The Liberal Arts Core Curriculum

The foundation of a Loyola education is a broad core program that covers basic knowledge and concepts in the humanities, math, science and the social sciences. The purpose is to balance comprehensive education and specialized study in the major and to challenge students to develop their interests, intellects, outlooks, beliefs and values. The liberal arts core helps students to explore different fields while settling on their choices of majors. For those already considering a major, the core provides needed perspective while they confirm their decisions. Also, the core encourages students to think and to solve problems in a variety of ways and to examine critically a cross-section of ideas.

These are the subjects required of all undergraduate students to earn a degree from Loyola College:

Composition

One semester. Effective expression through logic, organization and development of detail.

Diversity

One semester. One global awareness, justice awareness or domestic awareness course.

Ethics

One semester. Social ethics, business ethics, bioethics, Christian ethics and other topics.

Fine Arts

One semester. Any choice in studio arts, photography, art history, music or theater.

History

Two semesters. One course on cultural, political and economic trends in modern civilization and one elective.

Language

Two to four semesters, depending on level of proficiency. Courses in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin or Spanish.

Literature

Two semesters. Introductory course in understanding literature and one elective.

Mathematics/Science

Three semesters. One math, one natural science and one additional course in math, natural science or computer science.

Philosophy

Two semesters. Introduction to the historical philosophers and their methods of questioning.

Social Science

Two semesters. Any choice in economics, political science, psychology or sociology.

Theology

Two semesters. An opportunity to reflect on religious questions and to learn about the Judeo-Christian tradition and other world religions.