Module 01 – Introduction to the Liberal Arts

 

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In this unit you will:

  • Be introduced to what it means to be a member of the College of Liberal Arts community.
  • Understand how Liberal Arts majors fit with your goals and interests.
  • Begin to plan what you would like to have accomplished by the time you graduate.

A Welcome from Dean Musick. Understand Planful Competence.

What does it mean to be a Student in the College of Liberal Arts?

CoLA is one of the largest and most intellectually diverse colleges at UT Austin and employs nearly 1,000 faculty and staff! As a student, you have access to a variety of course and major options, programs and support systems, providing you with multiple opportunities to shape your experience here at the university and in your future career. Your academic journey is at the core of your experience as a student, and CoLA is one of the best places to explore.

Dean Musick on the Liberal Arts Legacy

Having a background in the liberal arts is beneficial because you can apply the diverse skill set you gain in college to nearly any career. A liberal arts degree provides opportunities for you to think critically, develop writing skills, gain exposure to new ideas, work autonomously and as a member of a team, all of which are valuable to employers. The liberal arts were once considered the body of knowledge that contributed to a free society, and now includes a broad area of study focusing on understanding human behavior and cultures. At UT Austin, the College of Liberal Arts has over 50 areas of study including psychology, philosophy, government, international relations, religious studies, anthropology, English, and multiple languages. 
Being a liberal arts student gives you the freedom to discover what truly interests you, which will lead to a more fulfilling career and life far past college. You can take a variety of courses during your first two years that can be applied to any liberal arts major, allowing you to explore the numerous options available while completing your degree in a timely manner. The most important thing to consider when selecting a major in liberal arts is to choose something you enjoy or find intriguing. As your coursework exposes you to different fields and disciplines within liberal arts you may discover a path that you never considered. Check out Making Majors Work to get a view of the exciting pathways Liberal Arts students have explored!

 WHY LA 101L?

LA 101L will help you navigate this campus to meet your goals. This course provides you with knowledge that most students will not have until much later in their university careers, and introduces you to resources many students have to discover on their own. Over the next four years your thoughts, opinions, and interests may change as you meet new people and explore the opportunities available to you at UT Austin. What you want to accomplish now may be different next semester, or even next week. You may find that what works best for other students may not meet your needs academically or otherwise. Work, internships, leadership positions, and family obligations will all play a role in your experience. What is important is that you continue moving progressively toward your goals, facing your challenges and honoring your successes, and knowing you have a support system in place at the university. Utilizing the resources provided by LA 101L will keep you on the pathway to success.

 

NEXT STEPS:

Being a student in the College of Liberal Arts allows you to explore your interests while staying on track to graduate in four years. You may have a strong idea of what you want to do after you graduate already, or you may still need more time to explore. The important thing is to understand your likes and dislikes so you can find out what is the best course of action for you. The more you understand about who you are as a person, the easier it will be to make progress toward your goals.

Career Exploration – One aspect of this course is to provide you with an understanding of Liberal Arts careers. Please schedule an appointment with a Career Coach at Liberal Arts Career Services before November 12th, 2014. Contact LACS at 512-471-7900 to schedule your 30-minute appointment and bring your resume. All students are required to meet with a Career Coach by November 12th, 2014. 

Story of Self – All of us have a story. Your life experiences, interests, desires, and needs shaped your decision to come to UT Austin, and are what will guide you through your four years. The Story of Self will help you start to explore how your story can lead you from major to career.

Want a little more?

  1. Download a 4-year plan to become familiar with the expectations of and opportunities for students in the College of Liberal Arts.
  2. Mark the items that interest you most, and what you are most nervous about. Consider what you plan to accomplish during your time at The University of Texas at Austin. Include what you are currently involved in, or plan on adding this semester.
  3. Consider your strengths, challenges, and interests as you develop your first draft of your plan. This should be a living document that you can update and change along with your experiences.