FIRST YEAR LIBERAL ARTS COLLOQUIUM
COLLOQUIUM SECTION PROPOSAL
LIBERAL ARTS CORE CURRICULUM
A core element of TIER I is the First Year Liberal Arts Colloquium, which may be offered by faculty members from any academic discipline. Each Colloquium represents a unique exploration of aspects of the human condition from the diverse perspectives of the instructor, the students, and the field of inquiry. The Colloquium will introduce students to academic standards and practices that are foundational for a successful university career and life-long learning.
First Year Liberal Arts Colloquium 3-4 Credits
To assist first-year students in becoming engaged in the intellectual life of the university, they will enroll in one of many discussion-oriented colloquia that explore a broad, contemporary theme developed from the expertise and interests of the instructor. Each colloquium consists of a small group of students who will become active learners working closely with a faculty mentor and each other to develop the skills of good scholarship – critical reading, logical thinking, and effective communication – that are the keys to a successful academic career and a productive life beyond the university.
Upon completion of the First Year Liberal Arts Colloquium students will be able to:
1. Recognize the multiple dimensions (approaches, goals, consequences) of the pursuit of understanding and truth in an academic environment;
2. Understand the role of logic, reason, and evidence in academic pursuits;
3. Effectively communicate with others, orally, visually and in writing;
4. Seek, compile and effectively use accurate and relevant evidence to support a position;
5. Manage doubt and uncertainty in the pursuit of understanding;
6. Know the ethical dimensions and obligations of academic endeavors;
7. Demonstrate respect for others and points of view dissimilar from one’s own; and
8. Demonstrate essential intellectual traits such as integrity, perseverance, fairness, empathy and courage.
Submission of Colloquium Section Proposals
Click here to download the Colloquium Section Proposal Form (Word document format)