The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) plans to propose the creation of a School of Social and Cultural Analysis for consideration by the Iowa Board of Regents at its February meeting. The school would combine several departments and programs in the areas of African American Studies; American Studies; Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies; Jewish Studies; Latina/o/x Studies; and Native American and Indigenous Studies.
The proposed move is part of a multi-year administrative restructure of the college intended to better serve students and faculty.
“We are excited to reposition these programs for the future,” said Sara Sanders, dean of CLAS. “The creation of a School of Social and Cultural Analysis would allow us to build on our considerable legacy in areas that are essential to our mission, while creating more sustainable structures and room for innovative new curricula. By making the most of our resources and expertise, we can enhance the student experience, better support our faculty, and encourage collaborative research across fields.”
New school would simplify administration and academic offerings
Under the proposed plan, the college would close the departments of American Studies and Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies, as well as the current majors in American Studies and in Social Justice, which have fewer than 60 students combined, and create a new major in Social and Cultural Analysis. The existing programs have limited faculty and overlapping curricula, causing challenges for faculty in sustaining teaching capacity. The new curricula will not only streamline operations but offer clarity and flexibility in students’ educational pathways.
“Right now, these programs are administered by multiple department chairs and multiple directors,” said Roland Racevskis, CLAS associate dean for the arts and humanities. “Under this proposed plan, the school would have a single leadership team dedicated to overseeing the operations of the programs. This new structure would provide better coordination of curriculum across these related programs, easier pathways for degree completion, and support for interdisciplinary research opportunities.”
Existing minors and certificates in associated areas would move into the new school. No changes to graduate programs are currently being proposed.
Proposed major responds to student interest and career opportunities
The proposed new Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of the complexities of the world around them and equip them for a variety of careers in fields like education, research, public policy, and community engagement.
Cornelia Lang, CLAS associate dean for undergraduate education, said many of today’s students are willing and eager to interpret a wide range of sources into a persuasive argument about culture and society.
“Students in this major would be able to connect their individual experiences and ideas to larger social contexts,” Lang said. “This would prepare them well for potential careers or graduate work in cultural studies and related fields through highly adaptable skills like analytical thinking, effective communication, and research.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the most common career fields for graduates of comparable programs include social and community services, health care, management and administration, law, and education and academia. Many of these sectors are projected to grow at average or faster than average rates over the next 10 years; the community and social service field is projected to grow 8.1% between 2023 and 2033 and is the fourth-fastest growing occupational group.
Changes designed by faculty would take effect next academic year
If approved at the February Board of Regents meeting, the new School of Social and Cultural Analysis would go into effect July 1, 2025, for the 2025-26 academic year— the same timeline for the new School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability.
Sanders said faculty leaders across these areas worked closely with their departments and programs over the past two years to bring ideas forward for discussion and decision-making around the new structures.
“This proposal is the result of pragmatic and innovative thinking from our departmental faculty,” said Sanders. “In each area we are looking at in the college, it is inspiring how faculty have responded to the challenge of aligning our resources efficiently and serving our students better, and I am confident this proposed school will enable us to do both.”