54 – 55 credits
The Liberal Arts Core is the undergraduate general education program. Its curriculum is an integral component of every bachelor’s degree offered at Marymount. The focus of the Core is upon inquiry and engagement in a quest for learning that will complement other studies while raising larger questions about human existence. Drawing upon a rich heritage of inquiry in the liberal arts tradition of Catholic universities, it builds upon skills of research and communication that can enhance students’ lives.
The Core is a model of learning that emphasizes the development of a fair, valid, and compelling argument through the strengthening of three fundamental competencies. Students are taught to gather accurate, reliable information; evaluate, analyze, and use that knowledge effectively; and communicate their analysis and insights clearly. The three competencies of information literacy, critical thinking, and clear communication are introduced through EN 101 Composition I and EN 102 Composition II and reinforced throughout the course of study.
As students move through the Core they choose courses from a variety of disciplines organized around a set of requirements. Some courses have roots in the richness of the past; others introduce students to more recent methodologies. In accordance with the mission of the University, the Core provides an atmosphere of inquiry, of respect for diverse approaches, and of respectful dialogue in which competing ideas can be examined and expressed. As the fundamental competencies of the Core are reinforced, students develop a capacity to understand and act upon fundamental questions about ethics, commitment, and values.
Writing Courses
9 credits
Students complete EN 101 Composition I, EN 102 Composition II, and one additional writing course designated by the major. A minimum grade of C- is required in EN 101 and EN 102.
Humanities Courses
18 credits
Selected courses from Art History, History, Humanities, English and American Literature, Philosophy, and Theology and Religious Studies constitute the humanities at MU. Students complete six courses that together meet the following criteria:
One of the six must have content from the ancient, medieval, or premodern periods (before 1700) and one must have content from the modern or contemporary periods (after 1700).
Mathematics Course
3 credits
Students complete one Mathematics (MA) course from MA 119, MA 121, MA 124, MA 127, MA 132, MA 155, or higher. Note that MA 019W, MA 094, MA 095, and any course with a non-MA prefix do not fulfill this requirement. Credits for MA 019W, MA 094 and MA 095 may not be applied toward any degree.
Science Course
4 credits
Students complete one course from Astronomy (ASTR), Biology (BIO), Chemistry (CHM), Geology (GEOL), Physics (PHYS), or Physical Science (PSC) offerings; this course must include a laboratory experience.
Social Sciences Courses
12 credits
Four fields — Economics, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology — constitute the social sciences. Students complete four courses that together meet the following criteria:
• One of the four must be Introduction to the Social Sciences. This course is cross-listed as ECO 100, POL 100, PSY 100, or SOC 100.
• Three of the four fields of study in the social sciences must be represented among the four courses chosen.
• One of the four courses must be an advanced (300/400- level) course from a social science field.
Health and Wellness Course
2 – 3 credits
Students complete one of the following: HPR 100 Concepts of Lifetime Fitness, HPR 225/PSY 225 Health Psychology, HPR 230 Community Health, HPR 340 Nutrition for Optimal Health, or NU 305 Alternative/Complementary Medicine.
Electives
6 credits
Students complete six credits of electives outside the student’s major field of study.
Freshman Seminar
1 credit
Freshmen are encouraged to enroll in SEM 101 Freshman Seminar, offered each year in the fall. The seminar focuses on learning and life skills required for academic success.