College of Arts and Sciences Learning Goals
All students graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences are expected to have achieved the following curricular area knowledge after completion of the General Education curriculum:
Written and Oral Communication
Oral Communication
- To communicate information clearly, logically, and precisely, using audience-appropriate language, during oral -presentations.
- To demonstrate effective interaction skills across dyadic, small group, and public communication settings.
- To acquire, evaluate, and synthesize information from sources that will support arguments made during a persuasive speech.
- To articulate sensitivity for cultural diversity and explain how that stimulates a deeper understanding and respect.
Written Communication
- To demonstrate effective critical thinking skills and clear, precise, well-organized writing which demonstrates standard English usage.
- 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.)
- To understand the historical roots and development of basic contemporary issues.
- To understand the objective nature of morality.
- To understand that reasoning can be logically valid or invalid.
- To understand the value of a philosophy of life (i.e., a reasonable and comprehensive world view).
- 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.)
- To explore the biblical foundations of Judaism and Christianity.
- To understand the different methods of interpreting scripture and religious traditions.
- To understand the development of Christian doctrine in relation to contemporary culture.
- To explore the foundations of Jewish and Christian morality.
- To acknowledge the inherited wisdom and respective contributions of world religions to the understanding of transcendent mysteries.
- To develop students’ ability to use theological vocabulary appropriately and accurately in written and oral -communication.
Arts and Humanities
Literature/Humanities
- To explore literary texts within historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts.
- To explore literary periods, literary genres, and critical theory.
- To enhance the ability to read literary texts critically.
Fine Arts
- To explore visual or performing arts within historical contexts or from creative viewpoints.
- To explore and understand the principles of artistic expression and the creative process.
Foreign Languages
- 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
- To develop an understanding of scientific concepts with emphasis upon scientific observation, scientific methods, analytical thinking, and scientific literacy.
Mathematics
- To develop habits of analytical thought and problem-solving and to appreciate the beauty and the contribution of mathematics as part of human culture.
- 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
- To develop a critical understanding of individual and social behavior through the concepts, theories, and methods of the social and behavioral sciences.
- To demonstrate oral and written communicative competence in the fundamental concepts and ideas of the social and behavioral sciences.
- To identify and define the principles and strategies that can create more compassionate interpersonal relationships and social institutions based on equity and social justice.
To attain these knowledge sets, all students majoring in the College of Arts and Sciences will complete the following liberal arts courses:
General Education Requirements (51-52 credits)
English (6 credits)
ENG-111 | FIRST-YEAR COMPOSITION & RHETORIC | 3 |
-
| And | |
ENG-112 | TECHNIQUES OF RESEARCH | 3 |
-
| Or | |
ENG-210 | WRITING ABOUT LITERATURE | 3 |
Speech (3 credits)
SPE-101 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH | 3 |
-
| Or | |
COM-104 | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
Foreign Language (3 credits)
*Students must earn at least 3 credits of a foreign language based upon initial placement. Computer languages and sign language do not satisfy this requirement. Native speakers will receive AP credit for literature courses only. Native speakers will not receive CLEP credit.
Mathematics (3 credits)
MAT-107 | GENERAL EDUCATION MATHEMATICS | 3 |
Computer Science (3 credits)
CS-180 | INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LITERACY | 3 |
-
| Or | |
CS-190 | INTRO TO COMPUTING & TECH | 3 |
-
| Or | |
CS-211 | COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I | 4 |
Science (with Lab) (3-4 credits)
Fine Arts (3 credits)
Applied, appreciation, or history
Humanities (3 credits)
HUM or literature
Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credits)
HIS-150 | THE MEANING OF HISTORY | 3 |
SOC-200 | PERSPECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
PSY-281 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
POS-201 | AMERICAN GOVERNMENT | 3 |
Theology and Philosophy (12 credits)
PHI-220 | INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY | 3 |
-
| And | |
PHI-
| 300 level course | |
-
| And | |
THE-201 | THEOLOGY: FAITH, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS | 3 |
-
| And | |
THE-
| 300 level course | |
Students will also complete a Senior Seminar/Capstone course under the major prefix.
Undergraduate Majors |
Department |
Advertising and Public Relations
Advertising Specialization
International Advertising Specialization
Public Relations Specialization |
Communication |
Art
Graphic Design
|
Fine Arts |
Biology
Biology (General) (for students interested in pre-physician assistant, pre-physical therapy, environmental biology, biotechnology, or general biology)
Marine Biology
Professional Biology (for students interested in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary and pre-podiatry) |
Biology |
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Pre-Pharmacy |
Physical Sciences |
Communication and Media Studies |
Communication |
Computer Information Sciences
Cybersecurity Specialization
Digital Media Specialization
|
Mathematics and Computer Science |
Computer Science
Cybersecurity Specialization
Data Analytics Specialization
Digital Media Specialization
|
Mathematics and Computer Science |
Criminology |
Sociology and Criminology |
English
Literature
Professional Writing |
English and Foreign Languages |
General Studies |
Arts & Sciences |
History |
History and Political Science |
International Studies |
History and Political Science |
Mathematical Sciences
Data Analytics Specialization
|
Mathematics and Computer Science |
Music
Instrumental Performance Specialization
Music Education Specialization
Vocal Performance Specialization |
Fine Arts |
Philosophy |
Theology and Philosophy |
Photography
|
Fine Arts |
Political Science |
History and Political Science |
Pre-Engineering (Non Degree Seeking) |
Mathematics and Computer Science |
Pre-Law |
History and Political Science |
Psychology
Industrial/Organizational Specialization
Forensic Psychology Specialization
Child and Adolescent Development Specialization |
Psychology |
Sociology |
Sociology and Criminology |
Spanish
Translation & Interpretation
Language & Literature |
English and Foreign Languages |
Television and Digital Media |
Communication |
Theatre
Acting
Dance Theatre Production
Technical Theatre |
Fine Arts |
Theology |
Theology and Philosophy |