Liberal Studies Program

Liberal Studies Program

The Liberal Studies Program is the common curriculum taken by all students in the seven undergraduate colleges of DePaul University. Overall, the program is designed to develop students' writing abilities, computational and technological proficiencies, and critical and creative thinking skills. ​​Targeted liberal studies courses introduce the institution's unique Catholic, Vincentian, and urban mission and identity, and may include opportunities for community service. While the liberal studies curriculum itself is quite varied, the program as a whole shares these six learning goals: 1) Mastery of Content, 2) Intellectual and Creative Skills, 3) Personal and Social Responsibility, 4) Intercultural and Global Understanding, 5)Integration of Learning, and 6) Preparation for Career and Beyond.

​Liberal Studies Program Learning Goals and Outcomes​​ ​​ ​ ​​​​​

This goal embraces the breadth and depth of ideas, theories, approaches, and information which DePaul students encounter through and beyond their studies.

Outcomes: DePaul students will demonstrate and be able to apply:

  • general knowledge of cultures, religions, science, the arts, history, and computational reasoning.

  • specialized knowledge and skills from within a specific discipline or field.

In order to fully engage with knowledge, whether for a specific purpose or for its own sake, DePaul students are encouraged to develop the ability to think critically and imaginatively, formulate their own understanding, and effectively communicate their ideas. This goal articulates specific skills that comprise these broader abilities.

Outcomes: DePaul students will be able to:

  • systematically access, analyze and evaluate information and ideas from multiple sources in order to identify underlying assumptions, and formulate conclusions.

  • solve quantitative problems.

  • create and support arguments using a variety of approaches.

  • use existing knowledge to generate and synthesize ideas in original ways.

  • communicate clearly in speech and writing. 

This goal honors the notion that knowledge reflects and contributes to the values of individuals and communities. DePaul students, in particular, are challenged to consider their own values in light of the university’s mission.

Outcomes: DePaul students will be able to:

  • articulate their own beliefs and convictions, as well as others’ beliefs, about what it means to be human and to create a just society

  • articulate what is entailed in becoming a self-directed ethical decision-maker and living a life of personal integrity.

  • evaluate ethical issues from multiple perspectives and employ those considerations to chart coherent and justifiable courses of action.

  • benefit their communities through socially responsible engagement and leadership.

This goal speaks to the likelihood that, in our diverse and increasingly interdependent world, the future depends on individuals being able to learn from each other and make the best use of finite resources.

Outcomes: DePaul students will demonstrate:

  • respect for and learning from the perspectives of others different from themselves.

  • knowledge of global interconnectedness and interdependencies.

  • knowledge to become a steward of global resources for a sustainable future.

Given the wide range of opportunities for learning at DePaul, it is important for students to develop the ability to consider relationships among individual experiences of learning so as to make meaning of their education in all its variety.

Outcomes: DePaul students will be able to:

  • relate their learning -- curricular and co-curricular -- to multiple fields and realms of experience.

  • make connections among ideas and experiences in order to synthesize and transfer learning to daily practice.

  • design, develop, and execute a significant intellectual project.

This final learning goal builds on all the rest and calls on students to be ready to apply their knowledge and skills to the changing world that awaits them.

Outcomes: DePaul students will be able to:

  • set goals for future work that are the result of realistic self-appraisal and reflection.

  • articulate their skills and knowledge and represent themselves to external audiences.

  • work toward goals independently and in collaboration with others.

  • employ technology to create, communicate, and synthesize ideas.

  • set priorities and allocate resources.

  • apply strategies for a practice of life-long learning.

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