The Liberal Studies Program is designed to provide an
interdisciplinary approach to the humanities, the social sciences
and the sciences. The program fosters an understanding of the
relationships among these disciplines and aims to provide the
student with a broad based curriculum grounded in Western thought
and including a global perspective. The program focuses on critical
thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills, providing the
students with an ability to articulate their understanding of and
appreciation of the past and its influence on the present.
The program prepares graduates who
can:
Demonstrate an understanding of the
methodologies used for research in the various disciplines studied
in the program.
- Describe what is meant by scientific method.
- Describe what is meant by philosophical method.
- Describe what is meant by historical method.
- Describe methodology used by social scientists.
Demonstrate developed skills in
researching in the various disciplines.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major bibliographic sources in
each of the various disciplines.
- Select appropriate facts to provide sufficient information for
an argument.
- Locate supporting information online and from other
sources.
Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship
of the various disciplines in the development of Western
thought.
- Identify the major works of the ancient world and their
influence on Western thought.
- Describe the relationship of philosophical thinking, theology,
art and literature in the medieval period and the Renaissance.
- Discuss the influence of scientific thinking on the modern
age.
Demonstrate ability to analyze and
synthesize arguments and apply critical thinking skills.
- Analyze a problem in each of the various disciplines.
- Synthesize material from the various disciplines to construct
an argument that demonstrates the importance of the relationship of
those disciplines.
Demonstrate knowledge of the perspective
of non-Western cultures and their significance in a global
environment.
- Identify the major world religions and philosophical traditions
and their influence on non-Western perspectives.
- Discuss the importance of industrialization in a global
context.
- Evaluate issues of social organization that impact both Western
and non-Western societies.
Demonstrate both oral and written
communication skills.
- Prepare clearly argued papers on complex subjects.
- Give oral presentations, both alone and as part of a group,
that are clear and coherent.