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Academics: Liberal Arts Division
Welcome
The Liberal Arts Division consists of three departments Humanities, Communications, Human Development and Social Sciences.
The Humanities include the academic disciplines of
- Art.
- English. Find a career as a teacher or editor.
- Foreign language. Study of language other than one’s own opens the mind to new ways of thinking. Go on to become a foreign service officer or interpreter.
- Music. Courses in literature, music and theatre compliment studies in anthropology, history, philosophy, religion, etc.
- Philosophy.
- Oral Communication. You will learn to make effective speeches and presentations.
- American Sign Language.
- Theatre.
Communications include the academic disciplines of
- Composition. Nothing enhances the expression of knowledge better than engaging, clear and accurate language. Strong emphasis is placed on clear and effective writing and communication skills.
- Reading.
The study of human behavior and society leads students to investigate their own identities and to gain insight into social categories and relations. Social Science includes the academic disciplines of
- College Studies. Learn to think critically.
- Student Success.
- Education.
- History.
- Political Science. Find a career as a policy analyst or attorney.
- Psychology.
- Sociology. Go on to become a market researcher or jury consultant.
- Geography.
- Anthropology. Find a career as an archeologist or museum curator.
Liberal Arts Education
A Liberal Arts education provides an individual with a broad, well-rounded education and prepares us to live productive and creative lives. It is an education that fosters a disposition toward lifelong learning and prizes curiosity, seeking to expand the boundaries of human knowledge. Liberal education requires that we understand the foundations of knowledge and inquiry about nature, culture and society; skills of perception, analysis and expression; recognize the importance of historical and cultural context; and explore connections among formal learning, citizenship and service to our communities.
With a Liberal Arts education you will study a broad range of topics, build a sophisticated vocabulary, and develop intellectual skills such as reasoning and judgment. The Liberal Arts student will:
- expand his/her social, cultural and scientific horizons.
- be provided a broad foundation of knowledge that serves throughout his/her lifetime.
- learn a strong set of analytical and communications skills to support his/her career.
- be inspired to continue learning because of his/her increased intellectual curiosity.
- be prepared for graduate and/or professional training.
The result of this fine education is a better understanding of the world, improved verbal and written skills, a greater appreciation of diverse views, exposure to interdisciplinary problem solving, a better understanding of public service, and improved technological literacy.
Origin of Liberal Arts
The original seven Liberal Arts consisted of deductive reasoning comprised of grammar, logic and rhetoric, and of quantitative reasoning encompassing geometry, astronomy and music. The actual phrase, Liberal Arts, comes from the Latin expression optimae artes, or best arts. The term first appeared in the writings of the Roman jurist, Cicero, who argued the study of mathematics, nature and the humanities were critical to intellectual curiosity, sound reasoning, personal fulfillment and responsible citizenship.
Careers
On average, most people change careers a minimum of six times. Therefore, today’s students are better served by pursuing a general education that prepares them to meet the endless challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The Liberal Arts graduate will benefit society by:
- providing broadly educated citizens with fresh perspectives and creative solutions to problems;
- redoubling a commitment to the enrichment of life through literature, language and the arts;
- increasing scientific literacy; and
- promoting the highest ethical standards.
Telephone: |
856-415-2139 |
Fax: |
856-468-2018 |
E-mail: |
liberal-arts@gccnj.edu |