examine yourown the advantages of a university. Your classes will be
spiritualheritageorthebeliefsofothers;yourcourses relatively small, especially in your junior and senior
can be asgeneral as Religion and Psychologyoras years, andtheywill betaughtbyprofessorswhogive
specificas TheWritingsofPaul. Youwillfindenough timetoyourindividualinstruction.Butyouwillalsofind
options like this so that fulfilling the requirements that the full resources of the University are at your
becomesastimulatingandenjoyableexperiencewhile command wheneveryou need them.
providingthebreadthofknowledgenecessaryforyour
furtherstudies, andforlifeasawell-educated human TheUniversityhassixschools:theCollegeofArtsand
Sciences;theSchoolofBusiness;theSchoolofNurs-
being.
ing; the School of Continuing Education; the BEI
Asapartnerin planningyouracademicprogram, you School of Engineering; and the Graduate School of
willhaveafacultyadvisor. Inyourfreshmanyearyour EducationandAlliedProfessions.Inadditiontocourses
advisor will be assigned from the faculty at large; in offeredduringtheyear,theseschoolsalsooffercourses
lateryears, heorshewillbeaprofessorinyourmajor during the summer.
field. If you want to enter professional or graduate
school, your advisor will be someone who is knowl-
edgeableintheadmissionrequirementsofthoseinsti-
tutions and who can help you plan a course of study
thatwill furtheryour professional goals.
8
An OverviewofFairfield University
The College ofArts and Sciences, the oldest and In keepingwiththemissionofFairfield University,the
largestofFairfield'sfiveschools,offersthreedegrees, SchoolofBusinessiscommittedtopreparingstudents
BachelorofArts, BachelorofScience,andaMasterof for leadership success in their personal and profes-
Arts in American Studies. sional lives in the Jesuit tradition of educating the
"whole" person who is socially responsible and pre-
If you wish to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the pared to serve others.
College of Arts and Sciences, you may major in
American studies, communication, economics, En- TheprogramsandcurriculaoftheSchoolofBusiness
glish,history,internationalstudies,modernlanguages are directed at a diverse population of students.
and literatures (French, German, Spanish), philoso- Through innovation and the integration of the many
phy, politics, psychology, religiousstudies, sociology/ disciplines ofthe arts and sciences with the areas of
anthropology, orvisual and performing arts. commerce, itsprogramsencouragetheacquisitionof
interdisciplinaryknowledge,personalskillsandaware-
Odengrtehee,otyhoeurhmaanyd,maifjyooruiwnisbiholaogBya,chcehleomrisotfryS,ciceonmc-e ninecsrse,asainndglyteccohmnpilceaxl,cdoimveprestee,nacnidessopnheicsetsiscaatreydwinorolud.r
puterscience,economics,mathematics,neuroscience,
physics, or psychology. TheSchoolofBusinessemphasizesexcellenceinthe
classroom, scholarly research, andthe application of
oSftutdheeinrtfsirastreyeeanrcoifutrhaegyehdatvoesenloetctalaremaadjyordoantethseo.end conceptstothe world of business, and it:
• strives to attend to, and develop, each student to
sIftyuodeuntasrearuen,suyroeuomfayyourdicsacruesesrtdhierepcotsisoinb,ilaintidesmawintyh thailse/nhtesrfaunlldesgtopaoltse.ntTihalisinraecqcuoirrdeswiathchoimsm/ihetrmneenetdst,o
your faculty advisor, with other professors, or with a teachingthe"whole"personandarecognitionthat
careercounselor in our Career Planning Center. Se- excellence in teaching is our numberone priority.
lecting a major is not an irrevocable decision. The
academic program at Fairfield is flexible enough to • strives through its graduate and undergraduate
allowyoutochangetoanotherfieldifyoufindyourfirst programs to be recognized by the business and
choice was notthe right one. educational communitiesasone ofthe best, ifnot
thebest, ofanysmallcomprehensive universityin
Within each major field of study, the College of Arts the nation, serving students in both programsthat
and Sciences offers an exceptionally wide range of have been selected for their high intellectual and
courses, from introductory studies to highly special- leadership capacities, and who are likelyto make
izedcoursesforupperclassstudents.Andwithinevery
outstanding contributionstotheworldofbusiness
major field there is an opportunity for independent within the philosophy oftheJesuittradition.
studyand researchthatcan carryyoufarbeyondthe
normal limits of traditional courses. Double-majors • fostersexcellenceinitsfaculty,curricula,staff,and
andminorsmaybearrangedforstudentsinterestedin facilities and programs through the devotion of
combining the skills and perspectives of two disci- resources to instructional development, and fac-
plines. ultyandstaffdevelopmenttoenhancethelearning
processesofourstudentsandmaximizethepoten-
The School of Business was established in 1978, tial ofourfacilityand staff.
having beenfor31 yearsoftheUniversity'sexistence
the DepartmentofBusinessAdministration. Itsestab- • strives to serve the expectations and needs of its
lishment reflected the increasing numberof students stakeholders, internal and external, by continu-
majoring in a businessdiscipline, and thediversityof ously reviewing, evaluating and changing its mis-
coursesbeingoffered.AMasterofScienceprogramin sion, goals, programs, curricula, resource bases,
Financial Managementbegan in 1981; theCertificate intellectual contribution, and overall activity.
ProgramforAdvanced Studyin Financewas initiated
in 1984; and a Master of Business Administration • strivestocreatewithinitsstudentsandcommunity
programwas introduced in 1994. The SchoolofBusi- anunderstandingandappreciationoftheinterrela-
ness received full accreditation by the AACSB (The tionshipsofourbusiness,legal,social,andcultural
International AssociationforManagementEducation, systemsthroughteaching, internships,facultyand
formerlyAmericanAssemblyofCollegiateSchoolsof student exchange programs, and resource net-
Business) on March 6, 1997. works sothattheyare prepared to meetthe chal-
lengesoftheglobalvillageinasociallyresponsible
manner.