Courses in this area introduce you to the different ways disciplines (and broad branches of knowledge) ask questions and think about the world.
The Approaches to Knowledge requirement is divided into two areas: Area A and Area B. You are required to complete two courses in Area A and three courses in Area B, for a total of five courses.
These courses are intended to also count towards major requirements. Please check the current Catalog for approved courses in each Area.
NOTE: Students enrolled prior to AY 25-26 should refer to their Catalog year for GE Requirements.
I. AREA A: Life and Physical Science
You must take one Life Science course and one Physical Science course, for a total of two courses. A complete list of courses that satisfy this requirement can be found here.
Approaches to Knowledge: Life Science
Develop understanding of scientific principles that govern living systems and organisms and their interactions with the natural world.
Approaches to Knowledge: Physical Science
Develop understanding of scientific principles that govern non-living, physical systems and the methods used to characterize the natural world.
II. AREA B: Social Science, Literary and Textual Analysis, Media and Visual Analysis, Societies and Cultures of the Past
You must take one Approaches to Knowledge: Social Science course and two additional courses from two of the remaining categories, for a total of three courses. A complete list of courses and experiences that satisfy this requirement can be found here.
Complete the following requirement.
Approaches to Knowledge: Social Science
Learn about societies and the relationship of individuals within societies.
Complete two of the following three requirements.
Approaches to Knowledge: Literary and Textual Analysis
Learn how language creates meaning and ambiguity.
Approaches to Knowledge: Media and Visual Analysis
Explore how people create, shape, and express meaning through media images, sound, and performance.
Approaches to Knowledge: Societies and Cultures of the Past
Explore the interactions between various aspects of past societies.
