UIS Graduate and Undergraduate Catalog
Academic Year 2005 - 2006

LIBERAL STUDIES
Bachelor of Arts

Faculty: Jan Droegkamp, Rosina Neginsky, Annette VanDyke
*Associated Faculty: Peter Boltuc, Karen Kirkendall

*Faculty members from all UIS colleges participate in the liberal studies program as mentors and resource persons.

Contact: (217) 206-6962; toll free (800) 323-9243
lis@uis.edu; or www.uis.edu/liberalstudies

The liberal studies program structure emphasizes the integration of key learning categories with a variety of instructional methods to form a well-rounded and individualized academic experience. Through customized learning activities, the liberal studies program assists students to deepen their understandings of the values, meaning, concerns, choices, and commitments that are basic to the quality of life.

Liberal studies (LIS) learners design individualized degree plans consistent with the principles of a liberal education. There are many coursework alternatives that may be part of this plan -- self-assessment, independent study, multidisciplinary courses/studies, and credit for prior learning assessment. Although degree plans must be broad enough to meet the interdisciplinary goals of the program, students may choose a thematic focus for their programs. Examples are international studies, women's studies, African-American studies, or human resource development. In addition, students may have a minor such as philosophy, English, or history. Students should be aware that not all of the areas available to students taking classes on campus are available online.

Learners have a good chance for success in the liberal studies program if they are self-directed, able to plan ahead and meet deadlines, disciplined enough to organize individualized programs of study, and able to work independently setting and meeting goals.

Students can complete the curriculum in the classroom, entirely online via the Internet, or in combination. All learning formats offer individualized instruction, advising, and support. Liberal Studies Online enables learners to complete course work using the latest computer-assisted technology for increased access to educational resources, advisers, and materials. Students who choose to participate in Liberal Studies Online should be comfortable using networked information technologies, navigating the Internet, using e-mail, and learning from a distance.

Entrance Requirements
To apply for admission to the liberal studies program, students must have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours at the lower-division level, have a grade-point average of 2.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited college or university, and have completed three semester hours of English composition (as the minimum requirement for general admission to UIS). Students who have earned associate of arts or science degrees have met all these requirements. In addition, students may transfer up to 60 semester hours of lower-division credit from a community college, take courses from other regionally accredited colleges/universities, and qualify to earn credit through the credit for prior learning assessment process.

Liberal Studies Online Admission to the online program is limited. Students wishing to participate in the Liberal Studies Online program must successfully complete the online program application process. For details of this process, please contact the program. Deadlines are March 1 for summer and fall semesters and October 1 for the spring semester. Students are conditionally admitted to the LIS program until they successfully complete LIS 301 and the LIS program approves their degree plans.

Online students must have some experience using a personal computer and navigating the Internet. For students who encounter problems accessing the courseware, materials, or other course components, the UIS Office of Technology Enhanced Learning provides ongoing technical support. A complete description of program and technology requirements are available on the Liberal Studies Online website at http://www.uis.edu/liberalstudies/.

Students without access to a computer and who live in one of the participating Illinois community college districts can obtain information about accessing computers and technical support at their local community colleges though a statewide program called Illinois Virtual Campus (www.ivc.illinois.edu).

Program Requirements
Required 6 Hrs.
LIS 301 Self-Directed Learning 4 Hrs.
LIS 451 Senior Seminar 2 Hrs.
LIS electives 4 Hrs.
*LIS 380 Exploration of Learning Resources 2-8 Hrs.
LIS 342 Conducting Liberal Studies Research 2 Hrs.
*LIS 499 Independent Study: Tutorial 2-8 Hrs.
*LIS 471 Honors Thesis 2 Hrs.
* There are no classroom meetings for these courses. Students sign independent study contracts with faculty sponsors.

UIS Requirements 12 Hrs.

Campus Electives 38 Hrs.
In order to plan a balanced degree program (at least two courses in each area are recommended), students choose electives that address the following eight broad subject categories, also referred to as subject area courses:

Identity, the search for meaning
Work, the value of vocation
Nature, ecology of the planet
Institutions, the social web
Language, the crucial connection
Heritage, the living past
Art, the esthetic dimension
Tools, those skills and abilities critical to completing a customized learning program, as well as navigating life, career, etc.

Total 60 Hrs.

Communication Skills
All competencies necessary to attain the student's goals, including communication skills, are addressed in the degree plan. Assessment of written communication skills occurs when the student conducts a self-assessment in preparing the plan and the LIS 301 instructor assesses his/her written communication skills as documented by the plan. The student plans appropriate learning experiences to acquire any needed skills in consultation with the LIS 301 instructor. These learning experiences are included as part of the degree plan. Completion of the degree plan constitutes certification of communication skills as required by UIS.

Grading Policy
Campus policy allows students to choose a traditional grading scale or a credit/no credit option for each course. The liberal studies program conforms to this policy in all courses except LIS 301, LIS 451, LIS 342, LIS 380, and LIS 499, which are offered only on a credit/no credit basis.