Goals

What our graduates say:

David E. Phillips, '71

My career has been varied and enjoyable - U.S. Marine Band musician, assistant to the chair of a large university music department, department director at the Baltimore Symphony, and now Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Lockheed Martin and Chair of the Maryland State Arts Council. I couldn't have done it without the skills and values that Integrative Studies teaches. Integrative Studies provides people with tools for problem-solving, especially by giving us better 'total picture' perspectives on our society and its opportunities.

The group of common goals that the faculty endorse and work toward is the "glue" that binds the program together and the force that gives it direction and purpose. We print these goals in the college catalog and in every I.S. course syllabus, and each syllabus boldfaces one or two that the course will emphasize.

The Integrative Studies Program endeavors to help students:

- Understand human nature and the many facets of our being more fully.

- Think critically and creatively.

- Communicate their thoughts accurately and effectively in writing and speaking.

- Develop competencies in a broad range of disciplines in the liberal arts and sciences.

- Make integrative connections across disciplines, helping to engage complex problems with interdisciplinary knowledge.

- Identify their beliefs and extend their knowledge of ethical and spiritual issues to create a broader understanding and tolerance.

- Know how to access and evaluate information, resources, and technology and apply them in the appropriate context.