Mar 29, 2024  
2010-2011 University Catalog 
    
2010-2011 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

Liberal Arts Curriculum


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All undergraduate degree programs at the University of the Arts require a substantial commitment (42 credits) to work in the liberal arts and sciences. This work ensures that students develop critical thinking, communication and literacy skills, as well as a broad cultural literacy. The Liberal Arts curriculum reflects the University’s conviction that a broad general education is essential for the education of artists, designers, performers, and writers, as it is for all citizens in a complex and ever-changing world.

Liberal Arts Requirements


Total Credits: 42

Liberal Arts Core Credits: 18


First-year Writing Credits: 6 to 12 credits (based on sequence required)


Students must complete one of the following three writing course sequences:

1. Usual writing sequence:

Note: LACR101 must be taken before LACR102

2. Writing sequence for those who, as a result of the English Placement Test, need more study*:

  •   -This is the only LA course taken by the student during the first semester. The 3 credits given for LACR 009 do not count toward a student’s degree requirements.
  •   –This course substitutes for LACR 101.
  •  

    Note: There is an opportunity, through a writing portfolio review and their writing teacher recommendations, for students who do extremely well in LACR 009 to be exempted from LACR 100/LACR 101. These students go directly into LACR102 from LACR 009. They are required to make up 3 credits of LACR 100/LACR101 with any writing intensive Liberal Arts course before they graduate.

3. Writing sequence for those for whom English is a second language*:LACR 007 

  •   -The 3 credits given for this course do not count toward a student’s degree requirements. LACR 008 is usually taken spring semester.
  •   -Please note that some students may move into LACR 100 from LACR 008. Also, ESL students who wish to take LACR 101 in the summer must take it during the Summer 10-week session. They are not permitted to enroll in either of the Summer 1 or Summer two five-week sessions.
  •  
    * Based on transcripts, SAT scores, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and a placement test, students may be placed in LACR 007/008 (ESL) or LACR 009. These courses do not satisfy the First-year Writing requirements and will not apply toward degree requirements.

Satisfactory completion of the First-year Writing sequence is required before registration for most other courses that carry liberal arts credit. Specific prerequisites are listed with the course description in the back of this catalog. In addition, failure to complete this sequence may cause the student to receive censure from the Academic Review Committee.

  •  - English as a Second Language II
  •   - Fundamentals of Composition I
  •  - Fundamentals of Composition II
  •   - First-year Writing I
  •    - First-year Writing II

 

Scientific Inquiry Foundation Track (SIFT) Credits: 3


Select one of these eight courses:

Texts and Contexts Credits: 3


Period Interpretation Credits: 6


Period Interpretations are interdisciplinary courses that explore the process by which we understand cultural eras. Students consider both conventional and innovative interpretations of cultural history. All students are required to take two Period Interpretation courses, one 20th century, and one pre-20th century. Ideally, these courses are completed in the Junior and Senior years.

Discipline History (DH) Credits: 9


Majors in:

Acting


Animation


Applied Theater Arts


Communication


Crafts


Dance


Film


Fine Arts (PT, PR, SC)


 LAAH XXX- Liberal Arts Art History Elective 3 cr, 3 hrs

Graphic Design


Illustration


 LAAH XXX- Liberal Arts Art History Elective 3 cr, 3 hrs

Industrial Design


Music


Musical Theater


Photography


Theater Design and Technology


Writing for Film and TV


Electives Credits: 15


Students may choose electives from the extensive listing of courses. Some students concentrate their study in a single area such as literature, psychology, while others take an array of courses from across the range of liberal arts offerings. The liberal arts curriculum offers students a great deal of flexibility and freedom of choice. To make the best use of these opportunities, students should study the elective lists carefully, explore their educational opportunities with their advisors and with the Liberal Arts faculty and Dean, and create a coherent study plan.

Art History


Language, Literature, and Film


Philosophy, Religion, and Interdisciplinary Studies


Science and Mathematics


Social Sciences


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