St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has developed a new minor, New York Studies. Students will be able to declare for this minor starting next Spring.

Dr. Judith DeSena, professor of Sociology at St. John’s, said New York Studies “extends the study beyond Discover New York for those students wishing to learn more about the ‘global city.'”

She also added that it is unique since it offers more of an individual perspective and provides a variety of classes that many students can fit it into their schedules.

She also mentioned among the courses is an independent study class for anyone who desires to take on a more in-depth point of view of the Big Apple.

DeSena has already gotten several inquiries from students regarding New York Studies.
Students on campus are responding with mixed reviews.

“I feel like it is a pointless minor,” said Ann Paskor, a senior, who said it would not really benefit her since she is already from New York.

Elisa Martellaccio, a junior Italian major concentrating in International Business said she finds the idea “interesting.”

“When I was abroad in Rome the classes that were there were very similar to the ones for New York Studies,” she said.

Martellaccio was not the only student who made this comparison.

“I think that since I have been abroad I have gotten more interested in learning about different cultures, so this minor would interest me since I am not from New York,” said Earl Benjamin, a junior.
Other students feel the new minor will carry some advantages.

“If someone is not too familiar about the New York environment and they want to become more in touch with what it’s all about it would benefit them,” junior Michael Gonzalez said. “It would also be good for someone who is interested in getting a job in the city, and could even supplement their learning along with trips into Manhattan.”

Some of the courses being offered for Spring 2009 include government courses, such as State and Local Government Administration; history courses regarding the history of New York City and Long Island; sociology courses studying Social Justice and the City, Neighborhoods, and Urban Sociology; theology courses, such as God and Religion in the City; and a new course being offered at St. John’s – Rhetoric, Communication and Theatre. There are also a handful of other courses in anthropology, art, business and communications.

Students must visit the Dean’s office within their school in St. John’s to sign up for a minor.