Catalog

Liberal Arts Major

Historically, the liberal arts were considered the branches of study fit for free men (liber is Latin for “free”). They were contrasted with skills needed for more mechanical trades and professions. Today a liberal education befits the members of all classes and genders. Rigorous thought, aesthetic sensibility, appreciation of historical context, an understanding of the natural world, awareness of one’s own and others’ institutions and culture, and an aptitude for creative expression should belong to anyone wishing to live a meaningful life and to participate constructively in society. The liberal arts major aims to produce these and related abilities. The liberal arts student also fulfills, at least in part, the injunction to “become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:15). When suitably completed or supplemented, the liberal arts major is excellent preparation for a career or graduate program in law, business, medicine, education, public service, the arts, and other fields.

Learning Objectives

Students completing the liberal arts major are expected to develop the following:

  1. Capability in critical and reflective thinking. (Thinking)
  2. Comprehension of cultural past and present by engaging major texts and artworks, grasping a basic history of Western ideas, art, literature, politics, and the major figures, events, and movements. (Content)
  3. Ability to write persuasively and analytically in proper and effective English. (Writing)

Program Coordinator: Dr. Scott Dransfield

Major Requirements (34 credit hours)

  1. History of the Arts: Take two from among the following (6 credit hours):
    • ART 210 Art History: Prehistoric–Middle Ages (GE) (3)
    • ART 215 Art History: Renaissance–Modern (GE) (3)
    • HUM 210 Arts in Western Civilization I (GE) (3)
    • HUM 215 Arts in Western Civilization II (GE) (3)
    • MUS 210 Introduction to Music History (GE) (3)
    • THE 215 Introduction to Theatre History (GE) (3)
  2. Literature: Take one from among the following (3 credit hours):
    • ENG 230 British Literature I (3)
    • ENG 235 British Literature II (3)
    • ENG 240 American Literature (3)
    • SPN 330 Introduction to Spanish Literature (3) or equivalent in other languages
  3. Civilization: Take two from among the following (6 credit hours):
    • HIS 210 Western Civilization I (GE) (3)
    • HIS 215 Western Civilization II (GE) (3)
    • POL 213 Western Political Theory (GE) (3)
  4. Logic or Quantitative Reasoning: Take one from among the following (3–4 credit hours):
    • MAT 106 Mathematics for Liberal Arts (GE) (3)
    • MAT 221 Statistics (GE) (3)
    • MAT 241 Calculus I (GE) (4)
    • PHI 223 Introduction to Logic (GE) (3)
  5. Upper-Division Electives (15 credit hours):  Complete 15 credit hours in upper-division courses (300- or 400-level) from among three of the following disciplines: art, biology, chemistry, economics, English, history, humanities, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, politics, Spanish, or theater. These 15 credit hours may neither include those earned in music ensembles or lessons, nor in internship or practicum courses.
  6. Senior Paper (1 credit hour):  LIB 498 Senior Paper

Download the Liberal Arts Major Checklist

There is no liberal arts minor.