LIBERAL STUDIES CORE COURSES
The heart of the Liberal Studies curriculum is a carefully-structured
sequence of core courses developed to immerse students
in the arts and humanities, science, and social science
and their interconnections. In the core, Liberal Studies
majors are guided through the development of these
areas from ancient times to the present by experienced
and
expert faculty. Students are first introduced to the
interdisciplinary framework of the Liberal Studies
major, following which they examine the historical processes
of the humanities and arts, the sciences, and the social
sciences. Next, they critically explore the nature
and
implications of current developments in these fields.
Lastly, Liberal Studies majors participate in a capstone
senior seminar of their choice, taking the lead in
presenting course material and leading class discussion
in the context
of a small group of fellow majors.
Liberal Studies 300 (formerly 290) Introduction to Liberal
Studies (3)*
Focusing on the natural world as a theme, this course
is an introductory exploration of values, modes of inquiry
and expression in the arts and humanities, natural sciences,
and social sciences.
* Students with LBST 290 need not take LBST 300.
Liberal Studies 301 Inquiry and Composition in Liberal
Studies (3)
Prerequisite for 301: Liberal Studies 290 or 300
Exploration of selected thematic interconnections between
the arts and humanities, sciences, and the social sciences
through reading, discussion, and composition. Satisfies
upper division writing course requirement for majors
in Liberal Studies.
Liberal Studies/ History 302A and B Historical Dimension
of Liberal Studies (3/3)
Prerequisites for 302A: Prior or concurrent completion
of General Education II.A, and prior or concurrent
completion of Liberal Studies 290 or 300.
Prerequisite for 302B: Liberal Studies/ History 302A
The origins and development of modes of thought and
forms of expression in the three core areas of liberal
studies, i.e., the natural sciences, the social sciences,
and the arts and humanities.
Liberal Studies 303 Liberal Studies in the Arts and
Humanities (3)
Prerequisites: Music 101 (or equivalent course/ experience
in music theory), Liberal Studies/ History 302B and
completion of the General Education requirement III.B.2.
An interdisciplinary approach to the humanities and
arts which examines their purposes, structures and major
developments in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Liberal Studies 304 Liberal Studies in the Sciences
(3)
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies/ History 302B and completion
of the General Education requirement III.A.1,2, and
4.
An interdisciplinary introduction the the character
and aims of 20th and 21st century science, current theories
and knowledge, and the role of science and technology
in contemporary society.
Liberal Studies 305 Liberal Studies in the Social Sciences
(3)
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies/ History 302B and completion
of the General Education requirement III.C.2.
An interdisciplinary introduction to modern social science
in which major thinkers, ideas, movements and problems
are approached historically, comparatively, and analytically.
Philosophy/Liberal Studies 401 Knowledge in the Arts
and Sciences (3)
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies 304 and either Liberal
Studies 303 or 305.
A philosophical analysis and comparison of how the natural
sciences, the social sciences and the arts and humanities
apply epistemological or aesthetic criteria to assess
scientific and artistic activities. Discussion of the
evolution of these criteria in their social and ideological
context.
Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (3)
Interdisciplinary study of selected topics or works
with an emphasis on student-led discussions.
Students may take any one of the following seminars:
