New and Special Majors Expand Students’ Options
Principia added three academic offerings to its program this year to serve evolving student interests and prepare graduates for meaningful careers in a variety of fields.
The Educational Studies Department developed a major and minor in outdoor education that focuses on educational theory, leadership skills, group facilitation, team building, communication skills and outdoor, experiential, and environmental education. The program takes full advantage of the College’s 2,600-acre campus, emphasizing character unfoldment, outdoor program design, and safe and wise use of natural areas. “We’re developing a multidisciplinary program to prepare students for careers as outdoor guides, challenge-course facilitators, naturalists, park rangers, environmental program designers, eco-tourism guides, and as leaders in related careers,” says Professor Lauren Hinchman, chair of the department. “Students are benefiting from the transferrable skills learned in our growing repertoire of courses.”
A new minor in music technology was added this year as well. Students may take courses in recording techniques, production, radio broadcasting, and computer music, as well as composition and music theory, to complete the minor. "The new minor enables students to record and produce music in a class situation, collaborate with other students who share this interest, and make some great music," notes James Hegarty, a music professor.
Students may also design their own major if they have a particular interest outside of Principia’s majors. Examples in recent years include film studies, theatrical design, and visual communications. To design a special major, students work closely with a faculty sponsor and the Academic and Career Advising Office to develop a plan of course work from several Principia departments and, typically, from other institutions as well.
Senior Abbie Steckler created a special major in film to prepare for a career in the industry. “I made films beginning in middle school, and by high school I knew it’s what I wanted to pursue,” Abbie explains. “I looked at a lot of colleges and universities with specialized film programs but really wanted to come to Prin.” Her special major includes courses in mass communication, English, religion, and several other disciplines taught at the College. She also attended classes at the University of Southern California for specialized training not offered at Principia, and she developed four internships in order to gain practical experience.
“I added a history minor and appreciated the value of designing the special major within Principia’s liberal arts program,” Abbie says. “Technical knowledge is useless unless you have a good story to tell.”
Abbie makes films on campus for the Euphrates Institute, student activities, athletics, several academic departments, and the Public Affairs Conference. She also made a film while on the Tibet abroad, enters the College’s annual Film Festival, and is writing and producing a science fiction comedy for her senior capstone.
Senior Reid Hogan developed a special major in theatrical design, taking Principia’s technical theatre classes, as well as specialized classes at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. While working on set design and construction for several of the College’s theatre shows, Reid developed a particular passion for lighting design. For his senior capstone, he will design the lighting for Dance Production.
“Well-designed lighting shapes and molds the body in the performance space and has tremendous potential for dramatic effect,” Reid explains. “Last year I worked closely with student choreographers to help them consider creative options, and the collaboration had great results. Working on Principia’s state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment has provided excellent experience. I’m confident I’ll find work in tech theatre and love it!”