University of New England

Degree: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Liberal Studies

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

Contact: Dr. Linda Sartorelli (Chair) lsartorelli@une.edu

The liberal studies major challenges students to understand and evaluate human values, cultures and ideas as they are expressed in the various humanities disciplines. In addition, the major invites students to make connections across academic disciplines, historical periods, and diverse cultures. Our faculty believe that the ability to make these connections is the mark of a truly educated person.

Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary major in the humanities - history (including history of art & history of music), philosophy, literature, political science, religion, and the languages. It is designed for students who are interested in more than one discipline or in some broad topic or theme. Students majoring in liberal studies have primary responsibility for designing their own college education. They investigate ideas through the process of discovery, and discovery is best begun at the point of their own interests and goals. In the absence of restrictive course requirements, but in close concert with a faculty advisor, liberal studies students plan their own broad-based program. During the third and fourth years, the focus turns towards creating a cohesive cluster of courses dealing with a theme, culture, or period. Students may concentrate, for instance, on humanistic views of science and take courses such as science and religion, literature of the sea, and bioethics. There are many possibilities in this flexible major.

The bachelor of arts in liberal studies prepares the graduate for a broad spectrum of career choices in communications, publishing, government, sales, advertising, public affairs, research, and information management. Moreover it is sound training for law school and graduate work in the humanities. The liberal studies major provides truly practical preparation for a rapidly changing world by developing independence of mind, self-direction, analytic skills, and a continuing desire to learn.

All UNE students take the University Core Curriculum. In addition to the Core requirements, liberal studies candidates in consultation with their advisors will take a minimum of 33 credits in the humanities (history, philosophy, literature, political science, religion, and languages.) At least five courses should be upper level. All students will take at least one methodology course in the humanities such as ENG 206 Literary Theory and Criticism, ENG 207 Introduction to Cultural Studies, or HIS 290 History Hands On. Majors are also encouraged to take relevant elective courses in the social sciences. Depending upon their career interests, students may take courses in other UNE majors such as business, creative arts, science, or education. The Liberal Studies major is an excellent choice for those students wishing also to enroll in the Pre-Law Program.

In addition, students will enroll in LIL 420 and complete a capstone senior thesis or project. All students may also develop an Internship and enroll in LIL 495.

See Undergraduate Admissions

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2008-2009 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2008.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.