Courses in this component introduce fundamental concepts, methods and content in disciplines essential to a liberal education.

Requirement: Eight courses, with at least one course from each of the six area, and two additional courses in any of the six areas. No more than two courses from any one area may be used to satisfy the Liberal Studies requirement.

• Area 1: History [L1]
  

  Courses acquaint students with some of the principal developments of the past or present, in World or American history. In the context of the principal developments of the historical period being studied, students analyze problems or controversies, placing a particular institution, idea, artifact, or event into its historical and/or cultural context. Students also learn to use, analyze, and/or assess a variety of different kinds of source material.

  
  
  
  
• Area 2: Social Sciences [L2]
  

  Courses establish and explore domestic and/or international patterns of culture and social organization, examining the interrelationships among individuals, structures, and processes of societies. Courses draw on theories and methodological approaches used in the social sciences and prepare students to evaluate, integrate, and communicate information about issues related to human behavior.

  
  
  
  
• Area 3: Natural Sciences [L3]

  Courses present findings, concepts, and theories of science, develop an understanding of scientific methods of inquiry, engage students directly in the practice of science, and prepare students to think critically about scientific issues.
  

  Students must complete both lecture and associated lab component to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement.
  

  
  
  
  *Students taking CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I

  An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 113 or 115, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

  lecture must take either the CHM 113 Introductory Laboratory I

  Laboratory course to accompany CHM 111. Experiments provide exposure to both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include stoichiometry, synthesis, standard curves, spectrophotometry, quantitative analysis, and gas laws. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

  or 115 lab; students taking CHM 112 Principles of Chemistry II

  A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electro-chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: CHM 111. Corequisite: CHM 114 or 116, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

  lecture must take either the CHM 114 Introductory Laboratory II

  Second semester laboratory course to accompany CHM 112. Experiments cover colligative properties, isolation & extraction methods, thin layer chromatography, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Prerequisite: CHM 111 and 113. Corequisite: CHM 112, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

  or 116 lab.
  

   

  Area 4: Mathematics [L4]

  Courses introduce pivotal mathematical ideas, abstract mathematical constructs, and mathematical applications. They make students aware of the powers and limitations of mathematics and emphasize the role of mathematics in our society. They strengthen students' abilities to read in order to understand ideas and extract technical or mathematical information, to apply mathematical reasoning, and to articulate mathematical ideas.

  
  
  
  
• Area 5: Literature and Fine Arts [L5]

  Courses acquaint students with significant works of artistic expression and with their historical and cultural contexts. They help them analyze and broaden their understanding of works of art, music, and literature and seek both to extend their aesthetic experience and enhance the quality of their critical judgment.

  
  
• Area 6: Religion/Philosophy [L6]

  Courses introduce students to major religious or philosophical perspectives and the critical study of meaning, values, morals, beliefs, or religious practices. These courses in religion and philosophy promote the intellectual skills of inquiry and analysis, and promote personal and social responsibility by helping to establish the foundations and skills for lifelong learning.