Humanities and Fine Arts
In the Humanities and Fine Arts PEAK, students develop their aesthetic, analytical, and imaginative capacities through courses in language, literature, creative writing, art, music, communication, theatre, philosophy, and religious studies. By inquiring into the historical and cultural contexts of human expression and values, students learn to read in the fullest sense of the word. They discern complexities and find meaning across the range of oral, written, visual, and aural expressions of human experience. At the same time, they learn to communicate logically, clearly, persuasively, and evocatively, and they encounter the pleasures and challenges of creative work.
Upon successful completion of any HFA program, students will:
- Demonstrate engagement with humanistic inquiry through the application of theory and methodology (appropriate to discipline) to cultures, texts, or artifacts;
- Provide evidence of their own artistic work and active engagement with the creative process; and
- Demonstrate engagement with non-dominant cultures and cultural products.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Living in our technologically advanced society requires that we understand the natural world upon which we depend. The pursuit of truth and the discovery of beauty in our world demand an ability to observe carefully and understand, appreciate, question, and challenge conclusions generated through the enterprise of science. This PEAK prepares students for such an endeavor by enabling them to develop fluency in quantitative reasoning and problem solving, understanding of the methods, uses, powers, and limitations of science and mathematics, and knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories underlying these disciplines.
Upon successful completion of any NSM program, students will:
- Demonstrate the appropriate use of mathematical and computational problem-solving techniques;
- Apply scientific reasoning to develop and test scientific questions; and
- Explore the roles of scientific and mathematical inquiry and knowledge in society.
Professional Foundations and Enhancements
Leading a productive and fulfilling life in a competitive global context requires being able to integrate, focus, and apply knowledge in practical ways. This PEAK encourages students to embrace our liberal arts mission while enhancing their talents and abilities to thrive in competitive careers. The result will be broadly educated graduates who understand what it means to be a professional and are prepared for graduate programs and meaningful employment.
Social Sciences and History
In our increasingly complex world, it is essential that we are able to understand and analyze both group and individual human behavior, past and present. The social sciences seek to explain parts of human behavior through observation, participation, comparison, interpretation, logical reasoning, collection of documents and data, and, when amenable to scientific manipulation, experimentation. This PEAK enables students to understand the perspectives and limitations-and to use the theories and methods-of the social sciences in studying individuals or the groups, cultures, societies, polities, and economies that organize social life and define human experience.
Upon successful completion of any SSH program, students will:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of social scientific inquiry; and
- Critically assess the normative dimensions of human experiences.