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Distribution Requirements

Mission Statement

Informed by the Catholic and Dominican traditions, a Barry education is intentional; the values framed by the University mission are infused throughout the distribution requirements curriculum. This curriculum is designed as a liberal arts foundation to the baccalaureate degree and is based on the belief that education should empower students to believe in their ability to create a world in which hatred and injustice are opposed and in which creative and intellectual expression are celebrated.

The curriculum presents a broad range of perspectives or approaches to knowledge, including the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, physical sciences, philosophy, and theology. In addition, competencies in writing, reading, oral communication, critical thinking, research methodologies, quantitative reasoning, and computer technology are taught in specialized courses and embedded across the curriculum. This curriculum encourages students to gain the knowledge, skills, and values leading to success in their chosen professions as well as a disposition to critical thinking and life-long learning.

The spirit of liberal learning fosters intellectual flexibility, curiosity, and creativity; promotes a sense of social responsibility on the part of the educated person; and encourages the connection between formal learning and action for the betterment of the world and respect for human dignity.

Learning Goals

The following learning goals have been established for each curricular area of distribution requirements. Student learning outcomes for each distribution course are based on these goals.

Written and Oral Communication

Oral Communication

  1. To communicate information clearly, logically, and precisely, using audience-appropriate language, during oral -presentations.
  2. To demonstrate effective interaction skills across dyadic, small group, and public communication settings.
  3. To acquire, evaluate, and synthesize information from sources that will support arguments made during a persuasive speech.
  4. To articulate sensitivity for cultural diversity and explain how that stimulates a deeper understanding and respect.

Written Communication

  1. To demonstrate effective critical thinking skills and clear, precise, well-organized writing which demonstrates standard English usage.
  2. To demonstrate competence in the research process by differentiating between primary and secondary sources and appropriately evaluating and incorporating source materials into written assignments.

Theology and Philosophy

Philosophy

(All philosophy courses which satisfy the University distribution requirements meet at least four of the five learning goals.)

  1. To understand the historical roots and development of basic contemporary issues.
  2. To understand the objective nature of morality.
  3. To understand that reasoning can be logically valid or invalid.
  4. To understand the value of a philosophy of life (i.e., a reasonable and comprehensive world view).
  5. To develop students’ ability to use philosophical concepts appropriately and accurately in written and oral -communication.

Theology

(All theology courses which satisfy the University distribution requirements meet at least five of the six learning goals.)

  1. To explore the biblical foundations of Judaism and Christianity.
  2. To understand the different methods of interpreting scripture and religious traditions.
  3. To understand the development of Christian doctrine in relation to contemporary culture.
  4. To explore the foundations of Jewish and Christian morality.
  5. To acknowledge the inherited wisdom and respective contributions of world religions to the understanding of transcendent mysteries.
  6. To develop students’ ability to use theological vocabulary appropriately and accurately in written and oral -communication.

Arts and Humanities

Literature/Humanities

  1. To explore literary texts within historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts.
  2. To explore literary periods, literary genres, and critical theory.
  3. To enhance the ability to read literary texts critically.

Fine Arts

  1. To explore visual or performing arts within historical contexts or from creative viewpoints.
  2. To explore and understand the principles of artistic expression and the creative process.

Foreign Languages

  1. To demonstrate proficiency/competence in a second language by acquiring and enhancing the understanding, reading, writing, and speaking, and show knowledge of the distinct features of the culture associated with that language.

Science and Mathematics

Science

  1. To develop an understanding of scientific concepts with emphasis upon scientific observation, scientific methods, analytical thinking, and scientific literacy.

Mathematics

  1. To develop habits of analytical thought and problem-solving and to appreciate the beauty and the contribution of mathematics as part of human culture.
  2. To help students improve their ability to present oral and written communications of mathematical proofs, applied problems, and computer-related work through assignments and class presentations.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

  1. To develop a critical understanding of individual and social behavior through the concepts, theories, and methods of the social and behavioral sciences.
  2. To demonstrate oral and written communicative competence in the fundamental concepts and ideas of the social and behavioral sciences
  3. To identify and define the principles and strategies that can create more compassionate interpersonal relationships and social institutions based on equity and social justice.

Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of at least 45 credits of distributed coursework, including 9 credits in each of the following curricular divisions with a minimum of 3 credits in each of the ten subdivisions:
    1. Theology and Philosophy 9 credits
    2. Written and Oral Communication 9 credits
    3. Physical or Natural Science and Mathematics 9 credits
    4. Social and Behavioral Sciences 9 credits
    5. Humanities and the Arts 9 credits
    6. Total Distribution Requirements 45 credits
    • The above distributed coursework must be selected from an approved list of courses from the areas listed below.
    • Students can obtain copies of the approved lists of courses from their academic advisors.
    Philosophy
    Theology
    Written Communication: Excluding ENG 095
    Oral Communication
    Humanities: English Literature, French, Humanities, Spanish
    Fine Arts: Art, Dance, Music, Photography, Theatre
    Mathematics: Excluding MAT 090, MAT 091, MAT 093, and MAT 095
    Natural Sciences: Biology, SES 360/360L, Environmental Science (PACE offers courses with an EVS prefix that are used to satisfy the science requirement.)
    Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Physics excluding CHE 095 and PHY 095
    Behavioral Sciences: Anthropology, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology
    Social Sciences: Economics, Geography, History, Political Science
  2. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits with a cumulative average of 2.00 (C). Of the total, a minimum of 48 credits must be in courses numbered above 299. The last 30 credits and the majority of the major coursework must be completed at Barry University.
  3. All Barry students are required to demonstrate computer proficiency. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of CS 180.
  4. Individual schools require satisfactory completion of an integrative experience in the major field(s). Examples of integrative experiences are capstone courses or seminars, written or oral comprehensive exams, national certification or licensure exams, internships, and clinical field work.
  5. Completion of a major. Specific requirements are given in the introduction to each of the majors.