The Liberal Studies Program for BA and BS Degrees
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THE LIBERAL STUDIES PROGRAM
(For the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees—Non Teacher Education majors)
NOTE: For Liberal Studies requirements in the Adult Professional Study Program, see the Adult Professional Studies section of the catalog.
Kansas Wesleyan University is committed strongly to the liberal arts tradition. All students seeking a baccalaureate degree will be required to complete the Liberal Studies Program described below.
Liberal Studies Mission Statement: “Informed by the Christian tradition, the Liberal Studies Program at Kansas Wesleyan University is the framework for our undergraduate education. It provides for the development of broad knowledge and abilities to prepare students to recognize and appreciate the wholeness of life. Students will develop skills important to the responsibilities of a well-educated person. The Liberal Studies program provides students a foundation for life-long learning, responsible leadership in their communities, and meaningful service in the world.”
The objectives of the Liberal Studies Program are stated before each respective curriculum requirement. The required courses listed under each goal are not presumed, by themselves, to ensure that a student accomplish that goal; however the program as a whole is designed to meet these goals and to provide a sound foundation for liberal education. Although some courses may be listed as meeting more than one set of objectives, students may only use a single course to meet a single requirement.
Upon completion of the Liberal Studies Program, students will be able to:
I. COMMUNICATION - (3 courses)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication and the ability to evaluate rhetoric.
The student will complete all the courses listed below, preferably during the first two semesters of study.
A. Oral
1. Demonstrate effective oral communication.
SCTH 130 Principles of Speech
B. Written
1. Demonstrate effective written communication. Grades of C or higher required.
ENGL 120 Introductory English Composition
ENGL 121 Intermediate English Composition
II. MATH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY - (4 Courses)
The student will complete one course in Section A, Section B, Section C, and Section D.
A. Mathematics (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective:Demonstrate an ability to use quantitative and symbolic reasoning.
1. Demonstrate ability to interpret everyday life problems through mathematical or logical representations.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of how to solve problems and draw inferences using mathematics.
BSHS 210 Statistical Analysis
MATH 105 Survey of College Mathematics
MATH 120 College Algebra
MATH 121 Precalculus
MATH 145 Calculus I
MATH 243 Discrete Mathematics
B. Science (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and its application(s) through at least 3 of the following:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning and formulation of theories and hypotheses.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of and practice data collection and analysis in the testing of theories and hypotheses. (this objective is required of any lab course)
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of scientific knowledge on contemporary living and the importance of our responsibilities to be wise stewards in the application of that knowledge.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of concepts in the physical or biological sciences.
BIOL 110 General Biology
CHEM 120 Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 123 General Chemistry I
CHEM 130 Forensic Science I
PHYS 118 Intro. to Physical Science
PHYS 119 Earth-Space Science
PHYS 133 Astronomy
PHYS 145 General Geology
PHYS 221 Univ Physics I with lab (see below)
andPHYS 221L Univ Physics I Lab
C. Technology (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate an ability to effectively use technology.
1. Demonstrate a proficiency to effectively utilize a computer application.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of technology on society.
COMP 110 Computer Technology Essentials
COMP 131 Foundations of Computer Systems
COMP 150 Applications
COMP 200 Information Mgmt. & Data Analysis
COMP 270 Web Page Programming I
NURS 260 Information Management
D. Science, Mathematics, or Technology Elective (1 course chosen from IIA, IIB, IIC or the list below)
BIOL 102 Environmental Awareness
BIOL 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 222 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
HONR 200 Honors Seminar in Math/Science/Tech
PHYS 221 University Physics I
Students may not use a course as Section D elective if the same course was used to meet the requirements above.
III. SOCIAL SCIENCES - (3 Courses)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of the individual as well as a broad cultural view of humankind and an understanding of human relationships.
The student will complete one course each in Section A, Section B, and Section C.
A. Societal or Intercultural (1 course selected from the list below)
1. Describe the structure and functions of social institutions (e.g. family, political, economic, religious) in society.
2. Discuss the similarities and differences of human societies (e.g. culture, religion, racial/ethnic, class, gender, political systems, beliefs, norms, values).
3. Demonstrate understanding of the differences among people’s perceptions that arise from different experiences
4. Demonstrate knowledge of how social sciences inform our understanding of human societal behavior.
POLI 100 Intro. to Political Science
SOCI 100 Intro. to Criminal Justice
SOCI 108 Cultural Anthropology
SOCI 131 General Sociology
SOCI 200 Global Demography
SOCI 203 Criminal Law
SOCI 240 Social Inequality
SOCI 250 Racial &Ethnic Minorities
B. Personal or Interpersonal (1 course selected from the list below)
1. Demonstrate understanding of how an individual’s behavior is related to physical, environmental, and/or cognitive factors.
2. Demonstrate an ability to function effectively as a member of a dyad or small group.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of how social sciences inform our understanding of human individual behavior, as well as interactions between individuals.
EDUC 244 Developmental Psychology
SPES 120 Personal & Community Health
SPES 390 Adventure Leadership
PSYC 101 General Psychology
C. Language or Social Science Elective (1 course chosen from IIIA, IIIB or one from the list below)
This grouping includes all the courses listed above in IIIA, IIIB, or one of the following:
Language or Social Science courses.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of a language and culture other than one’s own.
BSHS 232 Human Sexuality
HONR 210 Honors Seminar in Social Science
PSYC 201 Social Psychology
SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish I
SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish II
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II
IV. ARTS AND HUMANITIES - (6 Courses)
The student will complete one course in each of Sections A through F.
A. History (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate the basic skills of historical understanding and analysis.
1. The student must demonstrate that he or she sees events from multiple perspectives.
2. The student demonstrates that he or she can evaluate evidence, place it in historical context, and determine its validity.
3. The student demonstrates that he or she can make judgments based on evidence.
HIST 105 World Civilization I
HIST 106 World Civilization II
HIST 220 American History I
HIST 221 American History II
B. Literature (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate an ability to analyze creative work, and study and experience how thought, emotion, and meaning are expressed through the creative arts.
1. Have knowledge of literary and cultural traditions.
2. Demonstrate that knowledge through description and interpretation of literary works.
ENGL 125 Introduction to Literature
ENGL 206 World Literature
ENGL 209 Major British Writers I
ENGL 210 Major British Writers II
ENGL 211 American Literature I
ENGL 212 American Literature II
ENGL 301 Shakespeare
ENGL 305 Studies in British Literature
ENGL 306 Studies in American Literature
ENGL 307 Studies in World Literature
C. Theory/Appreciation of the Fine Arts (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective:Demonstrate an ability to analyze creative work, and study and experience how thought, emotion, and meaning are expressed through the creative arts.
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of and appreciation for artistic creativity.
2. Understand the roles and responsibilities of the artist, the critic or art historian, and the audience.
IV. ARTS AND HUMANITIES - (continued)
ARTS 100 Art Appreciation
ARTS 255 Survey of Art History
ARTS 360 Art History Since 1940
COMM106 Principles in Visual Communication
COMM230 The Film
MUSI 115 Music Appreciation
MUSI 131 Music Theory I
SCTH 100 Introduction to Theatre
SCTH 106 Introduction to the Arts
D. Bible (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective:Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of human spirituality and values, in their relationship to the Divine.
1. Demonstrate Biblical understanding.
2. Articulate a personal spiritual stance.
REPH 156 Old Testament Survey
REPH 157 New Testament Survey
REPH 252 The Prophets
REPH 258 Jesus and His Teachings
REPH 259 Paul and His Teachings
E. Theology/Philosophy/Ethics (1 course selected from the list below)
Liberal Studies Objective: Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of human spirituality and values, in their relationship to the ongoing tradition of philosophical and ethical inquiry in one or more of the following ways:
1. Show an awareness and understanding of Christian and/or other religious and philosophical traditions.
2. Write clearly about a philosophical/ethical tradition or practice.
REPH 102 World Religions
REPH 111 Intro to Ethics
REPH 201 Intro to Philosophy
REPH 205 World Philosophies
REPH 225 Spiritual Formation
REPH 300 Philosophy of Science
REPH 306 Survey of Church History
REPH 310 Aesthetics
REPH 312 Philosophy of Religion
REPH 315 Christian Faith
REPH 320 American Philosophical Heritage
SOCI 101 Justice
IV. ARTS AND HUMANITIES - (continued)
F. Language or Arts/Humanities Elective (1 course selected from IV A through E or the following courses.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of a language and culture other than one’s own.
HONR 220 Honors Seminar in Arts/Humanities
SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish I
SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish II
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II
V. INDIVIDUAL ENRICHMENT/LIFE SKILLS - (2 credit minimum)
The student will complete a course or courses from one or more of the 3 groupings below, totaling 2 or more credits.
Liberal Studies Objective: Enhance breadth of experience, self-knowledge, and improvement in his/her life-long well-being, in at least one of the following ways:
1. Wellness
a. Physical Wellness - Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral factors leading to long-term physical health and quality of life.
b. Financial Wellness - Demonstrate knowledge of financial strategies leading to long-term financial stability and the minimization or avoidance of debt.
c. Relational Wellness - Demonstrate knowledge of how an individual contributes to family behaviors leading to healthy marriages or successful parenting.
d. Self-Knowledge - Demonstrate an understanding of one’s own skills, abilities, interests, or goals.
e. Sense of Community - Demonstrate leadership and/or service to the campus or community.
BSHS 105 Foundations of Addiction
BSHS 232 Human Sexuality
BUSA 250 Personal Finance
EDUC 244 Developmental Psychology
HONR 230 Honors Seminar in Individual Enrichment
SPES 117 Concepts of Wellness
INTD 105 The Wesleyan Challenge (required for first-time full-time freshmen)
NURS 153 Nutrition
PSYC 345 Addiction and the Family
2. Physical Activity (maximum 2 semesters)
a. Practice activities that utilize strength, endurance, coordination, and/or physical control or endurance
3. Application/Creation of Literature or Fine/Performing Arts (capped at 2 semesters)
a. Produce or contribute to the production of an artistic work (visual, performance, or written).
b. Critique one’s own creative work.
ARTS 120 Two-Dimensional Design
ARTS 200 Drawing
ARTS 205 Painting -- Acrylic
ARTS 208 Painting – Watercolor
ARTS 230 Ceramics
ARTS 260 Photography
ENGL 360 Creative Writing
MUSI 160 Philharmonic Choir 1
MUSI 164 Jazz Ensemble 1
MUSI 166 Wind Ensemble 1
MUSI 167 Wesleyan Chorale 1
SCTH 140F Speech & Drama Activities: Forensics 1