Department of Liberal Studies

The Department of Liberal Studies in the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies offers the Bachelor of Arts in Maritime Studies. The degree encompasses the past and present relationships between humans and the sea including nautical archaeology, cultural anthropology, world politics, maritime history, maritime literature, tall ship sail training, museum studies, tourism, domestic and international public service, and environmental concerns.

The mission of the Department of Liberal Studies is to provide a robust intellectual foundation for students pursuing occupational and leadership roles in areas such as government, communication, business, non-governmental organizations, public policy, tourism policy, journalism and public relations, archaeology and anthropology, museums and archives, professional diving, and preparation for graduate studies and law school.

Liberal Studies students participate in a variety of state and national programs such as the Model United Nations, Student Conference on National Affairs, and the Bush School Public Service Institute. They are encouraged to avail themselves of the international educational opportunities available through courses offered in the Texas A&M University Education Abroad Programs Office.

With faculty maintaining research agendas in a variety of disciplines including politics, history, mass media and communication, English, popular culture, archeology, philosophy, museum studies, anthropology, genocide studies, African-American studies, and mathematics, Liberal Studies builds within students enhanced critical thinking and strong communication skills, while emphasizing the critical nature of multicultural thinking and collaboration in a global economy.

The Department of Liberal Studies provides the skills necessary for students to:

Lead others through critical thinking, multi-dimensional problem solving, and issue advocacy;
Be competitive in a multicultural world increasingly interested in college graduates with interdisciplinary backgrounds;
Inform public policy creation and decision-making from both the governmental and business perspectives;
Earn internships in areas such as politics, law and legal affairs, communication, for-profit and non-profit organizations, artifact conservation and museum management;
Prepare for graduate school and law school opportunities;
Understand the inalienable connections between liberal education, freedom, and democracy.

Diving Techniques and Methods (DIVE)
Maritime Studies (MAST)

Diving Techniques and Methods (DIVE)

DIVE 250 SCUBA Diving I

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Fundamental academic knowledge and practical application of SCUBA diving practices and theory; introduction to diving tables and diving physiology. Prerequisite: Must complete a medical statement showing no contraindications to diving, or have a recreational SCUBA diver's physical examination.

DIVE 251 SCUBA Diving II

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Methods to promote safe, self-reliant diving and improve the diver's comfort, coordination and strength in the water; to build competency in dive planning and organization. Prerequisite: Must complete a medical statement showing no contraindications to diving, or have a recreational SCUBA diver's physical examination; open water certification from a nationally recognized agency; Divers Alert Network (DAN) insurance or equivalent.

DIVE 260 Scuba Diving III

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Methods to promote safe, self-reliant diving and improve the diver’s comfort, coordination and strength in the water; build competency in dive planning and organization; practice accident prevention and effective accident management. Prerequisites: Must complete a medical statement showing no contraindication to diving or have a recreational scuba diver’s physical examination; open water certification from a nationally recognized training agency; Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) diving accident insurance or equivalent.

DIVE 330 Rescue Diving

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Relates skills necessary to perform basic life support, administer dive first aid, evacuate victim, assist and rescue other divers in water; illustrate proper dive planning; practice accident prevention and effective accident management. Prerequisites: Must complete a medical statement showing no contraindications to diving, or have a recreational SCUBA diver's physical examination; certification as a SDI SCUBA diver or equivalent; Divers Alert Network (DAN) diving accident insurance or equivalent.

DIVE 331 Alternative Diving Technology

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Illustrates the realities of operating in the scientific, public safety and military diving disciplines; practice real world training scenarios involving multiple aspects of each of the three fields. Prerequisites: Must complete a medical statement showing no contraindications to diving, or have a recreational SCUBA diver's physical examination (or AAUS physical if rating with AAUS); certification as an Advanced and Rescue Diver or equivalent; Divers Alert Network (DAN) diving accident insurance or equivalent; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

DIVE 357 Dive Leadership – Divemaster

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Examines divemaster level dive knowledge, dive leadership theory and application, presentation and instructional skills, physical diving skills, logistics and planning, risk management and emergency response, and operational execution; develops a multi-environment capable diving leader. Prerequisites: Minimum of 18 years of age; current certification in NAUI First Aid for Dive Professionals or Equivalent; current certification in NAUI Oxygen Provider or equivalent; a minimum of verifiable 60 logged open water scuba dives with a minimum of 30 hours bottom time, dives shall be varied in environment, depth, and activities; verification of good physical condition as documented by a medical examination and unconditional approval in the last 12 months; water skills and ability equivalent to that of a NAUI Assistant Instructor; must be certified as a NAUI Master Scuba Diver, NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver, NAUI Advanced Open Water Diver and NAUI Nitrox diver, or their equivalent; divers with evidence of equivalent training experience must pass the NAUI Master Scuba Dive exam prior to beginning of the course; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

DIVE 410 AAUS Scientific Diving

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Information and training necessary to qualify as Scientific Divers under the auspices of American Academy of Underwater Sciences and the Scientific Diving Program; implementation of project design, advanced study of diving physics and physiology, diving risk management and risk mitigation. Prerequisites: Must have a current Science Diving physical examination; Master Level Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) diving accident insurance or equivalent; open water, advanced open water certifications and Nitrox, or approval of instructor; current certification in First Aid, AED, CPR and Emergency Oxygen Administration; Scientific Diving Swim Test.

DIVE 411 Offshore Research Diving

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 4 Lab Hours. Application of research methods and techniques to collect data using scuba diving; opportunities to dive with non-Texas A&M-Galveston dive programs, increase depth ratings under American Academy of Underwater Sciences and Texas A&M-Galveston auspices and to conduct safe, efficient dives to collect and record data underwater. Prerequisites: DIVE 410 or approval of instructor; must hold nitrox certification, must be active Scientific Divers under Texas A&M University Galveston auspices; current and complete Texas A&M University Galveston Science Diving physical examination on file; minimum of 12 logged dives in the previous 12 months; current certification in First Aid, AED, O2 Administration and CPR, including hands-on skill evaluations, prior to any open-water work; Master Level or higher Divers Alert Network (DAN) diving accident insurance or equivalent; see the Texas A&M University Galveston Diving Manual for additional specifications.

DIVE 430 Techniques in Overhead Environment Diving

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Instruction in overhead environment diving, technical diving skills, technical diving configurations, dive risk assessment; emphasis on building competency in dive planning, techniques and execution. Prerequisites: DIVE 410 or proof of equivalent experience with approval of instructor; must complete a medical statement showing no contraindication to diving or have a recreational scuba diver’s physical examination; open water certification from a nationally recognized training agency; Master level or higher or equivalent Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) diving accident insurance; 25 logged dives; SDI Deep Diver or equivalent certification or proof of equivalent experience with approval of instructor.

DIVE 489 Special Topics In...

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of diving technology and methods. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

DIVE 491 Research

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in the Dive program. May be taken three times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

Maritime Studies (MAST)

MAST 101 Connections

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. A first year experience seminar to explore the connections between academics disciplines to develop creative and critical thinking strategies which will increase abilities to implement solutions, refine information literacy skills, and identify the resources available for a successful transition from high school to the university environment.

MAST 220 Introduction to Museums and Conservation

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to museums, cultural heritage and collections care; best practice for non-profit institutions, public engagement, and the collection, preservation and exhibition of material culture; emphasis on archaeological, ethnographic and historical collections, or other collections of cultural significance.

MAST 226 Museums, Law and Ethics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of museum law and ethics; interdisciplinary topics.

MAST 230 Maritime Folklore

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Maritime folklore tales and myths; monsters and mysteries of the sea.

MAST 240 Introduction to Maritime Studies

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. First year experience; exploration of Maritime Studies; interdisciplinary topics.

MAST 252 Crafts of the Maritime World

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. An exploration of various crafts, skills and aesthetic/design used in and supporting the maritime world; hands-on activities and practical experience of various skills and processes, using traditional tools required to put a ship to sea; from carpentry to rope-making, sewing canvas sails to making blocks.

MAST 265 Elissa Sail Training

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Fundamentals of seamanship on a late 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel; train in sailing and maintenance of the 1877 barque ELISSA (owned and operated by the Texas Seaport Museum); lectures and activities in maritime life and seafaring history.

MAST 270 Historic Seafaring and Maritime Heritage

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Fundamentals of traditional seamanship and an exploration of the cultures and technologies of seafaring people throughout history and in various geographical locations.

MAST 289 Special Topics In...

Credits 1 to 3. 1 to 3 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in a identified area of maritime studies. May be repeated for credit.

MAST 333 Viking Archaeology and Norse Mythology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Overview of Viking Age (ca. 800 to 1100 C.E.) in Northern Europe; topics include Norse seafaring, world-view, society, archaeology, religion and cosmology as know from the archaeological and literary record. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classificaiton or approval of instructor.

MAST 336 Maritime Foreign Policy

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Strategies used by governments to guide international actions; objectives of state leaders in decision making; sources, processes, objectives and outcomes of maritime policy choices. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 345 Texas Maritime Culture and History

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. The coastal peoples, maritime history and culture of the Texas Gulf Coast ranging from pre-historic times to the present day; geography's influence on exploration, resources utilization, development and inland access; Texas ports historic and modern; shipwreck sites and historical texts; La Salle's La Belle, Texas Navy, Mexican War logistics; Civil War Naval actions, Texas Fisheries, tourism and recreation. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

MAST 350 A History of Wooden Ship Construction

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course is designed to give undergraduate students an overview of ship construction and possible cultural factors that may influence how a shipwright builds a vessel. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 354 Ancient Egyptian Seafaring

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Archaeology, iconography and written records of ancient Egypt as they relate to local and international trade by land, river and sea, beginning in Neolithic times (c. 5000 B.C.) to the end of the New Kingdom (c. 1069 B.C.). Prerequisites: ANTH 316; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 365 Material Culture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of material evidence of human life, from cradles to graves, churches to forts, teapots to landscapes; material culture artifacts, the processes and technologies used to create them and their use in every day life; application to archaeology, museum studies and basic engineering. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 369 Collections Care and Management

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Managing collections in libraries, archives and museums; media and collections storage; digitization and metadata processes; use of writing styles and citations. Prerequisites: MAST 220; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 371 Archaeology of the Pacific

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Overview of the archaeology, history and cultures of the Pacific Rim; emphasizing the cultures of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 411 International Maritime Culture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Strategies used in the exploitation of marine, coastal, and island habitats throughout human evolutionary history and the variety and complexity of adaptations in such environments; lectures and group discussions with occasional slide or movie presentations. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

MAST 425 Thesis and Technical Writing

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Rhetorical techniques for professional expository prose; intertextual argumentation and analysis. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; ENGL 104 and ENGL 203 or ENGL 210.

MAST 441 Maritime Piracy

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Research of social, economic, political and cultural aspects of piracy from ancient to modern times; presentation of findings; understanding modern perception of pirates through modern art, literature and movies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

MAST 470 Advanced Museum Studies

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of advanced topics in museum programs; preservation, research, education, outreach; development and implementation; emphasis on historical contexts, disciplinary intersections, ethical obligations and professional responsibilities; service to community, state and national interest and advancement of sciences. Prerequisite: MAST 220; junior or senior classification.

MAST 480 Honors Seminar in Service Learning

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Opportunities for community service through active community participation; includes structured time for reflection; use of skills and knowledge in real-life situations; extend learning beyond the classroom; foster a sense of caring for others. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or permission from the instructor and must be a member of the Honors Program.

MAST 481 Seminar in Maritime Studies

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. This course is intended to provide students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a particular issue, event, period, or people in maritime studies. Prerequisite: This one-credit hour course is open to senior maritime studies majors or approval of instructor.

MAST 484 Undergraduate Internship

Credits 0 to 6. 0 to 6 Other Hours. Supervised study in a research or teaching laboratory remote from TAMUG. Student involvement is to consist of real-life learning or research, teaching, management, or a combination of these. May be repeated two times for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 485 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Individually supervised research or advanced study on restricted area not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 489 Special Topics

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in a identified area of maritime studies. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

MAST 491 Research in Maritime Studies

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in Maritime Studies. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Please see academic advisor in department. Registration in multiple sections of this course is possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

Ballingall, Timothy, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Texas Christian University, 2021

Caton, Amy, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MLS, University of North Texas, 2012

Domsky, Darren K, Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, York University, 2006

Earle, Thomas, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Rice University, 2017

Echols, Katherine E, Instructional Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Houston, 2015

Falvo, Kathryn, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Pennsylvania State University, 2018

Furth, Brett H, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2015

Galvan Mandujano, Martha C, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
PHD, The University of Oklahoma, 2015

Haney, Adam D, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, Texas A&M University Commerce, 2014

Josvoll, Kristin K, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, Johns Hopkins University, 2015

Kates-Hammond, Cindy, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
EDD, University of South Dakota, 2000
MMU, University of South Dakota, 1995

Kress, Lisa M, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
MFA, University of Houston, 2001

Lamphere, Jenna A, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 2016

Ledford, Christopher E, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
MS, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, 2003

Lutz, Joann A, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of North Texas, 1993

Mark, Samuel E, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2000

Musgrove, Elizabeth, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, University of North Texas, 2005

Nealon, William, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
MED, Lamar University, 2018

Nyman, Elizabeth A, Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Florida State University, 2010

Ottman, Rebecca, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Indiana University Bloomington, 2021

Pintacuda, Jesse Catherine, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
BS, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2008

Presswood, Phillip H, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, University of Houston at Clear Lake, 2011

Ryan, James G, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Notre Dame, 1981

Slatton, Katie J, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MED, University of Montevallo, 2003

Traber, Daniel S, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Houston, 2000

Viser, Victor J, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Temple University, 1995

Williams, Sara S, Senior Lecturer
Liberal Studies
BS, Texas A&M University, 2000