Liberal Arts Requirements

In addition to completing the prescribed program of study in their major as outlined in the Programs of Study chapter later in this section, students must take courses in the following liberal arts categories:

Natural Sciences: life sciences, chemistry, geological sciences, marine and coastal sciences, meteorology, physics and astronomy, anthropology*, cognitive sciences*, exercise science*, sport management*, geography*, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences*
*Not all courses in these departments fulfill this requirement.

Social Science and History: communication, criminal justice, economics, education, environmental policy, exercise and sports science, information technology and informatics, labor studies and employment relations, Latin American studies, political science, Africana studies, African area studies, American studies, Asian studies, history, Latino and Caribbean studies, medieval studies, Middle Eastern studies, South Asian studies, women's and gender studies, planning and public policy, psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology*, European studies*, geography*, Jewish studies*, journalism and media studies*
*Not all courses in these departments fulfill this requirement.

Humanities: archaeology, African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian languages and literatures, American Sign Language, Armenian, Catalan, Chinese, classics, comparative literature, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, philosophy, Polish, Portuguese, religion, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, American studies*, art history*, cinema studies*, English*, European studies*, Jewish studies*, journalism and media studies*, linguistics*, Middle Eastern studies*, South Asian studies*
*Not all courses in this department fulfill this requirement.

Second Writing Intensive or Literature: English, comparative literature, foreign language literature (original or translation, check with your adviser before you enroll)

Quantitative/Technical Skills: mathematics, computer science, statistics, research methods in a department, 01:355:415 Information Design, 01:355:425 Web Authoring, 04:547:320 Web Design, 01:730:201 Introduction to Logic, 01:615:201 Introduction to Linguistic Theory, 01:070:335 Analysis of Archaeological Data, 01:070:395 Quantification of Archaeological Data, 04:192:300 Communication Research, 01:202:307 Criminal Justice Research Methods, 01:377:275 Basic Statistics for Exercise Science, 14:440:127 Introduction to Computers for Engineers, 14:440:221 Engineering Mechanics: Statistics, 01:450:319 Quantitative Methods, 01:450:320 Spatial Data Analysis, 01:450:330 Geographical Methods, 01:711:295 Introductory Topics in Operations Research, 10:762:205 Basic Statistical Methods for Policy, Planning, and Health, 01:790:300 Introduction to Political Science Methods, 01:830:200 Quantitative Methods in Psychology, 01:920:311 Introduction to Social Research, 01:920:312 Computer Analysis of Social Science Data, 04:189:103 Information Technology and Information, 07:577:201 Practical Finance for Entrepreneurial Creatives

Mason Gross Liberal Arts Core Requirements

Part One: Areas of Inquiry (24 credits)
This area allows students to encounter multiple modes of scholarship, research, analysis and synthesis.

A. Natural Science (Minimum 3 credits)

Learning Goals

Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical or biological sciences
Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence, arguments, and theory in scientific analysis

B. Social Science and History (Minimum 3 credits)

Learning Goals

Understand the bases and development of human and societal endeavors across time and place
Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence, arguments, and theory in social and historical analysis
Understand different theories about human culture, social identity, economic entities, political systems, and other forms of social organization
Identify and critically assess ethical issues in social science and history

C. Arts and Humanities (Minimum 3 credits)

Learning Goals

Examine critically philosophical and other theoretical issues concerning the nature of reality, human experience, knowledge, value, and/or cultural production
Analyze arts and/or literatures in themselves and in relation to specific histories
Understand the nature of human languages and their speakers
Engage critically in the process of creative expression

D. Liberal Arts Elective (to reach a total of 24 credits)

Part Two: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
This area provides undergraduates with a solid foundation in areas that are critical for success in academic study and research.

A. Writing (3 credits): College Writing 101

Learning Goals

Communicate complex ideas effectively in standard written English to a general audience and respond effectively to editorial feedback from peers, instructors, and/or supervisors through successive drafts and revision.

B. Literature or Second Writing-Intensive Course (3 credits)

Learning Goals

Communicate effectively in modes appropriate to a discipline or area of inquiry
Evaluate and critically assess sources and use the conventions of attribution and citation correctly
Analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources to generate new insights

C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3 credits)

Learning Goals

Employ current technologies to access information, to conduct research, and to communicate findings
Analyze and critically assess information from traditional and emergent technologies
Understand the principles that underlie information systems

Total Credits: 33

Where permitted by the department, students may count up to 12 credits already required by the major.

Changes in Basic Skills Requirements

* All students are required to take both the English and the math placement tests.

The Liberal Arts Core Requirements listed above form a framework that has been approved by the Mason Gross Curriculum Committee. Students must consult the Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success and/or their departmental Advisor and Student Success Counselor to learn how these requirements are to be fulfilled. The guidelines for fulfillment vary by department.

Dance
Part I (24 credits)
          A. Natural Science (3): 07:206:325 Kinesiology
          B. Social Science and History (6)
               *General Psychology (01:830:101) is required for students tracking into the Ed.M. program in Dance Education)
          C. Arts and Humanities (6)
          D. Liberal Arts Electives (9)

Part II (9 credits)
         A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
         B. Literature or Second Writing Intensive Course (3): 01:355:201 Research in Disciplines
         C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3): 07:206:237 Dance Production

Total Credits: 33

Design
Part I: Areas of Inquiry (24 credits)
        A. Social Science and History (6)
        B. Arts and Humanities (12)
             01:082:105 Art History 105
             01:082:106 Art History 106
             01:XXX:XXX Art History or Cinema Studies elective
             One Contextual Studies course; choose one from below:
                 04:189:152 The Structure of Information
                 04:567:275 Social Media and the Participatory Culture
                 11:550:133   Architectural Design
                 04:567:333 Media and Popular Culture
        C. Liberal Arts Electives (6)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
        A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 Expository Writing
        B. Literature/Writing Contemporary Art (3)
             07:081:200 Seminar in Contemporary Art A
                                    or
             01:355:201 Research in the Disciplines
        C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)

Total Credits: 33

Filmmaking
Part I (24 credits)
          A. Natural Science (6)
          B. Arts and Humanities (12)
              01:082:106 Introduction to Art History
              01:175:201 Introduction to Film I
              01:175:202 Introduction to Film II
              01:175:XXX Cinema Studies Elective
          C. Social Science and History (6)

Part II (9 credits)
         A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
         B. Literature or second Writing Intensive (3)
         C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)

Total Credits: 33

Music (Composition)
Part I: Areas of Inquiry (21 credits)
         A. Natural Science (3)
         B. Social Science and History (3)
         C. Arts and Humanities (3)
         D. Liberal Arts Electives (12)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
        A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
        B. Literature or second Writing Intensive (3)
        C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)

Total Credits: 30

Music (Music Education)

Part I: Areas of Inquiry (21 credits)
        A. Natural Science (3)
        B. Social Science and History (12)
             01:830:101 General Psychology
             01:830:331/333 Infant and Child Development or Adolescent Psychology
             05:300:306 Educational Psychology
             05:300:383 Introduction to Special Education
        C. Arts and Humanities (6)
             XX:XXX:XXX Music in Historical and Cultural Context Elective
             05:300:401 Individual/Cultural Diversity in the Classroom

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9)
        A. Writing and Communication: 01:355:101 College Writing
        B. Literature or second Writing Intensive (3)
        C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (Math, 01:640:100-level or above) (3)

Total Credits: 30

Music (Jazz, Performance)

Part I: Areas of Inquiry (24 credits)
         A. Natural Science (3)
         B. Social Science and History (3)
         C. Arts and Humanities (3)
         D. Liberal Arts Electives (15)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
        A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
        B. Literature or second Writing Intensive (3)
        C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)

Total Credits: 33

Theater (Acting)
Part I: Areas of Inquiry (27 credits)
        A. Social Science and History (3): 07:966:417 British Art and Culture
        B. Arts and Humanities (3): 07:966:281 Theater History
        C. Liberal Arts Electives (21)
           07:965:282 Theater History II
             07:965:370 Global Theater I
             07:965:473 Clothing and Culture I
          Liberal arts electives (12)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (6 credits)
A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
B. Literature (3): 07:966:427 Shakespeare's Plays

Total Credits: 33

Theater (Design)
Part I: Areas of Inquiry (24 credits)
        A. Social Science and History (3): 07:966:417 British Art and Culture
        B. Arts and Humanities (3)
            07:965:281 Theater History
        C. Liberal Arts Electives (18)
             07:965:282 Theater History II
             07:965:370 Global Theater
             01:082:106 Art History
             01:082:EC   Art History elective
             Liberal arts electives (6)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
         A.Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
         B. Literature (3)
              07:966:427 Shakespeare's Plays
         C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)
              07:966:243 Elements of Design

Total Credits: 33

Theater (Stage Management)
Part I: Areas of Inquiry (24 credits)
        A. Social Science and History (3)
        B. Arts and Humanities (3)
            07:965:281 Theater History I
        C. Liberal Arts Electives (18)
             07:965:282 Theater History II
             07:965:370 Global Theater I
             07:965:473 Clothing and Culture
             07:557:201 Practical Finance for Entrepreneurship Creatives Online
             Liberal arts elective (6)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
         A.Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
         B. Literature or second Writing Intensive (3)
         C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)
              07:966:251 Fundamentals of Drafting

Total Credits: 33

Theater (Technical Direction)

Part I: Areas of Inquiry (24 credits)
        A. Social Science and History (3)
        B. Arts and Humanities (3)
            07:965:281 Theater History
        C. Liberal Arts Electives (18)
             07:965:282 Theater History II
             07:965:370 Global Theater
             Liberal arts electives (12)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (9 credits)
         A.Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
         B. Literature or second Writing Intensive (3)
         C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)
              07:966:251 Fundamentals of Drafting

Total Credits: 33

Visual Arts
Part I: Areas of Inquiry (21 credits)
        A. Social Science and History (6)
        B. Arts and Humanities (12)
             01:082:105 Art History 105
             01:082:106 Art History 106
             01:XXX:XXX Art History or Cinema Studies elective
             01:XXX:XXX Art History or Cinema Studies elective
        C. Liberal Arts Electives (3)

Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (12 credits)
        A. Writing and Communication (3): 01:355:101 College Writing
        B. Second Writing Intensive Course (6)
             07:081:200 Seminar in Contemporary Art A
             07:081:201 Seminar in Contemporary Art B
        C. Quantitative/Technical Skills (3)

Total Credits: 33

Requirements (MGSA)

REQUIREMENTS