Contents
Catalog Links

General Education 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.

General Education Requirements (42 credits)