Dean of Liberal Arts
Patricia Barbeito
The Division of Liberal Arts includes four departments:
The Division of Liberal Arts also offers one Master of Arts program:
The Division of Liberal Arts offers a broad spectrum of courses in the humanities, the social/natural sciences and art and design education designed to expand critical understanding of human life in all its complexity, past and present; strengthen abilities in analysis, interpretation, pedagogy and communication; and develop curiosity, empathy, and responsiveness to contemporary issues. In addition, the Division offers science (SCI) courses and non-departmental liberal arts electives (LAEL) in culture and film, theater, and studio history. Learn more about the Division of Liberal Arts at RISD.
Concentrations
A concentration, or a minor, allows one to take a focused set of courses (usually 18-27 credits), within the framework of the bachelor’s degree, to supplement one’s major. In addition to concentrations in THAD, HPSS, and LAS, the Division administers the college-wide concentration in Nature-Culture-Sustainability Studies (NCSS). Information about declaring a concentration is available at the Division Office or at the Liberal Arts Concentrations website.
Graduation Requirements for Undergraduates
Students are required to complete thirteen three-credit courses in Liberal Arts: four courses (12 credits) must be taken in Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD); three courses (9 credits) must be taken in History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences (HPSS); and three courses (9 credits) must be taken in Literary Arts and Studies (LAS). The remaining four courses (12 credits) may be fulfilled with any course from the Division, including THAD, HPSS, and LAS, SCI, or LAEL courses.
As part of the distribution requirements outlined above, there are four specific courses all undergraduate students must take: First-Year Literature Seminar (LAS E101), Global Modernisms (THAD H101), Premodern Worlds (THAD H102) and either Topics in History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences or the HPSS Advanced Inquiry Seminar (HPSS S101 or HPSS S301) HPSS S301 is typically taken in the junior year (but may be taken in either the second semester of sophomore year or first semester of senior year with consultation with a student's major advisor). For students entering prior to 2025, the requirement is fulfilled by HPSS S101, taken during the first year. No waivers or transfer credit for HPSS S101 or HPSS S301 are permitted. There are no waivers granted for first-year students for these required courses. Course substitutions for THAD H101, THAD H102, LAS E101 and HPSS S101 are allowed only for transfer students who have taken an equivalent college course.
SUBJECT AREA | CREDITS | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
Literary Arts and Studies (LAS) | 9 | LAS E101 6 credits of LAS electives |
Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD) | 12 | THAD H101, taken in the first year *Some majors require a specific LAEL “History of” course to meet one THAD elective requirement |
History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences (HPSS) | 9 | HPSS S301, taken in the second-fourth year* 6 credit of HPSS electives *or HPSS S101 for students entering prior to 2025 |
Liberal Arts electives | 9 | THAD, HPSS, LAS, SCI, or LAEL |
TOTAL CREDITS | 39 |
|
Liberal Arts Transfer Credit Policy
Transfer students entering RISD may transfer credits for liberal arts courses taken at other accredited colleges and universities. Credits are transferred in three-credit units only and are acceptable exclusively for courses for which a grade of C or better (or a P in a pass/fail system) has been earned. A 5-credit course from a school on the quarter system will transfer in as a 3-credit course. In order to grant transfer credit, the Liberal Arts office must receive official transcripts from each school attended. After matriculation students may transfer up to 12 credits for courses taken elsewhere and passed with a grade of C or better (or a P in a pass/fail system). Transfer credits are not calculated in a student’s grade point average.