Liberal Studies

Faculty
Description
Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
Program Policies
Course Descriptions

Faculty

Cynthia Chance, Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Program Chair)
Minerva San Juan, Associate Professor of Philosophy

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Description

The major in liberal studies provides undergraduate students in the School of Professional Studies with the opportunity to construct a coherent program of study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, exploring the expressions and experiences of the human family. These studies develop in the student a lifelong habit of cultivating the intellectual strength, versatility, and freedom that come from a coherent study of the liberal arts: the abilities to think critically, to relate the lessons of history to personal ambitions for the future, to write and to speak clearly, to enjoy fine art and great music, to make honest and ethical judgments, to appreciate and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures and languages of the nations around the world, and to pursue with passion and intelligence those causes that enlarge the meaning of human existence.

This major is designed for students in the School of Professional Studies interested in an interdisciplinary approach to the ideas and values of cultures whose professions already situate them within the humanities, such as librarians, ministers, and teachers who wish to broaden their subject base; whose interests suggest undergraduate study in compatible minors -- cultural studies, women's studies, and religious studies; and whose business and professional experiences encourage and require the valuable insights that the liberal arts can provide with regard to complex technological contexts. The Liberal Studies Program also offers a minor to students in the School of Professional Studies.

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Major Requirements

Required Courses (6 credits)

BOTH of the following courses:

LST 100 Humanity and Culture
LST 400 Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies

Electives (33 credits)

All elective courses counted toward the major must be at the 200-level or higher

THREE literature courses (in at least 2 different cultures)
TWO courses in philosophy
TWO courses in religious studies and theology
TWO courses in history
ONE course in music
ONE course in art history

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Minor Requirements

Required Courses (6 credits)

BOTH of the following courses:

LST 100 Humanity and Culture
LST 400 Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies

Electives (12 credits)

Electives must be distributed among three of the following four subject areas:

Literature
Philosophy (excluding PHIL 103)
Religious studies
History

At least one elective should be a 300-level or higher course.

At least one elective should have cross-cultural content.

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credit will be granted for the score of 4 or 5 on a field-appropriate AP examination.

CLEP Policy:
CLEP scores may count toward major requirements with the approval of the Program Chair.

Grades in Major Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken pass/no pass.

Senior Assessment:
The senior assessment is a component part of LST 400 Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies.

TELL Policy:
TELL credits do not count toward major requirements.

Transfer Credits:
Transfer credit will be awarded after appropriate program review and approval.

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Course Descriptions

LST 400 Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies
Provides students with the opportunity to design a project that will synthesize their studies by choosing a set of texts (with the advice and consent of the professor) that will focus on any one of those causes that enlarge the meaning of human existence. The student is expected to bring to the course a portfolio of her or his work for analysis.
3 credits

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