Liberal Studies and Education

Our department comprises the core of the liberal arts curriculum of the College, and includes the courses in languages, education, literature, music, art, drama, speech, communication arts, religion, and philosophy. We offer courses required of all students as well as courses in the major areas of English, French, mass communication, music, physical education, and Religion. We also offer minors in art, English, foreign languages, music, mass communication, physical education, and Religion.

Objectives

The Division of Liberal Studies provides students with an education in the liberal arts which is broad in scope, excellent in quality, and inclusive of the disciplines that are basic for the education curriculum. Graduates from the division will:

1. Understand advanced concepts, terminology, methodology, subject matter, problems, and issues from multiple academic disciplines;
2. Communicate knowledge using the principles of multiple academic disciplines;
3. Develop writing, speaking, analyzing, and computing skills;
4. Recognize the importance of individual disciplines as a means to address problems and to generate knowledge;
5. Define value systems and codes of personal ethics through examination of the religions of the world, with special emphasis of the doctrines; and
6. Ponder the philosophical questions of human existence.

All students are required to take courses in composition, literature, Religion, speech, and the fine arts; as well as one class in orientation, as delineated in the description of the general studies curriculum.

The Division of Liberal Studies includes in the content of its courses skills necessary for students to:

1. Develop proficiency in the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and communication;
2. Develop independent reasoning, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving skills;
3. Define value systems and codes of personal ethics through examination of religions of the world, with special emphasis on the doctrines of the Christian faith;
4. Cultivate an awareness of, and an appreciation for, diverse cultural heritages and an understanding of how they relate to each other;