LIL 120 A

Official CD: The Introductory Arts and Humanities Seminar introduces students to questions about the place of the arts, humanities, and communication in a life well lived, in the university, and in the broader society. How do we make sense of the world through art and literature? How does familiarity with history help us place current events in a meaningful context? What concepts and terms do we use to arrive at our moral, ethical, aesthetic, and religious values? How might we communicate that meaning and those concerns to others in oral, written, and visual ways? Students participate in small group work, regular reading and writing, engaging discussions, and campus events. Over the term, they develop an academic ePortfolio, where they collect, select, and reflect on their learning. Throughout the class, students work closely with faculty and peers to critically examine the place of the liberal arts in higher education, relate their own goals to the curriculum, and become active participants in the School of Arts and Humanities.

Personal CD: This seminar was a journey of self-discovery, using the Arts and Humanities as a lens to explore what we need, want, and value in life. Guided by Stephen Greenblatt’s The Swerve, we examined how unexpected moments can shape history and inspire personal transformation. Through class discussions, readings, and creative projects like podcasts on our college journeys and major explorations, we connected academic learning to our own paths. We also developed ePortfolios to reflect on our growth and align our goals with the broader context of a life well-lived. Ultimately, this course helped us understand ourselves better and empowered us to take intentional steps toward a fulfilling future.