Courses and Curricula

Departmental Themes

The Liberal Arts and Sciences departmental themes are fundamentally relevant to what we do.

		Creativity is an ability to produce work that is generative, novel, innovative, original and unexpected. Hallmarks of the creative process include generating expansive and imaginative alternatives, viewing the familiar in extraordinary ways, investigating mistakes as potential pathways to success, as well as persevering in curiosity and critical inquiry beyond assumed limitations.

	Diversity is a value and practice of actively recognizing the plurality of positions, methodologies, and practices around people, groups, objects, and ideas. It also refers to acceptance and respect for individuals and groups regardless of and sometimes because of their differences. In a global world that is complex and multidimensional, diversity often involves a convergence of multiple identities, moving beyond tolerance to an appreciation of diversity as a rich resource with significant benefits.

		Identity generally refers to those qualities or characteristics that define us and distinguish us from others. It can have many values, personal or collective, innate or constructed, permanent or changing, often because of situational perspectives.

	Social Responsibility is an ethical commitment to sensitivity and empathy for the consequences of our actions. The practice of social responsibility assumes the connections between individuals and communities, and a concern for humanity. Social responsibility recognizes the importance of activism in engaging members of a community and/ or institutions to make a difference.

		Sustainability is a multidimensional value system that aims “to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.” It requires thoughtful and conscious concern to the interdependence of social, cultural, physical and natural systems and environments. Sustainable practices are adaptable, resilient, socially responsible, integrated and balanced, and are very much about identity and citizenship in the community and the world as a complex whole, requiring cultural awareness and sensitivity. Sustainability in Liberal Arts and Sciences Presentation (PDF), prepared by Debra Ballard, Chair of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Spring 2010.

These themes support the courses and topics offered just as lines are one of the foundations for all images. Basic shapes, lines, and structures were used to visual these theme concepts.

Theme images created by Otis COMM Arts Senior, 2012.