Liberal Arts Distribution Requirements (LADR)

Courses with a Liberal Arts Distribution Requirement (LADRs) designation at Principia College provide for breadth of knowledge and skills across disciplines in the liberal arts and physical education.

These courses meet the CWSLOs through the criteria listed below. Each LADR course (with a GEA, GEH, etc. attribute) must address all the criteria listed below for that field of study. At least one LADR in each category must be taken at Principia College after Fall 2011.

Arts [GEA course attribute]

The study of arts develops the ability to recognize and experience the inspiration, vision, and creative process of the artist. Students completing an arts general education course will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Articulate their experiences with the arts intelligently.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical context of the art studied.
  3. Describe the roles of artists in society and how their particular art is expressed.
  4. Use discipline-specific language to describe the arts studied.

Humanities [GEH course attribute]

The study of humanities has had a traditional and ongoing role in wrestling with the evolving cultural canon. Courses in the humanities explore narratives, struggle with ideas, and are at home with difficult questions. Through the investigation of the values, knowledge, and experience of our humanity – articulated in history, languages, literature, philosophy, and religion – students completing a humanities general education course will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Analyze texts in the humanities.
  2. Raise and respond to significant questions.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse perspectives.

Math and Natural Sciences [GESL, GESN course attributes]

The study of natural sciences and mathematics helps to develop scientific literacy, defined by the National Academy of Sciences as "...the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity."1 It also cultivates understanding of and care for the environment; it motivates ethical decisions, and integrates critical and scientific thinking into every educational experience.

Students completing a natural sciences general education lab (GESL) requirement will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrate scientific literacy1
  2. Demonstrate competence in the scientific method

Students completing a natural sciences general education non-lab (GESN) requirement will be able to meet the following goal:

  1. Demonstrate scientific literacy1
1

As defined by: National Academy of Sciences (1996). National Science Education Standards (Report). National Academy Press. Wash. D.C. p. 262. 

Social Sciences [GESS course attribute]

The social sciences examine human behavior, including customs, institutions, and values, in order to understand and address social, educational, political, and economic problems. Students completing a social science general education course will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Generate questions and hypotheses about causes of human behavior.
  2. Evaluate forces, needs, and/or beliefs influencing human behavior.
  3. Describe social science methods used to study human behavior.
  4. Recognize patterns within a set of observations/data about human behavior.
  5. Articulate theories of human behavior.

Bible [GEB course attribute]

To fulfill the Bible requirement, students will develop an understanding of biblical literature, including an overview of the varieties of literature in the Bible and their particular historical contexts. Students completing a Bible general education course will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Articulate the theological and ethical messages of biblical texts.
  2. Analyze biblical texts in their literary and historical contexts.
  3. Apply biblical texts to contemporary faith and life.
  4. Use biblical research tools.

Mathematics [GEM course attribute]

The ability to reason quantitatively in a "data-informed" society is essential. Students completing the general education requirements for both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Apply proportional reasoning to solve problems.
  2. Draw inferences from data and spatial information.
  3. Reason confidently, accurately, and effectively with numbers and formulas.

In lieu of taking a GEM course at Principia, students may satisfy the GEM requirement in one of the following ways:

  • A score of 3 or greater on AB or BC Calculus Advanced Placement Examination.
  • A score of 4 or greater on International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination in Mathematics (higher level).
  • Transfer credit from an accredited institution in a mathematics course that meets or exceeds the GEM goals.

Physical Education [GEPE course attribute]

The physical education program provides students a broad range of physical activities that encourage spiritual growth and character development; these activities help students maintain a balance of intellectual pursuits and physical endeavors. Any student completing the physical education general requirement will be able to meet the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrate dominion over the mental and physical limitations associated with physical activity.
  2. Perform proper movement and refined motor skills.
  3. Practice the qualities of character associated with physical activity and achievement of a goal.