LivingStone International University Liberal Arts Programme
The Liberal Arts Programme is a 68-hour core of basic courses required of all students. It is not a diploma programme in and of itself but rather a foundation for study in the student's chosen field. The program reflects the University's vision statement of having ethical, empowered, employable Christians in every sector of African society. The complexity of today's world demands that students be conversant in areas beyond their own field of specialty, and a liberal arts foundation provides the tools for growth and adaptation in an ever-changing global society.
The mission of the Liberal Arts Programme is to:
- Supply students with basic knowledge in a variety of specific content areas;
- Develop foundational and functional skills for study, work, and living;
- Develop a Christian world view that brings a spiritual perspective to every academic discipline; and
- Nurture both a readiness for learning and an ethical consciousness that will sustain students for living in a world of complexity and change.
The Liberal Arts Programme course requirements are as follows. Descriptions of the individual courses can be found on the Liberal Arts Course Descriptions page.
Note: The Liberal Arts requirements are adjusted for some degrees. Please see the requirements of the specific diploma programmes for their specific requirements.
Inspiring Spiritual and Ethical Values
The required Bible and religion courses in the Liberal Arts Programme seek to inspire students to know, live and share God's Word and to understand, love and serve others in His world.
Required courses:
Acts
Christian Discipleship
Christian Home and Family
Life of Christ
LivingStone Leadership & Service
New Testament Letters
Old Testament Survey
Principles of Biblical Interpretation
Developing Communication and Critical Thinking
Skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking are essential in every academic field and are universally considered to be the hallmark of well-educated individuals. The five courses required in this area help students generate their own ideas, independently access and evaluate the ideas of others, and communicate effectively in writing and speech. These skills are further practiced and refined in the rest of the Liberal Arts Program and in major programme curricula.
Required courses:
Computer Literacy
Composition I
Composition II
Introduction to University Studies
Speech Communication
Understanding the Individual and His Environment
This component of the Liberal Arts curriculum addresses the need for students to understand individual human behavior, including strategies for physical and mental health, and the ways individuals relate to larger social and political systems. These courses will assist in the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will help students interact meaningfully with the world, both within and beyond their communal and national boundaries. Also included in this section is a practicum, requiring students to be actively involved in using the skills they are learning in their coursework.
Required courses:
Anthropology
General Psychology
International Relations
Physical Education Activity
Practicum
Wellness
Examining the Historical Perspective
The historical perspective engages students in the continuing drama of human society: the recurrence of the shared aspirations, concerns, and failures of human beings. The curriculum provides the perspective that enables students to identify with people of other times and places and, therefore, to appreciate the commonality of humanity.
Required courses:
African History
World History and Geography I
World History and Geography II
Understanding the Natural World
College-level study of mathematics and the natural sciences equips students for competence in a world that values problem-solving skills and calls for informed consideration of a wide range of issues involving science.
Required courses:
General Science
Statistics or College Algebra
Appreciating the Creative Spirit
Courses in this area investigate the way people throughout history have expressed their imagination and creativity. Students are encouraged to appreciate the timeless, shared human impulses toward emotions, values, and aspirations, both personal and civic. In addition, these courses in literature and the fine arts enrich students' cultural sense through acquaintance with various cultural masterpieces and principles of aesthetics.
Required courses:
Introduction to the Humanities
Survey of World Literature
