Brenau University and its faculty are dedicated to the goal of providing students with a thorough background in the liberal arts, as well as academic and professional skills which will help them become enlightened and productive members of society. To that end, the faculty have developed a liberal education curriculum divided into four learning portals: World Understanding, Scientific and Analytic Curiosity, Artistic and Creative Imagination, and Communication and Language Fluency. Specific expected learning 0utcomes are defined under each of the four portals and are outlined below.
World Understanding Portal (9 hours)
By developing historical, global, and civic perspectives grounded in respect for the individual and in the principles and practice of social equity, students will gain an understanding of the world community and the importance of service to society.
Historical Perspective (3 hours)
- Demonstrate knowledge of major events and movements in history and use this knowledge to generate a more sophisticated understanding of current events.
Global and Civic Perspective (3 hours)
- Demonstrate a global and civic perspective by applying ethical and social justice principles in decision making.
World Understanding Portal Elective (3 hours)
Students can choose an additional Historical Perspective - or - Global and Civic Perspective course as the portal elective.
Scientific and Analytic Curiosity Portal (13-15 hours)
By developing quantitative reasoning skills, competency in scientific disciplines, and critical thinking skills, students will be able to solve problems effectively and apply their knowledge and skills to relevant civic and personal decisions.
Mathematics (3 hours)
- Demonstrate quantitative reasoning through numeric, symbolic, or geometric means.
Science (7-8 hours)
Students will take one 4-hour lab science and a second science of 3-4 hours.
- Demonstrate competency in a specific science curriculum and appraise the impact of that science in one’s life
Reasoning (3-4 hours)
- Be able to think critically and solve problems effectively
Artistic and Creative Imagination Portal (9 hours)
By gaining and understanding of the fine arts or literature and by focusing on the value of creating a lifetime of fitness and healthy habits, students will develop an appreciation for artistic expression, deepen their self-awareness, and expand their imaginative powers.
Fine Arts or Literature (3 hours)
- Understand artistic concepts and traditions through the experience of artistic endeavors.
- Read and understand literature in its historical context.
Lifetime Fitness (3 hours)
Appreciate one’s health status and implement a plan for health and fitness.
Artistic and Creative Imagination Portal Elective (3 hours)
Students will take an additional Fine Arts or Literature or choose a Spirituality or Self Awareness (please see description below) course as the portal elective. Lifetime Fitness courses may not be applied toward the portal elective requirement.
Spirituality or Self-Awareness
Recognize spiritual traditions around the world or improve personal and social awareness.
Communication and Language Fluency Portal (12-15 hours)
By developing writing and speaking skills in English and by being introduced to another modern language, students will be prepared to be effective communicators and to lead lives of personal and professional fulfillment.
Writing (6 hours)
- Compose effective and logical written communication.
Speaking (3 hours)
- Demonstrate effective oral communication.
Modern Language (0-3 hours)
- Communicate in a non-native language. Students must have competency through the 102/115 level. Students may take through 102/115 or may attempt a placement exemption through the BYU FLATS test
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Communication and Language Fluency Portal Elective (3 hours)
Choose any course within the portal not all already applied. Students may choose a writing, speaking, or modern language course, or a course from Interpersonal Dynamics or Information and Technology Literacy. (please see descriptions below.)
Interpersonal Dynamics
- Engage in the transfer of understanding between people.
Information and Technology Literacy
- Demonstrate knowledge of information technology.
NOTE: IC (interdisciplinary course) courses can be applied as portal electives in any portal.
An course can count in one portal only. A student may take a 2nd IC course to count in a second portal, etc.
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