Transcript The College of Liberal Arts - Metropolitan State University

The College of Liberal Arts
Metropolitan State University
"I imagine good teaching as a circle of earnest
people sitting down to ask each other meaningful
questions. I don’t see it as a handing down of
answers."
~Alice Walker in Meridian
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
What are the Liberal Arts?
writing,
speaking,
visual communication
technical communication
philosophy,
ethnic studies
history,
literature,
the social sciences
Why study the liberal arts?
Imagination. Knowledge. Critical Thinking.
The liberal arts are
interesting,
engaging
and even
exhilarating to study.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenziejean/5604789705
Consider the possiblities…
• courses in gender, ethnic and religious studies that offer insight into
human diversity and global culture in very real and important ways…
• courses and internships in communication, theatre, and screenwriting
which teach you how to share these ways of knowing in multiple forms
of visual and electronic media…
Explore new forms of knowledge…
• literature courses that bring new enjoyment from reading
• readings in philosophy and political science that expand your
understanding of political processes and social change
The liberal arts have also have
important practical applications…
“To me success means effectiveness in the
world, that I am able to carry my ideas and
values into the world—that I am able to change
it in positive ways.”
---Maxine Hong Kingston
In almost anything we do, we must be able to:
 Read and think critically
 Solve problems
 Be innovative
 Communicate effectively to a range of audiences
The liberal arts develop an educated citizenry.
Liberal Arts majors develop educated citizens and discerning
consumers who know how to:
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Think analytically
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Make objective comparisons
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See through “spin” and hype in order to make thoughtful
and informed decisions.
The liberal arts are about lifelong learning.
With a strong liberal arts background, we can teach our families
and children about:
 The importance of lifelong learning,
 The value of moral action and ethical behavior, and
 How to treat our planet and its inhabitants with respect.
Where do employers stand
on the value of a liberal arts education?
Employers value the skills of liberal arts majors.
Graduates with a liberal arts
background know how to apply,
develop, and refine their skills
in a range of workplace
settings.
Liberal arts majors know how to…
 Organize and manage major projects,
 Handle complexity and ambiguity,
 Work well with people from diverse
backgrounds,
 Communicate effectively through
speaking, writing and a range of visual
and electronic media.
So, which liberal arts major is right for you?
The College of Liberal Arts offers majors in
various areas of study, including:
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Communication, Writing and the Arts
The Humanities
Social Science
Secondary Education Teaching
Self-designed Liberal Arts Major
Communication, Writing and the Arts Majors
 Creative Writing
 Professional Communication
(Public Relations or Organizational Communication)
 Screenwriting
 Studio Arts
 Technical Communication and Professional Writing
 Theater
Humanities Majors
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English
Ethnic Studies
Gender Studies
History
Philosophy
The Social Science Major: Five Tracks
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Generalist
Anthropology
Global Studies
Political Science
Sociology
Secondary Education Teaching majors
 English Teaching
 Social Studies Teaching
*To earn MN teacher licensure in grades 5-12 in these
areas, students complete a College of Liberal Arts
teaching major as well as coursework and licensure
requirements through the university’s School of Urban
Education.
Or you can design your own liberal arts major.
 The Liberal Arts Major
The Liberal Arts Major is a studentdesigned major integrating various
liberal arts disciplines around a central
plan or idea that reflects your unique
interests.
Collee of Liberal Arts Major Declaration eForm
This eForm can be accessed:
 www.metrostate.edu
 Student Services/ Academic
Advising/Declare Your Program
 College of Liberal Arts eForm
http://www.metrostate.edu/student/student-services-support/student-services/academic-advising/declare-your-program
Minors in the College of Arts and Sciences
A minor is a secondary area of structured study with fewer credits
than a major and offers you a chance to build expertise in areas that
can supplement your major.
Minors are also a great way to explore a diverse range of interests.
College of Liberal Arts minors are usually 19-20 credits, and many of
the course requirements also meet general education requirements
required for graduation.
Minors in Communication, Writing and the Arts
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Creative Writing
Design for User Experience
Digital Media
Environmental Communication
Experimental Intermedia Arts
Media Literacy
More Communication, Writing and the Arts minors
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Organizational Communication
Public Relations
Research and Information Studies
Screenwriting
Studio arts
Technical Communication
Theater
Minors in the Humanities
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English
Ethnic Studies
Gender Studies
History
Humanities
Practical Ethics
Religious Studies
Minors in the Social Sciences
 Anthropology
 Political Science
 Sociology
Mapping out a plan for earning your degree.
There are a lot decisions to
make when it comes to
navigating your education.
Sails, Arthur Dove, 1911
So where do you go for guidance?
Consult an Academic Advisor…
What Advisors do in the College of Liberal Arts…
Academic advisors in the College of Liberal Arts
assist you with all aspects of educational planning.
We help you to:
 Develop a plan for completing your degree,
 Register for courses that are right for you, and
 Identify university resources that support your academic efforts.
Academic Advising is not just about information.
Advisors in the College of Liberal Arts are committed to practices
that support your academic success.
Advisors and students work together in a relationship
where respect and accountability go hand in hand.
It’s a partnership.
College of Liberal Arts Advisors
Contact us!
Cody Chamberlain 651-793-1602
Michael Earhart 651-999-5828
Katie Kraemer 651-793-1455
Barbara Schulman 651-793-1420
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Or call the CLA advising line at 651-793-1457 for referral to an advisor.
Tips for a Successful First Semester
Seven Strategies for Success
Here is what we consider to be the most important things to think about
as you move into your first semester at the university…
#1. Take a look at how your credits transferred in.
Does your Degree Audit Report (DARS) make sense to you?
 Do you have questions about how your credits transferred in?
Can you tell which courses you need to move forward?
 Do you have general education requirements left?
 How do you know which courses meet those requirements?
Not sure? Consult an academic advisor!
#2. Choose courses that are right for you.
Consider your academic preparation for every course you choose!
 Don’t let the computer decide for you: have you met all prerequisites?
 Are you taking courses in the correct sequence?
Look for this information in Student E-services.
Consult an academic advisor!
#3. Plan to carry an appropriate course load.
It will be important for you to find balance between school and other
aspects of your life, such as work, family and community obligations.
You will need time to study, complete assignments, engage with faculty,
interact with fellow students, and utilize university resources that can
support your academic efforts.
How many credits will be right for you?
#4. Schedule time for study outside of class.
University Recommendations
• For a 3-credit course:
Set aside a minimum of 9 hours for study each week.
• For a 4-credit course:
Set aside a minimum of 12 hours for study each week.
#5. Always attend the First Class!
Read the syllabus for each course.
When
are major projects due?
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Evaluate your potential workload for
the semester.
This is the time to decide if the
course is right for you
#6. Know the deadline for dropping a course
You must drop a course by the specified deadline in order to:
1) receive a full tuition refund and
2) avoid any penalty to your academic record.
Deadlines for dropping courses are listed
under each course in Student E-Services.
#7. If you make registration changes…
Consult Gateway Services to find out how registration changes impact
your financial aid (651-793-1300).
Consult an academic advisor to find out how registration changes impact
your ability to have a successful first semester.
The Last Word: Habits of Effective Students
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Learn how things work at the university.
Get to know your advisors and professors.
Ask questions and get help when you need it.
Identify university resources that can support you.
Get to know your classmates.
Explore the curriculum and enjoy a wide range of interests.
Start right now to explore the liberal arts and your life’s work.
“We shall not cease from
exploration, and the end of
all our exploring will be to
arrive where we started
and know the place for the
first time.”
---T. S. Elliot
Rooms by the Sea, Edward Hopper, 1951
Thank you!
Insert your thank you message for choosing X
major, program, department, college
Redirect the student to return to and complete
the Online New Student Orientation