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Academic Catalog

Kansas Studies, Minor

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-kansas-studies/index.html

Contact: Dr. Laura Murphy, laura.murphy@washburn.edu

The Washburn University Kansas Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program devoted to encouraging research, sponsoring programming, and promoting outreach that focuses on the past, present, and future of Kansas.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Kansas Studies minor, students will be able to:

  • Describe the natural environment of Kansas and how humans have interacted with that environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of cultures, arts, and literature of Kansas
  • Critically analyze central processes and developments in Kansas history, economics, and politics

Study Plan

To obtain the optional minor in Kansas Studies, a student must complete at least 15 hours of designated Kansas Studies course work, with at least 6 of those hours at the upper-division level. The minor will be supervised by the director(s) of the Center for Kansas Studies.

Courses which may be applied toward the requirements of the minor include, but are not limited to, the following:

AN 369Kansas Archaeology3
EN 138Kansas Literature3
GG 304Geography of Kansas3
GL 103Historical Geology3
HI 322Kansas History3
KS 199Special Topics: Kansas Studies3
KS 340Kansas Studies1-3
KS 395Independent Study - Kansas Studies1-3
KS 397Internship in Kansas Studies1-3
KS 399Special Topics-Kansas Studies3
PO 107Kansas, State, and Local Government3
PO 309Kansas Legislative Experience3
PO 307Internship3-6

Course Offerings

KS 199  Special Topics: Kansas Studies  (3)  

An interdisciplinary topics course on a theme associated particularly with Kansas history and culture, which is team taught by Fellows of the Center. Students and faculty will be challenged to integrate material from different perspectives on a common topic based on joint interest and available resources. As topics change, the course may be repeated for credit.

KS 340  Kansas Studies  (1-3)  

A multidisciplinary course taught by faculty members of the Center for Kansas Studies that stresses the interrelationships among all aspects of Kansas including anthropology, archaeology, ethnicity, fine arts, geography, geology, history, literature, politics and religion. Prerequisite: None.
Course Attributes:
  • Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Inclusion and Belonging
  • Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Social Science
  • USLO: Global Citizenship, Ethics and Diversity

KS 395  Independent Study - Kansas Studies  (1-3)  

Directed readings and individualized research program on a subject relevant to Kansas Studies and with the guidance of a professor. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor and approval of Director of the Center for Kansas Studies.

KS 397  Internship in Kansas Studies  (1-3)  

A program for junior/senior–level undergraduates offered in cooperation with a local or state agency with the supervision of the Director of the Center for Kansas Studies. Prerequisite: Approval of Director of the Center for Kansas Studies.

KS 399  Special Topics-Kansas Studies  (3)  

Topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor