Disciplinary Perspectives

Courses in this category expose students to a wide range of modes of intellectual inquiry.

To ensure that students sample broadly from the curricular offerings of the College of Arts & Sciences, they are required to take two courses from each of the College's divisions. One course in each division must meet the learning goals stated below.

Requirements

  • Arts & Humanities (course code: ARHC)
  • Natural Sciences & Mathematics (course code: NMLG)
  • Social Sciences (course code: SLSC)

Arts & Humanities

Two courses; one must be from the designated list of courses

Textual Analysis & Interpretation

Students will interpret texts with awareness of the texts' basic orientation in the world (historical, philosophical, religious, linguistic, etc.). Students will construct arguments and evaluate canons using the evidence and tools of critical analysis appropriate to the object of inquiry. Students will develop an appreciation of the fundamental ambiguities and complexities involved in all human attempts to answer questions about knowledge, values and life.

Arts Literacy & Practice

Students will appreciate, evaluate and articulate the aesthetic and formal elements of a work of art. Students will comprehend and interpret works of art within historical and cultural contexts. Students will synthesize conceptual, formal, aesthetic and technical elements resulting in the performance or creation of works of art.

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Two courses; one must be from the designated list of courses

Students will demonstrate knowledge of scientific and/or mathematical content and principles in a disciplinary field. Students will develop skills that enhance their ability to think critically about scientific, technological and/or mathematical issues.

Social Sciences

Two courses; one must be from the designated list of courses

Students will understand and examine the ways in which individuals interact with, and are shaped by, social groups, institutions and social structures and how these social constructions shape history, space, values, culture and behavior. Students will understand how behavior is shaped by biological and environmental history and the choices made throughout life. Students will apply principles of social and/or behavioral analysis drawn from various theoretical frameworks to critically interpret behavior and/or social issues.

Note: One course from each of the Tools for Critical Engagement categories may also count as a course within the Disciplinary Perspectives categories, but not the Disciplinary Perspectives course(s) used to meet the CCC learning goals.