Page 6 - Imagine Yourself at UCMerced

Dear Student:
In 1962, Marshall McLuhan, a Canadian professor of English literature, coined the term “global village,”
which meant to him a future in which communication across cultures and across the world could be
instantaneous. Today, his vision has been made into a reality by the Internet, which allows us to be in
Merced and Kathmandu at the same virtual moment. But merely being able to communicate does not
erase the reality of cultural and linguistic diversity — to truly and effectively communicate, one must
also understand the social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious variability that characterizes
the world in which we live. In other words, to be a true global citizen, one must have the ability to
think critically, write well, have knowledge of the past so as to inform the present, and to develop a capacity for life-long learning.
To help you become this global citizen, our school embraces many disciplines, including cognitive and information sciences,
humanities and world cultures, psychological sciences, and social sciences and management. Our faculty are among the very best
scholars in the world and they have joined UC Merced to create exciting new programs that appeal to our leaders of the future.
Although we offer traditional majors and minors, we also seek to broaden your horizons by offering courses of multidisciplinary
studies — ones that cross-cut traditional fields. In some classes, you will learn the basics — the fundamental knowledge of a discipline,
and how that knowledge can be used to get a better understanding of the complexity of the human condition. In other classes, you will
be challenged to develop critical thinking skills that can be used in any career no matter what the content. And in many of our courses,
you will learn how to write effectively, collaborate with your peers, and speak in public settings, both large and small. When you leave
UC Merced, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skill sets that will enable you to engage with the world, to recognize and
solve problems of all kinds, and to succeed in a career.
Take advantage of the limitless opportunities you have before you in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. Become
that global citizen!
Sincerely,
MARK ALDENDERFER
Dean, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
COGNITIVE SCIENTIST TEENIE MATLOCK was presented with
The Young Investigator Award which is given to one recipient in
all scientific fields per year. It acknowledges scientists for achieve-
ment in interdisciplinary research and the ability to communicate
the significance of their research to the general public.
FACULTY HOST A WEB-BASED JOURNAL, alternaCtive
publicaCtions, which is dedicated to posting unpublished creative
works primarily by Latino and Latina authors. The online journal
provides a temporary publication of literary works that may be
considered non-marketable by established presses.
MARK ALDENDERFER, dean of UC Merced’s School of Social
Sciences, Humanities and Arts, was featured in a National
Geographic documentary that showcased his research into
an ancient civilization in Nepal.
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
6 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED
Highlights
TWO NEW MAJORS FOR FALL 2013. A bachelor’s degree
in English asks students to recognize the complex inter-
actions of culture and literature, while engaging in the
continuing conversation about the meaning and value of
human society. Literary discourse arises out of specific
times, places and cultural traditions.
A bachelor’s degree in Spanish will emphasize the study
of Hispanic literature as well as Spanish Linguistics and
Culture. Students will be prepared to face the demands
of an increasingly globalized society by learning to com-
municate their ideas in Spanish in different professional
contexts, to think critically and to analyze literary works.