Rapid technological advancements such as the emergence of AI, entrenched environmental challenges and social injustice present today’s graduates with complex questions that will demand creative solutions. The liberal arts at the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) | Maxwell School have always equipped students with the critical and creative thinking skills needed throughout their lifetimes. Today, thanks to an important revision of the foundational Liberal Arts Core (LAC), the two schools will be offering a reimagined, robust and contemporary curriculum that will prepare students for adaptability and success in a constantly evolving world. The new LAC is slated to be implemented in the Fall 2025 semester.

The LAC is a set of requirements that all A&S | Maxwell undergraduates, and students dually enrolled in A&S and the Newhouse School of Public Communications or School of Education, need to fulfill for graduation. It guides students through a range of courses across the liberal arts. To better reflect our interconnected world, the new LAC requirements shift from traditional disciplinary perspectives to a more thematic approach. Additionally, students are now required to complete a course that includes a research or experiential learning component. Together, these changes will allow students to take liberal arts courses that establish a foundation relevant to their personal and professional lives.

Courses contributing to the Core will come from the following areas:

• Global and International Perspectives
• Languages
• Arts, Literatures and Cultures
• Politics, Historical Perspectives and Society
• Natural Sciences and the Physical Environment (one must include a lab component)
• Mind, Cognition, Ethics and Thought
• Quantitative Reasoning, Data and Numerical Literacy
• Research and Experiential Learning

The reimagination of the LAC began in 2020 after leaders in A&S | Maxwell took a broad evaluation of instruction and curricula. The effort was spearheaded by Karin Ruhlandt, Dean Emerita of A&S, Lois Agnew, Syracuse University Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost, and Carol Faulkner, Maxwell Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. At the time, Agnew was A&S Associate Dean of Curriculum, Innovation and Pedagogy. Their team determined that an update to the LAC would be appropriate, considering new approaches and developments across academic disciplines and in the larger social, cultural and economic environments.

A committee with representatives from the humanities, sciences, mathematics and social sciences evaluated the liberal arts core and recommended changes. Students and alumni also contributed to the LAC update, offering valuable input on what liberal arts students need to succeed today.

A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi recognizes the dedication and forward-thinking leadership of all involved who played a crucial role in improving the curricular experience for students.

“I want to express my gratitude to Karin, Lois, Carol, and the many faculty, alumni and students who shared their valuable ideas, feedback and expertise for this initiative,” says Mortazavi. “As we confront complex issues like climate change and human health and well-being, it’s crucial for students to be ready to face both current and emerging challenges. That’s why our liberal arts curriculum, which fosters engaged global citizenship, is so important.”

Additional details about the reimagined Liberal Arts Core will be forthcoming.