The University Liberal Education Requirements
[download .pdf version of the requirements]
Why do we have to bother with the University Liberal Education requirements? Why can't I just take what I want to as electives?
The University Liberal Education requirements are designed to give you a broad background in the subjects about which any liberal arts and human science graduate should be expected to know at least a little.
After all, if you are studying in the liberal arts or in human sciences, then clearly you are interested in the sorts of things that make us human: how do we get along (sociology)? why do we think and behave as we do (psychology)? why are we put together the ways we are (biology)? how do we express ourselves (English, art, music, theatre arts)? how do we communicate (communication studies, English, foreign languages)? what do we believe (religious studies, humanities)? what makes us unique (Appalachian studies, women's studies, Black studies, Native American studies)? The Liberal Education requirements allow you room to explore any number of these areas.
Within the Liberal Ed requirements, you have choices, so try not to think of it as regimented or restricting. In fact, it's very enlightening: it leads you in the direction of studies that can dovetail with that of your own major and give you additional insight into your own field.
Which courses would complement my English major?
When you choose your Liberal Ed courses (and even free university electives), think about the sorts of courses that would enhance knowledge of your major and make you (here comes a cliche) a more "well-rounded" person:
- Pre-Education majors might consider enrolling in history, humanities, sociology, and/or psychology courses. The first two subjects would provide you with excellent contextual backgrounds for the literature you will be teaching, while the last two subjects will help you understand the human animal (in other words, your future students!).
- Pre-Law majors are required to take 15 hours across several subjects, including history and sociology, but you might also consider taking more than required from the subject areas listed on your check sheets.
- Literature majors might want to consider history, theatre arts, art history, music, and humanities courses.
- Cultural Studies majors might think about picking up additional courses in Women's Studies, Africana Studies, Appalachian studies, or other humanities-based courses.
- Professional Writing students should consider taking some business or design courses or courses in the specific field which you hope to enter (want to write for a science magazine? science courses. write for a non-profit art organization? art history or theatre arts.)
- Creative Writing majors should pick up some courses in art history, music, theatre arts, humanities, and history, among many others.
Although the English major does not require you to pursue a minor, it's a good idea to do so!
That MATH 1015 nearly killed me, so after I took it during fall semester, I took MASC 1034 during spring. Will this count for my Area 5 or will I have to take MATH 1016 in the future?
Actually, if you take MATH 1015, you're supposed to take MATH 1016. When courses are listed on the same line in the Liberal Ed guide, that means they're sequenced, and you should take both of them. However, if you took a second semester of something else in the same area, please make an appointment to see Cathy Skinner so you can discuss a potential substitution.
To avoid potential problems--what if you take that other class, but it's not acceptable, and you then have to back up and take the one in the sequence!--you should consult with an advisor prior to breaking up sequenced courses.
If you're not sure what goes where in the University Liberal Education requirements, please consult the online version of the Guide for Students .
Does an English major have to take science labs?
No. The new check sheets (beginning with 09 graduates) reflect the department's decision to forego the lab requirements. You need take only 2 lecture courses in science (total of 6 hrs), but we strongly urge you to take a sequence rather than "mix" your sciences. For example, take BIOL 1005 + BIOL 1006 or GEOS 1004 + GEOS 1024.
If you are graduating before the new check sheets go into effect, then your science labs will be waived automatically by Cathy Skinner. You do not have to do anything to make this happen.
I'd really be better off if I could take some of my Liberal Education courses on a Pass/Fail basis. Can I?
All courses taken for Liberal Education credit (or even major or minor credit) must be taken on an A-F basis.