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Core Curriculum

The School of Liberal Arts is known for our versatile core curriculum of interconnected courses across many disciplines.

Our flexible approach makes it possible for you to tailor your education to meet your specific career goals. Courses are writing-intensive and participatory. Students learn to read analytically, write effectively, and communicate intelligently.

As a liberal arts student, you will:

  • Develop advanced verbal, cognitive and mathematical skills.
  • Explore civilizations and cultures from an interdisciplinary point of view, and to learn to apply this understanding to contemporary problems.
  • Expand your understanding of the natural world, the scientific method and the impact of science and technology on society.
  • Extend your understanding of yourself, the relationship between self and society and the way societies interact.
  • The Core Foundation

    Foreign Languages

    You will learn to speak a foreign language and explore its culture during a full year of study. You may choose from the following:

    • Arabic
    • Chinese
    • French
    • Irish
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Spanish

    The following are available through a cooperative agreement with Lehman College:

    • Russian
    • Advanced Japanese
    • Classical Greek
    • Classical Latin

    Mathematics and Computer Science

    You will take Modern Mathematics or Elementary Statistics. You may substitute courses such as calculus with the approval of your advisor.

    Writing

    You will prepare for writing-intensive courses during a one-semester writing-intensive during your first year.

    Science

    You will explore the intersection of science and contemporary life through classroom lectures and laboratory experiences in three courses.

    Religious Studies

    You will take Nature and Experience of Religion during your first year. During your second year, you will take a 200-level course in Catholic studies, followed by an elective course in global studies and contemporary issues.

    Global/Non-Western

    Two of your courses must focus on global and/or non-western topics.

  • The Arts Core

    In addition to the general education foundation courses of the core curriculum, all students in the School of Liberal Arts take a set of courses intended to provide cultural and historical backgrounds for understanding disciplines in the humanities and social sciences and their contributions to the contemporary world.