2003-2004 Undergraduate And Graduate Catalog

Transcription

University of Houston-Downtown2003-2004 Undergraduate andGraduate CatalogThe provisions of this Catalog are not an irrevocable contract between the student and the University of Houston–Downtown.The University of Houston–Downtown reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this Catalog at any time,including but not limited to degree requirements, course offerings, fees and listings in the calendar as necessitated byuniversity or legislative action.All universities establish academic requirements for granting degrees. Advisors, program coordinators and deans areavailable to assist students in planning how to satisfy these requirements, but students themselves are responsible forfulfilling them.Students should also be aware of the university’s guidelines for conduct and disciplinary procedures. Information onstudents’ rights and responsibilities including specific rules on academic honesty and prohibited conduct is availablein the Student Handbook.In accordance with the amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, known as the Student Right-to-Know andCampus Security Act, information regarding graduation rates may be found in the Office of Admissions and Records(Room 350-South, 713-221-8522), and information on crime statistics may be found in the University Police Office(Suite 118-North, 713-221-8065).The university seeks to provide equal educational opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender,age, disability or veteran status in compliance with Title IX regulations and all other federal and state regulations.The information contained in this Catalog is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice.

Table of ContentsUNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWNA Message from the President .vAcademic Calendar .viUH-Downtown: Houston’s Downtown University .1Undergraduate Admission Policies and Procedures .2Required Testing-Undergraduate Programs .4Post-Baccalaureate Admission Policies and Procedures .5Graduate Admission Policies and Procedures .5Tuition and Fees .6Scholarships and Financial Aid .8Academic Resources .10Academic Policies .11Student Affairs .16Cultural Enrichment Center .19General Information .19Weekend College, Distance Learning and Off-Campus Programs .20Continuing Education and Professional Development .21Special Programs .21ACADEMIC PROGRAMS-UNDERGRADUATE .24General Education .24University College .25College of Business .26Finance, Accounting and Computer Information Systems Department .26Management, Marketing, and Business Administration Department.26College of Humanities and Social Sciences .35Arts and Humanities Department .37Criminal Justice Department .38English Department .40Social Sciences Department .42Urban Education Department .48College of Sciences and Technology .55Computer and Mathematical Sciences Department .56Engineering Technology Department .59Natural Sciences Department .63ACADEMIC PROGRAMS-GRADUATE .71College of Humanities and Social Sciences .71Criminal Justice Department .71Urban Education Department .72COMMON COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM .74COURSE DESCRIPTIONS .75DIRECTORY .143Administration .143Faculty .144Awards .151Index .155III

A Message from the PresidentWelcome to Houston’s Downtown University! In choosing UH-Downtown, you are getting a great start for your future.Whether you are coming directly from high school, from another college or from the workforce, you will find our dedicated faculty and staff eager to help you reach your educational objectives.As a public, urban university, UHD is committed to serving you with quality educational programs. We offer anarray of degree options at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels specifically designed to meet the needs ofHouston’s economy and its multicultural population. Our convenient course schedule will fit your lifestyle with day,night, weekend and online optionsUH-Downtown is not a tradition-bound university but one positioned to respond quickly to the demands of an everchanging social and economic environment. While we take pride in our ability to adapt to changing times, we have aset of core values that do not change - the values of excellence, opportunity and diversity.Our commitment to excellence can be seen in the accomplishments and success of our graduates, the recognitionand specialized accreditations of our degree programs, and the credentials and scholarship of our faculty. Ourcommitment to providing opportunity is reflected in our partnership programs with area schools and communitycolleges, and in our special support programs for first-generation college students. Our commitment to diversity isseen by the ranking given us by the U.S. News and World Report College Guide as one of the most diverse universities in the countr y.These core values of excellence, opportunity and diversity have made UH-Downtown the institution of choice forover 10,000 students. Despite its dramatic growth (over 18% in just the past two years), UHD continues to providean accepting and nurturing environment where you can get the personal attention you need to take full benefit ofthe university’s rich academic resources.I wish you the best in pursuing your academic objectives, and I trust that your “UHD experience” will be a positive one.Max Castillo, EdDPresidentv

Academic Calendar 2003–2004Fall 2003August 25 .Classes beginAugust 29 .Friday-only classes beginAugust 30.Saturday-only classes beginSeptember 1 .Labor Day HolidayNovember 26-29 .Thanksgiving HolidaysDecember 3 .Last class day for regular classesDecember 5 .Last class day for Friday-only classesDecember 6 .Last class day for Saturday-only classesDecember 8 -13 .Final ExamsDecember 7 .CommencementSpring 2004January 20 .Classes beginJanuary 23 .Friday-only classes beginJanuary 24 .Saturday-only classes beginMarch 15-20 .Spring BreakApril 9 (Good Friday) .All classes meet, though some UHD offices may close at noonApril 30 .Last class day for Friday-only classesMay 1 .Last class day for Saturday-only classesMay 3 .Last class day for regular classesMay 6-12 .Final ExamsMay 15 .CommencementSummer 2004, Session IJune 1 .Classes beginJune 30 .Last class dayJuly 1 .Final ExamsSummer 2004, Nine-Week SessionJune 1 .Classes beginJuly 5 .Independence Day HolidayJuly 21 .Last class dayJuly 22 .Final ExamsSummer 2004, Session IIJuly 6 .Classes beginAugust 4 .Last class dayAugust 5 .Final Examsiv

UH-Downtown: Houston’s Downtown UniversityCinco Ranch, and The University Center in The Woodlands. TheWeekend College and evening classes put a degree withinreach for students with full-time jobs.Mission StatementThe University of Houston-Downtown is a public, urban university committed to providing quality academic programs that servethe needs of the multicultural population of Houston andsurrounding communities. It offers both undergraduate and alimited number of graduate academic degree programs thatenable students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed tosucceed in their chosen fields. Through instructional excellence,creative and scholarly activities, and community involvement,the university contributes to the business, scientific, economic,technological, social and cultural development of the area.UHD prepares individuals to thrive in the multicultural workplace of the 21st century through interaction with its studentpopulation, which is diverse in every sense of the word – inethnicity, age, financial background and life situation. USNews and World Report names UHD one of the nation’s mostethnically diverse institutions of higher learning.UHD’s “vertical campus” is multi-storied, offering all classesunder one roof in two connected buildings – the historic OneMain Building and the newer Academic Building. The campusis especially accessible to students with physical disabilities, withelevators connecting every floor.As an urban university, UH-Downtown has a specialresponsibility to provide educational access to those who have nothad access in the past. Through flexible scheduling of courses, theinnovative use of technology and distance learning opportunities,and a policy of open admissions at the undergraduate level, theuniversity provides educational opportunities for many who mightnot otherwise be able to pursue a college degree. To facilitate theacademic success of both its traditional and nontraditional students, the university offers a wide range of support services andemploys a faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping studentsmeet the rigorous standards and requirements for its programs.Students can easily find comfortable areas to gather with friendsand classmates, and they have ready access to sports and recreation facilities. The adjacent Jesse H. Jones Student Life Centerincludes gymnasiums, a dance studio and a fitness center.History and Future on the BayouUHD is creating an exciting future based on a fascinating past.It all began in 1974, when the assets of the private South TexasJunior College were transferred to the University of Houston. By1979, the Texas Legislature approved the new institution as aseparate entity within the University of Houston System. In 1983,the name was changed to the University of Houston-Downtown.In its public service and outreach activities, the university offersnumerous pre-collegiate programs as well as continuing education programs that maintain and upgrade specialized skillsof professionals employed in the Houston area. Throughselected programs, research initiatives, and collaborativeefforts, the university also seeks to broaden its domestic andinternational academic programs and relations.UHD’s One Main Building was constructed in 1929 on thebanks of White Oak and Buffalo Bayous as the Merchants andManufacturers Building, which is listed on the National Registerof Historic Places.About UH-DowntownToday, UH-Downtown is the second largest institution in theUniversity of Houston System, which includes four distinct universities: UH-Downtown, the University of Houston, UH-ClearLake, and UH-Victoria. All four institutions are governed by theUH System Board of Regents. The chief administrative officer ateach university is the president.Located in the heart of Houston, the university’s dynamic campus is easily accessible from all major freeways.At UHD, the emphasis is on excellence in teaching and studentsuccess. With dedicated faculty, small classes and innovativecourse options, UHD offers excellent educational opportunitiesthrough three colleges: Business, Humanities and SocialSciences, and Sciences and Technology.The university is expanding through construction of a newbuilding to accommodate a growing enrollment that now tops10,000 students. By the fall of 2004, a new academic buildingwill open at the corner of Commerce and Main – the 101 MainBuilding, which will have 25 new classrooms and academic labs,in addition to computer labs, meeting space and faculty offices.UHD offers two master’s degrees — the Master of Science with amajor in Criminal Justice; and the Master of Arts in Teaching withmajors in Elementary Education, Bilingual Education, SecondaryEducation, and Curriculum and Instruction. As specific academicneeds are identified, UHD will expand its service to the community by offering additional undergraduate and graduate degrees.Additional renovations and improvements are creating a moreattractive and hospitable campus environment. In 2004, UHDstudents will benefit from completion of the northernmost stationin METRO’s new light rail line at the Main Street entrance to theOne Main Building.UHD is nationally recognized for its outstanding academicopportunities, including its accredited programs and productivecommunity partnerships. One result of UHD’s successful partnerships is the growing number of scholarships generated throughdonations from corporations, foundations and individuals.During the late 1990s, the university’s facility grew with theaddition of the Academic Building, comprising more than40 classrooms and lecture halls, the Technology Teaching andLearning Center, the Wilhelmina Cu

course options, UHD offers excellent educational opportunities through three colleges: Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology. UHD offers two master’s degrees — the Master of Science with a major in Criminal Justice; and the Master of Arts in Teaching with majors