Liberal Education

That perfection of the Intellect, which is the result of Education, to be imparted to individuals in their respective measures is the clear, calm, accurate vision and comprehension of all things, as far as the finite mind can embrace them, each in its place, and with its own characteristics upon it.
- John Henry Cardinal Newman

Because the University of St. Francis holds learning to be a life-long process aimed at the full development of the human person, the University strives to prepare its students to seek truth and excellence and to exercise habits of sound judgment. To this end, the University espouses a liberal education designed to introduce the student to various areas of knowledge and the modes of inquiry associated with them. The steady pursuit of truth and excellence, the mastery of broad areas of learning, and the study of great works contribute to the perfection of students’ intellectual powers. The knowledge, dispositions, and intellectual skills developed through liberal education prepare students to assume roles of leadership in their careers and communities. And yet, liberal education is offered as a good in itself: it is a significant achievement to attain some measure of that perfection of the intellect which Cardinal Newman describes above as a “clear, calm, accurate vision.” Based on the conversation of the great minds of all ages, liberal education is rooted in our University of St. Francis heritage; our faculty and students seek to carry on the search for truth in a community of faith and learning.

At the University of St. Francis, a liberal education integrates:

  1. general education, which is the part of a liberal education curriculum shared by all students;
  2. a choice of a major program of study, which is the in-depth study of one or more disciplines; and
  3. other transformational experiences such as those encountered through University Ministry, internships, research programs, service learning, clubs, or athletics.

The general education curriculum includes two foundations courses taken in the freshman year. These two courses are required of students entering the University as freshmen. The interconnected courses of the Foundations program are designed to introduce students to liberal education. Foundations I – Bona Ventura: The Cosmic Journey uses an integrative approach to prepare students for academic success while helping them transition to university life. The academic content utilizes a contemporary framework known as “Big History,” a narrative of our universe that begins with the Big Bang, progresses steadily through time marking particular changes or “thresholds,” and ends with a projection into the future. Foundations II – Continuing the Journey focuses on an evidence-based writing process within the context of courses that reflect the faculty member’s academic field of study and connect with “thresholds”/key ideas found in the first semester course.

Upon graduation the USF student in the undergraduate programs should manifest:

  • A sense of ethics and values reflecting the religious foundations of USF and its Franciscan charism
    • evidence of having embarked on a personal search for truth, meaning, and faith, including an understanding of and respect for Catholic ideals
    • understanding of and sensitivity to values including: personal integrity, respect for the dignity of others, and reverence for creation, compassion, justice, and peacemaking
  • Mastery of the chosen discipline
    • clear understanding of key ideas, concepts, and theories of the chosen discipline
    • proficiency in skills and methodology
  • Active participation as a citizen of a diverse democracy and pluralistic world
    • deep understanding of oneself and respect for the diverse identities of others, their histories, and their cultures
    • positive personal and interpersonal skills
    • capacity for associative living (i.e., living in common with others)
    • potential to contribute to society with leadership through service
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas in written and oral form in various situations and with diverse audiences
  • Intellectual competencies, curiosity and habits of mind that foster continual pursuit of knowledge and independent thought
    • facility in quantitative reasoning, as well as scientific and technological literacy
    • aesthetic awareness and appreciation
    • ability to analyze and interpret historical data; to understand methods and analyze concepts from philosophy, theology, and the social sciences
    • to read imaginatively and critically
  • Intellectual agility and ability to adapt and manage change, including the ability to translate knowledge into action and to solve problems.
    • ability to learn in multiple modes and from different disciplines
    • ability to find the best available sources of information (electronic and print, questionnaire, interviews, etc.); sift, organize, and evaluate that information, and develop critical analyses

General Education Outcomes

By completing the USF General Education requirements, students will be able to meet the outcomes listed under each of the following categories:

Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World (HCW)

Aesthetic Awareness (HCW-1)

Analyze and implement an artistic method through artistic investigation and practice in the fine arts while utilizing either applied practice (creation and critique) or historical and theoretical studies (written and oral) within a critical framework. (HCW-1.1)

Historical Understanding (HCW-2)

Analyze key historical facts, values, and ideas that have shaped civilizations throughout history by developing a historical literacy that emphasizes analysis of primary and secondary sources, examining societies in a global context, and constructing historical arguments in both written and oral forms. (HCW-2.1)

Literary Inquiry (HCW-3)

Relate to, enjoy, analyze, discuss, and write about imaginative literature--including poetry, fiction, and drama or film--within such contexts as formalist, historicist, and reader-response theory. (HCW-3.1)

Mathematical Reasoning and Numerical Understanding (HCW-4) 

Analyze and interpret formulae and quantitative information using appropriate technologies and mathematical methods. (HCW-4.1)

Demonstrate logic and deductive reasoning skills through mathematical concepts and application problems. (HCW-4.2)

Philosophical Understanding (HCW-5)

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the basic philosophical ideas that are at the foundation of the Western and Catholic intellectual traditions and how those questions are central to the issues of contemporary life and culture. (HCW-5.1)

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental philosophical ethical ideas and be able to use the in the analysis of ethical issues. (HCW-5.2)

Scientific Inquiry (HCW-6)

Experience the scientific enterprise in the natural sciences by using the scientific method to formulate testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, analyze the data, draw conclusions and report the findings in both written and oral forms. (HCW-6.1)

Social Awareness (HCW-7)

Demonstrate a critical understanding of how social forces and the major institutions in society function and interact; how they influence individuals, groups, and organizations; how they are shaped by human actions; and how these actions can provide service to the community. (HCW-7.1)

Demonstrate a critical understanding of both patterned and diverse ways humans think, feel, and behave; how they are influenced by social interactions and forces; and how they can alter the systems in which they are embedded. (HCW-7.2)

Intellectual and Practical Skills (IPS)

Information Literacy (IPS-1)

Discover, access, critically evaluate, translate and effectively use relevant information from a variety of sources with integrity to achieve a specific purpose. (IPS-1.1)

Inquiry & Analysis, Critical and Creative Thinking (IPS-2)                 

Synthesize information from a variety of sources to gain insight into patterns of organization about significant issues. (IPS-2.1)

Comprehensively evaluate evidence, context and assumptions in order to construct a logical and compassionate argument. (IPS-2.2)

Respectfully integrate a wide range of divergent perspectives and ideas to extend and transform one’s existing knowledge. (IPS-2.3)

Integrative and Applied Learning (IPS-3)

Synthesize experience with academic knowledge by transferring skills across situations, reflecting on connections, drawing conclusions, solving problems and serving the community. (IPS-3.1)

Oral Communication (IPS-4)

Listen in order to comprehend information, critique and evaluate a message, and show empathy for the feelings expressed by others in order to engage in purposeful discourse, including both literal and critical comprehension of ideas and information. (IPS-4.1)

Present ideas and information orally in a variety of situations by generating a compelling thesis, using credible support, sound reasoning and/or argument and delivering a message with effective language, articulation, and nonverbal signals suitable to the topic, purpose, and audience. (IPS-4.2)

Problem Solving (IPS-5)

Construct insightful problem statements and multiple solution strategies sensitive to context; then thoroughly evaluate potential solutions based on clarity, relevance, completeness and fairness; and implement a solution that includes evaluation of the outcomes. (IPS-5.1)

Teamwork (IPS-6)

Exemplify teamwork qualities by collaborating and cooperating with others, using communication and negotiation skills, exhibiting encouragement and compassion, and serving as a leader and follower. (IPS-6.1)

Written Communication (IPS-7)

Construct an argument in writing that illustrates mastery of content; is sensitive to context, audience, and purpose; works within the rules and conventions of the discipline; demonstrates integrity and relevant sources; communicates meaning with clarity and fluency, as well as grace, elegance, and style. (IPS-7.1)

Personal and Social Responsibility (PSR)

Catholic and Franciscan Charism (PSR-1)

Understand the Catholic Franciscan perspective and demonstrate this understanding with compassion when confronting ethical issues, ethical perspectives. (PSR-1.1)

Comprehend a worldview informed by the philosophical and theological truths of the Catholic Intellectual tradition. (PSR-1.2)

Experience and understand Catholic and Franciscan spirituality as a lifelong resource and guide for personal career and vocational choice. (PSR-1.3)

Civic Engagement (PSR-2)

Develop awareness of local and global civic issues and engage collaboratively with diverse communities to address these issues in light of Catholic Social Teachings. (PSR-2.1)

Ethical Reasoning and Action (PSR-3)

Apply ethical concepts or perspectives to an ethical question, decision, issue or action and demonstrate a full understanding and responsibility when responding with compassion and respect. (PSR-3.1)

Foundations & Skills for Life Long Learning (PSR-4)

Demonstrate skills for lifelong learning including reflection, curiosity, initiative, self-regulation, independence, and transfer. (PSR-4.1)

Intercultural Knowledge and Competence (PSR-5)

Demonstrate a cultural awareness respecting the dignity of each person that is informed by multiple world views, an understanding of cross-cultural similarities and differences, cultural self-awareness, and intercultural experience. (PSR-5.1)

Demonstrate an understanding of the essence of culture including its historic roots and dynamic changes in sociopolitical contexts, key values and conventions, ethnic diversity, language(s) and other symbolic tools, etc. (PSR-5.2)

Sustainability (PSR-6)

Demonstrate an understanding of the three Ps (People, Planet, and Profit) and the four Es (Environment conservation, Ecological benefits, Equity, and Education) of sustainability and be able to apply their understanding of these concepts with respect in the real world. (PSR-6.1)

Theology (PSR-7)

Describe and analyze the basic teachings of the Catholic faith and the Franciscan tradition and be able to apply that knowledge to the questions of the meaning and purpose of a good human life that exemplifies the values of respect, service, integrity and compassion. (PSR-7.1)

Demonstrate the manner in which the Catholic /Franciscan tradition is the integrative source of learning and living in the world. (PSR-7.2)

Pattern of General Education Courses Required for Graduation

General Education Area Hours Required Specific Requirements
Communications 9 One course in oral communication
Two courses in College Writing
Literary Inquiry & Aesthetic Awareness 9 One course in Literary Inquiry
One course in Aesthetic Awareness
One course in History, Creative Arts, or Literature
Numerical Understanding & Scientific Inquiry 9-12 One course in Numerical Understanding (above Intermediate Algebra)
One course in Scientific Inquiry
One course in Numerical Understanding, Scientific Inquiry, or Computer Understanding
Historical Understanding 3 One course in Historical Understanding
Social Awareness 6 Two approved courses – each from a different discipline (see list of approved courses)
Philosophical Inquiry 6 Two courses including a component in ethical understanding
Religious Foundations 6 Two courses

The following courses have been approved to meet the General Education requirements listed above.

First Year Experience

Two Foundations Courses

Course Code Title IAI#
ACAF 110 Foundations I: Bona Venture: Cosmic Journey1
ACAF 120 Foundations II: Continuing the Journey2
1

ACAF 110 will fulfill the history, creative arts, or literature requirement.

2

ACAF 120 will fulfill the ENGL 112 requirement.

Communications

One course in oral communication

Course Code Title IAI#
CMMA 142 Speech Communication1 C2 900

Two courses in college writing

Course Code Title IAI#
ENGL 111 College Writing I1 C1 900
ENGL 112 College Writing II1 C1 901
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

If a student places out of College Writing I (through the freshman writing placement test or by transferring-in College Writing II or the equivalent), they will instead take one advanced writing course (select from English courses numbered 300-330).

Literary Inquiry and Aesthetic Awareness

One course in literary inquiry

Course Code Title IAI#
ENGL 200 Introduction to Literature1 H3 900
ENGL 201 Nature Writing H3 900
ENGL 202 Travel Writing H3 900
ENGL 203 Introduction to African American Literature H3 900
ENGL 204 Know Thyself H3 900

One course in aesthetic awareness

Course Code Title IAI#
ARTD 101 2-D Design Principles
ARTD 151 Introduction to Drawing
ARTD 152 Introduction to Painting
ARTD 153 Introduction to Cartooning
ARTD 202 Art and Culture Travel Studies
ARTD 205 Exploring the Fine Arts1 F9 900
ARTD 215 Photo I
ARTD 250 Screen Printing
ARTD 253 Ceramics
ARTD 255 Mechanical Reproduction
ARTD 257 Ancient, Medieval & Non-European Art History1 F2 901
ARTD 258 Renaissance and Modern Art History
ARTD 259 Art Now
ARTD 360 Film and Photo Visual Culture
ARTD 361 Comics and Graphic Novels: A Seminar
ARTD 362 Video Game Seminar
ARTD 363 Women in Art
ARTD 364 Graphic Design History
ARTD 494 Topics in Art & Design (depending on course content, see schedule)
DARA 101 Digital Audio Recording I
ENGL 123 Introduction to Creative Writing
MUSC 105 Theory of Music
MUSC 106 Theory of Music II
MUSC 121 Introduction to Western Art Music1 F1 900
MUSC 222 Musical History I1 F1 901
MUSC 322 Music History II1 F1 902
MUSC 494 Topics in Music (depending on course content, see schedule)

One course in history, creative arts, and literature

Course Code Title IAI#
ACAF 110 Foundations I: Bona Ventura: Cosmic Journey2
ARTD 101 2-D Design Principles
ARTD 151 Introduction to Drawing
ARTD 152 Introduction to Painting
ARTD 153 Introduction to Cartooning
ARTD 202 Art and Culture Travel Studies
ARTD 205 Exploring the Fine Arts1 F9 900
ARTD 215 Photo I
ARTD 253 Ceramics
ARTD 257 Ancient, Medieval & Non-European Art History1 F2 901
ARTD 258 Renaissance and Modern Art History
ARTD 259 Art Now
ARTD 360 Film and Photo Visual Culture
ARTD 361 Comics and Graphic Novels: A Seminar
ARTD 494 Topics in Art & Design (depending on course content, see schedule)
DARA 101 Digital Audio Recording I
ENGL XXX Any Advanced Level English course numbered 291 or higher3
HIST 111 History of World Civilization to 15001 S2 902
HIST 112 History of World Civilization Since 15001 S2 903
HIST 121 The United States to 18651 S2 900
HIST 122 The United States Since 1865 S2 901
HIST 241 History of Africa1 S2 906N
HIST 242 The Middle East
HIST 244 History of India
HIST 246 History of Latin America1 S2 910N
HIST 304 20th Century Europe
HIST 320 Colonial America
HIST 321 National Development
HIST 322 Civil War and Reconstruction
HIST 323 Emergence of Modern America
HIST 324 The United States: 1914 – 1945
HIST 325 The United States Since 1945
HIST 344 Medieval Europe
HIST 349 Modern Europe
HIST 351 Classical Civilization of Greece and Rome
HIST 352 Renaissance and Reformation
HIST 494 Topics in History (depending on course content, see schedule)
MUSC 105 Theory of Music
MUSC 106 Theory of Music II
MUSC 121 Introduction to Western Art Music1 F1 900
MUSC 222 Musical History I1 F1 901
MUSC 322 Music History II1 F1 902
MUSC 494 Topics in Music (depending on course content, see schedule)
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

2

Students that enter USF as freshmen are required to take ACAF 110.

3

Excluding ENGL 390.

Numerical Understanding and Scientific Inquiry

One course in numerical understanding

Course Code Title IAI#
MATH 102 Contemporary Mathematical Thinking M1 904
MATH 105 Introduction to Statistics1 M1 902
MATH 109 Math for Teachers II1 M1 903
MATH 121 Finite Mathematics1 M1 906
MATH 170 Applied Calculus1 M1 900B
MATH 175 Statistics1 M1 902, BUS 901
MATH 181 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I1 M1 900-1
MATH 182 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II1 M1 900-1

One course in scientific inquiry

Course Code Title IAI#
BIOL 112 Introduction to the Principles of Heredity1 L1 906
BIOL 113 Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 114 Human Biology1 L1 904L
BIOL 115 Plants and Civilization1 L1 901L
BIOL 116 Intro to Life Science for Educators
BIOL 124/BIOL 125 Principles of Biology I with Lab1 L1 900L
BIOL 126/BIOL 127 Principles of Biology II with Lab1
BIOL 165 Tropical Biology
CHEM 105 Chemistry and the Environment1 P1 903L
CHEM 120 Foundations of Chemistry
CHEM 121/CHEM 123 General Chemistry I with Lab1 P1 902L
CHEM 122/CHEM 124 General Chemistry II with Lab1
ENVS 105 Environment and Humanity1 P1 908L
ENVS 115 Science of Fly Fishing
ENVS 120 Earth Science1 P1 905L
PSCI 101 Introduction to Physical Science1 P9 900L
PSCI 102 Introduction to Physical Science for Educators
PSCI 104 Astronomy1 P1 906
PSCI 111 General Physics I1 P1 900L

One course in numerical understanding, scientific inquiry, or computer science

Course Code Title IAI#
BIOL 112 Introduction to the Principles of Heredity1 L1 906
BIOL 113 Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 114 Human Biology1 L1 904L
BIOL 115 Plants and Civilization1 L1 901L
BIOL 116 Intro to Life Science for Educators
BIOL 124/BIOL 125 Principles of Biology I with Lab1 L1 900L
BIOL 126/BIOL 127 Principles of Biology II with Lab1
BIOL 165 Tropical Biology
BSAD 276 Business Statistics
CHEM 105 Chemistry and the Environment1 P1 903L
CHEM 120 Foundations of Chemistry
CHEM 121/CHEM 123 General Chemistry I with Lab1 P1 902L
CHEM 122/CHEM 124 General Chemistry II with Lab1
COMP 101 Computer Concepts and Applications
COMP 135 Introduction to Information Technology
COMP 140 Computer Science I
ENVS 105 Environment and Humanity1
ENVS 115 Science of Fly Fishing
ENVS 120 Earth Science1 P1 905L
MATH 102 Contemporary Mathematical Thinking M1 904
MATH 105 Introduction to Statistics1 M1 902
MATH 109 Math for Teachers II1 M1 903
MATH 121 Finite Mathematics1 M1 906
MATH 170 Applied Calculus1 M1 900B
MATH 175 Statistics1 M1 902, BUS 901
MATH 181 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I1 M1 900-1
MATH 182 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II1 M1 900-1
PSCI 101 Introduction to Physical Science1 P9 900L
PSCI 104 Astronomy1 P1 906
PSCI 111 General Physics I1 P1 900L
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

Historical Understanding

One course in historical understanding

Course Code Title IAI#
HIST 111 History of World Civilization to 15001 S2 902
HIST 112 History of World Civilization Since 15001 S2 903
HIST 121 The United States to 18651 S2 900
HIST 122 The United States Since 18651 S2 901
HIST 241 History of Africa1 S2 906N
HIST 242 The Middle East
HIST 244 History of India
HIST 246 History of Latin America1 S2 910N
HIST 304 20th Century Europe
HIST 320 Colonial America
HIST 321 National Development
HIST 322 Civil War and Reconstruction
HIST 323 Emergence of Modern America
HIST 324 The United States: 1914 – 1945
HIST 325 The United States Since 1945
HIST 344 Medieval Europe
HIST 349 Modern Europe
HIST 351 Classical Civilization of Greece and Rome
HIST 352 Renaissance and Reformation
HIST 494 Topics in History (depending on course content, see schedule)
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

Social Awareness

Two courses (each from a different discipline) in communication, economics, foreign language, geography, history, political science, psychology, public health, recreation, sociology, social work

Course Code Title IAI#
CMMA 100 Media Literacy
CSJU 101 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
ECON 101 Principles of Macroeconomics1 S3 901
ECON 102 Principles of Microeconomics1 S3 902
FORL XXX Any Foreign Language course
FREN XXX Any French course
GEOG 111 World Regional Geography
HIST 304 20th Century Europe
ITAL XXX Any Italian course
LEAD 101 Introduction to Leadership
LEAD 225 Women and Leadership
POLI 103 Intro to World Politics, International Law, and Organization
POLI 105 American National Government
POLI 205 Contemporary Political and Social Justice Issues
POLI 208 Comparative Political Analysis
POLI 221 State and Local Politics
POLI 230 Political Communications
POLI 328 The United States in World Affairs
PSYC 111 General Psychology1 S6 900
PUBH 310 Public Health
PUBH 312 Global Health
PUBH 314 Epidemiology
RSTM 103 Wellness and Lifestyle Satisfaction
RSTM 200 Outdoor Leadership
RSTM 299 Inclusion and Leisure in Society
SOCI 111 Principles of Sociology1 S7 900
SOCI 250 Introduction to Anthropology1 S1 900N
SPAN XXX Any Spanish course
SWRK 316 Women in Contemporary Society
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

Philosophical Inquiry

Two courses including a component in ethical understanding

Course Code Title IAI#
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophical Thinking1 H4 900
PHIL 202 Philosophy of the Human Person
PHIL 228 Topics in Contemporary Philosophy
PHIL 250 Ethics for Educators and Services Professionals
PHIL 310 Ancient Greek Philosophy
PHIL 312 Philosophy of Religion1 H4 905
PHIL 320 Contemporary Issues in Ethics
PHIL 321 Western Political Philosophy
PHIL 330 Just Business
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

Religious Foundations

Two courses

Course Code Title IAI#
THEO 101 Introduction to Theology
THEO 200 Introduction to Old Testament1 H5 901
THEO 210 Introduction to New Testament1 H5 901
THEO 220 Church: Yesterday and Today
THEO 230 Christian Morality
THEO 240 Christian Marriage
THEO 250 Christian Social Teaching
THEO 260 Worship and Christian Life
THEO 280 Religion in America1 H5 905
THEO 290 World Religions1 H5 9004N
THEO 305 Second Vatican Council
THEO 312 Philosophy of Religion
THEO 330 Theology of Death and Dying
THEO 350 Images of Jesus
1

Illinois Articulation Initiative course. Transfer students should contact the transfer coordinator for course equivalencies to satisfy liberal education requirements.

Approved Liberal Education Courses

Note: Cross-listed courses count for liberal education requirements only in the department of origin.