Undergraduate Minors at the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Built through a partnership by the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, this minor gives students a interdisciplinary introduction to data visualization as a tool for communicating ideas, decisions, problems, and stories.

Students will learn to parse and visualize data using industry-standard tools, to use the basics of graphic design, to apply programming for creating visuals, and to consider the implications of data on society and culture.

Six courses are required for the data visualization minor, as outlined below.

Four required Courses:

• HAR 241 – Design 1

• HAR 271 – Creative Programming 1

• EM 622 – Decision Making via Data Analysis Techniques (open to juniors and seniors only, undergraduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher)

• EM 570 | HQSS 570 | HQSS 370 – Data Storytelling (open to juniors and seniors only)

Plus one course from the following list: 

• SYS 501 – Probability and Statistics for Systems Engineers

• EM 365 – Statistics for Engineering Managers

• ENGR 241 – Probability and Statistics with Data Science Applications

• MA 222 – Probability and Statistics

Plus one course from the following list: 

• HST 325 – Visualizing Society

• HAR 250 – Designing with Data (currently titled Data Visualization)

• HAR 340 – Design 2 (prereq HAR 241– Design 1)

• HST 320 – Science and Media

Minor Coordinator: Professor Jeff Thompson

A film studies minor provides students with a creative outlet to explore cinema, fostering critical thinking and visual literacy. Through a curated selection of courses spanning film history, theory and practical skills, students gain an understanding of storytelling, culture, and the evolving intersection of technology and the arts.

Seven courses are required for the film studies minor, as outlined below.

One required course:

• HLI/HTH 221 – Introduction to Cinema

Plus five courses from the following list, with no more than nine credits in any one discipline:

• HASS 495 – Independent Study (minor coordinator approval)

• HAR 225 – Moving Images: In Space

• HAR 226 – Moving Images: On Screen

• HAR 280 – Modern Art History and Theory

• HAR 281 – History of Photography

• HAR 342 – Motion Graphics

• HAR 380 – Media Culture and Theory

• HAR 385 – Contemporary Art

• HAR 425 – Moving Image: Advanced Projects

• HHS 387 – History of American Film

• HLI 302 - African-American Cinema

• HLI 307 - Afrofuturism

• HLI 357 – American Films - American Fiction

• HLI 390 – Modern Culture: Lit and Film

• HHS 395 – Images of American Life

• HLI 225 - Introduction to Screenwriting

• HLI 408 – Creative Writing

• HLI 476 – Contemporary Culture: Lit and Film

• HMU 406 – Audio Post-Production

• HMU 407 – Sound Design

• HPL 348 – Aesthetics

• HPL 464 – Philosophy in Film

• HTH 305 – Director as Auteur

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Anthony Pennino

A gender studies minor challenges students to examine societal norms, fostering an understanding of the intersections of gender, race, and culture. Through courses spanning history, literature, philosophy and sociology, students gain insights into the dynamics of power, identity and social justice, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to inclusive and equitable dialogues.

Seven courses are required for the gender studies minor, as outlined below.

Five 300/400-level courses from the following list, with no more than nine credits in any one discipline:

• HHS 210 – History of Medicine

• HHS 325 – African-American Studies

• HHS 363 – Darwin and the Darwinian Revolution

• HHS 479 – Studies in the History of Technology

• HHS 323 – Women and Gender in American History

• HLI 413 – Literature by Women: The Tradition in English

• HLI 391 – Queer Fiction

• HPL 448 – Contemporary Philosophy

• HPL 455 – Ethical Issues in Science and Technology

• HPL 460 – Philosophy and Feminism

• HPL 465 – Ethics of Business and Technology

• HPL 468 – Women Philosophers of the Twentieth Century

• HSS 333 – Psychology of Prejudice

• HSS 441 – Gender and Race in Science and Engineering

• HSS 458 – Sociology of Science and Technology

• HSS 478 – Psychology of Gender

• HSS 479 – Sociology of Gender

• HST 350 – Medical Anthropology

• HST 355 – Technology and Medicine

• HST 390 – Anthropology of Technology

• HLI 307 – Afrofuturism

Plus one 100/200-level course that counts for humanities credit

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Amber Benezra

Through a minor in history, students explore the tapestry of human experiences, developing an understanding of societal developments, cultural shifts and the evolution of ideas. A range of courses spanning different periods, regions and themes promote an appreciation for the complexities of the past and its relevance to the present.

Seven courses are required for the history minor, as outlined below.

Six courses from the list of history courses provided in Stevens' Academic Catalog (either two 100/200-level courses and four 300/400-level courses OR one 100/200-level course and five 300/400-level courses)

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Michael Steinmann

A literature minor invites students to explore the human experience through a narrative lens, nurturing critical thinking and empathy. By considering the intricacies of language, plot and cultural expression, students develop perspectives that enhance their communication skills and deepen their appreciation for the complexities of the human condition.

Seven courses are required for the literature minor, as outlined below.

Six courses from the list of literature courses provided in Stevens' Academic Catalog (either two 100/200-level courses and four 300/400-level courses OR  one 100/200-level course and five 300/400-level courses)

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Anthony Pennino

A medical humanities minor instills an understanding of healthcare through the social sciences, preparing students for compassionate and informed engagement in the field. The interdisciplinary curriculum explores health, society and ethics, ensuring a well-rounded perspective and enhancing students' readiness for professions related to healthcare.

Six courses are required for the medical humanities minor, as outlined below.

Required Courses:

• HST 250 – Medical Humanities

• HST 340 – Global Public Health 

  OR

  HQSS 332 - Health Psychology

Plus four courses from the following list:

• HHS 210 – History of Medicine

• HSSC 131 – Introduction to Anthropology

• HQSS 141 – Introduction to Sociology

• HQSS 175 – Fundamentals of Psychology I: Brain, Mind and Behavior

• HSSC 330 – Developmental Psychology

• HSSC 331 – Biological Psychology

• HSSC 375 – History of Psychology

• HPL 339 – Ethics

• HPL 457 – Bioethics

• HPL 367 – Philosophy of  Biology

• HST 140 – Failure

• HST 160 – Introduction to Science Communication

• HST 325 – Visualizing Society

• HST 355 – Technology and Medicine

• HST 370 – Biology and Society

• HST 401 – Seminar in Science Writing

• HST 495 – Health, Policy and Society

• HST 350 – Medical Anthropology

Minor Coordinator: Professor Theresa MacPhail

Earning a music and technology minor equips students with a skill set at the intersection of creativity and innovation. Offering a curriculum that combines music theory, electronic composition and sound recording, this minor prepares students for roles in the evolving landscape of music and audio production.

Seven courses are required for the music and technology minor, as outlined below.

Six courses from the list of music and technology courses provided in Stevens' Academic Catalog

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Lainie Fefferman

Seven courses are required for the philosophy minor, as outlined below.

Six courses from the list of philosophy courses provided in Stevens' Academic Catalog (either two 100/200-level courses and four 300/400-level courses OR  one 100/200-level course and five 300/400-level courses)

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Michael Steinmann

Seven courses are required for the pre-law and public policy minor, as outlined below.

One required course:

• HQSS 127 – Introduction to Political Science I: National Government
  OR
  HQSS 128 – Introduction to Political Science II: Judicial Process

Plus one philosophy (HPL) or literature (HLI) 300/400-level course related to logic, theory and writing

Plus four courses from the following suggested course list:

• HHS 125 – United States History to 1865

• HHS 126 – United States History Since 1865

• HHS 325 – African-American Studies

• HHS 355 – U.S. Foreign Relations

• HHS 370 – US Constitutional Law I

• HHS 371 – Mod. US Presidency & Legis. Proc

• HHS 373 – US Constitutional Law II

• HHS 46 – The Sixties: A Decade of Protest

• HLI 348 – James Baldwin

• HPL 339 – Ethics

• HPL 340 – Social & Political Philosophy

• HPL 341 – Philosophies of Good and Evil

• HPL 380 – Environmental Ethics

• HPL 442 – Logic

• HPL 443 – Philosophy of Language

• HPL 449 – Philosophy of Law

• HPL 450 – Global and International Ethics

• HPL 455 – Ethical Issues in Science and Technology

• HPL 456 – Ethics of Business and Technology

• HPL 457 – Bioethics

• HPL 480 – Environmental Policy: Philosophical and Economic Issues

• HQSS 280 – Social Psychology

• HSSC 321 – Modern Urban Culture

• HQSS 360 – Public Policy Analysis

• HQSS 361 – U.S. Congress

• HQSS 362 – Campaigns and Elections

• HQSS 363 – Judicial Process

• HQSS 365 – Health Politics

• HSSC 371 – Computers & Society

• HSSC 379 – International Politics

• HSSC 401 – Seminar in Leadership Studies

• HQSS 402 – Political Psychology and the Media

• HQSS 441 – Gender and Race in Science and Engineering

• HSSC or HQSS 495 – Seminar in Social Science

• HQSS 517 – Quantitative Social Science

• HQSS 570 – Data Storytelling

• HST 340 – Global Public Health

• HST 370 – Biology and Society

• HST 385 – Internet Protocols and Politics

• HST 415 – The Nuclear Era

• HST 470 – War and Science

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Seven courses are required for the science communication minor, as outlined below.

One required Course:

• HST 160 – Introduction to Science Communication

Plus five courses from the following list:

• HHS 210 – History of Medicine

• HHS 310 – Social History of Science

• HHS 311 – Science and Society in the 20th Century

• HHS 363 – Darwin and the Darwinian Revolution

• HHS 369 – Studies in the Scientific Revolution

• HHS 414 – Industrial America

• HHS 465 – Engineering in History

• HHS 479 – Studies in the History of Technology

• HLI 316 – Science Fiction

• HLI 321 – Literature, Science and Technology

• HLI 338 – Thoreau and Environment

• HLI 409 – Rhetoric and Technical Writing

• HMU 205 – Introduction to Digital Media

• HPL 368 – Philosophy of Science

• HPL 369 – Science and Religion

• HPL 370 – Philosophy of Technology

• HPL 380 – Environmental Ethics

• HPL 455 – Ethical Issues in Science and Technology

• HPL 457 – Bioethics

• HPL 480 – Environmental Policy: Philosophical and Economic Issues

• HQSS 127 – Introduction to Political Science I: National Government

• HQSS 141 – Introduction to Sociology

• HQSS 175 – Fundamentals of Psychology I: Brain, Mind and Behavior

• HSSC 371 – Computers and Society

• HQSS 441 – Gender and Race in Science and Engineering

• HQSS 458 – Sociology of Science and Technology

• HST 120 – Intro to Science & Tech Studies

• HST 140 – Failure

• HST 320 – Science and the Media

• HST 330 – Environmental Communication

• HST 340 – Global Public Health

• HST 355 – Technology and Medicine

• HST 360 – Humans and the Environment

• HST 401 – Seminar in Science Writing

• HST 450 – The History of Stevens

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor John Horgan

Seven courses are required for the social sciences minor, as outlined below.

Two of the following three courses:

• HQSS 127: Introduction to Political Science I

• HQSS 141: Introduction to Sociology

• HQSS 175: Fundamentals of Psychology I

Plus four additional upper-division (300/400-level) HQSS and/or HSSC courses

Plus one upper-division (300/400-level) non-HQSS/HSSC School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences class

Minor Coordinator: Professor Yu Tao

Seven courses are required for the science, technology and society minor, as outlined below.

One required course:

• HST 120 – Intro to Science & Tech Studies

Plus five courses from the following list:

• HST 140 – Failure

• HST 250 – Medical Humanities

• HST 325 – Visualizing Society

• HST 340 – Global Public Health

• HST 350 – Medical Anthropology

• HST 355  – Technology and Medicine 

• HST 370 – Biology and Society

• HST 380 – Standardization and Society

• HST 390 – Anthropology of Technology

• HST 470 – War and Science

• HHS 210 – History of Medicine

• HHS 310 – Social History of Science

• HHS 363 – Darwin and the Darwinian Revolution

• HHS 369 – Studies in the Scientific Revolution

• HHS 414 – Industrial America

• HHS 465 – Engineering in History

• HHS 479 – Studies in the History of Technology

• HLI 316 – Science Fiction

• HLI 321 – Literature, Science and Technology

• HLI 338 – Thoreau and Environment

• HMU 205 – Introduction to Digital Media

• HPL 368 – Philosophy of Science

• HPL 369 – Science and Religion

• HPL 380 – Environmental Ethics

• HPL 455 – Ethical Issues in Science and Technology

• HPL 457 – Bioethics

• HPL 480 – Environmental Policy: Philosophical and Economic Issues

• HQSS 127 – Introduction to Political Science I: National Government

• HQSS 141 – Introduction to Sociology

• HQSS 175 – Fundamentals of Psychology I: Brain, Mind and Behavior

• HSSC 331 – Biological Psychology

• HSSC 371 – Computers and Society

• HQSS 377 – Sociology of Globalization

• HQSS 441 – Gender and Race in Science and Engineering

• HQSS 458 – Sociology of Science and Technology

• HSSC 478 – Psychology of Gender

• HST 160 – Introduction to Science Communication

• HST 320 – Science and the Media

• HST 330 – Environmental Communication

• HST 360 – Humans and the Environment

• HST 401 – Seminar in Science Writing

• HST 415 – The Nuclear Era

• HST 450 – The History of Stevens

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside of this discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Theresa MacPhail

Explore the three pillars of sustainability—people, planet and prosperity—through an interdisciplinary curriculum designed by the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, the School of Business and the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Students pursuing a minor in sustainability will develop expertise in environmental science, policy-making, and the management of natural resources. They will enhance their analytical and problem-solving skills to address the multifaceted issues of ecological responsibility.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students will devise creative strategies for advancing ecological sustainability.

Students must take a total of six courses, including four required classes:

• SM 531 - Sustainable Development

• SM 510 - Perspectives in Environmental Management

• SM 530 - Sustainable Business Strategies

• HST 360 - Humans and the Environment

Additionally, students must choose two elective courses from a designated list.

Full details on the sustainability minor can be found in Stevens' academic catalog.

Seven courses are required for the visual arts and technology minor, as outlined below.

Six visual arts and technology courses as listed in the Stevens Academic Catalog

Plus one 300/400-level School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences course outside the visual arts & technology discipline

Minor Coordinator: Professor Jeff Thompson