Press Release

Saint Norbert College

3/8/2015

Starting in the Fall semester of 2016, Saint Norbert College will be offering a new Serial Killer Studies
(SEKI) major. This is an attempt to reach individuals who may not see college as a logical career move,
and to let them know that there are many skills they can learn in the classroom setting. In addition, we
are venturing into a unique field of study that other universities have yet to tap into, something that will
set us apart from other schools.

Students pursuing a SEKI major will be responsible for completing the core curriculum that regiments a
liberal arts education, but in addition classes for this major will being delving into upper level classes
from many other disciplines. Paradigms and course cross-listings have yet to be finalized, but all SEKI
students will be required to take the following courses, with any curriculum changes for the courses
noted:

- ANTH 111 Cultural Anthropology

- SOCI 122 Criminology
- POLI 130 / AMER 130 United States Politics and Government
- PSYC 212 Abnormal Psychology
- SOCI 238 Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- BIOL 244 Genetics Focus on the genetic markers that may predict psychopathy.
- POLI 248 Trial Advocacy Focus on legislature and case studies relating to serial murder
- PHIL 334 / CLAS 334 Tragedy and Philosophy
- C-AD RELS 325 Providence, Suffering and Freedom
- C-AD SOCI 352 Foundations of Social Theory
- C-AD RELS 433 Christian Ethics We feel it is necessary for anyone going through this field of study to
critically analyze the ethics of this field through a Christian lense.

Additionally, there will be several areas of emphasis, of which a SEKI major will be required to choose
from. These areas of emphasis will strengthen the understanding of crimes, or aspects of the serial killer
lifestyle that interest students. The classes for this will be scheduled into the students four-year
paradigm, meaning that adding on an area of emphasis will not result in extra time in school. The areas
students may choose from and their respective requirements are listed below:

- Communication with Public and Law Enforcement:

o Functioning as a pseudo-communication emphasis, this set of courses will prepare an
individual with the skills needed to avoid suspicious behaviors in public. In addition, the
skills learned through this area of emphasis will observe cases such as the Zodiac Killer,
and the D.C. Sniper, in which both murders attempted to engage in dialogue with the
public and police forces. The skills learned may prevent a poorly worded message, or
from a message being ignored altogether. Example courses:
 COME 122 Principles of Interpersonal Communication
COME 124 Principles of Mass Communication
COME 252 Writing for Media
COME 468 Mass Communication Theory
THEA 102 Creation of Sign and Symbol
- Biological/Medical Murder:
o Attempted murders with Anthrax, the Chicago Tylenol Murders, and Angels of Mercy
have prompted the college to take note of a unique breed of serial killers that will need
advanced training in the medical field. Example courses:
BIOL 105 Human Biology and Society
PHIL 275 Bioethics
NSCI 348 Bioterrorism
PSYC 310 Chemical Substances and Behavior
- God Complex Analysis:
o Many serial killers aim to come to a feeling of power, and as such develop scenarios in
which they feel as if they are a God. They will view themselves not only as all-powerful,
but may also act as a hero, putting others lives in danger only to save them. Courses in
this area will attempt to build up a strong understanding of defining heroism, and
situations in which individuals have created an unfair balance of power. Example
Courses:
HIST 350 The History of Modern Europe
ENGL 385 Heroes and Sages
HUMA 313 Stories of War
- Alternate/Independent Study:
o Students may approach faculty in the SEKI program with a request to create a personal
area of emphasis utilizing classes other classes offered on campus or through the use to
independent study. Student wishing to design their own area of emphasis must discuss
this with their academic advisor, and fill out the appropriate paperwork by the end of
their sophomore year.

We are currently accepting proposals and/or criticisms of the program, and will be posting the date of a
public forum to discuss this decision with the Saint Norbert Community. None of the proposed ideas in
this press release are final, and will not be finalized until late spring of 2016. We look forward to hearing
your thoughts, and will see you then!

Sincerely,

Saint Norbert College