The liberal arts department provides a comprehensive complement of general studies to the studio-centered program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Writers, historians, philosophers, psychologists, scientists, and musicians all bring years of accomplishment and teaching experience in their respective field to the classroom, providing courses that give students the historical and philosophical background necessary to be effective art makers.
Students begin with fundamental courses in composition, creative writing, and literature.
Essay Writing is the first required course, followed by a changing selection of First Year Seminars each semester. Seminars continue to focus on the development of students' writing skills, with essays addressing issues specific to a discipline. After successful completion of six credits of English, students must choose from courses in each of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Natural science courses cover mathematics, physics, astronomy, geology and earth sciences, chemistry and materials sciences, and biology and health with classes such as Oceanography, Astronomy, Sensation and Perception, Natural Disasters, and Animal Form and Function.