圣約翰大學(xué)

The Liberal Studies Program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities, the social sciences and the sciences. The program fosters an understanding of the relationships among these disciplines and aims to provide the student with a broad based curriculum grounded in Western thought and including a global perspective. The program focuses on critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills, providing the students with an ability to articulate their understanding of and appreciation of the past and its influence on the present.

Instead of choosing the traditional single academic major area of study, the Liberal Studies major studies a variety of areas centered on the humanities, the social sciences and science and mathematics. A minor area includes one of the many career areas offered such as:

• administrative studies
• business
• computer science
• criminal justice
• health services
• journalism
• paralegal studies

Career Outcomes

The program prepares graduates who can:

Demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies used for research in the various disciplines studied in the program.

• Describe what is meant by scientific method.
• Describe what is meant by philosophical method.
• Describe what is meant by historical method.
• Describe methodology used by social scientists.

Demonstrate developed skills in researching in the various disciplines.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major bibliographic sources in each of the various disciplines.
• Select appropriate facts to provide sufficient information for an argument.
• Locate supporting information online and from other sources.

Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship of the various disciplines in the development of Western thought.

• Identify the major works of the ancient world and their influence on Western thought.
• Describe the relationship of philosophical thinking, theology, art and literature in the medieval period and the Renaissance.
• Discuss the influence of scientific thinking on the modern age.

Demonstrate ability to analyze and synthesize arguments and apply critical thinking skills.

• Analyze a problem in each of the various disciplines.
• Synthesize material from the various disciplines to construct an argument that demonstrates the importance of the relationship of those disciplines.

Demonstrate knowledge of the perspective of non-Western cultures and their significance in a global environment.

• Identify the major world religions and philosophical traditions and their influence on non-Western perspectives.
• Discuss the importance of industrialization in a global context.
• Evaluate issues of social organization that impact both Western and non-Western societies.

Demonstrate both oral and written communication skills.

• Prepare clearly argued papers on complex subjects.
• Give oral presentations, both alone and as part of a group, that are clear and coherent.