Liberal Studies, BA

Sven Arvidson, PhD, Director

Objectives

The study of the humanities, social sciences, and sciences has long been recognized as the finest preparation for the challenges presented in a world requiring critical reflection, creativity, open-mindedness, and the courage of personal conviction. Liberal Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the arts and sciences. The Liberal Studies Program is designed for students with initiative and curiosity who want to use their skills and knowledge to make a contribution to society through the wide array of opportunities open to persons who are thoughtful, articulate, and liberally educated. Professions in the fields of government, law, education, business, communications, and a wide range of cultural endeavors consistently require persons with both breadth of vision and breadth of knowledge.

The focus of each student’s program is determined by the person’s ultimate aspirations. Through foundational courses featuring significant projects, and with the guidance of the program director, the student examines the options available in the various disciplines that can be combined into a rich and coherent degree program. The program’s interdisciplinary character contributes to the development of both perspective and judgment essential to success in all human endeavors.

The Liberal Studies program is also recommended for students who plan to teach at the elementary level. Specific courses are recommended by the College of Education, and students planning to become teachers should inform the College of Education as soon as possible. See the statement on Education Advising.

Requirements

In order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in liberal studies, students must complete a minimum of 180 credits with a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.00, including the following:

I. Core Curriculum Requirements

ENGL 110 - College Writing: Inquiry and Argument 5
PHIL 110 - Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking 5
HIST 120 - Origins of Western Civilization 5
ENGL 120 - Introduction to Literature 5
MATH 107 or MATH 110 or above 5*
Lab Science 5
Fine Arts (one approved 5-credit course)
PHIL 220 - Philosophy of the Human Person 5
Social Science I 5
Social Science II (different discipline from Social Science I) 5
Theology and Religious Studies Phase II (200-299 ) 5
Ethics (upper division) 5
Theology and Religious Studies Phase III (300-399 ) 5
Interdisciplinary 3 to 5
Senior Synthesis satisfied by LBST 490

II. College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Modern Language 115, 125, 135, or equivalent (15)

NOTE:

All students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences must demonstrate competency through the level of 135 in a language other than English. This competency is ordinarily achieved by successful completion of the three-course sequence: 115, 125, and 135. Because these courses are a college requirement, no courses in the sequence may be taken on a pass/fail, correspondence, or audit basis. Placement into other than the beginning course of the sequence is achieved by acceptable performance on the Modern Language Competency Examination. See the Modern Languages Department for details on the examinations. Courses used to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences modern language requirement may not be used to fulfill liberal studies major requirements.

Choose one of the following two courses:

III. Major Requirements

60 credits in liberal studies, including:

LBST 201 - Introduction to Liberal Studies 5
LBST 300 - Leadership for Community Engagement 5
LBST 301 - Methods of Interdisciplinary Inquiry 5
LBST 302 - Special Topics: Interdisciplinary Project 5
LBST 490 - Senior Synthesis/Project 5
Humanities (300–400-level) (see course descriptions ) (15)
English, fine arts, language, history, liberal studies, philosophy, and religious studies, including five credits in composition/writing
Social Sciences (300–400-level) (see course descriptions ) (10)
Anthropology, Asian studies, communications, criminal justice, economics, nonprofit leadership, political science, psychology, public affairs, sociology, social work, women studies, and a limited number of addiction studies courses
Natural Science Elective (5)
Math, Statistics, Computer Graphics, or Computer Science Elective (5)

NOTE:

1. 40 credits must be taken at 300–400-level (see course descriptions ); 25 of these must be taken at Seattle University. 2. Courses used to satisfy major or college requirements may not simultaneously fulfill core requirements. 3. No more than 15 credits from this major will be counted towards any minor.