A Liberal Arts Foundation

What exactly is a liberal arts foundation, and why should it matter? If an education is based in the liberal arts, it emphasizes not only what subjects you study but how you go about learning. You will take classes that span different disciplines — science, art, literature, philosophy and mathematics. You will also discover a whole new philosophy of learning: one that encourages the continuous process of education and self-knowledge; one that emphasizes extracurricular and experiential education in addition to learning in the classroom. This liberal arts education will help you become more well-rounded, and it will give you an opportunity to explore different subject areas before you decide to focus on one or two and to recognize the relationships between and among them. The core curriculum We drew upon the idea of a liberal arts foundation when we developed the core curriculum, a set of courses designed to help students develop the skills and competencies they will use throughout their lives. These courses stress collaborative and scientific learning, historical perspectives and multicultural points of view. Every Marymount Manhattan student takes the core courses and is expected to make progress toward achievement of the following learning goals: Communicate effectively as a reader, a speaker, a writer; Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills; Research, analyze, and synthesize information; Apply quantitative reasoning skills. The shared curriculum The core curriculum is the foundation of all MMC degrees. The shared curriculum, a series of courses that require students to address a wide range of disciplines. Students take classes in science, mathematics, history, economics, sociology, business, literature and the arts. Through the shared curriculum, students make progress toward achievement of the following goals: Exhibit social, political and global awareness; Express themselves creatively; Explain the interconnectedness between human nature and values, the physical world, society and the histories and structures of particular civilizations, the literary arts, and the fine and performing arts; Apply his/her knowledge to community issues and actions; Articulate the value of diversity as a responsible member of the world and community.