Students may elect to complete an approved minor. A minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of formal coursework from the University curriculum successfully completed in residence at Webster University with a grade of C- or better. The minor is formally acknowledged on the student´s transcript. This secondary focus must be in an area of study different from the student´s major or may be in an interdisciplinary are of study, such as fine arts, liberal arts, or women´s studies. Courses used to fulfill a requirement for a major may not also be used to fulfill a requirement for a minor. A student may earn up to two minors.

Minors Offered

General Education

A coherent baccalaureate program provides opportunity for the study of a discipline in depth while at the same time enabling students to obtain a broad general education within the context of their individual goals. Webster University acknowledges that the ideal components of general education can be addressed throughout the curriculum and that this learning may occur in a variety of ways. The University requires all baccalaureate students to complete a general education program. The following nine goals are the framework for this program:

Webster University is committed to the idea that these processes, methods, experiences, and skills can be acquired by individuals in a variety ways, in numerous fields of study, and at varying times in their academic lives. Generally, students satisfy the general education requirements by taking one 3-credit-hour course in each of the nine areas. See the section titled Academic Policies and Information for specific details for each degree program.

International Languages and Cultures

In keeping with the mission of Webster University as a whole, the Department of International Languages and Cultures encourages creativity and critical thinking while preparing students to be competitive in today’s global marketplace. Personalized instruction from faculty trained in different areas of international languages and cultures increases students’ awareness of their own values and paradigms as well as those of others.

In language courses, communication in the target language is the primary goal with all four basic skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) practiced from the very first day.

The International Languages and Cultures Department offers courses in English as a Second Language, Thai, and Chinese.

Buddhist Studies – Certificate

The Buddhist studies certificate program of study draws on Webster University’s strengths in religious and international studies to explore the complex social reality of Buddhism in Asia today. We offer students a firsthand opportunity to study the cultural and spiritual roots of their host country, and to investigate the many ways in which contemporary Buddhists engage their changing social world-through grassroots activism, as well as through art, ritual, philosophy, institutional reform, and political debate.

Completion of the certificate requires a minimum of eight weeks residence and nine (9) credit hours of coursework at the Hua Hin/Cha-am campus. The remainder of the 18 credit hours may be completed (in whole or part) at Hua Hin/Cha-am, St. Louis, or any other Webster campus that offers appropriate courses.

Requirements

At least one course (3 credit hours) from each of the following groups:

Group One – Socially Engaged Buddhism

Group Two-Buddhism and Society:

An additional two elective courses (at least 6 credit hours) chosen from any course designated as part of the Buddhist studies certificate program, including courses listed above and the following:

Topics courses or general umbrella courses within the Department of Religious Studies must have a formally listed Buddhist focus in order to count towards the certificate.

Business, Computer Application, English, History, Political Science. International Relations, Media Communications, Psychology, Religious Studies, Math

1. Critical Thinking (a systematic method of examining and evaluating arguments)
2. Communications (writing and speaking that are clear, concise, and accurate when conveyed to a broad audience)
3. Historical Consciousness (recognition of cause, relationships, and sequences within seemingly random social and historical events)
4. Humanities (analysis of the themes of human experience through the legacy of great works and ideas)
5. Values (critical reflection on the attitudes and beliefs relevant to individual and social choices and actions)
6. Cultural Understanding (examination and comparison of international and/or diverse cultures)
7. Arts Appreciation (recognition of artistic expressions gained through analysis, reflection, or practical experience)
8. Scientific Understanding (analysis of concepts of a scientific discipline and its methods, limitation, and impact in the modern world)
9. Mathematics (recognition of the value and beauty of mathematics, as well as the ability to use geometric, algebraic, or numerical reasoning)

• RELG 2075 Introduction to Buddhism 3 hours
• ANSO 2000 Issues in Contemporary Society: Thai Ways-The Culture, Politics and Economy of Thailand 3 hours
• RELG 2420 Religion and Culture: Buddhism East and West 3 hours
• RELG 2430 Environments and Religion: Buddhist Eco-Activism 3 hours
• RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action: Engaged Buddhism 3 hours
• RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action: Engaged Buddhism in Asia 3 hours
• RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action: Engaged Buddhism in Thailand 3 hours
• RELG 2400 Religion and the Arts: Buddhist Arts 3 hours
• RELG 2430 Environments and Religion: Buddhism and Ecology 3 hours
• RELG 2500 Gender, Culture, and Religion: Women in Buddhism 3 hours
• RELG 3030 Topics in Religion and Society: The Thai Temple/Monastery 3 hours
• RELG 3030 Topics in Religion and Society (with Buddhist topic) 3 hours
• RELG 2030 Contemporary Topics (with Buddhist topic) 3 hours
• RELG 3070 Topics in Religion and Psychology: Meditation and Healing 3 hours
• RELG 3120 Buddhism 3 hours
• RELG 3600 Field Experience in Religion 1-6 hours
• RELG 3605 International Field Experience in Religion 1-6 hours
• RELG 4400 Spiritual Paths and Classics 3 hours
• RELG 4550 Advanced Study in Religion 3 hours
• RELG 4610 Reading Course: Directed Readings, Research Project, or Meditation Practicum 1-6 hours
• FILM 3160 Topics in Film Studies: Buddhism in Film 3 hours