Flexible and Future-Proofed
With change the only constant in life, A&S looks beyond the horizon for ways to keep its liberal arts experience contemporary and valuable for a student’s lifetime. Here are some of the signature innovations now underway.
INNOVATION 1: Working the Core
Just as any good fitness routine should start with flexibility and a workout for your core, future-proofing also begins with a flexible, strong core—the liberal arts core (LAC).
This periodically refreshed, foundational guide to course requirements ensures that students experience a range of programs in the humanities, sciences, social sciences and mathematics. It is also used by Syracuse University’s other schools and colleges as a resource for their own curricular requirements.
In 2022–23, A&S is updating the LAC to reflect new teaching approaches, developments in disciplines and changes to the larger social, cultural and economic environments, such as students’ desire to take on climate change, injustice, disease and more. Major revisions, deliberately infrequent to assure a consistent academic experience year to year, are an exciting opportunity to identify emerging areas of scholarly and professional interest.
A committee with representatives from across A&S, including students, is making recommendations. Alumni have also shared their insight. During more than 25 virtual roundtables, they noted that communication, analytical and problem-solving skills; experiential learning and entrepreneurial thinking; and flexibility and breadth in academic programs all contribute to preparing students for success in the workplace.
The revised LAC will also feature:
- continued emphasis on acquiring a global perspective, including strong encouragement to study world languages;
- increased attention to data analysis and other quantitative methods;
- a structure based on cross-disciplinary areas of inquiry; and,
- expanded writing requirements.
Once reviewed and approved by the committee, the LAC will be in place for the Fall 2023 first-year cohort.
“With the updated core, students will continue to be assured of a top-tier, contemporary liberal arts education— one that reflects our world today and fosters the academic inquiry and ethical compass that are hallmarks of the A&S experience,” says Interim Dean Lois Agnew.
INNOVATION 2: Cross-Pollinating Courses
Learning in silos is so 1990. The 21st century is all about connecting across boundaries and so are many courses. New interdisciplinary classes explore different aspects of important contemporary questions.
“Part of the value of a liberal arts education is the ability to contribute to larger conversations through collaboration, interaction and appreciation of others’ contributions,” says Interim Dean Agnew.
Muslims in Movies, Music and Media looks at how social media platforms explore questions of identity for young Muslims as they navigate faith, generational differences, activism and even fashion; how the internet and social media have shaped Muslim communities; and ways in which media has been key to Islam’s global reach in transnational social and political movements.
Religion, Science and Society tackles “the most powerful forces in society” by examining contemporary ideas, such as climate change, stem cell research, public health protocols and even vaccines. At the same time, it challenges students’ existing assumptions, while they gain a greater understanding of the sociological consequences of science and religion on modern society.
Understanding Challenges to Democratic Citizenship: Lessons from Italian Politics, Cinema and Novels analyzes influential Italian films and novels that struggle to make sense of key social events in different but complementary ways. It also closely examines the role of religion in politics, the rise of fascism, the Mafia and the state, the Cold War and power, immigration and its backlash, and populism.
Madeline Pietrowski gives a talk about her work, “Reverse Fashion Show,” during the Spring 2022 Bio-Art exhibit.
Bio-Art, offered in conjunction with the College of Visual and Performing Arts, brings art, science and math students together to create striking art, rooted in science, that tells a personal story. This collaborative class promotes a sharing of skill sets. Scientists learn art theory, artists learn scientific methods, and all gain advantages for their future careers.
INNOVATION 3: Fusing Career and Academic Advising
The Winston Fisher Immersion brings students to New York City for a week to learn about career options in business.
To paraphrase, decisions abhor a vacuum. That is why A&S students are guided through important academic and career decisions by the Office of Undergraduate Academic and Career Advising. With their holistic view of a student’s interests and abilities, advisors work to help make students aware of courses and experiences that can help them reach their goals.
One signature A&S experience is the popular alumni-student mentoring program, which pairs a student with an alum who works in a particular field of interest. This program can sometimes lead to internships or even job offers.
Opportunity knocks unexpectedly, so advisors are readily available to students through a two-way text- messaging system. More than 10,000 student queries via text have come in since September 2020, from basics like registration deadlines to more complex inquiries on how to find an internship. The advising office at A&S | Maxwell was the first at the University to adopt this text-based technology, which has since begun to catch on at other colleges and schools on campus.
Additionally, the recently introduced Edge program is a certification that encourages students to turn experiential learning into career or graduate school readiness. By fulfilling at least two experiences—including research, internships, study abroad and community engagement—students will gain a certificate of completion and earn a digital LinkedIn badge, a special resume-enhancing credential.
In this globalized world, it’s crucial that all students forge cross-national connections. Ling LeBeau, associate director of international student success—this position is another first at the University—is now in place in the advising office to help international students feel more at home and maximize their time at A&S | Maxwell.
With these and other innovations enhancing their studies, A&S | Maxwell students graduate future-proofed and flexible for whatever comes next.
