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

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.

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

Note: MAT-107 or higher

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, Programs in Art & Design    Studio Art    Graphic Design    Art History	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 Art Photography  Photo/Biomedical/Forensic	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