Liberal Studies

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B.A. Degree Requirements

NOTE: Beginning in the 2004-2005 catalog year, the Liberal Studies major has new requirements. The University of Montana catalog is the definitive authority on graduation requirements. Please refer to your governing UM catalog when planning your course of study.


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Liberal Studies majors must fulfill the following requirements for the traditional Liberal Studies B.A.:

  1. University of Montana general education requirements according to your governing UM catalog
  2. Liberal Studies Core (Lower Division) Requirements
  3. Liberal Studies Upper Division Requirements

Students may choose to earn a Liberal Studies B.A. with an option in either Asian Studies or Women's Studies. These option programs have additional requirements.


Liberal Studies Core Requirements
Requirements for All Liberal Studies Majors
Courses numbered 100 - 299
32 credits

Foreign Language

  • Foreign Language, 18-20 credits (two years of a single foreign language)

Humanities

  • Introduction to Humanities (LS 151 and LS 152), 6-8 credits
  • Prerequisite or corequisite: ENEX 101 or equivalent

Literary Studies

  • European Literature (including British), 3 credits
  • American Literature, 3 credits

Historical Studies

  • European History (including British), 3 credits
  • American History, 3 credits

Native American Studies or African American Studies, 3 credits

  • Includes cross-listed and cognate courses in ANTH, GEOG, SOC

Asian Studies, 3 credits

  • Includes cross-listed courses in ANTH, GEOG, SOC

Philosophy or Political Science, 3 credits

Religious Studies, 3 credits

 


Liberal Studies Upper Division Requirements
Traditional Option
Courses numbered 300 and above
27 credits

(Traditional program only. See below for Asian Studies or Women's Studies option requirements.)

In addition to LS core requirements, students complete requirements the following categories. (Note: Some courses in African American Studies, Asian Studies, Native American Studies and Women's Studies may count toward one of the following categories. Check with your advisor before registering.

European or American Literature, 3 credits

History or Political Theory, 3 credits

Art History or Film History or Music History, 6 credits

Philosophy or Religious Studies, 3 credits

Asian, Native American or African American Studies, 3 credits

Liberal Studies, 3 credits

Women's or Gender Studies, 3 credits

Liberal Studies Capstone Seminar, 3 credits

 

 

* The University of Montana requires 39 upper division credits for graduation. Liberal Studies majors must complete 27 credits in the upper division categories above, and 12 additional upper division credits as electives in any subject. The University of Montana requires 120 total credits for graduation. Beyond the Liberal Studies requirements and UM general education requirements, the remaining credits may be upper or lower division in any subject.

 

Requirements for Liberal Studies B.A.
-Asian Studies Option-

Note: Students who choose the Asian Studies option must register with the Asian Studies faculty advisor, who will supervise their program.

  • Completion of Liberal Studies core requirements
  • 6 credits in introductory Asian Studies courses (100-level courses or study abroad in Asia courses) including either AS 101H or AS 102.
  • 12 credits in foundational Asian Studies courses (200-level courses) including AS 201H and 202H. See Asian Studies "courses" page for offerings.
  • At least 30 credits in upper-level courses (courses numbered 300-level and above), of which at least 6 credits must be in the humanities and 6 in the social sciences.
  • Language requirement: Two years (or equivalent proficiency) of an Asian language appropriate to the student's academic goals and approved by the academic advisor.
  • Students who plan to pursue graduate work are strongly advised to complete three years of an Asian language, including at least one study abroad in Asia experience.

Requirements for Liberal Studies B.A.
-Women's Studies Option-

Note: Students who choose the Women's Studies option must register with the Women's Studies faculty advisor, who will supervise their program.

  • Completion of Liberal Studies core requirements
  • Completion of LS 119, Philosophical Perspectives on Women in the Western Hemisphere
  • Minimum of 21credits of course work in relevant, advisor-approved upper-level courses (courses numbered 300 and above.
  • At least 12 of the 21 credits must come from Group I Focus Courses
  • Up to 9 of the 21 credits may come from Group II Content Courses

The list of Group I and Group II courses are available at the Women's Studies website or at the Women's Studies office in the Liberal Arts building, room 138, (406) 243-2584.

Reminder: Although the Women's Studies option requires 21 upper division credits to fulfill the Liberal Studies B.A. requirements, the University requires 39 upper division credits to graduate. Please plan accordingly.