"The Liberal Arts and Sciences are the nexus of all education, providing us with the
tools to understand the past, negotiate the present, and create the future. Without
them we are lost; with them we can reimagine anything."
We build your experience around four themes: Connecting to Creativity, Arguing for Humanity, Math and Science in Action, and Resourcing the Future. Designed around these themes, our courses foster explorations of various cultures,
their historical context, and art and design contributions. These deep explorations
in art history and the sciences strengthen critical thinking in writing and visual
literacy as you cultivate an understanding of and curiosity for a deeper investigation
of the relationship between context and culture in creative production.
Liberal Arts and Sciences classes enhance the way you are able to see, create, and
analyze art.”
Olivia Warren, '20 BFA Fine Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences ask that we pay attention to other voices, other times,
other disciplines. The paradox of this attention towards others is that it's the only
way to enrich our studio practice. Only by availing ourselves of these broad networks
of culture can we create with wisdom."
Maggie Light, Faculty
The foundational knowledge gained in Liberal Arts and Sciences is often the raw material
artists and designers use to create art and design. Can you design a video game based
on Norse and Asian myths without studying myths in a Liberal Arts and Sciences class?"
Sung Ju Ahn, Faculty
My Liberal Arts and Sciences classes help me understand what I’m trying to do in
the studio."
Ahrielle McLaughlin, '17
Contemporary Art [a Liberal Arts and Sciences course] pushed me to what I am now
doing on a regular basis, which is to look at work in my field and see what other
artists are doing and talking about."
Edgar Ramirez, '18 BFA Fine Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences classes are important because they bring up conversations
about political correctness, equity, the power of storytelling, as well as how to
consider the societal effects and impacts your rhetoric, visuals, and designs have
on the world around you."
Regis Peeples Faculty
The classes taught me to engage collaboratively with other students while giving
me insight and exposure to real-world practices."
Frankie Hamersma, '15 BFA Communication Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences is the base structure and the connecting glue that helps
form your overall knowledge of your major."
Javier Diaz, '20 BFA Product Design
After experiencing four years in Liberal Arts and Sciences classes, my English
improved a lot, and that gave me tremendous confidence."
Ran Tamada, '20 BFA Product Design
At the studio, ideas take form, but at Liberal Arts and Sciences, ideas are born."
Elisa Toscano, '20 BFA Graphic Design
Armed with critical thinking skills and knowledge of cultures and social structures
gained through Liberal Arts and Sciences courses, the artists at Otis are prepared
to positively add to and become drivers of cultures worldwide."
Dontae Mahoney, '20 BFA Graphic Design
Curriculum
Learn more about the first year curriculum, creative action courses, honors program,
and more.
Wherever you are in your college search, we want to meet you! Our admissions counselors
are here to answer your questions about Otis College and help you with the application
process.
