College of Arts and Sciences

Dean Monty Kent Neely

The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to the traditional academic pursuits of instruction, scholarship, and public service as a means of realizing, in close cooperation with other units, the mission and goals of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Consistent with the mission of the University, the College assigns first priority to excellence in undergraduate education. To this end, the College fosters the development of the following characteristics and capabilities of its graduates:

Communication: Organize and express ideas clearly and appropriately; master standard use of written and oral communication; appreciate alternative forms of expression, including art, dance, music and literature; distinguish between the medium and the message; listen, observe, interpret, and understand others.

Critical Thinking: Employ independent, objective, and rigorous reasoning; identify and integrate the elements of a task or problem; seek, organize, assimilate, synthesize, and use information; maintain a healthy skepticism; recognize the value of creativity, the limits of reason and the legitimacy of intuition.

Problem Framing and Solving: Appreciate the complexity of problems; go beyond conventional assumptions; understand parts of systems as well as the whole; recognize patterns and generalize; search and test solutions using analytical and intuitive skills; evaluate and monitor outcomes; work effectively and creatively in diverse groups.

Knowledge: Master basic facts, concepts, and literature of the arts and sciences; acquire knowledge of diverse ethical traditions and contemporary issues; develop competence in the use of technology, instrumentation, and research methods; develop expertise in a major; understand the evolution and trends of that major; acquire knowledge of career opportunities.

Integration and Application of Knowledge: Recognize and value the interconnectedness of knowledge; learn creatively from practice and experience; apply knowledge in innovative ways; appreciate, use, and promote multidisciplinary and culturally diverse perspectives; foster connections wherein knowledge serves as a bridge to new levels of understanding and insight.

Self Development: Assess personal strengths, weaknesses, and potential; develop individual goals and persevere to achieve them; build self confidence and motivation; identify and respect diverse backgrounds and viewpoints; deal effectively with change; recognize and tolerate ambiguity; develop a well-considered personal ethic that includes responsibility for actions; assume responsibility for decisions and their results.

Citizenship: Participate in the local, national, and global community; be sensitive to the welfare of others; appreciate democratic values; acquire a sense of personal and collective responsibility for the social and natural environment.

Life-Long Learning: Maintain a sense of curiosity; appreciate and master the process of learning; recognize that learning is a means of fulfillment and success in one's personal and professional life.

The College of Arts and Sciences includes the departments of Anthropology, Art and Design, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English Language and Literature, Foreign Languages and Literature, Geography, Historical Studies, Mass Communications, Mathematics and Statistics, Music, Philosophical Studies, Physics, Political Science, Public Administration and Policy Analysis, Science, Social Work, Sociology, Speech Communication, and Theater and Dance.

The College also offers degrees in Economics and Liberal Studies. Each department provides one or more programs of specialization, which are described in detail in the following pages. Undergraduate programs are designed to provide a strong basic foundation in the chosen field and to serve as a preparation for many different careers and professional activities, as well as for graduate study. Departments within the College offer a variety of Master's degree programs. The College is responsible for a significant majority of the General Education program; undergraduate courses in the College provide a general liberal arts education appropriate to all University students. The faculty of the College are active in basic and applied research and in professional service to the University and to the community.